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. 51 April 27-May 3, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Jainism to USA Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi Colombo: The Islamic State on
Tuesday claimed responsibility for
"The perpetrators of the attack
that targeted nationals of the cru‑
Abu Dhabi: Creating history in the Sanstha. the horrific Easter Sunday suicide sader alliance (anti‑IS US‑led coali‑
UAE, the BAPS Hindu Mandirʼs This is the first BAPS temple in bombings in Sri Lanka as the death tion) and Christians in Sri Lanka
foundation stone laying ceremony the UAE. The organization has toll in the carnage climbed to 321, were Islamic State fighters," the
was held on April 20, led by H.H. 1,100 mandirs worldwide, inlclud‑ including 10 Indians, with Prime brief message said.
Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiri‑ ing 100 in North America. Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Wickremesinghe on Tuesday
tual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan See page 15 for details. warning of more explosives and also acknowledged there was a
militants "out there" and that the prior warning of the attacks and
Indian Embassy was also a "possi‑ said some of ficials would likely
ble target". lose their jobs over intelligence
The Islamic State's claim came as lapses.
Sri Lankans started to bury the Sri Lankan authorities were mak‑
dead from the string of bombings. ing progress in identifying the cul‑
Gurudev Chitrabhanu Ji Tuesday was declared a national prits and evidence had been found
(1922-April 19, 2019) day of mourning and white flags on foreign links of the attacks, he
were hung from buildings across added.
New York: For a Jain sadhu, it
Colombo About the Islamic State's claim,
was a tumultuous life journey:
An Arabic language statement on the Prime Minister said: "We will
Popularity in India, vehement
the Islamic State group's of ficial be following up on IS claims. We
opposition when he decided to
A model of the Mandir to come up in Abu Dhabi, and al‑Amaq news agency made the believe there may be links."
travel abroad and got married.
H.H.Mahant Swami Maharaj and H.E. Dr Mugheer Khamis claim on an encrypted messaging Earlier in the day, De fence
Continued on page 4
Al Khaili,head of Abu Dhabi Deptt of Community app, saying the suicide bombers Minister Ruwan Wijewardene said
TRIBUTE ON PAGES 18‐19‐20. Development at the shilanyas ceremony. were "fighters of the Islamic State". Continued on page 4
US top court conservatives off impeaching the president, though she denounced
what she called his "highly unethical and unscrupulous
behavior." The question has divided the party, with some
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE April 27-May 3, 2019 5
Indian‑American PAC
endorses Harris for President
Washington, DC: An Indian‑American politi‑
cal action committee (PAC) has endorsed
Democratic presidential candidate Senator
Kamala Harris of Indian and Jamaican
descent for the US presidential race.
"In such a critically important election,
one that will shape policy and politics for
generations to come, Indian Americans
can't af ford to stay on the sidelines," the
Indian American Impact Fund's co‑founder
Raj Goyle said in a statement on
Wednesday.
Goyle, also a former Kansas state lawmak‑
If elected Kamala Harris will become the
er, said it was for that reason that the
first woman, the first Indian American, the
organization chose to be "the first Indian‑
first Asian American, and the first African
American or Asian‑American political American woman to serve as President.
organization to endorse" Harris, whose
mother was from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Impact Fund Executive Director and former
"In the coming months, we look forward Maryland state delegate Aruna Miller said
to mobilizing our network of resources to her group was "proud to endorse" Harris.
ensure Senator Harris secures the "She is a tested leader who has demonstrat‑
Democratic nomination and is elected the ed, throughout her career, a strong commit‑
next President of the US," Goyle said. ment to our community's progressive and
Harris thanked the Impact Fund for the pluralistic values," Miller said.
endorsement. "This endorsement and the Harris, one of the first Democrats to
support of the Indian American Impact launch the presidential campaign in this
Fund and its members means so much to election cycle, is also one of the front‑run‑
me," she said in a statement on Wednesday. ners at the moment. If elected, she will
"Together, we will fight for an America that become the first woman, the first Indian
restores the values of truth and justice and American, the first Asian American, and the
works for working people, from raising first African American woman to serve as
incomes to expanding health care." The President. (IANS)
8 April 27-May 3, 2019 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info
N
Tuesday won a $1 million jackpot in the 140th Indian national to win a o fewer than 700 Indians
Dubai Duty‑Free's Millennium million dollars in the Dubai Duty‑ resident in Lagos on Sunday The run
Millionaire, six years after she had Free Millennium Millionaire promo‑ held a run session in solidar‑ session was
won a luxury car McLaren Coupe in tion since its inception in 1999, the ity and support for Indiaʼs incumbent part of global
the same raffle. Eliza M's lucky tick‑ report said. Following the draw, two
movement in
Prime Minister, Narendra Modiʼs re‑
support of PM
et was purchased by her father, more winners, including another election. The News Agency of Nigeria
Modi in
identified as M. The draw took place Indian, were announced in Dubai (NAN) reported that the run session run‑up to the
at the Dubai International Airport. Duty‑Free's Finest Surprise was held at the Tafawa Balewa general
Reacting to the win, the girl's Promotion. They won luxury motor‑ Square, Lagos. Sanjay Srivastava, the elections.
father, a Mumbaikar residing in bike each. Indian national organiser and president of Overseas (Image :
Dubai for 19 years, said he was a Mohammad Haneef Adam, a resi‑ Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party thenewsnige‑
regular participant in the Dubai dent of Dubai for 20 years, won an (OFBJP), Nigeria Chapter said the ria.com)
Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Indian Scout Bobber motorbike. "I run session was a global movement
promotion since 2004. am thrilled to have won such a practiced every weekend across the stop. “There is presently a coalition Modiʼs assumption of office.
According to the Khaleej Times, beautiful motorbike. I can't wait to globe. OFBJP is a non‑governmental of other parties contesting against “We were confronted with nepo‑
the girl is no newcomer to winning get my hands on this," he said. organization involved in community Modi but we have witnessed 70 tism, religious bias and lots of prob‑
Dubai Duty‑Free promotions as she (IANS) development in Nigeria and promot‑ years of backwardness and stagna‑ lems separate us but since he was
ing Indiansʼ common cause. tion in all aspects of our economy elected five years ago, we have wit‑
Srivastava said Modi had engaged before Modi came into power. nessed a beautiful transformation.
in transparent governance which “Presently we have reduced cor‑ “We want him back because we
was corruption‑free in the last five ruption cases and our Gross want to continue to experience a
years of his administration. Domestic Product (GDP) keeps peaceful society without discrimina‑
According to him, his developmen‑ improving; these and more positive tion,” he said.
tal projects extend to villages in developments we want to continue Another speaker, Mrs. Anusdha
India where they benefit from free in India. Vijay Singh said that Modi Jindall, said that Modi had shown a
electricity, gas distribution and other should be re‑elected because he had great sense of responsibility and self‑
amenities which they had been achieved remarkable development in lessness over the years and should
deprived of for long. the areas of banking, infrastructure be given a second chance to move
“This is a global movement to and industry expansion in the last the nation forward.
enable Modi to continue as Indiaʼs five years of his tenure. "Modi is hard‑working, a man with‑
NRIs from Frankfurt, Germany on way to India to vote for PM Modi Prime Minister so that the develop‑ “India as a country has experi‑ out sentiment and selfless, that is the
in ongoing general elections. (Source: NRI4Namo/Facebook) ment experienced in India does not enced sporadic development since kind of leader we need,” she said.
10 April 27-May 3, 2019 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info
H
US election interference activities, ouse Democrats were ment proceedings would begin.
but left enough ammunition for discussing Mueller's Rep. Adam Schiff, chairman of
Democrats to pursue charges that damning findings on the House Intelligence
the president tried to interfere with the president's efforts to Committee, laid out the political
the probe. obstruct his investigation after calculus Democrats must make,
The 448‑page, two‑volume report days of skirting questions knowing a Republican Senate is
prepared after 22 months of inves‑ about impeaching President almost certain to derail
tigations by Mueller was sent last Donald Trump. On Sunday, top impeachment, regardless of
Thursday to Congress and released Democrats seesawed between Mueller's obstruction evidence.
Taking a victory lap and borrowing from 'Game of Thrones'
to public. describing Trump's conduct, as House Majority Leader Steny
theme, President Trump tweeted this image.
While it may have quelled allega‑ detailed by Mueller, in grave Hoyer doused talk of impeach‑
tions of Russian, the report said tion identified numerous links ing social discord among American terms and insisting impeach‑ ment last week, shortly after
that it could neither confirm nor between individuals with ties to the voters through disinformation and ment is not an immediate con‑ the Mueller report was made
rule out "that no criminal conduct Russian government and individu‑ social media operations. sideration. "We may get to that. public, saying he didn't think
occurred" on the obstruction of jus‑ als associated with the Trump The report also gave an inside We may not. As I've said before, the process was "worthwhile."
tice allegations, explicitly acknowl‑ Campaign, the evidence was not look at the Trump's inner circle it is our job to go through all Instead, Democrats have
edging that Congress could have suf ficient to support criminal gleaned from of ficials it inter‑ the evidence, all the informa‑ demanded more hearings on
jurisdiction over the matter. charges. "But the evidence does viewed with juicy tidbits like Trump tion we can get," said Rep. Trump's conduct and to hear
The report said that Trump had indicate that a thorough FBI inves‑ exclaiming after the Mue ller Jerrold Nadler, chairman of the from AG Barr. They also want to
phoned then‑White House counsel tigation would uncover facts about inquiry was established, "This is the House Judiciary Committee, bring Mueller in to testify next
Don McGahn and asked him to tell the campaign and the President end of my Presidency. I'm (exple‑ which is where any impeach‑ month.
Deputy Attorney General Ro d personally that the President could tive)". It enumerated ten instances
Rosenstein that Mueller was con‑ have understood to be crimes or where Trump could have potential‑ the Trump campaign ‑‑ or the style, Trump reacted with tweet of a
flicted and should be removed. It that would give rise to personal and ly interfered with the Mue ller knowing assistance of any other picture of him like a movie poster
added, however, that McGahn political concerns". This seemed to probe through intimidation in the Americans for that matter". proclaiming, "No Collusion. No
refused to do that. be mainly about the business deal‑ media or attempts to end it or pres‑ Demanding the release of the obstruction. For the haters and the
Democrats vowed to pursue the ings Trump had in Russia. suring officials. report in full, Democratic Senator radical left Democrats a Game
obstructions allegations. House The report detailed Russian mili‑ Before releasing the redacted Kamala Harris tweeted: "Americans over", and tweeted on Thursday
Judicial Committee Chairman Jerry tary intelligence agency GRU's report, US Attorney General deserve the unvarnished truth". morning his consistent position on
Nadler, said he would order hacking of e‑mails of Democratic William Barr told reporters that "all "The American people deserve the inquiry: "The Witch Hunt has
Mueller himself to appear before Party and it leaders, which were Americans can and should be grate‑ the truth, not a sanitized version of been a total fraud on your
his panel before May 23 to explain leaked to WikiLeaks and sowed dis‑ ful to have confirmed" through the Mueller Report approved by the President and the American people!
his findings. sensions within the party. Mueller's investigation that the Trump Admin", Speaker Nancy It was brought to you by Dirty
On the focus of the probe, the It also blamed a Russian company Russian "schemes did not have the Pelosi tweeted from Ireland, where Cops, Crooked Hillary and the DNC
report said: "While the investiga‑ with close ties to Kremlin for sow‑ cooperation of President Trump or she is on a visit. In his theatrical (Democratic National Committee)".
MAHA KUMBH
Lok Sabha elections:
Over 50% polling in phase 3
Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, (62.13 per cent) and Goa (58.93 per
and the Union Territories of Dadra cent). In Chhattisgarh, 55.29 per
and Nagar Haveli and Daman and cent of the electors cast their votes
Diu. till 3 p.m.
However, voting was dull in Karnataka, where the remaining
Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag 14 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats are
Lok Sabha constituency where going to the polls in the third phase,
polling is being held in three legs saw around 50 per cent voting till 3
OF DEMOCRACY amid tight security measures. The p.m. Kerala, where polling is being
turnout was only 10.64 per cent till held in all the 20 Lok Sabha seats in
New Delhi: Millions of people came 3 p.m. the state, witnessed a turnout of 56
out to vote as over 50 per cent Voting began at 7 a.m. as the per cent.
voter turnout was recorded till 3 third, and the largest, phase of the Voting was moderate in Gujarat,
p.m. on Tuesday cross 117 Lok staggered seven‑phase electoral Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and
Sabha constituencies for the third exercise kicked off on Tuesday. Maharashtra. In Gujarat, 50.35 per
phase of Lok Sabha elections spread As per the latest figures received cent of the eligible voters had exer‑
Prime Minister Narendra Modi after casting his vote in
over 13 states and 2 Union till 3 p.m., West Bengal recorded the Ahmedabad on April 23. (Photo: PIB/IANS) cised their franchise till 3 p.m. while
Territories. highest turnout with 67.52 per cent in Bihar, it was 47 per cent.
Unfazed by the summer heat, vot‑ of the eligible voters casting their 67.08 per cent turnout. deferred by the Election Dadra and Nagar Have li saw
ers turned out in large numbers in votes. It was closely followed by Voting in the Tripura East seat Commission to the third phase on 56.81 per cent voting while Daman
West Bengal, Tripura, Goa, Gujarat, Tripura, where voting is happening was slated in the second phase of security concerns. and Diu witnessed 54.84 per cent
Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, only in one constituency, with polling on April 18 but was Voting was also brisk in Assam polling till 3 p.m.
MAHA KUMBH
SC notice to Rahul in 'chowkidar' issue
T he court asked Gand hi to edged that "chowkidar chor hai",
explain by next Tuesday why con‑ a slogan he uses to target Modi in
tempt proceedings should not be the context of Rafale deal.
initiated against him for suggest‑ The BJP took objection to this
ing that the court had endorsed and Lekhi moved a contempt of
his polit ical attack on Prime court petition in the apex court.
Minister Narendra Modi amid the While hearing the petition, a
ongoing polls. three‑member bench, headed by
T he apex court, however, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, had
exempted the Congress chief taken strong except ion to
from personal appearance. Gandhi's comment, saying he had
It will hear the matter on April "incorrectly attributed" the
OF DEMOCRACY 30 along with the review peti‑ remarks to the top court.
tions related to the Rafale fighter Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi,
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on deal. appearing for Lekhi, said Gandhi's
Tuesday issued a notice of crimi‑ Congress President Rahul Gandhi addresses a public rally in
The notice was issued a day affidavit was just lip service and
nal contempt to Cong ress
Dungarpur, Rajasthan on April 23. (Photo: IANS)
after Gandhi expressed regret to that he has expressed no apology.
President Rahul Gandhi while the Supreme Court for his com‑ made the controversial comment tention that classified documents Senior advocate Abhishek Manu
rejecting a plea for closing the ments over which BJP MP after the top court on April 10, accessed by the media cannot be Singhvi, appearing for Gandhi,
matter related to his "chowkidar Meenakshi Lekhi had moved a while agreeing to hear review considered as evidence. requested the court to close the
chor hai" remarks incorrectly contempt petition. pet it ions in the Rafale case, Gandhi had claimed that the case ag ainst the Cong ress
attributed to the top court. The Congress President had rejected the government con‑ Supreme Court had acknowl‑ President.
C
onventional wisdom has BJP and the Congress. tion fare in these circumstances?
it that the current elec‑ Another party whose name has For a start, it will have to accept
tions will not produce a figured in the speculation is that the inconvenient truth about
clear‑cut result as in 2014. The of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a itself that an inability to get its
reason is that there is no definite one‑time ally of the BJP which is act together to stand united
trend for or against any party at now engaged in trying to main‑ against the BJP made it lose the
the national level although such tain its dominance in Odisha race. Moreover, the ego hassles
tendencies are there in some against a combative BJP which among its senior leaders which
states such as Tamil Nadu. has replaced the Congress as the scuttled the earlier talks about
However, in the absence of an BJD's main opponent in the state. forming a mahagathbandhan
all‑India "wave", neither of the At the all‑India level, the BJD's (grand alliance) with a single
two main groups of protagonists position is for maintaining equi‑ opposition candidate against the
‑ the Nat ional Demo crat ic distance from both the BJP and BJP in every constituency will
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Union
Alliance (NDA) led by the the Congress. However, Chief continue to help the BJP retain
Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, state's Deputy Chief Minister Sushil
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Kumar Modi and Bihar BJP president Nityanand Rai during Minister Naveen Patnaik is of the its hold on power.
the parties in the "secular" camp a public rally in Araria, Bihar. (Photo: IANS) view that he will go with that The only card which the oppo‑
‑ is expected easily to cross the party at the center which will sition can play even in its frac‑
half‑way mark of 272 seats in the critics are bound to interpret names are already in the air, show special consideration for tured state is to assert that the
the Lok Sabha. the NDA's slender majority as a such as those of Telangana Chief the state. 2014 outcome was an aberration
The general assumption is that virtual rejection by the voters of Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao It doesn't take much perspicaci‑ caused up by two factors ‑ the
the NDA may barely cross the its legitimacy in view of the fall and the rising Andhra Pradesh ty to believe that if push comes unexpected rise of Narendra
finishing line or just fall short in its seats from the present 336. leader Jag an Mohan Reddy, to shove for the BJP, struggling Modi as a popular leader and the
while the BJP w ill not get a There is a political need, there‑ although both have been critical to maintain the NDA's majority in equally unexpected collapse of
majority of its own although it is fore, for the BJP to repeat its of the BJP. the Lok Sabha, it will listen to the Congress because of corrup‑
likely to emerge as the largest 2014 performance if the party Rao, for instance, had once Odisha's plea for he lp w ith tion ‑ an old malady ‑ and policy
party. In that event, there is wants to persist with its current taken the initiative to constitute greater sympathy. Given such paralysis, a new affliction.
every possibility of the BJP being dominance. a non‑BJP, non‑Congress federal possibilities, it is obvious that the In the absence of either one or
given the first chance by the The scene will obviously be front in Mamata Banerjee's com‑ BJP will not be able to display the other of these two factors,
President to form a government. even worse for the BJP if the pany, but the project went the kind of chutzpah that it does the scene would have been dif‑
Furthermore, there will be no dif‑ NDA is unable to get a majority nowhere. at present. It is bound to be far ferent. In a way, this is what
ficulty for it if the NDA has a and there is a hung parliament. It Reddy is at present too focused more subdued, a posture it appears to be happening at pres‑
majority. has been suggested that it will on his battles w ith And hra adopted recently when conclud‑ ent, with the BJP losing some of
However, the thinness of the then have to look for potential Pradesh Chie f Minister N. ing pre‑poll seat arrangements its earlier momentum and the
NDA's lead over the other parties allies to cross the magical figure Chandrababu Naidu to pay much with the Shiv Sena, the Janata Congress partly recovering its
can pose a problem. For instance, of 272. In this context, several attention to national politics. But Dal (United) and the Lok old self under a new leadership.
T
errorism is a serious charge even if “India first, self last” is what BJP leaders
you have not been convicted for it. never tire of saying. How is Thakurʼs entry
The fact of the matter is that the into the electoral fray in Indiaʼs interest?
courts refused to let the 2008 Malegaon Former chief minister of Jammu and
blasts accused Pragya Thakur off the hook. Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, is not wrong
Her motorcycle was allegedly used to when she says, “Imagine the anger if Iʼd
transport explosives and for a blast that fie lded a terror accused. Channe ls
killed six people. It is not enough for the wouldʼve gone berserk by now trending a
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to put out the mehboobaterrorist hashtag! According to
narrative that the “Sadhvi” was implicated these guys terror has no religion when it
by an overzealous United Progressive comes to saffron fanatics but otherwise all
Alliance (UPA) keen on coining the adage Muslims are terrorists. Guilty until proven
of ʻsaffron terror.ʼ innocent.” There are some who believe
The BJP has many uncomfortable ques‑ Pragya Thakur is innocent until proven
tions to answer for why it got a terror sus‑ guilty but many would dif fer with that
pect to join the ranks of the party view. At the end of the day, she is a terror
overnight. The party might think it was a suspect and if she is so politically valuable,
political masterstroke to field her against BJP leader Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur addressing party workers in Bhopal. (Photo: IANS) the BJP could have waited for the court
the Congressʼs Digvijaya Singh in Bhopal, case to conclude. It is not only the “liber‑
but what stands out instead is the fact that say to her now that she believes she cursed they were doing? The ruling party, led by als” (this one has been coined by the right‑
the ruling party is unwilling to pay heed to Hemant Karkare to death? Karkare was the its two stalwarts ‑‑ Narendra Modi and wing as an insult) who are gobsmacked by
terror charges. What message is the gov‑ head of Maharashtraʼs anti‑terrorism Amit Shah – are running the fight for T hakurʼs political debut. Her calling
ernment sending not just to investigating squad and was probing charges against 2019ʼs big electoral battle on the issue of Karkare an “ant i‑nat ional” who died
agencies but to the courts still hearing a her. He was shot dead in Mumbai in 2008 nationalism and in the name of the 40 because she cursed him is a bit too much
case involving an act of terror? Will they by Ajmal Kasab, one of ten terrorists, who Central Reserve Police Force troopers who for many to stomach.
proceed against her if she gets elected and held Indiaʼs financial nerve center to ran‑ were killed in a deadly blast in Kashmirʼs W ho is ant i‑nat ional? T hakur or
finds a seat in the august house of som for close to 72 hours. Pulwama in February. How is their “mar‑ Karkare? No jury is needed to answer that
Parliamentarians? Is it the BJPʼs case that “martyrs” should tyrdom” at the hands of a human bomb one.
What, indeed, do the BJP leaders have to be differentiated on the basis of the work less or more than Karkareʼs who was killed (The article appeared in The Hindustan Times)
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info RELIGION April 27-May 3, 2019 15
BAPS Mandir
foundation
stone laid,
underlining
UAE’s
commitment to
social harmony
and spiritual
tolerance.
K
original films, across a range of
alankʼ, starring actors like
genres and subjects.
Madhuri Dixit Nene, Alia
With these additions, a total of
Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and
15 new original Indian films ‑‑ The films will be available to
Sanjay Dutt, minted Rs 21.60
including previously announced Netflix users by the end of 2020.
crore on its first day, making it
titles ʻMusic Teacherʼ, ʻCobalt
the highest opener of 2019 so far.
Blueʼ, ʻChopsticksʼ, ʻUpstartsʼ and Dibakar Banerjee and Anurag
With more all‑star cast movies
ʻBulbulʼ ‑‑ will be available to Kashyap after "Lust Stories" to
lined up this year, a trade expert
Netflix users around the world by tell spine‑chilling tales. This will
says most filmmakers tend to
the end of 2020. be produced by Ronnie
adopt the hit formula as it's one
"When Netflix launched in Screwvala's RSVP and Ashi Dua.
of the ways to pull audiences
India, we changed the way Indian Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies
from their palms and laptops into Multi‑starrer ʻTotal Dhamaalʼ raked in Rs 16.50 crore this year. audiences enjoy their films," Entertainment is producing ʻClass
the theatres.
Srishti Behl Arya, Director ‑ of 83ʼ. Directed by Atul
"Multi‑starrers have always For instance, two single hero Actor Kunal Kemmu has been a
International Original Film, India, Sabharwal, it explores the story
drawn in audiences. It is not a films this year, ʻKesariʼ and ʻGully part of filmmaker Rohit Shetty's
Netflix, said in a statement. of an upright policeman‑turned‑
recent trend though. I remember Boyʼ, raked in Rs 21.06 crore and ʻGolmaalʼ franchise for a while
"Given our diversity, history trainer whose students grapple
films like 'Shaan' and 'Naseeb' Rs 19.40 crore on the opening now.
and culture, India is home to with the complexities of honor,
were also multi‑starrers. But now, day, while multi‑starrer ʻTotal He has also been part "Go Goa
powerful stories waiting to be morals and devotion to the
audiences have a lot of options Dhamaalʼ brought in Rs 16.50 Gone" and "Kalank". Asked what
told to audiences around the nation. ʻGuiltyʼ, produced by
for entertainment. They don't just crore. he liked about being a part of
world. The depth of talent and Dharmatic and directed by Ruchi
have the option of going to cine‑ Some of the upcoming all‑star multi‑starrer movies, Kemmu told
vision of our creators is enabling Narain, explores the versions of
ma but can also watch films on cast films include Salman Khan, IANS: "The most important reason
us to create films our members truth that emerge when a small
phones. So, to lure audiences to Katrina Kaif and Tabu's ʻBharatʼ; is that it's not on your shoulders."
will love. We want to be a home town girl accuses the college
the big screen, multi‑starrer films ʻMission Mangalʼ, ʻGood Newsʼ; But that's not the only reason.
for India's finest filmmakers heartthrob of rape. Karan Johar,
come quite handy," film and trade Anurag Basu's untitled film with "It's the story that always
where their stories travel to more who has produced ʻGuiltyʼ, said:
expert Girish Johar told IANS. Rajkummar Rao, Abhishe k attracts me. A film like 'Golmaal'
people than ever before," Arya "Today a filmmaker with an inter‑
With the presence of stars, the Bachchan, Fatima Sana Shaikh; only works because of all of us. It
added. As part of the new slate, esting idea has so many avenues
scale of a film rises. ʻHousefull 4ʼ and Anees Bazmee's is as much Ajay's (Devgn) film as
viewers can expect ʻGhost to connect with the audience... As
The box office performance, he ʻPag alpant iʼ, starring John it is mine or Arshad's (Warsi) or
Storiesʼ, which will reunite direc‑ a content creator, there has never
felt, also depends on how they are Abraham, Anil Kapoor and Arshad Tusshar's (Kapoor). These are the
tors Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, been a better time to tell stories."
made and when they are released. Warsi. stories of the gang," Kunal said.
A
laugh: "Yes, I would because then maybe I Is India part of the diversity plan?
can be a superhero." Superheroes generally "There is no official update but we want ctor Ayushmann Khurrana's Matchbox Pictures, it released as the
come in figure‑enhancing tights. Doesn't he our films to reflect the world, to reflect audi‑ "AndhaDhun" has registered busi‑ 'Piano Player' in China.
feel they are being stereotyped? ences all over the globe that are cheering ness of over Rs 200 crore in According to a statement from the
"Traditionally, if you look at the way they for our films. We want them to see them‑ China since its release on April 3, making makers, the film, also starring Tabu and
are drawn in the comics, they go to very selves up there. its way into the top five grossing Hindi Radhika Apte, has earned over Rs 200
iconic mythic proportions. We happen to "In our comic books, there are a lot of films in the country. crore in just 13 days.
have many actors and actresses who have characters and opportunities to do that." Sriram Raghavan's "AndhaDhun", fea‑ The film also received a standing ova‑
mythic proportions themselves for real but I As of now, all eyes are on the highly antici‑ turing Ayushmann as a blind man, was tion as the opening film at the Indian
will just say yes and perhaps sooner than pated film "Avengers: Endgame", MCU's widely appreciated in India. Produced by Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA)
you think," he said during a group interview. 22nd film. Viacom18 Motion Pictures and recently.
S
et in the pre‑Independence era, in acters and their lives and how those are performance in the otherwise widely about abusing and hatred I wonder. Apart
Husnabad in undivided India, intertwined, it drags and there are abun‑ lauded ʻGully Boyʼ. from character of course. Agenda. What's
director Abhishek Verman's dant uncalled for scenes like the lengthy The controversy took a different turn hers?"
ʻKalankʼ is a saga of love, where all the six bull‑fight with Zafar or Bahaar Begum's with Kangana's sister hitting out at Alia Rangoli had a response soon after.
pivotal characters crave for love and yet, (Madhuri Dixit) dance. and her mother Soni Razdan, calling them "Dear Soniji, Mahesh Bhatt never gave
have to let go of it. The performances are what elevate this "non Indians who are living off this land, her a break, Anurag Basu did. Mahesh
Roop (Alia Bhatt) agrees to marry Dev narrative. The film is Alia Bhatt's canvas using and abusing its people and its Bhatt ji works as a creative director in his
Chowdhary (Aditya Roy Kapur) whose and she delivers a stellar performance yet resources, lying about intolerance and brother's production house. Please note
wife, Satya (Sonakshi Sinha) is terminally again and is convincing as Roop, the spreading hatred". that he doesn't own that production
ill. In a loveless marriage, Roop falls in lovelorn girl trapped in a loveless mar‑ "Time to think about their agenda and house. After 'Woh Lamhe' when Kangana
love with Ironsmith Zafar (Varun riage. not to get carried away with their provo‑ refused to do a film written by him called
Dhawan), an illegitimate Muslim boy. Varun Dhawan as Zafar is his usual cations," Rangoli had tweeted recently, ʻDhokha' where he wanted her to play a
This tale of love and stigma seemed to filmy self with his customary swag, but referring to an article about the mother‑ suicide bomber, he got so upset that he
have many possibilities, but alas the treat‑ performs well in the second half as the daughter duo's British passports. not only shouted at her in his office, but
ment and story takes a clichéd and over transition of his character is evident, from Soni finally broke her silence over the later when she went for 'Woh Lamhe' pre‑
dramatic path that mars the viewing expe‑ the embittered and angry man to some‑ issue. view to a theatre, he threw a chappal on
rience. one who has been conquered by love. In a now‑deleted tweet, she wrote: her.
The film, except for the climax, fails to Sonakshi Sinha is wasted as Satya, and "Mahesh Bhatt is the man who has given "He didn't allow her to see her own film.
engage and involve you. The pathos in the Madhuri Dixit as Bahar Begum disap‑ her a break...She goes on to attack his She cried the whole night, and she was
climax with each one losing their love is points. wife and daughter. Daughter over and just 19 years old."
18 April 27-May 3, 2019 JAINISM TheSouthAsianTimes.info
I
t was the year 1970 and Shri organizing principle was that of he regained his popularity with
Chitrabhanu Ji, then called a unity – all the Jains together the Jain community as if he had
Muni (monk), was enjoying without any distinctions of sect, never left India. In 1983,
the zenith of popularity in language or the region of India Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji
Mumbai not only in Jain circles they came from. He, along with a formed “Vegetarian Society” in
but also among the general pub‑ Sthanakwasi Muni Sushil Mumbai. In coining the phrase
lic. It was his personality, youth‑ Kumarji inspired the formation “Reverence for Life” for this
ful appearance, powerful oratory of JAINA – the largest organiza‑ organization, he was signaling to
and deep knowledge of Jainism tion of Jains outside India. the world that Ahimsa can not be
and other religions that drew Because of his fluency in limited to “not killing” but should
masses to wherever he spoke. English, Chitrabhanuji became also mean unconditional love,
His Mahavir Jayanti lectures on darling of the Jain youngsters, respect and friendship to all liv‑
Chowpatty beach drew unprece‑ many of whom stayed vegetarian ing beings. Our treatment of fel‑
dented crowds where govern‑ under his influence. He helped low humans, animals, plants and
ment ministers also attended. He form more than 40 Jain centers the environment must all be
was also attracting attention of in the US and Canada. He also directed by that understanding
many westerners who wanted to regularly visited Jain communi‑ of Ahimsa. Our own self‑worth
learn meditation from him and ties in the UK, Singapore and of cannot be measured by our phys‑
learn about Jainism. course India, organizing a dozen ical possessions but by the num‑
But the Munishri was not con‑ annual pilgrimages to Palitana ber of blessings we collect from
tent in the strictures of monk‑ and Shikharji. There is a large all living beings. This was the
hood and traditions of a particu‑ group of Americans at Lake message Chitrabhanuji preached
lar sect he was representing. He Whitmore in Michigan who have to hundreds of thousands.
wanted to fully expound chosen Chitrabhanuji as their But one day in the early 1990s,
Mahavirʼs humanitarian message leader and have their own a group of young Americans con‑
– of service to the sick and the church called the Light House fronted Gurudev in Las Vegas,
poor. He led many relief opera‑ Center named after a popular questioning him how could he,
tions for those who suffered nat‑ book by Chitrabhanuji titled “The an apostle of non‑violence, con‑
ural calamities. He did not wish Beacon”. sume dairy? They brought up
to be preaching to only those In 1981, Chitrabhanuji moved the gross cruelty visited upon
who came to the Upashrays but back to India with his family but dairy cows and not just on the
For a Jain muni to leave monkhood and get married in 1971 (to continued to visit US for half the day they are slaughtered for
wanted to spread Mahavirʼs mes‑
Pramoadaben) became explosive news for the Jain samaj at the time.
sage universally. He was con‑ year every year. Only in 2016 he meat and leather. Gurudev
stantly getting invitations to Ahimsa can contribute to the with the money he had saved stopped coming to America due researched the subject and con‑
speak at Jain Sanghs and multi‑ common goals for humanity and from teaching. Almost all of his to his advanced age. sulted leaders of the vegan
faith forums from Africa, Europe counter the curse of wars, students were American but movement in America – people
and America. It was the invita‑ hunger and poverty. gradually, Jains of New York Hailed back like Ingrid Newkirk of PETA and
tion from the 2nd Spiritual
Making
started visiting the center. The home Dr. Neal Bernard of PCRM
(Physicians Committee of
Summit in Geneva organized by center obtained a small marble
the Temple of Understanding in
USA that finally persuaded him
New York home murti of Mahavir swami and it
became the first Jain place of
Returning to India was like a
homecoming. When people
Responsible Medicine).
