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LATEST
TATA Nano car project moves to GUJARAT
TATA TATA! Bye Bye! W Bengal
(A popular form of Ciao/ Good Bye all over
india)
Oct 8 US INDIA
NUCLEAR DEAL SIGNED
The
historic US India Civilian Nuclear Agreement was officially signed by
President Bush on OCT 8 2008
Pres Bush signs the
Nuclear deal
The
official title: India-US Nuclear co-operation approval and
non-proliferation enhancement Act was signed on Oct 8, 2008 in
Washington DC.
After
intense maneuvering, the Agreement finally passed after being ratified
by the NSG- Nuclear Suppliers Group of 45 nations, the US Senate and
US Congress earlier this session.
Rep
Howard Berman was on hand to see the passage of the bill which included
his provisions, which helped navigate the bill through the
administration.
Intense
lobbying by the Indian-American community worked and both the US
administration and Indian administration were voluble in their
appreciation for the efforts by the NRI community.
At
signing
from left are Congressman Joseph Crowley, Congressman Eliot
Engel, Senator Christopher Dodd, Vice President Dick Cheney, Senator John
Warner, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and India's Ambassador Ronen Sen
Controversy
still remains on how and why the rules were modified or bent to allow
India to become part of the Nuclear family again- which signaled an
end to 34 years of exclusion- which the Indian media and government
labeled as Nuclear Apartheid!.
This
agreement throws open India's Civilian nuclear facilities open to
inspection but not Military installations.
Wed
Oct 1:
US SENATE APPROVES NUCLEAR
DEAL WITH INDIA
The US Senate
approved the US India Civilian Nuclear Agreement, ending a 34 year ban
on US nuclear trade with India. The US Senate voted 86-13 and
culminated a process started in 2005.
The US India Civilian Nuclear Agreement gives India
access to US civilian nuclear technology and fuel with a reported $18
Billion in primary business alone.
India has agreed to inspections of its civilian, but not military,
nuclear facilities.
After the Pokhran nuclear test by India in
1974, the US had imposed trade sanctions along with several countries,
which India often referred to as "Nuclear Apartheid".
India did not support the NPT Non
Proliferation Treaty- citing that the "haves" were imposing a ban on
other developing countries' technologies and instead tried to promote
CTBT the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, applicable to ALL Nuclear
nations, which iitially was rejected by the already Nuclear
countries
This final bill passed the US Senate in a
bipartisan display of support just as earlier in the US House of
Representatives that passed the agreement on Saturday,Sept 27th. The
latest US Senate vote now means President Bush can sign it into law.
INDIA PM SINGH
CONFIDENT OF US India NuclearDeal ARRIVES IN NEW YORK
NUKE
VOTE SET FOR WEDNESDAY OCT 1
US Congress gets to vote on the US
India nuclear Deal. All this in the shadow of the severe finaicial
crisis that US faces. Maybe the $18 Billion business opportunity - just
primary business alone- will be hard to pass by.. Stay tuned
Sat
Sept 26
US Congress Ratifies US India
Nuclear Agtrement and send it to President Bush and US
Senate
The vote in the US House of
Representatives was 298 ti 117 on Saturday
This was 8 MORE than absolute
majority needed
120 Democrats vite FOR as did 178
Republicans and
107 Democrats voted against
and 10 Republicans went against their party directive
Congressman Howard Berman D
introduced the bill and Congress member Ms Ros Lehitinen R
seconded it
Latest: Tue Sep 23rd
US India
Nuclear Deal Ratified by the US Foreign Relations Committee by a vote
of 19-2 Senator Russell Feingold, Wisconsin Democrat and Barbara Boxer,
California Democrat, voted against the deal.
Latest:US
India
Nuclear Deal Ratified by the US Foreign Relations Committee by a vote
of 19-2 Senator Russell Feingold, Wisconsin Democrat and Barbara Boxer,
California Democrat, voted against the deal.
"I am hopeful that
the nuclear deal will happen during my visit to the US."
The
Prime Minister of India ManMohan Singh arrived in New Yorik Tuesday
Sept 23rd for a 5 day visit which has enormous significance for US,
India and the World.
NSG
Approves Nuclear Deal for India
The 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)approved an US proposal to
end nuclear trade sanctions against India. The proposal only needs to
be ratified by the US Congress to be implemented.
India
as a stable democracy and an icon to many of the World has
pledged to keep a moratorium in atom bomb tests and nuclear
non-proliferation commitments
This opens up the plans for addressing
Indias
enormous need
for energy
domestically.
India Defense
Minister A K ANTONY Visits USA- Pentagon &
State dept
AK Antony with Condeleeza Rice
In
a sign of increased cooperation and better relations between India and
the US, a high powered delegation featuring India's Defence Secretary A
K ANTONY was received at in the US, at the Pentagon. and the State
Department
US Secretary of Defense ROBERT GATES received Mr Antony followed by a
reception by US Secretary of State Ms CONDOLEEZA RICE and this
preceeds a visit to the US in November by India's Prime Minister
ManMohan Singh- when it is anticipated that the Bush administration
will succeed in getting the US India Civilian Nuclear Agreement
ratified by US Congress
(Photos Courtesy Press Corp -Embassy of India),
GOOD NEWS: CONGRATS
2 INDiANS WIN Right
Livelihood Award 2008
Krishnammal
Jagannathan and Sankaralingam Jagannathan are two lifelong activists
for social justice, and for sustainable human development, working with
those who are at the lowest rung of the social ladder were awarded the
2008 Right Livelihood Award,
They
have carried the Gandhian legacy into the 21st
century, never ceasing to serve the needs of Dalits, landless and those
threatened by the greed of landlords and multinational corporations.
The
Award known as The Alternate NOBEL PRIZE was worth 2
million kronor ($300,000) and was to be shared equally between the four
award winners.
(A total of 91
candidates from 44 countries were nominated.)
The
award was gven for two
long lifetimes
of work dedicated to realising in practice the Gandhian vision of
social justice and sustainable human development, for which they have
been referred to as 'India's soul'." CONGRATS
MORE
DETAILS and PICS |
RIP
MAHENDRA KAPOOR
(Jan
9, 1934 died Sept 27, 2008)
The "alternate singer" and Cult favorite of sorts with
many many mmorable songs MAHENDRA KAPOOR passed away sept. 27th.
Kapoor who was often overlooked as a singer
right from the time he auditioned for All India Radio (AIR) and for a
long time lived in the shadow of stalwarts like Mohammed Rafi, Talat
Mehmood and even Kishore Kumar.
Not many know that he was awarded the Padmashri and bagged numerous
State honors for his songs in regional languages.
Kapoor has 25,000 songs in various regional
languages, including evergreen hits like ‘Chalo ek baar chalo’
(Gumrah), ‘Neele gagan ke taale’ (Hamraaz), and is perhaps best
known for his patriotic songs, like Mere Desh Ki Dharthi'/
Manoj Kumar in Upkaar.
Some of other fantastic songs by Mahendra Kapoor songs include his
debut as a playback singer in Navrang (1958),
Aadha Hai Chandrama Raat Aadhi, with music director C.
Ramchandra
LIST OF SELECTED
BEST SONGS
BOMB BLASTS
IN INDIA Again!
Oct 1, Wednesday
AGARTALA, Tripura The city in the
North-Eastern part of India was rocked by four blasts. Two persons were
killed and 30 others injured in the blasts. The condition of 10 is said
to be critical. The first blast occurred at 0730 pm at Gul Bazaar
while the second explosion was reported at Radha Nagar bus stand at
0730 hours. The third and fourth blasts occurred between 8.15 and
8.30pm at Colonel Chamani area and Gol Market.
Sept 30th Monday
MALEGAON, Maharastrta: Two towns in the
Western India killed at least five people and more than 100
injured in an explosion in early hours in town of Malegaon in
Maharashtra, The town near Nasik is known for its textile mills and
agriculture.The explosives were planted on a motorcycle, ehich seems to
be the modus operandi of the terrorists, suspected to be Islamic
jihadis on a spree across the nation. malegaon is 75% Muslim population
and has a population of abt 700.000. in 2006 there was also four blasts
in the area which killed a reported 38 people.
MODASA,
Gujarat":Another bomb blast struck Modasa town, located in
Sabarkantha district in th State of Gujarat around the same time
killing one and injuring nine,i
Sept 25th Friday
Dellhi In snother blatant
attack, a HARMONY festival Phoolwalon ki Sair,was attacked, The festival symbolises
communal harmony. between Hindus and
Muslims . The motorcycle riding terrorists attacked a Sufi
inspired community gathering and left three dead in New Delhi.
The festival is held between the Auliya masjid and the Jogmaya temple.
Nearby is the shrine of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki, who had succeeded Khwaja
Moinuddin Chisti of Ajmer as the head of the Chisti order of Sufis.
Hindus and Muslims have been living here peacefully since the area came
into prominence during Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar’s time when
Phoolwalon ki Sair became a popular festival for both communities.
While Hindus offer flower pankhas (fans) at the temple, Muslims offer
chaddar at the Kaki dargah.
People converge at Jahaz Mahal, an 18th-century palace now in ruins,
before proceeding to the two shrines.
Top Afghan policewoman shot
dead
Gunmen in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar killed
Afghanistan's famous policewoman.
Lt-Col Malalai Kakar, head of
Kandahar's department of crimes against women, was shot in her car as
she was about to leave for work.
Kakar had survived earlier attempts on her life and was openly
targetted for assassination. Kakar is the mother of six children and
her
son was also wounded in the attack, and is said to be seriously injured.
Talibans still active in the region believes a womans place is in the
kitchen and only at home and when they were in power, the Talibans
prevented educated Afghani woman from working as Teachers, Doctors,
Nurses and also Police women.
OVER 100
KILLED in DELHI TERROR BOMB BLASTS
Just days after the 9/11 anniversary,
a series of bombs ripped the capital of India New Delhi, as terrorist
Jihadis placed bombs in crowded market place, killing nearly 100 people
and injuring and maiming hundreds more
.
