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Four honored at
AAPI-QLI gala
BOLLYWOOD 18
SUBCONTINENT 20
Sant Chatwal is
spared jail term in
straw donors case
RELIGION 26
Related stories on
page >> 20-21
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30
excellence in journalism
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Honorees (from left): Dr Samin K. Sharma, Dr Ashok Shaha, and Dr Uma Mysorekar.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TURN PAGE
he is an Indian-American doctor,
while ethnically satisfying to some,
is really irrelevant except for one
issue: proof positive of America's
merit-based generous soul that is at
its core color-blind even as everyone's blood is red. Vivek will be
judged not for his tan, height or
plentiful hair - but can he make
America healthier and drive down
systemic health care costs driven by
bad behavior and bad food; as health
care costs are crippling our economy and we need to get in shape to
compete with the three mandate-rich
countries: China, India and now
Japan."
AAPI-QLI honors 4...
Continued from page 3
group working with the government
to improve quality of care for dialysis patients. He is also Chancellor of
Xavier University School of
Medicine, Aruba and has served on
the prestigious New York State
Public Health Council.
Dr. Uma Mysorekar, a retired
obstetrician/gynecologist serving as
the President of the Hindu Temple
Society of North America in
Flushing, NY, was honored for her
dedication to the Indian American
community.
Dr. Samin K. Sharma, who performs over 1,500 complex coronary
interventions annually with minimal
Associate Editors
Jinal Shah, Hiral Dholakia-Dave,
Meenakshi Iyer
Notice: The South Asian Times is published weekly by The Forsythe Media Group, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send all address notices, subscription orders/payments and other inquiries to The South Asian
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views expressed on the opinion pages and in the letters to the editor pages are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of The South Asian Times. The editor/publisher does not warrant accuracy
and cannot be held responsible for the content of the advertisements placed in the publication and/or inaccurate claims, if any, made by the advertisers. Advertisements of business or facilities included in this
publication do not imply connection or endorsement of these businesses. All rights reserved.
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TRISTATE COMMUNITY
Times that they have been distributing flyers on streets and holding
information sessions to inform undocumented immigrants. We have
two components to our outreach
program information sessions
and community defence, he said
adding, The flyers were given to
cab drivers, women working in saree shops, restaurant workers and
other South Asian dominated pockets in Jackson Heights, Queens
area. The flyers simply state the
historical context of the information, status of the executive order,
information on who qualifies and
who doesnt, and where people can
get legal advice.
So far DRUM has organized two
such information sessions attended
Roshni Media Group announces How the kids who swam to school in Gujarat were helped
Leadership Awards Gala
(L to R): New York Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay welcomes the guests; Shalley Pathak, Dr. Rashmee Sharma,
designer Bibhu Mohapatra and Mani Kamboj.
The Bhallas (left) carried a motor boat from New York to give
and help the students.
done their homework, says Kantibhai Baria, Principal of the Sri Mastram Vinay Vidya Mandir, the school
attended by the village kids.
In this project, the Bhallas were
joined by volunteers of Bhagwan
Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham, a
charitable and spiritual organization,
which donated a battery for the motor boat as it could not be carried
from New York on the aircraft. Then,
Inphynyt, Indias leading manufacturer of automotive and industrial
batteries, donated a costly marine
battery.
On why the Gujarat government
could not remedy the situation, Mr.
Bhalla says, No government in the
world should be expected to solve all
problems of the society. We need to
inculcate the spirit of volunteerism
in India so that people blessed with
success and financial resources
come forward and solve such
problems.
The Bhallas are back in New York
but keep in touch with the villagers
and the children they helped in
Gujarat.
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
IN BRIEF
Lehman to tender a formal public apology. Rajan Zed stressed that Hindus were
for free speech as much as anybody else if
not more. But faith was something sacred
and attempts at belittling it hurt the devotees. Museums should be more sensitive
while handling faith related subjects, Zed
added. Goddess Kali, who personifies
Shakti or divine energy and considered
the goddess of time and change, is widely
worshiped in Hinduism.
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Dr Ami Bera
economic and strategic relationship between our countries and to advocate for the
Indian American community."
"As Republican Chair of the
India Caucus, George will
focus in on growing the relationship between our two
democracies, emphasizing our
nations' shared interests from
global security to trade and
international prosperity," said
Roskam.
The US-India bilateral relationship "can be one of the
defining partnerships of this
century," Holding said.
He too looked to advancing
the efforts of the Caucus as
"With a shifting geopolitical situation in Asia, unwavering
cooperation between the US and
India is essential to promoting
peace and stability."
