The South Asian Times

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Vol.12 No. 34 December 21-27, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

India, US sign defense

tech transfer pact at 2+2 Trump Impeached

India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs

Minister S. Jaishankar, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
and Defense Secretary Mark Esper at the Second 2+2
Strategic Dialogue in Washington.
Washington: India and the US
have signed an agreement to
facilitate transfer of defense
technology during a 2+2 meet‑
ing of the top foreign affairs and
de fense leaders on g row ing
strategic relations between the
world's largest and most power‑
ful democracies.
India's De fense Minister
Rajnath Singh, and External
Af fairs Minister S. Jaishankar,
and US Secretary of State Mike
Pompeo and Defense Secretary
Mark Esper participated jointly
in the Second 2+2 Strategic
Dialogue in Washington on
Wednesday. Singh said after the
President Trump slams unfair
impeachment, points to
US honors Indian democracy
for robust debate on uptick in favorability.
Citizenship Act: Pompeo
Washington: President Donald
>> see page 4
Trump boasted during his cam‑
paign for the presidency that: "I
meeting: "Today's 2+2 meeting
could stand in the middle of Fifth
was meaningful and successful
Avenue and shoot somebody and I
in maintaining the momentum of
wouldn't lose any voters."
the India‑US relationship and
That is the test for him when,
taking it forward." T he two
after being impeached in the
nations have convergence on
House, he is tried in the US Senate,
views on most international and
though only on the less dramatic
Continued on page 4
charges of abuse of power and
Speaker Pelosi
threatens to
hold articles of
impeachment,
wants ‘fair trial’
in Senate
obstruction of Congress.
Even if he were to lose a vote or
two among GOP Senators, he will
still be tweeting from the White
House when it is all over.
A supermajority of two‑thirds, or
67 votes, will be needed in the
100‑member Senate to convict and
throw him out of of fice and that
will require 20 Republicans to
cross over. Trump held on to all
Senate leader
McConnell wants
a speedy trial to
acquit the
President
the Republicans in the House of
Representatives on the impeach‑
ment vote and even picked up
three Democrat votes. But in the
Senate, there are four shaky
Republicans, who can vote against
him with no consequence to their
base and maybe even find
Democrats backing them for re‑
Continued on page 4
Related stories on page 10 & 11.

Government clarifies, yet CAA Musharraf sentenced

stir intensifies across India to death in treason case
New Delhi: With the anti‑CAA stir Islamabad: In a sensational verdict in
gaining intensity across the coun‑ Pakistan, a special court here on Tuesday
try, the government has once sentenced former President Pervez
again clarified on the Citizenship Musharraf to death in the long‑drawn
Amendment Act (CAA) that no high treason case against him.
deportation has been done in This is the first time in the country's his‑
Assam also until the foreigners tri‑ tory that a military chie f has been
bunal gives it final order. declared guilty of hig h treason and
The statement from the govern‑ handed a death sentence, Dawn news
ment says that "The CAA has not reported. Musharraf 's high treason trial
stopped any foreigners of any for imposing the state of emergency in Former Pakistan President / military
country from applying for Indian
Thousands protested at August Kranti Maidan dictator Pervez Musharraf
2007 had been pending since December
in Mumbai against the CAA and NRC on Thursday.
Citizenship under The Citizenship 2013. leave the country for medical treatment in
Internet and mobile services were suspended in
Continued on page 4 The 76‑year‑old former military chief is 2016. He hasn't returned to Pakistan ever
parts of India as protests turned violent at
See related stories on page 12. places. (Photo : Times Group) currently in Dubai after being allowed to since.

OP ED 14 CHRISTIANITY 18 SELF HELP 25 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism

 2 December 21-27, 2019 COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Kamlesh Mehta, Chairman of The South Asian Times, and

Amb. Sandeep Chakravorty, Supervisor Joseph Saladino, the host Darshan Singh Bagga Sikh scholar Veer Bhupinder Singh were among those
and others at the release of the book ʻGlobal Religionsʼ. honored with plaques at the event.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th anniversary

celebrated the interfaith way
By SATimes Team

Syosset, NY: Guru Nanak Dev Jiʼs 550th

birth anniversary celebration with an
interfaith conference and launch of the
ʻGlobal Religionsʼ book on December 15 at
a function at the North Shore Synagogue
here was attended by over 125 people of
many faiths including dignitaries, elected
officials and Indian community leaders.
The lunch event hosted by the Global
Interfaith Foundation, started last year by
Sardar Darshan Singh Bagga, began with
prayers from six religions – Sikhism,
Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Judaism and People from multiple faiths attended the event.
Christianity.
Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Service to Humanity of Sikh gurus, Prof. World Under Godʼ, the monthly journal
Mr Bagga said in his brief speech that
Saladino presenting a citation to Mr Indrajit Sing h Saluja on Faith and edited by Parveen Chopra, the editor of
Guru Nanak Dev ji was the founder of
Bagga for his achievements and Freedom of religion by Sikh Gurus, and The South Asian Times.
Interfaith as we know it today. He traveled contributions to society.
far and wide with his two disciples, one a Tamir read Guru Nanakʼs verses with a Mr Bagga presented Consul General of
Muslim and the other a Hindu, to have Four speakers then spoke about Guru flourish. India in New York, Hon. Sandeep
dialogue aimed at enhancing mutual Nanak and Sikhism, the religion he found‑ ʻGlobal Religionsʼ coffee table book pub‑ Chakravorty and Town of Oyster Bay
understanding and harmonious coexis‑ ed: Veer Bhupinder Singh on Philosophy lished by Mr Bagga carries articles from Supervisor Hon. Joseph Saladino minia‑
tence. of Guru Nanak; Amarjit Singh Anand on religious scholars as published in ʻOne ture replicas of the Golden Temple.

Donald Trump Jr electrifies Indian

community at Long Island event
By Parveen Chopra
Hicksville, NY: It must be a first
for the Indian community in
America to host Donald Trump Jr
at a book signing event here on
December 12.
Hosted by community leader
and businessman Shudh Parkash
Singh, the over 200 eminent invi‑
tees were electrified by Don Jrʼs
forceful defense of President
Trump and his policies which have
brought security and prosperity to
America and Americans. T he
Presidentʼs fiery son also passed
out signed copies of ʻTriggeredʼ,
his no‑holds‑barred New York
Times bestselling book, to the
mainly Indian American attendees.
Taking the podium in a hall of
commentator. Guilfoyle, wearing a
slinky dress and sto ckings,
praised the ʻHowdy, Modi!ʼ rally in
Houston attended by President
Trump and said that she and Don
Jr compete in who is friendlier
with Indian Americans.
Donald Trump Jrʼ slammed
Democratic Partyʼs socialist lean‑
ings to repeated applause. He
highlighted his motherʼs escape
from communist Czechoslovakia
to warn people that socialist‑
Communists promise everything
free, which is a mirage.
Shudh Parkash Singh and community leaders honoring
Trump Jr, 41, said that his
Donald Trump Jr with a plaque for what he and President Trump
father has fought for American
are doing for America and all Americans.
values, culture and beliefs, and
Kundan Galleria mall in Hicksville, Guilfoyle, Senior Advisor to he's done that for all Americans.
Shudh Singh introduced Don Jr Trump's 2020 re‑election cam‑ "To see what he's been able to do
and his partner Kimberly paign and a former Fox News and I imagine, in this community
full of business leaders, you've
seen those results yourself.”
Referring to the election year
2020, Don Jr said, “It'll be enter‑
taining because my father will
keep it so, I promise you that. It
will be like Bollywood with a lot
less dancing." Talking about his
India ties, he said he was the first
in the Trump Organization to say
that the company has to go to
India and "start doing some deals
there" in the real estate sector.
With humor he lauded the ʻletʼs do
it spiritʼ of Indians.
Some of the Indian‑Americans
present included Naveen Shah,
Kanak Golia, Kamal Arora,
Jaswinder Singh, Manoj Narang,
Gurdev DP Sing h and Desh
Deepak.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY December 21-27, 2019 3

ʻWith Rafale jets, India won't need to cross the

border to 'eliminate terror camps' in Pakʼ
Special to
The South Asian Times
New York: With the induction of Rafale fight‑
er jets in the air force, India will not have to
cross the borders to "eliminate the terror
camps" in Pakistan but can do it from the
country itself, Defence Minister Rajnath
Singh. He was on a visit to New York and
Washington to participate in the 2+2 meet‑
ing (of defense and finance ministers of the
two countries) in DC.
Addressing members of the Indian commu‑
nity at an event organized by the Consulate
General of India at Asia Society here on
Tuesday, he applauded the courage and valor
of India's armed forces and recalled his
France visit in October to receive the first of
the 36 Rafale fighter jets.
Singh also touched upon such subjects as
Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act
and the National Register of Citizens, noting
that the government is not against any par‑
ticular religion, but favored the entry of per‑
secuted minorities – barring Muslims ‑‑ in
neighboring countries into India.
“Our culture, which focuses on Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam, has not taught us hatred
against anyone. In fact, hundreds of Muslims
already took Indian citizenship under me (as
home minister),” he pointed out.
T he senior BJP leader said, “Politics
shouldnʼt be used for parochial gains, but it
should be used for nation‑building. Weʼve to
redefine the real meaning of the word.”
On the economic growth, which fell to 4.5
% in the last quarter, Singh expressed confi‑
dence that it would pick up in a matter of
months. “Weʼve taken measures that are
effective and transparent,” he said.
Rajnath Singh also lauded the contribu‑
tions of US‑based NRIs to their motherland
and said that they have made a special iden‑
tity for themselves in their adopted land.
“Because of you all, the ʻawe‑inspiringʼ
Howdy Modi! event in Houston, where
President Trump was also present, became a
grand success,” he said on December 16.
The 68‑year‑old BJP leader from Uttar
Pradesh appreciated the NRIs for keeping
abreast of the goings‑on in India.
“Youʼre more knowledgeable about our
national and regional affairs than even those
resident in India,” said the minister, who held
the home portfolio in the previous Modi gov‑
ernment. In his hour‑long speech, during
which he answered a few questions, Singh
said half‑jokingly that “when I heard the
news about Sundar Pichaiʼs achievement, my
chest became wider than 56 inches.” He
Defense minister Rajnath Singh address‑
referred to the CEO of Google/Alphabet and ing a community gathering at Asia
also alluded to Prime Minister Narendra Society said that Modi government is not
Modiʼs remark a few years ago. against any particular religion.

All night concert held at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Some of the 24 performances from the Chaar Prahar Season I, presented by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan ‑ USA, Kolkata
Sitar School‑Indro Roy Chowdhury, Sneh Arts ‑ Sunny Thakkar & Viewcy ‑ Ehren Hanson.
New York: The NYC Raga scene was
energized with a fantastic overnigh
experience thanks to Chaar Prahar
Music Festival which presented a 12‑
hour baithak style concert on
November 30th at Bharatiya Vidya
Bhavan in Manhattan. The 24 featured
artists, musicians of the younger and
older generations, underscored NYCʼs
vibrant music scene.
Indian music has the very special
attribute of assigning melodies and
moods to certain times of day and
night. With most concerts held during
evenings, many late night and early
morning ragas are rarely heard ‑ espe‑
cially outside India.
The quality and uniqueness of the
festival was self‑evident looking at the
artists, timing, and location. Equally
amazing was the overwhe lming
response from the audience who came
out to an all‑night concert on a major
holiday weekend! Some of the ragas
Major relief for OCI card
holders who renewed
their passports
Washington: The holders of the Overseas Citizens of India
or OCI cards, who are either below 20 years or above 50
years of age and have renewed their passports, can contin‑
ue their travel to India till June 30, subject to them carry‑
ing both the old and new passports along with OCI card,
according to an official notification issued on Tuesday.
The move, welcomed by the Indian‑Americans, comes
after a large number of OCI card holders in recent months
had complained of harassment by the immigration authori‑
ties and the airlines in implementation of a little‑known
presented were: provision of the OCI, which was not being enforced so far.
Chandrakauns‑ Rohan They complained that they were not aware that every time
Prabhudesai, Jogkauns‑ OCI card holders below the age of 20 and above the age of
Abhik Mukherjee & Jay 50 years renew their passport they have to apply for
Gand hi, Malkauns‑ renewable OCI card too.
Camila Celin, Bhairav "No one knows about this provision. We were being told
Bahar‑ P t. Anirban that OCI card is for life. This created massive inconven‑
Dasgupta, Bhat iyar‑ ience to many OCI card holders in particular those with
Andrew Shantz, Lalit‑ children and senior citizens," said Indian‑American Prem
Michael Gam. Bhandari, who recently took up the matter with Indian
T his init iat ive was Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla and the Civil Aviation
aimed to provide a plat‑ Ministry.
form to the younger On Tuesday, the Foreigners Division of the Home
generation of Indian Dr. H.R. Shah, Chairman Emeritus of Bhavan, Ministry issued a memorandum directing relevant govern‑
Americans alongside felicitating tabla maestro Pt Samir Chatterjee. ment agencies and airlines that OCI card holders not
internationally recog‑ Bhavan. Guest of Honor, Sitar maestro between 20 and 50 year of age, who have renewed their
nized artists liivng in the Tri‑State area. Hidayat Husain Khan gave a special passport can travel to India as long as they also have in
Dignitaries from the music world and performance. The evening went on to their possession their old cancelled passport.
the community who graced the occa‑ see young and talented as well as sea‑ "This is a welcome relief for a large number of Indian‑
sion included: Pt Chief Guest Samir soned artists showcasing their mastery Americans and people of Indian origin," Bhandari said.
Chatterjee of Chhandayan, Saro d of sitar, tabla, sarod, sarangi, santoor, The notification asserted that the instructions regarding
Maestro Pt. Anirban Dasgupta and flute, harmonium and vocals. re‑issuance of OCI card on renewal of passport or on
Padma Shri Dr. H.R. Shah, Chairman of Chaar Prahar‑ Season II was attaining the specified age is a requirement expected to be
TV Asia and Chairman Emeritus of announced for November 2020. timely complied by OCI cardholders.
 4 December 21-27, 2019 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Trump Impeached by Pakistani leaders." Before the joint meeting of the

US honors Indian Continued from page 1

e lect ion. Neither of the two
Pompeo said: "India has, rightful
concerns that they have about a
four leaders, Jaishankar and
Pompeo met at the State

democracy for robust impeached Presidents, Andrew terrorism emanat ing from Department while Singh and Esper
Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton Pakistan, and we assured them held discussions at the Pentagon.
in 1998, were convicted by the that we would take that into Sing h was g iven a guard of

debate on CAA: Pompeo Senate because of the supermajori‑

ty requirement. A simple majority
account."
On the defense technology trans‑
honor and received a 19‑gun
salute when he arrived at the US
Washington: T he US honors lar leg islat ion care fully, you of 51 votes is required for setting fer agreement known as Industrial military headquarters.
Indian democracy as they have a would see that it is a measure the rules of the trial, which will in Security Annex that was signed,
robust debate inside the country which is designed to address the the case of Trump will be presided Singh said it "will enable smooth Government clarifies,
on the issues like citizenship and needs of persecuted religious over by Supreme Court Chie f transfer of classified technology yet CAA stir intensifies
religious freedom, a top American minorities from certain coun‑ Justice John Roberts. and information between private across India
diplomat said on Wednesday. tries," Jaishankar said in his Senate Republican leader Mitch entities of USA and India." Continued from page 1
"We care deeply and always will response to the question. McConnell's plans for running the In addition, Pompeo said the two Act, 1955. Baluchis, Ahmediyas
about protecting minorities and "If you look at what those coun‑ trial could be jeopardised if four of countries finalized three agree‑ & Rohingayas can always apply to
religious rights everywhere. We tries are and therefore what their his flock break ranks. Meanwhile, ments under the De fense become Indian citizens as and
honor Indian democracy as they minorit ies are, perhaps you Democrat Speaker Nancy Pelosi Technology and Trade Initiative, when they fulfill the qualifications
have a robust debate on the issue understand why certain religions has dropped a big question mark "which will enhance our ability to provided in the relevant sections
that you raised," Secretary of were identified in terms of char‑ over the proceedings. co‑produce and co‑develop critical of The Citizenship Act, 1955 ".
State Mike Pompeo told reporters acterising those who had come She has said that she may delay technologies." The statement said that all legal
at a news conference at the con‑ across," Jaishankar said. sending to the Senate the Articles He said that ag reements on migrants ‑‑ including the minority
clusion of the 2+2 ministerial Mike Pompeo said that the of Impeachment as the space cooperation and on a new communities from three countries
talks. United States has been consistent chargesheet voted by the House is exchange program for legislators ‑‑ were, are and will continue to be
He was responding to a ques‑ in the way that it has responded called. The Senate can't start the from the two countries were also eligible to apply for Indian citizen‑
tion on the protests by a section to these issues, not only in India trial without formally receiving reached. ship if they fulfil the qualifications
of society in India after the pas‑ but all across the world. them from her. While ties have been progress‑ laid down in The Citizenship Act,
sage of the Cit izenship Of ficials, so far, have not con‑ She told reporters after the ing smoothly on strategic issues as 1955. Meanwhile, two persons
Amendment Act. firmed or denied if the issue of impeachment vote that the reason New De lhi's Act East and were killed in Mangaluru and one
"The question that you asked religious freedom and human for a possible hold‑up was her con‑ Washington's Indo‑Pacific policies person died in Lucknow due to
relating to India, if you had fol‑ rights in India appeared during cern that there was nothing that mesh together, trade has been a gunshot wounds sustained during
lowed the debate on that particu‑ the 2+2 talks. "looks fair to us" to us in the divisive subject which is manifest nationwide protests held against
Senate set up for the trial. vividly in the US decision to with‑ the CAA and NRC on Thursday.
McConne ll has turned down draw the General Scheme of Protests were held across 56
Democratic Senate leader Chuck Preference import facilities for cit ies in 24 states and Union
Schumer's demand to call former India. Pompeo said that US Trade Territories on December 19, lead‑
National Security Adviser John Representative Robert Lighthizer ing to the imposition of Section in
Bolton, and Trump's Chief of Staff "is working hard with his Indian many parts of the country, includ‑
Mick Mulvaney to testify during counterpart on a fair and recipro‑ ing De lhi, several cit ies of
the trial. cal trade deal." Karnataka as well as all the dis‑
"There are ongoing negotiations tricts of Assam. Mobile services,
India, US sign defense on the subject of trade, and I'm voice calls and internet services
tech transfer pact at 2+2 very confident that we'll find a bal‑ were suspended in parts of the
Continued from page 1 anced outcome that satisfies both country, including in the
bilateral issues and "the coopera‑ sides," Jaishankar concurred. He Northeast. Several persons, includ‑
tion will be critical to the security added, "Our bilateral trade has reg‑ ing policemen were injured in vio‑
and management of the global istered double‑digit growth of lence in parts of UP, Karnataka,
commons," he added. late." Mad hya Pradesh, Bihar and
At an event organized by the Indian Embassy to celebrate Jaishankar also said, "I'm very Gujarat during the day‑long
Counter‑terror cooperation and
Hanukkah at the Capitol Hill, Ambassador Harsh V Shringla, along grateful to Secretary Pompeo for protest over the new citizenship
the threat from Pakistan were also
with the representatives of Jewish organizations and the Indian‑
discussed. Singh said that the reiterating the US Government law. In most locations, including
American community, lighted the Menorah. He highlighted the
Indian side had spoken up about support of the Chabahar project, Delhi and Mumbai, protests were
shared values and beliefs of the people of India, the US and Israel
and the longstanding Jewish presence in India. the belligerent statement and the which w ill immense ly bene fit peaceful as thousands came out
"incitements to anti‑India violence Afghanistan." into the streets.

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY December 21-27, 2019 5

Community bids a warm farewell to Consul Devadasan Nair

Consul for Community Affairs Devadasan Nair (sitting, 2nd from left) was bid fond
farewell by many Indian community organizations including FIA.
New York: The Indian community in 10 state
under the administrative jurisdiction of
Consulate General of India, NY will miss the
dynamic and popular Consul for Community
Affairs Devadasan Nair, as he is moving back to
India on completion of his term of three years.
Individuals and organizations of Indian com‑
munity in the region got easy accessibility to
the Indian Consulate in their different issues
and problems due to active involvement and
intervention of Mr. Nair The cordial relation‑
ships he developed with community leaders
helped bring into focus common problems of
the Indian diaspora in America and to resolve
the issues as far as possible.
Dr. Neeta Jain, District Leader Assembly
District 25, Queens said “His zeal in bringing
communities together was successful. We are
going to miss his calm, pleasant and positive
approach. I am hoping to see the same from our
new Consul of Community Af fairs Vijay
Krishnan. My best wishes to both."
Ajit Abraham, President, Kerala Cultural
Association of North America, said, “Mr. Nair
has done all that he could do above and beyond
his position as Consul for Community Affairs to
sort out our community issues. Remarkably, he
was always present during most of the Indian
organizations and associationsʼ events for any
good
cause. I recognize Mr. Nair as a great promot‑
er of our culture and heritage.”
Mr Nair used to coordinatewith the non‑profit
community organization TEAM Aid (www.tea‑
maid.org), which provides emergency assis‑
tance to NRI families in emergencies such as
accidents, homicides and sudden death. The
Founder Chairman of TEAM Aid said, “We were
fortunate to have a dedicated officer in Mr. Nair
who has compassion to serve the needy. When
hundreds
of Indian students were detained by immigra‑
tion agencies, he worked rigorously, travelled
between the states to meet those students in
detention centers and give them moral support.
When a government official really thinks that
their duty is “service”, that person will be
admired a lot longer than their tenure. Mr. Nair
is certainly one of those admirable officers that
we have seen.”
Indian Oversea Congress Vice Chairman
George Abraham remarked, “Mr. Nair has
At a community farewell hosted by Harish Thakkar (extreme right) for
Consul Devadasan Nair, who is returning to India.
exceeded all expectations in performing his to the Indian Community.
duties as a community relationship officer of Among many Indian community organiza‑
the Consulate in New York. He was always tions, the Indian community in Buffalo, NY also
accessible, friendly, helpful and empathetic in gave Mr Nair a warm farewell. Sibu Nair, the
dealing with NRI issues brought before him. His Vice President of Hindu Cultural Society of
ability to connect with the diverse Diaspora was Western New York, Buffalo and board member
simply extraordinary. of Kairali Buffalo, remembered him as a great
Moreover, he is knowledgeable of all issues diplomat from the Consulate who for the first
affecting our community including the histori‑ time got in contact with the Indian community
cal context and its current political dynamics. in Buffalo and developed a cordial relation with
The community will truly miss him and his suc‑ them. And they are grateful to him for such a
cessor may have big shoes to fill in order to be wonderful coordination. Harish Thakkar, the
equally effective.” President of The Association of Indians in
Senator Kevin Thomas, the first Indian origin America (AIA‑tristate) said, “He did an excellent
person in New York State Senate, appreciated job of bringing Indian community together. He
the dedicated service of Nair and all his support is very humble and respectful family man.”

