BEIJING (TIP): A state-run newspaper in a Chinese province bordering North Korea published a list of tips on Dec 7 for how civilians can protect themselves in the event of a nuclear attack.
The apocalyptic article comes as tensions soar on the Korean Peninsula over Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions.
A full-page illustrated advisory in the Jilin Daily, an official publication of the northeast province, instructed readers to close their doors and windows and thoroughly wash their belongings to minimise radioactive impact.
“Modern warfare is three-dimensional, and intercontinental missiles could hit any corner of the world,” the newspaper said.
While the publication does not explicitly mention North Korea, Jilin was one of the Chinese provinces where people reported feeling tremors after Pyongyang conducted a powerful nuclear test this September.
Last week Pyongyang fired an intercontinental ballistic missile that it said could hit anywhere on the US mainland.
In China, the authoritarian regime’s largest trade partner and sole major diplomatic ally, concern has grown in recent months that North Korea’s expanding weapons programme will cause residual damage along the border.
China’s environmental protection ministry performed eight days of emergency monitoring following the September blast, which the North claimed was the successful detonation of a hydrogen bomb.
Authorities concluded that radiation levels remained normal in the four provinces where tests were done, including Jilin.
In something reminiscent of the Cold War era, the Jilin Daily used a colourful comic Wednesday to tell readers to wear masks and take iodine tablets to prevent radioactive iodine from collecting in their thyroid glands.
To remove radioactive contamination on the body, one should vigorously wash garments and swab the ears, nose and mouth, the paper advised.
Xu Yucheng, a deputy director for Jilin’s Civil Air Defense Office, told the Beijing News that the newspaper’s goal was to “strengthen national defense education”. (AP)
ISLAMABAD (TIP): China has decided to temporarily stop funding at least three major road projects in Pakistan, being built as part of the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, following reports of corruption, a decision that has left officials in Islamabad “stunned”, a media report said on Dec 5.
The decision by the Chinese government is likely hit over Rs 1 trillion-worth road projects of the Pakistan’s National Highway Authority (NHA), and initially, may delay at least three such ventures, Dawn newspaper reported.
According to a senior government official, the funds would be released after Beijing issues ‘new guidelines’.
The nearly $60 billion CPEC, a flagship project of China’s prestigious One Belt One Road, passes through Pakistan – occupied Kashmir (PoK). It links China’s restive Xinjiang region with Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
The road projects that are likely to be affected include 210- km-long Dera Ismail Khan-Zhob Road, being built at an estimated cost of Rs 81 billion. Of this, Rs 66 billion would be spent on construction of road while Rs 15 billion on land acquisition. The other project which is going to be hit is 110- km-long Khuzdar-Basima Road, having an estimated cost of Rs 19.76 billion. The third project is Rs 8.5 billion worth, the remaining 136-km of Karakarom Highway (KKH) from Raikot to Thakot.
Originally, all the three projects were part of the Pakistan government’s own development programme, but in December 2016, the NHA spokesperson had announced that they would be included under the CPEC umbrella so as to become eligible for concessionary finance from China.
“The funds for the three road projects were approved in the 6th Joint Cooperation Committee meeting held last year, pending necessary procedural formalities.
“It was expected that the funding of the three projects would be finalised during the Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting held on November 20, but Pakistan was informed in the meeting that ‘new guidelines’ will be issued from Beijing under which new modus operandi for release of the funds will be described,” the official was quoted as saying by the newspaper. (PTI)
LONDON (TIP): British foreign secretary Boris Johnson singled out the Muslim Brotherhood and its associates for criticism on dec 7 in a speech calling for a renewed western diplomatic push in the Middle East to tackle Islamic extremism.
Speaking to diplomats and experts at the Foreign Office in London, Johnson called for better engagement with Muslim populations worldwide and argued that blaming Western intervention for the rise of Islamist extremism played into the jihadi narrative.
He said the West needed to collectively re-insert itself in the process towards peace in Syria and called for the United States to bring fresh impetus to the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Johnson said the Muslim Brotherhood, a global Islamist organization which started in Egypt in 1928 – was one of the most politically savvy operators in the Muslim world, but he also criticised its conduct in the Middle East and Britain.
“It is plainly wrong that Islamists should exploit freedoms here in the UK – freedoms of speech and association – that their associates would repress overseas and it is all too clear that some affiliates of the Muslim Brotherhood are willing to turn a blind eye to terrorism,” he said.
The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt was designated as a terrorist organization in that country in 2013.