Formed in 1993, the 180
member India Caucus is a bipartisan group of members dedicated to championing strong ties
between the US and India and
supporting the Indian-American
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
UST Global CEO Sajan Pillai welcomes Vice President Joe Biden
at its STEM Initiative Step IT Up in Detroit
US AFFAIRS
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Race to 2016
10
INDIA
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Saffron organizations in the past few days have intensified their the home coming
program in states after Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
New Delhi: The uproar over reported religious conversion and comments by members
from the ruling BJP continued to rock the
Rajya Sabha this week, forcing several
adjournments and stalling proceedings.
The government, however, managed to
introduce in the house a bill to make stringent
laws on hijacking, even as opposition members raised slogans.
The upper house, where the government is
in minority, earlier lost nearly five days of
government business over a row on minister
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti's comments, and is lagging far behind the Lok Sabha in transacting
government business.
The session had just four working days left.
Congress leader Anand Sharma made it
clear that the party will not let the house function unless Prime Minister Narendra Modi
comes.
The opposition was also upset that the prime
minister made a comment on the issue at a
meeting of the BJP's parliamentary board, but
did not come to the house.
"Does the prime minister need a visa to
come to this house?" asked Trinamool
Congress member Derek O'Brien.
The Gita Press has shut down indefinitely owing to labor unrest.
INDIA
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Bird flu:
11
12
INDIA
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
President, PM
congratulate
ISRO scientists
deployed.
The module soft crashed in Bay of Bengal
near Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
From here, the crew modules multi-modal
and multi-state transport journey would begin.
A naval ship tracking the signals from the
module will pick up the module and deliver it
at the Ennore Port near Chennai in Tamil
Nadu. From there it will be brought to
Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh and then it will
be taken to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre,
Thiruvanthapuram in Kerala.
At the mission control centre there was no
control on ISRO's scientists happiness at the
success.
Speaking about the mission, ISRO's
Chairman K. Radhakrishan said: "India started development of the rocket a decade ago
and today completed the first experimental
flight.
S. Somanath, project director of GSLV
Mark III, said: "India now has a new launch
vehicle. The payload capability of the Indian
rocket has been enhanced significantly."
The mission success is sweet for the Indian
space fraternity as it comes after successful
launch of Mars Orbiter last year and older version of GSLV rocket powered by its own
cryogenic engine early this year.
A cryogenic engine is more efficient as it
provides more thrust for every kilogram of
propellant burnt.
This was the second mission of GSLV rocket during the last four years after two such
rockets failed in 2010.
The GSLV-Mark III is designed to be a three
stage/engine rocket with a lift off weight of
630 tonnes.
OP-ED
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13
By Sitaram Yechury
Declaring Christmas as the day of good governance is targeting the Christian minority when the Jharkhand elections are on.
N Madhavan
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
Anerood Jugnauth
DIASPORA
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
The Old War Office Building was once the hub of British war
time PM Winston Churchill
OHLD.
The property, spread across
580,000 square feet, has been sold
on a 250-year lease to Hinduja
Group-OHLD for an undisclosed
amount following a competitive
bidding process, the ministry said.
"We will make every effort to
honor the heritage and restoration
of this national monument, elevate
its status and reconnect it with the
public," S.P. Hinduja and his brother G.P. Hinduja said of the prestigious deal.
"We will forge a new future for
the site, creating a vibrant and sustainable destination that retains and
enhances the historical importance
of the building," they said. "We are
proud to be playing such a crucial
role in this new chapter for the Old
War Office."
Shriti Vadera picked to chair Santander UK GOPIO and NISU (UK) collaborate for
London: Shriti Vadera, an
treasury advisor before
Indian-origin minister in
becoming a Labor peer,
former British Prime
the report said.
Minister Gordon Brown's
Vadera will be the first
government, has been
woman to chair a big bank
named by the Spanish
in Britain and one among
banking group Santander
a small number of female
to chair its British busichairpersons in large
ness.
British businesses. Just
Vadera was a minister in
three of the FTSE 100
the British government
firms have women as their
during the days of the
chair.
global financial crisis.
She
was
dubbed
She will replace Terence
"Gordon Brown's repreBurns in March, who had
sentative on Earth" for her
Shriti Vadera
announced his plan to
affinity with the then prime
leave the board of the company in January.
minister's politics. However, she left the govVadera was made a life peer in the British ernment in 2009 to take up a job with the
House of Lords in July 2007 when Gordon G20.
Brown became the country's prime minister,
She had also taken up non-executive roles
two months before the collapse of Lehman at BHP Billiton and AstraZeneca.
