Meira Kumar

NEW DELHI – Parliament on May 13 resolved to uphold and maintain its dignity, sanctity and supremacy to make it an effective instrument of change and strengthen the democratic values and principles.

Members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha also resolved to enhance the accountability of Government towards people through Parliament’s oversight and rededicate themselves in the sacred task of nation building.

The resolution, climaxing the day-long debate marking the 60th anniversary of the first sitting of Parliament, moved by Speaker Meira Kumar and Chairman Hamid Ansari, was adopted unanimously by members by voice vote.

“We, the members…do hereby solemnly reaffirm our total and abiding commitment to the ideals cherished by our founding fathers, and resolve:

a) to uphold and maintain the dignity, sanctity and supremacy of Parliament;

b) to make Parliament an effective instrument of change and to strengthen democratic values and principles;

Hamid Ansari

c) to enhance the accountability of the Government towards the people through the oversight of Parliament, and;

d) to rededicate ourselves completely to the sacred task of Nation Building,” the resolution read.

The two Houses recalled the immense sacrifices made by freedom fighters in the nation’s struggle for independence and the stellar role played by the founding fathers of the Constitution in mandating equality, fraternity, justice, brotherhood of mankind and the uplift of under-privileged and down-trodden sections of society.

Members also acknowledged with satisfaction and pride the maturity of the people of India who have cherished the democratic values and worked ceaselessly for the unity and integrity of the nation.

They also noted that in the last 60 years, Parliament had through epoch-making laws, taken decisive steps towards ensuring equity and justice in all matters for establishing an inclusive society in pursuance of the deep faith and commitment to ideals enshrined in the Constitution.                                            (PTI)

WOMEN POWER: Hillary Clinton with Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi

NEW DELHI – Key strategic issues, including civil-nuclear cooperation, terrorism, situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Iran and security were discussed between the PM and US Secretary of State.

Indicating that Mamata was high on her priority, Clinton arrived in Kolkata on May 6 in the first leg of her three-day visit to India, even before meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi. The meeting assumed significance as it was the first such exercise by any US Secretary of State.

Later, Clinton also met with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Further, Prime Minister outlined the opportunities in infrastructure area and also discussed ways to enhance economic ties.

The US Secretary of State also conveyed her country’s expectations on the opening of FDI in retail sector as well as a new set of economic reforms by Indian government.

Both sides also talked about Iran and all aspects of Tehran’s engagement with the international community including India.

The US has been urging India and other countries to slash oil imports from Iran to step up pressure on Tehran to comply with international demands over its nuclear program, with Clinton earlier in the day asking New Delhi to do even more on this front.

Manmohan Singh and Clinton also talked about the situation in Afghanistan and the ways to sustain development and stability in the war-torn country after the withdrawal of Western troops by 2014.

Clinton, who had started her three-nation Asia trip with a visit to China to attend US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, briefed Manmohan Singh about her “perceptions” of that country, sources said.

Asked if the issue of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed was also discussed, sources said all aspects of terrorism were discussed but refused to divulge specifics of the deliberations.

The two sides also talked about their respective ties with Pakistan.

While India’s ties with Pakistan are on an upward trajectory, US-Pak relations have been under strain for nearly an year and half.

However, Clinton had earlier been to Kolkata after Mother Teresa’s death in 1997 as the First Lady of the United States of America.

Vikram Singh

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Indian-American Vikram Singh has been appointed to a key Pentagon position to look after entire South and Southeast Asia.

“Vikram J Singh has been appointed to the Senior Executive Service and is assigned as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for south and Southeast Asia, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Policy),” a Pentagon announcement said.

Vikram Singh previously served as Special Assistant, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Policy).

Singh was a close associate of late Richard Holbrooke, the Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

He replaces Robert Scher, who has now been assigned as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Plans.           (PTI)

Hamilton Brewart

BY A STAFF REPORTER

LOS ANGELES, CA – Hamilton Brewart,76, a great supporter of the local Indian-American community, passed away on  May 2 after a prolonged struggle with brain cancer. His involvement with the Indian-American community cannot be overstated and has brought him many accolades. His generosity as a sponsor for a wide spectrum of events involving the Indian-American community gained him much popularity, building a strong bond with community members who will remember him for many years to come. Always shying away from the limelight, he was a true philanthropist who very often wished to remain anonymous.

Hamilton is survived by his wife, Denise Brewart, his children, