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Vol.11 No. 32 December 8-14, 2018 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TheSouthAsianTimes.info December 8-14, 2018
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.11 No. 32 December 8-14, 2018 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info
F
This issue of The South Asian Indo‑Pacific. ormer American
Times includes a 16‑page special Tweeting after the meeting, Modi
Photo: IANS collectorsʼ edition commemorat‑
President George H W
called it “historic”, while stressing Bush was a leading
ing AIAʼs 50 glorious years.
In the last one year the marriages of Anushka Sharma‑Virat Kohli, Indiaʼs firm commitment towards statesman at a critical juncture
Deepika Padukone‑Ranveer Singh and now Priyanka Chopra‑Nick Garden City, NY: The Association making the Indo‑Pacific a region of world history and passionate
Jonas have made international headlines. Film star Priyanka of Indians in America (AIA) cele‑ for shared economic growth and about strong Indo‑US relations,
Chopra and singer Nick Jonas had an extravagant wedding with brated its Golden Jubilee on common prosperity. Asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi
both Christian and Hindu ceremonies in Jodhpur on Dec 1, December 1 at one of the priciest they will “continue to work togeth‑ Continued on page 4
followed by a grand reception in Delhi on Tuesday, events costing $350 per person at er on shared values,” he said,
graced even by PM Modi. (Photo IANS) See tribute on page 11.
Continued on page 4 Continued on page 4
BOLLYWOOD 16-17 ART AND BOOKS 18 HOLIDAY 29 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism
4 December 8-14, 2018 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info
India to host next ter relief, maritime security and Russia in October. Hawaii to visit the US Pacific
Overseas Congress G20 in 2022 unfettered mobility. And of Mattis also recognized Indiaʼs Command where she will be
Chairman and Co-Founder Managing Editor: Parveen Chopra Jaipur Bureau News Service
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY December 8-14, 2018 5
T
now lives in the Northeast, took a recent here was a little bit of emotion, chem‑
opportunity to help enlighten a club owner istry and lots of music when globally
in New York. Mishra was at the House of Yes renowned violinist Dr. L.
club in Bushwick, N.Y., with a group of Subramaniam and popular vocalist and his
friends when she went to use the restroom wife Kavita Krishnamurthy got onto the stage
only to find the walls painted with images of to celebrate the power of classical music at
Hindu gods, which she, an artist herself, wrongs and truly hear each other out,” she the Carnegie Hall here.
deemed to be “tone deaf.” added at the end of her note to the company. As part of HCL concerts ‑‑ an initiative to
Her response to the mural in the “VIP To her surprise, Mishra got a response preserve and promote India's art and cultural
bathroom” was a long‑winded email sent to from House of Yes co‑founder and creative heritage ‑‑ Subramaniam and Kavita got
the general inbox at House of Yes, which had director Kae Burke, who said she read together to put a musical evening here on
followed posts of her experience on her per‑ Mishraʼs note twice. Thursday. This is the first time HCL has taken
sonal Facebook and Instagram accounts, she Burke said she is “fully responsible for the concert to foreign shores.
said. making the tone‑deaf and completely igno‑ Kavita, who has rendered hits like "Hawa
“To be faced with such blatant cultural rant decor choice” in the bathroom. hawai", "Dil diya hai jaan bhi denge", "Tu hee
appropriation when I was relaxed, a little “I am sorry for not taking the time to fully re", "Albla sajan" and "Maar daala", started
drunk, and surrounded by people I felt understand and research the deep history of the evening on a spiritual note with "Om
championed by was too jarring to ignore,” the culture I was inspired by before using it Namah Shivaya", before adding a Bollywood
she wrote to the club in her email, which she to decorate. I feel awful that you had to expe‑ touch to the evening. He set a sombre mood with his music. The
shared. rience this type of cultural disrespect at Looking elegant in an off‑white sari in the thing that stood out was his ' jugalbandi' with
She then provided six bullet points in House of Yes of all places,” she added. chilly winter of New York, Kavita turned back his wife and team. It was not only mesmeris‑
which she explained why a “confused” per‑ “I hear you loud and clear and the tone‑ the clock and returned to her hits like "Pyar ing but captivating as well.
son reading her note would understand why deaf appropriative/offensive bathroom will hua chupke se" from "1942: A Love Story" He ended the night with "Ganga.” Talking
the painting was “so wrong.” be dismantled and redesigned ASAP,” Burke and "Hawa hawai" picturized on late Sridevi. about taking the concerts out of India, Arthur
“The point is, no one took even a fraction added. Sharing an anecdote, she said: "Javed Filip, Chief Managing Officer said: "Every
of that time thinking of how it would make Mishra said that Burkeʼs response was Akhtar told that song shouldn't make any venue is like an ultimate hack for us. Try and
someone like me feel,” she wrote in her “everything I had convinced myself was sense. It should be gibberish." test. There are couple of things we are think‑
email. impossible: an apology.” She then sang an A.R. Rahman work titled ing about like putting a price on the ticket so
“My true desire is to see the bathroom She added that “I am grateful for the posi‑ "Dheeme dheeme.” that people appreciate the art. We are going
taken down. My parents would not have had tive outcome of this exchange. I am grateful I The evening promised to celebrate classical to take small ticket price and find charities
the courage to stand up for what is right, but was able to communicate with an empathetic music, and it became a reality when which are very meaningful in the local coun‑
I as their daughter, do. Your mission state‑ and understanding person. But at the end of Subramaniam got on to the stage with his try or city that we are hosting the event. We
ment is one that touts inclusivity, positivity the day, I do not feel warm and fuzzy about violin. He brought forward a world of fusion will most likely do something in education,
and safety. Please donʼt make me lose faith this exchange, even though I do think we in music with his notes and rhythm. children, wellness and art."
in the ability we all have to right some made some progress.”
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji calls for empowering women at the United Nations
S
adhvi Bhagawati Her panel on Many Cultures, togetherness. We must take back Bhagawatiji said, “The Global
Saraswati, Secretary‑ One Humanity: The Role and religion from being an agent to Interfaith WASH Alliance is work‑
General of Global Responsibility of Religious separation to being an agent of ing hard to determine and imple‑
Interfaith WASH Alliance & Leaders and Faith‑Based oneness.” ment solutions to combat these
President of Divine Shakti Organizations in Building Sha added: “Lastly, without serious threats through sustain‑
Foundation, Parmarth Niketan, Peaceful and Inclusive Societies, water, there can be no peace. able development. It was predict‑
Rishikesh has been elected to be a moderated by Dr. Azza Karam, Even if we can get people to stop ed by the UN that the next war
Co‑Chair of the Faith‑Based Senior Advisor, Culture to the killing each other over their reli‑ will likely be regarding water.
Advisory Council to the United UNFPA, brought together gion, they will kill each other over Rather than let it lead to this
Nations. Approximately 40 faith renowned religious leaders from lack of water, lack of food, lack of point, GIWA is bringing together
leaders and leaders of interna‑ the Muslim, Christian, Jewish and resources. People will be in dire the faith leaders of the world to
tional faith‑based organizations Ambassador Louise Kanthrow, Hindu faiths from across the straits fighting for ever diminish‑ promote change.”
have been nominated to serve on brought together renowned world to speak to the crucial role ing resources. So if we are com‑ She continued, “Not only do we
this Advisory Council. women leaders from acclaimed played by religious leaders in mitted to building truly peaceful need to preserve our precious
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji institutions, including peacebuilding. and inclusive societies we must water resources, but we must also
addressed the United Nations Georgetown University and the Saraswatiji spoke on the impor‑ ensure access to clean water.” ensure they are kept clean. Today
Alliance of Civilizations Global Tutu Campaign. tance of leadership and shared In the face of unsustainable is World Toilet Day, so let us also
Summit, at the United Nations, in In her address, Saraswatiji said, Mahatma Gandhijiʼs famous quo‑ practices and rising populations, not forget the importance of
New York, on November 19‑20. “It is crucial to uplift the women tation: “What is the point of that climate change, coupled with the healthy sanitation for all, for
Her address, delivered before an and girls of our world today, so fast speed when we are moving in depletion of natural resources, cleaner waters and the safety of
audience from across the world, that they may lead the way the wrong direction?” She empha‑ are posing serious threats to glob‑ women everywhere.”
focused on the crucial importance towards a more peaceful tomor‑ sized, “Leadership is wonderful. al peace. It is predicted that the Said GIWA Founder/Chair,
of womenʼs leadership and sus‑ row. Now is the time to promote Religious leadership is crucial. world will have half the water it Pujya Swami Chidanand
tainable development in a time of the building of skills so that But we must ensure that along needs by the year 2040, leading Saraswatiji, said, in a statement,
increasing global strife and inse‑ women can especially play key with elements of speed – technol‑ to increased possibilities of war, “The significance of this address
curity as well as the importance roles at negotiation tables. We ogy, power, charisma – we also hunger and mass displacement. being delivered on this World
of the role of religion and reli‑ also must look for the causes of ensure that leaders are taking Already, instances of conflict Toilet Day canʼt be denied. Let us
gious leaders in fostering peace‑ violence and insecurity in the first their followers in the right direc‑ and discord are increasing, as is come together and stay together
ful and inclusive societies. place, and call for unified actions tion. … We can always find doc‑ the impact of natural disasters. As to inspire a clean, healthy and
Saraswatijiʼs panel on strength‑ towards a more sustainable trines of separation, doctrines a result, more people have been water secure world, where
ening the visibility of women in world, including ensuring access that permit us to exclude the forced to flee their homes as women may lead as torchbearers
the peace process, which was to safe water and improved other, but today as religious lead‑ refugees than in any time since of hope, and healthy water and
moderated by former UN WASH.” ers we must find doctrines of World War II. sanitation are accessible by all.”