A 2015 British government review into the organisation concluded that membership of or links to it should be considered a possible indicator of extremism but stopped short of recommending that it should be banned.
Johnson admitted there had been policy missteps in Iraq and Syria interventions, but said that did not justify a diplomatic retreat from the region.
“British foreign policy is not the problem, it is part of the solution,” he said, calling for a renewed role in Syria, more work to halt conflict in Yemen and progress in bringing factions together in Libya.
His remarks come a day after the United States recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, drawing international criticism.
British Prime Minister Theresa May has said that decision was wrong, and Johnson repeated the government criticism that the US move was premature.
“We… think that the future of Jerusalem must be settled as part of the negotiated agreement between Israel and the Palestinians and as part of the two state solution,” he said.
“This decision, having been announced by President Trump, the world would like to see some serious announcements by the US about how they see the Middle East peace process and how to bring the two sides together.”
JAIPUR (TIP): In a shocking incident, a 50-year-old labourer was burnt alive and a video of the gruesome murder uploaded on the social media in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, the police said. The alleged perpetrator, Shambunath Raigar, was arrested on Thursday even as the victim’s family demanded death for the accused.
The victim, Mohammad Afrazul, belonged to Malda district of West Bengal, the police said.
Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has handed over the probe to a special investigation team (SIT). SP Manoj Kumar said the accused was being interrogated and that the police were keeping an eye on the law and order situation.
The murder was filmed by Shambunath’s associate and uploaded on the social media. The video shows the perpetrator hitting the victim with an agricultural tool and then dousing him with kerosene before setting him afire in Raj Nagar. Raigar is then seen threatening those indulging in “love jihad”. In another video, Raigar justifies the act, saying it was a bid to save a girl from “love jihad”.
At victim’s ramshackle home in Kaliachak, Malda, Afrazul’s inconsolable mother said: “I spoke to my son in the morning before he was killed. I don’t know why he was murdered. I have seen the video, the guilty should be punished.”
The victim’s eldest of the three daughters sought death for the accused. “Phansi, phansi, oke phansi dao” (hang, hang, the murderer must be hanged),” she said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mourned the death of the sole breadwinner of the family. “How can people be so inhuman? Sad,” she tweeted.
CPM’s local functionaries visited Afrazul’s home and met the bereaved family. “The CPM condemns the horrific killing of a migrant worker in the name of ‘love jihad’. The killing is a result of the environment of hate and communalism fostered by Hindutva forces. RSS-BJP answerable for such shocking hate crimes,” the CPM said in a statement.
In Kolkata, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh seemed unaware of the incident when asked by the media. Mamata stepped in, saying: “You are asking a political question.” Rajnath later abruptly wrapped up the press conference.
Kaliachak, victim’s hometown, is a highly-sensitive area and has witnessed communal clashes in the past.
NEW DELHI (TIP): The deadline for making Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits of more than 130 schemes, including linking of bank accounts with the 12-digit unique biometric identification number, will be extended till March 31 next year, the Centre told the Supreme Court today.
A notification was likely to be issued on Friday to extend the current deadline of December 31, Attorney General KK Venugopal told a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra. Venugopal, however, clarified that the deadline for cellphone number-Aadhaar linking would remain February 6, 2018, as ordered by the top court in another PIL that dealt with national security issue.
NEW DELHI/BEIJING (TIP): An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of the Indian Army crashed around Doklam in the Sikkim sector after it “crossed” the border into China following a technical problem, prompting Beijing to lodge a diplomatic protest with India.
Sources in Delhi said the Indian security forces in Nathu La informed the Chinese army over the hotline about the UAV crossing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after a technical problem.
The Ministry of Defence said its border security personnel immediately alerted their Chinese counterparts to locate the UAV. The Chinese later reverted with its location. It, however, did not give details of when the UAV had crashed but sources said the incident occurred 10 days ago. The incident comes to light days before Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Delhi to attend the Russia-India-China trilateral meeting on December 11.
The MoD said the exact cause of the incident is under investigation. “An Indian UAV, which was on a regular training mission inside the Indian territory, lost contact with the ground control due to some technical problem and crossed over (to) the LAC in the Sikkim sector,” it said.
NEW DELHI (TIP): The Congress has suspended the primary membership of Mani Shankar Aiyar after the Gandhi family loyalist set off a firestorm by calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi “neech aadmi” (a vile person), remarks fraught with adverse consequences for the party in poll-bound Gujarat.
In an apparent move to contain the possible damage barely two days ahead of the keenly contested Assembly elections in the Prime Minister’s home State, the Congress announced disciplinary action against Aiyar, insisting it showed the party’s “Gandhian leadership”.
