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e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.12 No. 30 November 23-29, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Ensure justice for Tamils, India

tells new Sri Lankan Prez
New Delhi: he Indian government
expects Sri Lankaʼs new govern‑
ment led by President Gotabaya
Rajapaksa to take forward the
process of national reconciliation
in order to meet the aspirations
of the Tamil minority for “equali‑
ty, justice, peace and dignity”. President Trumpʼs call to Ukraineʼs new President Zelensky was not
This was the message conveyed ʻperfectʼ as he claims, but Republicans do not believe the misconduct
by external af fairs minister S rises to the level of an impeachable offence. (Graphic courtesy CNN)
Jaishankar during a meeting with
the newly elected Sri Lankan
president in Colombo on
Tuesday. Jaishankar had visited
Continued on page 4
Impeachment of
Indian external affairs minister S. Jaishankar met Sri Lanka's
newly elected president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo.

Congress‑NCP, Sena to announce Trump likely,

alliance to form Maharashtra govt Removal, no
Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav
Washington: Impeachment testi‑ Ukraineʼs president; for
Thackeray and his son Aaditya
mony be fore the House Democrats, itʼs become clear that
met NCP president Sharad Pawar
Intelligence Committee this week the storyline theyʼve laid out is
in Mumbai on Thursday night in
has seen both parties run into unlikely to convince Republicans
their ef fort to form government
unmovable truths: For to remove Donald Trump from the
in Maharashtra with the support
Republicans, itʼs become clear that presidency. Next, the Democrats
of the Congress. The same day
something happened here that will move the impeachment effort
Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan
falls short of “perfect,” the word to the House Judiciary Committee
said in New Delhi that his party
President Trump has used to Continued on page 4
and the NCP have "complete una‑
describe his phone call w ith See detailed story on page 11.
nimity" on all issues concerning
government format ion in
Maharashtra and will now hold NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena president
Uddhav Thackeray met in Mumbai. (Photo: PTI)
India buying naval guns
Continued on page 4
worth $1 billion from USA
4 Indo-Canadians inducted
T
he U.S government
has approved the

in Trudeau’s Cabinet sale of 13 naval

guns worth $1 billion to
Ottawa: In a first, a Hindu woman Ministry, CBC News reported. India in the biggest
lawmaker has been inducted into Born in the town of Kentville in defense deal between the
Canadaʼs Cabinet as Prime the province of Nova Scotia, the two countries in four
Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled Liberal MP represents the riding years. T he MK‑45 Gun
his new team of ministers that also of Oakville in Ontario. She is on System allows Indiaʼs navy
includes three Sikh MPs. the advisory board of Canada India to conduct anti surface
Anita Anand, a former law pro‑ Foundation. The 3 Sikh ministers Anita Anand is the warfare and ant i‑air
fessor at University of Toronto, sworn in on Nov 20 are: Liberal first Hindu appointed defense missions, while enhancing ensure Indiaʼs supremacy in the
has been g iven the charge of MP Navdeep Bains, g iven as cabinet minister in Canada. interoperability with US and other Arabian sea.
Public Services and Procurement Continued on page 4 (Photo : Canadian Press) allied forces. The purchase will See page 12 for details

RELIGION 2 FESTIVAL 15 HUMOR 28 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism

 2 November 23-29, 2019 RELIGION TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Jains & Sikhs walking together

As the world celebrates Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th birth anniversary,
the authors discover the rich history and linkages between Sikh and
Jain communities, a stellar example of sharing and caring.
By Dr. Harvinder Singh Sahota A comprehensive book on the Jains and
& Dr. Sulekh C. Jain Sikhs walking together is being planned.
Here is one very inspiring example of

O
n November 12, 2019 the 550th the two working together. Five years ago,
Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Jain and Sikh community in Los Angeles
Dev Ji was celebrated all over the established the first joint center for study
world. He was an apostle of peace, harmo‑ and teaching of Jainism and Sikhism at
ny, co‑existence and respect between all Loyola Marymount University in Los
religions and human beings. The same Angeles, emulating the legacy of Takht Sri
week Indian and Pakistani governments Patna Sahib. After thorough search, Dr.
inaugurated the opening of the Kartapur Niranjan Kaur Khalsa, a Sikh scholar with
Sahib Corridor, giving access from India to PhD in Sikhism from University of
a holy Sikh shrine in Pakistan. Thousands Michigan, was inducted as the professor
of devotees have since been going to the for this center. Right away Jains and Sikhs
Kartarpur gurdwara. liked and welcomed her appointment. She
While Sikhism is the youngest religion taught standalone classes in Jainism and
of the world, Jainism is one of the oldest. Sikhism with separate syllabi. She taught
In terms of population, Sikhism is the 5th both religions with equal love, sincerity,
largest and Jainism the 6th largest in the passion, dedication and high scholastic
world. Both religions are in the minority contents. Her classes were not only full
in India. but also many students were on waiting
There is so much in common between The Sikh gurdwara known as Takht Sri list. She took her students each semester
Jainism and Sikhism. Since the birth of Patna Sahib, one of the 5 holiest Sikh to the Jain and Sikh temples in Los
Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Sikhism, Jains and shrines, stands cheek by jowl with a Jain Angeles. Students liked her very much too.
Sikhs have been walking together. This is temple, on land donated by a Jain jeweler. Without doubt there are hundreds of
a living and true example of interfaith The gurdwara in Patna commemorates the such opportunities all around us waiting
birth of 10th Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose to be explored and started.
dialogue, inter‑dependence, co‑ existence,
family was hosted in a Jain household.
respect, cooperation, sharing, caring and Saint Kabir said, “Water is the same in
helping each other. (food) from them. The Punjabi University Sikhs practice ahimsa by seva, service to all. Only utensils are of different colors.”
Much of the history of Jains and Sikhs is in Patiala has a Department of Jainology. the needy and those in distress. Their tra‑ Let us work together even more to learn
intertwined. 2,600 years ago, Bhagwan Jains served Sikh maharajas in impor‑ dition of free langar, started over 500 from the beauty and wisdom of each tradi‑
Mahavir was born in Bihar and Jainism tant positions. All Sikh maharajas in states years ago and now to be found through‑ tion and dismantle all the walls of hatred
flourished in that state. Patna in Bihar is ruled by them in Punjab (Patiala, Nabha, out the world wherever Sikhs have settled and mistrust dividing humanity .
where Sikh history left a large footprint. Fridkot, Jind etc.) employed Jains in is unique. This is the real and true message of
Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth guru, lived in responsible positions such as treasurers Both Jains and Sikhs have no caste sys‑ Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Patna, and the tenth Sikh master, Guru because of the Jainsʼ trustworthiness and tem and stand for equal rights and respect
Gobind Singh was born there. 350 years honesty. for all humans including women.
ago, a prominent Jain in Patna by the Jains and Sikhs have not only co‑existed Both Jainism and Sikhism are the least
name of Salis Rai Johri hosted Guru Teg but have provided safety and shelter to known and most misunderstood in the
Bahadur and his family on their way to each other as evidenced in the migration West. As a result, Sikhs often fall victim to
Assam. The wife of Guru Teg Bahadur, of Jains and Sikhs during the 1947 parti‑ hate crimes and their gurdwaras come
Mata Gujri, stayed with this Jain family for tion and the protection provided by a Jain under attack.
several years. In this Jain household Guru acharya. Academic study of Jainism and Sikhism
Gobind Singh Ji (the last Sikh guru in Both communities celebrate Diwali: has significantly lagged behind other Indic
human form) was born in 1666 and grew Jains for nirvaan of Bhagwan Mahavir and religions in North America. Jain and Sikh
up to the age of 6. Sikhs for the release of sixth Guru community leaders are closing this gap by
Later this Jain family donated a piece of Hargobind Ji from Gwalior fort. establishing centers for Jain and Sikh Dr. Harvinder Singh Sahota is
land for the dharamshala, the site where Unconditional ahimsa (nonviolence) is studies. These initiatives are unique and Laguna Beach, CA based
eventually the Sri Patna Sahib Takht (one the core Principle of Jains. historic in nature. cardiologist and inventor of the
of the five Sikh holy places) was built, Perfusion Balloon, now used in
commemorating the birth place of Guru angioplasty surgeries all over
Gobind Singh, who later shifted to the world.
Anandpur sahib in Punjab. This same Jain
Johri also built a Jain temple next door.
In this painting
The Jain temple and Sikh gurdwara on the
of the
same land next to each other in the same procession of
campus just separated by a simple wall is Maharaja Ranjit
a unique example of respect for the faith Singh, a Jain
of each other. monk is seen
Sikhs and Jains have never quarreled at bottom
nor harmed / destroyed each otherʼs left. Sikh
places of worship. In Punjab, Jains attend maharajas used
Sikh colleges and Sikhs attend Jain educa‑ to hire Jains in
tional institutions. The two communities positions
working together made Ludhiana the requiring trust, Sulekh C. Jain, PhD, is Past
such as President of the Federation of
hosiery capital of the world. Some Jain
treasurers. Jain Associations in North America
sadhus / monks have come from Sikh fam‑
ilies and in Punjab, Jain sadhus often stay
(JAINA) who now lives in
at Sikh homes and also get their gochari
Las Vegas, NV.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY November 23-29, 2019 3

Tamil Nadu Deputy CM visited US

to boost investorsʼ confidence
By Suchitra Srinivas to further the investments proposals in the expected to build on that.
The South Asian Times pipeline from the major Tamil community In Houston, the Deputy Chief Minister
dominated terrains. inaugurated the Houston Tamil Studies
New York: With top‑class infrastructure, T he Principal Secretary (Finance), S Chair initiative and committed to support
eased compliance procedures and friendly Krishnan in his presentation made a clean it. At the Meenakshi Amman temple in the
business environment, Tamil Nadu is all set case for the state, highlighting the industri‑ same city he inaugurated a Kalayana
to be the investment destination, asserted al and business infrastructure that is con‑ Mandapam (Marriage Hall). While there,
the stateʼs Deputy Chie f Minister O. ducive to the g rowth trajectory. He he was honored by the Meenakshi Temple
Paneerselvam. stressed that the investment fund manage‑ Society and the Metroplex Tamil Sangam.
Speaking at the interactive session ment company run by professionals is a The Fairland, TX mayor declared Nov 14 as
organized by the Indian Consulate here, he pioneering ef fort of the state and that it ʻOPS Dayʼ honoring the Deputy CM.
assured the Indian American business com‑ would be an ideal investment option for In another gesture to mark the 150th
munity that the investment climate in the high net worth individuals not looking anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian
Tamil Nadu promises impressive returns. at big time business commitments. It is Consulate of New York invited school chil‑
In his 10‑day trip to the US, encouraging that efforts are being made to dren to speak in Tamil on the relevance of
Paneerse lvam also visited Chicago, connect the Indian diaspora with Tamil Gandhijiʼs teaching today. Praising the par‑
Washington DC, and Houston. He held Nadu. In September, state Chief Minister t icipat ion of children, Paneerse lvam
meet ings w ith Internat ional Finance Edappadi K. Palaniswamiʼs visit to the US acknowledged the cultural integration Deputy CM O. Paneerselvam of Tamil Nadu
Corporation focusing on urban and infra‑ had identified prospects for investments to engaged by the Indian diaspora, and con‑ complimenting one of the school children
structure projects in the state besides the tune of over Rs 5,000 crore committed gratulated the community for taking Tamil who spoke at the Indian Consulate in Tamil
meeting investors and business community by US investors. His deputyʼs visit was language across the globe. on Gandhiʼs relevance today.

How Zakaria became Ravi Batra slams Kartarpur

part of the Ukraine story referencing anti‑India rhetoric
New York: Fareed
Zakaria, the Indian
And exposes ‘liberal lunatics’ Pramila Jayapal and Ilhan Omar
American host of New York: Ravi Batra, eminent attor‑ wish to engage in a new genocide ‑
CNNʼs GPS wee kly ney and Chair, National Advisory as the Speaker in the video argues
program, revealed Council for South Asian Af fairs, for.
last week that he was has last week sent an urgent mes‑ “Freedom of religion, and separa‑
the one chosen to do sage to Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of tion of church and state ‑ two key pil‑
the interview with the House Foreign Af fairs lars of a free society ‑ were not
Ukraine President Committee, referencing a recent intended for folks with hypocritical
Volodymyr Zelensky incendiary video with a Muslim cler‑ treasonous strategies to advance
in which the newly ic evidently in Pakistan promoting a politically ‑ that was Hitlerʼs.
elected leader would conspiracy theory. Jayapalʼs political recipe would
have announced the In an aborted interview with Indian American Writes Batra, “While I donʼt under‑ require every American Jewish
investigation into for‑ Fareed Zakaria, Ukraine President Zelensky stand the language (Urdu) well, I Congress‑member to be against
mer Vice President was expected to announce the investigations understood the religious Speaker Israel in order to be a loyal
Joe Biden, as alleged‑ that Trump wanted.
celebrating recent Kartarpur Guru American; absurd. Both Omar and
ly demanded by President Trump. ter. And Ukraine, as you heard all Nanak Birthday initiative as a strate‑ Jayapal need to visit Ground Zero
According to Zakaria, he went to of today, is on the front lines of
Eminent attorney Ravi Batra
gic step to cause Sikhs to join and 9/11 Museum, and pay heartfelt
Kyiv to do research and prepare this great struggle between the Pakistan in attacking India and elimi‑ understands that every Lincolnesque homage to the dead, survivors and
for the interview, but just after West and Russia. And they had nating all Hindus ‑ a genocide. Governmentʼs Job1 is Public Safety, brave First Responders ‑ as we in
news of the whistleblower broke, been encouraging and negotiat‑ “With this as the ground‑reality, it so Freedoms and Rights can be exer‑ New York and those in Mumbai have
“the interview fell apart.” ing back and forth. Things picked delays normalization of Kashmir. We cised freely, I reject with extreme tasted the painful evil of Terror.
“Of course, we had no knowledge up around August and need to help make Sub‑Continent prejudice ‑ unprincipled self‑promot‑ “I would happily trade 100 Omars
that President Ze lensky was September. I went to Kyiv to meet Terror‑Free ‑ for enhanced safety of ing liberal lunatics who have never & 1000 Jayapals for one Imran Khan
going to announce this investiga‑ with him. It seemed it was con‑ our own Service Members ASAP ‑ so governed ‑ folks like Pramila Jayapal and one Narendra Modi ‑ both prime
tion into the Bidens and into firmed and then it fell apart right Freedoms, not Genocide, is planned and Ilhan Omar (“some people...did ministers are dear to me, as they
2016 during the interview,” about the time just after the news and enjoyed.” something”) who merely pander for dare to make their nations Terror‑
Zakaria told CNNʼs Jake Tapper. of the whistle‑blower came out. Batra, who stands for eradicating political advantage shamelessly. As Free, escape the chains of war‑mon‑
“But hereʼs the story: Weʼd been So it is possible to conclude that terror in all shapes and forms, also Rep. Omar is insultingly wrong gers or chaos‑loving liberal‑lunatics,
trying to get an interview with they realized the story was now takes issues with Congresswomen about WTC and 9/11, Rep. Jayapal preferring instead to have actual
Zelensky pretty much since he public and the aid had been Pramila Jayapal and Ilhan Omar in gets no kudos for being Pro‑Terror peace so rights can be equally
got elected,” Zakaria explained. released, they didnʼt need to do an email to The South Asian Times: and an ignoramus self‑defaming enjoyed by minorities and majori‑
“Heʼs a pretty interesting charac‑ the interview.” “As a Patriot and an American who Anti‑Hindu, and assisting those who ties.”
 4 November 23-29, 2019 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Impeachment of Rajapaksa after he won the

Netanyahu indicted of fraud, abuse of trust Trump likely,

Removal, no
president ial e lect ion w ith
more than 52% of the vote.
Jerusalem: Israel's attorney general $290,000, in exchange for favors. Case Continued from page 1 The 2.2‑million Tamil minority
has charged Prime Minister Benjamin 2,000 relates to an alleged pact and expect to hold a vote in accounts for a little more than
Netanyahu with bribery, fraud and attempt with Arnon Mozes, who is also the House by Christmas. In the 11% of Sri Lankaʼs population.
breach of trust in connection with accused, editor of the national Israeli majority, they have the vote.
three separate cases. Attorney general daily newspaper Yediot Aharonot, to The next step, a trial in the Congress‑NCP, Sena to
Avijai Mandelblit formalized the indict‑ get more positive coverage of him in Senate may hold peril for announce alliance to
ment against the acting leader on exchange for damaging the distribu‑ Dems. This weekʼs Gallup Poll, form Maharashtra govt
Thursday, which is a new blow to the tion of newspaper rival Israel Hayom. showing 90% of Republicans Continued from page 1
unstable and gridlocked Israeli politi‑ As a defendant, Netanyahu would approving of Trump, will bol‑ talks with the Shiv Sena to
cal landscape, Efe news reported. not be obliged to leave his post as ster Senate Republicans. They "finalize the architecture of
The prosecution has accused the Israelʼs PM Benjamin Netanyahu prime minister or deputy, but if he was may try to exact revenge by the alliance".
head of government in connection with him and his wife Sara on the Walla convicted, parliament could vote for summoning the testimony of In Mumbai, Congress and
three cases, known as Case 1,000, news website. Both Bezeq and Walla his dismissal if the crime involves Joe and Hunter Biden, and the the NCP will now hold deliber‑
Case 2,000 and Case 3,000, the are controlled by the same business‑ "moral depravity" as is the case with whistleblower. ations with their other pre‑poll
Ministry of Justice said in a statement. man Shaul Elovitch, who is also the bribery accusation, according to allies ‑‑ Peasants Workers
In all three cases, Netanyahu has charged with his wife Iris. In Case Israeli law. He has claimed the indict‑ Ensure justice for Party, Samajwadi Party,
been accused of fraud and abuse of 1,000 he is suspected of accepting lux‑ ments are "an attempted coup" to top‑ Tamils, India tells Swabhimani Paksh and CPI(M)
trust, and in addition in Case 4,000 he urious gifts from two millionaires for ple him and his right‑wing govern‑ new Sri Lankan Prez ‑‑ and then with the Sena,
is alleged to have committed bribery, himself and his family worth almost ment. Continued from page 1 Chavan told reporters after
the most serious accusation that puts Sri Lanka as a special envoy of another round of talks
his position in question. Prime Minister Narendra Modi between senior leaders of his
In Case 4,000, also called the Bezeq
Case, Netanyahu is accused of having
UK's Prince Andrew steps back from to convey his greetings on
Rajapaksaʼs election win and
party and the NCP in the
national capital.
done favors between 2012 and 2017
to Israeli telephony giant Bezeq in
public duties over Epstein scandal to invite him to India.
Rajapaksa accepted the invi‑
Sources said the three par‑
ties are likely to make a for‑
exchange for favorable coverage of London: T he United Kingdomʼs trial for sex traf ficking of minors. tation and will make a state mal announcement on Friday
Prince Andrew has announced he is Andrew's statement said his death visit to India during November about joining hands to take a
stepping back from royal duties "has left many unanswered ques‑ 29‑30. shot at power in the state.
over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. In tions, particularly for his victims, Foreign ministry spokesper‑ Udd hav T hackeray w ill
a statement released on Wednesday and I deeply sympathize with every‑ son Raveesh Kumar told the address a meeting of party
From the Desk he said he would end his public one who has been af fected and media on Thursday: “You must MLAs and senior leaders on
work for the foreseeable future over wants some form of closure". have seen President Friday during which he is
of the Editor his links to the convicted sex offend‑ Andrew has been under increasing Rajapaksaʼs statement where expected to deliberate on the

W
e invite Indian er, Efe news reported. criticism for his relationship with he affirmed that he will be the party's line of action in the
He also of fered to help police the well‑connected financier, with a president of all Sri Lankans, backdrop of the three main
American community,
investigating allegations against the number of sponsors severing ties irrespective of their racial or non‑BJP part ies making
social, philanthropic and
disgraced hedge‑fund manager and with the royal after an interview he religious identity and without efforts to form government in
other organizations and insti‑
accused sex trafficker. Andrew said gave with the BBC on Saturday. The creat ing a dist inct ion on Maharashtra, a party leader
tutions to send us press said.
his former association with Epstein 59‑year‑old has been accused of whether they voted for him or
releases and information had become a "major disruption" to having sex with a 17‑year‑old girl, not.”
about their events and activi‑ the royal family. Virginia Roberts, in 2001 after Rajapaksa also said during 4 Indo‑Canadians
ties. We will certainly publish "T herefore, I have asked Her going to a London nightclub. He has his meeting with Jaishankar inducted
the material after editing. We Majesty if I may step back from pub‑ denied all the allegations and in the that he is committed to ensur‑ in Trudeauʼs Cabinet
do not charge any fee for edi‑ lic duties for the foreseeable future, BBC interview said he was at a pizza ing the development of the Continued from page 1
torial coverage. and she has given her permission," restaurant on the day in question. northern and eastern Innovat ion, Science and
Please send all editorial he added. "I continue to unequivo‑ Roberts said she had sex with provinces, which have a size‑ Industry portfolio; Harjit
related communications to: cally regret my ill‑judged associa‑ Andrew three times, in London in able Tamil population, and Sajjan, who ag ain gets
editor@thesouthasiantimes.info tion with Jef frey Epstien." Epstein March 2001, weeks later at “considers India a valued part‑ National Defence portfolio;
Or was found dead in a prison cell in Epstein''s New York mansion and a ner towards this endeavor”. and Ms Bardish Chagger is
the United States while awaiting third time on his private island. Jaishankar was the first senior Minister of Diversity, Inclusion
parveen.chopra@gmail.com
foreign leader to meet and Youth.

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY November 23-29, 2019 5

Nehruvian ideals espoused in NY

Queens, NY: "I was born in India, "The India that was envisioned by Paul Vallone, George Abraham, Vice‑ trical power stations, several thou‑
lived in India as a child, and again as Nehruji, Gandhiji, Ambedkarji and so Chairman of the IOC, USA recollect‑ sands of highways and bridges, new
an adult. I am 51 years old. I have many other visionaries and revolu‑ ed a bit of history where India was railway projects, stadiums, super‑
grown up largely abroad, but my tionaries, the India that is a sover‑ at the time of Independence. specialty hospitals, most of the
heart is Indian, and my gods are eign, socialist, secular and democrat‑ "Congress started with zero. Indian households with television,
Hindu, and that means that both are ic republic which ensures justice, lib‑ Electricity was available only in 20 telephone services across the coun‑
open, giving, inclusive, expansive, erty, equality to all citizens and pro‑ villages across India, telephone facil‑ try, banks, universities, AIMS, IITs
full of love. My Indian heart sings motes fraternity to maintain unity ities were available only for 20 IIMs, nuclear weapons, submarines,
Eshwar Allah Tero Naam, and my and integrity of the nation, is in cri‑ rulers (kings) in the country, no ISRO…all these were achieved under
Hindu gods teach me, 'aano bhadra sis. This carnage of lives, rights, and drinking water supply, no hospitals, the vision of our first Prime Minister Sunita Viswanath, co‑founder,
krtavo yantu vishwatah.' This is democracy is happening in the no educational institutions, no fertil‑ Jawaharlal Nehru. Some would talk Hindus for Human Rights,
speaking at an event to
from the Rig Veda and means: Let name of our faith. There must be a izers, no jobs, rampant starvation in as if this all has happened in the last
celebrate Jawaharlal Nehru's
noble thoughts come to me from all Hindu response to Hindutva.” the country, four planes, 20 tankers five years, and it is nothing but an
birth anniversary.
directions," said Sunita Viswanath, Dr. Leno Thomas, the emcee of the and fully open borders, minimum outright distortion of history. The
co‑founder, Hindus for Human event, stated that Nehru saw democ‑ roads and bridges, empty exchequer attempt by the current regime to Paul Vallone, who received a
Rights, at the Nehru Jayanthi cele‑ racy as a means to an end, not the and that is what Nehru inherited." marginalize the legacy of Nehru is Humanitarian Award from the Indo‑
bration on November 14 organized end itself. He saw freedom as a tool "Today India has the largest army, shameful and will not succeed," US Democracy Foundation for his
by the Indian Overseas Congress, to uplift a lot of people. " thousands of warplanes, lakhs of Abraham added. support for promoting democracy
USA and Indo‑US Democracy Welcoming the guests including Industrial Institutions, electricity in The meeting also played Nehru's and freedom, lauded Nehru for his
Foundation. Paul Vallone, the NYC Councilman almost all villages, hundreds of elec‑ "Tryst with Destiny" speech and Mr. inclusive policies that united India.