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL December 8-14, 2018 7
W
by newcomer Leela Ladnier, 15, India through Mira, a young girl
hen Kamala Harris took with a supporting cast including who looks at things with her own
the stage at Glamourʻs Kal Penn, Utkarsh Ambudkar, unique lens to gain different per‑
2018 Women of the Hannah Simone and Freida Pinto. spectives and help others in her
Year Awards on Monday, T he series is set to air on community. We hope that she
November 12th in New York City, Disney Junior channels and pro‑ will encourage our audience to
she stressed the importance of one gramming blocks around the actively engage with the inspiring
thing: truth. In whatʼs proven to be world in 2020, according to a world around them and appreci‑
a categorically challenging year press release. ate the little details that make life
for women in the U.S. Each episode will include music extraordinary,” Joe DʼAmbrosia,
Senator Harris (D‑Calif.) directed and dance between two 11‑min‑ the senior vice president of origi‑
her acceptance speech at the utes stories, according to USA nal prog ramming at Disney
women in the room, explaining Todayʼs report. The series will be Junior, said in a written state‑
the importance of speaking up in a executive produced by Sascha ment.
nation thatʼs becoming increasing‑ point of getting beyond where we concert stages…You speak the
ly divided in the face of political are and seeing what we can be truth about gun violence… (about
polarization. In her address, Harris
pleaded with those watching to
unburdened by what we have what) tears our communities apart Need an accountant / manager
been, we must speak truth̶and and takes away our children, from
take their frustration to the polls, speak the truth uncomfortable Parkland to Chicago to South Los For Temple / Jain Center of America in Elmhurst, Queens NY.
inspiring the room to take action and difficult though it may be to Angeles…You speak the truth Requirements: 100% vegetarian, detail oriented,
and ultimately leaving the ball in hear,” Glamour quoted her as say‑ about Americaʼs history̶in all of Proficiency in QB, Good knowledge of payable, receivable,
the votersʼ court. ing. its greatness and in all of its com‑ bank reconciliation, preparing and filing payroll taxes. We
“The truth and speaking it is a “You speak the truth, the hon‑ plexity.” will train.
powerful thing. And speaking orees tonight, about the need for Harris said that this is an “inflec‑ Any 4 days a week plus
truth can often make people quite women̶particularly women of tion” moment in the history of Sunday is a must.
uncomfortable. But if we are going color̶to be seen and heard and America. “This is a moment where Please reply with your resume to:
to be a country that engages in for their stories to be told, from there are powerful forces trying to Anu Jain, jainanu2005@gmail.com &
honest conversations with the the Senate floor to movie sets to sew hate and division among us. Kalpana Gandhi kalinuc@yahoo.com
TheSouthAsianTimes.info DIASPORA December 8-14, 2018 9
TRINIDAD'S HINDU
COMMUNITY HEAD
PASSES AWAY AT 70
Port‑of‑Spain: The much‑revered
Dharmacharya of the Hindu community in
Trinidad and Tobago, Pundit Uttam Maharaj,
has died at the age of 70 years following a
brief illness.
He served for 13 years as the spiritual
leader of the Sanatan Dharma Maha
Sabha(SDMS) which is the major Hindu group
led by Satnarayan Maharaj, secretary general.
He served the people of this country with
great distinction and respected all religious
groups with great respect and distinction and
dignity. Pundit Maharaj had a special love for
the children of all religious groups and was
an educator and teacher of the Hindi,
Sanskrit,arts, music and culture, himself
being an accomplished sitar player, and adju‑
Pandit Uttam Maharaj
dicated in several competitions with the
(Image courtesy: tobagotoday.co.tt)
Ministry of Education.
He served as President of the Hindu religious and spiritual leader, he called on
Parishad Council, an arm of the SDMS. people of all faiths and background to live in
Pundit Maharaj was married to Indra, harmony, peace and love as dispensed by the
daughter of the late Pundit Krishna Maharaj creed of Hinduism. His message is important,
whom he succeeded as Damharmacharya. as there is a great need for our citizens to
Tributes continue to pour in from different unite and work together to develop our
sections of the religious fraternity, civic, cul‑ nation and shape a brighter future for us all."
tural, and government officials. There are over 350,000 Hindus here and
Pundit Maharaj hosted a weekly pro‑ almost 500 Hindu mandirs across the nation,
gramme of Radio/TV Jaagriti highlighting the and that all religious festivals such as Divali,
virtues and mechanics of Hinduism. Nau Rattan, Shiva Raatri, Phagwa, Kartik
Former Prime Minister Kamla Persad‑ Nahan among several others.
Bissessar noted that Pundit Maharaj will be Pundit Maharaj was given a big send‑off
sadly missed not only in the Hindu communi‑ with top officials of every sector of the
ty but in the nation at large. national landscape on Saturday morning at
"Pundit Maharaj will be missed, and it is my Mosquito Creek, a couple miles from his
hope that his legacy of devotion to his faith Rousillac home where he lived all his life.
and service to the people will live on. "As a (IANS)
10 December 8-14, 2018 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info
ADVOCATES FEAR THE PRESIDENT ISN’T FULLY INVESTED IN THE FIGHT George Herbert Walker Bush died at the
age of 94. The 41st President of the United
FOR THE BIPARTISAN BILL, A PET PROJECT OF KUSHNER. States and the father of the 43rd President
served as vice president from 1981 to
Washington: The last time front of him, making him a 1989, and as commander‑in‑chief from
Donald Trump thought Mitch frustrating negotiating part‑ 1989 to 1993. His w ife of 73 years,
McConnell was stalling one of ner. Barbara Bush, died earlier this year.
his priorit ies ̶ on Trump took up the cause of In a statement, Donald Trump̶who fre‑
Obamacare repeal ̶ the criminal justice reform last quently targeted Bushʼs son Jeb, one of his
president publicly lashed out month at the urging of his opponents in the 2016 Republican presi‑
at the Senate majority leader, son‑in‑law, Jared Kushner, but dential primary, with demeaning insults̶
tweeting that he should “get the presidentʼs endorsement offered his condolences to the Bush family,
back to work.” But when it was as much an effort to dis‑ honoring the former President with unchar‑
comes to criminal just ice tract from Republican losses acteristically measured language.
reform, itʼs another story alto‑ in the midterm elections as a Trump also designated December 5th as a
gether. reflection of his heartfelt con‑ national day of mourning for Bush.
Although Trump has pub‑ victions, according to two Details of Bushʼs planned funeral services
licly endorsed the bipartisan sources familiar w ith his are beginning to trickle out̶including that
prison and sentencing reform thinking. Indeed, Trump had both Donald and Melania Trump will attend
bill, he hasnʼt publicly called previously said that some of the services, which will be held at the
out McConnell for bottling it the drug of fenders toward National Cathedral in D.C. While details and
up and seems reluctant to whom the bill would show timing are still to come, the Trumpsʼ atten‑
spend political capital on the leniency should receive the dance could lead to a few awkward
legislation ̶ raising doubts death penalty. moments awkward. In April, Me lania
among bill supporters and caucus,” said Minority Whip lines. Although advocates insist Trump, with a rare smile, attended former
opponents about how invest‑ Dick Durbin (D‑Ill.), who con‑ For lawmakers, the issue the president is committed to First Lady Barbara Bushʼs funeral, along‑
ed Trump really is. Indeed, ceded that Trumpʼs priority is has highlighted the difficulty the bill and are heartened by side two members of the White House staff,
the president is far more the wall. of working with the president his public support, some on behalf of her husband̶who did not
interested in securing money “I keep hearing thatʼs heʼs on legislation. Aside from allies in Congress are hoping attend himself because he wanted to avoid
for his border wall in the all for it. I havenʼt seen any immigration and trade, the he does more with his bully “disruption due to added security.” While
lame duck, according to sena‑ evidence of that,” said one president holds few firm con‑ pulpit to drag the bill across their presence is not yet certain, itʼs likely
tors in both parties. GOP senator who supports victions on matters of policy the finish line, according to that former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill
“We can certainly use his the measure to reform federal and frequently shifts posi‑ interviews with people in Clinton and Jimmy Carter will all be in
help in the Republican Senate prisons and sentencing guide‑ tions to please the people in both parties. attendance as well.
By Arul Louis
By Barkha Dutt
W
hen I met Harsimrat
Kaur Badal at Kartarpur
she seemed genuinely
Kartarpur exposes lack of
coherence in Indiaʼs Pak policy
overcome. “I have no words,” she
told me, “there is too much emo‑
tion.” As a Punjabi whose family
mig rated from Sialkot during
Partition, I can relate to the raw of how it was the Maharaja of ister and his colleague cannot see
sentiment that violent displace‑ Patiala that restored Kartarpur eye to eye on an issue this sensi‑
ment can leave in the collective Sahib and they wished Captain tive.
response of a community. That she Amarinder Singh had been present Indiaʼs political fault lines were
choked up with tears at the place to further the legacy of his family. visible for all to see. Of course this
where Guru Nanak spent his last Captain has expressed concerns is not to say that Pakistan speaks
years was very moving. about renewed Khalistani extrem‑ in one voice or is consistent in its
But the problem is this: while she ism and the Modi government has India policy. When Shah Mehmood
stood in the Pakistani border vil‑ pointed out the continued impuni‑ Qureshi met us in Islamabad, he
lage and invoked Prime Minister ty with which Hafiz Saeed and categorically said: “This is no goo‑
Narendra Modiʼs analogy of the Masood Azhar are able to operate gly” to emphasise the sincerity of
fall of the Berlin Wall to indicate in Pakistan. These are legitimate its intentions. A day later at a pub‑
how the widening gulf in the Indo‑ apprehensions. But then it was the lic function, he did a complete U‑
Pak relationship could be bridged, prime minister who first used the turn and boasted that his govern‑
foreign minister Sushma Swaraj metaphor of the Berlin Wall for the ment had bowled a googly that
simultaneously spoke in Delhi to Kartarpur corridor ‑‑ immediately compelled India to send two minis‑
dispel any such notion. elevating the peace initiative to ters to Pakistan.
