Month: July 2016

Too early to sound all clear on Brexit: Fed official

Washington (TIP): Britain’s vote to exit the European Union has raised a cloud of uncertainty that could prove a headwind against the US economy, a senior Federal Reserve official said Thursday.

Dennis Lockhart, president of the Atlanta Fed, noted the surprise Brexit decision initially roiled financial markets for a few days but they have mostly returned to conditions before the June 23 referendum.

“It’s too early to sound the ‘all clear’ as regards financial market stability,” Lockhart told an economic summit in Idaho, according to his prepared remarks.

“Fed and other policymakers will need to stay on alert for signs of instability severe enough to pose a threat to the broad economy.”

Lockhart is not a voting member of the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee this year. The next FOMC meeting is scheduled on July 26 and 27.

He said he was “surprised” by the referendum outcome which has “raised the general uncertainty quotient at work in the world.” He stressed the difficulty of forecasting the impact Britain’s split with the EU will have on the US economy. “Negative effects could materialize through the trade channel if there is a sustained realignment of the dollar-pound exchange rate. We might also see similar effects in our trade with Europe and the euro area,” he said.

Uncertainty that could reduce business investment in the US is “not helpful” for growth, he said.

“To summarize my view of Brexit effects: negligible near-term effect; a risk factor over the medium term; higher uncertainty that could amount to a persistent economic headwind.”

Jul 16, 2016 – 7:22 am EDT
Bank of England signals August rate cut on #Brexit

LONDON (TIP): The Bank of England kept its interest rate at 0.50 percent on Thursday, but signalled a possible August cut in response to Britain’s vote to exit the EU.

At its first monetary policy meeting since the June 23 referendum vote on Brexit, the BoE also maintained the amount of cash stimulus pumping around the economy at £375 billion ($497 billion, 448 billion euros), it said in a statement. The central bank added that the majority of its nine policymakers supported looser monetary policy in its next decision due August 4.

“The precise size and nature of any stimulatory measures will be determined” next month, the statement said. BoE governor Mark Carney has warned that Britain could fall into recession as businesses delay new projects because of the shock referendum result.

At July’s meeting on Wednesday, only one member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), Gertjan Vlieghe, voted for a cut in the interest rate to a record-low 0.25 percent, while all members backed keeping quantitative easing (QE) stimulus at £375 billion.

Jul 16, 2016 – 7:21 am EDT
GORAKHNATH: A MAHAYOGI

Gorakhnath, a mahayogi, was not a philosopher… in the sense that he did not seek Absolute Truth in the path of speculation and logical argumentation. He was not so interested in logically proving or disproving the existence of any Ultimate Noumenal Reality beyond, behind or immanent in the phenomenal world of our normal experience or intellectually ascertaining the nature of any such Reality.

He never entangled himself seriously in controversial metaphysical discussion. He never made a display of his intellectual capacities as the upholder of any particular metaphysical theory in opposition to other rival theories. He knew that in the intellectual plane, differences of views were inevitable, especially with regard to the Supreme Truth, which was beyond the realm of the normal intellect. Gorakhnath did not attach any primary importance to philosophical speculations and controversies as a means to the realisation of the Ultimate Truth.

But he considered them valuable as modes of intellectual discipline and helpful in the path of search for Truth, provided that they were carried on with sincerity and earnestness and humility, and without any bigotry, arrogance, prejudice or blind partiality to any particular school of thought. Unbiased pursuit of Truth in the path of philosophical reflection was, to him, a very effective way to the progressive refinement of the intellect and its elevation to higher planes, leading gradually to the emancipation of consciousness from the bondage of all intellectual theories and sentimental attachments.

Tattva-Vicara or philosophical reflection was therefore regarded as a valuable part of yogic self-discipline…. aiming to make the individual free from all kinds of bias and prejudice, narrowness and bigotry, all sorts of pre-conceived notions and emotional clingings, and to raise it to the pure supra-mental, supraintellectual spiritual plane, in which it may be blessed with the direct experience of the Absolute Truth by becoming perfectly united with it. It was with this object in view that Yogi Guru Gorakhnath taught what might be called a system of philosophy for the guidance of truth-seekers in the path of intellectual self discipline… Yoga is a method of systematic discipline of all external and internal organs of the physical body, of all senses and vital forces, nerves and muscles, of all psychical functions, natural propensities, subtle desires and passions and of the entire intellectual ideas and judgements and reasonings with a view to the establishment of perfect control over and harmony among all of them… Gorakhnath would teach that Truth was the same, in whatever forms of language. It might be expressed and in whatever paths the intellect might approach it. The mind must seek for the Truth with sincerity and earnestness and must not be led away by undue attachment to particular forms of language or methods of thinking. The Ultimate Truth reveals itself in a plane of consciousness higher than those in which these speeches and thoughts move… linguistic forms are only means to purification and enlightenment, concentration of empirical consciousness and its elevation to higher planes. Gorakhnath himself feely made use of the terminology and nomenclature current among other schools of philosophical thinking and religious discipline as well and pointed out that their inner significance and purpose were the same. He would often make use of poetic imageries, similes, metaphors and figures of speech and analogical arguments for giving expression to his inner thoughts and experiences, which really belonged to higher planes.

Jul 16, 2016 – 7:15 am EDT
A Hangover of International Day of Yoga Celebrations

The International Day of Yoga celebrations may have been over but the interest in Yoga generated by nearly 50 Yoga events coordinated by the Indian Consulate, New York, mostly in the States of New York and New Jersey is quite noticeable. It can be noticed in the conversation of people who have taken to Yoga after having learnt about the ancient health system of India. Also, it is perceptible in the increased number of yoga centers and yoga practitioners.

Sadhguru teaching Yoga at the International Yoga Day celebrated on 21st June 2016 | Photos / Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

There were over 50 events in the jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate, New York and the Consulate was represented at a select few. Besides the events in the Hindu Temple and Times Square; that had over 15,000 participants, the yoga events were organized at John F. Kennedy Airport, New York and Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey besides events organized at several elementary, middle schools and Ivy League universities.

A large number of diplomats participated. India’s PR to the UN, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin is seen here doing Yoga with fellow diplomats – Photos / Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

As the events ranged over a couple of weeks, to ensure maximum coverage, the Consulate organized a press meet on June 8, 2016 for advance briefing for the local press. Around 20 members of the ethnic and mainstream press and media attended. The mediapersons were given details of all events on a flash drive with other take away material like Yoga bags, IDY Protocol, Yoga books, Yoga coasters and information materials.

A curtain raiser event was also held at the Queens Museum, on June 11th, to mark the beginning of the series of events to celebrate 2nd International Day of Yoga.

Consul General Mrs. Riva Ganguly Das (right) and Deputy Consul General Dr Manoj Kumar Mohapatra addressing the gathering

The main event to celebrate IDY was held at the Consulate on June 21st. The Consulate in association with Sahaja Yoga and Mallakhamb Federation of USA organized an interesting and impressive event. There was a meditation session followed by Malachi’s demonstration and also included a performance by an artist Tanya Wells.

The Art of Living Foundation, with the support of the Consulate, hosted events in New York, Boston and Columbus on SugarcaneKaiya and meditation.

Likewise, a day-long event with parallel yoga sessions, group asana sessions and meditation was organized by the Hindu Temple. Times Square’s summer solstice had over 15,000people come together to do yoga through the whole day.

Sahaja Yoga organized 3 events apart from the one at the Consulate in New York, in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The format included meditation session followed by a musical performance.