Nita Ambani
elected trustee
of The Met in NY
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ͪͪ’ ]ͬ[€ ”çǙ ‹—Ǘͧ˜ ȡ›ȯ ”ǐšȡšɉ €ȯ ͧ›f  èȯ ˜Ʌ  ƒš ͩ€šȡ™ȯ ”ȯ Ǒ‘f ‡ȡ“ȯ €ȯ ͧ›f –“ȡ™ȯ ‚f ^  …ȡš ˜ȡ›ȯ €ȧ ^˜ȡš ˜Ʌ  èŠǗ ͫŒ™Ȫ \”ȡŠ[ ˜ɅŠ f€ –ȯŒǾ˜ kš ‘Ȫ –ȯŒǾ˜
\”ȡŠ[ ˜ɅŠ€ȧ^€ȡ^™ȡȲ ¡ɉ‚ȯ@ĤȡšȲ ͧ—€›ȣ‡\”€ȯͧ›f`ۓȢ ^€ȡ^™ɉ˜Ʌ  –Ǖ‡‚
Ǖ ɟ€ȪĤȡͧ˜€ȡĤ‘ȡ“€ȧ‡ȡf‚Ȣ@‚ǓžȢ›ȡͪ€›ȡȲ‚ȡĮŽkšǺǔ犖ȡͬ’
›Ȫ‚ɉ€ȯͧ›f—Ȣ^€ȡ^™ȡȲ`”›Þ’¡ɇ@

ͩ€šȡ™ȡ€ȧ Ȣ˜ȡ
^€ȡ^™ɉ€ȧ Ȳəȡ ^€ȡ_€ȡ]€ȡš ۙǗ“˜  \ͬ’€˜
Nita Ambani, te chairperson of the  èŠǗ ͫŒ™Ȫ     

Reliance Foundation  f€–ȯŒǾ˜     

 ‘Ȫ–ȯŒǾ˜     
New York: Nita Ambani, the founder
*“ȪŠǒ–‡›ȣ€ȡ—Ǖ‚ȡ“€š“ȯ€ȯͧ›fǓ“ȡ Ȣǔ‡à˜ȯ‘ȡš¡ɇ@`”šȪȏͩ€šȡf`”™Ȫͬ‚ȡ—ƣȯ€Ȫ‘žȡ[ȯ¡ɇ@
and chairperson of the Reliance
Foundation, has been elected an hon‑
]™ Ȣ˜ȡ
orary trustee of New Yorkʼs
 50% èȡ“Ȣ™k ]™ 60% èȡ“Ȣ™k ]™ 90% èȡ“Ȣ™k ]™ 100% èȡ“Ȣ™k ]™ 110% èȡ“Ȣ™k ]™
Metropolitan Museum of Art, the arts
”ǐšȡš ۙǗ“˜  \ͬ’€˜ ۙǗ“˜  \ͬ’€˜ ۙǗ“˜  \ͬ’€˜ ۙǗ“˜  \ͬ’€˜ ۙǗ“˜  \ͬ’€˜
powerhouse of the US.
 ‘è™
Announcing her election by the
             ›ȡ‚Ǘ“¡ȣȲ  ›ȡ‚Ǘ“¡ȣȲ
board on Tuesday, the museumʼs
               
chairman Daniel Brodsky said, “Mrs              
›ȡ‚Ǘ“¡ȣȲ ›ȡ‚Ǘ“¡ȣȲ
Ambaniʼs commitment to The Met and              
›ȡ‚Ǘ“¡ȣȲ ›ȡ‚Ǘ“¡ȣȲ
to preserving and promoting Indiaʼs              
›ȡ‚Ǘ“¡ȣȲ ›ȡ‚Ǘ“¡ȣȲ
art and culture is truly exceptional.
Her support has an enormous impact
on the Museumʼs ability to study and 16 Ǒ‘ Ȳ–š, €ȯžȡ˜–‡ȯ €”Ǘšȣš¡ ȯ —šȯ  ‚f›ȨŠšȣ]ȯ‘“”Ȫ芘ȡ€[“¡ȣȲCDCLIɮȡšȡĤȡ܏ͩ€f‡ȡ“ȯ …ȡǑ¡f@€Ǚ”™ȡڙȡ“‘Ʌ  ͩ€h“-›ȡ^“”š“—š“ȯ
display art from every corner of the
ͩ€ Ǘš˜Ʌ  ]ȯ‘“ɉ€Ȫ Ȫ˜ȡš ȯ žǕНȡš€Ȫ ȡ˜ȡۙ€ȡ™[ ƒȲŠɉ€ȯ‘ȫšȡ“ ȯ –‡ȯ €ȯ–Ȣ…€ȡ™ȡ[›™˜Ʌ  ”¡Ǖȱ…ȡ“ȡ…ȡǑ¡f@kš€ȡ™ȡ[›™“Ȳ–šȯŠšÛ Œȯ€Ȫ, 
world.”
kš“Ȳ–šɇÈ ͬ‚ͪȲ‚€Ȫ–Ȳ‘š¡Ʌ ‚ȯ@
Under her leadership, the Reliance
Foundation has supported several pro‑
ĤȪĒȡ˜€ȯǓ“‘ȶ žkš]ȯ‘“€š“ȯ €ȯͧ›f€Ǚ”™ȡ¡˜ȡšȣȯ– ȡ^ŠZZZFGFOLRUJ”š‡ȡfȲ ™ȡ%XLOGLQJ(#FGFOLRUJ”š™ȡfÈ ŠɅ ž“”š Ȳ”€[€šɅ @™¡
grams at the Met.
ZZZ1<+RXVLQJ6HDUFKJRY”š—Ȣ`”›Þ’¡Ȱ @ĤȪĒȡ˜€ȯǓ“‘ȶ žkš]ȯ‘“\ȲĒȯ‡Ȣkšè”ȯǓ“ž˜Ʌ `”›Þ’¡ɇkš\“ǕšȪ’€ȯ\“Ǖ ȡš\ۙ—ȡŸȡjȲ˜Ʌ `”›Þ’¡ɉ‚ȯ@
The museum said in a statement,
“Generous with her time and expert‑
ise, Mrs. Ambani is also a member of ›ȨŠšȣ˜Ʌ  èȢ€ǙǓͩ€ Ȣ^€ȡ_€ȯͧ›f\“Ǖ˜Ȫ‘“™ȡ”ȡğȡ€ȧ‚ȡšȲ Šȣ“¡ȣȲ ‘ȯ Ȣ¡Ȱ @›ȨŠšȣ]ȯ‘€ɉ€Ȫ–ȯšȢ–Ȳ ‚ ȯ …Ǖ“ȡ‡ȡȡ¡Ȱ  kš›ȨŠšȣ˜Ʌ  `“€ȯ‘‡ȶ €ȯ\“Ǖ ȡšĤȢ¢ȡ

The Metʼs International Council.”  Ǘ…Ȣ˜Ʌ ` ȢИ˜Ʌ šȡ‡ȡȡ@

She “is especially committed to pre‑
serving and promoting Indiaʼs art, cul‑ ›ȨŠšȣǑ‘ Ȳ–š, €ȯ Ǖ–¡–‡ȯ€Ȫ295 Merritt Avenue, Wyandanch, NY 11798˜Ʌ ǔ萏Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Ambulance Corp˜Ʌ ]™Ȫǔ‡
ture, and heritage” the Met said. €ȧ‡ȡf‚Ȣ@¡˜]ȯ‘€ɉ€Ȫ`”ǔ萏¡Ȫ“ȯ€ȯͧ›fĤȪ× ȡǑ¡€šȯ¡ɇ
With Reliance Foundationʼs sponsor‑
ship, the Met will hold next year the
exhibition, “Tree and Serpent: Early
Buddhist Art in India, 200 B.C.–A.D.
400”, at its landmark venue on Fifth
Avenue, along with others that will
cover such topics as 17th‑century
Mughal art and contemporary Indian
sculpture.
 6 November 23-29, 2019 LOCAL GOVT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

AG James investigates housing Congressman Peter

discrimination on Long Island King from LI to retire
Long Island,NY: New York Attorney General tive conditions, such as requiring mortgage
Letitia James Nov 19 announced that her preapproval to view properties. “Fair access to Washington, DC: Longtime GOP Rep. Peter
office is launching an investigation into allega‑ housing is a basic civil right that all New King announced on Nov 11 he will not Congressman
tions of discriminatory practices by Long Yorkers, including Long Island residents, are seek another term in office, becoming the Peter King
Island real estate agents as first reported by entitled to,” said Attorney General Letitia latest in a growing list of Republicans who
Newsday. The newspaper recently published James. “The pattern of discrimination uncov‑ are not seeking reelection in 2020.
the results of a three‑year probe into the indus‑ ered by Newsdayʼs intrepid reporting raises King, a former chairman of the House
try, finding fair housing violations by several of significant concerns and calls for action. I have Homeland Security Committee, is perhaps
Long Islandʼs most prominent residential bro‑ directed the Civil Rights Bureau in my office to best known for his outspoken calls for
kering firms. According to the report, agents at investigate these serious allegations and we strict anti‑terrorism measures. He's repre‑
several firms steered undercover testers to encourage Long Island residents to report any sented part of Long Island in Congress
neighborhoods whose composition matched instances of housing discrimination.” If you since 1993 and said Monday he plans to
their own race or ethnicity, directing white have questions or believe you have been a vic‑ finish out his current term. told CNN on Monday that King "was really
testers toward areas with the highest white tim of housing or lending discrimination, con‑ King, 75, said he was retiring so he can holding on" until his daughter, Erin King
representations and minority testers to more tact the Civil Rights Bureau of the New York live full‑time in New York and spend more Sweeney, a former councilwoman in
integrated neighborhoods. Agents also alleged‑ State Attorney General's Of fice at 212‑416‑ time with his family. Hempstead, New York, "could run for his
ly subjected minority testers to more restric‑ 8250 or civil.rights@ag.ny.gov. A source familiar with King's thinking seat and win it."

Westchester considers
52% pay raises for
lawmakers, 26%
↴⳦ⷊ䣠ㅀㆾ䩿䐴嫸
for department heads
White Plains: Westchester County lawmak‑ Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDCLI) 䗭 ⅌ 㩢 ᴍ Albanese
ers are considering giving themselves 52% Development Corporation ⌇ṛ漓㊤⋖ Wyandanch 㙐 E 㜊䖃 䖃ㆾ䩿䐴嫸ȼ
raises, part of wide‑ranging salary increas‑ E 㜊Ṍᶍ
㜊 Wyandanch 㙐ᴬ⻂漓䰦徺 Wyandanch LIRR 幥䧘 䧘ȼ廘ⵡⷹ䩐⁰◚⭁漓㘈 123 ᴩ
es planned in the 2020 county budget. ≔擳Ȼ᳿⭄⪣⎋ᴣ⭄⪣⫒≔Ṍ漢媽媠廘ᶚ⫒䖃䗭䖃㔮媨 媨䷎㱍俋㕮⌃⸁䖃⪵ⶬ尞㇄ ㇄⺖屶漓
Lawmakers' base pay would be boosted
廘ᶚ⪵ⶬ䖃㐵⁤⋮ᴹ㘫☯∹㐵⁤ᴬ ᴬἻ漏AMI漐䖃 50%Ȼ60%Ȼ % 90%Ȼ100%⎋ 110%ȼℜ ℜ⣊䣞
from $49,200 to $75,000 and county
局⬅ḗ ḗ⁇㋏ẚ 19 ᴩ⫒≔Ṍ䷘廿Ḍₚᶹȼ㩣⠕漓ᶥᴹ坋↧ ↧ᴌẾȻ⌫壈⋉壅壈⋖㉞ᶹ ᶹ⟪㋏
department heads and commissioners
would see their pay increased 26% from
ẚ⫒≔Ṍȼ
their current level under proposed salary
changes. Department heads and top aides ॣ୐ਸ֠*
ॣ୐ਸ֠
to Westchester County Executive George ≔Ṍ㑯惎 ≔Ṍ⠦⬎⬎ 㗿ṍ 㗿槗
Latimer would see their $155,425 salaries
12 ≔擳 $949 - $1,484
jump to $195,000 in 2020.
92 ᳿⭄⪣
⪣ $1,012 - $1,674
They would also receive retroactive rais‑
es for this year that would bring their 19 ᶋ⭄⪣
⪣ $1,210 - $2,180
2019 earnings to $175,000.
The $2.1 billion budget proposed by *㯧:⭄㬐旿僩
㬐 坋丳䶲䐴尸ȼᴉ廯䣞
䣞惐⳱∄〉䐧ᶊᴙ㰤尳ȼ
Latimer for next year would increase
spending but slightly reduce the county ‫ݶ‬ҵਸ֠
property tax levy due in large part to new AMI ङ 50% AMI ङ 60% AMI ङ 90% AMI ङ 100% AMI ङ 110%
sales tax revenue. Lawmakers haven't
‫ڈ؟‬
received a pay increase since 2005. Non‑
ы‫ރ‬ ߂௤ ߂Ѻ ߂௤ ߂Ѻ
Ѻ ߂௤ ߂Ѻ ߂௤ ߂Ѻ ߂௤ ߂Ѻ
union employees haven't seen raises since
1 $ 3
 - $ 43,400 $  - $ 52,0
, 80 $  - $ 78,120 $
 - $ 86,800 ‫ޗ‬ - ‫ޗ‬
2007, while subordinates in labor unions
2 $ 3
 - $ 49,600 $  - $ 59,5
, 20 $ 5 - $ 89,280 $ 
 - $ 99,200 $  - $109,120
have seen contractual increases over the
3 $ 
 - $ 55,800 $ 49, - $ 66,9
, 60 $  - $100,440 ‫ޗ‬ - ‫ޗ‬ $  - $122,760
same period. Ben Boykin, chairman of the
4 $ 
 - $ 62,000 $ 49, - $ 74,4
, 00 $  - $111,600 ‫ޗ‬ - ‫ޗ‬ $  - $136,400
legislature, said the legislative pay increase
5 $ 
 - $ 67,000 $  - $ 80,4
, 00 $  - $120,600 ‫ޗ‬ - ‫ޗ‬ $  - $147,400
would bring pay in county government
more in line with Suffolk and Nassau coun‑
ties on Long Island. Legislator Damon ❬ₚ⪍㑵䖅ㆾ䩿䐴嫸⻆杼ᶏ 2019 ⵵ 12 㘉 16 㓦ᴌ≉ 5 㾺ⅎ(㾺 晟㈈徯ㄴ㓷擵)ᶥ僴 CDCLIȾ
Maher, D‑New Rochelle, said he was hop‑ 嫸㯩【漕晟☩䷀❬ₚ䖅䐴嫸⻆杼ᶏ⍩ᴁ僴⍩ᶕ䖅㩤ⴹ⳦ṝ㓷 㓷擵(ᴋ≉ 9 㾺僴ᴌ≉ 5 㾺)弓
弓ᶥ漕
ing to slow down the process. He said the 㘭↟⪥ 11 㘉 11 㓦(伂⁶冃)Ƚ11 㘉 28 㓦⎍ 29 㓦(〠⽪冃)ᴎ↟Ⱦ
last analysis of county elected official pay
was done by a citizens committee in 2008,
and that work should be updated even if 㘈 ⁲ 䐲 嫶 ⋉ 媠 ℑ ㈆ ⸔ 漓 嫶 㱎 壇 ㄐ ᷫ 䖃 乐 䧘 www.cdcli.org 漓ㄕ ⋐ 徭 ᷵ ䷘ CDCLI 徭䪰
an increase was appropriate. Legislator
BuildingE@cdcli.org漓ㄕ㇧ㅒ 631-471-1215 幫 222漓ᵞ⋮ᷤ☧ www.NYHousingSearch.gov ᴉ
John Testa, the legislature's Republican
ㅽℯȼ䐲嫶⎋杸䗭㈆≖㒆᷵䖃嫬壿 壿㋏ẚ凰嫬⎋塾䋬䅘嫬漓⢁㘈墀㭁漓ᵞ⬅㋏ẚ⁵ᷕ嫬 嫬壿ȼ
minority leader, called the proposal for
lawmakers "outrageous" and said the pay
increases should be in smaller increments ⋁↟ㆼ䩽⵵ᴌ俼Ờ嫀ḙ劶ㅸㄕ㘈屃㜻䣞Ṏȼㆼ䩽䐲嫶ᶹ⬅㈈
ᶹ 斎㘹ㆼ⋕䖃杹ⶎ㊑№☧
№ 䩈
as they would have been in the private sec‑ Ἐ⌌≔ᴉȼ
tor. In a statement, Director of Operations
Joan McDonald said comparable positions
in Nassau and Suf folk counties are cur‑ ㆾ䩿⬇ᶏ 2019 ⵵ 12 㘉 20 㓦ᴋ≉ 10 㾺☩ Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Ambulance
rently compensated at a higher level than Corp ᴿ坍
ᴿ 漕嫦⋹Ṏᶏ 295 Merritt Avenue, Wyandanch, NY 11798Ⱦ嫸䐴嫸ᶻ䣰㚂⋃↡漊
in Westchester. Most of the positions
receiving pay raises require advanced
degrees and professional experience that
cannot be filled without competitive
salaries, McDonald said.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY November 23-29, 2019 7

Number of Indian Houston police lets Sikhs wear articles of

students in US surpassed faith at work in honor of Sandeep Dhaliwal
Houston: In honor of fallen Indian‑ the KHOU Television station.

two lakh: Report American Sikh police of ficer

Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, the
"The honor I got from this commu‑
nity and from the chief, the police
New Delhi: The number of Indians number of international students Houston Police Department has department and the sheriff depart‑
studying in the US increased by expanded for the thirteenth consec‑ changed its dress code policy to ment is ... I have no words to say. So,
almost three per cent over the last utive year. allow the minority community mem‑ I very much thank all of these bodies.
year to 202,014, ‑‑ the sixth consec‑ The top places of origin for inter‑ bers to represent their faith while on Wonderful moment," he said.
utive year marking such growth. national students studying in the duty. On September 28, Sandeep The New York Police Department,
According to the 2019 Open Doors United States were China, India, Dhaliwal, a 10‑year veteran of the the Chicago Police Department, the
Report on International Educational South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Harris County Sheriff's office and its Metropolitan Police Department in
Exchange re leased on Monday, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Brazil and first Sikh deputy, was gunned down Washington and the Riverside Police
Indians make up over 18 per cent of Mexico. The top host states were while conducting a mid‑day traffic Department in California are the
all international students in the California, New York, Texas, stop in northwest of Houston. other law enforcement agencies in
United States. India provided the Massachusetts, Illinois, The 42‑year‑old trailblazing police Sikh police officer Sandeep the US which have uniform accom‑
second highest number of graduate Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, of ficer made national headlines Singh Dhaliwal made national modations for the Sikh officers. Sikh
when he was allowed to grow a headlines when he was allowed advocacy groups also praised the
students and jumped up to third Michigan and Indiana.
to grow a beard and wear
place in undergraduates, it said. Open Doors is published by the beard and wear a turban at work. policy change.
a turban at work
Speaking at the United States Institute of International Education "@houstonpolice is now the largest "This policy change shows that no
India Educational Foundation (IIE), which has conducted an annu‑ law enforcement agency in TX to many members of our community to one should ever choose between
(USIEF), the Embassy's Minister al statistical survey on international adopt a policy allowing officers to announce our policy and get the their faith or their career, and also
Counselor for Consular Af fairs students in the United States since wear articles of faith on duty," City of word out to our greater community," that these articles of faith pose no
Charisse Phillips said, "Student its founding in 1919 and in partner‑ Houston tweeted on Monday. Chief of the Houston Police barrier to service," Nikki Singh, poli‑
exchanges between our two coun‑ ship with the US Department of "Proud to announce HPD (Houston Department Art Acevedo tweeted. cy and advocacy manager for the
tries help strengthen the foundation State's Bureau of Educational and Police Department) will accommo‑ In a news briefing, the Houston Sikh Coalition, was quoted as saying
upon which our strategic partner‑ Cultural Affairs since 1972. date Sikh of ficers by letting them Police Department announced that by the CNN. Dhaliwal, worked with
ship is built. Indian students are EducationUSA is a US Department wear their articles of faith while on they are changing its uniform policy United Sikhs, a global humanitarian
looking for a great education and of State network of over 430 inter‑ duty, one of the largest police depart‑ to allow officers to wear their arti‑ relief and advocacy nonprofit, to
the United States of fers the best national student advising centers in ments in the country to do so. cles of faith while on duty in order to help organize the donation of truck‑
return on this investment." 178 countries and territories. Deputy Dhaliwal taught us all a valu‑ be more inclusive in honor of the loads of supplies for first responders
In 2018‑19, US colleges and uni‑ EducationUSA is the official source able lesson about inclusion. It was an fallen Sikh deputy, Fox News report‑ after Hurricane Harvey.
versities hosted more than one mil‑ on US higher education. In India honor to know him," Houston Mayor ed. "I'm honored," Sandeep He was allowed to wear the turban
lion international students for the there are 7 EducationUSA advising Sylvester Turner tweeted. "Proud to Dhaliwal's father, Pyara Singh and beard while patrolling the
fourth consecutive year. The total centers. stand with @SylvesterTurner and so Dhaliwal, was quoted as saying by streets to bolster cultural diversity.