While Badal went on record to much higher stratosphere. This boast will rankle India ‑‑ as
talk about how Guru Nanakʼs mes‑ Navjot Singh Sidhu addresses a press conference at Atari‑Wagha border The BJP can hardly brand Sidhu it should. There are many grave
sage was the perfect way to make after returning back from Pakistan. (Photo: IANS) as an anti‑national when it sends and complex issues, led by terror‑
a fresh beginning, Swaraj under‑ dance for the ceremonial opening Sidhu was feted like some sort of two Union ministers to represent ism, that stand between us and a
lined how Kartarpur could not be of the corridor, his cabinet col‑ folk hero. His panache for pithy India at the inaugurat ion in peace pro cess. But it doesnʼt
linked to any resumption of the league Navjot Singh Sidhu walked one liners, a throw back to his Pakistan ‑‑ and who, taking their explain the incoherence of our
larger dialogue process. away with the lionʼs share of the years on television, made him a cues from him, frame the moment Pakistan policy. And unfortunately
There was a similar dissonance attention in Pakistan. ratings hit. Some Pakistanis joked as a possible kickstart for a stalled the Kartarpur response revealed
in the statements of the Congress. Everywhere we went ‑‑ I was that there was more of Sidhu on re lat ionship. Similarly the both a lack of preparedness and
W hile Punjab chie f minister among 22 Indian journalists invit‑ their TV channels in the last few Congress can hardly accuse the cohesion, undermining an other‑
Amarinder Sing h re jected ed by the Pakistan government to days than their own prime minis‑ BJP of having a muddled Pakistan wise wonderful moment of reli‑
Pakistanʼs invitation to be in atten‑ report on the developments ‑‑ ter. The Sikh devotees I met spoke policy when the Punjab chief min‑ gious piety and shared history.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info OP-ED December 8-14, 2018 15
T
he British magazine, The speculation about manipulation by turf of yet another institution ‑‑ the these two episodes have strength‑ of demonetization on the agricul‑
Economist, once wrote motivated researchers, thereby Central Statistical Organisation ened the perception that it can go ture sector to say the exact oppo‑
about the Chinese growth g iving rise to the ce le brated (CSO) ‑‑ which is expected to be to any length to score political site. T here is an unmistakable
figures being stir‑fried. Is India phrase about "lies, damned lies and free of political "contamination". points without bothering about the Orwellian element in these somer‑
emulating China in keeping with statistics", popularized by Mark As a result, it was the govern‑ damaging fallout on the institu‑ saults, which are redolent of the
the "Wuhan spirit"? Twain. ment's think‑tank, the Niti Aayog, tions which are caught in the novel "1984".
To those wary of the "dismal sci‑ It is not yet clear to which of which released the new data, a cross‑fire. It appears that in the absence of
ence", as economics was called by these three categories the govern‑ step which the acting chairman of But, while the erosion of, say, the the promised "achhey din", the gov‑
the Victorian historian, Thomas ment's latest claims belong. But it the Nat ional Stat ist ical CBI's reputation may only stop the ernment is focusing increasingly
Carlyle, the downgrading of the has been suggested that the Commission described as "unusu‑ usual clamor of litigants to refer on window‑dressing or looking
growth rates when the Congress‑ upping of the growth estimates for al". their cases to the organization better in the eyes of its various
led government was in office and the present regime does not reflect Arguably, the figures may be which used to be trusted far more audiences. Hence, the Ram temple
the upgrading of such figures in the ground reality of joblessness recalibrated in course of time to than the local police, doubts about for the Hindu Right and the claims
the time of the present regime may and farmers' distress. make them more credible, but the the country's statistical data can of a higher growth rate than in
look like yet another example of Because of this gap between misgivings about the CSO's compe‑ have repercussions beyond our Manmohan Singh's time to impress
the BJPʼs penchant for trashing what is claimed and what is per‑ tence and impartiality may not be shores, for foreign investors will the middle‑class.
whatever happened earlier and ceived, the suspicion persists that so easy to dispel. become more wary than before. However, there is an element of
extolling its own achievements. politics may have had more to do To the government's critics, the Up unt il now, the figures the apre moi le deluge (after me,
The ruling dispensation's latest with the tweaking of the growth latest incidents will seem to be in released by the statisticians were the deluge) mindset in its endeav‑
endeavor can be seen, therefore, as estimates than a meticulous analy‑ line with the government's propen‑ implicitly trusted by the people ors, for the government seems
an extension of its practice of sis of the economic data. sity to undermine autonomous and inside and outside India. If the row unconcerned about either the com‑
rewriting history, which started in Unfortunately, however, there is highly regarded institutions. The over the latest numbers continues munally divisive impact of the tem‑
Atal Bihari Vajpayee's time, to a more to this mistrust of the feel‑ implosion in the CBI and the then the confidence of the ordi‑ ple agitation or the downgrading
field where rigor is the hallmark of good of ficial assertions at a time Finance Ministry's tussles with the nary people as well as the corpo‑ of India's reputation to the levels
the academic exercise. when the ruling party's political RBI are two examples of how insti‑ rate czars will be shaken. of Argentina and Venezuela, which
Yet, the except ionally large fortunes are seemingly at a low tut ions can suf fer the conse‑ The agriculture ministry under‑ had a habit playing around with
amount of data which constitutes ebb. And, in trying to spread good quences of the government's inter‑ took some drastic revisions of its growth and inflation figures.
I
ndia's public healthcare system insuf ficient when unknowns are
is sick. In late September, the at Ayushman Bharat, considered: What percentage of the‑
Modi government launched that will insure newly insured will take advantage
Ayushman Bharat, meaning Long of their coverage in year one? Who
Life India, to address this illness.
more than 500 provides payment when an insured
This initiative, which has been million Indians who individual or family exceeds it cov‑
described as the "world's biggest erage? To what extent will private
healthcare program" will insure
currently have no sector providers deliver their servic‑
more than 500 million Indian citi‑ coverage. es at fixed rates to public sector
zens who currently have no cover‑ patients, if they can get full payment
age. Will "Modicare", as the pro‑ and emphasizes holistic healthcare from more affluent clients?
gram has been labeled, cure what ideas such as yoga as part of this Another problem is the issue of
ails India's public health care sys‑ intervention. implementation and roll‑out. The
tem? Overall, that healthcare is of poor coverage across the country. The program will expand the pub‑ new scheme looks good on paper.
T he answer is maybe. T hat quality, difficult to access and the 8 There is a huge rural‑urban lic health network far beyond the But establishing 150,000 health
answer must be equivocal because money spent on it is insubstantial. disparity in terms of the quantity existing governmental hospitals. It and wellness centres is much easier
of the enormity of India's healthcare In 2015, India's public expendi‑ and quality of coverage. will pay public and private sector said than done. This is especially
needs, concerns regarding the ade‑ ture on public healthcare was 8 Compared to the rest of the facilities a fixed rate for covered true given that doing this will
quacy of funding to address those approximately one per cent of its world, India has an average number services. To date, 15,000 hospitals require extensive collaboration and
needs, and uncertainty regarding GDP while South Korea expended of doctors but they attend to only have applied to be certified coordination with India's 29 states
Modicare's implementation. 4.2 per cent and the US expended one third of the Indian population. providers. and seven Union Territories which
Healthcare in India today is tale of 8.5 per cent. 8 The lack of adequate insurance This appears to be a solid frame‑ have varying levels of capacity and
two groups. The first group is the Some of the deficiencies of the coverage and availability of public work for launching this new initia‑ competence. In sum, this is not a
wealthy and upper middle‑class current system are: sector health care causes Indians to tive. The government has appropri‑ negative or pessimistic perspective
who receive their healthcare prima‑ 8 T he per capita insurance have to cover more than 60 per cent ated $1.5 billion for Modicare on India's new healthcare program,
rily from private sector providers. expenditure on healthcare is one of of their expenses personally. health insurance for 2018‑19 and but a realistic one. Modicare repre‑
Overall, that healthcare is of good the lowest in the world. Over 75 per Ayushman Bharat is structured to 2019‑20. Of this, $300 million is sents a beginning and an initial step
quality and easily accessible but can cent of Indians have no health insur‑ address these conditions. It provides allocated for the first year of the that must be taken to bring India's
be expensive. ance. poor families insurance of up to program. healthcare system into the 21st cen‑
The second group is the lower 8 Because the states carry the $6,950 for hospitalization, calls for This seems like a lot of money. tury.
middle‑class and the poor who primary burden for healthcare cov‑ the establishment of 150,000 But, $1.5 billion divided by 500 mil‑ Frank F. Islam is an entrepreneur,
receive their healthcare primarily erage, there is a significant differ‑ health and wellness centers to pro‑ lion covered lives means this is only civic and thought leader based in
from public sector providers. ence in the scope and nature of that vide primary care throughout India $3,000 per individual ‑‑ a very mod‑ Washington, D.C.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
16 December 8-14, 2018 BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Nandita Das,
'2.0': Message lost in Nawazuddin Bollywood dazzles at
star‑studded narrative awarded at APSA Ranveer‑Deepika's
I
ndian actor Nawazuddin
REVIEW
Siddiqui and filmmaker Nandita
Das have been awarded at the
wedding reception
12th Asia Pacific Screen Awards
(APSA) in Brisbane. Nawazuddin
was given the award for the Best
Performance By An Actor for his
film "Manto". The actor said he is
honored. "Honoured to have
received Best Performance By An
Actor Award by ASPA 2018 for my
favorite film 'Manto'. This one is
special, winning for the 2nd Time.