“The Congress party has served a show cause notice to Mani Shankar Aiyar and suspended him from the primary membership of the party,” Congress’s communications department incharge Randeep Surjewala said. “This is Congress’ Gandhian leadership and respect for its political rivals….Will Modi ji display such courage?,” he asked.
“He (Modi) is ‘neech kism ka aadmi’ (a vile man) who has no ‘sabhyata’ (civility),” Aiyar said earlier today in an ill-timed comment, attacking Modi after the latter accused the Congress of seeking votes in B R Ambedkar’s name but trying to erase his contribution to nation building.
An apparently rattled Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who is set to assume the reins of the party from his mother Sonia Gandhi midway through the Gujarat elections, admonished Aiyar through Twitter and virtually instructed him to tender apology.
“BJP and PM routinely use filthy language to attack the Congress party. The Congress has a different culture and heritage. I do not appreciate the tone and language used by Mani Shankar Aiyer to address the PM. Both the Congress and I expect him to apologise for what he said,” Gandhi said on Twitter.
A chastised Aiyar did proffer a conditional apology, but that did not apparently smooth the ruffled feathers of the troubled Congress leadership which suspended his primary membership to contain the possible damage his comment might cause in Gujarat elections.
Modi, the seasoned campaigner, quickly lapped up Aiyar’s comment to launch a scalding attack on the Congress leader and his party, claiming the remark was a casteist slur against him. “Shriman (Mr) Mani Shankar Aiyar today said that Modi is of ‘neech’ (lower) caste and is ‘neech’ (vile). Is this not an insult to Gujarat?
“You called us donkey, you called us ‘gandi nali ka keeda’ (worm of a dirty drain), you called us ‘maut ka saudagar’ (merchant of death), you said I am of ‘neech jaati’ (lower caste man) and ‘neech’. But we will live according to our ‘sanskars’ (values),” Modi said, launching an onslaught against Congress leaders who called him names in the past. “This is a Mughal mentality where if such a person (who comes from a humble background) wears good clothes in a village, they have a problem,” he said.
After the rebuke by the Congress leadership, Aiyar, known for making offthe- cuff remarks against political rivals that often embarrassed his party, was soon on national television proffering clarification, insisting it was because of his poor understanding of Hindi language that he used the word, and tendering apology.
“I am told that ‘neech’ has many meanings, many connotations in Hindi, and if Mr Modi chooses to distort it to claim that it means low born, then all I can do is to apologise for having used a word that could be interpreted as low born. But that was not my intention at all and certainly not a part of my culture.
“Therefore, for the misinterpretation that can be given to the word, I extend my apologies, particularly since it is going to harm the Congress party’s interests in Gujarat,” he said, in an open admission that his comment would have adverse consequences for the party.
When repeatedly asked if he was tendering apology for calling Modi ‘neech’, Aiyar said,”Do I apologise about the word ‘low’? No. Do I apologise about the word that is translated which says ‘low born’? Absolutely yes.” The Congress leader said he does not think Modi was low born “but the language…I would say is very low”.
Reacting to Aiyar’s suspension, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Twitter: “Mani Shankar Aiyer’s ‘Neech’ – attack on Prime Minister- a deliberate casteist statement, a convenient apology, a strategic suspension. People should see through this game.
RAJKOT (TIP): With curtains down on electioneering for the first phase of the Gujarat Assembly polls, a close contest seems likely between the BJP and Congress, which probably mounted the most spirited campaign against the ruling party in over two decades.
The pre-poll estimation of the Congresss grassroots level managers is that that the party stands a good chance of winning more seats this time compared to its 2012 tally of 61 in the 182-member Assembly. The saffron party, ruling the state for over 19 years now, had romped home bagging 115 seats.
The BJP, however, is dismissive of the Congresss optimism, insisting it would come out with flying colours on the strength of the performance of its successive governments.
In the absence of any leader with pan- Gujarat appeal, both contenders to power heavily relied on the charisma of their national leaders in an attempt to swing votes in their favour.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi powered the high-pitch BJP campaign, assisted by party chief Amit Shah, considered a master strategist after a string of electoral victories the party registered under him, the Congresss fight was led by a manifestly transformed Rahul Gandhi, who looked more sure- footed and less tentative.
Rahul Gandhi spearheaded the Congresss campaign at a time when the party has been out of power in the key western state for 22 years now, and days before he steps into the shoes of his mother Sonia Gandhi, who helmed the grand old party for 19 years.