US Kashmiri body asks Congress for

were destroyed or vandalized and desecrated
during 1990s.
The situation in the region “is a direct

inclusion in human rights discussions

product of cross‑border terrorism emanating
from across the border with a focus on radi‑
calization of Islam … (and) It is a widely docu‑
Washington, DC: The Kashmiri Overseas life in Jammu and Kashmir.” behind the 300,000 to 400,000 Kashmiri mented fact that Pakistan has created,
Association (KOA) has called upon the U.S. KOA has asked the commission to investi‑ Pandits being forced to flee the Kashmir trained, armed and nurtured terrorist groups
Congressʼ Human Rights Commission to reach gate the threat of Islamic radicalization to the Valley in the 1990s because of targeted as a matter of its state policy in South Asia
out to Jammu and Kashmir “community mem‑ religious minorities in the Kashmir valley and killings of religious minorities by Islamic ter‑ that has resulted in death of over 42,000
bers who have been silent victims of human more broadly in the whole region, and asking rorists, and the hundreds of temples of reli‑ civilians in Jammu and Kashmir alone over
rights over the last 30 years,” in a letter a the commission to look into the situation gious minorities in the Kashmir valley that the last three decades,” the letter says.
KOA letter to Congressmen James P.
McGovern (D‑MA) and Christopher H. Smith
(R‑NJ), co‑chairs of the Tom Lantos Human
Rights Commission.
The Potomac, Maryland‑based nonprofit
KOA, whose stated mission includes promot‑
ing Kashmir Pandit ethnic and socio‑cultural
heritage, has voiced disappointment in the
commissionʼs failure to reach out to the
effected community to participate in a hear‑
ing this past week. KOA says a move to be
more inclusive “would have elicited far wider
response from potential expert witnesses,
non‑government organizations working in
this field and wider public and would have
enriched the Commissionʼs hearing, according
to the letter signed by Shakun Munshi Malik,
KOA president, CEO, and chairperson, and
KOA Secretary Amrita Kar.
The group has made clear its positions on
the situation in Kashmir and Jammu, stopping
just shy of demanding decisive action from
the US government and the human rights
commission.
In the letter, the group says the
Congressional commission, designed to cham‑
pion of the protection of human rights,
“would be hard pressed to protect fundamen‑
tal human rights when terrorism and its mul‑
tifarious consequences stymie every aspect of
8 November 23-29, 2019 GURU NANAK 550 TheSouthAsianTimes.info

IN BRIEF

Mayor de Blasio pays tribute to Parveen Chopra, Editor of The South Asian
Times, honored at Guru Nanak 550 event
Guru Nanak as a great faith leader

Mayor Bill de Blasio speaking at the Richmond Hill gurdwara (Photo : Baldev Singh/BJ Video)

N
YC Mayor Bill de Blasio has called munity not only here, but all over the coun‑
Guru Nanak Dev ji as “one of the try…. There must be consequences for Parveen Chopra (middle), Editor of The South Asian Times, was honored for
great leaders of faith that the anyone who acts out of hatred towards this ʻHumanitarian Service and Global Harmonyʼ on November 17 at an interfaith
world has ever known.” community which contributes so much to event celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Jiʼs 550th birth anniversary. The celebration at
“…we celebrate today ideas so powerful New York City and so much to the Worldʼs Fair Marina in Queens, NY, was organized by 1God1humanity, started by
community leader Amarjit Singh Anand (right). The South Asian Times
that we feel them as strongly today as America.”
congratulates him on this honor. (Photo : Baldev Singh/BJ Video)
when they were first put forward over half De Blasio talked about how the city has
a millennium ago. This is what we honor,” reached out to the Sikh community, in vari‑

Celebrating ʻOneness: A Light for

he said at the Sikh Cultural Society ous ways. “We are honoring the communi‑
Gurdwara in Richmond Hill in Queens on ty at events like this and at City Hall and
November 17 while commemorating the Gracie Mansion. We have an office to pre‑
550th birth anniversary of the founder of
Sikhism. “What we celebrate today is the
vent hate crimes that allies with the com‑
munity and works shoulder to shoulder to
Humanityʼ at NJAPC on Nov 23rd
T
continued belief that love can conquer stop tragedies before they happen…. Now o commemorate the 550th birth transcended the centuries.
hate, that we really are one people that we members of the Sikh community are serv‑ anniversary of Guru Nanak, the “The event brings together guest speakers
should be able to see past external differ‑ ing proudly in the NYPD, they are honoring founder of Sikhism, Letʼs Share a Meal and artists from all over the world and pro‑
ence and see the commonality of the and maintaining their faith and they are in collaboration with theSikh Chamber of vides a wonderful opportunity to learn more
human heart,” said de Blasio. protecting all of us, and our NYPD, our city, Commerce Global (SACC), Dhan GuruNanak about Guru Nanakʼs teachings and Sikhism”,
The Mayor also spoke about racist and is better because they are now allowed to Jatha and SAVA will host Oneness: A Light said Onkar Singh, founder, Letʼs Share a
hate attacks against the Sikh community. serve.” He also released a proclamation for Humanity, at the New Jersey Performing Meal. Eminent guests expected: Phil
“Unfortunately we live in a nation today terming November 17, 2019, in the City of Arts Center on Saturday, November 23rd Murphy, NJ Governor; Bob Menendez, NJ
where these ideas are under attack, we live New York as Guru Nanak Dev Ji day. from 3‑7pm. More than 3,000 guests are Senator; Hasan Minhaj, artist, writer, pro‑
in a nation where people are being demo‑ Elected officials who were present on the expected to attend the event to celebrate ducer and political commentator; Gurbir
nized because of who they are, because of occasion including NYS Senator John Liu, Guru Nanak Dev Jiʼs teachings of Grewal, NJ Attorney General; Ravinder
their faith, because of the ways they honor Assemblyman David Weprin, and Queens “Oneness”̶equality of all races, genders, Bhalla, Mayor, Hoboken.
their faith. We have seen Sikhs attacked, Borough President Melinda Katz, who has and religions̶that form the very foundation Performances will be by Nirinjan Kaur,
we have seen hate crimes against this com‑ been elected District Attorney. of the Sikh faith. Shivpreet Singh, Hasan Minhaj, Satpal Singh,
Through various performances by Prof. Surinder Singh (Raj Academy) , Jasvir
renowned artists and an Interfaith Panel Kaur Rababan, Shiv Khera, Dr. Gurnam

Tom Suozzi extends greetings

Discussion, the event will showcase how Singh, Dr. Chintamani Yogi along with sand
Guru Nanakʼs teachings on love, peace, artist Lawrence Koh and painter Vilas Nayak
equality, and universal brotherhood have and Karamjeet Singh among others.

to Sikh community
R
Milan Cultural
epresentative Tom Suozzi extend‑ Association celebrated
ed greetings to the Sikh communi‑ 150th birth anniversary
ty in his House speech. "Dear of Mahatma Gandhi and
Madam Speaker,I rise today to extend my 550th birth anniversary
greetings to my friends in the Sikh com‑ of Guru Nanak Dev ji at
munity who are celebrating the 550th Norwich on Nov 15. On
anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak this occasion, a photo
Sahib, the founder of the Sikh religion. Sat exhibition on the life and
Sri Akal!" times of Guru Nanak Devi
According to Sikh tradition, Guru
ji sponsored by the
Consulate General of
Nanakʼs birth and many events in his Tom suozzi India, New York was also
early life demonstrate that he had been
exhibited. The exhibition
marked with divine grace, he said. " butions of the Sikh community to world
was inaugurated by
During his life, he traveled to many places peace and understanding, he said. Stacy Gold, Council
proclaiming the message of one God who "The strength of the United States lies in Member of Norwich. A
dwells in every one of his creations and our rich diversity. We are truly blessed number of speakers
constitutes eternal truth. Guru Nanak set with people of many faith and cultures, addressed the gathering,
up a unique spiritual, social and political including the Sikhs, who have contributed including Stacy Gold, Ripi
platform based on equality, fraternal love, so much to the fabric of our American Singh, Inspirational
goodness and virtue – attributes we could communities and the entire world," he speaker from Norwich
use more of in the world today," he added. added. Suozzi ended the speech with and Murugesan
The anniversary of Guru Nanakʼs birth 'Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguruji Ramaswamy, Consul
ki Fateh'.
(CPV) of CGI, New York.
is the perfect time to reflect on the contri‑
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL November 23-29, 2019 9

Principles of Guru Nanak more relevant Air India revises its

today: US lawmakers on Gurpurab
Washington, DC: The philosophy and teachings Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, winder schedule
of Guru Nanak Dev echoed the corridors of the said that Guru Nanak was a true humanitarian
US Capitol as powerful American lawmakers and
eminent Indian‑Americans celebrated the 550th
birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism and
champion in the face of entrenched discrimina‑
tion. She said he preached against prejudices
based on race, cast, and status.
from US to India
underscored that his principles were more rele‑ "He promoted the equality of all women dur‑
WINTER 2019/20 SCHEDULE
WINTER 2019/20 (Upto
SCHEDULE (Upto March 7,March
2020) 7, 2020)
Arrives Arrives
vant today than ever before. ing a time when women had low status and little Flight Continues
Frequency From To Depart (Next (Next
Republican Senator from Indiana Todd Young, respect within society. There is so much as a No. to
Day) Day)
who has introduced a resolution in the Senate country that we should take away from the Daily AI-102 New York/JFK Delhi 1230 1255 Mumbai 1910
on the occasion, said the Sikh‑Americans had teachings of Guru Nanak. His legacy is a legacy Daily AI-144 Newark/EWR Mumbai 1145 1300 Delhi 1910
Wed/Fri/Sun AI-104 Washington/IAD Delhi 1025 1100 Hyderabad 1535
succeeded in making a profound impact across of peace and equality," Chu said.
Daily AI-126 Chicago/ORD Delhi 1230 1415 Hyderabad 1925
the US because they followed the teachings of Republican Congressman Greg Pence from Daily exc Tue AI-174 San Francisco/SFO Delhi 0930 1515 Bengaluru 2025
the first Sikh guru. Indiana referred to his speech on the House Mon/Wed/Sat AI-184 San Francisco/SFO Delhi 0100 0700 --- ---
"While radical for his day some 500 years ago, floor earlier in the day.
the teachings of the first Sikh guru who we cele‑ "Indiana is proud to be home of over 10,000 New York: Ef fective this week, Air booking fees. Passengers whose jour‑
brate today were consistent with our nation's Sikhs that enrich our communities, embody the India has revised the schedule of ney originated overseas and are
founding principles and teaching that everyone, meaning of Hoosier values. Hoosier Sikhs are flights from the USA to India for the returning to India, and who have not
regardless of gender, regardless of class, regard‑ one of the fastest growing business communities Winter 2019/20 timetable. This year, provided a local US contact, without
less of creed, everyone has been created equal," in Indiana and there are contributions to our flights will depart earlier than in prior which there is no means of conveying
Young said. economy and cultural value," he said. seasons to reduce ground time at US schedule change details, are especial‑
In his address to a Capitol Hill event organized NJ Attorney General Gurbir Singh Grewal said airports with a view to ly cautioned to review
by the Indian embassy to celebrate the 550th there was a need to raise awareness about the lower operating costs the departure time of
birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, Senator Sikh faith more today than ever before and high‑ and improve fleet uti‑ their flights.
Young said his neighborhood is full of Sikh light the Sikhs' contributions to the society. lization. All passen‑ Flight status can be
American families. Indian Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan gers, especially those checked at the “Manage
"I'm also glad that your commitment to equali‑ Shringla said that the opening of the Kartarpur that purchased t ickets we ll in Your Trip” link on the carrierʼs web‑
ty and inclusion has led to the historic agree‑ corridor between India and Pakistan was a his‑ advance, are advised to review their site www.airindia.in, by calling Air
ment which allowed the border corridor toric day. The Indian government has taken sev‑ Reservation Confirmation to confirm India at 1‑888‑634‑1407 or by check‑
between India and Pakistan to be thrown open eral actions to commemorate the 550th birth if the departure time of their flight ing with your travel agent. Airline
for Sikhs to visit Guru Nanak's shrine just in time anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, he said. has been advanced so as to avoid passengers are always encouraged to
for this 550th birthday," Young said. The event was also marked by an exhibition arriving late to the airport, missing provide a valid local contact in the
Congresswoman Judy Chu, founding member on the life and teachings of the founder of their flight and being subject to no‑ event of an unforeseen schedule
of the Congressional Sikh Caucus and chair of Sikhism along with two panel discussions. show, cancellation and/or change of change or flight delay.
 10 November 23-29, 2019 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Trump says he may testify in impeachment probe

Washington: President possibility of testifying in the
Donald Trump has said he
may take up an offer by con‑
gressional Democrats to testi‑
Democrat‑led inquiry, which
had been held behind closed
doors for weeks before enter‑
Trump's health under scrutiny
fy in the impeachment probe.
He made his remarks on
ing a new phase last week
with public hearings.
after unplanned visit to hospital
P
Twitter after several current The probe is aimed at deter‑ resident Trump's memo. "Specifically, he did
and former US officials have mining whether Trump impromptu visit to a not undergo any specialized
expressed their concern threatened to withhold mili‑ doctor last Saturday cardiac or neurologic evalua‑
about Trump's behavior in tary aid to Ukraine in a bid to prompted renewed questions tions." While Trump claimed
the Ukraine case in closed‑ pressure that country's presi‑ about the status of his health that he had begun "phase
door sessions or public hear‑ dent to announce an investi‑ after the White House denied one" of his annual physical,
ings in the House, Efe news g at ion into former Vice on Monday the speculation Conley said Trump would
reported. President Joe Biden, a leading that he had been treated for a have a "more comprehensive
"Even though I did nothing candidate for the 2020 medical emergency. examination" next year. While
wrong, and don't like giving Democratic presidential nom‑ Trump, 73, went to Walter Trump described his condi‑
credibility to this No Due ination, and his son, Hunter. Reed Medical Center in tion on Twitter as "very good
Process Hoax, I like the idea The Democrats say Trump's Bethesda, MD. Trump's doc‑ (great!)," Conley's memo did
& w ill, in order to get act ions amounted to tor, Sean Conley, wrote that not characterize the presi‑
Cong ress fo cused ag ain, "bribery," one of the offenses Trump's "interim checkup" speculation, the President has dent's overall health. It did
strongly consider it!" he said that the constitution men‑ over the weekend had been not had any chest pain, nor include cholesterol figures
about testifying. t ions as a basis for the "routine," and was only kept was he evaluated or treated that had reduced since
It marks the first time that impeachment and removal of secret because of "scheduling for any urgent or acute Trump's last physical exam in
Trump has spoken about the a US president. uncertainties." "Despite some issues," Conley wrote in the February.

2020 Democratic candidates Michael Bloomberg apologizes

respond to Obama's warning for ''stop-and-frisk'' policy
on going too far left New York: Michael Bloomberg, the bil‑ lives, he said, but accepted that good
lionaire former mayor of New York intentions were not good enough. "I
who has made moves towards running can't change history... However, today
Washington: Democratic candidates for working people," he said, adding: as a 2020 presidential candidate, has I want you to know that I realize back
the 2020 presidential election have "When I talk about raising the mini‑ apologized for backing then, I was wrong, and
reacted to a warning by former mum wage to a living wage, I'm not the city's "stop and frisk" I'm sorry. But I also
President Barack Obama against mov‑ tearing down the system. We're fight‑ policy, it was reported want you to know that I
ing too far left in politics. ing for justice." Meanwhile, Elizabeth on Monday. T he stop‑ am more committed
On Saturday, the former President Warren struck a more conciliatory and‑frisk policy which than ever to ending gun
while speaking at a fundraising forum tone, choosing to praise Obama's trade‑ refers to a brief non‑ violence," he said.
in Washington cau‑ mark health care policy, intrusive police stop of a Bloomberg, who was
tioned the candidates the Affordable Care Act. suspect, disproportion‑ Mayor of the city from
against pursuing polices "I so admire what ately targeted black and 2002 until 2013, added
that were not "rooted in President Obama did," Latino residents in New that the policy "eroded
reality", the BBC report‑ Warren said at a cam‑ York City, the BBC Although he hasn't formally what we had worked so
ed on Monday. Obama, paign event in Iowa. reported. Speaking at the announced his candidacy, the hard to build: trust".
who was in of fice from "He is the one who led Christian Cultural Centre, former NYC Mayor has "Trust between police
2009 to 2017, said ordi‑ the way on health care an African‑American indicated that he may join the and communities, trust
nary Americans didn't and got health care cov‑ church in Brooklyn, race for Democratic between you and me...
want to "completely tear erage for tens of mil‑ nomination for President.
Bloomberg on Sunday And the erosion of the
down the system". lions of Americans when said the policy was a mistake. He trust bothered me, deeply. And it still
T he remarks repre‑ nobo dy thoug ht that believed that stop‑and‑frisk saved bothers me.
sented Obama's most was possible."
pointed intervention yet Former President Obama has New Jersey Senator
in a crowded race featur‑ said that ordinary Americans Cory Booker said the 70% find Trumpʼs actions tied
ing over a dozen candi‑ don't want to "completely tear party ought to be focus‑
dates. Although none of
down the system".
ing its energy on defeat‑
the Democratic candidates explicitly ing President Trump, not internal polit‑
to Ukraine wrong: Poll
Washington: An overwhelming 70% of that he should either be impeached by
rebuked Obama's comments, Vermont ical squabbles. Julian Castro, a former
Americans think President Donald the House but not removed from office,
Senator Bernie Sanders mounted the mayor of San Antonio, Texas, said he
Trumpʼs request to a foreign leader to or be neither impeached by the House
strongest defense of his policy plat‑ was confident any Democratic candi‑
investigate his political rival, which sits at nor convicted by the Senate. The survey
form. Replying to questions on a forum date would beat President Trump,
the heart of the House of Representatives' also finds that 1 in 4 Americans, 25%,
aired by Univision, a Spanish‑language regardless of their political persuasion.
impeachment inquiry, was wrong, a new think that Trump did nothing wrong. Still,
TV network, he was asked whether the The Democratic race is still in flux as
ABC News/Ipsos poll finds. A slim majori‑ nearly 1 in 3, 32%, say they made up
former President was "right" to say vot‑ the first of the state‑by‑state votes that
ty of Americans, 51%, believe Trumpʼs their minds about impeaching the presi‑
ers didn't want systemic change. will decide which of the contenders
actions were both wrong and he should dent before the news broke about
Sanders said: "Well, it depends on challenges Trump for the White House
be impeached and removed from office. Trumpʼs July phone call with Ukrainian
what you mean by tear down the sys‑ looms in Iowa in February 2020.
But only 21% of Americans say they are President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in which
tem." Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend,
following the hearings very closely. In Trump urged his Ukrainian counterpart
"The agenda that we have is an agen‑ Indiana, topped the latest poll of likely
addition to the 51%, another 19% think to investigate former Vice President Joe
da supported by the vast majority of Democratic voters in Iowa.
that Trump's actions were wrong, but Biden and his son, Hunter.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS November 23-29, 2019 11

Trump and the Politics of Impeachment

For Donald Trump, the 2020 elections look, if not rosy, definitely positive. So, for him to seek a roundabout,
underhand way of trying to investigate and discredit Joe Biden wasn't necessary. Now, what these
impeachment proceedings will do is, not oust Trump, but convince a majority of Americans that
he was guilty of trying illegally to coerce the Ukrainians into helping him win the election.
Analysis By interesting ‑ and new, having into illeg al spy ing of the
Shivaji Sengupta never known of such things back Democratic party, planting secret
home. Over there if you snooped recording equipment inside

O
n Wednesday, Gordon around an institution, and told Democrat of fices in Watergate
Sondland, the U.S. something about your boss, Hotel. The plot blew up in the
Ambassador to the chances are that you'd be hunted Republicans' face. When Nixon
European Union, testified to the down. In America, where the rule found out what his team had
House Impeachment Committee. of law dominates, a whistleblow‑ done, he tried to cover it up. From
His testimony was widely antici‑ er's complaint can result in thereon, all was downhill. Nixon
pated for several reasons. Chief impeachment. was accused of obstructing jus‑
among them is that despite the In a very short time of about tice. Impeachment proceedings
many who have answered the two months, this impeachment started. He would have been
House's subpoena, he seems to be thing has caught on like wildfire. impeached, possibly also convict‑
the only one who has had any A few weeks ago, I had argued in ed, had he not, amidst waves of
direct contact with President these columns that Democrats opposition, resigned.
President Trump swooped on one sentence from Ambassador
Trump. Others who testified, did should not impeach Trump. It For Donald Trump, the 2020
Sondlandʼs testimony Wednesday claiming that it has exonerated him.
so on the basis of orders they had might backfire against them in elections look, if not rosy, definite‑
received from up top, or had one of the front runner institution, points it out to others, next year's presidential elections. ly positive. Joe Biden notwith‑
heard a member of the State Demo crat ic candidate for i.e., in an attempt to correct the I still think so. But the Democrats standing, the Democrats haven't
Department say thus and such President in the 2020 elections. wrong‑doing. In a culture like in Cong ress maintain that really found a candidate who can
about Trump, or from someone There is a record of a telephone America, where there is a con‑ impeachment is necessary so that confidently beat Trump. A number
from the government of Ukraine. conversation that strongly sug‑ stant vigilance on over‑reaching it serves as a reminder to future of economic indicators also favor
The central issue for impeach‑ gests that President Trump did one's powers, whistleblowing is presidents not to over‑reach their Trump. For him to seek a round‑
ment is: Did Trump use his power posture like he would withhold one of those things sanctioned by powers, and, above all, respect the about, underhand way of trying to
as President to hold back $391 the money and the White House society in order to maintain a law. invest ig ate and discredit Joe
million that the US had pledged to visit unless Ukraine immediately level playing field. A whistleblow‑ I believe that the impeachment Biden simply wasn't necessary.
Ukraine for military de fense announced that they would inves‑ er is not a squealer or a traitor; he has already met its goal which, What these impeachment pro‑
against Russia? Also did he use tigate Hunter Biden, who served or she deserves to be protected. because of the Republican majori‑ ceedings w ill do is, not oust
his office to withhold an opportu‑ on the Board of a corrupt Who this whistleblower is, we ty in the Senate, could not have Trump, but convince a majority of
nity for Ukraine's newly elected Ukrainian organization, Burisma, don't know, nor are we supposed been to convict and oust this Americans that he was guilty of
president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to from 2014‑2019, some of this to. But given the often top‑secret President. The goal was to leave try ing illeg ally to coerce the
be invited to the White House for period covering when his father nature of the State Department hardly any doubt in the minds of Ukrainians into helping him win
a formal meeting, a meeting that was vice president of America. that manages US foreign af fairs, most Americans that the president the election.
would have enhanced Ukraine's The fact that Joe Biden is a presi‑ the whistleblower this time is did indeed try to coerce the Ambassador Sondland's testimo‑
international image, especially dent ial candidate for the most likely from that Department Ukrainian government to investi‑ ny was probably most damaging
from Russia's perspective who Demo crat ic Party for 2020, or from the White House itself. gate the Bidens because he con‑ to Trump and Republicans. The
would regard the invitation to makes Trump's condit ion for From the President down, siders the former V.P. the most latter's holding out for concrete
Washington as strengthening the investigating the Bidens palpably numerous Republicans have serious challenge to his re‑elec‑ evidence and not hearsay, suf‑
alliance between the two coun‑ personal and illegal. In the words demanded to know who the tion. fered in the face of what Sondland
tries? of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the whistleblower is, demanded that Here, there may be an interest‑ said. While his testimony did not
The House, with a Democratic House, what Trump had done, if he or she be broug ht to the ing comparison w ith Richard quite amount to a smoking gun,
majority, brought these impeach‑ he has done it, amounts to impeachment hearings, quite for‑ Nixon's Watergate scandal, which the sheer volume of who said
ment proceedings against the bribery. getting that those are precisely also led to impeachment effort. In what to whom, the criss‑crossing
President because he has alleged‑ It all started with a "whistle‑ the things a whistleblower cannot 1972, Nixon won ree lect ion of different depositions, seems to
ly tied the above two "prizes" to blower." A whistleblower is a typi‑ be made to do. against the Democrats in a land‑ leave little doubt in Americans'
Ukraine investigating an alleged cally American term for someone For us South Asians, domiciled slide. But two years before that, minds that Trump did try some‑
corrupt ion involving Joseph who, upon seeing a wrong‑doing, in the US, this concept of the out of his own sense of insecurity, thing illegal. The Republicans'
Biden, former vice president, and committed by an organization or whistleblower should be very Nixon's reelection team entered demand for evidence is also being
sabotaged when the White House
itself refused to obey subpoenas,
holding up major players involv‑
ing Ukraine, such as John Bolton
and Mick Mulvaney from giving
their testimony. As for public
opinion, 51% of Americans believe
Trump is guilty of illegally influ‑
encing Zelensky.
I am not a lawyer. But I wonder
whether enough hearsay, corrobo‑
rat ing each other, can ever
amount to evidence? Perhaps not.
But in that case how would one
ignore the fact that the White
House deliberately has withheld
evidence by not allowing their
State Department's personnel to
testify?
All 10 candidates in Democratic presidential debate on Wednesday in Atlanta favored impeachment proceedings against Shivaji Sengupta regularly con‑
Trump ‑‑ Sen. Kamala Harris going to the extent of saying, “we have a criminal living in the White House.” tributes op‑eds to The South Asian
Fact remains that so far the Democrats haven't really found a candidate who can confidently beat Trump. Times
 12 November 23-29, 2019 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

