The South Asian Times

e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
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. Speaker Pelosi
Senate leader
threatens to
Washington: India and the US Dialogue in Washington on McConnell wants
have signed an agreement to Wednesday. Singh said after the
President Trump slams unfair hold articles of
a speedy trial to
impeachment,
facilitate transfer of defense impeachment, points to wants ‘fair trial’
acquit the
technology during a 2+2 meet‑ US honors Indian democracy President
ing of the top foreign affairs and for robust debate on uptick in favorability. in Senate
de fense leaders on g row ing Citizenship Act: Pompeo
Washington: President Donald obstruction of Congress. the Republicans in the House of
strategic relations between the >> see page 4
Trump boasted during his cam‑ Even if he were to lose a vote or Representatives on the impeach‑
world's largest and most power‑
paign for the presidency that: "I two among GOP Senators, he will ment vote and even picked up
ful democracies. meeting: "Today's 2+2 meeting
could stand in the middle of Fifth still be tweeting from the White three Democrat votes. But in the
India's De fense Minister was meaningful and successful
Avenue and shoot somebody and I House when it is all over. Senate, there are four shaky
Rajnath Singh, and External in maintaining the momentum of
wouldn't lose any voters." A supermajority of two‑thirds, or Republicans, who can vote against
Af fairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the India‑US relationship and
That is the test for him when, 67 votes, will be needed in the him with no consequence to their
and US Secretary of State Mike taking it forward." T he two
after being impeached in the 100‑member Senate to convict and base and maybe even find
Pompeo and Defense Secretary nations have convergence on
House, he is tried in the US Senate, throw him out of of fice and that Democrats backing them for re‑
Mark Esper participated jointly views on most international and
though only on the less dramatic will require 20 Republicans to Continued on page 4
in the Second 2+2 Strategic Continued on page 4
charges of abuse of power and cross over. Trump held on to all 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 commentator. Guilfoyle, wearing a full of business leaders, you've
slinky dress and sto ckings, seen those results yourself.”
Hicksville, NY: It must be a first praised the ʻHowdy, Modi!ʼ rally in Referring to the election year
for the Indian community in Houston attended by President 2020, Don Jr said, “It'll be enter‑
America to host Donald Trump Jr Trump and said that she and Don taining because my father will
at a book signing event here on Jr compete in who is friendlier keep it so, I promise you that. It
December 12. with Indian Americans. will be like Bollywood with a lot
Hosted by community leader Donald Trump Jrʼ slammed less dancing." Talking about his
and businessman Shudh Parkash Democratic Partyʼs socialist lean‑ India ties, he said he was the first
Singh, the over 200 eminent invi‑ ings to repeated applause. He in the Trump Organization to say
tees were electrified by Don Jrʼs highlighted his motherʼs escape that the company has to go to
forceful defense of President from communist Czechoslovakia India and "start doing some deals
Trump and his policies which have to warn people that socialist‑ there" in the real estate sector.
brought security and prosperity to Communists promise everything With humor he lauded the ʻletʼs do
America and Americans. T he free, which is a mirage. it spiritʼ of Indians.
Shudh Parkash Singh and community leaders honoring
Presidentʼs fiery son also passed Trump Jr, 41, said that his Some of the Indian‑Americans
Donald Trump Jr with a plaque for what he and President Trump
out signed copies of ʻTriggeredʼ, father has fought for American present included Naveen Shah,
are doing for America and all Americans.
his no‑holds‑barred New York values, culture and beliefs, and Kanak Golia, Kamal Arora,
Times bestselling book, to the Kundan Galleria mall in Hicksville, Guilfoyle, Senior Advisor to he's done that for all Americans. Jaswinder Singh, Manoj Narang,
mainly Indian American attendees. Shudh Singh introduced Don Jr Trump's 2020 re‑election cam‑ "To see what he's been able to do Gurdev DP Sing h and Desh
Taking the podium in a hall of and his partner Kimberly paign and a former Fox News and I imagine, in this community 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 and the National Register of Citizens, noting and said that they have made a special iden‑
The South Asian Times that the government is not against any par‑ tity for themselves in their adopted land.
ticular religion, but favored the entry of per‑ “Because of you all, the ʻawe‑inspiringʼ
New York: With the induction of Rafale fight‑ secuted minorities – barring Muslims ‑‑ in Howdy Modi! event in Houston, where
er jets in the air force, India will not have to neighboring countries into India. President Trump was also present, became a
cross the borders to "eliminate the terror “Our culture, which focuses on Vasudhaiva grand success,” he said on December 16.
camps" in Pakistan but can do it from the Kutumbakam, has not taught us hatred The 68‑year‑old BJP leader from Uttar
country itself, Defence Minister Rajnath against anyone. In fact, hundreds of Muslims Pradesh appreciated the NRIs for keeping
Singh. He was on a visit to New York and already took Indian citizenship under me (as abreast of the goings‑on in India.
Washington to participate in the 2+2 meet‑ home minister),” he pointed out. “Youʼre more knowledgeable about our
ing (of defense and finance ministers of the T he senior BJP leader said, “Politics national and regional affairs than even those
two countries) in DC. shouldnʼt be used for parochial gains, but it resident in India,” said the minister, who held
Addressing members of the Indian commu‑ should be used for nation‑building. Weʼve to the home portfolio in the previous Modi gov‑
nity at an event organized by the Consulate redefine the real meaning of the word.” ernment. In his hour‑long speech, during
General of India at Asia Society here on On the economic growth, which fell to 4.5 which he answered a few questions, Singh
Tuesday, he applauded the courage and valor % in the last quarter, Singh expressed confi‑ said half‑jokingly that “when I heard the
of India's armed forces and recalled his dence that it would pick up in a matter of news about Sundar Pichaiʼs achievement, my
France visit in October to receive the first of months. “Weʼve taken measures that are chest became wider than 56 inches.” He
Defense minister Rajnath Singh address‑
the 36 Rafale fighter jets. effective and transparent,” he said. referred to the CEO of Google/Alphabet and ing a community gathering at Asia
Singh also touched upon such subjects as Rajnath Singh also lauded the contribu‑ also alluded to Prime Minister Narendra Society said that Modi government is not
Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act tions of US‑based NRIs to their motherland Modiʼs remark a few years ago. against any particular religion.

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

Chairman and Co-Founder Consultants New Delhi Bureau News Service

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

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

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 Albany, NY: Undocumented immigrants in and work in the state without having to
York, NYC Council Members Peter Koo (District 20) New York will be able to apply for driverʼs fear deportation. “As New Yorkers, we have
and Daniel Dromm (District 25) stopped at South licenses this week after the stateʼs so‑called an obligation to defend other New
Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS)ʼ South “Green Light Law” went into ef fect Yorkers,” Gustavo Rivera, D‑Bronx, said
Asian Food Pantry. Council members Koo and Monday. from the state Senate floor in June. “And
Dromm, not only interacted with community mem‑ The law, which was signed by Gov. every one of these individuals, whether
bers that had lined up to get food, but also got a Andrew Cuomo in June, expands the forms theyʼre documented or not, are New
first‑hand account of the entire operation, as they of identification that can be used by appli‑ Yorkers.” The law comes into force after a
joined SACSS staff and volunteers in distributing cants to obtain a driverʼs license in the last‑minute legal challenge brought by the
the food. The South Asian Food Pantry opened its state, including foreign passports and a Rensselaer County Clerk was thrown out
doors in July 2016, giving out food to about 25 to
The Council Members also got a first‑hand foreign driverʼs license. Unless required for by a federal court judge Friday. “The Green
account of the entire operation
30 clients every week. Today it has grown to serve federal ID purposes, the law also stipulates Light law is legal and enforceable, and two
over 5, 970 individuals – annually, with 350 fami‑ the borough of Queens. Many pantry recipients are that “the commissioner, and any agent or separate federal courts have now already
lies getting food every week. The pantry is unique immigrants isolated in their homes or communities, employee of the commissioner, shall not dismissed the meritless claims of two
because it serves healthy vegetarian food which have low education levels, and high unemployment disclose or make accessible in any manner county clerks,” New York Attorney General
suits the palate as well as religious beliefs of our rates – all of which intensifies their poverty and records of information that he or she main‑ Letitia James said in a statement Friday,
clients – particularly Hindus, Jains and Muslim risk for poor nutrition. Sudha Acharya, Executive tains, to any agency that primarily referencing challenges to the law.
clients. Open every Friday from 10:30 to 2:00 PM, Director – SACSS, thanked the council members for enforces immigration law or to any “Beginning Monday, the law will help
the pantry is also client choice this gives clients the their continued support to the pantry and to the employee or agent of such agency, unless make our roads safer, our economy
freedom to choose their own food which they can organization. Acknowledging the diversity of the the commissioner is presented with a law‑ stronger, and will allow immigrants to
use to make meals that match their personal clientele that is served by SACSS, council member ful court order or judicial warrant.” come out of the shadows to sign up as
dietary preferences. This program serves low‑ Koo expressed that SACSS is one of the “most suc‑ At the time of its adoption, the law was legal drivers in our state,” she said. “I am
income and underserved South Asian and other cessful, inclusive and much‑needed social service heralded by supporters as a way to allow disappointed, and hopefully, this is only a
immigrants in NYC – with particular emphasis on organization” in Queens. undocumented immigrants a way to live 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:
New York: “When Indiaʼs prime min‑
Indian‑American
ister, Narendra Modi, ran for the top
entrepreneur and phi‑
job five years ago, he promised
lanthropist Krishna
development but what he has deliv‑
Bansal will run for the
ered us is a mismanaged economy,”
US House of
said Mohinder Sing h Gilzian,
Representatives.
President of the Indian Overseas
Bansal, who w ill
Congress, USA who was addressing
enter the race from
the crowd which has gathered in
11th Congressional
front of the Indian Consulate in New
District of Illinois
York on December 14th to protest
from the Republican
Krishna Bansal Narendra Modi Governmentʼs eco‑
Party, launched his
nomic policies as part of joint
campaign over the weekend, American dream real...for all of
protest called by the All India
which among others was us," Bansal said.
Congress Committee. “Under the
attended by more than 20 He said his major policy
Modi Government, the unemploy‑
e lected of ficials, eminent issues are free enterprise, fis‑
ment has reached a 45 year high
Indian‑American leaders and cal discipline, family values
with increasing suicides among the
community members of his and firm foreign policy.
farmers and rising inflation, it is
constituency. Former Naperville State Rep.
apparent that Modiʼs governance IOC members gathered in front of the Indian Consulate
"I am running for Congress and 2018 Illinois State
has brought the country to econom‑
because I love our country. I Comptroller Republican nomi‑ thereby putting the banks and its economy but also its democracy.”
ic stagnation and to the brink of
will promote and defend her nee Darlene Senger, said that depositors at risk. “Modi govern‑ Rajender Dichpally, general secre‑
paralysis,” Gilzian added.
against the threats from social‑ this was a winnable race for ment is busy diverting attention tary, decried the governmentʼs apa‑
About 150 people mostly belong‑
ism, career politicians, and out Bansal. away from the real issues that affect thy in addressing youth unemploy‑
ing to IOC, USA gathered in front of
of control taxes and spending," Senger, who is also the co‑ the people but rather engaged in ment in India. “With over 8% unem‑
the Consulate for this protest rally
Bansal, who is from Chicago chair of the campaign, noted promoting a divisive and polarizing ployment and rising, Modi has bro‑
and shouted slogans like ʻModi
metropolitan area, said that Bansal would win as he agenda to create a majority vote ken his promise to the young people
Hatao, Bharat Bachao” and displayed
announcing his Congressional earned over 47 per cent five bank to retain power,” Abraham of creating 2 crores jobs a year,”
slogans like “farmers are dying, and
campaign for the elections to years ago against Democratic added. Harbachan Singh, secretary‑ Dichpally added.
Modi is flying”, “Save secularism and
be held next November. incumbent Bill Foster. general lamented the sharp decline Gurmit Gill Mulapur, president of
Save India” and “save democracy."
"I believe in this great nation, Republican Nat ional of the Indian economy and said, the Punjab chapter spoke about the
George Abraham, vice‑chairman of
its values and its constitution Committeewoman Demetra “Factories are slowing down and declining prices of real estate in
the IOC, USA, spoke about the deteri‑
in the ent irety. T his g reat De Monte announced to with GDP in a free fall to 4.5% at this India and added that the second gen‑
orating economic conditions where
nat ion has g iven me a lot, endorse him, praising his busi‑ point, the employment situation for eration Indians are increasingly
Modiʼs crony capitalistic policies
made my dream real. Now I ness acumen, community serv‑ the young people looks rather dim, afraid to travel to India because of
have contributed to the highest level
want to work to keep this ice and leadership skills. 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 Murthy – clinching 36,693 votes, marking
both the Conservative and Labour parties a majority for the Tories of 27,210. Alok London: Over 2,000 academics, including emi‑
registered strong results in the UKʼs gen‑ Sharma, the former international develop‑ nent professors, on Monday petitioned home
eral election, with around a dozen MPs ment minister, polled 24,393 votes to win secretary Priti Patel to reconsider the Home
retaining their seats alongside some new from Reading West. Shailesh Vara won his Of fice decision to reject permission to Asiya
faces. Prime Minister Boris Johnson North West Cambridgeshire seat with a Islam, an award‑winning Indian sociologist at
clinched an emphatic victory in last solid majority of 25,983, polling 40,307 Cambridge, to continue her stay in the country.
Thursdayʼs election, setting the UK on votes and Goan‑origin Suella Braverman Islam, who won the Zakir Hussain Medal for
course for an exit from the European clinched Fareham with 36,459 votes, reg‑ Academic Excellence at the Aligarh Muslim
Union (EU) in the New Year. All the istering a majority of 26,086. University, was denied the status of indefinite
Indian‑origin MPs from the previous Navendru Mishra bagged 21,695 votes stay on the ground that she spent a period in
Parliament were successful in clinching to clinch the Stockport seat and become a New Delhi as part of her PhD research, which
their seats, with Gagan Mohindra and first‑time MP for the party. Preet Kaur went beyond the permissible number of days.
Claire Coutinho for the Conservative Gill, who had made history in the last elec‑ However, the petition signed by the academics
Party and Navendru Mishra for Labor tion as the first British Sikh female MP, points out that under guidelines published on
among the first‑timers. was re‑e lected from Birmingham October 1, 2019, the time abroad can be waived
“Time to Get Brexit Done and get on Edgbaston with 21,217 votes. Tanmanjeet for Tier 2 visa holders in Ph.D. level occupations
Asiya Islam
with investing in our schools, hospitals, Singh Dhesi, the first turbaned Sikh MP, when they are absent from the UK for research (Image courtesy: nytimes.com)
and police to keep our streets safe,” said will also return to the Commons with an purposes. Islam completed her Ph.D. titled
Goan‑origin Coutinho, in reference to the impressive 13,640 majority, having polled ʻGender, Class, and Labour in the New Economy the Home Office refusing international academ‑
central Conservative Party message which 29,421 votes from Slough in south‑east of Urban Indiaʼ from the University of Cambridge ics permission to stay, among those of others,
clearly resonated with the voters in the England and beating Tory Indian‑origin and won a junior research fe llowship at reinforcing the perception that despite claims
polls. She won the Surrey East Tory‑held rival Kanwal Toor Gill. Newnham College. She undertook fieldwork in that Britain welcomes talent from across the
seat polling 35,624 votes, with an impres‑ Veteran MP Virendra Sharma, who had New Delhi between July 2016 and June 2017. globe, the reality is different.
sive majority of 24,040 for the party. been under pressure by forces within his The petition says: “Her individual case is dis‑ Islam tweeted: “Letʼs hold our elected govt to
Mohindra also won his Hertfordshire own party, had a comfortable win from tressing, but it also sends a foreboding signal account. Today Iʼve sent the open letter with
South West seat decisively with 30,327 Ealing Southall with 25,678 votes. The that despite policy changes to protect Tier 2 2000+ signatures, inc 183 eminent profs, to
votes and a majority of 14,408. others holding on to their seats included researchers, UK universities will continue to lose @patel4witham calling for reconsideration of my
T he other Tories to return to the Lisa Nandy who won Wigan with 21,042 the talented PhD researchers that they have case. Will the @ukhomeoffice take notice or con‑
Commons with comfortable wins include votes and Seema Malhotra clinched invested years in training.” tinue #HostileEnvironment against us?”
Priti Patel, the former UK home secretary Feltham and Heston with 24,876 votes. “The UK academic communityʼs global compet‑ A spokesperson for Newnham College,
who is likely to remain in Johnsonʼs top Valerie Vaz, the sister of scandal‑hit for‑ itiveness suf fers from the loss of the valuable Cambridge, said: “Without talented academics
team in the new Cabinet as well. mer MP Keith Vaz who had stepped down fieldwork data and expertise, grant funding, and like Islam, the University of Cambridge would
Her fellow Cabinet colleagues in the ahead of the election, held on to her international research profiles brought in by not be a global leader in research. Dr. Asiya Islam
previous Johnson‑led government also Walsall South seat with 20,872 votes, non‑EU postgraduates transitioning to staff posi‑ is a highly valued member of the research com‑
had a good night, with Rishi Sunak – the beating Indian‑origin Tory candidate tions at UK universities”. Islamʼs case has also munity at Newnham College and the University
son‑in‑law of Infosys co‑founder Narayana Gurjit Bains. (PTI) 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 protests in London
London: Kerala‑born NRI entrepre‑ against citizenship law
neur MA Yusuff Ali's LuLu Group
Guwahati, Assam: People of with slogans like ''No CAB'',
has completed investments of
the Assamese community in ''We oppose CAB'', ''Stop CAA''
£300 million in the UK with the
London were joined by other written on them.
launch of its new Great Scotland
Indians to protest against the "All Assamese are united
Yard Hotel in London, within the
amended Citizenship Act out‑ against the law and we are
premises of the old headquarters
side the Indian High also in solidarity with them.
of the Metropolitan Police.
Commission. We cannot accept a law that
T he group had acquired the
Demanding revocation of threatens our language and
property, in the heart of London's
Great Scotland Yard Hotel was let open following a the law, they held a protest culture," said an Assamese
W hitehall area near Trafalgar
formal ribbon‑cutting ceremony gathering against the Act that research student of London
Square and Downing Street, in
threatens the linguistic and School of Economics (LSE).
2015 for Rs 1,025 crore and fur‑ vibrant history, its several cele‑ leashing Britain's potential' and
cultural identity of the AASU chief advisor Samujjal
ther invested Rs 512 crore brated aspects and its status as a here, it is this building's potential
Assamese people in Assam, Bhattacharya and general sec‑
towards its makeover into a luxury global melting pot. In essence, we 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
hotel. The boutique of fering has have curated an unmatched experi‑ become a very important part of
nent face in the diaspora in thanked the Assamese com‑
been created by LuLu's hospitality ence for every guest while recreat‑ London," said Morgan.
London, told PTI. munity in London for raising
investment arm, Twenty14 ing the historic premises into a Her fe llow Cabinet member,
"We hope to raise awareness awareness against the law.
Holdings, which says it has chosen symbol of ultimate hospitality and investment minister Graham
against the law at the global "We are grateful to the
a décor that stays true to the icon‑ a landmark hotel in London," he Stuart, hailed the "fantastic invest‑
platform and also show soli‑ Assamese community in
ic building's Edwardian and said. ment on an iconic site" as a sign of
darity with friends and fami‑ London for registering their
Victorian architecture and is an The hotel, where room tarif fs the UK's attraction as an invest‑
lies back home," he said. protest against the law and we
ode to his history. start at £430 a night had its offi‑ ment destination.
University students and pro‑ urge our brothers and sisters
"London is one of the world's cial launch on Dec 5th with a for‑ The Great Scotland Yard building
fessionals participated in the in other countries as well to
g reatest cit ies and the Great mal ribbon‑cutting by UK secretary was once used as a dwelling for
protest that was held on raise their voice," Gogoi told
Scotland Yard Hotel represents its of state for digital, culture, media visiting kings of Scotland during
Saturday and was organized PTI.
illustrious past as well as its mod‑ and sport Nicky Morgan and the 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
ern significance," said Yusuf f Ali, Indian high commissioner to the tury England. It then went on to
in UK.'' staged by the Assamese com‑
the UAE‑based chairman and man‑ UK, Ruchi Ghanashyam, among become the headquarters of the
The protestors carried ''g‑ munity in dif ferent parts of
ag ing director of LuLu Group others. Metropolitan Police Service in
amosas'', the white and red the country, including Delhi,
International. "One of the government's London until it was sold a few
cotton hand‑woven towe l, Mumbai and Pune.
"The hotel spotlights the city's straplines in this election is 'un‑ years ago. (PTI)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL December 21-27, 2019 9

