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Vol.11 No. 5 June 2-8, 2018 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

NOKO summit can happen

on June 12: Trump
Washington: President Donald
Trump said on Tuesday that a
senior North Korean official is
headed to New York to discuss a
possible summit between the US
President and North Korean
leader Kim Jong‑un.
"We have put a great team
together for our talks with North
Korea. Meetings are currently Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a warm welcome by
taking place concerning Summit, Indonesian President Joko Widodo. (Photo: MEA/Twitter)
and more. Kim Yong Chol, the
Vice Chairman of North Korea,
heading now to New York,"
Trump said on Twitter.
"Solid response to my letter,
thank you!" the President added.
Modi on tour
Kim Yong Chol, who is headed to the US, is vice chairman of the ruling
Workers' Party's Central Committee in North Korea. He had earlier met
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Pyongyang. (Photo : SamoaObserver)

to boost India’s
Kim Yong Chol will be the high‑
est‑ranking North Korean official man of the ruling Workers' States on Wednesday, where he
to visit the United States in near‑ Party's Central Committee is will help put the final touches on
ly two decades. The vice chair‑ scheduled to arrive in the United Continued on page 4

India follows UN, not US sanctions India, Pakistan armies Look East policy
talk peace after days
on Iran: Sushma Swaraj
New Delhi: India abides by sanc‑ of border violence Jakarta, Indonesia: Ahead of their
bilateral summit, Indian Prime
Asia. He expressed the hope that
the visit will further boost India's
tions imposed by the United New Delhi: Top India and Pakistan Minister Narendra Modi was Act East policy.
Nations and not those imposed by army commanders on Tuesday received by Indonesian President Following Wednesdayʼs bilateral
any other country, such as ones spoke over a special hotline con‑ Joko Widodo at the Merdeka summit, a number of agreements,
announced by the United States tact and committed to peace on Palace here with a guard of honor including in the areas of defense
against Iran, external affairs min‑ the borders in Jammu and on Wednesday. and trade, are expected to be
ister Sushma Swaraj said on Kashmir amid persistent crackling “Relationship that evokes a feel‑ signed between India and
Monday. The ministerʼs remarks at of gunfire and mounting casualties ing of warmth and kinship. A red Indonesia.
her annual press conference came on both sides. carpet welcome and a guard of Modi and Widodo will then joint‑
hours before a meeting with visit‑ "The hotline mechanism was ini‑ honor extended to PM @naren‑ ly inaugurate a kite festival being
ing Iran foreign minister External Affairs Minister Sushma tiated by Pakistan Director dramodi on his arrival at Istana organized by the Museum Layang‑
Mohammad Javad Zarif. Swaraj welcomed her Iranian General Military Operations Merdeka ahead of his talks with Layang of Jakarta and the Kite
Iran is the third largest source of counterpart Mohammad Javad (DGMO) Maj. Gen. Sahir Shamshad President @jokowi,” Indian Museum of Ahmedabad that will
Indiaʼs oil imports. New Delhi is Zarif in New Delhi ahead of the Mirza at 6 p.m. with his Indian External Affairs Ministry be depicting the common themes
making strategic investments in delegation‑level talks. counterpart Lt.Gen. Anil Chauhan. spokesperson Raveesh Kumar of the Indian epics Ramayana and
the Chabahar port in Iran that con‑ (pic: SushmaSwaraj/Twitter) "Both the DGMOs reviewed the tweeted. Mahabharata, which are strong
nects Afghanistan to Central Asia being asked about Indiaʼs response prevailing situation along the Line Earlier, Modi started his official cultural, civilizational linkages that
bypassing Pakistan. to the US decision to impose sanc‑ of Control and International engagements by a laying a wreath India shares with Indonesia.
Swaraj said Indiaʼs decision on tions against Iran. US President Border in Jammu and Kashmir," an at the Kalibata Heroesʼ Cemetery Modi will also attend an Indian
ties with Iran or its position on Donald Trump this month exited army spokesperson said. here. He had arrived here on community event at the Jakarta
sanctions is independent of any from the Iran nuclear deal and Lt.Gen. Chauhan, the spokesper‑ Tuesday in his first visit to Convention Centre here and take
other country. sought the reimposition of eco‑ son said, "agreed with the propos‑ Indonesia as Prime Minister. part in an India‑Indonesia CEOs
“India follows only UN sanctions, nomic sanctions against Tehran al (from his Pakistani counterpart) He will also visit Malaysia and Forum.
and not unilateral sanctions by that were suspended under a 2015 to undertake sincere measures to Singapore in the course of his five‑ Indonesia is home to around
any country,” Swaraj said, after Continued on page 4 Continued on page 4 day three‑nation tour of southeast Continued on page 4

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY June 2-8, 2018 3

India central to US policy in DOE to launch first dual

Pacific, Pompeo tells lawmakers language program in Bengali
Queens, NY: After urging the New York
Washington: India needs to the two countries have had.”
City Department of Education (DOE) to
be central to what the Pompeo and Mattis are
create dual language programs in South
Trump administration does expected to host External
Asian languages, Reps. Grace Meng (D‑
in South and Central Asia, af fairs Minister Sushma
Queens) and Joe Crowley (D‑
US Secretary of State Mike Swaraj and Defense Minister
Queens/Bronx), Chairman of the House
Pompeo told the lawmak‑ Nirmala Sitharaman some
Democratic Caucus, announced last week
ers at a Senate hearing on time this summer for the
that the agency has taken concrete steps
Thursday last week. “They inaugural 2+2 dialogue.
to develop this initiative in city public
ought to be one of our clos‑ T he decision about this
schools. Beginning this September, the
est partners,” Pompeo said, was taken when Prime
DOE will offer a dual language program
in what were possibly his Minister Modi was hosted by
in Bengali, which will be the first South
first remarks on India after President Trump at the Reps. Grace Meng & Joe Crowley urge
Asian dual language program in the city
taking over as secretary of White House on June 26 last the agency to expand the program to
public schools. The DOE will make the
state in late April. “We year. other South Asian languages. In dual lan‑
program available at P.S. 7/the Louis F.
ought to be doing every‑ Pompeo also urged the guage programs, students are taught half
Simeone School in Elmhurst, Queens.
thing we can to make sure Secretary of State Mike Senate to grant waiver pow‑ in English and half in another language.
The decision to add Bengali comes after
we achieve that.” Pompeo said the joint ers from Russia‑related sanc‑
Meng and Crowley urged the DOE in 2015 Bangladeshi descent. I am also thrilled that
“For scores of reasons, meeting of the defense and tions under the Combatting
to expand their language programs, argu‑ it will be offered in a school attended by
India needs to be central to foreign ministers of India and Americaʼs Adversaries
ing that these initiatives would better meet my constituents here in QueensI now call
what we do. Specific issues the US is set for this summer. T hroug h Sanct ions Act
(Photo IANS) the needs of the large South Asian popula‑ on the DOE to expand dual language pro‑
̶ South Central Asia (CAATSA) for countries that
tion in New York. The lawmakers noted in grams to other South Asian languages in
issues, Southeast Asia were intended to be hurt by
their letter to then‑Schools Chancellor order to meet the needs of students and
issues. They ought to be one of our closest it. That law sanctions “significant” transac‑
Carmen Fariña that dual language pro‑ parents in the Indian, Pakistani, Nepalese,
partners and we ought to do everything we tions with designated Russian entities by
grams included everything from Chinese and other South Asian communities.” “New
can to make sure that we achieve that,” he third parties, and could impact Indiaʼs plans
and French to Haitian Creole and Russian York City has made great strides in offer‑
said. to buy Russian S‑400 missile defense sys‑
but no South Asian languages. ing a variety of language programs for our
Pompeo also spoke about the upcoming tem. The US‑India relationship enjoys bipar‑
“I applaud the Department of Education cityʼs schoolchildren, and Iʼm honored that
2+2 joint meeting of the defense and for‑ tisan support in the US Congress. Last
and our new Schools Chancellor Richard Queens will be home to the first South
eign affairs ministers of the two countries, week, State Department Spokesperson
Carranza for implementing this new dual Asian dual language program,” said Rep.
which he said was “very, very important”. Heather Nauert said the Trump administra‑
language program,” said Rep. Meng. “This Crowley. In dual language programs, stu‑
Pompeo responded that, “Defense Secretary tion supports Indiaʼs emergence as a leading
initiative is greatly needed and it will be a dents are taught half in English and half in
(James) Mattis and I will jointly meet with global power and as a key partner in the
tremendous boon to students of another language.
our Indian counterparts in a dialogue that Indo‑Pacific region.

Tamils taking back to India with pride and purpose

Tamil Nadu Foundation (TNF) announces an initiative at its convention to create a large corpus
fund to finance women’s education and empowerment in the south Indian state.
By Suchitra Srinivas giving back to India, he said. The interest
generated through the corpus fund will be
Skillman, NJ: A new initiative targeting to set used for social projects intended to help
up an $8 million corpus fund to finance women, health and hygiene education and
charity projects back in India was launched rural development.
by Tamil Nadu Foundation (TNF) at its 44th TNF, started as a small initiative by four
annual convention. families, is now celebrating its 44th year of
The two‑day convention held in New service and focuses entirely on charity proj‑
Jersey on May 26‑27 at the Montgomery ects, said Balaji Prakash Rao, the convention
Performing Arts Center was well‑attended chair. At this yearʼs convention the fund‑rais‑
and brought to light the conviction of NRIs ing vigor was much intense with encourag‑
to give back to India ʻreverse brain drainʼ if ing corporate and individual participation.
you may want to call so. The theme for the convention was ʻOoru
Announcing the new initiative, Somalay namma ooruʼ, literally aiming to connect
Somasundaram, President TNF, said that NRIs back to their origin, Rao added. The
ʻMann Vaasanaiʼ is a US wide TNF initiative convention alone raised over $150,000 that
to raise $250,000 for each of the 32 Tamil would be used to fund TNF projects in dis‑
Nadu districts and Pondicherry aggregating tricts of choice of the donor or Kanavagam
to $8 million. This will be one of the largest orphanage, a project that TNF supports. Somalay Somasundaram (at the dais), TNF President at the
funds by any Indian organization focused on Continued on page 4 inauguration of the convention.
 4 June 2-8, 2018 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Modi on tour to boost Indiaʼs Beijing and Brussels, arrived in India

WHO adopts resolution on digital Look East policy

Continued from page 1
Sunday night. Zarif briefed Swaraj about the
discussions that Iran “has undertaken with

health initiated by India 100,000 people of Indian origin and 7,000

NRIs working as professionals across differ‑
parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of
Action following the US decision to with‑
New Delhi: Health and Family Welfare quality and affordability of health services. ent sectors. On the eve of his visit there, draw from the agreement,” said the min‑
Minister J.P. Nadda on Tuesday said the reso‑ This is a resolution which should be owned Modi said, "I am confident that my visit to istryʼs press release.
lution on digital health brought out by India by all of us so as to pave the path for a for‑ Indonesia will create greater synergy “The two sides positively assessed the
was adopted by the 71st World Health ward looking global health agenda.” between Asia's two largest democracies and implementation of decisions taken during
Assembly, the decision‑making body of the The resolution paves the path for WHO to further elevate our bilateral ties." the visit of President Rouhani to India.
World Health Organization (WHO). establish a global strategy on digital health On May 31, on his way to Singapore from These included bilateral cooperation in the
“Iʼm happy to share that the landmark res‑ identifying priority areas including where Indonesia he will briefly halt in Malaysia to areas of connectivity, energy, trade and pro‑
olution on #DigitalHealth – initiated by India WHO should focus its efforts and engages congratulate the new Malaysian Prime motion of people to people contacts”, the
– was unanimously adopted by the 71st member states to optimize their health sys‑ Minister Mahathir Mohamad. In Singapore release said.
World Health Assembly in Geneva. India tems in sync with the global digital health he will be focusing on enhancing India‑
received widespread praise for its leadership agenda. Singapore partnership in areas of fintech, India, Pakistan armies talk peace
on this forward looking agenda,” Nadda said Introducing the resolution on digital health skill development, urban planning and arti‑ after days of border violence
in a tweet. at the assembly on behalf of India and 20 ficial intelligence. Continued from page 1
The 71st World Health Assembly was held cosponsors, Joint Secretary (International improve the existing situation to ensure
last week in Geneva and was attended by del‑ Health) Lav Agarwal last week said: “Digital NOKO summit can happen peace and avoidance of hardships to the
egations from all WHO member states. health is important in the context of coun‑ on June 12: Trump civilians along the borders".
In his address at the Assembly, Nadda said: tries achieving health‑related SDG targets as Continued from page 1 They agreed to "fully implement" the
“Digital health technology have a huge well WHOʼs implementation of 13th General the June 12 Singapore summit and meet 2003 ceasefire agreement "in letter and
potential for supporting Universal Health Program of Work. Digital health agenda is with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who spirit" and ensure the truce was not violat‑
Coverage (UHC) and improving accessibility, multisectoral and cross cutting in nature. recently visited North Korea on two sepa‑ ed.
rate occasions, South Korea's Yonhap news "It was also mutually agreed that in case
Tamils taking back to India 2018. The project aims at achieving grade agency said, Efe reported. of any issue, restraint will be exercised and
with pride and purpose level proficiency, boosting morale and cham‑ Last Thursday, Trump sent a letter to the the matter will be resolved through utiliza‑
Continued from page 3 pioning for higher aspirations. Many US‑ North Korean leader calling off the meeting, tion of existing mechanisms of hotline con‑
The Foundation has over 23 chapters across born Tamil children have been sent on citing Pyongyang's "hostility." tacts and border flag meetings at local com‑
the US with over 1,000 life members who internship projects to serve as coaches in A day later, however, the US president manders' level."
mobilize funds. these ABC programs. said that the summit could still go on as The Pakistan Army in an identical state‑
Much of the funds will be used for the At the convention TNF conferred the planned. ment said a special hotline contact was
TNFʼs ABC initiative, which focuses on edu‑ Lifetime achievement award posthumously On Monday, The Wall Street Journal established with the Indian DGMO "to
cating the poorest of the poor. Of the 10 mil‑ on Dr Peumalswamy, one of the founding reported that Washington had decided to ensure the ceasefire will not be violated by
lion children who go to government schools member of TNF. hold off on implementing new sanctions both sides".
across 30,000 villages in Tamil Nadu, a third Interesting parallel sessions on H1B visa against North Korea while talks to relaunch The latest DGMO level talks came after
are below their grade level proficiencies, issues, siddha medicine, and a separate the summit were held. If it takes place, the repeated ceasefire violations on the borders
said Kavitha Ramasami, an attorney who youth convention on topics ranging from Singapore summit will be the first meeting in Jammu and Kashmir that caused many
jointly with Balaji Prakash Rao started college planning to career choices, and ses‑ between a US president and a North Korean civilian casualties earlier this month. Similar
Kanavagam, an orphanage in Karaikudi, that sions on continuing medical education too leader in the almost seven decades since the talks were held between the two countries
focuses on girl childʼs education, health and were organized. Cultural programs by 1950‑1953 Korean War. on April 27.
character building. renowned artists Nithyashree Mahadevan, The External Affairs Ministry on May 23
TNF has permission to serve inside the Tamil Pattimandram fame Raja and Bharathi India follows UN, not US sanc‑ said Pakistan had carried out more than
government schools during school hours, to Bhaskar, Mersel light music performance, tions on Iran: Sushma 1,088 ceasefire violations along the LoC
give the extra help that these students may comedy play by stage friends, show on Continued from page 1 and International Border in the first five
require. The ABC project was piloted in 2011 women empowerment directed by Sumitra agreement. “The external affairs minister months of 2018. The border shooting has
in the Sivaganga district. The acceptance by Ramjee, Karna dance drama by Madurai R conveyed that all parties to the agreement claimed 36 lives on the Indian side and left
the parents, teachers and students made Muralidaran and troupe were the highlight. should engage constructively for peaceful more than 120 injured.
other districts to adopt it. Now the ABC proj‑ Around 1200 people attended the conven‑ resolution of the issues that have arisen Pakistan's foreign office on May 25 said
ect is successfully running in 10 districts of tion from across the US. New Jersey Tamil with respect to the agreement,” a statement during 2018, Indian committed over 1,050
Tamil Nadu. Almost 27,000 students have Sangam was one of the supporting organiza‑ from the ministry said after Swaraj met ceasefire violations resulting in the killing
benefitted by the ABC project as of May tions. Zarif. Zarif, who had been to Moscow, of 28 innocent civilians, while injuring 117.

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY June 2-8, 2018 5

Venkat Ranjan wins 2018

National Geographic Bee

Mike Ulica, Interim President and CEO of the National Geographic Society, awards 2018
National Geographic Bee winner (Image : nationalgeographic.org)
By SATimes competition testing knowledge of geography
and world affairs.
New York: Venkat Ranjan, an eighth grader As part of the prize Ranjan won a $50,000
from San Ramon, CA student won the 30th college scholarship, a lifetime membership to
annual National Geographic Bee finals held the National Geographic Society, including a
on May 23rd. His answer “Paraguay” to the subscription to National Geographic maga‑
question, “Which South American country zine, and an all‑expenses‑paid Lindblad expe‑
has a population size most similar to dition to the Galápagos Islands aboard the
Lebanon?” won Ranjan, 13, from Windemere National Geographic Endeavour ll.
Ranch Middle School, the coveted champi‑ Buddhikot, for claiming second, was award‑
onship. Another 13‑year‑old eighth grader at ed a $25,000 college scholarship; third‑place
Bridgewater‑Raritan Middle School, finisher Sareddy won a $10,000 college
Anoushka Buddhikot, of Bridgewater, N.J., scholarship. "All of you have demonstrated an
answered “Guyana” to the same question, impressive commitment to geography and
resulting in her coming in second place. maps, and today weʼre rewarding that com‑
Another Indian American, Vishal Sareddy, 14, mitment," National Geographic Society chair
of Suwanee, Ga., an eighth grader at Jean Case told the audience at the event.
Riverwatch Middle School, finished third in At National Geographic, "we consider our‑
the competition. selves map geeks," Case added. "But we
Ranjan, who has been competing in the understand geography is about so much more
geography bee since 2015, had to beat out than just memorizing places on a map."
10 finalists to win the grand prize of the bee. Since the bee started, some 120 million stu‑
Overall, he topped the roughly 2.6 million dents have participated with more than 90
kids in fourth through eighth grade from scholarships doled out totaling $1.5 million
more than 10,000 schools who started the to date.

