The Indian Panorama

Year: 2013

  • The AIA-NY DEEPAVALI is on 6th October at South Street Seaport

    The AIA-NY DEEPAVALI is on 6th October at South Street Seaport

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Association of Indians in America, NY Chapter (AIA-NY) hosts its 26th Annual Deepavali at South Street Seaport on October 6th, 2013 from 12 noon till 8pm (Fireworks at 7pm). Generally this event attracts 75,000 – 100,000 people from all corners of the tristate area. The weather forecast for Sunday October 6 is sunny 65 to 80 degrees, winds 9 mph. Given all the new things AIA has added to their event this year (see below), nice weather and the newly renovated pier 16 and a brand new pier 15, the turnout could easily go into 100,000 to 150,000 people. The Hindu Festival of Deepavali meaning ‘A row of lamps’ is also popularly known as Diwali, or ‘Festival of Lights’.


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    It signifies the triumph of ‘Good over Evil’. The festival is a full day celebration with numerous booths, vendors, performances and activities for the whole family including a live grand display of fireworks. At the Oct 6 event the Ambassador of Bhangra, DJ Rekha will lead the audience at 5 PM into an official Guinness World Record breaking attempt for the largest Bhangra party ever. With the ‘Main Bhi Star’ contest, participants get a chance to act on the big screen as they audition with leading lady Pankhuri (Disha Parmar) of popular Star Plus soap, Pyaar Ka Dard Hai…Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara. Another attraction this year is Omi Vaidya (Chatur from 3 Idiots) who will be entertaining the masses with an exclusive comedy act at 4 PM.


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    Live Ramleela is on at 2:00 PM on the main stage. Famous singer Sharada is unveiling an exciting “Masti Ho” to curb childhood obesity with her live entertainment for children and then later a few melodies like “Jab bhi ye dil udaas hota hai”, and “Duniya ki sair karlo” for grown up audiences. Health fair booth shall have free screenings and free give aways. Mouth-watering delicacies from India, a designated area for Children, a holistic Health Fair, breath-taking performances in addition to a splendor showcase of Indian culture, arts and crafts, jewelry, traditional clothes and an evening of music and dance are some of the highlights that AIA-NY’s 26th Deepavali brings this year. The grand finale of the evening is the display of live Fireworks at 7:15 igniting the East River which is witnessed by over a million New Yorkers.

  • GAMBHIR, SEHWAG BATTING WOES CONTINUE

    GAMBHIR, SEHWAG BATTING WOES CONTINUE

    SHIMOGA (TIP): Gautam Gambhir has gone 40 innings without a Test century and finds himself out of reckoning. But that’s an easy assessment. Many a time a quality bat goes through a lean patch even while middling the ball. Once the world’s No 1 Test batsman, Gambhir has cast a web of doubt around him. This is ironical since self-assurance was once his strength, especially against spinners. Here, in the midst of a lively college crowd, one could sense jaded energy in the way Gambhir approached his fielding, and when he took first strike against a fired-up Fidel Edwards. While on naught, he was caught behind off a no-ball, courtesy another tentative poke. With ball number 18, he finally pinched a single but refused to attack a series of juicy half-volleys. When spin was introduced, one expected him to come into his own. The feet didn’t move as nimbly, his only boundary coming off a mistimed shot.

    Minutes later, he played an innocuous hoick off left-arm spinner V Permaul and Edwards completed the catch at deep square leg. Gambhir’s 70-minute stint accounted for just 11 runs off 44 balls. Later in the day, Cheteshwar Pujara’s dismissal triggered a thunderous roar from the students. While that might sound unjust to the India ‘A’ skipper, the roars were to welcome Virender Sehwag to the crease. He started cautiously before attempting a reckless cut off the third delivery and then survived a leg before shout. But none of these blips silenced the students. The batsman responded with a square cut that fetched him his only boundary. As the crowd egged him on, he stepped down to Permaul, who dropped one short. Sehwag survived but went down the same road again. This time, the spinner slid a short one across to set up a perfect stumping.

  • ROYALS’ IMPECCABLE RECORD, SUPER KINGS’ CAUSE FOR CONCERN

    ROYALS’ IMPECCABLE RECORD, SUPER KINGS’ CAUSE FOR CONCERN

    JAIPUR (TIP): What started as a former captain’s demand is now a habit for the Rajasthan Royals. Shane Warne, who led the Royals to the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) crown in 2008, insisted that his troops turn the Sawai Mansingh Stadium into a fortress. It has been two years since the Australia spin wizard bid the IPL and Royals adieu, but breaching the Jaipur stadium is still a Herculean task for the opposition.

    Invincible run
    Now under the leadership of Rahul Dravid, the Royals are in the middle of an invincible run. Prior to the four victories in the ongoing Champions League T20, the side registered eight consecutive wins in the IPL. The only team in the CLT20 to have played all their games at home this year, Rajasthan refused to let the opportunity slip. Besides the Highveld Lions and Perth Scorchers, they have scalped two other major outfits. By brushing aside the defending IPL champions, Mumbai Indians, with relative ease and snapping the 15- match winning-streak of the Otago Volts, the Royals have exemplified the notion of home advantage in sport. What the winning run also meant was that the Royals earned the right to play their semifinal at home. Apart from the overwhelming crowd support, it is the familiarity that breeds success. At the nets on Thursday, the players chatted with the net bowlers and groundsmen. It was as if all the parties were aware of the team’s recipe for success.

    Opposition worried
    In fact, the 12-game unbeaten run at home will worry the opposition, and Chennai Super Kings coach, Stephen Fleming, did sound concerned. “We would have loved to play the Mumbai Indians in the semifinals. But you cannot pick and choose and we are now heading to Rajasthan,” he said, before adding, “There is no illusion as we know their record at home. We all know how tough it would be for us.” Fleming ‘s side was caught unawares with the Trinidad and Tobago spinners making them struggle. To add to their discomfort, Royals’ Ashok Meneria said, “I think it could be a headache for Chennai to play us in Jaipur, where we have not lost the last 12 games, which is a big deal.”