Mogens Lykketoft, President of the seventieth session of the United Nations General Assembly speaking at International Day of Yoga at UN on 21st June, 2016. Also seen in the picture is Ms. Cristina Gallach, UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information

Mallakhamb Federation of USA held demonstrations and conducted Yoga sessions at 5 schools in New Jersey and Connecticut.

World Yoga Community, Indian Cultural Association of North America, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, South Asian Arts Council, Indian American Cultural Association of Westchester had events at various locations and on multiple days that saw people coming together to celebrate yoga.

The Consulate also roped in Sahaja Yoga to conduct demonstration in the Newark Liberty International Airport and the John F. Kennedy Airport for 2 days. They held sessions for passengers in transit or waiting included meditation for relaxation. We received excellent feedback from not just the passengers, but also the airport authorities. We presented the organizers with gifts including the yoga books sent from Ministry for all their efforts.

Deputy Consul General Manoj Mohapatra introducing the new Consul General Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das – TIP – File Photo

Recalling the cooperation of various associations, business houses, government of India outlets and media, the Deputy Consul General Mr. Manoj Mohapatra who coordinated and supervised International Day of Yoga celebrations said: “All the cultural organizations involved, represented by the Indian-American communities, worked tirelessly to ensure the 2nd International Day of Yoga events that spanned over a month were flawlessly executed. Our stakeholder and partners like State Bank of India, Air India, Andhra Bank, Incredible India and TV Asia also sponsored Yoga T-shirts, Caps, Towels and Yoga mats for the airport.Besides, our media partners covered all the events, photographs and videos clips of the same were uploaded timely on social media. The ethnic press partners like The Indian Panorama, The South Asian Times, News India Times, IANS carried special supplements, articles and listed the events planned for the 2nd International day of Yoga. Similarly, several TV channels including TV Asia, Just Broadcasting, NDTV, BBC Hindi and ITV covered these events live.”

Commenting on the celebration of the IDY, Mr. Mohapatra said: “Based on the overwhelming response we have received for International Yoga Day from not just the Indian, but the American community as well, we are of the opinion that the momentum set by the first 2 years of celebration will only gain greater momentum going forward. We expect that the next year will see a lot more participation from various organizations. A few schools and colleges where we held 2nd IDY celebration have been forthcoming in planning to include yoga in their curriculum. One of most popular events of the IDY celebrations were the demonstrations held at the airports and we have already been approached by a few associations who have expressed their desire to associate with us to ensure that next year events are held at scale much grander than this year. They also want to work with us in continuing to spread the message of wellbeing through yoga. This Consulate has always been a big proponent of yoga and we have been holding free yoga classes, in our facility, for the past one year and as yoga is practiced in different forms we have recently started another weekly Sahaja yoga session for a couple of months”.

Representatives of organizations participating in the second IYD with the Consul General Riva Ganguly Das | Photos/ courtesy Paras Chettri

In addition to the Indian Consulate coordinated yoga events, the Permanent Mission of India also organized celebrations of International Day of Yoga at the United Nations.

Jul 16, 2016 – 7:10 am EDT
MONSOON IN COORG

Better known as Kodagu, Coorg is only six hours away from the busy city of Bangalore and a popular getaway during the monsoon. The rains add a certain charm to this district, even though it experiences a high amount of rainfall because it is situated on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. Madikeri is the most sought-after destination in Coorg. Endowed with a number of things to do and places to see, the drive to Madikeri is not only scenic but probably the brightest green you will ever see in any part of Karnataka. With freshly flushed coffee plantations on either side, the mist of Coorg is likely to call you once again.

RAJA’S SEAT

Raja’s Seat is a prominent tourist spot in the centre of Madikeri town. It is a garden where the kings of Kodagu are believed to have spent their sunsets enjoying the scenic change of the sky colours. It was also their recreational space, where they spent time with their queens. It now stands as a big, open-air garden, overlooking the green hills and valleys of Coorg. Whether you want to walk around the space or sit and watch the spectacular changing colours of the low-hanging clouds, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful evening.

HIKE AROUND MOJO PLANTATION

Mojo Plantation is blessed with some of the best routes for hiking and treks. This part of the Madikeri witnesses more rainfall than the other parts and grows cardamom extensively. After two decades of organic farming, they have a thriving diverse rainforest which grows coffee, vanilla, pepper, pineapple, oranges, passion fruit, mango and kokam. The hike up to the beautiful Shola forests is just a few minutes away. In the correct season (and if nature approves), you can see the rare Nilgirikurinji blossom here. Other hikes include climbing to the Kaloor Ridge and crossing the Kaloor village and river (through scenic rice and spice fields). For more serious trekkers, the climb to Galibeedu forest towards the Sacred Grove may be worth a try. Covering a distance of approximately eight km, this stretch has a varied terrain, with a high probability of interacting with local communities.

SHOP AT COORG GREENS

Coorg is synonymous with coffee and chocolates. Due to its popularity as a tourist destination, shopping in Madikeri is a little more expensive than the other regions of the district, but you are sure enough to find everything you want. Coorg Greens has a number of branches across the district, and stocks miscellaneous products in their shop opposite the KSRTC Bus Stand. Here, you can buy Coorgi coffee, either filter or instant. They also have spices, dry fruits, oils and handmade soaps. If you want to take small souvenirs, their assorted box of spices is a good choice. The chocolates on the first floor come in many varieties. The flavours include coffee, vanilla, pan masala and nuts. They are homemade and come in a variety of packages and sizes.

WALK AROUND THE COFFEE PLANTATIONS

Coffee plantations are the most visited places in Coorg. Most homestays and resorts organise a walk around their own plantations where you can see the most popular type of coffee grown here—coffee robusta. The harvest season is in the first week of November, and in case, you would like to see and experience the processing of coffee, this is a good time to visit. Unlike tea plantations, coffee does not grow as disciplined and well-trimmed. Good shoes and good rain cover are definitely recommended. Many of these plantations also grow spices such as pepper and cardamom. Apart from the smaller homestays and lodges, Orange County, Tata Coffee and Bombay Burmah organise tours around their plantations.

Jul 16, 2016 – 7:03 am EDT
Nadal will be ready for Rio: Spanish Olympic chief

MADRID (TIP): Rafael Nadal will be fit and ready for Rio, the head of the Spanish Olympic Committee insisted July 14, even though the 14-time Grand Slam title winner is still sweating on his place in the squad.

Nadal was the Olympic champion at Beijing in 2008 but missed the London Games with a knee injury four years later.

The 30-year-old is due to be Spain’s flag-bearer at the opening ceremony in Rio on August 5 but still needs the go-ahead from the International Tennis Federation after he failed to meet qualifying criteria.

“Nadal’s commitment is total and he will go to Rio to participate,” said Alejandro Blanco, the president of the country’s Olympic committee (COE).

“I have no doubts over his participation. He is training regularly in order to achieve what he wants — a medal.”

Nadal is due to play singles and also the mixed doubles with French Open champion Garbine Muguruza at Rio.

However, he is still recovering from a left wrist injury which caused an early withdrawal from the French Open as well as forcing him to sit out Wimbledon.

(AFP)

Jul 16, 2016 – 6:59 am EDT
Road to Rio: Yogeshwar working with Ronaldo’s ‘trainer’

SONEPAT (TIP): When Cristiano Ronaldo jumped up 8 feet 7 inches to score a goal with a header against Wales in the Euro semi-final, he generated five times the power of a cheetah in full flow at take-off. In doing so, he hung in the air for an amazing 0.8 seconds. Among the tools that this uber athlete uses is a hypoxic chamber installed at his home outside Madrid.