NYPD gets first female turbaned

Sikh auxiliary police officer
New York: The New York Police Minister of State for Housing
Department (NYPD) has got its and Urban Af fairs Hardeep
first female turbaned Sikh auxil‑ Singh Puri also tweeted about
iary police officer, whose induc‑ Kaur, expressing hope that a
tion aims to motivate others to turbaned lady of ficer will help
join law enforcement and help create better understanding of
create better understanding of Sikhism in the US. "Delighted to
Sikhism. see a turbaned lady of ficer in
Gursoach Kaur will join the NYPD. Hope this fosters better
New York Police Department as understanding of Sikhism and
an Auxiliary Police Officer (APO) Sikhs and corrects perceptions
after graduating last week from in the US so that incident which
the New York City Police happened with me in 2010 and
Academy. "We are proud to wel‑ recently with Canada minister
come first Sikh turbaned female Navdeep Bains do not recur.
Auxiliary Police Officer in the New Gursoach Kaur Sikhs are ambassadors of harmo‑
York Police Department. APO ny," Puri tweeted.
Gursoach Kaur and other Auxiliary Police He was referring to the 2010 incident in
Officers graduated from the academy. We are which Puri, then Ambassador to the UN, was
proud of you. Stay safe. #sikhsinlawenforce‑ asked by airport officials to remove his tur‑
ment," the Sikh Officers Association tweeted. ban during a security check at Houston
The association said in a Facebook post Airport. When Puri refused to remove his tur‑
that it is "proud" to welcome Kaur to the ban, the officials made him wait for over half‑
Police Department. "Your service will be a an‑hour in a 'holding room'.
motivation for others to join the Law enforce‑ T he matter was resolved only after a
ment Family," it said. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
The association is the nation's first organi‑ official, accompanying Puri, intervened. India
zation to represent Sikh Of ficers in Law had lodged an official protest with US author‑
Enforcement. ities over the incident. (PTI)
6 June 2-8, 2018 TRISTATE COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

IN BRIEF

Malini Rudra, Syosset Girls golf team win Tirlok Malikʼs “On Golden
big at Nassau County championship Years” to premiere on TV Asia
T
he television premiere of retire in India vs America, con‑
Tirlok Malikʼs new film tentedness vs regrets, etc. We
On Golden Years will be need to come to terms with life
shown on TV Asia on June 1st as an immigrant: the retire‑
at 8pm and June 3rd 2018 at ment of the American Dream.
1pm. Malik who is an Indian This romantic comedy teaches
American and a New Yorker us to live every day like Valen‑
has made many films starting tine's Day,” he says.
from Lonely In America, Love, The film On Golden Years is
Lust & Marriage, Khushiyaan, written and directed by New
Emmy‑nominated
On Golden Years and many York Emmy nominated film‑
filmmaker Tirlok Malik
more. They all deal with the ef‑ maker Tirlok Malik. The idea
fects of migration in America. of the story is inspired from the book Seek‑
“As an immigrant, when we come in the ing Roots by Iggy. Iggy Ignatius is also the
The Nassau County Champions search of American Dream, at times we find codirector/producer of the film. The film

S
ourselves we are “Lonely in America.” After stars Ranjit Chowdhry, Jyoti Singh, Reeves
yosset Girls golf team made a achieving and living the American Dream, Lehmann, Shetal Shah, Noor Naghmi, Tirlok
clean sweep at the Nassau County we also realize if we want real Malik, Shruti Tewari, Farokh Daruwala,
HS Golf Championship, winning “Khushiyaan” (meaning: happiness), we Indu Gajwani, Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja, Lovl‑
the team as well as the individual title. need to make time to visit our aging par‑ lien Kaurr, Sandeep Suri, Iggy Igantius,
Malini Rudra won the individual cham‑ ents and family in India. Now in “On Gold‑ Kamlesh Gupta and more. The film has
pionship by a record ten strokes. en Years” (the time to retire), some of us been shot at the Indian retirement commu‑
The Syosset junior shot a 144 over two have conflicts such as deciding whether to nity Shantiniketan in Florida.
days at Bethpage State Park. She shot par
71 on Monday at Bethpage Yellow and a
2‑over 73 at Bethpage Green on Tuesday.
“I did a lot of preparation over the win‑
Artwork honors first Sikh UFC
fighter Arjan Singh Bhullar
ter and Iʼm so happy it paid off,” said
Rudra, who joined the varsity team as a
Syosset Coach Steve Naranjo

N
seventh‑grader and finished second in
each of the past three seasons. She also
and Malini Rudra ational Sikh
fourth team title in five seasons, led by Campaign and
has three top‑10 finishes at the state
Rudra and Arushi Gahlaut, who finished We are Sikhs has
tournament. “I was mentally strong and
in fifth individually with a 170. partnered with Elliot
just took things shot by shot,” she added.
“We had three players playing in their Gerard, the famed artist
“Over these two rounds, I had a lot more
first county tournament,” Rudra said. who made LeBron
birdies than I had in the past, so my put‑
“Weʼve been telling them how it was up‑ Jamesʼs "Zero Dark 23"
ting really helped me.
setting to lose the title last year. All of us illustration as well as the
“I need to thank [Syosset coach] Steve
worked really hard, so to get the title Cleveland Cavaliers "De‑
Naranjo and my individual coach, James
back means the world.” fend the Land" Mural for
Hong,” Rudra said. “Both of them have re‑
“Malini is an inspiration to the other the 2017 NBA Finals, to
ally helped me grow as a player. I remem‑
girls,” Naranjo said. “Sheʼs dedicated to make artwork for Arjan
ber as a seventh‑grader barely being able
the sport and they look up to her. And Singh Bhullar, the first
to play 18 holes. Now Iʼm stronger, I hit
this is a great group thatʼs just fun to be Sikh UFC fighter. Arjan Singh Bhullar and the artwork inspired by him.
the ball farther and Iʼm more confident,
around.” For Bhullar, being a
thanks to their help.” Syosset also won its
fighter is not enough. He wants his fighting Sikh faith, and fight for the countless Sikhs
career to have purpose. The reason he is across the globe that have been put down,

Delta to resume nonstop using his platform as a professional athlete

to spread awareness about the turban, the
called names, or bullied simply because
they are different.

flights to India in 2019 White House honors Hindu

D
elta Air Lines will fly nonstop from had been "hurt" by the three carriers.
the U.S. to India for the first time in
a decade, a decision the airline said
In January, Qatar agreed to open its books
and provide financial statements. Earlier this
Charities for America
was due to recent agreements over three of month, the United Arab Emirates agreed to a By Aashi Morales, HC4A volunteer new dances.” Dr. Royce Avery, the keynote
its Middle Eastern rivals' practices. similar deal with the Trump administration. speaker, noted that “though I work with

T
The flights will begin next year and either Bastian credited the administration for al‑ hank you for helping [Keisha many charities, [HC4A] stands out in mak‑
depart from New York's John F. Kennedy In‑ lowing the airline to restart the service to In‑ (eighth grade student)] with school ing a difference. The work they do is very
ternational Airport or Delta's home base at dia. The three Persian Gulf carriers involved supplies!” These were the words of important.” HC4A raises funds to provide
Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Air‑ in the dispute with their U.S. competitors of‑ a grateful homeless, single mother with school supplies to homeless students and
port, but the airline has not made a final de‑ fer frequent service from their hubs to India. lupus, at Hindu Charities for Americaʼs vocational education scholarships to
cision. "This move will mark a return to India for (HC4A) April 29the Bollywood Meets needy students. This year, HC4A awarded
Delta's announcement came after agree‑ Delta, which was forced to exit the market Borscht Belt event, one of the many eco‑ $78,000 in scholarships for more than
ments this year appeared to put to rest a bit‑ after subsidized state‑owned airlines made nomically disadvantaged people benefit‑ 130 students and raised $26,000 for
ter, years‑long dispute with three Persian service economically unviable," the company ing from the funds raised at the event. school supplies to help more than 1,400
Gulf airlines ̶ Qatar Airways, Emirates and said in its announcement During the afternoon of dance, music, students. Hindu Charities for America
Etihad ̶ which U.S. airlines said received The service requires government ap‑ food, and fun, $26,000 was raised for (HC4A) and its founder, Harish Kotecha,
government subsidies making it impossible proval, Delta said, adding that it plans to school supplies for homeless students in were recently recognized for this out‑
for the U.S. carriers to compete in certain also expand its code‑sharing agreement with the Austin area. Jan Cohen, a first‑time at‑ standing charitable work, receiving
markets. Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC local partner Jet Airways to carry passen‑ tendee, was enthusiastic about the multi‑ awards from both the Greater Austin
earlier this month the airline intended on re‑ gers to other destinations in India. cultural nature of the event and being able Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC) and
turning to markets, including India, where it (Source: cnbc.com) to “introduce my kids to new foods and the White House.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY June 2-8, 2018 7

Ohio Sikh truck driver dies two weeks after being shot
New York: A 32‑year‑old Sikh in court on May 31.
truck driver, who was shot at two Manjinder Singh, a friend of
wee ks ago in Ohio, has suc‑ Jaspreet Singh, said he was a
cumbed to his injuries, with pros‑ devoted husband and father of
ecutors saying they will seek a four. "He was very well known
murder charge ag ainst the and well liked within the commu‑
accused in the case. nity," Manjinder Singh said, not‑
Jaspreet Singh of Monroe, Ohio ing that his friend helped man‑
died of injuries he sustained age area stores but was recently
when he was shot at by 20‑year‑ employed as a truck driver.
old Bro derick Malik Jones He was act ive at the Guru
Roberts on the night of May 12, Nanak Society in the area, he
a report in the Journal News said.
said. "It is just sense less," said
Roberts had been indicted for Manjinder Singh, adding that
aggravated robbery, felonious Broderick Malik Jones Roberts "there is no way he would have
assault and possessing weapons
(Image : Butler County engaged in any wrong activity.
Jaspreet Singh with family Sheriffʼs office)
under disability for allegedly fir‑ He would have just walked
ing at Singh. According to court documents, The police report added that since eight years. away."
Sing h suf fered a gunshot Roberts allegedly shot Singh Roberts' attorney David Judge Jennifer McElfresh has Roberts has a criminal history
wound to the upper torso on "while he sat in his vehicle." Washington entered a not guilty set a bond of $1 million, substan‑ and was sent to prison in 2016
May 12, according to a Hamilton Since Singh died of his injuries, plea on his client's behalf but tially increasing it from the ini‑ after pleading guilty to trespass,
Police report. He died on May prosecutors said they will now acknowledged a murder indict‑ t ial amount of $1,25,000 in unlawful restraint and assault,
21, said Butler County see k a murder indictment ment is expected next week. Hamilton Municipal Court. according to Butler County court
Prosecutor Michael Gmoser. against the accused. Singh had been living in the US Roberts is scheduled to be back records. (PTI)

Indian researchers develop Sharp hike in EB5 visa investment

insect‑size drone limits on anvil, says expert
New Delhi: With the latest deadline for the ployment area in a US metropolis or a rural
Washington, DC: A team of researchers extension of the US EB5 visa, popularly area outside of a metro ‑‑ or $1 million in a
including three Indians at a prestigious US known as the "Golden Visa" that allows for‑ non‑TEA area that can create 10 or more
university has built the world's first wireless eign nationals to apply for a green card by jobs, and get US citizenship in a shorter time
fly‑sized drone that can easily slip into tight investing in the US, set to expire on than H1‑B visa holders.
places inaccessible to big unmanned aerial September 30, investment limits under the With President Trump calling for stricter
vehicles. Developed by members of the Allen scheme are expected to be hiked sharply, norms for issuance of H1‑B visas, largely
School's Networks and Mobile Systems Lab according to an expert. The Office of availed of by Indian IT firms, the EB5 visa
and the Department of Mechanical Management and Budget earlier this month has been in demand for the shorter route to
Engineering's Autonomous Insect Robotics released its Spring 2018 Unified Agenda, citizenship it offers. Stating that President
Lab, RoboFly represents a milestone in meant to inform the public of regulations Trump is "anti‑H1‑B", Caceres said the US
autonomous flight that could launch a new The insect‑sized flying robots could help
under consideration that the US administra‑ Citizenship and Immigration Services
wave of innovation in aerial robotics.
with time‑consuming tasks like surveying
tion plans to enact, which seeks, among (USCIS) is now reviewing all H1‑B petitions
crop growth on large farms or sniffing out
The University of Washington team, which other things, to sharply hike the EB5 invest‑ with a lot more scrutiny.
gas leaks (Image : ndtv.com)
created the wireless flying insect RoboFly, are ment limit from the current $500,000 and At the same time, the EB5 visa program
Allen School professor Shyam Gollakota, the ground to supply power and control sig‑ $1 million. "The Office of Management and has also come under controversy with critics
Mechanical Engineering professor Sawyer nals," Chukewad, 28, said. Budget has announced that in August of this saying that it puts up US citizenship for sale.
Fuller, Vikram Iyer, a Ph.D. student in "This is a challenge because of the difficulty year, the final action will be taken for the Authorization for the EB5 program has been
Electrical Engineering who works with of miniaturizing the circuitry to drive the new regulations for the EB5," Rogelio carried on a temporary basis on
Gollakota, Ph.D. student Yogesh Chukewad robot's piezo actuators. The piezo actuators, Caceres, Chief Commercial Officer of LCR Congressional spending bills since
and Ph.D. student and lead author Johannes which drive its flapping wings, require a step‑ Capital Partners, a firm that helps EB5 appli‑ September 2015.
James. up voltage converter. We figured out a new cants with investments, told IANS here. Indians are third after the Chinese and the
The insect‑sized flying robots could help way to quickly make the ultra‑light circuit and Stating that the administration of former US Vietnamese in terms of EB5 applicants.
with time‑consuming tasks like surveying incorporated the first microprocessor brain President Barack Obama proposed the However, the approval rate for Indian
crop growth on large farms or sniffing out gas on‑board, creating a circuit weighing less than changes in these regulations right before he applicants is 64 per cent as against the glob‑
leaks, the university said in a statement. These a toothpick. We provided power using an left office in January 2017, Caceres said: al rate of 92.4 per cent. Caceres said that
robots soar by fluttering tiny wings because infrared laser beam," he said. "The $500,000 limit will go up to $1.35 mil‑ one of the reasons for this is many people
they are too small to use propellers, like those The team, which includes University of lion and the $1 million limit will be from Gujarat try to invest directly rather
seen on their larger drone cousins. Washington students Johannes James, Vikram increased to $1.8 million." than going through a regional centre which
These robots are cheap to make and can Iyer and faculty members Shyam Gollakota Introduced in 1990, the EB5 visa program facilitates and monitors the investments and
easily slip into tight places that are inaccessi‑ and Sawyer Fuller, presented its findings at as of now allows an individual to invest creation of jobs. "Source of funds is the rea‑
ble to big drones. "We built the world's first the International Conference on Robotics and $500,000 in either of two Targeted son (for lower approval rate for Indians).
fly‑sized drone that does not need a wire to Automation in Brisbane, Australia. (PTI) Employment Areas (TEAs) ‑‑ a high unem‑ What is needed is white money," he said.
 8 June 2-8, 2018 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

5 persons of Indian origin among 2018 Ellis Island Medal honorees

New York: Five Persons of Indian of the International Rescue Bose Corporation, which pioneered
origin, including four from the Committee, the advisory board of high‑quality audio.
United States, and one from Canada the Center for Strategic and Naveen Jain made history in 2016
were among the 84 prominent International Studies, the Council when Moon Express, a for‑profit
immigrants who received the presti‑ on Foreign Relations, chairman venture, received approval to
gious 2018 Ellis Island Medal of emeritus of Refugees International, embark on the first commercial
Honor at a ceremony here on May an advisory member of the New space mission beyond Earthʼs orbit.
12nd. The Medal has been officially York Stock Exchange, co‑chairman Inderjit Kaur Khalsa is known
recognized by Congress as one of of the Muslim‑Jewish Advisory throughout the world as the Bhai
the nationʼs most prestigious Council, a director of the Institute Sahiba (chief minister) of Sikh
awards; it is annually memorialized for the Study of Diplomacy at Dharma. She is followed by more
in the Congressional Record. Georgetown University and a mem‑ than 25 million Sikhs around the
Software pioneer Vanu Bose, who ber of the International Advisory globe.
was honored posthumously after Council of the United States Dhillon, the “cranberry king” of
Farooq Kathwari and Naveen Jain are among the honorees
succumbing to a sudden pulmonary Institute of Peace. Canada, is the president and CEO of
embolism last year; Moon Express of the International Ellis Island Liberty – the symbol of the Bose, who died unexpectedly at the Richberry Group, the largest
founder Naveen Jain; Ethan Allen Medal. American immigrant dream – in the age of 52 on Nov. 11, 2017, was Canadian supplier of cranberries to
chairman and Kashmiri activist According to reports, all the hon‑ New York Harbor after the medals a software pioneer best known for Ocean Spray. The company annual‑
Farooq Kathwari; and Sikh activist orees and their guests were ferried were presented. bringing mobile service to remote ly supplies Ocean Spray with more
Bhai Sahiba Inderjit Kaur Khalsa, to Ellis Island for the awards cere‑ Farooq Kathwari, the chairman, areas in the U.S., India, and Africa, than 20 billion pounds of cranber‑
and Peter Dhillon, the ʻcranberry mony. Fireworks illuminated the president and CEO of Ethan Allen is among other regions. Bose was the ries; Dhillon also serves as Ocean
kingʼ of Canada, were the recipients night skies above the Statue of a member of the Board of Overseers son of Amar Bose, founder of the Sprayʼs chairman of the board.

IN BRIEF
Dr. Prasad Srinivasan bows out
of Connecticut race for Governor
D
r. Prasad Srinivasan has been forced
out of the crowded race for
Connecticut Governorʼs office, as he
failed to secure a slot in the GOP primary in The AAPI‑USAID partnership will work to end tuberculosis
the race to become the stateʼs next governor
at the Republican Party Convention attend‑
ed by 1,150 delegates at the Foxwoods AAPI announces health
Resorts Casino in Mashantucket on May 12.
Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, 54, was
declared winner at the third ballot out of a
partnerships with USAID in India
T
field of eight candidates. Boughton is he American Association of between U.S. and Indian medical schools
expected to easily win the primary and then Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) to exchange cutting‑edge health care
face off against the Democratic nominee in has announced the launch of a solutions. Home to more than one‑fourth
Dr Prasad Srinivasan (Image : theunn.com)
a bid to regain the seat held by Democratic new partnership with the United States of the global TB burden, India has more
Gov. Dan Malloy for the past eight years. He old by a whisker, garnering 7.94 percent of Agency for International Development TB and multidrug‑resistant TB cases
now faces a primary in August, most proba‑ the delegatesʼ votes. Srinivasan had entered (USAID) to end tuberculosis (TB) in India. than any country in the world. A further
bly with five other candidates ̶ three of the race more than a year ago, raising a sig‑ Under the Memorandum of one million Indian citizens, including
whom received sufficient votes to overcome nificant amount of money much to the sur‑ Understanding, signed last month in 170,000 children, are estimated to be
the threshold and two who bypassed the prise of many analysts. Srinivasan had been New Delhi and announced in Mumbai, undiagnosed and untreated. At the Delhi
state convention. among the wave of candidates who AAPI and USAID will work together to End‑TB Summit, inaugurated on March
A four‑term Republican Connecticut state expressed a desire to run for governor and utilize the 100,000‑strong network of 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had
legislator, Srinivasan, 68, of Glastonbury set up an exploratory committee in late physicians of Indian‑origin living in the emphasized the need for a multi‑sectoral
was eliminated after falling below the 2016. By the time he entered the race on United States to support health pro‑ approach including the private sector
required 8 percent threshold in the first bal‑ Dec. 16, he announced that in his first quar‑ grams in India, engage AAPIʼs network and announced a national plan to elimi‑
lot at the state Republican Party ter he had raised more than $138,000. of private charitable clinics for TB nate TB by 2025,five years ahead of the
Convention. He missed meeting the thresh‑ (Source: theunn.com) awareness, detection and treatment, and World Health Organizationʼs stated glob‑
explore opportunities for collaborations al 2030 goal. (Source: theunn.com)

San Diego Museum showcases Biochemist Asish Penugonda

ʻepic tales from ancient Indiaʼ falls to death in Yosemite
T A
he San Diego Museum of Art Activities associated with this exhibition sish Penugonda, an Indian Asish Penugonda is no more with us,” the
(SDMA) is presenting “Epic Tales include collaborative rangoli, lecture by a American resident of New York, GoFundMe page created by Swamy Sagar
from Ancient India” exhibition of Swami, Navarasa Dance Theater, Indian was identified as the hiker who fell Kottur started. Citing the National Park
world‑renowned over 90 paintings of miniature paintings workshop, henna to his death from the cables on Half Dome Service, Kottur detailed how Penugonda
16th‑19th centuries from June 9 through painting, Indian traditional puppet mak‑ in Californiaʼs Yosemite National Park. was with other hikers on the cables of Half
September 3, 2018. ing, Indian dances, Indian films, etc. Friends of Penugonda, 29, who died from Dome during a thunderstorm when he
It includes depictions from Hindu texts Museumʼs collection of Indian paintings the fall around 4:30 p.m. May 21, launched slipped and fell. “Asish has been the epito‑
Bhagavata‑Purana and Ramayana, and “consists of more than 1,400 works of art a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for his me of character and a sunshine of positivi‑
Ragamala. The exhibition also includes created during the 12th through 19th funeral, which will be held in Fremont, ty to everyone surrounding him,” Kottur
an interactive performance space to centuries at the Mughal, Deccani, Calif., as well as the transport of his body wrote. “The people who knew him would
bring the narratives to life through Rajasthani and Pahari courts” and is to his native India and assist his mother always remember the good he did and for
hands‑on workshops, musical perform‑ claimed to be “one of the finest and most and older brother. the surreal strength of morality he has
ances, dance, educational storytelling and comprehensive collections of South Asian “We share this news with grief ridden been when they need him. He will always
more; Museum announcement says. paintings outside of India.” heart and shock that our beloved friend be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.”
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY June 2-8, 2018 9