US okays sale of naval guns NRC will be

worth $1 billion to India implemented nation‑
New York: The US has approved the
sale of 13 naval guns and related
wide: Amit Shah
equipment worth $1 billion to India New Delhi: T he Nat ional Shah said people whose names
to help it "meet current and future Register of Citizens (NRC) will be are missing from the NRC can
threats, according to the Defence implemented nationwide, said approach tribunals formed at
Security Cooperat ion Agency Union Home Minister Amit Shah the tehsil level. The Assam gov‑
(DSCA). in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, ernment will provide financial
The DSCA said on Wednesday asserting that no person from help to those who don't have the
that the State Department approved any religion need to be afraid of money to file pleas, he said.
the sale of the anti‑surface warfare it. "The NRC exercise is moni‑ Shah said the government would
and ant i‑air de fense MK 45 5 tored by the Supreme Court. No bear the cost of hiring a lawyer.
inch/62 caliber (MOD 4) naval guns religion has been targeted or The updated final NRC, which
and the agency notified Congress isolated during the NRC exer‑ validates genuine Indian citi‑
about it on Tuesday clearing the cise," said Shah responding to a zens, has left out over 19 lakh
way for the deal to go through. The query of Congress leader Syed applicants in Assam. Most of
approval came just days after It will enhance India's naval capabilities, Nasir Hussain. The MP asked these are people who have not
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's particularly in the Arabian Sea. whether the NRC provides citi‑ produced required documents to
recent US tour. It will enhance cise last week. The DSCA announce‑ other allied forces." It added, "India zenship to immigrants of six prove their claims and have the
India's naval capabilities, particu‑ ment included a clarification that will use the enhanced capability as non‑Muslim faiths. opt ion of appealing to
larly in the Arabian Sea. The MK 45 "the proposed sale of this equip‑ a deterrent to regional threats and Shah said NRC and T he Foreigners' Tribunals and subse‑
is manufactured by BAE Systems ment and support will not alter the to strengthen its home land Cit izenship Amendment Bill quently approach the courts.
Land and Armaments at its facili‑ basic military balance in the defense." T he deal will include 2016, which lapsed on June 3, In Assam, the NRC aims to
ties in Louisville, Kentucky. region." Any of fset ‑‑ requirement 3,500 D349 Projectile, 5 inch/54 2019, are two dif ferent issues identify illegal immigrants who
The deal is the latest develop‑ to manufacture some components MK 92 MOD 1 ammunition and and both should not be seen entered the state and settled
ment in the growing defense ties for the product or other things in spare parts, personnel training and through one prism. after March 25, 1971.
between India and US and the India ‑‑ would be negot iated equipment training, publications
announcement came as the two between BAE Systems and New and technical data, transportation
countries were holding a joint mili‑ Delhi, the DSCAsaid. and logistics and technical support
tary exercise, Tiger Triumph from a The announcement said, "The by the US government and BAE
naval base in Vishakhapatnam. proposed sale will improve India's Systems, the DSCA said.
"Military collaboration between capability to meet current and According to BAE Systems, MK
India and the United States is a future threats from enemy weapon 45 Mod 4 with a range of more
result of growing, high‑level trust systems. The MK 45 Gun System than 20 nautical miles or 36 km is
and consistent ef fort to broaden will provide the capability to con‑ being used on US Navy DDG 51
the ways in which we can work duct anti‑surface warfare and anti‑ Class destroyers and on the fleets
together," US Ambassador Kenneth air defense missions while enhanc‑ of South Korea, Japan and
Juster said at the start of the exer‑ ing interoperability with US and Denmark.

Will march to Parliament 10 times Union Home Minister Amit Shah

if demands not met: JNUSU

New Delhi: A day after their march
to Parliament was stopped by
Must remove passport
police amid violent scenes, the
Jawaharlal Nehru University condition for Kartarpur
Students' Union said the students
are ready to undertake a march to
parliament "10 times" if their
visit: Sukhbir
demands are not met. Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal ernment of ficials to accept any
The students, who are demand‑ (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh valid identity proof from the
ing the resignation of JNU Vice Badal has asked Pakistan Prime devotees other than passports.
Chancellor Mamidala Jagadesh Minister Imran Khan to waive "A majority of the people in the
Kumar, have alleged that Delhi the requirement of passport rural areas do not have pass‑
Police are "trying to break the ident ificat ion to access the ports. Moreover, getting a pass‑
backbone" of the protests by tak‑ Kartarpur Corridor, besides ask‑ port issued just for this visit
ing union members into detention. ing him to do away with the $20 amounts to an additional expen‑
On Monday, hundreds of JNU service fee being levied on the diture of around Rs 2,000.
students staged a march to
Hundreds of JNU students staged a march to Parliament on the pilgrims. Most of the devotees plan to
opening day of the winter session.
Parliament, on the opening day of In a statement released here, travel in family groups and this
the winter session, to protest powered meeting with the secre‑ administration block. the SAD President said that means an average family would
against a hike in hostel and mess tary (MHRD) does not take place." They have demanded restoration thoug h Imran Khan had have to spend at least Rs 8,000
fees. However, the police stopped According to Ghosh, when the of the reservation for SC/STs in announced that Indian pilgrims on passports besides additional
the protesters mid‑way, leading to meeting did take place late on hostel accommodation and they won't need passport to g ain expenditure to reach Dera Baba
a scuf fle between the two sides, Monday night, they were told that have rejected the proposal for 10 access to the Kartarpur Corridor Nanak," he said.
which led to the students staging a the V‑C and Registrar would not per cent hike in hostel rates every and that any valid identify proof "If the $20 service charge is
sit‑in, that in turn led to massive attend. "We have made it clear in year. They have also demanded would suffice, the Pakistan army also taken into account, an aver‑
traffic snarls across central Delhi. the meeting, that the agitation will rollback of a proposal to include had clarified later that entry age family of four would have to
JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh stop only after all our demands are the salary of contractual workers would be given on the basis of spend around Rs 15,000 to visit
said: "Police had detained at least a accepted, and if the V‑C has a prob‑ in the mess bill. passport‑based identification Kartarpur Sahib. This is beyond
hundred students including me, lem with that then we demand his T he students have conveyed only. the reach of under privileged sec‑
and Satish (General Secretary of resignation," she said, addressing a their demands to the Ministry of Sukhbir Badal asked Imran t ions of so ciety," the SAD
JNUSU), just to make sure the high press conference at the JNU Human Resource Development. Khan to instruct Pakistan gov‑ chief said.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA NEWS November 23-29, 2019 13

AYODHYA VERDICT: Sena‑NCP‑Congress alliance

Rift in Sunni Waqf Board could be christened
on review plea 'Maha Vikas Aghadi'
Lucknow: Sharp differences have emerged
among members of the Uttar Pradesh
Sunni Central Waqf Board over the filing
of a review petition in the Supreme Court
ag ainst the verdict in the Ram Shiv
Janmabhoomi‑Babri Masjid title dispute Sena
chief
case and accepting the five‑acre land for a
Uddhav
mosque.
Thackeray.
Members are questioning Board chair‑
man Zufar Faruqi's decision of not going
in for a review of the Supreme Court ver‑
dict.
Senior Board member Abdul Razzaq
Khan said: "How can the chairman take a
Mumbai: In order to address reservations of name should be visible in the 'Maha Shiv
decision without holding a meeting? It
some allies in the Congress‑led 'Maha Aghadi' especially when it was a part of the
may be his personal view, but the Board
Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Aghadi' in Maharashtra, the proposed name former 'Maha Yuti' alliance with the
decision will be taken only after the meet‑
Board Chairman Zufar Faruqi of the new upcoming alliance with Shiv Sena Bharatiya Janata Party and other parties
ing, which is scheduled to be held on
mosque or for a charitable purpose? We is likely to be 'Maha Vikas Aghadi', party supporting the saf fron group for the past
November 26."
will discuss all these suggestions on sources said.Until now, the Shiv Sena had more than 25 years.
The Board will meet here on November
November 26," said Adnan Farukkh Shah. been terming the prospective alliance as a "We are optimistic that after the govern‑
26 to decide its strategy after the SC ver‑
Imran Mabood Khan said: "Supreme 'Maha Shiv Aghadi', but after suggestions ment formation, ef forts are finalized. The
dict. Board chairman Zufar Faruqi has
Court accepted that the mosque was built from some smaller allies of 'Maha Aghadi', it new entity will be known as 'Maha Vikas
consistently said since the day of the ver‑
in 1528. So, its existence is proven. That it has been made more neutral by replacing Aghadi' government working as a united
dict that a review petition will not be filed.
was desecrated in 1949 was also accepted 'Shiv' with 'Vikas'. front (aghadi) for the progress (vikas) of
T he two dissenting members of the
and so was its demolition in 1992. "We hope this will have universal appeal Maharashtra (Maha)," the Congress leader
Board, Abdul Razzaq and Imran Mabood
Abdul Razzaq Khan said: "Alternative and even the Shiv Sena may not have any added.
Khan, also said that the offer of the five‑
land should not be accepted for 'Allah ka objections. Plus, it supplements the upcom‑ With a neutral name in the offing, other
acre land for a mosque should not be
Ghar' (house of God). A review of the order ing Sena‑NCP‑Congress government's prime 'Maha Aghadi' allies of the Congress‑NCP
accepted. Abrar Ahmad also agreed with
should also be done." agenda of 'vikas' or deve lopment," a like CPI, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana,
the two on the five‑acre land offer.
Board chief Zufar Faruqi, on his part, Congress leader told IANS, preferring not to Peasants & Workers' Party and others who
"A number of Muslims have approached
said that the fate of the five‑acre alterna‑ be identified. have had decades‑long political rivalries and
us on whether to accept the alternative
tive land will be decided in the November He explained that some smaller parties fought with the Shiv Sena at various levels
land. Another issue is, if it is accepted,
26 meeting. had objected as to why only the Shiv Sena's will feel mollified.
what use would it be put to ‑‑ to build a

India's water 'unproductive', SC questions analogy between

Kashmir & Hong Kong
'least productive': Minister New Delhi: "Is there cross border
terrorism in Hong Kong?", the
New Delhi: Asserting that the
Supreme Court queried the counsel
government is working in the
who sought to draw an analogy
direction of enhancing drinking
between Kashmir and Hong Kong,
water capacity in the country,
which is facing unprecedented pro‑
Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra
democracy protests for over five
Singh Shekhawat said India's The Supreme Court asked
months.
water is "unproductive" as well whether there was cross
The Hong Kong court in a recent
as "least productive", and sug‑ border terror in Hong Kong.
decision ruled against the law to
gested that the drinkable water Justice Ramana replied that the
ban face masks. The Hong Kong
resource of the country can be Indian Supreme Court is also far
Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, had
restored for the next 50 years if superior in upholding fundamental
proposed a ban in the backdrop of
10 per cent of irrigation water is rights of citizens. Arora contested,
increasing demonstrations and the
saved. "The situation in Hong Kong is actu‑
protesters had adopted a strategy of
Not ing that 18 per cent ally worse. The citizens conducted
using masks to hide their identities
regions of the country face flood peaceful protests... Proportionality
in public.
problem and 12‑13 per cent go test was applied. Citing this, I am
Senior advocate Meenakshi Arora,
through drought every year, the Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. just drawing an analogy."
representing an intervenor in a mat‑
minister stressed the need for Justice B.R. Gavai, who is also on
the country w ith drinkable together at one stage and forge ter connected with restrictions in
water management and the bench, querying her on the
water for the next 50 years," the a consensus on the issue so that Jammu and Kashmir following revo‑
informed the Lok Sabha in a backdrop of protests in Hong Kong,
Minister said in his reply to a water should be saved for the cation of Article 370, cited before a
written reply that no proposal to said "Is there cross border terrorism
query. country. bench headed by Justice N.V.
declare the right to safe water a in Hong Kong?"
The minister said that around T he minister said over 18 Ramana the Hong Kong court's
fundamental right is under con‑ Justice Gavai insisted that the
4,000 billion cubic metres of crore households are supplied recent decision against a law ban‑
sideration by the government. apex court has delivered an order
water comes into the country drinkable water in the country ning face masks.
"India's water is least produc‑ upholding rights of the citizens,
throug h ice and rain water and the government is planning Arora sought to draw an analogy
tive. There is a need for a water "Why bank on Hong Kong judge‑
which includes the water that to provide the facility to 15 between the restrictions imposed
management and the maximum ment?"
comes from the river and inter‑ crore more households for on people in Kashmir and
use of irrigation water. If we Justice Ramana said the top court
national basins. which Rs 3.5 lakh crore has Hongkong. She told the bench that
save almost 10 per cent of the has a long tradition of upholding
He appealed to all states to sit been allocated. in the Hong Kong judgement, the
irrigation water, we can prosper rights of the citizens.
test of proportionality was applied.
 14 November 23-29, 2019 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info

The dilemma that Indian

American lawmakers face
By Yashwant Raj she spoke about at the hearing. It is not Many Indian Americans face the loyalty
clear yet if it will be only about Kashmir or challenge often, especially those involved

P
ramila Jayapal, an Indian American also Assam. in the highly partisan world of politics and
Democratic lawmaker, is planning Ro Khanna, another Indian American government af fairs. And thatʼs why, they
to introduce a resolution in the lawmaker, has been battling a similar believe, Jayapal and Khannaʼs situations
House of Representatives. And Rashida expectation war, for joining the Pakistan are symptomatic of a larger problem that
Tlaib, a Palestinian‑descent lawmaker, is Caucus in the US Congress. For some effects them personally, hampering their
also working on one, but may defer to Indians, this was akin to cheering for the ability to perform their duties as American
Jayapalʼs if it works for her as we ll. Pakistani team in a high‑stakes cricket officials.
Jayapalʼs unrelenting focus on Kashmir match against India. Khannaʼs supposed Many career government of ficials of
sheds light once again on the cloying intransigence is still being debated and Indian descent say they have felt pres‑
embrace Indian Americans are held in by decried on social media months after. He sured to attest to their impartiality when
India and Indians. needs to be “shamed”, some say. dealing with Pakistan for the same reason.
At the House hearing on Kashmir ̶ it There is talk also of cancelling fund‑rais‑ In some instances, Pakistan has actually
was all about Kashmir, letʼs face it, despite ing events in the Indian American commu‑ objected to working with US foreign serv‑
the pretence of discussing human rights nity to punish him. And efforts are said to ice officials of Indian descent.
in the region ̶ last month as Democrats be under way to engineer his defeat in the T hey neednʼt have. As an Indian
g rilled w itnesses on restrict ions in next elections in concert with Japanese American, who has lived here for more
Kashmir, political detentions and human Americans, who have been preparing for than four decades and worked with multi‑
rights violations, some Indian‑origin any opportunity to avenge the defeat of ple Indian governments, said, these law‑
Americans privately wondered ̶ grum‑
Pramila Jayapal. Mike Honda, a veteran Japanese American makers “are Indian only by the colour of
bled, actually ̶ if Representative Ilhan that as an Indian American, Jayapal Democratic lawmaker who mentored a their skin, otherwise they are standard
Omar had been more aggressive and hos‑ should have gone easy on India. She did‑ new crop of Asian Americans in politics. American legislators”.
tile or Jayapal. nʼt, of course. And has remained at it, with Khannaʼs of fice did not responded to a (The article appeared in The Hindustan
Tied to that question was an expectation plans to follow up with a resolution, which request for comments on the issue. Times)

Ending temple politics good but Pak the cornerstone

By Saeed Naqvi down the line, in due course, intentions in his very first speech
when required, because Hindutva in Parliament in May, 2014. We

I
t was delusory to imagine that has not completed its tasks yet. have to overcome "1,200 years
the Ayodhya verdict would Remember, the demand for the of foreign subjugation". As that
bring down the communal mandir entailed the removal of delightful Congress leader, the
temperature, even thoug h the mosque for which Muslims late K.K. Tewari told me: "in his
Muslims will acquiesce in the began to agitate. Spurred by cler‑ subconscious the Hindu nurses
judgement after a brief sulk. ics and lawyers, they dug their the belief that the Muslim rulers
Ayodhya is part of a much bigger hee ls in. Caste leaders like were foreigners." But Modi is the
enterprise. It is, to use my Mulayam Singh Yadav spotted an first leader to say so.
favorite image, a case of two opportunity: they sought to lure By firmly opposing the two‑
interlocking triangles. the Muslim away from the nation theory but, paradoxically,
The caste triangle, is as old as Congress by posing as protectors accepting a theocratic Pakistan
the hills and which negotiated of the mosque. On October 30 next door, the founding fathers
change across centuries at its and November 2, 1990, muf fled the allegations of "dou‑
own pace, including the phase of Mulayam as Uttar Pradesh Chief ble‑speak" by their iconic stature
conversions to other faiths. The Minister opened fire on kar as leaders of the independence
uplift of lower castes was a con‑ What would be required for that epochal outcome would sevaks, or Hindu volunteers, who movement. The incendiary mate‑
involve resetting the corner stone of the communal had assembled in Ayodhya in vio‑ rial for communalism left behind
tentious issue throughout the
edifice relations with Pakistan.
national movement but a vol‑ lation of government orders. by them ‑‑ Pakistan, Kashmir,
canic convulsion erupted only fiery expedition to mobilize pub‑ alimony to a Muslim widow, he At least 16 were killed. In hind‑ Indian Muslim tied to beef, love
when Hindu interests saw one of lic opinion for the Ram Temple was not act ing w ithout any sight, the death of Hindu kar jihad and terror (the third in the
their very own, V.P. Singh, sub‑ "exactly" on the spot where Ram precedent ‑‑ his own grandfather sevaks must be seen as a defin‑ list has been accentuated recent‑
vert the caste structure by imple‑ was born. Indeed, V.P. Singh's had will nilly accepted the idol in ing moment. Muslims embraced ly). The triangle has to be consis‑
menting the Mandal Commission provocation came in handy for the mosque. His promise for Ram Mulayam. (Laloo Prasad Yadav tently on slow fire to keep suffi‑
Report. Western not ions of Advani to implement the BJP's Rajya on the eve of the 1989 does not quite fit in the same cient saf fron in the air for the
democracy, social justice, upward resolution adopted at Palampur elections was all part of the con‑ way because of a different social Parivar to proceed on its tasks.
mobility were being imposed on in June 1989. tinuing clamor for a Ram temple. structure in Bihar.) But as the Can this disharmony ever be
a uniquely unequal system. In fact, Indira Gandhi began to By adopting this plank, Rajiv was Muslim vote drifted towards phased out? Not by settling
It might have seemed revolu‑ incorporate a touch of saffron in hoping to attract Hindu votes. caste leaders, so did Hindu con‑ Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura
tionary to some but it shook her own politics as became clear Does the Ayodhya verdict bring solidation receive a shot in the alone. What would be required
Hindu society to the core. The from her campaign for Jammu about a closure to the conflict? arm. for that epochal outcome would
Hindu riposte was quick and e lect ion of 1983 when she The way the national mood has Narendra Modi appeared on involve resett ing the corner
powerful. V.P. Singh had intro‑ pitched the campaign against evolved since 1947, I do not see the firmament in Gujarat, later in stone of the communal edifice
duced the Mandal report on minority communalism, of the the Sangh Parivar having com‑ New Delhi, blessed by the Gods. relations with Pakistan. That step
August 1, 1990. On September Sikhs in this instance. pleted its agenda. It can be T he post 9/11 g lobal w ill open up possibilit ies in
25, 1990, BJP President, L.K. When Rajiv Gandhi had the argued that mosques in Kashi Islamophobia, enhanced the tol‑ Kashmir and take the heat of f
Advani, embarked on his Rath temple locks opened in 1985 to and Mathura are equally an erance level for an ever more Hindu‑Muslim relations. But,
Yatra from the Somnath temple balance his capricious reversal of af front to Hindu sentiment. I stark anti‑Muslim (anti minority) then, what happens to the proj‑
in Gujarat to Ayodhya. It was a a Supreme Court order giving expect these issues coming up platform. He gave notice of his ect of Hindu consolidation?

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info COMMUNITY November 23-29, 2019 15

Honoree jewelry designer Ruchi Kotahwala posing

with her son, Vihan, RANA President Haridas Kotahwala Dr Preeti Mehta is honored by the CG and RANA President. Honoree Dr Meena Bansal
and the Consul General.

RANA celebrates Diwali

In the spirit of
Honoree Dr Dr Nisha Jhalani

By Ashok Vyas
love and service
RANA President Haridas Kotahwala. This The event coordinator Rajshree Shah Whoʼs who from the Rajasthani commu‑
was the recurring message from the 4 was honored by RANA President. nity, accomplished businessmen, doctors
Melville, NY: The annual Diwali celebra‑ awardees of the evening ‑‑ three promi‑ Among the causes and organizations and media personalities attended and
tion of Rajasthan Association of North nent women doctors namely Dr Preeti RANA members are supporting include enjoyed the event. They included Naveen
America (RANA) at Huntington Hilton in Mehta (gastroenterologist), Dr Meena Jaipur Foot, Veerayatan, and Akshaya Shah, Kamlesh Mehta, Dr Samin Sharma,
Long Island on November 17 brought Bansal (also a gastroenterologist) and Dr Patra. That the flow of knowledge and Dr Raj Modi, Prem Bhandari, Dr Shashi
community members together in the spirit Nisha Jhalani (cardiologist) ‑‑ and entre‑ inspiration to serve society is flowing Shah, Dr Ajay Lodha, Ashok Vyas and
of love. It was a gathering of prominent preneur Ruchi Kotahwala (jewelry design‑ from one generation to another as was Kanak Golia.
members of the Rajasthani community er), T hey were honored by RANA evident by the presence of perfumers Rajasthanis love good food – and there
based in New York. President joined by Chief Guest of the Prabha and Kanak Golia, who were credit‑ was a nice spread to gorge on. Sustaining
It was not just the celebration of the fes‑ evening, Consul General of India, Sandeep ed for this passion by awardee Dr Preeti the cultural roots of traditional dance,
tival of light, but also an inspiring evening Chakravorty. Mehta, their daughter. Other awardees many attendees performed collectively on
with lot of emphasis on ʻserving the Community leader Dilip Chauhan pre‑ and the Consul General all gave inspiring Ghoomar in Rajasthani attire.
needyʼ, ʻhelping the society at largeʼ. This sented a citation on behalf of Brooklyn and substantial speeches. Young Vihan RANA community continues to thrive
theme resonated with awardees of the borough President, Eric Leroy Adams, to stole the hearts by his exemplary speech with cultural roots and mutual coopera‑
evening. the President Kotahwala and Treasurer to introduce the honoree, his mother tion as was evident at this Diwali celebra‑
This was the crux of the message of Chandrakant Sukhwal. Ruchi Kotahwala. tion oozing with positive energy.