Brothers, which unleashed global financial
"We're proud and excited to welcome Shriti
turmoil, The Telegraph reported Friday.
Vadera to Santander," said Ana Botin, chairShe was moved subsequently from the person of the Santander Group, adding,
department for international development to "(Vadera's) deep expertise in Britain and
a business-focused cabinet post in 2008.
global economies as well as her banking
Vadera had spent 14 years at the Swiss experience add to her credentials as a strong,
investment bank UBS and eight years as a independent non-executive chairperson."
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
JAN. 2015
18
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Aishwarya felicitated
at 'Miss World 2014'
Aishwarya Rai was felicitated by the Miss World Organization at
the 64th edition of the international beauty pageant in London for
her commitment to "beauty with a purpose" since winning the crown
two decades ago.
Described as embodiment of beauty with purpose, Aishwarya is
also seen as the most successful Miss World so far, a title that she
won in 1994. "I stand here overwhelmed by this honour. I thank
Miss World Organization for such an incredible honor that I have
received..." she said in her acceptance speech.
"To have the opportunity to hold the title, to wear the crown with
pride... that was my one time to go out there and experience beauty
with a purpose...," said the actress looking gorgeous in shimmery
gown.
The 41-year-old was accompanied by her mother Vrinda, husband
and actor Abhishek Bachchan and three-year-old daughter Aaradhya
on the stage. Having starred in movies like "Devdas" and "Hum Dil
De Chuke Sanam", she is now a regular at the prestigious Cannes
film festival. Meanwhile, Koyal Rana, Indias representative at the
Miss World this year, could only make it to the top 10. The crown
went to Miss South Africa.
Aamir
was first
choice for
'PK', not for
'3 Idiots':
Hirani
Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma in a
scene from the film 'PK.'
ricket
icon
Sachin
Tendulkar is floored by
Aamir Khan's performance
in the film "PK" and says it's the
best film that he has ever seen.
Sachin was present at a special
screening of the film hosted by
Aamir for him.
"The film is superb. I have promised Aamir so I won't disclose
much about the story. But I would
like to say that all of you please go
and watch this film as it is completely different. For me it's the
best film and best performance of
Aamir that I have ever seen,"
Sachin said.
"His role in the film is completely different. It is completely out-ofthe box film with a very strong
message. It is a must watch film.
Without any doubt it is his best per-
formance," he added.
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani and
co-produced by Hirani and Vidhu
Vinod Chopra, "PK" will see
Aamir as an astronaut and
speaking Bhojpuri.
Further, the master
blaster praised
Anushka's performance as well
and
added:
"Aamir
and
Anushka's pair
was amazing.
It's a must
watch".
"PK" also features Sanjay Dutt,
Sushant Singh
Rajput and Saurabh
Shukla. It will hit the
screens this Friday.
Anil
Kapoor to
adapt US
show 'Modern
Family' for
India
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
19
20
SUBCONTINENT
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
The central
government
issued an
advisory
asking
states to
beef up
security.
SUBCONTINENT
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
21
eye-opener. We are ghting terrorism through operation Zarb-eAzb. We have been successful
and we have to cover very little
ground now to counter this menace," he added. Sharif also said
that the ban on capital punishment in terrorism cases would be
lifted, following which the terrorists facing death penalty could be
Kabul/Islamabad: Pakistani
army chief General Raheel
Sharif said terrorists were using
Afghan soil to carry out attacks
in Pakistan.
The army chief shared classied intelligence details with the
Afghan ofcials. He also
briefed the Afghan leadership
that the mastermind behind the
Peshawar attack had been giving directives to the perpetrators
of the attack from Afghanistan.
Afghan President Ashraf
Ghani said Afghanistan stood
with the people of Pakistan in
their hour of grief.
The army chief also met
International
Security
Assistance Force (ISAF) com-
Afghan President
Ashraf Ghani said
Afghanistan stood with
the people of Pakistan
in their hour of grief.
mander
General
Joseph
Dunford. Dunford condemned
the attack on the Army Public
School in Peshawar and assured
General Raheel of complete
cooperation in countering terrorism and security related matters. The army chief also reiterated Pakistan's demand to Kabul
to hand over Tehreek-i-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP) chief Mullah
Fazlullah.
22
INTERNATIONAL
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
evacuated. Also located in the vicinity are the offices of India Tourism,
State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda
and New India Insurance. The anxious hostages were earlier seen
standing with their hands raised at
the expansive French windows of
Lindt Chocolate Cafe at Martin
Place. A black and white apparently
jihadi flag was held up in one window. Five hostages fled in the early
part of the saga, and their desperate
dash to freedom was caught live on
camera.