H-4 work visa to be revoked, Indian‑American ex‑diplomat

process in final stages: wins Texas Democratic Primary
Trump administration Houston: Indian‑American Sri
Preston Kulkarni has won the
America. If this is what America
represents, then I need to change
Washington, DC: The move to Democratic primary for the 22nd that," he said.
revoke work authorization to cer‑ congressional district of Texas. "As we look ahead, let us remem‑
tain categories of H‑4 visa hold‑ Sri Preston Kulkarni, 39, a former ber what is at stake this fall. We are
ers is in final stages, the Trump US diplomat, won the Democratic fighting for the students who fear
administration has told a court in primary runoff for Texas by defeat‑ gun terror in their schools; we are
the United States. H‑4 visas are ing his only rival Letitia Plummer fighting for immigrant families who
issued to the spouses of H‑1B The Donald Trump administra‑ on Tuesday. are seeking the American Dream;
visa holders, a significantly large tion told the court that once the Kulkarni received 9,466 votes we are fighting for the teachers and
number of whom are high‑skilled proposal is cleared through the (nearly 32 per cent) while his fellow everyday heroes struggling to sup‑
professionals from India. Department of Homeland Democrat Letitia Plummer got Sri Preston Kulkarni port their families. Tonight we cele‑
The Donald Trump administra‑ Security, it will be sent to the 7,230 votes (24.3 per cent). He will (Image : kulkarniforcongress.com) brate, but tomorrow we strive for‑
tion is planning to end the Office of Management and now face Republican incumbent will be representing District 22 ward to bring decency back to our
Obama‑era rule for H‑4 visas, Budget for review under Pete Olson in November. which makes up an ethnically country," he said.
which allows spouses of H1‑B Executive Order for regulatory Earlier, Olson had won the diverse community, a mosaic of According to Cook Partisan
visa holders to work legally in and planning review. Republican primary in March many cultures from all over the Voting Index, Texas 22nd is a
the US. The move is likely to have As previously represented to defeating three candidates. "On world. The runof f was required Republican leaning district.
a devastating impact on more the court, the Department of May 22nd, we made history in after no candidate was able to Kulkarni is a native Houstonian
than 70,000 H‑4 visa holders, Homeland Security intends to District 22. Our movement, uniting secure the 50 per cent threshold in with degrees from University of
most of who are Indians having proceed with publication of this diverse communities through the primary held in March. Texas and Harvard.
work permits. new rule concerning the H‑4 visa shared values, took us across the Kulkarni quit his State He spent 14 years in the State
The proposed rule (to revoke rule, the visa authority said in its finish line and helped me become Department job to run for the Department as a Foreign Service
H‑4 visas) is currently in final court filing. your Democratic nominee for US Congress. Of ficer and has extensive experi‑
clearance, the US' Department of The final notification to revoke Congress," Kulkarni said, thanking "We can't actually do our job and ence at the federal level, overseas
Homeland Security has informed the work authorization is expect‑ his voters after the poll results. we can't represent America when tours in multiple countries and pro‑
a federal court in a status update. ed to be issued in June. (PTI) If elected, Sri Preston Kulkarni the government is not representing ficiency in six languages. (PTI)

DIASPORA

Daughter's "soul consoled": Gobind Singh Deo becomes

Malaysia's first Sikh minister
Savita Halappanavar's parents Kuala Lumpur: Gobind He was sworn in during a
Singh Deo, an Indian‑origin ceremony at the National
after Ireland abortion vote Sikh politician in Malaysia,
has become a cabinet minis‑
Palace yesterday after Prime
Minister Mahathir Mohamad
Belagavi: "Our ter, the first member of the included him in the new cabi‑
daug hter's soul is minority community in the net.
now consoled," the country's history to be He was first elected as an MP
parents of a woman appointed as a minister. Deo, in the 2008 general elec‑
who died of complica‑ 45, who has been given the tions. Deo was re‑elected to
tions in 2012 after Gobind Singh Deo
communications and multi‑ the lower house, with an
being denied abortion (Image : dailyhunt.in)
media portfolio, is among the increased margin, in 2013
by doctors in Ireland two politicians of Indian descent included in and he again won this year's election with a
said a day after the the Pakatan Harapan coalition's Cabinet. The margin of 47,635 votes.
country voted to other Indian‑origin lawmaker is M Kulasegaran The Punjabi community in the country has
repeal its stringent from the Democratic Action Party, who has hailed the appointment of Deo as the minister.
abort ion laws in a been made the human resource minister. Deo "It is good to see Gobind Singh, a member of the
landmark re feren‑ represents Puchong constituency in the Punjabi community in the cabinet. It is a proud
dum. Malaysian Parliament and is the son of late and happy occasion for our community.
"It is a landslide Malaysian lawyer and politician Karpal Singh. (PTI)
opinion in favor of
repeal of the abortion
laws that has sup‑
Veena Sahajwalla elected Australian
(Image courtesy: indianwomenblog.org)
ported our cause,"
Savita's father Kitty Holland is a journalist with the Academy of Science fellow
Andanappa Yalagi told PTI. Irish times, who broke the story of Melbourne: Indian‑origin innovator Veena engineer and innovator, has made her mark in
One of the key cases influencing the Savita's death. Sahajwalla, who has made her mark in revolu‑ revolutionizing recycling science. She is cur‑
debate on abortion in Ireland was that of Holland had come all the way to India tionizing recycling science, is among the 21 dis‑ rently the Associate Dean (Strategic Industry
dentist Savita Praveen Halappanavar, and met Yalagi family here in 2013, tinguished Australian scientists elected as new Relations), Faculty of Science, at the University
who died of sepsis in the Galway before penning a book titled 'Savita ‑ The fellows of the prestigious Australian Academy of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney.
University hospital after being denied an tragedy that shook a nation. of Science this year. The Academy, a not‑for‑ She is also associated with Australian
abortion during a protracted miscarriage The couple said the new law would profit organization founded in 1954, said they Research Council as its Laureate fellow.
in 2012. enable women to opt for abortion in have been honored for making significant and Sahajwalla, who did her B. Tech in metallurgi‑
The 31‑year‑old woman's death had emergency cases, which would save their lasting impacts in their scientific disciplines. cal engineering from the Indian Institute of
triggered a massive debate in that coun‑ lives. Their works include revolutionizing the way Technology (IIT) in Kanpur, is renowned for
try over the issue of life‑saving abortions. A vote in favor of repeal paves the way e‑waste is recycled, changing the way people pioneering the high temperature transforma‑
Hailing the result of the referendum, for the Irish Parliament to legislate for a think about carbohydrate foods, research that tion of waste in the production of a new gener‑
Akkamahadevi, Savita's mother said, "It is change which would see the introduction led to the detection of gravitational waves and ation of 'green materials'.
also a win for Kitty Holland who took up of a much more liberal regime. new insights into how the immune system may In April this year, she launched the world's
the mission and created awareness The Catholic church in Ireland had be harnessed to devise new therapies for can‑ first e‑waste microfactory, which has the poten‑
among the Irish people on the unnatural strongly opposed repealing the law. cer and other diseases, it said. Sahajwalla, an tial to reduce the vast amount of electronic
law." (PTI) internationally‑recognized materials scientist, waste heading into landfill. (PTI)
 10 June 2-8, 2018 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

N. Korea denuclearization Origins of Mueller probe

illegtimate: Trump lawyer
could take 10 years: Experts Washington: Donald Trump's which is the leak of a confidential
Washington: Any diplomatic lawyer Rudy Giuliani has defended memo, which is illegal for an FBI
agreement in which North Korea the US President's political attacks official to do. I'm not saying
agrees to give up its nuclear against special counsel Robert Mueller is illegitimate. I'm saying
weapons could take as long as Mueller's investigation into possi‑ the basis on which he was appoint‑
10 years to implement, accord‑ ble Russian collusion, suggesting ed was illegitimate," Giuliani
ing to a new analysis by US that the origins of the probe were remarked.
experts. illegitimate, the media reported. Asked whether the Mueller
The assessment, released late Asked during a CNN interview probe was legitimate now, Giuliani
Monday by the experts at on Sunday whether there was a told CNN "not anymore", citing
Stanford University, comes as the larger strategy to undermine the reports of an FBI informant within
White House is trying to verify investigation at play, Giuliani said the Trump campaign as one of the
how committed North Korea is to he "couldn't do it if they didn't reasons for its discrediting.
denuclearizat ion and how it have the material". The former New York City
could be achieved, ahead of a "They're giving us the material mayor also said the President was
potential summit between the to do it. Of course, we have to do it "adamant" about doing a sit‑down
two countries' leaders, CNN
Foreign journalists were invited last week to view the in defending the President. To a interview with Mueller.
destruction of North Koreaʼs nuclear test site large extent, what we're doing Giuliani said two topics were
reported.
Siegfried Hecker, a nuclear sci‑ country's nuclear weapons stock‑ abruptly cancelled his planned here, it is the public opinion, likely to be addressed during the
entist who has previously trav‑ pile, its missile arsenal or its Singapore summit with North because eventually the decision interview: collusion and obstruc‑
elled to North Korea to inspect nuclear reprocessing facilities, Korean leader Kim Jong‑un, here is going to be impeach or not tion of justice.
its nuclear site, co‑authored the that US negot iators need to reports CNN. impeach," Giuliani said. Mueller has been pursuing his
assessment with Robert Carlin, a address with North Korea. But after a flurry of diplomatic The lawyer also suggested that investigation since May 2017 to
Korea analyst who spent years at Halting or suspending many of activity, Trump has hinted that the start of the Mueller probe was determine if ‑ as US intelligence
the CIA and State Department, these will likely take less than a the talks may be back on track. illegitimate, citing fired FBI agencies say ‑ the Kremlin inter‑
and Elliot Serbin, Hecker's year, the authors estimate, but American of ficials are in Director James Comey's leaked fered with the 2016 presidential
research assistant. eliminating or setting limits on Singapore and South Korea to memos and a lack of evidence of vote to favor Trump and whether
They identified 22 specific pro‑ them will take six to 10 years. prepare for the summit's poten‑ collusion between Trump and or not members of Trump's cam‑
grams or activities, such as the Last week, President Trump tial revival. Russia. "You get the Comey thing, paign colluded with that effort.

Ivanka Trump granted 7 Confessing alcoholism,

new trademarks in China Congressman to quit
Washington: Seven Washington: Virg inia man and I am an alcoholic."
new trademarks were Congressman Tom Garrett has said Garrett is not be the first House
officially registered to that he was an alcoholic and will member to seek treatment for
senior White House not seek re‑election in November. excessive alcohol use while in
advisor and President The 46‑year‑old Garrett was the office, reports Politico.
Donald Trump's subject of a Politico report on May T he late Demo crat
daughter Ivanka 25 citing four former aides who Representative Karen McCarthy
Trump this month said that the congressman and his fe ll down an escalator in the
with China's State wife, Flanna, had used official staff Rayburn House Office Building in
Administration for to run errands and take care of 2003 and later received treatment
Industry and their dog. In his Monday state‑ for alcohol misuse.
Commerce, the media ment, he called the allegations "a In 2000, the late Illinois
reported. series of half‑truths and whole Republican Phil Crane entered a
The trademarks are lies". But, he confessed, “There's 30‑day rehabilitation facility after
for items such as one area where I haven't been hon‑ admitting he struggled with alco‑
kitchenware, furniture, est. The tragedy is that any person hol use.
paper products and Republican, Democrat or inde‑ Former Rhode Island lawmaker Virginia Congressman Tom
cosmetics, reports pendent who's known me for peri‑ Patrick Kennedy was treated for Garrett was also accused by his
CNN. od of time and has any integrity substance abuse, as well as other staff that they were made to run
The approvals come knows two things: I am a good mental health issues. errands and take care of his dog.
White House advisor and President
as the President
Trump's daughter, Ivanka

Threats against New York schools multiply

remains engaged in
trade negotiations with normal course of business,
China on a wide range of issues. especially in regions where
The trademarks received pre‑ trademark infringement is ram‑ New York: NYPD has revealed that try, including the February 14 and closed after the words "shoot‑
liminary approval in February pant," she said on Monday. threats against schools in the city massacre of 17 people at Marjory ing today at 12.45" were found
2018, and economic tensions Since her father's election, have reached epidemic propor‑ Stoneman Douglas High School in written on campus.
between the US and China did Ivanka Trump has stepped away tions. The NYPD has fielded 334 Parkland, Florida, and the May 18 The school reopened the follow‑
not begin in earnest until from the management of her threats of violence against schools killing of 10 at Santa Fe, Texas. ing day and there is an ongoing
March. business, though she still since September 2017, an average A week after the Texas tragedy, investigation, the NYPD said.
Abigail Klem, president of the retains an ownership stake, of two a day and 18 per cent more New York city schools reported School staffs get trained annual‑
Ivanka Trump brand, said in a CNN reported. than the 282 threats received over threats on three consecutive days. ly on safety protocol, including a
statement that the fashion line She is not legally required to the same time last school year, a The threats have come verbally, requirement to report threats
regularly files for trademarks, sell all her assets in order to department official told The New by phone, letter, e‑mail and on immediately to the NYPD, accord‑
especially in areas where trade‑ work in the White House, York Post recently. social media, NYPD spokeswoman ing to the city's Department of
mark infringement is common. though she is subject to rules While the NYPD did not give the Sgt. Jessica McRorie told the New Education.
"The brand has filed, updated, for federal employees that pro‑ number of arrests made in connec‑ York Post. Schools must conduct four lock‑
and rigorously protected its hibit her from participating in tion to the threats, it said the prob‑ A school that President Donald down drills and eight evacuation
international trademarks over matters in which she has a lem has worsened as school shoot‑ Trump's son Barron once attended drills each year to prepare for
the past several years in the financial interest. ings continued around the coun‑ was evacuated earlier this month shootings and other emergencies.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS June 2-8, 2018 11

TRUMP‑KIM: ROUND TWO

At the heart of the revived summit is how much North Korea will
have to give up and what constraints will the West remove for it.
By Shivaji Sengupta event last week, I had left myself tant office holders and a number
a weasel hole by invoking the of conservative Republicans had

G
eorge Bernard Shaw, the proverbial slip between the cup also been criticizing Trumpʼs
Irish author known for and the lip, anticipating precise‑ decision to meet with Kim. The coin
his satirical plays, once ly this sort of breakdown. For a Mike Pompeo had warned minted to
said that journalists predict what week before the back‑tracking Korea during a Senate hearing commemorate
w ill happen polit ically next both North Korea and the U.S. last week that “We are not going the summit.
week, next month and next year; have been making provocative into the summit with any conces‑
and then, when it doesnʼt hap‑ and even aggressive statements. sion in mind.” Not to be outdone, the so‑called nuclear club com‑ deterrent, at least it has been so
pen they will explain why it did‑ John Bolton, the new National North Koreans were spouting prising the US, Russia, Britain, far. What is at the heart of this
nʼt. Newspapers have been Security Advisor, was the most their own rhetoric, saying that France and China; and then summit is how much will they
awash with commentaries and agg ressive, cit ing the Libya the US must be sadly delusional there are all the others (India, have to give up and what con‑
criticism about the summit meet‑ model as desirable. The U.S. and if they imagine that North Korea Israel, Pakistan, Iran). It is only straints will the West remove for
ing between Trump and Kim. the western world had persuad‑ will denuclearize their arsenal. the Club, this view maintains, it. There is talk that NoKo will
Then came the announcement ed the Libyan leader Gaddafi to One of their very senior officials who know how to handle want complete security guaran‑
last Wednesday from the White give up entirely the countryʼs went as far as to call Vice nuclear capacity responsibly. tee on top of lifting the economic
House that there will be no sum‑ nuclear capacity in 2004, only to President Mike Pence a political There is reluctant admission that and trade embargoes. But then
mit, only to back‑track a bit on witness his assassination by his dummy. Seasoned political com‑ there is little one can do about what does “complete security
Friday, saying it may happen. own people in 2011. North mentators may chalk all these up India and Pakistan, but they will guarantee” mean?
Newspapers are left speculating Korea has repeatedly invoked to “posturing” but we all have to go hammer and tongs at any These are the questions that
as to whether or not the summit Libya as an example of remember the political ground other country with nuclear aspi‑ have to be sorted out before the
will take place, if not on June 12, “American treachery”. For Bolton beneath Trump and Kim. rations. summit can go ahead. What is
when. to refer to Libya at this juncture Consider total denucleariza‑ To me, this position is palpably probably reasonable to expect is
This diplomatic level dithering was hardly diplomatic. In my tion. Apart from being impracti‑ unfair. T he world should be that North Korea, in exchange
done by Trump et al speaks vol‑ view Bolton was being deliber‑ cal, for the US to demand that denuclearized; but the whole for lifting the embargoes, will
umes about the intricate political ately hawkish and trying to dis‑ North Korea trash their nuclear world including the United cease to develop further nuclear
conundrum that the USA‑North suade Trump to roll back the weapons, something they have States and the rest of the Club, capability and gradually scale
Korea summit is, both at the summit. (Trump had committed been carefully and often sneakily not just the countries they want down their present nuclear
local and international level. In himself to it before Bolton joined building for a couple of decades, to denuclearize. Like it or not, capacity. To expect more would
my comments on this could‑be the White House). Other impor‑ is actually admitting that there is having nuclear weapons is a be to set up for failure.
 12 June 2-8, 2018 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Opposition coming together to

save themselves: Modi
Cuttack: Prime Minister Narendra Modi the development of their party as against the
attacked the opposition unity, saying the cor‑ development of the nation. They remote‑con‑
rupt leaders are coming together "not to save trolled the Prime Minister and issued direc‑
the country but to save themselves", making tions to several ministers on email.
an apparent attack on Congress President "But now the government does not run from
Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi. Janpath (the of ficial address of Gandhis), it
"Due to the commitment of this government runs from Janmat (people's mandate)."
against black money and corruption, people The Prime Minister also stressed that the
who are out on bail in the Rs 5,000‑crore cor‑ President (Ram Nath Kovind), Vice President
ruption case and many others involved in (M. Venkaiah Naidu) and the "Pradhan Sewak"
other corruption cases have come together on (Prime Servant) of the country come from
the same platform," Modi said addressing a very humble and poor background.
rally here on the occasion of completion of The Prime Minister also said that in last
four years of his government. four years, the investigating agencies have
He was apparently referring to Gandhis tak‑ carried out searches at over 3,000 locations
ing bail in the National Herald case and oppo‑ and unearthed over Rs 53,000 crore of the
sition leaders coming together in Bengaluru undisclosed money.
during the Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Modi claimed that the government seized
Kumaraswamy's swearing‑in ceremony. properties worth over Rs 3,500 crore after
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina at
"As we promised four years ago about zero the Benami Properties Bill was passed by the
Santiniketan in West Bengal. (Photo: IANS/PIB)
tolerance towards corruption, four former government.
Chief Ministers are behind bars," Modi said. people of the country are watching them all. tion." Highlighting the works of his government
The Prime Minister also said that his is a "These leaders have not come together for Reminding the gathering of the corruption in the last four years, Modi said: "Since com‑
"committed government" instead of being a the country, they have come together to save cases four years ago, Modi said: "People need ing to power in 2014, we have moved from
"confused government". themselves and their families." to remember the situation of the country four incompleteness to completeness.
"With a clear commitment to work, we have Modi said that in the last four years, the years ago. This is important to remember "Now the electricity has reached every vil‑
shown how this government along with its Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has become the what a family did for the country that lage of the country. Now about 80 per cent of
ally parties is capable of taking harsh deci‑ party from Panchayat to Parliament. remained in power for 48 years." the population resides in clean surrounding
sions and strict measures," he said. He alleged that the opposition leaders want "How people can forget the cases of corrup‑ as compared to 39 per cent in 2014. We have
"When a committed government works, to destabilise the current government, "but tion in the previous government due to which built over seven crore toilets in the last four
then decisions like surgical strike and much‑ people know everything". the image of the country was maligned across years, which was earlier only six crore across
delayed One Rank‑One Pension are taken." Taking a dig at the opposition, the Prime the globe?" he said. the country," Modi said.
"On seeing this government's commitment Minister said: "The people who try to confuse Attacking the Gandhis for guiding former The Prime Minister pointed out that the
against corruption, even enemies have the people for power can't bring back black Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on every government has abolished over 1,400 such
become good friends," he said, adding that the money, neither they can fight against corrup‑ key decisions, Modi said: "They believed in laws which were not useful.