Ginsmon P Zacharia named India Catholic

Association of India trustee board chairman
New York: Ginsmon P. Zacharia has been elected to the Board of Trustees in 2017.
named Chairman of the Trustee Board of the As a journalist and a media entrepreneur,
India Catholic Association of America (ICAA). Ginsmon is well‑known to the Malayalee com‑
The election of the Board of Trustees was held munity in America. He has been active in the
at the Tyson Center in Floral Park, NY, on media industry for 19 years and has led vari‑
December 1 which unanimously ous organizations in the US. He is
e lected Zacharia as the the founder of Indo‑American Press
Chairman. The ICAA, one of the Club (IAPC), and was its chairman
oldest Indian organizations in from 2014 to 2016. He also serves
the United States, is an umbrella as MD of Global Reporter TV, Chief
body that includes the Syro‑ Editor of Jaihind Vartha, the most
Malabar Church, Syro‑ popular Malayalam newspaper, and
Malankara, Knanaya, and Latin as the publisher of Aksharam and
Catholics rites. It has over 2000 English magazine The Asian Era. He
families as members and has also serves as a media consultant
been instrumental in providing for T he South Asian Times, the
Journalist and media
spiritual leadership to the early entrepreneur largest Eng lish newspaper for
Christian Malayalee immigrant Ginsmon Zacharia Indians published from New York.
community in America. When Ginsmon P. Zacharia has served as
the churches became more influential and as head of several organizations in the United
dioceses were established, the activities of the States and Europe. He worked for the
India Catholic Association slowed. Then, over European edition of the Deepika newspaper
the past few years, a new generation leader‑ and as the Director of Jaihind TV USA, first
ship emerged, one that recognized the need general secretary of the Liverpool Malayalee
for an all‑inclusive group that encompassed Cultural Association in England, General
all sections of the Catholic Church and has Secretary of Indo‑American Lawyers Forum,
intensified the activities of the association. Secretary of Indo‑American Malayali Chamber
The president‑elect in 2014, Ginsmon P. of Commerce and Joint Secretary of Kerala
Zacharia, led that campaign. He was also Samajam of Greater New York.
 6 December 21-27, 2019 LOCAL GOVT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Curran signs ban on Residents start petition opposing

flavored vaping products Suffolk water authority fee
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Nassau County Legis.
Arnold Drucker hold copy of flavored vaping ban law.
Mineola: Nassau County Executive Laura
Curran put her signature on legislation
Monday that bans the sale of most flavored e‑
cigarettes and vaping products in Nassau
County.
The law, which was unanimously approved
by the county legislature last month, prohibits
the sale of flavored vaping products, except
those that are tobacco, mint or menthol fla‑
vored.
The ban takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020.
“Weʼre now facing an alarming rise in e‑ciga‑
rette use among our young people, and it is
undeniable that Big Tobaccoʼs targeting of
Suffolk County, NY: Local residents have
expressed their opposition through an
online petition following the announcement
that the Suffolk County Water Authority will
be adding a $20 quarterly fee.
Recently the company stated the board
approved the fee starting January 1, 2020.
The fee will cover the cost of developing and
operating treatment systems for 1,4‑dioxane
and the perfluorinated compounds PFOS
and PFOA. The fee comes after the nonprofit
Environmental Working Group, performed a
study which found six contaminants exceed‑
ing its health guidelines and 40 total con‑
taminants across the water supply between
2012 and 2017.
"Our mission is to provide our customers
high quality water that is constantly tested
at the lowest possible cost," SCWA Chairman
youth with flavors like bubblegum, mango, or
Patrick Halpin said in a statement. "When
cotton candy has driven that rise,” Curran said
the state takes action to remove 1,4‑dioxane,
in a written statement. “We will not sit and
PFOS and PFOA from Long Island's ground‑
twiddle our thumbs as a whole new generation
water, SCWA will be ready to continue to ful‑
gets hooked on toxic products that lead to a
fill that mission."
lifetime of nicotine addiction and serious
However, many residents oppose the addi‑
health risks.”
tional fee. A group called the Concerned
Curran thanked Legis. Arnold Drucker for
Suffolk County taxpayers started a petition
introducing the measure.
on Change.org to try and stop the fee.
Violations of the new law, to be enforced by
"Our concerns are that once this authority
the countyʼs Departments of Health and
opens the door these additional fees when
Consumer Af fairs, carry fines of $500 to
will it stop? Will the fees end once the sys‑
$1,000 for first offenses and up to $2,000 for
tem built and running? If there is no state
subsequent violations.
law now why build this system to begin with,
what happens if the requirement doesn't
become law?" the petition reads.
However, the SCWA is anticipating New
York State's pending regulation of the con‑
taminants. The regulation of 1,4‑dioxane at
1 part per billion and PFOS and PFOA at 10
parts per trillion, was recommended last
year by the New York State Drinking Water
Quality Council, and is expected to be
announced by state of ficials at any time,
according to the SCWA.
If the regulations are put into place, the
SCWA will need to put into service 56 new
advanced oxidation process (AOP) treatment
systems and 20 granular activated carbon
(GAC) systems. The cost of installing and
operating those systems is expected to cost
over $177 million over the next five to six
years.
In response, the petition claims that the
group believes that funding the project can
be done "without the authority‑which
answers to no one‑charging this additional
fee."
"Further there have been taxes and fees
applied to both brown paper bags which the
county collects and plastic bags at retailers
which instead of creating a revenue for gov‑
ernment to apply to towards the environ‑
ment are sent to the retailers," the petition
reads. (Source: patch.com)

NYC Council Members visit NY allows undocumented immigrants

SACSSʼ South Asian Food Pantry to apply for driver’s licenses
Flushing, NY: On a cold and blustery Friday in New
York, NYC Council Members Peter Koo (District 20)
and Daniel Dromm (District 25) stopped at South
Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS)ʼ South
Asian Food Pantry. Council members Koo and
Dromm, not only interacted with community mem‑
bers that had lined up to get food, but also got a
first‑hand account of the entire operation, as they
joined SACSS staff and volunteers in distributing
the food. The South Asian Food Pantry opened its
doors in July 2016, giving out food to about 25 to
30 clients every week. Today it has grown to serve
over 5, 970 individuals – annually, with 350 fami‑
lies getting food every week. The pantry is unique
because it serves healthy vegetarian food which
suits the palate as well as religious beliefs of our
clients – particularly Hindus, Jains and Muslim
clients. Open every Friday from 10:30 to 2:00 PM,
the pantry is also client choice this gives clients the
freedom to choose their own food which they can
use to make meals that match their personal
dietary preferences. This program serves low‑
income and underserved South Asian and other
immigrants in NYC – with particular emphasis on
The Council Members also got a first‑hand
account of the entire operation
the borough of Queens. Many pantry recipients are
immigrants isolated in their homes or communities,
have low education levels, and high unemployment
rates – all of which intensifies their poverty and
risk for poor nutrition. Sudha Acharya, Executive
Director – SACSS, thanked the council members for
their continued support to the pantry and to the
organization. Acknowledging the diversity of the
clientele that is served by SACSS, council member
Koo expressed that SACSS is one of the “most suc‑
cessful, inclusive and much‑needed social service
organization” in Queens.
Albany, NY: Undocumented immigrants in
New York will be able to apply for driverʼs
licenses this week after the stateʼs so‑called
“Green Light Law” went into ef fect
Monday.
The law, which was signed by Gov.
Andrew Cuomo in June, expands the forms
of identification that can be used by appli‑
cants to obtain a driverʼs license in the
state, including foreign passports and a
foreign driverʼs license. Unless required for
federal ID purposes, the law also stipulates
that “the commissioner, and any agent or
employee of the commissioner, shall not
disclose or make accessible in any manner
records of information that he or she main‑
tains, to any agency that primarily
enforces immigration law or to any
employee or agent of such agency, unless
the commissioner is presented with a law‑
ful court order or judicial warrant.”
At the time of its adoption, the law was
heralded by supporters as a way to allow
undocumented immigrants a way to live
and work in the state without having to
fear deportation. “As New Yorkers, we have
an obligation to defend other New
Yorkers,” Gustavo Rivera, D‑Bronx, said
from the state Senate floor in June. “And
every one of these individuals, whether
theyʼre documented or not, are New
Yorkers.” The law comes into force after a
last‑minute legal challenge brought by the
Rensselaer County Clerk was thrown out
by a federal court judge Friday. “The Green
Light law is legal and enforceable, and two
separate federal courts have now already
dismissed the meritless claims of two
county clerks,” New York Attorney General
Letitia James said in a statement Friday,
referencing challenges to the law.
“Beginning Monday, the law will help
make our roads safer, our economy
stronger, and will allow immigrants to
come out of the shadows to sign up as
legal drivers in our state,” she said. “I am
disappointed, and hopefully, this is only a
setback,” (source: ktla.com)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY December 21-27, 2019 7

Congressman Ami Bera

named chairman of key
Congressional subcommittee
Washington, DC: Congressman Ami Bera, the
longest‑serving Indian American lawmaker,
has been named the chairman of a key
Congressional subcommittee that has juris‑
diction over India.
The four‑term Democratic Congressman
from California, Bera replaces Brad Sherman Total 190 delegates of
as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, American Association of
the Pacific, and Nonproliferation. Physicians of Indian
"I am honored to chair the sub‑committee Origin (AAPI) families
on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation. and friends from across
Asia is one of the most important and conse‑ the United States and
quential regions of the world and the United India embarked on
States has deep and enduring ties to the con‑ November 30th, 2019
tinent," Bera said in a statement.
from Ushuaia, the south‑
ernmost town on Earth
As the Chair, he said he will work to ensure
Ami Bera in Argentina on a voy‑
that the US is utilizing all of its political, mili‑
age to Antarctica. Apart
tary, cultural and economic tools to support non‑governmental actors are those that pros‑ from the usual attrac‑
American interests, and maintain and per and guarantee long‑term stability," Bera tions of the cruise, nine
enhance the US commitments in Asia and the said. hours of Continuing
Pacific. He said he looked forward to working with Medical Educations
"The sub‑committee will explore how effec‑ Ranking Member Ted Yoho and his col‑ (CMEs) were a major
tively those tools are being used, including leagues on the sub‑committee to ensure a highlight. AAPI also pro‑
how to strengthen our allies and partners sustained US strategy that would help foster vided a hands‑on CPR
within the region. Finally, we need to remem‑ a more stable, free and open Asia. Training onboard to the
ber that when we engage with the nations of Bera also serves as the Co‑Chair of the crew of the ship, educat‑
Asia and the Pacific, our values and interests
ing them on ways to
Congressional Caucus on Korea and previous‑
help passengers in case
move hand‑in‑hand; countries that respect ly chaired the Congressional Caucus on India
of emergencies.
human rights and create space for civil and and Indian Americans.

Entrepreneur Krishna Bansal Indian Overseas Congress holds protest

to run for US Congress rally outside Indian Consulate in NY
Washington, DC:
Indian‑American
entrepreneur and phi‑
lanthropist Krishna
Bansal will run for the
US House of
Representatives.
Bansal, who w ill
enter the race from
11th Congressional
District of Illinois
from the Republican
Party, launched his
campaign over the weekend,
which among others was
attended by more than 20
e lected of ficials, eminent
Indian‑American leaders and
community members of his
constituency.
"I am running for Congress
because I love our country. I
will promote and defend her
against the threats from social‑
ism, career politicians, and out
of control taxes and spending,"
Bansal, who is from Chicago
metropolitan area, said
announcing his Congressional
campaign for the elections to
be held next November.
"I believe in this great nation,
its values and its constitution
in the ent irety. T his g reat
nat ion has g iven me a lot,
made my dream real. Now I
want to work to keep this
Krishna Bansal
American dream real...for all of
us," Bansal said.
He said his major policy
issues are free enterprise, fis‑
cal discipline, family values
and firm foreign policy.
Former Naperville State Rep.
and 2018 Illinois State
Comptroller Republican nomi‑
nee Darlene Senger, said that
this was a winnable race for
Bansal.
Senger, who is also the co‑
chair of the campaign, noted
that Bansal would win as he
earned over 47 per cent five
years ago against Democratic
incumbent Bill Foster.
Republican Nat ional
Committeewoman Demetra
De Monte announced to
endorse him, praising his busi‑
ness acumen, community serv‑
ice and leadership skills.
New York: “When Indiaʼs prime min‑
ister, Narendra Modi, ran for the top
job five years ago, he promised
development but what he has deliv‑
ered us is a mismanaged economy,”
said Mohinder Sing h Gilzian,
President of the Indian Overseas
Congress, USA who was addressing
the crowd which has gathered in
front of the Indian Consulate in New
York on December 14th to protest
Narendra Modi Governmentʼs eco‑
nomic policies as part of joint
protest called by the All India
Congress Committee. “Under the
Modi Government, the unemploy‑
ment has reached a 45 year high
with increasing suicides among the
farmers and rising inflation, it is
apparent that Modiʼs governance IOC members gathered in front of the Indian Consulate
has brought the country to econom‑
thereby putting the banks and its economy but also its democracy.”
ic stagnation and to the brink of
depositors at risk. “Modi govern‑ Rajender Dichpally, general secre‑
paralysis,” Gilzian added.
ment is busy diverting attention tary, decried the governmentʼs apa‑
About 150 people mostly belong‑
away from the real issues that affect thy in addressing youth unemploy‑
ing to IOC, USA gathered in front of
the people but rather engaged in ment in India. “With over 8% unem‑
the Consulate for this protest rally
promoting a divisive and polarizing ployment and rising, Modi has bro‑
and shouted slogans like ʻModi
agenda to create a majority vote ken his promise to the young people
Hatao, Bharat Bachao” and displayed
bank to retain power,” Abraham of creating 2 crores jobs a year,”
slogans like “farmers are dying, and
added. Harbachan Singh, secretary‑ Dichpally added.
Modi is flying”, “Save secularism and
general lamented the sharp decline Gurmit Gill Mulapur, president of
Save India” and “save democracy."
of the Indian economy and said, the Punjab chapter spoke about the
George Abraham, vice‑chairman of
“Factories are slowing down and declining prices of real estate in
the IOC, USA, spoke about the deteri‑
with GDP in a free fall to 4.5% at this India and added that the second gen‑
orating economic conditions where
point, the employment situation for eration Indians are increasingly
Modiʼs crony capitalistic policies
the young people looks rather dim, afraid to travel to India because of
have contributed to the highest level
and Modi is not only damaging the the security concerns.
of Non‑Performing Assets (bad debt)
 8 December 21-27, 2019 DIASPORA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Indian origin lawmakers register Over 2000 academics appeal

big win in UK general elections for Indian scholarʼs UK visa
London: Indian‑origin candidates across
both the Conservative and Labour parties
registered strong results in the UKʼs gen‑
eral election, with around a dozen MPs
retaining their seats alongside some new
faces. Prime Minister Boris Johnson
clinched an emphatic victory in last
Thursdayʼs election, setting the UK on
course for an exit from the European
Union (EU) in the New Year. All the
Indian‑origin MPs from the previous
Parliament were successful in clinching
their seats, with Gagan Mohindra and
Claire Coutinho for the Conservative
Party and Navendru Mishra for Labor
among the first‑timers.
“Time to Get Brexit Done and get on
with investing in our schools, hospitals,
and police to keep our streets safe,” said
Goan‑origin Coutinho, in reference to the
central Conservative Party message which
clearly resonated with the voters in the
polls. She won the Surrey East Tory‑held
seat polling 35,624 votes, with an impres‑
sive majority of 24,040 for the party.
Mohindra also won his Hertfordshire
South West seat decisively with 30,327
votes and a majority of 14,408.
T he other Tories to return to the
Commons with comfortable wins include
Priti Patel, the former UK home secretary
who is likely to remain in Johnsonʼs top
team in the new Cabinet as well.
Her fellow Cabinet colleagues in the
previous Johnson‑led government also
had a good night, with Rishi Sunak – the
son‑in‑law of Infosys co‑founder Narayana
Murthy – clinching 36,693 votes, marking
a majority for the Tories of 27,210. Alok
Sharma, the former international develop‑
ment minister, polled 24,393 votes to win
from Reading West. Shailesh Vara won his
North West Cambridgeshire seat with a
solid majority of 25,983, polling 40,307
votes and Goan‑origin Suella Braverman
clinched Fareham with 36,459 votes, reg‑
istering a majority of 26,086.
Navendru Mishra bagged 21,695 votes
to clinch the Stockport seat and become a
first‑time MP for the party. Preet Kaur
Gill, who had made history in the last elec‑
tion as the first British Sikh female MP,
was re‑e lected from Birmingham
Edgbaston with 21,217 votes. Tanmanjeet
Singh Dhesi, the first turbaned Sikh MP,
will also return to the Commons with an
impressive 13,640 majority, having polled
29,421 votes from Slough in south‑east
England and beating Tory Indian‑origin
rival Kanwal Toor Gill.
Veteran MP Virendra Sharma, who had
been under pressure by forces within his
own party, had a comfortable win from
Ealing Southall with 25,678 votes. The
others holding on to their seats included
Lisa Nandy who won Wigan with 21,042
votes and Seema Malhotra clinched
Feltham and Heston with 24,876 votes.
Valerie Vaz, the sister of scandal‑hit for‑
mer MP Keith Vaz who had stepped down
ahead of the election, held on to her
Walsall South seat with 20,872 votes,
beating Indian‑origin Tory candidate
Gurjit Bains. (PTI)
London: Over 2,000 academics, including emi‑
nent professors, on Monday petitioned home
secretary Priti Patel to reconsider the Home
Of fice decision to reject permission to Asiya
Islam, an award‑winning Indian sociologist at
Cambridge, to continue her stay in the country.
Islam, who won the Zakir Hussain Medal for
Academic Excellence at the Aligarh Muslim
University, was denied the status of indefinite
stay on the ground that she spent a period in
New Delhi as part of her PhD research, which
went beyond the permissible number of days.
However, the petition signed by the academics
points out that under guidelines published on
October 1, 2019, the time abroad can be waived
for Tier 2 visa holders in Ph.D. level occupations
Asiya Islam
when they are absent from the UK for research (Image courtesy: nytimes.com)
purposes. Islam completed her Ph.D. titled
ʻGender, Class, and Labour in the New Economy the Home Office refusing international academ‑
of Urban Indiaʼ from the University of Cambridge ics permission to stay, among those of others,
and won a junior research fe llowship at reinforcing the perception that despite claims
Newnham College. She undertook fieldwork in that Britain welcomes talent from across the
New Delhi between July 2016 and June 2017. globe, the reality is different.
The petition says: “Her individual case is dis‑ Islam tweeted: “Letʼs hold our elected govt to
tressing, but it also sends a foreboding signal account. Today Iʼve sent the open letter with
that despite policy changes to protect Tier 2 2000+ signatures, inc 183 eminent profs, to
researchers, UK universities will continue to lose @patel4witham calling for reconsideration of my
the talented PhD researchers that they have case. Will the @ukhomeoffice take notice or con‑
invested years in training.” tinue #HostileEnvironment against us?”
“The UK academic communityʼs global compet‑ A spokesperson for Newnham College,
itiveness suf fers from the loss of the valuable Cambridge, said: “Without talented academics
fieldwork data and expertise, grant funding, and like Islam, the University of Cambridge would
international research profiles brought in by not be a global leader in research. Dr. Asiya Islam
non‑EU postgraduates transitioning to staff posi‑ is a highly valued member of the research com‑
tions at UK universities”. Islamʼs case has also munity at Newnham College and the University
been highlighted by the British news media of of Cambridge.” (Source: hindustantimes.com)

UAE entrepreneur converts old Assamese community

Scotland Yard HQ into luxury UK hotel
London: Kerala‑born NRI entrepre‑
neur MA Yusuff Ali's LuLu Group
has completed investments of
£300 million in the UK with the
launch of its new Great Scotland
Yard Hotel in London, within the
premises of the old headquarters
of the Metropolitan Police.
T he group had acquired the
property, in the heart of London's
W hitehall area near Trafalgar
Square and Downing Street, in
2015 for Rs 1,025 crore and fur‑
ther invested Rs 512 crore
towards its makeover into a luxury
hotel. The boutique of fering has
been created by LuLu's hospitality
investment arm, Twenty14
Holdings, which says it has chosen
a décor that stays true to the icon‑
ic building's Edwardian and
Victorian architecture and is an
ode to his history.
"London is one of the world's
g reatest cit ies and the Great
Scotland Yard Hotel represents its
illustrious past as well as its mod‑
ern significance," said Yusuf f Ali,
the UAE‑based chairman and man‑
ag ing director of LuLu Group
International.
"The hotel spotlights the city's
Great Scotland Yard Hotel was let open following a
formal ribbon‑cutting ceremony
vibrant history, its several cele‑
brated aspects and its status as a
global melting pot. In essence, we
have curated an unmatched experi‑
ence for every guest while recreat‑
ing the historic premises into a
symbol of ultimate hospitality and
a landmark hotel in London," he
said.
The hotel, where room tarif fs
start at £430 a night had its offi‑
cial launch on Dec 5th with a for‑
mal ribbon‑cutting by UK secretary
of state for digital, culture, media
and sport Nicky Morgan and the
Indian high commissioner to the
UK, Ruchi Ghanashyam, among
others.
"One of the government's
straplines in this election is 'un‑
protests in London
against citizenship law
Guwahati, Assam: People of with slogans like ''No CAB'',
the Assamese community in ''We oppose CAB'', ''Stop CAA''
London were joined by other written on them.
Indians to protest against the "All Assamese are united
amended Citizenship Act out‑ against the law and we are
side the Indian High also in solidarity with them.
Commission. We cannot accept a law that
Demanding revocation of threatens our language and
the law, they held a protest culture," said an Assamese
gathering against the Act that research student of London
threatens the linguistic and School of Economics (LSE).
leashing Britain's potential' and
cultural identity of the AASU chief advisor Samujjal
here, it is this building's potential
Assamese people in Assam, Bhattacharya and general sec‑
that has been unleashed. It will
Karuna Sagar Das, a promi‑ r e t a r y L u r i n j y o t i G o go i
become a very important part of
nent face in the diaspora in thanked the Assamese com‑
London," said Morgan.
London, told PTI. munity in London for raising
Her fe llow Cabinet member,
"We hope to raise awareness awareness against the law.
investment minister Graham
against the law at the global "We are grateful to the
Stuart, hailed the "fantastic invest‑
platform and also show soli‑ Assamese community in
ment on an iconic site" as a sign of
darity with friends and fami‑ London for registering their
the UK's attraction as an invest‑
lies back home," he said. protest against the law and we
ment destination.
University students and pro‑ urge our brothers and sisters
The Great Scotland Yard building
fessionals participated in the in other countries as well to
was once used as a dwelling for
protest that was held on raise their voice," Gogoi told
visiting kings of Scotland during
Saturday and was organized PTI.
the Tudor period in 15th‑16th cen‑
by Facebook group ''Assamese P r o t e s t s h a v e a l s o b ee n
tury England. It then went on to
in UK.'' staged by the Assamese com‑
become the headquarters of the
The protestors carried ''g‑ munity in dif ferent parts of
Metropolitan Police Service in
amosas'', the white and red the country, including Delhi,
London until it was sold a few
cotton hand‑woven towe l, Mumbai and Pune.
years ago. (PTI)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Why the US should support Indiaʼs claim in
Kashmir over those of Pakistan and China
By Rep. Francis Rooney
(R-Fla.)
T
he decades‑long dispute between
India and Pakistan in Kashmir has
created a regional environment char‑
acterized by perpetual tension and instabil‑
ity. India, Pakistan, and China̶all nuclear
states̶have claims in various areas of
Kashmir. The international community,
including the United States, has taken a
neutral position and has left the issue of
Kashmir to be solved bilaterally between
India and Pakistan. Unfortunately, the
geopolitics of the region is changing rapid‑
NATIONAL
ly as China rises, Pakistan remains in tur‑
moil and India exerts itself, opposing the
expanding influence of China. India is an
important ally of the United States and we
should support its position in Kashmir.
Kashmir has been in dispute since 1947.
Numerous wars have been fought in the
last seven decades̶four between India and
Pakistan, the latest in 1999. There have
also been several smaller skirmishes
between India and Pakistan, most recently
in February of 2019. While India has gen‑
erally prevailed against Pakistan, a war
between China and India in 1962 left China
with a small piece of territory in Kashmir.
Since this time, China has had a role in the
dispute, often aligning with Pakistan.
Of the three claimants in Kashmir, Indiaʼs
claim is the most credible. After the end of
British rule, in the 1950s, Jammu and
Kashmir̶approximately two‑thirds of
Kashmir̶acceded to join India. The state
was awarded a special administrative sta‑
tus, af fording it autonomy over internal
administrative decisions. Over the years,
the Jammu and Kashmir state government
has increasingly aligned with the Indian
central government.
Pakistan has re jected Jammu and
Kashmirʼs alignment with the Indian gov‑
ernment and has come to control about
one‑third of Kashmir. Despite several
United Nations Security Council meetings,
no international solution has been agreed
upon. T he international community̶
including the United States, India, and
Pakistan̶have supported a bilateral solu‑
tion.
Nonetheless, with the assistance of China,
Pakistan continues to internationalize the
issue of Kashmir and to challenge Indiaʼs
claims. Their objective is to change the
international perspective of the dispute.
Pakistan consistently supports radical
Islamic militant groups in Kashmir that rou‑
tinely attack Indian interests there. In
Afghanistan, Pakistan has articulated the
desire for a peaceful solution but turns a
blind eye to terrorist groups seeking safe‑
haven in the tribal areas of Northwest
Pakistan. Accordingly, it is dif ficult to
accept Pakistan as a genuine partner for
peace and a goo d‑faith negot iator in
Kashmir. In 2007, a comprehensive peace
plan in Kashmir was ag reed to unt il
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf inter‑
vened to stop it.
T he ongoing dispute has prevented
regional peace and stability, and the possi‑
bility of conflict is st ill hig h. As the
Pakistan‑Chinese alliance becomes stronger
there is no guarantee that the status quo
December 21-27, 2019 9
between Pakistan and India will survive.
Both Pakistan and China have vested inter‑
ests in challenging India. Pakistan sees
India as an existential enemy and China
perceives India as a primary geopolitical
competitor. On the other hand, India has
increased its authority over Jammu and
Kashmir, despite its autonomous adminis‑
trative status, with the repeal of Article 370
of the Indian Constitution which would
make all aspects of the Constitution appli‑
cable to Jammu and Kashmir. As long as
the Indian government respects the rights
of minorities in the region, we should sup‑
port the repeal of Article 370 and the fur‑
ther incorporation of Jammu and Kashmir
with the Indian state.
India is the most credible claimant in
Kashmir and is in the best position to
accomplish a political solution to the dis‑
pute. The international community has lim‑
ited ef ficacy here. Further, India will
remain a critical strategic ally in the Indo‑
Pacific region as we confront an ascendant
China. For these reasons, we should sup‑
port Indiaʼs claim in Kashmir over those of
Pakistan and China.
Rooney represents Floridaʼs 19th District
and is a member of the Foreign Affairs
Committee.
(Courtesy: The Hill)
 10 December 21-27, 2019 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Trump tops all Democratic Senior lawmaker urges