It is the same training that India’s star pehelwaan Yogeshwar Dutt – the most likely wrestler to win a medal at the Rio Olympics – is getting at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Sonepat. To enhance his stamina, endurance and cognitive ability, Yogeshwar is priming himself in the hypoxic chamber, installed at the centre on June 28.

At present, Yogeshwar is the only one among Rio-bound wrestlers using the chamber. The 33-year-old simulates the chamber’s height to 3,100 metres above sea level and then trains for nearly an hour.

“Inside the chamber, the amount of oxygen in the air is reduced which forces our body’s cardio-respiratory systems to work even harder to deliver sufficient oxygen to the working muscles. This enhances performance significantly,” Yogeshwar explains. “Such training helps increasing power, stamina and endurance. It also helps in quick recovery.

“The good thing is now India’s dependence on foreign countries for such training will reduce. I feel we are gradually standing on our own feet in terms of modern sports coaching systems,” he adds. Yogeshwar will compete in the 65kg freestyle category at the Rio Games and is considered to be one of the favourites to win the event. His personal coach Sanjit Malik feels Yogeshwar has a realistic chance of winning gold this time.

What is a Hypoxic chamber?

It is an airtight gym and sauna that creates a high altitude environment which helps elite athletes in fitness and fast recovery and rehabilitation. It helps efficient and effective utilization of oxygen which improvises endurance for competitive sports. A low oxygen environment brings many benefits to the human body like building stamina, endurance and cognitive ability.

Top athletes who’ve benefited

Cristiano Ronaldo Justin Gatlin Usain Bolt Tyson Gay Floyd Mayweather Manny Pacquiao

(PTI)

Jul 16, 2016 – 6:57 am EDT
BCCI to create digital injury monitoring system

NEW DELHI (TIP): The Indian cricket board (BCCI), which has long been looking for ways to minimize strain-related injuries to its players – especially the faster bowlers – has plans to devise a digital system that will revolve around the concept of injury prevention.

The idea was proposed at a recent workshop for physios headed by renowned physiotherapists from Australia Patrick Farhart, along with Andrew Leipus, at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Apart from the creation of a digital database to monitor injuries, the system will also try to identify the threshold workload which will allow a player to remain injury free. This system is already under implementation in Australia and South Africa.

“The board has put more emphasis on preventing injuries rather than just rehabilitation. That’s why Farhart has come up with this system where there will be a digital bank in which each player’s workload is entered,” a BCCI official told TOI, adding: “He has discussed ways of tracking a player’s workload and understanding when a player may break down. There are different parameters for batsmen and bowlers but the key is to keep monitoring the faster bowlers.

The board won’t have to depend entirely on local physios who are with state teams.”

According to sources, there will be a core group of 15 physios operating across the country who will be punching in the workload of players. The digital database is also intended to be a tool to aid the selection process. “It doesn’t matter which state team a player represents. Suppose a player from Assam is picked for a national camp or an India ‘A’ camp at the NCA, the selectors and coaches can punch his name in the system and they will get all the details about the concerned player. This can also help in gauging how much workload a player can sustain if picked for an international tour,” sources said.

India’s fast bowlers have a long history of breaking down in the middle of a series. If the Farhart-Leipus system is executed properly, this problem can be minimized to a fair extent.”There is a spike against the name of each bowler. Once there is a rise, a possible injury can be traced a good three weeks before it aggravates. Accordingly, workload can be regulated,” the source said.

Jul 16, 2016 – 6:56 am EDT
TURKISH MILITARY COUP LATEST: 60 dead and 150 injured as plot to overthrow Erdogan ‘FAILS’

The attempted coup by the armed forces in Turkey has been foiled. The Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan communicated via social media to address the country. President Erdogan, an avowed enemy of social media who has frequently made Twitter and Facebook a target, addressed the country via a FaceTime video call that was shown on TV.

He encouraged his supporters to take to the streets against the coup attempt. Erdogan, who had been holidaying on the coast when the coup was launched, flew into Istanbul.

During the initial phases of the uprising by a section of the military, it was difficult or impossible to access social media for many users except by using a “virtual private network” to bypass local internet providers, local residents and monitoring groups said.

Rebel soldiers in Ankara and Istanbul were still firing from the air early on Saturday, although fighter jets have taken off to deal with rogue military aircraft, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said.

Erdogan has comfortably been in power for well over a decade and has brought in a lot of reform to the Turkish establishment and society. The military sees itself as upholders of Kemalism, the form of democratic nationalism and secularism ushered in by founding father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1923. Erdogan on the other hand is considered an Islamist and conservative.

People demonstrated outside Ataturk international airport during an attempted coup in Istanbul, Turkey.

President Erdogan has said that a minority faction of military is behind the attempted coup. This is not the first attempted coup by the military in Turkey.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan branded the coup an act of “treason” and vowed to “harshly punish” those responsible, saying: “The ring leader who plotted all of this will pay the price in front of the nation.”

He called the coup “a gift from God” because it will now allow him to purge the military of “members of this gang”.

The Istanbul Police Chief has now said only 104 soldiers were involved in the coup and the ringleader has been named as Col Muharrem Kose, a former member of the Turkish Armed Forces.

The 62-year-old President claims he narrowly escaped death when the hotel he was staying in in the coastal city of marmaris was hit by a bomb.

A senior government minister said 42 people have been killed in Ankara and six others are dead in Istanbul – it is understood the total death toll has now risen to 60.

At around 11pm local time shots were fired in the capital Ankara, where helicopters and military jets were flying overhead.

Military vehicles blocked arterial roads around Ankara and stormed the buildings of major media outlets, including CNN.

Some 17 police died when a military aircraft was shot down.

Tanks are also said to have opened fire on the presidential building, while the parliament has been rocked by up to three bombs.

A member of government said ministers were hiding in bunkers within the parliamentary building.

Reports also suggest there has been a major explosion in the city while witnesses said missiles had been fired at the TRT media offices.

Both of Istanbul’s bridges across the Bosphorus, the strait separating the European and Asian sides of the city, have been closed to traffic.

Tanks also surrounded the entrance to Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport, where gunfire has been heard, but it is understood the government is now in control of the airport.

Flights in and out of the country are expected to resume in the coming hours after all Turkish airports were temporarily closed during the coup, sparking fears among British tourists that they would be trapped in the country.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Jul 16, 2016 – 12:39 am EDT
Turkey Coup

“In a nation, citizens proud to be Turks, that democratically elected their government, a military coup, even if patriotic in motive, is the ultimate insult of the people – to replace their choice of leadership.

If the military feels that they are better, Turks, or anything else in any other nation, let them resign their military commission and face the voters’ judgment on a ballot – democracy’s judgment.

Turkey is an important nation, not just on a Google map connecting the East with the West, but because it’s a bridge between cultures, continents and religions – and as America’s ally. That Turkey is a NATO member, makes the Coup even more offensive.

As Kazakh president Nazarbeyev’s 21st century manifesto declared, in my words, “war on war,” any Coup anywhere is an offense against every nation under law.

So, I humbly ask the patriotic but misguided Turkish soldiers to return to the barracks and defend Turkey’s sovereignty.”

Jul 16, 2016 – 12:25 am EDT
GURU PURNIMA

Guru Purnima is an Indian festival dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers. This festival is traditionally celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, to pay their respects to their teachers and express their gratitude. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Ashadh (June–July) of the Shaka Samvat, which is the Indian national calendar and the Hindu calendar.