A BJP victory will consolidate Modis position even further and would be seen as an endorsement of his governments reform measures, including the GST and note ban, while a win for the Congress will kindle hopes of its revival after debilitating electoral reverses state after state.
A defeat for BJP in Modi and Shahs home state, observers feel, may catalyse formation of a broad-based anti-NDA secular front ahead of the 2019 general elections.
In the first phase on December 9, a total of 89 assembly seats spread over Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions will go to the polls.
There are 977 candidates in the fray. The BJP started off its campaign blitzkrieg with Modi has its pivot and the catchline–Hu Chu Vikas, Hu Chu Gujarat (I am Vikas (development), I am Gujarat). The Congress targeted the ruling party over the very same issue of development, claiming in Gujarat “vikas gando thayo che (development has gone crazy).”
The Congresss optimism, apart from the possiblity of anti-incumbency factor working in its favour, also stems from it having secured the support of three young caste leaders– Patidar quota stir spearhead Hardik Patel, OBC leader Alpesh Thakor and Dalit activist Jignesh Mewani–ahead of the elections.
While Patel has extended his Patidar Anamat Andolan Samitis support to the Congress, Thakor has already joined the party, and Mewani, who is contesting the Vadgam seat, is being backed by the Congress. All these leaders shot into prominence while leading agitations for their caste groups in the post-Modi Gujarat.
Many feel the BJP held sway over Gujarat, particularly after Modi took over the reins of power in the communally sensitive state, owing to the consolidation of Hindu votes in its favour.
The emergence of caste leaders on Gujarats political firmament may somewhat dent the the Hindu support base of the saffron party.
On the rise of caste politics in the state, where the BJP has been highlighting its model of development, Gaurang Jani, a sociologist, said it was because the issues faced by these groups had not been properly addressed. Source: PTI
LOS ANGELES (TIP): Nearly 200,000 residents have now been evacuated due to California wildfires as crews pivot to fight a new blaze, says a BBC report.
Some 5,000 firefighters have been battling four brushfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes in the south of the state.
The number of evacuees nearly quadrupled on Thursday, December 7, as a fifth fire broke out north of San Diego.
One death has been reported so far – a woman’s body was found in a burned-out area in Ventura County.l
By Thursday afternoon local time, California’s fire service said the blaze had forced the evacuation of 189,000 residents.
The newest blaze, the Lilac fire, has scorched at least 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares), the state fire authority said on Twitter.
California Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency in the area.
The White House said it was in contact with Californian authorities and ready to offer whatever help is needed.
Authorities have issued a purple alert – the highest level warning – amid what it called “extremely critical fire weather”.
The powerful desert-heated Santa Ana winds have been fanning the flames.
The University of California, Los Angeles cancelled all classes on Thursday.
Though its campus lies outside the evacuation zone on the city’s west side, it said it took the decision “given the array of uncertainties”.
WASHINGTON (TIP): The Sikh community here has raised US$ 2,10,000 for underprivileged youth pursuing higher education in Punjab.
The fund was raised at an event this week by the Sikh Human Development Foundation (SHDF), featuring Bollywood actor and Punjabi comedian Gurpreet Ghuggi.
“The SHDF has so far given more than 5,000 scholarships to students. Out of them, 2,700 have already graduated and found jobs of doctors, engineers, scientists and others. Some of them are now helping other needy children,” said Gajinder Singh Ahuja, chairman of the SHDF.
The SHDF provides scholarships to bright but poor students in Punjab and surrounding areas, he said.
Based in Washington, it has been giving scholarships to students since 2001 and over the years USD 2 million in scholarship money has been provided.
Jasdeep Singh Juneja, an IT professional from Dallas in Texas, has been one of the recipients of the SHDF scholarship program. He now runs a major operation for ATT.
“If there was no SHDF, I would not have be in the US. My family was not able to support me. It is only because of financial assistance at a very crucial time that I was able to become a professional. Now I am able to support the education of my own younger brother,” Juneja said.
Similarly, Jasmeet Singh Bhatia, another scholarship recipient, shared his journey from an underprivileged family to being a professional in Richmond, Virginia, at the event.
The participants donated funds for 420 scholarships with each scholarship worth US$ 510, a media release said.
NEW YORK (TIP): Consulate General of India, New York has been receiving calls/e-mails from Indian Passport holders regarding fake calls from persons pretending to be US Immigration/Police authorities requesting for details of Passports/Travel documents, says a press release issued by the Indian Consulate in New York on December 5.
The Consulate warns that these are “hoax calls with the eventual aim of getting details of the applicant’s Passport number/date of issue etc. and could lead to Identity theft as well as other fraud. Sometimes the fraudsters may mimic the telephone numbers of the Consulate or other authorities”.
The Consulate has advised the Indian Passport holders “to exercise extreme caution and not to give any information on telephone unless sought in written from an identifiable Authority”. The Consulate advisory further says, “The details may only be shared by written communication and copy endorsed to the Consulate at cons.newyork@ema.gov.in. If such call has already been received and details have been shared, please report to the nearest Police Station and keep Consulate informed about the calls along with the Passport details shared with such callers”.
Hailey calls it courageous and historic: The world views it differently
Hamas calls for Palestinian uprising in reply to Trump’s Jerusalem plan
NEW YORK (TIP): While US envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley has hailed President Trump’s decision on Jerusalem as a “courageous” and “historic” step by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Hamas has urged Palestinians to abandon peace efforts and launch a new uprising against Israel in response to US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as its capital.
Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital December 6, reversing decades of US and international policy on the holy city, in a major announcement which many Arab leaders warned could trigger an upheaval in the already volatile Middle East.
Indian-American Haley said that for 22 years, there had been an overwhelming bipartisan consensus in favor of moving the US embassy in Israel to its rightful place in the Israeli capital city of Jerusalem.
“On Thursday, the President took a courageous and historic step that was long overdue. Across the globe, America has its embassy in the capital city of the host country. Israel will now be no different. It is the just and right thing to do,” she said, December 6.
“This is following members of Congress. This is doing what the American people said. But we are also taking Jerusalem out of the discussion because the two sides have to come together on how they’re going to see Jerusalem, what they’re going to see as their capital,” she said.
Haley said several top American lawmakers have described Trump’s decision as “provocative” and “counterproductive”.
In a joint statement Congressmen David Price, Peter Welch, John Yarmuth, Barbara Lee and Earl Blumenauer said Trump’s announcement demonstrates “his complete disregard” for long-standing American and international diplomatic practice.
“It unilaterally undermines prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and recklessly endangers US, Israeli, and regional security. For more than 50 years, Republican and Democratic Administrations have recognized that the US should stand as a good faith arbiter for peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians,” they said.
The lawmakers said that recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel outside the framework of a final status agreement between the parties does more to sabotage than to advance peace.
Congressman Alcee Hastings warned that the ramifications of the decision could be profound.
“I fear that the President made his decision based on political expediency rather than sound foreign policy,” he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who hailed Trump’s announcement as a “historic landmark”, said on December 6, many countries would follow the US move and contacts were underway. He did not name the countries he was referring to. “President Trump has immortalized himself in the chronicles of our capital. His name will now be held aloft, alongside other names connected to the glorious history of Jerusalem and of our people,” he said in a speech at Israel’s Foreign Ministry.
“We should call for and we should work on launching an intifada (Palestinian uprising) in the face of the Zionist enemy,” Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said in a speech in Gaza. Haniyeh, elected the group’s overall leader in May, urged Palestinians, Muslims and Arabs to hold rallies against the US decision on Friday, calling it a “day of rage”.
Naser Al-Qidwa, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and senior official in his Fatah party, urged Palestinians to stage protests but said they should be peaceful.
MOCAAPI organized on December 2, a charity gala at Grand Marquis, Old Bridge NJ attended by a large number of community members and politicians. Former US Attorney SDNY Preet Bharara was the Chief Guest speaker.
Maharashtra Foundation (Social & Economic Justice for all) – 2017 Annual Fundraiser Banquet Event was organized on December 2nd, 2017 at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Community Center Banquet Facility in Carteret, NJ. Sam Pitroda, Chairman of Pitroda Group who is fondly remembered in India as architect of Telephony muscle of India was the keynote speaker.
A Beauty Pageant was organized at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, NJ.
The pageant included contest for Miss Bharat USA; Mrs. Bharat USA; Teen Bharat USA; and Grandma Bharat USA.
A Shiv Shakti Maha Pujan and Yagna was organized by India World Foundation & Global NRI Community for New India at Shri Sanatan Mandir, 16 Jean Terrace, Parsippany, NJ on December 3, 2017. The gathering included Mayor Elect of Parsippany, NJ Michael Soriano, besides organizers and community members.
Gagandeep Singh, a Sikh Youngman was invited to play mandolin at the National Anthem in NBA game of LA Clippers Vs Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center LA, on December 6.
