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.11 No. 30 November 24-30, 2018 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

EU seeks to boost ties with India Trump backs

Recognition that India has emerged as the fastest
growing large economy with a key geopolitical role.
Brussels: The European an important geopolitical role.
Saudi Prince
over Khashoggi
Commission, the executive body The Communication aims to
of the European Union, and the EU strengthen the EU‑India Strategic
High Representative for Foreign Partnership by focusing on sus‑
Affairs and Security Policy, tainable modernization and on
Federica Mogherini, on Tuesday common responses to global and

murder
adopted a Joint Communication regional issues.
that sets out the EU's vision for a "India is a key player in our
strategy to strengthen coopera‑ interconnected world", said
tion and the partnership with Communication on India of 2004, Mogherini. "We want to further
recognizing that India has
India.
This Joint Communication emerged as the fastest‑growing
reinforce our political, economic
and people‑to‑people ties with
The President cites security and safety
replaces the last Commission large economy and has acquired Continued on page 4 of America for not punishing Saudis

Navika Group acquires Sliding stocks

wipe out gains
Long Island Marriott of 2018
After taking over Huntington Hilton and Sheraton New York: The stock market slid
in Mahwah in NJ, Navika is quickly acquiring large dramatically on Tuesday after a slew
hotels in New York metro area. Its portfolio now of disappointing corporate earnings
has over $1.5 Billion in properties. dragged down the Dow Jones
Industrial Average and the S&P 500,
erasing all gains for 2018. The Dow
fell by 648 points at its session low,
and closed at 24,465.
It's the worst Thanksgiving week
for the Dow and the S&P since 2011,
according to Dow Jones data.
President Trump met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in
Washington early this year (Photo courtesy: Reuters)
Retail earnings released Tuesday
hit the market hard, with Target Washington DC: President Donald Trump clearly suggested that
shares falling as much as 15 percent Trump on Tuesday said that the Saudi oil production was a key fac‑
on investor concern that the chain CIA had not reached a "definitive" tor in his decision not to acknowl‑
had cut its margins too tightly to conclusion about who ordered the edge the CIA's analysis, noting that
remain competitive in the holiday murder of journalist Jamal after the US, "Saudi Arabia is the
Uniondale, NY: Navika Group of
season. Khashoggi, despite press reports largest oil producing nation in the
companies has successfully com‑
Lowe's also disappointed, report‑ saying that the agency has deter‑ world," Efe reported.
pleted one of its biggest acquisi‑
ing lower‑than‑expected same‑store mined that it was Saudi Crown "They have worked closely with
tions so far with the purchase of
sales, coupled with an announce‑ Prince Mohammed bin Salman. us and have been very responsive
the Long Island Marriott.
ment that it is closing all stores in In his statement Tuesday, he to my requests to keeping oil
Uniondale‑based Navika Capital
Mexico. Shares fell 3.6 percent and said, "It could very well be that the prices at reasonable levels ‑‑ so
Group, owned by Indian American
rival Home Depot also sank 2 per‑ Crown Prince had knowledge of important for the world," he said.
investors, purchased the 615‑
cent. L Brands, which owns Victoria's this tragic event ‑‑ maybe he did The president also said that his
room Marriott hotel from
Secret and Bath and Body Works, fell and maybe he didn't! That being decision was made in the "absolute
Greenwich, Conn.‑based Starwood
14 percent after it announced a said, we may never know all of the security and safety of America,"
Capital Group for an undisclosed Navika Group founding share restructuring. facts surrounding the murder of emphasizing that Riyadh is very
Continued on page 4 CEO Naveen Jain
Continued on page 4 Mr. Jamal Khashoggi," Continued on page 4

TRAVEL 18 LIFE & LETTERS 23 CORPORATE LAW 27 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism
 2 November 24-30, 2018 TRISTATE COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

RANAʼs Diwali gala attracts 600

Melville, NY: The Rajasthan
Association of North America
(RANA) in New York celebrat‑
ed Diwali in a grand way on
November 18 at Huntington
Hilton Hotel here.
There were over 600 atten‑
dees, making it the best attend‑
ed Diwali in 20 years of RANA.
The central part of the execu‑
tive hour of the evening was
the award ceremony where
four selected distinguished Honoree Prem Bhandari Gala Chair Haridas Kotahwala
Manisha Jhalani, accompanied by husband Shailesh, presenting flowers to his wife, posing with Guest of Honor
people were honored: Prem honored at the event. Dr. Rekha Bhandari at the event. music maestro Pt Jasraj.
Bhandari, Dr. Smita Lodha,
Renu Jain and Manisha Jhalani.
Besides the four honorees,
Padma Vibhushan Sangeet RANA Diwali 2018 Honorees
Martand Pandit Jasraj and
entrepreneur Chintu Patel
were also recognized for their
accomplishments.
There was live entertainment
– music and dance followed by
vegetarian dinner and sweets
smorgasbord to die for.
Formed in 1999, RANA is a
well‑known association for the
Rajasthani community and it
now has over 300 life mem‑
bers. Besides the annual Holi
and Diwali celebrations RANA
has so far organized four Renu Jain
International Rajasthani a financial Dr Smita Lodha practices
Conventions attended by then consultant by profession, medicine in Queens with her
Prem Bhandari is Chairman of husband, Dr Ajay Lodha, and Manisha Jhalani is a GIA
Chief Ministers of Rajasthan as Jaipur Foot USA and a prominent is well known for her gemologist and takes part in her
multiple talents, social is an active member of
well as Maharaja of Jodhpur activist for the recognition of organizations like RANA, AAPI familyʼs jewelry business as well
Rajasthani language. service and philanthropy. as social and charitable causes.
and Maharana of Udaipur. and AAPI‐QLI and RAJMAI.
Coincidentally, this year
RANA Diwaliʼs beautiful venue,
Hilton Huntington is owned by
Star Attractions RANA RANA
Navika Group. Naveen Shah, a Executive Board Past Presidents
founder of RANA, is founding
CEO of Navika Group.
Shashi Shah MD Anand Nahar,
Navika Group recently also President KK Mehta,
acquired the Uniondale
Marriott, the largest hotel in Dashrath Dugar Naveen Shah,
Nassau County. Vice President Ajay Lodha,
Rajeev K. Pandya Rajeev Garg,
RANA Diwali
Secretary Haridas Kotahwala,
2018 Chair Chandra Sukhwal Narendra Hadpawat,
Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj Congresswoman Grace Meng Treasurer Ajey Jain
Anu Jain
Joint Treasurer RANA Patrons
Dr. CS Ranawat,
RANA Founders Kamal C. Surana,
Arvind Bhandari, Dharam C. Hirawat,
Kamlesh C. Mehta, Anand Nahar,
Krishna K. Mehta, KK Mehta,
Haridas Kotahwala, Naveen Shah, Haridas Kotahwala
Eminent jeweler and
Deputy Consul General Rajesh Shah & Sunil Shah ***************
Chairman of Navika Group Entrepreneur Chintu Patel
Shatrughan Sinha
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY November 24-30, 2018 3

AIA, the mother of Indian Judge halts Trump's

organizations, celebrating 50 years asylum ban
New York: The National executive that it was AIA at whose behest in San Francisco: A US federal judge sands of immigrants each year
committee of the Association of 2003 Diwali celebration was started has stopped the Trump adminis‑ have shown up in the Arizona
Indians in America (AIA) has in the White House. Especially mint‑ tration from refusing asylum to desert or on the north bank of the
announced its Golden Jubilee cele‑ ed 1,000 commemorative silver immigrants who cross the coun‑ Rio Grande in Texas, surrendered
bration at the Garden City coins were issued to try's southern border illegally. to immig rat ion agents and
Hotel in Long Island on mark the occasion US District Judge Jon S. Tigar requested asylum, NBC News
December 1, 2018. then. issued a temporary restraining said.
Banquet Chairman Many of order after hearing arguments on The Department of Homeland
R a v i s h a n k a r AIAʼs honorees Monday in San Francisco, NBC Security estimates around 70,000
Bhooplapur and and speakers News reported. people a year claim asylum
Smithi Khanna – Chair in the past The request was made by the between official ports of entry.
of Media stated, “AIA ‑ years include: American Civil Liberties Union Trump has argued that the
National is the oldest N o b l e Some top dignitaries are expect‑
(ACLU) and the Centre for migrant caravans were a threat to
grassroot Indian organ‑ Laureates: S.
ed to address the gala on Dec 1.
Const itut ional Rig hts, which national security. Around 3,000
Guest of Honor will be
ization in America, estab‑ C h a n d r a s e kh a r quickly sued the administration people from the first of the cara‑
Bollywood actor Anupam Kher.
lished in 1967 to help new 1973; Norman E. after Trump issued the ban earli‑ vans have arrived in Tijuana,
arrivals from India to settle in their Borlaug 1976; Lawrence R Klein 1987 with features that include live er this month in response to the Mexico, across the border from
adopted homeland. The AIA was 1981; Peace Corps of America stage shows, spectacular fireworks caravans of migrants that have San Diego, California.
also instrumental in resettlement of 1991; and Amartya Sen 1994; in water (Hudson/East River), food started to arrive at the US‑Mexico US Customs and Border
Indians from Uganda fleeing to Leading artists such as Pt. Ravi stalls on the roadside in lower border. Protect ion said earlier on
escape the tyranny of Idi Amin. ” Shankar, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Manhattan. It has been attended by In a proclamation on November Monday that it closed off north‑
T heir press re lease continued, Amjad Ali Khan, Zubin Mehta, Ali hundreds of thousands of people 9, Trump said that anyone who bound traffic for several hours at
“Since then AIA has been a pioneer Akbar Khan and Yehudi Menuhin; each year and the tradition contin‑ crossed the southern border the San Ysidro crossing.
in serving the causes of Asian and globally acclaimed academi‑ ues.” would be ineligible for asylum. It has also installed movable,
Indians in America, addressing their cians such as Prof Jagdish Some top dignitaries are expected T he regulations, which will wire‑topped barriers, apparently
issues re lated to Professional Bhagwati, Margaret Meade, Prof T. to address the gala. Guest of Honor remain in place for three months to stop a potential mass rush of
Licensing, Immigration, Racial & N. Srinivasan, Robert A. F. Thurman. will be Bollywood actor Anupam absent a court order, could poten‑ people.
Professional Discrimination, Civil President of AIA National, Dr. Kher. Part of this event is sponsored tially make it harder for thou‑ As of Monday, 107 people
Rights, Glass Ceiling and many Urmilesh Arya added, “The first ever by Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New sands of people who enter the US detained between of ficial cross‑
more.” public event of Diwali celebration York, to avoid deportation. ings have sought asylum since
An achievement not that well was organized by AIA at South and Wyckof f Heights Medical In recent years, tens of thou‑ Trump's order went into effect.
known in the Indian community is Street Seaport in New York City in Center, Brooklyn.

NFIA elects first woman as President

By Surekha Vijh Americans” and a reception hosted by
The South Asian Times Indian Ambassador Navtej Sarna. He con‑
gratulated NFIA for their relentless work
Washington DC: The National Federation of towards the communityʼs uplift and improv‑
Indian‑American Association (NFIA) cele‑ ing Indo‑US relations.
brated their 20th anniversary with a strong The second day of the convention included
and optimistic message by electing a woman panel discussions and entertainment. The
as their first President. panel on technology discussed, “Did we bite
“Itʼs a great achievement,” said Dr. Thomas more than we can chew?” featuring
Abraham, the GOPIO and NFIA founder pres‑ Gaekwad and Dr. Satyam Priyadarshy, Chief
ident beaming with pride. “We are the first Data Scientist of Halliburton.
from all major Indian‑American organiza‑ The evening cultural program featured
tions to do so.” Aloke Dasgupta, who studied under Ustad
Besides Angela Anand as President, the Ali Akbar Khan and has performed with
NFIA also elected five other women, includ‑ George Harrison and the Rolling Stones.
ing Padma Gupta, Radie lle Varg hese, Incoming President Angela Anand (front row, 5th from left) and The delegates came from all over the
Lavanya Reddy, Vasu Pawar, and Aparna
the new executive committee. country. The convention was held under the
Handa to the executive committee at the see participation of new generation and respective fields. They included entrepre‑ presidentship of Sudip Gorakshakar of
NFIA General Body Meeting on Nov 28. more women in the coming years.” neur Danny Gaekwad and aerospace engi‑ Artesia, Calif. Overseeing the event were
“Itʼs creating history,” said Sohan P. Joshi, The theme of this yearʼs biennial NFIA neer Ajay Kothari as well as Shweta Misra Convener Pooja T homre and Secretary
former NFIA chairman. convention held at Sheraton in Tysons, VA (Dance), Dr. Aman Mann (Health), Koshy Lavanya Reddy and four conveners: Angela
Angela Anand called it an honor as well as on Nov 16‑17 was “We are going places” Thomas (Media), Aloke Dasgupta (Sitar) and Anand from Virginia, Y.N. Gupta from
big responsibility while accepting the covet‑ and the main focus was on Building Next Nami Kaur (Nonprofits). Maryland, Pat Patnaik from California and
ed position. “We are looking forward to see‑ Generation of Leaders. The convention began with a White House Raj Razdan from Georgia.
ing many advancements in various fields, Nine members of the community were briefing on the Trump administrationʼs Founded in 1980, NFIA is an umbrella
including technology,” she said. “We want to honored for their achievements in their “policies on issues of interest to Indian organization of several community groups.
 4 November 24-30, 2018 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Trump backs Saudi global challenges, to promote ners nearly 22,000 square feet of

Sikh asylum cases Prince over

Khashoggi murder
together economic growth and to
expand together business oppor‑
sophisticated indoor venues,
including the Grand Ballroom.

rise as Canada admits Continued from page 1 tunities," she said. Venues are ideal for weddings,
important to Washington in the "The EU and India are commit‑ conferences, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
"fight against Iran" and maintain‑ ted to seize opportunities to sup‑ and other celebrations.

revival of separatism ing the kingdom as a partner is

vital to "our paramount goal to
port and promote effective multi‑
lateralism and solutions whenev‑
er peace and stability are in dan‑
Navika Capital Group is a com‑
mercial real estate company
owned by a group of Indian
Chandigarh: The number of asylum dubious No. 2 rank, right behind fully eliminate the threat of ter‑
rorism throughout the world!" ger" added the EU foreign policy American investors.
seekers in Canada from India, a major‑ Nigeria.
"Very simply it is called America chief. The company invests its capital
ity of them Sikhs, has soared by over Significantly, the Canadian authori‑
First!" the statement reads in “As an emerging global power, primarily in income producing
300 per cent in the past two years ties have officially acknowledged that
closing. Khashoggi, who was a India plays a key role in the cur‑ and cash flow generating assets
alone, with the Canadian government there was mounting tension between
columnist for The Washington rent multipolar world. To main‑ comprising limited and full service
agencies acknowledging "renewed the Indian government and the Sikh
Post, died October 2 inside the tain the rules‑based global order, hotels, office buildings, shopping
support for separatism in the Punjab population and the renewed support
Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, therefore, it is vital that the EU centers and multi‑family housing.
region". for separatism in Punjab.
where he had gone to obtain doc‑ and India implement effective The Company aspires to become a
T he 'Refugee Claims Analysis "Tensions are rising between the
uments enabling him to marry multilateralism and global eco‑ publicly traded REIT with its
Report' (RCAR), compiled by the Indian government and the country's
his Turkish fiancee. nomic governance. motto of Conventional Wisdom
Intelligence and Analysis section of Sikh population due to concern over
Weeks later, the Saudi govern‑ “The EU will seek to consoli‑ and Forward Thinking.
the Canada Border Services Agency renewed support for separatism in the
ment acknowledged that he was date dialogue on multilateral
(CBSA), which IANS has accessed, Punjab region. Between the 1970s
shows that in the first six months of and 1990s, the Khalistan movement killed inside the consulate and issues, and to coordinate posi‑ Sliding stocks wipe out
2018, the number of refugee claims called for the establishment of a Sikh last T hursday the kingdom's tions with India. Cooperation in gains of 2018
attorney general announced he the framework of the UN, the Continued from page 1
(asylum seeking applications) shot up homeland in Punjab. Contemporary
would seek the death penalty for WTO and the G20 will be of pri‑ A tech sector sell‑of f continued
to 1,805, surpassing the total figure of support has since re‑emerged around
five of the 11 suspects charged in ority. Tuesday, with Apple leading the
1,487 claims made in the entire 2017. proposals for an unof ficial referen‑
connection with the journalist's “The EU will seek more coordi‑ fray. Tongues wagged and mar‑
The refugee claims made in the first dum of the global Sikh diaspora in
death. nation between its initiatives and kets moved last week after
six months of 2018 are over 310 per 2020 on the question of independ‑
In a press conference in Riyadh, those of its Member States Lumentum, one of Apple's major
cent of the total claims made in 2016, ence," the report stated.
Saud al‑Mojeb insisted that the towards India. The EU and its suppliers, reported a request to
which stood at 582. Canadian authori‑ "Government officials argue that the
crown prince had not had any Member States will work togeth‑ reduce shipments to an unnamed
ties expect the number of cases to Sikh diaspora is attempting to revive
prior knowledge of the operation, er to provide a better under‑ high‑volume customer.
jump to 4,200 this year ‑ an increase the region's former militant independ‑
whose original aim was to bring standing of the EU in India. They Apple extended losses this week,
of nearly 720 per cent over 2016 and ence movement. These worries are
Khashogg i back to Riyad h. will also work to make the EU's falling by 4.5 percent on Tuesday
nearly 285 per cent compared to fig‑ reflected in reports of extradition
Trump awaited a CIA report on public diplomacy more effective.” and edging towards bear territory
ures of 2017. Most claims were filed requests and arrests of suspected
Tuesday about Khashoggi's mur‑ Finally, the Joint as investors feared consumers
in Quebec province region, specifically Khalistani militants.
der, which, according to media Communication proposes that would not be snapping up the lat‑
at Montreal Immigration, the RCAR "Critics argue that arbitrary deten‑
accounts, contains the conclusion the EU considers the possibility est iPhones over the all‑important
pointed out. 1,088 of these were male tion and false charges of militancy are
that MbS, as the crown prince is to negotiate with India a Strategic holiday season.
applicants and 717 female. being used by the state to silence calls
known, had ordered Khashoggi's Partnership Agreement, in order FAANG stocks ̶ and investors
The RCAR, in a critical tone, pointed for self‑determination. Basis of claim
assassination. The statement, to update the 1994 EU‑India ̶ had enjoyed a record summer
out: "A frequent basis of claim cited by analysis also indicates that Sikhs regu‑
apparently dictated by Trump Cooperation Agreement. that culminated in Apple and
Indian nationals is the fear of arbi‑ larly report detention, assault and tor‑
and full of exclamation points, Amazon both becoming trillion‑
trary arrest or abuse by the police ture by police based on vague accusa‑
based on accusations of supporting tions of supporting militants. begins with his "America First" Navika Group acquires dollar companies. But in October
militant organizations. It should be "As government pushback against slogan, followed by a warning Long Island Marriott Facebook, Amazon and Netflix all
that "The world is a very danger‑ Continued from page 1 slumped in value as concern
noted that the vast majority of these the Sikh community continues, fear of
ous place!" and a tirade against price. Navika also owns the intensified over the impact on tech
claims are filed by Indian Sikhs." Basis arbitrary arrest and abuse by authori‑
Iran's activities in the Middle Huntington Hilton in Melville and firms of the continued tit‑for‑tat
of claims include honor killings, politi‑ ties will likely prompt more Indian
East. about 60 hotels and motels across over trade.
cal persecution of opposition party Sikhs to leave the country," the report
the country. The downward slide continued
supporters, and discrimination based pointed out, analyzing the of ficial
EU seeks to boost The iconic Uniondale hotel is Tuesday, with investor concerns
on sexual orientation, the report stat‑ comments as 'X‑factor' for the steep
ties with India known for its excellent service, over rising interest rates fanning
ed. From the 15th rank among coun‑ rise in the number of asylum seekers
Continued from page 1 spacious rooms and premium the flames of extended geopoliti‑
tries in 2016 from where refugee in Canada from Sikh‑dominated
India in order to address together amenities. It of fers event plan‑ cal concerns.
claims were coming, India touched a Punjab.

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE November 24-30, 2018 5

Legislation introduced in US
Congress to protect work
authorization of H1B spouses
Washington, DC: A legislation seeking to the two lawmakers said after introducing
prohibit the Trump administration from the bill in the House.
revoking the work authorization of spous‑ The H‑4 Employment Protection Act pro‑
es of H1‑B visa holders, which include hibits the Trump administration from
Indians, has been introduced in the US revoking this important rule, which it is
Congress by two lawmakers who said that expected to do by the end of the year, they
eliminating this benefit would force many said. "Protecting work authorization for
foreign workers to use their talents to these H‑4 visa holders is a matter of both
compete against American businesses. H‑4 economic fairness and family unity," Eshoo
visas are issued to the spouses of H‑1B for‑ said. "Eliminating this benefit would create
eign workers. It is the most sought‑after a painful choice for many immigrants to
visa among Indian IT professionals. H‑4 either split up their families or return to
The community created atmosphere of 'Chatth' reminiscent of celebrations as in India. visas are issued only to very close or their home countries and use their talents
immediate family members of the H‑1B to compete against American businesses,"

BJANA celebrates Chatth visa holders.

The move by lawmakers Anna G Eshoo
and Zoe Lofgren to introduce the H‑4
Eshoo said. "These are American citizens‑
in‑waiting, stuck in line for their number
to come up," Congressman Lofgren said.

Pooja in New Jersey

Employment Protection Act comes amidst "Prohibiting H‑1B dependent spouses from
determination by the Trump administra‑ working is of no benefit to our country,
tion to revoke an Obama‑era rule that and if allowed to move forward, many of
New York: The Bihar‑Jharkand Association of Deputy Consul General Shatrughan Sinha extends work authorization to the spouses these families that can contribute so much
North America (BJANA) held a Chatth Pooja also attended the event and he was very happy of H‑1B visa holders. Since the rule was to our workforce will simply move to coun‑
ceremony on Tuesday, November 13 at to see the Indian American community per‑ implemented, over 100,000 workers, tries with a more sensible approach to
Thompson Park in Monroe Township, New forming Chhath on a very large scale. In addi‑ mainly women, that too from India have immigration. This much‑needed bill will
Jersey. Despite the bitter cold, the emotion and tion, the entire BJANA community joined arms received employment authorization, block the Trump administration from
significance of the evening drew in attendees to cultivate the true atmosphere of Chatth and improving the US' competitiveness and needlessly harming our economy and the
from Vancouver to Michigan and brought back women in homes across the state churned out lessening the economic burden on thou‑ lives of skilled immigrant families,"
memories of Chatth in India. upwards of a thousand sweets for offerings. sands of H‑1B workers and their families, Lofgren said.