Thank you Asia Pacific Screen
Award and thank you Nandita Das
Superstar Rajinikanth in a triple role is hard to digest.
for believing in me APSA 2018," he
P
atience is all you need to gies. Both bog down the viewing said. Das received the FIAPF award
watch and appreciate, experience and you heave a sigh for achievement in films in the Asia
director S. Shankar's "2.0", of relief when the film breaks for Pacific region. “Honored to get the
an epic fantasy involving supernat‑ intermission. The cacophony of FIAPF APSA Award for the life and
ural powers and events, starring the phone rings and the deafening work choices I have made. Feeling
superstar Rajinikanth and Akshay sound that accompanies the visu‑ encouraged to continue to tell the Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh
Kumar. The narrative begins with als, are what hurt the eardrums. stories that needed to be told," Das looked nothing short of regal.
tweeted. Nandita's first film as
W
the ornithologist Pakshi Rajan On the performance front,
(Akshay Kumar) committing sui‑ Rajinikanth in a triple role is hard director "Firaaq" appeared in 2008. ell known personalities nothing short of regal as Ranveer
cide. Thereafter a supernatural to digest. It is hard to believe him Her second feature, "Manto" pre‑ from Bollywood, sports wore a classic black piece suit with
occurrence of mobile phones get‑ as scientist Vasigaran. The charac‑ miered in UnCertain Regard in and political back‑ a bow tie designed by Rohit
ting sucked into thin air and later ter is much younger and seems Cannes this year and has been ground attended Ranveer Singh Gandhi and Rahul Khanna. While
causing mass destruction, baffle like the superstar's clone. But as picked up by festivals including and Deepika Padukone's wedding Deepika was a treat to sore eyes in
the residents of this cinematic uni‑ the Robot Chitti 2.0 and Kutti 3.0 Sydney, Toronto & Busan. reception, a black‑tie industry a jam colored embellished gown
verse who are mobile phone crazy. he is perfunctory, as he generally party night at The Grand Hyatt on designed by Zuhair Murad.
"2.0" is a technically savvy, lacks energy on screen. December 1 in Mumbai. The list of attendees also includ‑
thought provoking film, but the Akshay Kumar as the silver Actors including Sara Ali Khan, ed producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra
message of "mobile phone radia‑ streaked, world weary Pakshi Ishaan Khatter, Disha Patani, Tiger and his wife Anupama Chopra,
tion", is put forth in a very preach‑ Rajan is palpable. His back‑story Shroff, Aditi Rao Hydari, Radhika Vicky Kaushal, Rekha, Rakeysh
feast manner. Here, a wafer thin adds to his persona and he deliv‑ Apte, Jim Sarbh, Lara Dutta along Omprakash Mehra with his wife,
premise is stretched into a two and ers a heart‑rending performance. with husband Mahesh Bhupathi, Kalki Koechlin, Nimrat Kaur, R
a half hour tale. The plot is bloated Visually the film is a delight. Be Vidya Balan with Siddharth Roy Madhavan and his wife Sarita
with elaborate, inconsequential it the visual graphics or the glori‑ Kapoor, Hema Malini with son‑in‑ Birje. Ranveer and Deepika tied the
VFX and the narrative meanders. ous, endangered birds one gets to law Bharat Takhtani attended the knot on November 14 in Italy in a
The first half is action packed and see on the large screen, each wedding reception. traditional Konkani ceremony,
doused with scientific terminolo‑ frame is colorful and enticing. Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and For their third wedding recep‑ which was followed by a Sindhi
filmmaker Nandita Das. tion, the couple arrived looking wedding on November 15.
PROGRAM
HIGHLIGHTS
Golden Jubilee Gala
ƟȯɀȲȳȼΎƛȷɂɇΎƠȽɂȳȺ˴ΎƟȯɀȲȳȼΎƛȷɂɇ˴ΎƦƱ
ƜȳȱȳȻȰȳɀΎ̰˴Ύ̷̱̯̰˴Ύ̶˹̰̰ΎȾȻ
TheSouthAsianTimes.info December 1-7, 2018
&
Dr Arthur Klein
President of Mount Sinai Health Network
With best wishes,
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BOLLYWOOD December 8-14, 2018 17
D
ney in Bollywood,
o you love "Mother Abhishek Bachchan
India"/"Mughal‑e‑ has made a name
Azam"/"Anand"/"Amar with a filmography
Prem"/"Deewaar", etc, etc? Then consisting of movies
please do not wish for their like "Refugee", "Yuva",
remakes. It amounts to inappropri‑ "Bunty Aur Babli" and
ate touching. "Guru". The actor says
I have never come across a stardom does come
remake that has been even remotely with a price tag and
flattering to the original. Except there is sacrifice in
maybe Sanjay Leela Bhansali's everything that one
"Devdas" which was not really does.
remake of Bimal Roy's "Devdas" but Asked if he believes
a ravishing, revisionist take on stardom comes with a
Saratchandra Chatterjee's novel. price tag, Abhishek
Vidya Balan‑starrer ʻTumhari Suluʼ and its Tamil remake,
But "Devdas" is not my concern said: "Of course.
ʻKaatrin Mozhiʼ, starring Jyothika.
right now. Wretchedly unflattering Everything comes with
remakes have begun to bother me pretending to enhance it in ways pause to say the husband, Balu, is a price tag. There is sacrifice in Actor Abhishek Bachchan has
with renewed vigor ever since I saw that never happen? played way too eagerly by actor everything you do. To gain some‑ lent his voice to Bagheeraʼs
"Kaatrin Mozhi", the Tamil remake Except for the fact that the cultur‑ Vidhaarth. While Manav Kaul in the thing, you have to give up some‑ character in ʻMowgli:
of 2017's game‑changing feminist al reference is altered, "Katrin original was supportive, Vidhaarth thing and the law of nature is as
Legend Of The Jungleʼ.
rom‑com "Tumhari Sulu". I sat Mozhi" is no different from is seen toppling over with spousal simple as that. But it's fine and self. So, I don't think any actor is
through the touching, sincere but "Tumhari Sulu" in spirit and flavor. servility. It almost feels like this hus‑ good." satisfied. The day an actor is satis‑
hollow and self‑conscious remake Even the individual episodes from band is overdoing it to hide an Is he happy with his filmogra‑ fied is kind of a death of the cre‑
with just one thought in my head: the original plot have been extra‑marital affair which would phy? ativity within you," said the son of
Why? Why do we need another wrenched out of their context and come out in a sequel, perhaps? Only "No. I don't think any actor is megastar Amitabh Bachchan.
"Tumhari Sulu" so soon after the put there for no other purpose deft handling by extremely compe‑ happy with their filmography. The Abhishek has lent his voice to the
first? Is the story's transposition to except to look cutely wannabe. Like tent makers could infuse life into tragedy of a filmography is that character of Bagheera in the Hindi
the South a sign of artistic enter‑ the original, "Katrin Mozhi" starts remakes. these are the things that have hap‑ version of Andy Serkis' forthcom‑
prise or just a symptom of the lazi‑ with the feisty housewife participat‑ Martin Scorcese successfully pened in the past. You need to ing film "Mowgli: Legend Of The
ness that has crept into a certain ing in an egg‑and‑spoon race in her remade the 1962 classic "Cape look towards newer horizons, you Jungle", which is slated to have a
kind of genre‑specific cinema which son's school while her "devoted" Fear". He got his first best director need to look forward... you need to global release on the streaming
cannibalises extraneous content husband cheers on. Here I must Oscar for a remake, "The Departed". continue to strive and better your‑ site Netflix on December 7.
18 December 8-14, 2018 ART AND BOOKS TheSouthAsianTimes.info
A
Amazing Ancient Inventions;
ncient inventions like the calendar, edgeable and accessible. But why does
alarm clock, umbrella, locks and
Author: James M. Russell; Russell want his readers to revisit them?
keys, cutlery, adhesives and anes‑ Publisher: Michael O'Mara Books Perhaps because he believes that we are
thetics, among several others, make their Limited/Hachette India; "not any cleverer than our ancestors", we
appearance in our lives quite frequently, but Price: Rs 399; just have an accumulation of centuries of
most of us know little about how these Pages: 192 technological progress on which we can rely.
inventions came to be. Through this book, he intends to give the
Calendars of various sorts, for instance, Ninevah, the capital of ancient Assyria. readers a perspective on the rise and fall of
existed during the Bronze Age but one It worked on the same principle as the civilizations.
recent archaeological finding from Scotland locks of ancient Egypt in which pins inside "History has its many dark ages and cata‑
suggests that they were in use much before the lock are lifted into a recess by the key, clysms during which knowledge is lost and
that. The site at Craithes Castle in removing the obstruction to opening the the human condition gets worse rather than
Aberdeenshire contained a series of 12 pits, door. better. So how comfortable should we feel
which show the phases of the moon and Interestingly, the first wigs came into today that the technology we take for grant‑
monitor lunar months. being as ancient Egyptians were obsessed ed will still be there in 1,000 years or more,"
"The pits, which have been dated to with cleanliness. They washed themselves he asks.