Gagandeep and his family consider it a great honor.
Chitagam S Saluja, 24, doing graduation in Business Management at Nassau County
Community College, New York, on December 6, won First Place in Business Plan Competition.
A business plan competition for the Nassau Community College BUS 111 Entrepreneurship classes, similar to the show Shark Tank, was held on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 2 p.m.
One hundred fifty students attended the event and witnessed 12 contestants present their business plan idea before a panel of 12 judges, which were comprised of NCC professors and the President of the Adjunct Faculty Association (AFA), Stefan Krompier. This program is meant to bring out the best in the students to show their growth, creativity and application of the learning goals of the course.
The AFA awarded certificates and prizes to the top three presentations in the amount of $150 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. First place award was given to Chitagam Saluja of Hicksville, New York. Professor Phyllis Pace was the instructor and mentor for Chitagam’s Entrepreneurship class. This event offered NCC Business students the opportunity to progress in their future professional entrepreneurial venture.
Indian Cancer Congress, at its meeting held in Bengaluru from November 8 to 12, conferred the title of “Living Legend in Cancer Treatment” on New York based eminent Oncologist Padma Shri Dr. Dattatreya Nori.
India Cancer Congress is the largest society of oncologists in India Over 3000 oncologists from US, UK, India and Australia attended the meeting which is held
once in four years.
“Documentary storytellers help us make sense of the tumultuous times we’re living in with artistry, humor and inspiring characters”-Director of Programming Basil Tsiokos
By Mabel Pais
NEW YORK (TIP):“2017’s DOC NYC line-up gives audiences fresh insight into high profile figures and shines a light on lesser-known individuals who leave a big impression,” said Director of Programming Basil Tsiokos who led the program selection in collaboration with Artistic Director Thom Powers and Executive Director Raphaela Neihausen. “Documentary storytellers help us make sense of the tumultuous times we’re living in with artistry, humor and inspiring characters,” he added.
DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival, announced the full lineup for its eighth edition run in mid-November at the IFC Center in Greenwich Village, Chelsea’s SVA Theatre and Cinepolis Chelsea. The 2017 festival included 111 feature-length documentaries among over 250 films and events overall. Included were 23 world premieres and 23 U.S. premieres, with more than 350 doc makers and special guests in person to present their films or participate on panels.
Special Events included
Opening Night Film, the NYC premiere of Greg Barker’s The Final Year, accompanied by members of the Obama administration, which opened the festival. Greg Barker gives an unprecedented look at the shaping of US foreign policy by following key members of outgoing US President Barack Obama’s administration.
Closing Night Film, the NYC premiere of Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars, directed by Lili Fini Zanuck, with the acclaimed musician in attendance; an intimate, revealing musical odyssey on the life and career of guitar virtuoso Eric Clapton, told by those who have known him best.
Centerpiece Film, the world premiere of Far From the Tree, director Rachel Dretzin’s adaptation of Andrew Solomon’s bestselling book; an adaptation of Andrew Solomon’s bestselling book examining how parents face their children’s extreme differences, challenging ideas of “normalcy;” and, the NYC premiere of Wormwood, an ambitious new project from Errol Morris exploring the 1953 death of a CIA agent.
The South Asian Showcase
Centerstage, an 8-title section focused on performing and performers, presented the world premiere of THE PROBLEM WITH APU (World Premiere) by director Michael Melamedoff.
The Problem With Apu Photos / Courtesy movie production team
Hari Kondabolu, south Asian-American stand-up comedian, has had a nemesis for nearly his entire life, someone who has plagued him since he was a child, subjecting him to ridicule and racist comments: Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, better known as the Indian owner of the Kwik-E-Mart on The Simpsons.
For Hari, Apu represents an outdated and offensive South Asian stereotype, made worse by being voiced by a white man, Hank Azaria. Hari sets out on a comedic quest to confront Azaria and make sense of the long-lasting cultural impact of his troublesome character. (USA, 49 min.)
ARMED WITH FAITH (North American Premiere) by award winning director-producer Geeta Gandbhir and director-producer-cinematographer Asad Faruqi and executive producer Perri Peltz is a suspenseful portrait of the men of the Pakistani Bomb Disposal Unit, who risk their own lives every day to combat homegrown and international terrorism.