  • CLARKE A DOUBT FOR ASHES OPENER

    CLARKE A DOUBT FOR ASHES OPENER

    SYDNEY (TIP): Australian captain Michael Clarke admitted he may not be fit for the first Ashes Test against England next month, with his long-standing back problem needing extended treatment and rest. Clarke was ruled out of Australia’s one-day tour of India in October and while desperate to be ready for the first Ashes Test in Brisbane on November 21, the star batsman is pragmatic. “Where I sit right now is I don’t know when I’ll be back playing cricket,” he said. “We have no idea how long it’s going to take. “There’s certainly no guarantee (for the first Test) at this stage. It’s hard for me to say that because I’m trying my best not to look at it like that. “I’m always positive and if they ask me, I’ll say I’ll be fit in a week’s time. But you ask Alex (Kountouris, team physio) who knows me very well, and he’d say there’d be doubt I won’t be right.” Clarke has been plagued by back problems for years and they flared up again before Australia’s final ODI in Southampton last month at the end of a gruelling five-Test Ashes tour to England, which Australia lost 3-0. He played in that game, but selectors were reluctant to take any more risks with him given the big home summer coming up, and ruled him out of the India tour. Coach Darren Lehmann said all he could do was hope Clarke would be fit to face arch-rivals England. “I hope he improves his back pretty quickly,” Lehmann said. “(The Ashes) is a long way off so hopefully with all the medicos behind him getting it right he should be right. “But only time will tell. I can’t worry about that. What I can worry about is making sure all the other players are ready to go as well… getting the right side for the first Test match.” Australia are due to play five Tests against England, starting in Brisbane

  • POWERFUL VOLCANOES RAISE NEW QUESTIONS ABOUT ANCIENT MARS

    POWERFUL VOLCANOES RAISE NEW QUESTIONS ABOUT ANCIENT MARS

    HOUSTON (TIP): Ancient Mars was home to giant volcanoes capable of eruptions a thousand times more powerful than the one that shook Mount St. Helens in 1980, scientists said. The finding raises fresh questions about conditions on Mars in its early years, a time when scientists believe the planet was much more Earth-like with a thick atmosphere, warmer temperatures and water on its surface. Major volcanic eruptions likely would have triggered climate shifts that toggled Martian temperatures between cold spells when ash blocked sunlight and heat waves when greenhouse gases filled the skies, according to scientists. Supervolcanoes may have made it more difficult for life to evolve on the planet’s surface, but underground steam vents and the release of water into the atmosphere also could have created niches for microbes to thrive, said geologist Joseph Michalski of the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, Arizona. The discovery of supervolcanoes on Mars comes from analysis of images from a quartet of Mars orbiters over the past 15 years.

    These types of volcanoes, also known as “caldera” volcanoes, are ancient, collapsed structures rather than steep, cone-shaped or domed mountains like Olympus Mons on Mars, a so-called shield volcano that stands nearly three times taller than Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth. “We know a lot about the volcanic history of Mars over the last 3 billion to 3.5 billion years, but that still leaves about 1 billion years before that over which we don’t really know anything about volcanism,” Michalski told Reuters. Some scientists theorized that the oldest Martian volcanoes had eroded away, but the new findings suggest a different kind of volcano existed long ago. “If early Mars saw a lot more explosive volcanism, then the features that are left from that don’t look like those shield volcanoes. That’s maybe why we didn’t see them,” Michalski said. Scientists say supervolcanoes erupt with about 1,000 times the force of typical volcanoes like Mount St. Helens in Washington state. The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 blasted the top off the mountain, killed 57 people and, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, shot ash, steam, water and debris about 80,000 feet (24,000 meters) into the air. Evidence of past supervolcanoes on Earth has been erased by plate tectonics and other geologic activities.

    Michalski actually was studying Martian impact craters, not looking for volcanoes. “We made the discovery by accident,” he said. “As I went through (the images) of this one region, I found a number of them that were simply not impact craters,” he said. “One was clearly a volcano. … It is quite possible there are many more of these,” Michalski added. Because the emission of gases from volcanoes helps create a planet’s atmosphere, understanding the volcanic history of Mars is crucial to figuring out what the planet – the fourth from the Sun – was like in its early years. Additional evidence may come from NASA’s Mars Curiosity rover, which is heading toward a 3-mile (5-km) high mound of deposits called Mount Sharp. The rover touched down inside a giant impact basin near the planet’s equator in August 2012 to assess if Mars ever had the chemistry and environment to support and preserve microbial life. “There are thousands of layers of rocks in Mount Sharp and they contain a long record of geologic history,” Michalski said. “There could be interlayered rocks that are ash beds, and we predict that and we hope that the rover can test it,” he said.

  • WORLD’S SHARPEST X-RAY BEAM DEVELOPED

    WORLD’S SHARPEST X-RAY BEAM DEVELOPED

    BERLIN (TIP): Scientists have successfully generated the world’s sharpest x-ray beam which is ten thousand times thinner than a strand of hair. This fine beam of x-ray light barely 5 nanometres in diameter, created by researchers led by Professor Tim Salditt from the University of Gottingen, allows focusing on smallest details. “Instead of a common lens, we use a so-called Fresnel lens which consists of several layers,” said coauthor Dr Markus Osterhoff. The central support is a fine tungsten wire with the thickness of only a thousandth of a millimetre. Around the wire, nanometre-thin silicon and tungsten layers are applied in an alternating way. The physicists then cut a thin slice from the coated wire. “This slice has 50 to 60 silicon and tungsten layers, comparable to growth rings of a tree,” said team member Florian Doring. “And the layer thicknesses have to be extremely precise,” Christian Eberl added. The wire slice with a size of only about two thousandth of a millimetre is used as a lens. However, it does not diffract light like a glass lens but scatters it like an optical grid generating a pattern of bright and dark patches. The thickness of the layers is selected in such a way that the bright areas of the diffraction pattern coincide at the same spot.

  • A DIABETES DRUG WHICH DOES NOT HURT YOUR HEART

    A DIABETES DRUG WHICH DOES NOT HURT YOUR HEART

    BARCELONA (TIP): Mankind’s fight with diabetes and its associated medical complications goes back over 3,500 years ago. In fact, the earliest record of diabetes, written on a third dynasty Egyptian papyrus by physician Hesy-Ra , describes it as a “great emptying of the urine” . Medical advances since then have progressed from treating diabetes with “wheat grains, fruit and sweet bee” to a host of integrated drugs, apart from a regimen of diet and exercise. Currently, diabetes (both Type 1 and 2) affects an estimated 371 million people and kills over 4 million annually worldwide. Worryingly, over 63 million of these patients are found to be in India alone. Even more alarming is the correlation between diabetes and cardiovascular (CV) disease. Studies have shown that approximately 50% of diabetics die of a cardiovascular event. As Dr Mark Kearney, professor of cardiovascular and diabetes research at the British Heart Foundation, University of Leeds, said: “If you are a South Asian, you are not only more susceptible to Type 2 diabetes but also to cardiac failure.”

    In fact, the cardiovascular age of a diabetic is pegged at 15 years more than the patient’s biological age. In simple terms, people with diabetes are four times more likely to die of a heart attack or stroke as compared to those who don’t have diabetes. The main outlook in treatment of such patients is not to increase the risk of CV events even further. This is where data from Phase 3 trials in linagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, holds out some sweet news. Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company recently announced at the annual European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting that treatment with linagliptin is not associated with increased risk of CV events in the treatment of T2D. Linagliptin (a 5mg tablet, once daily), is the only DPP- 4 inhibitor that does not require dose adjustments in adults with T2D. It is marketed as Trajenta in Europe and Tradjenta in the US. The results from the Phase 3 clinical trials of linagliptin, that covered 6,000 people with T2D in various countries, are even more heartwarming when its efficacy, safety and tolerability levels, especially among elderly patients, are considered.

