Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Spiritual Awareness 30
Mineola: Kamlesh C. Mehta, an Indian American with interests in media and diamond business has been promoted as Director of Business and Economic Development of Nassau County in New York State, one of Americas wealthiest counties. The first Indian American to hold the top business job at the County, Kamlesh Mehta said his primary role is to provide support to existing businesses which are suffering in tough economic times and create opportunities to attract new growth opportunities for diverse businesses in the County. Mehta joined the county administration as deputy Director in the office of Economic Development in January 2010 when newly elected county executive Edward Mangano took charge in Long island after a surprising victory over the two-term incumbent. Born and brought up in Beawar, Rajasthan, he started his diamond business in Mumbai before moving to New York in 1986 to expand. Mehta has interests in media and precious stones trade and is on the board of various businesses including Xavier Medical University and Indus American Bank. He is the Chairman of Forsythe Media Group which has grown exponentially as an integrated media, marketing and advertising enterprise. Mehta has led the publication,
Kamlesh Mehta promoted as Director of Nirupama Rao presents Business and Economic Development credentials to President Washington: Describing of Nassau County India-US global strategic
partnership as a defining and indispensible collaboration for the 21st Century, President Obama has said their dynamic friendship advances peace and prosperity in Asia and the world. Obama conveyed these sentiments to India's new Ambassador Nirupama Rao Indias ambassador to the US, Nirupama Rao, with President Obama as she presented her credentials to the president in the him and the first lady Michelle White House last Friday. Obama. Warmly welcoming Rao, who has An IFS officer of 1973 batch, Rao visited here as foreign secretary, is an advisor to the Prime Minister, Obama wished her every success in has served in world capitals includher high responsibilities as envoy to ing Washington and Moscow. She the US. Rao said India was greatly enjoys extensive experience in Indoencouraged by the president's strong China ties. From 1998-1999, she personal commitment to take the In- was Deputy Chief of Mission at the dia-US strategic partnership forward. Indian Embassy in Moscow. She was She also conveyed warm greetings High Commissioner to Sri Lanka from President Pratibha Patil and (2004-2006) and Ambassador to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to China (2006-2009).
Kamlesh C. Mehta has been appointed Director of Business & Economic Development, Nassau County, by County Executive Edward P. Mangano (right). The South Asian Times, to make it one of the most read US-based Indian newspapers via its print and online editions. Acknowledging his leadership role and extensive penetration in the community, the Business Resources Group honored Mehta with a Life Time Achievement Award and the National Federation of Indian American Associations felicitated him with its Excellence of Service award.
David Weprin (left) was defeated by Rob Turner in Queens-Brooklyn Congressional district. New York: Assemblyman David Weprin conceded the race Wednesday for the congressional seat Democrats had held for almost a century. Republican Bob Turner replaces the disgraced former Rep. Anthony Weiner in New York's 9th Congressional District comprising Brooklyn and Queens.Turner's victory was seen as a rebuke of President Obama's policies in a district that is mainly Democratic. Turner had campaigned in the overwhelmingly Jewish district against Obama's policies on Israel and the economy.However, White House press secretary Jay Carney said Weprin's loss is no barometer of Obama's re-election chances in 2012.Weiner, a Democrat, resigned in June after acknowledging he sent lewd photos and text messages to women he met online.
Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Jim Himes (D-CT) with Thomas Abraham, Past President Modi battle in 2004 comes from Congressional Research Service (CRS), an independent research arm of the US Congress. Its coordinator Dr. K. Alan Kronstadt said the report is a "scholarly compendium of information from various sources that does not in any way reflect the judgment of the US Congress or government of any kind". There are only brief and separate references made to Gandhi and Modi in the 98-page report titled "India: Domestic Issues, Strategic Dynamics, and U.S. Relations". have been used by sections of the Indian
media to suggest as if some elements of the US official establishment expect the 2014 elections in the country to be a direct battle between the two politicians. Some Congressmen ridiculed Modi supporters for tomtommig the report from America, which does not allow the Guajrat Chief Minister to step on its soilhe has been denied US visa over his alleged complicity in anti-Muslim rioting in his state in 2002. The references to Rahul Gandhi are not always complimentary. The report says this heir-apparent remains dogged by questions about his abilities to lead the party,
given a mixed record as an election strategist, uneasy style in public appearances, and reputation for gaffes." Mujahideen continued from page 1 The designation recognized Indian Mujahideen's links with Pakistan-based Lashkar e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) and Harkat ul-Jihad-i-Islami (HuJI), and noted that the outfit was responsible for dozens of bomb attacks throughout India since 2005 including playing a facilitative role in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack carried out by LeT.
Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan New York: Vedic Heritage Inc., Long Island NY in keeping up with their tradition of bringing the best of the best Indian classical music and dance artists to America, presents on Sept 23 Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan accompanied by Pandit Samir Chatterjee on the tabla for this year's annual concert which starts at 7:00 PM and ends with dinner. For the first time to encourage College and High
One of the exhibits: Kagyu Lama with Lineage Gurus; Bengal, India, commissioned for a Tibetan patron; late 12th or early 13th century insights into the culture and art of Tibet and, in this exhibition, identifies the major players in the development of the Tibetan Buddhist religious traditions -- teachers, monks, students, and patrons of historical teaching lineages. The exhibition can be seen concurrently with Once Upon Many Times: Legends and Myths in Himalayan Art until January 30, an exhibition that presents the variety of forms that tell stories of the Buddha, great teachers, legendary masters and their spiritual quests, and adventures of heroes painted in thangkas, murals, and told in front of portable shrines.
New York : As the City's fashion followers hopped from party to party and store to store during the 2011 Fashion's Night Out, South Asian fashionistas, for the first time, were treated to a fashion show and party celebrating Indian Couture Collections at Shehnaai Couture's new Fifth Avenue showroom. About two hundred people including red carpet celebrities attended the fashion show featuring the designs of Geetanjali Singh and Sabah Arenja of Saa.n.sh. Actress Deepti Gupta, comedian Vidur Kapur and actors Samrat Chakraberti and Sanjiv Jhaveri were part of the show. Other celebrity guests included Shetal Shah, Purva Bedi and Alysia Reiner.
Shehnaai Couture hosts fashion Chivukula distributes 100 backpacks Piscataway, NJ: Assemblyman Upendra the basement of the municipal building at 710 Chivukula (D-17) distributed a total of 100 Hermann Road. event for Indian designers backpacks in North Brunswick and The following day, Assemblyman
Piscataway. Each bag was filled with school supplies and important tools to help students tackle a new school year. On September 8, the Assemblyman delivered 40 backpacks and boxes of notebooks and pencils to Parsons Elementary School in North Brunswick. Superintendent Dr. Brian Zychowski, Principal Bruce Rothenberg, and Board of Education Member Rich Liguori, received the bags and supplies on behalf of the students. Its really special having an Assemblyman who cares for the children of North Brunswick. We are grateful for his efforts to work with us to ensure all children are prepared for the start of the school year, Superintendent Zychowski stated. Assemblyman Chivukula also visited the North Brunswick Food Bank to deliver an additional 20 backpacks for some families in North Brunswick. The food bank is located in Chivukula delivered over 40 backpacks and supplies to Grandview Elementary School in Piscataway. Assistant Superintendent Teresa Rafferty, Principal William Baskerville and two student representatives accepted the bags. Chivukula stated, It is wonderful to be able to provide students with the necessary tools to be successful in school. Its even better to know that members of the community that I represent contributed to this great cause. The drive, which began four years ago, received supplies from local businesses, individuals, community organizations, and churches.This year both the Piscataway and North Brunswick Public Libraries assisted in collecting supplies. In addition, the drive received donations from organizations such as Enterprise Rent a Car, St. Peters University Hospital, Piscataway Senior Center, and Piscataway Medical Group.
Ten years after 9/11, Indian Americans have come a long way
Washington, DC: Ten years after terrorists struck US unleashing a backlash against the South Asians given their close resemblance to the hijackers from the Middle East, the community has come a long way. "Looking back, the country has changed substantially. Just after 9/11, people at large looked at South Asians with some suspicion. Things have completely changed now," says Thomas Abraham, founder president and chairman emeritus of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO). "Indian American community has become very active politically," he noted. "We have two governors and over a dozen legislatives in the state, county and city levels. We have several people in the administration. That is a lot of accomplishments for the Indian American community." Abraham recalled that after 9/11 GOPIO had asked "our community members to be alert and cautious since the terrorists were from the Middle East and close resemblance to South Asians." Deepa Iyer, executive director, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) also recalled how the organization transformed and expanded its mission after 9/11. "When we saw the impact of backlash and discrimination on our community, we realized that there was a void, especially at the national level, of a voice dedicated to raising the perspective of South Asians in the US," she says.
Sri Srinivasan American people. Since 2007, Srinivasan has been a partner in OMelveny and Myers LLP in Washington, D.C., and chairs the firms appellate and Supreme Court practice. From 2002 to 2007, Srinivasan was assistant to the U.S. Solicitor General at the U.S. Justice Department. From 1998 to 2002, the Indian American worked at OMelveny and Myers. Before that, Srinivasan served as a U.S. Supreme Court law clerk for Justice Sandra Day OConnor and for Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III of the U.S.
Cover page of Sati Achaths new book around the world because of her dad's military postings; Brad Pitt worked as chauffeur before he became a star, while Sharon Stone worked part-time at McDonald's; Denzel Washington played on Fordham University basketball team, and Robin Williams, who owns more than 50 bicycles, occasionally trains with cycling great Lance Armstrong. Achath says his primary inspiration for "Hollywood Celebrities" was a 1995 book on American presidents, titled "Wooden Teeth & Jelly Bean: Tupperman Files," which contains caricatures and factoids. The writer is now planning two more volumes of the book, covering 150 stars, in all. He is also working on a book on Bollywood actors. Achath, 58, who is from Thrissur in Kerala, is a former Indian Revenue Service officer. After leaving the IRS, he came to the United States in 1988 to do an MBA. He has been with the World Bank since 1992.
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The US Congressional Research Service (CRS) report does discuss the possibility of Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi emerging as the candidates of their respective parties. ministerial candidate, or the party will project as a prime ministerial candidate, all these things will be known as and when the time comes." From the Congress party, spokesperson Manish Tewari declined to comment on the report or Rahul's candidature. "I have not perused any such report. Even if such report was ostensibly to exist, I don't think it is necessary to dignify it with a response," Tewari said. He said India had several think tanks of international repute which come out with reports. "I do not think it is essential for political party to comment on every report supposed to have been published," he said. Tewari said if Modi and his supporters were "taking pleasure in tomtomming the report, it was the same US which still does not give him visa to step on their land." The report said that "Modi, who has overseen impressive development successes in his state, is also dogged by controversy over his alleged complicity in lethal antiMuslim rioting there in 2002." Modi, it notes has in the past been denied a US visa under an American law barring entry for foreign government officials found to be complicit in severe violations of religious freedom and cites Indian media reports to say that "although
Shankersinh Vaghela. source said. "Modi has a habit of launching five-star fasts without any rhyme or reason to perpetrate lies as he has done earlier," Vaghela said, reacting to Modi's announcement of the three-day fast. Modi has announced the launching of a 'Sadbhavana mission' to strengthen social harmony and brotherhood and resolved to fast for three days in Ahmedabad from Sept 17.
Minister of State for Personnel V. Narayanasamy. "The first report of the GoM has been submitted to the government and the prime minister has approved many of the recommendations," Narayanasamy said. The Group of Ministers (GoM), set up by the government to curb corruption and improve transparency in governance, was headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Among the proposed measures are: Mere retirement would not be a ground for dropping proceedings against corrupt government servants who will now face a 10 percent cut in pension in case of minor penalty, for a period not exceeding five years. The major penalty of compulsory retirement with full benefits would be changed hereafter with a cut of 20 percent in pension. Narayanasamy also announced that 71 fast-track CBI courts will try corruption cases, out of which 44 are already in place.
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Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh was arrested on September 6. Mr. Singh, who had undergone a kidney transplant, was subsequently sent to AIIMS
New Delhi: A new political storm is brewing in Jammu & Kashmir after Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Nizam-uddin Bhat moved a bill seeking changes in the states constitution, which if approved can make the state an alienable part of India. As per a report, Bhatt submitted a private member bill in the state Assembly seeking substitution of Section 147, proviso 2 of J&K constitution by a new clause that by implication would remove the restriction on the members not to amend Section 3, which describes the Jammu and Kashmir as integral part of India. Under Section 147 proviso 2, no bill can be moved to amend Section 3 of the Constitution, according to which J&K is an integral part of India. Existing proviso is violation of basics of the constitutional guarantees and runs against
the spirit of changing democracy in J&K which is facing the problem of alienation. Also, debarring of the legislature from bringing a piece of legislation is an undesirable restriction which needs to be removed, Bhat was quoted as saying. Bhat, a former journalist-turned politician, had won the 2008 Assembly election on PDP ticket from Bandipora constituency of north Kashmir. In support of his bill, Bhatt claims that the motive behind such a move is to get the constitutional powers to solve the Kashmir tangle. PDP MLAs ambitious plan, however, may not click since his bill seeks constitutional amendment and hence requires two-thirds majority to pass. Moreover, as the bill is a private member bill, it would not be passed in the Assembly even if it is put for discussion and vote.
Mrs.Shammi Singh Mr. Sher Madra Mr. Gurdip S. Narula Mr. Inder Bindra
Mr. Zinda Singh Dr. Inderpal S Chhabra Mr. Andy Mansukhani Dr. Jagdish Gupta
Mr. Hussain Baqueri Dr. Shakir Mukhi Dr. Tarun Wasil Mr.Shudh P. Singh
201-294-2985 Mrs. Ashi Chhabra 718-479-5983 516-644-7227 Mr.Vidya B.Sharma 516-612-2625 516-354-2200 Mr. Rahul D Singh 347-681-5881 516-852-2000
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Social activist Anna Hazare. The report said "less than a week later, after many thousands in cities across India had taken up his cause, Hazare ended his strike and declared victory upon the government's announcement that it would form a committee to draft Lokpal legislation".
Janardhana Reddy and his brother Karunakara Reddy. Somashekara is an assembly member and heads Karnataka Milk Federation, the largest cooperative of milk producers in the state.
Former communications minister Dayanidhi Maran (R) and his brother and media mogul Kalanithi Maran. firm to Malaysia-based Maxis, considered close to the Marans.The CBI said that any "coercion" could not be established, but allegations of quid pro quo are being investigated.
Op Ed TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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As emerging economies rewrite the rules of globalization, the West is overtly advocating more protectionism, nationalism and anti-globalization
industrialized countries of the West are overtly advocating more protectionism, nationalism and antiglobalization. The Global India Business Meeting reminded the international community of the dangers and sufferings that such attitudes have generated in the past. One of the main criticisms made of globalization by its detractors has been that it was western-driven and western-centric in other words, that the West calls the shots and that most benefits go to the western players. Yet, as globalization was gathering momentum, it assumed new and striking features, which run contrary to that western-focused characterization. First, non-western national players started to emerge as vital sources of energy and initiative in globalization. India is clearly one of the new engines of globalization, with her companies expanding globally at an unprecedented pace. And the country is increasingly turning to Africa and other newly emerging
economies, often filling the void left by Western countries. In more than one respect, the world is benefiting from Indias economic growth. Other large countries like China, Brazil and Russia are among the new globalizers, while smaller players (for example, Singapore, Finland and Estonia) contribute to maintaining globalizations vitality through niche positioning and technological innovation. Second, globalization has moved from being chiefly characterized by a rapid increase in trade and international investment to combining a set of more complex mechanisms and modes of cross-border exchanges. The world is flat, as Tom Friedman holds, and Western multinationals and Asias new outsourcing champions combine their talents and comparative advantages to co-produce their services. Third, some immaterial dimensions of globalization have started to emerge, in which culture, history and spiritual values are playing an increasingly important role. In 2012, Abu Dhabi will to open a satellite of the famed Louvre museum in the United Arab Emirates a project that led many French to believe that Europe is selling its soul. This initiative yet remains one of the most
Frank-Jurgen Richter, founder and Chairman, Horasis exciting examples of what true globalization could be. Fourth, globalization has ceased to be the exclusive business of nation states and big business. A new group of players, which one could call global local players, is assuming increasingly important roles in shaping globalization: cities are competing with cities, regions with regions, to attract investment and create value at the global level. Those four trends are not contradicting the first wave of globalization. Nor are they canceling it. Reverse globalization is not a reversal of globalization the process of globalization is irreversible. Actually, those four trends are reinforcing globalization by giving it the respectability and hence the sustainability that it once lacked. Half of mankind still lives on less than two dollars a day: if globalization does not benefit those people, it is not only doomed to fail: it will also be remembered as a tragedy. The fact that a country like India, with its almost two-digit growth but also with its 300 million poor people, is emerging today as both a major beneficiary of globalization and a major driver in its future should be regarded as an opportunity. (The author is founder and Chairman, Horasis)
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Diaspora TheSouthAsianTimes.info
A still from Breakaway That's the Sikh community larity." The larger difference he and the team it fields in an ice pointed to was that this also hockey tournament, the reflected the aspirations of the Speedy Singhs. Amid an large Indo-Canadian popula- undercurrent of racism, the tion in Canada to assimilate Singhs want to prove they while keeping their values belong, while marking their intact. Kher said, "The canvas differences, like wearing their is bigger. Over there was one turbans on to the rink. The girl who wanted to play foot- team is led by the film's lead ball on a team. Over here, character, Rajveer Singh, the you're talking about an entire renegade son. That role is played by debutant actor community."
Mahatma Gandhi ment, as well as by over 200,000 people of Indian origin in the Netherlands, the statement said.
The scheme to cover 100 patients in Kerala, Gulf countries in a year of heart patients in India. During the past 50 years while working as a cardiac surgeon, I have seen thousands of patients dying without being able to afford expensive treatment, said Vijayaraghavan. This will prove to be a great relief for the poor patients and preference will be given to the youngsters. They dont need to spend any money. Reports indicate that 60% of heart patients are poor and cannot afford heart surgeries which are generally expensive, costing more than Rs100,000. KIMS and Merlyn Foundation will bear all expenses, including travel, food and hospital care.
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Miss India Vasuki Sunkavalli sporting Mac Duggal creation at the evening gown round Chicago: Mac Duggals original designs were worn by Miss India Vasuki Sunkavalli, and Miss Sweden Ronnia Fornstedt, during the evening gown competition of the Miss Universe Pageant held Monday in Sao Palo, Brazil, watched by millions of people around the world. Mac Duggal designs have become a staple on the pageant circuit, including Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, Miss World and more. Recently, the Miss Costa Rica pageant featured the entire top 10 finalists wearing Mac Duggal. He recently scored major reviews for impressive gowns that took the stage at Donald Trumps Miss USA pageant on NBC, including the highest
Miss Sweden Ronnia Fornstedt wearing Mac Duggal gown at the Miss Universe pageant evening gown winner. The gown was worn by Miss Colorado USA and second runnerup to the title. Delhi-born fashion designer always wanted to become a successful entrepreneur. As a young man he developed a passion for fashion often spending countless days and nights sketching and drawing womens evening wear. Being proud of his cultural heritage, he expressed this through fabrics and colors that are hot and spicy like the food of his homeland. Arriving in the US at age 23, Macs first design was an A-line ballgown with tulle on the outside and hand painted subtle stars in the lining. He called it the "wish upon a star
Delhi-born Chicago-based fashion designer Mac Duggal gown" and luckily, instantly, it was a huge celebrities and socialites on television, in success and the silhouette is still a best- movies, pageants and the music industry. selling classic today. Today Mac Duggal collection is being showHis success has continued over the past 25 cased in leading specialty and bridal stores years. Macs designs have been worn by all over the world.
In a first for her country, Miss Angola Leila Lopes won the Miss Universe 2011 crown Monday in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Two runners up were Olesia Stefanko of Ukraine and Priscila Machado of Brazil. I look at myself through inner beauty rather than appearance, said Lopes. Not everything is about beauty. She plans to use her celebrity status to help the people of her country--assist the poor kids and support the fight against HIV.
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The new 1 World Trade Center skyscraper (also called Freedom Tower) is lit up in red, white and blue colors of the American flag as the Tribute in Light is turned on Sept 10 to remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, along with former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, pause at the North Memorial Pool of the National September 11 Memorial at World Trade Center site in New York on the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks against the US
Barely able to hold back their tears, family members of some victims of 9-11 attacks watch the commemoration ceremony at the WTC Memorial on Sept 11, 2011.