rivals in national poll
Trump is doing better with male, older voters
USA Today noted that polls a year out from the election are not always reliable,
especially as the Democratic nominee is not finalized.
Washington: President Trump
topped several top‑t ier
Democratic presidential candi‑
dates in a national poll released
Monday.
A USA To day/Suf folk
University poll found Trump
maintained a lead over the fron‑
trunners: former Vice President
Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I‑
Vt.), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D‑
Mass.) and South Bend, Ind.
Mayor Pete Buttigieg, as well as
former New York City Mayor
Michael Bloomberg.
Trump held the smallest lead
against Biden, beating him by 3
percentage points. Trump had a
5 percentage point lead when
pitted against Sanders.
T he president won ag ainst
Warren by 8 percentage points,
against Bloomberg by 9 percent‑
age points and against Buttigieg
by 10 percentage points.
Unnamed third‑party candi‑
dates received between 11 to 15
percent in these theoret ical
matchups, indicating they may
play a big role in the election.
T he president earned the
majority of male votes, but the
majority or plurality of female
voters went against him in these
matchups. The Democratic candi‑
dates were successful with voters
between 18 to 34 years old,
while Trump won out for the 35
years old and older crowd.
These theoretical wins come as
the House prepares to vote to
impeach the president
Wednesday. USA Today noted
polls a year out from the election
are not always reliable, especially
as the Democratic nominee is not
finalized.
The poll surveyed 1,000 regis‑
tered voters between Dec. 10 and
14. It has a margin of error of 3
percentage points.
State Department
to ''do better''
Washington: A senior US lawmak‑
er has urged the State Department
to "do better" in the foreign policy
sphere amid rumors about
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's
exit. "To America's diplomatic
corps, we know that representing
the United States requires select‑
ing advisors who are reflective of
the diversity of our great nation,"
Xinhua news agency quoted Eliot
Engel, Chairman of the House
Foreign Affairs Committee, as say‑
ing on Twitter on Monday.
"This is not good enough and
@StateDept must do better," the
senior congressman, a Democrat,
added.
Engel's comments came hours
after Pompeo posted on his of fi‑
cial Twitter account a photo of
him hosting Foreign Affairs Policy
Board members for dinner.
"Their feedback and perspec‑
tives are critical to the formula‑
tion and execution of a foreign
policy that best serves the
American people''s interests,"
Pompeo said in the tweet.
Pompeo in recent months
received fierce criticism from for‑
mer diplomats for not doing
enough to defend State
Department employees.
"Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
Eliot Engel (D), Chairman of
the House Foreign Affairs
Committee and Secretary of
State Mike Pompeo (right),
who is said to eb mulling a run
for US Senate from Kansas.
is not the first secretary of state
derelict in his duty. But the dam‑
age from this assault... will likely
prove to be even more severe to
both diplomatic tradecraft and
U.S. foreign policy," William Burns,
a veteran US diplomat, wrote in an
article published in Foreign
Affairs magazine.
Meanwhile, it has been reported
for months that Pompeo is consid‑
ering stepping down from his cur‑
rent post and running for a Senate
seat from the Kansas.
Over the weekend, the former
Congressman created a personal
Twitter account, spurring renewed
talks about his exit.

Hallmark channel Trump hints at jail time after Comey

apologizes for says ʻI was wrongʼ about FISA process
Washington: Former FBI Director

pulling same‑sex ads James Comey on Sunday said he

was “wrong” about the bureauʼs
use of the Foreign Intelligence
Washington: T he Surveillance Act (FISA) in the
Hallmark channe l has Russia investigation, prompting
apologized for its decision President Trump to question
to w ithdraw te levision whether jail time was warranted
advertisements featuring for the director he fired in 2017.
same‑sex couples, it was Last wee k, the Just ice
reported on Monday. Departmentʼs inspector general,
T he company's cable Michael Horowitz, released a
network pulled the ads for report on the 2016 origins of the
wedding reg istry and James Comey told Chris Wallace on Fox News:
The contentious ad for zola.com investigation and testified before
planning site Zola under “I was overconfident as director in our procedures.”
the Senate Judiciary Committee,
pressure from the conservative portfolio of brands". The deci‑ detailing 17 significant errors was real sloppiness,” Comey apolog ies to me and others,
group, One Million Moms, the sion to withdraw the adverts and omissions in the FISA added. Jim?”
BBC reported. drew criticism from a number process as the FBI was filing its A few hours later, Trump Trump also went after
"We are truly sorry for the of hig h‑profile g ay figures, application for the surveillance seized on those comments and Horowitz, who has served as
hurt and disappointment this including Democratic presiden‑ of former Trump campaign aide said the former director had inspector general since 2012.
has caused," Hallmark's presi‑ tial contender Pete Buttigieg Carter Page. been “caught red handed.” “As bad as the I.G. Report is for
dent and Chief Executive Mike and talk show host Ellen “He (Horowitz) is right, I was “So now Comeyʼs admitting he the FBI and others, and it is real‑
Perry said, adding that the com‑ DeGeneres. T he Netflix US wrong,” Comey told host Chris was wrong,” the president wrote ly bad, remember that I.G.
pany would reinstate the Twitter account also criticized Wallace on “Fox News Sunday.” “I on Twitter. “Wow, but heʼs only Horow itz was appointed by
adverts. the decision, as did California was overconfident in the proce‑ doing so because he got caught Obama,” Trump tweeted. “There
In a statement, Perry also said Governor Gavin Newsom. The dures that the FBI and Justice red handed. He was actually was tremendous bias and guilt
that Hallmark would "be work‑ # B o y c o t t H a l l m a r k C h a n n e l had built over 20 years. I caught a long time ago. So what exposed, so obvious, but
ing w ith (advo cacy g roup) hashtag, which was launched by thoug ht they were robust are the consequences for his Horowitz couldnʼt get himself to
Glaad to better represent the Glaad, featured in over 16,000 enough. Itʼs incredibly hard to unlawful conduct. Could it be say it. Big credibility loss. Obama
LGBTQ community across our tweets as of Sunday afternoon. get a FISA.” “Heʼs right: There years in jail? W here are the knew everything!”
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS December 21-27, 2019 11

Trump impeached for abuse of power

and obstruction of Congress
By Arul Louis

New York: The Democratic‑con‑

trolled House of Representatives
has made the historic vote to
impeach President Donald Trump,
only the third time it has happened
in the nation's history of 243 years.
T he action now shifts to the
Republican‑controlled Senate after
the House approved two articles of
impeachment against him on
Wednesday following a process that
stretched over two months and
deepened the nation's vitriolic‑filled
At a rally in Michigan coinciding with the impeachment vote, Many rallies were held all over America in support of Trumpʼs
political divide. Trump will now be
President Trump angrily lashed out at Democrats. impeachment Wednesday.
formally tried by the Senate on the
charges of abuse of power and acquit him, making the dramatic Trump in 2016. There were no of sinister witch hunts, hoaxes, Zelensky in July in which he asked
obstruction of Congress over his impeachment process only a cathar‑ defections from the Republican side. scams, tonight, House Democrats him as a "favor" to investigate the
dealings with Ukraine and the sis for Democrats smarting from While Democrats hurled allega‑ are trying to nullify the ballots of Bidens' dealings in that country.
House investigation of it. their candidate Hillary Clinton's tions of bribery, extortion and trea‑ tens of millions of patriotic Rep Raja Krishnamoorthi said
Former Presidents Andrew defeat in the 2016 election. As son against Trump during the tele‑ Americans." during Wednesday's debate that
Johnson was impeached in 1868 Republican leader in the House, vised investigations by House He unleashed a series of personal Trump attempted to use a foreign
and Bill Clinton in 1998, but neither Kevin McCarthy said during the Committees, they did not find a invectives against several government for his personal politi‑
was convicted and forced out of the debate before the vote Wednesday: place in the final set of charges Democrats calling Hillary Clinton cal goals and obstructed Congress
White House. Impeachment pro‑ "Trump will be President today, will because the leadership wanted a "horrible person", and saying that a by silencing witnesses whom the
ceedings were launched against be president tomorrow, will be pres‑ narrow chargesheet that would get dead Democrat Congressman was House investigators wanted to
Richard Nixon, but he quit in the ident after the impeachment." wider acceptance. looking up and not down, implying depose.
middle of the process. Three Democrats voted against Trump, who was campaigning in he could be in hell. Republicans countered that the
Neither will the impeachment the impeachment, and one Michigan while the impeachment The charges against Trump arose aid was released after due diligence
af fect Trump's presidency as the abstained fearing a voter backlash vote was taking place in from a phone call Trump made to even though there was no probe of
Republican‑controlled Senate will in constituencies which had chosen Washington, said: "After three years Ukrainian President Volodymyr the Bidens.

Pelosi may use leverage Tulsi Gabbard votes ʻPresentʼ

to get ʻfair trialʼ in Senate W
hile a couple of Democrats
members of the House voted
against the articles of impeach‑
ment, Tulsi Gabbard, a presidential candi‑
Washington: Soon after date, voted “present” and was missing
securing the impeach‑ during the six hours of scheduled debate
ment vote on two articles, over the articles.
Speaker Nancy Pe losi In a statement released after the vote,
threatened to hold up the Gabbard said that because she “could not
Senate trial te lling in good conscience vote either yes or no...
reporters that she had no I am standing in the center and have
timeline for sending the decided to vote ʻPresent.ʼ”
charges known as Gabbard blamed both sides of the
Articles of Impeachment House for turning the impeachment ics of using “extreme rhetoric.”
because she was con‑ inquiry into a “partisan endeavor,” blast‑ “My vote today is a vote for much need‑
cerned that the ing Trumpʼs defenders as having “abdicat‑ ed reconciliation and hope that together
Republicans won't hold ed their responsibility to exercise legiti‑ we can heal our country,” Gabbard con‑
an impartial trial. mate oversight,” and the presidentʼs crit‑ cluded.
Until the Articles are
received, the Senate can't
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi telling her caucus not
hold the trial.
Mitch McConnell, the
to cheer after the impeachment vote passed. America is stronger today
Republican leader of the Senate who controls he has closely coordinated the planning of the
the pro cess there, has turned down the trial with the White House and has repeatedly
Democrats' request to have former National predicted Trump would be acquitted. He and
than yesterday : Ravi Batra
C
Security Adviser John Bolton, Trump's Chief of senior GOP leader Lindsey Graham have publicly ommenting on Wednesdayʼs meddling in our elections; or as the
Staff Mick Mulvaney and two other officials tes‑ said that they would not pretend to be ʻfair developments leading up to Gadsden Flag said, ʻDon't Tread On
tify at the trial. jurorsʼ during Trumpʼs trial as is incumbent impeachment of President Me.ʼ America has the ability to self‑cor‑
It was a tit‑for‑tat for Democrat's refusal to upon them under the Constitution. Trump, eminent attorney Ravi Batra rect, given our ʻcherished co‑equal sep‑
allow them to call their set of witnesses during Reacting to Pelosi telegraphing her possible stated: “W hile American arated‑powers regime. Process itself is
the impeachment process in the House. move going forward, the White House lashed Exceptionalism is on full display, as sunshine‑disinfectant ‑ for anyone can
Trump wants a full‑fledged trial in the Senate out. “House Democrats have run a fatally flawed America's best is always better evident get a sunburn ‑ as even private com‑
with several witnesses including former Vice process with fake facts, and now they want to when we are so equally in disagree‑ munication will become public ‑ just as
President Joe Biden and his son Hunter called to deny the President his day in court with another ment, it is to our allies and adversaries Just in Trudeau's viral jaw‑video.
testify. But McConnell has said that he prefers a procedural maneuver that proves anew they that I say: the core lesson here is that America is stronger today than yester‑
short, quick trial and they would have to work have no case,” said Eric Ueland, Trumpʼs top con‑ no foreign leader ought even dream of day."
out their strategy. McConnell has boasted that gressional liaison to Congress.
 12 December 21-27, 2019
Government clarifies as CAA stir intensifies across India
New Delhi: With the anti‑CAA stir
gaining intensity across the coun‑
try, the government has once
again clarified on the Citizenship
Amendment Act (CAA) and the
clarification has been loaded in
question answer format on the
of ficial Twitter account of the
Press Information Bureau (PIB).
T he PIB made clarifications
while responding to nine ques‑
tions. In the statement, the gov‑
ernment said that no deportation
has been done in Assam also until
the foreigners tribunal gives it
final order.
The statement from the govern‑
ment says that "The CAA has not
stopped any foreigners of any
country from applying for Indian
Citizenship under The Citizenship
Act, 1955. Baluchis, Ahmediyas &
Rohingayas can always apply to
become Indian citizens as and
when they fulfill the qualifications
provided in the relevant sections
of The Citizenship Act, 1955 ".
The statement said that all legal
Douse flames, don't
set country afire:
Mamata to Shah
West Bengal Chief Minister accompanied by MPs
during the party's protest march in Kolkata.
Kolkata: Assailing Union Home
Minister Amit Shah for his com‑
ment that Aadhaar was not a proof
of citizenship, West Bengal Chief
Minister Mamata Banerjee on
Wednesday asked him why was it
then linked to bank accounts, voter
IDs and mobile phones and said it
was his duty to "douse flames"
rather than "set the country afire".
"I will appeal to the home min‑
ster, please consider. You are the
country's home minster, not a BJP
leader. It is not your job to set the
country afire. It is your job to douse
flames in the country. I appeal to
you w ith folded hands," the
Trinamool Congress chief said at a
meeting opposing the new citizen‑
ship law.
Banerjee said when Assam,
A protest march underway against the Citizenship
Amendment Act (CAA) in Kolkata. (Photo: IANS)
migrants ‑‑ including the minority
communities from three countries
‑‑ were, are and will continue to be
eligible to apply for Indian citizen‑
ship if they fulfil the qualifications
laid down in The Citizenship Act,
1955. "The CAA has not changed
this situation whatsoever. Only
some migrants from the aforesaid
communities and countries will
benefit from the CAA if they have
Tripura, De lhi, Punjab, UP,
Rajasthan are burning, "Why are
you saying hogaya hogaya (CAB
and NRC will be executed)."
"Why is the home minister of the
country openly saying Aadhaar
card will not do? Then why did you
make the Aadhaar cards, spent Rs
6,000 crore on it? Is the cat out of
the bag now? I want clarification
from you. As a citizen of the coun‑
try it is my prerogative, right to ask
you," she said at Dorina crossing in
central Kolkata.
"I will appeal to my home minis‑
ter of the country, please control
your party and control the county.
You are not only a BJP leader, you
are the country's home minister.
See that peace is maintained," she
said.
INDIA NEWS
incomplete or no documents or
their documents have expired and
they have taken shelter in India
because of persecut ion on
g rounds of re lig ion up to
December 2014. They have been
excluded from the definition of
"illeg al mig rants" in T he
Citizenship Act, 1955. Unlike
other foreigners, they are eligible
to get citizenship after a total resi‑
Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti’s next
Mahatma Gandhi seminar in Raipur
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh govern‑
ment was set to inaugurate
ʻDevelopment for Allʼ seminar at
Raj Bhavan in the state where
Acharya Lokeshji‑led Ahimsa
Vishwa Bharti organization was to
organize a special program on the
150th birth anniversary of
Mahatma Gandhi.
Acharya Lokeshji said that the
ʻDevelopment for All' conference
will give people a new direction
by rising above the caste, religion
and community.
“We will organize 25 seminars
throug h which teachings of
Mahatma Gandhi will reach peo‑
ple living in different parts of the
country. This is not only a histori‑
cal step but will play an important
role in nation building also,” he
said in a statement.
Chhatt isg arh Governor
Bollywood mourns demise
of Dr Shriram Lagoo
Mumbai: Bollywood celebrities
took to social media to mourn the
demise of veteran film and theater
actor Dr Shriram Lagoo, who
passed away on Tuesday evening.
He has acted in several Hindi films
part from being a popular icon of
Marathi stage and cinema.
Remembering Dr Lagoo, Rishi
Kapoor tweeted: "R I P. One of the
most natural spontaneous actors,
Dr. Shreeram Lagoo sahab leaves
us. Did several films way back.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
dency period of six years. For
other foreigners, this period is
twelve years."
On question of "doesn't India
have an obligation under the UN
to take care of refugees", the gov‑
ernment replied yes, it does. "And
it is not shying away from it.
There are more than two lakh Sri
Lankan Tamils and Tibetans in
India and more than fifteen thou‑
sand Afghans, 20‑25 thousand
Rohingayas and a few thousand
other refugees of different nation‑
alities presently live in India. It is
expected that someday these
refugees will return to their home‑
lands when conditions improve
there. Indian is not a signatory to
the UN Convention of 1951 and
the UN Proto col of 1967 on
Refugees. Secondly, India is under
no oblig at ion to of fer such
migrants its citizenship. Each
country including India has its
own rules for naturalization."
"It is expected that someday
these refugees will return to their
Acharya Lokeshji with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.
Anusuiya Uikey and Chie f
Minister Bhupesh Baghel were
scheduled to inaugurate the semi‑
nar. President Ram Nath Kovind
inaugurated a series of 25 pro‑
Late Dr Shriram Lagoo.
Unfortunately never got to work
with him in the past 25/30 years.
home lands when condit ions
improve there. India is not a sig‑
natory to the UN Convention of
1951 and the UN Protocol of
1967 on Refugees. Secondly, India
is under no obligation to of fer
such migrants its citizenship. Each
country including India has its
own rules for naturalization.
Meanwhile, a total of 47 compa‑
nies of paramilitary forces, espe‑
cially from Central Reserve Police
Force (CRPF) were deployed
across the city to assist the Delhi
Police to manage demonstrations
ag ainst the Cit izenship
Amendment Act and National
Register of Citizens (NRC).
Describing the three‑day ban on
staging protest marches or sit‑in
demonstrations ('dharna') against
the Citizenship (Amendment) Act
(CAA) as draconian, newly‑elected
Cong ress leg islator Rizwan
Arshad from Beng aluru con‑
demned the ruling BJP govern‑
ment for snatching away the citi‑
zens' democratic right to dissent.
grams being organized by the
Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti organisa‑
tion on the 150th birth anniver‑
sary of Mahatma Gandhi, in Delhi
on September 26.
He had a retired life in Pune. Love
you Dr. Sahab."
Veteran actor Paresh Rawal
wrote: "Truly a GREAT theatre
actor Dr Shreeram Lagoo Saab is
no more. AUM Shanti."
Dr Lagoo is best known for his
roles in Bollywood movies like "Ek
Din Achanak", "Laawaris",
"Gharonda" and "Muqaddar Ka
Sikandar" apart from Marathi plays
like "Natsamrat" and "Himalayachi
Saoli".
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Tata Sons to take legal recourse, Infosys settles visa case
Mistry says stand vindicated with California for $800,000
Mumbai: The battle for control of
Bombay House, the Tata Group's
headquarters here, reignited after
the Nat ional Company Law
Appe llate Tribunal (NCLAT )
restored Cyrus Mistry as
Executive Chairman of Tata Sons,
three‑years after he was ousted.
It also held illegal appointment
of Natarajan Chandrasekaran as
Executive Chairman.
Tata Group companies holding
firm, Tata Sons, said it would take
appropriate legal recourse over
the NCLAT decision. "Tata Sons
has received and is analyzing the
order of the NCLAT," said Tata
Sons in a statement and added,
"Tata Sons strong ly be lieves in the Tata Sons without warning or reason
strength of its case and will take appropri‑ removed me, first as the Execut ive
ate legal recourse."
After removing Mistry, the board had of Tata Sons."
appointed Ratan Tata the interim
Chairman. Mistry, in a statement after the man of Tata Group in 2012 but ousted fol‑
order, said, "Today's judgment is not a per‑ lowing a boardroom coup on October 24,
sonal victory for me, but is a victory for the 2016. He subsequently moved the NCLT's
principles of good governance and minori‑ Mumbai Bench.
ty shareholder rights.
"The outcome of the appeal is a vindica‑
tion of my stand when the then board of cent stake.
Andhra Pradesh may have
three capitals: Jagan
Amaravati: Ending the uncertainty over
future of Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh
capital, Chie f Minister Y. S. Jag an
Mohan Reddy said the state may have
three capitals with executive and judi‑
cial capitals coming
Visakhaptnam and Kurnool respective‑
ly.
He said while the legislative capital
may continue to function from
Amaravati, the coastal city of
Visakhapatnam may be made the exec‑
u t i ve c a p i t a l a n d Ku r n o o l m a y b e
developed as the judicial capital. He
told State Legislative Assembly that the
state needs to have innovative thinking
to ensure decentralization.
"Decentralization is the real concept.
We should also change. Countries like
South Africa have three capitals. We
may also have three capitals."
"Legislative capital may remain here.
Assembly may function from here. We
m a y h a v e e x ec u t i v e c a p i t a l i n
Visakhapatnam. Administration may
work from there. Kurnool may have
judicial capital. High Court may be
located there," he said.
Legislators of ruling YSR Congress
Party (YSRCP) hailed the chief minis‑
ter's announcement with the thumping
of desks and slogans of 'Jai Jagan'.
Reddy said a final decision in this
regard would be taken by expert's com‑
mittee constituted by the state govern‑
ment. The panel is seeking opinion of
people from all the regions.
T h e ch i e f m i n i s t e r m a d e t h e
INDIA NEWS
Cyrus Mistry was appointed as the sixth
chairman of Tata Group in 2012.
Chairman, and subsequently as a Director
Mistry was appointed as the sixth chair‑
The Mistry family is the single largest
shareholder in Tata Sons, with over 18 per
up in
Andhra Pradesh CM
Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
announcement at the end of the heated
debate over Amaravati, which saw
Speaker suspending nine members of
the opposition Telugu Desam Party
(TDP) for stalling the proceedings.
Ever since YSRCP came to power in
May, the fate of Amaravati was hang‑
ing in balance as the new government
had put all the works on hold, citing
irregularities in development of the
capital during TDP rule.
A brainchild of then chief minister N.
Chandrababu Naidu, Amaravati's
design was prepared by Singapore gov‑
ernment. He had planned to develop
the city on the banks of Krishna river
as a world‑class city.
December 21-27, 2019 13
Bengaluru: Global software
major Infosys said it reached an
out‑of‑court settlement for
$800,000 (Rs 5.7 crore) with the
California Attorney General on
charges related to the alleged
violation of B‑1 visa rules by it to
its techies.
"Our agreement concludes the
California Attorney General's
investigation into the allegations
related to the payment of state
Infosys was charged with alleged
payroll taxes for some employees
violation of B‑1 visa rules.
travelling on B‑1 visas dating
back to 2006," Infosys Company Secretary also require employers to pay workers at
A.G.S. Manikantha said in a regulatory fil‑ the local prevailing wage," said Becerra in
ing on the BSE. a statement sourced by IANS here. The set‑
California Attorney General Xavier tlement will result in the case being dis‑
Becerra said from Sacramento that Infosys missed with prejudice and was reached to
would pay the western state $800,000 to avoid time, expense and distraction of pro‑
resolve the charges that the Indian IT firm tracted litigation on the charges against
and its subsidiary (Infosys BPM Ltd) had the city‑based IT behemoth.
employed about 500 techies in California "We dispute the allegations and admit to
on B‑1 visas rather than H‑1B visas no wrong‑doing in the case," asserted the
between 2006 and 2017. "This misclassifi‑ $11‑billion outsourcing firm.
cat ion resulted in Infosys avoiding The company, however, declined to con‑
California payroll taxes such as unemploy‑ firm to IANS the amount it paid, including
ment insurance, disability insurance and taxes and penalty, if any, to settle the visa
employment training taxes. H‑1B visas fraud case out‑of‑court.
Indian diplomat rebuts Imran
Khan's rhetoric in Geneva
New Delhi: India strongly rejected
the "unwarranted and gratuitous
comments" made by Pakistan's
Prime Minister Imran Khan about
India's internal affairs at the first
global refugee forum in Geneva.
Khan has been trave lling
around the world speaking about
Kashmir since August this year
when India revoked the special
status of Jammu and Kashmir
state.
Lately, he has been also com‑
plaining about the Citizenship
Amendment Act of India. Indian
Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
however, has chosen to ignore
Prime Minister Khan's hostile
Rajiv Chander, Indiaʼs permanent
rhetoric. Instead, Khan's commen‑
representative to the UN.
tary has been rebutted only by
Indian diplomats at all international plat‑ champion of human rights, he said recall‑
forms. Ambassador Rajiv Chander, the ing that it has shrunk the size of its own
permanent representative of India to the minority community from 23 per cent in
UN, while speaking at the forum in 1947 to 3 per cent today by subjecting
Geneva said Khan's comments only them to draconian blasphemy laws, sys‑
"reflected visceral and pathological preju‑ tematic persecution, blatant abuse and
dice against India in addition to being dis‑ forced conversions.
respectful of the mandate of the UNHCR The Ambassador further said that India
and the spirit of the compact." was dealing w ith resultant problem
T his, he said, was based on a poor through democracy and due process, con‑
understanding of the responsibility of co‑ cepts which are alien to Pakistan. Citizens
convenership which is to mobilize political of India, he said, do not need anyone else
support, not politicize, and make a call for to speak on their behalf, "least of those
party partnership, not partisanship. who have built an industry out of terror‑
It is another dismal attempt by Pakistan ism from the ideology of hate.
to interfere in the internal affairs of India "It would serve Prime Minister Khan and
to present an alarmist situation of the his country well if he focuses on the wel‑
region and abuse international fora. fare of his own people and country," he
Describing Pakistan as a self‑proclaimed advised.
 14 December 21-27, 2019
India rescues persecuted Hindus with Citizenship Act
By DC Pathak
T
he alacrity w ith which
Union Home Minister Amit
Shah has pushed the new
Cit izenship Amendment Bill
throug h the two Houses of
Parliament reflects the determina‑
tion of the Modi regime to imple‑
ment its larger national agenda in
its current tenure ‑‑ unfazed by
the ramblings of a disparate oppo‑
sition. For decades, this country
witnessed a polity of permissive
corruption, majority‑minority
divide and unwillingness to deal
with the lingering problems of
Kashmir, illegal migrants and
faith‑based militancy.
After adopting an unambiguous
policy towards Pakistan that ruled
out talks with this roguish neigh‑
bor ‑‑ unless it stopped cross‑bor‑
der terrorism against India ‑‑ and
getting Article 370 abrogated
through an Act of Parliament to
pave the way for the Center to
take direct responsibility for the
development and security of the
crucial border state, the govern‑
ment has now made a bold
announcement through the CAA
that members of the long perse‑
cuted Hindu minority of Pakistan,
We waited for a contest in
Britain, we got a massacre
By Saeed Naqvi
T
he evening began disas‑
trously not only because
Boris Johnson won by a
landslide but because our host,
Lord Meghnad Desai, could not
cook us a meal, having hurt his
right hand (it is in plaster); our
collective viewing of the election
results was thrown into further
disarray because his TV burnt
out. Inexhaustibly stocked row of
three re frigerators came in
handy: smoked salmon, Italian
bread and pizzas. At 10 pm he
switched on his iPad. Exit polls
had given Boris the biggest victo‑
ry since Margaret Thatcher in
1987. T he very first to greet
Johnson has been Donald Trump,
his business cohorts smacking
their lips at the prospect of a bur‑
geoning Anglo Saxon club, partic‑
ularly now that France's
Emmanuel Macron is thumbing
his nose at Trump's America. And
Macron is not alone.
It would be irresponsible to
describe Johnson as closet fascist
but his friend Farage is. If one
OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info
the elected political executive did
not carry a denominational stamp
and the state provided same
development and legal protection
to all. The opposition coined the
term 'majoritarianism' to imply
that a democratic governance in a
Hindu majority country would not
be able to safeguard the minori‑
ties. It is because of this pre‑occu‑
pation with minority politics that
in the years before the advent of
the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
regime, the government followed
a warped policy on strategically
important issues like Pakistan,
Kashmir and illegal migrations.
With the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the government will The debate in Parliament on
ensure the long persecuted Hindu minority of Pakistan, CAB has seen the opposition led
Bangladesh and Afghanistan would be granted membership by the Congress taking a stand
of this country on a preferential basis. that it might regret in the days to
Bangladesh and Afghanistan driv‑ and the inhibitive, lackluster and come. The Congress narrative,
en to taking she lter in India, ambiguity‑ridden approaches of branding the Indian action and
would be granted membership of the earlier regimes would not go not the doings of the neighboring
this country on a preferential unnoticed by the observant citi‑ Islamic states as 'communal',
basis. Interestingly, all these path‑ zens of this country. beats logic but more than that it
breaking policy measures of India T he Cong ress leadership makes the Congress look totally
are likely to continue receiving a shunned recognizing the fact of heartless towards the suffering of
response of understanding from India being a Hindu majority the Hindus and exposes its blind
the world community even as they nation and forgot that in a democ‑ pro‑Muslim politics ‑‑ considering
came in for criticism from sec‑ racy run on the principle of 'one the fact that it is the Muslim lead‑
tions of the opposition at home. man one vote', the demographic ership in this country that prima‑
The contrast between the fast distribution of communities did rily took offence to the legislation.
moving ways of this government not af fect any citizen so long as No doubt the matter has a bear‑
munity he mentions are Jews.
"T hrough this campaign, our
Jewish citizens have been living in
fear." Then a Churchillian pause:
"No longer will Jews live in fear,"
he thundered. Why this outburst?
There is a background to this
inexplicable intervent ion.
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, former
Co‑Chair of the Conservative
Party has been fairly regular in
complaining that "anti Muslim"
prejudice had "poisoned" the
party. The principal "culprits" in
her line of fire were Boris
Johnson, Michael Gove and Zac
The polls gave Boris Johnson the biggest victory since Margaret Goldsmith. Gove's generosity of
Thatcher in 1987. That has the minorities in the country worried.
expression in favour of Jews, at
surveys the rise of anti migrant, lic platform in Warsaw. the moment of Tory triumph, is
anti semitic parties from Victor The Warsaw incident came to designed to send a message to the
Orban of Hungary to leaders in mind as soon as I saw Tory leader Warsis in the party: like it or
Austria, Germany, Poland ‑‑ it is a Michael Gove appear behind the lump it. How can the Tories have
depressing list. In the presence of microphones at the Tory head‑ forgotten Gove's brazenly anti
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, quarters to prime up the mood Muslim book Celsius 7/7 pub‑
Benjamin Netanyahu and others, before Boris Johnson made his lished in 2006? Corbyn was bat‑
the Israe li Foreign Minister first appearance after the historic tered and bruised not only
Yisrael Katz accused the Polish victory. It was the sort of time in through this campaign but over
leadership of antisemitism in the morning when people want the years as a "danger to Britain",
almost abusive language: "Poles bed tea. Suddenly, a stern looking "traitor" a friend of Hugo Chavez,
suckle anti‑Semitism from their Gove is brought slowly into focus. Fidel Castro and other "devilish"
mother's milk." This, from a pub‑ And, lo and behold, the only com‑ characters. By sheer incantation,
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
ing on Assam and the North‑East
where illeg al mig rat ion of
Muslims mainly from Bangladesh
‑‑ prompted by economic reasons ‑
‑ had been a known problem.
Home Minister Amit Shah, while
presenting the Bill, made two
politically clinical points: that an
Islamic State does not have a
Muslim minority and that there
has to be a dif ference made
between 'refugees' and 'infil‑
trants'. However, it can also not be
denied that both had to receive
humane treatment and care till,
after identification, they were
either g ranted cit izenship or
deported. In this interregnum
they would not be eligible for vot‑
ing.
T hese issues re lated to the
Nat ional Reg ister of Cit izens
(NRC) may become the subject
matter of an acrimonious debate
but the CAB's objective stands on
its own as an unexceptional initia‑
tive of Indian democracy ‑‑ that
also happened to be the home of
Hindus. Domestic politics here
should steer clear of communal
tracks and the Ulema and the elite
guiding the community should try
to keep it that way in the interest
of our democracy.
some of it sank in. Of course,
Johnson's message was simpler:
"Get Brexit done."
What the mainstream media
will keep mum about, alternatives
like London Economic, a digital
newspaper, publishes and with
increasing credibility. The news
portal exposed that one of
Britain's leading barristers, Jolyon
Maughan QC, director of Good
Law Project, alleged that the BBC
indulged in showing "coded nega‑
tive imagery" of Labour leader
Jeremy Corbyn since his election
in 2015. It is universally pro‑
claimed that Johnson, lies, fiddles
expense accounts, is seen at
European airports in a daze after
late night parties but he remains
the darling of the electorate, as
result 2019 has shown. Another
London Economic analysis shows
that people generally have anoth‑
er perspective when presented
with policy options but the very
same people vote in a completely
different direction. Why? Because
the media is bombarding the
voter with high level, right wing
propaganda.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info LIFESTYLE December 21-27, 2019 15

A study revealed that 87 per cent of employed people are emotionally

disconnected from their workplaces and less likely to be productive
By Puja Gupta

E
nvironments that combine
comfort, function and emo‑
t ional sat isfact ion can
Tips to bring
wellbeing at workplace
inspire people to do their best
work as well as increase productiv‑
ity, satisfaction and engagement. A
recent study by Gallup showed
that worldwide, 87 per cent of
employed people are “not
engaged” or “actively disengaged”
at work, which means that theyʼre
emotionally disconnected from
their workplaces and thus less like‑
ly to be productive. Sometimes
these disengaged employees are
outright toxic to the organization.
The cost is high for countries as
well as companies. In the US alone,
Gallup estimates that the cost of
disengaged employees could be
between $450 to $550 billion per Bring wellbeing to the office by providing
year. Based on the research, the option for people to work outside Let people work alone or away from their work stations.
Praveen Rawal, Managing Director,
Steelcase India, South East, shares
support their productivity. tive and emotional wellbeing. 4. Put nature to work 5. Create an
few tips for bringing wellbeing 2. Allow for alone 3. Create choices Bring wellbeing to the office by unplug zone
into the workplace: providing the option for people to
Most people togg le between One personʼs lounge can be A space with zero connectivity to
1. Loosen up introverted and extroverted modes another personʼs workstation. A
work outside. Fresh air and natural
wi‑fi and power will encourage
light are refreshing, and itʼs been
For people to work comfortably, throughout their workday. Spaces range of settings and support for people to have face time with each
proven that working outdoors or
feet donʼt always have to be on the that allow people to escape, pon‑ transitions can accommodate dif‑ other, read a book or rest their
near natural light improves creativ‑
floor. Relaxed postures can still der and disconnect support cogni‑ ferent work styles and postures. eyes.
ity, productivity and engagement.

We’re open in Hicksville

Stop in and meet
and ready to serve. Sandy Bhatia
Branch Manager,
Flushing Bank’s Hicksville Branch
12-Month
CD or IRA CD

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00 %
APY1*
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To qualify you must have or open any Flushing Bank Complete Checking account2 which provides you with access to over 55,000
ATMs, ATM fee rebates, mobile banking, and mobile check deposit. Plus, you can qualify for additional cash bonuses.3 Visit our new
Hicksville branch located at 268 North Broadway. You can also call us at 516.209.3611 or visit www.FlushingBank.com.

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* Offer available only at 268 North Broadway, Hicksville branch. 1) New money only. APY effective December 2, 2019. Annual percentage yield assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for a full year
at current rate. Minimum deposit balance of $5,000 is required. Funds cannot be transferred from an existing Flushing Bank account. Premature withdrawals may be subject to bank and IRS penalties. Rates
and offer are subject to change without notice. 2) Certain fees, minimum balance requirements and restrictions may apply. Fees may reduce earnings on these accounts. A checking account is not required
for IRA accounts. 3) The Customer Value Program bonus is limited to one (1) account credit per new Complete Checking customer. New money only. Existing checking account customers are not eligible.
A new checking account is defined as any new checking account that does not have any authorized signatures in common with any other existing Flushing Bank checking account(s). An existing checking
customer is defined as anyone who currently has or has had a Flushing Bank checking account within the last 24 months. New money is defined as money not currently on deposit with Flushing Bank. The
Customer Value Program bonus will be based on the three-month average account balance of the first three (3) calendar months after account opening. The Customer Value Program bonus will be posted to
the account on or about the end of the subsequent month following the account’s three (3) month anniversary. A 1099 will be issued in the amount of the account bonus. The new Complete Checking account
must remain open, active, and in good standing for six months. The bonus will be forfeited if the account is closed prior to six months. Other fees and restrictions may apply. The minimum three-
month average balance to qualify for the Customer Value Program is $1,000. A minimum deposit of $25 is required to open the Complete Checking account. The offer is subject to change or
termination without prior notice at any time. Speak with a branch representative for details. Flushing Bank is a registered trademark
 16 December 21-27, 2019
Buy a product because a star endorses it!
By Vinod Mirani
R
emember the first Liril
soap ad? Few who have
lived through the 1980s
would forget it. The legend with
the ad read: ʻCome Alive With
Freshness. And just about every‑
thing, from props to the accompa‑
nying jingle to the model, comple‑
mented the caption. However, the
best thing about the ad was its
model, Karen Lunel.
Most of all, the Liril ad had what
they called ‑ and it used to be the
watchword of the advertising
industry ‑ a Recall Value, which has
been everlasting in the case of that
ad. That was the era when ads cre‑
ated celebrities out of models.
Now, it is the other way around.
The ad‑makers have resorted to a
short cut. Go for the celebrities for
endorsements. And, save for a few
cricketers like Virat Kohli and
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who get
the best deals, rest just add to the
crowd.
In India, people don't even read a
newspaper article byline which in
'Queen': Befitting yet self‑limited
homage to Jayalalithaa
By Subhash K. Jha
H
aving washed their hands
off all claims to being a
Jayalalithaa bio‑pic, this
web series on MX Player, with as
many dips curves highs and lows
as the real character's life, can
safely be assumed to take some
interesting flights of fancy, even
while putting on screen enough
meat from the true mart to keep
the consumer sniffing and admir‑
ing the offering on display.
"Queen" opens with Lillete Dubey
doing a "Rendezvous With
Jayalalithaa" styled interview with
an actress‑turned‑politician named
Shakthi Seshadri.
As …errrr, Shakthi, Ramya
Krishnan hits the right notes from
the outset. She conveys all the
gravitas, dignity and obstinacy of
the original without trying look
like the lady who lorded over
Tamil hearts and minds for
decades. The series has some ter‑
rific moments from the protago‑
nist's childhood where the trou‑
bled relationship of little Shakthi
(played beautifully by Anikha
Surendran) with her mother is cap‑
tured in scenes that convey plenty
without tripping over its own
eagerness to satiate the audiences'
curiosity about what really hap‑
pened in Shakthi's childhood. The
characters and forces that con‑
tributed to the making of the for‑
Amitabh Bachchan endorsing a Muthoot Finance ad.
print is usually at the beginning of
an article or news. For people to
know the voice or face behind a
radio jingle was impossible. Except
for people like Ameen Sayani, few
could earn fame through radio. So
what made radio ads a hit was the
jingles which, again, carried on to
the TV. With TV came the newer
challenge, that of the visuals to go
Review
Ramya Krishnan as ʻQueenʼ.
midable 'Amma' are all here in the
series, though many of the charac‑
ter are frightfully freed of nuance.
They, nonetheless, constitute a
vivid slide‑show into the shadow‑
play of myth and reality exploring
the woman behind the iron mask.
The contribution of MG
Ramachandran in shaping the des‑
tiny and personality of
Jayalalithaa is given substantial
space. MGR (played by Indrajit
Sukhumaran) here becomes GMR
(!!!). This vital chunk of the protag‑
onist's life is among the weakest in
the plot.
Incidentally, the first time when
they get close during the outdoor
shooting, Shakthi is seen reading
John Le Carre (pronounced 'John
Le Car' by the Telugu director).
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
along with the jingle. And, some of
them really caught the imagina‑
tion, and have survived on the
same tunes till date after a period
of 30 or more years. The examples
are a plenty. While the Liril soap is
one of them, we have also had
Nirma washing powder, Tinipol,
Amul, Saridon, Vicks Vaporub,
Vicks cough drops, Kingfisher,
Throughout she is shown reading
English‑language novels to convey
her intellectual superiority to the
world she inhabits. In fact, know‑
ingly or not, Shakthi often comes
across as a snob harboring a bloat‑
ed sense of self that's humorously
shown to be punctured by director
C V Sridhar (played nicely by
Gautham Menon co‑director of the
series). Elsewhere, when MGR,
now CM of Tamil Nadu, pays
Shakthi a visit she keeps him wait‑
ing as she takes her time getting
ready. Her languorous walk from
her bedroom to the living room is
proof of Madame's growing arro‑
gance. Or it is an indication of the
leisurely space afforded to the
director on the digital platform?
We will never know.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Vicko Vajradanti, Nerolac, MDH,
Fevicol, Lifebuoy soap and many
such.
Today, you find very few catchy
ads.
There was an anti‑smoking ad,
which has no record on net, from
the eighties or so ‑ something like
feeling like a man! There was this
young lad who starts to smoke. He
thinks he is now a man, grown up.
His girlfriend admires him for
smoking, too. In the end, he is a
sick man coughing and awaiting
his ultimate demise; there is no one
around, no girlfriend. That, I would
rate as the best anti‑smoking ad
ever and needs to be recalled.
Social message ads were not as
prevalent as they are today. This
was a rare one.
If the Liril soap ad could prove to
be evergreen, what is wrong with
the ads today that every top film
star endorses?
Take the example of Amitabh
Bachchan, who is seen begging for
a cola drink from a lesser celebrity,
Arshad Warsi. Now, that is not the
Amitabh one knew from "Zanjeer"
Jamaica's Toni‑
Ann Singh wins
Miss World crown
Toni‑Ann Singh's father is of Indo‑Caribbean descent.
T
he finale of the 2019 Miss
World beauty contest came
to an end with Miss
Jamaica Toni‑Ann Singh claiming
the coveted title at a glitzy cere‑
mony in London, where India's
Suman Rao bagged the second
runner up spot.
Singh is a 23‑year‑old
Psychology and Women's Studies
graduate from the Florida state
university. She was crowned Miss
World 2019 on Saturday. While
Suman Rao is a 20‑year‑old from
Rajasthan, who is pursuing
to "Deewaar" to "Trishul". Fine, he
has tried to mingle and prove him‑
self to be just another normal
human being, an aam aadmi like
rest of us, through "Kaun Banega
Crorepati" and these ads. But, his
image is still larger than life for the
endorsements he does.
There is a joke on Amitabh
Bachchan who endorses Muthoot
Finance as well as Kalyan
Jewellers. On the Kalyan ad, he
advises you buy gold while on
Muthoot ad, he suggests you
release your blocked cash by mort‑
gaging your gold! Which ad does
one take seriously?
There are often controversies
when a brand advertise an actor
promotes is found to be mislead‑
ing. The government planned a law
by which an actor who is part of
such a misleading ad would also be
held responsible and subject to
penalty.
However, though in the pipeline,
the said law is yet to be passed.
Meanwhile, the very essence of the
advertising a product, Recall Value,
does not mean a thing anymore.
Chartered Accountancy. She won
the Miss India 2019 contest in
June.
Toni‑Ann Singh, who is born to a
Indo‑Caribbean father, Bradshaw
Singh, and African‑Caribbean
mother Jahrine Bailey, was pre‑
sented the crown by Vanessa
Ponce, the last year's Miss World
winner from Mexico at the event
televised live globally.
She is the fourth Jamaican con‑
testant to be crowned Miss World.
After winning the title, she took to
social media to thank everyone.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD December 21-27, 2019 17

More women should join Namaste Mumbai!

the police force: Rani U2 band enthralls
A
ctress Rani Mukerji, who
plays a cop in "Mardaani
2", has urged women of
the country to join the police
Indian lovers
Mumbai: Irish rock band
force in large numbers. "I want
U2 paid tribute to women
more and more girls and women
icons of the country dur‑
of our country to choose the
ing their maiden perform‑
police department as their pro‑
ance in Mumbai, putting
fession because personally as a
the spotlight on Union
citizen of this country, I feel that
minister Smriti Irani,
there aren't better police officers
author Arundhati Roy and
than female police officers," said
journalist Gauri Lankesh
Rani, at a special screening of
among others.
"Mardaani 2" for female officers
The Irish rockers closed
of Maharashtra Police in
ʻThe Joshua Tree Tour
Mumbai. The film is a sequel to
2019ʼ ̶ their final show
the 2014 film "Mardaani" with
Actress Rani Mukerji on the sets of ʻMardaani 2ʼ. of the tour after Seoul,
Rani reprising her role of U2 band members who celebrated their fifth album,
the film releases on Friday, everyone will react Auckland, Brisbane and The Joshua Tree, are seen with AR Rahman.
Superintendent of Police Shivani Roy. The new
in the same as these police officers." Melbourne ̶ in honour of
film is set in Kota, Rajasthan, and it revolves
Whole Rani plays the fearless cop Shivani their 1987 album at the DY Patil Stadium Chawla, Karuna Nandy, Lankesh and Rana
around Shivani trying to nab a 21‑year‑old vil‑
Roy in "Mardaani 2", her old friend and co‑star on Sunday. Frontman Bono, guitarist The Ayyub among others. U2 also acknowl‑
lain played by Vishal Jethwa.
of several films, Salman Khan, will hit the the‑ Edge, drummer Larry Mullen and bassist edged the contribution of Greta Thunberg.
About the screening, Rani told the female
atres a week later as the maverick Inspector Adam Clayton opened the concert with The tour celebrated U2ʼs fifth album,
officers: "The film releases on 13th December
Chubul Pandey in "Dabangg 3". their classic Sunday Bloody Sunday and The Joshua Tree. Their playlist included
but we wanted to show it to you first. I am
"Chulbul Pandey is a male officer and ended with a visual montage of women songs from the seminal record including
happy that all of you could come to watch this
Shivani Roy is a female officer. Both of them icons across the world, including India. With or Without You, Where The Streets
film and give me your feedback. I will try to do
work for the police. Shivani Roy is a superin‑ The night also saw performance by Have No Name and Bullet The Blue Sky.
more films like this in future."
academy award winner composer A R Bono, in his greeting to the audience
The trailer of "Mardaani 2" has received over tendent of police, so I am his (Chulbul Pandey)
senior. He still has two stars (sub‑inspector Rahman. Rahman, along with his children, which began with “namaste Mumbai!”,
10 million views on YouTube since its release.
rank). That's the only difference,a Rani joined U2 to sing ̶ for the first time ̶ acknowledged that it took them a while to
Asked what kind of response she expects from
quipped. "Mardaani 2" is directed by Gopi their new song, Ahimsa, which Bono visit the country.
the audience, Rani said: "Now they (the female
Puthran and produced by Rani's husband described as “Indiaʼs greatest gift to the “It took us only four decades to come
police officers) have watched the film and we
Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj world.” here! India, what a country! Tonight itʼs
have got good feedback from them. This has
Films. In their special segment, called going to be the best ever show. We have
increased my confidence. I now pray that once
ʻHerstoryʼ, the musicians featured photos fallen head over heels in love with India.