RAVI BATRA HAILS NEOMI Nassau County hosts Asian Media breakfast
RAO’S NOMINATION By SATimes Team
TO DC COURT Mineola, NY: Nassau County
New York: “Ranju Batra, who secured the Diwali Stamp Executive Laura Curran and her
from USPS in 2016 and since 2017 is chair of Diwali executive staf f on November 15
Foundation USA, joins me in thanking President Donald joined members of the Asian media
Trump for the singular honor of nominating Neomi Rao and community members for a dis‑
to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to fill the seat vacat‑ cussion about the administrationʼs
ed by now‑Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The President priority agenda and opportunities
made the announcement while celebrating Diwali at for community engagement.
the White House, surrounded by loyal Indian‑ Among the Indian ethnic media,
Americans he has appointed or nominated and Indiaʼs The South Asian Times marked its
Ambassador Navtej Sarna, wearing the India‑USA flag presence with three representa‑
pin. It portends to be an act of judicial victory of Good tives. T hen there were Bangla,
over Evil with Constitutional flair,” said Ravi Batra, an Urdu, Punjabi, Chinese, and Korean Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Farrah Mozawalla, Deputy Director of Minority
eminent attorney, in a statement to The South Asian papers and TV channels. Present at Affairs (in the middle) with the media persons.
Times. Batra continued, “President Trumpʼs celebra‑ the meeting were also a few members of Deputy County Executive for Health and county.
tion of Indian‑Americans and genuine friendship the Asian Advisory Board Abdul including Human Services, as well as Mike Martino, The event also became an opportunity
towards India and PM Modi, including his daughter Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan and Satnam Director of Communications. They all and for the county administration to assure
Ivankaʼs, is an asset and an opportunity for India to Parhar. Farrah Mozawalla, Deputy Director of the minority communities that there is no
stretch and honor‑in‑fact and in full measure this gen‑ Deputy County Executives present Minority Af fairs, answered questions place in Nassau for discrimination on the
uine historic overture. Anything less will leave all of us included Tatum Fox, Deputy County related to their departments. basis of color, religion or nation of origin.
Indian‑Americans in the dust who have tried for over Executive for Public Safety; Evlyn Tsimis, In reply to a question, County Executive In fact, hate crimes here are almost negli‑
50 years to have a Special Relationship, second to Deputy County Executive for Economic Laura Curran said that because of budget‑ gible. In routine matters, your immigra‑
none, between the United States and India. At the Diya‑ Development; Mark Page, Deputy County ary constraints, her administration can‑ tion status is irrelevant, yet federal laws
lighting, President Trump has given the sweetest Diwali Executive Finance; Brian Schneider, not support the media by way of adver‑ are followed where relevant, which was
gift in our nation of laws that no doctor would object Deputy County Executive for Parks and tisements. She, however, acknowledged tantamount to the county not being a
to: a seat on the second highest court in our land. Public Works; and Kyle Rose‑Louder, and cheered the growing diversity in her ʻsanctuary.ʼ
 6 November 24-30, 2018 TRISTATE COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir celebrates Diwali in Parsippany.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs across North America marked the auspicious festival of Diwali and its associated five days of celebrations with an elaborate Annakut, light‑
ed divos, fireworks, and even a special children's Diwali celebration. The celebrations were open to all. Visitors participated in celebration activities, offered prayers for new
beginnings and had the opportunity to taste in the delicious offerings of the Annakut. Mahant Swami Maharaj took the occasion of Diwali to remind individuals and families
about the importance of leading spiritually‑centric lives, grounded in strong values and increased attachment to God.

IALI donates generously to

The INN for Diwali Food Drive

Dynamic and young physician achievers, Drs. Preeti and Nilesh Mehta,
were recognized for their services.

AAPI-QLI honors contributions

IALI members handing over the check to The INN
of community at Diwali gala
T
he India Association of Long Island (IALI) check of $17000/‑ to INN to continue this exem‑ Long Island, NY: “Tonight, our coming active chapter of national AAPI, we are
has been partners with The Interfaith plary service. This amount was accumulated by together here as members and support‑ celebrating the achievements of our com‑
Nutrit ion Network (INN) in fig ht ing donations by IALI members and major sponsors ers of AAPI‑QLI, is a way of celebrating munity and our many contributions to
hunger on Long Island for the past 23 years to Peter Beddah, Dr. Kishore Kunchum, Indu the achievements, contributions of our the diverse society in New York and Long
help those in need across Long Island. Peter Chhabra and friends and Raj & Jyoti Gandhi. Indian American community, and cherish Island area.” Dr. Naresh Parikh, AAPI
Bheddah, started the Diwali Food Drive, all those The festive Diwali event took place at the Mary our ancient and rich cultural heritage,” President graced the occasion as guest of
years ago, and it quickly gained momentum. Dev Brennan Inn, Hempstead. The program was said Dr. Jagdish K Gupta, President of honor and Ambassador Sandeep
Ratnam joined the INN Board, to continue the admirably emceed by Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan. A American Association of Physicians of Chakravorty, Consul General of New York
charitable work. IALI presidents over the years ceremonial lamp was lit by the dignitaries pres‑ Indian Origin, Queens and Long Island was the chief guest. In his address, Dr.
and their executive committees and members all ent, Tony Santino, former Supervisor Town of Chapter (AAPI‑QLI) in his we lcome Parikh described AAPI‑QLI as the most
pitched in with donations of food, medications, Hempstead, Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Mr. address. “We are here tonight to cele‑ vibrant, transformative and politically
clothes and of course money, to help those in and Mrs. Bheddah, Mrs. Indu Chhabra, Dev brate Diwali, the festival of lights, the fes‑ active chapter among all AAPI chapters
need and want across Long Island. IALI has Ratnam, IALI President Gunjan Rastogi, IALI tival of the celebration of the victory of in the nation.” Dr. Parikh referred to the
helped to bring food to 800,000 to hungry and Officers and Executive Council members. Mrs. goodness over evil,” Dr. Gupta, a practic‑ fact that Indian American Physicians
homeless Long Islanders. IALI is close to reach‑ Aruna Saxena was honored for being the Chair of ing Gastroenterologist, serving the com‑ serve every 7th patient in the nation and
ing 1,000,000 meals very soon. Diwali Food Drive for last six years. A large num‑ munity for over 40 years, told the audi‑ contribute enormously to the healthcare
On Sunday, November 11 this year, for the ber of IALI members were in attendance for the ence at the annual Diwali gala at the industry of the United States.
Diwali food drive, IALI gave a very generous celebration. magnificent Leonardʼs Palazzo on Long At the gala, two very dynamic and
Island on November 4, 2018. young physician achievers, Drs. Preeti
The annual Diwali event organized and Nilesh Mehta, were recognized for

PBD registration now till Dec 15th under the leadership of Dr. Gupta, Dr.
Ajay Lodha, Chair BOT, Dr. Raj Bhayani,
their humane, state of the art services to
the residents of Queens, Nassau and

T
chairman of the function and executive Suffolk Counties. Also, AAPI‑QLI recog‑
he last date for reg istrat ion for Yogi Aditya Nath. During the State Pravasi
committee of AAPI‑QLI, attended by over nized Nargis Dutt Cancer Foundation for
Pravasi Bharat iya Diwas (PBD) Bharatiya Diwas, selected overseas Indians
300 guests, including AAPIQLI members, its decades long services, relieving and
Convent ion 2019, being he ld in will also be honored with prestigious Uttar
physicians, sponsors, community leaders supporting the poorest and needy cancer
Varanasi from 21‑23 January 2019 has been Pradesh Ratna Award to recognize their con‑
and crème de la crème of Indian patients and their families in India for
extended to December 15th, 2018. On the tributions to various fields both in India and
Community. Dr. Ajay Lodha, past nation‑ over 37 years. Ramesh Goel, MBA, a sim‑
sidelines of PBD Convention, the partner abroad. The registration process for awards
al President of AAPI, in his address, laud‑ ple, down to earth community leader,
State Uttar Pradesh is organizing the 4th UP is open on the website www.upnri.com. The
ed the many achievements of the Indian was recognized for his services to many
Pravasi Diwas on January 21st in Varanasi, website for UP NRIs has also been launched,
Americans. “Tonight, as proud members religious and professional alumni organi‑
which will be graced by the Chief Minister namely, www.upnrigrs.in
of the AAPI‑QLI, the largest and most zations.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL November 24-30, 2018 7

US based alumni couple donates

$1million to BITS‑Pilani
New Delhi: Premier engineering donation will also help "provide our alma mater which gave us so
and science institute BITS Pilani seed fund support to new faculty, much and where we started our
has announced that it received a and he lp set up advanced journey."
USD 1 million pledge from a US‑ research labs to purse institution‑ Anuradha, who joined BITS in
based alumni couple for its cam‑ al research agenda." 1984, said the institute has needs
pus programmes, the largest indi‑ "I be lieve Prashanth and in several areas including infra‑
vidual donation ever received by Anuradha have started a brilliant structure and research.
the institution. endeavor to propel BITS Pilani to "We hope our contribution is
The couple ‑‑ Prashanth and the next level; I understand they followed up by many more from
Anuradha Palakurthi ‑‑ made the will continue to support and I the family of hugely successful
announcement on Friday, during invite other eminent Alumni to alumni," she said.
the ruby anniversary celebrations support us in our e f forts," Prof A K Sarkar, Campus
of Prashanth's 1978‑83 batch. Bhattacharyya said at the event. Director, Pilani, applauded the
More than 200 alumni of the Prashanth Palakurthi is the donation and said, "The Research
batch have gathered from all over Founder and CEO of US‑based Endowment Fund would be instru‑
the world to relive their campus Reflexis Systems, and his wife mental for our journey to pursue
memories in the desert town of Prashanth and Anuradha Palakurthi (Image courtesy: ndtv.com) Anuradha, the founder of Juju our agenda for Inst itute of
Pilani in Rajasthan from Productions, is a professional Eminence (IoE) in the years to
November 16‑18. "momentous and a game changing would help provide an additional singer and radio personality in the come."
Warmly welcoming the contri‑ gesture." thrust to Research by way of United States. BITS Pilani was conferred the
but ion, Prof Souvik "With this pledge, BITS Pilani is attracting research driven faculty, Speaking at the gala event com‑ 'Institute of Eminence (IoE)' status
Bhattacharyya, Vice‑Chancellor, launching a campaign to set up a post‑doctoral fellows and research memorating 40 years of his entry in July by the Union government
BITS Pilani, termed the announce‑ Rs. 100 crore Research scholars," he said. to BITS Pilani, Mr. Prashanth said alongside IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi
ment by the Palakurthi's as Endowment Fund. T his fund Prof Bhattacharyya said the that "we wanted to give back to and IIT Bombay. (PTI)

Sujit Saraf’s ‘Harilal and Sons’ Lawyer Chitra Aiyar named to NYCʼs
shortlisted for 2018 DSC Prize Commission on Gender Equity
New York, NY: Mayor Bill de Blasio and first gy and commitment,” added McCray, the com‑

for South Asian Literature lady Chirlane McCray Nov. 13 announced six missionʼs co‑chair. “With their leadership, the
new members to the cityʼs Commission on Commission will continue its important work
New York: Indian American Gender Equity, with Indian American Chitra of protecting the economic and reproductive
writer and engineer Sujit Saraf Aiyar among those named. rights of women, girls and
is among six authors whose nov‑ In addition to Aiyar, the gender‑non conforming
els have been shortlisted for the executive director at Sadie New Yorkers.” T he
$25,000 DSC Prize for South Nash Leadership Project, the Commission on Gender
Asian Literature 2018. others named to the com‑ Equity develops and sup‑
Saraf has been nominated for mission were ports policies that promote
his fourth book, “Harilal and Councilmember Diana Ayala, opportunities for cisgender
Sons.” He debuted as an author Edelman New York execu‑ and transgender women
in 1994 with the novel, “Limbo.” tive vice president Andrea and girls in all areas,
His 2007 book, “The Peacock Hagelgans, Turning Point including employment,
Throne,” was shortlisted for the for Women and Families housing, childcare, educa‑
Encore Prize in London. His founder Robina Niaz; New tion, health and reproduc‑
third novel, “The Confession of York Urban League presi‑ tive justice, criminal justice,
Sultana Daku,” is being made dent and CEO Arva Rice, and and public safety. It advises
Sujit Saraf is a multifaceted personality Councilmember Carlina Chitra Aiyar (Image : sadienash.org) the mayor and City Council
into a motion picture, starring
‑ a space scientist, theatre director
Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Rivera. The agency is tasked on initiatives and methods
and an author.
In “Harilal and Sons,” which is with supporting city agencies in dismantling to reduce gender‑based inequality. “At this
said to be inspired by his grandfatherʼs Saraf, who received an engineering institutional barriers for women, girls, and particular moment in our political history,
life, Saraf takes readers on an epic jour‑ degree from IIT Delhi and a Ph.D. from New Yorkers of all gender identities and thereʼs no place Iʼd rather be than in a room
ney from Shekhavati in Rajasthan, to the the University of California, Berkeley, expressions. filled with smart committed leaders in New
Calcutta of the early twentieth century, works in Palo Alto, Calif., where he con‑ “We canʼt be the fairest big city if we donʼt York City committed to dismantling gender‑
to Bogra in East Bengal, and to a village ducts research on space missions and make sure all New Yorkers – regardless of based barriers,” said Aiyar. “Iʼm thrilled to be
in Bihar in newly independent India. satellite control. He is also the founder gender – can live up to their full potential,” joining the Commission on Gender Equity and
It follows the story of Harilal as he and artistic director of Naatak, the pre‑ said de Blasio in a statement. “These new look forward to diving into the work to make
sets up Harilal & Sons, a shop selling mier Indian theater company in the San members will bring invaluable expertise to the New York City a role model for the nation.”
jute, cotton, spices, rice, cigarettes and Francisco Bay Area. Commission and
soap that grows into a large enterprise. Three Indian‑origin authors who are
It is also the sweeping tale of his two contending for the much‑coveted prize
help us strength‑
en opportunities Need an accountant / manager
wives and ever‑burgeoning family of include Jayant Kaikini for “No Presents for all who self‑ For Temple / Jain Center of America in Elmhurst, Queens NY.
sons, daughters, grandchildren, great‑ Please”; Manu Joseph for “Miss Laila identify as women Requirements: 100% vegetarian, detail oriented,
grandchildren and great‑great‑grand‑ Armed And Dangerous”; and Nee l in New York.” Proficiency in QB, Good knowledge of payable, receivable,
children ̶ the two strands of family Mukherjee for “A State Of Freedom.” “As we welcome
bank reconciliation, preparing and filing payroll taxes. We
and business inextricably fused because T he shortlist of six nove ls was six new members
will train.
a Marwariʼs life is defined by what he announced Nov. 14 by Rudrangshu to the
Any 4 days a week plus
ʻdeals in.ʼ Mukherjee, chair of the DSC Prize 2018 Commission on
Sunday is a must.
The novel ends in 1972, as 85‑year‑ jury pane l, at an event he ld at the Gender Equity we
Please reply with your resume to:
old Hari lies dying in the great mansion London School of Economics & Political also we lcome
Anu Jain, [email protected] &
that he built but never actually lived in. Science. their wealth of
Kalpana Gandhi [email protected]
experience, ener‑
 8 November 24-30, 2018 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Former Oracle executive Thomas Teen shoots 61 year

Kurian to head Google Cloud old Telangana man
San Francisco: Indian‑American and AI. Ventnor, NJ: A man from
Thomas Kurian, former Oracle "We're really excited to wel‑ Telangana was shot dead by a
President of product develop‑ come T homas whose product 16‑year‑old boy here in a car‑
ment and technologist, is going vision, customer focus, and deep jacking incident on Nov 15.
to head Google Cloud from early expertise will be a huge asset to Sunil Edla, 61, was killed by the
next year, the tech giant has our growing Cloud business," he boy outside his residence at
announced. said. Under Greene's leadership, around 8 pm local time.
T he current CEO of Goog le Google Cloud has moved from Edla, who is from Medak dis‑
Cloud Diane Greene will continue having only two significant cus‑ trict of Telangana, was working
through January, working with tomers and a collection of start‑ as a night auditor in hospitality
Kurian to ensure a smooth transi‑ ups to having major Fortune industry in Atlantic City.
tion and will remain a Director 1,000 enterprises betting their According to lo cal media
on the board of Alphabet, future on Google Cloud. "We've reports, Edla was leaving his
Google's parent company. built a strong business together ‑ home to work on an overnight
Kurian, who is from Bengaluru ‑ set up by integrating sales, mar‑ shift, when the teen shot him and
and worked at Oracle for 22 keting, Google Cloud Platform escaped with his car. The victim
Thomas Kurian Sunil Edla
years reportedly quit over dis‑ (GCP), and Google Apps/G Suite died on the spot.
ag reements w ith Execut ive Cloud leadership role in early into what is now called Google The police on Friday tracked had made all arrangements for a
Chairman and CTO Larry Ellison 2019," Greene said in a state‑ Cloud," she noted. the boy and arrested him. He has two‑month trip to visit his moth‑
over the future course of the ment on Friday. Kurian said he "is excited to been charged with murder, rob‑ er for her 95th birthday and cel‑
company as Cloud business gets According to Goog le CEO join the fantastic Google Cloud bery, carjacking, and unlawful ebrate Christmas with the family.
highly competitive. Sundar Pichai, under Greene's team at this important and prom‑ possession of a handgun. Edla was active in the commu‑
"Kurian, a respected technolo‑ leadership, Cloud has become an ising time." "I'm looking forward Edla, who had migrated to the nity and was also known for
gist and executive, will be joining incredible business built on to building on the success of US in 1987, was to travel to India playing piano at churches in
Google Cloud on November 26 Google's decades of investment recent years as it enters its next later this month to visit his fami‑ Atlantic City.
and transitioning into the Google in infrastructure, data security, phase of growth." (IANS) ly. According to his relatives, he (IANS)

Nearly 1.9 lakh Indian Sikh Meets World podcast gets talking
students studying in US with NJ AG Gurbir Singh Grewal
universities: Report Washington, D.C: The National
Sikh Campaign (NSC), the organi‑
view, the Attorney General shares
his childhood struggles with bully‑
paign of ficial. “T he Attorney
General also provides a clear
zation behind the award‑winning ing & harassment, his motivation example that Sikhs are an impor‑
New Delhi: The number of Indians
studying in the United States has The report said “We Are Sikhs” initiative, sat down for pursuing public service and tant part of the fabric of the United
for a wide‑ranging interview with law enforcement, and his unlikely States and his success highlights
increased by 5.4 percent since Indians make up the New Jersey Attorney General, path to the heights of New Jersey the prog ress that the Sikh
last year, according to the 2018
nearly 18 per cent Gurbir Singh Grewal, for the cam‑ politics. American community has made.”
Open Doors Report on
paignʼs Sikh Meets World podcast. Attorney General Grewal also The first season also includes
International Educational
Exchange.
of all international Sikh Meets World aims to explore details his policy agenda for the discussions with prominent Sikh
the lives of exemplary Sikhs in pol‑ state of New Jersey on items such activists Pardeep Kaleka and for‑
According to the report, students in the itics, activism, sports, entertain‑ as public corruption and police‑ mer W hite supremacist, Arno
1,96,271 Indians are at present
studying in the US and this is the
United States, ment, business and more, in order community re lat ions, and his Michae lis, Washington state
to understand their story and thoughts on the state of our turbu‑ Senator Manka Kaur Dhingra, and
fifth consecutive year during surpassed only career and ask their advice so oth‑ lent federal politics. the first Sikh UFC fighter, Arjan
which their strength has grown.
"Looking at the past 10 years of by China. ers can do the same. “The Attorney General Grewal is Singh Bhullar.
Attorney General Grewal is the perhaps the most visible Sikh in New episo des of Sikh Meets
data, the number of Indians going
highest‑ranking Sikh public official the United States and he embodies World will be released monthly
to the United States has doubled. Massachusetts, Illinois,
in the United States since the Sikh American community's and can be found on Apple iTunes,
The reasons are clear, Indian stu‑ Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio and
Congressman Dalip Singh Saund, commitment to public service said Spotify, Goog le Play, Stitcher,
dents are looking for a great edu‑ Michigan.
also the first Asian American Gurwin Singh Ahuja, co‑host of SoundCloud, and YouTube. To lis‑
cation and the United States con‑ "We are thrilled to see a signifi‑
Congressman, who served in the Sikh Meets World and former ten to Sikh Meets World online,
tinues to offer this," Joseph cant increase in the number of
late 1950s. In the hour‑long inter‑ Obama White House and cam‑ visit www.SikhMeetsWorld.com.
Pomper, Minister Counselor for American university students
Consular Affairs, said at the choosing India as a study abroad
report launch in New Delhi. The destination. The student exchange
report said Indians makeup near‑ programs are one of the best Indian food, culture, dance celebrated in Appleton
ly 18 percent of all international ways to foster meaningful rela‑
A non‑profit group cele‑
students in the United States, sur‑ tionships and promote mutual
brated the role of women
passed only by China. "India pro‑ understanding between American
in India Saturday night. It's
vided the second highest amount and Indian citizens," said Adam called IndUs of Fox Valley,
of graduate students and fourth‑ Grotsky, Director of United States and celebrates Indo‑
most undergraduates. Also of ‑ India Educational Foundation American friendship and
note, the number of American stu‑ (USIEF). goodwill. The group held
dents studying in India increased Open Doors Report is published its annual banquet where
to 4,704 ‑ 12.5 percent more than by the Institute of International they showcased promi‑
the year before," it said, adding Education (IIE), which has con‑ nent women in the area,
the top places of origin for inter‑ ducted an annual statistical sur‑ and how they've made a
national students studying in the vey on international students in difference in the commu‑
US were China, India, South the United States since its found‑ nity. The group's president
Korea, Saudi Arabia, Canada, ing in 1919 and in partnership said one of the most important parts of the banquet, was reaching the younger generation."So we
Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Mexico, with the US Department of State's want them to be inspired by these women who have... overcome their challenges, and have become
Bureau of Educational and
an inspiration to all of us," said Sridevi Buddi, Indus of Fox Valley president. Good Day Wisconsin's
and Brazil. The top host states are
Rachel Manek emceed the event. (Source: fox11online.com)
California, New York, Texas, Cultural Affairs since 1972. (PTI)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info DIASPORA November 24-30, 2018 9