The 9/11 Memorial occupies approximately half of the 16-acre site and features two enormous waterfalls and reflecting pools, each about an acre in size, set within the footprints of the fallene twin towers of World Trade Center in New York.
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Cho Sok Wells, accompanied by his wife Cathy, kisses their 10-month-old son Cristian while visiting his sisters memorial bench after the 10th anniversary 9/11 ceremony at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA., on Sunday.
To take home memories, many guests were seen making tracings of the names of their near and dear ones from inscriptions on the wall of the reflecting pools of the 9-11 memorial at the WTC site.
A New York policeman seems to have tucked a picture of his son lost on the day of 9-11 attacks. 23 NYPD officers and 37 officers of Port Authority fell in line of duty.
Evan Marcy, a wounded veteran of the war in Afghanistan, and members of the FDNY riding 343 miles to honor the 343 firefighters who laid their lives trying to save others on September 11, 2001. The group started in Montauk on Long Island and ended their journey at the Pentagon in Washington on Sunday, the 10th anniversary of the terror attacks.
Bereaved family members mourn at the Wall of Names near the crash site of Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA. Passengers and crew on this flight are credited with fighting down the hijackers who wanted to hit the Capitol building or White House in Washington.
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visit Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, Sept 10, 2011. Section 60 is reserved for military personnel who have lost their lives while fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and World War II Marine Veteran Pat Cassetta salute the flag as Marine Corps Honor Guard present the colors and Legislator Fran Becker sings the National Anthem at the Nassau County 9/11 Memorial Service held at Eisenhower Park.
The Kiefer Family of Franklin Square holding photos of their son Michael Kiefer who was lost on 9/11 in line of duty as a city firefighter. From left are Father Bud, Mother Pat, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and sister Lauren.
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SATimes Special
Children hold candles with a flower rangoli to mark the 10th anniversary of 9-11 at a rangoli competition in Chikmaglur, Karnataka.
Amritsar based artist Harwinder Singh Gill displays a model of attack on the World Trade Towers on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attack. He made the model to pay a tribute to the people who lost their lives in 2001.
First responders hold the National September 11 flag during a ceremony in Joplin, MO, Sept. 11, 2011 marking the end of the 50 state restoration tour. The final stitches are being placed in Joplin and then the flag will go to the National 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York.
Bobby Senn, a retired NYC firefighter who nearly died in the rubble of collapsed twin towers, organized a memorial to mark the 10th anniversary of the attack in Hicksville, NY. He helped build 12-foot replicas of the Twin Towers on his front lawn.
Area firefighters huddle for a prayer before the Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, at Renaissance Tower in downtown Dallas. Hundreds of firefighters from four different states took part in the event to honor the New York City firefighters who died during the attacks a decade ago.
Models of the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York are displayed temporarily at the Trocadero plaza near Eiffel tower in Paris as a commemoration to mark the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and to express Frances solidarity with the US.
A man walks Sunday in St Louis, MO, among nearly 3,000 American flags set up as part of a remembrance of the 10th anniversary of the Sept 11 terrorist attacks.
American Airlines pilot Paul Gregory Gosnell watches the sun rise over the 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial Plaza as flight attendants, pilots, firefighters, police and their families gather to remember the lives lost, at a commemoration on Sept. 11, 2011, in Grapevine, Texas. The flight crew memorial opened in 2008. Two of the hijacked planes used by terrorists were American Airlines and two were United Airlines.
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solutions and building a future of peace, justice and understanding. HSC encourages students to reflect on and continue making advancements in interfaith dialogue and inter-religious understanding to reduce violence and wars in the world. Additionally, HSC invite students across the country to take part in events organized by local and
state governments, federal agencies and NGOs. By taking part in these events, students will be able pay their regards to the victims of these attacks, gain a deeper appreciation for the brave souls who have protected and continue to risk their lives for our safety and promote a safe community of love and respect, the press release read.
embers of Edison fire department and rescue squad along with elected representatives of New Jersey Assembly and local councils joined the Indian American community at a somber ceremony held at Edison Hotel to pay homage to those who lost their lives on the fateful day. With burning candles in their hands assembled gathering observed moments of silence that was followed by prayer recitals by religious leaders belonging to various faiths. The meeting was organized by Sam Khan, a Republican hopeful for Edison Township Municipal Council. Elected representative who attended the event
to commemorate 9/11 tragedy included New Jersey Assemblyman Sam Thompson, VicePresident of Edison Township Municipal Council, Edison Councilman Dr. Sudhanshu Prasad and Alvaro Gomez, New Jersey Assembly aspirant Joe Sinagra and New Jersey Senate hopeful Gloria Dittman. Hotelier Gulshan Chaabra, entrepreneur Hardeep Singh, community organizer Jagdish Sadana, media person Ilayas Quraishi, Thakur Balsara, Dev Makkar and others represented the Indian Community of Edison and neighboring townships. Peter Kothari, Dr Sudhir Parikh and Atma Singh too attended the event.
ver 200 community members from the Sikh, Arab, Muslim, and South Asian American communitiesas well as government officials, advocates, and scholars came together for two hearings last month to reflect on the realities of post9/11 bias. Spearheaded by the Sikh Coalition, and billed as the Unheard Voices of 9/11, the hearings in New York City and Mountain View, California fea-
tured testimony from individuals impacted by backlash discrimination, including targets of school bullying, job discrimination, and profiling. Apart from being live-streamed online throughout the world, the hearings and the associated UnheardVoicesof9-11 website generated news reports in widely. Over 40 national and local organizations and government agency officials participated in the hearings in both New York and the Bay Area.
indu statesman Rajan Zed,who is also Director Interfaith Relations of Nevada Clergy Association, organized a panel discussion on God on September 10 at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nevada. It included Christian Pastor Josh Whelchel, Muslim leaders Abdelwahed Ali Awad and Sherif A. Elfass, Buddhist Priest Jikai Phil Bryan, Jewish Rabbi ElizaBeth W. Beyer, Religion Professor William Tell Gifford, Atheist thinker Jon Eric Johnson, and Zed himself, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism. They explained and discussed God and answered related questions. Centering around how the different religions define and view God, discussion revolved around images of God, experiencing God, God and values, God in scriptures, myth, love of God, way to God, gods, creator and destroyer, human search for the eternal truth, etc. and even rejecting and criticizing God.
At panel discussion on God in Nevada, from left to right areWilliam Tell Gifford, Abdelwahed Ali Awad, Rajan Zed, ElizaBeth W. Beyer, Josh Whelchel, Sherif A. Elfass, Jon Eric Johnson, and Jikai Phil Bryan.