10,000 years ago, also align with the mid‑ several times a day and saw being hairless He is aware that, by most accounts,
winter sunrise. This would allow the hunter‑ as clean and civilized. "They wore wigs to humankind will be out in space by then,
gatherers who created them to reset each keep the sun from burning their scalps. reliant on advanced energy systems and
year correctly to align with the seasons, They were made of either natural or artifi‑ understanding evermore the cosmos and
which suggests significant levels of under‑ except for a few small openings designed to cial hair, and were held in place by beeswax subatomic physics.
standing and sophistication in the pre‑agri‑ act as a whistle when air was forced through and resin," finds Russell. "But perhaps that isn't how things will be.
cultural Mesolithic period of the area," them ‑‑ which happened when the water fell. How about cutlery? Perhaps there'll be a human civiliz; tion that
James M. Russell writes in his just‑released "So Plato's students were woken up, along The first pieces of cutlery developed when has evolved into something unrecognizable
"Plato's Alarm Clock and Other Amazing with their teacher, by a loud whistling noise people started to cover the handles of stone to us, in which there remain only few incred‑
Ancient Inventions". emanating from the extraordinary alarm knives with wood or skin in order to make ulous rumors about how mankind used to be
As for the Water Alarm Clock, Greek clock," notes Russell. them more comfortable to hold. Russell able to fly to the moon and beyond, send
philosopher Plato wanted a way to get him‑ The first umbrellas, on the other hand, maintains that it is impossible to say when information instantaneously around the
self and his students out of bed in time for came into existence due to climatic needs. this practice started, but contends that world, cure all kinds of diseases, send air‑
lessons. By then simple water clocks, in They were used as sunshades as the most knives, along with simple spoons made of craft and bombs across the oceans, and
which the drip of water is used to record the advanced civilizations developed in warmer hollowed out wood, seashells or flint, were understand what matter is made of."
passing of time, were already in existence. climates. surely in use from the start of the Neolithic He ends hoping that the Utopian version is
The innovation in Plato's water clock was Locks and keys are also a fascinating his‑ period (about 12,000 years ago). the real story and the dystopian one never
that it also featured an alarm. torical development, symbolizing both the Divided into six chapters, the book pres‑ comes to fruition, but in the meantime he
Plato achieved this feat by adding a tube growth of personal wealth and the need for ents dozens of similar "amazing ancient urges his readers to take a look around and
which led out of the vessel into a lower privacy. The oldest lock, according to inventions" and tells the reader how they appreciate every little bit of technology
receptacle, which was completely closed Russell's findings, comes from the ruins of came into being. Sparingly written and to we use. ‑IANS
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA FEATURES December 8-14, 2018 19
W
hen his single mother
could not take care of
the mentally‑chal‑
lenged boy Rinku, she brought
him to a home less she lter in
Bhandwari village on the out‑
skirts of bustling Gurugram (for‑
merly Gurgaon), one of India's
fastest‑growing cities and home
to scores of multinational compa‑
nies in glittering glass and steel
towers. W hen the six‑month
pregnant Sarita Devi was aban‑
doned by her husband, she was
also sent to this open‑to‑all shel‑
ter by a court.
Now both of them have not
only found a home, but also new
A successful martial artist, Ravi Kalra left it all to dedicate his life to service of humanity and founded Earth Saviours Foundation based in Gurgaon.
families at the Earth Saviours
Foundation (ESF), also called garbage along with street dogs care of," said Rao, 62, who used said. "I feel very different about "People in the village didn't
Gurukul. Like them, around 450 on a busy Delhi road. "I despised to work as a cook at a hotel in it today." allow it initially and thought we
other homeless people, including my wealth at that time... felt as if Gurugram. "These people have become my were bringing mad people here.
over 300 mentally‑challenged I haven't done anything good for The residents of Gurukul told family. My husband wants to get Eventually, they understood we
persons, found a home at this society. That was the moment I IANS that the boy couldn't be back with me, but I won't go with were doing good work. Today,
two‑acre site in a rustic setting decided to leave everything and taken care of by his mother, a him." She worked as a housemaid everybody in the village knows of
not far away from Gurugram's to dedicate my life to seva," he single parent, because of his earlier and is now a volunteer at this place," he said.
self‑absorbed modern urbanity. recalled. aggressive demeanor. "He can't the foundation. According to Kalra's observa‑
Reached by a narrow and A few months after that inci‑ stay in isolation." The Earth Saviors Foundation tions, the beggars we see on the
bumpy road, ESF was founded in dent, he started his foundation Unlike others, his real family runs without any government roads of Delhi are not necessarily
2008 by Ravi Kalra, 49, who was and, since then, has dedicated didn't abandon him thoug h. support, doesn't have enough people from poor families.
earlier a martial artist who had himself to improving the lives of "They pay visits every now and beds for the 450 people who "I have come across NRIs,
no idea of his future mission. abandoned senior citizens, physi‑ then," Rao said. reside there, but always has its retired army officers, IAS officers
Inspired by the toug h cally and mentally disabled, vic‑ At Gurukul, one doctor and doors open for the homeless. who were abandoned by their
demeanor of his father, who was timized women, and people suf‑ three nurses are available "I used all my hard‑earned families in old age. There is a lot
a police inspector in Delhi, Kalra fering with incurable diseases. "I between 9 am and 6 pm every money and now we rely on all of suffering in the world."
learnt taekwondo, a skill that feel all of them deserve to live day. There are over 450 resi‑ those people who generously Every now and then, an ESF
took him places. He even got to with dignity," he told IANS. dents residing in five dormitories offer monetary support to us." van makes the rounds of hospi‑
work w ith the US Army in And dignity is the gift that ‑‑ three have been allotted to The inception of this founda‑ tals in the Nat ional Capital
recruiting soldiers from Nepal Gurukul has given to people like women, and two to men. tion was not without any strug‑ Region to spot those who need
during the war w ith Iraq in Rinku and Sarita. For recreation, there are televi‑ gle. Kalra initiated his service help.
2007. When asked about his family, sions, books, newspapers and a with about 15 to 20 people in "This place is my home for the
Having earned a fair bit of Rinku, now 36‑years‑old, would carrom board. Vasant Kunj in south Delhi. rest of my life. I work here with
money, he wanted to give it back make an adorable gesture by Sarita, 27, an orphan and later "That place caught fire and we the administration team, and in
to society by doing "seva" (public pointing towards Anand Rao, abandoned by her husband, was had to move to somewhere in reuniting people. We also cre‑
service). While he always had who is himself physically dis‑ scared when she first arrived at Rajouri Garden. Our center there mate unclaimed bodies. I work
this urge to do something to abled but takes care of him like a the shelter home. got floo ded and we had to for that as well," Gautam said.
improve the lives of the needy, he son. "That is how we function "I thought how would I stay in change several places before He said the foundation has cre‑
got his epiphany when he came here. Everybody has a friend or this madhouse, but I didn't have coming to Bandhwari, where I mated over 5,000 unclaimed
upon a beggar child scouring companion who he or she takes any other place to go to," she had my own land." bodies so far.
A
college in Assam has in 1996, the college started to Silapathar Science College, told Rice is the staple diet for most ʻBoraʼ.
walked the extra mile by work closely with farmers in the IANS. of the tribes and communities in “High‑yielding varieties of rice
not only setting up a rice district since 2015 and organized He explained that while the gov‑ Assam and the state produces a are affecting the indigenous vari‑
bank to preserve seeds of indige‑ a “Rice Mela” to showcase the ernment is promoting high‑yield‑ huge quantity of it. According to eties. People have lost interest in
nous varieties that are losing out indigenous varieties grown in the ing varieties of rice through vari‑ government statistics, Assam pro‑ growing indigenous varieties as
to new high‑yielding varieties but district. ous schemes to boost production, duced over 70 lakh tonnes of rice production is less. However, the
also encouraging farmers to grow “That was the beginning. We local farmers also prefer these as in 2017, compared to 52 lakh indigenous varieties are better
them so that they do not become have encouraged our students to more production means more tonnes the previous year. Besides suited to the local climate and
extinct. visit the whole of the district and financial gain. “This is a bad trend the normal rice, Assam also pro‑ there must be a sustained ef fort
The Silapathar Science College, collect the samples of rice grown as the stateʼs indigenous rice vari‑ duces dif ferent varieties of aro‑ to improve production of the
located in Dhemaji district along by the farmers. Dhemaji used to eties will become extinct,” he said, matic rice, locally known as ʻJohaʼ; indigenous variet ies,” Saikia
the Assam‑Arunachal Pradesh bor‑ produce a large variety of rice, but adding that the indigenous vari‑ some varieties of soft rice, locally explained.
der, has so far documented and most of these are not available eties of rice are tastier and more known as ʻKomal Saulʼ that needs (IANS)
20 December 8-14, 2018 SUBCONTINENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info
O
intends to withdraw from the nboard Train‑18 (Kota): With the Train 18 is a
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Train 18 speeding up to 180 kmph 100‑crore
Countries (OPEC) after nearly 60 years indigenously
between Kota junction and Kurlasi
of membership in order to focus on its developed
station during a trial on Sunday, efforts are
high‑tech,
plans to increase natural gas produc‑ on to launch the first indigenously‑built
energy‑
tion. The planned January 1, 2019, Trainset on December 25 between New efficient,
withdrawal was announced at a press Delhi and Varanasi. self‑
conference here earlier in the day and "Christmas Day also happens to be the propelled or
confirmed by Qatar Petroleum, the birthday of late Prime Minister Atal Bihari engineless
state‑owned corporation responsible Vajpayee and it would be a tribute to the train.
for oil and gas activities, on Twitter. great statesman if we manage to launch the (Photo:
"The withdrawal decision reflects next‑generation train on that day," a senior IANS)
Qatar's desire to focus its efforts on railway official told IANS.
plans to develop and increase its natu‑ Since the input cost of the Rs 100‑crore
ral gas production," tweeted Saad train is high, the fare structure will be also Train 18 during the various trials on "We are quite excited to be part of this
Sherida Al‑Kaabi, the country's be higher than the normal fare. Sunday ‑‑ including a speed run on a great occasion," Padam Singh told IANS
Minister of State for Energy Affairs. However, the official added that the deci‑ straight track, speed test on one degree after having the sweet.