Salman opens up on
of women ̶ projected on a giant screen
at the backdrop of the stage ̶ as the
band played their track Ultraviolet. The
names were of Women and Child
“Our prayer for the evening is for an
epic night of rock and roll which tran‑
scends beyond. We come to India as pil‑
grims. We are students, you are our teach‑

leaving 'Bigg Boss 13' Development Minister Irani, Roy, Kalpana ers,” Bono said.

Abhishek to make
B
ollywood superstar Salman Khan has principles. We see it right there, with celebri‑
opened up for the first time about ties. The beauty is once they are out of the

reports that he is leaving season 13 of
the popular reality show "Bigg Boss".
"A part of mine wants to cut that part and
throw it out and the other part wants to keep
it. And the latter is haavi (dominating) on the
part that wants to throw it out," Salman told
"Mumbai Mirror", according to a report in
spotboye.com.
Salman added that hosting 10 of the 13 sea‑
sons of the show so far has been a learning
experience. "It gets stressful, but I learn a lot. I
get to know where the country is going, what
is happening to values, morals, scruples and
film on 2019
house they are not like that at all. It's not as if
they are giving performances, the house
makes them like that," he said.
The Bollywood superstar has reportedly not
going to host the extended stretch of five Balakot airstrike
N
weeks in the latest season owing to health
ational Award‑
reasons and also professional commitments
winning director
that he had already been made.
Abhishek Kapoor,
Apart from gearing up for his upcoming
who has helmed hit
release, "Dabangg 3", which is scheduled to
movies like "Kai Po Che!"
open on December 20, Salman is busy filming
and "Rock On!!", has
"Radhe", which he aims to release on Eid
joined hands with pro‑
2020.
ducers Sanjay Leela
Bhansali, Bhushan
Kumar, Mahaveer Jain
and Pragya Kapoor for a
film based on the 2019
Balakot airstrike.
Following Pulwama ter‑ Bhushan Kumar with director Abhishek Kapoor.
ror bombing, in which 40 bravest stories is an honor for me. I
CRPF personnel were killed on remember the emotions that ran
February 14, the Balakot airstrike was through the entire country when the
conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) strike was carried out. I am determined
in the early morning hours of February to do justice to this story in my endeav‑
26 when the Indian warplanes our to bring it to the silver screen,"
launched an airstrike targeting a Jaish‑ Abhishek said. Bhansali said: "It is a
e‑Mohammad terrorist camp in Balakot story of bravery, patriotism and love for
in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the country. This film is my way of giv‑
province. ing tribute to the heroes who have
Salman Khan during a performance. "To be entrusted with one of India's made India their priority."
 18 December 21-27, 2019
St Maryʼs Cathedral Church, Manarcadu in Kottayam district of Kerala; and a congregation attending a service inside the church.
By Dr. Mathew Joys
B
eing born and brought up
in an ancient aristocratic
Christian family in Kerala,
India, I had the privilege to read
many of my family history which
traces back to AD 52. Christianity
in India is as old as the first centu‑
ry when one of the disciples of
Jesus Christ, Saint Thomas trav‑
elled by sea all the way outside
Roman empire to the port of
Muziris, mo dern‑day
Kodungalloor in Kerala.
St. Thomas preached the gospel
and converted many members of
the Brahmin community who
understoo d and embraced
Christian ideologies, and estab‑
lished 7 churches. In a specific
family of two Brahmin brothers,
the younger one became a
Christian and he was outcast by
his brother for leaving everything
for his belief. In the faded history
of my family tree, I am standing at
the last steps of the family ladder
of that good old ancestor who
became a Christian in the first
century, and feeling proud of
inheriting the Brahmin blood and
Christian faith.
According to the Indian tradi‑
tion, the surprisingly early history
of Christianity has that this faith
was introduced by Thomas the
Apostle, who is said to have
reached the Malabar Coast in 52
AD. According to another tradi‑
tion, Bartholomew the Apostle is
credited w ith simultaneously
introducing Christianity along the
Konkan coast in India. The early
Christians had the Indian culture
and traditions blended with their
Christian faith. Eastern Christians
are just not Bible based alone, but
also merged with some of the
Indian traditions and rites. Down
the centuries, their successors
maintained their faith and admin‑
istrations until the Westerners
started invading India with their
vested interests. Portuguese,
Dutch and English rulers disrupt‑
SYRIAN CHRISTIANS
History down two millenniums
The Syrian Christians of India trace their origins to the evangelistic activity of Thomas
the Apostle in the 1st century. Interestingly, the early Christians there had the Indian
culture and traditions blended with their Christian faith. And now, the liturgical
language of Kerala Christians is Malayalam. A Christmas Special Feature.
ed the spiritual serenity of the
locals had been thus far experi‑
encing the Israelite traditions.
The Saint Thomas Christians,
also called Syrian Christians of
India, Nasrani or Malankara
Nasrani or Nasrani Mappila, are
an ethnoreligious community of
Malayali Syriac Christians from
Kerala trace their origins to the
evangelistic activity of Thomas
the Apostle in the 1st century.
Thousands of churches today bear
St. Thomasʼ name, their rituals
and theolog y derived from
Eastern Orthodox traditions in the
liturgical language Syriac, a for‑
mation of Aramaic, the dialect
Jesus and T homas spoke. For
decades now, the liturgical lan‑
guage of Kerala Christians has
been Malayalam, the language of
Kerala.
According to Herman Gundartt,
who compiled the first Malayalam
Dictionary, those who belonged to
Semitic tribes of Jews and Arabic
generations and migrated from
Western Asia, were royally recog‑
nized with ʻMapillaiʼ position.
Many of the converted Christians
were fortunate to add this
Mapillai title with their names and
enjoy certain privileges: and their
successors still hold their title as
an elite class.
Since the 1500s, European
Catholic and Protestant mission‑
aries have been active in India. In
that century, the Pope, the spiritu‑
al leader of the Catholics, man‑
CHRISTIANITY
aged to divide his world under
Portuguese and Spanish domi‑
nance. Pope Nicholas V delegated
Portuguese rulers to colonies and
christianize the Indian communi‑
ty. While Romans reached India
with their ultimate mission of
trade and mission work, they
never recognized these Syrian
Malankara Nasranis as such. The
infamous Synad of Diamper
(Udayamperoor Sunnahados) held
during 1599 detoured to suppress
the existing pattern of Syrian
Christian Nasranis. It laid down
rules and regulations for the
ancient St. Thomas Christians for‑
mally unit ing them w ith the
Catholic Church.
T he oppressive rule of the
Portuguese padroado provoked a
react ion on the part of the
Christian community. The first
protest took place in 1653, known
as the Koonan Kurishu Satyam
(Koonan Cross Oath). After the
Coonan Cross Oath, between
1661 and 1662, out of the 116
churches, the Catholics claimed
72 churches, leaving Archdeacon
Mar Thoma I 32 churches and 12
churches being shared. The 72
churches and their congregations
were the body from which the
Syro Malabar Catholic Church has
descended. The other 32 churches
and their congregations were the
bo dy from which the Syriac
Orthodox (Jacobites & Orthodox),
Thozhiyur (1772), Mar Thoma
(Reformed Syrians) (1874), Syro
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Malankara Catholic Church have
originated.
In 1665, Mar Gregorios Abdul
Jaleel, a Bishop sent by the Syriac
Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch,
arrived in India and the group
under the leadership of the
Archdeacon Thomas welcomed
him. This marked the beginning of
a formal asso ciat ion of the
Thomas Christians with the Syriac
Ortho dox Church of Ant io ch.
T hose who accepted the West
Syriac theological and liturgical
tradition of Mar Gregorios became
known as Jacobites. Those who
continued with East Syriac theo‑
logical and liturgical tradition and
stayed faithful to the Synod of
Diamper are known as the Syro‑
Malabar Catholic Church in com‑
munion with the Catholic Church.
They got their own Syro‑Malabar
Hierarchy on 21 December 1923.
St. T homas Christians by this
process got divided into East
Syriac and West Syriac groups.
During 1900‑1914, churches in
other countries, especially the
United States and Britain, spon‑
sored missions, which nourished
the growth of many Protestant
Christian denominations and they
are growing steadily during the
last three decades. Protestants,
though Christians by faith, differ
in traditions and Catholic forms of
worship.
Christians in India, approxi‑
mately 3.5% of the Indian popula‑
tion, total 30 million, and make up
the third largest religious group
in India (after Hindus and
Muslims). Out of this Creed, about
19 million constitute the orthodox
type of Syrian Christians and divi‑
sions; and the rest are in different
Protestant groups. Christians in
Kerala itself belong to 80% of the
Christian communities and they
are prominent in the socio‑politi‑
cal and business spheres. It is sur‑
prising to note that these
Christians have been very keen in
education, especially in the med‑
ical and nursing care that their
immigration to Gulf and Western
countries during the last few
decades constituted much to their
e levated financial status and
social involvement in their coun‑
tries of domicile.
D
r Mathew Joys is a jour‐
nalist and columnist,
and has published 3
books including “Oh My
Beloved”,
interpreta‐
tion of the
Song of
Songs in
the Bible.
He is a reg‐
ular colum‐
nist on
Christian thought and faith;
Executive Editor of Jaihind
Vartha and Express Herald, and
Director and Board Secretary
of Indo American Press Club.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info DEFENSE December 21-27, 2019 19

U.S. Congressman supports NDAA amendment

to include India in NATO plus five countries
Washington: A top US lawmaker
has pushed for strong defense ties
with New Delhi by supporting an
amendment to the Nat ional
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
to include India in the NATO plus
five countries.
The move comes months after
the U.S. Senate passed a legislative
provision that brings India at par
with Americaʼs NATO allies and
countries like Israel and South
Korea for increasing defense coop‑
eration.
Our defense ties with India is
growing. We conduct more joint
exercises with India than any other
country. We are of course selling
more defense items to India, said
Congressman Brad Sherman, the
outgoing Chairman of the House
Foreign Affairs Sub committee on
Asia Pacific, the Pacific, and Non‑
Proliferation.
In his address at an event last
Thursday at the US Capitol to cele‑
brate Hanukah, Cong ressman
Sherman told the select audience
Such a move, being pushed by a group
of Indian‐Americans led by US India
Security Council, would bring India at
par with NATO countries in terms of
defense trade and technological transfers.
US India Security Council, would
bring India at par with NATO coun‑
tries in terms of defense trade and
technological transfers.
A leg islat ive change in this
regard in NDAA would have a per‑
manent and lasting impact on
India‑US defense ties.
And soon India should be in that
category, Mr. Sherman, who is a
well‑known friend of India for
decades, said.
However, a large section of the
Indian‑American community has
been quite upset with him after he
presided over a October 22
Congressional hearing on Kashmir
Congressman Brad Sherman, the outgoing Chairman of the House which ended up becoming a plat‑
Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia Pacific, the Pacific, and form to criticize India.
Non‑Proliferation, has said that “Our defense ties with India is grow‑ Mr. Sherman was supported by
ing. We conduct more joint exercises with India than any other
influential members of the Jewish‑
country. We are of course selling more defense items to India.”
American and Indian‑American
of influential Indian‑Americans ting India in the same category as community, who asserted that it is
and members of the Jews commu‑ Americaʼs closest allies: NATO, high time for the necessary legisla‑
nity that early this year he joined Australia, New Zealand, Japan, tive changes in the NDAA to bring
his Congressional colleague Joe South Korea, and Israel. India at par with NATO allies.
Wilson in introducing a bill to Such a move, being pushed by a We have worked successfully
expedite arm sales to India by put‑ group of Indian‑Americans led by with the US India Security Council
(USISC) for the passage of the US‑
India civil nuclear agreement and
now with USISC for the inclusion
of an amendment to the NDAA,
expanding NATO plus five to NATO
plus six to include India, said Peter
R. Rosenblatt, Member of the
Board of Governors of American‑
Jewish Committee (AJC).
Eminent Indian‑American Bharat
Barai applauded the support of
AJC to include the amendment in
the National Defense Authorization
Act of NATO plus five to NATO
plus six.
Boston‑based USISC president
Ramesh V Kapur asserted that leg‑
islative changes in NDAA would
institutionalize India‑US defence
relationship.
Now we are trying to get India to
be NATO plus six. Now, itʼs NATO
plus five. What weʼre trying to do
is very simple. We are trying to
keep 375 million Americans safe
and 1.3 billion Indians safe. And
once this is passed, it will be on a
permanent basis, Mr. Kapur said.

Lessons from the fall of Dhaka

Islamabad: Chief Justice Asif Saeed
Khosa on Monday said that the tragedy
(for Pakistan) of Dhaka's fall provides
the lesson that the state should take
care of its citizens' rights. Addressing a
ceremony in Islamabad, the outgoing
chief justice noted that December 16
reminds the nation of two tragedies ̶
the 1971 secession of then East
Pakistan and the 2014 Army Public
School attack. "There are some lessons
for us in both the tragedies," he
remarked.
The chief justice said that the free‑
dom movement (of Bangladesh) had
taken roots and later the territory sepa‑
rated itself from the rest of the country
because the state failed to take care of
the people. "The fall of Dhaka reflected
Speaking at the anniversary of the secession of East Pakistan in
1971, Pakistan’s outgoing Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa stated
that the fall of Dhaka reflected that the social contract between
the state and its citizens was weak.
that the social contract between the nately prevailed that police, instead of
state and its citizens was weak." A state protecting, violate citizens' rights.
is comprised of the government and the "Police are not masters; their duty is to
people, and is responsible for ensuring serve the masses," he added, expressing
the basic rights of the citizens, the top the hope that police reforms will con‑
judge said. "A lack of provision of basic tinue.
rights jeopardizes the integrity of a Talking about the APS tragedy,
state," Justice Khosa emphasized, Justice Khosa said that the National
adding: "T he supremacy of the Action Plan (NAP) was devised in the
Constitution and the law guarantees the aftermath of the carnage and the entire
basic rights of citizens." nation had adopted the plan.
He noted that governance should be "We can perform the best and
in accordance with the Constitution and achieve best results if we get united on
the state should ensure that the results the same agenda," he observed.
of the governance are being delivered The chief justice said that reforms in
to the masses. Stressing the role of the criminal justice system were a part
police in the protection of citizens and of the plan and the judiciary took sever‑ Pakistan's Gen AAK Niazi signing the Treaty of Surrender
establishing peace in society, the chief al measures in this regard. on December 16, 1971 in the presence of India's
justice said that an impression unfortu‑ Courtesy Dawn Lt General Jagjit Singh Aurora.
 20 December 21-27, 2019
Musharraf: Dictator who
pretended to be a liberal
By Aarti Tikoo Singh
New Delhi: A retired four‑star gen‑
eral of the Pakistan Army, Pervez
Musharraf ruled the country
through a tumultuous period for
nine years after he assumed power
in a military coup against then
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in
1999. His legacy remains a mixed
bag of both economic transforma‑
tion and constitutional erosion in
Pakistan.
Born in Delhi during the British
rule, Musharraf was raised in
Karachi and Istanbul. Appointed by
Sharif as the head of the Pakistani
Armed Forces, General Musharraf
led the infiltration in India's Kargil
region of the then Jammu and
Kashmir state and now a part of
the Ladakh Union Territory.
T he 1999 Kargil War, which
Pakistan lost, turned out to be a
major embarrassment for Sharif
when he was asked by the US to
retreat. Sharif unsuccessfully
attempted to remove Musharraf,
who overthrew the democratically
elected government and imposed
military rule in the country. Two
years after he came to power, the
global Islamist terror group Al
Qaida headed by Osama bin Laden
launched the September 11 attacks
against the US. The attacks pro‑
pelled Musharraf into greater sig‑
nificance when he decided to join
America's war against terror in
Afghanistan. After a decade‑long
manhunt, bin Laden was found and
killed by American Navy SEALS in a
private residential compound in
Abbattobad, Pakistan, leading
many to believe that he had been
she ltered and protected by
Pakistan under Musharraf all
along.
Pak Parliament passes resolution
condemning India's Citizenship Act
Islamabad: Pakistan's Parliament
unanimously passed a resolution
terming India's Citizenship
Amendment Act against the bilat‑
eral agreements and asked New
Delhi to revoke the discriminatory
clauses in it.
The Citizenship Act aims to pro‑
vide citizenship to non‑Muslim
religious minorities from Pakistan,
Afghanistan and Bangladesh who
arrived in India till December 31,
2014 to escape religious persecu‑
tion.
The resolution ̶ moved in the
National Assembly by Education
Minister Shafqat Mahmood ̶ said
the Citizenship Act was "against
international norms of equality
and non‑discrimination and
International Human Rights Law".
Musharraf presented himself as a modern and liberal ruler,
inspired by his role model Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,
However, the war he lped
Musharraf to strengthen his posi‑
tion in Pakistan. He remained
Pakistan's army chief and appoint‑
ed himself initially chief executive.
In 2001, he became the President
of Pakistan and held talks with
India at the Agra summit to resolve
Kashmir and other issues between
the two countries.
However, the summit failed over
the four‑point solution for Kashmir
of fered by Musharraf ‑‑ demilita‑
rizaion of Kashmir, porous Line of
Control, self‑governance, joint rule
of India and Pakistan.
A year later, he first held a con‑
troversial referendum which grant‑
ed him a five years term as the
President and then held a general
election in which the Army backed
PML‑Q party won the vote.
He appointed PML‑Q's Shaukat
Aziz as his Prime Minister and
extracted massive funds from the
US in exchange of his cooperation
in the war on terror in Afghanistan.
He survived several assassination
attempts through the war which
led to a civil war like situation in
Pakistan too.
During his rule as President, the
The resolution was moved in the National Assembly
by Pakistanʼs education minister.
"This amendment is also against
bilateral agreements and under‑
standings between Indian and
Pakistan particularly those on
security and rights of minorities in
the respective countries," it fur‑
ther said. The resolution said that
the Act was interference in the
SUBCONTINENT
country's economy grew rapidly.
Musharraf presented himself as a
modern and liberal ruler, inspired
by his role model Mustafa Kemal
Ataturk, the revolutionary field
marshal and founder of the
Republic of Turkey.
In 2007, General Musharraf sus‑
pended the country's Chief Justice
Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry,
triggering massive protests by
Pakistani lawyers. The same year, a
major confrontat ion between
Islamic fundamentalists and the
Musharraf government led to mas‑
sive violence in Lal Masjid.
Both the incidents weakened
President Musharraf 's position
immensely. Simultaneously, the
opposition Pakistan People's Party
(PPP) led an impeachment move‑
ment against him, forcing him to
resign in 2008.
The dictator‑turned‑politician
moved to London in 2008 but poli‑
tics in Pakistan kept chasing him.
Pakistan's courts issued warrants
against him for his alleged involve‑
ment in PPP leader and former
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. He
has been declared absconder in the
Bhutto assassination case.
affairs of neighboring countries.
It said that Act "ostensibly tried
to give the impression that (it)
would provide protection to
minorities from neighboring coun‑
tries while ignoring the fact that
the rights of minorities in India
continued to be violated."
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Musharraf
sentenced to death
in high treason case
Islamabad: In a first in Pakistan's
history, a three‑member bench of a
special court here on Tuesday sen‑
tenced former President Pervez
Musharraf to death in the long‑
drawn high treason case against
him. This is the first time in the
country's history that a military
chief has been declared guilty of
high treason and handed a death
sentence, Dawn news reported.
A three‑member bench of the
special court ‑ headed by Peshawar
Former Pakistan President
High Court Chief Justice Waqar
Pervez Musharraf.
Ahmad Seth and comprising
Justice Nazar Akbar of the Sindh former military dictator lingered
High Court and Justice Shahid on and he left Pakistan in March
Karim of the Lahore High Court ‑ 2016. T he special court was
announced the split 2‑1 verdict in reformed six times during the
the case after hearing final argu‑ course of the case.
ments earlier on Tuesday. Earlier in the hearing, on behalf
The 76‑year‑old former military of the incumbent Pakistan
chief is currently in Dubai after Tehreek‑e‑Insaf government, the
being allowed to leave the country prosecution team, led by Advocate
for medical treatment in 2016. He Ali Zia Bajwa, urged upon the court
hasn't returned to Pakistan ever to amend the indictment against
since. Musharraf 's high treason the former military ruler, T he
trial for imposing the state of Express Tribune reported.
emergency on November 3, 2007, Bajwa said the government also
had been pending since December wanted to frame charges against
2013. former Prime Minister Shaukat
He was booked in the treason Aziz, former Supreme Court Chief
case in December 2013, when the Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar and
then Pakistan Muslim League‑ former Law Minister Zahid Hamid.
Nawaz government was in power. "It is imperative for all accused
Musharraf was indicted on to be tried simultaneously. The
March 31, 2014, and the prosecu‑ aiders and abettors should be tried
tion had tabled the entire evidence as well." But the bench remarked
before the special court in that the Supreme Court had
September the same year. already decided on the matter and
However, due to litigation at gave the government two weeks to
appellate forums, the trial of the submit a new chargesheet.
'India not pushing
anyone into Bangladesh'
Dhaka: Bang ladesh Foreign r e p o r t e r s a t t h e F o r e i g n
Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen Af fairs Ministry, adding that
said India is not pushing any‑ there is a standard procedure
body into the coun‑ to follow in that
try but some people c a s e. D r M o m e n
are coming with the said those who are
help of middlemen B a n g l a d e sh i c i t i ‑
with the impression zens have the right
that one can have to come back but
free food here. others will be sent
He said the gov‑ back. Responding
ernment will send to a question on the
them back if any‑
Bangladesh Foreign National Register of
b o d y o t h e r t h a n Minister Dr AK Abdul Citizenship (NRC),
Bangladesh citizens Momen. he said India
enters the country t e r m ed i t t h e i r
through the Bangladesh‑India internal matter and assured
border without following the Bangladesh that it will in no
due process. way af fect Bangladesh.
Dr Momen said he has "The Bangladesh‑India rela‑
requested India to give the list tions are normal. The relations
if there is any Bangladeshi liv‑ won't be af fected." said the
ing in India illegally. minister explaining reasons
"Let's know it (Bangladesh b eh i n d c a n c e l l a t i o n o f h i s
seeks info from India)," he told India visit. (Agencies)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INTERNATIONAL December 21-27, 2019 21