Armed With Faith Photos / Courtesy movie production team
ARMED WITH FAITH follows three men of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bomb Disposal Unit (KPK BDU) to the front lines of the war in Northwest Pakistan. The lawless tribal area bordering Pakistan’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province — considered the gateway for terrorists from neighboring Afghanistan, is the backdrop of the film. The battle for control of this porous border area remains critical to the stability of Pakistan and global security. Should Pakistan, a nuclear power, fall into the hands of terrorists, the entire world is at risk. The men of the KPK BDU unit defuse terrorist-planted bombs in the region, often using just their bare hands. ARMED WITH FAITH gets up close and personal with two bomb technicians and their commander as they defend their homeland from terrorists spurred by the war in Afghanistan and drone strikes in the region. Ironically, the KPK BDU battle men who look like them, speak their language, share their religion, and even come from their villages. Through the stories of these men, viewers will have unprecedented access to the legacy of devastation caused by the American-led war that has afflicted this region for nearly 15 years and claimed over 50,000 civilian lives. (USA, 74 min., in Pashto and English).
ASK THE SEXPERT by Vaishali Sinha (NYC Premiere)
Ask The Sexpert Photos / Courtesy movie production team
A lighthearted look at India’s Dan Savage, Dr. Mahinder Watsa, a 93-year-old retired gynecologist. It is a feature length documentary about Dr. Mahinder Watsa, a highly popular 93-year-old sex advice columnist for the daily newspaper Mumbai Mirror in Mumbai. Despite sex being a taboo topic in India, the column’s brand of non-moralistic advice and humor has emboldened many to write in with their questions. The columnist gains popularity even while a ban on comprehensive sex education in schools is adopted by approximately a third of India’s states.
Is he a hero of progress or an enemy of traditional values? (USA, 81 min., in Hindi and English)
LOVESICK (World Premiere) by directors Ann S. Kim and Priya Giri Desai
Lovesick Photos / Courtesy movie production team
In India, where marriage is a must but AIDS carries a stigma, Dr. Suniti Solomon serves as matchmaker for her HIV-positive patients.
In India, where marriage is a must but AIDS carries a stigma, what are HIV-positive people to do? Dr. Suniti Solomon, who discovered India’s first case of HIV, has an answer for her HIV-positive patients: matchmaking. Directors Ann S. Kim and Priya Giri Desai follow the trailblazing doctor at home and in her office as she methodically looks for the perfect matches for patients Manu and Karthik. With compassion, humor and hope, Lovesick is an intimate story about the universal desire for love. (USA, 74 min., in Tamil, Hindi and English)
Insha’Allah Democracy Photos / Courtesy movie production team
INSHA’ALLAH DEMOCRACY (North American Premiere) directed by Mohammed Ali Naqvi who is about to vote in Pakistan for the first time. When Mo was 19, General Pervez Musharraf staged a coup d’etat that saw him in power until his exile in 2007. With the country growing increasingly unstable and sectarian, Mo faces a difficult choice: should he back a religious hardliner who may persecute minorities like himself or support the secular liberal platform of returning ex-dictator Musharraf who is running for President? Gaining remarkable access to the charismatic Musharraf, Mo questions if democracy is truly possible in Pakistan. (Pakistan/USA, 82 min., in Urdu and English).
(Mabel Pais is a freelance writer. She writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality)
GARDEN CITY, NY (TIP): Dr. Satish Anand turned 75 on October 21and the family decided to celebrate his 75th birthday. Wife, Gitanjli, daughters Aikta and Vaishali, their husbands Mukesh and Amit, and the five grandchildren decided to have it big with Dr. Anand’s colleagues, friends and relatives.
Thus, on December 2, it was party time at Akbar Banquet and Restaurant in Garden City where it was a kind of a reunion for many of Dr. Anand’s friends and relatives. Old colleagues and friends recalled old days and revived old memories. Their narratives may have been different but there was a thread of unanimity when it came to describing Dr. Anand. Each one of them described Dr. Anand as a perfect gentleman- humble, caring, accommodating and extremely warm. His unflinching faith in God and his unfailing courage in charting the course of his life despite his physical handicap invited their admiration and appreciation. And, on top, each of his old friends described him as a man who always cherished the finest family, social and professional values.
The highlight of the celebration was an entertainment segment wholly crafted and presented by the family. The five grandchildren of Dr. Anand stole the gathering’s hearts with their lovely performances which included, singing, dancing and a bit of acting in an adorable skit. The credit should be given to Aikta and Vaishali who must have spent hours and days training them for a memorable performance.
Dr. Satish Anand and wife Gitanjli spoke briefly to thank the gathering for their affection and presence. It was a pleasure to find them singing a duet, which, one can guess they must have been warbling all their lives.