Continued on page 19
to travel overseas. Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji vis‑ worship in the US. learned that he had inspired for‑
As a Jain sadhu who had ited many European cities and
always walked barefoot, the idea America in this historic journey.
of flying overseas on a plane for He also traveled to Africa to
hin was revolutionary albeit con‑ speak at Jain centers in many
troversial. But in the end he cities where local Jains had
decided to follow in the footsteps never seen a Jain monk. From
of his hero – Virchand Raghavji there he went to America to
Gandhi who introduced Jainism attend the Third Spiritual
to the western world almost 100 Summit held at Harvard Divinity
years earlier. So, on the night of School University. His speech in
March 29, 1970 amid loud front of leaders of 40 different
protests from the traditionlists, religions earned him the title of
he took a historic flight to go to “Hit speaker of the Day” in the
Geneva. local Boston newspaper.
Munishreeʼs message to the Numerous speaking engagement
delegates of the Geneva Summit requests followed. Chitrabhanuji
was a mixture of hope for the decided to settle in the US. He
humanity and the need for the chose New York as his home.
leaders of different religions to In New York, he taught medita‑
unite and create a common pro‑ tion at various colleges, and
gram that can bring amity world‑ within two years of his penniless
wide. He talked about how Jain arrival in the US, he opened Jain
ideas of Nayas, Syadvad and Meditation International Center Chitrabhanu Ji visiting the Jain center in Los Angeles in 2008. (Photo Sailes Jain)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info JAINISM April 27-May 3, 2019 19
Apostle of Veganism
Learning the horrors of milk
production, both Chitrabhanuji
and his wife, Pramodaben,
became completely vegan, giving
up all dairy products, leather,
silk, wool or pearls. Also, they
joined in the campaigns of vegan
advocacy. In his public speeches,
Chitrabhanuji stopped talking
about Syadvad, Gandharvad or
Anekant and began talking about
the virtues of veganism. His cam‑
paign for veganism is nothing
short of advocating another rev‑ As Muni, Chitrabhanu Ji used to draw huge crowds in Bombay, Jains and non‑Jain alike.
olution just like the first one flawlessly memorized the previ‑
when he decided to leave monk‑ ous gatha. “Why would I waste
hood and travel by airplane. my breath teaching something
Gurudev Chitrabhanuji was the new until they learn (implement)
first Jain leader to take up the the current (vegan) lesson?”
cause of veganism. He urged boy‑ It is impossible to visualize how
cott of milk and ghee even in Jain community in America
temple rituals. He sighted pas‑ would look like today had he not
sages from Jain Agamas that con‑ set foot on American soil. He
demn use of dairy. But his con‑ became the first Asian leader of a
stant talk of veganism annoyed religious community in America
some Jains who refused to take a to be invited to offer a prayer in
critical look at the reality of mod‑ the House of Representatives. He
ern milk production practices. received many honors from uni‑
Once told that his veganism versities, cities, states and NGOs
refrain had become tiresome to for his message of peace and
many of his listeners, non‑violence.
Chitrabhanuji laughed and ref‑
erenced the way we were taught The Jain Meditation
in Pathshalas when we were International Center, founded by
young. The Pathshala teacher Gurudev in 1971 in Manhattan,
never gave a fresh gatha of any was the first Jain center in
given Sutra till the student had America.
J
celebration and I accompanied Chitrabhanu port a donation check was presented to the
ains all over the world are saddened Ji to many centers in USA when resources of Uniformed Firefighters Association for
by the news of their spiritual leader newly arrived immigrants like myself were Widows and Children Fund. Gurudev
Shri Chitrabhanu Ji leaving his mortal scarce and family responsibilities of young Chitrabhanu offered his blessing as a con‑
body on April 19 in Mumbai. His contribu‑ children of great importance. cluding remark followed by Maitri Bhav Nu
tions are immense to Jain community, more 2. Year 2002 was the 2600th Birth Pavitra Zarnu sung by Pramodaben
specifically to those who left India to live in Anniversary of Mahavir Swami, the 24th Chitrabhanu.
Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North and last Jain Tirthankara. Understandably 3. Many visitors including VIPs
America over the last several decades. every Jain would like a magnificent celebra‑ approached me to have a Darshan of
Since 1972, Chitrabhanu Ji had made New tion in NYC befitting its status as a world Gurudev. I needed to be careful who I take
York City his base while staying in Mumbai capital. The Jain Center in NJ with Bharatiya to his home, but end results were always
during winter months. For those of us who Vidya Bhavan had planned a week‑long cel‑ pleasant. First, I used to reach out to his
came to the US earlier than him, it was a fas‑ ebration in NJ but NY like most other cen‑ assistant Mamata Yagala, an unwavering
cinating time for several reasons. His aban‑ ters was in the same mode as any yearly cel‑ supporter of Gurudev who was a school
donment of Jain asceticʼs vows, travelling ebration of Mahavir Jayanti. Not too teacher in NYC, and upon her passing to
overseas and getting married was for Jains pleased, towars the end of 2001, Pramodaben to secure an appointment.
as explosive a news as was man going to the Gurudev Chitrabhanu ji in later Chitrabhanu Ji instructed the local Jain cen‑ Followed by visitors, Gurudev would first
moon for humanity. Many Jains consider years at his New York home. ter leaders to have the celebration at the pay respect to Tirthankaras in his temple,
him as ʻColumbusʼ who brought Jainism to (Photo : Bakul Matalia) United Nations and advised them to contact then would bless visitors with Vakshep
USA. ʻWho is the single most significant Jain in me. It was a catch‑22 for me ‑‑ I canʼt disre‑ (scented and purified sandalwood dust). He
Personally, three events were significant North America?ʼ the obvious answer would spect Gurudevʼs wishes but then there was‑ would show them a framed photo of the first
for my association with him. be: Gurudev Chitrabhanu. Because he did nʼt enough time. December, January and Tithankara – Shri Rishabhdev ‑‑ and a very
1. At a JAINA (Federation of Jain more for Jains, Jainism and Jain institutions February are winter months and the cele‑ pious image of the last Tirthankara, Mahavir
Associations in North America) meeting in than almost anyone we can think of in bration must take place on the exact date of Swami. Last several years were difficult due
1995 at Siddhachalam in NJ, I indicated that North America.8 April 25, 2002. The only concession I was to his health. I must have almost 40 books
1996 will be an auspicious year for us since 8 Only he had a vision when he made up able to get was to schedule the event for the written by him or about him. He would
it will be the 25th Anniversary of the arrival his mind to go outside India evening since it was Thursday, a working invariably give me at least one book every
of Gurudev Chitrabhanu Ji in USA as well his 8 Only he knew what would lie ahead day. It was a joint collaborative celebration time I visited him at his home, what I call a
75th birth anniversary. The JAINA Board 8 Only he knew the rewards for every‑ by Jain Center of America (JCA), JAINA, gift of Gyan
assigned me the responsibility of the cele‑ one in spite of risks for himself Long Island Multi Faith Forum (LIMFF) and He, like a shining star, showered his light
bration at various Jain centers. In my letter 8 Only he knew the sufferings and agony Temple of Understanding (TOU). Thirty on many, enlightened many. True to his
to Jains and Jain institutions I wrote: of painful decisions items were part of the two‑hour event vision, I am sure he will never cease his mis‑
“If we were to ask a simple question, He made that monumental decision and attended by a capacity audience followed by sion no matter where his soul resides.
20 April 27-May 3, 2019 JAINISM TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Gurudev Chitrabhanu Ji
The Jain yogi I came to know
By Dr. Sulekh C. Jain to address him as Gurudev demic centers and presence in nearly 20
Past President JAINA Chitrabhanu ji. He agreed. Thus universities). Afterwards, they donated
started an enriching relationships $15,000 to fund an Internat ional
G
urudev Chitrabhanu ji was my that spanned 48 years. Conference on Jainism and Bioethics at
guide and a mentor. I had a long Claremont, a first. They walked their talk.
and personal relationship with Jain community in A crusader against
him. Many a t ime he and his w ife,
Pramodaben, stayed at our house.