He said that OPEC had been sion on its launch date and fare were yet to curve at 150 kmph, and two degree curve "I feel proud to be part of this historic
informed of the decision, Efe news be taken as the trial was not yet complete. at 140 and 150 kmph ‑‑ on the 113 km trial," added Yadav.
reported. According to the tentative plan, the train stretch from Kota to Kurlasi under the It was a smooth ride for those inside ‑‑
Qatar has been a member of OPEC will start from New Delhi station at 6 a.m. watchful eyes senior railway of ficials as occupying rotating seats to match the
since 1961. It said the organization and is expected to reach Varanasi, Prime well as those from the national trans‑ direction of the train ‑ as the Train 18
was aware of its decision to withdraw. Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary porter's Research Design and Standards became the first train to touch such high
Al‑Kaabi said the withdrawal deci‑ constituency, at 2 p.m. Organisation. speed on the Indian rail network.
sion reflected Qatar's aim to increase For the return journey, the train will start Ladoos were distributed in the train when Although the speed touched 180 kmph
its natural gas production from 77 at 2.30 p.m., from Varanasi and reach the it clocked 180 kmph. The first sweets were during Sunday's trial run, the Train‑18 will
million tonnes a year to 110 million national capital at 10.30 p.m. of fered to loco pilot Padam Singh Gurjar only be allowed to run at a maximum speed
tonnes in the coming years. It was a thrilling experience onboard and his assistant Onkar Yadav. of 160 kmph in its commercial operations.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPORTS December 8-14, 2018 23
E
v e r y Bridenstine has said NASA along with On Thursday, Bridenstine said he
y e a r SpaceX founder Elon Musk's SpaceX and personally ordered the reviews. He
Yahoo Musk will not be smok‑ Boeing is develop‑ attributed his decision to several
publishes the ing weed in public ing transportation tragedies in NASA history, including
list of top news‑ again, the media report‑ systems that would the Apollo 1 fire in 1967, when three
makers and ed. Speaking on Musk's allow the US to fly astronauts were killed during a
happenings that infamous marijuana consumption astronauts from American soil for ground test, and the two space‑shut‑
catches the during "The Joe Rogan Experience" the first time since the space shuttle tle disasters (Challenger in 1986 and
interest of podcast in September, the NASA was retired in 2011. "The leaders of Columbia in 2003), which together
Internet users chief said 'that was not appropriate these organizations need to take that killed 14 people. A spokesperson for
in India in the behavior' and people will not be see‑ as an example of what to do when SpaceX declined to comment on
"Year in Review ing that again, The Atlantic reported you lead an organization that's going Bridenstine's remarks, the report
for India" on Thursday. to launch American astronauts," said.
report. interest of Internet users in Bridenstine said he has spoken Bridenstine said. NASA, in 2014, gave both SpaceX
Users on the platform bid India in the "Year in Review for with Musk recently that he does not The warning comes about a week and Boeing combined $6.8 billion to
adieu to Bollywoo d actress India" report. want NASA contractors engaging in after reports suggesting that NASA develop launch systems that could
Sridevi w ith g rie f and love Reserve Bank of India (RBI) questionable behavior. "We've had a would conduct reviews of workplace transport the agency's astronauts to
online, thus, making her one of Governor Urjit Patel headed the number of conversations," he said. "I culture at both SpaceX and Boeing. and from the International Space
the "Most Searched Female "Top Finance Newsmakers" list will tell you, he is as committed to "NASA will be conducting a cultural Station. Last week NASA announced
Celebrities" in 2018. followed by while Re liance safety as anybody, and he under‑ assessment study in coordination that the first uncrewed test by
The survivors of the MeToo Industries Chairman Mukesh stands that was not appropriate with our commercial partners to SpaceX is tentatively scheduled for
movement that took Bollywood Ambani. behaviour, and you won't be seeing ensure the companies are meeting January 7, but Bridenstine said on
and the media industry by Users on the platform bid that again," Bridenstine told nasa's requirements for workplace Thursday that the date is unlikely to
storm in the country were adieu to Bollywoo d actress reporters at NASA headquarters in safety, including the adherence to a stick and may slide into spring.
named "Personality of the Year Sridevi w ith g rie f and love
2018" by search engine major online, thus, making her one of
Yahoo India on Tuesday. the "Most Searched Female
In its "2018 Year in Review" Celebrities" in 2018.
for India (YIR) report, the com‑ Actor Salman Khan became
pany said Prime Minister the "Most Searched Male
Narendra Mo di once ag ain Celebrity" of 2018. Close on his
grabbed the top spot in the list heels was American singer Nick
of "Top Newsmakers of 2018", Jonas who moved up the list
followed by former Chie f post his engagement to actress
Justice of India, Dipak Misra Priyanka Chopra.
who made it to the list with his New entrants like actress
landmark verdicts on Triple Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali
Talaq and Article 377. Khan, besides Sprinter Hima
Every year Yahoo publishes Das also made it to "India's Top
the list of top newsmakers and 10 Heartthrobs" of 2018.
happenings that catches the ‑‑IANS
TheSouthAsianTimes.info LIFESTYLE December 8-14, 2018 25
Immigration
S
ince President Trump took
office we have seen a lot of
VISA
ance out the economics and finan‑
changes to immigration
laws. President Trump wants to
cial hardship the lack of additional Congress members Anna G. Eshoo and
income creates; this would cause
change a lot of Obama‑era laws Zoe Lofgren have
TALK
the separation of many families.
that have benefited many immi‑
grants. A few weeks ago the
Many H‑1B visa holders are from introduced a bill to
India and the backlog for Indian
Department of Homeland Security
made an announcement that a new
citizens to obtain a green card is stop the Trump admin‐
Protection Act would prohibit the very long. If not for the extremely
rule will be released soon prevent‑ Trump administration from taking long wait time many H‑1B visa
istration from taking
ing foreign national spouses on H‑ away the right of H‑4 visa holders
4 visas from working. H‑4 visas are from working. Congresswoman
holders would be green card hold‑ away the work author‐
ers already. It is not likely that the
given to certain dependent spous‑
es of H‑1B visa holders who are in
Eshoo says "Eliminating this bene‑ new bill will pass in the current ization of spouses of H‐1B visa holders.
fit would create a painful choice Republican controlled Congress,
the process of obtaining perma‑ for many immigrants to either split but it does have a better chance of
nent residency. up their families or return to their passing though once the new Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
Lawmakers Anna G. Eshoo and home countries and use their tal‑ Democratic majority House takes The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States,
Zoe Lofgren introduced a new bill ents to compete against American office in January. Both Eshoo and and Banad Immigration in India for which
to Congress to stop the Trump businesses." Taking away the work Lofgren believe that spouses Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of
administration from taking away authorization of H‑4 visa holders should not be left without the right Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
the work authorization of spouses would not help the American econ‑ to work and many are “accom‑ Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to assist
of H‑1B visa holders. Spouses of H‑ omy and Eshoo believes that work plished, qualified, and highly‑ clients with all facets of the immigration process,
1B visa holders are given H‑4 visas authorization for H‑4 visa holders skilled” and therefore should be including Employment Visas, Consular Visa
which may include permission to is “a matter of both economic fair‑ Assistance, Student Visas, Removal &
allowed to benefit from their skills.
work if the H1B primary applicant ness and family unity.” If spouse of Deportation, US Citizenship and Green Card
If you have questions about this
has an I‑140 petition for perma‑ H‑1B visa holders are not allowed Applications based on Family or Employment.
bill or what options are available,
nent residence, which is already to work, they may have to return Dev B. Viswanath can be reached at
you should contact an experienced
approved. The H‑4 Employment to their home country to help bal‑ Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
Immigration Attorney.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info HUMOR December 8-14, 2018 27
BEST
RATE
FOR
INDIA
AND
PAKISTAN
New York Head Quarter
422‑S Broadway
HICKSVILLE
By Mahendra Shah
NY 11801
8th December, 2018 ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK your profession. However, you
Traits in you: As Saturn guides should work on your impatience,
you, you have all the characteristics to pressure and overload of work. Romance this year: You will find characteristics and you are kind whim and stubbornness. You
to be a lively, reliable, efficient, and Finance this year: Your financial yourself in romantic peak this year hearted as well. should plan something to execute
temperate person. You are the condition may improve this year and marriage may happen for few. Health this year: You may plan your plans in this year. You will
owner of an attractive and charis‑ thanks to your previous invest‑ for a pilgrimage or a distant jour‑ find luck and success easily this
matic personality. ments. You need to invest your life 11th December, 2018 ney to find mental peace and take year if you grab the opportunities
Health this year: You may under‑ time investment intelligently so Traits in you: You are blessed rest from your busy schedule, at right times.
go few minor health issues. that you need not repent later. with a lively, creative, practical and which makes you weak physically. You will find good opportunities
However, your overall health Career this year: You have the trustworthy nature. You epitomize Finance this year: This year will by developing new relationships
should remain fine. ability to make quick decisions. You simplicity and leadership. You pos‑ be very fruitful for you in terms of and attachments.