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Subcontinent TheSouthAsianTimes.info
The new CIA chief said that eight of the al-Qaeda's top 20 leaders were killed this year alone, chief among them been their supremo Osama bin Laden. appears to have created an important window of vulnerability for the core of the grouping in Pakistan and Afghanistan," CNN
Amid dengue panic, Pak Kabul siege ends, terrorists killed Kabul: A brazen terror attack in Kabul targetturns to India ing the US embassy and the headquarters of the
Islamabad: Pakistan is hurriedly ordering medicines from India to battle a dengue outbreak that has killed at least 13 people, affected thousands and caused panic in Punjab, news reports said. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Pakistan struggles to curb dengue fever. Sharif ordered that He also directed officials to condengue medicines be immediately imported from India, reported The tact the Sri Lankan high commisNation newspaper. Sharif asked the sioner for staff, equipment, technical Punjab health secretary to promptly assistance and medicines. Punjab Health Secretary get in touch with the Indian high commissioner in Islamabad to Jahanzaib Khan said 2,994 dengue import the WHO-approved medi- virus cases have been reported in the cines from New Delhi. The chief province. Hospitals are finding it difficult to minister told an emergency meeting cope with the large number of of Punjab officials that medicines and equipment needed to be import- dengue cases, the reports. ed urgently, and Indian drugs were Emergency has been declared in all Lahore hospitals. the easiest available. NATO-led security force ended after an assault that lasted over 20 hours and left 14 people dead. Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqi said: "Fourteen people - six terrorists, four police personnel and four civilians - had been killed." "All the terrorists have been killed and normalcy has returned," Xinhua quoted Sediqi as saying. The rebels mounted the well-coordinated attack in Kabul, with multiple blasts rocking the Afghan capital. The militants, wearing suicide vests, targeted the US embassy and triggered a fierce gunfight. The overnight siege saw security forces surrounding the militants' positions in the underconstruction building and trying to eliminate The Taliban were driven from power in 2001 and have since carried out a string of terror strikes across the country. them. The gunmen had resumed firing next "The enemy does everything they can to affect the morning.The tall building that was occupied by the rebels is in the Char Rahi Abdul Haq area, close to the process of transition of security responsibilities of the US embassy and NATO-led International Security Afghan government. The attack cannot stop the process of transition but rather embolden our people's determiAssistance Force (ISAF) headquarters. Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid told CNN nation in taking over the security responsibility of their that they targeted "the US embassy, governmental country," President Karzai said. The Taliban were driven from power in 2001 and have organizations and other foreign organizations". President Hamid Karzai has termed the multiple since carried out a string of terror strikes across the country. attacks as a cowardly act and strongly condemned it.
Baburam Bhattarai, the new Maoist Prime Minister of Nepal. ed India to release the Nepali Maoist leaders held in various
International TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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In the past, foreign minister Lieberman has called for Israel to sever all relations with the administration of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas should it press on with its UN bid.
The 57-year-old Chavez's cancer diagnostic and ongoing chemotherapy treatment have given him a small sympathy bounce in opinion polls. also hurt his aura of invincibility. The voluble socialist leader has led Venezuela since 1999, remolding the economy along statistic lines and turning himself into one of the world's most vocal U.S. critics. But he faces an opposition movement more united than ever and set to rally round a unity candidate after a primary election in February. Analysts say that while Chavez has vastly more resources to sway voters, it is an open race given how divided the nation is and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his health. The president is due to start a fourth session of chemotherapy in coming days. He said that it should be the last, but few details are known about his precise condition after surgery in Cuba to remove a tumor in the pelvic area.
Ousted Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi committed by rebels led by the NTC when Gaddafi's military retreated from eastern Libya "including lynchings of Gaddafi soldiers after capture," the report said. "The NTC is facing a difficult task of reining in opposition fighters and vigilante groups responsible for serious human rights abuses, including possible war crimes, but has shown unwillingness to hold them accountable," the report said.
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Business TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Growth has declined across the world leading to slump in the global stock markets. growth in two years. Growth has declined across the world leading to slump in the global stock markets. Mukherjee emphasized on the need for a collective effort to overcome the economic crisis situation.
In the case of Asians poverty levels remained at 12.1 percent. Poverty among Hispanics increased to 26.6 percent; among blacks it rose to 27.4 percent; among whites it climbed to 9.9 percent. Washington: Asians, including Indian Americans, were the lone exception as the number of poor in US rose for the fourth consecutive year across all racial and ethnic groups last year. According to a Census Bureau report issued Tuesday, 46.2 million Americans, nearly one in six, were living in poverty in 2010, up from 43.6 million in 2009, representing the largest number of Americans in poverty in the 52 years. In the case of Asians poverty levels remained at 12.1 percent. Poverty among Hispanics increased to 26.6 percent; among blacks it rose to 27.4 percent; among whites it climbed to 9.9 percent. Asians again bucked the trend as median household income in the US also fell to $49,445, the lowest level since 1996 after adjusting for inflation, with a 2.3 percent drop in 2010. Asians with a median income of $64,308 were the top earners with non-Hispanic whites following with $54,620. Hispanics with $37,759 came next while Blacks earned the least at $32,068. The trends reflected the struggling US economy, which has seen unemployment hover at around 9 percent for two years, and which will be a key campaign issue heading into the 2012 election season. The nation's official poverty rate increased to 15.1 percent in 2010, up from 14.3 percent in 2009. In the last three years, the poverty rate has risen faster than any other three-year period since the early 1980s.
Suzuki CEO Osamu Suzuki in Gujarat. country's top car maker , Maruti Suzuki . If it adds capacity in Gujarat, the automaker will join rivals who are building plants in the business-friendly state, turning it into an upcoming auto hub.
Moodys Investors Service downgraded two of Frances biggest banks Wednesday, Socit Gnrale, Crdit Agricole, citing their exposure to the Greek economy and the fragile state of bank financing markets. It kept a third, BNP Paribas, under review.
Sports TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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Hockey team captain Rajpal Singh with teammates during a function in New Delhi, after defeating Pakistan in the Asian Men's Hockey Championship final in China. he felicitated the team, he said: "The scheme was in public domain, and I thought it was not required to make it public again."
After US Open, Champions Trophy: Djokovic, Nadal IOA president criticizes FIH ready for Davis Cup
New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) acting president Vijay Kumar Malhotra told International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Leonardo Negre that the world body was wrong to withdraw the Champions Trophy from India. "I told FIH president Leonardo Negre that both IOA and FIH recognize only Hockey India as the official body for the game in the country. Then what was the need of moving the Champions Trophy out of India," said Malhotra. The FIH has expressed its displeasure over the
'settlement' reached between HI and IHF with the help of the sports ministry and withdrew the Champions Trophy, which will be held from December 3-11, allotted to India. The FIH also took everybody by surprise as they announced Auckland as the replacement for Delhi, four hours before the meeting with Indian officials. The IOA president said that both HI and IHF had to be blamed themselves for losing the hosting rights.