AP Photo
As more details emerge, officials in
India have announced SIMI The Students Islamic Movement in India which
was an ordinary student bodyy to begin with but has taken sinister,
evil terror form in rcent times.
In a related development, following the recent attacks in Delhi, which
have followed the ones in Bengaluru (Bangalore), Ahmedabad, Surat etc.,
already calls from prominent people including the independant media has
called for harsher, swifter response by India, including possible
curtailing of personal freedoms via stricter Anti-terror laws
With India already reeling under floods in Bihar, this terror bombing
designed to split communities and sow terror in society adds
to the
burden of the common man and nation- and
India continues to be a strong stable democracy in an
region of totalitarian regimes (China, Myanmar) and Islamitic countries
albeit "democracies" - (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Iraq) and
democracies with a history of civil unrest ( Sri Lanka and Nepal)
Latest: Sat Sept 26
US Congress Ratifies US India Nuclear Agtrement and send it
to President Bush and US Senate
The vote in the US House of Representatives was 298 ti 117 on Saturday
This was 8 MORE than absolute majority needed
120 Democrats vite FOR as did 178 Republicans and
107 Democrats voted against and 10 Republicans went against
their party directive
Congressman Howard Berman D introduced the bill and
Congress member Ms Ros Lehitinen R seconded it
Tue
Sep 23rd
US India
Nuclear Deal Ratified by the US Foreign Relations Committee by a vote
of 19-2 Senator Russell Feingold, Wisconsin Democrat and Barbara Boxer,
California Democrat, voted against the deal.
SEE PM MAN MOHAN SINGHs Schdule to
Right
PAKISTAN TROOPS
SHOOT DOWN US Unmanned Drone Sep 23
In the latest
test of
wills, Pakistani troops and Tribals shot down an US Unmanned drone.
This comes after
Pakistani troops fired on US Helicopter Gunships, who flew back to
afghanistan withiut firing back,
INDIA PM SINGH
CONFIDENT OF US India Nuclear Deal ARRIVES IN NEW YORK
Latest:US
India
Nuclear Deal Ratified by the US Foreign Relations Committee by a vote
of 19-2 Senator Russell Feingold, Wisconsin Democrat and Barbara Boxer,
California Democrat, voted against the deal.
"I am
hopeful that
the nuclear deal will happen during my visit to the US."
The
Prime Minister of India ManMohan Singh arrived in New Yorik Tuesday
Sept 23rd for a 5 day visit which has enormous significance for US,
India and the World.
The
Prime Minister will be addressing the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) after a gap of two years, is scheduled to meet US President
George W Bush on Sept 25th at 5:10 pm at the White House. After the
meeting there would be a 'working dinner' between the two leaders from
6 to 7 pm in the Old Family Dining Room
He will also meet Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and belagured British PM
Gordon Brown for talks on bilateral, regional and international issues.
PM Manmohan Singh, a renowned Economist will also hold talks with the
President of the World Bank Robert Zoellick.
Also scheduled is a meeting on Sept 24th with new Pakistani Premier Ali
Zardari, whose conversations with US and rest of UN will be interesting
to say the least, with Pakistani forces shooting at US troops and
reportedly shooting down an US Unmanned drone.
The 62nd session of UNGA us the first for India after securing the 45
nation NSG waiver and the latest the ratification by
the US Foreign Relations Committee by a vote of 19-2 Senator Russell
Feingold, Wisconsin Democrat and Barbara Boxer, California Democrat,
voted against the deal.
Accompanying PM Singh are Deputy Chairman Planning Montek Singh
Ahluwalia, Foreign Secretary Shiv Shanker Menon and Special Envoy Shyam
Saram. National Security Advisor M K Narayanan will be joining the
prime minister directly in New York. Union Finance Minister P
Chidambaram is also expected to attend some meetings with the prime
minister while there.
NOTE During his visit to the UN, PM Singh will meet Republican
presidential candidate John McCain] as well as 'converse' with Barrack
Obama if not actually meet him.
India
Defense
Minister A K ANTONY Visits USA- Pentagon &
State dept
AK Antony with Condeleeza Rice
In
a sign of increased cooperation and better relations between India and
the US, a high powered delegation featuring India's Defence Secretary A
K ANTONY was received at in the US, at the Pentagon. and the State
Department
US Secretary of Defense ROBERT GATES received Mr Antony followed by a
reception by US Secretary of State Ms CONDOLEEZA RICE and this
preceeds a visit to the US in November by India's Prime Minister
ManMohan Singh- when it is anticipated that the Bush administration
will succeed in getting the US India Civilian Nuclear Agreement
ratified by US Congress
(Photos Courtesy Press Corp -Embassy of India),
|
OVER 100
KILLED in DELHI TERROR BOMB BLASTS
Just days after the 9/11 anniversary,
a series of bombs ripped the capital of India New Delhi, as terrorist
Jihadis placed bombs in crowded market place, killing nearly 100 people
and injuring and maiming hundreds more
.AP Photo
As more details emerge, officials in
India have announced SIMI The Students Islamic Movement in India which
was an ordinary student bodyy to begin with but has taken sinister,
evil terror form in rcent times.
In a related development, following the recent attacks in Delhi, which
have followed the ones in Bengaluru (Bangalore), Ahmedabad, Surat etc.,
already calls from prominent people including the independant media has
called for harsher, swifter response by India, including possible
curtailing of personal freedoms via stricter Anti-terror laws
With India already reeling under floods in Bihar, this terror bombing
designed to split communities and sow terror in society adds
to the
burden of the common man and nation- and
India continues to be a strong stable democracy in an
region of totalitarian regimes (China, Myanmar) and Islamitic countries
albeit "democracies" - (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Iraq) and
democracies with a history of civil unrest ( Sri Lanka and Nepal)
7
Years After the 9/11 Tragedy in NYC, somethings remain the same The anguish of the families and
friends of the victims who died and others who got hurt in the attack
by 18 Jihadi Terrorists remain.
Some lynchpins of the terror
have
been apprehended and/or killed. but Al Qaeda and its new manifestations
remain aggressive with the Taleban still supported by Pakstan and its
ISI Secret Service. Most terrorists got their traiing in Pakistan
- Afghanistan. The main cuprits nabbed were all caught in Pakstan
including the 19th and 20th hijacker and the trainer Khalid sheikh.
While 9/11 is by no means
the
first attack of jihadi terrorists, thousands have died in
Afghanistan, India, Iraq, UK, Bali and neighborriung countries.
Even the tacit shift of blame to
Iraq- saddam Hussain only served to extend the tragedy further as more
innocent people have been killed
Heres hoping good people of the
world
will prevail
Pakistan
Marriot Bombed a la 9/11 Twin Towers
Well, Whadda ya expect??
Old Sanskrit
(& Old Jungle) Saying:
"If
you rear/raise a snake as a pet...one day its bound to sting/bite
you"
Close on
the heels of
the Civilian government of Ali Zardari pronouncing that their current
government would NOT tolerate any foreign troops invading
Pakistan’s
security and pledging to eliminate terrorists, a massive truck bomb
exploded at the Marriot Hotel. This hotel was in the proximity of
the meeting addressed by Zardari. Dozens have been killed and once
again Talibani Jihadi terrorists have struck by passing security.
Even a
potential head of State Ms Benazir Bhutto was assassinated similarly.
The
latest massive truck bomb was also the handiwork of a suicide bomber
and evoked similarities to the twin tower bombing on 9/11 in USA,'
Obviously the
same trained terror network is at play and brings back haunts of
rearing a monster in your own backyard and then complaining about being
hassled.'!!
The ISI- Pakistani Secret Service
created
and nurtured the Taliban and the US has continued to look conveniently
away. Even when neighbors including Afghanistan and India face
the brunt of attacks over decades, not much was said or done. The US
continued mollycoddling the Islamic dictatorship of Gen. Musharraf,
while declaring the military dictatorship as "Allies", at the drop of a
hat.
Even after President Karzai publicly named Pakstani army
and ISI as the reason for growing Jihadi menace iin the region, not
much was done. Isnt
this one more failure of US intelligence?? if suddenly they find that
Taleban is operating with impunity in Pakistan?
What a shame
that
innocent people have to suffer in crowded market places in Afghanistan,
India,Bali,Bangladesh etc and now Pakistan
Barack Obama
says Pakistan Misused US Aid to prepare for War with India
US
Presidential candidate Barack Obama in a major interview with FOX News
anchor Bill O'Reilly said that Pakistan misused US Aid and funds to
fight and prepare for war against India.
This follows an equally provocative statement in 2007 by Obama in which
he said that he was in favor of bombing targets inside Pakistan,
recognizing the fact that Al Qaeda and Taliban elements have been given
safe harbor in Pakistan and also advice, military and tactical support
by Pakistani Army and their ISI Secret Service agency, possibly with
some knoweldge by elements in the US CIA and State department.
OBAMA on
War
on Terror-Iran and Pakistan with FOX NEWS Bill 'Reilly
DETAILS
NSG
Approves Nuclear Deal for India
The 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)approved an US proposal to
end nuclear trade sanctions against India. The proposal only needs to
be ratified by the US Congress to be implemented.
India
as a stable democracy and an icon to many of the World has
pledged to keep a moratorium in atom bomb tests and nuclear
non-proliferation commitments
This opens up the plans for addressing
Indias
enormous need
for energy
domestically.
GANAPATI
BAPPA MORYA
starts WED SEPT 3 ( Bhadraapada Shukla Chaturthi)
One of the more favorite dieties, Ganesha, the elephant Headed god with
many names is cherished by many faiths. Ganesha makes an apperance in
Budhhism, Sikhism, Jianism etc and is always known as Remover of
Obstacles and hence prayed before launch of any venture.
The poojas are interesting and after 10 days there is Visarjana
or dunking of the clay idols. In North America, festivals are
postponed for the weekends for convienience and "interestung" shortcuts
are taken,
Asif Ali Zardari New
President of Pakistan
Elected
as President in the latest contest for President, the leader of the
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was put on the front seat following the
recent death/mrder of his wife Benazir Bhutto. Zardari replaces Gen
Musharaff and inherits a turbulent time in Pakistan which has been
exposed for its continued support of the Taliban, rogue elements in the
Army folds working hand in hand with Secret Service ISI and Al Qaeda.