Why the US should support Indiaʼs claim in

Kashmir over those of Pakistan and China
By Rep. Francis Rooney ly as China rises, Pakistan remains in tur‑ one‑third of Kashmir. Despite several between Pakistan and India will survive.
(R-Fla.) moil and India exerts itself, opposing the United Nations Security Council meetings, Both Pakistan and China have vested inter‑
expanding influence of China. India is an no international solution has been agreed ests in challenging India. Pakistan sees
important ally of the United States and we upon. T he international community̶ India as an existential enemy and China
should support its position in Kashmir. including the United States, India, and perceives India as a primary geopolitical
Kashmir has been in dispute since 1947. Pakistan̶have supported a bilateral solu‑ competitor. On the other hand, India has
Numerous wars have been fought in the tion. increased its authority over Jammu and
last seven decades̶four between India and Nonetheless, with the assistance of China, Kashmir, despite its autonomous adminis‑
Pakistan, the latest in 1999. There have Pakistan continues to internationalize the trative status, with the repeal of Article 370
also been several smaller skirmishes issue of Kashmir and to challenge Indiaʼs of the Indian Constitution which would
between India and Pakistan, most recently claims. Their objective is to change the make all aspects of the Constitution appli‑
in February of 2019. While India has gen‑ international perspective of the dispute. cable to Jammu and Kashmir. As long as
erally prevailed against Pakistan, a war Pakistan consistently supports radical the Indian government respects the rights
between China and India in 1962 left China Islamic militant groups in Kashmir that rou‑ of minorities in the region, we should sup‑
with a small piece of territory in Kashmir. tinely attack Indian interests there. In port the repeal of Article 370 and the fur‑
Since this time, China has had a role in the Afghanistan, Pakistan has articulated the ther incorporation of Jammu and Kashmir
dispute, often aligning with Pakistan. desire for a peaceful solution but turns a with the Indian state.
Of the three claimants in Kashmir, Indiaʼs blind eye to terrorist groups seeking safe‑ India is the most credible claimant in
claim is the most credible. After the end of haven in the tribal areas of Northwest Kashmir and is in the best position to

T
he decades‑long dispute between British rule, in the 1950s, Jammu and Pakistan. Accordingly, it is dif ficult to accomplish a political solution to the dis‑
India and Pakistan in Kashmir has Kashmir̶approximately two‑thirds of accept Pakistan as a genuine partner for pute. The international community has lim‑
created a regional environment char‑ Kashmir̶acceded to join India. The state peace and a goo d‑faith negot iator in ited ef ficacy here. Further, India will
acterized by perpetual tension and instabil‑ was awarded a special administrative sta‑ Kashmir. In 2007, a comprehensive peace remain a critical strategic ally in the Indo‑
ity. India, Pakistan, and China̶all nuclear tus, af fording it autonomy over internal plan in Kashmir was ag reed to unt il Pacific region as we confront an ascendant
states̶have claims in various areas of administrative decisions. Over the years, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf inter‑ China. For these reasons, we should sup‑
Kashmir. The international community, the Jammu and Kashmir state government vened to stop it. port Indiaʼs claim in Kashmir over those of
including the United States, has taken a has increasingly aligned with the Indian T he ongoing dispute has prevented Pakistan and China.
neutral position and has left the issue of central government. regional peace and stability, and the possi‑ Rooney represents Floridaʼs 19th District
Kashmir to be solved bilaterally between Pakistan has re jected Jammu and bility of conflict is st ill hig h. As the and is a member of the Foreign Affairs
India and Pakistan. Unfortunately, the Kashmirʼs alignment with the Indian gov‑ Pakistan‑Chinese alliance becomes stronger Committee.
geopolitics of the region is changing rapid‑ ernment and has come to control about there is no guarantee that the status quo (Courtesy: The Hill)
 10 December 21-27, 2019 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Trump tops all Democratic Senior lawmaker urges

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

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 INDIA NEWS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Government clarifies as CAA stir intensifies across India

New Delhi: With the anti‑CAA stir dency period of six years. For home lands when condit ions
gaining intensity across the coun‑ other foreigners, this period is improve there. India is not a sig‑
try, the government has once twelve years." natory to the UN Convention of
again clarified on the Citizenship On question of "doesn't India 1951 and the UN Protocol of
Amendment Act (CAA) and the have an obligation under the UN 1967 on Refugees. Secondly, India
clarification has been loaded in to take care of refugees", the gov‑ is under no obligation to of fer
question answer format on the ernment replied yes, it does. "And such migrants its citizenship. Each
of ficial Twitter account of the it is not shying away from it. country including India has its
Press Information Bureau (PIB). There are more than two lakh Sri own rules for naturalization.
T he PIB made clarifications Lankan Tamils and Tibetans in Meanwhile, a total of 47 compa‑
while responding to nine ques‑ India and more than fifteen thou‑ nies of paramilitary forces, espe‑
tions. In the statement, the gov‑ sand Afghans, 20‑25 thousand cially from Central Reserve Police
ernment said that no deportation Rohingayas and a few thousand Force (CRPF) were deployed
has been done in Assam also until other refugees of different nation‑ across the city to assist the Delhi
the foreigners tribunal gives it alities presently live in India. It is Police to manage demonstrations
A protest march underway against the Citizenship
final order. Amendment Act (CAA) in Kolkata. (Photo: IANS) expected that someday these ag ainst the Cit izenship
The statement from the govern‑ refugees will return to their home‑ Amendment Act and National
ment says that "The CAA has not migrants ‑‑ including the minority incomplete or no documents or lands when conditions improve Register of Citizens (NRC).
stopped any foreigners of any communities from three countries their documents have expired and there. Indian is not a signatory to Describing the three‑day ban on
country from applying for Indian ‑‑ were, are and will continue to be they have taken shelter in India the UN Convention of 1951 and staging protest marches or sit‑in
Citizenship under The Citizenship eligible to apply for Indian citizen‑ because of persecut ion on the UN Proto col of 1967 on demonstrations ('dharna') against
Act, 1955. Baluchis, Ahmediyas & ship if they fulfil the qualifications g rounds of re lig ion up to Refugees. Secondly, India is under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act
Rohingayas can always apply to laid down in The Citizenship Act, December 2014. They have been no oblig at ion to of fer such (CAA) as draconian, newly‑elected
become Indian citizens as and 1955. "The CAA has not changed excluded from the definition of migrants its citizenship. Each Cong ress leg islator Rizwan
when they fulfill the qualifications this situation whatsoever. Only "illeg al mig rants" in T he country including India has its Arshad from Beng aluru con‑
provided in the relevant sections some migrants from the aforesaid Citizenship Act, 1955. Unlike own rules for naturalization." demned the ruling BJP govern‑
of The Citizenship Act, 1955 ". communities and countries will other foreigners, they are eligible "It is expected that someday ment for snatching away the citi‑
The statement said that all legal benefit from the CAA if they have to get citizenship after a total resi‑ these refugees will return to their zens' democratic right to dissent.

Douse flames, don't Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti’s next

Mahatma Gandhi seminar in Raipur
set country afire: Raipur: The Chhattisgarh govern‑
ment was set to inaugurate

Mamata to Shah 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‑ Acharya Lokeshji with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.
ple living in different parts of the
country. This is not only a histori‑ Anusuiya Uikey and Chie f grams being organized by the
cal step but will play an important Minister Bhupesh Baghel were Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti organisa‑
role in nation building also,” he scheduled to inaugurate the semi‑ tion on the 150th birth anniver‑
West Bengal Chief Minister accompanied by MPs said in a statement. nar. President Ram Nath Kovind sary of Mahatma Gandhi, in Delhi
during the party's protest march in Kolkata. Chhatt isg arh Governor inaugurated a series of 25 pro‑ on September 26.
Kolkata: Assailing Union Home Tripura, De lhi, Punjab, UP,
Minister Amit Shah for his com‑ Rajasthan are burning, "Why are
ment that Aadhaar was not a proof
of citizenship, West Bengal Chief
Minister Mamata Banerjee on
you saying hogaya hogaya (CAB
and NRC will be executed)."
"Why is the home minister of the
Bollywood mourns demise
Wednesday asked him why was it
then linked to bank accounts, voter
IDs and mobile phones and said it
country openly saying Aadhaar
card will not do? Then why did you
make the Aadhaar cards, spent Rs
of Dr Shriram Lagoo
was his duty to "douse flames" 6,000 crore on it? Is the cat out of Mumbai: Bollywood celebrities He had a retired life in Pune. Love
rather than "set the country afire". the bag now? I want clarification took to social media to mourn the you Dr. Sahab."
"I will appeal to the home min‑ from you. As a citizen of the coun‑ demise of veteran film and theater Veteran actor Paresh Rawal
ster, please consider. You are the try it is my prerogative, right to ask actor Dr Shriram Lagoo, who wrote: "Truly a GREAT theatre
country's home minster, not a BJP you," she said at Dorina crossing in passed away on Tuesday evening. actor Dr Shreeram Lagoo Saab is
leader. It is not your job to set the central Kolkata. He has acted in several Hindi films no more. AUM Shanti."
country afire. It is your job to douse "I will appeal to my home minis‑ part from being a popular icon of Dr Lagoo is best known for his
flames in the country. I appeal to ter of the country, please control Marathi stage and cinema. roles in Bollywood movies like "Ek
you w ith folded hands," the your party and control the county. Remembering Dr Lagoo, Rishi Din Achanak", "Laawaris",
Trinamool Congress chief said at a You are not only a BJP leader, you Kapoor tweeted: "R I P. One of the Late Dr Shriram Lagoo. "Gharonda" and "Muqaddar Ka
meeting opposing the new citizen‑ are the country's home minister. most natural spontaneous actors, Sikandar" apart from Marathi plays
Dr. Shreeram Lagoo sahab leaves Unfortunately never got to work like "Natsamrat" and "Himalayachi
ship law. See that peace is maintained," she
us. Did several films way back. with him in the past 25/30 years. Saoli".
Banerjee said when Assam, said.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA NEWS December 21-27, 2019 13

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
Bengaluru: Global software
Bombay House, the Tata Group's
major Infosys said it reached an
headquarters here, reignited after
out‑of‑court settlement for
the Nat ional Company Law
$800,000 (Rs 5.7 crore) with the
Appe llate Tribunal (NCLAT )
California Attorney General on
restored Cyrus Mistry as
charges related to the alleged
Executive Chairman of Tata Sons,
violation of B‑1 visa rules by it to
three‑years after he was ousted.
its techies.
It also held illegal appointment
"Our agreement concludes the
of Natarajan Chandrasekaran as
California Attorney General's
Executive Chairman.
investigation into the allegations
Tata Group companies holding
related to the payment of state
firm, Tata Sons, said it would take Infosys was charged with alleged
payroll taxes for some employees
appropriate legal recourse over violation of B‑1 visa rules.
travelling on B‑1 visas dating
the NCLAT decision. "Tata Sons
back to 2006," Infosys Company Secretary also require employers to pay workers at
has received and is analyzing the Cyrus Mistry was appointed as the sixth A.G.S. Manikantha said in a regulatory fil‑ the local prevailing wage," said Becerra in
order of the NCLAT," said Tata chairman of Tata Group in 2012. ing on the BSE. a statement sourced by IANS here. The set‑
Sons in a statement and added,
California Attorney General Xavier tlement will result in the case being dis‑
"Tata Sons strong ly be lieves in the Tata Sons without warning or reason
Becerra said from Sacramento that Infosys missed with prejudice and was reached to
strength of its case and will take appropri‑ removed me, first as the Execut ive
would pay the western state $800,000 to avoid time, expense and distraction of pro‑
ate legal recourse." Chairman, and subsequently as a Director
resolve the charges that the Indian IT firm tracted litigation on the charges against
After removing Mistry, the board had of Tata Sons."
and its subsidiary (Infosys BPM Ltd) had the city‑based IT behemoth.
appointed Ratan Tata the interim Mistry was appointed as the sixth chair‑
employed about 500 techies in California "We dispute the allegations and admit to
Chairman. Mistry, in a statement after the man of Tata Group in 2012 but ousted fol‑
on B‑1 visas rather than H‑1B visas no wrong‑doing in the case," asserted the
order, said, "Today's judgment is not a per‑ lowing a boardroom coup on October 24,
between 2006 and 2017. "This misclassifi‑ $11‑billion outsourcing firm.
sonal victory for me, but is a victory for the 2016. He subsequently moved the NCLT's
cat ion resulted in Infosys avoiding The company, however, declined to con‑
principles of good governance and minori‑ Mumbai Bench.
California payroll taxes such as unemploy‑ firm to IANS the amount it paid, including
ty shareholder rights. The Mistry family is the single largest
ment insurance, disability insurance and taxes and penalty, if any, to settle the visa
"The outcome of the appeal is a vindica‑ shareholder in Tata Sons, with over 18 per
employment training taxes. H‑1B visas fraud case out‑of‑court.
tion of my stand when the then board of cent stake.