Amit Shah kicks off 2019 Pak Army summons ex‑ISI chief
election campaign over claims in book
New Delhi: As part of
the BJP's e f forts to Islamabad/New Delhi: T he according to a mutually agreed
reach out to people for Pakistan Army has summoned for‑ process". Dulat maintains that the
the 2019 Lok Sabha mer ISI chief Lt. Gen. Asad Durrani assessment from the Indian side "is
polls, party President (retd) to explain his position on the same. That he was handed over
Amit Shah on Tuesday views attributed to him in a book by Pakistan".
kicked of f a personal of dialogues with former Indian However, when Dulat asks him
contact campaign intelligence chief A.S. Dulat, accus‑ about the deal, Durrani clarifies:
'Contact for Support' to ing him of violating the "Military "This was only my assessment".
generate awareness Code of Conduct". On the issue of Kulbhushan
about the Narendra Durrani, who was ISI's Director Jadhav, Dulat says that if he was
Mo di government's General between 1990 and 1991, "really a RAW spy, then it's a pretty
achievements so far. BJP chief Amit Shah. has been summoned to General sloppy operation."
"Shah would start his Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi Durrani on the other hand
grand public outreach campaign through the NaMo App interacted on May 28. believes that the revelation about
from the house of former Army with the beneficiaries of Ujjwala He will be asked to explain his Jadhav must have been done to
chief, Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag at Yojana, a scheme to provide LPG position on views attributed to him counter the Indian threat after the
Sector 46 in Gurgaon at 11 am," connections to women from Below in the book "Spy Chronicles", January 2, 2016 attack on the
said BJP national media head Anil Poverty Line (BPL). Pakistan Army spokesperson Maj. Pathankot air base.
The cover art of 'Spy Chronicles'.
Baluni in a statement. Baluni said about 4,000 senior Gen Asif Ghafoor said in a tweet. "W hat was the threat," asks
Thereafter, Shah would go to the party workers would carry out this "Attribution (is being) taken as observations of the two spymas‑ Dulat.
house of constitutional expert personal contact campaign to meet (a) violation of Military Code of ters on Kashmir; Hafiz Saeed and "That India is looking for links
Subhash Kashyap and discuss with more than one lakh well‑known Conduct applicable on all serving 26/11; Kulbhushan Jadhav; surgi‑ between Pathankot and our estab‑
him about the Central govern‑ people to discuss with them about and retired military personnel," he cal strikes; the deal for Osama bin lishment. So we came up with a
ment's welfare programmes, he the government's achievements in added. Laden; how the US and Russia fea‑ counter‑argument that we know
said, adding that Shah would meet the last four years. Durrani and former Secretary of ture in the India‑Pakistan relation‑ you've been doing this (in
at least 50 individuals personally T hese 4,000 party workers India's Research and Analysis Wing ship; and how terror undermines Balochistan)."
to enlig hten them about the include Union Ministers, Chief (RAW), A.S. Dulat have participated the two countries' attempts at However, both of them maintain
achievements of the Modi govern‑ Ministers and Deputy Chie f in a book of dialogues, moderated talks. In the book Durrani makes that India and Pakistan should
ment. Ministers of states where the party by journalist Aditya Sinha an assessment that "the ISI proba‑ have been discreet about the mat‑
Under the 'Contact for Support' is in power, MPs, MLAs, District "Spy Chronicles," throws light on bly learnt about" Osama bin Laden ter, ensuring the exchange of spies
campaign, Prime Minister Panchayat members and senior the perspectives, assumptions and and "he was handed over to the US in each other's custody.
Narendra Mo di on Monday office bearers.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA June 2-8, 2018 13

Nipah scare pushes several

Kumaraswamy becomes states to issue alerts
new Karnataka CM New Delhi: Nipah virus may not
have spread beyond Kerala but its
scare has spread across the country
Bengaluru: Putt ing an end to with several states investigating
wee ks of polit ical turmoil in suspicious cases and issuing advi‑
Karnataka, Chief Minister H.D. sories on precautions and travel to
Kumaraswamy won the confi‑ Kerala.
dence motion with a voice vote in With another death in Kerala, the
the new Assembly, after opposi‑ total number of deaths due to Nipah
tion BJP members walked out virus has reached 13. The majority
ahead of the floor test. of the deaths have been reported
"T he confidence motion has from Kozhikode district with some The total number of deaths
been put to vote and won by a due to Nipah virus in Kerala
from the nearby Malappuram dis‑
voice vote in favor of has reached 13.
trict in Kerala.
Kumaraswamy," declared newly‑ Even as incidence of fresh cases in ited Kerala recently, were admitted
elected Assembly Speaker K.R. Kerala has come down, state health to hospitals on Friday with suspect‑
Ramesh Kumar. authorities claim things are under ed Nipah virus infection. The state
The Janata Dal‑Secular (JD‑S)‑ control and the Union Health health authorities without taking
Congress coalition government Ministry maintains virus outbreak any chances have sent their samples
won the floor test as 116 mem‑ is a localized occurrence and there
Congress leader Siddaramaiah greets Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. to Pune for investigation.
bers voiced their favor for the con‑
Kumaraswamy (right) at the state assembly in Bengaluru. (Photo: IANS) is no need to panic, fear runs high T he Bihar government issued
fidence motion with none against across the country. Nipah virus alert, asking people to
as all the 104 Bharatiya Janata "opportunistic" and said it was added, before the party's legisla‑ Panic gripped Himachal Pradesh take precautions. An advisory has
Party (BJP) legislators walked out against the people's mandate. tors staged a walkout. when several bats were found dead also been issued to people with the
before the trust vote. "The alliance between JD‑S and "All our 104 MLAs walked out of at Government Senior Secondary dos and don'ts as preventive meas‑
"Though our party did not get Congress is unholy and oppor‑ the assembly after our leader School in Barmapapri in Sirmaur ures. Nipah virus is transmitted to
the mandate of the people, I took tunistic. The parties have disre‑ Yeddyurappa addressed the House district this week. However, tests at humans through infected fruit bats,
Congress' support for the welfare spected people's mandate even as in protest against the unholy the National Institute of Virology in pigs or other Nipah‑infected per‑
of farmers and the people. We are the state has re jected them," alliance of JD‑S and Congress," a Pune ruled out that the bats were sons.
confident of giving good gover‑ Yeddyurappa said in an emotional BJP leader told IANS. carrying Nipah virus. With test results showing that a
nance to the state," Kumaraswamy speech. Though the Karnataka Assembly Himachal Pradesh Additional particular variety of bats, found in
told the House. Indulging in a war of words, the strength is 225, including one Chief Secretary B.K. Agarwal has and around Kozhikode and mostly
The Chief Minister said he was BJP leader attacked the Chief nominated member, e lections advised people not to panic about at the worst‑af fected Perambara
confident that the alliance govern‑ Minister for being "power hungry" were held on May 12 in 222 con‑ the Nipah virus and said that all town, is not carrying the virus, a
ment would stay in power for five for forging an alliance between stituencies only, which threw up a medical colleges in the state are special team from Pune will see
years. Opposition BJP leader B.S. the JD‑S and the Congress. hung House, with the BJP emerg‑ prepared to deal with the situation, how best they can take samples
Yeddyurappa, in a rebuttal, termed "Congress has lost all its morali‑ ing as the single‑largest party with if it occurs. Similarly, in Telangana, from other varieties of bats also
the alliance of JD‑S‑Cong ress ty by joining hands with JD‑S," he 104 seats. two persons, including one who vis‑ found in the district.

619 militants killed in 4 My tweets connected elitist

years in J&K: Rajnath
Lucknow: Union Home and subversive elements,"
MEA to people: Swaraj
New Delhi: External Af fairs
Minister Rajnath Singh on Singh added, but did not Minister Sushma Swaraj said it was
Tuesday said a total of 619 ter‑ respond to a query on how her engagement on Twitter that has
rorists in Jammu and Kashmir many security personnel were transformed the once elitist min‑
had been killed in gun battles killed in this period. istry to a people‑centric one
with security forces as he high‑ He however said that Responding to the Congress' alle‑
lighted the all‑round improve‑ respecting the supreme sacri‑ gations that she just takes care of
ment in internal and external fice of the security personnel the Twitter handle, Sushma Swaraj,
security under the Narendra in the line of duty for the addressing a press conference on
Modi government. nation, the Union Government the achievements of the ministry in
He also clarified that the had scaled uo the ex‑gratia last four years, said: "Ministry of
operations against militants sum from Rs 50 lakh to Rs one External Af fairs during Congress
had not been stopped during crore for their families. rule was an elitist ministry, it had
the holy month of Ramadan Rajnath Singh also said that nothing to do with the common
but had just been suspended. incursions had also decreased External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressing a press
people. My Twitter is doing the job
"It is not ceasefire but a tempo‑ during the four years of the conference in New Delhi. (Photo: IANS)
of connecting MEA with common‑
rary suspension of operations," Modi government and it had ers." (Congress) will understand when erwise they thought the standof f
he said, adding that the army come down by 85 per cent in She said it was possible to trans‑ one of their own gets stuck one was not possible to resolve without
is free to respond to any ter‑ the northeast. form the ministry as she is in poli‑ day," she said. a war. Sushma Swaraj also ruled out
rorist attack. Compared to a high of 2,418 tics for 41 years, fought 11 elec‑ As for the allegation that the MEA charges of distancing Russia.
Addressing media persons Maoist incidents under the tions and is from Lok Sabha and has shifted to Prime Minister's "Just look at the visuals of Sochi
here, the senior BJP leader UPA regime, only 1,481 inci‑ thus know the problems of the peo‑ Office, Sushma Swaraj asked: "How informal summit. There is no dis‑
said the number of terrorists dents have taken place in the ple. As a minister, it is her first pri‑ am I answering all your questions if tancing of relations with Russia.
killed in the previous UPA‑II NDA rule, he said. ority to solve the problems of the I do not know about the foreign Russian President Putin invited PM
government was 471. "In 2013, Maoists were people, she said. policy as I only look after the Modi for the informal summit and
"There has been no compro‑ active in 76 districts but there "We have added the people's poli‑ Twitter handle?" despite lack of time Modi went in
mise on the unity and integrity area of influence and opera‑ cy in the foreign policy. The insen‑ On Doklam, she said the entire the morning and came back in
of the nation and we are proac‑ tions has shrunk to 58 districts sitive people may laugh at it, but international community appreciat‑ evening. If somebody says we have
tively pursuing operations in the last four years," he ask the entire nation and those ed India's handling of the issue with distanced Russia it is completely
against the terrorist groups added. Indians stuck in foreign land. They diplomacy and dialogue, which oth‑ untrue," she said.
 14 June 2-8, 2018 FOUR YEARS OF MODI TheSouthAsianTimes.info

By Shishir Gupta While the US, Japan and France

Successful security plan, are Indiaʼs core partners, Prime

N
ational security and foreign Minister Modi has managed to
policy do not fetch votes, forge a personal bond with Russian
and rarely act as an ef fec‑
tive polarizer of vote banks, as seen
in e lections after the 26/11
foreign policy hallmark of Modi President Vladimir Putin and
Chinese President Xi Jinping
through candid conversations. The
depth of the India‑US relationship is
Mumbai attacks. Their main divi‑
dend is peace and certainty, on the evident from the bipartisan consen‑
foundation of which sound econom‑ sus in Washington on building clos‑
ic growth is built. er ties with India; this is also reflect‑
The Narendra Modi government, ed in the people‑to‑people relation‑
in its first four years, has done well Prime Minister ship.
on these two parameters, barring Narendra Modi Pakistan and its terror shadow on
terror attacks from Pakistan‑based during a road Kashmir remain a matter of concern
groups in Jammu and Kashmir and show in New for the Modi government, as they
Delhi on May 27. have been to previous regimes in
bordering Gurdaspur in Punjab, and
the rise of radicalization in South New Delhi since Independence.
Kashmir. The governmentʼs resolve With a politically fluid situation in
in tackling Maoists, who once ruled Pakistan and Rawalpindi General
the mineral‑rich belts of eastern Headquarters continuing to push
India, and the capacity to prevent extremists across the Line of
any major terror attack in the hin‑ Control (LoC) into Kashmir, the
terland goes to the credit of home Modi government is left with no
minister Rajnath Singh and security option but to cut its losses and just
agencies. manage the relationship.
The courage and resoluteness of However, the Modi governmentʼs tures towards countries in the Cooperationʼs Dhaka declaration Apart from Pakistan, the Modi
the Indian Army, under the guid‑ main success lies in its diplomatic region. this year; Bangladesh was at the government has expanded coopera‑
ance of Prime Minister Modi and and security engagement of West Today, Prime Minister Modi and forefront of support for Indiaʼs tion with nations in its immediate
his National Security Adviser (NSA) Asia and the Association of South‑ his key advisors are on an SMS claim to observer status in the OIC. and extended neighborhood. Close
Ajit Doval, in conducting surgical East Asian Nations (Asean) and that basis with key west Asian powers With Prime Minister Modiʼs per‑ relations have been established
strikes in Pakistan‑Occupied too at a time when the dark shadow including Saudi Arabia, United Arab sonal diplomacy working on global with Myanmar, Bangladesh and
Kashmir (PoK) in 2016 and stand‑ of the so‑called Islamic State had Emirates, Jordan, Oman and ASEAN leaders, including the rulers of Afghanistan; ties with Sri Lanka and
ing up against a belligerent Peoples loomed large since 2014. Before the countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the days Nepal have been brought back on
Liberation Army (PLA) in the advent of Modi, governments used Malaysia and Vietnam. The result is of Indian fugitives and terrorists track and are on the mend with
Doklam plateau last year in defense to look towards Sunni West Asia quite evident in a single mention of taking refuge in these two king‑ China and the Maldives.
of Bhutan is now part of the military through the prism of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir in the doms or for that matter anywhere (The opinion piece appeared in
legacy. hence were reticent in making over‑ Organization of Islamic sin West Asia are practically over. The Hindustan Times)

than he was in 2014 and his attacks are

Modi's
sharper and unrelenting.
Congress General Secretary Ashok Gehlot
said people had trusted Modi but he

momentum
"betrayed" them. As a member of the opposi‑
tion, he sees an all‑round failure in the gov‑
ernment.

under attack
"Farmers, youth, traders, women, every‑
one now feels betrayed. There is sense of
fear and mistrust among people. Fuel prices
are sky‑rocketing. This is a loot. The situa‑
By Prashant Sood tion in the country is such and all sections
of society are so unhappy that the people

W
ith his party 'stopped' in will force every party in the country to come
Karnataka and bracing to face together to defeat Modi and the BJP," he
crucial Assembly elections in said.
three major states in the north this year BJP Spokesperson G.V.L. Narsimha Rao,
end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes however, as expected, termed the last four
his government into the last year in office years as "epoch‑making."
with the political momentum slightly shak‑ Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, BSP chief Mayawati, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata "These will be best remembered for usher‑
en against the mounting burden of fulfilling Banerjee and Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu at the swearing‑in ceremony ing in a New India Era with corruption‑free
expectations on numerous election promis‑ of Karnataka CM H.D. Kumaraswamy in Bengaluru. (Photo: IANS) governance, inclusive economic growth with
es. special focus on farmers, women and mar‑
Political analysts say that many of the political analyst and senior journalist H.K. tiative had to come from Prime Minister but ginalised sections," Rao told IANS.
promises of the Modi government have Dua adding that the idea of India as a plural that has not come," he said, adding there is He said that Prime Minister Narendra
been rhetoric and it needs course correction polity had suffered due to incidents like doubt how deep is the faith of government Modi's government has fulfilled long neg‑
by being more accommodative over the next 'love jihad' and lynchings. in democratic practices. lected basic needs of the common citizens
year if BJP's prospects are to improve. "Every incident fouls the atmosphere. As Prime Minister, Modi has sought to with innovative schemes like Ujjwala.
They said the outcome of 2019 elections India is a composite society and Prime bring speed to decision‑making by cutting The Ayushman Bharat scheme, announced
will largely depend on opposition parties Minister himself said 'Sabka saath, sabka red tape, set ambitious targets, launched in this year's budget which aims to provide
coming together to pose a common chal‑ vikas' which did not happen. That's why some imaginative schemes, focused on health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to
lenge to the BJP. Dalits have been very angry, tribals have delivery, simplified norms and shaken off around 10 crore families is an ambitious
The BJP's inability to form the govern‑ been very angry, farmers have been very lethargy in the official machinery. move to connect with the poor and, if suc‑
ment in Karnataka, despite being the single angry. Caste divisions are sharper than The BJP‑led National Democratic Alliance cessful, can help BJP earn goodwill in run
largest party, has come as a damper to the before. That does not speak well," he said. government is seen to be more focused and up to 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
party. It had suffered jolts earlier this year Dua said constitutional institutions "have target‑oriented but there is little visible The elections in Madhya Pradesh,
in defeats in prestigious parliamentary by‑ not been shown the respect they deserve." impact of some of its initiatives such as the Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh later this year
elections in Gorakhpur and Phulpur as also He said consensus between the ruling and Swachh Bharat Campaign. are expected to set the tempo for the Lok
Ajmer and Alwar. "Intolerance has been a opposition parties for running parliamen‑ Congress President Rahul Gandhi is also Sabha polls and the BJP is the incumbent in
major drawback in the last four years," says tary democracy has been ignored. "The ini‑ now a more formidable opponent of Modi all three states facing tough contests.

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ART June 2-8, 2018 15

Art and opulence of

Jodhpur royals
on show

‘Peacock in the Desert’ exhibition in Houston gives a bird’s

eye-view of the Rathores, the Rajput clan who over the oil
nt Singh II, Jodhpur, 1895,
Portrait of Maharaja Jaswa
course of 500 years built a life both cosmopolitan & grand. on canvas, Umaid Bha wa n Palace.