Future of RANA is in good hands. (Clockwise) On behalf of RANA, President Haridas Kotahwala honored the chief
Vihan, grandson of President guest, Consul General of India Sandeep Chakravorty.
Haridas Kotahwala, impressed Community leader Dilip Chauhan presented a citation on behalf of Brooklyn
everyone in introducing his borough President, Eric Leroy Adams to RANA President Haridas Kotahwala.
mother, RANA Diwali 2019 The event coordinator Rajshree Shah was honored by RANA.
honoree Ruchi Kotahwala.
 16 November 23-29, 2019 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

New-gen star siblings get Short films no longer a

innovative with showbiz entry small deal: filmmakers
S
hort films currently find increasing
space in India's two biggest film festivals
‑ the recent Jio MAMI Mumbai Film
Festival and the upcoming International Film
Festival of India (IFFI). Coupled by the growing
presence of these films at festivals abroad, the
importance of the genre has been on the rise,
slowly but steadily.
A recent short film that has been creating
buzz is "Letters", which has been selected for the
Non‑Feature Film section of Indian Panorama at
the forthcoming 50th IFFI. The film is based on
the letter censorship that was practiced during
World War II.
Nikhil Singal, director of "Letters" feels the
Actor Soha Ali Khan. choice of the format while making a film should
depend on its subject. "It depends on the nature

K
arisma and Kareena Kapoor, Nupur featured in B Praak's new of the story. Some stories require the small for‑
Saif and Soha Ali Khan, Kajol music video, "Filhall", along with mat and some are perfect for feature‑length cin‑ Actor Aparshakti Khurana played
and Tanishaa, Shilpa and Bollywood star Akshay Kumar. ema. The budget is also an issue for budding the protagonist in the short film ʻSepiaʼ.
Shamita Shetty ‑‑ all of them, actors While promoting the song, she was filmmakers, and that is why we start with short making video has changed. Look at the kind of
and siblings who made a mark in asked if she would debut as a films. Having said that, getting a producer for a music videos we are watching. The production
recent years. Cut to 2019, a new gen‑ Bollywood actress, Nupur said: short film is challenging because this format quality is so good, so is the storytelling. In fact,
eration of siblings is raring to go in "Hopefully soon. I am glad that I took does not get theatrical release. Investment is so many music videos are almost like short
Bollywood, following in the footsteps my time to do my first music video much lesser than that of feature films," Singal films. In the nineties, all those videos of the
of famous brothers or sisters. because I never ever dreamt that I told IANS, outlining the pros and cons. band Euphoria were like short films," said
The difference is, the new breed is would work with superstar Akshay Jio MAMI this year saw four short films being Aparshakti. Bollywood filmmaker Imtiaz Ali,
not necessarily foraying Bollywood as Kumar in my very first project. I am screened ‑ "Sepia", "Sibling", "Nawab" and who has been mentoring filmmakers keen on
film actors. Many of them are not going to wait for right opportunities. I "Adheen". making short films on the platform
entering Bollywood directly, because am in talks with a few people but I "A short film should be celebrated like feature "Humaramovie", said: "I find telling a story in
getting the perfect launchpad is not haven't signed anything as of now”. films in main film festivals like these because the short format is tough. I tried many times and
always a possibility. Rather, they are Newcomer Sara Ali Khan's brother people's interest to watch films in this format is it is really not easy to encapsulate an idea in a
first trying to grab public attention by Ibrahim Ali Khan was also one of the growing. It should not be treated as an alterna‑ limited time." Ali tried short filmmaking with
appearing in music videos, magazine debutants of 2019. tive for budding filmmakers, or as a stepping 'The Other Way'.
covers and ad‑films, before testing The news of actress Katrina Kaif's stone to enter the business of entertainment," Nitin Singal, whose feature film "Seven" has
Bollywood acting waters. sister Isabelle making her Bollywood said "Sepia" director Archit Kumar. been premiered on the OTT platform ZEE5, con‑
Actress Kriti Sanon's sister Nupur debut had been doing the rounds for Bollywood actor Aparshakti Khurrana, who cluded: "It is true that short films do not get a
Sanon has just made her acting debut. quite a while now, and earlier this year played the protagonist in "Sepia" and "Nawab", theatrical release and therefore business is
Unlike her sister, however, Nupur did‑ it was confirmed that she will be mak‑ feels the rising popularity of short films is also tough. But there is the option of digital release
n't choose a Bollywood film but a ing her debut opposite superstar because of the fact that the audience is growing now. My film ʻLetters' will soon stream on an
music video to introduce the audience Salman Khan's brother‑in‑law Aayush used to other formats of cinematic storytelling OTT platform, and my producer earns money
to her skills. Sharma in the film, "Kwatha" beyond feature films. "The whole approach of from the digital release."

Bon Appetit! Katy Perry enthralls fans with her Firework

W
ith over 25,000 fans,
pop icon Katy Perry's
mesmerizing perform‑
ance blew the audience away at
the OnePlus music festival held at
the DY Patil Stadium in Navi
Mumbai.
On Saturday night, after seven
years, Katy performed in India. She
had previously performed at the
opening ceremony of 2012 Indian
Premier League in Chennai.
"I was overwhelmed with the
energy and love I felt as I per‑
formed. I had goosebumps when
they sang along with me to their
favorite songs. I could not have
asked for more, Katy Perry said at
the OnePlus music festival
Pop icon Katy Perry performing in Mumbai, and seen with Bollywood celebrities.
"I am told this is your winter.
And, knowing about the money India. I can't believe myself. Look Festival. Dua Lipa said: "The show tonight He told IANS: "It's been a fun
and traffic, you should give your‑ at how many people showed up. The roar came when it was time was absolutely amazing. This was time here, I have been here since 4
self a round of applause. We love So, it is not going to be seven more for Katy to take the stage. my first gig in India and the vibe p.m. I would like to say it's worth
you and that's why we are here," years for me to come back." Taking the evening to a crescen‑ and energy of the fans blew me it. Totally great."
Katy added. Before she hit the stage, Dua do, Katy Perry wrapped up her away! I can't wait to come back The 14‑year‑old Gayitri, who
During her performance, Katy Lipa, Amit Trivedi, Ritviz, The performance with her hit single soon." traveled from Delhi to Mumbai to
also told the gathering: "We never Local Train and "Firework" accompanied by a stel‑ Sahib Singh from Gurugram, with her family, told IANS: "I really
want to forget you. It has been Aswekeepsearching entertained lar pyrotechnic show. Haryana traveled to Mumbai to see enjoyed the festival. This is first
seven years since I was last in the audience at OnePlus Music During the show, pop sensation Katy Perry and Dua Lipa. concert of my life”.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD November 23-29, 2019 17

Social media following replaces fan mail

D
raw has been a watch‑
word in the film industry
all along. The industry
revolved around this word: the
opening draw, weekend draw and
which star had the draw. The
power to pull in the audience to
start with, and the rest would be
left to the merits of the film. The
thing was that, a good draw over
the weekend and the opening
week assured a certain recovery, a
buffer.
That was the era of fan mails,
and the popular stars got such
mails in thousands. All that kept
Gone are the days of old‑time fan following. No postman delivers hundreds of fan letters every day.
the fans thrilled was a reply with are romantics and the Indians, has changed. No more mail and Fans always gathered outside honors on his birthday, Eid and
an autographed photograph of rather more so, probably the rea‑ pre‑printed replies. It has taken a the bungalows of stars as they such special occasions.
their beloved star. son Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Dev whole new dimension. Although, knew when a star leaves for or What made thousands of people
This fan mail business needed Anand, all romantic stars, where most of the fan flowing has shift‑ arrives from shootings. Similar write fan letters to stars? I think
the stars to have a part‑time help, the most favorites. ed to social media, especially was the case outside film studios, two things worked. The maga‑
to reply systematically to all such Khanna's wedding with Dimple Twitter, it is not all that genuine although on a smaller scale. Most zines were the only access for the
mails. The good thing about this Kapadia was decided in a jiffy and like the fan mail era. Nobody such fans hanging around were fans to follow their fans and the
was that it helped some college the invitations to the whole indus‑ wrote a mail to an artiste to abuse outsiders, either new to Mumbai black‑and‑white era of the print
students or such to earn some try were sent through telegrams. or badmouth. Now, the fan follow‑ or visitors. media added a kind of mysticism
money. There was no net or cellphone in ing on the social media has turned The concept of ʻDarshan' came to the stars. Stars hardly went in
Rajesh Khanna was called the those days, but somehow his fans into pro and anti. into being following the near‑fatal public. It was either films or a few
first superstar of Hindi films and got the whiff. As a result, there While nobody takes social accident of Amitabh Bachchan on magazines that existed.
his popularity was said to be was so much crowd outside the media reactions seriously, the real the sets of Coolie while shooting a Gone are the days of old‑time
unparalleled. Women wrote him venue that even the legit invitees picture comes across through fight scene in 1982. fan following. No postman deliv‑
fan mails with blood instead of found it tough to get through. what has now been termed as This ritual is now also followed ers hundreds of fan letters every
ink. But, then, people of the world Now, the fan following system ʻDarshan'. by Shah Rukh Khan who does the day.

Hip‑hop in India 'Marjaavaan': Mush,

is here to stay mayhem and retro mess
H M
arjaavaan" was made with the pri‑ the songs, action, melodrama and bizarre dia‑
ip‑hop as a genre
mary intention of reprising the suc‑ logues. Sidharth and Tara are Raghu and
has been gaining
cess of "Ek Villain" for Sidharth Zoya, a local goon and the verbally‑chal‑
popularity among
Malhotra and Riteish Deshmukh. The two lenged girl of his dreams. Riteish Deshmukh
millennial in India over the
actors have been struggling to survive new is Vishnu the midget, son of Raghu's gangster
recent past, and the suc‑
Bollywood lately, so they have gone old boss (Nasser). Vishnu hates Raghu because
cess of the film "Gully Boy"
school with a vengeance. "Marjaavaan" the latter has his father's trust. Twist in the
earlier this year has only
reloads eighties style violence and melodra‑ tale (if you can call it so) happens when
helped initiate the musical
ma, unleashing the combo for a loud potboil‑ Vishnu kills Zoya. Now Raghu guns for
genre to a wider audience
er impact. revenge.
base. Hip‑hoppers sing

Review
For obvious reason, the onus In "Marjaavaan", a big part of
about reality with uncom‑
of unloading this all‑out formula the larger‑than‑life drama kicks
promising verve, which
bag on the audience's senses with the midget Vishnu. Which in
draws them close to young
falls on writer‑director Milap Zaveri who, in a turn means Riteish Deshmukh gets to play
listeners.
short span of time, has established his status out the villain of the piece with filmi swag.
Recently, Mumbai wit‑
as Bollywood's go‑to guy if the loud action‑ While it is not a memorable role, it has
nessed an amazing lineup
melodrama cocktail is what you're looking to impact enough to obliterate the fact that the
of hip‑hop performances
Rapper MC Heam. serve. If Zaveri used the retro mayhem film actually has nothing to offer. The fact
from artists across the
mantra to sell 'deshbhakti' in his last film, that Sidharth and Tara as Raghu and Zoya
country, who performed at realized that this is the best way they can
"Satyamev Jayate", this time the formula is share near‑zero chemistry does not really
the Haq Se Hindustan concert. The concert put across their emotions."
employed to carry forward a tale of mush. help matters either. Milap Zaveri has just
featured performers such as The Dharavi According to artists of the musical group
Like most of eighties commercial Hindi cin‑ served a very messed‑up tribute to the
Dream Project (Mumbai), Dopeadelicz Dopeadelicz, relatability is the factor that
ema, Zaveri's script is an excuse to play out Bollywood entertainers of yore.
(Mumbai), MC Manmeet Kaur clicks with young listeners. "Whatever
(Chandigarh), MC Heam (Mumbai), Khasi content is coming through hip‑hop, young‑ The star cast of "Marjaavaan" in Mumbai.
Bloodz (Shillong), Gubbi (Bengaluru), sters can relate to it. There is a lot of real
Swadesi + Bandish Projekt content that is coming out that Bollywood
(Mumbai/Ahmadabad) and many others. or other music industries and genres don't
All the artists feel hip‑hop has a bright show. So, I feel hip‑hop is very close to
future in India because a lot of youngsters people and they can relate to it”.
from different parts of the country, espe‑ Rapper MC Heam believes that new‑gen‑
cially the millennial, are showing interest eration listeners connect with hip‑hop
in the genre. Talking about the same, because it is all about the truth. He said:
Bengaluru‑based rapper Gubbi said: "The "Hip‑hop is all about truth, that's why it is
millennial are taking a lot of interest in increasingly becoming popular. I think
hip‑hop. I think in the beginning they everyone can connect with hip‑hop if the
would want to do it because it seemed person is from the street, slum, poor or
cool. But the ones who sustained have rich”.
 18 November 23-29, 2019 PHILANTHROPY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Meera Gandhi celebrates 10

years of her charity foundation
Movers and shakers attended the gala reception in London
highlighting the extensive work of the Giving Back Foundation.
London: To mark the extensive
work of T he Giving Back
Foundation over the past decade,
Ms Meera Gandhi, founder and
CEO of the foundation, hosted a
g ala recept ion in London on
November 19.
A host of ce le brity friends
including Royal Designer
Elizabeth Emanuel who designed
Princess Diana's wedding gown,
Lord Raj Loomba and Lady Veena
Loomba, the team from Cherie Meera Gandhi
Blair Foundation, Sheetal Mafatlal, flanked by
Radhika Chanana and many more celebrity
were in attendance at the gala friends Ivana
Hoti, Radhika
event.
Chanana
The reception took place at The
and Sheetal
Dorchester Hotel, the iconic luxu‑ Mafatlal.
ry hotel of London.
The talk‑of the‑town event coin‑
cided w ith Mayfair Times of Meera Gandhi describing to the elegant audience the
London featuring on the cover of extensive work of The Giving Back Foundation.
the November issue of their luxu‑
young women and children, include Asha Dan (Mother
ry magazine. It was their philan‑
addressing illness, poverty and Teresa's homes for orphans); Asia
thropy special issue and she led it Meera Gandhi
suf fering are the primary activi‑ Society; AUW (Asian University
as this issue celebrated the philan‑
t ies of the Giving Back for Women, Bangladesh); Bono was on the
thropic work of Meera Gandhiʼs
Giving Back Foundation over the
Foundation, whose motto is, "We One/Red (Aids); Centrepoint cover of the
are to the universe only as much (Friends of the Foundation of Philanthropy
past decade. The magazine focus‑
as we g ive back to it." T he Prince William and Prince Harry);
es on the fascinating people in
Foundation also exists as a plat‑ Cherie Blair Foundat ion For
Issue this month
some of the upscale areas of
form for debate and discussion, as Women; Children's Hope India in of Mayfair Times,
London. Meera Gandhi who main‑
tains homes both in London and
philanthropic activities continue NYC; Clinton Global Initiative; prominent luxury
to evolve around the world. CRY (childrenʼs rights); Donna
New York.
The foundation is supported by Karan's Urban Zen; Eleanor
magazine of
Meera Gandhi set up The Giving London, in a
HRH Prince Edward, Bill & Hillary Rooseve lt Leadership Center
Back Foundation in 2010 as a not‑
for‑profit, 501(c)(3) organization
Clinton, Tony & Cherie Blair, (ERLC); Pratham (program for tribute to her
Sad hguru, Rahul Gand hi, PM street children in India); United
in the USA. Its beneficiaries are charity work
Narendra Modi, Rekha, Hema World Colleges/Pearson School
carefully selected existing chari‑
Malini, Kerry Kennedy, Oprah (bringing together diverse stu‑
ties around the world, with special
Winfrey, Deepak Chopra to men‑ dents); Vedanta Academy in India;
emphasis on the education of
young women and children in
tion a few.
Af filiates of the foundation
Versailles Foundation; and The
Woodstock Film Festival.
NJ Gov. Phil Murphy hosts
need. Uplifting and empowering
Diwali at his official residence

Scores of Indian‑Americans including elected and appointed

officials, and faith leaders, attended Diwali celebrations
hosted by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady
Tammy Murphy on November 8 at the gubernatorial mansion
Lord Raj Loomba & Lady Veena Loomba Meera Gandhi with Elizabeth Emanuel, in Princeton, NJ.
a the event. wedding dress Designer for Princess Diana.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ANALYSIS November 23-29, 2019 19

A case for migration

By Shubha Singh

P
eople have mig rated
through the ages, in search
of greener pastures, more
abundant food sources, better cli‑
matic conditions, and after defeat
in wars or to escape them. Modern
In his book, Suketu Mehta holds that present day migration is a
day migration is often to flee from long‑term effect of colonialism.
war, ethnic rivalries, effect of colo‑
nial practices that denuded the quarter billion people or one in 29 America's arbitrary interventions
land and made it unproductive or humans live in a country that is in many countries, especially in
to seek better economic prospects. not their country of birth. He Central America, propping up dic‑
But migration has become a con‑ explains how the West has benefit‑ tators and repressive regimes
troversial term as politicians have ed from migration and how west‑ brought political instability and
used racism and xenophobia to ern countries need and will contin‑ strife that often forced people to
divert attention from their policies ue to need migrants to boost their flee their homes. In the 1950s, it
by demonizing migrants. economies. overthrew a Guatemalan leader
Illegals, migrants, aliens, foreign‑ Mehta calls the debate on migra‑ whose land reform polices went
ers, stateless are some of the terms tion as "hypocritical". In his book, against the interests of the US‑
used to describe the newcomers, he juxtaposes his personal experi‑ owned fruit company.
while US President Donald Trump ence of migration, his family histo‑ Mehta travelled to the migrant
typically uses much harsher epi‑ ry, research and other tales of crossing places to learn about
thets. In the past decade, anti‑ migration, together with reportage what he describes as ''survival
migration rhetoric has come to from ground level and the various migration'' and listen to migrant
rule the public discourse in the underlying causes of migration to stories. He visited arrival points in
West and many other countries. construct a powerful vindication the Mediterranean coast and the
But, it is those migrants that boost for migration. This Land is Our Land: An Immigrant's Manifesto; Wagah‑Attari border. He describes
economic activity and perform the Mehta arrived in the United By Suketu Mehta, Jonathan Cape, London, 2019 Friendship Park at the border of
dirty work that residents of the States from India in the mid‑ the creditors. You took all our ef fect of colonialism. Colonialism California and Mexico where peo‑
host country are loathe to under‑ 1970s. He describes his family wealth, our diamonds. Now we and slavery destroyed economies ple gather to catch a glimpse of
take. Suketu Mehta's "This Land is moving "all over the earth, from have come to collect." It was an apt and displaced thousands of people loved ones across on an old wire
our Land: An Immig rant's India to Kenya to England to the response to British colonialism, but to meet labor requirements in new mesh fence.
Manifesto" is a searing broadside US and back again ‑‑ and still mov‑ Mehta extends it not just to the old colonies and at home. Colonial Migrants are not a drain on soci‑
on migration that describes the ing." He relates the racism and dis‑ imperialists but also to the United powers like Britain and France ety, according to Mehta, they con‑
historical causes of migration, the crimination, he and his family States for its economic colonialism. drew up borders (about 40 per tribute to the places they go to and
impact of migration on individuals encounter in America despite And with it, he provides the basis cent of national borders world‑ also to the places they leave in the
as well as the native and the host being part of the so‑called privi‑ for the demand for reparations. wide, according to Mehta) without form of remittances. Wealthy
countries, dispels the myths and leged "model" minority. When there is talk of reparations regard to ground realities. countries with aging populations
falsehoods that surround migra‑ Mehta's grandfather had a pithy for slavery, colonialism is not far The US did not have colonies like need migrants to revitalize the
tion and presents a well‑reasoned response when asked in a London behind as brutally oppressive and the major imperial powers but it economy. Migrants constitute 3 %
argument in favor of migration. park in the 1980s, "Why are you exploitative. Mehta holds that pres‑ has controlled and influenced of the world's population and con‑
According to Mehta, about one‑ here?" He said: "Because we are ent day migration is a long‑term nations with its economic power. tribute 9% of the total GDP.

Internal rumblings in Pakistan and their import for India

Afghanistan and India. Imran relations in a manner that gave
By D.C. Pathak Khan, instead of pleading that Pakistan relevance to both US‑
action will be taken against terror‑ India and US‑China equations.

T
he mounting protests in ist leaders named by the UN Imran Khan also has not much to
Islamabad ag ainst PM denounced the attitude of the show on the economic front.
Imran Khan, led by Maulana Americans and declared that 'join‑ Financial aid from Saudi Arabia,
Fazlur Rahman, head of the influ‑ ing the US war on terror was a big OIC Chair, and loan from IMF can‑
ential Jamiat‑ul‑Ulema‑e‑Islami mistake of Pakistan'. not suffice.
Pakistan, re flect the complex Imran came of f as a staunch From India's point of view,
domestic politics currently facing Islamist himself who upheld the Pakistan may be set for creating
the current regime. What has trig‑ cause of Islamic radicals targeting some new areas of concern. First,
gered the protest is the uncertain‑ the West. This weakened the Pak Maulana Rahman's agitation, fac‑
ty that has crept into the Army‑ army's hand in Afghanistan as an ing no restraint so far, has the
Imran Khan grid, the state of trian‑ objective looking mediator on the ef fect of enhancing the presence
gular links of Pakistan with US and question of bringing round Taliban of Islamic radicals in Pakistan con‑
China and the deterioration of to accept a peace pact with US. firming the reading that the Pak
India‑Pak relations. Imran Khan's handling of Indo‑Pak army‑ISI combine is now
It seems some awkwardness has issues looked clumsy when, after unabashedly using Al Qaeda‑ISIS
been created by Imran Khan for Balakot and more recently in the fronts against India besides the
the army in both foreign policy The Pakistan army can do with some pressure of public opinion get‑ wake of abrogation of Article 370 India‑specific outfits like LeT, JeM,
ting focused on the Prime Minister at a time when things are not by India, all that he could do was Hizbul Mujahideen, Harkatul
and domestic economy. The 'deep
working out well for Pakistan internationally and internally as well.
state' there had tradit ionally to talk of a possible nuclear show‑ Mujahideen and HUJI.
enjoyed, in the eyes of the people, Significantly, the Maulana is the Prime Minister at a time when down between the two countries. Secondly, Kashmir's total integra‑
a strong image in dealing with blasting Imran for failing Pakistan things are not working out well for W hat made the situat ion of tion with India has made Pak agen‑
India on Kashmir and this had evi‑ and even questioning the legitima‑ Pakistan internationally and inter‑ Pakistan even worse in the assess‑ cies according to our Intelligence
dently been dented by the tough cy of last year's general election nally as well. ment of US was Imran Khan's plan ways and means of stepping
counter responses of the Modi but without directly criticizing the Pakistan's relations with US, the unconcealed fascination for China up infiltration of Islamic militants
regime. Pak army might find it army. In the current public agita‑ mainstay of its geo‑political stand‑ and the projection by him of Sino‑ through Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri
convenient to blame it all on the tion against Imran Khan, both PPP ing, took a beating during Imran Pak alliance as a counterfoil to the Lanka where the ISI had an opera‑
civilian leadership. It could use the and PML(N) are supporting Fazlur Khan's time. President Trump's slipping US support for Pakistan. tional turf. Intensification of 'proxy
protests against Imran Khan to fur‑ Rahman from behind. The Pakistan admonition to Pakistan for provid‑ The Pakistan army might have war' is clearly on the cards.
ther strengthen its hold on the army can do with some pressure of ing safe haven to terrorists on its expected the PM to be more The writer is a former Director
country. public opinion getting focused on soil was in the context of both nuanced in handling international Intelligence Bureau
 20 November 23-29, 2019 SUBCONTINENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Pakistan trained Saeed, New Lankan president

others: Musharraf says will remain neutral
Islamabad: Former Pakistani
military dictator Pervez
"T hey were properly
trained, and we were in sup‑
on foreign policy
Musharraf has admitted that port of them. T hey were Colombo: After swearing‑in
the Pakistan state not only Mujahideen who would fight as the seventh Executive
gave a "hero's welcome" to against the Indian Army for President of Sri Lanka,
terrorists like Lashkar‑e‑ their rig hts. T hen the Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed Lashkar‑e‑Taiba was created, stressed that Sri Lanka
but also trained and support‑ and a dozen other outfits... wants to stay out of conflicts
ed them to fight against India They were our heroes. among the world powers
in Jammu and Kashmir. "T hey were fighting for and would remain neutral in
In an undated video inter‑ their brothers and sisters in its foreign policy.
view of Musharraf, uploaded Kashmir, risking their lives. "We will maintain friendly
by former senator "The whole thing should be and cordial re lat ionship
Farhatullah Babar, the for‑ understood. Now the situa‑ with all the nations and we
mer Pakistan President also tion has changed, and they don't want to be caug ht
acknowledges that Pakistan have become villains, and between power struggles of
"introduced religious militan‑ people are asking for them to international politics among
cy" in Afghanistan in the be caught and punished. dif ferent nat ions,"
1980s, and at the time ter‑ "Now it has been converted Rajapaksa said after he took
Sri Lankaʼs former Defense
rorists like Osama bin‑Laden, to terrorism. This religious oath at the historic Sinahala Secretary‑turned President
Former Pakistan President retired Gen
Jalaluddin Haqqani were "our Pervez Musharraf. mujahideen that was earlier Budd hist city of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
heroes". a positive impact has turned Anuradhapura. "In maintain‑
"From 1979 we changed it was dif ferent," Musharraf told into a negative activity," he ing relationships with us, we urge tions were the first after Easter
(Pak policy) a lot, we introduced his interviewer. "Now the situa‑ said. all nations to respect our sover‑ Sunday attacks carried out by ISIS‑
religious militancy in favor of tion has changed, now the heroes Babar, attaching the video, eignty," he added. led eight local suicide bombers on
Pakistan to oust the Soviets have become villains." wrote on tw itter: "W hen Rajapaksa announced he would April 21. Rajapaksa reiterated that
(from Afghanistan). "We brought Going to Kashmir, he says: Musharraf blurts that militants soon form a new government to national security was his top‑most
in the Mujahideen from across "Take the 1990s, in Kashmir, were nurtured and touted as implement his policies. priority. Rajapaksa, who is known
the world, we broug ht the Hafiz Saeed. There was a free‑ 'heroes' to fight in Kashmir. If it Former Defense Secretary‑turned for his military‑disciplined admin‑
Taliban, we trained them with dom strugg le that started in resulted in destruction of two President had selected Ruwanveli istration as the Defense Secretary
weapons... 1990. They were beaten by the generations of Pashtuns, it didn't Mahaseya, a massive temple built and the man who promoted capital
"T he Haqqani, they are our Indian Army, and they ran to matter. Is it wrong to demand by valiant king Dutugemunu in Colombo as a green city under for‑
heroes of the '80s, Osama bin Pakistan. They were supported Truth Commission to find out north‑central city of mer Rajapaksa regime, stressed
Laden was our hero, Zawahiri by Pakistan, they were given a who devised self‑serving policies Anuradhapura, situated 200 km "corruption would never be toler‑
was our hero.. Then the situation hero's reception. that destroyed Pashtuns?" from capital Colombo. The elec‑ ated under my administration"