Andhra Pradesh may have Indian diplomat rebuts Imran

three capitals: Jagan Khan's rhetoric in Geneva
New Delhi: India strongly rejected
Amaravati: Ending the uncertainty over
the "unwarranted and gratuitous
future of Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh
comments" made by Pakistan's
capital, Chie f Minister Y. S. Jag an
Prime Minister Imran Khan about
Mohan Reddy said the state may have
India's internal affairs at the first
three capitals with executive and judi‑
global refugee forum in Geneva.
cial capitals coming up in
Khan has been trave lling
Visakhaptnam and Kurnool respective‑
around the world speaking about
ly.
Kashmir since August this year
He said while the legislative capital
when India revoked the special
may continue to function from
status of Jammu and Kashmir
Amaravati, the coastal city of
state.
Visakhapatnam may be made the exec‑
Lately, he has been also com‑
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
plaining about the Citizenship
developed as the judicial capital. He
Amendment Act of India. Indian
told State Legislative Assembly that the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
state needs to have innovative thinking
however, has chosen to ignore
to ensure decentralization.
Prime Minister Khan's hostile
"Decentralization is the real concept. Rajiv Chander, Indiaʼs permanent
rhetoric. Instead, Khan's commen‑
We should also change. Countries like representative to the UN.
Andhra Pradesh CM tary has been rebutted only by
South Africa have three capitals. We
Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Indian diplomats at all international plat‑ champion of human rights, he said recall‑
may also have three capitals."
forms. Ambassador Rajiv Chander, the ing that it has shrunk the size of its own
"Legislative capital may remain here. announcement at the end of the heated
permanent representative of India to the minority community from 23 per cent in
Assembly may function from here. We debate over Amaravati, which saw
UN, while speaking at the forum in 1947 to 3 per cent today by subjecting
m a y h a v e e x ec u t i v e c a p i t a l i n Speaker suspending nine members of
Geneva said Khan's comments only them to draconian blasphemy laws, sys‑
Visakhapatnam. Administration may the opposition Telugu Desam Party
"reflected visceral and pathological preju‑ tematic persecution, blatant abuse and
work from there. Kurnool may have (TDP) for stalling the proceedings.
dice against India in addition to being dis‑ forced conversions.
judicial capital. High Court may be Ever since YSRCP came to power in
respectful of the mandate of the UNHCR The Ambassador further said that India
located there," he said. May, the fate of Amaravati was hang‑
and the spirit of the compact." was dealing w ith resultant problem
Legislators of ruling YSR Congress ing in balance as the new government
T his, he said, was based on a poor through democracy and due process, con‑
Party (YSRCP) hailed the chief minis‑ had put all the works on hold, citing
understanding of the responsibility of co‑ cepts which are alien to Pakistan. Citizens
ter's announcement with the thumping irregularities in development of the
convenership which is to mobilize political of India, he said, do not need anyone else
of desks and slogans of 'Jai Jagan'. capital during TDP rule.
support, not politicize, and make a call for to speak on their behalf, "least of those
Reddy said a final decision in this A brainchild of then chief minister N.
party partnership, not partisanship. who have built an industry out of terror‑
regard would be taken by expert's com‑ Chandrababu Naidu, Amaravati's
It is another dismal attempt by Pakistan ism from the ideology of hate.
mittee constituted by the state govern‑ design was prepared by Singapore gov‑
to interfere in the internal affairs of India "It would serve Prime Minister Khan and
ment. The panel is seeking opinion of ernment. He had planned to develop
to present an alarmist situation of the his country well if he focuses on the wel‑
people from all the regions. the city on the banks of Krishna river
region and abuse international fora. fare of his own people and country," he
T h e ch i e f m i n i s t e r m a d e t h e as a world‑class city.
Describing Pakistan as a self‑proclaimed advised.
 14 December 21-27, 2019 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info

India rescues persecuted Hindus with Citizenship Act

By DC Pathak the elected political executive did ing on Assam and the North‑East
not carry a denominational stamp where illeg al mig rat ion of

T
he alacrity w ith which and the state provided same Muslims mainly from Bangladesh
Union Home Minister Amit development and legal protection ‑‑ prompted by economic reasons ‑
Shah has pushed the new to all. The opposition coined the ‑ had been a known problem.
Cit izenship Amendment Bill term 'majoritarianism' to imply Home Minister Amit Shah, while
throug h the two Houses of that a democratic governance in a presenting the Bill, made two
Parliament reflects the determina‑ Hindu majority country would not politically clinical points: that an
tion of the Modi regime to imple‑ be able to safeguard the minori‑ Islamic State does not have a
ment its larger national agenda in ties. It is because of this pre‑occu‑ Muslim minority and that there
its current tenure ‑‑ unfazed by pation with minority politics that has to be a dif ference made
the ramblings of a disparate oppo‑ in the years before the advent of between 'refugees' and 'infil‑
sition. For decades, this country the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trants'. However, it can also not be
witnessed a polity of permissive regime, the government followed denied that both had to receive
corruption, majority‑minority a warped policy on strategically humane treatment and care till,
divide and unwillingness to deal important issues like Pakistan, after identification, they were
with the lingering problems of Kashmir and illegal migrations. either g ranted cit izenship or
Kashmir, illegal migrants and With the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the government will The debate in Parliament on deported. In this interregnum
faith‑based militancy. ensure the long persecuted Hindu minority of Pakistan, CAB has seen the opposition led they would not be eligible for vot‑
After adopting an unambiguous Bangladesh and Afghanistan would be granted membership by the Congress taking a stand ing.
of this country on a preferential basis. that it might regret in the days to T hese issues re lated to the
policy towards Pakistan that ruled
out talks with this roguish neigh‑ Bangladesh and Afghanistan driv‑ and the inhibitive, lackluster and come. The Congress narrative, Nat ional Reg ister of Cit izens
bor ‑‑ unless it stopped cross‑bor‑ en to taking she lter in India, ambiguity‑ridden approaches of branding the Indian action and (NRC) may become the subject
der terrorism against India ‑‑ and would be granted membership of the earlier regimes would not go not the doings of the neighboring matter of an acrimonious debate
getting Article 370 abrogated this country on a preferential unnoticed by the observant citi‑ Islamic states as 'communal', but the CAB's objective stands on
through an Act of Parliament to basis. Interestingly, all these path‑ zens of this country. beats logic but more than that it its own as an unexceptional initia‑
pave the way for the Center to breaking policy measures of India T he Cong ress leadership makes the Congress look totally tive of Indian democracy ‑‑ that
take direct responsibility for the are likely to continue receiving a shunned recognizing the fact of heartless towards the suffering of also happened to be the home of
development and security of the response of understanding from India being a Hindu majority the Hindus and exposes its blind Hindus. Domestic politics here
crucial border state, the govern‑ the world community even as they nation and forgot that in a democ‑ pro‑Muslim politics ‑‑ considering should steer clear of communal
ment has now made a bold came in for criticism from sec‑ racy run on the principle of 'one the fact that it is the Muslim lead‑ tracks and the Ulema and the elite
announcement through the CAA tions of the opposition at home. man one vote', the demographic ership in this country that prima‑ guiding the community should try
that members of the long perse‑ The contrast between the fast distribution of communities did rily took offence to the legislation. to keep it that way in the interest
cuted Hindu minority of Pakistan, moving ways of this government not af fect any citizen so long as No doubt the matter has a bear‑ of our democracy.

We waited for a contest in

Britain, we got a massacre
By Saeed Naqvi munity he mentions are Jews. some of it sank in. Of course,
"T hrough this campaign, our Johnson's message was simpler:

T
he evening began disas‑ Jewish citizens have been living in "Get Brexit done."
trously not only because fear." Then a Churchillian pause: What the mainstream media
Boris Johnson won by a "No longer will Jews live in fear," will keep mum about, alternatives
landslide but because our host, he thundered. Why this outburst? like London Economic, a digital
Lord Meghnad Desai, could not There is a background to this newspaper, publishes and with
cook us a meal, having hurt his inexplicable intervent ion. increasing credibility. The news
right hand (it is in plaster); our Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, former portal exposed that one of
collective viewing of the election Co‑Chair of the Conservative Britain's leading barristers, Jolyon
results was thrown into further Party has been fairly regular in Maughan QC, director of Good
disarray because his TV burnt complaining that "anti Muslim" Law Project, alleged that the BBC
out. Inexhaustibly stocked row of prejudice had "poisoned" the indulged in showing "coded nega‑
three re frigerators came in party. The principal "culprits" in tive imagery" of Labour leader
handy: smoked salmon, Italian her line of fire were Boris Jeremy Corbyn since his election
bread and pizzas. At 10 pm he Johnson, Michael Gove and Zac in 2015. It is universally pro‑
The polls gave Boris Johnson the biggest victory since Margaret Goldsmith. Gove's generosity of claimed that Johnson, lies, fiddles
switched on his iPad. Exit polls
Thatcher in 1987. That has the minorities in the country worried.
had given Boris the biggest victo‑ expression in favour of Jews, at expense accounts, is seen at
ry since Margaret Thatcher in surveys the rise of anti migrant, lic platform in Warsaw. the moment of Tory triumph, is European airports in a daze after
1987. T he very first to greet anti semitic parties from Victor The Warsaw incident came to designed to send a message to the late night parties but he remains
Johnson has been Donald Trump, Orban of Hungary to leaders in mind as soon as I saw Tory leader Warsis in the party: like it or the darling of the electorate, as
his business cohorts smacking Austria, Germany, Poland ‑‑ it is a Michael Gove appear behind the lump it. How can the Tories have result 2019 has shown. Another
their lips at the prospect of a bur‑ depressing list. In the presence of microphones at the Tory head‑ forgotten Gove's brazenly anti London Economic analysis shows
geoning Anglo Saxon club, partic‑ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, quarters to prime up the mood Muslim book Celsius 7/7 pub‑ that people generally have anoth‑
ularly now that France's Benjamin Netanyahu and others, before Boris Johnson made his lished in 2006? Corbyn was bat‑ er perspective when presented
Emmanuel Macron is thumbing the Israe li Foreign Minister first appearance after the historic tered and bruised not only with policy options but the very
his nose at Trump's America. And Yisrael Katz accused the Polish victory. It was the sort of time in through this campaign but over same people vote in a completely
Macron is not alone. leadership of antisemitism in the morning when people want the years as a "danger to Britain", different direction. Why? Because
It would be irresponsible to almost abusive language: "Poles bed tea. Suddenly, a stern looking "traitor" a friend of Hugo Chavez, the media is bombarding the
describe Johnson as closet fascist suckle anti‑Semitism from their Gove is brought slowly into focus. Fidel Castro and other "devilish" voter with high level, right wing
but his friend Farage is. If one mother's milk." This, from a pub‑ And, lo and behold, the only com‑ characters. By sheer incantation, propaganda.

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
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.

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 16 December 21-27, 2019 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Buy a product because a star endorses it!

By Vinod Mirani Vicko Vajradanti, Nerolac, MDH, to "Deewaar" to "Trishul". Fine, he
Fevicol, Lifebuoy soap and many has tried to mingle and prove him‑

R
emember the first Liril such. self to be just another normal
soap ad? Few who have Today, you find very few catchy human being, an aam aadmi like
lived through the 1980s ads. rest of us, through "Kaun Banega
would forget it. The legend with There was an anti‑smoking ad, Crorepati" and these ads. But, his
the ad read: ʻCome Alive With which has no record on net, from image is still larger than life for the
Freshness. And just about every‑ the eighties or so ‑ something like endorsements he does.
thing, from props to the accompa‑ feeling like a man! There was this There is a joke on Amitabh
nying jingle to the model, comple‑ young lad who starts to smoke. He Bachchan who endorses Muthoot
mented the caption. However, the thinks he is now a man, grown up. Finance as well as Kalyan
best thing about the ad was its His girlfriend admires him for Jewellers. On the Kalyan ad, he
model, Karen Lunel. smoking, too. In the end, he is a advises you buy gold while on
Most of all, the Liril ad had what sick man coughing and awaiting Muthoot ad, he suggests you
they called ‑ and it used to be the his ultimate demise; there is no one release your blocked cash by mort‑
watchword of the advertising around, no girlfriend. That, I would gaging your gold! Which ad does
industry ‑ a Recall Value, which has rate as the best anti‑smoking ad one take seriously?
been everlasting in the case of that ever and needs to be recalled. There are often controversies
ad. That was the era when ads cre‑ Social message ads were not as when a brand advertise an actor
Amitabh Bachchan endorsing a Muthoot Finance ad. prevalent as they are today. This promotes is found to be mislead‑
ated celebrities out of models.
Now, it is the other way around. print is usually at the beginning of along with the jingle. And, some of was a rare one. ing. The government planned a law
The ad‑makers have resorted to a an article or news. For people to them really caught the imagina‑ If the Liril soap ad could prove to by which an actor who is part of
short cut. Go for the celebrities for know the voice or face behind a tion, and have survived on the be evergreen, what is wrong with such a misleading ad would also be
endorsements. And, save for a few radio jingle was impossible. Except same tunes till date after a period the ads today that every top film held responsible and subject to
cricketers like Virat Kohli and for people like Ameen Sayani, few of 30 or more years. The examples star endorses? penalty.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who get could earn fame through radio. So are a plenty. While the Liril soap is Take the example of Amitabh However, though in the pipeline,
the best deals, rest just add to the what made radio ads a hit was the one of them, we have also had Bachchan, who is seen begging for the said law is yet to be passed.
crowd. jingles which, again, carried on to Nirma washing powder, Tinipol, a cola drink from a lesser celebrity, Meanwhile, the very essence of the
In India, people don't even read a the TV. With TV came the newer Amul, Saridon, Vicks Vaporub, Arshad Warsi. Now, that is not the advertising a product, Recall Value,
newspaper article byline which in challenge, that of the visuals to go Vicks cough drops, Kingfisher, Amitabh one knew from "Zanjeer" does not mean a thing anymore.

'Queen': Befitting yet self‑limited Jamaica's Toni‑

homage to Jayalalithaa Ann Singh wins
Miss World crown
By Subhash K. Jha
Review

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
Ramya Krishnan as ʻQueenʼ.
an actress‑turned‑politician named
Shakthi Seshadri. midable 'Amma' are all here in the Throughout she is shown reading
As …errrr, Shakthi, Ramya series, though many of the charac‑ English‑language novels to convey
Krishnan hits the right notes from ter are frightfully freed of nuance. her intellectual superiority to the
the outset. She conveys all the They, nonetheless, constitute a world she inhabits. In fact, know‑
gravitas, dignity and obstinacy of vivid slide‑show into the shadow‑ ingly or not, Shakthi often comes
the original without trying look play of myth and reality exploring across as a snob harboring a bloat‑ Toni‑Ann Singh's father is of Indo‑Caribbean descent.