Chef Garima Arora first female Indian

restaurateur to receive Michelin star
Bangkok: Chef Garima Arora, who heads the
Bangkok based Gaa restaurant, has been
awarded the prestigious Michelin star.
It is being claimed that she is the first
Indian woman to get the honor.
Feeling proud on receiving the Michelin
star, Garima told IANS: "I am humbled that
Gaa restaurant has been honored with it. I am
proud of my team. It feels great when you get
appreciated for your hard work, and for my
team and me, the journey till now has been
great. Though it was painful but all the hard‑
ships were worth it."
Hailing from Mumbai, Garima launched Gaa
in 2017 in Bangkok and being an Indian, she
tried to bring Indian‑Thai cross culture
through the restaurant's menu.
Garima, who is an alumni of Le Cordon Bleu
Garima Arora
‑‑ Paris' popular culinary school, has worked (Image courtesy: mansworldindia.com)
with many renowned international chefs like
Gordan Ramsay and Rene Redzepi. sion, but with dedication and hard work and
But before stepping into the world of culi‑ focus, one can achieve whatever they want."
nary and cuisines, the 30‑year‑old chef also Asked if she has plans to open her restau‑
tried her hand at journalism. rant in India, she said not anytime soon.
She studied Mass Media from Mumbai's Jai But she wants to see Indian restaurants
Hind college but it was food which always expand their culture and heritage all over the
attracted Garima. world.
"I did journalism but it was not something "Indian restaurants are doing so good. India
which I was made for... after few years of my has a rich culture, history and heritage. We
work in journalism, I realized I have interest (Indians) do not have any need to adapt
for food and went to Paris for the culinary something from western countries, we have
course." Talking about her journey as chef such a diverse culture and being an Indian
and restaurateur, Garima said: "It is not an chef, I will always try to expand my culture
easy industry to be in but my family always across the globe and other chefs and restau‑
supported me. It is a very demanding profes‑ rateurs should also do the same." (IANS)

Lawmaker calls for action

in London Swaminarayan
temple burglaries
London: A veteran Indian‑origin
MP in the UK has urged the
British government to take a
decisive act ion ag ainst the
recent burglaries at two temples
in London and treat them as a
hate crime.
Virendra Sharma, a Labour
Party MP who represents the
suburb of Ealing Southall which
has a sizeable population of the
Indian‑origin people, raised the
issue during Justice Questions
in the House of Commons on
Tuesday following break‑ins at
two Swaminarayan temples in
north London. One of the stolen idols
"Within the last week, two sep‑
arate Hindu Temples, Shree Swaminarayan Prosecution Service (CPS).
Temple in Willesden and Shree Kutch "Activity of this sort, and if it is targeted
Satsang Swaminarayan Temple in Kenton, on the basis of religious belief, is complete‑
have been broken into and religious icons ly unacceptable. I am sure the whole House
have been stolen," Sharma said during is united in condemning that," Gauke told
questions addressed to UK Secretary of MPs. Scotland Yard said that investigations
State for Justice David Gauke. remain ongoing in both cases and that they
"Can the minister confirm that this will be are looking into a potential link between
treated as a hate crime, and not just the two burglaries.
ignored by the police, since it targeted peo‑ According to the President of the Shree
ple of one faith," he asked. Swaminarayan Mandir, Kurjibhai Kerai, the
The minister condemned the robberies Hari Krishna idols stolen last week had
and said that the specific incidents were a been with the temple since its opening in
matter for the police and Crown 1975.
 10 November 24-30, 2018 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Trump admin denies reaching final

conclusion on Khashoggi's death
Washington DC: The State "We also have a great ally in After releasing the results of its
Department here on Saturday said Saudi Arabia. They give us a lot of initial investigations, the Saudi
that the country has not made a jobs and a lot of business and eco‑ Public Prosecution announced that
final conclusion on the death of nomic development. They have 18 people were arrested over their
Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. been a truly spectacular ally in alleged connections with the
The US media quoted insiders terms of jobs and economic devel‑ killing.
earlier on Friday as saying that the opment," he said, noting "I have to The US Congress has urged a
CIA has concluded the Saudi crown take a lot of things into considera‑ thorough investigation in the mur‑
prince had ordered to kill tion" when deciding what meas‑ der of Khashoggi, and threatened
Khashoggi, reports Xinhua news ures to take against the kingdom. to take more actions against Saudi
agency. US media later quoted White Arabia if those responsible were
In a statement issued on House spokesperson Sarah not held accountable, such as sus‑
Saturday, State Department Media reports said CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince himself Sanders as saying that Trump had pending the US military sales to
spokesperson Heather Nauert said ordered the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, but President Trump has so spoken with CIA Director Gina Saudi Arabia and sanctioning the
that "recent reports indicating that far not committed to taking stronger action to avoid jeopardizing Haspel and Secretary of State Mike kingdom.
the US government has made a strategic and economic ties with the kingdom. Pompeo from Air Force One, with‑ The State Department in October
final conclusion is inaccurate." accountable who planned, led or before he left the White House for out giving further details. said that 21 Saudis suspected of
"There remain numerous unan‑ were connected to the murder," California that he had not been Khashoggi, a columnist for The involvement in the case were being
swered questions with respect to she added. briefed about the case by the CIA. Washington Post, has been miss‑ revoked of their visas.
the murder," she said. However, Nauert noted that the "The CIA will be speaking to me ing since he entered the Saudi con‑ On Thursday, the US Department
The State Department will con‑ US side will "maintain strategic today," he said. "As of this moment, sulate in Istanbul on October 2. of the Treasury imposed sanction
tinue to seek all relevant facts, relationship" with Saudi Arabia. we were told that he did not play a The Saudi authorities said that on 17 individuals over their
consult Congress and "explore Earlier on Saturday, President role. We're going to have to find Khashoggi died in a "brawl" in its alleged roles in the killing of
additional measures to hold those Donald Trump told the media out what they say." consulate. Khashoggi.

GOPers prevail in Florida, Domestic policy implications

Georgia tight races
of Dems winning the House
Op Ed by 2018, economy became almost right among Republicans quickly
Shivaji Sengupta synonymous with tax cuts. It put a stop to it. They might still
shouldnʼt be. For one thing, try to do the same, since a bill

S
oon after the Midterms, despite the optimism shown by passing the House of Congress is
these columns published Republicans, the tax cut did not only the first step. The Senate has
an Op Ed by Ian Bremmer seem to decide the midterm elec‑ to ratify it, and the President has
on the electionsʼ possible impact tions. According to exit polls it to sign it into law. Still, the Senate
on foreign policy. This column is was not in the minds of the voters Republican majority may be pre‑
about the impact of the election when they went to vote. The tax carious enough for some of the
on domestic policy. In the House cut amounted to an increase of Republican senators who will
Rick Scott defeated incumbent Bill Nelson for Senator from Florida. of Representatives, even before approximately $60 a month, hard‑ depend on the ever‑increasing
(right) Andrew Gillum in Florida and Stacey Abrams in Georgia came the final tally is complete, the ly a treasure‑chest! On the flip Latino voters in 2020 and who
close but failed to become Governor of their respective states. Democrats hold a big 14‑seat side, with a more than a trillion might vote across party lines and
majority, and counting; the dollars across the board in tax support the Democratic Congress
By SATimes Team of a “gathering darkness in our poli‑
Republicans have a majority in the cuts, we are seeing increases in on this issue. If they do so, Trump,
tics.” Meanwhile in the other con‑
Senate 53:46 with Mississippi off healthcare premiums, increase in himself up for re‑election in 2020,
New York: Florida Gov. Rick Scott tentious statewide race, Tallahassee
to a runoff. copay and increase in just about might sign it into law. At any rate,
(R) has defeated Sen. Bill Nelson (D‑ Mayor Andrew Gillum has also con‑
The question is, how will the any of the medical expenses that the Democrats ought to make a
Fla.) in a nationally watched Senate ceded the gubernatorial race to
Democratsʼ resurgence – call it a we incur routinely. A Democratic push for it.
race that triggered two recounts Republican Ron DeSantis after the
blue way or not ‑‑ impact the Congress needs to increase infra‑ Gun control is the third biggest
and a series of bitter legal and pub‑ machine recount did not change the
Presidentʼs domestic policy? Are structure spending (roads, bridges domestic issue for me. I have writ‑
lic relations battles. narrow vote margin.
the election results a mandate etc.), which would create more ten enough about this issue in
The contest came to an end on In Georgiaʼs equally contentious
against him? Just before the elec‑ jobs and make lives safer for citi‑ these columns. Suffice it to say –
Sunday as a noon deadline passed top race, Democrat Stacey Abrams
tions, the country was embroiled zens. Republicans also support yet once again – that in our coun‑
for county election officials to sub‑ on Friday acknowledged that
in the struggle of choosing a jus‑ increase in infrastructure spend‑ try 110,000 people are killed
mit the results of a hand recount Republican Brian Kemp will become
tice to sit on the federal Supreme ing but they would rather the pri‑ every year in gun violence, 301
that showed Scott leading Nelson the next governor of Georgia, end‑
Court, a battle which the vate enterprise take initiatives people every day! Some of the top
by about 10,000 votes, or 0.12 per‑ ing her bid to become the first
Republicans won; but the instead of government taking a money‑getters from the National
centage points. The hand recount African American woman elected to
Democrats may have won the war. major share of this responsibility. Rifle Association have lost this
was ordered after a machine lead a state. The announcement fol‑
Now, with a big House majority, T he Democrats should also election.
recount showed the two candidates lowed more than a week of post‑
Democrats can turn to the major bring Immigration to the table. At There are more women than
separated by only about 12,600 election legal maneuvering from
issues facing our nation: the econ‑ least the Dreamers ought to be ever before as law‑makers. Once
votes, or 0.15 points. Shortly after her campaign and allies as they
omy, infrastructure, immigration, helped – i.e., those who were born again, like itʼs time for new immi‑
the results came in, Scott released a sought to find enough votes to
gun control and, of course, health‑ of undocumented parents here gration bills, it is time for new gun
statement saying Nelson had called reduce Kemp's lead and force a
care, which for me, must include, and are now young adults and laws. Compared to immigration,
to concede. Nelson acknowledged December 4 runoff. Even in
womenʼs right to choose in mat‑ grown‑ups. President Trump was this may be a harder Bill to pass
that he had been “heavily outspent” acknowledging defeat, Abrams
ters concerning their own bodies. once willing to support a law through the Senate. But itʼs worth
by Scott, who pumped more than insisted her speech was not giving a
T hanks to Donald Trump, in favorable to Dreamers, but the far‑ a try.
$51 million of his personal fortune concession and instead delivered a
into his Senate bid. He also warned series of sharp criticisms of Kemp. The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS November 24-30, 2018 11

Trump tours area devastated by Government shutdown

wildfires with California governor if no funds for border
San Francisco: President Donald
Trump on Saturday visited the
area devastated by a wildfire that
wall: President Trump
has been spreading in northern Washington: President Donald fund the Department of
California since last week, together Trump told the media at the Homeland Security, among other
with California Governor Jerry White House that this would be agencies, until December 7.
Brown, whose government he a "good time" for a government At a W hite House event in
accused days before of bad forest shutdown if he doesn't get fund‑ August, Trump said he was look‑
management. ing from Congress for his border ing for about $5 billion for the
"There is no reason for these wall. wall to cover this fiscal year,
massive, deadly and costly forest "I think probably, if I was ever which some Demo crats have
fires in California except that for‑ going to do a shutdown over bor‑ already said they would vote
est management is so poor," der security, when you look at against.
Trump had said. "Billions of dollars the caravans, when you look at Trump also said on Saturday
are given each year, with so many the mess, when you look at the that the US military will remain
lives lost, all because of gross mis‑ people coming in, this would be a at the US‑Mexico border "as long
management of the forests. very good time to do a shut‑ as necessary", suggesting that
Remedy now, or no more Fed pay‑ The President was accompanied by (from left) incoming state down," CNN quoted Trump as the 5,900 troops deployed to the
Governor Gavin Newsom, Gov Jerry Brown and Mayor Jody Jones saying on Saturday. border could stay there past
ments!"
of Paradise, the town reduced to ashes. Trump added, however, that he December 15, the scheduled end
On Saturday, he put aside his
criticisms and adopted a more con‑ think everybody's seen the light," been dubbed, has caused at least didn't think a shutdown would of the mission.
ciliatory tone, noting the need for the president said in a statement 71 deaths, while more than 1,000 "be necessary, because I think The President also touted the
the federal and California govern‑ to the media. people are still missing and the fire the Democrats will come to their "tremendous military force"
ments to work together on the Also accompanying Trump was has scorched 148,000 acres. senses". Congress averted a gov‑ assigned to the border mission in
tasks of reconstruction and aid for Brown's successor starting next After visiting the region laid ernment shutdown in September Texas, Arizona and California,
the victims. He toured part of the January, the Demo crat Gavin waste by the Camp Fire, Trump by passing a massive spending lauding the troops for building
burnt‑out area with Brown himself, Newsom, along with Mayor Jody heading for Southern California to bill to fund a large portion of the "great fences".
Efe reported. Jones of Paradise, a town of some tour the zone affected by another government. "They built great fences. They
"Nobody thought this could hap‑ 26,000 people that was complete‑ huge blaze, the Woolsey Fire, close The package did not, however, built a very powerful fence, a dif‑
pen...We have to do management, ly engulfed in flames. to Los Angeles and where another include money for Trump's bor‑ ferent kind of a fence, but very
maintenance. We'll also be work‑ According to the latest report, three people have died. der wall, and Congress passed a powerful. T he fence is fully
ing with environmental groups. I the Camp Fire, as the blaze has ‑IANS shorter‑term spending bill to manned," he said.
 12 November 24-30, 2018 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Opposition to meet before winter session of Parliament

Kolkata: The much talked about NCP's Sharad Pawar, DMK's M.K. the Congress is included, will be
meeting of parties opposed to the Stalin, Nat ional Conference' considered as an ally, Naidu said,
BJP to strategize against the saf‑ Farooq Abdullah, former prime "All these things, we are going to
fron party in the next Lok Sabha minister H.D. Deve Gowda and discuss. We are in touch with
elections has been postponed and BSP chief Mayawati to forge a Mayawati ji along with everybody
may now be held after the cur‑ front against the ruling party and else." Banerjee, the Trinamool
rent Assembly e lect ions and had proposed a meeting of oppo‑ Congress supremo, said she has
before the start of the winter ses‑ sition parties to be held in New invited Naidu for her proposed
sion of Parliament, And hra Delhi on November 22. opposition party meeting here in
Pradesh Chie f Minister Terming the meet ing w ith January next year, which was
Chandrababu Naidu and his West Banerjee as successful, Naidu said confirmed by the TDP chief.
Beng al counterpart Mamata fighting together has become nec‑ "We are grateful that he has
Banerjee said after a meeting essary as all major institutions in come here. I invited him also for
between them here. the country including the CBI, the the January 19 meeting. We are
Claiming that democracy in the Income Tax Department, the RBI discussing the matters for the
country was in danger, Naidu, are under threat while the country's interest and earlier, we
who is also the Telugu Desam nation's economy is at a stand‑ also discussed so many things.
Party (TDP) chief, said that there still. "We have to protect the insti‑ Today, we discussed in detail
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu with
is a "democratic compulsion" for tutions... you name any institu‑ about the next future plans.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at
the senior opposition leaders to Nabanna in Howrah, West Bengal. (Photo: IANS) tion, they are under severe pres‑ When the meeting will be decid‑
join hands to protect the nation. sure and threat. Be it the CBI, ed, we will discuss the plan of
Echoing his views, Banerjee said before the next parliamentary er. It is the responsibility of us, Income Tax, RBI every institution act ion. We are working and
the meeting of anti‑BJP parties session. We are in discussions the senior leaders to protect the is under threat. Even the petrol speaking together," Banerjee said.
would be held after campaigning about it. The date of the meeting nation. Those who are opposing and diesel prices are increasing, Responding to a quest ion
in the Assembly elections and will be announced soon," Naidu BJP will join together, discuss there is inflat ion, the whole regarding who would be the face
before the start of the winter ses‑ told reporters following the meet‑ everything and chalk out a pro‑ nation's economy is at a stand‑ of the proposed grand alliance of
sion of Parliament. ing at the state secretariat gram to go forward," he said. still," he said. opposition parties, Banerjee said,
"T he meeting to be he ld on Nabanna here. Naidu, whose TDP was earlier W hen asked whether the "Everybody will be the face of this
November 22 has been post‑ "Democracy in the country is in an ally of the BJP, has met a spec‑ Bahujan Samaj Party chie f Mahag atband han (g rand
poned due to the ongoing election danger. So there is a democratic trum of leaders including Mayawati, who has refused to be alliance)." Naidu interjected to say
campaign. We want to meet compulsion for us to join togeth‑ Congress president Rahul Gandhi, a part of the "mahagatbandhan" if that "all of us are senior to Modi".

Rahul has 'Modiphobia': Shah Rahul attacks Modi,

Narsinghpur (Madhya Pradesh):
Taking a dig at Congress President
now over Doval
Rahul Gandhi, BJP President Amit New Delhi: Congress
Shah said that the opposit ion President Rahul
leader was af flicted w ith Gandhi on Tuesday
"Modiphobia" and that is why he accused government
takes Prime Minister Narendra officials of interfer‑
Modi's name 44 times in his 22 ing with the CBI's
minute election speech. working ‑ the latest
"Rahul Gandhi nowadays is doing being allegations
many election rallies but in these that NSA Ajit Doval
rallies he takes name of Narendra attempted to meddle
Modi 44 times in his 22 minute in a case. "A crime
election speech. I am not able to thriller called
understand whether he is cam‑ 'Chowkidar Chor Hai'
paigning for Narendra Modi and is underway in
BJP or Congress. It seems he was Delhi," Gandhi tweet‑
af flicted w ith Mo diphobia. ed in Hindi, in an
BJP chief Amit Shah addresses during a public meeting obvious attack on
Wherever he goes he keeps saying
in Madhya Pradesh's Churhat. (Photo: IANS) Prime Minister
Modi‑Modi," Shah said at an elec‑
tion rally here. Narendra Modi.
Continuing his attack on Gandhi,
he said that the Congress leader
DECIDED NOT TO CONTEST "The latest episode
reveals serious alle‑
Congress President
was "daydreaming" of forming the
governments in Madhya Pradesh 2019 POLLS: SUSHMA gations against a
Minister, National
Rahul Gandhi

and Chhattisgarh. "I compliment Indore: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday said that Security Advisor (Doval), Law crying," added Gandhi. Gandhi's
him for his courage of such day‑ she has decided not to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Secretary and Cabinet Secretary latest attack came in the wake
dreaming. But be fore that he "Candidates are decided by the party. But I have made up my mind by a DIG of the CBI," Gandhi of CBI officer M.K. Sinha alleg‑
should remember that since 2014 that I won't be contesting in the next elections," the senior Bharatiya said. ing that Doval and Central
Congress has lost every election Janata Party (BJP) leader said on the sidelines of an event here. She also A senior Central Bureau of Vigilance Commissioner K.V.
and BJP won," he said. said that she has conveyed her decision to the party. Intelligence officer told the Chaudhary, among others,
Claiming that the BJP govern‑ Supreme Court that top govern‑ interfered in the investigation
ment under Shivraj Singh Chouhan T his makes BJP dif ferent from and kill our soldiers. But what hap‑ ment functionaries, including against Asthana.
has turned Madhya Pradesh from a Congress," he said. pened after Uri, you all know. Doval, had interfered in the Deputy Inspector General‑
Bimaru state to a developed state, Describing the achievements of Within 10 days, our soldiers did probe against CBI Special rank officer Sinha, who was
he took a jibe at the Congress for the Modi government, he raked up surgical strike against Pakistan and Director Rakesh Asthana who is probing the Asthana case
not projecting its chief ministerial the army's surgical strikes against took revenge of the killing of our facing bribery charges. "His before being shunted out to
candidate in the state. Pakistan and said today the coun‑ soldiers," he said adding that with (Modi's) partner, who has been Nagpur, alleged that a "few
"We have Shivraj Singh Chouhan try has a bold and decisive govern‑ this India became the third nation brought from Gujarat, is raising crore of rupees was paid to
as our chief ministerial candidate. ment at the Centre. after the US and Israel which took crores of extortion money. The Union Minister of State for Coal
On the other hand, Congress has no "During Manmohan Singh, terror‑ revenge for the killings of its sol‑ officers are tired. The trust has and Mines Haribhai Parthibhai
leader. They don't have even policy. ists from Pakistan used to come diers. been broken. "Democracy is Chaudhari".
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA November 24-30, 2018 13

Amarinder blames Pak as India wakes up to 'terror' call

Amritsar/New Delhi: Punjab Chief T he Chie f Minister said the Three persons were killed and
Minister Amarinder Singh said the grenade attack was a clear case of 20 injured when two motorcycle‑
Amritsar g renade attack on a terrorism and there was no reli‑ borne youths threw a grenade at a
prayer meeting of the Nirankari gious connection to it. Nirankari congregation in a com‑
sect seemingly carried "Pakistan's Amarinder said the attack could pound located in the rural belt of
signature", with initial investiga‑ not be equated with the Sikh‑ the district, about three kilometres
tions indicating that the grenade Nirankari conflict in 1978 which from the Guru Ram Das Jee
used was similar to the ones being led to the start of Sikh militancy in Amritsar International Airport.
manufactured by the Pakistani Punjab for the next nearly two All victims were sect followers
Army Ordinance factory. decades. from nearby villages who had
Even as the Punjab and Central "That was a religious matter and gathered for the weekly Sunday
government separately took stock the Adliwal incident was purely a religious meeting.
of the "terror act" in Punjab's case of terrorism. Violence Shiromani Akali Dal president
Amritsar district on Sunday which between the Sant Nirankari Sukhbir Sing h Badal blamed
left three people dead and 20 oth‑ Mission and traditional Sikhs on Amarinder Singh and his govern‑
ers injured, the Punjab Police said April 13, 1978 at Amritsar had left ment of being soft on Sikh radical
that dif ferent "leads" were being 13 dead, and sparked the subse‑ elements which was leading to
followed but the case was yet to be quent wave of terrorism in the peace being disturbed in Punjab.
cracked. Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh meets the victims of state. Yesterday's (Sunday's) inci‑ Union Home Minister Rajnath
The Chief Minister, who arrived
the Nirankari Bhawan grenade attack, at a Amritsar hospital. dent had no religious overtones, as Singh held a meeting in New Delhi
(Photo: IANS)
at the grenade attack spot at the per init ial invest ig at ions," to review the national security sit‑
Nirankari Satsang Bhawan in said. "Prima facie, this appears to T he Punjab government on Amarinder said. uation in the aftermath of Sunday's
Adliwal village of Rajasansi area of be an act of terror by separatist Monday announced Rs 50 lakh as Asked to react to Aam Aadmi grenade attack in Amritsar.
Amritsar district on Monday, said forces, organized with the involve‑ reward for any information lead‑ Party (AAP) leader H.S. Phoolka's Eyewitnesses told the police that
that a similar HG‑84 grenade had ment of ISI‑backed Khalistani or ing to the arrest of the assailants. statement accusing the Army chief two youths on a motorcycle, with
been recovered from a terror mod‑ Kashmiri terrorist groups. My gov‑ Captain Amarinder said the of orchestrating the Nirankari their faces covered, forced their
ule busted by the Punjab Police ernment has taken serious note of National Investigation Agency Bhawan grenade attack to prove entry into the sect compound by
last month. the incident and is aggressively (NIA) is also helping in the investi‑ himself right on the revival of ter‑ pointing a pistol at a woman vol‑
"This indicates a high probability pursuing all angles of investiga‑ gations. He said certain leads have rorism in the state, the Chie f unteer at the gate. There were
of the involvement of inimical tion," Amarinder told the media been found by the police and the Minister said the AAP leader is around 200 followers in the com‑
forces from across the border," he here. same are being investigated. apparently "unstable". pound at the time.

