e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.11 No. 29 November 17-23, 2018 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info
US hate crimes soared close ties to India community leaders and members of the
Continued from page 1 South Asian community, including several
have great, great respect, as you know, for elected of ficials, as well as New Jersey
your Prime Minister Modi. "The United States Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and Indian
17% last year: FBI has deep ties to the nation of India and I am
grateful for my friendship with Prime
Minister Modi."
Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty.
Drumthwacket was adorned with tradition‑
al Indian decor and food from several regions
Washington: Hate crimes reported to the FBI anti‑Hispanic bias. Trump added, "India is the world's largest of India, and also included a henna artist for
soared about 17 percent across the United In addition to the 7,106 single‑bias incidents democracy. And the relationship between our guests. The Governor ended the evening by
States in 2017 compared to the previous year, reported last year, there were also 69 multiple‑ two countries can act as a bulwark for free‑ lighting sparklers with the community.
showed an FBI report released Tuesday. bias hate crimes reported. dom, prosperity and peace." Said Governor Murphy, “Diwali is also very
A total of 7,175 hate crime incidents were About 5,000 of the hate crimes reported "We are very close and I think closer than symbolic of what we're trying to do in the
reported to the Uniform Crime Reporting were categorized as crimes against persons, ever before," Trump said, and Sarna agreed, state. This Administration is committed to
(UCR) Program in 2017, up from 6,121 in such as intimidation or assault. About 3,000 saying, "Absolutely, sir." celebrating our stateʼs incredible diversity as
2016, said the UCR Program's annual Hate were considered crimes against property, such "I think that we are looking at one of the we continue to work toward a fairer, more
Crime Statistics report. as vandalism, robbery, or burglary. best times we have ever had for the India‑US inclusive New Jersey.”
It's the third year in a row the FBI has Some hate crime incidents are classified as relationship," Sarna said, adding that the
reported an increase in hate crimes. The num‑ both crimes against persons and crimes Indian‑American community is a "plus plus Sri Lanka's top court stays
ber of hate crimes in 2016 rose about five per‑ against property, the report noted. for both India and for the United States." dissolution of Parliament
cent from 2015. The report, Hate Crime Statistics 2017, Trump complimented Indian trade negotia‑ Continued from page 1
The 2017 incidents encompass 8,437 total includes hate crime information for last year, tors as "the best" and said trade talks convened on Wednesday, according to
of fenses, meaning some involved multiple broken down by location, of fenders, bias between the two countries were moving Colombo Telegraph.
criminal charges. types, and victims. along. "We are trying very hard to make bet‑ The political turmoil escalated in the island
According to the report, the most common The number of law enforcement agencies ter trade deals with India," he said. nation when Sirisena dissolved Parliament last
bias categories in single‑bias incidents were reporting hate crimes also increased with Friday and called for a snap parliamentary
race/ethnicity/ancestry (59.6 percent), reli‑ about 1,000 additional agencies contributing All 4 Indian‑American members election on January 5, over two weeks after
gion (20.6 percent), and sexual orientation data across the country, the FBI noted. of Congress re‑elected sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
(15.8 percent). Reporting hate crime data to the UCR Continued from page 1 and replacing him with former strongman
Of crimes motivated by race, ancestry or eth‑ Program allows the public, researchers, com‑ they make up what they themselves jokingly Mahinda Rajapaksa. Sirisena then immediately
nicity, about 48.8 percent were motivated by munity leaders, and local government to raise call "The Samosa Caucus." Harris who won formed a caretaker government, a move which
hatred against African Americans, 17.5 per‑ awareness of the issue and gain a more accu‑ from California in 2016 did not face a re‑ Wickremesinghe's United National Party
cent stemmed from bias against whites, and rate picture of hate crimes, said the FBI on its election as she has a six‑year term. She is in a (UNP) called illegal.
10.9 percent were classified as anti‑Latino or website. long list of Democratic leaders mulling a run The President's sudden move to dissolve
for the White House in 20120. Parliament came one and a half years ahead of
None of the other Indian Americans run‑ the scheduled parliamentary polls.
Chairman and Co-Founder Managing Editor: Parveen Chopra Jaipur Bureau News Service
Kamlesh C. Mehta P : 516.710.0508 Prakash Bhandari IANS News Service
Kamlesh@thesouthasiantimes.info parveen.chopra@gmail.com Prakash@TheSouthAsianTimes.info HT Media Ltd.
Co-Founder: Saroosh Gull Associate Editor Photographs Printing: Five Star Printing, NY
Hiral Dholakia-Dave Xitij Joshi/xitijphoto.com
President: Arjit Mehta hiral@thesouthasiantimes.info Cartoonist: Mahendra Shah Contacts
Arjit@thesouthasiantimes.info Contributing Editors: Prof. Shivaji Editor@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Sengupta, Surekha Vijh (Washington, DC), Art and Design: Dhiraj Kumar Showaan Subscribe@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Chief Executive Officer Suchitra Srinivas (New Jersey), Bharat Bhushan Chopra
Shomik Chaudhuri P: 646.498.5122 Melvin Durai, Dr Prem Kumar Sharma, Senior Designer: Vladimir Tomovski Advertisements
shomik@shomikchaudhuri.com Ashok Vyas, and Dr Akshat Jain Advertise@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Consultants P: 516.390.7847, F: 360.323.0036
Chief Operating Officer New Delhi Bureau Shomik Chaudhuri, Inc.
Ginsmon P. Zacharia P: 516.776.7061 Meenakshi Iyer Ginsmon Zacharia & Family Inc Website
ginsmon@hotmail.com Delhi@TheSouthAsianTimes.info Sai Creations Inc, Bhagwati Creations www.TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Printed Every Saturday by: Forsythe Media Group, LLC, ISSN 1941-9333, 95 Broadway, Suite 2, Second Floor, Town Center Building, Hicksville, NY 11801 P: 516.390.7847
Website: TheSouthAsianTimes.info Updated Daily
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
Times, 95 Broadway, Suite 2, Second Floor, Town Center Building, Hicksville, NY 11801, USA. Copyright and all other rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be reprinted without the
consent of the publisher. The 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.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE November 17-23, 2018 5
IN BRIEF
T
he 2018 International Cricket increased more than threefold (3.1 million) in 2017, this Survey indi‑
Council's Womenʼs World T20 gets from 4.1% in 2012 to 14.2% in 2017 in cates.
underway on November 9th on US, according to a report published on “Meditation” was defined by CDC as:
Hotstar. The sixth edition of the tourna‑ Centers for Disease Control and “The act of engaging in mental exercise
ment (and the second hosted by the West Prevention (CDC) website on November to reach a heightened level of spiritual
Indies) will feature eight cricket rich 8 quoting National Health Interview awareness or mindfulness. This report
nations divided into two groups. Group A Survey (NHIS). uses a composite measure based on
consists of England, South Africa, Sri This Survey points that in recent years, responses to three questions regarding
Lanka, the defending champion West the practice of meditation has become the use of 1) mantra meditation, includ‑
Indies and Bangladesh, while Group B is more mainstream. Women were more ing transcendental meditation, relax‑
home to India, Australia, New Zealand, likely to use meditation compared with ation response, and clinically standard‑
Pakistan and Ireland. men. ized meditation; 2) mindfulness medita‑
On November 11th, India, led by cap‑ Non‑Hispanic white adults were more tion, including vipassana, Zen Buddhist
tain Harmanpreet Kaur, will face rival likely to use meditation compared with meditation, mindfulness‑based stress
Pakistan in one of the many exciting ICC Cricket World Cup in May 2019. Hispanic and non‑Hispanic black adults. reduction, and mindfulness‑based cogni‑
matches set for group play. The top two “We are extremely proud to be the digi‑ The use of meditation was higher among tive therapy; and 3) spiritual meditation,
teams from each group will qualify in the tal streaming partner of the ICC Womenʼs adults aged 45–64. including centering prayer and contem‑
semi‑finals, and the tournament final will World T20 and to give our subscribers Use of meditation among children aged plative meditation.”
follow on November 24th at Sir Vivian the opportunity to root for the women in
blue,” said Ipsita Dasgupta, President of
IHCNJ to celebrate 20 years of
Richards Stadium. Hotstar, the official
digital streaming partner for ICC Hotstar International and Strategy at Star
Womenʼs World T20, will live stream all India. “Hotstarʼs cricket calendar this
the matches for the duration of the tour‑
nament.
year makes it the unquestioned, go‑to
streaming platform for cricket enthusi‑
service with Bollywood extravaganza
I
Hotstar has already broadcasted the asts in North America.” ndian Health Camp of New Jersey professionals and specialists to provide
Unimoni Asia Cup and the Paytm India vs. Hotstar has introduced an attractive, (IHCNJ), a nonprofit organization in free health screening and disease pre‑
West Indies Series as part of its 160 days annual subscription for $99.99, which New Jersey will celebrate its 20th vention education and awareness to
of live cricket this year. Aside from the will give consumers complete access to anniversary gala on Saturday, December South Asians in communities in New
ICC Womenʼs World T20, tournaments to the cricket calendar and entertainment 1, 2018, at Balaji Temple Auditorium in Jersey.
look forward to include the Paytm India library throughout the year. For monthly Bridgewater. The local and state govern‑ These services are provided to unin‑
vs. Australia Series in February 2019, the subscribers, a sports + entertainment ment officials, prominent business entre‑ sured/under‑insured individuals via
VIVO IPL in April 2019 and, finally, the pack is $19.99 a month. preneurs and community leaders and organizing health fairs at various loca‑
other invited dignitaries and media offi‑ tions in central and northern New Jersey
cials will attend the event along with every year for the past 20 years. IHCNJ
more than 700 people from various pro‑ has organized health fairs at Ved Mandir,
fessions and volunteers are expected to Balaji Temple, Swaminarayan Temples
attend this event. in Secaucus and Parsippany, Edison
The celebration will start with dinner Seniors, Durga Temple, Govinda Temple,
from 4 to 5:30 p.m., presentation and Ukranian Center and provided support
recognitions from 6 to 7 p.m. and to many other health fair activities,
Bollywood Musical Extravaganza with health education presentations, free
renowned Indian Idol finalist Omkar mammograms, pap smear test, colo‑rec‑
Deshpande and Vidya Shivling and tal and prostate cancer screening and
Panorama Entertainment orchestra from blood drives through American Red
India from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cross throughout the state.
IHCNJ was established in 1998 by ded‑ To date, the organization has provided
Seven students studying at Northeastern University Boston had lost their belong‑ icated volunteers which included physi‑ free health screening to more than
ings and important documents due to a fire accident in their building on October cians and some medical and non‑medical 10,000 individuals and detected more
27th, 2018. The Consulate helped them through the community in the aftermath professionals which grew over time to than 3,500 chronic diseases abnormali‑
of this accident and issued their new passports in lieu of the passports lost in the include dentists, mental health ties and intervene hundreds of life‑
fire. The students visited the Consulate and met with Shatrughna Sinha, Deputy providers, pharmacists, nurses, physical threatening conditions to reduce compli‑
Consul General & with K. Devadasan Nair, Consul (Community Affairs) therapists, dietitians and other allied cations and save lives.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL November 17-23, 2018 7
Indian‑American Republican.
A
t last the Elections are over Elections, will undoubtedly have this Elections, calling it “an incredi‑
– or are they? As of this an effect on the new Congress in ble, unbelievable victory” for the
writing, the US Senate and 2019. Also, there are 99 new Republicans and himself. Just
the Governorʼs elections in Florida women members in next yearʼs today, as I sit down to write this
are moving into machine‑recount, Congress, more than ever before. column, Five‑ Thirty‑Eight, a politi‑
with Republicans holding razor‑ With twenty‑odd seats still to be cal analysis site, is reporting
thin leads in both. The Senate seat decided, that number may well Trumpʼs popularity poll at 42%.
in Arizona (the one vacated by Jeff exceed a hundred. It is a fact that Nevertheless, those of us who
Flake, apparently hounded out by this year more women ran for are Democrats, need to be sober –
President Trump) has Democrat Democrats will end up with 231 US House seats when the remaining elected office than ever before and and cautious – during this so‑
Kirsten Sinema leading. results are declared. With the Arizona Senate seat declared Monday many more women came out to called victory march. I am hoping
And there are about 20‑odd for Kyrsten Sinema, Demʼs tally in the Senate has gone up to 47 vote. This Election was also sup‑ Nancy Pelosi means business
Congressional seats in limbo while GOP has 51 seats.. posed to be a referendum on when she says that the Democrats
around the country. ments leading to Russiaʼs alleged and women voters. I had expressed Donald Trump; Mid‑Terms usually wonʼt fitter away the gains by
Overall, however, the Elections meddling in the 2016 elections. anxiety about these constituents in are. The president himself, with needlessly trying to impeach the
are decided: Democrats won a The Republicans, in control of the my last Op Ed in this paper. There the characteristic flare of a mega‑ President, especially with the
majority in the House of Senate, will be able to confirm were about four million young vot‑ lomaniac, kept reminding the elec‑ Senate sporting Republican colors;
Representatives, while the Trumpʼs nominees, from Cabinet ers in this yearʼs Mid‑Term who torate that “I am not on the bal‑ that her party in the House will try
Republicans kept control of the positions to Supreme Court judges. had vowed last February to “vote‑ lot,…[but] Pretend that I am!” to maneuver some long overdue
Senate. What it means for us, the Experts have given this Mid‑Term out” candidates (mostly One would have thought that important Bills such as the infra‑
constituents, is that the Democrats Elections a split decision, which is Republican) supported by the Trump would be disappointed with structure and immigration. I hope
in 2019 will have the power to cre‑ somewhat better than the National Rifle Association. I am the results. But let us not forget, he they will not give Trump a dime to
ate new laws (though not without Democratsʼ performance in the pleased to note that the House lost is Donald Trump, the salesman build the Wall.
the consent of the Senate), they 2016 General Elections when they 15 of those Republican candidates who is forever optimistic about his Finally, I worry that two years
will have the first assay at the lost all three, both Houses of the rated “A” by the NRA. Still, much own chances. As the editorial in before 2020, the Elections were
Federal budget, and will be able to Congress and the presidency. work needs to be done since 138 The New York Times once not able to throw up a runaway
subpoena documents of import to However, a few of the important of the 436 members of Congress observed, Trump claims the impos‑ Democratic candidate for presi‑
the Affairs of State, such as the battleground issues have been still have solid NRA backing. The sible before going in for a new dent. That should be the
Presidentʼs tax papers or docu‑ decided apparently by the youth mass shooting of 11 people in a deal, accepts whatever compromis‑ Democratsʼ next endeavor.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
T
he votes have now been Iran among his signature achieve‑ ever tentative agreements Trump
counted in the first US ments, will be a recurring theme as and Chinaʼs President Xi Jinping
national election of the the 2020 election approaches. announce in the meantime. Trumpʼs
Donald Trump era and, as expected, Mexico is another country that desire to persuade voters in politi‑
the Democrats have seized majority Trump appears ever ready to criti‑ cally crucial manufacturing states
control of the House of cise. Replacement of the North that he can force major trade con‑
Representatives, significantly shift‑ American Free Trade Agreement cessions from China will be an
ing the political balance of power (NAFTA) with the new USMCA deal important one. And thereʼs close to
away from Trumpʼs party. The pres‑ with Canada and Mexico removes a Washington consensus that a
identʼs Republican Party expanded one obvious point of contention. harder line is needed against
its majority control of the US But the presidentʼs confidence that Beijing on a host of issues.
Senate, but the Democrats now illegal immigration provides a reli‑ China may well decide to wait
have real power for the first time in able boost with his support base Trump out. Kim Jong‑un has
two years. will keep the government of incom‑ already provided other govern‑
Where does president Trump go ing president Andres Manuel Lopez ments the best model for how to
from here? How will the new reality President Trump will respond to pressure and criticism with signature Obrador on edge. deflect Trumpʼs pressure over the
defiance, searching for foreign (as well as domestic policy) villains. North Korea is more likely to next two years: By smiling, offering
in Washington influence his foreign
policy? on the Democratic House majority President Trump will respond to escape Trumpʼs pressure. The presi‑ agreements in principle, stalling
First, Trump will face a height‑ to impeach the president. this pressure and criticism with sig‑ dent may issue warnings to force negotiations with the US, and trying
ened level of political pressure Democrats will likely wait until nature defiance, and his drive to Kim Jong‑un to offer concessions to wait until Trump is defeated in
from the opposition party. With Special Counsel Robert Mueller demonstrate continuing political that advance negotiations over 2020. But Trumpʼs political talents
their House majority, Democrats delivers a report on possible crimi‑ virility may lead him to search for denuclearisation, but just as Trump should not be underestimated, and
have new powers to investigate the nal conspiracy between the 2016 foreign (as well as domestic policy) believes Obama owns the US rela‑ many presidents, including Obama,
president, win access to White Trump presidential campaign and villains. The likeliest candidates for tionship with Iran, he knows that have recovered from midterm
House and personal Trump docu‑ the Russian government and the this role are Iran, Mexico, and he owns the effort to disarm North defeats to win re‑election, some‑
ments that may deeply embarrass possibility that Trump has obstruct‑ China, but heʼll remain combative Korea. Admission of failure is times easily. Itʼs a risky move. But
him, and force members of his ed justice during the investigation. even with traditional US allies in unlikely as Trump works to build a for any government in Trumpʼs tar‑
administration, perhaps even his But depending on what Mueller Europe and elsewhere. list of accomplishments he can get sites, there may not be a more
family, to testify under oath before finds, Democrats will have a hard Iran has proven a popular target carry into the next election. effective defensive strategy.
Congress on a wide variety of ques‑ time ignoring pressure to move for Trumpʼs aggressive approach to Finally, there are many reasons (The Op‑Ed appeared in The
tions. There will also be pressure toward impeaching the president. foreign policy. Trumpʼs desire to why the Trump administrationʼs Hindustan Times)
W
hy are many Hindus unhappy Considering PoWR 2018ʼs main theme which creates a hostile environment for
with the 2018 Parliament of was “The Promise of Inclusion and the Hindus.” The Hindu American Foundation
Worldʼs Religions (PoWR) held in Power of Love: Pursuing Global Executive Director, Suhag Shukla, too noted
Toronto, from November 1‑7? They are Understanding, Reconciliation, and Change”, how they themselves did not feel welcome
angry, I believe, because Hinduism has been one would have imagined that such Hindu at PoWR, certainly none of them was invited
marginalized there, even misrepresented. ideas would receive a sympathetic and as a speaker.
This is most unfortunate because many favorable hearing. But on the very first day, The PoWR was also blatantly anti‑
Hindus, including myself, sacrificed their during the opening ceremony, Hinduism American, going by several speakers and
Diwali week just to register their presence was conspicuous by its absence. Swami panels, often forgetting that Canada shared
at this Parliament. The PoWR is the largest The organizers of the 2018 Parliament Tyagananda, one of the keynote speakers, a similar legacy of settler imperialism, colo‑
and most prestigious interfaith gathering in may seriously introspect if not apologize was inexplicably never called on to speak. nization, and destruction of Native
the world; and the Toronto PoWR is espe‑ for their mistreatment of Hinduism. On the other hand, there was much India‑ American people.
cially significant because it marks the speakers, this panel addressed the question bashing by the Sikh speaker. It seems as if Swami Vivekananda had warned us about
125th anniversary of Swami Vivekanandaʼs of how multi‑religious scenarios in todayʼs “neo‑Khalistani” anti‑India groups have religious narrow‑mindedness 125 years
historic debut on the world stage in 1893 in global village may be a source of strength acquired considerable political clout in ago. But what was truly disappointing was
the inaugural Parliament in Chicago. rather than conflict. Canada. But why were they allowed to inject that the PoWR 2018 had allowed itself to
Swami Vivekananda had boldly spoken Several other sessions also echoed such their agenda of hate and prejudice in a be used by such forces. Swamiji wanted
out there against religious intolerance: feelings, including one on “Women and forum that was professedly dedicated to each religion to “Help and not Fight,” stand
“Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible Climate Change”. Canadaʼs leading writer promoting love, reconciliation, and under‑ for “Assimilation and not Destruction,” and
descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed and feminist, Margaret Atwood, the main standing. work for “Harmony and Peace and not
this beautiful earth. They have filled the speaker in this panel, said that unless faith There were also several panels full of Dissension.” The PoWR 2018 may have fall‑
earth with violence, drenched it often and communities pledge to save the earth, we Leftists and some Dalit activists too, who en short of this yardstick, but should
often with human blood, destroyed civiliza‑ are heading down a catastrophic precipice spewed anti‑Hindu polemics. I myself heard Hindus give up? Certainly not. They should
tion and sent whole nations to despair.” towards self‑destruction. BJP, RSS, and PM Narendra Modi prepare for the next PoWR well in advance.
Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, I had Evidently, the spread of fundamentalism denounced several times. While a differ‑ The organizers of the 2018 Parliament in
proposed a panel on “Pluralism and Peace‑ and terrorism also bear witness to the ence of opinion is welcome, especially as a the meanwhile may seriously introspect if
making in Contemporary Hinduism” at this ample abuse of religious identity. In con‑ prelude to dialogue, such political sledging not apologize for their mistreatment of
PoWR. With Swami Tyagananda, senior trast, Hindu traditions, in the depth of their was uncalled for in an inter‑religious gath‑ Hinduism.
monk of the Ramakrishna Mission and non‑exclusive philosophical stances and the ering. (Paranjape is Director, Indian Institute of
Hindu chaplain at Harvard and MIT, Dr. rich diversity of their spiritual movements, As an eminent local Canadian Hindu put it Advanced Study, Shimla. The op‑ed first
Anindita Balslev, and Mandar Apte as try to solve the problems of religious identi‑ in her complaint to the organizers, “My con‑ appeared in DNA, Mumbai.)
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INTERFAITH November 17-23, 2018 15
I
am pretty new to the interfaith are equal. The Sikh community in each in a sauce bursting with fla‑ making sure no one goes hungry
world. I grew up in a communi‑ Toronto provided Langar to atten‑ vor and spice that was at times too and everyone is respected.
ty that was predominantly one dees at the Parliament of World much for my weak palate
religion, and Iʼm a member of that Religions. Throughout the meal, volunteers Born in Mexico, Miriam Quezada
re ligion. I became involved in Today at lunch time, I, along with walked around, of fering us more Mendez is a graduate from Illinois
interfaith work last year when I other Parliament attendees, rice, more beans, more roti, and College, double major in
walked through the exhibit hall to more water.
Communication & Rhetorical
started my graduate program. All
Studies and International Studies
of that introduction is meant to where Langar was provided. I I wondered how Langar was
with a focus on gender and
explain that I had never heard of removed my shoes and walked to a funded. Finding volunteers to
human rights.
an amazing thing called…Langar! row of chairs where Sikh volun‑ spend so many hours preparing,
Lang ar technically means teers tied head scarves on every‑ transporting, and serving food was
“kitchen” but more generally refers one. The woman helping me took amazing in and of itself. But as a
to the free meals that are offered
every day at Sikh temples through‑
my head in her hands after the
scarf was tied and, in the sweetest,
current grad student living on stu‑
dent loans, I am also painfully
Ahimsa award for Swami Chidanand
out the world. The meals are vege‑ most loving voice, thanked me for aware that foo d costs money.
tarian so that everyone, regardless coming and told me to enjoy my Feeding thousands of conference
of dietary restrictions or religious meal. I then walked over to the attendees every day is not a cheap
traditions, can eat. Everyone eats food line where I was handed a endeavor. I soon learned that Sikhs
together, sitting on the floor with tray, a spoon, and a napkin. As I donate at least ten percent of their
income, referred to as dasvandh, to
the Sikh community. This was not
a new concept for me, as I know
many religious practices, including
my own, require some kind of
tithing or zakat. But seeing the
actual output of what those dona‑
tions produced was both impres‑
sive and humbling.
Now that Iʼve seen Langar in
action, I have a greater apprecia‑
tion of its role in blessing partici‑
pants with full stomachs and full Swami Chidanand Saraswati, head of Parmarth Niketan in
spirits. My favorite part of this Rishikesh, India, was conferred the Ahimsa Award by the Parliament
Parliament has been seeing people of Worldʼs Religions in Toronto on Nov 6 by Dr Robert P Sellers,
from so many different places and POWR Chair, and Dr Kirit Daftary, POWRʼs Jain Trustee. The award
so many dif ferent backgrounds sponsored by Jain communities around the world was presented to
The Sikh community of Toronto served Langar for almost 10,000
come together to share their love, Swamiji for contributing to strengthen the interfaith community
participants every day at lunch time for a week at the Parliament
their communities, and their tradi‑ and setting an example of peace and compassion in action.
of the Worldʼs Religions held in the Canadian city.
16 November 17-23, 2018 FESTIVAL TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Mathura
Amritsar
A
view of
spectacularly
i Temple
illuminated Golden inated Shri Krishna Janmabhoom
A view of the spectacularly illum on Nov 6.
Temple on the eve on the eve of Diwali in Mathura
of Diwali in
Amritsar on Bum La
Nov 6.
Ayodhya
Mumbai
Actress Neetu
Over three lakh 'diyas' or earthen oil lamps lit up simultaneously on both sides of
Chandra and BSE
Ram Ki Paidi ghats on the banks of the Saryu river in Ayodhya on Nov 6. A new
MD and CEO Ashish
Guinness World Record was set here on the eve of Diwali, beating the earlier record
Chauhan during
set in Haryana in 2016, where at an event 1,50,009 diyas were lit.
the one‑hour long
Muhurat trading
DHAKA on Diwali at BSE in
Mumbai on Nov 7.
Ahmedabad
Allahabad
e lights up
A Hindu devote A People perform the ritual
lamp to ce lebrate
an oil view of the during Chopda pujan
Diwal in Dh a,
ak
Nov. 6. Madan Mohan (the term used in Gujarat for
Bangladesh, on Malviya Stadium Lakshmi puja) at Swaminarayan
illuminated with oil Mandir on the occasion of Diwali
lamps and fireworks here on Nov 7. (Photos: IANS)
in the sky on the
eve of Diwali on
Nov 6.
18 November 17-23, 2018 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info
FROM
SOCIAL
MEDIA
WISHES TO
FANCY
DIWALI
PARTIES ‒
THIS IS
WHAT OUR
FAVORITE
BOLLYWOOD
STARS WERE
UP TO THIS
SEASON OF
LIGHTS, LOVE
AND
HAPPINESS.
Actress Sonali
Bendre, who is in
New York for cancer
treatment, took to
Instagram to share photos
of the simple yet sweet
Diwali Puja, which she did
shared a picture of her along with husband
Sister bonding! Karisma Kapoor
r respective children. Goldie Behl and son
with sister Kareena (left) and thei Ranveer.
She captioned it, ʻMamas and their babiesʼ.
Actress Shilpa
Shetty and
businessman‑
husband Raj Actress
Kundra pose Anushka
together with Sharma and
son Viaan Raj cricketer‑
during their husband Virat Kohli
Diwali bash in shared a picture on
Mumbai. instagram
and captioned it,
“Happy Diwali
from our
home…”
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD November 17-23, 2018 19
B
and "Miss Lovely" Their interactions led them to
ollywood actor Govinda,
actress Niharika get closer as Niharika "found
who along with producer
Singh, buoyed by the him real" after the "superficial
Pahlaj Nihalani is facing
"belated foray" of the ʻfilmy' interactions" she had had
difficulties to release their
#MeToo movement in in the past years.
upcoming film "Rangeela Raja"
India, says she has faced Narrating an incident when
after the Central Board of Film
sexual, physical, emotional, she invited him for breakfast to
Certification (CBFC) refused to
verbal and economic her house, Niharika said: "When
certify the film and ordered 20
exploitation in the enter‑ I opened the door, he grabbed
cuts, says there is a group of peo‑
tainment industry at the me. I tried to push him away but
ple from the film fraternity con‑
hands of known names like he wouldn't let go. After a little
spiring against him.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, coercion, I finally gave in. I was‑
During a press conference,
Bhushan Kumar and Sajid n't sure what to make of this
Govinda told media, "It has been
Khan. relationship. He told me it was
happening for last nine years
"I decided to write this his dream to have a Miss India
where a group of people in the
piece to expand my own or an actress wife, just like
film industry is conspiring
understanding of what con‑ Paresh Rawal and Manoj
against me and not letting my
stitutes abuse, who we Bajpayee. She has called out
films to release on any good plat‑
choose to punish and whom Nawazuddin for being an "aspi‑
forms."
we are willing to forgive," rational, sexually repressed
"Either those films are not get‑
Niharika wrote in a an Indian man whose toxic male Actor Govinda is fighting to get
almost 3,500 word‑long note Former beauty queen Niharika Singh entitlement grew with his suc‑
ting a release or those films are
his film ʻRangeela Rajaʼ released.
articulating her #MeToo
with actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui. cess". In the end, she shared her
not getting good theatres and
screens. The recent example was ing in a different world," added
story. tryst with Sajid Khan, who has been
signing amount for the film. It con‑ "Fryday" which released a few the actor who worked with
The note was shared on Twitter named by multiple women for sexu‑
tained two 500 rupee notes. I got a weeks ago and even media gave Nihalani from his debut film
by journalist Sandhya Menon. al harassment.
text from him later that night ‑‑ ʻI it a good review. They took the "Ilzaam", "Shola Aur Shabnam"
Niharika said her big Bollywood "I met (him) a couple of times
would love to know you more. Let's film away from theatres," and "Aankhen"."
debut ran into roadblocks when Raj while he was dating an actress I
get together sometime.' I wrote Govinda said. The producer has moved to the
Kanwar, a filmmaker who had knew years ago, made a few predic‑
back saying ‑‑ ʻAbsolutely! Letʼs go "I stayed silent up till then, but Bombay High Court to seek jus‑
signed a 10‑film contract with her tions when a close friend of ours
on a double date. You bring your how could they just stop film of a tice against the decision of CBFC.
did not start work on his films nor was opening her second restaurant
wife. I'll bring my boyfriend.' He producer like Pahlaj Nihalani ji. Nihalani who was also present
did he allow her to work on any ‑ 'This place will shut down within a
never wrote to me again," said He is one of the respected film there at the press conference
other films that she was offered. year, mark my words.' To his
Niharika, who never got paid for the producers of the industry who lashed out on the current chair‑
Then she came across Bhushan actress girlfriend he said,'She won't
project. has introduced several film stars man of CBFC and said, Prasoon
Kumar of T‑Series. survive a day without me in
It was in 2009 that she signed the in Bollywood," he added. Joshi intentionally did not watch
"Bhushan Kumar called me to his Bollywood'. And, this one', looking
indie drama "Miss Lovely", starring "Our film industry was never the film on time to certify the
office to sign ʻA New Love Ishtory' at me straight,'will soon commit
Nawazuddin Siddiqui. She says he like this, and it seems we are liv‑ film.
where he gave me an envelope as a suicide.'
A
escapes from the British's bul‑ Bachchan and Aamir Khan – are pitted against each other.
head of their wedding, it The report further stated that
lets, taking along with him
was reported that the couple was planning to steals the show with his flamboy‑ some of his earlier films too.
Mirza's young daughter Zafira.
Bollywood actress bring the license with them to
Everything about this film is in ance. He is the pulsating heart of Luckily for him, his character
Priyanka Chopra and American India for their wedding in
capital letters preceded by arti‑ the narrative. He brings his char‑ stands out due to his sheer per‑
singer Nick Jonas have obtained December and then will eventu‑
cles; the story befitting the inter‑ acter to life with his energetic sonality. Katrina Kaif as Suraiya
a marriage license in the US. ally file the license in the US to
textual clash of the good against on‑screen presence, priceless the dancer, is fabulous. She
As per theblast.com, the cou‑ make the marriage official in
evil, the mounting on the mas‑ expressions on his visage, flaw‑ impresses us with her graceful
ple, who got engaged in August, both countries.
sive scale and casting of the less dancing and agility during and elegant dance moves, espe‑
visited the Beverly Hills Priyanka and Nick are report‑
leads. the action scenes. Amitabh cially in the song "Suraiya jaan".
Courthouse last week and filled edly getting married at
While the two legendary icons Bachchan as Khudabaksh, a loyal Overall, this film is worth a
out the paperwork to obtain the Rajasthan's Mehrangarh Fort in
of the Indian screen are pitted guard‑cum‑protector of Zafira, is watch for Aamir Khan's perform‑
license. December.
against each other, Aamir Khan a character we have seen in ance.
20 November 17-23, 2018 SUBCONTINENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info
S
Court against the early dissolution ri Lankan President Bibi, a mother of five, was
of Parliament by President Maithripala Sirisena has released recently from a prison in
Maithripala Sirisena. signed a special gazette Multan, where she spent eight
UNP Parliamentarian Mangala notification dissolving parlia‑ years on death row. She was
Samaraweera told journalists that accused of insulting Prophet
ment and declaring January 5, Pakistani Christian woman Asia
the party would early next week 2019, as the date for a snap par‑ Muhammad in 2009 and a court Bibi was accused of insulting
file a challenge in the Supreme liamentary election. sentenced her to death in 2010. the Prophet in 2009.
Court, calling the President's deci‑ The President said that nomi‑ Foreign Ministry spokesperson
sion to dissolve Parliament "ille‑ Mohammad Faisal denied rumors court)," Faisal said.
nations for the parliamentary
gal", Xinhua news agency report‑ that Bibi had left the country He said Bibi was free to "travel
elections would be called from
ed. after the furore caused by her to wherever she wants" after the
November 19 to 26, reports
A group of UNP legislators met release. "There is no truth in court's decision on the review
Xinhua news agency.
Elections Commission Chairman reports of her leaving the country petition.
He further set January 17,
Mahinda Deshapriya and dis‑ ‑‑ it is fake news," Faisal told "No one will object to it. A free
2019 as the new date for the
cussed the dissolut ion of Dawn NewsTV. national can go wherever he or
new parliament to convene.
Parliament and urged him to take Her acquittal by the apex court she wants to. She is pretty much
Sirisena's move to dissolve the
steps to "save democracy". on October 31 triggered wide‑ with Pakistani authorities. The
Sri Lankan PM Ranil parliament comes one and a half
Meanwhile, the main opposition spread protests led by the hard‑ state of Pakistan is there to pro‑
Wickremesinghe was years ahead of the scheduled
Tamil National Alliance and the line Islamist party Tehreek‑e‑ tect her."
sacked on Oct 26. parliamentary polls.
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna will Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). Bibi's family had asked for help
also be filing cases in the Supreme sons said. Sri Lanka has been fac‑ "Asia (Bibi) is at a safe place in and asylum for security reasons
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe
Court against the dissolution of ing political turmoil since October Pakistan. She is a free citizen from the UK, Canada, the US and
and appointed former President
Parliament, their party spokesper‑ 26 when the President sacked now. A writ is undergoing (in the Italy.
Mahinda Rajapaksa to the post.
N
early every person of faith is nity. When a troubled young man gunned
embarrassed sometimes by the down dozens of people at the gay‑friendly
behavior of someone who belongs Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, the most com‑
to their faith community. Sometimes this forting words I heard were spoken by
makes us reluctant to identify with our Sheikh Ibrahim Negm, an eminent Muslim
religious tradition at all. The poet scholar from Cairo University, at an
Kathleen Norris, a devout Presbyterian Interfaith Iftar at the Islamic Center of
who also is an “oblate” affiliated with a Long Island, “The victims in Orlando are
Catholic monastic community, was asked my brothers and sisters. The man who
once by an interviewer, “Are you a killed them is not my brother.”
Christian?” Norris sighed and replied that In much the same way, I believe that
“The problem is that so many people who Christians must say loud and clear that
say they are Christians are such jerks.” I “Christian” racists are not really Christian
know exactly what she means. And Iʼm at all. Christianity teaches me to “hate the
afraid that I act like a jerk sometimes sin but love the sinner,” but hating the sin
myself. means saying that the sinner has left the
Nearly every religion has its fanatics fold:
and bigots. In recent years, Americans Anyone who hates immigrants does not
have assumed that most terrorists were follow the God I know, the One who calls
Muslims, even if more people were killed us to “defend the widow, the orphan, and
by home‑grown terrorists who claimed to the immigrant among you.”
be Christian. In the last few weeks, those Anyone who hates Jews does not know
who think they belong to my tribe have the God of Jesus.
attempted to attack a black church in Anyone who hates Muslims does not
Kentucky and killed African Americans know my God.
randomly in a shopping center, mailed And as the First Letter of John in the
In the last few weeks, those who think they belong to my tribe have attempted to attack
more than a dozen bombs to Presidents New Testament says, “Anyone who says ʻI
a black church in Kentucky, mailed bombs to prominent Democrats, and slaughtered Jews
Clinton and Obama and other prominent love Godʼ and hates his brother is lying.”
in Pittsburgh for being pro‐immigrant. I am reminded of the First Letter of John in the
Democrats, and slaughtered Jews in Perhaps all people of faith are called,
New Testament reminds us, “Anyone who says ‘I love God’ and hates his brother is lying.”
Pittsburgh for being pro‑immigrant. whenever anyone attacks someone in the
Whenever anyone who calls them‑ name of their faith, to say, “No! Not in my
is certainly true but our tribe did too little promote understanding between Israelis
selves a Muslim commits any atrocity any‑ name, you donʼt.”
to oppose the Nazisʼ rise to power and we and Palestinians. Moments later, though,
where, Muslim leaders are expected to Excerpted from ʻMany Names for God:
bear responsibility for the centuries of somebody in the audience yelled at the
denounce terrorism̶even if their denun‑ How To Be a Good Neighbor in a Multi‑
anti‑Semitism that made the Holocaust Muslim teacher, “Why donʼt Muslims con‑
ciations receive little attention from non‑ Faith World.ʼ
possible̶as we do for how easy it is for demn terrorism?”