By SATimes

C
enturies of royal treas‑
ures from India come to The Mahi‑
the United States for the o‑Maratib
first time, in an epic presentation. Insignia in
Peacock in the Desert: The Royal Procession,
Arts of Jodhpur features master‑ Jodhpur,
pieces and relics̶never before 18th
seen beyond palace walls̶that century,
opaque
illustrate the history and artistic
watercolor
legacy of the Rathore dynasty.
and gold
The exhibition, organized by the
on paper.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in
partnership with the Mehrangarh
Museum Trust of Jodhpur, will be
open to the public till August 19
before travelling to Seattle in the fall
and then Toronto. Pavilion (Baradari), Jodhpur, 19th century, wood,
The exhibition showcases nearly paint, lacquer, and gold, Mehrangarh.
four centuries of artistic creation from
the kingdom of Marwar‑Jodhpur, in
Rajasthan. Lavishly made ceremonial
objects; finely crafted arms and armor;
sumptuous jewels; a monumental 17th‑
century court tent; intricately carved
furnishings; a Rolls‑Royce; a 1944 L‑5
Sentinel aircraft; and more outline the
dynamic history of the Marwar‑Jodhpur
region and the Rathore dynasty that
ruled it for more than 700 years.
Some 250 objects from Indian courtly
life illuminate how the Rathores
acquired and commissioned objects Shiva on His Vimana with Himalaya (detail), folio 53 from the Shiva
amidst cross‑cultural exchanges to Rahasya, Jodhpur, 1827, opaque watercolor and gold on paper.
leverage patronage, diplomacy, matri‑
monial alliances, trade, and conquest.
Drawn primarily from the collections of
the Mehrangarh Museum Trust and the
private collections of the royal family of
Jodhpur, Peacock in the Desert includes
textiles, tapestries, ceremonial regalia,
paintings, jewels, furniture, tents,
canopies, carpets, and weapons. Large‑
scale photomurals evoke the stunning
setting of the Mehrangarh Museum in
Jodhpur. Presented concurrently with
Peacock in the Desert is the exhibition
ʻModernism on the Ganges: Raghubir
Singh Photographsʼ, on view in the Beck
Building through June 3. The retrospective
Maharaja Takhat Singh on a Hunt with Royal
features work by visionary Indian photogra‑
Women (detail), Jodhpur, c. 1853, opaque Rolls‑Royce Phantom with Coachwork by
pher Raghubir Singh spanning the 1960s to
watercolor and gold on paper. Windovers of London, England, 1927.
1990s.
 16 June 2-8, 2018 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

I did not assault women: 'I try to break stereotypes

Morgan Freeman with each film'
L A
egendary actor "And that is why I apologized and will ctress Sonam Kapoor
Morgan Freeman, continue to apologize to anyone I might Ahuja, who is promoting
who has been have upset, however unintentionally," he her upcoming film
accused of sexual added. 'Veere Di Wedding', has said
harassment by eight "But I also want to be clear: I did not that she tries to break stereo‑
women, has said he did create unsafe work environments. I did types with each of her films.
not create "unsafe work not assault women. I did not offer Interacting with media dur‑
environment" and he did employment or advancement in ing a promotion for 'Veere Di
not "assault women". exchange for sex. Any sugges‑ Wedding', Sonam said: "Every
Through his publi‑ tion that I did so is com‑ film that I do, I hope to break
cist Stan pletely false," Morgan stereotypes in some way and
Rosenfield, concluded. inspire young people, be it
Freeman came out women or men, to look forward
with a statement, and feel like they can break the
reported glass ceiling in some way.
Legendary
variety.com. "I have always aspired to
actor Morgan
The statement make films that kind of change
Freemanʼs career
read: "I am devastat‑
spans nearly five the mindsets of people and at
ed that 80 years of decades. the same time, entertain them."
my life is at risk of Sonam added: "Now, before
being undermined, the release of the film, I don't
in the blink of an think so much about it because
eye, by Thursday's I get stressed thinking about
media reports." Weinstein released on how it will do once it's
"All victims of assault and harassment $1 mn bail over rape, released."
deserve to be heard. And we need to listen
to them. But it is not right to equate hor‑
abuse charges Sonam said that in the movie,
there are some cheeky dia‑
rific incidents of sexual assault with mis‑ isgraced producer Harvey logues spoken by female char‑
placed compliments or humor.
"I admit that I am someone who feels a
need to try to make women‑and men‑feel
D Weinstein has been released on
$1 million bail after being
charged with rape and sexual abuse.
acters of the film which "are not
going well with certain section of
people". 'Veere Di Wedding' is
Actress Sonam Kapoor Ahujaʼs
ʻVeere Di Weddingʼ releases on June 1.
appreciated and at ease around me. As a Weinstein, 66, also agreed to wear a female buddy comedy film, directed by It stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor,
part of that, I would often try to joke with GPS tracker and to surrender his pass‑ Shashanka Ghosh. The film is co‑produced by Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania in
and compliment women, in what I port after turning himself in to police, Rhea Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor and Nikhil Dwivedi. lead roles. It is releasing on June 1.
thought was a light‑hearted and humor‑ reports bbc.com. He pleaded not guilty
ous way."
The Oscar winning actor said that he
was not always coming across the way he
to charges of first‑ and third‑degree
rape and committing a criminal sexual
act in the first degree at his arraign‑
'Parmanu': Sincerely
intended. ment.
mounted patriotic tale
Kajol gets wax statue at P
armanu: The Story of Pokhran", is ded‑
icated to all the unsung heroes ‑‑ engi‑
neers, scientists and soldiers, who

Madame Tussauds Singapore helped our nation make a mark in the war of
nuclear supremacy.
The narrative begins with informing us that

B
ollywood actress after the disseverment of the USSR, and faced
Kajol walked on with the dilemma of tackling other superpow‑
the red carpet with ers and Pakistan's close association with the
her daughter Nysa for the US, we had no choice but to conduct the
first time to unveil her wax nuclear weapon detonation at Pokhran, a
statue at Madame remote location in the Thar Desert region.
Tussauds attraction in The core action takes place in 1998
W
REVIE
Singapore. after a failed attempt in 1995 when
"My little girl with me on Himanshu Shukla (Boman Irani) the
a red carpet for the first Principal Secretary of the then Prime
time," the actress tweeted Minister, calls upon Ashwat Raina (John
hours before the ceremo‑ Abraham), a disgruntled and disappointed IAS
ny. officer to assist him in this endeavor.
Kajol, who made her How Ashwat puts up a team of diligent John Abraham puts forth a sincere performance
Bollywood debut in 1992 workers and executes the mission in total and does well in group scenes.
with "Bekhudi", gave a secrecy, forms the crux of the narrative. well in group scenes, but fails to rise above
western touch to her sari While the film has its fair share of drama, the basics when the camera focuses on him
and looked glamorous and there are no moments that sweep you off solely. He is aptly supported by Anuja Sathe
sophisticated at the event. your feet. Even the patriotic card that plays to as his wife; Diana Penty as Ambalika
Her daughter looked chic perfection at the end makes one uncomfort‑ Bandhopadhyay in charge of security.
in a black dress. The moth‑ able as you root for the unsung heroes with The cinematography by Zubin Mistry is
er‑daughter duo were some trepidation. Your logical mind is torn striking. He captures the locales, action and
twinning in black. between patriotism and leaving a legacy for scenes competently. And his live action
She will be seen next in the future generation ‑‑ being a superpower scenes are meshed effortlessly with the stock
Pradeep Sarkar's "Eela" at what cost? news reels and the background‑score by the
(tentative title) which will John Abraham stars, in a powerful and editing team.
hit the theatres on effective performance as Ashwat Raina. He Overall, the film is worth a watch for the
September 14. puts forth a sincere performance and does unsung heroes of the tale.
Kajol made her Bollywood debut in 1992 with ʻBekhudiʼ.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD June 2-8, 2018 17

I was a minority, a lone Priyanka urges world to

ranger: Aamir Khan care for Rohingya refugees
F A
rom winning ctress and global
awards without Unicef Goodwill
attending award Ambassador for
shows to bringing a new Child Rights Priyanka
wave in the business of Chopra, who is on a field
Indian cinema, actor‑film‑ visit here, has urged the
maker Aamir Khan not world to care for and sup‑
only broke all the rules to port Rohingya refugees,
establish his stardom over among whom are a whole
the last 30 years but also lot of children who she says
remains a watchdog of the are scarred for life because
film industry. of their ordeal.
He believes the changing Priyanka visited Cox's
sensibility of the Indian Bazaar, one of the largest
audience is one of the best refugee camps in the world,
things happened in few and shared photographs of
decades. During a media her experience with
interaction, Aamir said: "I do ʻMr Perfectionistʼ of
Ac tor Aamir Khan is known as Rohingya children, on
believe that the sensibility of e of cinema.
Bollywood for his choic Instagram.
the audience has been chang‑ Almost 700,000 refugees
ing from last 30 years that I things from outside...but these words don't have fled violence in neigh‑
have been acting. I know that films like 'Jo enter my head," said the man who produced boring Myanmar and
Jeeta Wohi Sikandar' if made today, would films like "Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa", "Peepli arrived in Cox's Bazar since
have been a massive hit (at the box office) Live", "Delhi Belly", "Dangal"and "Secret August 2017, according to
because this is the kind of films that today's Superstar". "As a creative person, I want to do the UN.
audience love. When I came to the film indus‑ good work. And I want more and more people "In the second half of
try, I was a minority, a lone ranger. to like my work. When I am trying to do 2017, the world saw horrif‑
"I was someone, doing films that I believed these two things, it automatically translates ic images of ethnic cleans‑
in, but the market, the host of other people into my work as commercial cinema and criti‑ ing from the Rakhine State
did not believe in such films. Only a few of us cally acclaimed cinema," Aamir explained. of Myanmar (Burma). This
did. I was constantly swimming against the Known for going by his instinct while violence drove nearly
tide. Now the time has changed. Now, these choosing a script and judge a film like an 700,000 Rohingya across
films are considered mainstream."
Actress and global Unicef Goodwill Ambassador for
audience first before as an actor, Aamir is the border into Bangladesh ‑ Child Rights Priyanka Chopra.
"I do not think about commercial and con‑ well aware of the potential business of a film. 60 per cent are children!
tent driven film so sharply in my head. For However, that does not bother him. "Many months later they are still highly vul‑ sense of safety, monsoon season
me, a cinema should be good and I want it to He said: "My thought process is still the nerable, living in overcrowded camps with no looms...threatening to destroy all that they
be loved by as many people as possible. Now, same. When I am doing a film like 'Talaash' I idea when or where they will ever have built so far. This is an entire generation
'good cinema' is considered as critically know it will not be the biggest blockbuster of belong...even worse, when they will get their of children that have no future in sight."
acclaimed, and 'loved by people' means com‑ the year but I want to do that film because I next meal," Priyanka wrote. Priyanka asked for helping these children
mercially successful. These two are different believed in it." "And as they finally start to settle and feel a "because right now, their future is bleak".

Hugh Grant finally marries at 57

Karan Soni wants to make
A
ctor Hugh Grant finally

film with Alia Bhatt

married at 57 his
Swedish girlfriend Anna

D
Eberstein, 39, in an intimate cer‑
emony. They married amid close‑ eadpool" actor Karan Soni
knit family and friends at says he is working on a
script keeping Bollywood
Chelsea registry office, reports
actress Alia Bhatt in mind.
mirror.co.uk.
Asked about the progress of the
"The Four Weddings and a
script, Karan said: "I am still trying
Funeral" actor wore a sleek navy
to get that made. It is taking time
blue suit, while Eberstein
but it is definitely on the list. I want
dressed casually in a powder
to get it made. It is slowly moving
blue shirt and short white skirt
forward."
that featured a thick black belt.
In another interview, Karan had
Following the ceremony, the
shared that he is writing the script
newly married couple, along
with her voice in the mind.
with Eberstein's parents and two
"I wrote three parts with her in
brothers, Grant's father and
mind for one part. I wrote the
brother and their two eldest chil‑
script with her voice in mind.
dren, travelled in chauffeur driv‑
Because when I write I like to think
en cars to carry on the celebra‑
who would be the actor who would
tions at an unknown location.
play it. And in a dream situation, I
The nuptials were said to have
would like to have her," said Karan,
come as a surprise to many of
who got noticed as Deadpool's
his close friends, who thought he
Indian cab driver Dopinder.
would never marry.
After "Deadpool 2" ‑‑ brought to
He himself once called mar‑
India by Fox Star India, Karan will
riage "unromantic", saying: "Do I
be seen as an angel in "Miracle
think humans are meant to be in
Workers". He will also feature in
a 40‑year‑long faithful relation‑
Actor Hugh Grant with producer "Corporate Animals", starring Sharon Actress Alia Bhatt is riding high
ship? No, no, no."
wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein. Stone. on the success of ʻRaaziʼ.
 18 June 2-8, 2018 YOGA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading a

Celebrating 4th
yoga session for International Day of International Day
Yoga at India Gate in New Delhi last year.
of Yoga
Washington DC June 16: IDY
Yoga event organized by
Embassy of India in partnership
with Friends of Yoga at the US
Capitol, West Lawn, Washington DC.
Hartsdale, NY June 23: Outdoor
Yoga Class organized by the Indian
Cultural Association of North
America with Greenburgh Parks &
Recreation & Indian Consulate –
New York, at Richard Presser Park
(Webb Park), 218 N Central Ave,
Hartsdale, NY 10530; 5.30 pm. Free
Yoga mats for first 100 participants.
Hicksville, NY June 23: Learn yoga
and meditation from Shri Sanjay
Attada (disciple of Swamy Bua), at

Modi advocates Asa Mai Hindu Temple, organized by

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA,
Asa Mai temple and Indian
Consulate; 10.00 am.

including yoga in life

Hartford, CT June 24: Yoga and
meditation practice and introduc‑
tion to ayurveda, homeopathy and
naturopathy, organized by the

P
Indian Consulate and Milan CT at
rime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday Baat ‑‑ said the practice of yoga leads to building we play, the more we will inspire the country to
Capitol Building, Capitol Avenue;
urged everyone to include yoga in their up of courage, a sense of forgiveness and mental come out and play.
10 am.
life and focus on fitness. peace. "For me, it is heartwarming that the captain of
Boston June 22‑24: 3rd
Ahead of the International Yoga Day on June Talking about the 'Fit India' campaign, he men‑ the Indian cricket team Virat Kohli has included
International Conference on
21, he said: "I appeal to all the citizens to adopt tioned a large number of people came forward to me in his (fitness) challenge... and I have accepted
Integrative Medicine: Role of Yoga
their legacy of yoga and create a healthy, happy support the campaign and are sharing videos of his challenge. I believe this is gainful and this
and Ayurveda, Harvard Medical
and harmonious nation." their workouts on social media. kind of a challenge will inspire us to be fit along
School, Boston, MA.
Modi in his monthly radio address ‑ Mann Ki "When I say 'Fit India', I believe that the more with others as well," he added.

DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SUBCONTINENT June 2-8, 2018 19

Xi asked Pakistan to shunt out 23 killed, over 1.66 lakh affected

Hafiz? Baseless, says China as heavy rains lash Sri Lanka

Jamaat‑ud‑Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed.

Beijing: China rejected as "baseless" a report declared a global terrorist by the UN, India People wade through water in suburban areas of Colombo.
that it had asked Pakistan to shunt out and the US.
Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Under international pressure to crack Colombo: At least 23 persons were killed around 20 districts, especially in the
Jamaat‑ud‑Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed to down on terror outfits, Pakistan had banned and over 1.66 lakh persons were affected southern half of the country, for more
some West Asian country. the JuD in February this year. due to heavy monsoon rains in Sri Lanka than a week now, Efe news reported.
"The report is shocking and baseless," the China has been accused of shielding its in the past 10 days, official figures indi‑ At least 1,359 members of the armed
Chinese Foreign Ministry said. "all‑weather friend" Pakistan on the terror cated. forces have been deployed in rescue oper‑
According to a news report in The Hindu, front. China has an investment of over $50 Over 75,013 of the affected people ations across the country, and another
Chinese President Xi Jinping told Pakistan billion in infrastructure projects in Pakistan. have been evacuated from flooded areas 6,264 are on standby, the centre said.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in China frequently hails Pakistan for con‑ whereas 13 persons have been reported Every year, Sri Lanka experiences heavy
March to relocate international terrorist tributing to the fight against global terror‑ missing, the country's Disaster rain during the monsoon.
Saeed to some West Asian country. ism and counsels the world to "acknowl‑ Management Centre said. In June last year, monsoon rain and
Saeed is the mastermind of the 2008 edge" Islamabad's efforts. The displaced have been put up in 339 cyclone Mora had caused at least 212
Mumbai terror attack that killed 166 New Delhi and Kabul accuse Islamabad of camps and shelters. deaths. As many as 79 persons were
Indians and foreigners and has been sheltering terrorists. Rain and strong winds have lashed reported missing.

ʻModi doesn't Pakistan to hold general

advocate peace talksʼ
Washington: Former
elections on July 25
Islamabad: Pakistan President
Pakistani military
dictator Pervez
Mamnoon Hussain has set July 25 Nasirul Mulk is
as the date for the country's next
Musharraf has said
general elections, the media report‑
Pak's caretaker PM
his country and Islamabad: Former Chief Justice
ed. The Election Commission of
India were on the Nasirul Mulk was announced as
Pakistan (ECP) had sent a summary
path of reconcilia‑ Pakistan's caretaker Prime
to the President on May 21, propos‑
tion when he was in Minister. The announcement
ing the holding of the 2018 general
power but that was was made by opposition leader
elections on any date between July
no longer the case Khursheed Shah at a joint press
25 and 27.
because Prime conference with Prime Minister
An of ficial from the President's
Minister Narendra Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and
Office told Dawn news that Hussain
Modi "isn't an advo‑ Pakistani President National Assembly Speaker
had signed the summary approving
cate of peace talks". Mamnoon Hussain. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
Former Pakistan July 25 as the polling date.
In an interview "We have selected a candidate
President Pervez Musharraf. Under Section 57 (1) of the Around 85,000 polling stations
with Voice of for caretaker Premier who will
Elections Act, 2017, the President with some 285,000 polling booths
America, Musharraf said when he anymore. They want to undo prove to play a democratic role
announces the date for elections in would be established across the
was at the helm, "I spoke to both us...Modi wants to enforce in the upcoming general elec‑
consultation with the ECP after country and security cameras would
the Prime Ministers, Atal Bihari supremacy in India," he said. tion," Abbasi said, adding "every
which the Commission is required to be installed at the most sensitive
Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. Musharraf said there was a bias name was discussed, and this
announce the schedule for the polls polling stations, reports Dawn news.
They both wanted to move for‑ between treatment of India and name was decided upon. It's a
within seven days of the announce‑ The five‑year term of the National
ward from the disputes" between Pakistan. name no one can point fingers
ment. Sources in the ECP said a ten‑ Assembly and the Punjab Assembly
the two countries. "Nobody asks India to control at". "No one's name was dis‑
tative schedule for the polls was will end on May 31 while the Sindh,
According to Express Tribune, their (nuclear) assets. No one carded... We have chosen his
ready and was most likely to be Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and
Musharraf recalled how he had questions India's possession of name on the basis of merit,"
announced after formal approval. Balochistan assemblies will com‑
worked out a four‑point peace for‑ nuclear threats. Pakistan became Shah said.
An ECP official said that it would plete their terms on May 28.
mula to solve Siachen and a nuclear state because India It took the government and
be for the first time in the electoral Under Article 224 of the
Kashmir disputes between the two posed an undeniable existential the opposition six meetings to
history of the country that the Constitution, elections for the
nuclear neighbors. threat. decide on a name for the covet‑
scrutiny period would be extended national and provincial assemblies
"We were working on my strate‑ "The US should've stopped them, ed position. Justice Mulk has
from seven to eight days and the are to be held within 60 days from
gy because both sides wanted to we've been loyal to them through‑ served as the 22nd Chief
poll campaign period would be the day the term of the assemblies
have peace. This is not the case out," he added. Justice of Pakistan.
increased from 21 days to 28 days. expires.
 20 June 2-8, 2018 INTERNATIONAL TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Kim Jong‑un reaffirms Turkey vows to retaliate

if US halts F-35 delivery
willingness to meet Trump Ankara: Turkey will
retaliate if the US sus‑
Seoul: North Korean leader Kim pends delivery of F‑35
Jong‑un has reaffirmed his willing‑
ness to denuclearize the Korean
US officials in fighter jets, the coun‑
try's Foreign Ministry
Peninsula and hold a summit with N Korea over warned.
US President Donald Trump, South A US Senate com‑
Korean President Moon Jae‑in summit planning mittee bill aiming to
said. Washington: US President prevent Turkey from
"Chairman Kim Jong‑un has once Donald Trump has confirmed purchasing Lockheed
again clearly expressed his com‑ that a team of American offi‑ Martin F‑35 Joint
mitment to the complete denu‑ cials arrived in North Korea Strike Fighter jets was
clearization of the Korean to organize the planned sum‑ "against the spirit of
Peninsula following his pledge in Turkey is scheduled to buy more
mit between him and Kim our alliance with the
the Panmunjom Declaration and than 100 F‑35 fighter jets.
Jong‑un, after he officially US", Ministry
expressed his willingness to end cancelled the meeting last spokesman Hami Aksoy said. targeting Iranian airlines.
the history of war and confronta‑ week and then appeared to "This is not a program man‑ A US Senate committee
tion through the success of the retract that move. aged merely by the US. It's a passed a bill to block Turkey
North Korean leader
North Korea‑US summit," Moon "Our US team has arrived in multinational program and we from purchasing Lockheed
Kim Jong‑un has reaffirmed
said of his latest summit with the North Korea to make expect everybody to fulfill their Martin F‑35 jets over its deten‑
his denuclearization pledge.
North Korean leader. arrangements for the Summit obligations." tion of the US priest Andrew
"We both agreed the June 12 outcome of my summit with U.S. If the US takes such steps, "we Brunson.
between Kim Jong‑un and
North Korea‑US summit must be President Trump held last week, I will have to respond", the Lockheed Martin was expect‑
myself. I truly believe North
successfully held," Yonhap News relayed the message that President spokesman warned. ed to deliver the first F‑35
Korea has brilliant potential
Agency quoted Moon as saying Trump is firmly willing to end his Aksoy also vowed protection fighter jet to Turkey on June
and will be a great economic
here. Trump had called off his country's hostile relationship with of Turkey's firms following a 21. Turkey is scheduled to buy
and financial Nation one
scheduled summit with Kim, citing North Korea and enhance econom‑ decision by the US Treasury more than 100 F‑35 fighter jets
day," Trump tweeted.
the North's tremendous anger and ic cooperation should Chairman Department to impose sanc‑ while negotiating with
"Kim Jong‑un agrees with
open hostility, only to suggest Kim make a decision on complete tions on several Iranian and Washington over the purchase
me on this. It will happen!"
later the meeting would go ahead denuclearization and implements Turkish companies in a move of Patriot missiles.
he added.
as planned. "While explaining the it," Moon said.