Chhattisgarh: Over 60%

turnout to elect new Assembly
Raipur: Polling for the second
and concluding phase for 72
seats spread across 19 districts
in Chhattisgarh ended with
more than 60 per cent of the
over 1.5 crore electorate casting
their votes to elect a new
CEO Jack Dorsey holding the controversial poster, along with
Assembly.
women journalists in India.
Amid allegations of Electronic
Voting Machine (EVM) tamper‑
Jack Dorsey poster row: ing and malfunctioning in sever‑
al areas, the Election

Twitter India says sorry Commission (EC) said over 60

per cent turnout was recorded
till 5 p.m. The final figure is
New Delhi: Stressing on its public using Twitter.
expected to go up with many
commitment to being apolitical, "One of the participants, a Dalit
voters still standing in queues
Twitter has extended an apology activist, shared her personal experi‑
outside booths after the sched‑ Voters wait in a queue outside a polling booth to cast their votes at
after its CEO Jack Dorsey, who visit‑ ences and gifted a poster to Jack.
uled closure of polling and the Kukurbeda in Raipur. (Photo: IANS)
ed India last week, was seen holding "It is not a statement from Twitter
poll panel is still in the process
a poster during a round‑table with or our CEO, but a tangible reflection
of compiling data. Raigarh Patan, Sihawa and for "distributing money" to vot‑
women journalists that read "Smash of our company's efforts to see,
From first‑time voters to cen‑ Korba, with the Congress accus‑ ers.
Brahminical Patriarchy". hear, and understand all sides of
tenarians, people from all walks ing the state's ruling BJP of "Is malfunctioning of EVMs a
"I'm very sorry for this. It's not important public conversations that
of life queued up to cast their "electoral malpractices" and mere coincidence or a conspira‑
reflective of our views. We took a happen on our service around the
votes. Among the oldest to exer‑ "attempting to disrupt" the poll cy to vitiate the polling process,"
private photo with a gift just given world," said the micro‑blogging
cise their right were 106‑year‑ process. asked state Congress chief
to us ‑‑ we should have been more platform.
old Samudri Patel from A Congress delegation led by Bhupesh Baghel in the state cap‑
thoughtful," Vijaya Gadde, Global In a statement to IANS, a Twitter
Baikunthpur in Korea district P.L. Punia met the EC in the ital Raipur.
Head of Legal, Policy, Trust and spokesperson said that the compa‑
and 102‑year‑old Raj Kunwar national capital over the alleged The EC rejected the allegations
Safety Lead at Twitter, tweeted late ny is proud of the fact that Twitter
from Boriyakala in Raipur dis‑ "attempts to misuse and tamper of widespread malfunctioning of
Monday. is a platform where marginalised
trict. with EVMs in Chhattisgarh". the voting machines and assert‑
"Twitter strives to be an impartial voices can be seen and heard.
The highest turnout was Punia said the BJP "wary of ed that faulty EVMs were
platform for all. We failed to do that "But we also have a public com‑
recorded in Bindranawagarh at losing the polls, was trying to promptly replaced without any
here & we must do better to serve mitment to being apolitical. We
68 per cent and Baikunthpur at influence the polling process disruption to the voting process.
our customers in India," she added. realise that this photo may not
63.21 per cent. through malpractices". A total of 1,079 candidates
According to the social network, it accurately represent that commit‑
The EVM malfunctioning was The Congress also demanded were in the fray, with both the
hosted a closed‑door discussion ment," the spokesperson said.
reported from several booths suspension and arrest of BJP Congress and the BJP contesting
with a group of women journalists Some Twitter users accused
across Dhamtari, Jashpur, candidate Siddhnath Paikra in all the 72 seats. The results will
and change makers from India to Dorsey of "bigotry" and "racism"
Raipur, Ambikapur, Khallari, Samri seat of Balrampur district be declared on December 11.
better understand their experience after the poster went viral.
 14 November 24-30, 2018 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info

By Barkha Dutt

A
n extraordinary moment in
the United States should give
us in the Indian media seri‑
US media vs Trump: Indian
media waits for its finest hour
ous envy, shame ̶ and pause.
Multiple news organizations ̶ bitter
competitors in the market and of dis‑
tinct and varying ideologies ̶ have
united to protest against the Trump if there is a new government, the And then of course there was the
administrationʼs decision to with‑ same cycle will set into motion customary on‑board press confer‑
draw White House credentials to again. This is unhealthy for democra‑ ence by the Prime Minister, in which
CNNʼs Jim Acosta. cy. Who is in power should be anyone on the flight could pitch a
A very trenchant face off between absolutely irrelevant to the basic question. Romanticising the end of
the US President and Acosta at a practice of journalism. these press interactions ̶ intrinsic
press conference triggered a false Take the Modi governmentʼs deci‑ to any thriving democracy ̶ is
allegation from Trumpʼs team that sion to end the practice of journalists bewildering. Mr Modi has not held a
he had crossed the line with a female flying with him on board Air India single press conference so far, while
staffer and the subsequent suspen‑ One. In the narrative that was con‑ choosing to give individual inter‑
sion of his press pass. Now the structed by the BJP hardline base, views. Before him, Manmohan Singh
American media is backing CNNʼs this used to be unseemly largesse for held an annual conference but avoid‑
decision to sue the Trump regime. spoilt journalists. When it was cur‑ ed sitdown interviews. In my view,
Indian journalists have all cheered tailed, they saw it as a sort of the adhoc nature of media policy, the
on the exemplary media moment Swachata Abhiyan of the previous fact that it can change with changing
without reflecting on how embar‑
Narendra Modi has not held a single press conference so far, governmentʼs patronage of media. governments, can only be a disad‑
while choosing to give individual interviews. Frankly, this is a convenient distor‑ vantage for the press.
rassingly establishmentarian, syco‑
phantic and divided we in India phrase, Access Journalism, needs to guaranteed ̶ and not treated as tion. Other than the seat on the The most powerful statement from
appear by contrast. But even beyond be re‑examined. Not because journal‑ favor bestowed by dispensation A or plane, reporters always paid for America is that even the right‑wing
the evident difference in our institu‑ ism is ever about official handouts; B. hotel, food and all other expenses. I television network Fox News (many
tional freedoms, there is another but because to allow any politician to The cliched and reductionist dis‑ am pretty sure most new organisa‑ of its anchors are open supporters of
compelling lesson from America. At exercise the lever of control over a course about ʻʼLutyenʼs Media” ̶ led tions would have been willing to pay Trump) stood up to be counted with
the core of the CNN battle with fundamental right to information is ironically by some leading lights of the airfare as well. its support for CNNʼs legal suit for
Trump is the belief that the denial of the first step to surrender. Indian journalism ̶ suggests that The larger concept behind accom‑ basic access to the White House.
access to information and news is Access ̶ and not just to media the demolition of this access for panying the Prime Minister on these This would never happen in India
also a form of media intimidation conferences, but also off‑record some reporters is a long‑overdue trips was the opportunity for her or where journalists are too busy weak‑
and a contravention of the First briefings, meetings with sources and cleanup of the system. This is actual‑ his office to interact freely with jour‑ ening each other, leaving politicians
Amendment. In India, where we have the right to report your beat freely ly nonsense. All that has happened is nalists. Ahead of sensitive meetings to have the last laugh.
so easily capitulated to the assump‑ without fearful officials looking over that one set of journalists with ̶ like delicate encounters with
tion that not all governments will their shoulders ̶ is the right of access has been replaced by another Pakistan heads of state ̶ it was also (Barkha Dutt is a journalist and
give all journalists access, this is crit‑ every reporter. Irrespective of set of journalists with access, a new a chance for the government to author. The views expressed are per‑
ical. Acosta teaches us that access is whether a political party likes you or Lutyens media, as it were, banal explain the contours of a complex sonal and appeared in The
worth fighting for. The much abused not, this elementary access should be though I find the phrase. Tomorrow story. Hindustan Times)

Renaming spree: Erasing Muslim heritage

By Amulya Ganguli renamed in the past ‑‑ Chennai for country.
Madras, Mumbai for Bombay, Although the RSS chief, Mohan

U
ttar Pradesh Chief Kolkata for Calcutta ‑‑ the idea was Bhagwat, argued at a three‑day
Minister Yogi Adityanath generally to revive an old name conclave in Delhi that Hindutva is
has lived up to his reputa‑ such as the association of incomplete without Muslims ‑‑
tion as a Hindutva hawk. There Madras/Chennai with a 16th cen‑ thereby acknowledging the coun‑
has been no mellowing of his atti‑ tury ruler, Chennappa Naicker. try's multi‑religious identity,
tude as is common in the cases of Or to pay homage to a local which is the secular camp's view ‑‑
other hardliners ascending to the deity, Mumbadevi, as in the case of Adityanath's acts show that the
seat of power. Instead, he has Bombay. Or to bring a name pho‑ case for accommodation is not
taken the opportunity of the netically close to the way it is accepted by the Hindutva hawks.
authority provided by political locally pronounced like Kolkata. The Hindus‑only tunnel‑vision of
power to tell the province and the But rarely has been a city the hardliners ignores the fact
country that Hindu symbols and renamed with the sole purpose of that India is the birthplace of four
signs are of overriding impor‑ highlighting a Hindu name and religions ‑‑ Hinduism, Buddhism,
tance. snubbing Muslims. Sikhism and Jainism ‑‑ and the
Hence, the concept of a huge True, the names of roads and home of the followers of three
statue of Lord Ram on the banks localities (such as Clive Street or other faiths ‑‑ Islam, Christianity
of the Saryu, whole‑hearted sup‑ Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Allahabad has become Connaught Place) associated with and Zoroastrianism, not to men‑
Prayagraj, Faizabad is now Ayodhya and Muzaffarnagar may the British rulers were changed. tion the animism of the tribals.
port to the Ram temple movement
soon be called Laxmi Nagar.
and the erasure of Muslim names But these steps were taken to do Even if the urgency of the pres‑
of towns. has become Prayagraj, Faizabad, Karnavati for Ahmedabad. Not to away with a colonial connection ent erasing of Muslim signs in the
Starting with the renaming the now Ayodhya, and Muzaffarnagar, be left behind, the BJP's ally, the although the names of "friendly" twilight years of Narendra Modi's
Mughal Sarai railway junction, which may soon be called Laxmi Shiv Sena, has sought a time‑ foreigners were retained, as in the government is due to the appre‑
familiar to countless travellers, Nagar if the government accepts frame for renaming Aurangabad case of the Corbett National Park. hension in ruling circles that the
after a person who is little known the suggestion to this effect by and Osmanabad. But the saffron brotherhood's inadequacies of the government
outside the Hindutva camp ‑‑ Deen Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Hyderabad, too, is under the present drive is motivated solely have left it with no option but to
Dayal Upadhyay ‑‑ the Adityanath Sangeet Som, who had called the Hindutva scanner, for the BJP has by a desire to erase all signs of play the Hindu card with greater
government has been energetical‑ Taj Mahal a "blot" on Indian cul‑ said that if it won the assembly Muslim heritage, presumably fervor, it is clear that the tactic has
ly engaged in changing the names ture. Encouraged by Adityanath, elections in Telangana, it will because of the belief that the com‑ only brought to the fore the long‑
of other places as well. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay name the city as Bhagyanagar. munity does not ‑‑ or at least standing anti‑minority outlook of
These include Allahabad, which Rupani has suggested the name of Although cities have been should not ‑‑ have any place in the the Sangh Parivar.

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info FESTIVAL November 24-30, 2018 15

New York: For the first time, been illuminating the Empire
the iconic Empire State State Building in August every
Building was colored orange year in the Indian tricolors ‑
in celebration of Diwali. orange, white and green ‑ for
History was made by the the past two decades to mark
Federation of Indian India's Independence Day.
Associations (FIA‑NY/NJ/CT), But Srujal Parikh said this
the largest non‑profit umbrel‑ was the first time that the
la organization of the commu‑ famous New York landmark
nity, with the lighting up cere‑ that was lit up for Diwali, that
mony on November 7 attend‑ was "witnessed by thousands
ed by key members of the of people, including tourists
Indian diaspora. Miss America from all over the world."
2014 Nina Devuluri and popu‑ He added that such gestures
lar singer Jay Sean along with by the ESRT help in spreading
FIA President Srujal Parikh the ancient Indian philosophy
flipped the switch to turn on of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam
the orange lights on top of the (the world is one family) and
Cheered on by FIA President Srujal Parikh, Miss America 2014
Empire State Building. also demonstrates a great har‑
Nina Davuluri and singer Jay Sean flip the switch to light up the
FIA made history when New Yorkʼs A special dance performance Empire State Building to celebrate Diwali on Nov 7. mony in spirit and deeds
iconic Empire State Building was lit up and cultural show was also between people of the world's
to celebrate Diwali on November 7. presented on the occasion. possible by the efforts of FIA Empire State Realty Trust largest and oldest
(Photos: Paresh Gandhi) The achievement was made in cooperation with the (ESRT). ESRT and FIA have democracies.

NYC celebrates interfaith Diwali in Brooklyn

Brooklyn, NY: The NYC Commission on
Human Rights in partnership with the
Mayorʼs Office of Immigrant Affairs,
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L.
Adams, Sadhana: Coalition of
Progressive Hindus, Iskcon NYC and
others hosted an interfaith Diwali cele‑
bration on November 14 at Brooklyn Brooklyn
Borough Hall. Borough
President
At the celebration, city, faith, and com‑
Eric Adams
munity leaders shared their prayers and
(garlanded)
messages of unity and strength at a time with
when xenophobic and anti‑immigrant organizers
rhetoric on the national level aims to and guests at
divide communities. Commissioner and the event.
Chair of the NYC Human Rights
Commission Carmelyn Malalis also
addressed the event. Performers includ‑
ed Sunny Jain, founder and dhol player
of the Brooklyn band Red Baraat, and
Grammy nominated artist Jahnavi
Harrison.

Laser light show at BAPS Mandir in Chicago BJANA celebrates Diwali in NJ

Edison, NJ: The Bihar‑Jharkhand ble and community endeavors over the past
Association of North Americaʼs celebrated year were spoken about as well as plans for
Diwali on November 17 at a packed hall of 2019.
the Royal Albertʼs Palace, Fords. After the cultural program and dinner
Esteemed guests included Deputy Consul and deserts, the night culminated in spirit‑
General Shatrughan Sinha as well as UN ed dancing. Ladies and men, dressed in
officials of Bihar/Jharkhand origin Anjani their finest, showed their moves, spurred by
Kumar and Ashish Sinha. BJANAʼs charita‑ pounding Bollywood beats.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chicago, Illinois illuminated for

Diwali and Annakut celebrations at (Courtesy: BAPS)
 16 November 24-30, 2018 BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

The
first pictures
of actors filmiest, but I'll cope. Bollywood
Ranveer Singh
and Deepika
Deepika, never seen you
happier; you deserve no
wishes ʻDeepVeerʼ
Padukone after
the wedding
less," Amit tweeted.
That, apart from some long,
happiness
wide angle shots and some hazy
videos from the wedding revelry, is
forever after
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone
all that people could get their eyes on.
received wishes galore from friends
The celebrations were as private

T
and colleagues. Here's what they
he hide and seek got over as as it could get. With a guest list of
tweeted:
Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone around 40, Deepika and Ranveer
Karan Johar: Love and happiness for‑
and Ranveer Singh, after two days of chose Northern Italy's Lombardy
ever... These are such a full of 'pyaar
wedding ceremonies in the far and dreamy region, a resort area known for its
wala' (love) pictures! For those of us
Lake Como setting in Italy, unveiled their spectacular scenery as the back‑
who don't have a life partner it's a
first look as a married couple to the public drop for their wedding.
very "hai" wala (aww) feeling.
recently, immensely pleasing their army of Mobile phones were not allowed
Rajkummar Rao: Congratulations, my
fans. outside people's rooms and there
favorite couple Deepika Padukone
Both Deepika and Ranveer shared two were boats patrolling the lake for
and Ranveer Singh. Wish you a life‑
images ‑‑ one each from their four‑hour‑long drones as part of the three‑level
time of love, happiness and together‑
ceremony according to Konkani traditions security plan for the wedding.
ness.
on Nov 14 and a North Indian style nuptial Fondly called DeepVeer by their
Arjun Kapoor: 'Jashn‑E‑Ishqa'.
on Nov 15. fans, the star couple has also
Sonam Kapoor: Congratulations to
In one picture, the two are laughing away, worked together in "Bajirao Mastani" and
A painterʼs wedding gift to Deepveer. both of you! May you always find joy
sharing a jovial moment during the Konkani "Padmaavat" although they didn't share
together Ranveer Singh.
wedding, and in another photograph from nation of a six year‑long love story that screen space in the latter. Poles apart from
AnushkaSharma: Wishing you both a
the celebration a day later they are all ears began on the sets of the 2013 film "Goliyon each other in personality, Deepika and
world of happiness and a beautiful
for each other. Ki Raasleela Ram‑Leela". Ranveer never confirmed their relationship
journey together. May the love and
Deepika looked resplendent on both occa‑ Unlike most celebrity weddings which until recently when they announced their
respect you have in each other, grow
sions, dressed in Sabyasachi Mukherjee keep fans engrossed with social media wedding dates in October. "We thank you
leaps and bounds. And welcome to the
ensembles rooted in tradition as she chose updates, the 'no pictures, no phones, no for all the love you have showered upon us
club Ranveer and Deepika.
red and gold as her primary colors. For the drones policy' of the actors' grand destina‑ over the years and seek your blessings as
Vicky Kaushal: Many congratulations
North Indian style wedding, Deepika's head tion wedding left the media and fans yearn we embark on this incredible journey of
and God bless! Ranveer, Deepika.
was covered with an ornate dupatta with the for a glimpse of the couple or the celebra‑ love, loyalty friendship and togetherness,"
Arjun Rampal: Smile and laugh
words 'Sada Saubhagyavati Bhavah' embroi‑ tions. Amit, a cousin of Deepika, said it has they said. The couple will have a reception
through this union, so beautiful you
dered on it, while Ranveer matched up in a been a "magical week, steeped purely in each in Bengaluru and Mumbai on
both look. God bless you both. Stay
colour co‑ordinated sherwani. love" for the family. "Fairytale union of the November 21 and 28 respectively. And on
blessed. Love and a big hug to you
Ranveer wore pristine white for the two most kind, beautiful souls. Ranveer, wel‑ December 1, there will be a separate cele‑
both. Congratulations.
Konkani wedding, which marked the culmi‑ come to the family! You've dethroned me as bration with the film fraternity.