Many more years of health and happiness to Dr. Satish Anand. Tum jeeyo hazaron saal aur saal ke din hon pachaas hazaar.
NEW HYDE PARK, NY (TIP): Maharashtra Chapter of INOC, USA held its anniversary celebration at Nan King Restaurant in New Hyde Park, New York together with the National Executive committee members, various chapter heads, and Congress supporters from India’s commercial hub. Mr Devendra Vora, President of Maharashtra chapter welcomed the guests and detailed his plans to expand the membership and to strengthen the Chapter.
Mr George Abraham, Chairman of the INOC, USA implored the audience to be vigilant against the current onslaught by the BJP government against India’s venerable institutions that were built under the Nehruvian vision. Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President spoke about the current challenges party is facing in the upcoming elections and exhorted the Congress loyalists to come together and fight the elements that promote communalism.
Mr Harbachan Singh, Secretary-General, extolled the dynamism of the State of Maharashtra and the vibrancy of the Marathis. As the second most populous state in India, it plays a vital role in the economy and politics of India. We look forward to our colleagues from Maharashtra to harness strong support for the Congress cause.
Mrs. Malini Shah, Vice-President of the National Committee and the Chairperson of the Maharashtra Chapter urged the gathering for more active participation in the community-at-large.
Prof. Indrajit Saluja, editor of Indian panorama spoke about the authoritarian and polarizing forces in India and U.S. and spoke about the urgent need to guard against such ideologies. He also denounced the recent tweet by President Trump of the unverified Muslim videos from a right group in U.K.
Priscilla Pinto, vice-president, Vipul Sanghvi, Executive Committee members of the Maharashtra chapter also spoke.
Mr Dilip Chauhan, Nassau County Deputy Comptroller of Minority Affairs honored Malini Shah, Devendra Vora, George Abraham and Gautam Sanghavi with citations from the Nassau County Comptroller Hon. George Maragos’ office. The citations were given to recognize these outstanding individuals who rendered significant contributions for the enhancement of the Asian Indian Community and the betterment of goodwill.
Sherry Dutta entertained the gathering with Bollywood songs of yesteryear. Hema Verani (right) was the emcee of the event. Photos / Nisha Rani
Sherry Dutta entertained the gathering with Bollywood songs of yesteryear. Hema Verani was the emcee of the event.
NEW YORK (TIP): The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, New York chapter, that gives the prestigious Emmy Awards has inducted 11 top television celebrities in gold and silver circle at a glittering ceremony held here last week.
The Board of Governors of the Academy announced the induction of 11 individuals into the prestigious Gold and Silver Circles. The Gold & Silver Circles are comprised of an elite group of professionals who have made significant contributions to the New York television market.
The Silver Circle recognizes individuals who have devoted a quarter of a century or more to the television industry. The Gold Circle honors those legends whose contributions span fifty years or more. The Gold & Silver Circles are societies of honor. Their members represent the passion, creativity and dedication that are the hallmarks of excellence in this industry.
The honorees represent those media professionals working in either a performing, creative, technical, administrative, or journalistic role within the industry, including executive, writing, or production. 2017 marks our second Gold Circle event.
Since 1992, the New York Chapter has honored distinguished television broadcasters with Silver Circle induction, including Walter Cronkite, Bob Keeshan, Linda Ellerbee, Sheila Nevins, Jerry Orbach, Rafael Pineda, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, John Roland, and Chuck Scarborough.
This year, The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, New York Chapter will induct the following accomplished professionals: Gold Circle Inductees: Maury Povich (NBC Universal Entertainment), Marvin Scott (WPIX-TV). Silver Circle Inductees: Bruce Brauer (CBS Television Stations), Esteban Creste (WXTV), Andy DeSantis (WGRZ-TV), Pat Dolan (News 12 Networks), Mark Fetner (WABC retired), John Filippelli (YES Network), Susan Lucci (Actress and Performer), Dana Tyler (CBS2 News), and Mary Alice Williams (NJTV News).
Presenters were Audrey Arbeeny, N.J. Burkett, Connie Chung, Todd Ehrlich, Norm Fein, Megyn Kelly, Rich Leibner, Denise Rover, Dana Tyler, Amy Waldman, and Diana Williams.
“This year’s illustrious honorees have distinguished themselves in their positions, amongst their peers, and in our community,” said Denise Rover, President of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, New York Chapter. “Each has made a significant contribution to our industry, whether it is in entertainment, news, or sports. We salute these 11exceptional people who have made an impact in New York media.”
The ceremony was held in New York City at The Lambs Club.
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