British‑Muslims prepare to leave Bill to block further

UK over Johnson's election win
London: British‑Muslims have start‑
ed the process of leaving the UK
over fears for their "personal safe‑
ty" now that Boris Johnson, who's
been accused of Islamophobia, will
remain prime minister for the next
five years, a media report said.
Among them is Manzoor Ali, the
head of the Muslim Barakah Food
Aid charity, which provides food
parce ls for poor people in
Manchester, after saying he was
scared for the "future of his chil‑
dren", metro.co.uk said in its
report.
Ali told Metro.co.uk: "My charity
has been going on for 10 years,
we've helped people from all walks
of life, including former soldiers
and white working class English
people. But I'm scared for my per‑
sonal safety, I worry about my chil‑
dren's future."
He added that Britain was his
home and he didn't know where
else to go, but his family have
agreed that they should move to
ensure their safety.
Johnson has been accused of
Islamophobia and racism following
a number of controversial com‑
ments he made in the past, includ‑
ing his remarks in a 2005
Spectator art icle in which he
claimed it was only "natural" for
the public to be scared of Islam.
Johnson also received a consider‑
British PM Boris Johnson scored a thumping victory in Dec 12 elections.
able degree of criticism for com‑
paring Muslim women to "letter‑
boxes and bank robbers" in a col‑
umn for the Telegraph last year.
The Prime Minister has insisted
his comments were taken out of
context and also defended the right
of Muslim women to wear what
they like.
During the election campaign
this year, he also apologized for
Islamophobia in his ruling
Conservative Party, after a number
of candidates shared posts refer‑
ring to Muslims as "scum".
delay to Brexit process
London: The UK government is ask the new Parliament to have
set to add a new clause to the its first debate and vote on the
Brexit bill to make it illegal for withdrawal agreement.
Parliament to extend the With an overall majority in
process beyond the end of next the Commons following the
year, it was reported. December 12 general election,
The post‑Brexit transition Prime Minister Boris Johnson
period, due to conclude in was expected to get the bill
December 2020, can currently into law with few changes in
be extended by mutual agree‑ time for the UK to end its
ment for up to two years, the European Union (EU) member‑
BBC reported. ship on January 31, 2020.
But an amended Withdrawal The government will then
Agreement Bill (WAB) ‑ the leg‑ have until the end of the transi‑
islation needed to ratify Brexit ‑ tion period on December 31,
the Commons is set to vote on 2020 to negotiate a free trade
this week would rule out any agreement with Brussels
extension. before the trade relationship
Downing Street has said that defaults to World Trade
the government has planned to Organization (WTO) terms.
Ali's sentiments were echoed by
Eidan, an IT consultant from North
London who said she was "very
scared" following Johnson's land‑
slide win in the December 12 gen‑
eral election, especially after being
assaulted previously, with her
headscarf ripped of f and people
calling her a "terrorist" in public.
She fears the result will embold‑
en "racists and islamophobes".
Eidan told Metro.co.uk: "I've
actively started looking for jobs
elsewhere, maybe Turkey, maybe
Pakistan. I'm very scared." The UK is set to leave the EU on 31 January.

China protests with US Thunberg sorry for 'put leaders

over officials' expulsion
Beijing: China denied the allegations that
two of its diplomats tried to enter a sensi‑
tive US military facility, and has lodged
stern representations with Washington
over the expulsion of the embassy of fi‑
cials accused of espionage.
Foreign ministry spokesman Geng
Shuang at a regular briefing in Beijing
described the expulsions a 'mistake' fol‑
lowing the alleged incident in September
at a sensitive installation in the Norfolk,
Virginia, Efe news reported. "The US
accusations against Chinese personnel
are false and therefore we lodged stern
representations with the United States.
We strongly urge the US to correct its
mistake, cancel the relevant decision and
protect Chinese personnel's proper rights
according to the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations," Shuang said.
The US government expelled the two
Chinese diplomats after they improperly
drove onto the military facility in
Virginia, EFE/Dow Jones said.
According to the report one of the
Chinese diplomats is believed to be an
intelligence agent who was working
under diplomatic protection.
The two personnel drove nearly a kilo‑
metre and a half into the military facility
in September but were detained by the
Chinaʼs foreign ministry spokesman
Geng Shuang.
military, according to a source.
T he State Department in October
imposed new restrictions on Chinese
diplomats in the US, requiring that they
notify the department before any meet‑
ings they have with state and local offi‑
cials, or with educational and research
institutions.
With this measure, the US State
Department sought to level the field
between the conditions involving the
work of US diplomats in China and that of
the Chinese in their country, to pressurize
Beijing into allowing more freedom to the
US officials in their territory.
In response, China imposed restrictions
on US diplomats in the Asian country.
against the wall' comment
London: Swedish teen activist
Greta Thunberg has apologized
for saying world leaders should be
"put against the wall", the media
reported.
The teenage climate activist had
made the comment while address‑
ing a 'Fridays For Future' protest
in Turin, Italy after attending the
UN climate summit COP25 in
Madrid, reports the BBC.
T hunberg had said that she
feared the summit alone would
not lead to adequate climate
action, and that activists should
continue to take world leaders to
task.
"World leaders are still trying to
run away from their responsibili‑
ties, but we have to make sure Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg.
they cannot do that.
"We will make sure that we put them against tweets.
"That's Swenglish: 'att stalla nagon mot
the wall, and they will have to do their job to
vaggen' (to put someone against the wall)
protect our futures," she added.
In English, the phrase is associated with exe‑ means to hold someone accountable.
"Of course I apologize if anyone misunder‑
cution by firing squad, but Thunberg said on
Saturday that it had a different meaning in her stood this. I cannot enough express the fact
that I ‑ as well as the entire school strike
native language Swedish.
"Yesterday I said we must hold our leaders movement ‑ are against any possible form of
accountable and unfortunately said 'put them violence. It goes without saying but I say it
against the wall'," she said in a series of anyway," she added.
 22 December 21-27, 2019
China cancels planned additional
tariffs after deal with US
Beijing: China has said that it would
cancel additional tariffs it was set
to impose on US products after
both sides reached a partial agree‑
ment to mitigate the trade dispute
between the two superpowers that
has raged on for the past year‑and‑
a‑half.
The suspension covers the 10‑per
cent and 5‑per cent additional tar‑
if fs, respectively, on the imported
products, Xinhua news agency
quoted the Customs Tarif f
Commission of the State Council as
saying. However, other tarif fs on
US goods will continue to be in
place, the Finance Ministry said in a
statement. The statement added
that China believed the two coun‑
tries will address each other's con‑
cerns on the basis of equality and
mutual respect and promote the
stable development of their bilater‑
al economic and trade relations,
reports Efe news.
After nearly 18 months of trade
conflict and the continuous escala‑
tion of tensions derived from the
tariff war, China's Vice Minister of
Commerce Wang Shouwen on
December 13 said that the two
sides have reached a first‑phase
agreement that addresses issues
including technology transfer, intel‑
lectual property, trade expansion
and the establishment of mecha‑
nisms for dispute resolution.
Almost simultaneously, US
Indiaʼs economic slowdown has
surprised us at IMF: Gita Gopinath
Washignton: With economic growth
slowing to a six‑year low, Gita
Gopinath says the government
should undertake structural reforms
such as bank clean‑up and labour
reforms to address the slowdown in
domestic demand.
She added that the extent of the
slowdown of the Indian economy has
surprised many, “including us here at
the IMF”.
Gopinath, 48 rooted for govern‑
ment policies focusing on managing
a slowdown in domestic demand,
and on boosting productivity growth
and supporting employment cre‑
ation in the medium term.
“Given the cyclical position and the
structural challenges of the Indian
economy at this point, we recom‑
mend that policies focus on manag‑
ing the slowdown in domestic
demand, and on boosting productivi‑
ty growth and supporting employ‑
ment creation in the medium term,”
she told PTI in an interview.
Recommending a series of key pol‑
icy priorities for the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi government, she
The two sides have reached a first‑phase agreement,
according to US President Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump confirmed
the deal in a tweet and said that
Washington would not impose the
previously‑announced fresh tariffs
on Chinese goods scheduled to
come into effect on Sunday.
The cancellation of those tariffs
prompted China to also drop its
own duties on US goods that had
been set as a retaliatory measure.
Trump added that he hoped
China would double its annual pur‑
chase of US agricultural products
worth $50 billion.
However, the US will keep its 25
per cent tarif fs on $250 billion
worth of Chinese goods, along with
reduced charges of 7.5 per cent on
additional imports worth $120 bil‑
lion, US Trade Representat ive
Robert Lighthizer said. China had
IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath.
said, “Politically, the time ‑ early in
the governmentʼs second term ‑ is
right for a structural reform push.”
GDP growth slowed for the sixth
consecutive quarter in the July‑
September quarter to 4.5% as manu‑
facturing slumped on low domestic
consumption.
Kolkata‑born Ms. Gopinath said the
policy priorities of the government
should also include a credible fiscal
BUSINESS
said that both sides were commit‑
ted to gradually remove the tariffs
imposed by the two countries dur‑
ing the dispute in phases. Ever
since the announcement of a possi‑
ble agreement in October, negotia‑
t ions between the Asian and
American giants have seen several
upheavals, including the spread of
contradictory information and
mutually‑lobbed veiled criticism.
T he trade tensions between
Beijing and Washington that began
in 2018 have had immense interna‑
tional consequences.
For example, the latest global
growth forecasts lowered projec‑
tions of expansion to 3 per cent this
year, 0.2 less than in July, accord‑
ing to International Monetary Fund
figures published in October.
consolidation path that is more
ambitious than currently envisaged
by the government.
“This is needed to reduce the high
level of debt and reduce crowding
out which would free up financial
resources for private investment.
This should be driven by subsidy‑
spending rationalization and tax‑
base enhancing measures,” Ms.
Gopinath said.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Google wants US Fed
Reserve to follow
India's UPI example
New Delhi: In a thumbs up to the
Indian government's Unified
Payments Interface (UPI) scheme,
Goog le has written to the US
Federal Reserve Board detailing
the successful example of UPI‑
based digital payment in India in
order to build "FedNow" ‑‑ a new
interbank real‑time gross settle‑
ment service (RTGS) for faster dig‑
ital payments in the US. In a letter
written by Mark Isakowitz, Vice
President, Government Af fairs
and Public Policy, US and Canada,
Goog le, the company said it
worked closely with the National
Payments Corporation of India
(NPCI), the payment regulator
government by the Reserve Bank
of India (RBI), to build 'Google
Pay' for the Indian market.
NPCI deployed a real‑time pay‑
ment system UPI in 2016.
According to Google, UPI was
thoughtfully planned and critical
aspects of its design led to its suc‑
cess.
"First, UPI is an interbank trans‑
fer system (there are now over
over 140 member banks, after ini‑
tially launching with 9 participat‑
ing banks). Second, it is a real time
system. Third, it is 'open' ‑‑ mean‑
ing technology companies can
build applications that help users
Moody's cuts India's
growth forecast to
4.9% for FY20
Mumbai: After cutting India's
sovereign rat ings recently,
Moody's Investor Services on
Monday cut India's growth fore‑
cast to 4.9 per cent for 2019‑20
due to subdued consumer
demand. The US ratings multina‑
tional revised downwards its
growth forecast for India to 4.9
per cent from 5.8 per cent in
2019‑20. It also lowered the
growth forecast for FY2020‑21
to 6.3 per cent from an earlier
prediction of 6.6 per cent.
"The deceleration began as an
investment‑led slowdown, and
has now broadened into con‑
sumption, with financial stress
among rural households and
weak job creation among the key
directly manage transfers into and
out of their accounts he ld at
banks," Isakowitz wrote to Ann
Misback, Secretary, Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve
System.
Adoption of the system was
rapid, growing from 100,000
monthly transactions, to 77 mil‑
lion, to 480 million, to 1.15 billion
monthly transactions in the first
four years.
"After just three years, the annu‑
al run rate of transactions flowing
through UPI is about 10 per cent
of India's GDP, including 800 mil‑
lion monthly transactions valued
at $19 billion," said the company
in the letter dated November 7
that was surfaced on Saturday.
Google said that after learning
its lessons from the India digital
payments market, it offers specific
suggestions to the Fed Reserve to
"support real‑time low‑value and
high‑value payments, use stan‑
dardized messaging protocols
with extended metadata, and pro‑
vide clear standards for an
Applicat ion Prog ramming
Interface (API) layer that enables
licensed non‑financial institution
third parties to access and submit
requests into this payment
system".
drivers of the weaker conditions,"
Moody's said in a report on con‑
sumption trends.
"A credit crunch among NBFIs,
which have been major providers
of retail loans in recent years,
has exacerbated the slowdown.
While household consumption
has been the bulwark of growth,
making up about 57 per cent of
GDP in the fiscal year ended
March 2019, recent consumption
trends point to a weaker pace of
economic expansion compared
with the recent past."
"The slowdown in household
demand will have negative credit
implications for Indian issuers in
a range of sectors," the report
said.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPORTS December 21-27, 2019 23

India level series with 107‑run win against West Indies

Visakhapatnam: Hat‑trick hero
Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed
Shami backed the ef forts of the
Indian batsmen as the hosts beat
West Indies by 107 runs in the
second ODI that was played at the
VDCA stadium in Visakhapatnam
on Wednesday. India have thus
levelled the three‑match series 1‑
1 and the decisive third ODI will
be held in Cuttack on Sunday.
The West Indies were set a tar‑
get of 389 by India with Rohit
Sharma and KL Rahul scoring
centuries as part of a 227‑run
opening stand. The visitors start‑
ed the chase well with a 61‑run
stand between Shai Hope and
Evin Lewis. Shardul Thakur got
the breakthrough off the last ball
of the 11th over with Lewis mist‑
iming a pull right down the throat
of Shreyas Iyer.
Shimron Hetmyer, who scored
139 in the previous match,
replaced Lewis but his stay didn't
last long primarily thanks to a
brilliant fie lding e f fort from
Shreyas. He first stopped the ball
from racing to the boundary in
extraordinary fashion, tumbled
over the ropes and recovered
before gathering the ball and
completing a gun throw to the
non‑striker's end. Jadeja, who was
bowling the over, collected the
throw and whipped away the
bails promptly to complete the
run out. Hetmyer could only
make four runs off seven balls.
Jadeja then dismissed Roston
Chase with a nearly unplayable
Men in blue after defeating West Indies in the second ODI.
de livery in his next over.
However, Nicholas Pooran then
played a counter‑attacking
innings to shift the balance in
favour of the visitors. With a solid
Hope holding up one end, Pooran
went after the Indian bowlers.
The pair put up 106 runs for
the fourth wicket, most of which
were scored by Pooran. He went
after India's w icket‑taking
bowlers and momentarily put
West Indies on cruise mo de.
However, Mohammed Shami
effected a turnaround in the 30th
over with consecutive wickets.
He first managed to get a top
edge of f Pooran after which the
ball ballooned up in the air.
Kuldeep made no mistake with
the catch and Pooran had to walk
having made 75 runs off 47 balls.
Shami then got West Indies skip‑
per Kieron Pollard of f the very
next ball. Earlier, Pollard's coun‑
terpart Virat Kohli had been dis‑
missed for a golden duck too,
thus making this the first time in
an ODI that the captains of both
teams had been dismissed off the
first ball they faced.
Shami did not get a hat‑trick but
that is exactly what Kuldeep
ended up doing two overs later.
The first man to fall was Hope,
who went for a sweep of f the
third ball of the over hoping to
get it over the boundary but
Indian captain Virat Kohli caught
it right at the edge of the bound‑
ary. He walked on 78 off 85 balls.
Kuldeep then deceived Jason
Holder in flight with a googly.
The all‑rounder missed it alto‑
Kuldeep first Indian to take
2nd international hat‑trick
Visakhapatnam: Kuldeep Yadav
on Wednesday took a hat‑trick
during the second ODI between
India and the West Indies at the
VD CA Stadium in
Visakhapatnam, becoming the
first Indian to take two hat‑
tricks in international cricket.
Kuldeep's hat‑trick came in
the 33rd over of the West
Indies innings.
The first man to fall was the
in‑form opener Shai Hope.
gether and dragged his feet out of
the crease. Wicketkeeper Rishabh
Pant was alert to it and knocked
of f the bails while Holder's foot
was still in the air.
Keemo Paul anchored the tail
and fell four runs short of his
maiden ODI fifty to a Mohammed
Shami yorker which marked the
end of the West Indies innings.
Paul shared a 50‑run stand for
the ninth w icket w ith Khary
Pierre and added 20 for the last
wicket.
Earlier, Rohit and Rahul's mas‑
sive opening stand was backed up
by an astonishing late assault
from Pant and Shreyas. While
Rahul (102) was dismissed in the
same over that he raised his hun‑
dred, Rohit carried on and looked
primed for a record extending
Hope went for a sweep off the
third ball of the over hoping to
get it over the boundary but
Indian captain Virat Kohli
caught it right at the edge of
the boundary. Hope walked on
78 off 85 balls.
Kuldeep had previously taken
a hat‑trick during the 2017
series against Australia at the
Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He
also has a hat‑trick to his name
at the U‑19 level for India.
fourth ODI double ton. However
he fell on 159 to Sheldon Cottrell
in the 44th over.
That was only the start of the
pain for West Indies however as
Pant came in and made his inten‑
tions clear with a six off the sec‑
ond ball he faced. He hit another
six two balls later and then a sin‑
gle to take strike as Cottrell came
back for the 46th over.
Pant hit two sixes and three
fours in that over, thus taking 24
runs of f it. Iyer gave Chase an
even worse pasting in the next,
smashing four sixes and a four.
31 runs were scored off the 47th.
Pant was dismissed in the next
over and Iyer after that while
Kedar Jadhav hit three fours of f
the last one as India just failed to
cross the 400‑run mark.

84‑year‑old Canadian oldest Will face Mary Kom directly

to run Antarctic marathon in trials: Nikhat Zareen
Ottawa: An 84‑year‑old Canadian said. "I wanted to finish it, and that was
national named Roy Jorgen it," he said, adding: "I just thought I bet‑
Svenningsen has become the oldest ter get it done."
person ever to complete the Antarctic Roy, a retired oil worker, is from the
Ice Marathon. Canadian city of Edmonton, and he has
According to a report in CTV, been running since 1964. He spent a
Svenningse, who started the race year training for 42‑km Antarctic
December 13, took 11 hours and 41 marathon.
minutes to finish it on Monday. The Antarctic Ice Marathon is the
"At one point, I thought, I don't think planet's southernmost race and is con‑
I'm going to do this all the way," Roy sidered one of the toughest.
Roy Jorgen Svenningsen.
Kolkata: Boxer Nikhat Zareen is
not w illing to let all the talk
regarding her showdown with
Mary Kom affect her preparations
for the all‑important trial for the
selection trials for Tokyo Olympic
qualifiers on December 27. Nikhat
and Mary Kom will lock horns in
the 51kg trial for the Olympic
qualifiers in Wuhan, China in
February.
Mary Kom is the captain of the
Punjab Panthers franchise while
Nikhat Zareen leads the North East
Rhinos.
Speaking to IANS, Nikhat said:
"Even I got to know yesterday Boxer Nikhat Zareen.
night only that she is not fighting.
I was ready. It was a good opportunity for then demanded a trial against the 36‑year
me. Now I will face her in the trials only. old boxer who has maintained that she
"If she is not willing to play, I can't force would go by any decision taken by the BFI.
her. It's her choice. My bad that now she is Initially in the Big Bout League, Nikhat
not playing. Now I have to focus on the tri‑ was drawn to play Mary Kom after the 23‑
als only," she said. year‑old Telangana boxer drafted into
The pair have been involved in a long‑ Odisha Warriors. However, in an unexpect‑
standing selection row over a spot in the ed turn of events, the league organizers and
Olympic qualifiers after BFI had said that Odisha team traded Nikhat with North East
Mary Kom would be exempt from trials. Rhinos w ithout the know ledge of the
Former junior world champion Nikhat Nizamabad‑born pugilist.
 24 December 21-27, 2019 BOOKS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

A
ward‑winning author and noted
philanthropist Sud ha Murty
enthralled a jam‑packed audience
with her insights on writing for children,
engaging in a conversation with fellow
writer Shashi Tharoor and answering
questions, many of them from tweens, at
the Penguin Annual Lecture in Delhi last
week.
Are her books in Kannada and English
written in one go?
"Normally (that's the case but in the case
of books) like women in mythology, to
think about that it took some six to eight
months but it took 15 days to complete. I
do not feel like talking to people at that
time. I want to be with myself," Murty
said.
That book came about after a request
from her daughter, who has two young
daughters, to write a book to connect
Indian children to Indian mythology. This
meant that Murty, who had once read to
her grandmother to connect her with the
present, was now writing for her grand‑
children.
"When I start writing, I get a frame in
front of me... it's like a clean frame with all
the description of what I (want to) write,”
Murty explained.
Speaking about the work of the Infosys
Foundation, which has a budget of Rs 400
crore, Murty noted that "money alone
does not bring satisfaction, because then
all rich people will be satisfied. But if
money doesn't have any relationship with
happiness, then all poor people should be
very happy. That's also not true. What is
Sudha Murty enthralls at
Penguin Annual Lecture
ʻHere, There and Everywhereʼ is a
celebration of Infosys Foundation Chair
Sudha Murtyʼs literary journey and her
200th title across genres and languages.
She engaged in a conversation
with Shashi Tharoor.
required is a balance...how much money
you require and this was taught to me by
a blind man," Murthy said. That happened
during a journey in Tamil Nadu when her
car got stuck in heavy rain because of a
flat tire. Her driver suggested she take
shelter in a nearby temple. A priest there
who was blind performed the aarti. She
offered Rs 100 which he refused, saying
the offering was much too high. She then
asked him for his bank account number so
she could wire him Rs 20,000. The priest
flatly refused, saying that he did not have
a bank account, the residents of the vil‑
lage would stop supporting him, besides
which, the money could well be siphoned
off as he was illiterate.
"You have to draw your line some‑
where...enough is enough in life. And at
that time I realized what is enough for
me," Murty explained.
So why most wealthy Indians were
reluctant to give.
"Look at Indian history. Where did we
have the money? We were always ruled....
we have enough money now... my compa‑
ny has donated more money than anyone
else... the next generation is much more of
the giving kind...because their basic needs
are met," Murty countered.
That led Tharoor to comment that even
waiters in Infosys companies "are million‑
aires because NR Narayana Murty has
given them shares. That's also philanthro‑
py. It's spreading the word which is
remarkable of the capitalist leaders of our
time in our country".
Then came questions from the children.
Murty said: "Please read, please read,
and if possible write a diary every day. A
book is a great companion in life."
How should I start writing?
"First start reading for many years, then
you will come to know how to write."
How do you get information for your
mythological books?
"I've studied mythological books earlier
in my age but later, I read dif ferent
mythology books in dif ferent languages.
Ramayana in Bengal is different from the
Ramayana in the south. So I have done a
lot of reading...and I go to a teacher who
confirms all these things so it takes time."
Asked a Delhi University lecturer: How
do you get it right?
"Balance at home... If you want your chil‑
dren to read, you should read. If you want
your children not to see TV then you also
should not see TV. You are the role model.
When you go home, you should spend
whatever time you have with your chil‑
dren," Murty summed up.