Finance this year: You will be able are capable enough to get rewards sess enough capability to perform investments. If you want to invest Romance this year: Some of you
to accumulate enough money this and appreciation for your efficiency your job that requires huge respon‑ in the stock market, you will be may get married to your desired
year as you will be moving towards in your professional field. However, sibility and courage. You have to benefited hugely. This year is the partners this year.
a successful future. You will be ben‑ you should control your jealousy to work on your nature of becoming best time to go for property.
efitted from any new venture or improve your personality. You impatient and spending unneces‑ Career this year: You will be 14th December, 2018
association. should not try to do things beyond sarily. enjoy ing a goo d posit ion and Traits in you: Your guiding star,
Career this year: You are appreci‑ your capabilities. It may land you in Health this year: You mig ht respect in your professional life. Mercury makes you practical, intel‑
ated by your colleagues and ordi‑ difficulties. undergo tension and nervousness However, you should not behave ligent, distinguished, responsive,
nates for your hard work and effi‑ Romance this year: Your romantic as your spouse might fall sick. You dominant this year. It may af fect unique and dashing individual. You
ciency. You will prove to be an life would be an excellent one this need not bother for a long time as your life negatively. If you are in possess friendly and cooperative.
excellent resource in your profes‑ year as you will be able to clarify your spouse would recover soon. creativity field, you may gain lot of However, you should control your
sional life as you are productive. past misunderstanding with your Finance this year: You may find recognition and of course money being impatient and short‑tem‑
However, you need to work on your partner. yourself in a busy schedule as you will follow. You will find help from peredness.
nervousness and laziness at times. may have to solve various matters your near ones when required. This Health this year: You may remain
You may require a technology up‑ 10th December, 2018 related to property, business, and will be a major boost to your pro‑ tensed for the health of your
gradation or renovation to improve Traits in you: Being ruled by the new business initiatives. This may fessional life. spouse.
your efficiency at work in the mid‑ Sun and number 1, you are original, make ypou earn lot of money if you Romance this year: You may plan Finance this year: You will be in
dle months of the year. authoritative, dignified, and deter‑ succeed. You may concede a huge for a romantic trip with your part‑ financial gain this year as your
Romance this year: You mined. As you are sensitive for your amount of money on renovation or ner to a distant place. business w ill g row. T his w ill
will gain lots of love and care from relationships, your friends and fam‑ construction activities during the enhance your confidence. You will
your spouse or partner. Some of ily may consider you to be an asset ending months of the year. 13th December, 2018 be able to settle down your legal
you may find this year romantic in their lives. However, you need to Career this year: Your efforts are Traits in you: Being an active, sen‑ matters this year and find peace
enough to be in a good spirit. Some take care of your nature of spend‑ not destined to go unnoticed and sible, enthusiastic, authoritative, from the results.
may tie their knots. ing unnecessarily and your domi‑ unrewarded this year should you to and energetic person, you have Career this year: You will find
nating character. concentrate on your goals and put enough capability to perform very new proposals and work assign‑
9th December, 2018 Health this year: You will remain qualitative ef fort. Your skills will well in your professional career. ments this year. Some of you may
Traits in you: Being ruled by healthy throughout the year pro‑ get recognition and appreciation Health this year: You will find get good increments and promo‑
Mars, you are endowed with ener‑ vided you go for regular medical from your colleagues. improvements in your health tions as well in your professional
gy. You are energetic, dependable, checkups. Romance this year: Your romantic though working long at office. life. If you are a sportsman or an
and organized. Finance this year: If you are a life would be filled with love and Finance this year: Some of you artist, you can expect fame towards
Health this year: This year you professional, you will be among af fection by your partner. Overall may visit abroad for business trips the end of the year.
will remain healthy. You may lose financial benefits. your romantic life would remain as you areplanning to enhance your Romance this year: Your relation‑
things both personally and person‑ Career this year: You may get blissful forever. business territory. ship with your partner might get
ally being emotional. You may visit excellent returns from your invest‑ You will get success in you new ruined due to minor issues. If you
a distant pilgrimage to attend an ments in business and it may 12th December, 2018 ventures and this will make you have never been in a relationship,
auspicious occasion towards the improve your standard of living by Traits in you: Jupiter signifies financially stable. this year may be lucky for you as
end of the year to attain mental making you spend a more luxurious ambition, dignity, and independ‑ Career this year: Your intelligence you will have an emotional and
health which is contaminated due life. ence. You are blessed with all these will enable you create wonders in romantic attachment.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info HOLIDAYS December 8-14, 2018 29
Holiday
proof your home
T
o‑do lists can get pretty long during In the closet, under the bed, and behind
the holidays with all of the decorat‑ furniture are some of the first places a
ing, cleaning, and gift buying burglar (or your kids) will look for valu‑
involved. As a result, itʼs easy to overlook able Christmas gifts. Consider renting a
important safety concerns. Take action to lockbox or storage unit to keep your gifts
protect your home and family this holiday in until Christmas Eve. If thatʼs not an
season with these easy tips! option, store your gifts in an old card‑
board box in the basement, attic, or
Traveling garage instead of in shiny, appealing
paper in the closet.
The holidays are a popular time to go
visit friends and family, but before you
load up the car, make sure your home is
AFTER THE HOLIDAYS
ready for your absence. Most importantly, Placing empty boxes for expensive towels as a short term solution.
you should consider touching up on in
donʼt broadcast your planned absence on goods on the curb for pickup is like mak‑ Pipes : Water pipes freezing is a com‑
your home to be prepared for winter.
social media or on the streets because ing a shopping list for robbers. Instead, Furnace ‑ The most obvious way to keep mon problem during winter. This is
people you donʼt know could easily inter‑ break the boxes down and put them in your home warm is to make sure the because as the water freezes, it expands,
cept that information, break in, and wreak non‑opaque trash bags or drive your heater is in good working order. Start by causing extensive damage to your plumb‑
havoc. Christmas boxes to the local dump your‑ changing the air filter to increase the air‑ ing if the pipe bursts. To prevent this,
When you travel, take your home securi‑ self. flow, then schedule a tune‑up with a make sure your pipes are insulated,
ty a step further by automating your licensed technician who can clean, lubri‑ stripped, and caulked. It also helps to keep
lights to make it seem like someone is Keeping Your Home cate, and adjust the furnace for maximum the heat on in the house.
Fireplace : A fireplace is a great way to
home. Timers are one way to accomplish
this. You can also monitor your home
Warm This Winter efficiency.
keep your family warm…if youʼve taken
Doors ‑ If you have gaps under doors,
using nanny cams, security cameras, and Whether you love it or hate it, thereʼs no youʼre going to end up with cold drafts the steps to use it safely. Part of that is
other devices that let you watch or listen denying it: winter is almost here. Nowʼs coming in and hot air flowing out. You can taking time to schedule a deep clean and
in on the goings‑on of your home. the time to make sure youʼre ready to add rubber to the bottom of your doors to inspection. Also, always remember to keep
weather the cold and keep your home fill the gap or purchase some temporary pets and children away from the flames
Presents warm this winter. Here are some things draft snakes. You can even use rolled up and to keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
W
casual clothes and athleisure a as a neutral accessory for a favorite hol‑
night off and dress up in eye‑catching, iday outfit,” says Duck. eʼve all been there before.
festive attire. Procrastinated or overscheduled
IDEAS TO TRY our holiday season to the point
An amazing pair of shoes can be one
of the best conversation starters at an where we leave ourselves little to no time
8 Pair a bell‑sleeve top and leather
upcoming winter celebration, according to shop for loved ones. But great gifts
leggings with metallic heels. A hint of
to Nichole Duck, buyer for shoe retailer donʼt necessarily need to be planned of styles, such as those from Casioʼs
ruffle detail will add texture and tone to
Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse. From months in advance. Vintage Timepiece Collection. Featuring
bejeweled footwear.
glimmering and glittery shoes These last‑minute ideas will bring cheer stainless steel bands in such different
8 A pointed pump in
to footwear featuring glam‑ to the season for gift‑givers and recipients metallic color combinations as gold and
silver or gold com‑
orous metallic tones, she alike. black, and rose gold and silver, they are
bines nicely with
is providing the top equipped with an LED‑lit display face, a
a pencil skirt A Gift Basket countdown timer, a 1/100th second stop‑
trends that are sure featuring a
to perfect your holi‑ statement sil‑ A gift basket is easy to prepare and, if watch, as well as a daily alarm, hourly time
day party look. houette. created by you, wonʼt feel last‑minute at signal and auto‑calendar. This throwback
all. With a few customizations for an indi‑ accessory is both useful and fashionable,
Glam it up GO RED vidualʼs preferences, this is an extremely adding a bold, retro‑inspired look to any
with Glitter While red is
thoughtful gift. Shopping for a person with outfit.
a sweet tooth? Hit up the candy aisle and
Shoes featuring glitter traditionally
get most of your items from there.