  • Scientists use lightning to charge cellphone

    Scientists use lightning to charge cellphone

    LONDON (TIP): Thunder power! In a Frankensteinian breakthrough, scientists have for the first time charged a mobile phone using lightning bolt. Famous English author Mary Shelley in her gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ used lightning to breathe life into the Frankenstein’s monster, some 200 years ago. The ground-breaking, proof-of-concept research by the University of Southampton, UK, into harnessing the power of lightning for personal use, is an industry first. The finding could potentially see consumers tap one of nature’s significant energy sources to charge their devices in a sustainable manner, researchers said. The study was undertaken to investigate how natural power resources could be used to a charge a mobile phone with an energy simulation similar to that of a bolt of lightning.”We were excited by this challenge presented to us by Nokia. Using an alternating current driven by a transformer, over 200,000 volts was sent across a 300mm gap – giving heat and light similar to that of a lightning bolt. The signal was then stepped into a second controlling transformer, allowing us to charge the phone,” Neil Palmer of the University’s Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory – one of the world’s leading high voltage laboratories – said.

  • KAAS PLATEAU

    KAAS PLATEAU

    Kaas Plateau, also known as Kaas Pathar is a volcanic plateau located in Maharashtra, a half an hour drive from Satara and around 130 km from the city of Pune. This 1000 hectare plateau has only recently gained popularity since it was declared a bio-diversity site by UNESCO in June 2012.


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    By Road
    There is a pretty decent four-lane highway that connects Pune and Satara. You will pass very close to Mahabaleshwar on this highway as well. The 3 hour drive to Satara from Pune can be made easily in one’s own car or in a rented car. There are also buses that ply between Pune and Satara. The drive is pleasant most of the way with the views getting remarkably spectacular as you begin the last leg of the ascent to the top of the plateaus. The surroundings include distant views of the massive Shivsagar Lake and you can sometimes see the Sajjangadh Fort in the distance.
    Climate
    The monsoons and the period just post monsoon are the best times to go to Kaas. So we’re talking August, September and October. The climate is amazing at this time with light drizzles and lovely cloudy weather which makes long walks on the plateau not just easy but also quite pleasurable. Within this 3 month period, the span of 3 weeks between the second week of September and the first week of October are the best time to visit and see what can only be called a phenomenon. Kaas turns into a valley of wild flowers with huge patches of different colours visible even from the distance.
    Where to stay
    Kaas is recommend as a day trip because there aren’t really many stay options available here. Apart from a few homestays and a camping option, there are only villages surrounding the Kaas plateau so if you do choose to spend the entire weekend away from the city – Mahabaleshwar is your best bet (it is around an hour away). You could stay in Satara but it is a regular small town with nothing out of the ordinary.
    Food
    You will pass a few popular Maharashtrian towns enroute Satara. In Wai, stop for MisalPav or Wada Pav. There are a few tiny restaurants that are very famous for local cuisine. The rows of cars parked up on the highway should give you a good idea on where to pull over. On the plateau, you’re not allowed to carry any food but before you reach the top, there are a few tiny food and beverage stalls on the roadsides.
    Places of Interest
    Since the declaration of the Kaas plateau as a UNESCO bio-diversity heritage site, hundreds of thousands of tourists throng this tourist spot. Naturally, this increase is number of visitors has put this secluded spot in danger of being polluted. For this reason there are a few guards standing around at most entry points onto the plateau while most other areas are barricaded.
    Take a hike
    Yes, literally. Walk around this 1000 hectareplateau because that is one of the best things to do.During September and October, this entire flat land becomes a lush green carpet with beautiful pink, purple, yellow and white embroidery. Locals say the plateau gets its name from the native Kaasatree which has red leaves that turn green on maturity. Whatever the story, this is a beautiful place to spend a few hours unwinding from the hectic city life.
    Explore the Flora and Fauna
    The Kaas plateau is known to be home to around 850 varieties of plants of which around 600 are flowering plants. Having peculiar volcanic rock soil, the plateau has become home to many endemic species of plants – those that can only survive in this region. It was absolutely amazing to see so many different flowers with the slightest differences in hue, making the plateau a Technicolor carpet. I managed to spot around 15 varieties of popular flowers.
    Look for Rare Plants
    Kaas also has around 33 endangered species. These species are only found in rocky lands and are on the brink of extinction due to the changes in climatic and geological conditions.
    Sit by the Lake
    A little down-hill from the Kaas plateau is the moss green KaasTalav which usually has a lovely waterfall flowing into it in the peak of Monsoon. The shore of the lake is flat and sandy like the ocean shore making it a great place to hang out or even pitch a tent for the evening.
    Closure Line
    While it’s a great place for botanists and plant enthusiasts to study them and for kids to see our varied bio-diversity, Kaas is not so Khaas for general weekend tourists. To a regular tourist, it is hard to differentiate between the different types of flowers. Within the vast expanses of pink and purple that you see, there are actually multiple varieties of flowers.

  • DUSSEHRA: VICTORY OF GOOD OVER EVIL

    DUSSEHRA: VICTORY OF GOOD OVER EVIL

    In the months of Ashwin and Kartik, Hindus observe a 10 day ceremony of fast, rituals and celebrations to honor the triumph of Lord Rama over Demon Ravana. Dussehra also symbolizes the triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Thus, it is a celebration of victory of good over evil. This celebration starts from Navratri and ends with the tenth day festival of “Dussehra”. Navratri and Dussehra is celebrated throughout the country at the same time, with varying rituals, but with great enthusiasm and energy as it marks the end of scorching summer and the start of winter season. The tenth day after Navratri is called Dussehra, on which number of fairs are organized throughout northern India, burning effigies of Ravana. It is also called “Vijaya Dashami” or “Vijayadasami” as this day marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.


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    Vijaya Dashami is considered to be an auspicious day for the Indian householder, on which he worships, protects and preserves ‘Shakti’ (power). According to Scriptures, by worshiping the ‘Shakti’ on these ninedays the householders attain the threefold power i.e. physical, mental and spiritual, which helps him to progress in life without any difficulty. The ‘Ramlila’ – an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day (Dussehra or Vijay Dasami), larger effigies of Ravana, his son and brother – Meghnadh and Kumbhakarna are set to fire. The theatrical enactment of this dramatic encounter is held throughout the country in which every section of people participates enthusiastically. In burning the effigies the people are asked to burn the evil within them, and thus follow the path of truth and goodness, bearing in mind the instance of Ravana, who despite all his might and majesty was destroyed for his evil ways.