Zardari also has to live down his reputation as a corrupt politician
(Mr 10 per cent) and also the fact that he is certified to have become
mentally unstable, depressed following 11 years of imprisonment. In
fact his own defense in UK Courts presented this evidence as a plea
This makes Pakistan
the
only country in history with a certified mentally unstable president-
and no disputes in that his own lawyers presented the evidence
SAINA NEHWAL
WINS BADMINTON
2008 Chinese
Taipei
Open CONGRATS
India's high achieving female shuttler Ms
SAINA NEHWAL has won the 2008 Chinese Taipei Open - Grand Gold
tournament by beating Malaysian Lydia Cheah 21-8, 21-9. The event was a
5 star rated event. Saina
had rreached the Quarter final at the Beijing Olympics and earlier won
the Philippines Open in 2006- another Grand Prix Badminton tournament.
CONGRATS
SAINA
Pankaj
Advani
wins World Billiards Titles
Advani
(23) who hails from Bangalore is the
new IBSF World Billiards Championship (time format) title
Earlier in the week he also won the points format crown.
Advani defeated Devendra Joshi 2370-2020 to register his
second title in the tournament, which saw players from around the World
like England, Singapore, Ireland, several from India, New Zealand etc
CONGRATS PANKAJ!!
CONGRATS!!! INDIA's FIRST GOLD
ABHINAV
BINDRA WINS GOLD MEDAL at Beijing Olympics in 10 meter Shooting DETAILS
INDIA's
ABHINAV BINDRA WINS GOLD MEDA@ OLYMPICS
India's first Individual Gold Medal at the Olympics was by Shooter
Abhinav Bindra. He won the gold medal in Men's 10 metre Air rifle event
at the Beijing Olympics.
Qinan Zhu of China scored 699.7 for second place and Finlands Henri
Hakkinen finished third with a total of 699.4.
Team mate Gagan Narang didnot qualify for the final round and finished
a creditable 9th overall with a score of 595/600.
Bindra becomes the First individual gold medal winner for India.
India
has won several Golds in Field Hockey in the past and RS Rathore won
the Silver at the last Olympics and Bronzes by female
weightlifeter K Malleswar Sydney 2000 K Jhadhav Mens Wrestling 1952
Helsinki
, and Lander Paes Tennis 1996 Atlanta Games.
MOREDETAILS
|
OLYMPICS UPDATES: India's hopes rest
with: -Leander Paes and
Mahesh Bhupathi-TENNIS Doubles duo are in Pre Quarters Aug 12th
-Jitender Kumar BOXING (51 kg( in PreQuarter and will mee Tulashboy
Doniyorev of Uzbekistan GOOD LUCK
-Akhil Kumar BOXING (54 kg) who meets 2007 world Champ Sergey Vodopynov
of Russia GOOD LUCK
SAINA NEHWAL Lost Aug 12-
Watching her
live I felt many in crowd were supporting her but her opponent 12
ranked Maria Y was calm insoite of Saina leading 11-4 in the
decidediung set and pulled off a victory with last set at 21-15
The scores wer 26-28, 21-14,
21-15 for
the winner
STILL TO COME
While we still have Table Tennis, Track and Field and Wrestling and
Weightlifting, Unfortunately
Sania MIRZA Tennis had to quit Singles due to Injury and possibly
doubles as well
Bindra becomes the First individual gold medal winner for India.
India
has won several Golds in Field Hockey in the past and RS Rathore won
the Silver at the last Olympics and Bronzes by female
weightlifeter K Malleswar Sydney 2000 K Jhadhav Mens Wrestling 1952
Helsinki
, and Lander Paes Tennis 1996 Atlanta Games.
MOREDETAILS
|
Let
The Olympics Begin
08-08-08 Beijing
India Contingent at
Beijing Olympics 2008
|
|
|
The spectacular games
every four years began today in Beijing, China 08-08-08
With the
one party
system machinery in place, the games will be well run and reports
already trickling in of the tremendous cooperation of the Chinese
people at the many venues and tourist destinations. The games should no
doubt be an eye opener in many ways to all, as the media is controlled
in China both to the outside world and for those within.
All
said and
done there will always be a BUT about Olympics in China with the
totalitarian type regime but conveniently capitalistic rulers ( a few)
Also
repressions against people al over China and also Tibet etc
BUT
OLYMPICS are a
time to usher in New UNDERSTANDING, New HOPE COOPERATION via Godwill
and Sports.. SO
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
|
COMMENTS AND PREDICTION:
ABOUT THE GAMES and COMPETITION:
Olympics was
always a lot more than mere sports and I mean in an idealistic and nice
way
To
most it was
a time for athletes to compete and build relations in the midst of
turmoul even if for two weeks! Add to this the saga of human
endurance, tales of improbable feats and achievements and even
attempts...stuff which legends are made of....Thus you had the Abebe
Bikila of Ethiopia running and winning Barefoot the marathon, Young
Muhammed Ali (then Casius Clay), Boxer Teofilo Stevenson of Cuba. The
football (soccer) triumphs of Argentina, Brazil, Italy etc and the
field hockey of India (not lately), Sprinter PT Usha and Bronze
Medal Wrestler KD Jhadav from India (Yes 1952) and Silver
medalist RS Rathore and Gold medalist swimmer A Nesty from
Suriname and many many stories from the USA forever including
Carl Lewis, Mary Lou to several others…BUT a pall of deceit and
deception has surfaced not just by the Soviet Bloc countries but all
over the world with Team USA also very very culpable.
Pressures of commercialization no doubt fuel the CHEATING and DOPING so
you have disgraced athletes like Ben Johnson (Canada), Marion Jones
USA, Tony Pettigrew, Al and Calvin Harrison ( US Sprinters) and the
list goes on....makes you wonder how CLEAN is the Games anymore!
PREDICT:
-USA has
maximum
medals Russia is next and China is next
-GOLDs
Max
China then USA
-At least
3 TOP
Athletes will withdraw "due to injury"- an euphemism, for Drug busts
More later stay Tuned-
|
CONGRATS
RAJ
BHAVSAR
Member US Olympics Gymnastic Team 2008
 
Photos courtesy US Olympics
Indian-American Raj Bhavsar of
HoustonTX residing in Columbus OH came tantalizingly close at the US
Nationals and finished 4th by a mere 0.09 points
Paul Hamm who made it to the team had to withdraw following a rotator
injury and broken hand.
So Bhavsar waiting in the wings as an alternate qualifies and makes it
to Beijing Olympics
WISH
RAJ BHAVSAR and RAJU RAI THE BEST and ALL OF USA And INDIA are
with you BRING BACK THE GOLD
FOR US
|
CONGRATS RAJIV
"Raju RAI
Member US Olympics Badminton Team 2008
Raju Rai
25
year old Rajiv
"Raju" Kumar Rai is the son of Nachi and Sandra Rai and has one
brother, Sanju and was raised Atlanta, Georgia.
Rai made it to the Beijing Olympics after being awarded entry as one of
the top 38 seeded players qualifying for the games in Beijing. This
makes Rai the only representative from the USA in the Men’s
badminton
singles this Olympics, although others are representing USA in doubles
events.
The lad who stands 5' 11"and 152 lbs. is a specialist in
the Men's Singles at the Beijing Olympics.
Rai
attends Santiago
Canyon College (Orange, CA) where he is studying Biology and plans to
one day become an optometrist
Photos Courtesy US Olympics/
USA Gymnastics
USA Badminton
MORE
DETAILS
|
VIGIL
FOR VICTIMS OF TERROR BOMBS in India
Sun Aug 3- San Jose
Nearly 300 attended the Vigil Protest MorePics and Report
All photos Sam
Rao Hi Res Pics Available Copyright ©
All rights Reserved
Click Below
Terror
bombs struck INDIA, Afghanistan and killed many innocent peopl(Hi Res
available)e
Vigil held Sunday Aug 3rd, 2008 4
PM- at San jose downtown
Caesar Chavez
Park
SEE MAJOR
NEWS MEDIA
Link Pakistan ISI Secret Service
to
Terror bombs in Kabul at the Indian Embassy
CLICK
HERE
UnforgettableTour 2008
Oakland
ORACLE Arena Sunday July 27th
Amitabh Bachchan and
Madhuri Dixit along with Abhisekh B, Aishwariya Rai -B, Ritesh
Deshmukh, Priety Zinta and Music Duo Vishal-Shekar and the Background
dancers of Shiamik Daver
The show was Madhuri and
Amitabh. DETAILS MORE
Unforgettable HERE
JULY 26
Terror
Bomb Blasts rock India- Ahmedabad Toll rises over 50 after Bangalore
(Bengaluru)
-Islamic Jihadi Network Blamed and takes responsibility.
-Pakistan’s ISI
Likely behind the Blasts
India Govt.
Survives no Confidence Vote. A Win for Democracy & US-India
Nuclear Agreement
CONGRATS!
GUINNESS BOOK WORLD RECORD SET with MAXIMUM 318 DANCERS SIMULTANEOUS
DANCE PERORMANCE
- Abhinav
Bindra Wins 1st Gold Medal for India- 10 meter Shoorting Beijing
Olympics 2008
- Let the Games Begin- Beijing olympics 08-08-08
-2
Indian-Americans in US Olympics RAJ BHAVSAR Gymnastics and RAJU RAI-
Badminton- Beijing Olympics 2008
-Vigil for Victims of
Terror Bombs in India and Elsewhere= San Jose Sat July 26th
-UnforgettableTour 2008
-Amitabh, Madhuri Dixit, abhisekh, Aishwariya rai, Priety Zinta, Ritesh
Deshmukh and Dancers at the Oakland ORACLE Arena Sunday
July 27th
-India
Government Survices No-Confidence Vote. win for Democracy & Us
India Nuclear Agreement
-Nominal
Results of CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS (Clinton
&Obama)
Some
WINNERS Qualified as DEMO DELEGATES
-Indian
American Leaders
Alkesh Desai elected to SanJose/Berryessa School Board
-PADMA AWARDS India
Announced
for Jan 28th 2008 -58th Repub,lic Day of India COMPLETE LIST HERE
-World
Junior TT Championship
stanford, 4 Girls from India perform crediatbly
-3-TIME World
Table Tennis Champ
STELLAN BENGSSTON
Dr
Rajendra Pachri Awardees Nobel Peace Prize 2007 along w/ Al gore
(Details) Dec 10, 2007
-USA
Under 15 Cricket team
vists India
- SUNKRISH BALA on ABC TV Comedy show "NNotes from the Underbelly"
Sameer Mishra
wins US Spelling Bee 6 Other
Indian-Americans finish in top 20 CONGRATS '
CONGRATS!
Akshay
Rajagopal 11 year old
Indian-American Wins US National Geography Bee
-ICC India Community
Center opens 40,000
sq ft Center in
SF Bay area
-Shashi Tharoor
adresses SF Bay area
at ICC. Sam Pitroda No show speaks via ironically a land line
telephone
Congrats
Bobby piyush Jindal Elected as Governor of Louisiana. First Time
for an Indian-American!
Congrats
Dr Pachauri- Share
of
Nobel Peace Priize with VP Al Gore as Head of TERI
HAPPY
SANKRANTHI/ LOHRI New Year ~ Hindu, Sikh, Jain
HAPPY
YEAR of The Boar/Pig |
 |
BLOG ARCHIVES
FEB 20-CRICKET TEAM INDIA UNIFORMS Released- Designed by NIKE
The
jersey is made from Dri-FIT fabric, a Nike patented technology,
which
reduces cling and enables the skin to breathe better. The fabric is
designed to dry sweat, which leads to better moisture management and is
extremely light, so that the player isn't carrying additional weight
that may hamper performance.
Over
the period of the match, this means greater comfort, as the players
remain drier and less distracted. The engineered mesh at the back of
the jersey and under the collar ensures better breath-ability in the
high sweat zones
The
launch of the national team kit follows the premium performance cricket
footwear -- the Air Zoom Yorker for fast bowlers and the Air Zoom
Opener for batsmen -- that was launched by Nike in August 2006.
<>
Credit Photograph: Uday Kuckian ( rediff)
Feb 20 TWO ISLAMIC CHARITIES Banned by
Pakistn---- FINALLY
TODAY
The Pakistan government ordered the closing of the offices and the
freezing of the bank accounts of two Islamic charities, Al Akhtar Trust
and Al-Rashid Trust, listed by the United States since 2003 as
financial sponsors of terrorism.
The charities were added
to a similar UN list in 2005, and the state interior minister, Zafar
Iqbal Warraich, told Parliament that the UN had notified Pakistan that
it would impose sanctions if it did not ban them.
Should chcek the paper trail of how many local private fundraisers
in USA, UK etc were held to send money to these charities
Many of the small, individual donors were duped as they were
giving to "Earthquake" or Disaster relief etc
Technorati: Pakistan, Ilsamic, Charity, Muslim, Donation, LeT,
Jihad, Terror, UN
Too
often many complain that no one form the Muslim community "speaks out"
against Islamic Jihadist and the Wahabi type fundamentalism
<>
Well
here's an international conference that deserves publicity and support-
especially to strengthen the moderate Muslims and "Good minded' people
of Muslim faith
This sounds like a good idea. This should get
support nd publicity
<>SECULAR ISLAM SUMMIT
March 4-7, 2007
Hilton, St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Florida
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Feb 15: X PRIZE Offers $Millions for
Innovation-What abt wealthy NRI's??
The X Prize Foundation is offering Millions of Dollars to Inventor
and Scientists who can come up with Meaningful and innovative Solutions
to fields will be like medicine, poverty reduction and fuel-efficient
cars etc basically to help humankind and Earth
On March 3rd at Google initiative, a target of $50 million will be
raised for the X Prize foundation ( This is the same group that gave
$10 million for private spacecraft)
Now this is a welcome sign and hopefully spur innovators and
inventors to get to the drawing board and come up with some sort of
comprehensive? and meaningful solution
BUT to slightly mess this up ( as is te wont with America's
Corporate/business types)- they are thinking of "investing it e with
Venture Capitalist" VC's.
Its probably a good idea- depending on the mission/outlook of the
VC firms and their management..Meaning that if they are mercenary- all
will happen is that the VC's ill look to grow the company quickly-
inflate stock prices and get out of the "field" and ach in for their
investors... something Silicon Vally and the World has seen repeatedly
Now, wealth creation and investings are not evil per se but social
responsibility WITH profit are somewhat new concepts- and only slowly
and forcibly are corporate types willing to accept it.
All this brings us to NRI and Indians and their (supposed)
enormous wealth and wealth creation abilities.
When will someone step up and offer support
for inventors, scientists and innovators- even sum of 1$10,000 to
$100,000 would be welcome
Groups like TiE- The Indus Entrepreneurs are known in the Silicon
Valley to NOT do much for startups and interested
entrepreneurs.
While a few companies are touted as successes, because of TiE- for
the most part there is barely any interaction between the mentoring
group of Tie and the newbies except for aggressive VC for promising
companies- all investments within a small(er) caucus
IMHO even small amount of advice and
support along the lines of the X Prize folks would be welcome and also
be morally, ethically and socially responsible.
We see that folks like Vinod Khosla have indeed embraced Green
Technologies Thats great
Now hope that our community folks support local endeavors and Tech
innovations and may be even offer a contest or two and make use of
their fortune to really make a difference
Current;y, apart for taking pictures with celebrities and
politicians and helping build temples, not muc in the way of support
for the greater community issues.
Hope for the better of the community that this will
change
BLOG ARCHIVES
Feb 14: India-China Year of
Friendship launched -Appropriately
on Valentines Day!
The year 2007 is the `Friendship through Tourism Year
Shades of " Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai "-With
most Politicians in India easily above age of 50 years at least!!, the
lessons of 1950-1962 Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai- will not be lost.
Kudos for both Indina and Chinese Government to move beyond the
animosity and acknowledge Realpolitik!
A strong People to People exchange can ONLY be beneficial to both the
countries AND the Region and The World.
AND
-With India a vibrant Peoples Democracy- the road will be led and
maintained by the People (absolutely)
-With Communist China being a Totalitarian regime- it will be TOTALLY
dictated by the Cold Political realities and calculations.
Heres to Hoping Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai Works this time around as its
Good for Everybody
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu Om
shanti shanti Shantihi
==================
HIGHLIGHTS of
ANNOUNCEMENT on Wednsday FEB 14
Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced the launch
of `India-China Year of Friendship Through Tourism-2007
-Consulates will be opened in Guangzhou and Kolkata
-"Rapidly expanding trade and deepening economic ties are some of the
positives of the improving India-China relationship"
-Bilateral trade reached $25 billion last year and is well on
course to surpass the target of $40 billion by 2010."
-The endeavour of both governments to encourage citizens to visit each
other's country as it would help them rediscover our shared cultural
heritage.
Chinese Foreign Minister, Li Zhaoxing,
said both the countries were "true friends, cooperative partners
committed to long-term friendship, productive cooperation and common
development."
-"The combined population of our countries accounts for two-fifths of
the world's total ie 2.4 Billion people."
-Last year, 4,50,000 Chinese and Indians exchanged visits.
Mr. Li described the launch of `Friendship Year' as a key component of
the 10-pronged strategy aimed at enhancing China-India strategic and
cooperative partnership.
QUOTES:
Indian External
Affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee: "The need of the hour is to create
awareness about the two countries as tourist destinations"
Chinese Foreign
Minister, Li Zhaoxing "Friendly relations served the fundamental
interests of the two peoples and was in keeping with the trend of
peace, cooperation and development in Asia and beyond. "
"Both China and India enjoy splendid
culture and rich tourism resources, and there is a sound basis and
great potential for enhancing our cooperation in tourism and other
cultural fields."
BLOG ARCHIVES
Feb 13; LOCAL HERO-
Ram Gopal Chosen for 2007 BRIDGE Award in City of Cupertino- Bay area
Rarely do Indian-Americans participate in activities beyond their own
cultural heritage.
Here is a story of a local community hero from the SF Bay area,
who has been recognized by the local community for efforts in cross
cultural Building BRIDGES
Great Job by
Local Hero Ram Gopal, to BRIDGE Cross Cultural communities and get
recognition from the Asian American Group- comprising Chinese,
Japanese, Indian and others.
As a special token of appreciation, the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce
and Asian American Business Council of Cupertino recognized
Indian-American community leader Ram Gopal for their annual Cupertino
Community Bridge Award for year 2007.
The major recognition came at the celebration of the Lunar New
year- a very important day for many Asian countries and cultures. This
Lunar year is also known as “The Year of the Pig or Boar”. The Asian
American Business Council and the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce are
located in the city which is HQ home to Apple Computers in the heart of
Silicon Valley.
Ram Gopal, who came to America in 1991 to pursue higher education,
moved only recently to Cupertino. “I moved to Cupertino in May 2004
mainly because of the good education system for my child (initially).
Now I like it more for other reasons also- friendly and caring people,
easy access to all services like freeways, library, post office, banks
etc,” says Gopal
Since his family moved to Cupertino in 2004, he has been very active in
the city of Cupertino (population 55,000), which is also the hometown
of Apple Computers and boasts a tremendous number of High tech firms in
the heart of Silicon Valley. Cupertino is well known in the SF Bay area
for its excellent school system and has nearly 50% of the total
population comprising Asian Americans.
Soon after his move to Cupertino, Gopal was instrumental in bringing
the successful ‘Diwali, the Festival of Lights’ to the city and the
production is unique in that it is presented by the mainstream
organization, Cupertino Chamber of Commerce. With full support from
City officials and services.
With immense strides in bridging the gap between communities and
participating in events like Lunar New Year and also OSF festival etc,
Gopal has impressed community leaders from all walks of life.
Ms. Kris Wang, the current Mayor said to Gopal, “Today is your day and
we are all proud of you,” as did Patrick Kwok and Sandra James, both
ex-Mayors of the city of Cupertino.
Currently, Gopal has also been appointed as Library commissioner for
the City of Cupertino and he says, “As a member of Library commission,
I intend to raise funds to make the library open for all 7 days and as
a community person, organize regular Inter Community Cultural
Activities and represent all citizens of the City of Cupertino.”
Ram Gopal who has a M.S. Electrical engineering degree is the President
and CEO of RS Tech Corp. also based in Cupertino and his wife
Sashikala, works as a Software Engineer for CISCO Systems, while
raising their daughter Nikkitha ( 8). Shortly, he will be opening
another business also in the city called “Cupertino Bakery”.
Great Job by Local Hero Ram Gopal, to BRIDGE Cross Cultural
communities and get recognition from the Asian American Group-
comprising Chinese, Japanese, Indian and others.
BLOG ARCHIVES
Feb 11: INDIA CRICKETSo The
Bookies DID Prevail After All ~India Sri Lanka ODI
So all said and Done- Looks like
there was another "Meltdown"by Team India Cricket- which beniffited ONE
group -the Bookies and the Gambling syndicate!.
Going into the home game at Rajkot, India was a favorite and the Bokies
had Millions riding on the outcome. ......So glad that TEAM INDIA could
oblige to the delight of the Bookies!
This sends a CLEAR SIGNAL that the Dubai syndicate and Indian Bookies
have nothing to FEAR from India Cricket.
The "Crackdown" has Never come after the scandals. Some middle level
guy is/was made a scapegoat and everyone else down the lines goes scott
free.
This "Meltdown" by Team India is very similar to the Pakistani
Team 's preformance in England a few years ago when nearly 5 Batsmen
were "Run out"- going for suicidical and non existent running between
the wickets with bats held aloft- ie NOT grounded- making sure that
they were run out.
Harsh Words?- Maybe- but ONLY after scrutiny and clean up will the
cricketers be able to play their natural game.
NOTE: West Indies Samuels has been
accused and supposedly even taped. Whats happened since then- Not much
Also Note- This took place in India!
with Indian Bookies and a supposed Dubai connection
Bookies- Match
fixing- Crummy performances on cue / demand ( against norm) are
all available and looks like after all The BOOKIES DID PREVAIL in the
last India Sri Lanka ODI
Maybe
such 'taking care" of Bookies assures India a place in the Finals of
the World Cup!
Tags:
Cricket; India; Bet; Gambling; Match fixing, Sri Lanka, World Cup
BLOG ARCHIVES
Feb
10: Princeton Univ to Shut Down ESP/Paranormal Department ~
Indian-AmericanOrg Sam Rao
| Reports
indicate that Princceton University is closing its research department
on ESP ( Extra Sensory Perception)/ Telekinesis and Psychic related
research
Q; Shouldn't the Psychics connected to depeartment research
been able to predict this!!
Seems over $10 Million was funded to this department , mostly
by private indviduals including Rockefellar and others
Shows that belief in paranormal and other related stuff is
not only limited to illiterates- after all US is nearly 95% literate.
|
BLOG ARCHIVES
Feb 9 Anna
Nicole Smith a PETA Supporter was "Real"
Anna Nicole Smith Marshall- born as Vickie Lynn Hogan Dead
at 39 yrs
This blonde reality series actres and playboy centerfold (1992/1993)
was "larger than life' in more ways than one.
She lived her life in such a way that one hated to see her play out her
personal life in the media-for everyone to see but people just could
not stay away.
Everyone agred that Anna Nicle Smith was the "typical American dream"
of a girl who came for very modest means and by ingenuity and "personal
assets"- a pair of them -
and a penchant for stripping- made it into the silver screen and even
auditioned and won he heart and bankrol of a near 80 year old
billionaire.- about 60 years older at the time of marraige!
Making no claims about anything else other than who she was- cynically
referred to as "trailer park trash"- used for poor white folks in rural
USA - Anna Nicole Smith went through lots of ups and downs in her life.
Her good points were that she was
"real" -personality wise- probably in
that she recognized her own limitations and knew her weaknesses
( as seen
on TV) allthough she did seem to have a lrage amount of plastic
surgery. to go with her massive LOW self esteem.
Her other good point was that she was a supporter of PETA- People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. And generally decent person
inspite of her many limitations .
In all this her pressures uincluded
-Becoming a mother at 19 and a single mom soon after and then
losing her
son in 2006 (just months ago) in the midst of court cases
and her
sons addictions and her huge weight loss.
-Dealing with weight problems ( abt 80 lbs lost quickly) and
saddled with personal demons and problems and frequent bouts with
addictions;
-Surrounded by people and "friends " and relatives who came out of the
woodwork and seemingly exploited her
-And with lots of money she managed to keep een after lawusits versus
the Other heirs of Billionaire Marshall
In all this the American public nevertheless had a fascination and
love-hate relationship with Anna Nicole Smith
Especially as the reality show only confirmed the dumb blonde nature of
Anna Nicole smith and also revealed her vilnerable side.
And her personalities with all its quirks
and failings- maked her "Real"-Her
reality show was actually nominated for a TV Emmy award!
Most people would take
this billionaire who inherited her millions over
the other reality show bimbo Paris Hilton- because Anna Nicole Smith
was "more real"
and as a slob and as someone with many similiar issues and
problems faced by
Americans "in real life."
All her troubles continued after the death of her billionaire husband
esp as Court after Court kept reversing decisons and only in 2006 did
she see judgements in favor. Compounded with hes sons drug problems,
her own addictions and lifestyle and even her health- one can see how
and what drew her to using drugs and liquor etc to vent.
More damatic stuff will ensue just like it did for Marilyn Monroe-and
continues till date, and MM was supposedly
Anan Nicole Smith's idol and sure enough she died just like MM and out
went the "Candle in the Wind"
BLOG ARCHIVES
FEB 7: 71% say Mera Bharat Mahan!
inspite of social problems & social issues present!
Jai Hind
A recent BBC poll - World Service
- reveals interesting aspects of how people of Indian origin view
India (and issues that are problems.)
It reveals that a majority of the
Indians like to say "Mera Bharat
Mahaan" although worried of problems like caste barriers,
gender
discrimination, corruption, danger to security from within than
enemies from outside, government jobs losing respect, and economic
growth not benefiting the masses etc
NOTE: Several very
interesting points/polls below
Makes me say Jai Hind! ;-0
Original BBC Article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6320413.stm
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Caste_barrier_worries_India_Inc_BBC_poll/articleshow/1560569.cms
Indians want to see their country punch its weight around the world -
but are worried the caste system is holding it back, a BBC poll
suggests.
Almost two-thirds of respondents in the World Service poll said
India being an economic superpower was important.
But 55% thought caste issues were still a "barrier to social
harmony".
Visitors to BBC websites chose questions for the survey. A nationally
representative sample of 1,616 Indians was interviewed in December.
The poll found that a majority (71%) are proud to be an Indian.
Most also thought it was important that India should be a political
(60%) and military (60%) superpower.
A majority were optimistic about many aspects of the modern Indian
state - more than half (55%) think the Indian justice system treats
rich and poor people fairly, a statistic which some may find surprising
given perceived failures in the police and courts.
Nearly as many (52%) think being a woman is no barrier to success any
more.
And the survey found that twice as many people (48%) would rather work
for a private company than for the government (22%).
But on other topics respondents were less positive.Forty-seven percent
agreed that "corruption is a fact of life which we should accept as the
price of doing business in today's world", although younger people were
less tolerant of corruption than older people.
And if Indians are agreed on the need for India to be an economic
superpower, they are less sure they are seeing the fruits of recent
economic growth.
Asked whether India's economic growth over the past 10 years had
benefited them and their families directly, exactly the same
proportion (45%) said that it had, as disagreed.
One in two (50%) felt that "people in India don't take their religion
seriously enough", while two in five (40%) believed that "young people
have lost touch with their heritage and traditions".
In total 1,616 citizens in India were interviewed between 5-15 December
2006.
Polling was conducted for the BBC World Service by the international
polling firm GlobeScan and its research partner in India. The margin of
error is +/-2.5.
BLOG ARCHIVES
Tues Feb 6- Likely Action by Israel
(& USA) against Iran ~ Sam Rao Indian-AmericanOrg
Following
is a list of Iraq & Scenario in Iran developing.
<>
Without much comment- one can see
the Drumbeats for a confrontation is brewing
<>
Methinks the War on
Iran already started with an occupation of the Iranian embassy in
Nortern Iraq-
Now comes reports of Top Irani nucllear scientist murdered or
assasinated by Mossad according to news reports and couple more abducted
Methinks that An action from Israel with "help" of US will occur
soon.
Righton the Nuclear "enrishment" facilities. Nowonder Secretar rice
went hurriedly to Iraq and neighborin countries incl Pakistan
Interestingly, this exact scenario
(escalation of tensions) was seen in January 2006 as well!
|
IRAQ
WMD
-Signatory of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) accused of holding
weapons of mass destruction including a nuclear arms programme. UN
weapons inspectors were expelled from the country on the eve of the
2003 war. |
|
IRAN
WMD
-Signatory of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) accused of working
on nuclear weapons programme. UN weapons inspectors are at work in the
country.
|
CONCEALMENT
Confirmed
to UN in 1995 that it had a clandestine nuclear weapons scheme
following revelations by Saddam Hussein's brother-in-law who had
defected. Before 2003 invasion, regime was accused of concealing WMD
from UN inspectors.
|
|
CONCEALMENT
Confirmed
to UN in 2002 that it had a clandestine nuclear programme after
revelations by Iranian dissidents. Iran was accused by Britain, France
and Germany soon
after of
"concealment and deception".
|
|
"MISCALCULATION"-
-Statement by US Colin Powell, US
Secretary of State, 5
March 2003: "It serves the
interest of no one for Saddam
to miscalculate .
It doesn't serve the interest of the United States or the world or Iraq
for Saddam to miscalculate our intention or our willingness to act."
|
|
"MISCALCULATION"
-Statement by US
Secretary Rice made this statement in January- Interestingly so did
White House spokesman Scott McClellan, in Jan 2006
"
The
ranian regime has made a serious miscalculation . Secretary
Condeleeza Rice
|
UN SECURITY COUNCIL
November 2002: Iraq
threatened with military action unless it co-operat es with UN
inspectors. US leads invasion without Security Council backing. |
|
UN SECURITY COUNCIL
January 2007 announced Sanctions UN
Security Council .
Possible dealbreaker excuse for unilateral
military action by US, Israel (No wonder Rice Cheney went to Iraq;
Pakistan recently) |
Methinks that Israel with US "perrmission/complicty" will
preemptively attack Iran within 10 days
Tags: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Nuclear , US, Mossad, Mid
east, War
BLOG ARCHIVES
FEB
3: Super Bowl XLI (
41st) -- Sun., Feb. 4 at 6:25 p.m. ET on CBS Televison at Dolphin
Stadium, Miami, Florida
 vs.  |
Colts= Horse- Symbol =Horseshoe (considered Lucky) Bears=
Bears
Peyton
Manning is the Quaterback for Indianpolis Colts. he is the guy who
receives the first Pass and directs the game. He is allowed to throw
passes to his receivers
Chicago Bears Quaterback is Rex Grossman
Interesting Tidbits:
-Last year $94 million was bet
legally in Las Vegas on Superbowl and Using the
Internet and offshore gambling, estimates run to Billions of US Dolalars bet via internet(US)
Add to this 100's millions of dolars in small office pools
and friends circles!
- Advertisments (commercials) on TV during the course of the
Superbowl costs for :30 ad rates
are a mere $2.6 million each, ( slightly higher
compared to last year)
Reports indicate discounts are available ;-0 for regular
advertisers!
Regulars Anheuser Busch; CAreerBuilder;General Motors and pepsi
will be featured multiple times.
Website GoDaddy.com and emerald nuts known for their "crazy"
commercials will also be there
-This Superbowl WILL have a an
African-American (Black) Coah as a Winner, as
Coach Tony Dungy of the Colts and also the uru
of Chicago Bears Coach Lovie Smith is also
African American (Black).
This will be th First time an African-American Coach
will win the Superbowl.
Super Bowl XLII, Glendale, Ariz. -- Feb. 3, 2008 (FOX)
Super Bowl XLIII, Tampa, Fla. -- Feb. 1, 2009 (NBC)
FEB 2: India Cricket needs lots of help in Batting (first)
and then on Player Attitude
Work on the batting
weakness of Indian batsmen!!
NOTE: Mumbai in
Ranji Semifinal had 0 runs on board with 5 wickets lost
!!!
Yes 0/5 just last week- and this is probably the BEST Indian
domestic team.
If they cannot play Indian pace bowlers on a good pace
track- lots of work is needed from ground up!!!
It
always is the case when seasoned batsmen throw away their wickets also
called a a Front order Meltdown and the tail enders have to bat
as
wella s bowl
This happened many times recently- Hope people have a good memory.
Its
amazing ho w one victory against an overwhelmed and uninterested team
like West Indies has a way of changing public perception and opinion
overnight!
Even Rahul Dravid's footwork was easily exploited and the WALL was
no more impregnable
Sachin
Tendulkars woes and fight with his fine form was too evident - although
he scored steadily at an average of 30 runs plus- something people lost
sight of- as they wanted Tendulkar of old to completely dominate
Sehwag's
woes and inadequacies were easy for opposing coaches and bowlers to
exploit once they analyzed his game and Sehwag himself lost a fraction
of his reaction time and eye hand coordination.
The
Mumbai Ranji trophy teams woeful batting against Indian pace bowlers in
domestic front tells you of a mor hidden problem in Indian cricket-
which HAS TO BE ADDDRESSED
BLOG ARCHIVES
Feb 1- Indian Cricket- Messing with
Dinesh Karthik -a la Pathan & Kaif ~
Messing with Dinesh Karthik- Selectors haven't
learned much.
Included
as a opener Karthik performed well. Promptly he was sent down the
order- where again he came to rescue after a dramatic top order
meltdown. Now again he is to be shifted to 1 down position and "rested"
Believe me they messed up Kaif and Pathan this way
recently and it also did not help Sehwag or Tendulkar either
<>
When
will the selectors learn to make sure the batsmen are well trained and
well prepared!! Rather than going onm reputation a or the
idiosyncrasies of the selectors and coaches!
Now
we have Uthappa in the middle as well as opening and Wasim Jaffer
a
double centurion and recently - no longer in the squad ( maybe Jaffer
needed a bit of reeducation camp as did Sehwag) but how abt
concentrating on a nucleus- which we apparently do not have and getting
fundas of the game right
In
modern cricket its clear that opposing bowlers and coaches have made it
a science to analyze videos and exploit weaknesses eg Dhoni; Sehwag
Ganguly and even Tendulkar in recent times.
Now
that players with back to the walls have been given one more chance- if
thy succeed and they did like Uthappa and Yuvraj ( in fielding)
demonstrating that he is fit and raring to go....where does that leave
the Karthiks, Kaifs and others who had plenty of help from the
selectors to mess up their concentration and game without being tended,
nurtured and working on their weakness
Remember ONE
VICTIRY may change public opinion (for a short while) but
Selectors and
others would have a longer memory while looking at current form
Lets get on with it
No more games ( pun intended) Get the best selection and
keep it intact with a plan not any arbitrary fashion.
Work on the batting weakness
of Indian batsmen**
NOTE: Mumbai in Ranji
Semifinal had 0 runs on board with 5 wickets lost Yes 0/5 just
last week- and this is probably the BEST Indian domestic
team.
If they cannot play Indian pace bowlers on a goof pace
track- lots of work is needed from ground up!!! BLOG ARCHIVES
Jan 27: 58th REPUBLIC DAY OF INDIA
CELEBRATED
The 59th Republic Day of India was celebrated on January 26th with the
customary parade and pomp.
All
eyes on India
this time around as both in terns of positioning and the upcoming
future puts India
smack in the "middle of things".
What has bandied about recently has come out of Economic
neccessities for USA
and hence many other economies BUT the opening of the eye to the Worlds
largest
democracy is welcome and long awaited.
In an area surrounded by mostly fundamentalist or
totalitarian
regimes as in China, Burma/Myanmar, Pakistan, Iran , Iraq and even
Afghanistan
etc, India has long stood alone as abastion of Democracy.
While
economic
realities have brought out the international community to India-
what needs to be acknowledged is the reasons for the phenomenon, which
are a
throwback on the ancient culture, heritage and norms of the country e.g. an emphasis on education and the moral
and ethical path again dictated by thousands of years of history,
culture and
heritage.
What
has been known to many nations
and peoples in South East Asia and Africa
and Far East about the positive legacy of India
in terns of exporting of culture,
education and moral values and even religion now also extends to modern
India. India
has been a big draw for Buddhists all over the globe and is also the
birthplace
of Sikhism and of course Hinduism , Modern India has been a safe haven
for the
Bahai’s who have a larger presence in India
than in their native Iran.
The only country that never discriminated against Jews have been Israel
and India
with
prosecuted Jewish settlers as early as 2nd century BC to 3rd
century AD followed by those from Baghdad.
In recent
times with US re thinking its geo politics I the region vis a vis
Taliban Pakistan and China, America opened its eyes to discover an ally
that
shares many of same values at least politically speaking as a nation of
A
Republic and a Democracy- a vibrant one at that.
Salute
to India
as it celebrates its 58th Republic Day
Indian President Dr Kalam
|
|
FULL TEXT of Dr Abdul Kalam, President of
India's address on Republic Day of India 2007 CLICK
JERE
SHILPA
SHETTY Wins
the Rality Games Show Big Brother in UK
Ater all the
hullabaloo, Shilpa Shetty finally won the reality show.--Big
Brother" which ended couple days ago
Afterall the
British
ae known for their "proper conduct" or hypocrisy if you call it.So it would "not be
Proper Old boy" if Shilpa an actress from India were to lose
Racism is well
prevalent in Britan- which enslaved a great part of the worlds
population and perpetuated them often by policies which has continued
tio wreck havoc like in Palstine; Like in Iraq- Kuwait ; Like in India-
Pakistan etc
|
Funnily
Shipa did acquit herself well and also by taking the High Road- which
meant the the other contestant Ms Goody and the latent racis of UK were
brought to shame
The
underclass of Britan- poorly educated, working class people and their
attitudes was exposed during the Reality Show- in a country which still
retains a Monarchy with all the "perks". |
Good thinking people
all races joined hands to condemn and make sure that a searchlight is
turned on such tendencies and practices. Hopefully, Britan will
followup and address a social malady in its upbringing
BLOG ARCHIVES
Jan 26 Padma
Awards for year 2007
India
Complete List
No Bharat ratna awarded again this year. Its always fun to spot
people who you think you know about on the list ( whether you think
they deserve itor not)- Sort of a General Knowledge test.
Unfortunately, always underscored in this so-called General
knowledge exercise is hoe awfully inadequate our iknowledge is about
India’s own fantastic literature in regional languages and the
arts
scene.
This is but another glaringly! is our ingrained colonial and British
slave legacy.
Do what most of us do to feel better- looks for the Sportsman or
sportswoman awardees and the Music and Movie names which most can
recognize and possibly popular literature ;-0
<>And IN any case, Always salute the Armed Forces folks and also
the
unsung heroes- the community activists; civil servants etc.
Each recipient has a great legacy- else would not have made the list
any way. So Comgrats
A total of 121
recipients awarded this year
|
Padma Vibhushan Total
recipients: 10
1. Prof. (Dr.) Balu Sankaran (Medicine) Delhi.
2. Fali Sam Nariman (Public Affairs) Delhi.
3. Khushwant Singh (Literature and Education) Delhi.
4. N.N. Vohra (Civil Service) Haryana.
5. Naresh Chandra (Civil Service) Delhi.
6. Justice (Retd.) Prafullachandra Natwarlal Bhagwati (Public Affairs)
Delhi.