T
like the lady who lorded over the woman behind the iron mask. ed sense of self that's humorously
he finale of the 2019 Miss Chartered Accountancy. She won
Tamil hearts and minds for The contribution of MG shown to be punctured by director
World beauty contest came the Miss India 2019 contest in
decades. The series has some ter‑ Ramachandran in shaping the des‑ C V Sridhar (played nicely by
to an end with Miss June.
rific moments from the protago‑ tiny and personality of Gautham Menon co‑director of the
Jamaica Toni‑Ann Singh claiming Toni‑Ann Singh, who is born to a
nist's childhood where the trou‑ Jayalalithaa is given substantial series). Elsewhere, when MGR,
the coveted title at a glitzy cere‑ Indo‑Caribbean father, Bradshaw
bled relationship of little Shakthi space. MGR (played by Indrajit now CM of Tamil Nadu, pays
mony in London, where India's Singh, and African‑Caribbean
(played beautifully by Anikha Sukhumaran) here becomes GMR Shakthi a visit she keeps him wait‑
Suman Rao bagged the second mother Jahrine Bailey, was pre‑
Surendran) with her mother is cap‑ (!!!). This vital chunk of the protag‑ ing as she takes her time getting
runner up spot. sented the crown by Vanessa
tured in scenes that convey plenty onist's life is among the weakest in ready. Her languorous walk from
Singh is a 23‑year‑old Ponce, the last year's Miss World
without tripping over its own the plot. her bedroom to the living room is
Psychology and Women's Studies winner from Mexico at the event
eagerness to satiate the audiences' Incidentally, the first time when proof of Madame's growing arro‑
graduate from the Florida state televised live globally.
curiosity about what really hap‑ they get close during the outdoor gance. Or it is an indication of the
university. She was crowned Miss She is the fourth Jamaican con‑
pened in Shakthi's childhood. The shooting, Shakthi is seen reading leisurely space afforded to the
World 2019 on Saturday. While testant to be crowned Miss World.
characters and forces that con‑ John Le Carre (pronounced 'John director on the digital platform?
Suman Rao is a 20‑year‑old from After winning the title, she took to
tributed to the making of the for‑ Le Car' by the Telugu director). We will never know.
Rajasthan, who is pursuing 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 “Our prayer for the evening is for an
at the backdrop of the stage ̶ as the epic night of rock and roll which tran‑
band played their track Ultraviolet. The scends beyond. We come to India as pil‑
names were of Women and Child 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

film on 2019
reports that he is leaving season 13 of house they are not like that at all. It's not as if
the popular reality show "Bigg Boss". they are giving performances, the house
"A part of mine wants to cut that part and makes them like that," he said.
throw it out and the other part wants to keep
it. And the latter is haavi (dominating) on the
The Bollywood superstar has reportedly not
going to host the extended stretch of five Balakot airstrike
N
part that wants to throw it out," Salman told weeks in the latest season owing to health
ational Award‑
"Mumbai Mirror", according to a report in reasons and also professional commitments
winning director
spotboye.com. that he had already been made.
Abhishek Kapoor,
Salman added that hosting 10 of the 13 sea‑ Apart from gearing up for his upcoming
who has helmed hit
sons of the show so far has been a learning release, "Dabangg 3", which is scheduled to
movies like "Kai Po Che!"
experience. "It gets stressful, but I learn a lot. I open on December 20, Salman is busy filming
and "Rock On!!", has
get to know where the country is going, what "Radhe", which he aims to release on Eid
joined hands with pro‑
is happening to values, morals, scruples and 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 CHRISTIANITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

St Maryʼs Cathedral Church, Manarcadu in Kottayam district of Kerala; and a congregation attending a service inside the church.

By Dr. Mathew Joys

SYRIAN CHRISTIANS
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
History down two millenniums
in India is as old as the first centu‑ The Syrian Christians of India trace their origins to the evangelistic activity of Thomas
ry when one of the disciples of
Jesus Christ, Saint Thomas trav‑
the Apostle in the 1st century. Interestingly, the early Christians there had the Indian
elled by sea all the way outside culture and traditions blended with their Christian faith. And now, the liturgical
Roman empire to the port of
Muziris, mo dern‑day language of Kerala Christians is Malayalam. A Christmas Special Feature.
Kodungalloor in Kerala.
St. Thomas preached the gospel ed the spiritual serenity of the aged to divide his world under Malankara Catholic Church have the third largest religious group
and converted many members of locals had been thus far experi‑ Portuguese and Spanish domi‑ originated. in India (after Hindus and
the Brahmin community who encing the Israelite traditions. nance. Pope Nicholas V delegated In 1665, Mar Gregorios Abdul Muslims). Out of this Creed, about
understoo d and embraced The Saint Thomas Christians, Portuguese rulers to colonies and Jaleel, a Bishop sent by the Syriac 19 million constitute the orthodox
Christian ideologies, and estab‑ also called Syrian Christians of christianize the Indian communi‑ Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, type of Syrian Christians and divi‑
lished 7 churches. In a specific India, Nasrani or Malankara ty. While Romans reached India arrived in India and the group sions; and the rest are in different
family of two Brahmin brothers, Nasrani or Nasrani Mappila, are with their ultimate mission of under the leadership of the Protestant groups. Christians in
the younger one became a an ethnoreligious community of trade and mission work, they Archdeacon Thomas welcomed Kerala itself belong to 80% of the
Christian and he was outcast by Malayali Syriac Christians from never recognized these Syrian him. This marked the beginning of Christian communities and they
his brother for leaving everything Kerala trace their origins to the Malankara Nasranis as such. The a formal asso ciat ion of the are prominent in the socio‑politi‑
for his belief. In the faded history evangelistic activity of Thomas infamous Synad of Diamper Thomas Christians with the Syriac cal and business spheres. It is sur‑
of my family tree, I am standing at the Apostle in the 1st century. (Udayamperoor Sunnahados) held Ortho dox Church of Ant io ch. prising to note that these
the last steps of the family ladder Thousands of churches today bear during 1599 detoured to suppress T hose who accepted the West Christians have been very keen in
of that good old ancestor who St. Thomasʼ name, their rituals the existing pattern of Syrian Syriac theological and liturgical education, especially in the med‑
became a Christian in the first and theolog y derived from Christian Nasranis. It laid down tradition of Mar Gregorios became ical and nursing care that their
century, and feeling proud of Eastern Orthodox traditions in the rules and regulations for the known as Jacobites. Those who immigration to Gulf and Western
inheriting the Brahmin blood and liturgical language Syriac, a for‑ ancient St. Thomas Christians for‑ continued with East Syriac theo‑ countries during the last few
Christian faith. mation of Aramaic, the dialect mally unit ing them w ith the logical and liturgical tradition and decades constituted much to their
According to the Indian tradi‑ Jesus and T homas spoke. For Catholic Church. stayed faithful to the Synod of e levated financial status and
tion, the surprisingly early history decades now, the liturgical lan‑ T he oppressive rule of the Diamper are known as the Syro‑ social involvement in their coun‑
of Christianity has that this faith guage of Kerala Christians has Portuguese padroado provoked a Malabar Catholic Church in com‑ tries of domicile.
was introduced by Thomas the been Malayalam, the language of react ion on the part of the munion with the Catholic Church.

D
Apostle, who is said to have Kerala. Christian community. The first They got their own Syro‑Malabar r Mathew Joys is a jour‐
reached the Malabar Coast in 52 According to Herman Gundartt, protest took place in 1653, known Hierarchy on 21 December 1923. nalist and columnist,
AD. According to another tradi‑ who compiled the first Malayalam as the Koonan Kurishu Satyam St. T homas Christians by this and has published 3
tion, Bartholomew the Apostle is Dictionary, those who belonged to (Koonan Cross Oath). After the process got divided into East books including “Oh My
credited w ith simultaneously Semitic tribes of Jews and Arabic Coonan Cross Oath, between Syriac and West Syriac groups. Beloved”,
introducing Christianity along the generations and migrated from 1661 and 1662, out of the 116 During 1900‑1914, churches in interpreta‐
Konkan coast in India. The early Western Asia, were royally recog‑ churches, the Catholics claimed other countries, especially the tion of the
Christians had the Indian culture nized with ʻMapillaiʼ position. 72 churches, leaving Archdeacon United States and Britain, spon‑ Song of
and traditions blended with their Many of the converted Christians Mar Thoma I 32 churches and 12 sored missions, which nourished Songs in
Christian faith. Eastern Christians were fortunate to add this churches being shared. The 72 the growth of many Protestant the Bible.
are just not Bible based alone, but Mapillai title with their names and churches and their congregations Christian denominations and they He is a reg‐
also merged with some of the enjoy certain privileges: and their were the body from which the are growing steadily during the ular colum‐
Indian traditions and rites. Down successors still hold their title as Syro Malabar Catholic Church has last three decades. Protestants, nist on
the centuries, their successors an elite class. descended. The other 32 churches though Christians by faith, differ Christian thought and faith;
maintained their faith and admin‑ Since the 1500s, European and their congregations were the in traditions and Catholic forms of Executive Editor of Jaihind
istrations until the Westerners Catholic and Protestant mission‑ bo dy from which the Syriac worship. Vartha and Express Herald, and
started invading India with their aries have been active in India. In Orthodox (Jacobites & Orthodox), Christians in India, approxi‑ Director and Board Secretary
vested interests. Portuguese, that century, the Pope, the spiritu‑ Thozhiyur (1772), Mar Thoma mately 3.5% of the Indian popula‑ of Indo American Press Club.
Dutch and English rulers disrupt‑ al leader of the Catholics, man‑ (Reformed Syrians) (1874), Syro tion, total 30 million, and make up
TheSouthAsianTimes.info DEFENSE December 21-27, 2019 19

U.S. Congressman supports NDAA amendment

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

Lessons from the fall of Dhaka

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.
Islamabad: Chief Justice Asif Saeed that the social contract between the nately prevailed that police, instead of
Khosa on Monday said that the tragedy state and its citizens was weak." A state protecting, violate citizens' rights.
(for Pakistan) of Dhaka's fall provides is comprised of the government and the "Police are not masters; their duty is to
the lesson that the state should take people, and is responsible for ensuring serve the masses," he added, expressing
care of its citizens' rights. Addressing a the basic rights of the citizens, the top the hope that police reforms will con‑
ceremony in Islamabad, the outgoing judge said. "A lack of provision of basic tinue.
chief justice noted that December 16 rights jeopardizes the integrity of a Talking about the APS tragedy,
reminds the nation of two tragedies ̶ state," Justice Khosa emphasized, Justice Khosa said that the National
the 1971 secession of then East adding: "T he supremacy of the Action Plan (NAP) was devised in the
Pakistan and the 2014 Army Public Constitution and the law guarantees the aftermath of the carnage and the entire
School attack. "There are some lessons basic rights of citizens." nation had adopted the plan.
for us in both the tragedies," he He noted that governance should be "We can perform the best and
remarked. in accordance with the Constitution and achieve best results if we get united on
The chief justice said that the free‑ the state should ensure that the results the same agenda," he observed.
dom movement (of Bangladesh) had of the governance are being delivered The chief justice said that reforms in
taken roots and later the territory sepa‑ to the masses. Stressing the role of the criminal justice system were a part
rated itself from the rest of the country 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
because the state failed to take care of establishing peace in society, the chief al measures in this regard. on December 16, 1971 in the presence of India's
the people. "The fall of Dhaka reflected justice said that an impression unfortu‑ Courtesy Dawn Lt General Jagjit Singh Aurora.
 20 December 21-27, 2019 SUBCONTINENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Musharraf: Dictator who Musharraf

sentenced to death
pretended to be a liberal in high treason case
By Aarti Tikoo Singh
Islamabad: In a first in Pakistan's
New Delhi: A retired four‑star gen‑ history, a three‑member bench of a
eral of the Pakistan Army, Pervez special court here on Tuesday sen‑
Musharraf ruled the country tenced former President Pervez
through a tumultuous period for Musharraf to death in the long‑
nine years after he assumed power drawn high treason case against
in a military coup against then him. This is the first time in the
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in country's history that a military
1999. His legacy remains a mixed chief has been declared guilty of
bag of both economic transforma‑ high treason and handed a death
tion and constitutional erosion in sentence, Dawn news reported.
Pakistan. A three‑member bench of the
Born in Delhi during the British special court ‑ headed by Peshawar
Musharraf presented himself as a modern and liberal ruler, Former Pakistan President
rule, Musharraf was raised in High Court Chief Justice Waqar
inspired by his role model Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Pervez Musharraf.
Karachi and Istanbul. Appointed by Ahmad Seth and comprising
Sharif as the head of the Pakistani However, the war he lped country's economy grew rapidly. Justice Nazar Akbar of the Sindh former military dictator lingered
Armed Forces, General Musharraf Musharraf to strengthen his posi‑ Musharraf presented himself as a High Court and Justice Shahid on and he left Pakistan in March
led the infiltration in India's Kargil tion in Pakistan. He remained modern and liberal ruler, inspired Karim of the Lahore High Court ‑ 2016. T he special court was
region of the then Jammu and Pakistan's army chief and appoint‑ by his role model Mustafa Kemal announced the split 2‑1 verdict in reformed six times during the
Kashmir state and now a part of ed himself initially chief executive. Ataturk, the revolutionary field the case after hearing final argu‑ course of the case.
the Ladakh Union Territory. In 2001, he became the President marshal and founder of the ments earlier on Tuesday. Earlier in the hearing, on behalf
T he 1999 Kargil War, which of Pakistan and held talks with Republic of Turkey. The 76‑year‑old former military of the incumbent Pakistan
Pakistan lost, turned out to be a India at the Agra summit to resolve In 2007, General Musharraf sus‑ chief is currently in Dubai after Tehreek‑e‑Insaf government, the
major embarrassment for Sharif Kashmir and other issues between pended the country's Chief Justice being allowed to leave the country prosecution team, led by Advocate
when he was asked by the US to the two countries. Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, for medical treatment in 2016. He Ali Zia Bajwa, urged upon the court
retreat. Sharif unsuccessfully However, the summit failed over triggering massive protests by hasn't returned to Pakistan ever to amend the indictment against
attempted to remove Musharraf, the four‑point solution for Kashmir Pakistani lawyers. The same year, a since. Musharraf 's high treason the former military ruler, T he
who overthrew the democratically of fered by Musharraf ‑‑ demilita‑ major confrontat ion between trial for imposing the state of Express Tribune reported.
elected government and imposed rizaion of Kashmir, porous Line of Islamic fundamentalists and the emergency on November 3, 2007, Bajwa said the government also
military rule in the country. Two Control, self‑governance, joint rule Musharraf government led to mas‑ had been pending since December wanted to frame charges against
years after he came to power, the of India and Pakistan. sive violence in Lal Masjid. 2013. former Prime Minister Shaukat
global Islamist terror group Al A year later, he first held a con‑ Both the incidents weakened He was booked in the treason Aziz, former Supreme Court Chief
Qaida headed by Osama bin Laden troversial referendum which grant‑ President Musharraf 's position case in December 2013, when the Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar and
launched the September 11 attacks ed him a five years term as the immensely. Simultaneously, the then Pakistan Muslim League‑ former Law Minister Zahid Hamid.
against the US. The attacks pro‑ President and then held a general opposition Pakistan People's Party Nawaz government was in power. "It is imperative for all accused
pelled Musharraf into greater sig‑ election in which the Army backed (PPP) led an impeachment move‑ Musharraf was indicted on to be tried simultaneously. The
nificance when he decided to join PML‑Q party won the vote. ment against him, forcing him to March 31, 2014, and the prosecu‑ aiders and abettors should be tried
America's war against terror in He appointed PML‑Q's Shaukat resign in 2008. tion had tabled the entire evidence as well." But the bench remarked
Afghanistan. After a decade‑long Aziz as his Prime Minister and The dictator‑turned‑politician before the special court in that the Supreme Court had
manhunt, bin Laden was found and extracted massive funds from the moved to London in 2008 but poli‑ September the same year. already decided on the matter and
killed by American Navy SEALS in a US in exchange of his cooperation tics in Pakistan kept chasing him. However, due to litigation at gave the government two weeks to
private residential compound in in the war on terror in Afghanistan. Pakistan's courts issued warrants appellate forums, the trial of the submit a new chargesheet.
Abbattobad, Pakistan, leading He survived several assassination against him for his alleged involve‑
many to believe that he had been attempts through the war which ment in PPP leader and former
she ltered and protected by
Pakistan under Musharraf all
led to a civil war like situation in
Pakistan too.
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. He
has been declared absconder in the 'India not pushing
along. During his rule as President, the Bhutto assassination case.
anyone into Bangladesh'
Pak Parliament passes resolution 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