    When is Dussehra 2013?
    Dussehra is the last day of Navratri; it falls on the 10th day of the waxing moon during the Hindu month of Ashvin (around September or October). Dussehra in 2013 is on 14 October, 2013 (Monday).
    Dussehra Puja
    Dussehra Puja is an eminent part the Vijayadashami celebrations on the 10th day of Navratri. Besides celebrating Lord Ram’s triumph over the demon King Ravan of Lanka by burning effigies of Ravan, there are certain rituals and customs that need to be observed while performing a Dussehra puja.
    Dussehra Legends
    Victory of Rama over Ravana:
    Rama was the eldest son of King Dasarath who was the ruler of Ayodhya. When Lord Rama was going to be crowned as the next King, Queen Kaikayee persuaded the king to crown Bharat as the next king and to send Rama on an exile for 14 years. On his exile Rama was accompanied by his brother Lakshman and wife Sita. A female demon Soorpanakha got fascinated with the charm of Lord Rama and wanted to marry him, for which she threatened to kill Sita. Agitated with this, Laxman cut her nose. Knowing about what happened to his sister; Demon Ravana wanted to take revenge and in turn abducted Sita. Lord Rama, along with Laxman and Hanuman, fought a battle against Ravana and emerged victorious in rescuing his wife Sita.
    Victory of Durga over Mahishasur:
    The demon Mahishasur, was given a boon by Lord Brahma, according to which, any weapon that had a masculine name couldn’t do anything to harm him. Taking the advantage of this boon, he caused immense destruction and hatred. The gods were very tensed and worried about this fact; they consulted Lord Vishnu over it, who advised them to invoke Goddess Shakti. With God’s prayers, a divine luster sprang from the heart of Lord Shiva and bodies of all gods forming the Adhya Shakti. The gods then gave her ornaments, and a lion as a vehicle. She was supposed to fight Mahishasur, the demon. For nine continuous days and nights, Goddess Adhya Shakti-Durga fought the demon- Mahishasur, and finally emerged victorious at the end.

  • SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB

    SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB

    CONTD FROM Vol 7 ISSUE 38 || 1 || The world is a pool of nectar, when the Lord becomes our helper. One who wears the necklace of the Lord’s Name – his days of suffering are ended. His state of doubt, attachment and sin is erased, and the cycle of reincarnation into the womb is totally ended. The ocean of fire becomes cool, when one grasps the hem of the robe of the Holy Saint. The Lord of the Universe, the Sustainer of the World, the merciful all-powerful Lord – the Holy Saints proclaim the victory of the Lord. O Nanak, meditating on the Naam, in the perfect Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, I have obtained the supreme status. || 2 || Wherever I look, there I find the One Lord permeating and pervading all. In each and every heart, He Himself dwells, but how rare is that person who realizes this. The Lord is permeating and pervading the water, the land and the sky; He is contained in the ant and the elephant. In the beginning, in the middle and in the end, He exists. By Guru’s Grace, He is known. God created the expanse of the universe, God created the play of the world. His humble servants call Him the Lord of the Universe, the treasure of virtue. Meditate in remembrance on the Lord Master, the Searcher of hearts; O Nanak, He is the One, pervading and permeating all.

    || 3 || Day and night, become beauteous by remembering the Naam, the Name of the Lord. In love with the Lord’s Lotus Feet, corruption and sin depart. Pain, hunger and poverty run away, and the path is clearly revealed. Joining the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, one is attuned to the Naam, and obtains the desires of the mind. Beholding the Blessed Vision of the Lord’s Darshan, desires are fulfilled; all one’s family and relatives are saved. Day and night, he is in bliss, night and day, remembering the Lord in meditation, O Nanak. || 4 || 6 || 9 || AASAA, FIFTH MEHL, CHHANT, SEVENTH HOUSE: ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU: SHALOK: It is the most sublime contemplation, to speak of the Lord of the Universe in the pure Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy. O Nanak, never the Naam, even for a moment; bless me with Your Grace, Lord God! || 1 || CHHANT: The night is wet with dew, and the stars twinkle in the heavens. The Saints remain wakeful; they are the Beloveds of my Lord. The Beloveds of the Lord remain ever wakeful, remembering the Naam, the Name of the Lord, day and night. In their hearts, they meditate on the lotus feet of God; they do not forget Him, even for an instant. They renounce their pride, emotional attachment and mental corruption, and burn away the pain of wickedness. Prays Nanak, the Saints, the beloved servants of the Lord, remain ever wakeful.

    || 1 || My bed is adorned in splendor. My mind is filled with bliss, since I heard that God is coming. Meeting God, the Lord and Master, I have entered the realm of peace; I am filled with joy and delight. He is joined to me, in my very fiber; my sorrows have departed, and my body, mind and soul are all rejuvenated. I have obtained the fruits of my mind’s desires, meditating on God; the day of my wedding is auspicious. Prays Nanak, when I meet the Lord of excellence, I came to experience all pleasure and bliss. || 2 || I meet with my companions and say, “Show me the insignia of my Husband Lord.” I am filled with the sublime essence of His Love, and I do not know how to say anything. The Glorious Virtues of the Creator are profound, mysterious and infinite; even the Vedas cannot find His limits.With loving devotion, I meditate on the Lord Master, and sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord forever. Filled with all virtues and spiritual wisdom, I have become pleasing to my God. Prays Nanak, imbued with the color of the Lord’s Love, I am imperceptibly absorbed into Him.

    || 3 || When I began to sing the songs of rejoicing to the Lord, my friends became glad, and my troubles and enemies departed. My peace and happiness increased; I rejoiced in the Naam, the Name of the Lord, and God Himself blessed me with His mercy. I have grasped the Lord’s feet, and remaining ever wakeful, I have met the Lord, the Creator. The appointed day came, and I attained peace and poise; all treasures are in the feet of God. Prays Nanak, the Lord’s humble servants always seek the Sanctuary of the Lord and Master. || 4 || 1 || 10 || AASAA, FIFTH MEHL: Rise up and go forth, O traveller; why do you delay? Your allotted time is now complete – why are you engrossed in falsehood? You desire that which is false; deceived by Maya, you commit innumerable sins. Your body shall become a pile of dust; the Messenger of Death has spotted you, and will conquer you. Abandoning your wealth and youth, you will have to leave, without any food or clothing. O Nanak, only your actions shall go with you; the consequences of your actions cannot be erased.