USA then and now animal suffering
In 1971 when Chitrabhanu Ji
Maitri Bhavnu song at JAINA arrived in USA, there was only the
After seeing the cruelty to and suffering
of animals, particularly cows and calves,
meet in Atlanta Jain Center of America in New
he adopted veganism (pure ahimsak) as
York, no Jain temple, bare ly
At the 2015 JAINA (umbrella body of his own lifestyle first and then vigorously
1,000 Jains in whole of North
Jain organizations) convention in Atlanta, preached it. He vehemently opposed the
America, and hardly anyone knew
GA, during the opening ceremony before use of any dairy products for food, wor‑
about Jain Dharma. Gurudev was
paying tributes to the founder of JAINA, ship as well as use of all animal products
a big and important part of all the
Gurudev Chitrabhanu, his famous song of for clothing, jewelry, auto accessories or
growth since then and I salute
universal friendship “Maitri Bhavnoo home decoration. Inspired, I have been
him for his steadfast and untiring
Pavitra Jharnooʼ was played. For nearly practicing veganism for at least 30 years.
contributions. He was the most
45 years I have known this song, but It is due to him that vegan food is now
important figure in American
never before I felt so much emotion and regularly offered at JAINA, YJA and many
Jainism. We all Jains owe him a
energy as I did that time. I was really other events.
debt of sincere gratitude.
moved.
I have had many opportunities I call him Charitra‑bhanu
My first phone introduction of working with Gurudev in cities
such as Boston, Houston, In an article in 1979, the Harvard
Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus. Crimson wrote, “What sets Gurudev Shree
The year was 1971. I was sitting in my Chitrabhanu apart from many gurus in the
We talked, shared ideas and way
office in Boston area and my eyes moved West is that he sees the guru as but a
to go. During my eight years in
to a news item in a weekly news bulletin means to find one's inner guru. ʻHe is like
JAINA, first four as Secretary and
from the Indian Embassy in Washington an ice cube in a cooling drink. He cools
then as its President, he was my
D.C. It noted the arrival of the Jain monk your consciousness and then disappears,ʼ
mentor and constantly my marg
Chitrabhanu to the US after weathering Chitrabhanu writes. One's devot ion
darshak. Though he himself was a
many odds and demonstrations against belongs to oneself, not to any teacher.
Shwetambar Moort ipujak, he
his travel by traditionalist Jains. Though always preached and stood for Gurus‑‑the word means "dispeller of igno‑
Muni Chitrabhanu Ji was well‑known in unity among all Jains. rance and bringer of light"‑‑can be anyone,
Bombay and Gujarat area, I being from Chitrabhanu Ji was a part of the regardless of race or sex, who helps one
Delhi had never heard of him. I immedi‑ Pictorial tribute to Chitrabhanuji by dispel the darkness and ignorance of his
emergence of Jain presence out‑
ately contacted him on the the phone. He
Mahendra Shah, who has been contributing
side India: in UK, Belgium, Kenya life. Faced with fast‑paced technologically‑
cartoons to The South Asian Times almost
came on the line himself. I said, “Vandana, and Africa in general, but on oriented lives, Westerners were thirsting
since the beginning.
namaskar Muni ji” and introduced myself. American soil in particular. He con‑ for the rest and calmness of the East,
He stopped me, saying he is no longer a secrated dozens of Jain temples here yet Great visionary Chitrabhanu says: ʻIf they take the time to
Jain muni and hence w ill like to be never let his name be engraved in any understand the inside life as they have
addressed simply as as Chitrabhanu. His
thinker and author understood the phenomena of the outside,
temple. He graced practically every JAINA
honesty and frankness touched my heart. I and YJA (Young Jains of America) conven‑ He was a great orator and an author and it will be a blessing for mankind.ʼ It is just
told him that for me he was still a Jain tions. We also went to US Congress for the had written about 25 books in English, this Eastern calm and self‑awareness that
scholar in different robes and I would like Jain prayer. which deal with the topic of self‑realiza‑ Chitrabhanu is trying to instill.”
tion. He inspired many Jains and non‑ A disciple, Michael Finn has this to say:
Jains and changed their ways of life. He “Chitrabahnu, whom I met in 1972, was
Torch‑bearer for
enjoyed the company of scholars and the first and only guru I ever followed in
thinkers and inspired them to think of my life. He was virtually ego‑less, caring
compassion and ahimsa rationally and and very gentle. When he spoke, it was
poetry. He would say: ʻYour ego can be a
M
God within.”
y personal experience as a got a warm welcome whenever he visited Conqueror of ego
President of Jain Center of us. He was instrumental in bringing Jains To end, a quote from
He never built any institution named
Southern California in the mid‑ together to form a community here and he Gurudev himself:
90s with Chitrabhanu ji provided me a encouraged them to have a Bhagvan after him and except being called Gurudev
unique window to his openness and frank‑ Mahavir temple. The initial Pratishtha of he never succumbed to the temptation of “How much beauty goes unnoticed by a
ness. His humility was perceived by many the three idols in the very first newly built adding long titles and degrees to his man who has been blinded by the fury of
as arrogance. His happy family life was the temple in the Los Angeles area in 1988 was name. He never raised funds for his needs hate and prejudice? If only he was able to
subject of gossip among people. His com‑ done by Chitrabhanuji. He also was instru‑ and projects here or in India. shut out the noise and emotional discor‑
monly known name as Gurudev mental in helping us procure the carved In 2011, Pramoda Chitrabhanu behn did dance in order to find peaceful harmony
Chitrabhanu irked many as to them he was teakwood temple for the Jain Center from the mangalacharan and sang Maitri‑ within himself, what beautiful music of
not a monk anymore. Yet, he loved all Jains Las Vegas. bhavnu at the inauguration of the first amity he would feel and hear!”
unconditionally and that was his Maitri‑ Jain Center of Southern California is eter‑ Jain Studies prog ram in America at
bhav. He lived in the true spirit of his eter‑ nally grateful to Pujya Chitrabhanuji for his Claremont Lincoln University, CA (starting Dr. Sulekh C. Jain is Past President
nal poem “Maitri Bhavanu PavitraZaranu”. love and guidance to this community. to this benediction, now we have Jain aca‑ JAINA who now lives in Las Vegas,
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SUBCONTINENT April 27-May 3, 2019 21
THAWHEED JAMAAT
5 INDIANS AMONG
290 DEAD IN SRI
World condemns multiple
LANKA BOMBINGS blasts in Sri Lanka
BLAMED FOR LANKA New Delhi: Five Indians are among
the 290 people who have been con‑
Tim Cook proves he's better Apple CEO than Steve Jobs
By Nishant Arora and streamlined the production iOS devices," Cook stressed when
process, overhauling the entire the FBI came knocking at Apple's
T
he death of Apple's co‑ operations," writes Kahney. doors, asking the company to
founder Steve Job on In a September 2014 interview unlock an iPhone belonging to one
October 5, 2011 shook the with TV talk show host Charlie of the terrorists in the 2015 San
world. Critics predicted that the Rose, Cook said he desperately Bernardino shooting in California.
Cupertino, CA‑based iPhone maker wanted to continue Job's legacy On personal front, the Apple
is doomed and would only survive and "pour every ounce that I had in CEO's decision to come out as the
for two to four more years at the myself into the company," but he first openly gay Fortune 500 CEO
most. never had the objective of bring made him the "role model for the
Timothy Donald Cook (known as the same as Jobs. LGBTQ community.
Tim Cook by the world and "Tim Tim Cook's first keynote after Religious to the core, Cook said:
Apple" by President Donald Trump) Jobs' death where he introduced "I consider being gay among the
has proved them wrong. the iPad 3 and an updated Apple greatest gifts God had given me".