'Pihu': Engrossing but tedious

W
riter‑director Vinod follow ‑‑ Pihu's misadventures, you with stark reality, it appears
Kapri's purported with various dangers ‑ geyser, bal‑ trite and repetitive
thriller "Pihu" is an cony, hot iron, gas stove, con‑ after a while. Yes, REVIEW
attempt to shake parents and fronting her, while alone at home, there are moments,
guardians out of their stupor and the film appears to be an exagger‑ when the parent or guardian in
make them realize the perils of a ated drama, that is intense yet you, is at the edge of one's seat,
two‑year old child alone at home. tedious to watch. worrying and getting concerned
It borrows the concept from The plot is wafer‑thin and does about the innocent Pihu's next
"Home Alone" sans the comic ele‑ not go beyond what was offered move and its outcome, but those
ments of that film and also from to the audience in the trailer. Apt moments are few and far
the recently released Hindi film for a short film, the narrative is between.
"Trapped". unsuited to a full‑length feature A one‑actor film, "Pihu" natural‑
The only actor in ʻPihuʼ is two‑year‑old Myra Vishwakarma.
While the film starts on a com‑ and the amateurish treatment fur‑ ly belongs to Myra, who prods
pelling note as Pihu (Myra ther sounds its death knell. along, oblivious of the camera, and obstacles as she navigates carefully thought through if a
Vishwakarma) is seen trying to There is nothing light‑hearted shining effortlessly in her charac‑ her way through various activi‑ full‑length feature film was to be
wake her mother who is lying on about the film and although at ter of a child alone at home, chal‑ ties. Overall, "Pihu" is a decent made on the subject. In its current
the bed, the series of events that most times, the director acquaints lenged by a series of happenings attempt, but should have been form, it fails to entice you.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BOLLYWOOD November 24-30, 2018 17

What attracts Bollywood I OFTEN WONDER IF I'LL BE

guys to older women? EMPLOYED AGAIN: EDDIE
E
By Subhash K Jha ddie Redmayne is having a suc‑

P
cessful run in Hollywood, but
riyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have
there are days when he wonders
company. Older women in love with
if he will get employed again. The Oscar‑
younger guys seems to be a trend tak‑
winning actor says he still remembers all
ing hold of the entertainment industry. There
the rejections that he faced and it keeps
is a lot in common between the two newly
him grounded.
"outed" couples in the entertainment industry,
"You never forget the rejections. You
Arjun Kapoor‑Malaika Arora and
never forget the years of being told no. It
Harshvardhan Rane‑Kim Sharma.
is quite deeply in us. It is why lot of
Both the men are at least 10 years junior to
actors are neurotic and nervous,"
the woman with whom they have chosen to
Redmayne told IANS in an exclusive
spend the rest of their lives.
interview while promoting his film
And let's not beat around the bush: Arjun‑
"Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of
Malaika, Harshvardhan‑Kim intend to stay
Grindelwald" in Los Angeles.
together and are planning a matrimonial
"I remember reading an interview of
togetherness in the near future. Can't say
Rachel Weisz saying that she never
exactly when, since both need to sort out the
believes that she will be employed again.
clutter caused by earlier relationships.
That time I was a young and struggling
There is one more trait in common between
actor and I was like ʻYou are Rachel
the two couples. They have both decided to
Weisz. You are gonna be fine'.
throw all caution to the winds. On more than Oscar‑winning actor Eddie Redmayne
"But now even though in some ways, I
one occasion recently both couples were seen worked as a waiter before
have had a successful run, I still feel the
indulging in PDA without a care in the world. Age is just a number for actor Arjun Kapoor Hollywood beckoned him.
same. I really do feel the same. My con‑
But hang on.They won't make any formal and girlfriend Malaika Arora. cern is that I hope people enjoy this film just crashed and I was laughed at. And I
announcement on their relationship status.
and I hope I get to make another one of was like ʻMaybe I will try to be an actor
Does that make any sense? Not really. It's like a Indian cinema.
these films," added the actor on a candid one day'."
milking a cow that's in gestation. Saif Ali Khan married Amrita Singh, who was
note.” Do you also wonder whether you He walked into the industry with a
I did manage to speak to one‑half of one of 12 years his senior. Their marriage was
will be employed again? career‑breaking role in "Twelfth Night"
the couples who says, "What is there to annulled many years ago on a very bitter note.
"Yes, frequently," said Redmayne, who at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in 2002,
announce? We are not together to make news. Arjun Rampal and Farhan Akhtar were married
grew up in London and worked as a but got his ticket to the filmy world with
We just want to be together. If the public is to women quite a few years older. They both
waiter and at a pub before pursing his his role in "My Week with Marilyn" back
watching, we are okay with that. If they weren't had two daughters each from their wives and
dream to become an actor. in 2011.
watching, we'd still be okay with that." have quit the marital alliance and have moved
"The worst job was being a waiter at It was his role as Stephen Hawking in
Interestingly, Bollywood has a long history of on in life.
the British Soap Awards. There were "The Theory of Everything" which took
younger men marrying older women. Matinee Abhishek Bachchan, whose wife, the beau‑
many actors. I was about 21 and I had to him to the next level. He won an Oscar,
idol Shashi Kapoor was a good 10 years junior teous Aishwarya Rai, is some years his senior,
take empty glasses and they had put Bafta, Golden Globe, and SAG for his
to his wife Jennifer. They shared one of the says age is never a factor to define a marriage.
many champagne glasses and that thing heart‑rending performance.
most successful marriages in the history of Love is.

VETERAN ACTOR ALYQUE I never had a career:

PADAMSEE DEAD Shekhar Kapur
V
eteran actor, theatre personality

I
and advertising guru Alyque
nternationally
Padamsee died in Mumbai, fami‑
acclaimed Indian film‑
ly sources said. He was 90. He had been
maker Shekhar Kapur
ailing since sometime before he
says he never had a career
breathed his last recently.
and that life, for him, has
He is survived by two former wives
always been an adventure.
and a former partner and four children,
Kapur was questioned by
besides other relatives, several of them
a troller, who asked him if
prominent names in the glamour and
"anything was left in his
entertainment industry.
career".
Among various professional achieve‑
To which, the filmmaker
ments, Padamsee is best remembered
replied: "I never had a
for his role of a stern and stubborn
career. I dropped that word
Mohammed Ali Jinnah in Richard
from my life when I was 24
Attenborough's multi‑Oscar award win‑ Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur is known for his
and walked away from a successful
ner classic, "Gandhi" (1982). works in Hindi and international cinema.
ʻcareer' as a Chartered Accountant in
A renowned personality in the English
London. Since then life has been, is, He gained international recognition
theatre scene, he produced around 70
and will always be an adventure. On this with the 1994 Bollywood film "Bandit
plays, including notable ones like
journey I've done so many things... Queen", based on Mala Sen's biography
"Evita", "Tughlaqa, "Jesus Christ
Including making films." of infamous Indian bandit and politician
Superstar", "Death of a Salesman", "A
Kapur is known for his works in Hindi Phoolan Devi, which won the National
Streetcar Named Desire" and "Broken
and international cinema. He is known Film Award for Best Feature Film in
Images". Padamsee was conferred sev‑
in Bollywood for his recurring role in Hindi. In international cinema, his his‑
eral honors during his lifetime includ‑
the TV series "Khandan" in the mid‑ torical biopics on "Queen Elizabeth",
ing the Padma Shri, Advertising Man of
Actor Alyque Padamsee was conferred 1980s and his directorial debut in the "Elizabeth" and "Elizabeth: The Golden
The Century and the Sangeet Natak
several honors, including the Padma Shri. cult Bollywood film "Masoom" in 1983 Age", won the BAFTA Award for Best
Akademi Tagore Ratna.
and then "Mr. India". Film and two Academy Awards.
 18 November 24-30, 2018 TRAVEL TheSouthAsianTimes.info

A serene Sydney Harbor Bridge seen in moonlight.

By Prashant Sood

O
ne of the abiding pleasures
of travel is that it never
ceases to surprise. And so it
was in Sydney when on my way to
catch a bus I heard a name that
rung a bell ‑‑ Dave Sharma. It turned
out to be a fascinating story of a
recent trip that gave a glimpse into panoramic views all along its two‑ sparkling glory. It is a short walk
Australia's vaunted multicultural‑ hour journey as it touched Opera from the central business district
ism. We were at a lodge which was House and Darling Harbour and (CBD), which is a charming place
a walking distance from the went under the Sydney Harbour with marvelous old and new build‑
University of New South Wales Bridge. ings that combine work with leisure
(UNSW), our prime destination, that The cruise allows a good view of and shopping.
is becoming increasingly popular the Sydney Harbour Bridge ‑‑ the We did most of our shopping
among Indian students seeking largest steel arch bridge in the from Paddy's market near the CBD
higher education. The mornings world ‑‑ and the view from below it which has stalls selling a variety of
and afternoons were on the cam‑ revealed the enormity and solidity wares including jewelry, souvenirs,
pus, which reflected a huge cultural of its construction. It was opened in accessories and dresses. The adjoin‑
diversity, and the evenings were for 1932. The on‑board commentary ing mall also had good bargains.
us to discover the city. on the cruise narrated the story of Sydney has an efficient transport
Australia. Devanand Sharma, popu‑ food restaurant ‑‑ for quality of its
The exploration went quite per‑ other landmarks, including the system and the Opal Card can also
larly known as Dave Sharma, I dis‑ food as also warmth of its staff. It
fectly for the first two days but the Royal Botanic Gardens, Garden be used on local trains. Among my
covered later, was not fighting an had Indian students working there
weather turned wet later and the Island Naval base, Government firsts in Sydney was a visit to Ikea
ordinary by‑election. on a part‑time basis and it was
iconic Bondi beach seemed a distant House, waterfront homes and Fort store but the experience of the city
He was the ruling Liberal party interesting to know their stories
dream. But me and a friend were Denison. We again visited Darling would have been less rich without
candidate for Wentworth, a seat and ambitions. The restaurant had a
firm on not giving it a miss. We Harbour at night on the penulti‑ that early morning dash to the
vacated by former Australian Prime variety of burgers, wraps and
bought the Opal Cards (required for mate day of our stay to see it in its Bondi beach. ‑IANS
Minister Malcolm Turnbull, follow‑ snacks along with sides and dips on
local travel) early in the morning on
ing a rather bitter internal battle the menu.
the penultimate day of our stay
and the contest was being watched The Sydney
even as it was drizzling and boarded ra House defines Sydney.
closely in the world capitals. He Harbour For outsiders the magnificent Ope
a bus after getting directions. veles panoramic views all
eventually lost, a result predicted cruise, which Tourists take the cruise that unra
hes Opera House and
along its two‑hour journey as it touc
The beach ‑‑ a vast stretch of fine
earlier. But he also underlined the we undertook
the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
sand merging into the curling
city's and country's plural ethic and on the first day Darling Harbour and goes under
oceanic waves ‑‑ was swept by rain
open to people from different eth‑ of our visit,
and wind by the time we reached
nicities and cultures. was a memo‑
there. Against the backdrop of the
The street where we stayed had rable experi‑
vast Pacific Ocean, a lonely runner
an undulating terrain and the hous‑ ence. Given that
was measuring his paces in the
es had a very neat look. The shop‑ we were in the
sand. Holding our umbrellas with
ping area on Belmore Road, a few city for only a
great difficulty in the gushing wind,
hundred yards away, had wide vari‑ short period, it
we took quick photographs and
ety of food and offered massages gave us a good
rushed back.
and therapies from quite a few glimpse of its
While going to the beach, I had
places, particularly Thailand. There landmarks. The
heard two youngsters urging people
was an Indian restaurant as well cruise ship, with
at an intersection to vote for Dave
and the shops had people of various an open deck at
Sharma. I took the pamphlets,
nationalities working in them. the top, sailed
amused that a man with an Indian
We went quite a few times to gently and
surname was fighting election in
Oporto ‑‑ a Portuguese‑themed fast‑ unraveled
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SUBCONTINENT November 24-30, 2018 19

Political crisis worsens in Lanka; parliament in chaos

A raging political crisis in Sri Lanka the raging political crisis. The Sirisena‑led United People's
has been set off by President meet ing was attended by Freedom Alliance (UPFA) did not
Maithripala Sirisena's controver‑ Rajapaksa, Wickremesinghe and take part in the vote and vehe‑
sial decision to remove Prime other political leaders. mently protested the no confi‑
Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Ealier, the Sri Lankan dence process.
and installing ex‑president Parliament had approved a no‑ The measure was approved in
Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place confidence motion against new the first session of Parliament
last month. The island nation of Prime Minister Mahinda after the Supreme Court on
Sri Lanka is now in limbo with cri‑ Rajapaksa and his controversially November 13 overturned its dis‑
sis talks failing and the parliament appointed government, a day after solution by the President.
turning unruly. the Supreme Court stayed a presi‑ Both Wickremesing he and
Colombo: Brewing tensions in Sri dential decree dissolving the legis‑ Rajapaksa claimed they would
Lanka's Parliament over a no‑con‑ lature. continue to be in office. The for‑
fidence motion against the coun‑ The majority (of the 225‑mem‑ mer said the motion had been
try's newly appointed prime min‑ ber Assembly) voted to support passed with a majority through a
ister boiled over to an all‑out the no‑confidence motion against "voice vote".
brawl between lawmakers. former strongman Rajapaksa who UNP leg islator Lakshman
MPs allied to the disputed Prime was made Prime Minister in Kiriella said: "We have the majori‑
Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa October replacing Ranil ty and the proper parliamentary
Sri Lanka's disputed PM Mahinda Rajapakse (L)
threw chilli powder at opposing Wickremesinghe, said Speaker procedures were followed. The
attends a Parliament session.
MPs and hurled chairs at police Karu Jayasuriya in a statement. new government is no more. Ranil
of ficers, even as the Assembly must now be presented for ratifi‑ stances," he added. Wickremesing he's United Wickremesinghe will once again
passed another no‑confidence cation by the President. It was the second day of scuffles National Party (UNP), the JVP, the be the Prime Minister of the
motion dismissing his government "I urge all parliamentarians to in Parliament amid ongoing politi‑ main opposition Tamil National nation."
for a second time this week. uphold principles of democracy," cal turmoil in Sri Lanka. Alliance, the Tamil Progressive Sirisena dissolved the legisla‑
In a chaotic parliamentary ses‑ Sirisena said on twitter when ugly An all‑party meet ing on Alliance, the Sri Lanka Muslim ture last week after he replaced
sion, 122 of the 225 legislators in scenes broke out in the chamber. November 18, called by Sirisena Cong ress and the All Ceylon Wickremesinghe with Rajapaksa,
the Sri Lankan chamber signed "I w ill not prorogue the soon after the incident, failed to Makkal Congress voted in favor of who did not have sufficient parlia‑
the no‑confidence motion which Parliament under any circum‑ make any breakthrough to end the no‑trust motion. mentary backing.

India, Maldives break Imran Khan rejects Trump's allegations

ice, agree on Indian
Islamabad: Pakistan's Prime Minister ing $1.3 billion annually to
Imran Khan has rejected the US Islamabad, the latter had done noth‑
President's allegations that ing. "(Bin Laden) lived in Pakistan,

Ocean stability Islamabad failed to cooperate with

the US and had helped the former Al
Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden hide
we're supporting Pakistan, we're giv‑
ing them $1.3 billion a year. I ended
it because they don't do anything for
in the country until his death at the us, they don't do a damn thing for
hands of the US military in a covert us," Trump had said.
operation in 2011. "Think of this ‑ living in Pakistan,
Imran Khan said in a series of beautifully in Pakistan in what I
tweets that Islamabad had joined the guess they considered a nice man‑
American war on terror even though sion," said the US President, adding
Pakistan PM Imran Khan.
no Pakistani national was involved in that Laden's hideout had been next
the 9/11 terror attack in the US, Afghanistan, the Taliban today are to a military academy. In January,
reports Efe news. stronger than before," Imran Khan Washington announced the suspen‑
"Instead of making Pakistan a tweeted in response to Donald sion of the major part of its security
scapegoat for their failures, the US Trump's remarks. On Sunday, Trump aid to Pakistan until Islamabad took
should do a serious assessment of accused the Pakistani government of "decisive" steps against terrorist
why, despite 140,000 NATO troops hiding Bin Laden in its territory in an groups such as the Taliban, which
plus 250,000 Afghan troops and interview to broadcaster Fox News threaten "regional stability and
reportedly $1 trillion spent on war in and claimed that despite the US giv‑ American interests".

Indian PM Narendra Modi felicitates Maldivian President Ibrahim

Taliban not losing in Afghanistan:
Mohamed Solih on his assumption of office.

Male: Seen as a fresh revival of ties

between India and the Maldives,
maintaining peace and security in
the Indian Ocean and being mindful
US military officer
the two countries agreed to work of each other's concerns and aspira‑ Washington: A top US military offi‑ military, political and economic pres‑
on peace and stability in the Indian tions for the stability of the region," cer said that the Taliban "are not los‑ sure to convince the Taliban it was in
Ocean region following a meeting it stated. ing" in Afghanistan, and much more their interest to negotiate a political
between Prime Minister Narendra "The two leaders expressed their needs to be done to bring peace to solution to the crisis with the govern‑
Modi and new Maldives President unwavering commitment and sup‑ the war‑torn country. "They are not ment in Kabul. "Without going into
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. port for increased cooperation in losing right now, I think that is fair to detail here, we do believe the Taliban
"The two leaders, while noting combating terrorism both within say," CNN quoted Gen Joseph know that at some point they do
the resilience of the re lat ions the region and elsewhere." Dunford, chairman of the Joint have to reconcile," he said. "The key
between India and the Maldives, Prior to the meeting, Modi attend‑ Chiefs of Staf f, as saying during a to success is to combine all that pres‑
expressed confidence in the renew‑ ed the swearing‑in ceremony of discussion at a security forum in sure to incentivize the Taliban" to
al of the close bonds of cooperation Solih in the Maldives' capital. Canada. negotiate. As part of the administra‑
and friendship with the election of Modi was the senior‑most foreign "We used the term stalemate a tion's strategy to bring about a politi‑
Solih as the President of the leader to attend the ceremony in year ago and, relatively speaking, it cal resolution to the 17‑year war,
Maldives," a joint statement issued the Indian Ocean archipe lago Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of
has not changed much." President Donald Trump announced
Staff Gen Joseph Dunford.
following the meeting said. nation that went through immense Dunford said that while there an increase in US troops last year
"During their meeting, both lead‑ political turmoil under former would never be a "military solution" Afghanistan, the US and its NATO that brought the total number in the
ers agreed on the importance of President Abdulla Yameen. on its own to bring peace to partners were working to leverage country to about 14,000.
 20 November 24-30, 2018 INTERNATIONAL TheSouthAsianTimes.info

May fights for survival, urges Europe must prevent

political chaos: Macron
unity amid Brexit turbulence Berlin: France's President
Emmanuel Macron has called for
London: UK Prime Minister closer ties between Paris and
T heresa May appealed to her Germany, saying Europe "has the
Cabinet to stick together as she obligation not to let the world slip
battled to cling onto her job, a into chaos".
day after a wave of resignations France and Germany were expect‑
thrust her terms for a departure ed to unveil plans for a limited joint
from the EU into jeopardy. eurozone budget on Monday aiming
As No 10 geared up for a poten‑ at a more integrated zone, the BBC
tial vote of no confidence, govern‑ reported.
ment whips were recalled to Macron has also urged Germany's
Westminster from their con‑ backing for a European Army,
st ituencies, the Independent French President
which he has said would reduce the
reported. Emmanuel Macron.
bloc's dependence on the US, and a
"I want all of my colleagues in new tax on internet tech giants. He our public debates, attack our liber‑
the Cabinet to continue to do the was here for the country's annual al democracies and are trying to pit
excellent job they've been doing," day of mourning for victims of war us against each other," he said.
May said when asked during a and in his speech to Germany's par‑ "And in this global order, which
A Brexit protest outside Downing Street in London.
radio phone‑in if she expected liament, said Europe must not we have to take very seriously, our
further resignations. abandon the Cabinet said he brewing for months within her strength ‑ our true strength ‑ lies in
"become a plaything of great pow‑
She insisted she would carry on would remain in his post as he own party over the UK's future unity."
ers".
as Prime Minister and defended offered his backing for May, who ties to the EU. US President Donald Trump had
They were set to discuss migra‑
the Brexit deal that infuriated was facing backlash over the pro‑ Members of her Conservative attacked Macron on Twitter last
tion, defence co‑operation and tax
many of her MPs. The leader was visional deal she struck on the Party were openly plotting on to week when the French leader called
structures for digital companies
speaking minutes after former UK's withdrawal from the EU. try to trigger the no‑confidence nationalism a "betrayal of patriot‑
German Chancellor Angela
Culture Secretary John May said she would name in a vote in an ef fort to force her to ism" while commemorating the end
Merkel has expressed tentative sup‑
Whittingdale became the latest to day or two a successor to negotiate a dif ferent deal with of World War I.
port for some of these ideas.
announce he had submitted a let‑ Dominic Raab who quit as Brexit Brussels. Merkel has welcomed his vision
The French President spoke of
ter of no‑trust in her. Secretary recently, according to The pact has drawn fierce dis‑ and accepted: "You said we are at a
nationalist forces "with no memo‑
On the other hand, Environment Efe news. The coming days will be approval from key Conservative crossroads... and this is exactly what
ry", and urged progressive forces to
Secretary Michael Gove hotly critical for both May's Brexit deal figures as well as the main oppo‑ I perceive. Those of us born after
unite in an uncertain world.
tipped to take on the freshly and her premiership as she seeks sition Labour Party who said May the war are responsible for the les‑
"There are too many powers that
vacated role of Brexit Secretary or to quell a rebellion that has been has conceded too much. sons that we learned."
wish to thwart us, that interfere in

Australia PM slammed Kim Jong-un tests high-tech

for 'smutty' comment weapon: Pyongyang media
Canberra: Australian
Prime Minister Scott Seoul: North Korean leader Kim
Morrison faced criticism Jong‑un has inspected a test of a
following his "smutty" new ly deve loped hig h‑tech
remarks about actress weapon, amid faltering nuclear
Pamela Anderson, after disarmament negotiations with
she asked him to help the US, Pyongyang's state media
Wikileaks founder Julian reported.
Assange. T he Korean Central
Anderson had urged Broadcasting Station said that
Scott Morrison to bring Kim visited a testing site at a
Assange to Australia. national defence institute and
Rejecting her plea, inspected the test of the unspeci‑
Morrison said he had fied new tactical weapon, reports
"plenty of mates who Yonhap News Agency.
have asked me if they "The state‑of‑the‑art weapon
can be my special envoy that has been long developed
Australian PM Scott Morrison North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un
to sort out the issue with under the leadership of our
made comments against
Pamela". party's dynamic leadership has a
Several politicians
actress Pamela Anderson.
meaning of complete ly safe‑ Second Trump-Kim summit in 2019: Pence
backed the actress slam‑ avoid extradition to Sweden guarding our territory and signif‑ Singapore: US Vice President Mike Pence confirmed that a second sum‑
ming the politician saying it was over sexual assault allegations ‑‑ icantly improving the combat mit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim
high time men stopped using a a case that has since been power of our people's army. Jong‑un would take place next year.
woman's sexuality and appear‑ dropped. "The testing of the high‑tech The first summit between Trump and Kim was held on June 12 in
ance to denigrate her political He has remained in the tactical weapon has been carried Singapore, in which the North Korean leader had agreed to work
arguments. embassy over fears of extradi‑ out successfully, meeting all towards denuclearizing the country and the US President had
A government minister tion to the US. Last week, US superior and powerful designing guaranteed security for the regime, reports Efe news.
defended his comment though media reported officials were indicators," it said. "We believe that the summit will likely occur after the first of the
as being "light‑hearted", the BBC preparing charges against him. The Station reported that Kim year, but the when and where of that is still being worked out," Pence
reported. Earlier in November, praised scientists, saying they told the media here after meeting South Korean President Moon Jae‑in.
Morrison has not yet respond‑ Anderson who is a former have made yet another achieve‑
ed to Anderson's criticism. "Baywatch" star and long‑time ment, calling the successful test‑ by Choe Ryong‑hae, vice chair‑ Department; and Vice
Assange, an Australian citizen, advocate for Assange, called on ing a great innovation in enhanc‑ man of the ruling Workers' Department Director Jo Yong‑
claimed asylum in Ecuador's the Australian government to ing its national defence capacity. Party; Ri Pyong‑chol, a senior won of the party's Central
London embassy in 2012 to help him. Kim Jong‑un was accompanied official of the Munitions Industry Committee.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BUSINESS November 24-30, 2018 21