    || 1 || Like the deer, captured on a moon-lit night, so does the constant commission of sins turn pleasure into pain. The sins you have committed shall not leave you; placing the noose around your neck, they shall lead you away. Beholding an illusion, you are deceived, and on your bed, you enjoy a false lover. You are intoxicated with greed, avarice and egotism; you are engrossed in self-conceit. O Nanak, like the deer, you are being destroyed by your ignorance; your comings and goings shall never end. || 2 || The fly is caught in the sweet candy – how can it fly away? The elephant has fallen into the pit – how can it escape? It shall be so difficult to swim across, for one who does not remember the Lord and Master, even for an instant. His sufferings and punishments are beyond reckoning; he receives the consequences of his own actions. His secret deeds are exposed, and he is ruined here and hereafter. O Nanak, without the True Guru, the self-willed egotistical manmukh is defrauded. || 3 || The Lord’s slaves live by holding on to God’s feet. The Lord and Master embraces those who seek His Sanctuary. He blesses them with power, wisdom, knowledge and meditation; He Himself inspires them to chant His Name. He Himself is the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, and He Himself saves the world. The Preserver preserves those whose actions are always pure. O Nanak, they never have to go to hell; the Lord’s Saints are under the Lord’s Protection.

    || 4 || 2 || 11 || AASAA, FIFTH MEHL: Be gone, O my laziness, that I may pray to the Lord. I enjoy my Husband Lord, and look beautiful with my God. I look beautiful in the Company of my Husband Lord; I enjoy my Lord Master day and night. I live by remembering God with each and every breath, beholding the Lord, and singing His Glorious Praises. The pain of separation has grown shy, for I have obtained the Blessed Vision of His Darshan; His Ambrosial Glance of Grace has filled me with bliss. Prays Nanak, my desires are fulfilled; I have met the One I was seeking. || 1 || Run away, O sins; the Creator has entered my home. The demons within me have been burnt; the Lord of the Universe has revealed Himself to me. The Beloved Lord of the Universe, the Lord of the World has revealed Himself; in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, I chant His Name. I have seen the Wondrous Lord; He showers His Ambrosial Nectar upon me, and by Guru’s Grace, I know Him. My mind is at peace, resounding with the music of bliss; the Lord’s limits cannot be found. Prays Nanak, God brings us to union with Himself, in the poise of celestial peace. || 2 || They do not have to see hell, if they remember the Lord in meditation. The Righteous Judge of Dharma applauds them, and the Messenger of Death runs away from them. Dharmic faith, patience, peace and poise are obtained by vibrating upon the Lord in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy. Showering His Blessings, He saves those who renounce all attachments and egotism. The Lord embraces us; the Guru unites us with Him. Meditating on the Lord of the Universe, we are satisfied. Prays Nanak, remembering the Lord and Master in meditation, all hopes are fulfilled.

    || 3 || Grasping the Lord’s Feet, the treasure of the Siddhas, what suffering can I feel? Everything is in His Power – He is my God. Holding me the the arm, He blesses me with His Name; placing His Hand upon my forehead, He saves me. The world-ocean does not trouble me, for I have drunk the sublime elixir of the Lord. In the Saadh Sangat, imbued with the Naam, the Name of the Lord, I am victorious on the great battlefield of life. Prays Nanak, I have entered the Sanctuary of the Lord and Master; the Messenger of Death shall not destroy me again. || 4 || 3 || 12 || AASAA, FIFTH MEHL: Those actions you perform, day and night, are recorded upon your forehead. And the One, from whom you hide these actions – He sees them, and is always with you. The Creator Lord is with you; He sees you, so why commit sins? So perform good deeds, and chant the Naam, the Name of the Lord; you shall never have to go to hell. Twenty-four hours a day, dwell upon the Lord’s Name in meditation; it alone shall go along with you. So vibrate continually in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, O Nanak, and the sins you committed shall be erased. || 1 || Practicing deceit, you fill your belly, you ignorant fool! The Lord, the Great Giver, continues to give you everything. The Great Giver is always merciful. Why should we forget the Lord Master from our minds? Join the Saadh Sangat, and vibrate fearlessly; all your relations shall be saved.

    The Siddhas, the seekers, the demi-gods, the silent sages and the devotees, all take the Naam as their support. Prays Nanak, vibrate continually upon God, the One Creator Lord. || 2 || Do not practice deception – God is the Assayer of all. Those who practice falsehood and deceit are reincarnated in the world. Those who meditate on the One Lord, cross over the world-ocean. Renouncing sexual desire, anger, flattery and slander, they enter the Sanctuary of God. The lofty, inaccessible and infinite Lord and Master is pervading the water, the land and the sky. Prays Nanak, He is the support of His servants; His Lotus Feet are their only sustenance. || 3 || Behold – the world is a mirage; nothing here is permanent. The pleasures of Maya which are here, shall not go with you. The Lord, your companion, is always with you; remember Him day and night. Without the One Lord, there is no other; burn away the love of duality. Know in your mind, that the One God is your friend, youth, wealth and everything. Prays Nanak, by great good fortune, we find the Lord, and merge in peace and celestial poise. || 4 || 4 || 13 ||

  • DRINKING RED WINE HELPS KEEP CANCER AT BAY

    DRINKING RED WINE HELPS KEEP CANCER AT BAY

    Anew study has revealed that chemical, resveratrol, which is found in red wine, remains effective at fighting cancer even after the body’s metabolism has converted it into other compounds. This is an important development, as resveratrol is metabolised very quickly and can still be taken into cells after it has been metabolised into resveratrol sulfates. Enzymes within cells are then able to break it down into resveratrol again, meaning that levels of resveratrol in the cells are higher than was previously thought. In fact, the results appeared to show resveratrol may be more effective once it has been generated from resveratrol sulfate than it is if it has never been metabolised because the concentrations achieved are higher. The team, led by University of Leicester translational cancer research expert Professor Karen Brown, administered resveratrol sulfate to mice models and were subsequently able to detect free resveratrol in plasma and a variety of tissues in the mice. This is the first direct sign that resveratrol can be formed from resveratrol sulfate in live animals, and the researchers think it may help to show how resveratrol is able to have beneficial effects in animals. The study also showed that resveratrol generated from resveratrol sulfate is able to slow the growth of cancer cells by causing them to digest their own internal constituents and stopping them from dividing. Professor Karen Brown said their study was the first to show that resveratrol can be regenerated from sulfate metabolites in cells and that this resveratrol can then have biological activity that could be useful in a wide variety of diseases in humans.

  • CARDIO EXERCISE: TOP 20 RUNNING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

    CARDIO EXERCISE: TOP 20 RUNNING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

    Running is a common exercise for weight loss and fitness. It is one of the most popular cardio exercises for people of different age groups. But running has negative effects on the body if you do not follow the guidelines for running, especially if you are a beginner. Rajesh Sharma, fitness instructor and personal trainer from Navi Mumbai gives us a list of dos and don’ts for running. Here are running tips for beginners that should not be ignored. Check up with doctor: Patients with heart diseases should consult their doctor before trying any cardio exercises, whether it is running or kickboxing. Besides heart patients, if you have a history of breathing problems, arthritis or other serious problems. Start running small distance: Take it slow and easy instead of going long distances at the beginning. Your body has to be prepared for this heart pulsating cardio exercise. Start running slowly: Tame your body to running to avoid knee or joint wear and tear.