7. Late Shri Raja Rao (Posthumous) (Literature and Education) USA.
8. Dr. Raja Jesudoss Chelliah (Public Affairs) Tamil Nadu.
9. Sudarshan Erinackal Chandy George (Science and Engineering) USA.
10. Dr. Venkataraman Krishnamurthy (Civil Service) Delhi.
|
Padma Bhushan Total
recipients: 32
11. Prof. Bhikhu Parekh (Literature and Education) United
Kingdom.
12. Late Shri Chandra Prasad Saikia (Posthumous) (Literature and
Education) Assam.
13. Smt. Ela Gandhi ( Public Affairs) South Africa.
14. Rev Father Gabriel (Literature and Education) Kerala.
15. Gopaldas Neeraj (Literature and Education) Uttar Pradesh.
16. Dr. Gurcharan Singh Kalkat (Science and Engineering) Chandigarh.
17. Ms. Indra Nooyi (Trade and Industry) USA.
18. Jamshed J. Irani (Trade and Industry) Maharashtra.
19. Javed Jan Nisaar Akhtar (Literature and Education) Maharashtra.
20. Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs (Literature and Education) USA.
21. Justice K.T. Thomas (Public Affairs) Kerala.
22. Kavalam Narayan Panikkar (Art) Kerala.
23. Captain L.Z. Sailo (Literature and Education) Mizoram.
24. Dr. (Smt.) Manju Sharma (Science and Engineering) Delhi.
25. Dr. N. Mahalingam (Trade and Industry) Tamil Nadu.
26. O. Suzuki (Trade and Industry) Japan.
27. Dr. Prithipal Singh Maini (Medicine) Delhi.
28. Pandit Rajan Misra (Art) Delhi.
29. Ramankutty Nair (Art) Kerala.
30. Pandit Sajan Misra (Art) Delhi.
31. Dr. Saroj Ghose (Science and Engineering) West Bengal.
32. Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin (Medicine) Delhi.
33. Prof. (Vaidya) Shriram Sharma (Medicine) Maharashtra.
34. Late Somnath Hore (Posthumous) (Art) West Bengal.
35. Sunil Bharti Mittal (Trade and Industry) Delhi.
36. Syed Haider Raza (Art) France
37. Hakim Syed Mohammad Sharfuddin Quadri (Medicine) West Bengal.
38. Prof. T.N. Srinivasan (Literature and Education) USA.
39. Prof. Tapan Ray Chaudhuri (Literature and Education) United Kingdom.
40. Tyeb Mehta (Art) Maharashtra.
41. Dr. (Smt.) V. Mohini Giri (Social Work) Delhi.
42. Dr. Vilayanur Ramachandaran (Science and Engineering) USA
|
Padma Shri
Total recipients: 79
43. A. Sivasailam (Trade and Industry) Tamil Nadu.
44. Prof. (Dr.) Adya Prasad Mishra (Literature and Education) Uttar
Pradesh.
45. Amitav Ghosh (Literature and Education) USA.
46. Prof. Ananda M. Chakrabarty (Science and Engineering) USA.
47. Dr. (Smt.) Ananda Shankar Jayant (Art) Andhra Pradesh.
48. Prof. (Dr.) Anoop Misra (Medicine) Delhi.
49. Dr. Ashok Kumar Hemal (Medicine) Delhi.
50. Astad Aderbad Deboo (Art) Maharashtra.
51. Dr. Atul Kumar (Medicine) Delhi.
52. Dr. B. Paul Thaliath (Medicine) Uttar Pradesh.
53. Dr. Bakul Harshadrai Dholakia (Literature and Education) Gujarat.
54. Dr. Balbir Singh (Medicine) Delhi.
55. Dr. Baldev Raj (Science and Engineering) Tamil Nadu.
56. Bharath Balachandra Menon (Art) Kerala.
57. Late Prof. Devindra Rahinwal (Posthumous) (Social Work) Uttaranchal.
58. Prof. (Dr.) Dilip K. Biswas (Science and Engineering) Delhi.
59. Gajendra Narayan Singh (Art) Bihar.
60. Geeta Chandran (Art) Delhi.
61. Giriraj Kishore (Literature and Education) Uttar Pradesh.
62. Rajmata Goverdan Kumarri (Art) Gujarat.
63. Prof. (Dr.) Harpinder Singh Chawla (Medicine) Chandigarh.
64. Jeev Milkha Singh (Sports) Punjab.
65. Dr. K.R. Palaniswamy (Medicine) Tamil Nadu.
66. Khalid Zaheer (Social Work) Uttaranchal.
67. Prof. (Dr.) Kharak Singh Valdiya (Science and Engineering)
Karnataka.
68. Kiran Karnik (Science and Engineering) Delhi.
69. Ms. Koneru Humpy (Sports) Andhra Pradesh.
70. Dr. Lalit Pande (Environment Protection) Uttaranchal.
71. Louis Remo Fernandes (Art) Goa.
72. Dr. M. Mohan Babu (Art) Andhra Pradesh.
73. Dr. Mahadev Prasad Pandey (Literature and Education) Chhattisgarh.
74. Dr. Mahipal S. Sachdev (Medicine) Delhi.
75. Dr. Manjunath Cholenahally Nanjappa (Medicine) Karnataka.
76. Dr. Mayilvahanan Natarajan (Medicine) Tamil Nadu.
77. Ms. Meenakshi Gopinath (Literature and Education) Delhi.
78. Ms. Miriam L’vovna Salganik (Literature and Education) Russia.
79. Dr. Mohsin Wali (Medicine) Delhi.
80. Mujtaba Hussain (Literature and Education) Andhra Pradesh.
81. Prof. Mushirul Hassan (Literature and Education) Delhi.
82. Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai (Trade and Industry) Maharashtra.
83. Prof. (Dr.) Narmada Prasad Gupta (Medicine) Delhi.
84. Smt. Neelamani Devi (Art) Manipur.
85. P. Gopinathan (Art) Kerala.
86. P.R. Thilagam (Art) Tamil Nadu.
87. Pannuru Sripathy (Art) Andhra Pradesh.
88. Prof. (Dr.) Perumalsamy Namperumalsamy (Medicine) Tamil Nadu.
89. Prof. (Smt.) Pratibha Ray (Literature and Education) Orissa.
90. Smt. Pushpa Hans (Art) Delhi.
91. Rabinder Gokaldas Ahuja (Sea Cadet Corps Management) Maharashtra.
92. Rajinder Gupta (Trade and Industry) Punjab.
93. Dr. Ravi Narayan Bastia (Science and Engineering) Maharashtra.
94. Late Shri Ravindra Dayal (Literature & Education) Delhi.
95. Prof. Rostislav Borisovich Rybakov (Literature and Education)
Russia.
96. Ms. Runa Banerjee (Social Work) Uttar Pradesh.
97. S. Dhakshinamurthy Pillai (Art) Tamil Nadu.
98. Sister S.M. Cyril (Social Work) Ireland.
99. Smt. Shanti Hiranand (Art) Delhi.
100. Smt. Shashikala Jawalkar (Art) Maharashtra.
|
Padma Shri
(Continued)
101. Prof. (Dr.) Shekhar Pathak (Literature and
Education) Uttaranchal.
102. Dr. Sheo Bhagwan Tibrewal (Medicine) United Kingdom.
103. Sonam Skalzang (Art) Jammu & Kashmir.
104. Sonam Tshering Lepcha (Art) Sikkim.
105. Prof. Sudhir Kumar Sopory (Science and Engineering) Haryana.
106. Dr. Sukumar Azhikode (Literature and Education) Kerala.
107. Sushil Gupta (Social Work) Delhi.
108. Dr.(Ms.) Syeda Saiyidain Hameed (Public Affairs) Delhi.
109. T.S. Rangarajan alias Kavingar Vaali (Literature and Education)
Tamil Nadu.
110. Ms. Tarla Dalal (Cookery) Maharashtra.
111. Ms. Teesta Setalvad (Public Affairs) Maharashtra.
112. Dr. (Smt.) Temsula Ao (Literature and Education) Assam.
113. Dr. Thanu Padmanabhan (Science and Engineering) Maharashtra.
114. Dr. Thekkethil Kochandy Alex (Science and Engineering) Karnataka.
115. Thingbaijam Babu Singh (Art) Manipur.
116. Lama Thupten Phuntsok (Social Work) Arunachal Pradesh.
117. Valayapatti A.R. Subramaniam (Art) Tamil Nadu.
118. Vijaydan Detha (Literature and Education) Rajasthan.
119. Vikram Seth (Literature and Education) United Kingdom.
120. Waman Thakre (Art) Madhya Pradesh.
121. Dr. Yusufkhan Mohamadkhan Pathan (Literature and Education)
Maharashtra.Technorati
Tags: Complete list of Padma Awards 2007,India Padma Shri, Padma Shree,
Republic Day, Padma Bhushan, Abdul Kalam, Vibhushan |
BLOG ARCHIVES
Jan 28 Aishwariya Rai mAishwariya
Rai may be Domesticated but Def NOT Homely!! Indian-American Org Sam
Rao
Using HindEnglish, People have started calling Aishwariya Rai as “Domesticated”
Amitabh Bachchan has been also quoted as calling her domesticaled
which presume is a Hindi to English transliteration of Gharelu.
<>
Well “Domesticated” seems reserved for cattle and is sounds icky
being used for a modern emancipated independent woman, <>
Now one more glaring HindEnglish word often used
is “Homely”.Well Aishwariya Rai is definitely NOT
homely
Umm ! Homely means “kind of Ugly”…… again many Indian
folks especially “Bhaiyyas”- ie North Indians transliterate Gharelu
as Homely ! and that is wrong
Definitely Aishwariya ain’t
Homely!
All this in the upcoming marraige of Amitabhs son Abhisekh to
Aiswariya Rai ( which BT was timed for the release of their latest
movie The Guru BLOG ARCHIVES
Jan
27
OP NAYYAR Musical Genius Remembered-Short
list of personal Favorites ~Musical Genius of Bollywood Hindi Music
Omkar
Prasad Nayyar was the only major composer who didnot compose for Lata
Mangeshkar nand still had evergreen hits and classic songs- which tells
a testament of his genius
Classicas like Reshmi salwar kurta jaalidar, and Yun toh hamne
Lakh Haseen and the Maang ke saath tumhar
 |
Nayyar
was born in
Lahore in 1926, first music in Kaneez (1949). And later along
with D
Pancholi his debut film, Aasmaan (1952), for which he composed the
Geeta Dutt ‘s Dekho jaadoo bhare more nain.