Observances

The celebration is marked by ritualistic respect to the guru, Guru Puja. The Guru Principle is said to be a thousand times more active on the day of Gurupurnima than on any other day. The word guru is derived from two words, gu and ru. The Sanskrit root gu means darkness or ignorance, and ru denotes the remover of that darkness. Therefore, a guru is one who removes the darkness of our ignorance. Gurus are believed by many to be the most necessary part of life. On this day, disciples offer puja (worship) or pay respect to their guru (spiritual guide). In addition to having religious importance, this festival has great importance for Indian academics and scholars. Indian academics celebrate this day by thanking their teachers as well as remembering past teachers and scholars.

Traditionally the festival is celebrated by Buddhists in honor of the lord Buddha who gave His first sermon on this day at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India. In the yogic tradition, the day is celebrated as the occasion when Shiva became the first guru, as he began the transmission of yoga to the Saptarishis. Many Hindus celebrate the day in honor of the great sage Vyasa, who is seen as one of the greatest gurus in ancient Hindu traditions and a symbol of the Guru-shishya tradition. Vyasa was not only believed to have been born on this day, but also to have started writing the Brahma Sutras on ashadha sudha padyami, which ends on this day. Their recitations are a dedication to him, and are organised on this day, which is also known as Vyasa Purnima. The festival is common to all spiritual traditions in Hinduism, where it is an expression of gratitude toward the teacher by his/her disciple.[7] Hindu ascetics and wandering monks (sanyasis), observe this day by offering puja to their guru, during the Chaturmas, a four-month period during the rainy season, when they choose seclusion and stay at one chosen place; some also give discourses to the local public.[8] Students of Indian classical music, which also follows the Guru shishya parampara, celebrate this holy festival around the world.

Hindu legend

This was the day, when Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa – author of the Mahabharata – was born to sage Parashara and a fisherman’s daughter Satyavati, thus this day is also celebrated as Vyasa Purnima.Veda Vyasa, did yeoman service to the cause of Vedic studies by gathering all the Vedic hymns extant during his times, dividing them into four parts based on their use in the sacrificial rites, and teaching them to his four chief disciples – Paila, Vaisampayana, Jaimini and Sumantu. It was this dividing and editing that earned him the honorific “Vyasa” (vyas = to edit, to divide). “He divided the Veda into four, namely Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. The histories and the Puranas are said to be the fifth Veda.”

Yogic lore

In yogic lore, it is said that Guru Purnima was the day that saw the birth of the Adi Guru, or the first Guru. The story goes that over 15,000 years ago, a yogi[9] appeared in the upper regions of the Himalayas. Nobody knew what his origins were. But his presence was extraordinary, and people gathered. However, he exhibited no signs of life, but for the occasional tears of ecstasy that rolled down his face. People began to drift away, but seven men stayed on. When he opened his eyes, they pleaded with him, wanting to experience whatever was happening to him. He dismissed them, but they persevered. Finally, he gave them a simple preparatory step and closed his eyes again. The seven men began to prepare. Days rolled into weeks, weeks into months, months into years, but the yogi’s attention did not fall upon them again.After 84 years of sadhana, on the summer solstice that marks the advent of Dakshinayana, the earth’s southern run, the yogi looked at them again. They had become shining receptacles, wonderfully receptive. He could not ignore them anymore. On the very next full moon day, the yogi turned south and sat as a guru to these seven men. The Adiyogi (the first yogi) thus became the Adi Guru. Adiyogi expounded these mechanics of life for many years. The seven disciples became celebrated as the Saptarishis and took this knowledge across the world.Guru Purnima is held sacred in the yogic tradition because the Adiyogi opened up the possibility for a human being to evolve consciously. The seven different aspects of yoga that were put in these seven individuals became the foundation for the seven basic forms of yoga, something that has still endured.

Observances by Buddhists and Hindus Buddhists observe on this day uposatha i.e. to observe eight precepts. Vipassana meditators practice meditation on this day under the guidance of their teachers. Rainy season i.e. varsha vassa also starts with this day. During the rainy season lasting for three lunar months from July to October. During this time Buddhist monks remain in a single place, generally in their temples. In some monasteries, monks dedicate the Vassa to intensive meditation. During Vassa, many Buddhist lay people reinvigorate their spiritual training and adopt more ascetic practices, such as giving up meat, alcohol, or smoking.

The Hindu spiritual Gurus are revered on this day by a remembering their life and teachings. Vyasa Puja is held at various temples, where floral offerings and symbolic gifts are given away in his honour and that of the cosmic satguru. The festivities are usually followed by feast for the disciples, shishya, where the prasad and charnamrita literally nectar of the feet, the symbolic wash of Guru’s feet, which represents his grace, kripa is distributed. As a day of remembrance towards all gurus, through whom God grants the grace of knowledge (Jnana) to the disciples,[10] special recitations of the Hindu scriptures especially, the Guru Gita, a 216 verse ode to Guru, authored by the sage, Vyasa himself, are held all day; apart from singing of bhajans, hymns and organising of special kirtan session and havan at many places, where devotees from all over gather at the ashrams, matha or place where the seat of Guru, Guru Gaddi exists.This day also sees the ritual of padapuja, the worships of Guru’s sandals, which represent his holy feet and is seen a way of rededicating to all that a Guru stands for. Disciples also recommit themselves on this day, towards following their teacher’s guidance and teachings, for the coming year. A mantra that is particularly used on this day is “Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara, Guru Sakshat Parabrahmah Tasmai Shree Guru Veh Namah”. This day is also seen as an occasion when fellow devotees, Guru Bhai (disciple-brother), express their solidarity to one another in their spiritual journey.

Jul 16, 2016 – 12:03 am EDT
Donald Trump and Kids named in $250M Tax Scam

NEW YORK (TIP): Four Donald Trump-licensed real estate developments are at the center of a huge income tax evasion scheme, according to allegations in a lawsuit unsealed Thursday, July 14 afternoon by a judge in Manhattan.

The presumptive Republican nominee is not personally accused. He is described as a “material witness” in the evasion of taxes on as much as $250 million in income. According to the court papers, that includes $100 million in profits and $65 million in real estate transfer taxes from a Manhattan high rise project bearing his familiar name.

However, his status may change, according to the lawyers who filed the lawsuit, Richard Lerner and Frederick M. Oberlander, citing Trump’s testimony about Felix Sater, a convicted stock swindler at the center of the alleged scheme.

Trump received tens of millions of dollars in fees and partnership interests in one of the four projects, the Trump Soho New York, a luxury high rise in lower Manhattan. His son Donald Junior and his daughter Ivanka also were paid in fees and partnership interests, the lawyers said, and are also material witnesses in the case.

Trump and Sater traveled extensively together and were photographed and interviewed in Denver and Loveland, Colo., Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale and New York. The two Trump children were also with Sater in Moscow, Alan Garten, the Trump Organization general counsel, has said.

Trump has testified about Sater in a Florida lawsuit accusing the two of them of fraud in a failed high-rise project. Trump testified that he had a glancing knowledge of Sater and would not recognize him if he were sitting in the room.

Sater controlled an investment firm named Bayrock, with offices in Trump Tower, and sought to develop branded Trump Tower luxury buildings in Moscow and other cities. Court papers show his salary in 2006 was $7 million, but it alleges that was a pittance compared to his real income.

Sater then moved into the Trump Organization offices. He carried a business card, issued by the Trump Organization, identifying him as a “senior adviser” to Trump.

The tax fraud lawsuit included 212 pages of documents, among them a flow chart that the plaintiff claims showed how the scheme worked. The lawsuit alleges the tax fraud scheme as simple, telling the judge “there need be no fear of complexity, for there is none.”