Nepal PM says Kalapani Pak's MQM founder seeks

area belongs to them asylum, financial help from India
Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister K.P. territory to be occupied by any coun‑
Sharma Oli on November 17 said the try, India must vacate it," Oli said at London: Altaf Hussain, the leader said he would like
Kalapani area belonged to Nepal and the meeting, adding that dialogue with founder of Muttahida to travel to India because
that India, which included the region India will follow after "India with‑ Qaumi Movement (MQM) his g randparents are
in its of ficial maps recently, should draws its army from our land". who has been charged buried there.
"immediately withdraw its army from While India has not yet of ficially with a terrorism of fence, "If India's Prime
there". replied to Oli's statements, sources has requested Indian Minister Modi allows me
According to a report by The Indian told the newspaper that the new maps Prime Minister Narendra to come to India and pro‑
Express, this was Oli's first of ficial depicted India's "sovereign territory Modi for help by giving vides me asylum with my
response to the controversy, which accurately" and that there has been no asylum and financial help colleagues, I am ready to
started after India released its new revision in boundary with Nepal. to him and his compan‑ come to India along with
political maps on November 2 follow‑ Oli's statement comes after days of ions, a media report said. my colleagues because
ing the restructuring of the state of protests by both the opposition and On October 10, Hussain my grandfather is buried
Jammu and Kashmir into two Union the ruling parties in Nepal over the was charged by the UK's there. My grandmother is
Territories. map. According to the report, during Crown Prosecut ion buried there and thou‑
Oli made the remarks during a an all‑party meeting called by Oli Services with the terror‑ sands of my relatives are
meeting organized by the Nepal Yuva three days ago, participants, including ism of fence in a case buried there in India. I
Sangam, which is the youth wing of former prime ministers and foreign related to his incendiary want to go to India to
the ruling Nepal Communist Party. ministers, urged the prime minister to speech relayed from the their graves."
"We will not allow even an inch of our take up the issue with India. UK to his followers in Addressing Mo di,
Pakistan in 2016, Geo Hussain alleged that his
News said in the report. Muttahida Qaumi Movement assets, house and offices
He is due to stand trial leader Altaf Hussain. were taken over in
in June 2020 and passport Karachi after August 22,
Nepal PM remains with the UK police as part of his bail 2017. He asked the Indian Prime Minister to
K.P. Sharma conditions and he is not allowed to apply for help him with money if he could not provide
Oli urged
any travel document unless permitted by the him asylum.
India to with‑
court. Lawyers were now assessing whether Hussain's MQM is influential in urban areas
draw its
army from Hussain has breached his bail conditions by of Pakistan's southern province of Sindh,
Kalapani. asking Modi to let him stay in India while he including its restive port city of Karachi.
awaits trial of his case. The MQM claims to represent the Urdu‑
In his first ever public speech after the UK speaking migrants who moved to Pakistan with
police relaxed his bail conditions, the MQM the partition of India in 1947.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INTERNATIONAL November 23-29, 2019 21

No talks until US drops 'Cold and hungry' HK

hostile policy: N Korea radicals start to surrender
Pyongyang: A senior North
Korean official has put for‑ Hong Kong: Tired, cold and hun‑
ward new conditions for gry radicals holed up at Hong
talks with the US, saying Kong's Polytechnic University
Washington should give up surrendered after the cityʼs
its hostile policy before leader Carrie Lam said she hoped
coming to the negotiation the stand‑of f with police could
table with Pyongyang. be brought to a peaceful conclu‑
"The US always calls for sion. The two sides have been
negot iat ion for denu‑ locked in a violent confrontation,
clearization, but there is no with sporadic clashes over the
room to say about the past 24 hours interspersed with
negot iat ion be fore the those inside making increasingly
complete and irrevocable desperate bids for freedom,
withdrawal of its hostile reports the South China Morning
policy toward the DPRK, Post. Hundreds were evacuated
the root cause of the overnight from inside the univer‑
nuclear issue of the Korean sity campus after politicians and
education figures cut deals with Police fire tear gas at protesters during an
peninsula," the state‑run
police allowing them to leave. anti‑government rally in Hong Kong.
Korean Central News North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un.
Agency reported. It will be At around 10 a.m, another 50 and treat injured or under‑aged pus. T he university has been
possible to consult denucleariza‑ such talks that bring nothing to protesters emerged, with some protesters in a humanitarian occupied for about a week by
tion only when confidence‑build‑ them, reports Xinhua news agency. suffering from hypothermia and manner. Earlier, areas bordering hard‑core elements of the anti‑
ing between the North and the US Denuclearization negotiations leg injuries. Paramedics treated the campus, especially the main government movement, who
goes first and all the threats to the between Washington and them at a temporary station out‑ entrance in Cheong Wan Road, have cut of f major road links
security and deve lopment of Pyongyang have stalled since side the campus, before they became a battleground between such as the Cross‑Harbour
Pyong yang were removed, he Fe bruary's second summit in were sent to five city hospitals. radicals and police, said the Tunnel in Hung Hom, which con‑
stressed. Hanoi between North Korea's Kim Chief Executive Carrie Lam said South China Morning Post. nects Kowloon and Hong Kong
Earlier, advisor to North Korean Jong‑un and US President Donald she had laid out two principles Of ficers repeatedly fired Island. A police armoured vehicle
Foreign Ministry Kim Kye Gwan Trump ended without a deal. The w ith police for handling the rounds of rubber bullets and tear went up in flames on Sunday
also issued a statement, saying two leaders first met in Singapore stand‑of f, that they were to try gas, while a water cannon truck from a barrage of petrol bombs
they were no longer interested in in June 2018. resolving the incident peacefully, sprayed blue dye into the cam‑ thrown by radicals.

Documents reveal China's Battle with Israel

"not over" despite
hardline stance towards Uighurs ceasefire: Hamas chief
Gaza: Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas chief, said
that the battle with Israel is "not over"
Beijing: An expose of over 400 internal internal speeches by Xi and other lead‑
although the new
Chinese government documents relating ers, and more than 150 pages of direc‑
wave of violence
to Beijing's mass detentions of Uighurs, tives and reports on the surveillance and
in the Gaza Strip
Kazakhs and other Muslim minorities in control of the Uighur population in
is over. Haniyeh
Xinjiang province highlights the Chinese Xinjiang.
made the remarks
state's hardline stance towards them, There are also references to plans to
after he gave his
especially that of President Xi Jinping. extend restrictions on Islam to other
condolences to
The documents were leaked to The New parts of China.
the Abu Malhous
York Times by a member of the Chinese The Communist Party also has a spe‑
family which lost
political establishment in an ef fort to cial manual instructing officials on how
eight of its mem‑
hold President Xi accountable for the to deal with Uighur students who get
bers in the last
mass detentions. back from university to find that their
round of violence
An Uighur human rights group says families have been imprisoned as part of Hamas leader
between Israe l Ismail Haniyeh.
that China has more than 500 detention the mass detention.
and the
centres, prisons and "re‑educat ion The Uighurs are a mostly‑Muslim eth‑
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Xinhua news
camps" in Xinjiang. China has detained nic minority largely based in Xinjiang in
agency reported. "Our victory in the previous
over one million Uighur Muslims in western China. Many Uighurs call the
round is not counted by the number of the
Xinjiang over the past three years. region East Turkestan.
fired rockets, nor by the losses sustained, but
Human rights groups say these so‑ A number of Uighurs have been arrest‑
by the fact that resistance has completely
called re‑educat ion camps are an ed or forced into detention on flimsy
paralyzed the entity (Israel) during the esca‑
attempt to suppress the Uighurs' reli‑ charges, such as texting people outside
lation," he told reporters.
gion and Islamic identity by involuntari‑ Xinjiang or setting their clocks to two
Last week, a new wave of violence broke
ly detaining them without trial, some‑ hours ahead of Beijing's time zone to
The documents include out between Israel and Gaza's militant
times with threats of violence and tor‑ align with Xinjiang's natural daylight
unpublished speeches by groups after Israel bombed the house of
ture. schedule.
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Baha Abu al‑Atta, a senior Islamic Jihad com‑
According to the do cuments, in The documents also tell officials to say
mander, killing him and his wife.
response to a spate of violent attacks remolding and transformation of crimi‑ that detainees "have very good condi‑
In response, the militant group fired bar‑
carried out by Uighur militants in 2014, nals. And even after these people are tions for studying and living there," and
rages of rockets into Israel, before Israeli
Xi told party leaders that they needed to released, their education and transfor‑ that tuition, food and living costs are all
war aircraft retaliated by launching
"be as harsh as them and show absolute‑ mation must continue," he had said. free of charge.
airstrikes on Gaza, killing 35 Palestinians
ly no mercy." Xi hinted at the internment The Chinese government has denied Former detainees have described the
including women and children. Recently,
camps in one speech, although he did any human rights abuses, saying that detention centres as being overcrowded
Egypt brokered a ceasefire between the two
not call for mass detention outrightly the ef forts are important in combating and having almost nonexistent hygiene
sides, which remained fragile as several more
and resisted banning Islam in the coun‑ extremism and terrorism. standards. They have also recalled being
rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel and
try entirely. The leaked papers consist of 24 docu‑ shackled to chairs and forced to sing
Israeli war aircraft fired back.
"There must be ef fective educational ments, including nearly 200 pages of propaganda songs to get food.
 22 November 23-29, 2019 BUSINESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

India still projected as fastest growing economy: FM

Global economy
New Delhi: Finance Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman said in the
Lok Sabha that growth has decel‑
erated, but there is no slump and
India is still projected to be the
fastest growing economy in FY20
will remain fragile
among the G‑20 nations.
She said the government has in 2020: Moody's
been taking several measures to New Delhi: Global credit condi‑ re lated uncertainty and the
address moderate levels of fixed tions in 2020 will weaken as a escalation of other bilateral dis‑
investment rate in the economy, result of growing risks of an putes. At the sector leve l,
plateauing of private consump‑ economic downturn, trade poli‑ spillover effects from trade fric‑
tion rate and a modest export cy uncertainty and the ef fects tions will drive shifts in global
performance, w ith a view to of an unpredictable political supply chains and weigh on
increasing the GDP growth. and geo‑political environment, investment decisions, Moody's
In a written reply, Sitharaman Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Moody's Investors Service said. noted.
said India's economic growth Although Moody's does not Furthermore, sporadic
decelerated but its economy is (WEO) of October 2019 projects a by 14 positions to 63 in 2019 expect a recession in 2020, episodes of heightened finan‑
still the fastest growing among G‑ significant slowdown in world from 77 in 2018 after GST was recession risks are building, the cial market volatility will flare
20 nations and that the goal of $5 output and trade in 2019. Yet implemented in 2017," report said. up as long as trade uncertainty
trillion economy will be achieved India, despite some recent decel‑ Sitharaman said. The global economy has wit‑ lingers. Other risks to the global
by 2025. In a written reply to a eration of GDP growth, is still pro‑ On the impact of implementa‑ nessed the lowest global growth economy relate to high leverage
quest ion from N.K. jected by WEO to grow at the tion of foreign trade agreements in 2019 since the 2009 reces‑ and the historically high num‑
Premachandran, MP from Kerala, fastest rate in 2019‑20 among G‑ and economic slowdown, she said sion. ber of debt issuers with weak
that despite some recent deceler‑ 20 countries, she said. the government publishes an eco‑ Risks will be centered around credit quality accessing the
ation in growth, India's economy On a question whether the gov‑ nomic survey of the country on US‑China trade disputes, Brexit‑ credit markets.
was still projected by the World ernment has analysed the impact an annual basis analyzing various
Economic Outlook to grow at the of implementation of the Goods aspects of the economy, including spending disciplined and current month.
fastest rate among G‑20 countries and Services Tax (GST) on eco‑ trade agreements and state of the account deficit manageable to In her statement Sitharaman
in 2019‑20. "During the last five nomic slowdown, Sitharaman said economy. "The government has ensure macroeconomic stability further said the 15% corporate
years, the government has imple‑ the GST reform stands out as the also been engaging with various for a healthy investment climate tax rate for new domestic manu‑
mented major reforms to build most important measure for stakeholders to understand their in the country. facturing companies announced
the investment climate in the improving ease of doing business concerns and taking appropriate India's economic growth slowed in September was "among the
country for becoming a $5 tril‑ in the country. measures for the economy," she down to 5% in the Q1 and is lowest in the world".
lion‑dollar economy," the minister "Further, in the World Bank's said. Sitharaman said while taking expected to have declined further For other domestic companies
said. Ease of Doing Business 2020 reform measures, the administra‑ in the second quarter for which not availing of any tax breaks, the
The World Economic Outlook Report, India's ranking improved tion has kept inflation low, fiscal official data is expected later this rate was cut from 30% to 22%.

15 foreign banks keen to China slams US over

Hong Kong bill
open branches in India B eijing” China on Wednesday
condemned the passing of
the Hong Kong Human
appalling.
"Facts have proved that the
biggest risk facing Hong Kong now
New Delhi: India could have more Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 is rampant violence, not the so‑
foreign banks soon as in the case of in the US Senate. called issue of democracy and
other Asian countries like China, The US Senate passed the legisla‑ human rights," Yang said, adding
Singapore and Hong Kong with 15 tion on Tuesday despite strong that the behaviors of some US
overseas banks have been in touch opposition from the Chinese gov‑ politicians have completely con‑
with the Central Bank, to open ernment, Xinhua reported. fused right and wrong and con‑
branches in the country. "The move grossly interfered in founded black and white, and are
As per RBI Data, already 46 for‑ Hong Kong af fairs and China's double standards with total disre‑
eign banks are operating in India internal af fairs, seriously violated gard to principles.
including two banks operating in international laws and the basic Yang underscored the Chinese
wholly‑owned subsidiary (WOS) norms governing international rela‑ government's unswerving determi‑
mode. RBI has informed the finance tions and blatantly bolstered the nation to protect national sover‑
ministry that 15 banks have shown opposition and radical violent crim‑ eignty, security and development
interest in opening their branches inals in Hong Kong, which once interests, implement the "one coun‑
in India, said official sources. again laid bare in front of the whole try, two systems" policy and oppose
Foreign banks, except those oper‑ world the overbearing nature of any external force in interfering in
ating in WOS mode, require prior some US politicians and their evil Hong Kong's affairs.
approval of the RBI for opening attempt to contain China's develop‑ "Nothing can stop the rejuvena‑
branches in India. ment," said Yang Guang, tion of the Chinese nation," he said,
RBI has further apprised that the Already 46 foreign banks are operating in India. Spokesperson, Hong Kong and noting that Hong Kong will main‑
foreign banks open their branches Macao Af fairs Of fice of China's tain long‑term prosperity and sta‑
in India based on their commercial commercial bank for customer‑ guide lines provide for foreign State Council. Yang said that the bility with the strong support of the
judgement. based banking transactions. banks with 20 branches and above continuous violent activities in motherland and the law‑based
With regard to banks operating in It is also mandatory for foreign to lend 40 percent of Adjusted Net Hong Kong have seriously trampled rights and freedoms of Hong Kong
WOS mode, as per RBI norms, at banks to provide loans to farmers Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit the rule of law and social order, dis‑ residents will be fully protected.
least 25 percent of the total number and scheduled castes/scheduled Equivalent Amount of Of f‑Balance turbed Hong Kong's prosperity and "We advise some US politicians to
of branches opened during a finan‑ tribes for employment on the lines Sheet Exposure, whichever is higher stability, challenged the bottom line immediately stop interfering in
cial year, must be opened in of Indian Banks. to priority sector including lending of the "one country, two systems" Hong Kong af fairs, and abandon
unbanked rural (Tier 5 and Tier 6) RBI has rules that foreign banks to Weaker Sections including, inter‑ principle. those foolish moves that benefit
centres that do not have a brick and have to comply with RBI's extant alia, scheduled castes/scheduled He added that some of the violent nobody but instead hurt them‑
mortar structure of any scheduled priority sector guidelines. These tribes. behaviors were inhumane and selves," he said.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPORTS November 23-29, 2019 23

D/N Test: Buzz at Eden Gardens unmistakable

Kolkata: T he Indian and
Bang ladeshi players stayed
indoors after landing, and India
head coach Ravi Shastri had to
Pink balls have been
change his initial plan of drop‑
ping by at the Eden Gardens due
hand-stitched
to a delayed flight. But the buzz New Delhi: T he amount of
at historic ground was unmistak‑ reverse swing that the SG pink
able on Tuesday as preparations ball will aid has been a burning
were in full sw ing two days quest ion ever since it was
ahead of India's first‑ever Day‑ announced that India will play
Night Test. its maiden Day‑Nig ht Test
At the Eden, groundstaf f were against Bangladesh at the his‑
seen working overtime as the 22‑ toric Eden Gardens from
yard strip remained under cov‑ November 22.
ers. Every corner of the Cricket T he likes of Mohammed
Association of Bengal (CAB), Shami are known to use the
which is undergoing renovation, Preparations were in full swing ahead of reverse swing as one of their 8 days to make and it starts
overflowed with officials attend‑ India's first‑ever Day‑Night Test. most potent weapons and the with the preparation of the
ing meetings, journalists follow‑ pink balls for the Day‑Night pink‑dyed leather. Once the
ing them for scoops and workers Since that day, CAB has dished round of the ground along the Test have been prepared keep‑ leather is ready, they are cut
running against time to complete out gala plans to make the match boundary lines. ing that in mind. into pieces which shall later
the work in time. special starting with Bangladesh During the 40‑minute dinner Speaking to IANS, a BCCI offi‑ become the covering of the
The Eden club house graf fiti Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina break, CAB has organised a talk cial said that the seams in the ball. The leather is most impor‑
wore a pink theme, the mascot confirming her presence on Day show featuring the 'Fabulous pink balls have been hand tantly softened overnight to
omnipresent and a pink balloon 1 along with a clutch of sports Five' of Sourav Ganguly, Sachin stitched to ensure that the ball ensure that it is not too hard
cont inuing to float over the stars like badminton world Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil aids reverse swing. and can be easily wrapped
colossal stadium. champion P.V. Sindhu, chess ace Kumble and V.V.S. Laxman who "T he pinks balls prepared around the cork later.
The turf looked greener than Viswanathan Anand, tennis sen‑ will walk down the memory lane have all been hand stitched as After this, the cups are
usual and as the sun descended sation Sania Mirza among those talking about the 2001 Test win that increases the chances of stitched from the leather cut‑
into the horizon and the flood‑ to be present. against Australia at the same the ball aiding reverse swing. t ings and are once ag ain
lights came on, Eden seemed to The historic match will kick‑ venue. Shouldn't be a problem to get coloured. Once the leathers are
be basking in the glow of some‑ start with Army paratroopers T he CAB will also felicitate the pink cherry to reverse," the ready, the cork is inserted and
thing which has never happened expected to fly into Eden to hand sports stars including Olympic official revealed. that is followed by stitching
before. over a pink ball each to the two champion Abhinav Bindra, tennis For those unaware, the pink them up. The inner stitching
The day BCCI president Sourav captains just before the toss. star Sania Mirza, world bad‑ ball aids conventional swing takes place first and the ball is
Ganguly managed to convince This will be followed by the minton champion PV Sindhu and more than it reverses because then stitched from the outside.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) ring ing of the Eden Be ll by six‑time boxing world champion of the extra lacquer used to Once the main formation is
to play a Test match under lights Bang ladesh Prime Minister MC Mary Kom among others. make sure that the ball is easy complete, the final layer of col‑
w ith a pink ball, Cricket Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal The CAB will also felicitate the to spot even under lights. The oring and shining is done
Association Bengal (CAB) secre‑ Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. team members of the first Test spotting has been a major area be fore the ball is finally
tary Avishek Dalmiya had said During the 20‑minute tea team of Bangladesh which took of concern with the pink ball, weighed and dispatched. The
that they would leave no stone break, former captains and a on India in 2000, a game where especially in the Twilight phase. pink ball is heavier than the
unturned to make the historic clutch of sports stars will be Ganguly made his debut as Test The pink ball takes around 7‑ conventional red ball.
event a grand success. taken out on carts making a captain.