    Slowly increase your heart rate over time. Increase intensity, speed and distance slowly: It is important to slowly increase the intensity, speed and distance while running. Steady weight loss is the key and not rapid weight loss that results in cellulites and weight gain. Run on grass or mud track, don’t run on road: Grass and mud has less impact on the knees while running, unlike running on concrete roads. Wear good running shoes which are flexible as well as absorbs shocks: Besides running on grass or mud, invest in a good pair of running shoes for added health benefits. Do Pranayam to increase your breathing capacity: Most individuals are breathless after a good run; Rajesh Sharma suggests practicing Pranayam Yoga Pose to increase your breathing capacity. Consum a balance diet: Diet also plays an important role for runners. What you eat helps to boost stamina and build muscles. Reduce body fat: Overweight and obese individuals should lose weight before hitting the jogging track. Body weight can wear off the knees too, hence it is recommended to reduce body fat. Drink enough water – be hydrated: Water is important to stay energised and rejuvenated. Running increases your heart rate leading to sweating and burning of calories.

    To keep going, improve blood circulation and remain active for the course of running and prevent muscle cramps or weakness. Take rest for recovery: It is important to rest after running – your body has to return to its normal heart rate, breathing returned to normalcy, and cool down in a correct fashion to prevent muscle soreness. Recover well: After cool down, it is important to have a protein rich diet for muscle growth. There are several protein rich post workout snacks you can try – from chicken sandwich, to eggs, fish, paneer and lentils. Don’t overtrain: Simply because overtraining leads to muscle loss. Do high intensity interval training with light weight: Besides running, it is also important to weight train and exercise different muscle groups. Full body workout is the key to fitness. Run in the area where you are not alone and there is proper light: This is important for personal safety, and it includes men and women.

  • BENEFITS OF GREEN JUICES

    BENEFITS OF GREEN JUICES

    Green juices are power-packed with nutrition. Green vegetables have the ability to transform sunshine into the food that all creatures consume. True to their nature, greens produce chlorophyll, which oxygenate your body. This enables us to release stored toxins in the body. Your hemoglobin (that has a similar molecular structure as that of your red blood cells) will get elevated, improving the blood circulation as a result and giving your body a boost of energy. A green juice will cleanse your digestive system, lungs, liver (which will rev up, if sluggish — causing you to retain weight) and uterus. So if you are a smoker, this is an excellent supplement to your diet.

    Fact file
    Magnesium is essential for efficient calcium utilisation. The chlorophyll molecule has magnesium at its centre and its impact on the body’s magnesium levels is highly significant. When you include green juices in your daily diet, it helps them absorb calcium better. All green plants have Vitamins A and C, which are important co-factors for calcium absorption. Chlorophyll foods also act as a form of ‘stored sunshine’, to regulate calcium and Vitamin D deficiency. So if you get no sunshine, then increase the greens in your diet.

    Methods to follow
    Always rotate your greens, don’t use one green all the time. Plants carry a trace of alkaloids (which in small doses is okay) and you don’t want the same alkaloids to build up in your system.
    If you have a strong digestive system, blend greens in a mixer and if not, juice them.
    Even though you eat a gree vegetable everyday, your body will assimilate many more nutrients from blended greens rather than the ones chewed. It’s always beneficial to add spirulina and wheat grass powder, as it increases the chlorophyll quotient in the juice.
    If taste is important to you, mix dates in your juice. However, watch out if you have yeast, candida, diabetes or hypoglycemia.
    They are best consumed fresh, but you can keep them only for a day at the most in the fridge. Add some lime to preserve them.
    Green juices should be ingested on an empty stomach, so have it first thing in the morning or inbetween meals.

  • GRAPEFRUIT MAY BE HEART’S BEST FRIEND

    GRAPEFRUIT MAY BE HEART’S BEST FRIEND

    Anew research has revealed that grapefruit, which contains health-promoting biomolecules, could help prevent cardiovascular diseases. The study, which was carried out by the researchers from Glasgow University, has found out that biomolecules could be used to reduce the inflammation that is the main cause of various heart problems, the Daily Express reported. This research may give rise to a new generation of anti-inflammatory drugs that are cheaper and less lethal than some existing therapies.

  • CRUEL THINGS WOMEN DO TO MEN

    CRUEL THINGS WOMEN DO TO MEN

    Despite being known as the fairer sex, women can be downright nasty and often do cruel things to men. Now, Fox News has compiled a list of some top cruel things that women do to men and how they play with the guy’s emotions or ego.
    They don’t pick up the phone
    While men feel good as they manage to take the girls’ phone number, the girls often give them a fake number or don’t pick up the call.
    Use men for free drinks
    Some women go out never planning to spend any of their own money on drinks at the bar or club. Instead, they count on their feminine wiles to convince guys to shell out for their libations. While some of them might begin to get to know him, the cruel and heartless ones will take that drink, flirt a little and move on.
    Use men as placeholders
    If she is a decent person, she’ll just get it over with and dump the boy, but if she’s cruel, she’ll hold on to him for a while until somebody new comes along. These girls don’t like to be alone and without a relationship, so instead of putting you out of your misery and ending it, she’ll string you along until she meets someone to replace you.
    Emotionally manipulate men
    Men don’t like to see women cry and some cruel women take advantage of the fact and use it to get what they want. A few tears would make men do anything to get it to stop.
    Use physical violence
    While men hitting girls are often termed nasty, some cruel women feel it’s perfectly acceptable to hit their boyfriends, as he would never hit her back. This type of woman feels like she can inflict any kind physical pain on him without fear of repercussion.
    Criticize their men in public
    Cruel women criticize and humiliate their men in public places. They often poke fun at her man or even soundly debase him.
    They don’t disclose their relationship status
    It’s certainly not the worst thing a woman could do to a man, but it is annoying when she’s already in a relationship and lets you assume that she’s available so that she can enjoy the man’s flirtation and flattery.
    They withhold sex
    This is a time-tested, and frequently used, cruel thing for women to do to men. For most men, sex is as important as breathing, so withholding it in order to get something she wants or simply to punish her man for his transgressions is a pretty awful thing to do, even if it is effective.
    They test their men
    You’re all ready to go for a night out with your friends, when your girlfriend calls and asks you to change your plans to be with her instead. She doesn’t have any particular reason; she just wants to see you. She knows that you had plans to meet up with the guys, but if you really loved her, you’d come over to her place instead. If her request comes with an “if you really loved me,” then it’s a test. If you choose anything other than immediately rushing to her side, you’re going to fail. This kind of testing in a relationship is indeed cruel and petty.
    They flirt to inspire jealousy
    Maybe she’s feeling underappreciated, maybe you’ve just had a big fight or maybe she just enjoys the tortured look on your face. For whatever reason, girls who flirt obviously with other guys in front of their boyfriends are immature and manipulative.