Dilip Kumar: Examining a colossus

that strode the screen
By Vishnu Makhijani delight‑all at the same time. He magnetic in every sense of the say in terms of cinema, this
gave torment a face; grief a term. The mass adulation gener‑ "Mughal‑E‑Azam (1960) of cine‑

W
hat's behind the ever‑
lasting appeal of cine‑
ma legend Dilip
Kumar? The principle reasons
"are related to the myths or leg‑
ends which have enveloped and
continue to camouflage the
flesh‑and‑blood form of the
multi‑faceted persona of Yusuf
Sarwar Khan, alias Dilip Kumar.
Dilip Saheb has, on one hand,
projected a disarming personali‑
ty both on and of f screen to
endear him to the masses and,
on the other hand, equally
charmed them with the aura of
mysterious shroud cleverly dis‑
guising the man behind the
megastar," a new book on the
icon says.
Profusely illustrated and
meticulously researched, "Dilip
Kumar ‑ Peerless Icon Inspiring
Generations" (Bloomsbury/pp
322/Rs 1,299) has been
authored by the father‑daughter
duo of Trinetra Bajpai and
Anshula Bajpai.
One of the biggest factors cat‑
alyzing the myths behind the
man was that he "directed his
own historic growth and engi‑
voice; and emotion a depiction ated by the superstar was equal‑ ma has had a unique "Andaz"
which was beyond the level of a ly honest, sincere and deep‑seat‑ (1949) and his "Aan"(1952) as
fine art. Even today, Dilip Kumar ed," the authors write. an actor remains unmatched till
is the idol and inspiration of The biography is spread over date. The "Kohinoor" (1960) of
every aspiring undergraduate of 13 chapters including ʻDilip cinema ushered in a "Kranti"
acting," the book states. Kumar and Saira Banu: A Match (1981) through his "Shakti
The other factor contributing Made In Heavenʼ, ʻDribbling (1982) and "Karma" (1986) of
to the creation of the myth was With Directorsʼ, ʻA Sharp Musical exceptional acting by playing
that in his public appearances, Earʼ and The Terrific Trio (Dilip everything under the sun, be it
interactions and orations, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj "Ram Aur Shyam" (1967). The
Kumar "exuded sheer honesty of Kapoor). "Saudagar" (1991) of cinematic
purpose and utter conviction of The artist, the man and the dreams will remain "Amar"
siding with the correct. The megastar has left indelible foot‑ (1954) in the cineverse, the
man''s appeal was charmingly prints on the sands of time. To authors conclude.
neered his own excellence. He
harnessed his penchant for per‑
fection to develop the most com‑
plex acting technique and mas‑
tered the art of unmatched por‑
trayal of characters and their
emotions", the authors write.
The result was the creation of
a wide range of portrayals of
human emotions which are still
etched in the minds of his fans.
"Dilip Kumar in that sense
became an actor who was ''felt''
by the cinemagoers. His acting
style had evolved into an emo‑
tional experience, an intellectual
exercise and an aesthetic
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Make your office
environment friendly
By Puja Gupta
C
onscious efforts are needed
to make our surroundings
more environment‑friendly.
And as people spend a huge chunk of
their day and life in the office, hence
it should employ tools that can help
conserve energy and decrease uses
of non‑renewable resources. Nakul
Mathur, Managing Director, Avanta
India shares some tips:
1. Reduce the use of paper
One should try to use digital
copies as much as possible; it not
only enables us to save trees but
makes documents safer and easier
to store. In case, it is extremely
important to take printouts, the
office should implement a policy of
printing on both sides of the paper.
To move towards eco‑friendly step,
offices should also have the policy
to use recycled papers wherever
the requirement is.
2. Reduce energy consumption
There are multiple ways to
achieve this. Turning off the lights
in rooms where no one is using will
help to reduce power consumption.
Switch off computer screens and
another electronic device at the end
of the day is an excellent habit to
get into. Basically, anything that is
not being used, see if you can
power it down. Rather than relying
on the staff to remember to turn
off lights and power down electron‑
For healthier eating, grill more in the New Year
P
lanning to follow a trendy
diet like keto in 2020 or
simply want to eat right?
Thereʼs good news ‑‑ grilling can
be a great option for you to kick‑
start eating healthier in the new
year. Indeed, the American Heart
Asso ciat ion recommends it.
“Grilling is a year‑round way of
life, bringing together family and
friends,” says Jeff Thiessen, presi‑
dent of Pit Boss Grills. “Luckily,
those watching their diets can still
get healthy foods with the fun and
flavor of a backyard barbecue.”
Use these tips to make healthier
meals prepared on the grill:
8Let your spices do the heavy
lifting: You can add exciting and
bold flavor to any recipe using
seasoning mixtures. Spice up
foods like veggies or lean meats
with seasoned rubs or marinades
for amazing flavor without all the
calories.
8Eat fresher: Round out
recipes by including fresh veg‑
etables. For the best flavor and
highest nutritional value, look for
locally‑grown produce.
ics, install motion‑activated lights
and utilize power‑saver modes.
Power‑saver modes will put com‑
puters, printers, and other electron‑
ics to sleep, or shut them down
entirely.
3. Use reusable containers
There should be a complete ban
on using plastic items such as bot‑
tles or containers in offices.
Employees should be encouraged to
always carry jute bags or cloth
bags. People should stop consum‑
ing juices or other beverages that
come in plastic bottles. Inside the
premises, the office should only
keep reusable containers to be used
for drinking water or coffee. This
will help in spreading the message
that reduces the use of plastic is a
major step towards becoming eco‑
friendly.
4. Recycle etiquette
Install recycling bins at places
that are easily accessible for
employees. Everyone should be
Vegetables make an excellent
addition to any meal as grilled
kabobs or chopped up and tossed
in your favorite chili.
8Be versatile: A healthy diet is
a versatile diet. Look for a grill
offering multiple cooking
options, including baking, roast‑
ing and smoking, such as Pit Boss
Grills. Their 8‑in‑1 versatile grills
allow you to do it all with one‑of‑
a‑kind hardwood flavor.
SELF HELP
aware of the different bins which
are kept to segregate the waste and
the usage of those bins in an appro‑
priate manner. This way we can
encourage the employees towards
keeping the eco‑friendly environ‑
ment at the office. In fact, if we can
recycle around 30 per cent of our
trash we will save energy equal to
around 12 billion gallons of gaso‑
line.
5. Sustainability team & three ʻRʼs
Basically, being eco‑friendly boils
down to three Rs ‑‑ Reduce, Reuse,
and Recycle. Every office must
appoint a sustainability team that
will keep an eye on all the employ‑
ees who follow three Rʼs. The fol‑
lowing monthly targets can be set
for employees and awards given to
encourage everyone become eco‑
friendly. This type of regular envi‑
ronment awareness sessions should
also be organized and every new
employee should be informed
about the eco‑friendly policy.
8Try it yourself: For a deli‑
cious spin on a favorite barbecue
classic, try this Healthy Hawaiian
Pulled Pork, right from the Pit
Boss playbook.
Ingredients
8 2 cups aloe leaf juice
8 1 teaspoon coriander,
ground
8 2 teaspoons cracked pepper
8 1 teaspoon cumin
8 Dash of salt
December 21-27, 2019
How to turn your
home into the ultimate
staycation ʻdestinationʼ
W
hile vacations
sound like the
best chance to
unwind, planning a trip
out of town ‑‑ and getting
there – can sometimes be
more hassle than itʼs
worth.
Hereʼs how to turn your
home into a staycation
“destination” that can be
enjoyed any time you feel like it:
8 Upgrade Bedding: Give your
bedroom a five‑star hotel‑grade
makeover so you can enjoy that
quality of rest found only on
vacation. Shop for percale linens
and high‑quality pillows and
invest in window treatments that
block out sound and light, so you
can awaken when you choose to,
not when the sun or neighbors
intervene.
8 Create a Spa‑Like
Bathroom: Find your bliss by
creating a spa‑like retreat in
your bathroom. Start by clearing
unsightly clutter and using coor‑
dinating dispensers for bath
products. Paint the walls in a hue
that promotes relaxation ‑‑ think
earthy tones, blues and greens,
then add plants or fresh flowers
for a pop of vibrant color.
Dimmer switches, waterproof
speakers and a waterfall shower‑
head with different spray set‑
tings are just a few updates
offering you flexibility to create
8 4‑6 garlic cloves
8 1‑3‑inch ginger, fresh
8 1‑2 limes
8 4 cups no sodium added
chicken bone broth
8 1/4 cup olive oil
8 4 teaspoons paprika
8 6‑8 pounds pork
shoulder/butt
8 1/2 sweet onion
8 2 packets Truvia and 2 tsp
Truvia Nectar
Directions
8 Set grill to “smoke.” Once
the pot catches, turn the grill up
to 300 degrees F. Make sure
your flame broiler is closed,
youʼll want to use indirect heat.
8 Add spices to a bowl. Set
aside.
8 Grate ginger into a separate
“wet ingredients” bowl. Mince
garlic cloves and dice onions into
the same bowl. Juice limes and
add chicken bone broth, aloe leaf
juice, Truvia and Truvia Nectar.
Mix and set bowl aside.
8 Add the oil to your Pit Boss
Cast Iron Roasting Pan and coat
the bottom and sides. Place pork
25
different moods, all which can
connect to a smart home device
that remembers your prefer‑
ences. For that warm, cozy feel‑
ing right out of the bath or show‑
er, add in‑floor heating and a
towel warming drawer.
8 Add Backyard Touches:
Show your backyard some love
with a little landscaping and a
few touches that replicate that
vacation feel. An outdoor bar and
kitchen can give you a dedicated
place to wine and dine without
having to constantly go in and
out of the house. Install a ham‑
mock for long afternoons spent
with a book.
8 Explore Financing Options:
When it comes to transforming
your home into the ultimate des‑
tination, you wonʼt want to cut
corners on what matters most to
you, whether thatʼs opting for
the superior flat screen TV or
getting just the right coffee table
to complete the look of your liv‑
ing room.
inside.
8 Coat pork with dry rub.
8 Pour wet ingredients
around the pork. Cover with lid
and set on the grill.
8 Check every couple hours,
basting if needed. When internal
temperature reaches 195
degrees F (after 6‑8 hours), it
should easily start to pull apart.
Donʼt pull apart the whole shoul‑
der yet.
8 Remove roasting pan from
grill and set aside for 1 hour.
Remove lid to help speed cooling.
8 Once cooled, shred pork
into a separate bowl, removing
fat. If adding marinade for addi‑
tional flavor, skim fat off the top
and discard.
8 Pair with fresh grilled veg‑
gies, delicious fruit or make
tacos or salads, and voila!
To shop grills, as well as find
cooking tips, grilling resources
and additional recipes, visit pit‑
boss‑grills.com.
By follow ing the keys to
healthy grilling, you can create
guilt‑free meals in 2020.
 26 December 21-27, 2019 CULTURE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

We must respect the wisdom yoga gurus pass

on, but never lose our own moral compass
By Mat McDermott for potential students to judge the
Hindu American Foundation worth of the teachings, the
teacherʼs methods, and ultimately

A
gain, allegations of sexual
abuse by one of the most
influential and revered
yoga gurus, Ashtanga founder K
Pattahbi Jois, have made main‑
stream headlines. This time in The
New York Times. T hat article
comes right at the same time that
Netflix has released a jaw‑drop‑
ping documentary on the many
incidents of sexual assault by
Bikram yog a founder Bikram
Choudhury.
These first‑hand accounts are
not revelations in that these sto‑
ries have been circulating in the
yoga community for some time,
but they are nevertheless shock‑
ing.
Though Bikramʼs actions were
far more widespread and severe,
including allegations of outright
rape, both cases shock because of
the undoubted wrongness of the
behavior and actions as yoga
gurus, and they shock because
they once again show how the
yog a community is no more
immune than any other communi‑
ty from the sort of power imbal‑
ances in gender relations so vivid‑
ly and dramatically brought to
light by the #MeToo movement.
All of this said, what these
renewed accusations against K
Pattabhi Jois and the charges
against Choudhury drive home is
that a guru can be very much falli‑
ble in ordinary social affairs.
As such, the reverence we right‑
ly show for them, for the knowl‑
edge and wisdom they impart,
Bikram Choudhury, 75, ran a franchise of what is popularly known as
hot yoga. Facing lawsuits and allegations of sexual misconduct, he
fled to India in 2016. The Netflix documentary ʻBikram: Yogi, Guru,
Predatorʼ has brought him back into headlines. (Photo : USA Today)
must be balanced and grounded.
We can accept the teachings of a
guru ̶ acknowledging that there
may be teachings and methods of
teaching that we donʼt fully under‑
stand ̶ but also must never lose
our own moral compass.
A poignant example of this
takes place in the Hindu epic, the
Mahabharata. The five Pandava
brothers spent their youth study‑
ing under their guru Dronacharya.
As they grew to rule their king‑
dom, they continued to love and
respect him as their guru. But
when the lines were drawn for the
epic war of dharma versus adhar‑
ma, the five brothers sided against
their guru. Seeing his guru and
loved ones on the opposing side
caused Arjun the great angst that
led Krishna to de liver the
Bhagavad Gita on the battlefield,
reminding Arjun that his utmost
duty is to uphold dharma.
Traditionally, the word guru
refers to a master teacher who
has great knowledge of or skill in
a particular subject area, such as
music, dance, sculpture, or other
arts.
When used in reference to a
religious or spiritual teacher, how‑
ever, a guru is one who not only
has deep knowledge that can lead
to moksha (liberation or enlight‑
enment), but also has direct expe‑
rience of Divine vision and grace
which they have assimilated into
their way of being.
Thus, the literal translation of
ʻguruʼ is “dispeller of darkness.”
For ages, gurus tested students
before accepting them. And stu‑
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga founder
K Pattahbi Jois (1915‑2009) is
credited along with BKS Iyengar
of making yoga popular in the
world. The New York Times
ran an article on unwanted touch
in yoga classes, in which some
women accused Jois of the
same in the guise of
posture ʻadjustmentsʼ.
dents likewise were expected to
make an assessment of a guru
be fore beg inning study. T his
assessment, from both sides, con‑
t inues throug h the course of
study.
A traditional maxim states that
you can judge a guru by their stu‑
dents. T his is why upholding
teaching lineages ̶ participating
in whatʼs known as the guru‑
shishya relationship ̶ remains
important in an age when anyone
can set up a YouTube channel of
asana classes after a mere 200
hour of study and call themselves
a yoga teacher.
Being part of a lineage of teach‑
ers and students provides a way
the teacher. It also provides a
dataset, if you will, to examine for
both positive and potentially neg‑
ative feedback ̶ is the instruc‑
tion ef fective, are students satis‑
fied, is the teacher truly living up
to their reputation and living
what they teach.
Ultimately, in all our relation‑
ships, we must remember and
emphasize the ethical foundations
of yoga ̶ the yamas and niya‑
mas.
Ahimsa (non‑harming), satya
(truthfulness), brahmacharya
(faithfulness and restraint), tapas
(discipline), and svadhyaya (self‑
study) all seem particularly apro‑
pos for deeper consideration in
the yoga community. If we prac‑
tice or teach asana without any
consideration of yamas and niya‑
mas, then the practice is less yoga
and more a form of exercise.
Ishvara pranidhana (devotion to
the Divine), too, is also worth
coming back to as a touchstone, a
reminder that while on one level
yoga is about uniting mind and
body, itʼs traditionally more about
uniting our individual spirit or
soul with the Divine.
If we bring these back to the
center of our mats, we can be
both more discerning about what
is and is not appropriate and feel
more confident in speaking out
when lapses do occur.
Matt Mcdermott is Director of
Communications at Hindu
American Foundation. Article
courtesy The HAF blog.

Indian govt launches culture web portal

U
nion Minister for Culture and
Tourism Prahlad Singh Pate l on
Tuesday launched the Indian Culture
web portal (http://www.indian culture.gov.in).
Indian culture portal is the first government
authorized portal where knowledge and cul‑
tural resources of various organizations of
Ministry of Culture are now available in the
public domain.
The Indian Culture portal was envisioned
by the Ministry of Culture and has been
developed by a team from the Indian Institute
of Technology (IIT), Bombay while the cura‑
tion of the data has been done by Indira
Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
Speaking on the occasion Union Minister
said that this project is a part of the Prime
Minister''s Digital India initiative to showcase
information about the rich tangible and intan‑
gible cultural heritage of India both at home
and abroad.
"This portal hosts documents, images,
audio‑video files and other data from
ongoing and over time the information pre‑ leries, archives, photo archives, gazetteers,
sented will be enhanced in quality and quanti‑ Indian National Bibliography, videos, images,
ty. cuisine, UNESCO, Musical Instruments of
"The portal is more than a repository, it is a India among others.
proud culmination of the melange of Indian As envisioned by the Ministry, the portal
cultures that has co‑existed and thrived for also will be available in other regional lan‑
more than five thousand years," he added. guages in future. The larger aim of the Indian
The content available on the portal com‑ Culture portal is to create awareness among
prises mainly of rare books, e‑books, manu‑ the citizens about the diverse heritage of our
scripts, artefacts from museums, virtual gal‑ country.
It is the first government authorized por‑ Consulting Service for Commercial Loans
tal where knowledge and cultural
resources of various organizations of Commercial Loans for all types of Industries including
Ministry of Culture are available in public Retail/Wholesale, Fast Food, Hospitality/High Tech,
domain on a single platform. Exports/Imports, Commercial Property, Investment property, and
Manufacturing. The types of financing are for Working Capital,
archives, museums, academies and libraries
Start‐ups, Construction, Refinancing, Expansion, Bridge Loans, and
across the nation," Patel told media.
Acquisitions. Loans from small amounts to over $1 Billion are
The portal currently hosts more than 90
available in the USA and Canada.
lakhs items.
Patel also added that the process of collect‑ Anyone interested in getting finance please contact me at 646‐498‐5122 or
ing and showcasing content on the portal is email shomik@shomikchaudhuri.com.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info EDUCATION December 21-27, 2019 27

Four things students should do if they are

deferred from their dream university
someone who you have a close
relationship with and can speak
about the positive aspects of your
personality.
4. Write a deferral letter. If you
are still committed to attending
the school, you should send a let‑
ter of continued interest. This let‑
ter should be about one page in
SHINE ON, STUDENTS length. It is important you send
By Kristen Moon the letter immediately.
accomplishments. Update the
admissions officers on things that
have occurred since you applied.
You want to make your candi‑
date profile stronger, and show‑
case why you would be a great
asset to the university.
Here are some examples of
things to include:
High test scores on standardized
tests (ACT, SAT)

C
ollege admissions early
decisions are starting to
come out, and some stu‑
dents might get an unexpected
answer back: a deferral.
A deferral is similar to the limbo
of college admissions̶you arenʼt
quite into the university, but you
arenʼt rejected yet either. When
the university defers you, it means
that the school sees potential in
your application, but the admis‑
sions of ficers want to evaluate
your application again during the
regular decision cycle.
If you do get deferred, here are
four steps you should take.
1. Decide if the university is still
your top option. Is the university
still your “dream school?” Or have
things changed since you have
sent in your application? If anoth‑
er school might be a better fit for
you, this deferment has opened
up your options for you, and a
chance for you to reconsider your
college list.
2. Update your resume and
LinkedIn. Think about your recent
accomplishments, updated test
scores, or accolades you might
have achieved throughout the last
couple of months. Our students
send in not only a resume, but
also their LinkedIn profile. Your
LinkedIn profile serves as a port‑
folio to add any research papers,
pictures from service projects, or
videos of you performing an
extracurricular activity.
3. Ask for another letter of rec‑
ommendation. Ask a supervisor at
an internship, coach, teacher, or
manager at a job to write you a
letter of recommendation. This
recommendat ion should add
something new to your applica‑
tion. Make sure you are asking
The purpose of this letter is to
demonstrate how you are now a
stronger candidate for the univer‑
sity than when you first applied,
helping to sway the admissions
officersʼ decision in your favor.
How To Write
The Deferral
Letter
The letter must display your
continued interest in attending
the school. In the first paragraph,
convey why the school remains
your top choice. Donʼt lie; only
write a deferral letter if you are
committed to attending.
Next, describe your most recent
Hig h g rades in challeng ing
courses
Accomplishments in extracurric‑
ular activities like music, sports,
DECA, HOSA, Science Olympiad,
National Honors Society, etc.
Shadowing or volunteer hours
Independent projects, such as
research
End the letter by restating why
this particular university is the
right fit for you. Donʼt repeat
things youʼve already mentioned
in your supplemental essays or
personal statement; be specific
and personal.
Once you have finished writing
your deferral letter, email it to the
admissions of fice. Do not delay
sending it!

IMMIGRATION

Do you have a Green Card but now find yourself in deportation proceedings?