Hong Kong Open: Nur‑Sultan to host

Kidambi Srikanth India‑Pak Davis Cup tie
loses in semis Kolkata: Nur‑Sultan, the capital
city of Kazakhstan, has been cho‑
sen to host India‑Pakistan's Davis
The tie was initially
scheduled to take
Hong Kong: The Indian
Cup t ie to be played on place in Islamabad.
challenge at the ongo‑
November 29‑30.
ing Hong Kong Open
"T he Internat ional Tennis
2019 badminton tour‑
Federation (ITF) has sent us a
nament came to an
mail. Pakistan's appeal has been
end as Kidambi
rejected. It will take place in Nur‑
Srikanth went down in
Sultan, Kazakhstan on November
the semi‑final to Lee
29‑30," Hironmoy Chatterjee, All
Cheuk Yiu in straight
India Tennis Association (AITA)
games here.
secretary, told IANS on Tuesday.
Srikanth, who was
The tie was initially scheduled
trailing 3‑11 at mid‑
Kidambi Srikanth. to take place in Islamabad, but indoor hard courts, which coach phone. "Our players have done
break in the first
due to political tensions between Zeeshan Ali said will work to well in the last two weeks and I
game, lost the first contest 9‑21. Sindhu had also bowed out of the
the two countries, the AITA had India's advantage. But Ali pointed am hopeful of a good show. As
In the second game, Srikanth tournament as she lost a close
requested the ITF to shift it to a out that sub zero temperatures coach, I am happy with what we
showed signs of a comeback as match to Busanan
neutral venue. could be a problem, even got. We will be missing out on
he was leading 11‑8 at mid‑ Ongbamrungphan of Thailand.
T he move irked Pakistan indoors. Prajnesh (Gunneswaran) and
break. Srikanth had a game point Saina Nehwal had crashed out
Tennis Federation (PTF) who "It's (November) 17 there, as Divij (Sharan) and of course
but the Hong Kong shuttler held on the opening day of the tourna‑
appealed to ITF saying not to we speak so it will be a challenge Rohan (Bopanna) pulled out due
his nerve and managed to take ment after going down against
change the venue. But, their plea even if we are playing indoors. to injury, but we have got back‑
the second game 25‑23. China's Cai Yan Yan in straight
was not heard and the venue was But on hard courts, we have the ups and they are in good form,"
Earlier, ace India shuttler P.V. games.
shifted. The tie will take place on advantage," Ali told IANS over said the coach.
 24 November 23-29, 2019 SCI-TECH TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Wikipedia co-founder Facebook loves your data, and

launching Facebook,
Twitter rival
rakes in moolah every year
San Francisco: Your data is data on users' friends. The
invaluable to Facebook and the social networking giant set
San Francisco: Intended to get right what Facebook and
social networking giant earned May 2015 as the deadline
Twitter have so far been getting wrong, Wikipedia co‑
$157.41 average revenue per for complying with the
founder Jimmy Wales is launching a social‑media web‑
user (ARPU) in the US and new rules. But some firms
site named "WT :
Canada in the past five quarters. continued to have access
So cial" which w ill
In comparison, Facebook earned to the crucial data, includ‑
compete with both
only $15 average revenue per ing Tinder.
the so cial media
user in Asia‑Pacific in the same In yet another data
platforms.
time period, its Q3 2019 earnings breach, Facebook earlier
Instead of going
have revealed. this month revealed that at
for an ad‑funded
Facebook is earning triple the least 100 app developers
model, Wales aims
revenue from its US users as from may have accessed users''
to finance it through
its users in Europe where average data for months, confirm‑
donations, just like
revenue per user was mere ing that at least 11 part‑
Wikipedia.
$50.73 in the last five quarters. ners "accessed group
Like those plat‑
"Part of that is attributable to Facebook earned $157 average revenue per user in the US members'' information in
forms, WT:Social will let users share articles. But
the fact that American con‑ and Canada in the past five quarters. the last 60 days".
WT:Social will be funded by donations, rather than
sumers spend more in general ‑‑ The social networking
advertising.
per capita consumption in the US is allowed the dating app special access to giant found that the apps ‑‑ primarily
"The business model of social media companies, of
about 80 per cent higher than in user data, as revealed by leaked social media management and video
pure advertising, is problematic. It turns out the huge exchanges.
Europe," reports Slate. streaming apps ‑‑ retained access to
winner is low‑quality content," Wales was quoted as Access to Facebook data helped Tinder group member information, like names
Facebook has nearly 1.62 billion daily
saying by Financial Times. It started as Wikitribune ‑‑ a
active users and 2.4 billion monthly thrive, but there came a point when it and profile pictures in connection with
site that published original news stories with the com‑ inched closer to losing that access.
active users. group activity, from the Groups API
munity fact‑checking and sub‑editing articles. The ven‑ The leaked correspondence was part (application programming interface).
A cache of recently leaked Facebook
ture never gained much traction, so Wales is moving it
documents, obtained by NBC News, of a long‑running lawsuit in California Facebook is facing scrutiny after per‑
to the new platform with a more social networking
showed how the CEO Mark Zuckerberg state court, between former Facebook sonal data of 87 million users was har‑
focus.
oversaw plans to consolidate the social app developer Six4three and Facebook. vested by UK‑based political consulting
WT:Social will be free to join, but at the moment, you In 2014, Facebook, which is facing sev‑ firm Cambridge Analytica. The Federal
network's power by treating users' data
either have to sign up for a waitlist, donate or invite eral antitrust investigations, announced Trade Commission (FTC) has slapped
as a bargaining chip.
friends. Just a month old, it already has 50,000 users,
Despite dismissing Tinder co‑founder a new set of rules to prevent third‑party Facebook with a $5 billion fine as a
the Engadget report added.
Sean Rad as irrelevant, Zuckerberg also app developers from getting access to result of the breach.

India to be top player in data-driven world next decade: Michael Dell

Interview by Talking about Digital India, Dell have also set up a Dell Medical
Deepak Sharma said that it's an excellent initiative University in Austin, and we are
of the government (led by Prime focusing on providing innovative
Austin (Texas): The ''data king'' of Minister Narendra Modi). "The medical services to the unaf ford‑
the world and founder of IT giant, Make in India (project) also able.
Dell Technologies, Michael Dell impresses us. But it would be more "Our social commitment would
feels that the next decade would appropriate if India fo cuses be a top priority for the next 35
be driven and shaped by data, and beyond manufacturing smart‑ years. In the last 35 years Dell has
India could be one of the signifi‑ phones, (hinting that a lot more is grown from a small company to a
"If you look at the countries
cant players. In an exclusive inter‑ happening in the manufacturing global giant....and in the next 35
of the world and compare
view with IANS, here at the compa‑ business related to IT). India has to years we not only want to lead the
them with India, the out‑
ny's g lobal headquarters, the focus on other areas too," Dell told come of human progress is world of technology but also want
American billionaire businessman IANS during an interaction at Dell tremendous. It (India) has all to focus on people who have been
and Chairman of Dell, one of the Technology Summit. the possibilities to enhance lagging behind in society. T he
world's largest technology compa‑ "If you look at the countries of its capabilities...and Dell is world has to be better for every‑
nies said that India figures as the the world and compare them with excited about this," he said. one, in many ways," said Michael
topmost destination for his enter‑ India, the outcome of human Dell, once (in 1992) the youngest
prise in the years to come. progress is tremendous. It (India) women. "In India, we are working and we have reached 11 million CEO of a Fortune 500 company to
From building a microsensor has all the possibilities to enhance with Tata Trusts in the field of people. By the next few years we becoming a leader in shaping the
into a small finger ring to trans‑ its capabilities...and Dell is excited social and health care services, will try to reach 44 million. We future of the world.
forming autonomous vehicles, about this," he said.
including aircraft by redefining The 54‑year‑old billionaire with
artificial intelligence (AI), Dell net worth of over $31 billion, is
seems determined to shape the seen as one of the topmost philan‑
world by the next decade through thropists from this part of the
a revolution in processing and world. His company is empower‑
storing data. "Dell is the only com‑ ing people from economically
pany in the world capable of weaker sections with software
achieving this objective...and I feel technology.
India has the potential to be a cen‑ For instance, a door to door
ter of exce llence for us," said delivery salesboy from Boston, was
Micahel Dell, who leads the IT recently trained in software skills
company which has a revenue and has now become part of the
worth over $90.62 billion, adding, Dell engineering. Girls of a similar
"I would be visiting India soon and profile from Brazil have also joined
our company has ambitious plans the Dell team. By the next few
to expand in a country known for years, Dell Technologies also dedi‑
its inte llectual capabilit ies." cates 50 per cent of the jobs to
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BOOKS November 23-29, 2019 25

Lessons learnt, Rajat Guru Nanak offers strong,

Gupta is at peace enduring infrastructure
By Sukant Deepak
with fellow humans
Y
oung and middle‑aged corporates
in sharp suits and expensive
By Vishnu Makhijani
watches are standing in a disci‑

W
plined queue. But they wonʼt be content
ith Guru Nanak Dev's birth
with just an autograph. Most of them also
anniversary being observed
want pictures with him. 'Him has no prob‑
around the world, such
lem obliging. Itʼs his moment. He is noth‑
moments of "collective ef fervescence"
ing short of a rock star right now.
are enormously meaningful, with the
The occasion may have been the launch
first Sikh master of fering a strong and
of Rajat Gupta's book ''Mind Without
enduring infrastructure with fellow
Fear'' (publisher: Juggernaut) at the Nehru
humans, a new book says.
Memorial Museum Library in the capital,
Over the years, more and more Sikhs
but the corridor is full of people confess‑
and non‑Sikhs are coming together to
ing in almost a star‑struck tone how he
celebrate the First Sikh," Nikky‑Guninder
has been an inspiration to them. For the
Kaur Singh writes in "The First Sikh ‑
uninitiated, Gupta was the first foreign‑
The Life and Legacy of Guru Nanak”,
born Managing Director of management
noting that the very first time she heard
consultancy firm McKinsey & Company in
the Master's hymns in public worship on
the US from 1994 to 2003. In 2012, he
American soil was at a Sindhi gurdwara
was convicted by US courts for insider Author of the book 'The First Sikh',
in Boston in 1974.
trading and spent two years in jail. Nikky‑Guninder Kaur is Crawford
T hus, be it at the University of
In ''Mind Without Fear'', he tells his side Once MD at McKinsey, California‑Davis, the Yuba County, the Professor and Chair of the
of the story, which he did not speak of Department of Religious Study
Rajat Gupta spent 2 years Indian Consulate in New York, the
during his trial, based on the advice of his at Colby College in Maine.
Pothohar community hosting an elabo‑
lawyers. in US jail for insider trading. eminent poet Mohammad Iqbal (1877‑
rate evening at the Mayfair Theatre in
Mention if the economic conditions in 1938) compares Guru Nanak to "the
the heart of London or the valedictorian
the US prevailing during the trial had an About his new memoir, reciting Guru Nanak's hymn at the bac‑ luminous Abraham, the son of Azar and
impact on the decision, Gupta told IANS, the spiritual ancestor to the Jewish,
"Let us not forget that it was the biggest
'Mind Without Fear', he calaureate service (convocation) of the
Colby College in Maine, Singh writes: Christian and Islamic religions. Just as
financial crisis of our lifetimes. People says: “The book is my side "Such moments of Abraham broug ht
were losing their jobs, pensions and there the light of monothe‑
was economic fear and uncertainty.
of the story and main intent 'collective ef ferves‑
ism to his idolatrous
cence' are enormous‑
People also believed that they hadn't done of writing it was not to try ly meaning ful. T he world, Guru Nanak
anything wrong and it was the financial enlig htened India
system that was to be blamed.
to argue my innocence or feeling here is not a
with a unicity of the
simple tolerance of
Consequently, they wanted people to be present evidence to refute people of other faiths, divine One (tawhid):
held accountable. Sadly, the ones actually "Batkada phit bad
responsible were never really convicted." the judgement. It was more or adding aspects
muddat ke mag ar
from dif ferent faiths
Though he started the outline of the to say, 'Ok, here is how I into a syncretic blend; roshan hua/noor‑e‑
book while in prison, the actual process of ibrahim se azar ka
writing commenced after a year of the experienced it'. In fact, I to the contrary, it is
g har roshan
real respect for and
release. "And I took one and a half years wanted to give an idea rejoicing in the differ‑ hua/phir uthi akhir
to write it." Ask him about the process, ada tawhid ki Punjab
ence and distinctive
and if it helped getting things out of his about certain lessons richness of our shared se/hind ko ek mard‑
system, and he asserts, "Yes. Of course, I had learnt." e‑kamil ne jag aya
humanity.
though writing certain parts was tough as khawab se" (Ages
T he author,
one had to relive several painful moments because I think that it would have later the house of
Crawford Professor
and situations, but I felt much better post changed anything, but I would have been idols was lit up
and Chair of the
writing them. Frankly, I am quite happy able to tell myself that I tried everything I again/Azar's house
Department of
with the end product. Many people who could. The book is my side of the story was lit up by the
Re lig ious Study at
have read it say it's quite gripping." and main intent of writing it was not to try luminous Abraham/Once more from
Colby College, wonders whether in the
Talking about the time spent in prison, to argue my innocence or present evi‑ Punjab finally decreed/A perfect person
21st century, when we easily connect
Gupta, recalling his several weeks in soli‑ dence to refute the judgement. It was awoke India from its sleep).
over email, Twitter, Skype, Facebook and
tary confinement, said, "That was almost more to say, ''Ok, here is how I experi‑ Thus, it's little wonder that the ''Nanak
Instagram, "do we connect emotionally
like torture and I should be a very angry enced it''. In fact, I wanted to give an idea effect'', Singh writes, "surges across mul‑
and spiritually?"
man. Of course, I wasn't happy about it, about certain lessons I had learnt." tifarious channe ls and moves us to
"The First Sikh offers us a strong and
but in the end if I reflect upon it, it gave While Gupta feels much better ‑‑ physi‑ embrace fellow beings. Seeing ''our'' self
enduring infrastructure with fellow
me a great deal of learning. I read the Gita cally, mentally and spiritually post the
humans. We remember him, we imagine in the ''other'' is what Guru Nanak's visu‑
six or seven times in those seven weeks. It prison term as it was a period of learning,
him, and we praise him for breaking bar‑ al, poetic, philosophical and musical ren‑
allowed me to cope. It brought context reflection, and being at peace with him‑
riers; innovatively and gently he guides ditions bring about".
and meaning to those 49 days. Physically, self, he wants to focus more on his philan‑
us to envision the single Reality ‑ time‑ His repertoire of 974 hymns is an
the solitary confinement is all steel, harsh thropic work now. He wants to be more
less, formless, fearless, who cannot and "extraordinary gift for humanity", the
and cold. You go through such extraordi‑ involved w ith the Indian School of
must not be confined to any sect or reli‑ writer says, adding that Guru Nanak
nary indignities? One of the greatest les‑ Business (ISB), which he co‑founded in
gion. "does not belong exclusively to the Sikhs,
sons in Gita is equanimity ‑‑ happiness and 1997 and Public Health Foundation of
"Men and women of all ages, stages of his person and voice transcend all man‑
sorrow are the same things. I can say that India.
life, sexual orientations and religious made boundaries, all their ideological
I have emerged much richer from my "I am in my 70's. Besides the two, I have
backgrounds are inspired by his magical systems and categories.
prison experience. I now have more empa‑ also started thinking and working on
personality and magical words. They are T here is no conclusion here. T he
thy." reforms in the criminal justice system in
magical for sure, precisely because they momentum of his legacy is taking on a
Stating that he does regret not testify‑ the US."
are so real, applicable and empowering," dynamic trajectory. T he First Sikh's
ing, Gupta, who has also been on the Meanwhile, the number of people wait‑
the author states. 550th birth anniversary is but the begin‑
board of Goldman Sachs, Pro cter & ing for his autograph has increased mani‑
Singh notes that in a "glorious tribute", ning of exciting new encounters".
Gamble and American Airlines adds, "Not fold.
 26 November 23-29, 2019 SELF HELP TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Is your perception of used cars out‑of‑date?

With a used vehicle, you’ll either end up with a lot more car
for your money, or a lot more money in your wallet.

E
ven as more Americans turn to the nance and repairs.
used car market for affordable vehicle 8 Research finance options: A healthy
options, a recent survey suggests that down payment can reduce monthly costs ‑‑ at
outdated notions about used cars persist. least 10% of the purchase price is recom‑
Consumers not only think that used cars on mended for a used car.
average are older at the time of sale than they 8 Go online: Auto dealers want buyers to
actually are, but also less expensive, accord‑ walk away feeling good about their purchase
ing to an Ally Financial survey of more than and welcome well‑researched shoppers.
2,000 American adults conducted by The Prepare yourself by checking online
Harris Poll. On average, the survey finds that resources like Kelly Blue Book or Edmunds
Americans think the average age of a used for a specific vehicleʼs local market value.
vehicle at the point of sale is 6.6 years, but 8 Consider a service contract: Protection
the 2019 Edmunds Used Vehicle Report puts plans help provide peace of mind and can
the average age at 4 years. The Ally survey cover expenses for repairs and replacement
also finds that on average, consumers believe parts that may no longer be under a manufac‑
that the average price of a used vehicle is turerʼs warranty.
$9,860 when itʼs actually more than twice “Ultimately, todayʼs used vehicles are better
that amount ‑‑ $20,664 ‑‑ according to end up with a lot more car for your money, or repairs if they break. quality and feature more options than ever
Edmunds. a lot more money in your wallet.” For those 8 Get a vehicle history report: The mini‑ before. A 75,000‑mile used vehicle is in an
“Even though many Americans are buying shopping for a used car or considering doing mal cost is worth the investment, and some entirely different category than it was just a
used cars, the survey shows many people so, Arnold offers the following tips: car dealers will provide it for free upon few years ago,” says Arnold. “With many of
lump all used cars in with old clunkers,” says 8 Prioritize needs and wants: Think practi‑ request. the same tech and safety features that new
Matt Arnold, senior regional vice president of cally about which features are necessary. 8 Know your budget: Beyond the purchase cars offer but at a significantly lower price
Auto Finance at Ally. “Itʼs time to let go of old Some nice‑to‑have tech features add to the price, your automotive budget should include point, theyʼre a smart alternative for all budg‑
stereotypes. With a used vehicle, youʼll either price and can cost thousands of dollars in insurance, finance costs and ongoing mainte‑ ets and lifestyles.”

How to help young adults

build credit history
A
s young adults establish their finan‑
cial independence, they may be over‑
whelmed with enticing credit card
of fers. Free airfare, cashback and special
introductory rates may be tempting, but
choosing the right card is more important
than snagging some fun freebies.
If your young adult is looking to get start‑
ed with credit, consider these options to help
guide them toward their financial goals.
4Add them as an authorized user on
your card: When just starting out, young
adults may have trouble getting approved card account, the issuing bank will refund
for a credit card independently. One way to the deposit amount.
help with this is to add your young adult as Those with an established credit history
an authorized user on one of your credit may want to consider a student credit card,
card accounts. Many lenders report account which is no different from other credit cards,
information for authorized users to credit but typically has lower credit limits. This
reporting agencies, which helps develop a type of card generally requires proof of
credit history. For most cards, both positive income for approval, so they make the most
and negative account activity is reported. sense for students who have jobs.
Think of it as your young adultʼs credit 4 Consider a rewards card carefully:
report inheriting your credit habits. Your Once young adults have established healthy
child will get his or her own card, but youʼll credit card habits and a more robust history,
remain the primary account holder. This they can move on to choosing the best card
means youʼre on the hook for any purchases for their situation. Those alluring rewards
they make. credit cards are popular because of their
4Apply for a secured or student credit perks and bonuses like cashback, bank
card: One option for students with limited points and travel miles on their purchases.
income and a short credit history is a But as exciting as they may be, if your young
secured credit card. This type of card will adult isnʼt careful, spending can easily get
help build credit history like a standard out of hand. These cards, some of which
credit card would. The main dif ference is have annual fees, should be reserved for
that secured cards require a deposit up‑ those who have a set budget and strict
front, which acts as the cardʼs credit limit. spending plan.
Despite forking over a deposit, your student W hether an authorized user on your
must still pay back the outstanding balance account or already on their own credit path,
in full and the funds from the deposit canʼt itʼs important for your young adult to under‑
be used to pay off the balance. After gradu‑ stand how credit works and how to interact
ating to a regular card or closing the secured with it responsibly.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info IMMIGRATION November 23-29, 2019 27

The B-1 Visa - for the

By Dev Banad Viswanath,
Esq. & Michael Phulwani, Esq.