Considered a "colorless, unimag‑ ware? It was Cook's uncanny abili‑ TV in March 2012 lacked charis‑ Being born and raised in
inable drone," Cook who joined ty to go in details while remaining ma. But Cook was up to something Alabama where racism is still alive,
Apple at age 37 in 1998 had none calm, his vast know ledge of really big ‑‑ taking manufacturing Cook saw worst behavior in terms
of the charisma and driving per‑ streamlining operations and impec‑ out from the US to Chinese facto‑ of discrimination that "literally
sonality of his former boss who cable work ethic that won Jobs' ries. made him sick".
was beloved and immortalized. heart. In fact, after a long stint at "Hon Hai Precision Industry Today, he has made Apple a more
Journalist Leander Kahney, in his IBM and later Compaq, "Cook him‑ Company Limited, better known as inclusive and diverse place to work.
biography of Tim Cook, takes a self turned down Apple recruiters Foxconn, came to define manufac‑ "Under his leadership, Apple has
deep dive into how Cook turned a multiple times". turing in the Cook era," says the hired a g reater proport ion of
company that was near bankruptcy His meeting with Jobs in 1998 author. minority workers than many of its
amid low employee morale into the convinced him that working with a Apple Watch was the first major Silicon Valley peers and given gen‑
world's first firm that touched $1‑ Silicon Valley legend who created product under Cook's direction erous grants to historically black
trillion mark last year. iconic iMac, iPhone, iPod and iPad with no inputs from Jobs, which colleges and charities," writes
Born in 1960, Cook made this line‑up would be "a privilege of a became an instant hit. Kahney. Under Cook, Apple has
possible with his unique set of lifetime". Cook always took a strong posi‑ done great job at the front of
strengths, which Jobs identified Jobs hired Cook as Senior Vice tion on privacy which made him a accessibility, diversity at work,
and made him the Apple CEO on President of worldwide operations, darling among the Apple users. environment and improving work‑
with a base salary of $400,000 and Tim Cook: The Genius Who Took
August 24, 2011. "Apple does not want your data. ers' conditions at its suppliers' end.
a $500,000 signing bonus. Apple to the Next Level; by
Why did Jobs pick Cook over Apple does not want to read your Humble and soft‑spoken, Cook is
"It was one of the best hires Jobs Leander Kahney; Penguin
more popular names around for emails or sell your personal infor‑ pushing Apple and the entire tech
Business
the CEO job ‑‑ like Apple Chief ever made". Apple was bleeding mation to third parties or advertis‑ industry forward, creating an ethi‑
Designer Jony Ive or Scott Forstall, then, production lines were in a tem needed a fresh lease of life. ers, nor would provide backdoor to cal transformation. Other brands
Senior Vice President of iOS soft‑ mess and the supply chain ecosys‑ "Cook fixed Apple supply chain government agencies to hack into are now following Apple.
T
he diary of Anne Frank, a young ic experience she had.
chronicler of the horrors of the "There are messages from her life that
Nazis' genocide of the Jews, offers are still very valid today: the importance
a beacon of hope ‑ and humanity ‑ to the of tolerance, non‑discrimination and
millions who read her thoughts, written hope. We have a tendency to forget histo‑
while hiding with her family for two ry, and people should see these pictures ‑
years before being betrayed and sent to ‑ of Auschwitz, for instance,” Adema said.
the death camps. Reflecting on her life With the focus on educating school and
75 years after her arrest, and death, is a university children about the brutality of
trave lling exhibition that has come the Second World War and the Nazis'
briefly to Delhi. cruelties, the diplomat also invited about
"Anne Frank: A History for Today", an 50 students to the exhibition.
exhibition of photographs and archival Adema stressed on telling children that
information, takes visitors to Nazi‑occu‑ "they are living in India, the biggest
pied Europe during the Second World democracy in the world, and how valu‑
War as it follows Anne's journey from able that is". A few of Anne's heart‑break‑
Germany to the promise of a refuge in ing last words in the diary, written before
the Netherlands, but back to a German the arrest, remind us of the hope she car‑
concentration camp. ried with herself: "I see the world being
Born in 1929, she moved to slowly transformed into a wilderness, I
Amsterdam with her family to escape the hear the approaching thunder that, one
"Anne Frank: A History for Today" is a traveling exhibition, currently in Delhi.
g row ing vict imizat ion of Jews in day, will destroy us too, I feel the suffer‑
“The Diary of Anne Frank” is easily one of the most popular books among
Germany after Adolf Hitler came to ing of millions. And yet, when I look up at
generations of readers since World War II.
power in 1933. However, things did not the sky, I somehow feel that everything
go well for the Franks after Germany annex where the Franks went into hiding. diary, a small, red‑checkered notebook will change for the better, that this cruel‑
invaded the Netherlands in 1940, and But after being caught, they were sent that went on to contain her vivid obser‑ ty too shall end, that peace and tranquili‑
Jews began to be rounded up. to the dreaded Auschwitz from where vations and experiences, and eventually ty will return once more."
In the exhibition's photographs, a Anne and her sister were sent to the become one of the world's most popular‑ "Anne Frank: A History for Today" is
young Anne and her sister Margot are equally infamous Bergen‑Belsen camp ly‑read personal accounts of the open for public at the India International
seen growing up from childhood to where they died in February‑March Holocaust. It is titled sim0ply “The Diary Centre here till April 29. It is organized
teenage. Happy family photographs and 1945, after having contracted typhus. of Anne Frank”. by the T he Anne Frank House,
images taken at school, soon gave way to Their father, Otto, was the only survivor. During a walkthrough of the well‑curat‑ Peace Works and Embassies of the
a dark place in their factory ‑‑ the secret Recorded are quotations from her ed exhibition, the Deputy Head of the Netherlands and Israel.
26 April 27-May 3, 2019 SELF HELP TheSouthAsianTimes.info
VISA
the foreign citizen fiancé(e) to enter
the United States and marry his/her individualʼs fiancé(e) would be Dependents of K‑1 nonimmi‑ same time as the K‑1 visa holder. In
U.S. citizen fiancé(e) within 90 days allowed to enter the United States. grants, unmarried children under the order to qualify for a green card, the
TALK
of arrival and then file for adjust‑ This decision is made at a U.S. port of age of 21, may be eligible for a K‑2 K‑2 visa holder must remain unmar‑
ment of status while in the U.S. So entry. If admission as a K‑1 nonimmi‑ nonimmigrant visa. The names of the ried.
while it is a non immigrant visa, it is grant is granted an individual and dependents must be included on the If the U.S. citizen and their foreign
the only non immigrant visa for the their fiancé(e) have up to 90 days to fiancé(e)ʼs Form I‑129F and they citizen fiancé(e) do not get married
visa holder is not only expected to that they will suffer extreme hard‑ get married and then file for adjust‑ must stay unmarried and be under within the 90‑day period, the
apply for permanent residence, but ship or that the strict culture or ment of status.. A K‑1 visa holder is the age of 21 in order to be allowed fiancé(e) and any dependents must
he/she is obligated to do so. social practices of the foreign coun‑ allowed to work but must re‑apply to enter the United States at the port leave the United States. If they do not
For an individual to be allowed to try make it difficult for the couple to for work authorization after they are of entry. They do not have to come leave at the end of the 90‑day period,
bring their fiancé(e) to the United meet. married and are applying a for green to the U.S. at the same time as the K‑ then they will be in violation of their
States on a K‑1 visa the following The first step in the K‑1 visa card. 1 visa holder but they are not immigration status and this may
requirements must be met: process is for the U.S. citizen (peti‑ After the U.S. citizen and their for‑ allowed to come to the U.S. before effect their future eligibility to enter
8 The petitioning individual must tioning individual) to file Form I‑ eign fiancé(e) get married, they may the K‑1 visa holder. K‑2 visa holders the United States.
be a U.S. citizen; 129F, Petition For Alien Fiancé(e) apply for a green card by filling out
8 The individual and their foreign along with any supporting docu‑ Form I‑485, Application to Register Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
fiancé(e) plan to get married to one ments. Then, once the Form I‑129F Permanent Residence or Adjust The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States,
another within 90 days of their is approved the National Visa Center Status. This form allows the foreign and Banad Immigration in India for which
(NVC) forwards the petition to the citizen spouse to now apply for a Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of
fiancé(e)ʼs entrance to the U.S.;
green card. If the couple was mar‑ Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
8 The individual and their for‑ U.S. Embassy or consulate where the
ried for less than two years at the Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to assist
eign fiancé(e) are legally allowed to individualʼs fiancé(e) lives. That is
clients with all facets of the immigration process,
get married, meaning they are of age also the consulate or embassy where time the Form I‑485 was approved,
including Employment Visas, Consular Visa
to get married and any previous mar‑ the fiancé(e) will have to go for their the foreign citizen will be granted
Assistance, Student Visas, Removal &
riages were legally terminated; and visa interview. During the visa inter‑ conditional permanent resident sta‑
Deportation, US Citizenship and Green Card
8 The individual and their foreign view a Department of State consular tus and receive a green card that is
Applications based on Family or Employment.
fiancé(e) had met each other in per‑ officer determines whether the K‑1 valid for two years only. After two Dev B. Viswanath can be reached at
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period before the visa petition was valid for up to 6 months for a single need to remove the conditions on the He will be in India from April 21 through
filed. entry. After the consular officer foreign citizenʼs green card by filing May 10 and able to meet people for
8 This requirement can be grants the K‑1 visa, a Customs and Form I‑751, Petition to Remove personal consultations.
waived if the U.S. citizen can show Border Patrol (CBP) officer makes Conditions on Residence, within 90
LAW
P
resident of India awarded countries lies in the different Laws. In the US, there is no statuto‑
gold medal to Divya avenues for raising capital. The US ry mandatory minimum paid‑up
Suwasini as she passed law is much more investor‑friendly and capital requirement. This allows
with flying colors from NALSAR the financial markets are mature founders to initiate their startup
(National Academy of Legal to sometimes weed out schemes or with very little money, sometimes
Studies and Research) University, business plans which do not add even from the comfort of their
Hyderabad in India. One of the value in the long term. The Indian garage (the way Apple was
three daughters of encouraging markets are relatively younger and formed).”