MS Dhoni was picked ahead of the competition for allowing Ian Bell to continue batting after he was run out in controversial circumstances during the Trent Bridge Test in July. 1,064 runs at an average of 48.36 with two centuries and nine 50s. The independent voting academy of 25 highly credentialed cricket experts picked Trott ahead of Cook, India's Sachin Tendulkar and South Africa's Hashim Amla. Pakistani Umpire Aleem Dar won the David Shepherd Trophy for third time after being named ICC Umpire of the Year. Dar was voted to this award by the 10 Full Member captains as well as the eight-man Elite Panel of Match Referees, based on his decision statistics and officiating skills over the past 12 months.
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Health TheSouthAsianTimes.info
hat exercise helps maintain good health is well known but it also improves your brain's wellness, say researchers. New research conducted at University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign suggests exercise plays a vital role in maintaining the brain and cognitive health throughout life. Exercise appears to change brain structure, prompting the growth of new nerve cells and blood vessels. It also increases the production of neurochemicals that promote growth, differentiation, survival, and repair of brain cells. Michelle W. Voss and her colleagues reviewed 111 recent human and animal studies. They showcased the effects of aerobic exercise and strength training on humans, from children to elderly adults, the Journal of Applied Physiology reports. For example, physical inactivity is linked with poorer academic performance, while exercise programs appear to improve memory, attention, and decision-making.
These effects also extend to young and elderly adults, with solid evidence for aerobic training benefiting executive functions, including multi-tasking, planning, and inhibition, and increasing the volume of brain structures important for memory. Although few studies have evaluated the results of strength training on brain health in children, studies in elderly adults suggest that high-intensity and high-load training can improve memory. This study also highlights gaps in scientific literature. For example, the authors note that more research is needed on how a particular type of exercise might promote different consequences on brain health and cognition.
reasons for these differences are largely unknown," adds Werz. "In a series of analyses we have shown that cells from men and women react in a different manner to inflammatory stimuli," says Carlo Pergola from the Institute of Pharmacy, Jena University. The male sex hormones, or testosterones, play a key role in the modulation of the immune response, the researchers said in the FASEB Journal. In the analyses, certain immune cells of women produced nearly twice as many pro-inflammatory substances than those of men, according to a Jena statement.
man who was thought to have died woke up in a morgue fridge, giving a fright to the mortuary staff, it was reported in London. The 50-year-old man had suffered a severe asthma attack and
he then spent 21 hours on a corpse trolley. The Sun reported that the man woke up and began to scream, causing the mortuary staff in Libode, South Africa, to flee as they thought he was a ghost. "At first the men ran for their
lives." "We need to get the message across to all South Africans that it is very wrong for them to conclude on their own that a person has died," an official was quoted as saying.
Laughter clubs have sprouted in India, teaching what they call laughter yoga. findings, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, eliminated the possibility that the pain resistance measured was the result of a general sense of well being rather than actual laughter. And, Dr. Dunbar said, they also provided a partial answer to the ageless conundrum of whether we laugh because we feel giddy or feel giddy because we laugh. The causal sequence is laughter triggers endorphin activation, he said. What triggers laughter is a question that leads into a different labyrinth. Robert R. Provine, a neuroscientist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and the author of Laughter: A Scientific Investigation, found the study a significant contribution to the field of study.
However, three major chains saw significant reductions. For example, at McDonalds, average energy per purchase fell by 5.3 percent, at Au Bon Pain, it fell by 14.4 percent and at KFC, it dropped by 6.4 percent. Together, these three chains represented 42 percent of all customers in the study. High street chains in England are about to embark on a similar, though voluntary scheme, as part of the governments Public Health Responsibility Deal. Susan Jebb from the MRC Human Nutrition Research Centre in Cambridge, Britain believes that labeling is a step forward, but changes in food supply must follow. She writes: Calorie labeling will help consumers make an informed choice about what they eat, but sustained improvements in the nations diet will require a transformation of the food supply too.
Lifestyle TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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Early risers are slim, Young women prefer career, healthy and happy lifestyle to family life
London: People who get up early in the morning are likely to be happier, healthier and slimmer than those who do not, says a study. The researchers from Londons Roehampton University have found those who watch more TV are more likely to skip breakfast. It could be since they snack in the evening when watching TV, making them less hungry when they wake up in the morning, the Daily Express reported. In the study, experts quizzed 1,068 adults to see if they were morning or evening people. They found that morning people tend to be happier, thinner and more conscientious than evening people. They are also more likely to eat breakfast. Joerg Huber, the researcher, said: These findings bear out the consensus that there are morning peoLondon: Many British young women are puting off the idea of starting a family, believing it can spoil their lifestyle, career and looks, a survey has found. A poll of 2,000 women in Britain found that one in three childless women says she doesn't ever want to become a mother while increasing numbers of 30somethings in stable relationships and with good jobs have different priorities, Daily Mail reported. Almost half of the surveyed said that they would rather get on the property ladder than have a baby while 28 percent would prefer a 100,000-pound salary, the survey found. The Grazia magazine report was commissioned to coincide with the release of Sarah Jessica Parker's latest film 'I Don't Know How She Does It'. Childless women just weren't willing to make the sacrifices they now see were necessary for motherhood, with 44 percent feeling
ple and evening people, and that morning people tend to be healthier and happier, as well as having lower body mass indices.
sorry for working mums struggling to have it all, the survey found. Half of childless women over 30 look at stay-at-home mothers and think it will be difficult for them to get back on the career ladder and a fifth believe they've lost their identity. Body issues are also a factor with three in ten worried about the
effect pregnancy would have on their appearance. Four in ten childless women say they're not ready to give up their lifestyle - and a quarter still feel too young for a child. Grazia editor-in-chief Jane Bruton said: 'We were really surprised a third of childless women admitted they didn't want to start a family.'
said: Those with the long version often fare best in fairly benign conditions. But they might not gain so much from a good experience. When times are really bad or
really good, those with the highly reactive short genotype either go under or really benefit, she added. It is hoped that identifying the gene will help treatment of depression and trauma.
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omewhere in the vast spaces of mainstream Hindi cinema, the North Indian shaadi with its band baaja and, yes, baarati, seems to have made a permanent place in our cinema. "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" (MBKD) is the third film in the last eight months after the delightful "Band Baaja Baarat" and the surprising "Tanu Weds Manu" to weave a rom-com around the sights, sounds, scents, stress, chaos and satire of a big fat Hindu wedding. Must say, the other two films got it right dead-on. MBKD flounders in its frisky fusion of a love triangle and plea for an arranged marriage. Debutant director Ali Abbas Zafar knows the subtexts in his script well enough to conceal the rather glar-
Mere Brother Ki Dulhan flounders in its frisky fusion of a love triangle and plea for an arranged marriage.
ing discrepancies in the storytelling. The narration quite frequently relies on jump cuts, retro music and other external ploys to make the goings-on appear more involving than they really are. The recurrent use of R.D. Burman's "Piya to ab to aaja" has no relevance after a point. It just becomes a tiresome inclusion. The three main characters, played by three watchable stars one of them from across the border, manage to take the plot's improbabilities into the province of the palatable. But the situational humor doesn't quite have the delightfully disarming naturalness of "Band Baaja Baraat". But the characters exude contagious warmth, more in their individual capacity than in combinations. For a film about love
warmth togetherness and family bonding during the time of a wedding, the interactive warmth between characters is strangely missing. Zafar who delighted in the satirical mode of "Tere Bin Laden", returns with yet another performance that knows how over-the-top to go without toppling over. Yup, Zafar gets it pitch-perfect all the way. The same cannot be said of the film which occasionally slips into becoming a stretch. What really redeems the film's blind spots is Katrina Kaif who brings a very special transparency and dazzle to her role of a wild child who wants to have all the fun that she can before she settles into a comfortably arranged marriage with the rakish NRI Ali Zafar.