condemning India's Citizenship Act said India is not pushing any‑ there is a standard procedure
body into the coun‑ to follow in that
Islamabad: Pakistan's Parliament try but some people c a s e. D r M o m e n
unanimously passed a resolution are coming with the said those who are
terming India's Citizenship help of middlemen B a n g l a d e sh i c i t i ‑
Amendment Act against the bilat‑ with the impression zens have the right
eral agreements and asked New that one can have to come back but
Delhi to revoke the discriminatory free food here. others will be sent
clauses in it. He said the gov‑ back. Responding
The Citizenship Act aims to pro‑ ernment will send to a question on the
them back if any‑
vide citizenship to non‑Muslim Bangladesh Foreign National Register of
religious minorities from Pakistan, b o d y o t h e r t h a n Minister Dr AK Abdul Citizenship (NRC),
Afghanistan and Bangladesh who Bangladesh citizens Momen. he said India
The resolution was moved in the National Assembly enters the country t e r m ed i t t h e i r
arrived in India till December 31,
by Pakistanʼs education minister.
2014 to escape religious persecu‑ through the Bangladesh‑India internal matter and assured
tion. "This amendment is also against affairs of neighboring countries. border without following the Bangladesh that it will in no
The resolution ̶ moved in the bilateral agreements and under‑ It said that Act "ostensibly tried due process. way af fect Bangladesh.
National Assembly by Education standings between Indian and to give the impression that (it) Dr Momen said he has "The Bangladesh‑India rela‑
Minister Shafqat Mahmood ̶ said Pakistan particularly those on would provide protection to requested India to give the list tions are normal. The relations
the Citizenship Act was "against security and rights of minorities in minorities from neighboring coun‑ if there is any Bangladeshi liv‑ won't be af fected." said the
international norms of equality the respective countries," it fur‑ tries while ignoring the fact that ing in India illegally. minister explaining reasons
and non‑discrimination and ther said. The resolution said that the rights of minorities in India "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
International Human Rights Law". the Act was interference in the continued to be violated." 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 delay to Brexit process
London: The UK government is ask the new Parliament to have
London: British‑Muslims have start‑ set to add a new clause to the its first debate and vote on the
ed the process of leaving the UK Brexit bill to make it illegal for withdrawal agreement.
over fears for their "personal safe‑ Parliament to extend the With an overall majority in
ty" now that Boris Johnson, who's process beyond the end of next the Commons following the
been accused of Islamophobia, will year, it was reported. December 12 general election,
remain prime minister for the next The post‑Brexit transition Prime Minister Boris Johnson
five years, a media report said. period, due to conclude in was expected to get the bill
Among them is Manzoor Ali, the December 2020, can currently into law with few changes in
head of the Muslim Barakah Food be extended by mutual agree‑ time for the UK to end its
Aid charity, which provides food ment for up to two years, the European Union (EU) member‑
parce ls for poor people in BBC reported. ship on January 31, 2020.
Manchester, after saying he was But an amended Withdrawal The government will then
scared for the "future of his chil‑ Agreement Bill (WAB) ‑ the leg‑ have until the end of the transi‑
dren", metro.co.uk said in its islation needed to ratify Brexit ‑ tion period on December 31,
report. the Commons is set to vote on 2020 to negotiate a free trade
Ali told Metro.co.uk: "My charity this week would rule out any agreement with Brussels
has been going on for 10 years, extension. before the trade relationship
we've helped people from all walks Downing Street has said that defaults to World Trade
of life, including former soldiers the government has planned to Organization (WTO) terms.
and white working class English
people. But I'm scared for my per‑ British PM Boris Johnson scored a thumping victory in Dec 12 elections.
sonal safety, I worry about my chil‑
dren's future." able degree of criticism for com‑ Ali's sentiments were echoed by
He added that Britain was his paring Muslim women to "letter‑ Eidan, an IT consultant from North
home and he didn't know where boxes and bank robbers" in a col‑ London who said she was "very
else to go, but his family have umn for the Telegraph last year. scared" following Johnson's land‑
agreed that they should move to The Prime Minister has insisted slide win in the December 12 gen‑
ensure their safety. his comments were taken out of eral election, especially after being
Johnson has been accused of context and also defended the right assaulted previously, with her
Islamophobia and racism following of Muslim women to wear what headscarf ripped of f and people
a number of controversial com‑ they like. calling her a "terrorist" in public.
ments he made in the past, includ‑ During the election campaign She fears the result will embold‑
ing his remarks in a 2005 this year, he also apologized for en "racists and islamophobes".
Spectator art icle in which he Islamophobia in his ruling Eidan told Metro.co.uk: "I've
claimed it was only "natural" for Conservative Party, after a number actively started looking for jobs
the public to be scared of Islam. of candidates shared posts refer‑ elsewhere, maybe Turkey, maybe
Johnson also received a consider‑ ring to Muslims as "scum". 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 against the wall' comment
Beijing: China denied the allegations that
London: Swedish teen activist
two of its diplomats tried to enter a sensi‑
Greta Thunberg has apologized
tive US military facility, and has lodged
for saying world leaders should be
stern representations with Washington
"put against the wall", the media
over the expulsion of the embassy of fi‑
reported.
cials accused of espionage.
The teenage climate activist had
Foreign ministry spokesman Geng
made the comment while address‑
Shuang at a regular briefing in Beijing
ing a 'Fridays For Future' protest
described the expulsions a 'mistake' fol‑
in Turin, Italy after attending the
lowing the alleged incident in September
UN climate summit COP25 in
at a sensitive installation in the Norfolk,
Madrid, reports the BBC.
Virginia, Efe news reported. "The US
Chinaʼs foreign ministry spokesman T hunberg had said that she
accusations against Chinese personnel
Geng Shuang. feared the summit alone would
are false and therefore we lodged stern
not lead to adequate climate
representations with the United States. military, according to a source.
action, and that activists should
We strongly urge the US to correct its T he State Department in October
continue to take world leaders to
mistake, cancel the relevant decision and imposed new restrictions on Chinese
task.
protect Chinese personnel's proper rights diplomats in the US, requiring that they
"World leaders are still trying to
according to the Vienna Convention on notify the department before any meet‑
run away from their responsibili‑
Diplomatic Relations," Shuang said. ings they have with state and local offi‑
ties, but we have to make sure Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg.
The US government expelled the two cials, or with educational and research
they cannot do that.
Chinese diplomats after they improperly institutions.
"We will make sure that we put them against tweets.
drove onto the military facility in With this measure, the US State "That's Swenglish: 'att stalla nagon mot
the wall, and they will have to do their job to
Virginia, EFE/Dow Jones said. Department sought to level the field vaggen' (to put someone against the wall)
protect our futures," she added.
According to the report one of the between the conditions involving the
In English, the phrase is associated with exe‑ means to hold someone accountable.
Chinese diplomats is believed to be an work of US diplomats in China and that of "Of course I apologize if anyone misunder‑
cution by firing squad, but Thunberg said on
intelligence agent who was working the Chinese in their country, to pressurize
Saturday that it had a different meaning in her stood this. I cannot enough express the fact
under diplomatic protection. Beijing into allowing more freedom to the that I ‑ as well as the entire school strike
native language Swedish.
The two personnel drove nearly a kilo‑ US officials in their territory.
"Yesterday I said we must hold our leaders movement ‑ are against any possible form of
metre and a half into the military facility In response, China imposed restrictions
accountable and unfortunately said 'put them violence. It goes without saying but I say it
in September but were detained by the on US diplomats in the Asian country.
against the wall'," she said in a series of anyway," she added.
 22 December 21-27, 2019 BUSINESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

China cancels planned additional Google wants US Fed

tariffs after deal with US Reserve to follow
Beijing: China has said that it would
cancel additional tariffs it was set
India's UPI example
to impose on US products after New Delhi: In a thumbs up to the directly manage transfers into and
both sides reached a partial agree‑ Indian government's Unified out of their accounts he ld at
ment to mitigate the trade dispute Payments Interface (UPI) scheme, banks," Isakowitz wrote to Ann
between the two superpowers that Goog le has written to the US Misback, Secretary, Board of
has raged on for the past year‑and‑ Federal Reserve Board detailing Governors of the Federal Reserve
a‑half. the successful example of UPI‑ System.
The suspension covers the 10‑per based digital payment in India in Adoption of the system was
cent and 5‑per cent additional tar‑ order to build "FedNow" ‑‑ a new rapid, growing from 100,000
if fs, respectively, on the imported interbank real‑time gross settle‑ monthly transactions, to 77 mil‑
products, Xinhua news agency ment service (RTGS) for faster dig‑ lion, to 480 million, to 1.15 billion
quoted the Customs Tarif f ital payments in the US. In a letter monthly transactions in the first
Commission of the State Council as written by Mark Isakowitz, Vice four years.
saying. However, other tarif fs on The two sides have reached a first‑phase agreement, President, Government Af fairs "After just three years, the annu‑
US goods will continue to be in according to US President Donald Trump. and Public Policy, US and Canada, al run rate of transactions flowing
place, the Finance Ministry said in a Goog le, the company said it through UPI is about 10 per cent
statement. The statement added President Donald Trump confirmed said that both sides were commit‑ worked closely with the National of India's GDP, including 800 mil‑
that China believed the two coun‑ the deal in a tweet and said that ted to gradually remove the tariffs Payments Corporation of India lion monthly transactions valued
tries will address each other's con‑ Washington would not impose the imposed by the two countries dur‑ (NPCI), the payment regulator at $19 billion," said the company
cerns on the basis of equality and previously‑announced fresh tariffs ing the dispute in phases. Ever government by the Reserve Bank in the letter dated November 7
mutual respect and promote the on Chinese goods scheduled to since the announcement of a possi‑ of India (RBI), to build 'Google that was surfaced on Saturday.
stable development of their bilater‑ come into effect on Sunday. ble agreement in October, negotia‑ Pay' for the Indian market. Google said that after learning
al economic and trade relations, The cancellation of those tariffs t ions between the Asian and NPCI deployed a real‑time pay‑ its lessons from the India digital
reports Efe news. prompted China to also drop its American giants have seen several ment system UPI in 2016. payments market, it offers specific
After nearly 18 months of trade own duties on US goods that had upheavals, including the spread of According to Google, UPI was suggestions to the Fed Reserve to
conflict and the continuous escala‑ been set as a retaliatory measure. contradictory information and thoughtfully planned and critical "support real‑time low‑value and
tion of tensions derived from the Trump added that he hoped mutually‑lobbed veiled criticism. aspects of its design led to its suc‑ high‑value payments, use stan‑
tariff war, China's Vice Minister of China would double its annual pur‑ T he trade tensions between cess. dardized messaging protocols
Commerce Wang Shouwen on chase of US agricultural products Beijing and Washington that began "First, UPI is an interbank trans‑ with extended metadata, and pro‑
December 13 said that the two worth $50 billion. in 2018 have had immense interna‑ fer system (there are now over vide clear standards for an
sides have reached a first‑phase However, the US will keep its 25 tional consequences. over 140 member banks, after ini‑ Applicat ion Prog ramming
agreement that addresses issues per cent tarif fs on $250 billion For example, the latest global tially launching with 9 participat‑ Interface (API) layer that enables
including technology transfer, intel‑ worth of Chinese goods, along with growth forecasts lowered projec‑ ing banks). Second, it is a real time licensed non‑financial institution
lectual property, trade expansion reduced charges of 7.5 per cent on tions of expansion to 3 per cent this system. Third, it is 'open' ‑‑ mean‑ third parties to access and submit
and the establishment of mecha‑ additional imports worth $120 bil‑ year, 0.2 less than in July, accord‑ ing technology companies can requests into this payment
nisms for dispute resolution. lion, US Trade Representat ive ing to International Monetary Fund build applications that help users system".
Almost simultaneously, US Robert Lighthizer said. China had figures published in October.

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
Moody's cuts India's
such as bank clean‑up and labour
reforms to address the slowdown in
growth forecast to
domestic demand.
She added that the extent of the 4.9% for FY20
slowdown of the Indian economy has
Mumbai: After cutting India's drivers of the weaker conditions,"
surprised many, “including us here at
sovereign rat ings recently, Moody's said in a report on con‑
the IMF”.
Moody's Investor Services on sumption trends.
Gopinath, 48 rooted for govern‑
Monday cut India's growth fore‑ "A credit crunch among NBFIs,
ment policies focusing on managing
cast to 4.9 per cent for 2019‑20 which have been major providers
a slowdown in domestic demand,
due to subdued consumer of retail loans in recent years,
and on boosting productivity growth
demand. The US ratings multina‑ has exacerbated the slowdown.
and supporting employment cre‑
tional revised downwards its While household consumption
ation in the medium term. IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath. growth forecast for India to 4.9 has been the bulwark of growth,
“Given the cyclical position and the
per cent from 5.8 per cent in making up about 57 per cent of
structural challenges of the Indian said, “Politically, the time ‑ early in consolidation path that is more
2019‑20. It also lowered the GDP in the fiscal year ended
economy at this point, we recom‑ the governmentʼs second term ‑ is ambitious than currently envisaged
growth forecast for FY2020‑21 March 2019, recent consumption
mend that policies focus on manag‑ right for a structural reform push.” by the government.
to 6.3 per cent from an earlier trends point to a weaker pace of
ing the slowdown in domestic GDP growth slowed for the sixth “This is needed to reduce the high
prediction of 6.6 per cent. economic expansion compared
demand, and on boosting productivi‑ consecutive quarter in the July‑ level of debt and reduce crowding
"The deceleration began as an with the recent past."
ty growth and supporting employ‑ September quarter to 4.5% as manu‑ out which would free up financial
investment‑led slowdown, and "The slowdown in household
ment creation in the medium term,” facturing slumped on low domestic resources for private investment.
has now broadened into con‑ demand will have negative credit
she told PTI in an interview. consumption. This should be driven by subsidy‑
sumption, with financial stress implications for Indian issuers in
Recommending a series of key pol‑ Kolkata‑born Ms. Gopinath said the spending rationalization and tax‑
among rural households and a range of sectors," the report
icy priorities for the Prime Minister policy priorities of the government base enhancing measures,” Ms.
weak job creation among the key said.
Narendra Modi government, she should also include a credible fiscal Gopinath 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 Kuldeep first Indian to take
Indian batsmen as the hosts beat
West Indies by 107 runs in the
second ODI that was played at the
2nd international hat‑trick
VDCA stadium in Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam: Kuldeep Yadav Hope went for a sweep off the
on Wednesday. India have thus on Wednesday took a hat‑trick third ball of the over hoping to
levelled the three‑match series 1‑ during the second ODI between get it over the boundary but
1 and the decisive third ODI will India and the West Indies at the Indian captain Virat Kohli
be held in Cuttack on Sunday. VD CA Stadium in caught it right at the edge of
The West Indies were set a tar‑ Visakhapatnam, becoming the the boundary. Hope walked on
get of 389 by India with Rohit first Indian to take two hat‑ 78 off 85 balls.
Sharma and KL Rahul scoring tricks in international cricket. Kuldeep had previously taken
centuries as part of a 227‑run Kuldeep's hat‑trick came in a hat‑trick during the 2017
opening stand. The visitors start‑ the 33rd over of the West series against Australia at the
ed the chase well with a 61‑run Indies innings. Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He
stand between Shai Hope and The first man to fall was the also has a hat‑trick to his name
Evin Lewis. Shardul Thakur got Men in blue after defeating West Indies in the second ODI. in‑form opener Shai Hope. at the U‑19 level for India.
the breakthrough off the last ball
of the 11th over with Lewis mist‑ de livery in his next over. Shami then got West Indies skip‑ gether and dragged his feet out of fourth ODI double ton. However
iming a pull right down the throat However, Nicholas Pooran then per Kieron Pollard of f the very the crease. Wicketkeeper Rishabh he fell on 159 to Sheldon Cottrell
of Shreyas Iyer. played a counter‑attacking next ball. Earlier, Pollard's coun‑ Pant was alert to it and knocked in the 44th over.
Shimron Hetmyer, who scored innings to shift the balance in terpart Virat Kohli had been dis‑ of f the bails while Holder's foot That was only the start of the
139 in the previous match, favour of the visitors. With a solid missed for a golden duck too, was still in the air. pain for West Indies however as
replaced Lewis but his stay didn't Hope holding up one end, Pooran thus making this the first time in Keemo Paul anchored the tail Pant came in and made his inten‑
last long primarily thanks to a went after the Indian bowlers. an ODI that the captains of both and fell four runs short of his tions clear with a six off the sec‑
brilliant fie lding e f fort from The pair put up 106 runs for teams had been dismissed off the maiden ODI fifty to a Mohammed ond ball he faced. He hit another
Shreyas. He first stopped the ball the fourth wicket, most of which first ball they faced. Shami yorker which marked the six two balls later and then a sin‑
from racing to the boundary in were scored by Pooran. He went Shami did not get a hat‑trick but end of the West Indies innings. gle to take strike as Cottrell came
extraordinary fashion, tumbled after India's w icket‑taking that is exactly what Kuldeep Paul shared a 50‑run stand for back for the 46th over.
over the ropes and recovered bowlers and momentarily put ended up doing two overs later. the ninth w icket w ith Khary Pant hit two sixes and three
before gathering the ball and West Indies on cruise mo de. The first man to fall was Hope, Pierre and added 20 for the last fours in that over, thus taking 24
completing a gun throw to the However, Mohammed Shami who went for a sweep of f the wicket. runs of f it. Iyer gave Chase an
non‑striker's end. Jadeja, who was effected a turnaround in the 30th third ball of the over hoping to Earlier, Rohit and Rahul's mas‑ even worse pasting in the next,
bowling the over, collected the over with consecutive wickets. get it over the boundary but sive opening stand was backed up smashing four sixes and a four.
throw and whipped away the He first managed to get a top Indian captain Virat Kohli caught by an astonishing late assault 31 runs were scored off the 47th.
bails promptly to complete the edge of f Pooran after which the it right at the edge of the bound‑ from Pant and Shreyas. While Pant was dismissed in the next
run out. Hetmyer could only ball ballooned up in the air. ary. He walked on 78 off 85 balls. Rahul (102) was dismissed in the over and Iyer after that while
make four runs off seven balls. Kuldeep made no mistake with Kuldeep then deceived Jason same over that he raised his hun‑ Kedar Jadhav hit three fours of f
Jadeja then dismissed Roston the catch and Pooran had to walk Holder in flight with a googly. dred, Rohit carried on and looked the last one as India just failed to
Chase with a nearly unplayable having made 75 runs off 47 balls. The all‑rounder missed it alto‑ primed for a record extending cross the 400‑run mark.