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:48 am EDT
US must improve probes of police use of force, Barack Obama says

WASHINGTON (TIP): US President Barack Obama on July 12 said more must be done to build trust that police violence against blacks and Hispanics will be properly investigated.

“We’re going to have to do more work together in thinking about how we can build confidence that after police officers have used force, particularly deadly force, that there is confidence in how the investigation takes place and that justice is done,” Obama said after a meeting with activists, lawmakers and law enforcement leaders.

Obama said there might be a need to develop a set of practices to ensure that investigations are carried out effectively and fairly for all parties involved.

The meeting on Wednesday focused on how to bridge the divide between police officers and the black and Hispanic communities after a series of high-profile police killings of black men in the past two years sparked angry protests throughout the country.

Obama has called for the country to come together and not give in to despair and division after the shooting deaths of five police officers in Dallas and the police killings of black men in Louisiana and Minnesota. He laid out a series of steps that could help to improve relations between law enforcement and communities, including improving data collection and updating police training practices.

Attendees at the meeting included Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards, the president of the National Association of Police Organizations, Michael McHale, and leaders of the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

A White House task force released a report last year recommending various reforms for local law enforcement in the United States, but Obama said more action is needed.

“What’s been apparent is that it’s not enough just for us to have a task force, a report and then follow up through our departments, we have to push this out to communities so that they feel ownership for some of the good ideas that have been floating around this table,” he said.

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:45 am EDT
Naperville Indian Community Outreach to host 2nd India Day Parade

NAPERVILLE, IL (TIP): Naperville Indian Community Outreach in association with City of Naperville and Indian Consulate General will be hosting the second grand India Day Parade and Celebration on August 14, 2016 (Sunday) to mark the 70th anniversary of India’s independence. Several thousand people from Chicago and the suburbs are expected to attend the event which is being held in downtown Naperville.

With Bollywood celebrity Sunidhi Chauhan as the Grand Marshall, the India Day Parade will serve as a showcase of India’s rich and diverse culture with estimated 100 parade entries. Colorfully decorated floats organized by Indian cultural associations, local businesses and political organizations along with multiple colorful dance performers will be the highlight. Spectators will be treated to a rich variety of Indian cuisine, ethnic arts, apparel, and jewelry. This event has the distinction of being the 2nd India Day Parade backed by any city in America.

The Parade will be followed by a concert headlined by top Bollywood singer from India, Sunidhi Chauhan and her troupe. This concert is historical as this will be the first India Day in America with a concert of this kind with the free entry for everyone.

The ICO is a non-partisan and a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and promote the cultural heritage and contributions of Indian Americans while promoting their integration in the growth of Naperville. Its chairman, Krishna Bansal, has been appointed by, and reports to the Mayor of Naperville.

Bansal said that his team and him are excited to have the ICO organize this pioneering event. “Indian Americans are now a significant part of Naperville’s population, both in numbers and impact,” he said. The community which saw a dramatic growth since the nineties, now comprises of over 10 percent of the suburb’s total population. Moreover, with the recent influx of information technology workers and other professionals from India, over 70 percent are first generation immigrants.

Naperville Indian community outreach 750 Shoreline Dr. STE 100, Aurora, IL 60504 (630) 300-0345 www.napervilleindian.com |www.facebook.com/IndianCommunityOutreach

Viral Shah, board member and treasurer of ICO described that several South Asian community leaders, restaurants, businesses and cultural organizations have come forward to support the event. While Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico and Consul General of India in Chicago, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, will be chief guests, Sunidhi Chauhan, Indian’s sensational singer will be the Parade Marshal.

Among the other dignitaries invited and are attending include the Governor, Senator, Congressman State and Local elected representatives and prominent leaders of the Naperville community.

Chirag Jani, board member of ICO and lead of event logistics explained that parade will begin at Naperville Central High School in Naperville at 5:00 PM and end at Knoch Park, 724 S West St, Naperville, IL 60540 where the celebration/concert will kick off. While providing outline of the event, he emphasized this to be an excellent opportunity for local businesses and groups to partner, participate and gain visibility.

The parade may be seen as a symbol of the rapid growth of the Indian American community in the Chicago suburbs. From 1990 to 2010, Indian-Americans became the largest Asian ethnic group in Illinois, according to data from the last census. Demographers and Indian community leaders say they expect that the figures will increase even more as highly educated Indians continue to fill jobs in the computer industry and change the face of the suburbs.

Ashfaq Syed, Member of the Organizing Committee said Naperville, ranked as one of the most desirable American cities for a family, is home to more than 15,000 Indian-Americans, making it the suburb with the largest & growing population of the community in the area outside Chicago. Indian-Americans have been contributing greatly in the fields of business, medicine, information technology and as the leaders of large corporations.

Additional information about the parade and celebration including applications to participate in the parade and celebrations as well as sponsorships is available on our web site www.napervilleindian.com.

(Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA)

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:43 am EDT
Doig sued for $5 million, must prove didn’t create canvas

WASHINGTON (TIP): OK, Peter Doig may have tried LSD a few times when he was growing up in Canada during the 1970s. But he still knows, he said, when a painting is or isn’t his.

So when Doig — whose eerie, magical landscapes have made him one of the world’s most popular artists — was sent a photograph of a canvas he said he didn’t recognize, he disavowed it.

“I said, ‘Nice painting,’” he recalled in an interview. “‘Not by me.’”

The owner, however, disagreed and sued him, setting up one of the stranger art authentication cases in recent history.

The owner, a former corrections officer who said he knew Doig while working in a Canadian detention facility, said the famous painter indeed created the work as a youthful inmate there. His suit contends that Doig is either confused or lying and that his denials blew up a plan to sell the work for millions of dollars.

But Doig, 57, has compelling evidence he was never near the facility, the Thunder Bay Correctional Center, about 15 hours northwest of Toronto.

“This case is a scam, and I’m being forced to jump through hoops to prove my whereabouts over 40 years ago,” he said.

To Doig’s surprise, though — and the astonishment of others in the art world — a federal judge in Chicago has set the case for trial next month in US District Court for Northern Illinois. Art law experts say they can’t recall anything like it, certainly not for a major artist like Doig.

“To have to disprove that you created a work seems somehow wrong and not fair,” said Amy M. Adler, a professor at New York University Law School. The stakes are high as well. A Doig painting has sold for more than $25 million. Other works have routinely sold at auction for as much as $10 million. The plaintiffs, who include the correction officer and the art dealer who agreed to help him sell the work, are suing the painter for at least $5 million in damages and seek a court declaration that it is authentic.

They have focused on what they say is a hole in Doig’s teenage years in Canada when, they assert, he cannot fully account for where he was or what he was doing.

“Every artist has destroyed work,” said William F. Zieske, the lawyer for the painting’s owner and the art dealer. “We can’t really get into his mind and say why he looked at this painting and said, ‘I am not going to own that.’ I don’t think anyone can.”

Disputes about authenticity, a vexatious topic in the art world, tend to center on the works of dead artists. Legal claims, when they arise, are usually made against experts who have doubted the art’s veracity, and not against the artist.

A decision against Doig, and any costly award for damages, would nevertheless probably send a shock wave through the art world. “It would,” said Nicholas M. O’Donnell, a Boston art lawyer who has no role in the case, “put all artists in the cross hairs.”