Russian military missile brought Ireland set to dump abortion

down MH17, say investigators
ban, PM hails 'revolution'
Dublin: Ireland's Indian‑origin
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar
hailed his country's "quiet revo‑
lution" as early results in the
country's historic abortion ref‑
erendum pointed to a "resound‑
ing" vote for overturning the
ban.
"The people have spoken.
They have said we need a mod‑
ern Constitution for a modern
country," Varadkar said, after
exit polls suggested a landslide
vote in favor of reforming the
law.
One exit poll released by
Ireland's national broadcaster
RTE after polling stations
Workers at the site of MH17 plane crash.
closed predicted that 69.4 per
The Hague: The missile that Dutch official from the Joint cent voted in favor of repealing
A huge poster for legalized abortion is seen on
brought down a Malaysia Airlines Investigation Team (JIT), told the Eighth Amendment and
a building in downtown Dublin.
passenger jet over eastern Ukraine reporters: "All the vehicles in a 30.6 per cent "No".
in 2014, killing all 298 people on convoy carrying the missile were Another by the Irish Times, tion of a quiet revolution that's legislate for change which would
board, belonged to the Russian part of the Russian armed forces." 68 per cent voted in favor of been taking place in Ireland over see the introduction of a much
military, Dutch investigators said. He said that after studying all ditching the prohibition. the past 20 years." more liberal regime. Varadkar
For the first time, the Dutch‑led available photos and footage, A campaign to liberalize abor‑ Irish voters "trust and respect said he hoped to have a new
team said the missile had come investigators had been able to tion gathered momentum in women to make the right choic‑ abortion law enacted by the end
from a unit based in western trace the convoy to Russia's 53rd 2012 after 31‑year‑old Indian es and decisions about their own of 2018.
Russia, the BBC reported. Brigade, which consists of 300 woman Savita Halappanavar health care", he added. Following the exit polls,
All people on board the Boeing people based in the city of Kursk. died in a Galway hospital after The vote saw citizens effec‑ Ireland's pro‑life "Save The 8th"
777 died when it broke apart in Dutch prosecutor Fred she was refused an abortion dur‑ tively opt to either retain or campaign conceded defeat. The
mid‑air flying from Amsterdam to Westerbeke said that a few dozen ing a miscarriage. For many, repeal the Eighth Amendment of group said: "What Irish voters
Kuala Lumpur. people of interest had been identi‑ Halappanavar became the sym‑ the country's Constitution, which did yesterday is a tragedy of his‑
It was hit by a missile fired from fied, adding that the probe into bolic image to strive for change. prohibits terminations unless a toric proportions... However, a
rebel‑held territory in Ukraine. who was responsible for downing Varadkar, who campaigned in mother's life is in danger. wrong does not become right
Russia said none of its weapons flight MH17 was now entering its favor of liberalization, said: A vote in favor of repeal paves simply because a majority sup‑
was used. But Wilbert Paulissen, a final phases. "What we've seen is the culmina‑ the way for Irish Parliament to port it."
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BUSINESS June 2-8, 2018 21

Modi to visit Indonesia,

CII pegs India's growth
between 7.3-7.7 percent
New Delhi: Industry chambers

Malaysia, Singapore
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on
Monday said that it expects India's econo‑
my to grow at 7.3‑7.7 per cent in 2018‑
19 on the back of "sustained structural
New Delhi: As part of India's standing at around $18 reforms", recovery in global markets and
e f forts to boost t ies w ith billion. Around 250,000 a normal monsoon.
Southeast Asia under its Act East jobs have been created The industry body said that "sustained
Policy, Prime Minister Narendra by Indian companies in structural reforms" have led to a rebound
Modi will visit Indonesia, Malaysia Indonesia. in the country's economy as businesses
and Singapore from May 29 to On May 31, Modi will across several key sectors experience
June 2. make a brief stopover in firm growth trends.
"Prime Minister's of ficial Malaysia on his way from "The impact of sustained structural
eng agements in Jakarta and Indonesia to Singapore. reforms is now being felt on the ground
Singapore include bilateral meet‑ Mo di w ill meet new ly as a mammoth economy is turning
ings with the leadership, delega‑ elected Malaysian Prime around," CII President Rakesh Bharti
tion level talks, meetings with the Minister Mahathir Mittal was quoted as saying in a state‑
business and Indian communities," Mohamad. ment. "Businesses across several key sec‑
the External Affairs M inistry said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From Malaysia, Modi tors are experiencing firm growth in sales
in a statement. will reach Singapore on and orders, indicating better capacity uti‑
It said Indonesia, Malaysia and discuss bilateral, regional and internation‑ May 31 and will begin his engagements by lization and higher investment expecta‑
Sing apore, three countries of the al issues of mutual interest." visiting an India‑Singapore Enterprise and tions." According to CII, strong rural con‑
Association of Southeast Asian Nations W hile Indonesia hosts the Asean Innovation Exhibition. sumption is reflected in sectors such as
(Asean) reg ional blo c, are Strateg ic Secretariat, Singapore is the current Chair He will then participate in a business consumer non‑durables, two‑wheelers
Partners of India. of the regional bloc. and community event where he will talk and tractors. CII noted that "capital
"India attaches high importance to its Modi will reach Indonesia on May 29 about India's economic engagement with goods" sector has shown a steady
relations with the Asean region and is and and hold a summit with the country's Asean. Modi will also participate in a CEOs improvement and order books are filling
committed to deepening its relationship President Joko Widodo the next day in Round Table with the top 20 CEOs of up. This sector is a key indicator of a
with individual Asean member states, Jakarta. This will be his first official visit Singapore. On June 1, Modi will call on country's economic activity. "Exports too,
within the framework of the government's to that southeast Asian nation. Singapore President Halimah Yacob and are poised to grow at a faster pace in the
Act East Policy," the statement said. Indonesia is India's largest trading part‑ then hold a summit with Prime Minister current fiscal year, which started on a
"The visit would enable the leaders to ner within the Asean with bilateral trade Lee Hsien Loong. good note," the industry body said.

AirAsia Group CEO under US portal questions Tata Trusts'

$50mn donation to Harvard
CBI scanner Washington: The controversy surrounding A sub‑panel of the Public Accounts
New Delhi: The CBI has registered a the $50 million donation from not‑for‑profit Committee was looking into the $50 million
case against AirAsia group CEO Tony Tata Trusts to the Harvard Business School in donation and other such gift pacts, suspect‑
Fernandes, a Malaysian billionaire, for 2010 has now reached the American shores ing the money may have been donated in vio‑
allegedly trying to circumvent rules to with a leading Conservative website question‑ lation of tax rules, according to a member of
get international flying license for ing the globally presti‑ the panel.
AirAsia India, the probe agency said on gious institution for "The committee's major
Tuesday. accepting "questionable concern was to check mis‑
Searches were being held in multiple funds" that should other‑ use of tax exemptions in
locations in Delhi, Mumbai and wise have been "used for cases where donations
Bengaluru in connection with the case, the welfare of the poor." were made outside the
according to CBI spokesperson R.K. That was against "every country. The committee
Gaur. tenet of good (corporate) recommended knowing the
"A case has been registered against governance", Alex Beard, director of a usefulness of such donation for the country.
Fernandes and some other unidentified Washington‑based global financial advisory And if it was not useful (to the country) then
persons linked to the firm (AirAsia firm and a former professor from the taxes should be levied. It was meant for
India)," Gaur said. Georgetown University, said in a signed arti‑ all such trusts and charitable institutions and
Gaur said Fernandes had lobbied and AirAsia group CEO Tony Fernandes cle. Beard also questioned Harvard's moral not Tata Trusts alone," former BJP Rajya
was trying to violate rule 5/20 that obligation, asking if it would return the funds Sabha member Ajay Sancheti, who was part of
requires an airline to have a minimum of Malaysia, the company AirAsia, Travel "or rectify it in some other way". the panel when it prepared the report, told
five years of flying and 20 aircraft to apply Food owner Sunil Kapoor, AirAsia Director The 2010 donation agreement ‑‑ the largest IANS. He completed his term in April this
for international licenses. R Venkatraman, aviation consultant from an international donor in the 102‑year year.
AirAsia India ‑ a subsidiary of Malaysian Deepak Talwar, Director of Singapore‑ history of the Harvard ‑‑ between HBS Dean Incidentally, the matter has come to fore
low‑cost airline AirAsia Berhad ‑ started based SNR Trading Rejendra Dubey and Nitin Nohria and business magnate Ratan after Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS),
domestic operations in June 2014. unidentified public servants have been Tata that resulted in the subsequent construc‑ previously a significant beneficiary of Tata
Besides Fernandes, Group CEO AirAsia named in the FIR. tion of Tata Hall in 2013 is under a parlia‑ Trusts funds, stopped financial aid to poor
mentary scrutiny in India. students in 2017 due to funding deficiencies.
 22 June 2-8, 2018 SPORTS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Watson blitz helps Chennai clinch third IPL title

We won the IPL defying
all odds: Bravo
Mumbai: Back in the mix after a two‑
year hiatus and playing almost all of
their home games away from home,
Dwayne Bravo said Chennai Super Kings
defied all odds to lift their third Indian
Premier League (IPL) title.
"It has been good. This is a special
moment. The team did not play together
for the last two years. We had to move
from Chennai after one game. For most
Chennai Super Kings celebrate after winning the IPL 2018 at
Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS) of the guys, this is their first time. We
were able to keep fo cus and do it.
Mumbai: Shane Watson was back to his bru‑ du Plessis (10) was caught and bowled by Nothing is better than winning finals,"
tal best as the opener's scintillating unbeat‑ pacer Sandeep Sharma when the scoreboard Bravo said after the game.
en 117 runs helped Chennai Super Kings lift was reading just 13 runs. "We always said experience will help
their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title, Raina then joined Watson and the duo in crunch times. (Shane) Watson batted
thrashing Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight started slamming bowlers all round the park on one leg and despite the hamstring,
wickets in the summit clash here. at will. The strike mostly remained with his experience helped him. Watson is a Dwayne Bravo.
Making a comeback after serving two Watson and the Australian all‑rounder took world class player," the West Indian all‑
years of a ban, the Yellow Brigade stood up advantage beautifully by unleashing some rounder added. down," an elated Rayudu said after the
to their reputation of being one of the best ferocious shots. "I was really fortunate to have such a match where he hit the winning runs.
team in the cash‑rich league. The Mahendra Soon the duo helped their team get past season for Chennai. I worked really hard Harbhajan Singh, who was dropped for
Singh Dhoni‑led side hunted down a compet‑ the 100‑run mark in the 12th over and just for it and am glad that I could hit the the final for Karn Sharma, said he was
itive 179‑run target against one of the best after that Watson, who was looking at his winning runs. Initially the wicket looked happy to bag his fourth IPL title, win‑
bowling attacks of the current season with best, hammered Sandeep to 27 runs in his a little slow, it was damp, got much ning the previous three with Mumbai
nine balls to spare. final over. Trying to join the party, Raina quicker and I am glad we could chase it Indians.
Watson was in devastating touch in his miscued while trying to pull a short ball
entire 57‑ball innings, which comprised of from Carlos Brathwaite knicked his gloves Soon, the Australian slammed his second season.
11 boundaries and eight massive hits into which landed in wicketkeeeper's hand. century of the season off just 51 deliveries For Hyderabad, Carlos Brathwaite and
the stands. The Australian along with Suresh The southpaw's 24‑ball knock was laced through a single of f Rashid Khan. With Sharma took one wicket each.
Raina (32) forged a 117‑run match‑winning with three boundaries and one six. Chennai needing 21 runs in 20 balls, the Put in to bat, Hyderabad started their pro‑
partnership to put Chennai ahead of their T he fall of wicket brought in Ambati duo kept on playing freely and overhauled ceedings on a bad note as opener Shreevats
opponents. Chasing 179, Chennai lost their Rayudu (16 not out) who followed the same the target with ease to become the only Goswami (5) gifted his wicket in the second
first wicket in the fourth over as Opener Faf strategy of giving the strike to Watson. team to beat a side four times in a single over with the just 13 runs on the board.

Pitch-fixing: Sri Lanka offers

full support to ICC's probe
FIFA announces 2018 World
Colombo: In wake of allegations of
pitch‑fixing involving the curator of
the Galle pitch, Sri Lanka Cricket
a news organization and as you
would expect we will take the con‑
tents of the program and any alle‑
Cup national slogans
(SLC) said it will give its "fullest gations it may make very seriously," Moscow: The worlds governing
cooperation" to any investigation the ICC said in a statement. football body, FIFA, published a list
into match‑fixing. "We have made repeated requests of official logos for each of 32 par‑
An Al Jazeera documentary is that all evidence and supporting ticipating teams in the upcoming
believed to allege groundsmen in materials relating to corruption in 2018 FIFA World Cup and the logo
Galle are being bribed to alter pitch‑ cricket is released immediately to of hosts Russia is "Play With an
es for Test matches involving teams enable us to undertake a full and Open Heart."
such as Australia and England. comprehensive investigation." "The votes have been counted.
"Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to state "We have already launched an The fans have spoken," FIFA said
that it has zero tolerance towards investigation working with anti‑cor‑ in a statement, reports Tass news
corruption and will take immediate ruption colleagues from member agency.
action against any person involved countries based on the limited "We now have the 32 slogans
in the alleged incident, if found information we have received," the that captured the hearts, and
guilty," the SLC said in a statement. statement added. votes, of the global FIFA Club com‑
"Sri Lanka Cricket is constantly T he London‑based Daily munity."
engaged with the ICC and is follow‑ Telegraph said that the Al Jazeera Before the winning variant of
ing its guidelines on how to handle footage seen by the newspaper fea‑ "Play With an Open Heart" was
anti‑corruption operations for the tured Robin Morris, a former pro‑ approved in the course of the vot‑
forthcoming tours in Sri Lanka," it fessional cricketer from Mumbai, ing the other two variants in previ‑
The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off from
added. The International Cricket Tharindu Mendis, a player from ous top‑three had suggestions of June 14 with the opening match in Moscow.
Council (ICC) has already launched Colombo, and Tharanga Indika, an "T he Russian Bears Stride to
an investigation, saying it took the assistant manager at Galle Victory" and "With a Full Heart the that each lucky slogan creator will 11 host cities to be the venues for
allegations reported in the docu‑ International Stadium. Ent ire Nat ion is Pursuing the be awarded with a trip to Russia the matches of the 2018 World
mentary "very seriously" and urged The newspaper reported that the Dream." for the world football champi‑ Cup and they are Moscow, St.
"all evidence and supporting mate‑ footage showed the men talking "The winning slogans will be dis‑ onship. Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan, Saransk,
rial" to be shared with the investiga‑ about doctoring pitches during a played on the 32 team buses at the The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks Kaliningrad, Volgograd, Rostov‑on‑
tors. "The ICC is aware of an investi‑ meeting with an undercover 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia," the off from June 14 with the opening Don, Nizhny Novgoro d,
gation into corruption in cricket by reporter. statement from FIFA said adding match in Moscow. Russia selected Yekaterinburg and Samara.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA FEATURES June 2-8, 2018 23

Awareness on sanitary napkins still

low in rural areas: India's real Pad Man
By Sugandha Rawal recalling his journey. movie on menstrual hygiene. They
What was the most dif ficult believed in the cause and that can

S
ome thought he was pos‑ thing to crack in his endeavor? be seen in the way the movie was
sessed, some thought he "T he most dif ficult thing is made," he said, adding that the
was just being a pervert changing people's mindset. No stardom of "Akshay ji he lped
when he started quest ioning man ever died of poverty; every‑ increase the awareness and take
young women about sanitary thing is because of ignorance. To conversations to the next level".
pads. break the age‑old taboos and to That has added more power to
But Arunachalam see girls and women use pads his mission.
Muruganantham did all this in his was a difficult task," he said. "I want to create more Pad Men
quest to make cheap sanitary nap‑ Flash forward to the present, who can make an impact in socie‑
kins for his wife, which, eventual‑ he runs a company in ty. The movie has contributed
ly, went on to revolutionize men‑ Coimbatore to supply women immensely towards this and I
strual health for rural women Arunachalam Murugananthamʼs with sanitary pads, provides would like to thank Tw inkle,
around the globe. incredible story of making technolog y for his low cost Akshayji, Balki sir and the entire
Murug anantham, who hails sanitary pads available to women hyg iene pro ducts to several team for this," added
from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, found its way into Bollywood countries, was named one of Muruganantham.
says he still has miles to go in his through "Pad Man", with actor Time magazine's 100 most influ‑ Muruganantham, who believes
mission "to make menstrual Akshay Kumar promoting the ential people in 2014, and was in living a simple life, is using the
cause with his star power. honored with the Padma Shri in new found commercial interest to
hygiene accessible and affordable
for everyone". have miles to go in our mission to respect in society. People started 2016. His story found its way spread word about his endeavor.
"It all started for my w ife make menstrual hygiene accessi‑ avoiding him, he was subjected to into Bollywood in a more drama‑ "We have an initiative called
(Shanthi) and now it has gone ble and affordable for everyone," taunts from the people from his tized way through "Pad Man", with #StandByHer, aimed at spreading
global and become a revolution. I he added. own neighborhood, and some actor Akshay Kumar driving the awareness in menstrual hygiene
am very g lad and happy with Muruganantham believes every‑ even thought he had contracted a project with his star power. digitally and on ground. With the
where my mission has reached," one can be a Pad Man. sexual disease. In fact, his wife Directed by R. Balki, "Pad Man" help of a few like‑minded people,
Muruganantham told IANS in an "And that is why I feel it is my also left him due to his craze to is based on a short story from we create awareness amongst
email interview from Coimbatore. responsibility to create more Pad create af fordable sanitary nap‑ Tw inkle Khanna's book "T he school students and villages.
"People have definitely changed. Men," he added. kins. Legend Of Lakshmi Prasad". The "We also distribute pads to
More people are having open con‑ Muruganantham did not embark "What kept me going was my film, also starring Sonam Kapoor police women, school girls and vil‑
versat ions about sanitary on this journey to get acclaim or desire to provide a hygiene prod‑ and Radhika Apte, will air on May lagers. We are creating various
hygiene... 20 years ago no one fame, but to ensure his wife does‑ uct for my w ife. Also, I have 26 ‑‑ just days before Menstrual unique concepts to create aware‑
dared to speak about it. Today, n't resort to unhygienic ways like worked for an engineering firm Hygiene Day ‑‑ on Zee Cinema. ness ‑‑ the Pad Man challenge
taboos have been broken. But cotton, ash or rag cloth during and I know for a fact that even if I The film has opened a wider dia‑ being one amongst them. We are
India is not made up of metros 'that' time of the month. A school fail 9999 times, I know if I change logue on menstrual hygiene. also bringing out a multi lingual
alone. We have 600,000 villages dropout, Muruganantham nearly the angle of the blade, I might suc‑ "It was the first time that a song to raise awareness about
and the awareness level is low. We lost his family, his money and ceed tomorrow," he said while superstar came forward to do a menstrual hygiene."