BUSINESS
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
23
24
SPORTS
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
SC reserves verdict on
Srinivasan's ouster from BCCI
New Delhi: The Supreme
Court reserved its verdict on
the plea for barring N.
Srinivasan from seeking reelection the Indian cricket
board president and for terminating IPL franchisee
Chennai Super Kings (CSK),
owned by his company India
Cements Limited, on the
grounds of conflict of interest.
The petitioner Cricket
Association of Bihar (CAB)
sought the ouster of
Srinivasan from the Board of
Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI) on the grounds that
he was placed in a "conflict
of interest" situation on
account of his duties as the head of
the apex cricketing body of the
country and his interest as owner of
CSK.
Srinivasan is the vice-chairman
and managing director of India
Cements Limited that owns IPL
franchisee Chennai Super Kings.
The petitioner has also sought the
termination of CSK following the
N. Srinivasan
HEALTH
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
25
the reasons why we called our program The Art of Living, a generic
term that people could relate to
across race, religion and culture.
"It was Paramhansa Yogananda
and then Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
who brought respectability to yoga
in the West." He said in the last
three decades, the Art of Living had
taken yoga to 152 countries and had
26,000 yoga teachers worldwide.
26
RELIGION
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
tion with those with whom we are in conflict. In "Christmas" we see God humbling
Himself by becoming a human being to reconcile the hostile estranged humanity back to
Himself! So in Christ we can experience
"peace with God" which will lead us to the
"peace of God". May the "spirit of Christ"
prevail within us during this Christmas season and in the New Year that our world
which is steeply immersed in chaos, conflicts, wars, hatred and terrorism shall experience true peace, love and harmony! May
the proclamation of the angels from the
heavenly places at the birth of Christ "Glory
Rev. Wilson
Jose, a native of
India, has been
pastor of Grace
International
Assembly of
God
in
Mineola, New
York, for 30
years.
Jews celebrate the holiday by lighting a nine-branch candelabrum, commonly called a menorah.
SELF HELP
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
27
Modernize Your
Landline
As our mobile phones
functionality expands with each generation,
dont leave your home phone in the dark
ages. You can now link your mobile phone
calls to your home phone. For example, with
a Panasonic Link2Cell handset, you can link
up to two smartphones to make and receive
calls, as well as receive talking ID alerts so
you never miss a text. You dont even need a
separate landline to use these features.
Other technology highlights include
Enhanced Noise Reduction that allows you
to suppress background noise around callers
while simultaneously enhancing their voices, and a powerful battery back-up system
that keeps you connected when the power
goes out.
Home Theater
Bring the theater experience home by giving your living room or den a tech
makeover. A smart home theater system will
Move from STEM to STEAM, adding A as in arts How to dress for success in the New Year
TEM
(Science,
Te c h n o l o g y,
Engineering
and
Math) has been the buzz
phrase for educators for
some time. But, with many
school districts eliminating
art, music and other humanities classes, there has been a
recent push by educators to
change the focus from
STEM to STEAM, and add
arts back into the mix for a
more well-rounded education.
Many experts agree that STEAM
education is a great way to engage
children of all ages in creative play,
discovery and learning, says Dr.
Eric Klopfer, Platform Learning
Expert and member of the Expert
Panel at VTech, a world leader in
age-appropriate and developmental
stage-based electronic learning
products for children.
Whatever the present academic
focus of your local school district
is, you can help support a more
comprehensive education for your
children at home, while making it
fun. Heres how to incorporate
STEAM learning into your childrens playtime:
Art Time
The school day may not offer
hen
it
comes to
professional
success, the way you
present yourself in the
workplace should
complement the quality of your work.
Whether youre looking to advance your
career or simply make
a great impression, a
useful New Years resolution is to refine
your office look and style -- take
everything into account, your
wardrobe, your accessories and your
workspace.
You may not have the top job yet,
but the old adage holds true -- dress
for the job you want, not the one
you have. If budget is an issue,
dont sweat it. Online coupons can
help you score great deals at mass
market retailers. Additionally, discount department stores often sell
designer labels at a fraction of the
cost. Be sure to iron your clothes
even if your office is business casual. Invest in an iron and give yourself a few extra minutes in the
morning to ensure clothes are wrinkle-free. Every season, go through
your closet and set aside clothes that
28
HUMOR
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
by Mahendra Shah
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and
humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the
immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat,
he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
ASTROLOGY
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
29
of your health.
Finance this year: You will earn a lot of money from your
past investment this year. However, you should invest your
money after going through the market thoroughly. Do not
lend or money this year. You may spend a lot of money on
buying comfort and luxury for your family members.