Work on to get India in $5 trillion club soon: Modi

New Delhi: Reaching out to top

UIDAI CEO new

industrialists and businessmen,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
said the government is working
towards making India a $5 trillion
economy and for this the country
will have to continue scaling up
Revenue Secretary
the World Bank's Ease of Doing New Delhi: UIDAI CEO Ajay also announced that Girish
Business (EODB) ranking. "Now Bhushan Pandey will be the Chandra Murmu, the 1985‑
our target is to get India into the new Finance Secretary, replac‑ batch Gujarat‑cadre IAS officer
$5 trillion club in the shortest ing Hasmukh Adhia ‑‑ the who is presently Special
possible time. For this, we have to Gujarat‑cadre IAS officer who Secretary at Revenue
improve all areas of the economy," is set to retire on November Department, would replace
he said addressing them at his 30. Expenditure Secretary Ajay
residence here while launching Pandey, a 1984‑batch IAS Narayan Jha when he retires
the "Ease of Doing Business Grand officer of the Maharashtra on January 31 next year.
Challenge". cadre, would continue to hold Adhia, who turned 60 earlier
Currently, India is a $2.5 trillion the additional charge of this month, had an eventful
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government is working Unique Identification Authority stint as Finance Secretary dur‑
economy. Modi said the govern‑
towards making India a $5 trillion economy.
ment is working on an industrial of India (UIDAI) CEO and ing the days of demonetisation
policy that takes into account the which India has climbed up 65 the country needs growth, infra‑ Goods and Services Tax and the ushering in of the GST
changing economic scenario and ranks from 142 to 77 in the last structure, jobs and increase in per Network (GSTN) Chairman till regime. The IAS officer worked
will be aligned to the aspirations four years. He said the Centre is capita income. He said the govern‑ further instructions, according in the Finance Ministry for
of the new industrialists in New working continuously with the ment is putting stress on "policy to an order issued by the four years including the last
India. state governments on EoDB usher‑ driven governance and pre‑ Appointments Committee of three years as Revenue
"We w ill have to keep the ing in cooperative, competitive dictable transparent policies". the Cabinet. The committee Secretary.
changes in mind. Manufacturing federalism. "Now we all have to The Prime Minister said the gov‑
and services sectors are now com‑ work together to get into the top ernment is not only working to much wider than that. We are either IMF, Moo dy's, World
plementary to each other with 50 rank. In days to come, I will improve its business‑friendly working to improve the ease of Economic Forum or UNCTAD," he
both adding value to the other. hold review meetings with differ‑ ranking but also towards giving a living for common cit izens, said. The objective of the Grand
New techniques, artificial intelli‑ ent departments as decisions quality life to the common citi‑ traders and small industrialists. Challenge is to invite innovative
gence and information technology rolled out by December will get zens. "The country is continuously ideas based on artificial intelli‑
is now an essential part of the reflected in the EoDB rankings of "World Bank's ranking is decid‑ working on reforms to make peo‑ gence, Internet of Things, big data
ecosystem," he said. next year," he said. Modi said ed only on some parameters but ple's life simple and easy. India's analytics, block chain and other
Modi said the industrial policy business, trade and industry are the government's strateg y of rank is rising or has already risen cutting‑edge technology to reform
will give importance to EoDB in an essential part of the country as reform, perform and transform is in the several evaluations done by government processes.

India renews call No bail‑out for Jet Airways:

for WTO reform
New Delhi: Making an indirect reference to the ongoing
Minister
US‑China trade war that poses a "big challenge" to the New Delhi: T he Central However, Choubey said
multilateral trade system, India has reiterated its call to government ruled out the the issue has to be sort out
reform the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ensure possibility of providing any between the airline and the
its relevance in the changed global scenario. Addressing financial bail‑out or leeway airport operators and that
a conference here organized by industry chamber Ficci, to cash‑strapped Jet the ministry has no role in
Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said that the ongoing Airways, stating that it's such commercial delibera‑
discussions to reform the WTO must include both old as the prerogative of the com‑ tions.
well as new issues so as to prepare a "forward‑looking pany's management to Currently, the airline is
agenda" for the multilateral body. implement policies to facing financial troubles
"To ensure that there no repeat of the Buenos Aires ensure smooth functioning due to an increase in Brent
(WTO ministerial in December 2017) failure it had been of the airline. According to fuel, along with a weak
decided to draw up a new agenda for the WTO," Prabhu Civil Aviat ion Minister rupee and a mismatch
said. Suresh Prabhu, the govern‑ between high fuel prices
"Since then much water has flown under the WTO ment looks at sector‑spe‑ and low fares.
bridge, so to speak, and the organisation faces unprece‑ cific issues in the current On November 16, Tata
dented challenges." de‑regulated policy envi‑ Sons, the holding company
Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump launched ronment. of the Tata Group firms,
a trade war against China by imposing tariffs on around Prabhu was answering said discussions on acquir‑
half of its imports into America and has threatened to questions on a possible ing a stake in the financial‑
Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu.
deepen the conflict and target all of its imports. bail‑out package for the ly troubled airline are at a
Prabhu said that there were current challenges to glob‑ airline at the launch event and mobile app" here. said that the airline wanted preliminary stage and that
al trade, the impact of which would have serious implica‑ of the upgraded version of Besides, Civil Aviation some time to pay charges no such proposal has been
tions for the world economy and individual nations. "AirSewa 2.0 web portal Secretary R. N. Choubey of the airport operators. made so far.
 22 November 24-30, 2018 SPORTS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Will Indians correct what went wrong in England?

By Veturi Srivatsa formats of the game, in Tests in 400‑plus score. In Australia in the
particular, having toted up 1,063 past, even 400‑plus first‑innings

W
hether the country's runs at an average of a shade less scores were not adequate to win
cricket authorities have than 60. matches.
anything to do with the In shorter formats, the challenge To expect Kohli to reproduce the
public dealings of skipper Virat is from not anyone else but his form he showed four years ago
Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri or it's own deputy and opening batsman when he scored 692 runs, averag‑
the ef fect of the team's perform‑ Rohit Sharma, who smashes ing a staggering 86.5 is not fair.
ance in the South Africa and record after record practically He is right: Individual landmarks
England, the two are a lot mel‑ every time he goes out to bat. do contribute to the team's
lowed now. Finally, there is the stock ques‑ growth, but they have to pool their
They were not exactly milk and tion from the mediapersons, that resources in a consistent manner.
honey talking to the media, Kohli dominates the team manage‑ He used a complex, highfalutin
though they were quite restrained ment and Ravi Shastri is essential‑ sentence to explain his vision: "It's
on the eve of the India team's ly a ʻyes man'. This could have up to the individuals to take own‑
departure for Australia. T hey made him snap, but he did not. He ership of that responsibility and
made their customary statements handled the situation deftly. the things that are explained, that
Skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri on the eve of the India
like hoping to become the first team's departure for Australia. (Photo: IANS) All that Kohli can do to inspire is are laid out as expectations from
team to win a series Down Under to ask his teammates to stick team culture point of view. That
and that there'is no reason why Cricket Council has set. ability to play without a reason to around with him. That still means can only be achieved when indi‑
they can't win if they perform as a He made it clear that he would pump myself up. Those were very pressure on him. viduals go and work on those
team. Don't forget, despite their 1‑ like to play straight without get‑ immature things that I needed to He cannot ask his bowlers to do things."
2 defeat in South Africa and 1‑4 in ting into arguments on the field, feed on in early days of my everything to win matches or even Finally, he amplified Shastri's
England, India are still the No.1 but if the opponents want it that career." contribute with the bat lower theory, that yes, a lot of things
Test side in the world. Kohli and way, he wouldn't mind playing the In fact, he did not take on the down as has been happening for a went wrong in England, but to be
his team will feel they are truly Australian way. mediapersons asking what they couple of years now. Look at the honest, there was not much that
the world's best side by right if He was firm in saying that "if thought of the team's performance number of hundreds scored by went wrong!
they can win in Australia. they want to play in a certain way, or what would be the best eleven Ravichandran Ashw in, "Whatever was not right was
Kohli also realizes that he need we will reciprocate in that way, in the reporter's view. Wriddhiman Saha, Ravindra Jadeja very extreme also. We played good
not exhibit his anger to psyche that's how the game of cricket Kohli can still look at his own and Hardik Pandya ‑ not to speak cricket, but the mistakes were also
himself or the side up after the goes", adding that he would like to performance as captain with a of Rishab Pant. very extreme, that's why we lost
disapproval rating he received play like the Australians, hard and degree of satisfaction when his Ideally, at least one top‑order that many number of g ames
both in South Africa and in fair. counterparts elsewhere are under batsman must play a big knock to rather than w inning those
England when he seemed to lose As for his own behaviour on the pressure to keep their teams make things easier for the middle moments and winning the games."
his cool or behave in a way that's fie ld, Kohli is clear about his under check or face the conse‑ and lower‑order batsmen. If in Everyone agrees, the points
not expected of a captain ‑ even if approach and said it without a quences. As a batsman, he is clear‑ every innings two batsmen can get Kohli raised or answered have to
others are not measuring up to the trace of arrogance seen not long ly head and shoulders above all going and others can play around be corrected this time around. Will
high standards the International ago: "I have enough belief in my other international batsmen in all them, it can safely give the team a they?

Mary Kom in quarters, INJURED HARDIK WILL

BE MISSED: SHASTRI
Sarita out Brisbane: India's head coach Ravi
Shastri said all‑rounder Hardik
Pandya will be missed during the
New Delhi: Veteran "Feeling good, the pres‑
boxer M.C. Mary sure is of f. I always tough Australian tour starting
Kom entered the enjoyed boxing, it has from Wednesday as he provides
quarter‑finals while been my life whether I proper balance to the side.
Sarita Devi lost her train or compete in tour‑ Hardik had suf fered an acute
bout to crash out of naments," said the moth‑ lower back spasm during the
the World Women's er of three children. game against Pakistan in the Asia
B o x i n g In the 69kg category, Cup and is currently recovering.
Championship here. Sarita lost a close con‑ "I think one player who we will
Mary reg istered a test. Sarita showed some certainly miss in the squad is
unanimous 5:0 win great moves. Towards Hardik Pandya who is sidelined
over Kazakhstan's the end Sarita pulled a lot due to an injury. Pandya lends bal‑
Aigerim Kassenayeva of punches and also land‑ ance to the side because of his
in the flyweight cate‑ ed it on the mark but the ability to operate as a bowler as
gory (48kg). Sarita, umpires decision went in well as a batsman which allows us
on the other hand, favor of her opponent. to play an extra bowler," Shastri
Veteran boxer M.C. Mary Kom.
lost by a 2:3 split "I thought I got unlucki‑ told reporters here.
decision to Ireland's Kellie Anne playing some attacking game. The er. Some points did not go my way. "We will be forced to think twice
Harrington in the lightweight veteran Indian boxer landed some But I will continue to box as long with regard to team selection as a
60kg category to bow out. powerful punches to take a much as I can," said a dejected Sarita. result of his absence. Hopefully,
Apart from Mary, Manisha needed advantage. Among other players, Manisha he will get fit soon. However, if
Moun, Lovlina Borgohain and In the third round, Aigerim tried outpunched her way to upstage the fast bowlers perform well, we
Bhagyabati Kachari all marched to bounce back but it was too late reigning world champion Dina might not miss him as much," he
into the quarterfinals on the fourth as in the first two rounds she could Zholaman from Kazakhstan with a added. Hardik Pandya.
day of the championships. not match the pace of the Indian unanimous 5:0 decision in the 54 Shastri also said there is no
weak team in the home condi‑ ers not playing when a team
In the first match, Mary started boxer. kg pre‑quarterfinals.
tions. comes to India but God forbid if
the first round on a positive note, Mary was scheduled to take on Equally impressive was Lovlina
"I don't think so. I always anyone says it is a weak Indian
landing a few punches and jabs Wu Yu of China in the quarterfi‑ in her 69 kg pre‑quarterfinal bout
believe no team is weak at home. team because you will be sur‑
without taking much risk. nals. against Panama's Atheyna Bylon,
We might have three or four play‑ prised," the coach said.
The second round saw Mary dis‑ Talking after the bout, Mary said: former world champion.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info LIFE AND LETTERS November 24-30, 2018 23

By Amitabh Bachchan

T
he Gateway of India, at first
instance, appears to be an
odd frame for the type of
conversations that follow. It was,
The power of the Moderate
after all, built to commemorate a
state visit of a foreign invader.
But rather than tearing down the
Once unleashed, terror cannot be stopped by
Gateway after our liberation, we
absorbed it and attached our own
negotiations or wisdom. It can only be repelled,
meanings ‑‑ hospitable welcome
and an openness to the world ‑‑ to it
repulsed and destroyed by a more powerful,
while simultaneously leaving it
intact as a reminder of the British
collective reaction, writes Big B on the
Raj, so we knew that also passed. 10th anniversary of Mumbai’s 26/11.
And it passed because of our collec‑
tive might. We overcame it by the only hopes to bluff that evil can be there. When a farm is infested by as moderates, we must recognize shown that our country's solidarity
solidarity of peaceful resistance. stronger than humanity, that hate weeds, a weed‑killer does not stop that to vilify a foe is no victory at is as strong as an oak tree.
The Gateway, therefore, in its con‑ can be mightier than love. It is now them from growing again after the all, but to understand a foe is the The colonial rulers laughed at
temporary complexity of meanings, for each one of us to decide if we next rains. The farmer has to pull first act of strength in resistance. Mahatma Gandhi when he spoke of
is a locus of reflection and debate. want our children to accept this evil them out, one by one, every single And to understand a foe, one must this vision. His passive resistance
There could not be a more appro‑ doctrine or show them that terror weed, by its roots. first understand oneself. To under‑ suffered unimaginable brutality
priate symbol to commemorate the does not have a place in our hearts. Terror must be rooted out. We stand ourselves, we must ask not during its campaign. But we know
cowardly attacks on November 26, An estimated 20 lakh people were know that the war on terror world‑ what we are the result ‑‑ it demolished the foun‑
2008, at various places across our killed during the Partition of our wide has not eliminated the root against, for that dations of imperialism from the
(Mumbai) city. country in 1947, and several times cause of terrorism so far. And it is defining our‑ face of the earth.
To me, these attacks were a wake‑ more displaced. When people are doesn't look likely, if the selves by the The time has come for us moder‑
up call. But the question I asked divided by distrust, when friends same method is expected ideas of our ates to unite once again. It is time to
myself was: "Wake up, yes, but and neighbors stop trusting each to generate different foe, by their invoke the Mahatma's satyagraha of
wake up to what?" other, when a power. peaceful, non‑violent non‑coopera‑
I woke up to a new era of vio‑ tion. We must boycott not only vio‑
lence, a new kind of violence ‑‑ one lence, but also everything that
inflicted by terrorism. I woke up to breeds it. We must rise up in one
the fact that terrorism is not an ide‑ voice as a nation of moderates, and
ology. It is an act of scaring a peace‑ say: "No!" To the terrorist that one
ful people; an act of evoking the "no" will have the most impact. It's
fear of sudden, untimely death. It is very simple: A parasite cannot kill
an act of negotiating at gunpoint. and survive in the same host at the
Terrorism is not an act of faith. same time. We must refuse to host
Terrorism can never replace anoth‑ terrorists. And today standing at the
er ideology. Whatever the political foot of the Gateway, this is my
rhetoric may be, terrorism is nei‑ prayer:
The Gateway of India represents Indiaʼs hospitable welcome and an openness to the world
ther a form of justice nor an instru‑ – and is an appropriate symbol to commemorate the 26/11 attacks by Pak‑trained terrorists "All those who live for humanity,
ment of justice. It is the whimsical on the Taj Mahal Hotel and other places in Mumbai. all those who live for the children of
randomness of evil. tomorrow, must now realize that it
So how does an unarmed, peace‑ nation turns into hostile islands of results. And here is where I think Rather, to understand ourselves, we is time to rise, and say, 'No!' Uproot
ful humanity fight the fear of terror‑ fear, then our world is broken into we must fall back on Mahatma must ask what we are for. We can every weed from your surround‑
ism's sudden violence? How does fragments, divided by narrow Gandhi's satyagraha, which in its only understand ourselves together. ings. Do not threaten, do not fight,
anyone who believes in a life of domestic walls. This is precisely truest form is the persuasion of To understand ourselves as a col‑ do not kill, do not injure. Simply
merit and hard work begin to what terror aims to achieve. Terror truth. lective is to find the time for debate, refuse to cooperate, at any cost. Do
believe in the authority of guns and does not preserve anything, it is The perception that moderates discussion, argument, listening to not feed the evil; do not host the
bombs? Will armed mercenaries designed to destroy. Once are not relevant in the war on terror each other, trying to understand dif‑ parasite called the terrorist. And
decide the future of our children? unleashed, terror cannot be stopped is rather myopic. Moderates are not fering points of view, engaging, then, may we all live in the dream of
Will the threat of violence point us by a debate. An act of terror, there‑ part of this struggle because both challenging our ways of thinking Gurudev's (Tagore) words: 'Into that
to the causes that we fight for? Will fore, is not open to negotiations or the handlers of terror and the and honoring each other with com‑ Heaven of Freedom, my Father, let
terror decide what is true‑false, cor‑ to wisdom. It can only be repelled, agents of resistance consider them passion. These are the answers to my country awake'."
rect‑incorrect, good‑bad and right repulsed and destroyed by a more to be passive and disempowered. violence and death. If we are to be (IANS ‑ with permission from
or wrong? No. powerful reaction. There are no two Yet, the prime victims of terror are for anything, then to start with, Penguin Random House India from
Terror does no such thing; terror ways about that. A corrective action the moderates. More than 70 per what we must be for is each other. the foreword of "26/11: Stories of
does not decide anything. Terror is necessary. But it does not end cent of our nation is moderate. And That is solidarity, and history has Strength", edited by Kavitha Iyer)

Ramayana and Mahabharata have identical

themes and history: Devdutt Pattanaik
P
opular belief has it that the lar mythologists, explores the simi‑ Mahabharata is, in fact, a reaction
Ramayana is idealistic while larities and dissimilarities between to the events in the Ramayana".
the Mahabharata is realistic the two epics in a "playful analay‑ The publisher added that the
but these two epics have "identical sis". The book will also be accompa‑ ideas in this book are distributed
building blocks, themes, and histo‑ nied by his signature illustrations. over 56 chapters.
ry," says writer‑mythologist Pattanaik, who has penned over "In temple rituals, Vishnu is
Devdutt Pattanaik, whose new book three dozen books on subjects offered 8 different meals daily, dif‑
"Ramayana Versus Mahabharata: related to ancient Indian scriptures ferent on all seven days of the week
My Playful Comparison" is all set and mythology, contends in the ‑ 56 dishes in all.
for release later this month. book that whether it is the family May each chapter serve as a
In the book, New Delhi‑based structure, forest exile, or war, the mouthwatering offering to the
Rupa Publications informed IANS, comparison between the two epics Vishnu within you," Rupa informed
Pattanaik, one of India's most popu‑ proves a startling point ‑‑ that "the IANS in a statement.
24 November 24-30, 2018 BOOK EXTRACT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Being a brown doctor in England

By Vivek V Gumaste MD training in India was limited. Arthritis in it a point to comment on the inef ficiency
India was not a common medical student and corruptness of the Indian bureaucracy
Extracted from V.Q.E: The Tale of an Indian topic as in the UK and the chronic nature of whenever he got a chance. The last member
Physician in the United Kingdom of the the diseases made it an item of less priority; of the team was Mindy Turcot, the SHO who
1980ʼs by Vivek Gumaste (IngramSpark, infectious diseases and other life‑threaten‑ constantly peered at me through large thick
$7.99; $2.99 ‑ kindle) ing disorders took precedence. glasses, was physically on the heavy side
Rheumatology was a little bit of a novelty and did not stand out as being particularly