(NYT News Service)

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:40 am EDT
Meet Kabir Chopra | Director’s cut: Fascinated by online dating and inspired by modern tales of love

He is an actor, filmmaker, photographer, writer who is fascinated by the world of online dating and inspired by modern tales of love. And Kabir Chopra @KabirIsHere believes that exploring the never-ending search for love is the key to creating great art.

The New York based Indian origin filmmaker’s new short film Misaligned was screened at the New York Indian Film Festival in May 2016.

“It’s a romantic comedy mixed with magical realism, starring Gerrard Lobo (Netflix’s Master of None), Zenobia Shroff (Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu), Morgan DeTogne & Paul Moon. It’s the story of a man who has to date his way through the Zodiac to find his true love, only to realize that one he’s been searching for is promised to someone else. The short film is based on a script I wrote while I was studying at NYU, and I hope to adapt this project into a feature length film”, says Kabir.

“I also completed a new short film which I wrote, directed and acted in. Inspired by a true story, Ghosted follows a man who had a steamy date with someone he met online, but never saw or heard from her again. The film shows what happens when they bump into each other 3 months later.”

Kabir graduated with a BFA in dramatic writing from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and has written, directed and starred in several short films, a few of which have screened at film festivals across New York. Recently, he participated in the Asian American Film Lab’s 72 Hour Shootout and his short film “Funny Faces” finished as a Top 10 Film!

Kabir also appeared in Hypokrit Theatre’s Romeo & Juliet and the upcoming feature film The Spectacular Jihad of Taz Rahim.

A still from Kabir’s film Misaligned

Last year, he published his first book POKE ME. Kabir is inspired by dating culture and love stories, and believes that exploring the never-ending search for love is the key to creating great art. “After years of trying my hand at online dating, I decided to write a book based on my experiences and called it “POKE ME! It’s a no-nonsense guide to Online Dating & Offline Loving. Whether you’re a newbie to the online dating world, or a seasoned flirter, “POKE ME!” is the sarcastic kick-in-the butt you need to get off your computer, and onto the dance floor. “

In 2013 he launched a web series on video game addiction. An avid gamer himself, Kabir drew from his own experiences, to highlight the addictive aspects of video games. Compelled by violent events and tragedies, he wanted to create a dialogue between the gaming community and society at large.

A different stroke -a still from the film #Misaligned

Kabir feels that “There’s a lot of content out there that focuses on gamers and gaming culture, but not a lot about the addiction aspect. There are all sorts of negative associations with video game addiction, most recently with violence. I just wanted to shed some light on the issue in a fun, but realistic way.”

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:40 am EDT
US launches quiet diplomacy to ease South China Sea tensions

WASHINGTON (TIP): The United States is using quiet diplomacy to persuade the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and other Asian nations not to move aggressively to capitalize on an international court ruling that denied China’s claims to the South China Sea, several US administration officials said on July 11.

“What we want is to quiet things down so these issues can be addressed rationally instead of emotionally,” said one official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private diplomatic messages.

Some were sent through US embassies abroad and foreign missions in Washington, while others were conveyed directly to top officials by Defense Secretary Ash Carter, Secretary of State John Kerry and other senior officials, the sources said.

“This is a blanket call for quiet, not some attempt to rally the region against China, which would play into a false narrative that the US is leading a coalition to contain China,” the official added.

The effort to calm the waters following the court ruling in The Hague on Tuesday suffered a setback when Taiwan dispatched a warship to the area, with President Tsai Ing-wen telling sailors that their mission was to defend Taiwan’s maritime territory. The court ruled that while China has no historic rights to the area within its self-declared nine-dash line, Taiwan has no right to Itu Aba, also called Taiping, the largest island in the Spratlys. Taipei administers Itu Aba but the tribunal called it a “rock”, according to the legal definition. The US officials said they hoped the US diplomatic initiative would be more successful in Indonesia, which wants to send hundreds of fishermen to the Natuna Islands to assert its sovereignty over nearby areas of the South China Sea to which China says it also has claims, and in the Philippines, whose fishermen have been harassed by Chinese coast guard and naval vessels.

Contingency plan

However, if that effort fails, and competition escalates into confrontation, US air and naval forces are prepared to uphold freedom of maritime and air navigation in the disputed area, a defense official said on Wednesday.

Democrat Ben Cardin of Maryland, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said confrontation is less likely if the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and other countries work with the United States rather than on their own.

“I don’t think China wants a confrontation with the United States,” he told reporters. “They don’t mind a confrontation with a Vietnamese fishing boat, but they don’t want a confrontation with the United States.”

The court ruling is expected to dominate a meeting at the end of July in Laos of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand. US secretary of state John Kerry, and his Chinese counterpart, foreign minister Wang, will attend the ministerial. Sino-American relations suffered two fresh blows on Wednesday as a congressional committee found China’s government likely hacked computers at the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the United States challenged China’s export duties on nine metals and minerals that are important to the aerospace, auto, electronics and chemical industries.

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:38 am EDT
Chinese man to serve US prison term for military hacking

LOS ANGELES (TIP): A Chinese businessman who pleaded guilty in March to conspiring to hack into the computer networks of Boeing and other major US defence contractors was sentenced on July 12 to nearly four years in prison, prosecutors said.

Su Bin, 51, was charged with taking part in a years-long scheme by Chinese military officers to obtain sensitive military information. In addition to the 46-month prison term, a judge in US district court in Los Angeles ordered Su to pay a $10,000 fine.

“Su Bin’s sentence is a just punishment for his admitted role in a conspiracy with hackers from the People’s Liberation Army Air Force to illegally access and steal sensitive US military information,” John Carlin, assistant attorney general for national security, said in a statement.

“Su assisted the Chinese military hackers in their efforts to illegally access and steal designs for cutting-edge military aircraft that are indispensable to our national defense,” the statement said.

In an August 2014 indictment, prosecutors said Su traveled to the United States at least 10 times between 2008 and 2014 and worked with two unidentified co-conspirators based in China to steal the data. The trio were accused of stealing plans relating to the C-17 military transport plane and F-22 and F-35 fighter jets, and attempting to sell them to Chinese companies.

According to prosecutors, in pleading guilty Su admitted sending emails to his co-conspirators telling them which persons, companies and technologies to target with their hacking and translating the stolen material from English to Chinese.

Su admitted taking part in the crime for financial gain, prosecutors said.

The Chinese government has repeatedly denied any involvement in hacking.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang repeated that the Chinese government opposes and punishes any form of hacking

“The so-called case of Chinese soldiers being involved in stealing secrets from the United States is acting on hearsay and has ulterior motives,” Lu told reporters, without elaborating.

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:35 am EDT
Donald Trump selects Mike Pence as VP: Pence has accepted the offer

NEW YORK (TIP): Pence, a former congressman and the current governor of Indiana, flew from Indianapolis to the New York area Thursday, July 14, ahead of a planned Friday morning joint appearance with the presumptive Republican nominee in Manhattan.

But Trump said Thursday, July 14 evening he’s postponing the official announcement, previously set for Friday morning “in light of the horrible attack in Nice, France, I have postponed tomorrow’s news conference concerning my vice presidential announcement,” he tweeted.

Trump maintained during an interview on Thursday evening that he has not made a “final, final decision,” although sources with knowledge of the pick said Pence would be Trump’s ultimate choice. He also indicated that he will announce tomorrow when the rescheduled VP announcement will be held.

Trump’s team was impressed with Pence’s fiery performance at a rally in Westfield, Indiana on Tuesday, July 12 night. The governor and his wife met at their home with the candidate, his son, daughter and son in-law on Wednesday, June 13 morning, stoking further speculation that he would be Trump’s ultimate choice.