Career this year: You will gain a lot of professional knowledge this year. You may think for a job change this year. You
may not get the job satisfaction in the organization you currently work for. You may not get the expected appraisal,
which would urge you to switch to another company.
Romance this year: You should avoid any kind of conflict
with your beloved. Plan a long holiday with your spouse to
make your relationship stronger. If you are unmarried, you
should not get to a marital relationship this year as the
movement of your stars is not favorable for marriage.
Lucky month: April, June and August.
24th December, 2014
Ruled planet: Venus Ruled by no :6
Traits in you: Your ruling planet Venus makes optimistic,
ambitious, caring, aspiring, and determined. You are very
social and love to make new friends and get into new relationships. You are a huge follower of intelligence and education.
Health this year: You need to focus on your health a little
more as you may fall sick frequently this year. You should
go for regular medical checkups to maintain a healthy life.
Your parents may fall sick towards the end of the year and
it will put you in immense pressure.
Finance this year: Your innovative ideas to earn money
may not meet your expectations. However, you need to
keep trying until you succeed. You will find it tough to
make money this year. You may go for investments in various sectors like shares, gold, land and so on.
Career this year: You will get enough opportunities in your
professional life to prove yourself. You will create a better
impression on your seniors or higher management, which
may result in promotion. You should work efficiently to
maintain your respect at your workspace.
Romance this year: You will share a blissful romantic relationship with your spouse or partner. Your marriage is on
cards if you are yet to marry. You will find your partner supportive enough in every crucial situation.
Lucky month: February, May and July.
25th December, 2014
Ruled planet: 7 Ruled by no :Neptune
Traits in you: By nature you are sober, courteous, unique,
honest and courageous as you are ruled by the powerful
planet Neptune. Your charming nature attracts people towards you. You love to face challenges and you fight them
pretty well by executing perfection. You need to check for
your impatience, rudeness, and frequent mood swings.
Health this year: You will enjoy a better health this year as
compared to last year. However, the health of an aged family member may deteriorate and that will make you bothered. You may end up spending lot of money for the health
issues of your family members.
Finance this year: This year may bring you huge financial
benefits. You will enjoy the returns of your investments. If
you want to gain financial profits, you have to work hard.
You may invest in various profitable businesses. However,
you should not start new partnerships or trust new friends.
Career this year: This year you will reach to the peak of
your professional career and it will offer you huge financial
benefits. This year will be pretty rewarding for female employees. You may get a better performance appraisal as well
as salary hike as compared to your expectations.
Romance this year: The emotional attachment with your
spouse or partner may blossom this year with lot of love,
care, and concern. If you are not married, then you may go
for a romantic relationship. You will enjoy a very blissful
time with your beloved.
Lucky month: July, August and December
26th December, 2014
Ruled planet: Saturn Ruled by no: 8
Traits in you: Your ruling planet Saturn makes you humble, honest, focused, practical, realistic and enthusiastic.
You are blessed with enormous talent and imagination.
Along with the positive characters in you, there are some
negative aspects in your nature. You need to work on your
nature of being envious, unreliable, and indiscipline.
Health this year: Though you would not face any major
health related issues, you should take extra care of your
health. Do not take unwanted risk of putting your health in
stake. Go for regular medical checkups.
Finance this year: As far as your financial condition is considered, you will enjoy a better status as compared to the
last year. You will get enough benefits from your previous
investments. You may plan for new investments. You may
go for partnerships to start new ventures. Domestic as well
as overseas ventures will be successful this year. You need
to create new contacts for the growth in your business as it
will earn you more projects and money.
Career this year: Professionally you will enjoy a smooth
life. You may get recognition in your professional circuit as
a result of your hard work and dedication. Your promotion
is on cards. You should take help of your seniors to learn
quickly and perform exceptionally well as it would help you
grow professionally.
Romance this year: Your relationship with your spouse or
partner will blossom this year. If you are not married, you
may have to wait for few more years though you are eligible for marriage.
Lucky month: January, May and October
30
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
any time we want through meditation. When we tap into this place
of peace and calm, we naturally
are beyond the reaches of stress
and anger. We are in a place of joy
and bliss that lasts with us even
when we come out of meditation.
To get started with the Jyoti
Meditation practice, which anyone
can try on your own at home or
anywhere you like, sit in a comfortable pose, most convenient to
you, in which you can sit still for
the longest possible time. While
meditating, it is not necessary to
hold hands or touch anyone else,
as any movement brings your
attention back down into the body,
distracting from concentration at
the seat of the soul, also called the
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