Muslims. But as Rev. Mark Lukens has neo‑Nazis to get their hands on guns Several Muslims present replied with
observed, “Why didnʼt anyone ask me to today. Many Christians also have a dis‑ remarkable patience and politeness that
disavow Timothy McVeigh?” McVeigh, the turbing tendency to accept the death of a they have done so repeatedly, only to
1995 Oklahoma City bomber, wasnʼt real‑ few innocent people when our nation is have their statements ignored. This led to
ly a Christian, of course, but neither was trying to kill a bad guy̶or the invasion of angry retorts from the audience if this
Osama bin Laden much of a Muslim. How countries that never attacked us. were true the listeners would have heard
many Christians did you hear repudiating Some members of my tribe fear that about them. See if you can follow the logic
any of these home‑grown “Christian” ter‑ Christians are being singled out for perse‑ here:
rorists this past month? cution around the world today, but in the “I said it, but you were not listening”
Both Jesus and Sigmund Freud suggest‑ nations where religious fanatics are the “I didnʼt hear it, so you must not have
ed that what annoys us most in other peo‑ most deadly, all minority communities are said it.”
ple is usually something we cannot accept at risk. Churches have been bombed in That evening I emailed 150 reporters
in ourselves. We complain about the Pakistan, for example, but so have the and editors the text of an extraordinary
speck in our neighborʼs eye, Jesus said, houses of worship of Hindus, Shia new declaration, issued by more than 100
when we have a log in our own. As the Muslims, Sunnis, Ismailis, and Muslim leaders, condemning terrorism as The Rev. Thomas W. Goodhue is a United
French say, "He who excuses himself, Ahmadiyyas. Sometimes even the past is a betrayal of Islam. Can you guess how Methodist clergyman. He has served
accuses himself.” not safe: the Taliban blew up ancient stat‑ many newspapers, magazines, and radio churches in Hawaii, Manhattan, and Long
I cannot expect others to repudiate ues of the Buddha in Afghanistan and a or television programs covered this Island and led the Long Island Council of
fanaticism in their tradition until I face 2000‑year‑old Jain temple was demol‑ fatwa? Not one. Churches for 17 years.
the offenses committed by members of ished in Lahore to build a subway line. Nonetheless, we have an obligation to You can reach him at
my tribe. Yes, Christians do suffer perse‑ Of course, just because you condemn keep working for peace and reconcilia‑ twgoodhue@gmail.com.
cution in some nations today, but our religious violence does
woes do not begin to equal the offenses of not mean anyone will
those who claimed to be following Jesus, listen. Most Muslims I
the Prince of Peace, and yet who slaugh‑ know are deeply frus‑
tered millions of Jews, Muslims, and many trated that they are
fellow Christians during the Crusades and asked to condemn ter‑
the Holocaust. And Protestants and rorism without anyone
Catholics killed each other with relish dur‑ noticing that they have
ing the 16th and 17th centuries, just as already done so many
they did more recently during “the times. Several years ago
Troubles” in Northern Ireland. I attended an interfaith
I learned during a trip to Ireland a year program at a local syna‑
before the Good Friday Peace Accords gogue where a pastor,
were signed that the most murderous imam, and rabbi from
Protestants and Catholics were often only the Holy Land did a
nominal members of any church. wonderful job of
Christians also like to point out that Adolf describing their
Hitler was a pagan, not a Christian, which admirable efforts to
TheSouthAsianTimes.info LIFESTYLE November 17-23, 2018 25
T
he American Academy of ularly eat
Pediatrics has hardened its Several studies organic food
stance against spanking have found asso‑ are less likely to devel‑
ciations between op cancer than those
children as a form of parental dis‑
spanking and who don't, according
cipline. In a new policy statement,
aggressive child to a new study out of
published in the journal behavior, depres‑
Pediatrics, the pediatricians' France. A team of
sive symptoms in
group recommends that adults researchers studied
adolescence and
caring for children use "healthy less gray matter 68,946 adult volun‑
forms of discipline" ‑‑ such as pos‑ in children's teers from France who
itive reinforcement of appropriate brains provided information
behaviors, setting limits and set‑ (Image : on how often they ate
ting expectations ‑‑ and not use irishnews.com) organic food, drinks,
spanking, hitting, slapping, threat‑ and even dietary sup‑
ening, insulting, humiliating or plements. Participants were given a cer. The reason for the results might
shaming. score, based on how often they eat be because of other lifestyle or envi‑
The policy statement updates organic food ranging from "most of ronmental factors. The research also
guidance published in 1998 that make their own decisions in how them, change the subject ‑‑ and the time" to "never" or "I don't know." contradicts some data reported in a
recommended: "parents be they chose to raise their children." that's usually all they need and During two follow‑up appoint‑ previous study, the Million Women
encouraged and assisted in devel‑ The policy statement describes they can handle it," he said. ments, one in 2009 and another in Study, which linked organic food con‑
oping methods other than spank‑ corporal punishment as "noninju‑ For toddlers and preschoolers, 2016, the researchers then tracked sumption to a slight increase in the
ing in response to undesired rious, open‑handed hitting with Sege recommended using the cancer diagnoses, the most prevalent risk of breast cancer.
behavior." "In the 20 years since the intention of modifying child time‑out method, which involves being breast cancer. Other cancers A commentary by three nutrition
that policy was first published, behavior" and indicates that a child sitting quietly by him‑ or observed included prostate cancer, experts also published in JAMA
there's been a great deal of addi‑ spanking is considered a form of herself. For older children, Sege skin cancer, colorectal cancer, non‑ warns of some weaknesses in the
tional research, and we're now such physical punishment. The said, typically allowing the natu‑ Hodgkin lymphomas, and lym‑ French study, such as possible flaws
much stronger in saying that par‑ statement goes on to describe ral consequence of misbehavior phomas. in the questionnaire used to measure
ents should never hit their child how several studies have found play out can be effective. People who reported higher organ‑ organic food consumption. The
and never use verbal insults that associations between spanking "So if they run out in the street, ic food scores were less likely to be authors also stress data around the
would humiliate or shame the and aggressive child behavior, you don't want the natural conse‑ diagnosed with cancer than the rest link between organic food and can‑
child," said Dr. Robert Sege, first depressive symptoms in adoles‑ quence to be that they get run of the group. For example, those who cer remains unclear, and they urge
author of the policy statement cence and less gray matter in chil‑ over by a car. But a natural conse‑ consumed the most organic food the public to continue making
and a pediatrician at the Floating dren's brains, among other out‑ quence might be that they have to were 25 percent less likely to have dietary decisions based on current
Hospital for Children at Tufts comes. Sege said there are other hold your hand when they're in cancer, according to the research. recommendations.