  • KATE HUDSON INTRODUCES FASHION LINE

    KATE HUDSON INTRODUCES FASHION LINE

    Actress Kate Hudson has introduced a line of gym wear. It is called Fabletics. Hudson has co-founded the collection with online fashion retailer JustFab Inc. She wants the line to be affordable prices. “At Fabletics, we believe all women should be able to have hip styles and amazing quality (clothes) at prices that won’t break the bank,” New York Daily News quoted Hudson as saying. The line includes sport bras, jackets, sweatshirts and scarves.

  • PALTROW GOES BARE UNDER TUXEDO

    PALTROW GOES BARE UNDER TUXEDO

    Actress Gwyneth Paltrow went bare under a sleek tuxedo jacket while shooting for an advertising camapign. The 41-year-old shot for the ad campaign for Hugo Boss’ Jour Pour Femme fragrance here, reports eonline.com. She completed the look with cropped black trousers and black heels, and in some photographs, she can also be seen in a white blouse under the jacket. Paltrow is said to be earning $2 million for being the face of Boss’ newest perfume, which the design house has billed as a light and fresh daytime fragrance.

  • SANDRA BULLOCK VOWS TO QUIT ACTING FOR SON

    SANDRA BULLOCK VOWS TO QUIT ACTING FOR SON

    Sandra Bullock, who adopted baby Louis in 2010, has revealed that she will quit acting if her work begins to negatively impact on her young son. The Oscar winning star told Vogue magazine that she doesn’t want her son to have pressures brought on by what she does, so if she sees whatever she is doing is affecting him negatively, she will pack up and move to Alaska, Contactmusic reported. Bullock also revealed that recent false speculation suggesting she was dating her married security guard Peter Weireter has also made her question her future in the Hollywood.

  • Elysium

    Elysium

    STORY: Set in 2154, the film gives us a grim view of the future, where the poor live on an over-populated, ruined earth, the rich on a luxurious space station. Can one man bring about a change? REVIEW: Mutants, superheroes, aliens, gadgets…while Hollywood fancies fiction that’s more escapist, Neill Blomkamp, in his inimitable style, gives us a dark science fiction thriller that’s relevant to present-day society and existing social and economic inequality. Blomkamp’s splendid vision merges facts and fiction to give us a grim view of the future (the year is 2154), when earth is over-populated and ruined. The gap between rich and poor couldn’t be more evident. With crime and the disease rate on a high, the planet is no longer fit for human habitation. The rich relocate to a man-made space station ‘Elysium’, which exclusively offers them luxury and high-tech medical facilities.

    In order to preserve their lifestyle, immortality and longevity, they ensure that the poor gain no access to Elysium. Max ( Matt Damon), an ordinary factory worker, gets exposed to a severe dose of radiation that can only be cured on Elysium. He has five days to live. Can he get there? No matter how gripping, Elysium is no match for Blomkamp’s hard-hitting ‘District 9’. Scenes of the protagonist Max running around, trying to get help from the thugs featured here, become repetitive. The villains (Jodie Foster as Elysium’s cold and conniving protector and Sharlto Copley as a sleeper agent) are onedimensional. However, what works in the film’s favour is the director’s satirical intent. There’s a scene where a factory owner asks his employee to cover his mouth while talking. Fearing he might catch an infection, he orders, “Don’t breathe on me.” It’s this acute portrayal of the mindset of the ‘heartless rich’ that grips you. The premise is thought-provoking with the whole ‘degradation of human life’ theme deeply affecting your psyche. Aerial shots of over-populated earth might even remind you of Mumbai. Elysium is like a warning of a disturbing future that we can all see coming.

  • DEEPIKA PADUKONE TURNS FASHION DESIGNER

    DEEPIKA PADUKONE TURNS FASHION DESIGNER

    Afew weeks ago, there were reports that Deepika Padukone was involved in serious research at Milan’s creative arts university — Academia Di Brera. Known for her minimal yet classy dressing, the Bangalore model-turned- Bollywood actress now debuts as a fashion designer as she co-creates and unveils this season’s Women’s Limited Edition collection exclusively for Van Heusen. With Deepika on board, the line goes a notch higher with its trendsetting designs in couture spirit. Pegged around old Hollywood glamour, classic meets contemporary is the overarching look of the collection. The palate features monochromatic shades for the uber chic, dusty rose pinks for sensual women, cobalt blue for trendsetters and more, which adds appeal to the creation. “It’s a little bit of what I already have and what I would like to see myself wearing. The collection is really about wearing your own personality. That’s something I’ve always believed in. It’s important to not forget who you are,” says Deepika. “Women fashion followers have been quite influenced by Deepika’s overall charisma and this creation sparkles with her elegant style. These dresses are an ultimate combination of style, class, modernity and substance,” points out Vinay Bhopatkar, brand head, Van Heusen, of the collection that is currently available at all stores across the country.

  • VEENA MALIK TO GET BOLDER FOR A PSYCHO THRILLER

    VEENA MALIK TO GET BOLDER FOR A PSYCHO THRILLER

    Veena Malik is all set to do a psychological spine chiller, ‘Cottage No. 9’. Director Navin Batra says, “The plot revolves around a married couple whose relationship gets affected due to one of them suffering from a split personality. Whether it is the husband or the wife with the disorder will be revealed only in the film.” This is the director’s second outing with Veena. He says, “Unlike other actresses — who wear hot pants and minis in real life, but turn ‘Savitris’ before the camera — Veena has no hang ups. The film has quite a few bold scenes and since I have worked with her earlier, I know the comfort level she shares with the camera.” The director is yet to zero in on the male lead. He says, “Actors like Gurmeet Choudhary and Kay Kay Menon are being considered. We will take a call soon.”

  • Besharam

    Besharam

    STORY: Babli steals cars, fears nothing and romances like a rowdy Romeo. But gets away with benevolence and besharmi. REVIEW: Remote control Ranbir is here. He can change your mood with a flick of an emotion. Laughter, tears, joy and palang tod romeo-giri. Bedazzling the eyes with baubles, goggles and padded crotches. Yes, he packs in this ‘bulge’ with besharmi and fearlessness. At the outset, let me tell you that Kashyap’s (‘Dabangg’ fame) ‘Besharam’ lacks a kadak story. It has thoda herogiri, clap-trap dialogues, freestyle rowdy dancing and stylish stunts (borrowed from recent action films). Bas! But RK drives this one (taking fuel and pee breaks) through fast freeways and rocky roads. Babli (Ranbir), a baap-less boy, is a car mechanic-cumthief, with braveheart. Along with his partner-in-crime, Titu (Amitosh Nagpal), they steal cars to support the orphanage that housed them. The smooth operators have a touch of class too, they dress like MIB (‘Men In Black’) call themselves T1 & T2 (‘Terminator’).