MOVIE NIGHT
accents promise just the safe for any holi‑
Shopping for a foodie? Prepare a basket of Everyone loves a trip to the movies, and
right amount of sparkle and day party, this
interesting herbs and spices from around these days, itʼs easier than ever to send a
shine. yearʼs “it” color is a full‑
the world. The possibilities are endless. loved one to the theater again and again.
bodied and vibrant shade.
Ideas to try: After youʼve arranged the items nicely, With a MoviePass membership of just
Ideas to try: spiff it up with a few bows and flourishes $9.95 a month, you can give the gift of
8 A closed toed pump with a 3‑inch in your gift recipientʼs favorite colors. unlimited theater‑going to your favorite
heel adorned with glitter can be spec‑ 8 Match a little black dress with a
cinephile.
tacularly paired with a high fashion slip pair of pumps in a bold shade of red. A TIMEPIECE This holiday season, donʼt show up
dress and smoky eye. This striking color also enhances luxuri‑
If youʼre stumped for a gift for that prag‑ empty‑handed or re‑gift something gener‑
8 Combine a solid‑colored sheath ous accessories made of velvet, satin or
matic, stylish someone that will be appre‑ ic lying around the house. There are plen‑
and shimmery pumps with elegant even tulle.
ciated for both its beauty and its function‑ ty of thoughtful gifts that can be prepared
statement jewelry to complete the look. 8 Pair classic black stilettos with a
ality, consider a great timepiece in a clas‑ at the last minute and your recipient will
red cashmere sweater and jeans for a
TRY METAL TONES casual, yet elegant style. sic design that will complement a variety be none the wiser.
30 December 8-14, 2018 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info
tence to which the soul goes after it become aware of our true Home. It
dies. Scientists and doctors have is we who have made it complicat‑
tried to verify this by documenting ed.
By Sant Rajinder Singh accounts of people who were So how do we accomplish step
Ji Maharaj declared clinically dead but had one and step two? To accomplish
A
near‑death experiences and step one, we must withdraw our
soul is sent to a life in the described something beyond this attention from our body, mind, and If we meditate accurately we will
human body for a certain
period of time. During that
world. The question is, where are
these realms? They are not zones
the world outside. We must decide
to turn off the outer programming.
experience ourselves as soul. Once
time the soul is confined in the
human form like a prison cell.
in outer space delineated by bor‑
ders. All these realms exist concur‑
When that programming is in the
off mode, then in the silence we
we identify with the soul, we will be
When the soul inhabits a body, the
soul is still a part of God and is still
rently with this one. The reason we will experience ourselves as soul. able to pick up frequencies that the
are not aware of them is because That is the step that we call self‑
one with God. The soul, however, is
now overpowered by some very
they operate on a different fre‑ knowledge. Once we identify with soul is capable of receiving.
quency or vibration. the soul, we will be able to pick up
powerful forces, such as the mind, The saints and mystics tell us frequencies that the soul is capable attention is only focused on one vibratory rate, which is the power
the body, and the outer world, that we have the choice to either of receiving. We can do a gradual region̶the physical. of God itself. When we shift our
which cause the soul, over time, to stay tuned to this physical world, shift in which we go from the con‑ So, for step one, the Masters who attention to that, we have come to
forget itself. The soul slowly begins or to tune into the channels of God. sciousness of one region to con‑ have learned to be attuned to the the state of consciousness where
to identify itself with the body and God wants us to watch Godʼs pro‑ sciousness of the spiritual realms. realm of God, teach us that we can we are at one with God and merge
mind and world outside. It sudden‑ gramming. God is available twenty‑ Once someone asked the great withdraw our attention from the with God. It is simply a matter of
ly begins to think that it can only four hours of the day, three hun‑ saint, Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji world, the body, and the mind by choosing where we want to put our
receive information from the outer dred sixty‑five days a year. Godʼs Maharaj, how long it took to get sitting in meditation. If we medi‑ attention.
world through the senses. Thus, programming does not turn off at from here (the physical region) to tate accurately we will experience That is the true meaning of the
the soul has become attuned to three a.m. like some networks do. It Sach Khand (the highest spiritual ourselves as soul. Once we identify anecdote about Bulleh Shah and
only one channel̶the channel of is a free station broadcasting all region). Hazur closed his eyes, and with the soul, then we will also be Inayat Shah. When Bulleh Shah
the world. the time without any cable fees. then opened them. He told them, “I aware of the inner Light and Sound asked his Master, Inayat Shah (who
If we think about our life as We only need to know how to tune have just been there and back.” He that is the radiance and vibratory was a gardener by profession),
watching a television program, we into Godʼs station. was showing that the shift of atten‑ sound of God within us. If we “How can I find God?” Inayat Shah
have multiple choices as to what to The hook‑up to God is not hard. tion from the physical realm to absorb ourselves in the Light and pulled up a plant and replanted it
watch. Just as there are a dozen It is just a matter of making the Sach Khand could be done in the Sound within, we can then attain in another place. When Bulleh Shah
network stations and then dozens choice that this is what we want to twinkling of an eye. Why? Because step two. We can shift our atten‑ questioned what that demonstra‑
if not hundreds of cable stations do. The steps to do this are simple. we are not going anywhere physi‑ tion into the Light and Sound, tion meant, Inayat Shah said, “To
from which to choose, so, too, there Step one is to stop identifying with cally. We are merely shifting our which attracts our soul to higher find God it is merely uprooting
are many activities in this world the body, mind, and world outside, attention from one state of con‑ levels of vibration. your attention from one place and
that we can engage in. and identify with the soul. Step two sciousness to the other. The other The Light and Sound function at planting it in another place.” That
Now, let us take a look at the requires that when we identify state of consciousness does not different vibratory rates in the dif‑ is the simplicity of spirituality. God
other choices available to us. This with our soul that we shift our exist in time or space. They are ferent regions. As we shift our did not make things complicated. It
physical planet is not a separate attention to the frequency of the operating concurrently. We are attention we find ourselves con‑ is simple. It is only we who have to
offshoot from all of creation and higher realms and ultimately to simultaneously in the other realms scious of being in the different choose to transplant the flower of
God. Most religions believe that God. That is all we must do. God and in God at the same time but we regions. Ultimately, the Light and our attention from the world into
there are higher regions of exis‑ did not make it hard for us to are not aware of it because our Sound function at their highest Godʼs garden.
I
n each personʼs life a moment
comes when we have a transcen‑
dent experience or a revelation in
which we become aware that we
LIFEʼS AWAKENING MOMENTS
have a higher purpose in this world.
ing. Our soul has been asleep for providing the tools and techniques to
Suddenly, amidst the daily rituals of
aeons. We started out in the lap of make them a personal reality.
waking up, getting dressed, going to
God but became lost in the attrac‑ Sant Mat does not demand that we
work, eating, and sleeping, we get a
tions of the world. We have forgotten renounce our families or societies.
glimpse that there is something
our true Home. We are in a state of Instead, we can pursue our spiritual
more to this life. That moment may
slumber or forgetfulness that we are goals while leading normal lives.
come when we are a child. It may
souls, a part of God. We think we are
come to us while a teenager, or it
the mind and the body and have for‑ THE NEED FOR A
may come in adult life. Some may
have it when they are young adults,
gotten our true essence as soul, as a LIVING MASTER
part of the Creator.
and some have it in their senior A competent teacher speeds our
years of life. Whenever it comes, it SANT MAT progress. It's a common sense princi‑
leaves us transformed. Suddenly, we Sant Mat, the “Path of the Saints,” inner Light and Sound with an inclu‑ mysticism. Mysticism looks beyond ple of life: studying with one who has
begin to question who we are, why reflects the core teachings of saints sive, positive way of living. rites, rituals, and scriptural knowl‑ mastered the subject we wish to
we are here, where we go when we and mystics through the ages. People At the heart of Sant Mat are these edge and pursues spirituality as a learn accelerates our learning. That's
die, and what our purpose in life is. new to this path often say they are simple principles: There is one God matter of personal inner experience. why seekers throughout history
Read about the life of any of the attracted by its simplicity, integrity, of all creation, though people wor‑ Sant Mat expresses the deepest have turned to spiritual Masters. By
great saints and mystics and you will and effectiveness in fostering spiri‑ ship the Lord by different names and values of every great spiritual tradi‑ virtue of their own inner awakening,
find some life‑transforming experi‑ tual growth. Although Sant Mat was through dif ferent practices. While tion̶love for God, compassion for these Masters awaken others. As
ence that awakened their quest. born centuries ago in India, it is in Sant Mat respects all faiths, it stress‑ Godʼs creation, and a daily life much as we revere Masters of the
Once these burning questions arise, many ways ideal for the modern es that religion has two dimen‑ grounded in ethical values. Sant past, Sant Mat stresses the impor‑
there is no turning back. We are rest‑ seeker. Followed under the guidance sions̶outer and inner. Sant Mat Matʼs unique contribution is distill‑ tance of a living guide.
less until we find the solution. Before of a living spiritual Master, these focuses on the inner dimension̶the ing these noble ideals into a simple, ‑Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
our awakening, it is like we are sleep‑ teachings couple meditation on the deep spiritual essence known as universal spiritual path and then (For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info December 8-14, 2018
TheSouthAsianTimes.info December 8-14, 2018