Medical Center in Boston. forms of discipline that parents the street or they can't go out on That number grew to more than half "Concerns over pesticide risks
"This is much stronger than the can employ, no matter their their own past a busy street until when looking at cases of non‑ should not discourage intake of con‑
previous advice," he said. "The child's age. For instance, for chil‑ you've observed them always Hodgkin lymphoma. ventional fruits and vegetables, espe‑
new policy encourages pediatri‑ dren younger than 1 who might looking both ways," Sege said. In This research published in JAMA cially because organic produce is
cians to discuss the data about be misbehaving, "the best thing to other words, holding Mom's or Internal Medicine doesn't necessarily often expensive and inaccessible to
different kinds of discipline with do is just pick them up and move Dad's hand becomes the conse mean that organic food is reason many populations," the commentary
parents so, of course, they can them somewhere else, distract quence. (Source:cnn.com) people are less likely to develop can‑ states. (Source: usatoday.com)
P
eople who commute – walking or You must hear this out. If the findings male, average age 47) and whether there were
cycling – through natural environ‑ of the latest study are to be believed, differences in weight change by these self‑
ments are more likely to develop bet‑ weighing yourself daily could prove fruitful. weighing patterns over 12 months. The partic‑
ter mental health than those who commute The findings, led by researchers from the ipants weighed themselves at home as they
less, according to a new study. Natural envi‑ University of Pittsburgh and the University of normally would, without interventions, guid‑
ronments included all public and private out‑ California in the United States, showed that ance or weight loss incentives from
door spaces that contain ʻgreenʼ and/or ʻblueʼ people who do not weigh themselves at all or researchers. The team identified several cate‑
natural elements such as street trees, forests, did rarely were less likely to lose weight than gories of self‑weighing adults, from those that
city parks, and natural parks/reserves and all those who weighed themselves often. weighed themselves daily or almost daily to
types of water bodies. People who weighed themselves six to seven adults who never used at‑home scales. People
“Mental health and physical inactivity are er mental health score compared to those times a week had a significant weight loss (1.7 who never weighed themselves or only
two of the main public health problems asso‑ who commuted through natural environ‑ percent) in 12 months. The scientists weighed once a week did not lose weight in
ciated with living in urban environments. ments less frequently. This association was revealed, monitoring your behavior or body the following year, the scientists noted.
Urban design could be a powerful tool to con‑ even stronger among people who reported weight may help
front these challenges and create healthier
cities. One way of doing so would be investing
active commuting, the team said.
“From previous experimental studies, we
increase one's
awareness of how Need an accountant / manager
in natural commuting routes for cycling and knew that physical activity in natural environ‑ changing behav‑ For Temple / Jain Center of America in Elmhurst, Queens NY.
walking,” said Mark Nieuwenhuijsen from the ments can reduce stress, improve mood and iors can affect Requirements: 100% vegetarian, detail oriented,
University of Barcelona. mental restoration when compared to the weight loss. The
Proficiency in QB, Good knowledge of payable, receivable,
For the study, published in the journal, equivalent activity in urban environments,” results will be
bank reconciliation, preparing and filing payroll taxes. We
Environment International, the research team said first author Wilma Zijlema from the var‑ presented at the
will train.
examined nearly 3,600 participants who sity. “Although this study is the first of its American Heart
Any 4 days a week plus
answered a questionnaire about their com‑ kind to our knowledge and, therefore, more Association's
Sunday is a must.
muting habits and their mental health. research will be needed, our data show that Scientific Sessions
Please reply with your resume to:
The findings showed that respondents com‑ commuting through these natural spaces 2018 in Chicago.
Anu Jain, jainanu2005@gmail.com &
muting through natural environments on a alone may also have a positive effect on men‑ The team exam‑
Kalpana Gandhi kalinuc@yahoo.com
daily basis had on average a 2.74 point high‑ tal health.” ined the self‑
26 November 17-23, 2018 SELF HELP TheSouthAsianTimes.info
F
oreign nationals who are
TALK
petitions out of the whole pool of H‑ enough time to prepare all of the
1B applicants every year to deter‑ necessary documents. system would require
mine who will be granted an H‑1B Under the new lottery system, H‑ companies to elec-
visa. The lottery system was set 1B applicants who will be selected
fourth in 2014 when the number of system, the first round of visas in the lottery may no longer be tronically preregister.
H‑1B petitions exceeded the annual would be given to 65,000 appli‑ totally “random”. The Department Employers would
limit. Currently there are two cants randomly selected from the of Homeland Security is thinking
rounds in the lottery: (1) in the first entire pool of H‑1B applicants. about giving priority to H‑1B peti‑
need to first register their workers, then submit the
round 20,000 visas are randomly Then, in the second round 20,000 tioners who are the most skilled full H-1B petition once they are picked in the lottery.
chosen from a pool of applicants visas would be given to those appli‑ and are the highest paid. This
change can potentially effect small‑
The proposal is unlikely to effect the H-1B visa lottery
with advanced degrees, the cants with advanced degrees that
advanced degree applicants who did not get selected in the first er companies because they may not selection in April 2019.
were not chosen are then put into round. be able to pay high salaries such as
the pool of the second round appli‑ The new lottery system would those paid by larger companies. The
cants; (2) in the second round require companies to electronically allocation of H‑1B visas is consis‑ Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
65,000 visas are randomly chosen preregister. Employers would need tent with President Trumpʼs “Buy The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States,
from a pool of applicants with at to first register their workers, then American, Hire American” executive and Banad Immigration in India for which
least a bachelorʼs degree and the submit the full H‑1B petition once order, which was set forth to make Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of
leftover advanced degree appli‑ they are picked in the lottery. sure that visas are given to the most Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
cants. The current lottery system Requiring preregistration may skilled workers at the highest salary Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to assist
favors advanced degree applicants increase the number of applicants rates. clients with all facets of the immigration process,
more. in the lottery pool because preregis‑ The new lottery system is for now including Employment Visas, Consular Visa
only a proposal and it still has to go Assistance, Student Visas, Removal &
The overall number of H‑1B appli‑ tration is a lot less work then sub‑
Deportation, US Citizenship and Green Card
cants has increased greatly over the mitting a full H‑1B petition. The though the rulemaking process in
Applications based on Family or Employment.
years and the chances of an appli‑ time given to H‑1B applicants to order to be finalized. It is unsure if
Dev B. Viswanath can be reached at
cant being selected has decreased. submit their full petition after being this proposal will effect the H‑1B
Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
Under the proposed new lottery selected in the lottery is unknown visa lottery selection in April 2019.
DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS
28 November 17-23, 2018 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info
A rash of crimes by
animals gets us thinking
T
wo large sums of
public money
went missing in
Nigeria recently. In one
case, the official con‑
cerned said a MONKEY
had run off with the
cash and, in the other,
an official said that a
SNAKE took it. The pop‑
ulation was highly skep‑
BEST tical since large sums of
public money are not
RATE kept as bank notes so
the animals would have
FOR had to arrange bank
transfers, a bit of a chal‑
INDIA lenge for any tiny‑
brained creatures such as snakes, monkeys,
This lends credence to the theory that
some species (monkeys, dogs, dolphins, cats)
AND bacteria, nationalist politicians, newspaper
columnists, etc.
are actually smarter than humans but hide
the fact so that they don't have to pay tax,
PAKISTAN The officials probably chose such weak
excuses because there have been a rash of
wear clothes, work in offices, take out mort‑
gages, etc.
animal‑steals‑stuff stories in the news In 2012 a band of monkeys reportedly
recently. Consider what happened in learned to understand Indian train platform
New York Head Quarter Chonburi, Thailand, last month. A monkey announcements ‑‑ again something few
422‑S Broadway stole a smartphone. The phone‑owner's adults can do. They would wait for the echo‑
friend Mongkol Wisulokanon pressed video ing voice to make an announcement: "The
HICKSVILLE call, hoping to surprise the monkey into next train to arrive at Platform Seven will be
NY 11801 dropping the phone. But the monkey the 2.15 express", and they'd gather for
answered the video call. The ape then sent action.