Vidya is classic voluptuous Ace photographer Rajadhyaksha dead ndian film industry's renowned cousin of popular columnist and Indian beauty photographer Gautam writer Shobhaa De, will be held
Rajadhyaksha passed away on early Tuesday morning due to a massive heart attack. He was 61. Deeply loved and respected by the film industry, the photographer had photographed all the famous celebrities ranging from Shabana Azmi to Aishwarya Rai. He was most known for shooting iconic movie stills for Bollywood blockbusters like Hum Aapke Hain Koun(1994), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Ishq (1997), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie
this evening. "Gautam's soft-focus photography style was unique and his artistic personality was unmatched," Shobhaa De said, adding, "It was a privilege for people to get photographed by him." "He mentored several budding photographers. There will be only one Gautam," she said. Deeply loved by the film fraternity, the photographer had clicked all the famous celebrities ranging from Shabana Azmi to Aishwarya Rai.
The Dirty Picture', which also stars Emraan Hashmi, Naseeruddin Shah, alongside Vidya Balan will hit the theatres on December 2. irector Milan Luthria says Vidya Balan's classic Indian look made her the perfect choice to portray the role of southern siren, Silk Smitha in the upcoming biopic 'The Dirty Picture'. Balan's aesthetic body display in the first trailer of the movie has gone down well with the audience and Luthria says she has given a new soul to the character of Silk. We were looking for a strong performer and not someone who could merely look sexy and Vidya is a great actor. Also, she has the body of a classic voluptuous Indian beauty, something not many Bollywood actresses can boast of. Silk was never pencil thin, said Luthria. The director of films like 'Kachche Dhaage', 'Taxi Number 9211' and 'Once Upon a Time in Mumbai', Luthria says a lot has gone into transforming Vidya into Silk Smitha. A lot of work has gone into her transformation. It requires a great deal of effort to present a lady in a manner that looks sensuous but not vulgar. I am sure that people are standing up and noticing her and the film for that
very reason. The fact that she can hold that innocent expression despite being a part of a bold scene is a facet of only great actors. The kind of character that she is playing, someone who has a harsh exterior but a soft inner, isn't easy, but Vidya does it effortlessly, said Luthria. The director, however, admits that Vidya had certain inhibitions when she first started shooting the film. It wasn't easy for Vidya on the first day. She was an absolute professional in front of the camera but behind the scenes there was much mental conditioning she had to engage in, before stepping out on the sets in those shocking costumes. She went through hundreds of costume trials before we zeroed down on what was finally required for the screen. There was a lot of talking that happened with Vidya before she reached a comfort level. Fortunately, she was quite open about sharing her inhibitions at the very outset, he said. The Dirty Picture', which also stars Emraan Hashmi, Naseeruddin Shah, alongside Vidya will hit the theatres on December 2.
oon after actor Adhyayan Suman revealed that he indeed was the one to introduce his former girlfriend, actor Kangna Ranaut to international fashionista Paris Hilton, he now has more to say. He claims that Kangna abused him on the phone. Kangna only knows how to use, abuse and throw. She has flooded me with abusive calls ever since the truth on her fake claims came out, says he says in an emailed statement, adding she has been abusing him for a long time. I have remained silent for so many years, but she is crossing all limits now. When contacted to get Kangnas side of the story, her representative dismissed the allegations saying that theres no truth in them. Her publicist even wanted to furnish the itemized bill details of the actors personal mobile phone to prove that she didnt make a single call to her former boyfriend. Kangnas most amused by this news. A look at her phone records will easily prove that this is untrue just as (Adhyayans) earlier claims, said Kangnas publicist. Sources say that calls were made to Adhyayan and his mother, theres nothing to prove that the calls emerged from Kangnas cellphone. The caller on the other line was pleading with Adhyayan to stop doing this to her. There was a huge fight. The call was not made from Kangnas mobile. Now efforts are on to settle with Adhyayan (even by paying money) so that he clams up. They have also threatened to issue a legal notice, says a source close to Adhyayans family.
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eepika Padukone had great expectations from Dhoom 3. She was hoping to land the lead role in the film, a coveted spot, considering the cult status the franchise enjoys and Aamir Khans presence in the film. But at the last minute, Aamir rejected her claims, as he is apprehensive about his pairing with Deepika. Deepikas last film with Aamirs nephew Imran Break Ke
Baad, failed at the box office, and Aamir feels this would still be fresh in the mind of the audience. Being a perfectionist, Aamir has an eye for these things. And the producers too agree with his logic, says our source. With Deepika out of the reckoning, however, the race gets trickier. Apart from Hollywood celebrities, Katrina Kaif was also in the running. Katrina is already doing two films with the Chopras: Ek Tha
Tiger and one more opposite SRK. These two would keep her busy, something that can work against her, as the makers want the actors undivided attention. All of which means Dhoom 3 is still without a lead heroine. Deepika was hoping to land the lead role in Dhoom 3, a coveted spot, considering the cult status the franchise enjoys and Aamir Khans presence in the film
Ranbir goes to red light My son feels I'm not cool enough: SRK hah Rukh Khan enjoys huge fan following at area for 'Rockstar' home and abroad and is seen as a very cool actor,
but his 14-year-old son Aryan feels that the superstar is not cool enough. "My film 'RA.One' talks about the relationship between every father and son. So the film has a bit of my relationship with my son. Like he feels that I'm not cool enough and he feels that I don't have great abs and I'm not a stud enough. The child in this film also feels similar things," SRK told reporters here at an event to launch the music of the film. The 45-year-old also feels that "RA.One" will get sons closer to their fathers. "I think it's a film that will appeal to all sons and fathers and I think it will teach them to love their fathers because I think fathers are very nice. They are good, if not better than mothers," he said.
The 45-year-old actor feels that his recent flick "RA.One" will get sons closer to their fathers. "RA.One", a sci fi film, has been directed by Anubhav Sinha and stars Shah Rukh as a superhero.
Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming film 'Rockstar' features a scene depicting Kapoor playing guitar and singing to an audience of sex workers. t couldn't have been anything better for the workers at Mumbai's biggest red light area in Grant Road than having Ranbir Kapoor sing for them. Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming film 'Rockstar' features a scene depicting Kapoor playing guitar and singing to an audience of sex workers. Jab We Met director Imtiaz Ali was keen on shooting at an actual brothel instead of creating set and using junior artists. On the day of the shoot, the women were excited about meeting the star but were also nervous about the shoot. They welcomed the crew and also served the local breakfast of 'chai and pav'. After a short introduction session and some light hearted conversation, they commenced shooting where Ranbir, sur-
rounded by a big group of sex workers, was playing the guitar and singing for them. The actor, who had taken extensive guitar lessons to prepare for his role in the film, actually played it live and even sang the verses himself, leaving his audience captivated. They (the sex workers) were very shy initially. They were reluctant about coming in front of the camera....but Imtiaz and Ranbir spent some time talking to them and created a comfortable environment after which we commenced shooting. Once the shoot was over, some of them even took pictures with Ranbir and requested for autographs and Ranbir happily obliged. They wished Ranbir and Imtiaz good luck for the film's success, said a crew member.
Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. for Dabangg 2 only next Diwali. Coincidentally, he was in London the night of the premiere of ex-girlfriend Katrina's latest film.
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Humor TheSouthAsianTimes.info
us. Besides, think of the poor cows. They have a right to live!" The meats always fight back. "We made you who you are," they say. "You owe us. Besides, think of the poor cattle farmers. They have a right to live!" How did this happen? How did the veggies get so powerful, jostling with the meats, threatening the entire landscape of my plate? The answer is simple: There's a vegetarian in my house! A real living and breathing vegetarian! My mother-in-law is visiting from India, a land where vegetarians are common and cows dance in the streets. "Hurray! Hurray! They're eating veggies again today!" For the first time in my life, I'm living with someone who'd rather eat a leaf than beef, rather chew cork than pork. My mother-in-law is taking care
of her first grandchild and doing most of the cooking. The menu includes just about anything that doesn't have legs: beans, cabbage, eggplant, spinach, petunia, begonia Thankfully, my mother-in-law is an excellent cook, producing Indian dishes that make my mouth water, enticing me to eat vegetables such as okra and bitter gourd, which are usually as appetizing as ear wax. "This is delicious," I find myself saying. "Are you sure you didn't add a little meat?" I never knew veggies could be so tasty. I never knew I could go several days without meat -- without dreaming about beef curry and chicken wings, without having nightmares about broccoli and Brussels sprouts. "Coming soon to a theater near you: M. Night Shyamalan's Sixth Serving of Sprouts." Am I healthier? Probably. Less meat means less fat to expand my waistline, less cholesterol to clog my arteries. Studies show that consuming more plant-based foods reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer, not to mention the risk of offending one's mother-in-law.
But before you turn into a vegetarian, remember that meat delivers loads of protein. To make up for it, you'd have to do a good job of balancing your fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. That may be somewhat tricky, especially if you think a legume is a type of
women's hosiery. As for me, I enjoy meat too much to give it up completely. But the next time I shop for groceries, I may spend a little more time touching the legumes and a little less time admiring the breasts. The chicken breasts, that is.
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.
by Mahendra Shah
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No matter how comfortable we can make the physical body and how comfortable we can make our mind, we cannot find peace until we attain comfort of the soul.
Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj, which says: In this world, each is consumed with his own afflictions, Only Darshan shares the sorrows of his fellow man. Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj is expressing the heart of a spiritual Master. Most people are in turmoil due to their own sorrows. A Master is one who shares these sorrows of all humanity, but they do more than just share in everyones pain. Masters want to solve that pain. They do so by putting people in touch with a heavenly current of Light and Sound within so each soul can enter inner spiritual realms and find God. Masters teach a method of meditation on inner Light and Sound that brings peace to the soul by putting us in touch with the enchanting Music of God and the divine Light of God to help us soar into spiritual realms beyond and reunite our soul with God. The main purpose of meditation on the inner Light and Sound is to help people go within themselves to find inner spiritual regions. Its purpose is to give each person firsthand proof that there is a Beyond, that we are soul, and we will live beyond the demise of our body. Its goal is to give a firsthand experience of the Beyond to each person. It is a nondenominational technique that has been practiced by people of all religions and faiths, cultures, and backgrounds, as a science. One need not convert to any special religion to learn and practice it. It is open to one and all, and has been offered as a free gift by the spiritual Masters who have come throughout the ages. It is up to us whether we wish to merely read about the realms Beyond, or experience them. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj is an internationally recognized spiritual leader and Master of Jyoti Meditation who affirms the transcendent oneness at the heart of all religions and mystic traditions, emphasizing ethical living and meditation as building blocks for achieving inner and outer peace. www.sos.org. (To be concluded next week)
of the physical body. The young man is the saint or Master who comes to make the soul happy. The Master knows the secrets of life and the enchanting Sound that can lift the soul above the violence, pain, and sorrow of this world to experience immortality and eternal happiness in the Beyond. The wind instrument represents the current of Light and Sound that comes from beyond to lift us from this world of pain and violence to experience nonviolence, peace, and love in the spiritual realms beyond. There we find regions of love, joy, and happiness, free from all pain. One of the greatest threats to our peace and happiness is fear. We may fear financial problems, relationship problems, and emotional problems. Yet, the greatest fears people face are fear of illness, fear of death, and fear of the unknown, such as what happens to us after this life ends. We are afraid of the deterioration of our body and the emotional and physical struggles that come with serious or terminal illness and our ultimate end of life. We wonder how we can find calm and joy when faced with these great challenges of life. Personal challenges face us at the level of our body, our mind, and our soul. Saints and Masters have been coming to this world to show us a way of living in which we can find calm and joyphysically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. No matter how comfortable we can make the physical body and how comfortable we can make our mind, we cannot find peace until we attain comfort of the soul.
Within each of us there is a deepseated fear that cannot be soothed by physical and mental comfort. In the back of our mind, there is always the lingering fear that one day we will die. Each time this thought surfaces, we feel fear within our soul. As long as we experience that fear we cannot find peace of the soul. We worry about when we are going to die, what happens to us at the time of death, and where we will go after death? Scriptures tell us that we have a soul that does not die, but we wonder whether it is actually true. In this scientific age, we have doubt unless we can see for ourselves the truths we read in the various scriptures. Greater than comfort of the body and mind is the comfort we gain from having peace within the soul. This can only come when we get some experience that proves to us that there is something beyond this world, and that there is no death. Masters and saints come with a technique that provides a way to experience that proof for ourselves. When we have proof that there is something beyond this world, our fear subsides. Since death causes us the greatest fear, saints give us a way to conquer fear of death by proving to us that this life is not the end of our existence. Masters of Sant Mat or Science of Spirituality feel compassion for the suffering humanity. They see people living in fear due to ignorance of the immortality of the soul that awaits each in the Beyond. In this connection, there is a verse by the great saint and mystic poet, Sant