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

to run Antarctic marathon in trials: Nikhat Zareen
Kolkata: Boxer Nikhat Zareen is
Ottawa: An 84‑year‑old Canadian said. "I wanted to finish it, and that was not w illing to let all the talk
national named Roy Jorgen it," he said, adding: "I just thought I bet‑ regarding her showdown with
Svenningsen has become the oldest ter get it done." Mary Kom affect her preparations
person ever to complete the Antarctic Roy, a retired oil worker, is from the for the all‑important trial for the
Ice Marathon. Canadian city of Edmonton, and he has selection trials for Tokyo Olympic
According to a report in CTV, been running since 1964. He spent a qualifiers on December 27. Nikhat
Svenningse, who started the race year training for 42‑km Antarctic and Mary Kom will lock horns in
December 13, took 11 hours and 41 marathon. the 51kg trial for the Olympic
minutes to finish it on Monday. The Antarctic Ice Marathon is the qualifiers in Wuhan, China in
"At one point, I thought, I don't think planet's southernmost race and is con‑ February.
I'm going to do this all the way," Roy sidered one of the toughest. 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
Roy Jorgen Svenningsen. 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
Sudha Murty enthralls at
Penguin Annual Lecture
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 car got stuck in heavy rain because of a given them shares. That's also philanthro‑
written in one go? flat tire. Her driver suggested she take py. It's spreading the word which is
"Normally (that's the case but in the case shelter in a nearby temple. A priest there remarkable of the capitalist leaders of our
of books) like women in mythology, to who was blind performed the aarti. She time in our country".
think about that it took some six to eight offered Rs 100 which he refused, saying Then came questions from the children.
months but it took 15 days to complete. I the offering was much too high. She then Murty said: "Please read, please read,
do not feel like talking to people at that asked him for his bank account number so and if possible write a diary every day. A
time. I want to be with myself," Murty she could wire him Rs 20,000. The priest book is a great companion in life."
said. flatly refused, saying that he did not have How should I start writing?
That book came about after a request a bank account, the residents of the vil‑ "First start reading for many years, then
from her daughter, who has two young lage would stop supporting him, besides you will come to know how to write."
daughters, to write a book to connect which, the money could well be siphoned How do you get information for your
Indian children to Indian mythology. This off as he was illiterate. mythological books?
meant that Murty, who had once read to "You have to draw your line some‑ "I've studied mythological books earlier
her grandmother to connect her with the where...enough is enough in life. And at in my age but later, I read dif ferent
present, was now writing for her grand‑ that time I realized what is enough for mythology books in dif ferent languages.
children. me," Murty explained. Ramayana in Bengal is different from the
"When I start writing, I get a frame in So why most wealthy Indians were Ramayana in the south. So I have done a
front of me... it's like a clean frame with all reluctant to give. lot of reading...and I go to a teacher who
the description of what I (want to) write,” ʻHere, There and Everywhereʼ is a "Look at Indian history. Where did we confirms all these things so it takes time."
Murty explained. celebration of Infosys Foundation Chair have the money? We were always ruled.... Asked a Delhi University lecturer: How
Speaking about the work of the Infosys Sudha Murtyʼs literary journey and her we have enough money now... my compa‑ do you get it right?
Foundation, which has a budget of Rs 400 200th title across genres and languages. ny has donated more money than anyone "Balance at home... If you want your chil‑
crore, Murty noted that "money alone She engaged in a conversation
else... the next generation is much more of dren to read, you should read. If you want
with Shashi Tharoor.
does not bring satisfaction, because then the giving kind...because their basic needs your children not to see TV then you also
all rich people will be satisfied. But if required is a balance...how much money are met," Murty countered. should not see TV. You are the role model.
money doesn't have any relationship with you require and this was taught to me by That led Tharoor to comment that even When you go home, you should spend
happiness, then all poor people should be a blind man," Murthy said. That happened waiters in Infosys companies "are million‑ whatever time you have with your chil‑
very happy. That's also not true. What is during a journey in Tamil Nadu when her aires because NR Narayana Murty has 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‑ voice; and emotion a depiction ated by the superstar was equal‑ ma has had a unique "Andaz"
lasting appeal of cine‑ which was beyond the level of a ly honest, sincere and deep‑seat‑ (1949) and his "Aan"(1952) as
ma legend Dilip fine art. Even today, Dilip Kumar ed," the authors write. an actor remains unmatched till
Kumar? The principle reasons is the idol and inspiration of The biography is spread over date. The "Kohinoor" (1960) of
"are related to the myths or leg‑ every aspiring undergraduate of 13 chapters including ʻDilip cinema ushered in a "Kranti"
ends which have enveloped and acting," the book states. Kumar and Saira Banu: A Match (1981) through his "Shakti
continue to camouflage the The other factor contributing Made In Heavenʼ, ʻDribbling (1982) and "Karma" (1986) of
flesh‑and‑blood form of the to the creation of the myth was With Directorsʼ, ʻA Sharp Musical exceptional acting by playing
multi‑faceted persona of Yusuf that in his public appearances, Earʼ and The Terrific Trio (Dilip everything under the sun, be it
Sarwar Khan, alias Dilip Kumar. interactions and orations, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj "Ram Aur Shyam" (1967). The
Dilip Saheb has, on one hand, Kumar "exuded sheer honesty of Kapoor). "Saudagar" (1991) of cinematic
projected a disarming personali‑ purpose and utter conviction of The artist, the man and the dreams will remain "Amar"
ty both on and of f screen to siding with the correct. The megastar has left indelible foot‑ (1954) in the cineverse, the
endear him to the masses and, man''s appeal was charmingly prints on the sands of time. To authors conclude.
on the other hand, equally
charmed them with the aura of neered his own excellence. He
mysterious shroud cleverly dis‑ harnessed his penchant for per‑
guising the man behind the fection to develop the most com‑
megastar," a new book on the plex acting technique and mas‑
icon says. tered the art of unmatched por‑
Profusely illustrated and trayal of characters and their
meticulously researched, "Dilip emotions", the authors write.
Kumar ‑ Peerless Icon Inspiring The result was the creation of
Generations" (Bloomsbury/pp a wide range of portrayals of
322/Rs 1,299) has been human emotions which are still
authored by the father‑daughter etched in the minds of his fans.
duo of Trinetra Bajpai and "Dilip Kumar in that sense
Anshula Bajpai. became an actor who was ''felt''
One of the biggest factors cat‑ by the cinemagoers. His acting
alyzing the myths behind the style had evolved into an emo‑
man was that he "directed his tional experience, an intellectual
own historic growth and engi‑ exercise and an aesthetic
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SELF HELP December 21-27, 2019 25

How to turn your

Make your office home into the ultimate
environment friendly staycation ʻdestinationʼ
W
hile vacations
By Puja Gupta sound like the

C
best chance to
onscious efforts are needed unwind, planning a trip
to make our surroundings out of town ‑‑ and getting
more environment‑friendly. there – can sometimes be
And as people spend a huge chunk of more hassle than itʼs
their day and life in the office, hence worth.
it should employ tools that can help Hereʼs how to turn your
conserve energy and decrease uses home into a staycation
of non‑renewable resources. Nakul “destination” that can be
Mathur, Managing Director, Avanta enjoyed any time you feel like it: different moods, all which can
India shares some tips: 8 Upgrade Bedding: Give your connect to a smart home device
1. Reduce the use of paper ics, install motion‑activated lights aware of the different bins which bedroom a five‑star hotel‑grade that remembers your prefer‑
One should try to use digital and utilize power‑saver modes. are kept to segregate the waste and makeover so you can enjoy that ences. For that warm, cozy feel‑
copies as much as possible; it not Power‑saver modes will put com‑ the usage of those bins in an appro‑ quality of rest found only on ing right out of the bath or show‑
only enables us to save trees but puters, printers, and other electron‑ priate manner. This way we can vacation. Shop for percale linens er, add in‑floor heating and a
makes documents safer and easier ics to sleep, or shut them down encourage the employees towards and high‑quality pillows and towel warming drawer.
to store. In case, it is extremely entirely. keeping the eco‑friendly environ‑ invest in window treatments that 8 Add Backyard Touches:
important to take printouts, the 3. Use reusable containers ment at the office. In fact, if we can block out sound and light, so you Show your backyard some love
office should implement a policy of There should be a complete ban recycle around 30 per cent of our can awaken when you choose to, with a little landscaping and a
printing on both sides of the paper. on using plastic items such as bot‑ trash we will save energy equal to not when the sun or neighbors few touches that replicate that
To move towards eco‑friendly step, tles or containers in offices. around 12 billion gallons of gaso‑ intervene. vacation feel. An outdoor bar and
offices should also have the policy Employees should be encouraged to line. 8 Create a Spa‑Like kitchen can give you a dedicated
to use recycled papers wherever always carry jute bags or cloth 5. Sustainability team & three ʻRʼs Bathroom: Find your bliss by place to wine and dine without
the requirement is. bags. People should stop consum‑ Basically, being eco‑friendly boils creating a spa‑like retreat in having to constantly go in and
2. Reduce energy consumption ing juices or other beverages that down to three Rs ‑‑ Reduce, Reuse, your bathroom. Start by clearing out of the house. Install a ham‑
There are multiple ways to come in plastic bottles. Inside the and Recycle. Every office must unsightly clutter and using coor‑ mock for long afternoons spent
achieve this. Turning off the lights premises, the office should only appoint a sustainability team that dinating dispensers for bath with a book.
in rooms where no one is using will keep reusable containers to be used will keep an eye on all the employ‑ products. Paint the walls in a hue 8 Explore Financing Options:
help to reduce power consumption. for drinking water or coffee. This ees who follow three Rʼs. The fol‑ that promotes relaxation ‑‑ think When it comes to transforming
Switch off computer screens and will help in spreading the message lowing monthly targets can be set earthy tones, blues and greens, your home into the ultimate des‑
another electronic device at the end that reduces the use of plastic is a for employees and awards given to then add plants or fresh flowers tination, you wonʼt want to cut
of the day is an excellent habit to major step towards becoming eco‑ encourage everyone become eco‑ for a pop of vibrant color. corners on what matters most to
get into. Basically, anything that is friendly. friendly. This type of regular envi‑ Dimmer switches, waterproof you, whether thatʼs opting for
not being used, see if you can 4. Recycle etiquette ronment awareness sessions should speakers and a waterfall shower‑ the superior flat screen TV or
power it down. Rather than relying Install recycling bins at places also be organized and every new head with different spray set‑ getting just the right coffee table
on the staff to remember to turn that are easily accessible for employee should be informed tings are just a few updates to complete the look of your liv‑
off lights and power down electron‑ employees. Everyone should be about the eco‑friendly policy. offering you flexibility to create ing room.