H
e was tall, easily over 6 feet, distin‑ for me and I found the rounds fairly inter‑ knowledgeable with regard to medicine.
guished looking and some would esting. I would be less than honest if I used Rounds usually lasted for about three
say even handsome for his age. Clad any other term stronger than that to hours but on some days could go on for
in a gray suit under a physicianʼs white coat describe my fee lings for this fie ld. four to five hours with a break for lunch
he was busy demonstrating the crue l Rheumatology by nature was pedestrian, between two sessions. Rounds were not
effects of rheumatoid arthritis on the proxi‑ not glamorous like cardiology or cardiac confined to medical topics and frequently
mal interphalangeal joint (the joint closest surgery and even less exciting than special‑ the conversation veered to include local
to the base of your finger) when I stumbled ties that concentrated on the digestive sys‑ issues and international politics. Without
in to join the rounds, already a few minutes tem or lung problems. such distractions, rounds can become
late and still dazed from the weekend call. Nevertheless, Dr Howard‑Williams was a unbearable especially towards the fag end.
He broke off his sentence in midstream, good teacher and I learnt a lot from him in Dr Williams, like many English consult‑
turned to me with a benevolent smile and those two weeks that I spent on his unit. ants, was a frequent visitor in a profession‑
asked politely, “Where are you from, sir?” Specifically, I learnt how to dif ferentiate al capacity to many of Britainʼs former
“Epping,” I blurted out without realizing between rheumatoid arthrit is and colonies. Libyaʼs Muammar Al‑Gaddafi was
the incongruity of such a response coming osteoarthritis, the two main commonly at the height of his eccentricity in the 80s
as it were from a brown‑skinned Indian or not come from London.) encountered joint problems. and Dr Williams had just returned from a
Asian house officer. Me: London. Dr Williams was the epitome of English trip to Libya.
He froze paused for a moment, the irrita‑ Stranger (exasperated): No, where are punctuality. He started rounds exactly at 9 He spent a good half hour one day recall‑
tion clearly showing on his face, and then your parents from? (Translation: Now a.m. and was very particular that every ing his recent visit there, regaling us with
persisted, “I mean originally.” youʼre just being obtuse.) member of his team be there on time. The details of camel jaunts into the desert and
“From India,” I said. Me: Africa and America. team itself consisted of three other physi‑ telling us of how he had made his displeas‑
It was the 1980s, the world was still rela‑ Stranger (confused): Erm...so where cians apart from me. T here was Tom ure explicitly known to his local contacts
tively insular and I suppose the English are your family from, like, back in the Waitman, the senior reg istrar who with regard to Gaddafiʼs wayward ways, in
consultant could be excused for his pattern day? (Translation: People who come appeared perpetually tired and had good particular his repressive policies.
of quest ioning which was obviously from Africa and America do not look reason to be. He was nearly 40 years old, Post‑rounds banter was also interesting,
prompted by the color of my skin. However like you.) with thinning hair, and was yet to land a sometimes even more interesting than the
30 years later despite a vastly changed Me: Iran, India, Africa, America and consultant position. All his energy was con‑ rounds themselves. Juicy tidbits surfaced
global environment, diehard British atti‑ England. sumed in looking for one. He was the that could not be voiced on rounds. It was a
tudes like this appear not to have changed. Stranger (relieved): India and Iran! Do friendliest of the lot and one who came free‑for‑all. No topic or individual was off
Even if you have been born and brought up you ever go back? across as truly good at heart. limits. A gossip piece doing the rounds was
in Britain and know no other land other At this point, I have to explain that itʼs Nice is not a word that I would use to that Dr Williams had just married someone
than Britain and no other language other hard to go back to somewhere you have describe the other two: civil, but definitely 20 years his junior and was desperately try‑
than English, you are still subject to uncom‑ never been. Iʼve lived in London since I not nice. Next in the hierarchy was John ing to keep in shape to match her age.
fortable questioning because of your color, was a zygote, have a London accent and Smith, the reg istrar, a red‑haired Whether this was true or not I never real‑
as this excerpt from an article titled, “Tired donʼt speak any languages except Eng lishman w ith a goatee who was ly was able to confirm. Sexual peccadilloes
of being asked where I am from” by Ariane English ̶ yet just because Iʼm cashew‑ extremely uptight on rounds but who did of junior doctors and nurses were another
Sherine which appeared in The Guardian in colored, Iʼm often questioned about my loosen up once Dr Williams had left the staple item with specific events often being
March 2010 (nearly 30 years after my heritage. “ scene. He had been to India once and made described in great detail and with relish.
experiences in the UK) indicates:
Despite this awkward introduction, my subsequent interaction with Dr Howard‑
Williams, that was the consultantʼs name, Vivek Gumaste is a gastroenterologist
“So hereʼs a ready‑made answer for
the overly curious. Last weekend, I had
was without incident. Dr Howard‑Williams
in Bronx, NY, and is affiliated with
was a kindly gentleman who spoke in a soft
The Conversation for the 3,897th time polite tone that exuded genuine empathy. multiple hospitals in the area,
̶ and this time, it took place in central He had a special interest in rheumatology including Montefiore Medical Center
London just two roads away from the
hospital where I was born. As usual, it
or joint diseases. Accordingly, his ward con‑
and Mount Sinai Hospital. He
sisted of mostly patients with joint diseases.
went like this: The burden of arthritis in the UK is enor‑ received his medical degree from
Stranger: W here are you from? mous and imposes a hefty strain on society. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate
(Translation: You look a bit brown. Why
are you brown?)
Arthritis is in fact the most common cause
Medical Education and Research and
among people receiving Disability Living
Me: London. Allowance (DLA) in the UK. No wonder has been in practice for more than
Stranger: No, where are you really rheumatology, unlike in India, was an 20 years. He also writes for some
from? ( Translation: You are clearly
telling me untruths. Brown people do
important subject and a distinct specialty.
publications.
My exposure to joint diseases during my
TheSouthAsianTimes.info LIFESTYLE November 24-30, 2018 25

Is emotional intelligence ‘Toxic’ is Oxford Dictionaries’

word of the year
new criteria for hiring?
London: Besides cognitive skills four tests for evaluating the dif‑ then completed the four tests
London: 2018 has been a lot of
things but one word seems to
sum it up best: toxic. At least
Dictionaries on Twitter said.
The video pointed to the use of
the word toxic literally in
and personality, assessing a can‑ ferent parts of emotional intelli‑ that make up GECO. that's according to Oxford describing chemicals and sub‑
didates' level of emotional intelli‑ gence including understanding Findings, published in the Dictionaries' official word of the stances like plastics, as well as
gence is equally important for a and recognizing emotions, regu‑ Journal of Applied Psychology, year selection. The British pub‑ metaphorically depicting rela‑
job interview, suggests a lating one's own emotions and showed that women on the lisher said "toxic" beat out other tionships and masculinity. It said
new study. managing other people's emo‑ whole obtain superior results expressions including "techlash" the #MeToo movement "put the
Emotional intelligence than men, notably and "gaslighting" thanks to the spotlight on toxic masculinity"
is a person's capacity to when asked to inter‑ "sheer scope of its application." while in politics the word has
understand, regulate, pret non verbal emo‑ "In 2018, toxic added many been applied to the "rhetoric,
recognize and manage tional expressions. strings to its poisoned bow policies, agendas and legacies of
interpersonal relation‑ In addition, a supe‑ becoming an intoxicating leaders and governments around
ships judiciously and rior ability to regu‑ descriptor for the year's most the globe."
empathetically. late one's own emo‑ talked about topics," Oxford "Toxic" came ahead of "tech‑
The study found that t ions is linked to Dictionaries said on its website lash," which Oxford Dictionaries
emotional intelligence earning a slig htly late Wednesday. defines as "a strong and wide‑
goes hand‑in‑hand with higher salary. The dictionary defines "toxic" spread negative reaction to the
a hig her deg ree of Emotional intelli‑ as "poisonous" with its roots growing power and influence of
empathy, openness to gence is also linked derived from the medieval Latin large technology companies, par‑
others, respect for moral (Image courtesy: Lynda.com) to a person's well‑ term "toxicus," meaning poi‑ ticularly those based in Silicon
rules and a positive tem‑ being and satisfaction soned or imbued with poison. Valley." "Techlash" has been a
perament. The more emotional tions. They questioned over 40 with his or her lifestyle, accord‑ Data from Oxford Dictionaries key for theme companies like
intelligence skills an individual managers which were included ing to Katja Schlegel, researcher show a 45 percent increase in Facebook, Google and Amazon
has, the better his or her work in GECO. from UNIBE. the number of times people have amid data privacy scandals and
outcomes would be. Participants were asked to "We also noted that managers looked up the word on its web‑ monopolistic concerns.
For the study, the researchers explain diverse situations where who perform well on GECO have site. "Our research shows that Other contenders this year
from the Universities of Geneva they were faced with negative better results in standardized this year, more than ever, people included "gaslighting," "incel,"
(UNIGE) and Berne (UNIBE) in emotions including fear, sadness, leadership tasks and students have been using 'toxic' to "overtourism" and "orbiting."
Sw itzerland deve loped the anger or inappropriate happi‑ with higher GECO scores get bet‑ describe a vast array of things, Last year's word was
Geneva Emotional Competence ness. ter grades," added Schlegel. situations, concerns and events," "youthquake" while "post‑truth"
Test (GECO) which consisted of More than 1,000 individuals ‑(IANS) a video released by Oxford topped the list in 2016.

Skin care regime during How Twitter contributes to 'social jet lag'
winters for different skin types New York: People's social media
usage, which largely mirrors daily
measured social jet lag by surveying
for dif ferences in wake and sleep
New Delhi: Skin tends to become or cream based face wash as per work schedules and school calen‑ times between weekdays and week‑
very dry during winter hence you your choice, tone your face and dars, is causing a huge amount of ends and by using specialized activi‑
need extra care to keep the skin apply a thick cream for intense "social jet lag" and disrupting their ty monitors.
moist and supple. moisturization, apply SPF as a last biological clocks, reveals a study In the new study, reported in the
Mini Sood Banerjee, Brand step. At night also use a cream that analyzed patterns of activity on journal Current Biology, the team
Manager at Innisfree India, offers before going to bed. You can use the social media platform Twitter. collected readily available Twitter
tips on how one should take care homemade packs like mix of malai Social jet lag ‑‑ a syndrome related commuting schedules, including data for more than 1,500 US coun‑
of different skin types in winter. and besan pack for 10 minutes to the mismatch between the body's how many people do shift work, and ties throughout the 2012‑2013 cal‑
8 For dry skin: The skin becomes and wash off. internal clock and the realities of disease risk factors such as obesity. endar years in 15‑minute intervals.
more dry in winters. In the morn‑ Last but not the least, we tend to our daily schedules ‑‑ has previously "When we look at how social jet T hose geographically tagged
ing start your routine with wash‑ drink less water in winters been tied to health problems. The lag changes throughout the year, we tweets represented about 2,40,000
ing your face with a cream based because we turn to hot drinks. But researchers found that sustained find that the dominant effect by far people. Most counties experienced
cleanser, since foaming cleanser don't forget your skin needs periods of low Twitter activity were is the social calendar," said Michael the largest amount of Twitter social
will make the skin drier. Use a hydration from both inside and correlated with sleep patterns, while Rust from T he University of jet lag in February and the lowest in
moisturizing toner which will outside. Take some warm water the nightly lull in Twitter activity Chicago. June or July. The evidence is consis‑
maintain the skin's moisturization with lemon that can be both shifted to later times on weekends "It suggests that humans in mod‑ tent with the notion that those pat‑
levels. After that use a rich face refreshing and hydrating at the relative to weekdays ‑‑ an indication ern societies have biological terns are driven primarily by social
cream which will give intense same time. of social jet lag. The magnitude of rhythms that are somewhat discon‑ pressures, including shifting school
moisturization to your skin. Use an Anuj Mishra, Education Manager this "Twitter social jet lag" varied nected from the changing hours of schedules, and less so by the direct
SPF in the last. You can also use at Kiehl's India also have some seasonally and geographically. It sunlight throughout the year," he seasonal ef fect of altered day
honey as a facemask in winters, inputs to share. was also correlated with average added. Previously, researchers have length. (IANS)
since dry skin becomes flaky and 8 Use lukewarm water to show‑
starts peeling. Honey won't let the er and wash your face and use
skin peel off. gentle non‑stripping cleansers so
8 For oily skin: For oily skin, it that the skin barrier remains
becomes easy during winters. healthy.
Wash your face with a normal 8 Always use a gentle alcohol‑
cleanser, use a water‑based toner free toner so that PH of the skin
or clean your face with rosewater. remain balanced.
Use a water‑based moisturizer. 8 Stay hydrated by using heav‑
Make sure that you moisturize ier moisturizers but in case your
your face after every time you skin breaks out very easily, or you
wash your face, to maintain the still feel that your skin is oily, try
balance of the oil levels, use an to give hydration through light‑
SPF as a last step. weight serums which contains nat‑
8 For combination skin: ural glycerin and Hyaluronic acids.
Combination skin tends to get dry 8 Try using more herbal prod‑
in winters hence the demand for ucts with natural hydrating ingre‑
extra care. Use a normal facewash dients. (IANS)
 26 November 24-30, 2018 IMMIGRATION TheSouthAsianTimes.info

By Dev Banad Viswanath, Esq.

& Michael Phulwani, Esq.
Deferred Action for Childhood
D
eferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
is a program which allows
temporary authorization of stay for
undocumented people who were
brought to the United States as chil‑
Arrivals (DACA) ‑ 2018 Updates
VISA
A grant of certiorari was also
dren. The program was started in
requested in two more cases chal‑
2012 by the Secretary of Homeland
lenging the termination of DACA,
Security while President Obama

TALK
Batalla Vidal v. Nielsen and NAACP
was in office because Congress was
v. Trump. All three of cases are
not able to pass any legislation simi‑
pending before the court of appeals
lar to it, in the form of the DREAM
but the government would like the
Act, which would have created a what exactly will happen with all of
Supreme Court to hear them before
path to permanent residence and the DACA recipients. However,
the court of appeals are able to
eventually citizenship for qualifying based on ongoing federal court liti‑
decide on them. On November 8,
individuals. Under DACA, eligible gation, it looks like USCIS will be
2018, the ninth circuit made a deci‑
beneficiaries were allowed to defer forced to continue to renew DACA
sion on the Regents case and
deportation/removal for a period of applications for people who already
affirmed the lawfulness of the pre‑
two years, plus additional renewal have it.
liminary injunction.
were possible. There are some peo‑ Recent Update on DACA The court stated that the plain‑
ple who have been on DACA for the
tiffs in the case were likely to win
passed 5‑6 years since enactment. There have been several lawsuits
on their claim against the Trump
Last year President Trump had filed against the administration for
administrationʼs dissolution of Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
decided to end the DACA program. ending the DACA program and as a
DACA and that ending DACA was The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States,
Congress was told that they have result three injunctions were issued
“arbitrary and capricious.” The DOJ and Banad Immigration in India for which
until March 5, 2018 to come up by U.S. district courts nationwide, in
will most likely request review of Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of
with some sort of legislation to deal California, New York, and District of
the ruling to the Supreme Court. Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
with all of the undocumented immi‑ Columbia. On November 6, 2018
President Trump will not be able to Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to assist
grants under DACA. Currently the the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
completely shut down the DACA clients with all facets of the immigration process,
DACA program is still in effect and sought certiorari before the U.S including Employment Visas, Consular Visa
program very easily and many peo‑
work permits are valid until their Supreme Court for the second time Assistance, Student Visas, Removal &
ple will continue to fight on behalf
expiration date. Unfortunately, no in the case Regents of the Deportation, US Citizenship and Green Card
of all the DACA recipients. If you
new applications for DACA are University of California v. Applications based on Family or Employment.
have any questions about DACA and
being accepted and DACA recipients Department of Homeland Security. Dev B. Viswanath can be reached at
your rights or options, contact an
will not be given advance parole to The Regents case was pending in [email protected] and 718‑361‑5999.
experienced Immigration Attorney.
travel abroad. It is still uncertain the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

How long does it take to finish

an immigration regulation?
Spoiler alert: More than a year (most of the time)
By Doug Rand agency publishes a formal propos‑ final rule publication and the changes seemingly overnight? istration created the Deferred
al in the Federal Register. Often “ef fective date,” giving the public The answer is that some policy Action for Childhood Arrivals

T
hese days, it seems like the described as a “proposal,” “draft,” some time to prepare for the new changes ̶ even dramatic ones ̶ (DACA) program in 2012, it wasnʼt
federal government is or “plan,” this document is sup‑ regulation. donʼt go through the full regulato‑ through a regulation ̶ instead,
announcing new immigra‑ posed to provide the legal and eco‑ Increasingly these days, thereʼs ry process outlined above. For the Secretary of Home land
tion policies all the time. Yet often nomic rationale for issuing a new also an unof ficial sixth step: The example: Security exercised her discretion
itʼs dif ficult to tell the dif ference regulation. lawsuit. Itʼs possible to sue DHS in The travel ban: Congress long to “defer action” (delay deporta‑
between whatʼs a real change and (2) Public comment period: For federal court and demand that a ago g ranted unusually broad tion) and provide work permits for
whatʼs still just in the planning the next 30–90 days, the proposed new regulation be blocked, but authority to the President to ban undocumented Dreamers whoʼd
stages. rule is open for public comments. only once the final rule has been ent ire classes of people from been brought to the US as children.
That distinction ̶ between an This means that anyone is allowed issued. entering the United States on When the Trump administration
immediate impact and an unfin‑ to send the federal agency their When you read about a “draft” or national security grounds, just by attempted to eliminate the pro‑
ished proposal ̶ makes a huge feedback ̶ whether in support or “proposed” regulation, that means issuing an E/O. Thatʼs how it was gram in 2017, it was through
difference in peopleʼs lives. opposition, and whether sending thereʼs a long way to go before possible (however controversial) to another DHS memo. Now the fate
When Congress makes a law, itʼs in a single sentence or a densely anything actually changes. block some people from entering of the program is tied up in court.
called a statute. But most lawmak‑ reasoned treatise. How long? For immigration reg‑ the United States while they were H1B: Itʼs routine for DHS to issue
ing isnʼt done by Congress ̶ itʼs (3) Internal deliberations: Next, ulations, the answer is more than a still in planes. “policy memoranda” to its immi‑
delegated to the executive branch, the federal agency is obligated by year, on average. Asylum: Just last wee k, the gration of ficers. Recent examples
where various federal agencies law to read through all of the pub‑ Nearly 2 years into the Trump Trump administration acted to include new constraints on H‑1B
hammer out the nitty‑gritty details lic comments, prepare a response administration, DHS hasnʼt final‑ make it much harder for people workers, expanded denials of visa
of the rules that govern our lives. to every serious argument, and ized any big immigration regula‑ crossing the U.S./Mexico border applications, and more. As long as
When a federal agency makes a consider changing course. This tions yet. But there are a growing illegally to be granted asylum. This these policy memos are clarifying
law, itʼs called a regulation. Thereʼs stage typically takes the longest. number of draft rules that DHS has did require a new regulation, but existing law and not creating new
a specific “rulemaking” process (4) Final rule: The agency pub‑ published, and many more in the the administration skipped to the law, they can be implemented
that federal agencies typically lishes a “final” rule in the Federal pipeline. last step using an “Interim Final immediately without a full‑blown
must follow in order to turn a poli‑ Register, including a detailed justi‑ Rule” ̶ think of this as an emer‑ regulation.
cy idea into the law of the land. fication for why it chose to either What about Executive gency measure with no draft ver‑
And until this entire process is fin‑ follow or ignore the comments it Orders? sion and no public comments. This Doug Rand, who earlier worked
ished, the status quo doesnʼt received from the public. If immigration policy takes so is an extraordinary move that will in Obama White House, is
change: (5) Effective date: Thereʼs usually long to implement, then how does certainly be challenged in court. President, Boundless Immigration
(1) Proposed rule: First, the a 30‑ to 90‑day delay between the President Trump make so many DACA: When the Obama admin‑ company.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info LEGAL EAGLE November 24-30, 2018 27

Mandating sex harassment policies & training for employees

By Shannon Azzaro petitive bidding must contain a state‑
What employers need to know to CORPORATE LAW ment affirming that the bidder has

N comply in New York State.

ew York State and New York implemented a written sexual
consultants who are not employees
Part 1 of two‐part series.
City recently passed historic harassment prevention policy and
legislation requiring most of the employer, the State Human provides annual training to all
Rights Law imposes liability on the employees.
private employers in New York to
employer for their actions.
conduct annual sexual harassment
Therefore, employers are encour‑ Application of Sexual
training for all employees, effective
October 9, 2018 (under state law)
aged to provide the policy and train‑ Harassment Laws to
and April 1, 2019 (under city law).
ing to anyone providing services in Non‑Employees
the workplace (to the extent practi‑
This is a two‑part series. This part The new law has also expanded
cable).
will address the New York State the reach of existing protections
The Stateʼs required training must
requirements and the second part against sexual harassment under the
be interactive and contain at a mini‑
will address requirements in the City New York State Human Rights Law
mum:
of New York in the next issue. The 1. an explanation of what consti‑ (“NYSHRL”) to all employees and cer‑
legislation also includes expansion of tutes sexual harassment; tain non‑employees, such as contrac‑
existing protections against sexual 2. examples of conduct constituting tors, subcontractors, vendors, con‑
harassment and additional require‑ unlawful harassment;
sultants, or service providers who
ments for different types of employ‑ 3. information on state and federal
laws concerning sexual harass‑ work in its workplace. This modifica‑
ers. Employers should not delay in complaints; mation which may not be relevant to tion may expose an employer to lia‑
ment and remedies available to
implementing programs and training 6. a statement informing employ‑ the employerʼs industry or which victims; and bility under NYSHRL if it knew or
to ensure compliance and give care‑ ees of their rights of redress and goes beyond the minimum require‑ 4. information on employeesʼ rights should have known that the non‑
ful consideration to both laws, given all available forums for adjudi‑ ments of the law. and available forums for adjudi‑ employee was being subjected to
their significant overlap. cating sexual harassment com‑ cating complaints administra‑ sexual harassment in its workplace
New York State tively and judicially.
plaints administratively and judi‑
New York State Requirements for Sexual and failed to take immediate and
cially;
Requirements for Sexual Harassment Training Additional Changes to appropriate corrective action.
7. a statement that sexual harass‑ Failure to take appropriate correc‑
Harassment Policies ment is a form of employee mis‑
New York State Law
All employees must complete the tive action could subject the compa‑
The state requirements include conduct, and that sanctions will Effective July 11, 2018, the state ny to liability when using subcon‑
model training (available on the
adoption of a compliant sexual be enforced against individuals Stateʼs website) or a comparable law prohibits mandatory nondisclo‑ tractors or other third party service‑
harassment prevention policy by all engaging in sexual harassment training that meets the minimum sure agreements in sexual harass‑ providers.
employers by October 9, 2018. The and managers and supervisory standards by October 9, 2019. All ment claim settlements and agree‑
policies must include: personnel who knowingly allow new employees must be trained as ments, unless the provision of confi‑
Shannon D. Azzaro is an
1. a statement prohibiting sexual such behavior to continue; and soon as possible (however, under the dentiality is the preference of the
Associate in Peckar &
harassment; 8. a statement that retaliation New York City law that goes into complainant.
Abramsonʼs Employment
2. examples of prohibited conduct against individuals reporting effect April 1, 2019, they will need Employers must also re‑examine
and
that would constitute sexual sexual harassment or who testify to be trained within 90 days of hire). their arbitration clauses inasmuch as
Employment
harassment; or assist in any proceeding is Per the Stateʼs guidance, employ‑ the law purports to prohibit employ‑
Practices
3. information concerning the fed‑ unlawful. ers are not responsible to train third‑ ers from requiring employees to sign
Group. She
eral and state statutory provi‑ The Stateʼs model policy is avail‑ party vendors or other non‑employ‑ contracts that mandate arbitration
defends
sions concerning sexual harass‑ able on the Stateʼs website at ees who interact with their New York for sexual harassment claims.
Employment
ment and remedies available to http://www.ny.gov/combating‑sexu‑ State employees; however, the state However, it should be noted that it is
Practices
victims, along with a statement al‑harassment‑workplace/employers. recommends that a copy of the still unclear whether this require‑
Liability
that there may be additional However, employers should note employerʼs sexual harassment policy ment would be preempted by the
Insurance
applicable local laws; that the model policy and training be posted in a highly visible area. Federal Arbitration Act.
(EPLI) and Directors &
4. a standard complaint form; programs may not suit every Further, while employers do not Further, effective January 1, 2019,
Officers (D&O) claims on
5. the procedure for the timely and employer and their specific industry need to provide any policy to inde‑ contractors should take note that all
behalf of employers.
confidential investigation of and needs. They may include infor‑ pendent contractors, vendors, or state contracts which require com‑