    During one carnama, they encounter the comical copcouple, Chulbul (Rishi) and Bulbul (Neetu) Chautala. Enter Tara (Pallavi), the ‘beauttee’ he falls for. He breaks her heart and spends the rest of the film fixing dils and dents. This seems like Kashyap’s test-drive with Ranbir, with average direction, un-moving music, and a screenplay that is unoriginal and so low on horsepower that it deflates before he revs the reel. He relies on the sheer 3K (read: Kapoors) power to entertain. Ranbir’s role may not be path-breaking, yet he’s in full control. He plays a riotous rowdy with utter confidence; using gags padded (stuffing his crotch with socks – even men need ‘enhancement’, no?), with humour that’s corny and horny. Ranbir is shamelessly, stylishly superb! If comic cracks weren’t enough, watch out ladies – there’s a real one, a flashed ‘butt-crack’ by RK! Second in command is his baap, really – Rishi Kapoor. He steals one of the best moments of the film when he gyrates to ‘Badtameez Dil’. He brilliantly plays the notso- dabangg Chulbul, with a biwi (in adorable act) who fires (verbal) bullets and chides his mardangi. Newcomer Pallavi is confident but needs coaching. Amitosh Nagpal (Titu) adds fuel to the comic-fire. While this is far from the best films of the year, if you shamelessly love Ranbir, go for it.

  • Cabinet approves creation of Telangana as 29th state

    Cabinet approves creation of Telangana as 29th state

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The Centre on October 3 took the first significant step towards creation of a separate Telangana state from out of Andhra Pradesh and decided that Hyderabad will be the joint capital of the two states for 10 years. Over two months after the Congress Working Committee put its seal of approval, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal of the Home Ministry for creation of the 29th state and decided to set up a Group of Ministers (GoM) to work out modalities. “The Cabinet has given its approval for the creation of a new state of Telangana,” Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde told reporters after the meeting that lasted more than two hours. He said it was decided that Hyderabad will be the common capital of the two bifucated states for 10 years. After the creation of the new state, the security and guarantees including fundamental rights of the people of coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana will be ensured, he said. The Cabinet approved a GoM that will go into the issue of a special financial disbursement that may be required from the central government for the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh, for building its capital and to cater to special needs of the backward regions. The new state will have a geographical area of 10 of the 23 districts of undivided Andhra Pradesh. The decision brings to fruition the announcement made by the then Home Minister P Chidambaram on December 9, 2009 for creation of Telangana. The Cabinet took the momentous decision despite stiff opposition from within Congress leaders from Seemandhra region, including Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and Union Ministers and MPs. Some of them even hreatened to quit. Ever since the CWC took the decision, there have been agitations against the bifurcation in the Seemandhra region.

    Chiranjeevi resigns
    Union Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi Thursday night resigned from his post in protest against the Union Cabinet’s approval of the formation of separate Telangana from southern Indian state Andhra Pradesh, his aide said. The actor-turnedpolitician has faxed his resignation to the Prime Minister’s Office, his personal assistant said. Chiranjeevi, who hails from Coastal Andhra, felt anguished over the way the protests in Seemandhra regions, going on for over two months, against the division of Andhra Pradesh were handled. He has come under intense pressure from the united-Andhra supporters in the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions following the Congress Working Committee’s endorsement of separate Telangana demand on July 30. The united- Andhra supporters have often demanded that Chiranjeevi quit his post to mount pressure on the Congress leadership towards halting the division of Andhra Pradesh.

    Pallam Raju quits
    Union Human Resource and Development (HRD) Minister M.M. Pallam Raju, who on October 3 resigned from the Council of Ministers protesting the Union Cabinet’s nod to the creation of a separate Telangana state, said he is deeply offended and aggrieved that the concerns and sentiments of the people of the region have not been taken into consideration.

  • 12 CRORE FIRST-TIME VOTERS HOLD KEY TO 2014 LOK SABHA POLLS

    12 CRORE FIRST-TIME VOTERS HOLD KEY TO 2014 LOK SABHA POLLS

    CHENNAI (TIP): Close to 12 crore youths will be eligible to vote for the first time in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. To put that in perspective, no single party garnered more than 12 crore votes in the 2009 polls, showing how significant this segment can be if all of them register to vote. In the 2009 polls, the Congress polled 11.9 crore votes, the BJP 7.8 crore, BSP 2.6 crore and CPM 2.2 crore. No other party polled even a crore of votes across the country.

    79 crore eligible voters
    The draft electoral rolls published by various states at this stage show that the national total is just under 79 crore votes. Uttar Pradesh will have the highest potential firsttime voters with 2.3 crore young people crossing 18 in time for the polls. They will account for 17.6% of the state’s electorate of 12.9 crore. Maharashtra comes next with 1.05 crore first-time voters or 13.2% of the state’s electorate. Bihar is third with 94.3 lakh youths, followed by West Bengal with 90 lakh. These figures are derived from the age data released recently by the census, and are based on all those aged between 15 and 19 at the time of the 2011 census. All of them will be old enough to register to vote in 2014; none of them would have been eligible in 2009. The numbers have been reduced on the basis of the age-specific death rate for people between 15 and 19 years to account for people in this age group dying between 2011 and the polls. The state-wise numbers may vary slightly if one takes into account interstate migration from this age group, but the national number would be unaffected. “As per the latest census, UP and Bihar have the maximum number of children due to high birth rate. Naturally, there will be more young people eligible to vote,” said P Arokiasamy of the International Institute for Population Sciences. The Election Commission (EC) does a study to arrive at the number of eligible voters before every general election.

    “It examines the data of those in the 18 to 25 age group. If enrolment is low, state chief electoral officers conduct special campaigns to enlist more young people. On the other hand, if there are too many voters over the age of 80, officials check again to ensure that names of all dead voters have been deleted,” said N Gopalaswami, former chief election commissioner. Among the southern states, Andhra Pradesh will have more than 80 lakh potential first-time voters followed by Tamil Nadu with 62 lakh. Karnataka and Kerala could have 58 lakh and 26 lakh such voters respectively. Delhi, which goes to the assembly polls in December, has 16.6 lakh youths eligible to register as voters. Rajasthan has 72.9 lakh and Madhya Pradesh 74 lakh. Smaller states like Himachal Pradesh and Union territories will have less than 10 lakh first-timers each. “We have tied up with internet browsing centres to make it easy for first-time voters and others to be included in the electoral rolls,” said Tamil Nadu chief electoral officer Praveen Kumar. “Volunteers are running campaigns in universities and colleges to register eligible students to vote.”