Kerala to unveil world's largest bird sculpture

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala tourism will
inaugurate the world's largest bird sculp‑
ture, Jatayu Earth's Centre, in
Thiruvananthapuram on July 4, Tourism
Minister Kadakampally Surendran said.
The replica of the bird 'Jatayu' ‑‑ a char‑
acter in the Ramayana ‑‑ is 200 feet long,
150 feet wide, 65 feet tall and is posi‑
tioned right at the top of a rock situated
1,000 feet above sea level. The sculpture,
spread over 65 acres in
Thiruvananthapuram, has been built at a
cost of Rs 100 crore.
"This has been the work of film‑maker
In the epic Ramayana
Rajiv Anchal and this project was declared when Jatayu sees
under built‑operate‑transfer basis during
the previous Left government in 2006,"
Ravana abducting Sita,
said Surendran. he tries to rescue her.
"All these years he was working for this Jatayu fought valiantly
and on July 4, this would be thrown open The 'Jatayu' sculpture is 200 feet long, 150 feet wide, 65 feet tall and is positioned
to the public. Even now it's ready, but right at the top of a rock in Thiruvananthapuram.
with Ravana, but as he
since rains are expected anytime, we have was very old Ravana
decided to inaugurate in July," added The museum and a 6D theatre inside the is the place where the mythical bird
Surendran. sculpture will open in November, as the 'Jatayu' fell after its wings were slain by soon got the better
Anchal, an award‑winning filmmaker, 10‑minute film which tells the tale of Ravana. The state government, apart from of him.
selected the project site as the place has Jatayu is being made in Hollywood and of fering the land for a 30‑year lease,
some myths associated with it. would be screened here for the visitors," spent Rs 10.25 crore for infrastructure be reviewed once in three years. The proj‑
"One can reach the top of the rock from said Anchal. development. ect will be handed over to the government
the car park via a cable car that has come According to the legend the ro ck, "Two per cent of the revenue will be after 30 years. At a time the complex can
from Switzerland and is already installed. 'Jatayupara', where the structure is based, given to the state government and it will hold 5,000 people," added Anchal.
 24 June 2-8, 2018 FEATURES TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Inequality in India can be seen from outer space

A
re night lights on earth average just a fifth as bright as the the gap with the already rich,"
captured by satellites from big cities of Mumbai and says Dr Dehejia, a senior fellow at
outer space a good way to Bangalore. the Mumbai‑based think tank IDFC
measure inequality? Also, 90% of all the districts are Institute. In other words, less
Economists Praveen just a third as bright in the night developed states are falling behind
Chakravarty and Vivek Dehejia as the top 10% of all districts. And the more prosperous states.
certainly believe so. They acquired the ratio has worsened between So why are disparities within
images grabbed by satellites from 1992 ‑ a year after India India rising even as standards of
the US Air Force Defence embraced economic reforms ‑ and living are going up? Some econo‑
Meteorological Satellite 2013. While the pre‑1991 years mists believe it could be due to
Programme. These satellites circle show a modest trend towards con‑ poor governance and lack of ade‑
the earth 14 times a day and vergence of income between dif‑ quate skills for jobs in poorer
record lights from the earth's sur‑ ferent states, the years after show areas. But, in the end, it remains a
face at night with sensors. They widening divergence. By 2014, the puzzle. The economists find this
superimposed a map depicting economists found, the average worrying. In a large and complex
India's districts on their images, person in the three richest states country like India, they warn, this
allowing them to develop a unique (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra) could "easily lead to social dishar‑
data set of luminosity values, by was three times as rich as the mony as populous, poorer regions
district and over time. average person in the three poor‑ attempt to extract greater redistri‑
Using data generated by the Most of India is dark at night because there is little economic activity est states (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh bution from less populous, richer
night lights, they studied 387 of going on. Some 380 districts in 12 states were on average just a fifth as and Madhya Pradesh). regions ‑ whether within or across
640 districts in 12 states. These bright as the big cities of Mumbai and Bangalore. Economists also tell "What we find is that both states".
districts account for 85% of India's us that the average person in the three richest states of Kerala, Tamil across states and across districts Dr Dehejia feels it would be a
Nadu, Maharashtra is three times as rich as the average person in the
population and 80% of its GDP. with each state, this is a wide, and good idea for the government to
three poorest states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Some 87% of parliamentary seats widening disparity in economic use night lights – which have their
are in these districts. Using the Most of India is dark at night space also showed that the states activity. No, it is not that the rich own challenges but are getting
novel methodology, the econo‑ because there is little economic are becoming more unequal getting richer and the poor getting better ‑‑ as a proxy to measure
mists documented income diver‑ activity going on. But the delicate between and within them. Some poorer, but that the poor are not economic activity in India.
gence in India. tracery of lights as seen from 380 districts in 12 states were on getting richer fast enough to close Source: BBC

Yes, it is possible to kick the killer habit

By Dr. Sachin Sinha Cancer, Lung Cancer, iv) Expect urges ‑ When you want to
Smoking Increased risk of heart smoke, wait. After 5 minutes the urge will

T
obacco is a consumer product which and other disease and strokes, be less, distract yourself. Call a friend, run
kills half of its consumers. In India, tobacco High B.P & heart for 5 minutes or fast walk for 10 minutes.
according to the WHO, 10 to 11 lakh products are rate, Blindness due v) Plan for the future ‑ Weeks or even
people die every year due to tobacco use, very addictive. to carbon monox‑ months after quitting, you might find your‑
either in smoking or smokeless form. It is not easy ide exposure, self thinking, ʻjust one cigarette won't hurt
Central and state governments do take but absolutely Asthma in chil‑ meʼ. If you slip, figure out why. What tempt‑
actions to reduce the harm related to tobac‑ possible to quit dren whose par‑ ed you go back? Parties, an argument,
co use, actions such as enforcing COTPA or and get back ents smoke, Bone drinking, feeling sad, work pressure? Come
Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products to health. related problems. up with ideas for dealing with these situa‑
(Prohibition of Advertisement and Read on Nicotine addiction: tions or feelings the next time you quit.
Regulation of Trade and Commerce, how… Nicotine is the chemi‑ Tips for staying quit: i) Delay urge to pick
Production, Supply and Distribution) Act of cal present in tobacco up again, ii) Yoga ‑ Deep Breathing exercise
2003 or by increasing the taxation on which causes dependency. It for 20 minutes or through Instant relax‑
tobacco products. But it has not been actually produces physical changes in ation technique (IRT), iii) Drink warm
enough to check the suffering of individu‑ the smoker's brain. Smokers get hooked on water, iv) Do something else except have a
als or families. Smoking is the leading the taste, smell and feel of a cigarette. cigarette ‑ make yourself busy.
(90%) cause of lung cancer. Gutkha and People who begin smoking at an early age Withdrawal Syndrome: Irritability‑ frus‑
Khaini are the leading cause of cancer of are more likely to develop severe nicotine tration & anger, Anxiety, Sleep disturbance,
mouth, tongue & throat. We have to start addiction than those who start later. There Increased appetite & weight gain,
anti‑tobacco/anti‑gutkha campaign at is no safe form of tobacco. Restlessness, difficult concentration.
grassroot level and create awareness at Why do teens smoke? To feel adult, Enjoy the benefits of quitting: You'll
school level. curiosity, media images, they believe they start to feel better, Your eyes and throat
Factors for tobacco use: Film actors, par‑ can stop smoking any time. Teenagers often will be less irritated, You will have more
ents, teachers, elder brothers, etc smoking begin smoking to fit in. Social groups form money and less stress, You will get sick less
in front of them influence the children. Peer when the same employees regularly go out‑ often, Your smoker's cough will go away,
pressure is another key factor. Stress is side the work place to smoke during No second hand smoke for your family.
another reason for using licit or illicit drugs breaks. How will I quit?: Going Cold Turkey,
as are lack of individual attention, lack of Quitting tobacco: It isn't always easy. Tapering off, Medication: Nicotine replace‑
proper diet, conflicts with parents over But it's absolutely possible with family and ment therapy (NRT) . NRT uses nicotine in
issues, lack of time management, shift from friendsʼ support and doctor treatment. therapeutic doses. Nicotine replacement
school to college, lack of adequate sleep, Smart steps to quit the habit: Products include NRT Gums, Nicotine
exam tension and love affairs. i) Know why you are using tobacco ‑ to patch, Nasal Spray, NRT inhaler, NRT
Patterns of tobacco use: In rural areas in calm down, when you are angry / Lozenge. Electronic cigarette is not a substi‑
India: Smokeless tobacco use is more com‑ depressed / hungry? tute for conventional cigarette. Research is
pared to smoking. In urban areas: Smoking ii) Select a good time to quit (Birthday / going on E‑cigarettesʼs pluses and minuses.
is more common. Based on socio‑economic (mixing tobacco & marijuana), Filter khaini, marriage anniversary / 1st day at Job)
status, Lower income group: Khaini, Pan parag or Rajnigandha. iii) Learn a new habit ‑ Aim for daily phys‑ Dr. Sinha, MDS, MBA, is Tobacco, Drugs &
Gutkha, Kharra, bidi, Gul, Gudaku; Middle Diseases: Tobacco products can cause ical activity, do relaxation technique when alcohol de‑addiction therapist; he is General
income group: Non‑filter cigarette, Gutkha; many a health problem for both smokers you get the craving. Have carrots, broccoli. Secretary, Narain Sewa Sansthan,
High income group: Filter cigarette, Dope and those around them, such as: Mouth Play music. Bangalore.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPIRITUALITY June 2-8, 2018 25

By Kamlesh Patel

On choosing a guru
aka Daaji

T
hese days we have gurus
for everything – cooking
gurus, management gurus,
as well as spiritual gurus. It is not
surprising as the word ʻguruʼ Sensible yet profound advice from the fourth in the line of Raja Yoga Masters in
simply means ʻteacherʼ or ʻdis‑
peller of darknessʼ. Anyone who the Sahaj Marg system of spiritual practice of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. Born
enlightens us about any topic
can be called a guru.
in Gujarat, Daaji lived in New York for many years and is now based in India.
What about in the field of spiri‑

K
tuality? Swami Vivekananda said, the different stages on the path. AMLESH D. PATEL is
“The Guru is the bright mask A real teacher gives the true known widely as Daaji.
which God wears in order to impulse to awaken the soul and His teachings arise from
come to us. As we look steadily supports our journey on the path his personal experience on the
on, gradually the mask falls off of realization. The result is a path of Heartfulness, while
and God is revealed.” This sounds superfine state of perfect tran‑ reflecting his deep spirit of
so noble, whereas gurus do not quillity and moderation in com‑ inquiry and respect for the
always appear noble. Some have plete harmony with nature. worldʼs great spiritual tradi‑
bad press, and many people see The power of transmission is a tions and scientific advance‑
spirituality as a commercialized yogic attainment of a very high ments. Daaji practised pharma‑
business of yoga merchants order, by which a yogi infuses cy in New York City for over
charging seekers for enlighten‑ Godly essence and removes any‑ three decades before being
ment or breathing exercises. thing unwanted or detrimental to named the successor in a centu‑
My first guru, Ram Chandra of spiritual progress. He can trans‑ ry‑old lineage of spiritual mas‑
Shahjahanpur, always said God is mit to those around him, and to ters. Fulfilling the many duties
not for sale. Back in the 1940s, those who are far away. of a modern‑day guru, he trav‑
he wrote about gurus in his book Transmission changes the entire els widely, extending his sup‑
Reality at Dawn: “Generally, peo‑ nature of a person. port to spiritual seekers every‑
ple select anyone for the pur‑ Every guru has his own level of where. A self‑professed student
pose, without any regard to his attainment and elevation, so of spirituality, he devotes much
capabilities or worth. … The dis‑ when we attach ourselves to a of his time and energy to
ciple‑hunters are not wanting. guru we can attain the corre‑ research in the field of con‑
They are as numerous as the sponding elevation. sciousness and spirituality,
leaves of a tree, for to most of A guru is fit only when he does approaching the subject with
them gurudom is a very prof‑ not entertain the slightest scientific methodology – a prac‑
itable job that can secure enor‑ impression of being a guru. If tical approach that stems from
mous income, which they cannot there is even a hint, it indicates a his own experience and mas‑
otherwise earn. feeling of self‑importance or tery in the field.
Besides, they command the greatness. As long as the idea of
highest respect and personal self‑importance remains in the

T
service from their disciples. The heart, he remains separate from he turbulence of the modern world has per‑
ignorant masses thus fall a ready the rest of the Godly kingdom. meated into many of our hearts, causing us
prey to these self‑seeking profes‑ How then can he help others
to live without a sense of purpose or fulfill‑
sionals.” connect with Reality? It is ego of
ment. The order of the day is for each of us to
So if you are a seeker wanting the worst type, whereas the real
guidance for your inner journey, Master creates masters!
reclaim our birthright of inner peace, joy, and ful‑
what should you look for? Ultimately, God is the real guru, fillment.
You will find the full range of but as it is difficult for us to con‑ Through ʻThe Heartfulness Wayʼ, Daaji, the spiri‑
quality among gurus today, from nect with God we seek the help tual master who humbly considers himself yet a
quacks and charlatans to of a fellow being who is connect‑ seeker, takes us through the practical aspects of
inspired, experienced teachers of ed with the Ultimate. the Heartfulness System of Meditation with Yogic
calibre, who can take a seeker to The ideal guru remains the Transmission, as he prepares us to embark on the
the Ultimate state. In between humblest servant of God, serving
exhilarating journey deep into ourselves in pursuit
there are those who lecture and humanity in the name of the
of the profound and unfathomable stillness, peace,
teach from books, and those who Divine.
offer practices without the back‑ A true guru is free from any
and joy of a silent heart.
ing of spiritual essence. personal motive, selfish interest, Considered a “must‑read” by Dr. Sanjay Gupta of
Spiritual realization is the or feeling of pride or greatness. CNN fame, the Heartfulness Way releases in the
awakening of the soul, and this He is selfless, filled with pure United States on June 1 and can be pre‑ordered at
results from practical training. love, without need for name, http://theheartfulnessway.com/us/
Knowledge on its own is of little fame or money. He can access
use. A guru of calibre connects a the farthest possible limit and
seeker with God and removes the has the power of yogic transmis‑
obstacles and intricacies that sion.
block the path. As we continue How to select a guru? Imagine
on the journey we pass through a scenario where you are seated
various chakras and the interven‑ by the fire, do you feel its
ing spaces between them, and at warmth? With the same logic,
times the conditions become slip‑ ask yourself, “Does his associa‑
pery, requiring a push from the tion promote a feeling of peace
guru to move us forwards. and calmness in me, if he is him‑
Moving from one yogic chakra to self at peace at least?” Also, when
another always changes the state you are with him, are the restless
of consciousness, whether one tendencies of your mind silenced
goes up or down the ladder of without any weight or effect
chakras. upon it? If so, he is fit to lead you
The failure of many teachers is on the path.
due to their inability to transmit May your spiritual quest be ful‑
the conditions that are found at filled.
26 June 2-8, 2018 HERITAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

The Magic of Vedic Mathematics Part 16

Rediscovered half a century ago by the Puri Shankaracharya Bharati Krishna Tirtha, Vedic Mathematics is a lightning fast mental math
system. We continue to serialize from ‘The Curious Hats of Magical Maths’ book that makes learning the system easy.

Continued on page 27
TheSouthAsianTimes.info IMMIGRATION June 2-8, 2018 27

Short‑term visits DO NOT equal

Permanent Residence opportunities
By Michael Phulwani, Esq. residence in the United States; or sonable belief” standard to incon‑ ing their own independent deter‑
& Dev B. Viswanath, Esq. (iv) undertaking any other activity sistent activities that occur after minations and adjudications.
for which a change of status or an 90 days of entry to determine if Volume 8, Part J of the USCIS

O TALK
n August 1, 2017, the adjustment of status would be the alien misrepresented him or Policy Manual directs USCIS offi‑
Department of State required, without the benefit of herself. Under the prior rule if a cers that "as long as there is a rea‑
(DOS) revised its Foreign such a change or adjustment. If status violation or inconsistent sonable evidentiary basis to con‑
Affairs Manual (FAM) and expand‑ any of these actions occur within activity occurred after 60 days of clude that a person is inadmissi‑
ed the previous “30/60 day” rule the fact misrepresented is materi‑ 90 days of entry a consular offi‑ entry than the DOS did not solely ble for fraud or willful misrepre‑
to a 90‑day threshold. This is new al; and (4) the alien by using fraud cer "may presume that the appli‑ consider that activity as conduct sentation, and the applicant has
guidance for how consular offi‑ or misrepresentation seeks to pro‑ cant's representations about to constitute inadmissibility. not overcome that reasonable
cers should make determinations cure, has sought to procure, or engaging in only status‑compliant However, under the new rule basis with evidence, the officer
of inadmissibility under INA has procured a visa, other docu‑ activity were willful misrepresen‑ there is no limit on when an should find the applicant inadmis‑
212(a)(6)(C). Previously, the rule mentation, admission into the tations of his or her intention in inconsistent activity or status vio‑ sible.”
was that if a person who entered United States, or other benefit seeking a visa or entry." lation occurring after 90 days will Granting that USCIS has not yet
on a non‑immigrant visa, like a provided under the INA. A consular offer must request give rise to "reasonable belief " updated its Policy Manual to
visitor visa or visa waiver, filed for Under the new rule a presump‑ an Advisory Opinion from the that the alien misrepresented his reflect the change to the 90‑day
permanent residence within 30 tion of willful misrepresentation is Advisory Opinion Division of the or her intent. Although the DHS, rule, applicants for USCIS benefits
days of entry, there was an irre‑ established “if an alien violates or Office of Legal Affairs in the Visa USCIS, ICE, and CBP are not should be mindful that they may
buttable presumption that they engaged in conduct inconsistent Office of the Department of State bound by the policies of another be asked to present evidence to
committed fraud/misrepresenta‑ with his or her nonimmigrant sta‑ Bureau of Consular Affairs in agency, DOS, they are allowed to explain any misrepresentation
tion. If the person filed within 30‑ tus within 90 days of entry.” 9 order to make a finding of inad‑ consider such policies when mak‑ concerns that USCIS may have.
60 days of entry, there was a FAM 302.9‑4 gives the following missibility for misrepresentation
rebuttable presumption of fraud, examples of "conduct that violates under the 90‑day rule. Under 9 Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal
which the applicant had the bur‑ or is otherwise inconsistent with FAM 302.9‑4 when more than 90 Attorney of The Banad Law Offices PC in the
den of proving otherwise. If after an alien's nonimmigrant status," days pass there is no presumption United States, and Banad Immigration in
60 days, there was no legal pre‑ for purposes of applying the 90‑ of willful misrepresentation. India for which Attorney Michael Phulwani is
sumption, although Immigration day rule (i) engaging in unautho‑ The prior “30/60‑day rule” and also affiliated as Of Counsel. With Offices in
would still be able to ask ques‑ rized employment; (ii) enrolling in Manhattan, Queens, Bangalore, and Mumbai,
the current 90‑day rule have a
the firm is able to assist clients with all facets
tions as to the applicantʼs inten‑ a course of academic study, if few similarities and differences.
of the immigration process, including
tions when entering. In order to such study is not authorized for Under the new rule the window
Employment Visas, Consular Visa Assistance,
find an alien inadmissible under that nonimmigrant classification; during which an activity contra‑
Student Visas, Removal & Deportation, US
INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i), it must be (iii) a nonimmigrant in B or F sta‑ dictory to the initial visa classifi‑ Citizenship and Green Card Applications
determined that: (1) there has tus, or any other status prohibit‑ cations could trigger inadmissibil‑ based on Family or Employment. Dev B.
been a misrepresentation made ing immigrant intent, marrying a ity under INA 212(a)(6)(C) is 90 Viswanath can be reached at
by the applicant; (2) the misrepre‑ United States citizen or lawful per‑ days as opposed to 30 days. The Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
sentation was willfully made; (3) manent resident and taking up new rule applies the same “rea‑

Continued from page 26

Answers

Extracted from
ʻThe Curious
Hats of Magical
Maths ‑ Vedic
Mathematics for
Schools Book 1ʼ
by James
Glover, with
permission from
Motilal
Banarsidass
(MLBD).
Founded in
1903, they
specialize in
Indology books.
For more infor‑
mation, Mr R.P.
Jain, email:
mlbd@mlbd.
com. US
distributor:
southasia‑
books@gmail.
com

To be continued
in the following
issues of The
South Asian
Times.
28 June 2-8 2018 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Funny Side by Nury Vittachi

In Asia, anything furry

can be sold as a 'puppy'

BEST
RATE (Image: eventfinda.co.nz)
FOR
T
his columnist's daughter brought While waiting for my daughter's thing to

INDIA home a strange fuzzy creature that

she said was a dog she was looking
slaughter my family, I checked my email to
find a dog‑related news story sent in by a

AND after to earn pocket money, but I've seen

Gremlins, Ghoulies, Critters, Troll, Chucky et
reader. A householder left his dog to guard
his home when he went out. A burglar broke

PAKISTAN al. It's always the small, innocent‑looking

things that rise up and kill you in the night.
in and the dog simply followed the man
around, wagging his tail. The whole thing
Asia is relatively new to pet‑ownership was captured on a security video, which
and so it's easy to claim that pretty much quickly went viral on the Internet.
New York Head Quarter anything furry is a puppy ‑‑ skunks, rac‑ This didn't surprise me at all. This colum‑
coons, capybaras, giant tarantulas, wigs, nist has an old dog who barks ferociously at
422‑S Broadway
floor mops, mouldy meat and certain types family members, but gives strangers a
HICKSVILLE of deciduous shrubs. friendly licking. A vet once told me that a
NY 11801 A news report is circulating at the moment dog's brain was the size of a walnut, but
about a family in China's Yunnan province that's an insult to walnuts. You read about
516‑827‑1010 whose "puppy" grew up to be a 115‑kilo some dogs being able to smell things on
bear. But regular readers of this column will other planets, but mine can't find a chunk of
know that this happens regularly in that meat she's sitting on.
country, and I would be more surprised by a It was a good thing that the burglar inci‑
headline which said: "Puppy Sold As Puppy dent happened in the United States.
In China Actually Was One." Housebreakers who enter homes in China to
be jumped on by bottom‑wagging grizzly
bears with names like Rover and Buddy may

Laughter is the Best Medicine find it an unpleasant surprise.