For healthier eating, grill more in the New Year

P
lanning to follow a trendy 8 4‑6 garlic cloves inside.
diet like keto in 2020 or 8 1‑3‑inch ginger, fresh 8 Coat pork with dry rub.
simply want to eat right? 8 1‑2 limes 8 Pour wet ingredients
Thereʼs good news ‑‑ grilling can 8 4 cups no sodium added around the pork. Cover with lid
be a great option for you to kick‑ chicken bone broth and set on the grill.
start eating healthier in the new 8 1/4 cup olive oil 8 Check every couple hours,
year. Indeed, the American Heart 8 4 teaspoons paprika basting if needed. When internal
Asso ciat ion recommends it. 8 6‑8 pounds pork temperature reaches 195
“Grilling is a year‑round way of shoulder/butt degrees F (after 6‑8 hours), it
life, bringing together family and 8 1/2 sweet onion should easily start to pull apart.
friends,” says Jeff Thiessen, presi‑ 8 2 packets Truvia and 2 tsp Donʼt pull apart the whole shoul‑
dent of Pit Boss Grills. “Luckily, Truvia Nectar der yet.
those watching their diets can still Directions 8 Remove roasting pan from
get healthy foods with the fun and 8 Set grill to “smoke.” Once grill and set aside for 1 hour.
flavor of a backyard barbecue.” the pot catches, turn the grill up Remove lid to help speed cooling.
Use these tips to make healthier to 300 degrees F. Make sure 8 Once cooled, shred pork
meals prepared on the grill: your flame broiler is closed, into a separate bowl, removing
8Let your spices do the heavy youʼll want to use indirect heat. fat. If adding marinade for addi‑
lifting: You can add exciting and Vegetables make an excellent 8Try it yourself: For a deli‑ 8 Add spices to a bowl. Set tional flavor, skim fat off the top
bold flavor to any recipe using addition to any meal as grilled cious spin on a favorite barbecue aside. and discard.
seasoning mixtures. Spice up kabobs or chopped up and tossed classic, try this Healthy Hawaiian 8 Grate ginger into a separate 8 Pair with fresh grilled veg‑
foods like veggies or lean meats in your favorite chili. Pulled Pork, right from the Pit “wet ingredients” bowl. Mince gies, delicious fruit or make
with seasoned rubs or marinades 8Be versatile: A healthy diet is Boss playbook. garlic cloves and dice onions into tacos or salads, and voila!
for amazing flavor without all the a versatile diet. Look for a grill Ingredients the same bowl. Juice limes and To shop grills, as well as find
calories. offering multiple cooking 8 2 cups aloe leaf juice add chicken bone broth, aloe leaf cooking tips, grilling resources
8Eat fresher: Round out options, including baking, roast‑ 8 1 teaspoon coriander, juice, Truvia and Truvia Nectar. and additional recipes, visit pit‑
recipes by including fresh veg‑ ing and smoking, such as Pit Boss ground Mix and set bowl aside. boss‑grills.com.
etables. For the best flavor and Grills. Their 8‑in‑1 versatile grills 8 2 teaspoons cracked pepper 8 Add the oil to your Pit Boss By follow ing the keys to
highest nutritional value, look for allow you to do it all with one‑of‑ 8 1 teaspoon cumin Cast Iron Roasting Pan and coat healthy grilling, you can create
locally‑grown produce. a‑kind hardwood flavor. 8 Dash of salt the bottom and sides. Place pork 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 the teacher. It also provides a
abuse by one of the most dataset, if you will, to examine for
influential and revered both positive and potentially neg‑
yoga gurus, Ashtanga founder K ative feedback ̶ is the instruc‑
Pattahbi Jois, have made main‑ tion ef fective, are students satis‑
stream headlines. This time in The fied, is the teacher truly living up
New York Times. T hat article to their reputation and living
comes right at the same time that what they teach.
Netflix has released a jaw‑drop‑ Ultimately, in all our relation‑
ping documentary on the many ships, we must remember and
incidents of sexual assault by emphasize the ethical foundations
Bikram yog a founder Bikram of yoga ̶ the yamas and niya‑
Choudhury. mas.
These first‑hand accounts are Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga founder Ahimsa (non‑harming), satya
not revelations in that these sto‑ K Pattahbi Jois (1915‑2009) is (truthfulness), brahmacharya
ries have been circulating in the credited along with BKS Iyengar (faithfulness and restraint), tapas
yoga community for some time, Bikram Choudhury, 75, ran a franchise of what is popularly known as of making yoga popular in the (discipline), and svadhyaya (self‑
hot yoga. Facing lawsuits and allegations of sexual misconduct, he world. The New York Times study) all seem particularly apro‑
but they are nevertheless shock‑
fled to India in 2016. The Netflix documentary ʻBikram: Yogi, Guru, ran an article on unwanted touch
ing. pos for deeper consideration in
Predatorʼ has brought him back into headlines. (Photo : USA Today) in yoga classes, in which some
Though Bikramʼs actions were the yoga community. If we prac‑
women accused Jois of the
far more widespread and severe, must be balanced and grounded. Bhagavad Gita on the battlefield, tice or teach asana without any
same in the guise of
including allegations of outright We can accept the teachings of a reminding Arjun that his utmost consideration of yamas and niya‑
posture ʻadjustmentsʼ.
rape, both cases shock because of guru ̶ acknowledging that there duty is to uphold dharma. mas, then the practice is less yoga
the undoubted wrongness of the may be teachings and methods of Traditionally, the word guru dents likewise were expected to and more a form of exercise.
behavior and actions as yoga teaching that we donʼt fully under‑ refers to a master teacher who make an assessment of a guru Ishvara pranidhana (devotion to
gurus, and they shock because stand ̶ but also must never lose has great knowledge of or skill in be fore beg inning study. T his the Divine), too, is also worth
they once again show how the our own moral compass. a particular subject area, such as assessment, from both sides, con‑ coming back to as a touchstone, a
yog a community is no more A poignant example of this music, dance, sculpture, or other t inues throug h the course of reminder that while on one level
immune than any other communi‑ takes place in the Hindu epic, the arts. study. yoga is about uniting mind and
ty from the sort of power imbal‑ Mahabharata. The five Pandava When used in reference to a A traditional maxim states that body, itʼs traditionally more about
ances in gender relations so vivid‑ brothers spent their youth study‑ religious or spiritual teacher, how‑ you can judge a guru by their stu‑ uniting our individual spirit or
ly and dramatically brought to ing under their guru Dronacharya. ever, a guru is one who not only dents. T his is why upholding soul with the Divine.
light by the #MeToo movement. As they grew to rule their king‑ has deep knowledge that can lead teaching lineages ̶ participating If we bring these back to the
All of this said, what these dom, they continued to love and to moksha (liberation or enlight‑ in whatʼs known as the guru‑ center of our mats, we can be
renewed accusations against K respect him as their guru. But enment), but also has direct expe‑ shishya relationship ̶ remains both more discerning about what
Pattabhi Jois and the charges when the lines were drawn for the rience of Divine vision and grace important in an age when anyone is and is not appropriate and feel
against Choudhury drive home is epic war of dharma versus adhar‑ which they have assimilated into can set up a YouTube channel of more confident in speaking out
that a guru can be very much falli‑ ma, the five brothers sided against their way of being. asana classes after a mere 200 when lapses do occur.
ble in ordinary social affairs. their guru. Seeing his guru and Thus, the literal translation of hour of study and call themselves Matt Mcdermott is Director of
As such, the reverence we right‑ loved ones on the opposing side ʻguruʼ is “dispeller of darkness.” a yoga teacher. Communications at Hindu
ly show for them, for the knowl‑ caused Arjun the great angst that For ages, gurus tested students Being part of a lineage of teach‑ American Foundation. Article
edge and wisdom they impart, led Krishna to de liver the before accepting them. And stu‑ ers and students provides a way courtesy The HAF blog.

Indian govt launches culture web portal

U
nion Minister for Culture and ongoing and over time the information pre‑ leries, archives, photo archives, gazetteers,
Tourism Prahlad Singh Pate l on sented will be enhanced in quality and quanti‑ Indian National Bibliography, videos, images,
Tuesday launched the Indian Culture ty. cuisine, UNESCO, Musical Instruments of
web portal (http://www.indian culture.gov.in). "The portal is more than a repository, it is a India among others.
Indian culture portal is the first government proud culmination of the melange of Indian As envisioned by the Ministry, the portal
authorized portal where knowledge and cul‑ cultures that has co‑existed and thrived for also will be available in other regional lan‑
tural resources of various organizations of more than five thousand years," he added. guages in future. The larger aim of the Indian
Ministry of Culture are now available in the The content available on the portal com‑ Culture portal is to create awareness among
public domain. prises mainly of rare books, e‑books, manu‑ the citizens about the diverse heritage of our
The Indian Culture portal was envisioned scripts, artefacts from museums, virtual gal‑ country.
by the Ministry of Culture and has been
developed by a team from the Indian Institute
of Technology (IIT), Bombay while the cura‑ It is the first government authorized por‑ Consulting Service for Commercial Loans
tion of the data has been done by Indira tal where knowledge and cultural
resources of various organizations of Commercial Loans for all types of Industries including
Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
Speaking on the occasion Union Minister Ministry of Culture are available in public Retail/Wholesale, Fast Food, Hospitality/High Tech,
said that this project is a part of the Prime domain on a single platform. Exports/Imports, Commercial Property, Investment property, and
Minister''s Digital India initiative to showcase
Manufacturing. The types of financing are for Working Capital,
archives, museums, academies and libraries
information about the rich tangible and intan‑ Start‐ups, Construction, Refinancing, Expansion, Bridge Loans, and
across the nation," Patel told media.
gible cultural heritage of India both at home Acquisitions. Loans from small amounts to over $1 Billion are
The portal currently hosts more than 90
and abroad. available in the USA and Canada.
lakhs items.
"This portal hosts documents, images, Patel also added that the process of collect‑ Anyone interested in getting finance please contact me at 646‐498‐5122 or
audio‑video files and other data from 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 accomplishments. Update the
relationship with and can speak admissions officers on things that
about the positive aspects of your have occurred since you applied.
personality. You want to make your candi‑
4. Write a deferral letter. If you date profile stronger, and show‑
are still committed to attending case why you would be a great
the school, you should send a let‑ asset to the university.
ter of continued interest. This let‑ Here are some examples of
ter should be about one page in things to include:
SHINE ON, STUDENTS length. It is important you send High test scores on standardized
By Kristen Moon the letter immediately. tests (ACT, SAT)

C
The purpose of this letter is to Hig h g rades in challeng ing
ollege admissions early
demonstrate how you are now a courses
decisions are starting to
stronger candidate for the univer‑ Accomplishments in extracurric‑
come out, and some stu‑
sity than when you first applied, ular activities like music, sports,
dents might get an unexpected
helping to sway the admissions DECA, HOSA, Science Olympiad,
answer back: a deferral.
officersʼ decision in your favor. National Honors Society, etc.
A deferral is similar to the limbo
of college admissions̶you arenʼt
quite into the university, but you
things changed since you have
sent in your application? If anoth‑
also their LinkedIn profile. Your
LinkedIn profile serves as a port‑
How To Write Shadowing or volunteer hours
Independent projects, such as
arenʼt rejected yet either. When
the university defers you, it means
er school might be a better fit for folio to add any research papers, The Deferral research
End the letter by restating why
you, this deferment has opened pictures from service projects, or
that the school sees potential in up your options for you, and a videos of you performing an Letter this particular university is the
right fit for you. Donʼt repeat
your application, but the admis‑ chance for you to reconsider your extracurricular activity.
sions of ficers want to evaluate college list. 3. Ask for another letter of rec‑ The letter must display your things youʼve already mentioned
your application again during the 2. Update your resume and ommendation. Ask a supervisor at continued interest in attending in your supplemental essays or
regular decision cycle. LinkedIn. Think about your recent an internship, coach, teacher, or the school. In the first paragraph, personal statement; be specific
If you do get deferred, here are accomplishments, updated test manager at a job to write you a convey why the school remains and personal.
four steps you should take. scores, or accolades you might letter of recommendation. This your top choice. Donʼt lie; only Once you have finished writing
1. Decide if the university is still have achieved throughout the last recommendat ion should add write a deferral letter if you are your deferral letter, email it to the
your top option. Is the university couple of months. Our students something new to your applica‑ committed to attending. admissions of fice. Do not delay
still your “dream school?” Or have send in not only a resume, but tion. Make sure you are asking Next, describe your most recent 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 8 Additional violations of immi‑
(LPR) who is in removal pro‑ gration or other laws;
ceedings may be eligible for 8 Criminal record;
cancellation of removal, meaning 8 Evidence of bad character; or
the termination of the removal criminal offenses. A Notice to 8 Evidence suggesting the LPR
process and freedom to continue Appear (NTA) is a document given applicant will continue to commit
living in America as a green card to an LPR to put them on notice of “bad or violative acts”
holder. Cancellation of removal can deportation or removal proceed‑ Cancellation of removal can be
be sought when an LPR is in ings. The five‑year period of perma‑ ultimately the judge will decide if a 8 Property ownership; granted only once so it is a valuable
removal or deportation proceedings nent residency does not include the person is deserving of the relief, 8 Health Issues of the qualifying form of protection that should not
before an Immigration Judge and time after a deportable criminal and itʼs at their discretion to grant relative(s); be taken lightly, the LPR needs to
the individual is eligible. To apply offense occurred, after the govern‑ the same. 8 Community service; and present a strong convincing case in
for cancellation of removal the LPR ment had produced a Notice to Success in cancellation of removal 8 Service in the U.S. military. order to avoid an Order of Removal.
must submit Form EOIR‑42A with Appear, or while the LPR is waiting for LPRs requires that the
supporting documents showing that on the decision of the Immigration Immigration Judge finds that the Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal
they meet all of the eligibility Judge. The LPR must also not have positive equities outweigh any Attorney of The Banad Law Offices PC in
requirements to the Immigration any criminal convictions which can adverse factors. Below is a list of the United States, and Banad Immigration
Judge. be classified as aggravated felonies. some positive and negative equities in India for which Attorney Michael
Am I eligible for cancelation of If a LPR obtained their green card considered by an Immigration Phulwani is also affiliated as Of Counsel.
removal? In order to be eligible for through fraud or misrepresentation Judge. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
cancellation of removal the LPR they will not be eligible for cancel‑ Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to
Examples of Positive Equities
must have had their green card for lation of removal because they are assist clients with all facets of the immigra‑
8 Family ties in the U.S.;
a least five years and must have not considered to have been lawful‑ tion process, including Employment Visas,
8 Evidence of hardship to the
Consular Visa Assistance, Student Visas,
lived in the U.S. for seven years con‑ ly admitted for permanent residen‑ LPR and family if the LPR is deport‑ Removal & Deportation, US Citizenship and
tinuously after being admitted in cy, however, there may be other ed; Green Card Applications based on Family or
any status. The clock of continuous waivers available for the fraud, 8 Evidence of good moral char‑ Employment. Dev B. Viswanath can be
presence stops when either the gov‑ which is for another article discus‑ acter; reached at Dev@Banadlaw.com
ernment serves the LPR a Notice to sion. LPR Cancellation is a discre‑ 8 Employment history and/or and 718‑361‑5999.
Appear or the they commit certain tionary form of relief, which means business ties;
 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
ormer US President Barack Obama said
amphitheater built in Rome
on Monday that if women ran every
under the Flavian emper‑
country in the world, there would be a
ors, and the Louvre Museum in
general improvement in living standards and
Paris were among the top attrac‑
outcomes. Speaking at a private event on lead‑
tions for tourist activities, accord‑
ership in Singapore, Obama said while in office
ing to travel platform TripAdvisor.
he had mused what a world run by women
The Vatican Museums, Statue of
would look like, reports the BBC.
Liberty in the US and Eiffel Tower
The former leader said women werenʼt per‑
in Paris are the other three attrac‑
fect, but were “indisputably better” than men,
tions that featured in TripAdvisor's
es the extensive collect ion of art, adding that most of the problems in the world
list of five most booked things to do in
archaeology and ethno‑anthropology came from old people, mostly men, holding
2019
gathered by the Popes over the cen‑ onto positions of power.
Colosseum, also known as Flavian
turies but also contains some of the “Now women, I just want you to know; you
Amphitheatre, was commissioned
Apostolic Palace's artistically significant are not perfect, but what I can say pretty indis‑
around A.D. 70‑72 by Emperor Former US president Barack Obama
rooms. putably is that youʼre better than us (men),”
Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty as a was speaking at a private event on
Recognized as a universal symbol of Obama said.
gift to the Roman people, according to leadership in Singapore
freedom and democracy, "The Statue of “Iʼm absolutely confident that for two years if
History.com.
every nation on earth was run by women, you job, but you are not there for life, you are not
In A.D. 80, Vespasian's son Titus Liberty enlightening the World" was a
would see significant improvement across the there to prop up your own sense of self‑impor‑
opened the Colosseum with 100 days of gift of friendship from the people of
board on just about everything… living stan‑ tance on your own power,” the BBC quoted
games, including gladiatorial combats France to the US. It was dedicated on
dards and outcomes.” Obama as saying.
and wild animal fights, it added. October 28, 1886. It was designated as
When asked if he would ever consider going Since leaving the White House, he and former
A visit to the Louvre and its collection a National Monument in 1924.
back into political leadership, the former first lady Michelle Obama have set up a founda‑
lets tourists discover Western art from The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the
President said he believed in leaders stepping tion mentoring young leaders around the
the Middle Ages to 1848, as well as a most popular tourist destinations in the
aside when the time came. world.
large number of ancient civilizations. world which has loomed over the
“It is important for political leaders to try and The couple was in Kuala Lumpur last week
The Vatican Museums not only hous‑ French capital since 1889.
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‑
academic subjects, years, and dif‑
ferent cognitive and non‑cognitive
around 30 pupils.
For the findings, the researchers
ter pupil performance and achieve‑ skills, with many other factors, like‑ decided to analyze data produced
depression this Xʼmas ment.
"This finding is perhaps due to
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 ̶ the fact that class size ef fects are Research Papers in Education. (TIMSS).
common in so many more likely to be detected in coun‑ Smaller class sizes in schools are Every four years since 1995,
holiday foods ̶ can tries with limited school resources generally seen as highly desirable, TIMSS has monitored the perform‑
trigger metabolic, inflammatory where teacher quality is lower on especially by parents. With smaller ance and achievement of fourth
and neurobiological processes average," said study researcher class sizes, teachers can more easily grade (age 9‑10) and eighth grade
tied to depressive illness, said Spyros Konstantopoulos from maintain control and give more (age 13‑14) pupils from around 50
the study from a team of clini‑ Michigan State University in the US. attention to each pupil. countries in mathematics and sci‑
cal psychologists at the The precise effect of smaller class As such, many countries limit the ence.
University of Kansas published
in the journal Medical
Hypotheses.
Coupled with dwindling light in
The investigators reached their
conclusions by analyzing a wide
Laughter is the Best Medicine
wintertime and corresponding range of research on the physiologi‑
changes in sleep patterns, high cal and psychological effects of con‑ By Mahendra Shah
sugar consumption could result in a suming added sugar.
“perfect storm” that adverse ly The researchers found inflamma‑
af fects mental health. “For many tion is the most important physio‑
people, reduced sunlight exposure logical effect of dietary sugar relat‑ Mahendra Shah
during the winter will throw off cir‑ ed to mental health and depressive is an architect by
cadian rhythms, disrupting healthy disorder. “An inflamed brain is typi‑ education,
sleep and pushing five to 10 per‑ cally a depressed brain. entrepreneur by
cent of the population into a full‑ And added sugars have a pro‑ profession, artist
blown episode of clinical depres‑ inflammatory ef fect on the body and humorist,
cartoonist and
sion,” said Stephen Ilardi, associate and brain,” said the researchers.
writer by hobby.
professor of clinical psychology. Our bodies host over 10 trillion
He has been
Ilardi, said these symptoms of microbes and many of them know
recording the
“winter‑onset depression” could how to hack into the brain. plight of the
prompt people to consume more Many of those parasitic microbes immigrant
sweets. “One common characteristic thrive on added sugars, and they Indians for the
of winter‑onset depression is crav‑ can produce chemicals that push past many year in
ing sugar,” he said. the brain in a state of anxiety and his cartoons.
Avoidance of added dietary sugar stress and depression. Hailing from
might be especially challenging Ilardi recommended a minimally Gujarat, he lives
because sugar of fers an initial processed diet rich in plant‑based in Pittsburgh,
mood boost, leading some with foods and Omega‑3 fatty acids for Pennsylvania.
depressive illness to seek its tempo‑ optimal psychological benefit. As
rary emotional lift. When we con‑ for sugar, observe caution not just
sume sweets, they act like a drug. 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 Cancer: You will soon get a chance Libra: Thorough preparation is Capricorn: Hig her studies may
reap the benefits of some w ise to express your love for someone likely to find some improvement attract those performing well. If you
investments in the past.Nearness to you desire.Some changes to the on the academic front.You will have a soft corner for someone, this
each other will generate a new kind of house are likely to be initiated.Networking need to be at your best for taking a favour is the time to take the next step.Raising
understanding amongst newlyweds.A will prove worth it in getting you a better from the boss.Listen to others for a capital for a venture may prove difficult.
monetary gift or inheritance is likely for break.An enjoyable vacation is on the change!There is much joy foreseen for Keeping a positive outlook will help in deal‑
some. It will be a good idea to be with cards, so get set for fun! those in love, so rejoice! Money given in ing with minor setbacks on the professional
health‑conscious people in order to come Your efficiency at work is likely to come good faith will be returned with interest. front.A distant relation may pay you a visit
back in shape.Professionally, you will be up for praise.Those wanting to come back You face no problems on the health front and even stay with you.You may find the
able to complete what had been entrusted in shape will manage to avoid fattening by continuing to do what you are present‑ current line of treatment most beneficial in
to you. foods. ly doing. regaining normal health.
Taurus: T his is a goo d t ime to Leo: Unfounded worries may keep Scorpio: Prayers of those in family Aquarius: You may not be able to
realise what you had always wanted you in a serious mould, but it will way are likely to be heard.Success is play the sympathy card that you
to do.You are likely to be on an be a passing phase. foretold in a new venture this week. want to play on the social front.A
emotional high on the social front as you Too much work and little rest may play You are likely to get an opportunity to rub vacation may beckon some and prove
get to meet people you have not met in havoc with your health.Social obligations shoulders with the bigwigs of the indus‑ most exciting. You may find it difficult to
years. Someone is likely to be a good sup‑ will be met satisfactorily.Someone may do try.An increment or bonus is in the have your way on the academic front. A
port to you on the academic front and you a favour on the academic front.Some offing. minor problem cropping up at home will
help you achieve your goal.Financial front of you may become religious minded for You will be able to mould the workplace be satisfactorily solved.There is a good
looks set to get strengthened.You may mental solace.There is an outside chance environment according to your needs.If chance of getting invited to a celebrity
take the family for an outing or a movie of meeting someone you had been want‑ you are looking for a soul mate, this is the do.The eligible may face frustration on the
over the weekend. ing to for long. time that you get lucky! marriage front.
Gemini: Good health is yours for the Virgo: Something just doesnʼt seem Sagittarius: You are likely to feel Pisces: Businesspersons may find
asking as you maintain a regular right at the present moment, so nice about doing a good turn to their business picking up.You will
routine.Something executed at work take the next step only once you are someone.Professional backlog is be able to curry favour with a sen‑
may require more thoroughness.A few satisfied.Health may cause worry. If you likely to be cleared at work.Property ior at work.Getting romantically linked
lucrat ive deals may come your way. are doing something in haste at work, bet‑ issues will be settled in your favour. You with a co‑worker or fellow student is pos‑
Chances of promotion may seem to dwindle, ter check and recheck the work before will manage to get what you want, by sible. A religious rite may keep you happi‑
as competition grows at work.Expenses submitting, as chances of making a major hook or by crook.Your thoughtful gestures ly engaged.You will excel in whatever you
are set to increase for some. You may find mistake cannot be ruled out. at work are likely to win over your co‑ have undertaken at work.Catering to the
spouse a bit overbearing. Some time out to You may be taken for granted by being workers. Spouse may not see eye to eye mood of spouse will save you from unnec‑
someplace away from home will help you always available for someone on the with you over an issue.Progress of recov‑ essary mental tensions.Self‑motivation
relax & rejuvenate. family front. ery appears to be slow for those ailing. will drive you to fitness.