I
f a foreign individual would
like to come to the U.S. for

Business Traveler
some sort of short business
activity they will most likely have
to apply for a B‑1 visa. A B‑1 visa
is a temporary non‑immigrant
business visa. This visa is for for‑

VISA
an additional six months. The 1 visas granted; those numbers Any dependents of B‑1 nonim‑
eign individuals who are coming maximum total amount of time include boarder crossing cards. migrants, spouse and children
to the U.S for business purposes. permitted in B‑1 status on a sin‑ From the year 2014 to 2018 under the age of 21, are not

TALK
BUT NOT TO WORK. Some quali‑ gle trip is one year. An individual there has been a steady decrease allowed to obtain a dependent
fying business purposes include: is not required to have a return in the number of B‑1 visas that visa.
ticket when they come to the U.S. are granted. This may be con‑ Each dependent who will join
8 Settling an estate, but they should have evidence nected to the stricter compliance the B‑1 visa holder to the U.S.
8 Negotiating a contract, valid visa in an expired passport with them to show that they have with immigration rules and regu‑ must apply separately for a B‑2
8 Taking part in short‑term to a new passport. The foreign a reason to leave go back home lations under the Trump visitor visa and must follow the
training, or individual will need to carry both at the end of their stay. One of Administration. rules of that visa.
8 Consulting with business their old passport with the valid the requirements needed for an
associates visa and their new passport or individual to be granted a B‑1 Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
apply for a new visa to be includ‑ visa is to show that they will be The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States,
Foreign individuals entering ed in the new passport. here for a specific amount of and Banad Immigration in India for which
the U.S. under a B‑1 visa may not Under a B‑1 visa a foreign indi‑ time and they plan on returning Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of
do any productive work or vidual may stay in the U.S. to their foreign home. A B‑1 visa Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
accept paid or unpaid work. The between one and six months, six is a temporary visa and therefore Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to assist
B‑1 visa status does not give an months being the maximum. an individual cannot stay in the clients with all facets of the immigration process,
individual permission to manage However, most B1 visa appli‑ U.S. for an infinite amount of including Employment Visas, Consular Visa
a business or start a new busi‑ cants will get 3 months of Assistance, Student Visas, Removal &
time.
ness. When planning to travel to Deportation, US Citizenship and Green Card
authorized entry. The rationale is From the year 2014 there has
the U.S. with a B‑1 visa, the for‑ Applications based on Family or Employment.
that there is really no need for a been decrease in the number of
eign individual must make sure Dev B. Viswanath can be reached at
person to be in the US for more B‑1 visas that were granted. Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
they have a valid passport as than months on a non‑working According to the Department of Dev will be working from the India offices from
well. If their passport is expired business trip. After the initial State (DOS) in 2014 there were November 5th to November 20th for any
and it contains a valid visa in it a period of stay ends, an extension 44,880 B‑1 visas granted and in assistance or consultations.
U.S. Embassy will not transfer a of stay may be granted for up to 2018 there were only 38,705 B‑

80,000 immigrants Supreme Court leans

approved for DACA have toward Trump plan to
arrest records: USCIS
Washington: Nearly 80,000 immigrants 79,398 had arrest records. Of that num‑
end DACA program
approved for the Deferred Action for ber, 67,861 were arrested before their
Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, most recent DACA approval, while 15,903
which shields those who came to the were arrested after their most recent
country illegally as minors from deporta‑ approval.
Protesters
tion, have an arrest record ‑‑ including T he of fenses incurred by DACA
outside
arrests for violent or sexual offenses. The requestors who were arrested before their the
data released recently by U.S. Citizenship most recent approval include battery Supreme
and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows (3,421), assault (3,308), burglary, break‑ Court as
only arrests or apprehensions for a crimi‑ ing and entering (1,471), rape (62), mur‑ it was
nal offense or an immigration‑related civil der (15) and theft or larceny (7,926). The hearing
of fense and does not take into account largest population arrested were suspect‑ the
whether there was a conviction, acquittal, ed of driving‑related of fenses excluding DACA case
dismissal or a lessening of charges. DUIs (23,305) and immigration‑related
T he report finds that of the nearly of fenses (12,968.) The report comes as
889,000 applicants for the DACA pro‑ the Obama‑era programʼs constitutionali‑
gram, 110,000 had arrest records. Of the ty is under examination at the Supreme
Washington: The Supreme Court last week ation. The court's four liberal justices
more than 765,000 approved for DACA, Court.
appeared likely to side with the Trump argued that the decision to end DACA
administration in its ef fort to end a pro‑ should rise or fall on the administration's

Citizenship application
gram that lets nearly 700,000 young, tenuous claim that it was illegal, rather than
undocumented immigrants live and work in what Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
the USA without fear of deportation. said might be a more legitimate reason: "We

fees up by 80% During an extended, 80‑minute oral argu‑

ment inside a packed courtroom that includ‑
ed some of the threatened immigrants, sev‑
don't like DACA, and we're taking responsi‑
bility for that, instead of trying to put the
blame on the law."
Washington: The Trump administration increase by 56%, from $1,760 to eral conservat ive just ices noted the Chief Justice John Roberts looked to be
last week proposed increasing the cost $2,750. The government is also seeking Department of Homeland Security laid out the key vote, as he was in June when he
of applying for U.S. citizenship and a to remove fee waivers on these forms, several reasons for its decision to rescind voted with the court's four liberal justices to
marriage‑based green card, as well as among others. Some asylum seekers will the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, strike down the Trump administration's
for the first time charging a fee for asy‑ also be required to pay $50 to apply for or DACA, program. effort to add a citizenship question to the
lum applications. Under the new propos‑ asylum, making the United States only 1 Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch acknowl‑ 2020 census. This time, he said the attorney
al, published in the Federal Register, fees of 4 countries in the world to charge for edged that the case's "sympathetic facts ... general might be justified to say DACA was
for citizenship would increase by more an asylum application. The government speak to all of us," but he said the large illegal after a related ruling by the U.S.
than 80%, from $640 to $1,170. For will also increase fees for recipients of number of people affected and the impact Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit that the
marriage‑based green cards filed within DACA program, from $495 to $765 to ending DACA would have on employers and Supreme Court upheld on a 4‑4 vote in
the United States, application fees would renew their protections. entire communities was taken into consider‑ 2016.
 28 November 23-29, 2019 LIFESTYLE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

UK royals undergo wellness Salman Khan appeals fitness

treatment in Bengaluru freaks not to use steroids
B S
ritish royals Prince Charles alman Khan, who has people can easily figure it's a
Prince inspired millions of peo‑ body built by steroids and not
and Princess Camilla who
Charles and ple in the country to naturally. That kind of body
are visiting India have
Princess take up fitness with his muscu‑ cannot last long," said Salman,
undergone traditional wellness Camilla
treatment at a private spa in lar brawn, has urged fitness while interacting with the media
planted a freaks not to use steroids, point‑ at the preview of Being Strong
Bengaluru this week, an official said champa
on Saturday. ing out that such substances Fitness Equipment on Sunday in
sapling
triggered off liver and kidney Mumbai.
"Prince of Wales Charles and inside the
Duchess of Cornwall Camilla have campus of ailments besides causing other Salman started a huge fitness
undergone Ayurvedic we llness Soukya harmful effects to the body. revolution in India way back in
treatment at our spa Soukya," a International "Nowadays, there is a trend of 1998, after his shirtless avatar
spokesperson said in a statement. Holistic taking steroids but it's really a in the iconic song O oh jaane
The Prince also celebrated his Health wrong trend. I feel no one jaana in Pyaar Kiya To Darna
71st birthday in the presence of his Center should use these. In fact, a lot of Kya became a rage. Since then,
family and friends on November 14. people misuse steroids, which is youngsters especially have
"The royals were at the spa for Interestingly, Prince Charles is British royal family for more than really bad for their bodies started hitting the gym to have
the sixth time for the wellness treat‑ the patron of the Faculty of 15 years. because you can damage your a similar hunky frame.
ment, starting on November 11 Homeopathy in the UK. In April 2018, Prince Charles and liver and kidney. There are a lot Talking about the timing of
with Princess Camilla and the The royal couple also planted a Prime Minister Narendra Modi of people who have died doing workouts for being fit and
Prince joining her on November champa sapling on the Soukya cam‑ jointly inaugurated an Ayush Centre exercises in the gym because of healthy, Salman said,
14," Soukya said. pus, whose bark is used in at the St. Charles Hospital, London heart failure. So, it is not the "Whenever I get time, I exercise
At Soukya, the royal couple ayurvedic medicine for treating dis‑ where Dr. Mathai is an adviser. right thing to do at all." one body part. Sometimes, I
underwent dif ferent ayurvedic, orders in the heart, blood vessels, Other world‑famous personalities "I think protein shakes and exercise the stomach, chest or
naturopathic and yoga treatments. cholesterol and blood pressure. who underwent treatment at supplements are good for your legs, because I don't have the
The wellness center said homeop‑ Soukya, located at Whitefield, a Soukya include Nobel Laureate body but the kind of steroids time to spend an hour or two in
athy is the first choice of treatment southeast suburb in Bengaluru, is Desmond Tutu, Hollywood actress people are consuming are very the gym. Wherever I spot a
for the British royal family for more run by Dr Isaac Mathai who has Emma Thompson and royalty from harmful. With those steroids, small place, I start doing exer‑
than 100 years. been a health consultant to the the Middle East and Europe. you can build your body but cises."

HUMOR
Man caught
stealing ice Sale of cow-dung cakes at US store
cream during
live news report fuels Twitterati's imagination
A A
Twitter post by an Indian journalist ry." "If someone wants to eat them, they cooking." In a cheeky play on words, one user
man in the US was caught
on Monday on the sale of cow‑dung should be allowed to do so," read a tweet. said: "Isko dekh kar maine DUNG reh gaya."
stealing ice cream during
cakes in a US store for Rs 215 elicited One user reminded that "Religious or not, Earlier this year, Amazon was selling ''nat‑
a live news report, in a
witty responses from users. this is good fuel for conventional Punjabi ural'' coconut shells for nearly Rs 1,400.
hilarious video that has gone
"My cousin sent me this. Available at a gro‑
viral on social media and has
gathered more than three million
views on Twitter. In the video, a
cery store in Edison, New Jersey. $2.99 only.
My question: Are these imported from desi Laughter is the Best Medicine
cows or are they from Yankee cows?" Samar
Fox Sports reporter does his
Halarnkar tweeted on his handle @samar11.
piece to camera during a live
The accompanying picture showed a pack‑
report on an ice hockey match,
et of 10 cow‑dung cakes, with the label duly
with fans cheering and waving in
informing prospective customers that the
the background. Then, a man in
product was meant only for "religious pur‑
the crowd slyly takes away an ice
poses" and was "not eatable" (sic).
cream cone from the hand of
The post got quite a few humorous reac‑
another person who is busy talk‑
tions. One user wrote: "Better to market them
ing to his friend and looking at
as ''Cow Dung Cookies'' in the US."
his phone.
"It does not guarantee the ''cakes'' are made
He takes a large bite of the ice
from Cow‑Dung from cows native to India,"
cream and then tries to return it
said another user.
to the owner but decides to dis‑
One tweet said: "Product of India."
appear into the crowd as the man
Another asked: "Is that from buf falo???
realizes that his dessert is miss‑
Raw material input/output high!!!"
ing and begins looking around
One raised suspicion on the quality of the
for the thief.
product in a witty way: "Morality question is
The viral video has been shared
kya inka character dheela hai #sorrynotsor‑
by ESPN and the Carolina
Hurricanes, one of the teams
playing the ice hockey match.
"Crime of the century," they
tweeted along with the viral
video.
Since being shared on
November 12, the video has By Mahendra Shah
received over 48,000 likes and
nearly 14,000 retweets. T he Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist,
video has been viewed more than cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for
three million times. the past many year in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY November 23-29, 2019 29

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

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

NOVEMBER 23‑29, 2019

Aries: A favourable week is foreseen Cancer: An invitation to marriage Libra: Weather may become your Capricorn: This week, you will be
which allows you to accomplish or party may be received.Someone enemy number one on the health favourably placed, both personally
much. An important presentation is may approach you in a matter front, if you are not careful.Lover and professionally. Newlyweds can
like ly to go we ll, as you are at your related to your profession. Being fully pre‑ may appear off mood, so keep away and expect blissful togetherness! Family will
impressive best! Body aches and pains pared on the academic front is a mis‑ give space. Moneywise, you will not face be supportive of your ideas, but only to an
troubling you for the last few days will dis‑ nomer, so keep at it! Those planning a any problems as you will have enough. extent. On the social front, you can expect
appear. You will manage to plan your family are in for some good news. You and Finishing a school project can be a trying the support of your admirers and well‑
expenditure accurately and keep within your beloved coo like two lovebirds! Job experience, but you will be able to com‑ wishers. Financial soundness may encour‑
the budget.Social front is likely to remain dissatisfaction is likely to make you look plete it.Some minor ailment on the health age you to invest in risky ventures, but
abuzz with excitement about something for greener pastures. Expect an eventful front can trouble you for a long period, if donʼt succumb to temptations. A set
that concerns you. journey. you are not cautious enough to prevent it. routine is your key to good health, so stick
Taurus: Unfounded fears may dis‑ Leo: Work is likely to chase you this Scorpio: T he wee k holds much to it.
turb you this week on the academic week. Project yourself in a befitting promise, but efforts will be required Aquarius: You are likely to remain
front. Things may not go your way manner, if you want to get noticed to grab opportunities. You derive socially active by visiting or call‑
at work, if you donʼt regain control of the by those who matter on the professional much pleasure and immense happiness in ing over your near and dear
workplace situation. Influencing someone front. A responsibility needs to be dis‑ togetherness by seeking the company of ones.Love life needs resurrection.There is
to turn things in your favour may meet charged on the social front. Do so at the partner. a good chance of being entrusted with a
with mixed success. You manage to recov‑ earliest. Overdoing anything this week on Comfortable financial situat ion w ill prestigious project on the professional
er money invested in a bad deal, but not the fitness front may cost you dear. Do a prompt you to think beyond daily needs. A front. You will be able to add to your
without your share of hiccups. Regular bit of financial planning, before you start difficult phase begins on the academic wealth by managing your funds well.You
exercise and controlled diet promises to thinking on the lines of investment. front, so tighten your belt. A minor ail‑ can go ahead with financial deals or trans‑
keep you fit. Virgo: You will be able to make ment irritates, but not for long. actions as the week appears favourable.
Gemini: A new field of work is likely much progress on lagging projects Sagittarius: Job interviews or job Pisces: If you get a chance to see a
to fascinate you and push you to at work. Your ability to impress oth‑ related activities are likely to take new place, donʼt miss the opportu‑
take it full time.You will soon taste ers is likely to make you popular on the some t ime to bear fruits. It is nity. The professional front seems
the satisfaction of climbing the ladder of social front. A good time with family is important to remain positive. Donʼt shy quite rosy the whole week as you are like‑
success on the professional front.Financial foreseen as you enjoy bliss and together‑ away from taking help on the academic ly to score over your compet itors.
constraints that you had been experienc‑ ness. Positive happenings all around will front. Be careful with whom you associate Domestic front can find you in the exciting
ing up till now are set to ease. You can keep you happy and contented.Those liv‑ romantically as a two‑timing individual company of friends and relations. It is best
safely say goodbye to an old ailment that ing on rent will soon be able to own their may prove disastrous for your peace of to nip a minor ailment in the bud by tak‑
had been troubling you for long.An over‑ own house. Ailment that is troubling you mind. Those contemplating a joint busi‑ ing preventive measures. A windfall by
seas assignment may come your way and will show signs of disappearing through a ness venture should postpone it by at least way of inheritance or gift cannot be ruled
promises to prove most exciting. new line of treatment. a month. out for some.

November 23, 2019 long lasting re lationships.

Governed by number 5 and the ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK Relations with someone of the
planet Mercury. You are intelligent, opposite sex will strengthen giving
sharp, sensible, business oriented, opposition to arise from partners. significant. control your tendency to behave a refreshing and interesting twist
dignified, original and dashing per‑ New romance for some, so make shy, arrogant and moody at times. to your life. Some exciting news
son. People perceive you as a very the best of it. Meditation and Yoga November 26, 2019 The coming year improves finan‑ from children will lift your spirits.
warm and friendly person, but you should be practiced for spiritual as Influenced by number 8 and the cial status of many and some even Rise in your medical bills as health
need to check your tendency to well as physical gains. Some exhil‑ planet Saturn. You are ambitious, inherit ancestral property. Business of your parents could cause tension
behave restless and impatient at arating news from your children authoritative, will flourish and financial gains will and anxiety. T he months of
times. will bring happiness later in the systematic, sober and simple per‑ lift your confidence. Legal matters February, May, October and
Financially a very favorable peri‑ year. The months of February, May, son. You have great potential to that have been haunting your mind December seem to be highly
od starts this year, but you should August and November will be high‑ influence large group of people. will settle to your satisfaction. eventful.
avoid getting involved in conflict ly eventful. You possess modern, revolutionary Promotions and increments are
with loved ones. You would make views which keep you in the lime‑ likely for some. Romance however November 29, 2019
financial gains through sale of November 25, 2019 light, but you need to control your will not be pleasant as frequent Governed by number 3 and the
property, accrual of rent, dividends Dominated by number 7 and the tendency to behave stubborn and arguments and disagreements will planet Jupiter, you are bold, ambi‑
or interests. This is also a good planet Neptune, you are highly cre‑ jealous at times. keep on bothering your mind. tious, dignified, courageous and
time to invest in long‑term invest‑ ative, af fectionate, trustworthy, This year you would have abun‑ Students will perform remarkably intelligent person. You are hard
ments and speculations. Children original, energetic and emotional dance of energy, which if properly we ll in academics and sports. working and always appreciated
would be a source of immense hap‑ person. You never run away from used would bring you overwhelm‑ Those suf fering from blood pres‑ for your commitment and efforts,
piness and win laurels in their difficult task. What might appear ing results. Financially it seems to sure and piles need to take extra but you need to control your ten‑
fields. Pilgrimage or a distant jour‑ impossible to others would look be a good period to invest in stocks care of their health. The months of dency to behave erratic, stubborn
ney will be high on your cards. The like a challenge to you. You have and property, but all investments March, August and December will and lazy at times.
months of March, July and great talents, but you need to con‑ should be made for a long‑term be highly significant. Financially this promises to be a
December will be highly significant. trol your tendency to behave arro‑ basis. A distant journey seems like‑ highly lucrative year. New contract
gant and dominating at times. ly later in the year, most probably November 28, 2019 or partnership will take shape, lift‑
November 24, 2019 This coming period is good for for attending some auspicious Influenced by number 1 and the ing your moral and confidence.
Ruled by number 6 and the plan‑ starting new ventures. Projects that occasion. Friends and relatives will Sun, you are active, energetic, Investment in stocks and real
et Venus. You have a pleasant per‑ have been slow till now would gain not be very helpful and should not determined, responsible and origi‑ estate recommended. Businessmen
sonality, sharp memory and you momentum. Disputes if any would be depended upon. The months of nal. You are creative and highly dealing in trading and export will
are very fond of worldly pleasures. get sorted out and bring a sense of March, June, August and January result oriented person, but you benefit. Students will find this peri‑
You are very methodical, emotional re lief to your mind. Romantic will prove to be beneficial. need to curb your tendency to od highly exciting, adventurous
and helpful person. You make your encounters with colleagues might behave reckless, spendthrift and and full of good opportunities.
plans and stick to it, but you need develop, though it would be very November 27, 2019 stubborn at times. Religious feeling will arise making
to control your tendency to behave short lived. Ruled by number 9 and the plan‑ New jobs and assignments will be you go for a pilgrimage later in the
moody, timid and spendthrift at Your competitive nature would et Mars. You are active, energetic, the highlight of the coming year. year. Nuptial knots for few love‑
times. make you stay ahead of others and trustworthy, systematic and quick Promotions and transfers for some birds. Chronic patients need to take
This year businessmen would also make you popular amongst in taking decisions. You always wel‑ employees. Investment in property preventive medication. Drive care‑
expand their ventures into new and your peers. Friends will be helpful come new ideas and are fond of will yield good returns in the long fully, especially during the night.
more profitable avenues. You but demanding. T he months of reading to increase your knowl‑ run. Frequent and fruitful journeys The months of June, August and
would do extremely well if you deal February, May, September and edge and discover new and will be undertaken bringing mone‑ January seem to be important and
in real estate, but expect some November will prove to be unknown things, but you need to tary gains and help you build up significant.
 30 November 23-29, 2019 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

PEACE, HARMONY AND

HUMAN UNITY
would find a wellspring of eternal
peace and happiness. We would
“Because I am a sheep.”
The lion said, “Come with me.” It . Enlightened the things the mother denied him
or her that were ultimately not
discover the secret of unity
underlying this Universe.
brought the young lion to a pool
of water. “Look down into the still
living good.
Many people are anxious about
pool,” said the lion. When the There is a quotation by the making choices. The way to be

By Sant Rajinder Singh Honoring saints young lion looked down, it great Greek philosopher, Socrates. sure we make the right choices
jumped back startled to see a He said, “Our prayers should be about what to pray for is to pray
Ji Maharaj and founders of lionʼs face staring back at it.” for blessings in general, for God that God gives us what is best for

I
f we were to look down upon all religions “See! You are a lion,” the older
lion told him. “That is who you
knows best what is good for us.”
This quote coincides with the
us. God makes no mistake. Rather
than pray for something that may
this physical world from a high
vantage point, we would find
through or may not be the best for us, let
us pray for Godʼs will for us.
the light of billions of souls shim‑
mering throughout the world.
meditation If we relax and rest in Godʼs
will, we will find that everything
Like a foaming sea, they move The various religious and spiri‑ works out for the best in the long
about from one life to another, tual traditions have more com‑ run. Meditation is a process of
from one form of living thing to monalities than dif ferences. The relaxing in Godʼs will. Meditation
another. All the souls, when seen common core of each is the same. provides a time when we can let
in their true perspective, are the They believe in a higher power, go of all clutching and praying for
same. They are all a part of God's althoug h called by dif ferent this thing and that. It is a time in
consciousness; they are all Light, names, which created all of us. which we sit in a state of stillness
and they all have an innate bliss. They also believe that we have a and surrender to Godʼs will. It is a
But if we look at the condition spiritual core within us created by chance to let go of all our wants
of our world, we are appalled and the hig her Power. T hey also and desires.
shocked by the suffering and pain speak of tapping into this spiritu‑ We merely sit in a receptive
each form of life is undergoing. al side of ourse lves throug h mood and ask God to grant what
We find strife and dissension prayer, meditation, or inversion to is best for us. We will find that
throughout the world. We find uncover our Source. While lan‑ God will give us much more than
countries at war. Many nations guage, terminology, and customs we had expected.T hat is the
are embroiled in internal con‑ differ, at the heart of all are prac‑ secret to enlightened living.
flicts. We see religious groups at t ices that connect our true Through meditation, we will
odds with each other. Community essence, the soul, with the higher find the treasure of spiritual
strife is widespread. Even within Power. pearls to enlightened living that
families we find discord and Saints, Masters, spiritual teach‑ will bring us peace, happiness,
disharmony. We find human ers, and enlightened beings, such and bliss. God wants us to live in
beings killing various forms of as Budd ha, Jesus Christ, (Image courtesy: stockphotos.ro) eternal peace and bliss in the
life, including other human Mahavira, Moses, Krishna, Rama, spiritual realm.
beings. Guru Nanak, Kabir, Maulana prayer to Go d to
really are.”
We wonder how there can be so Rumi, St.Teresa of Avila, Mira Bai, give us whatever is good for us.
We are in the same predicament
Time and again, whenever we
much pain and turmoil caused by
people who have within them the
Hazur Baba and many others
came to help connect people of
as the lion. We think we are the
body and the mind. We do not
demand something from God that The essence of
same divinity of God. This seem‑
ing "fragmentation" of God into so
their times with the divine within
them. To understand the role of
realize that we are soul. We are
is continually denied to us, it is
usually because we are asking for
religion
not sheep; we are lions̶true
many souls was meant to bring an saints and Masters, there is a something that is not good for us
sons and daughters of the Divine. Saints from every religion teach
increase in the Lord's happiness. story about a lion cub that ultimately.
The stillness of meditation is the the same truth. They help us find
Just as a couple bear children to became lost from its mother. A reflecting pool in which we can T here have been many
the common elements in each.
increase their mutual love and mother sheep found the lion cub see who we really are. When our instances in which people prayed
They have love and respect for
joy, so did God bring about the frig htened and alone in the body and mind are still, we can to God for something, and God
other great saints and the world's
creation of so many souls, so wilderness. Out of compassion, see our own true self as soul. did not grant their wish. Later
religions. They recognize that
many children. Yet the result is the sheep took the cub and raised Meditat ion is a pract ical they came to learn that receiving
they are teaching the same Truth.
far from what was intended. We her as her very own. T he cub method in which we can discover the wish would not have been a
Although outer languages, cul‑
who are moving packets of bliss grew up with the other sheep and our true self as soul and achieve good thing after all. Will a mother
tures, customs, and the way of
and all‑consciousness are aware began acting like them. Crying, spiritual consciousness by reunit‑ allow the child to have poison?
dressing and greeting may differ
of great pain and torment. “Baaah, baaah,” it even began to ing our soul w ith the hig her T he child may cry for it and
from country to country, the
If we could return to our true believe it was also a sheep. Power. It is a way to discover our throw a tantrum, but if it is poi‑
essence of religions is the same:
state and realize we are soul, we One day, a lion came by and true purpose in life and to reach son, the mother will not grant it.
there is one God, we are children
would find lasting peace and thought it strange to hear this the goal of enlightenment in this Instead the mother will give the
of one Creator, and our purpose is
ecstasy. If we could tap deeply young lion baaahing like a sheep. lifet ime. In this way, we can child what is best for him or her.
to know ourselves, know God, and
within ourselves, penetrating The lion asked, “Why are you uncover who we really are and The child may not realize it at the
love all.
beyond the outer form of this making sounds like you are a can truly say that we know our‑ time, but as the child grows and
physical bo dy and mind, we sheep?” T he young lion said, selves learns, the child is grateful for all (For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info November 23-29, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info November 23-29, 2019

YOU DESERVE
AFFORDABLE
HEALTH CARE
NY State of Health offers high-quality plans with
Free Preventive Care. Low Premiums. Low Out-of-Pocket Costs.
Get free one-on-one help from health insurance counselors to compare plans, apply for financial assistance
to lower your costs, and choose coverage that works for you.

TEXT: HEALTH TO 917-905-7422 TO LEARN MORE

FIND YOUR PLAN AND ENROLL BY DECEMBER 15

FOR COVERAGE STARTING JANUARY 1.

Call: 1-855-355-5777 or TTY: 1-800-662-1220

Visit: nystateofhealth.ny.gov

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