516‑827‑1010 the "bye‑bye" emoji, which is a waving hand. As passengers emerged on to the platform
Mongkol recorded screenshots of the of Rajasthan's Chittorgarh station, the mon‑
exchange as proof. keys would grab people's bags, the wire
This is astonishing. Many adults couldn't service IANS reported. At the time, station
do such a thing without weeks of training by bosses offered a cash prize of $365 to any‑
small children. one who could think of a way of dealing
with the problem, but they ignored my sug‑
17th November, 2018 ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK issues of your family members. You
Traits in you: You are bestowed may end up spending a lot of money
with the characteristics such as ener‑ This may land you in financial crisis and marriage may happen for few. budget in the business. You should to settle down your legal issues. You
getic, realistic, dependable, hardwork‑ later in the year. The peace at your not go beyond your budget if you do might decide to buy property or vehi‑
ing, and highly disciplined. Your home may get ruined to financial cri‑ 20th November, 2018 not want to be in loss. Your past cles this year.
duties and responsibilities bear the sis and health issues. Though you Traits in you: As you are ruled by investments will earn you money this Career this year: You will be
most value than anything else in your may face a difficult time regarding to Moon, you are blessed with character‑ year and make you financially sound. rewarded for your work this year. You
life. However, you have to look after money earlier this year, you will find istics such as imaginative, smart, You may find the property or legal will gain enough professional recog‑
your nature of behaving stubborn and a solution or a new source of income trustworthy, generous and authorita‑ dispute settlement satisfactory. nition for your knowledge, skills, and
showing jealousy at wrong situations. later, which would solve your finan‑ tive person. Career this year: Being good at your efficiency. The ongoing projects may
Health this year: You will enjoy a cial problems. Health this year: You may go for a work, you get lot of appreciation and get a continuation.
sound health. However, you may suf‑ Career this year: You may bring pilgrimage to attain peace and mental respect from others. Your good work Romance this year: You will enjoy a
fere from minor backaches due to sit‑ huge changes in your professional life comfort. This year you will suf fer pays off with rewards. However, you better romantic alife as compared to
ting more time in work. this year. You may expect a transfer from various minor health issues and should not behave dominating and the last year. You will be understood
Finance this year: Though there will or promotion in the middle of this this will keep you disturbed. arrogant. You may find this year by your partner and get enough sup‑
be an improvement in your financial year. Those who are on a foreign trip Finance this year: This year will promising enough when growth is port in everything you do.
status this year, you will end up in the second half of the year will find bring you job security and financial concerned.
increasing your expenses as well. If the trip enjoyable and exciting. stability. You need to deal with your Romance this year: You may plan 23rd November, 2018
your decision of investing comes cor‑ Romance this year: You will be money carefully to avoid loss. Your an overseas trip with your beloved to Traits in you: Your ruling planet
rect, you may be benefited or else you enjoying a disturbed relationship with assumptions in taking hasty decisions spend quality time. Your relationship Mercury makes you an active, practi‑
may lose your money. Many of your your partner as you would not be able may cause financial loss to you. If you will grow more strong with lots of cal, sensible, systematic and highly
friend and relatives may visit you this to show required care and concern. If are a businessman, you may get into love and care. diplomatic person. You need to be a
year. They may bring you gifts in you are unmarried, you may decide to new contracts to enhance your busi‑ bit careful and remove stubbornness
form of money. remain so for at least two years. ness. If you get into any overseas ven‑ 22nd November, 2018 from your nature.
Career this year: You need to con‑ ture, you may be befitted financially Traits in you: By inborn characteris‑ Health this year: If you are a chron‑
centrate on projects that would bring 19th November, 2018 from it. tics, you are active, disciplined, and ic patient, you have to take extra care
long term gains rather than bothering Traits in you: Being ruled by the Career this year: Being an excellent efficient. You are the master of an for your health to avoid grievances in
about small projects. Some of you Sun and number 1, you are original, professional, you will be recognized appealing personality. You are highly future.
may get opportunities to get new authoritative, dignified, and deter‑ as a very efficient resource and peo‑ social and helpful. However, you Finance this year: You might sell
employments. mined. As you are sensitive for your ple may seek your advice and sup‑ should work on your nature of being your property in a good price, which
Romance this year: You may find relationships, your friends and family port. However, you have to avoid jealous, self‑centered, and destructive. would help you enhance your finan‑
this year romantic enough to make may consider you to be an asset in being selfish and moody. Health this year: You will be in good cial stance. You may schedule your
your year pleasing and happy. their lives. However, you need to take Romance this year: This year is the health throughout this year. To main‑ travel to maintain distant relation‑
care of your nature of spending perfect time for you to be in an emo‑ tain your ggod health, you need to ships and gain some financial sup‑
18th November, 2018 unnecessarily and your dominating tional relationship or you may get practice exercise or yoga. port. Some of you may get the oppor‑
Traits in you: Being under the influ‑ character. married. Finance this year: You will be finan‑ tunity to travel abroad for business
ence of Mars, you are blessed with Health this year: You will remain cially benefited from dif ferent purpose. You should avoid lending
dignity, sensitiveness, courage, confi‑ healthy throughout the year provided 21st November, 2018 sources of income. You will acquire and borrowing money to stay finan‑
dence and diplomacy. You are born you go for regular medical checkups. Traits in you: By your inborn new projects and that will improve cially stable.
simple and helpful. You need to work Finance this year: If you are a pro‑ nature, you are intellectual, distin‑ your financial condition. If you are Career this year: You love music
on your nature of becoming impa‑ fessional, you will be among financial guished, cheerful, kind and optimistic. travelling for business purpose, it will and literature and want to pursue
tient. benefits. Health this year: You need to take yield positive results for you and you your career in those fields. You will be
Health this year: You will take help Career this year: You may get excel‑ more care of your health to avoid will be successful in your business able to improve your confidence level
of spirituality later this year for the lent returns from your investments in future complicacy. trips this year. You may invest in buy‑ as you may find a lot of opportunities
betterment of your mental health. business and it may improve your Finance this year: Your business ing house or stocks. However, it is to be grabbed.
However, you will remain healthy standard of living by making you may earn you a lot of money if you recommended to have a good Romance this year: Some of you
physically. spend a more luxurious life. plan your budget intelligently. You research on the stock before you also may get your marriage fixed this
Finance this year: You should not Romance this year: You will find need to have a trustworthy plan in invest. You may feel restless due to year. Your romance life would get to
spend too much money to buy luxury. yourself in romantic peak this year place before you implement your the abrupt expenses for the health its peak.
30 November 17-23, 2018 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info
which deeply within ourselves, pene‑ the sheep took the cub and The essence of religion
trating beyond the outer form raised her as her very own. The Enlightened living
created all of this physical body and mind,
we would find a wellspring of
cub grew up with the other
sheep and began acting like There is a quotation by the
Saints from every religion
teach the same truth. They help
of us. They eternal peace and happiness.
We would discover the secret
them. Crying, “Baaah, baaah,” it
even began to believe it was
g reat Gree k philosopher,
Socrates. He said, “Our prayers
us find the common elements
in each. They have love and
also believe of unity underly ing this
Universe.
also a sheep.
One day, a lion came by and
should be for blessings in gen‑
eral, for God knows best what
respect for other great saints
and the world's religions. They
that we have Honoring saints and
thought it strange to hear this
young lion baaahing like a
is good for us.” This quote coin‑
cides with the prayer to God to
recognize that they are teach‑
ing the same Truth. Although
a spiritual founders of all sheep. give us whatever is good for us. outer languages, cultures, cus‑
religions through The lion asked, “Why are you Time and again, whenever we toms, and the way of dressing
core within meditation making sounds like you are a demand something from God and greeting may dif fer from
sheep?” The young lion said, that is continually denied to us, country to country, the essence
us created by The various religious and
spiritual traditions have more
“Because I am a sheep.”
T he lion said, “Come with
it is usually because we are ask‑
ing for something that is not
of religions is the same: there is
one God, we are children of one
the higher commonalit ies than dif fer‑
ences. T he common core of
me.” It brought the young lion
to a pool of water. “Look down
good for us ultimately.
T here have been many
Creator, and our purpose is to
know ourselves, know God, and
Power each is the same. They believe
in a higher power, although
into the still pool,” said the lion.
When the young lion looked
instances in which people
prayed to God for something,
love all.
(For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info November 17-23, 2018
TheSouthAsianTimes.info November 17-23, 2018