December 21, 2019 This year you are likely to receive

Governed by number 3 and the ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK major gains and recognition, as
planet Jupiter, you are confident, favorable stars move on your side.
creative, systematic, generous and your tendency to behave jealous, upward trend. For those involved in friendly, ambitious, independent, You'll find it easy to achieve your
an optimistic person. You are good self centered and overconfident at romantic entanglement, chances of honest and possess a sharp memo‑ goals and live up to others expecta‑
at building new contacts, which in times. Your planetary position is a matrimonial alliance will be quite ry. You are an optimistic person tions. Working on new projects will
return bring you lots of popularity of fering major changes in your high. Travel will bring pleasure. who possesses many in‑built tal‑ ensure long term gains. Some of
and benefits. You are smart and career. New opportunities look The months of November, March, ents to impress others, but you you will also acquire ancestral
trustworthy, but you need to con‑ bright and recognition and rewards June and August will be significant. need to control your tendency to wealth. Domestic front will require
trol your tendency to behave seem high on your cards. Your behave impatient and erratic at you to be tactful and diplomatic.
extravagant and dominating at involvement in social activities will December 24, 2019 times. This year you should move Being stubborn will only backfire
times. Professional gains are all bring you close to important peo‑ Ruled by number 6 and the plan‑ very cautiously especially when it and complicate issues. Children will
most certain but rise in expenses ple, who will provide favours and et Venus, You are energetic, cheer‑ comes to handling finances. perform well in academics and
will bother your mind. There will benefits. Those wanting to travel ful, trustworthy, dynamic and a Although period will be overall sports. Distant journey later in the
be moments when your achieve‑ overseas for business or pleasure methodical person. You have a very good and support from people will year for pleasure cannot be ruled
ments will exceed your expecta‑ will receive a boost to their plans. strong willpower and dislike inter‑ be there, but thoughtless or hasty out. T he months of November,
tions, but most of the times you You will have abundance of energy ference of others in your personal decisions will only result in losses. February, March and July will bring
will have to put in your maximum and you will easily implement affairs. You are carefree and help‑ Distant traveling will be on your happiness and prosperity.
to achieve bare necessary results. whatever you plan. Health however ful, but you need to check your ten‑ mind. Seeking blessing from a spiri‑
People who have stood besides you will need care. T he months of dency to behave stubborn, vindic‑ tual person during this period will December 27, 2019
till now will continue their support. October, January, May and July will tive and dominating at times. bring mental peace and comfort. Governed by number 9 and the
Relationship with your spouse will be highly eventful. Financial gains are certain pro‑ Job opportunity in the field of sales planet Mars. You are smart, confi‑
be highly cordial and on an even vided you associate with people and marketing will prove promis‑ dent, sensitive, courageous and
footing, but you need to control December 23, 2019 who are creative and experienced. ing. Matrimonial alliance for those highly diplomatic person. You are
yourself from being to stubborn, Ruled by number 5 and the plan‑ Improved finances will make you seeking a life partner. Proper and simple and go out of the way to
which will create uneasy moments et Mercury, you are practical, ener‑ spend more on luxuries and other timely diet will be essential for help others, but you need to con‑
at home. Romantic alliances will getic, trustworthy and possess a living comforts. Legal or property chronic patients. The months of trol your tendency to behave impa‑
prosper and strengthen. T he strong intuition. You are highly disputes will settle around the mid‑ October, December, March and tient, short‑tempered and moody at
months of November, February, popular in your group because you dle of the year. New romance for August will prove to be highly times. This year information will
June and September will be signifi‑ are witty and intelligent. You are some will develop through social eventful. be the backbone to your success.
cant. helpful and sensible but you need gatherings and recreational activi‑ Your confidence and morale will be
to control your tendency to behave ties. Health of an infant will cause December 26, 2019 high during this period and success
December 22, 2019 vindictive, stubborn and timid at stress and anxiety. Religious feel‑ Ruled by number 8 and the plan‑ and gains will be with you. You
Ruled by number 4 and the plan‑ times. Promising career opportuni‑ ings will arise making you seek et Saturn, you are independent, will be in a good position to seek
et Uranus, you are energetic, ties ahead for fresh graduates and spiritual blessing later in the year. practical, responsible, simple, intel‑ favours, raise funds and lead oth‑
charming, peace loving, creative extremely good period for scholars, The months of December, April, ligent and a highly disciplined indi‑ ers. Financial gains are certain but
and an active person. You are scientists, writers and sportsmen as June and August will be highly vidual. People admire you for your do not be lavish in your spending.
always given great deal of respon‑ well. This year will be important important. ability to handle responsibilities Traveling will be highly exciting
sibility at work because people for working women, as they will with sincerity and dedication, but and educating. Spiritual gains for
know they can depend on you. You receive a major boost in their December 25, 2019 you need to check your tendency to some later in the year. The months
should receive major success in career. Financial gains are certain Influenced by number 7 and the behave stubborn and jealous at of December, May, July and Sept.
your career provided you check but expenses will also take an planet Neptune, you are active, times. 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
outer eyes and ears for a while and on it back to the source.
rom the moment of birth, of the world. Looking at the realities concentrate at the seat of soul, we By meditation, the soul begins its
every human being wants of life, we begin to wonder if there is (Image : find‑happiness.com) will tap into the source of happiness voyage to the ultimate source of hap‑
happiness and does not want any hope for finding real happiness and bliss awaiting us within. piness. We are all conscious, all bliss
suffering. From the very core of our in the world. humanity. They tell us that God is an Spending two hour concentrating and in a perpetual state of happi‑
being, we simply desire contentment. How to find lasting happiness? ocean of light, all love and conscious‑ on the eye focus each day will help ness. Our worldly desires become
We look for happiness in meeting Throughout the ages, the great ness. The soul is drop of His essence. our attention withdraw from the more trifles when we experience the
our emotional needs for love and teachers, sages, saints and philoso‑ Each of us is actually a drop of this body. Generally, the sensory currents astounding joy within. Those who
companionship through our relation‑ phers of the world have been telling blissful awareness. It is only when give us sensation in the body. It is learn to meditate can switch their
ships, with family, friends and loved us that true happiness does exist. But we identify with our real self that we the sensory currents which make us attention to the source of happiness
ones. it does not lie in anything in this become moving drops of bliss on aware of the hearing, smell, taste and even in the midst of sorrow. True,
We try to find happiness in worldly world. It can only be found within. earth. touch. It is through the senses that they still undergo the outer pains
possessions and relationships. If we There is only one source of happi‑ The way to tap into this pool is we can see beautiful sights, hearing and sorrows of life, but they do not
analyse, we find that they do not ness, that is lasting, that cannot be simple. It is only a matter of our pleasing sounds, smelling sweet fra‑ affect them. The ecstasy we experi‑
bring the happiness they have prom‑ destroyed by wind, fire, water or attention. We can direct our atten‑ grances eating delicious foods and ence within fill us with happiness
ised. We may derive happiness from earth. It cannot be taken away from tion wherever we wish. We can place having pleasurable sensation and we are able to overcome
them for some time, but the loss of us either in this life or at the time of it on our body. We can focus it on through the sense of touch. If we problems.
any of our possessions or relations death. The only permanent source of our mind. Or we can concentrate our withdraw our sensory currents from As we meditate and come in con‑
brings untold pain and suffering. If happiness is God. Some mystics of attention on our soul. Instruction in the outside world and collect them at tact with the source of love within,
our house is destroyed by fire, we the East refer to God as Sat‑ Chit‑ how to place our attention on our the eye focus, a vista of Divine Light we begin to spread it to others. We
feel as if we have lost everything. Anand. T hese words translate soul is domain of spiritual teachers. and Celestial Sound opens for us. We will be always in tune with the hap‑
If we are millionaires and suddenly respectively as truth, consciousness This process of concentration or witness the light and Sound which piness within and will radiate it to all
become bankrupt, we become deject‑ and bliss. focusing our attention is popularly emanated from God at the dawn of who come in contact with us. This
ed. And if one of our loved one pass‑ Saints and mystics have been able known as Meditation. Meditation is creation Like a current, this stream leads to expansion of self and one
es away, we are drowned in grief. to realize God within themselves and focusing one's attention at the seat flows out from God and returns to becomes a true citizen of the world
The happiness we had during the have shared their knowledge with of the soul located between and Him. 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
Bells are rung during Christmas to proclaim
ave you ever wondered why people Balthazar, and Gaspar brought gifts of gold, the arrival of the season and to announce the
hang tinsel on Christmas Trees, or incense, and myrrh to the newborn baby birth of Jesus.
how candy canes became synony‑ Jesus. A ribbon is tied around a gift to repre‑ The ringing of bells can also be traced back
mous with the winter holiday? While these sent how people should all be tied together in to pagan winter celebrations used to drive
holiday decorations may seem arbitrary, most bonds of unity and goodwill during the holi‑ out evil spirits.
of these traditional decorations have a special day season. Candy Canes
meaning. The Colors Red and Green This treat represents the shape of a shep‑
Stars The color red is used at Christmas to repre‑ herd's crook. Jesus, often referred to as the
The Christmas star symbolizes the star of sent the blood of Jesus when he died on the Good Shepherd, was born on Christmas. His
Bethlehem, which according to the Biblical cross. It's also reflected in the color of holly birth was God's way to bring lost lambs back
story, guided the three kings, or wise men, to berries, which also had pagan symbolism dur‑ to the fold. The red stripe represents blood,
the baby Jesus. ing the winter solstice celebrations in ancient Christ's sacrifice, and the white stands for his
The star is also the heavenly sign of a Rome. purity.
prophecy fulfilled long ago and the shining The color green signifies everlasting light Wreaths
hope for humanity. and life. Romans decorated their houses with The wreath is a circular, never‑ending sym‑
Candles evergreen branches during the New Year, and bol of eternal love and rebirth.Holly also
A candle, a mirror of starlight, is also a sym‑ the fir tree symbolized life during the winter. stands for immortality and cedar for strength.
bol representing the star of Bethlehem. There is also a legend that says that when Today, the wreath symbolizes generosity, giv‑
Before electric Christmas tree lights were Gifts with a Bow Jesus was born in the dead of winter, all the ing, and the gathering of family.
invented, families would use candles to light The men who brought their gifts to honor trees around the world shook off the snow to
up the tree. the birth of Jesus inspired the concept of giv‑ reveal new shoots of green. (Source: thespruce.com)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info December 21-27, 2019

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info December 21-27, 2019