Divya Suwasini receiving gold
parents, Divya had decided to there are fewer legislations allow‑ What has helped India move up
medal from the then Indiaʼs
study law as there was no lawyer ing investors to raise capital. This on the ʻease of doing businessʼ
President Pranab Mukherjee at
in her family. She became the only feeds into the entrepreneurial spir‑ NALSAR University in 2014. index? Divya explains that the
law student selected as the ʻYoung it of the investors.” Divya feels that push towards Insolvency Laws and
South Asian Scholarʼ by the South legal research is a pervasive tool India and USA? According to Divya, having a Foreign Investment
Asian Research Network, in con‑ Stephen (University of Virginia for bringing about amendments to “A majority of startups in India are Facilitation Portal are some key
junction with IHD, New Delhi, UN‑ School of Law), Carl Weisbrod (ex‑ laws. The first article she wrote structured as a private limited features contributing to economic
ESCAP, SSWA office, and UN Planning Commissioner of NYC). I dealt with the issue of enforcing company. The Companies Act growth of the country. She also
International Labor Organization. went on to assist Prof Erik foreign arbitral awards in India. It 2013 regulates the formation of a gives credit to Modi government
She got a clear idea through SAR‑ Vermeulen with innovative was about a critical issue, that private limited company. It enables for recognizing the stalled technol‑
NET training program about how research in Indian venture capital Indian courts overstep their a founder to register as a private ogy in the railway sector and open‑
she could contribute to the growth funds and startups.” authority and interpret domestic limited company with the flexibili‑ ing this sector for foreign direct
of the Indian corporate sector. Now in the US, she has recently legislations to favor Indian parties, ty of having 2 to 200 shareholders investment. When you talk to
The understanding of laws of dif‑ completed her training at the New which results in investors shying and founding the business with as Divya Suwasini, her genuine love
ferent countries is the need of the York office of Israelʼs top law firm ‑ away from investing in India. Her little as Rs 100,000 as the mini‑ for complex legal knowledge and
hour in the context of rapidly Shiboleth LLP. The American Bar research work was cited by several mum paid up capital. In contrast, its applications makes conversa‑
changing, globalizing world. Associationʼs Section of periodicals in articles discussing here startups are formed in the US tion about law appear as interest‑
Divyaʼs selection to represent her International Lawʼs International arbitration in Iran and in the con‑ state where the founder is based or ing interaction for a layperson.
law school at Radzyner Law School Legal Exchange Training Program, struction industry where the startup business is In the changing world with digi‑
in Israel opened for her a world of through its affiliation with U.S. Hasnʼt the Modi government based. A US startup can be formed tal revolution, there will be more
new opportunities. She recalls, “I Department of State, sponsored encouraged startups and what is as a corporation, limited liability transparency. We will need global
interacted with world renowned her training program. the major difference in the busi‑ company (llc) or limited partner‑ legal minds to smoothly usher in
legal minds such as Prof. Paul While comparing India and USA ness environment for startups in ship governed by the laws of that global village on legal lanes.
28 April 27-May 3, 2019 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info
P
physical body. Yet, there is more Any other life form lacks the fac‑
eople are happy on their to life than just the upkeep of our ulty by which they can know
birthdays; their faces physical body. We have a spiritual themselves and know God. As we
beam with happiness on side. To celebrate each day as our lead our lives in the human form,
their special day. But we should birthday, we can devote equal we can realize that it is our turn
consider every day as our birth‑ effort, if not more effort, to find‑ to know God. Will we make the
day. When we go to sleep at night, ing the Divine within us. best use of that opportunity or
no one knows if they will awaken How then should we spend our squander it? God has given us this
the next morning. When we do day to make it a true birthday so body to use to earn the spiritual
get up the next morning, we
should consider that new day to
be our birthday. Most people devote the entire gift wealth that will take us back to For us, the day dawns when we
This means living each day as if God. However, what do we do? make a connection with the inner
it were the most special day of
of the human form to feeding it, We live out our lives meeting the Light and can drink from that
our lives. reproducing, and keeping it alive. same needs of survival as all other fountain of light at anytime. It is a
What can we do to make that species of life. Most people devote time of celebration, for we receive
day special? We can celebrate We are in the most precious form the entire gift of the human form the key to the inner kingdom. We
to feeding it, reproducing, and have the meditation technique by
each day as our true birthday.
How do many people spend their
one can have. We should earn the keeping it alive. We are in the which we can go within anytime
day? They wake up, shower or spiritual capital for which we most precious form one can have. we want. It is now up to us to
bathe, get dressed, have breakfast, We should earn the spiritual capi‑ make use of the gift by putting in
and either take care of their fami‑ received this body—knowing tal for which we received this time for meditation so we can go
ly or go to a job, often fighting
traffic to get to work. They spend
ourselves and knowing God. body̶knowing ourselves and
knowing God.
back to God in this lifetime.
(For more visit www.sos.org)
B
eing recept ive is like
being an empty cup. This nating our soul and spreading
describes the attitude we Meditation with the attitude that light to the whole world. We can
should adopt in meditation and we are an empty cup is the highest reach this ultimate stage when
in our spiritual life. In medita‑ we further ignite our spark by
state of prayer. It means that we do
tion, pitchers of divine wine of developing receptivity, a ruling
spiritual love cascade into us not even ask for anything but just passion, gratitude, and love.
from God. If we meditate like an wait lovingly and devotedly for Receptivity is an openness to
empty cup, we can receive per‑ receive the light, love, and bliss
whatever God wants to give. It is a
petually wine of ecstasy. of the Eternal Flame. It involves
Meditation should be an effort‑ prayer in which we know that God keeping our floodgates open to
less ef fort. We close our eyes will give us what is best for us. receive all the treasures of the
and simply gaze at what lies in Divine.
front of us, without any thought Meditation with the attitude
of what will or should appear. that we are an empty cup is the
The sooner we sit in that state, highest state of prayer. It means
the sooner we will have inner that we do not even ask for any‑
progress. It is for God to decide thing but just wait lovingly and
what to give us within. For exam‑ devotedly for whatever Go d
ple, sometimes when meditating, wants to give. It is a prayer in
we get distracted by thoughts which we know that God will give
such as wanting to see a particu‑ us what is best for us.
lar colored light or inner experi‑ To derive the greatest benefit
ence. Our mind becomes so ing the way for the divine grace more grace and blessings than Our spark is lit by a spiritual from the blessings bestowed by
determined to see what it wants to enter. It is like a friend is we could ever have dreamed of. Master at the time of initiation God, we should adopt this hum‑
to see that it distracts us from knocking at our door, but he or If we sit in humility and keep our into the inner light and sound. ble attitude of the empty vessel.
our concentration. In meditation, she cannot enter because we are hearts open for whatever God Next, we maintain the flame Our mind will be emptied of its
we should not be disturbed by standing in the doorway. The wants to give us, pitchers upon when we learn to meditate, lead ceaseless desires and distrac‑
thoughts generated from our very thought of what we expect pitchers of the sweet waters of an ethical life, become a vegetari‑ tions. We will instead be open to
mind. Even sitting with a precon‑ to see in our meditation is an life will pour into us. The divine an and avoid alcohol and intoxi‑ receive wave after wave, pitcher
ceived idea of what we should obstacle for it keeps our mind wine of the light and sound will cating or hallucinogenic drugs, after pitcher, of sweet grace. We
see is considered a distraction of active and we cannot focus our flow through us and around us, perform selfless service, and by will find ourse lves attaining
thought. If our mind is constantly attention on the inner light. We and we will be satiated with bliss attending satsang. Finally, we union with God in the shortest
thinking of what it wants to merely have to sit at the door and inebriated with the wine of merge our individual spark into possible time.
receive in meditation, it is block‑ and wait. God will fill us with spiritual love. the dazzling Eternal Flame illumi‑ (For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 27-May 3, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 27-May 3, 2019