By Nitya Kaushik Did Avni truly turn rogue and kill people

Was it necessary to kill Avni? since 2016? Dr. Jimmy Borah, tiger biologist

I
n November 2012, a tigress and her two and consultant at Panthera, that works on the
cubs began a journey from their home in conservation of wild cats, said: "A nursing
the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, UP. She had was blamed for many of these deaths. tigress would probably only attack human
uncharacteristically left the forest. Over the According to a Maharashtra Forest beings for self‑defense, if she feels her cubs
next two years, this tigress is recorded to Department of ficial, an investigation had are threatened. It is highly unlikely that she
have travelled 260 km ‑‑ from the Amariya proved that she was responsible beyond would choose humans as food for her cubs."
region in Pilibhit, criss‑crossing through the doubt for at least two of those deaths. On Highlighting the apathy in the investigation
densely‑populated village areas all the way November 2, this "man‑eater", as she was process, Borah said, "If the concerned tigress
up to Kanpur, where she was sighted in referred to, was shot dead ‑‑ by a sharp‑shoot‑ was suspected of killing 13 people since
February 2014. A team pf of ficials of the er appointed by the Forest Department . 2016, it should have been investigated much
state's Forest Department and tiger conserva‑ Defending the circumstances of Avni's earlier, given the advancement in forensic
tors of WWF‑India were on the trail of this death, Sunil Limaye, Maharashtra's additional tests and methods today."
feline family. principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife), He said that to safeguard the human popu‑
The team speculated whether she had explained that the Pandharkawada forests lation and in the larger interest of saving a
moved out of the forest to protect her cubs house approximately seven to eight tigers. wildlife species, it becomes imperative to
from aggressive males. Months later, in Avni and her two cubs occupied 160 square "remove problem animals" sometimes.
Maharashtra officials said Tigress
September 2014, they also spotted her cubs, km of this forest. Over two years, based on Avni's cubs were "healthy and However, identifying a problem animal is a
now sub‑adults, back in Amariya, apparently various circumstantial evidence, the depart‑ are surviving". (File photo) herculean task that involves strong evidence,
living and operating independently. Not a sin‑ ment suspected Avni and a male, T2, of hav‑ including forensics.
gle incident of attack on humans or livestock ing caused several human deaths. autopsy report showed that the tigress was On Avni's orphaned cubs, Borah says: "The
was recorded. "Based on these findings the courts ordered not charging at the team. “If she was charging best option is to leave them alone. If they
Recently, another nursing tigress's tryst us to capture or kill the tigress," he said. at the team, she would have been shot in her have learnt to hunt (other animals), they
with humans in Maharashtra's Yavatmal Environment activists and animal lovers face or chest, not her shoulder." might probably do well. 'Rescuing' them
region did not end so well. Thirteen humans question whether the mother tigress could Could Avni have been monitored like the would be pointless."
had been found dead in Yavatmal's Ralegaon have been saved, or at least captured. On Pilibhit tigress to avoid such a tragedy? Could IANS by arrangement with Mongabay.com,
forest since June 2016, and Avni or T1, a 6‑ November 9, media quoted sources in the locals have been better informed to control a source for environmental news reporting
year‑old tigress with two 10‑month‑old cubs, Maharashtra government that the unreleased panic about a "man‑eater"? and analysis.
 28 November 24-30, 2018 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Funny Side by Nury Vittachi

You hurt my feelings, now make me a millionaire

E
motional distress is when compensation for being stressed Zhao's videos as part of their "due
you make a sarcastic com‑ out by kids and a court gave him diligence" process.
ment on Facebook and 101,000 pounds ($125,000), Still, I can see why courts in
every single friend thinks that's before a higher court snatched it Asia refuse to pay compensation
what you really think, and when back arguing that "a person to viewers aggrieved by shocking‑
you later point out that you don't stressed out by kids" was pretty ly bad television. TV companies
actually advo cate eat ing the much the definition of teacher. would basically be paying cash to
unemployed or whatever, they A guy in India watched a really every viewer every day for every
think you are being sarcastic. bad Bollywoo d movie called show. And however much they
So then you're in a bad mood "Rockstar" in 2014 and demand‑ paid, it wouldn't be enough.
and switch to your email and find ed Rs. 50,000, which is about Yet despite the rash of emotion‑
this: "Dear Mr. Columnist, how $750, "on account of mental al distress lawsuits, let's remem‑
much are my emotions worth in harassment and agony suffered". ber that many claims fail. A col‑
major currencies at today's rates Given that Bollywood movies league forwarded me a report
in various countries around the sometimes run three‑and‑a‑half about a woman who found her
world?" hours, he may have underpriced image was used without permis‑
The message from reader Agnes the damage. sion in a Chipotle restaurant pro‑
P.K. Ting baf fled me ‑‑ until I In China, a man tried to sue motion and asked for $2 billion.
clicked her link to a February actress Zhao Wei because her The courts recently ruled against
news report: Police in the US just
Image courtesy: gyf.com intense stare at the camera dur‑ her, but I think it was worth try‑
paid $885,000 to a pet‑owner money instead of just waiting ing something like: "The Right of ing a particular TV show caused ing, just in case the judge had had
"for emotional distress" after they until someone hurts our feelings The American People to File and him "spiritual damage". I can see a nice lunch and gave her a token
shot his pet dog. A second link led and then claim compensation for Win Ridiculous Lawsuits Shall how the attractive Ms. Zhao could $100 million to say sorry for the
to a January report of a student emotional distress," Agnes asked. Never be Infringed." cause any male viewer to have thumbs down.
who was asked to urinate in a Good question. I thought the But I checked with a lawyer who significant non‑spiritual thoughts. Meanwhile, if any judges are
bucket in a storeroom and answer might be that these things told me that people make emo‑ The courts eventually declined to reading this, how much can I get
received $1.25 million, also "for only happen in the United States, tional distress claims all over the hear the case, although if they for the emotional distress of hav‑
emotional distress." a country which undoubtedly has world. had any brains they would have ing a sarcastic comment misun‑
"W hy do we work to earn a constitutional amendment say‑ A teacher in the UK demanded taken a week of f to inspect Ms. derstood? Millions, right?

Laughter is the Best Medicine

BEST
RATE
FOR
INDIA
AND
PAKISTAN
New York Head Quarter
422‑S Broadway Mahendra
HICKSVILLE
By Mahendra Shah
NY 11801

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 November 24-30, 2018 29

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

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

NOVEMBER 24‑30, 2018

ARIES: Your reputation may be at CANCER: You may go into a depres‑ LIBRA: You may have to revert to CAPRICORN: You may feel depressed
stake on the social front, as someone sion on being parted with someone someone on the professional front regarding someoneʼs plight, but little
is out to tarnish your image. Holding who had come on a short visit. Some real fast, if you want to take advan‑ you can do about it. Donʼt be rash in
high expectations from someone shows all turbulence on the romantic front cannot be tage of an opportunity. A few good words of paying for some service that you have not
signs of ending in disappointment. An argu‑ ruled out. Changes made on the home front your well‑wishers will work wonders in checked in detail, as you may not get things
ment or dispute on the family front may may not find favour with spouse. Someone keeping you in a positive frame of mind this rectified afterwards. Money given to some‑
leave a bad taste in the mouth. Your per‑ close may disappoint you. A new colleague week. You will be able to master a complex one may turn out to be a bad loan. Changing
formance on the academic front may leave in office may become your professional skill at work. Donʼt let up on your efforts on weather may get you, if you do not take ade‑
much to be desired. Those not adequately rival. Official channels may take more time the academic front. Acquiring a major item quate precautions. Office politics may prove
prepared for a journey can face difficulties. than anticipated in releasing your money. will no more be a pipedream as you have mentally stressful. Those looking for a job
You may remain in a contemplative mood Health food may not be enough to come enough. must keep all their options open.
this weekend. back in shape. SCORPIO: Truth about someone may AQUARIUS: Once you set your mind
TAURUS: Your focus may shift to LEO: You may need to reinvent your‑ dawn on you finally and help you on something, you achieve it, so
something happening on the social self, if you desire to be taken serious‑ look at the other side of the coin. donʼt get disheartened by the long
front, so expect a hectic time. Some of ly by others. There is a possibility of Your innovative ideas are likely to be imple‑ wait. Your concern is likely to touch some‑
you are likely to go in for a renovation to a transfer for some to another city or town. mented at work. Networking will help you oneʼs heart. A person you are fond of is like‑
make your house look more aesthetic. Performance of those pursuing higher stud‑ in getting a coveted post. Lover may get in ly to suggest something excit ing.
Someoneʼs good turn on the domestic front ies may leave much to be desired, but they the mood of going someplace exotic, so Homemakers are likely to put their ideas
needs to be returned, find out how. A senior will be able to cope up. You are likely to kiss donʼt miss out on this chance. A fun‑filled into practice by renovating their house. A
may take you along for a meeting out of and make up with spouse after a spat. Busy activity with someone close is foreseen on change of scene is foreseen and may take
town, so remain prepared to proceed at schedule may not allow you to spend as the romantic front. Wait ends for those some on a short journey. Donʼt leave any‑
short notice. Budgeting will help you to much time with lover as you desire. searching for a better accommodation. thing half‑baked at work as it may go
keep a check on expenditure. VIRGO: Something may keep you SAGITTARIUS: You are set to enjoy against you.
GEMINI: This is the right time to initi‑ from realising your full potential on yourself this weekend. Those under‑ PISCES: You may be required to go
ate something on the professional or the academic front. Your ideas at taking overseas journey are likely to out of the way to assist someone at
business front. You may go down the work are likely to become profitable. A prac‑ enjoy the trip. A word of praise from some‑ work. Some good news on the finan‑
memory lane just by spending time with a tical solution may be found for a complex one important is in store for you on the cial front awaits you. You will be able to cut
childhood friend. Participating in a social problem at work. Someone who admires social front. A child or sibling is likely to down on electricity and other bills through
event may give you immense sense of satis‑ you will leave no stone unturned in appeas‑ make you feel proud by becoming more concerted efforts. Some of you may start a
faction. Your honesty at work will be taken ing you this week. Problems faced on the responsible. A function may mark the begin‑ walking or jogging regimen to stay fit. Good
cognizance of and give you some good financial front are likely to disappear. Those ning of your love life as you catch some‑ dietary habits will prevent you from getting
returns. Chance to add to your skill is likely unwell are likely to recover soon through oneʼs eye! You will manage to take a step out of shape. You will have to be doubly
to materialise. Showroom owners and retail‑ regular medication. Someone may play closer to clinching the deal on the profes‑ careful of how you conduct yourself at work
ers will be able to earn well this week. spoilsport in your evening out with lover. sional front. this week.

24th November, 2018 ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK ships.
Traits in you: Your planet Venus Career this year: This year may bring
makes you kind, realistic, helpful, and Health this year: Your spouse may be idle for you wedding. Some of you Finance this year: You may go ahead new opportunities for you. You may get
adaptable. You are very simple as a per‑ suffer from stress related health issues, may get involved in romantic relation‑ creating new contacts and casual rela‑ promotions and transfer orders.
son who believes in high thinking. You which may lead to roaming in the prem‑ ships, which you help you enjoy your tionships this year. If you are a busi‑ Romance this year: Your partner will
are hardworking and sincere, which ises of a hospital. life the most. nessperson, there are huge opportuni‑ be supportive enough and help you in
helps you get appreciation from others. Finance this year: You are supposed ties for you to start new ventures and every respect. If you are eligible and
However, you need to check your nature to be benefited financially from your 27th November, 2018 earn lot of money as you will be suc‑ unmarried, you may get marriage pro‑
of being rude and interfering in the assumptions while investing money. Traits in you: The vigor of you ruling cessful whatever initiative you take this posals this year.
affairs of others. If you do not work on However, that does not mean you will planet, Mars blesses you with energy. year. Your assumptions of investing will
your behavior, you may end up criti‑ invest blindly. You are charismatic, courageous, enthu‑ prove to be highly beneficial. 30th November, 2018
cized badly. Career this year: As you are commit‑ siastic, and intellectual. You will be a Career this year: Art and literature are Traits in you: Ambition, dignity, intel‑
Health this year: You will enjoy a bet‑ ted towards your undertaken works, crowd puller as you have the character‑ your area of interest and you want to ligence, confidence are your inborn
ter health this year as compared to last you are appreciated and awarded con‑ istics of intellectuality. You will impress contribute to these fields. However, you qualities as you are under the influence
year. You may suffer from some minor sistently. However, you have to work on people with your personality and talks. need to be sober and down to earth to of the powerful planet Jupiter. You like
health issues such as joint aches, back your nature of being fickle minded and However, you should not behave aggres‑ create a good impression. If you are a being philosophical and organized. You
pain, headache and so on. careless always. You may realize your sive and short tempered. This may ruin scientist or a lawyer, you may find this can impress anyone on the earth with
Finance this year: You will enjoy ideas and plans this year. You will be your image in front of others. year to be rewarding for you. Women your intellectual behavior and talks.
financial prosperity and a good health able to execute your plans efficiently. Health this year: The last quarter of professionals in advertising and media However, you need not behave weird to
throughout this year. If you are a busi‑ You will get plenty of support from your the year will make you seek help from a will also be rewarded for their good impress others. It may be proved to be a
nessman, you will get ample opportuni‑ partners and colleagues to improve spiritual person to attain peace of mind. work. negative aspect in your nature.
ties to expand your business by invest‑ your morale and confidence. You may go through minor health relat‑ Romance this year: If you are unmar‑ Health this year: You may suffer with
ing in more profitable areas. Romance this year: You will be in a ed problems due to stress. ried, this year may bring romance in problems in your eyes and mouth. So
Career this year: If your profession is blissful romantic relationship with your Finance this year: You will earn excel‑ your lonely life. you need to get your periodic medical
associated with creativity, such as partner this year. lent returns if you had invested in past. checkup done on time and take pre‑
artists, media professionals, and adver‑ Your legal issues will be settled in your 29th November, 2018 scribed medicines without negligence.
tising professionals, you may gain popu‑ 26th November, 2018 favor this year. You may receive money Traits in you: The influence of your Finance this year: The rewards will
larity, appreciation, and fame. If you Traits in you: Under the influence of unexpectedly from friends and relatives ruling planet Moon enhances your also open the door for you to earn much
want to create professional and social Neptune you will develop your charac‑ throughout the year. Your business trips imagination power. You are honest, sen‑ more than you are earning currently.
contacts, you have to achieve it through teristics to be a dynamic, reliable, will be successful this year and you will sitive and creative by nature. You are You may win a foreign contract or gov‑
frequent get‑togethers and traveling. organized, sober and disciplined person. receive earning opportunities from your helpful by heart and you help people in ernment contract this year. It will
You may receive some help from your You are a born fighter. trips. need with money and physical support. enhance your business and earn a lot of
near and dear ones, which may prove to Health this year: You will have few Career this year: This year is the best However, you should not behave intro‑ money and respect for you. You may
be instrumental in improving your con‑ minor health issues this year, which can time to go back to your old contacts and vert or shy. You should let your person‑ travel abroad in the last half of the year
fidence in your professional life. be cured by regular medication. create new contacts to receive help to ality grow. for business meetings. You should
Romance this year: You will find your Finance this year: If you have made make yourself better in professional life. Health this year: T he drip in the research well before investing on any‑
spouse to be very cooperative this year. any investments in real estate or stocks, Romance this year: You may get health of your parents might cause con‑ thing. You may concede enough money
You will find your required emotional you will be hugely benefited this year. involved in a romantic relationship this cern for you. on renovation and construction activi‑
support from your spouse through love, You may have a foreign trip for business year, which may get converted to mar‑ Finance this year: Your assumptions ties.
care and concern even if you find it diffi‑ purpose. riage later on. on investments would prove to be cor‑ Career this year: This year belongs to
cult to understand your partner. If you Career this year: You would never rect and you will earn a handsome you as you will be appreciated and
are unmarried, you may find your fidget in adverse situations and fight 28th November, 2018 amount of money from your invest‑ awarded throughout the year for your
romance interest this year. back all the problems in your life. Traits in you: Being ruled by Sun, you ments. There is a healthy chance of professional achievements.
However, your stubbornness may make will be creative by nature. Your other overseas travel regarding business Romance this year: You will be in a
25th November, 2018 you lag behind others so it will be better characteristics include smartness, intel‑ meeting this year. The travel would be good mood throuhout the year as your
Traits in you: Being dominated by for you to take others opinion. ligence, and dignity and so on. successful and you may get new proj‑ partner will provide you with lots of
Neptune, you are adorned with charac‑ Romance this year: You will find lot of Health this year: Your younger sib‑ ects. You should avoid financial transac‑ love, care and concern. If you are
teristics such as responsibility, af fec‑ love and care from your spouse. You lings may have some health issues, tions with casual friends as it may result unmarried, this year may end our bach‑
tion, creativity, simplicity and emotions. may think the last quarter of the year to which will put you in immense pressure. in loss and complications in relation‑ elorhood or spinsterhood.
30 November 24-30, 2018 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Mysticism, the science that

injects life with peace and joy
those that are physical and Sound current emanating from
intellectual. Over the years, the Creator. If we can concen‑
saints and mystics have unrav‑ trate our attention at that point,
eled the mysteries of life and we can soar on it back through
death and have discovered that the higher regions of existence.
complete understanding could The current will ultimately lead
only be gained at the spiritual us to our primary Source, back
By Sant Rajinder Singh level. Because the spiritual pur‑ to the Lord.
Ji Maharaj suit deals with realms of experi‑ The method is simple. As we
ence that ultimately transcend g aze w ithin, we transcend

M
ysticism, rightly under‑ that which is physical and men‑ awareness of body‑conscious‑
stood, is the most uni‑ tal, it seems mysterious. That is ness into realms of Light and
versal and fundamen‑ why this approach came to be Sound within. As we continue
tal approach to achieving an known as mysticism. this process we will prove to
integrated and fulfilling life. In a Mysticism, however, is a sci‑ ourselves that there is Light and
world that has made such ence that injects life with under‑ Sound beyond, that we can exist
remarkable scientific and mate‑ standing, joy, peace, and love. It separately from the physical
rial progress, the challenge is a practical approach to living body, and that there are higher
before us, individually and col‑ that enriches our inner life and These questions are fundamen‑ account the realities of modern realms of divine consciousness.
lectively, is to make similarly enriches our relationships with tal to understanding our human life. Such an approach to mysti‑ The test is to prove it to our‑
spectacular progress in the spir‑ others. The basic premise of existence. cism of fers unlimited opportu‑ selves. Those who spend time
itual sphere. mysticism is that each of us, in The mystics are those enlight‑ nities for improving our lives daily in this process have had
Each of us is allotted a limited reality, is a soul inhabiting a ened individuals who have and improving the lives of peo‑ success in proving the hypothe‑
amount of time on earth. During physical body for a rather short searched and found the answers ple throughout the globe. sis that there is an existence
this t ime we have a unique period of time. It may be twenty, to these questions. They tell us The beginning of our soulʼs beyond this world.
opportunity to investigate the forty, sixty, eighty, or even a that the purpose of our life is to journey is the contact with the Through meditation on the
purpose for which we were born hundred years, but in the not reunite our soul w ith its Light and Sound of God. The inner Light and Sound we can
and try to understand the mean‑ too distant future, each of us Creator, and they offer to teach Light and Sound current flows achieve the peace, harmony,
ing of life itself. will die and leave this world. us a method by which we can do out from God, but it also flows love, and bliss that we so des‑
The desire to know and under‑ Where did our soul come from so. Throughout the ages many back to God. We can catch this perately seek, and we can be a
stand things seems to be innate before we entered this world? methods have been taught to current at the point of the third part of an ever‑increasing group
in human beings. Scientists are Where will it go after we leave achieve this union, but in our or single eye. That is the con‑ of people who are spreading
engaged in this pursuit, but the here? What is the purpose of contemporary world, we need necting point between our soul peace and human unity
tools they use are limited to this world, and of life itself? an approach that takes into in the body and the Light and throughout the world.

Theory vs. Practice

By Sant Rajinder Singh
Ji Maharaj THE TRUE
HEART OF THE
O
nce the great writer Mark
Twain was having a dis‑
cussion with a business‑
SPIRITUAL
man who was known for being TEACHINGS IS IN
aggressive and ruthless in his deal‑
ings with others. THE PRACTICE. IT
T he businessman said to the
writer, "Before I die I would like to IS NOT ENOUGH
make a pilgrimage to the Holy
Land and climb to the top of Mount
TO KNOW WHAT
Sinai to read the
Commandments aloud at the top."
Ten
OTHERS HAVE
Mark Twain quickly replied, "I SAID ABOUT IT.
have a better idea. Rather than go
to Mount Sinai where Moses was IT IS ESSENTIAL
given the Ten Commandments,
why donʼt you just stay home here THAT WE HAVE
in Boston and practice the Ten
Commandments in your life!"
OUR OWN
This humorous comment carries
a significant meaning. Many of us
FIRSTHAND
read the Commandments or advice EXPERIENCE OF
given by the great saints in the method of meditation and instruc‑ Progress is a matter of accuracy. richly rewarded.
scriptures. Many of us are happy tions for progress, that is not We can become accurate only by Instead of merely reading the SPIRITUALITY.
even to preach what our holy enough; we have to actually prac‑ practice. Practice makes perfect. If Ten Commandments, live them. If
books say. But how many of us live tice it. we expect to sit in meditation once we do our meditations and lead THAT CAN BE
up to the teachings we follow?
There is a big difference between
The true heart of the spiritual
teachings is in the practice. It is not
or twice in our life and accomplish
spiritual progress, we are being
ethical lives, observing the virtues
of nonviolence, truthfulness, purity,
ACCOMPLISHED
knowing the theory and practicing
it. It is not enough to read the
enough to know what others have
said about it. It is essential that we
unrealistic. We need to practice
daily. It is said that if we take one
humility, selfless service, and love
for all, we will be blessed with
WHEN WE SIT IN
books or scriptures and know the have our own firsthand experience step toward God, God will take a inner vision. We will have the MEDITATION.
theory. We need to live up to them of spirituality. That can be accom‑ hundred steps toward us. The time proof for ourselves of the existence
in our own lives. If we learn a plished when we sit in meditation. we spend in meditation will be of our soul and God. (For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info November 24-30, 2018
TheSouthAsianTimes.info November 24-30, 2018