Some Chinese zoos exploit this unfamiliar‑
ity. In 2013, a zoo in the People's Park of
Luohe, Henan province, displayed a suspi‑
ciously small creature in the enclosure
labelled "African Lion". When visitors
approached, it started barking ‑‑ revealing
itself to be a dog with its fur trimmed to
By Mahendra look like a mane. The zoo's leopard was a
Shah fox and its wolf a mongrel.
Is your dog a bear? To know for sure, just
listen to it. Bears, like married men, commu‑
Mahendra Shah is an nicate entirely by grunting. Dogs bark ‑ but
architect by education, having traveled a lot, this writer knows that
entrepreneur by they sound different depending on where
profession, artist you come from. Indonesians say hounds go:
and humorist, "guk‑guk" (except in Bali where they go
cartoonist and writer "kong‑kong"). In Hindi, it's "bow‑bow", in
by hobby. He has been Sinhala "buh‑buh" and in Thai "hong‑hong".
recording the plight of Americans hear dog sounds as "woof‑woof".
the immigrant Indians I think I would give the prize for accuracy to
for the past many year the Chinese, who claim dogs say, "Houh!
in his cartoons. Hailing Houh!" and the least accurate to the British,
from Gujarat, who hear hounds going: "Bow‑wow".
he lives in Pittsburgh, Meanwhile, my daughter's temporary dog‑
Pennsylvania. like thing spent the evening trying to gnaw
on a large bone. Unfortunately it did not
seem to realize that my left tibia was still in
regular use.
Tonight this writer may have to replace it
with a cunningly selected deciduous shrub.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY June 2-8, 2018 29

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

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

JUNE 2‑8, 2018

ARIES: Your participation will be much CANCER: You may have a problem on LIBRA: You will be in for a pleasant CAPRICORN: You may need to take
appreciated, so go all out. At work, you your hands this week at work, so surprise this week. Loverʼs proximity help from someone, who is generally
may try to get your way, but someone focus on solving it. A conscious effort may get you into a romantic mood, so not cooperative. Doctors, engineers and
may not allow you to do so. A family member, on your part will help boost earning and sta‑ enjoy! Some delay may be caused in an ongo‑ other professionals can expect a satisfying peri‑
splurging your hard earned money, needs to bilise the financial front. Keep a light and ing project on the professional front, but you od, both professionally and monetarily. Not
be controlled, but it may not be as easy as it relaxed attitude towards life, especially this will be able to complete it in time. You may catering to spouseʼs mood is likely to create an
sounds. week, to cope with everyday tensions. Family need to be a bit assertive in having your way ugly scene, so donʼt get on his or her wrong
Those incommunicado with spouse need to life will give immense fulfillment as you spend on the social front, as someone is out to side‑ side. Spending on something you badly need,
work on a compromise. You may feel envious time together. You will need to curb your lack line you. Financially, you will remain in a com‑ can prove heavy on the pocket. A sporting activ‑
of someone gaining popularity on the social of persistence and sharpen your focus to suc‑ fortable situation, as money flows in. ity will help bring back your energy and
front. Health needs care. ceed on the professional front. SCORPIO: You may need assistance in strength.
TAURUS: It will be fun enjoying the LEO: If you have the will, you are cer‑ completing something, so donʼt feel AQUARIUS: This is not the right oppor‑
limelight, so enjoy while it lasts! You tain to find a way, so donʼt lose heart. reluctant to ask. A loss making venture tunity to take the plunge. Do something
will manage a position where you call Your organisational powers will be can put your financial front in doldrums, so about a situation before it gets out of
the shots on the professional front. Additional much in evidence on the home front. Someone review it. Soft pedaling an important issue can hand on the academic front. You may end up
authority will be your reward for your contri‑ on the social front may go ga‑ga over you and get you into trouble at work, so accord it the sinking your money by using guesswork in play‑
bution to the organisation you work for. fill you with self‑pride. Meeting targets on the priority it deserves and act accordingly. ing the stocks. Difficulties are foreseen for busi‑
Remaining slim and trim may become your professional front, much before deadline, is Unwanted advice given to youngsters runs the nesspersons trying to raise capital for a project.
aim and you will go all out to achieve it. A like ly to g ive you an edge over others. risk of being rejected outright. Getting back Good networking may bring a prized posting
chance meeting with an opposite number Financially, you grow stronger by wise invest‑ into shape is the need of the hour. You get within reach of those in uniform. Generating
shows much promise on the romantic front. A ments and savings. Health improves by eating your way on the social front. enthusiasm amongst the family members will be
fun trip is on the cards. right. SAGITTARIUS: Extra workload may important, before taking up a new initiative.
GEMINI: Keep some spare time up your VIRGO: If you donʼt mingle, you are affect what you have currently under‑ PISCES: You will manage to overcome
sleeve, as you may require it this week. likely to remain single! Your concerns taken. Your financial situation is likely the hiccups faced in organising some‑
Unusual behaviour of a family member may not be addressed on the profes‑ to improve. Following your peers on the fit‑ thing important. Attending a celebrity
may puzzle you, but donʼt read too much into sional front and make you impatient. Change ness front will prove most beneficial in retain‑ do or a prestigious event is on the cards for
it. You may be reluctant to take anybodyʼs of option is indicated on the academic front ing perfect health. You may waste time this some. A surprise on the romantic front is all set
advice in organising something at home. At for some. week in waiting for an appointment with to delight you. Travelling with family and
work, you may resent a rival being favoured Your lifestyle may get a bit extravagant, so go someone important on the professional front. friends is indicated and will prove lots of fun.
by superiors, but your turn will come too, if slow on spending. Something you feel is being Find out if you have the aptitude for whatever Your professional competence may get you
you can match his or her performance. Public thrust upon you on the family front may keep you have opted for on the academic front and amongst the top few in your organisation.
transport may not be the best choice to enjoy you mentally upset. Tie up with someone, if then move ahead. Limit social interaction to Financially, you are likely to go from strength to
a journey. you want a trip out of town. devote more time to serious issues. strength. Buying new property is possible.

2nd June, 2018 ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK partnerships. However, you should veri‑
Traits in you: As dominated by the fy the financial background of your
Moon, you are very peace loving. You entrepreneurship skills this year and marriage. of your health if you are having some partner for your financial security.
do not want to get involved in unneces‑ you will be successful unexpectedly. chronic diseases. You may go for Career this year: You will be success‑
sary talks. You are reliable, emotional, You will be able to get many projects, 5th June, 2018 domestic healthcare instead of allo‑ ful professionally this year. You will be
generous, humble, kind, mature, and which you help you establish as a good Traits in you: As you are influenced pathic medicines as it will give better additional responsibility and you will
optimistic. However, you need to eradi‑ businessperson. You should go for by your ruling planet Mercury, you are results for your ailments and save your well execute them to perfection. Your
cate selfishness from your nature to investments in real estate and stock intelligent, unique, sensible, business money as well. success may get you various awards
improve as an individual. market. oriented, dignified, optimistic and Finance this year: Your innovative and rewards as well. You may share
Health this year: As far as your Career this year: You will get enough charismatic. You are also pretty warm‑ ideas to earn money may not meet your your ideas with the higher management
health is considered you may go opportunities in your professional life hearted and friendly. However, you expectations. However, you need to as it would help you grow quickly.
through minor health issues this year. to prove yourself. You will create a bet‑ need not be restless and impatient keep trying until you succeed. You will Romance this year: If you are yet to
However, regular medical checkups and ter impression on your seniors or high‑ always to get your things done. find it tough to make money this year. be in a committed relationship, you
proper medication will solve this prob‑ er management, which may result in Health this year: You will enjoy a bet‑ You may go for investments in various may get into one this year. If you are
lem. You may go for Yoga and medita‑ promotion. You should work efficiently ter health this year as compared to last sectors like shares, gold, land and so already committed, then you may plan
tion classes to remain healthy. to maintain your respect at your work‑ year. However, the health of an aged on. for marriage towards the end of the
Finance this year: Your financial con‑ space. family member may deteriorate and Career this year: You will get new year.
ditions will be very stagnant this year. Romance this year: You will spend a that will make you bothered. You may heights in your profession because of
As you will not earn much or spend peaceful life with your love interest this end up spending lot of money for the your excellent communication skills. 8th June, 2018
much, you will lead a peaceful life in year. You will lead a blissful life with health issues of your family members. Your employer would be very Traits in you: Your governing planet
money matters. You may invest for your beloved with lots of love, care, Finance this year: You may go for a impressed and will admire you. You Saturn makes you confident, unique,
future. Do not lend or borrow money concern, and support. property transaction this year and this may get few extra responsibilities and creative, dynamic, and intelligent. You
from your friends or colleagues. will bring you a lot of money. You need salary will also increase. You will get are determined enough to perform any
Career this year: You will be success‑ 4th June, 2018 to be decisive to invest on real estate or expert in your domain and you must go task assigned to you. So you always
ful professionally this year. You will be Traits in you: The influence of your gold as there are risks involved. Do not for learning new things in your profes‑ remain a step ahead from others. Along
additional responsibility and you will ruling planet Uranus makes you active, trust any of your new partners as they sion. all your good characteristics, you have
well execute them to perfection. Your practical, enthusiastic, courageous, may cheat you. You may spend enough Romance this year: Your relationship few negative characters as well. You
success may get you various awards ambitious, and highly philosophical. money on buying a vehicle or renovat‑ with your partner may reach to new need to work on your unreliability,
and rewards as well. You may share You are very proud of your traditions, ing your property. heights this year as your love, trust, insensitiveness, and selfishness.
your ideas with the higher manage‑ culture and rituals. You are highly reli‑ Career this year: You need to work care and concern will develop towards Health this year: Though you would
ment as it would help you grow quick‑ gious and have a very sharp mind. hard to prove yourself in your profes‑ your beloved. You may get married not face any major health re lated
ly. However, you need to work on your sion. Do not take up minor issues to an towards the end of this year if you are issues, you should take extra care of
Romance this year: You may get impatient and stubborn behavior. escalat ion. Try and brush up you yet to marry. your health. Do not take unwanted risk
some good news from your spouse or Health this year: You should take knowledge and skills to perform more of putting your health in stake. Go for
partner later this week. This will make your prescribed medication in spite of a efficiently. You may go for a job change 7th June, 2018 regular medical checkups.
your relationship grow stronger. You better health. The health of your par‑ during the last months of the year. Traits in you: As you are governed by Finance this year: Though you will be
may have to travel to distant places to ents may make you a worried person. Romance this year: You will share a planet Neptune, you are blessed with able to improve your financial status,
spend time youʼre your partner and Finance this year: Your undisputed good relationship with your spouse. various positive characters. You are you may end up spending a lot of
maintain a good relationship. energy and enthusiasm to earn money You may decide to turn your relation‑ confident, decisive, generous, humor‑ money in buying luxury and comfort
will make you financially stable this ship into marriage if you are not mar‑ ous, honest, modest and optimistic. You for yourself and your family. You may
3rd June, 2018 year. You may go for property sale this ried yet. However, you need to under‑ are not an admirer of arguments or put your money in real estate for better
Traits in you: Being ruled by Jupiter, year and earn a lot of money. stand your beloved and provide the silly fights. You should work on your returns.
you are courteous, courageous, deci‑ Career this year: You will get new required emotional support for the bet‑ nature of being selfish, pessimistic, and Career this year: You should take
sive, ambitious, disciplined, and realis‑ heights in your profession because of terment of your relationship. arrogant. inputs from senior and experienced
tic. You are gifted with high imagina‑ your excellent communication skills. Health this year: You will enjoy a bet‑ professionals to learn new things and
tion power, optimism, and enthusiasm. Your employer would be very 6th June, 2018 ter health this year as compared to last grow professionally. Act diplomatically
However, behaving restless and domi‑ impressed and will admire you. You Traits in you: Your ruling planet year. However, the health of an aged if you have some professional issues.
nating may hamper your characteris‑ may get few extra responsibilities and Venus makes optimistic, ambitious, car‑ family member may deteriorate and Getting emotional and aggressive
tics at times. You need to work on your salary will also increase. You will get ing, aspiring, and determined. You are that will make you bothered. You may would not work though.
personality to make yourself better as expert in your domain and you must go very social and love to make new end up spending lot of money for the Romance this year: You may go
an individual. for learning new things in your profes‑ friends and get into new relationships. health issues of your family members. through minor personal disturbances
Health this year: As far as health is sion. You are a huge follower of intelligence Finance this year: You may get bene‑ and these could be solved by talking
concerned, you will be enjoying a pret‑ Romance this year: Your relationship and education. fits from your investments later this more to your partner. Do not let the
ty good health this year. However, with your spouse or partner will blos‑ Health this year: You will enjoy a year. This year seems to be an ideal one distance grow. Get some time to talk to
some of your family members may fall som this year. If you are not married, pretty good health this year. You need to start investing in business, land or your spouse. You may plan a long trip
sick and that will bother you. you may have to wait for few more to take care of the health of your family gold. Your efforts to earn money may with your partner to strengthen your
Finance this year: You may try your years thoug h you are e lig ible for members. You need to take extra care pay off this time. You may go for new relationship.
30 June 2-8, 2018 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Ego ‑‑‑‑ edging God out Yoga and

meditation
talk too much about ourselves or
think too much about ourselves. (Image : desiseni.com) By Sant Rajinder Singh
Outer beauty fades with age. If Ji Maharaj
we do not have the beauty of spirit,

T
few will be attracted to our outer here are many forms
beauty as wrinkles appear on our of yoga. Some forms
face. Knowledge is also temporary, of yoga deal with con‑
for it changes every year. What we trolling the bodily functions.
learnt in the elementary school In our body we have two cur‑
maybe obsolete today. Wealth can rents. We have the motor
disappear with the changes in the currents and the sensory
By Sant Rajinder Singh economy. Stocks and bonds may currents flowing through our
Ji Maharaj lose value or a serious illness may bodies. The motor currents
drain our finances.

O
keep us alive, by controlling
ne of the subtlest and The harm caused by ego is that it our involuntarily body func‑
trickiest blockages to over‑ boosts up our mental and physical tions, such as the growth of
come is ego. Ego is the attributes, worldly positions and our nails and hair, our
mindʼs way of keeping us from hav‑ possessions while it negates God, breathing, and our blood cir‑
ing contact with our spiritual who is the true Giver of these gifts. Ego is the mind’s way of keeping us from having culation.
nature. Ego manifests in many It causes us to forget our true self In meditation on the inner
forms: pride of wealth, pride of and God. Rooting out ego takes
contact with our spiritual nature. Ego manifests in Light and Sound, one does
knowledge, pride of beauty and not practice the control of
pride of power.
understanding and a firm grip on many forms: pride of wealth, pride of knowledge,
the mind. If our attention is on the the motor currents for tran‑
We may suf fer from the ego of outer being, our personality, looks, pride of beauty and pride of power. scending the body. The
wealth in which we are proud of mind, or possessions, then we are motor currents are allowed
how much money we have or our certainly not going to be focusing Lord. It is said that among the asce‑ Where egoism exists, Thou are to go on by themselves so
expensive possessions. We may on our soul. The soul is the source tics and monks, the last enemy they not experienced, that the process by which we
have ego of knowledge in which we of all beauty, wisdom, and wealth, must conquer is the ego. They may Where Thou art, is not egoism. survive in this world is not
become proud of how much we but we remain bereft of these gifts give up desire for material posses‑ You who are learned, expound in tampered with. Instead, we
know or the number of educational as long as we are filled with sions, they may give up lust, anger, your mind withdraw the sensory cur‑
degrees we have. We lack humility thoughts of our body and mind. greed and attachment. But if they This inexpressible proposition. rents. The sensory currents
and think we are the source of all Our soul is free of ego. Thus, it is pride themse lves on giving up (Adi Granth, Maru‑ki‑Var,M.1, give us sensation in the
knowledge and look down on oth‑ free from fear of the vicissitudes of these things, they are still caught in p1092) body. It is the sensory cur‑
ers who know less than we do. life. Empowering our soul means the net of ego. That is how ego If God and the soul are one, there rents which make us aware
There is also the ego of beauty. We we free ourselves from reliance on imperceptibly rears its ugly head. is no question of I and Thou. Both of the sense of sight, hearing,
may flaunt our looks to such a outer sources of pride to make us It is said by the mystics, “Where I are Thou. smell, taste, and touch. If we
degree that we make others who happy. Rather, we live in a state of am God is not. Where God is I am When we eliminate ego‑‑‑‑ I‑ness withdraw our sensory cur‑
are not as beautiful feel inferior. eternal happiness with the state of not.” In Sikh scriptures it is is gone, and there is no separation rents from the outside world,
We can become an egoist when we our soul, because it is one with the written: between the soul and God. and collect them at the eye‑
focus, we will be able to trav‑
el to the realms within.

Take an inner voyage we wanted, as many times as we

Meditation is, in reality, a
process of concentration. It
is so simple and natural that
it can be practiced by a
By Sant Rajinder Singh Many enlightened beings, saints, mystics, and wished, by just closing our eyes? young child or the elderly, by
Ji Maharaj a healthy person or someone
spiritual masters have taken this inner voyage. This is not science fiction. This

A
journey is not imaginary. Many with a physical disability.
vacation of fers a chance
enlightened beings, saints, mys‑ Meditation does not require
to take a break from the
tics, and spiritual masters have any asanas or difficult pos‑
stresses of daily living. We
taken this inner voyage. Through tures or any rigorous physi‑
usually seek places that are relax‑
the ages, the spiritual journey cal activity. It is a nondenom‑
ing, enjoyable, and beautiful. Yet
was large ly a mystery to the inational technique that has
going on an outer vacation is
masses, but was known to the dis‑ been practiced by people of
often stressful. We have to earn
ciples through an oral tradition all religions and faiths, cul‑
money for the trip; book tickets;
whereby Masters passed on the tures, and backgrounds, as a
undergo the rigors of trave l,
travel directions for this journey. science. It is open to one and
whether by road, train, bus, or air;
This experience is still avail‑ all, and has been offered as a
find the right accommodations
able today to all who want to free gift by the spiritual
and food service; and face unex‑
undertake this incredible voyage. Masters who have come
pected inclement weather. Often,
The way within is through medi‑ throughout the ages. It is up
we return from a vacation more
tation. Meditation is the art of to us whether we wish to
exhausted than we had left.
inverting our attention from the merely read about the
What if we could experience a
world outside to that within. realms beyond, or experi‑
vacation that did not cost any‑
Sightseeing in the physical world ence them. The saints tell us
thing and in which we could
may attract our senses with inter‑ that being made of matter,
instantly travel to and experience
est ing and beaut iful sig hts, the physical body deterio‑
unimaginable vistas more beauti‑
sounds, smells, tastes, and feel‑ rates, decays, and is finally
ful than anything ever seen in this
ings. Yet inner sightseeing dazzles destroyed. But our true self,
world? W hat if that vacation
us. The inner voyage thrills our which is our spirit or soul, is
filled us with relaxation of our
soul with bliss, love and joy that eternal. It lives on and on. By
body, mind, and spirit, and had
far surpass any sensory delights connecting with our soul, we
the added benefit of putting us
(Image courtesy: pinterest.com) experienced in this physical will have access to the
into the states of tremendous
world. answers of what awaits us
love, joy and bliss? What if we washed away our troubles and returned from the journey? What
beyond.
could tap into a restful peace that stayed with us even when we if we could take this trip anytime (For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info June 2-8, 2018

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info June 2-8, 2018