Sources close to Pence and Trump were preparing for the likelihood of a Pence pick early Thursday but warned that the final choice would be made by the candidate alone.

Without confirming that he was not the choice, Gingrich – who had been viewed as the most likely alternative, said in an interview Thursday that “it was a very great honor to be considered” for the job.

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:33 am EDT
How China won the NSG membership power play

A disquieting feature of the Seoul setback was the diplomatic victory China scored over the US, in a forum established by the US and dominated by it for decades.

If China could block the US here, it does raise questions about US willingness and capacity to checkmate China elsewhere – not only in the South China Sea, but also in our region.

Washington is seeking expanded commitment from India against the rising Chinese threat in the Asia-Pacific region.

It should normally have reasoned that if its resolve to counter China on an issue such as India’s NSG membership – which China was opposing for purely political reasons and its unflinching support for Pakistan – was seen as weak, India would have less confidence in the tenacity of America’s rebalance towards Asia.

Business

Washington’s public support for India’s application and China’s equally public opposition to it made the issue of India’s NSG membership an open diplomatic tussle between the US and China.

Countries such as Austria, New Zealand, Ireland, Mexico, and Switzerland are amenable to firm US diplomacy, but were allowed to play into China’s hands and buttress its opposition by raising procedural issues.

China was allowed to inflict a diplomatic defeat on India and on the US itself.

China was a late entrant not only to the NPT, which it rejected as discriminatory for years, but also to the NSG, which it joined in 2004.

For such a country to swear by the NPT and project itself as a conscientious upholder of the NSG guidelines compared to the unprincipled approach of the US is quite ironic.

China’s nuclear relationship with Pakistan in the past – and even now -cannot withstand strict NSG scrutiny.

The US has chosen not to confront China on this issue as other differences have higher priority in its eyes.

Other factors have given China room for its NSG power play.

China is expanding its nuclear sector massively. US, French, and Russian companies are constructing several nuclear power plants in the country, which makes business considerations very relevant.

Kingpin

PM Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping. A handshake which did not work for India. (file photo)

China has been offered a stake in the UK’s Hinkley nuclear power project, which requires huge investment.

France’s Areva has signed a number of strategic agreements with China in the nuclear sector and is now offering equity in the company to China.

This would explain the reluctance to corner China on its nuclear cooperation with Pakistan and on India’s NSG membership.

China has behaved as a kingpin in the NSG, and has got away with it for the moment.

Ever since the India-US nuclear deal China has been challenging Washington’s global supremacy on non-proliferation matters.

To balance the India-US deal, China decided to enhance its nuclear cooperation with Pakistan by contracting to build two additional reactors without going through the process of seeking an NSG exemption for its protege.

It has deliberately tagged Pakistan’s NSG membership to that of India to show the US that it can exercise patronage on nuclear matters too – and without doing any preparatory legal work as the US did in India’s case.

Fragile

China deliberately fast-tracked Pakistan’s NSG membership application to derail a decision on India’s case, because it ensured that the procedural and criteria argument regarding membership of non-NPT countries became more germane.

Through such maneuvering China wanted to expose the fragility of the US commitment on our membership, and demonstrate that the latter could not steam-roll India’s membership against China’s wishes.

(The author is a former Foreign Secretary of India. He can be reached at sibalk@gmail.com)

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:31 am EDT
The Cynical Assumptions of Delhi – AS I SEE IT

A 21-year-old Kashmiri militant commander, Burhan Wani, was killed by security forces on Friday, July 8. The immediate reaction to Burhan’s killing was an immense outpouring of grief, which then morphed into protests. These protests generated a violent response by the state. The cumulative death toll accruing from this structural cycle of violence is 38 as I write; 1,500 people stand injured in the melee of violence.

Policy of containment

As Kashmir burns, to so speak, and consumes itself in an orgy of violence and counter-violence by the state, Delhi appears to be nonchalant or even in denial mode. A high-level meeting, for instance, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not have any shade of the political spectrum of Kashmir on board. This bizarre state of affairs suggests that Delhi is too sure of itself on how to “deal” with Kashmir. It views the recurrent and recurring patterns of violence as a “management problem” or is cynical. This cynicism is perhaps fed by Delhi’s assessment that the current phase of violence that has Kashmir in a vice-like grip will fade and fizzle out.

These two assumptions of Delhi betray a short-term policy horizon and total lack of understanding of the conflict and the violence it begets. And what informs these assumptions appears to be that containing the conflict through might and power and managing its other dimensions will be the antidote to the Kashmir problem. But these approaches are flawed – as the modern history of Kashmir suggests.

Historically, Delhi’s policy of intrigue and coercive manipulations of Kashmir’s politics was one major factor for generating armed insurrection here. However, while from a counterinsurgency standpoint, the intensity and momentum of militancy in Kashmir dissipated, the underlying reality remained the same.

This underlying reality of Kashmir is neither a legal issue nor a military one; it is a supremely political one, but Delhi, judging from both its past and contemporary practice, does not believe so. If it viewed Kashmir as a political issue defined by multilayered complexity, Delhi would have not reflexively assumed the default option it has taken recourse to: containment and management of the conflict.

Grist to the militancy mill

Essentially, the reaction that Burhan’s death has bred and the chaos that has descended upon Kashmir is not only a response to his death. It is profounder and pertains to the dead end that the politics of the State has reached after years of dilly-dallying by Delhi vis-à-vis Kashmir. A layer of poignancy is added to the condition that obtains in Kashmir due to the political alignments in the State after the 2014 election. The reference here is to the Bharatiya Janata Party-Peoples Democratic Party coalition which, in hindsight, appears to have rubbed Kashmiris the wrong way. Burhan’s killing, in this sense, was the straw that broke the camel’s back. That is, Burhan’s killing catalyzed the cumulative hurt and grievance of Kashmiris.

While the protests, given that they have a shelf life and cannot realistically be sustained, will fizzle out, this need not mean a vindication of Delhi’s policies (or even non-policies) and approach. The protests will provide grist to the mill of militancy in Kashmir. Burhan, in death, has become an icon and an inspiration for the youth of Kashmir. His footsteps are likely to be followed by many Kashmiri youth -educated and ideologically more convinced and resistant to blandishments and even pressure. If no prudent policies vis-à-vis Kashmir are employed, this youth bulge will only grow and the State of Jammu and Kashmir might be once again in the throes of deep and widespread insurgency. The onus for this will fall on the powers that be and their flawed, ill-conceived policies towards Kashmir.

At this point in time, a salvage job is in order. It lies in a comprehensive redesign of policy towards Kashmir – the kind that is non-zero-sum and incorporates all stakeholders in the process of building peace and resolving the conflict in Kashmir. Unless and until this paradigm is instituted, Kashmir, as the reaction generated by Burhan’s killing shows, will always be a cauldron. It is about time that past policies and assumptions are jettisoned and a new approach towards Kashmir crafted. Putting this off for later might leave it a little too late.

The author, Tanvir Sadiq, is a former spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference party, is political secretary to former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The views expressed here are personal.

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:19 am EDT
Theresa May’s Challenges

Three weeks after a majority of Britons voted in a referendum to leave the European Union, the British political landscape looks entirely different.