Along
with Guru Dutt Aar Paar (1954) - Yeh lo main haari Pia
followed by classics in Mr & Mrs 55 (1955) and CID (1956).
with
Asha Bhosle and Shamshad Begum
The
famous Nayyar-Asha team started in 1957 with classics like
Naya Daur – which still gets me dancing!! Nayyar won the
Best Music
Director Award for Naya Daur starring Dilip Kumar and Vyhyanthimala.
Other
superb music forfilms were Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Sone Ki Chidiya,
Phagun, HowrahBridge and Ragini.
|
Teaming up
with
JoyMukherji-Sadhana – who made the hair bangs famous in India
movies
like Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962) Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963),
Kashmir Ki Kali (1964) and Mere Sanam (1965) followed
With
Mohammed Rafi in Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi and softer song Aapke
haseen rukh pe , and Nayyar also composed for Mukesh with
perennial
classical in all genres (probably because of the ease of singing for
karaoke etc) like the famous Chal Akela, Chal Akela
Nayyar also
composed songs for singers Mahendra Kappor and Kishore although not as
many.
In the early
1900’s Mayyar made a surprise comeback with ZID and the Salman
Khan-Karishma Kapoor starrer Nishchay
RIP
(
Rest In Peace) Nayyar saab you have given Millions of people
fantastic
memories with your creations and brought smiles to the faces of
Millions- What else can one expect as a legacy
SHORT
LIST OF SONGS
| Jaaiye
aap kahan jaayenge Mere Sanam
Asha Bhonsle
Chayene se hamko
kabhie Pran Jaaye Par Vachan Na Jaaye
Asha Bhonsle
All songs in Naya Daur!!
Ek pardesi mera dil lay gaya Phagun
Rafi-Asha
Bahut shukriya Ek Musafir Ek
Hasina Rafi-Asha
Humdum mere Phir Wohi Dil Laya
Hoon Rafi-Asha
Isharon isharon mein Kashmir Ki
Kali Rafi-Asha |
Asha
Bhosle Solos
Aaiye meherban
HowrahBridge
Piya piya na lage mora jiya
Phagun
Balma khuli hawa
mein Kashmir
Ki Kali
Zara haule haule chalo
Sawan Ki
Ghata
Woh haseen dard de do
Humsaaya
Aao huzoor tumko
Kismet
|
|
Jan 14: PRAWASI BHARATIYA DIWAS &
Program
The
NRI-
Non
Resident Indians from the diaspora ( thats a catch word for desi
community!) has caught the imagination of the Government of India and
since
last three years have initiated the PBD around early January-
just
concluding
While there may be some merit in the concept especially in
re-connecting
the millions ( est 20 Million) of migrated Indians overseas including
some form
several generations ago like in Africa, West Indies etc- the sycophancy
of the
Babus ie the Government of India administrators and politicos leaves
much to be
desired in terms of promotion AND VALUE ADDED to India and NRIS-
especially NOT
from USA and EU.
While platitudes are given to the Indian resourcefulness and successes-
which is true especially outside of India-
scant attention is paid to
anything other than Biz development and that too related around IT and
present
day.
This leaves behind the wonderful connexion with Thailand, Laos, Cambodia,
Fiji (?), West Indies and
South America
This time the event is concluding in New Delhi and about 1,200 NRIS
are
present- this represents a sharp drop drom the 5000 in the first year!
Tells us
something is not clicking!
The PBD
is a good concept and it will behoove the GoI folks to
survey NRIS on their needs ad expectations too and ALSO explore the
intellectual
route and develop programs for increased interest in Heritage,
Cultural
preservations, Educational and Tourist exchanges- rather tha
stick to
Entertainment, Business (only) or crass Tourism to Goa and drug
infested places!
PRAWASI
BHARATIYA AWARDS for 2006
* Gopal Raju (US) for
his contribution in
the field of media.
* Lord Diljit Rana, MBE and member of the
House of Lords, for furthering India's
interests and enhancing the
understanding of India.
* Dave Sukhdip Singh
Hayer (Canada)
for his contribution in the
field of public Service.
* Dr M Anirudhan (US)
for his outstanding
contribution towards furthering Indo-US relations and dedicated service
to the
Diaspora.
* Billy Nair (South Africa)
for his exemplary role in the
fight against apartheid and for his dedicated service to the community.
* Pheroze Nowrojee (Kenya)
for his immense contribution
to the community.
* Nirmal K Sinha (US)
for his contribution
to India's
causes and services to the
Diaspora.
* Dr K R Somasundram (Malaysia)
for his public service and
contribution to the Diaspora.
* Kenneth Benjamin (Jamaica)
for enhancing the
understanding of India in
the Caribbean
region.
* Sibabrata Roy (Germany)
for community service.
* Syed M Salahuddin
(UAE) for his contribution
in the field of business philanthropy and culture.
* Dr B R Shetty (Abu Dhabi)
for his business acumen and
services to the Diaspora.
* Moti Tikaram (Fiji)
for his outstanding
achievements in the field of legal and juridical services and
contribution to
the community.
* Abdul Magid Abdool Karim Vakil (Portugal)
for his contribution to the
field of business and enhancing the understanding of India.
* Dr P Jayaraman (US) for his dedication
towards the dissemination of Indian culture and his outstanding
contribution to
the Diaspora.
Jan10; A Great Milestone in Space research & Industry for India-
Launch of Home Built Satellite
The launch of
Indis's
indeginously built Space vehicle Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-c7)
marked Indi's entry into the elite club of nations
:The successfullaunch of the PSLV-C7
carried four satellites, lfrom the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in
Sriharikota in
South India on January 10th
The
44.5 meter tall 295 ton PSLV-C7 lifted off from the launch pad at 9.24 am and
the “all systems go “launch heralded a new dimension of the Space
exploration
and Industry in years to come.
Indian
Space Research Organization has grown through the years and the latest
sortie PSLV-C7 included payloads for :
Indonesia
LAPAN-TUBSAT- 56-kg Lapan-Tubsat, a joint venture between
Technical University of Berlin;
Argentina PEHUENSAT-1 six kg nano satellite .
The payload also included the
680 kg Indian remote sensing satellite CARTOSAT-2
and a 550 kg Space Capsule Recovery
Equipment
(SRE-1). The SRE is a
Reusable Space Vehicel and has attracted considerable interest
An Added
interesting note is that Indian American NASA Astronaut was already
orbiting in space aboard the International Space Station ISS - where
she is resident for another 6 months,
. So it was indeed a great day
for the diaspora of people of Indian Origin
Sunita Williams beamed down congratulations to the ISRO Space agency
saying, "Congratulations, what a great accomplishment," Sunita said,
speaking via satellite from the International Space Station with
journalists and students who gathered at the American Centre in New
Delhi.
No doubt from her antage point, she possibly had a great view
BLOG ARCHIVES
Dec
27: Historic US-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement Signed by President
Bush Jr.
After a lot
of
dilly dallying :-0, both the US Senat and US Congress ratified the
historic Us- India Civilain NuclearAgreement ( Nuke Agreement for short)
Many Indian-American lobbyists and groups in USA played
arole in making sure their opinions were heard by US legislators
While this has the blessings and impetus from a wide range
of folks across the globe including UN watchdogs and IAEA and many
countries, there are some misgivings on both US and Indian sides as
well.
In terms of strategic interests, it works well for both US
and India and for all people generally in favor of stuff like
democracy, Open
Markets and Free trade AND also those opposed to Totalitarian regimes
and
Islamic jihadis type etc
Having said that, the unilateral way, the US has bypassed norms
and covenants to make an exception in case of India has been an
ominous revelation for many.
Obviously, the disarmament and Opposers of NuKes in
general are
against teh Nuke agreement.
Inspite of NPT ( Non proliferation Treaty) being
regarded as
unfair to developing nations- many supporters of NPT are also luke warm
to this "exceptional" ( opun intended) agreement.
FYI CTBT- which is the
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty- and which forces ALL Nuke powers to give
up their power ....is opposed by the Nuke nations US, Russia, China
etc-
who perfer NPT- which allows them to hold on to Nukes but deny any new
entrants the right to be officially in the Nuclear Club.
From a Busines or Coporate POV, for US companies
primarily,
the latest Nuke Agreement makes a lot of economical sense- Billions of
Dollars
in contracts upcoming!.
Also Note; USA has
quitely approved a multi Billion dollar
Arms package to Pakistan ( Talk abt Arms Race in South Asia!!)
This again leads one to question the long term
strategy of the
USA. Afterall Pakistan has ben more and more exposed as a
protector and creator of the Taliban and folks like AQ Khan who sold
Nuke secrets and
plans to likes of Ghaddafi (Libya), Saudi Arabia and Iran and offered
it to Al Qaeda as well!
Yet there seems to be a "honeymon" relations
with Pakistan being called "Close Ally of USA".
Even the President of Afghanistan- who is NO DOUBT an US
Ally(!!) has
called Pakistan and taken the Army, ISI- Pakistani Secret Service- to
task in NO UNCERTAIN Terms.
Actually in diplomatic
terms,
such an unequivaocal statement by a President of a neighboring country-
who is also an ally- is the equivalent of a kick in the stomach or some
other body part!
Last Word: Isn't it mazing
that there is a BUMPER RECORD
CROP of OPIUM/POPPY in the Pakistan/ Afghanistan region- where
the Taliban and Al Qaeda are "hiding" and
-Yet Gen. Mushharaff makes a deal with "Tribbal Leaders" JUST IN TIME
FOR THE HARVEST SEASON
- WHAT ARE THE Pakistani Soldiers and Americcan troops doing while
Hunting for Al Qaeda- DONT THEY NOTICE THE CROPS OF OPIUM???
BLOG ARCHIVES