Cancellation of removal for Permanent Residents

VISA
By Dev Banad Viswanath, Esq. &
Michael Phulwani, Esq. Examples of Negative Equalities
8 Reason for removal;

A TALK
lawful permanent resident
(LPR) who is in removal pro‑
ceedings may be eligible for
cancellation of removal, meaning
the termination of the removal
process and freedom to continue
living in America as a green card
holder. Cancellation of removal can
be sought when an LPR is in
removal or deportation proceedings
before an Immigration Judge and
the individual is eligible. To apply
for cancellation of removal the LPR
must submit Form EOIR‑42A with
supporting documents showing that
they meet all of the eligibility
requirements to the Immigration
Judge.
Am I eligible for cancelation of
removal? In order to be eligible for
cancellation of removal the LPR
must have had their green card for
a least five years and must have
lived in the U.S. for seven years con‑
tinuously after being admitted in
any status. The clock of continuous
presence stops when either the gov‑
ernment serves the LPR a Notice to
Appear or the they commit certain
criminal offenses. A Notice to
Appear (NTA) is a document given
to an LPR to put them on notice of
deportation or removal proceed‑
ings. The five‑year period of perma‑
nent residency does not include the
time after a deportable criminal
offense occurred, after the govern‑
ment had produced a Notice to
Appear, or while the LPR is waiting
on the decision of the Immigration
Judge. The LPR must also not have
any criminal convictions which can
be classified as aggravated felonies.
If a LPR obtained their green card
through fraud or misrepresentation
they will not be eligible for cancel‑
lation of removal because they are
not considered to have been lawful‑
ly admitted for permanent residen‑
cy, however, there may be other
waivers available for the fraud,
which is for another article discus‑
sion. LPR Cancellation is a discre‑
tionary form of relief, which means
ultimately the judge will decide if a
person is deserving of the relief,
and itʼs at their discretion to grant
the same.
Success in cancellation of removal
for LPRs requires that the
Immigration Judge finds that the
positive equities outweigh any
adverse factors. Below is a list of
some positive and negative equities
considered by an Immigration
Judge.
Examples of Positive Equities
8 Family ties in the U.S.;
8 Evidence of hardship to the
LPR and family if the LPR is deport‑
ed;
8 Evidence of good moral char‑
acter;
8 Employment history and/or
business ties;
8 Additional violations of immi‑
gration or other laws;
8 Criminal record;
8 Evidence of bad character; or
8 Evidence suggesting the LPR
applicant will continue to commit
“bad or violative acts”
Cancellation of removal can be
8 Property ownership; granted only once so it is a valuable
8 Health Issues of the qualifying form of protection that should not
relative(s); be taken lightly, the LPR needs to
8 Community service; and present a strong convincing case in
8 Service in the U.S. military. order to avoid an Order of Removal.
Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal
Attorney of The Banad Law Offices PC in
the United States, and Banad Immigration
in India for which Attorney Michael
Phulwani is also affiliated as Of Counsel.
With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to
assist clients with all facets of the immigra‑
tion process, including Employment Visas,
Consular Visa Assistance, Student Visas,
Removal & Deportation, US Citizenship and
Green Card Applications based on Family or
Employment. Dev B. Viswanath can be
reached at Dev@Banadlaw.com
and 718‑361‑5999.
 28 December 21-27, 2019 LIFESTYLE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Colosseum, Louvre Museum Women are indisputably better

among top 2019 global attractions than men: Barack Obama
C F
olosseum, the ancient
amphitheater built in Rome
under the Flavian emper‑
ors, and the Louvre Museum in
Paris were among the top attrac‑
tions for tourist activities, accord‑
ing to travel platform TripAdvisor.
The Vatican Museums, Statue of
Liberty in the US and Eiffel Tower
in Paris are the other three attrac‑
tions that featured in TripAdvisor's
list of five most booked things to do in
2019
Colosseum, also known as Flavian
Amphitheatre, was commissioned
around A.D. 70‑72 by Emperor
Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty as a
gift to the Roman people, according to
History.com.
In A.D. 80, Vespasian's son Titus
opened the Colosseum with 100 days of
games, including gladiatorial combats
and wild animal fights, it added.
A visit to the Louvre and its collection
lets tourists discover Western art from
the Middle Ages to 1848, as well as a
large number of ancient civilizations.
The Vatican Museums not only hous‑
es the extensive collect ion of art,
archaeology and ethno‑anthropology
gathered by the Popes over the cen‑
turies but also contains some of the
Apostolic Palace's artistically significant
rooms.
Recognized as a universal symbol of
freedom and democracy, "The Statue of
Liberty enlightening the World" was a
gift of friendship from the people of
France to the US. It was dedicated on
October 28, 1886. It was designated as
a National Monument in 1924.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the
most popular tourist destinations in the
world which has loomed over the
French capital since 1889.
ormer US President Barack Obama said
on Monday that if women ran every
country in the world, there would be a
general improvement in living standards and
outcomes. Speaking at a private event on lead‑
ership in Singapore, Obama said while in office
he had mused what a world run by women
would look like, reports the BBC.
The former leader said women werenʼt per‑
fect, but were “indisputably better” than men,
adding that most of the problems in the world
came from old people, mostly men, holding
onto positions of power.
“Now women, I just want you to know; you
are not perfect, but what I can say pretty indis‑
Former US president Barack Obama
putably is that youʼre better than us (men),”
was speaking at a private event on
Obama said.
leadership in Singapore
“Iʼm absolutely confident that for two years if
every nation on earth was run by women, you job, but you are not there for life, you are not
would see significant improvement across the there to prop up your own sense of self‑impor‑
board on just about everything… living stan‑ tance on your own power,” the BBC quoted
dards and outcomes.” Obama as saying.
When asked if he would ever consider going Since leaving the White House, he and former
back into political leadership, the former first lady Michelle Obama have set up a founda‑
President said he believed in leaders stepping tion mentoring young leaders around the
aside when the time came. world.
“It is important for political leaders to try and The couple was in Kuala Lumpur last week
remind themselves that you are there to do a for an Obama Foundation event.

Shun sugary treats Smaller class sizes not always better for students, says study
R
esearchers have found that sizes can vary between countries, maximum size of a class, often at

to avoid winter smaller class sizes are not

always associated with bet‑
ter pupil performance and achieve‑
depression this Xʼmas ment.
"This finding is perhaps due to
academic subjects, years, and dif‑
ferent cognitive and non‑cognitive
around 30 pupils.
For the findings, the researchers
skills, with many other factors, like‑ decided to analyze data produced
ly playing a role, according to the
study published in the journal
by the Trends in International
Mathematics and Science Study

E
ating added sugars ̶
common in so many
holiday foods ̶ can
trigger metabolic, inflammatory
and neurobiological processes
tied to depressive illness, said
the study from a team of clini‑
cal psychologists at the
University of Kansas published
in the journal Medical
Hypotheses.
Coupled with dwindling light in
wintertime and corresponding
changes in sleep patterns, high
sugar consumption could result in a
“perfect storm” that adverse ly
af fects mental health. “For many
people, reduced sunlight exposure
during the winter will throw off cir‑
cadian rhythms, disrupting healthy
sleep and pushing five to 10 per‑
cent of the population into a full‑
blown episode of clinical depres‑
sion,” said Stephen Ilardi, associate
professor of clinical psychology.
Ilardi, said these symptoms of
“winter‑onset depression” could
prompt people to consume more
sweets. “One common characteristic
of winter‑onset depression is crav‑
ing sugar,” he said.
Avoidance of added dietary sugar
might be especially challenging
because sugar of fers an initial
mood boost, leading some with
depressive illness to seek its tempo‑
rary emotional lift. When we con‑
sume sweets, they act like a drug.
the fact that class size ef fects are Research Papers in Education. (TIMSS).
more likely to be detected in coun‑ Smaller class sizes in schools are Every four years since 1995,
tries with limited school resources generally seen as highly desirable, TIMSS has monitored the perform‑
where teacher quality is lower on especially by parents. With smaller ance and achievement of fourth
average," said study researcher class sizes, teachers can more easily grade (age 9‑10) and eighth grade
Spyros Konstantopoulos from maintain control and give more (age 13‑14) pupils from around 50
Michigan State University in the US. attention to each pupil. countries in mathematics and sci‑
The precise effect of smaller class As such, many countries limit the ence.
The investigators reached their
conclusions by analyzing a wide
Laughter is the Best Medicine
range of research on the physiologi‑
cal and psychological effects of con‑ By Mahendra Shah
suming added sugar.
The researchers found inflamma‑
tion is the most important physio‑
logical effect of dietary sugar relat‑ Mahendra Shah
ed to mental health and depressive is an architect by
disorder. “An inflamed brain is typi‑ education,
cally a depressed brain. entrepreneur by
And added sugars have a pro‑ profession, artist
inflammatory ef fect on the body and humorist,
cartoonist and
and brain,” said the researchers.
writer by hobby.
Our bodies host over 10 trillion
He has been
microbes and many of them know
recording the
how to hack into the brain. plight of the
Many of those parasitic microbes immigrant
thrive on added sugars, and they Indians for the
can produce chemicals that push past many year in
the brain in a state of anxiety and his cartoons.
stress and depression. Hailing from
Ilardi recommended a minimally Gujarat, he lives
processed diet rich in plant‑based in Pittsburgh,
foods and Omega‑3 fatty acids for Pennsylvania.
optimal psychological benefit. As
for sugar, observe caution not just
during the holidays, but year‑round.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY December 21-27, 2019 29

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

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

DECEMBER 21‑27, 2019

Aries: Financially, you are likely to
reap the benefits of some w ise
investments in the past.Nearness to
each other will generate a new kind of
understanding amongst newlyweds.A
monetary gift or inheritance is likely for
some. It will be a good idea to be with
health‑conscious people in order to come
back in shape.Professionally, you will be
able to complete what had been entrusted
to you.
Taurus: T his is a goo d t ime to
realise what you had always wanted
to do.You are likely to be on an
emotional high on the social front as you
get to meet people you have not met in
years. Someone is likely to be a good sup‑
port to you on the academic front and
help you achieve your goal.Financial front
looks set to get strengthened.You may
take the family for an outing or a movie
over the weekend.
Gemini: Good health is yours for the
asking as you maintain a regular
routine.Something executed at work
may require more thoroughness.A few
lucrat ive deals may come your way.
Chances of promotion may seem to dwindle,
as competition grows at work.Expenses
are set to increase for some. You may find
spouse a bit overbearing. Some time out to
someplace away from home will help you
relax & rejuvenate.
Cancer: You will soon get a chance
to express your love for someone
you desire.Some changes to the
house are likely to be initiated.Networking
will prove worth it in getting you a better
break.An enjoyable vacation is on the
cards, so get set for fun!
Your efficiency at work is likely to come
up for praise.Those wanting to come back
in shape will manage to avoid fattening
foods.
Leo: Unfounded worries may keep
you in a serious mould, but it will
be a passing phase.
Too much work and little rest may play
havoc with your health.Social obligations
will be met satisfactorily.Someone may do
you a favour on the academic front.Some
of you may become religious minded for
mental solace.There is an outside chance
of meeting someone you had been want‑
ing to for long.
Virgo: Something just doesnʼt seem
right at the present moment, so
take the next step only once you are
satisfied.Health may cause worry. If you
are doing something in haste at work, bet‑
ter check and recheck the work before
submitting, as chances of making a major
mistake cannot be ruled out.
You may be taken for granted by being
always available for someone on the
family front.
Libra: Thorough preparation is
likely to find some improvement
on the academic front.You will
need to be at your best for taking a favour
from the boss.Listen to others for a
change!There is much joy foreseen for
those in love, so rejoice! Money given in
good faith will be returned with interest.
You face no problems on the health front
by continuing to do what you are present‑
ly doing.
Scorpio: Prayers of those in family
way are likely to be heard.Success is
foretold in a new venture this week.
You are likely to get an opportunity to rub
shoulders with the bigwigs of the indus‑
try.An increment or bonus is in the
offing.
You will be able to mould the workplace
environment according to your needs.If
you are looking for a soul mate, this is the
time that you get lucky!
Sagittarius: You are likely to feel
nice about doing a good turn to
someone.Professional backlog is
likely to be cleared at work.Property
issues will be settled in your favour. You
will manage to get what you want, by
hook or by crook.Your thoughtful gestures
at work are likely to win over your co‑
workers. Spouse may not see eye to eye
with you over an issue.Progress of recov‑
ery appears to be slow for those ailing.
Capricorn: Hig her studies may
attract those performing well. If you
have a soft corner for someone, this
is the time to take the next step.Raising
capital for a venture may prove difficult.
Keeping a positive outlook will help in deal‑
ing with minor setbacks on the professional
front.A distant relation may pay you a visit
and even stay with you.You may find the
current line of treatment most beneficial in
regaining normal health.
Aquarius: You may not be able to
play the sympathy card that you
want to play on the social front.A
vacation may beckon some and prove
most exciting. You may find it difficult to
have your way on the academic front. A
minor problem cropping up at home will
be satisfactorily solved.There is a good
chance of getting invited to a celebrity
do.The eligible may face frustration on the
marriage front.
Pisces: Businesspersons may find
their business picking up.You will
be able to curry favour with a sen‑
ior at work.Getting romantically linked
with a co‑worker or fellow student is pos‑
sible. A religious rite may keep you happi‑
ly engaged.You will excel in whatever you
have undertaken at work.Catering to the
mood of spouse will save you from unnec‑
essary mental tensions.Self‑motivation
will drive you to fitness.

December 21, 2019 This year you are likely to receive

Governed by number 3 and the
planet Jupiter, you are confident,
creative, systematic, generous and
an optimistic person. You are good
at building new contacts, which in
return bring you lots of popularity
and benefits. You are smart and
trustworthy, but you need to con‑
trol your tendency to behave
extravagant and dominating at
times. Professional gains are all
most certain but rise in expenses
will bother your mind. There will
be moments when your achieve‑
ments will exceed your expecta‑
tions, but most of the times you
will have to put in your maximum
to achieve bare necessary results.
People who have stood besides you
till now will continue their support.
Relationship with your spouse will
be highly cordial and on an even
footing, but you need to control
yourself from being to stubborn,
which will create uneasy moments
at home. Romantic alliances will
prosper and strengthen. T he
months of November, February,
June and September will be signifi‑
cant.
December 22, 2019
Ruled by number 4 and the plan‑
et Uranus, you are energetic,
charming, peace loving, creative
and an active person. You are
always given great deal of respon‑
sibility at work because people
know they can depend on you. You
should receive major success in
your career provided you check
ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK
your tendency to behave jealous,
self centered and overconfident at
times. Your planetary position is
of fering major changes in your
career. New opportunities look
bright and recognition and rewards
seem high on your cards. Your
involvement in social activities will
bring you close to important peo‑
ple, who will provide favours and
benefits. Those wanting to travel
overseas for business or pleasure
will receive a boost to their plans.
You will have abundance of energy
and you will easily implement
whatever you plan. Health however
will need care. T he months of
October, January, May and July will
be highly eventful.
December 23, 2019
Ruled by number 5 and the plan‑
et Mercury, you are practical, ener‑
getic, trustworthy and possess a
strong intuition. You are highly
popular in your group because you
are witty and intelligent. You are
helpful and sensible but you need
to control your tendency to behave
vindictive, stubborn and timid at
times. Promising career opportuni‑
ties ahead for fresh graduates and
extremely good period for scholars,
scientists, writers and sportsmen as
well. This year will be important
for working women, as they will
receive a major boost in their
career. Financial gains are certain
but expenses will also take an
upward trend. For those involved in
romantic entanglement, chances of
a matrimonial alliance will be quite
high. Travel will bring pleasure.
The months of November, March,
June and August will be significant.
December 24, 2019
Ruled by number 6 and the plan‑
et Venus, You are energetic, cheer‑
ful, trustworthy, dynamic and a
methodical person. You have a very
strong willpower and dislike inter‑
ference of others in your personal
affairs. You are carefree and help‑
ful, but you need to check your ten‑
dency to behave stubborn, vindic‑
tive and dominating at times.
Financial gains are certain pro‑
vided you associate with people
who are creative and experienced.
Improved finances will make you
spend more on luxuries and other
living comforts. Legal or property
disputes will settle around the mid‑
dle of the year. New romance for
some will develop through social
gatherings and recreational activi‑
ties. Health of an infant will cause
stress and anxiety. Religious feel‑
ings will arise making you seek
spiritual blessing later in the year.
The months of December, April,
June and August will be highly
important.
December 25, 2019
Influenced by number 7 and the
planet Neptune, you are active,
friendly, ambitious, independent,
honest and possess a sharp memo‑
ry. You are an optimistic person
who possesses many in‑built tal‑
ents to impress others, but you
need to control your tendency to
behave impatient and erratic at
times. This year you should move
very cautiously especially when it
comes to handling finances.
Although period will be overall
good and support from people will
be there, but thoughtless or hasty
decisions will only result in losses.
Distant traveling will be on your
mind. Seeking blessing from a spiri‑
tual person during this period will
bring mental peace and comfort.
Job opportunity in the field of sales
and marketing will prove promis‑
ing. Matrimonial alliance for those
seeking a life partner. Proper and
timely diet will be essential for
chronic patients. The months of
October, December, March and
August will prove to be highly
eventful.
December 26, 2019
Ruled by number 8 and the plan‑
et Saturn, you are independent,
practical, responsible, simple, intel‑
ligent and a highly disciplined indi‑
vidual. People admire you for your
ability to handle responsibilities
with sincerity and dedication, but
you need to check your tendency to
behave stubborn and jealous at
times.
major gains and recognition, as
favorable stars move on your side.
You'll find it easy to achieve your
goals and live up to others expecta‑
tions. Working on new projects will
ensure long term gains. Some of
you will also acquire ancestral
wealth. Domestic front will require
you to be tactful and diplomatic.
Being stubborn will only backfire
and complicate issues. Children will
perform well in academics and
sports. Distant journey later in the
year for pleasure cannot be ruled
out. T he months of November,
February, March and July will bring
happiness and prosperity.
December 27, 2019
Governed by number 9 and the
planet Mars. You are smart, confi‑
dent, sensitive, courageous and
highly diplomatic person. You are
simple and go out of the way to
help others, but you need to con‑
trol your tendency to behave impa‑
tient, short‑tempered and moody at
times. This year information will
be the backbone to your success.
Your confidence and morale will be
high during this period and success
and gains will be with you. You
will be in a good position to seek
favours, raise funds and lead oth‑
ers. Financial gains are certain but
do not be lavish in your spending.
Traveling will be highly exciting
and educating. Spiritual gains for
some later in the year. The months
of December, May, July and Sept.
will be highly important.
 30 December 21-27, 2019 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

True happiness awaits us within

time we had our money, belongings
and near and dear ones turns into There is only one source of happiness, that is lasting,
deep misery from their loss. At some that cannot be destroyed by wind, fire, water or earth.
point in the life, we discover that It cannot be taken away from us either in this life or at
happiness in the outer world is a
the time of death. The only permanent source of
transitory illusion. As long as we
seek happiness in the world, we will happiness is God. Some mystics of the East refer
be disappointed, for all matter is sub‑ to God as Sat‐ Chit‐Anand. These words translate
ject to decay and destruction. respectively as truth, consciousness and bliss.
Everything in this world must perish.
By Sant Rajinder Singh Ultimately, we too must face our behind the two eyebrows. If we can When our soul comes in contact
Ji Maharaj physical end and must leave behind stop putting our attention on our with this stream, it can travel back
all that we cherished. This is the way

F
rom the moment of birth,
every human being wants
happiness and does not want
suffering. From the very core of our
being, we simply desire contentment.
We look for happiness in meeting
our emotional needs for love and
companionship through our relation‑
ships, with family, friends and loved
ones.
We try to find happiness in worldly
possessions and relationships. If we
analyse, we find that they do not
bring the happiness they have prom‑
ised. We may derive happiness from
them for some time, but the loss of
any of our possessions or relations
brings untold pain and suffering. If
our house is destroyed by fire, we
feel as if we have lost everything.
If we are millionaires and suddenly
become bankrupt, we become deject‑
ed. And if one of our loved one pass‑
es away, we are drowned in grief.
The happiness we had during the
of the world. Looking at the realities
of life, we begin to wonder if there is
any hope for finding real happiness
in the world.
How to find lasting happiness?
Throughout the ages, the great
teachers, sages, saints and philoso‑
phers of the world have been telling
us that true happiness does exist. But
it does not lie in anything in this
world. It can only be found within.
There is only one source of happi‑
ness, that is lasting, that cannot be
destroyed by wind, fire, water or
earth. It cannot be taken away from
us either in this life or at the time of
death. The only permanent source of
happiness is God. Some mystics of
the East refer to God as Sat‑ Chit‑
Anand. T hese words translate
respectively as truth, consciousness
and bliss.
Saints and mystics have been able
to realize God within themselves and
have shared their knowledge with
(Image : find‑happiness.com)
humanity. They tell us that God is an
ocean of light, all love and conscious‑
ness. The soul is drop of His essence.
Each of us is actually a drop of this
blissful awareness. It is only when
we identify with our real self that we
become moving drops of bliss on
earth.
The way to tap into this pool is
simple. It is only a matter of our
attention. We can direct our atten‑
tion wherever we wish. We can place
it on our body. We can focus it on
our mind. Or we can concentrate our
attention on our soul. Instruction in
how to place our attention on our
soul is domain of spiritual teachers.
This process of concentration or
focusing our attention is popularly
known as Meditation. Meditation is
focusing one's attention at the seat
of the soul located between and
outer eyes and ears for a while and
concentrate at the seat of soul, we
will tap into the source of happiness
and bliss awaiting us within.
Spending two hour concentrating
on the eye focus each day will help
our attention withdraw from the
body. Generally, the sensory currents
give us sensation in the body. It is
the sensory currents which make us
aware of the hearing, smell, taste and
touch. It is through the senses that
we can see beautiful sights, hearing
pleasing sounds, smelling sweet fra‑
grances eating delicious foods and
having pleasurable sensation
through the sense of touch. If we
withdraw our sensory currents from
the outside world and collect them at
the eye focus, a vista of Divine Light
and Celestial Sound opens for us. We
witness the light and Sound which
emanated from God at the dawn of
creation Like a current, this stream
flows out from God and returns to
Him.
on it back to the source.
By meditation, the soul begins its
voyage to the ultimate source of hap‑
piness. We are all conscious, all bliss
and in a perpetual state of happi‑
ness. Our worldly desires become
more trifles when we experience the
astounding joy within. Those who
learn to meditate can switch their
attention to the source of happiness
even in the midst of sorrow. True,
they still undergo the outer pains
and sorrows of life, but they do not
affect them. The ecstasy we experi‑
ence within fill us with happiness
and we are able to overcome
problems.
As we meditate and come in con‑
tact with the source of love within,
we begin to spread it to others. We
will be always in tune with the hap‑
piness within and will radiate it to all
who come in contact with us. This
leads to expansion of self and one
becomes a true citizen of the world
with cosmopolitan outlook on life.

Culture The meaning of Christmas symbols

By Sherri Osborn ing gifts during the holiday. According to the Bells
Christian Bible's New Testament, Melchior,

H
ave you ever wondered why people
hang tinsel on Christmas Trees, or
how candy canes became synony‑
mous with the winter holiday? While these
holiday decorations may seem arbitrary, most
of these traditional decorations have a special
meaning.
Stars
The Christmas star symbolizes the star of
Bethlehem, which according to the Biblical
story, guided the three kings, or wise men, to
the baby Jesus.
The star is also the heavenly sign of a
prophecy fulfilled long ago and the shining
hope for humanity.
Candles
A candle, a mirror of starlight, is also a sym‑
bol representing the star of Bethlehem.
Before electric Christmas tree lights were
invented, families would use candles to light
up the tree.
Gifts with a Bow
The men who brought their gifts to honor
the birth of Jesus inspired the concept of giv‑
Balthazar, and Gaspar brought gifts of gold,
incense, and myrrh to the newborn baby
Jesus. A ribbon is tied around a gift to repre‑
sent how people should all be tied together in
bonds of unity and goodwill during the holi‑
day season.
The Colors Red and Green
The color red is used at Christmas to repre‑
sent the blood of Jesus when he died on the
cross. It's also reflected in the color of holly
berries, which also had pagan symbolism dur‑
ing the winter solstice celebrations in ancient
Rome.
The color green signifies everlasting light
and life. Romans decorated their houses with
evergreen branches during the New Year, and
the fir tree symbolized life during the winter.
There is also a legend that says that when
Jesus was born in the dead of winter, all the
trees around the world shook off the snow to
reveal new shoots of green.
Bells are rung during Christmas to proclaim
the arrival of the season and to announce the
birth of Jesus.
The ringing of bells can also be traced back
to pagan winter celebrations used to drive
out evil spirits.
Candy Canes
This treat represents the shape of a shep‑
herd's crook. Jesus, often referred to as the
Good Shepherd, was born on Christmas. His
birth was God's way to bring lost lambs back
to the fold. The red stripe represents blood,
Christ's sacrifice, and the white stands for his
purity.
Wreaths
The wreath is a circular, never‑ending sym‑
bol of eternal love and rebirth.Holly also
stands for immortality and cedar for strength.
Today, the wreath symbolizes generosity, giv‑
ing, and the gathering of family.
(Source: thespruce.com)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info December 21-27, 2019

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info December 21-27, 2019