David Cameron, who called the referendum, is no more the Prime Minister. Boris Johnson, an exit campaigner who was widely expected to replace Mr. Cameron, backed off even before the contest for the new Prime Minister began. Michael Gove, another Brexiteer who entered the race, was rejected by Conservative MPs. Theresa May rose from this post-referendum chaos to become the second woman Prime Minister of the U.K. A seasoned politician with administrative experience, Ms. May’s style of working and policy preferences often invoke comparisons with Margaret Thatcher and Angela Merkel. As Home Secretary for six years, she oversaw Britain’s security services, borders and police forces. Despite her hard-line positions on immigration – at the Home Office she supported a net immigration cap – she chose to back the Remain camp, like Mr. Cameron, during the referendum campaign. This pragmatic Euroscepticism may have helped her win over both the doves and hawks within the Conservative Party.

That the U.K. has put an end to political uncertainty quicker than expected is good news for both the country and Europe. But the challenges Ms. May faces are unprecedented. The Conservative Party is divided. Legislators and other party leaders may endorse her for now, but going forward she could find it tough to maintain the equilibrium between the centrists and right-wing conservatives. Mr. Cameron’s decision to call the referendum to appease the right-wingers shows how unstable that equilibrium can be. Secondly, the Tories were re-elected last year under Mr. Cameron’s leadership on promises of fixing the country’s economic worries. The Brexit vote has already done damage to the fragile economic recovery. Ms. May’s immediate task would be to restore investor confidence. Thirdly, there is an alarming rise of xenophobia in the U.K. which threatens its social cohesion, which no ruler can ignore. A yet larger challenge for Ms. May would be dealing with the Brexit referendum outcome. Mr. Cameron had promised to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty if there was a Leave vote. In the event, he did not. None of the Brexiteers managed to succeed him. Ms. May, herself a Remain supporter, faces a difficult situation. If she doesn’t begin the process of taking the U.K. out of the EU, she faces the wrath of Brexiteers within and outside her party. If she invokes Article 50, it could have immediate repercussions for the economy and London’s ties with Scotland. This is a tall order that even Ms. May’s idol, Margaret Thatcher, would have struggled with.

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:14 am EDT
Able Newspaper Celebrates 25 Years of News For, By and About People with Disabilities

OLD BETHPAGE, NY (TIP): Able, the Newspaper For, By and About People with Disabilities, which has been bringing much needed news to people with disabilities since 1991, is celebrating 25 years of publication.

After her introduction to the disability community as a volunteer at the Paralympics, on Long Island in 1984, Able’s publisher, Angela Melledy brought together her newspaper experience and newly found affinity for the community of people with disabilities, to start Able Newspaper.

“It has been a wonderful time for me,” said Melledy.

“I’ve enjoyed great experiences and been involved with so many incredible people including people with disabilities as well as the people who work with them.

Able brings news about legislation, programs, civil rights, transportation, housing, employment and everything of interest to this population. Able includes products, sports news, a calendar of events and even a personals page that boasts at least two marriages and has a print and online presence.

“One year after the signing of the American with Disabilities Act, the Able Newspaper came into existence,” said Victor Calise, Commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities.

“They have helped to reduce marginalization of people with disabilities and to consolidate the disability community for over 25 years. There are still people who don’t understand their obligations so Able is as important as ever. I know Able will continue to play an important role in the lives of people with disabilities for many years to come. Congratulations!”

“I congratulate Able Newspaper on their 25th Anniversary of providing news to our community. Congratulations on your success, and here’s to many more years to come,” said Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano.

“Angela Melledy and Able have chronicled the New York metropolitan area disability community for 25 years,” said James Weisman, president & CEO of United Spinal Association. “Able is a historical treasure. Congratulations Angela and everyone associated with this significant publication that brought people with disabilities together long before the internet and is as vibrant and relevant today as it was at its inception.”

Able covers the New York and New Jersey area with two editions and is based in Old Bethpage, N.Y. It can be read at no cost at www.ablenews.com.

P.O. Box 395, Old Bethpage, NY 11804 – 516 939-2252 -ableangela@aol.com -www.ablenews.com.

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:12 am EDT
Air India Offers Special Fare to Commemorate Newark-Ahmedabad Dreamliner Service

NEW YORK (TIP): Travelers booking Air India’s new direct 787 Dreamliner service from Newark Liberty International Airport to Ahmedabad can take advantage of the airline’s special Introductory Fare of $787, round trip. The special economy class fare includes all government taxes and fees, including the 9/11 security fee, and fuel surcharges. Tickets must be purchased by July 31. Air India Regional Manager Americas Mrs. Vandana Sharma disclosed to the editor of The Indian Panorama, July 11.

Giving details of the flight schedules, the District Sales Manager of Air India, Mr. Mohan Kothekar said that the flights will operate three times a week (Monday, Thursday, and Friday) starting August 15, 2016, and make a stop in London, enroute. The special fare is good for outbound travel from August 15 to September 30, 2016. There is a $25.00 weekend surcharge for return travel on Fridays, a minimum stay through the first Sunday, and maximum stay of three (3) months. All travel must be completed by December 28, 2016 to qualify. No stopovers are permitted in London, and cancellation and ticketing change fees apply.

Air India’s new Boeing 787 Dreamliners feature a best-in-class Economy class service and a state-of-the-art Business Class service with 180-degree reclining flat beds. As on all Air India flights to India, superb Indian cuisine, including a special Gujarati meal (upon request), is served in both cabins.

About Air India Air India, India’s national airline, has been in operation since 1932. Today, the airline serves 35 international destinations on four continents, and 66 cities across India. The airline’s fleet of 118 aircraft, including B787 Dreamliners and B777LR’s and ER’s, is one of the world’s youngest. Air India is also a member of the Star Alliance. For more information about the airline, visit www.airindia.in.

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:09 am EDT
Dr. Deepak Chopra to headline Akshaya Patra Inaugural New Jersey Benefit

NEW YORK(TIP): The Akshaya Patra Foundation will be holding its 2016 Inaugural New Jersey Benefit Event on Saturday, August 20th at 5:30 PM at the TV Asia headquarters in Edison, New Jersey. Dr. Deepak Chopra will be the event’s keynote speaker. Comedian Omi Vaidya will act as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

The event will be held at the headquarters of media partner TV Asia and will begin with a welcome reception. Over 350 business, non-profit, government, and philanthropic leaders from around the region are expected to attend and support the organization’s dual mission of addressing childhood hunger and malnutrition and to promote education for underserved children in India.

Omi Vaidya will be seen at
Akshaya Patra New Jersey Benefit

Established in 2000, Akshaya Patra began by serving 1,500 in 5 schools in Bangalore. Today Akshaya Patra is the largest NGO-run school meal programs in the world and serves over 1.5 million children daily in over 11,501 schools through 24 kitchens in ten states in India. In 2016, Akshaya Patra is celebrating its 15th Anniversary and the serving of its 2 billionth meal to children in India. Akshaya Patra USA is the US branch of Akshaya Patra and raises funds and awareness for the school meal program in India.

Akshaya Patra has received international recognition for its life-changing mission. In 2016, Akshaya Patra’s Founder Madhu Pandit Dasa received the Padma Shri Award, India’s fourth highest civilian award, for his work with Akshaya Patra. Shridhar Venkat, CEO of Akshaya Patra India, was recognized as being among the 50 Most Impactful Social Innovators in the world. Akshaya Patra was recently awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize, an award established to recognize an organization’s outstanding achievements that contribute to the region’s sustainable development. For more information about Akshaya Patra, please visit www.foodforeducation.org.

This year’s event will feature an evening of networking, entertainment, and dinner.

For more information: Ankita@apusa.org or 781-454-7247 To register or purchase tickets: www.foodforeducation.org/nj

Jul 15, 2016 – 9:08 am EDT

Month: July 2016

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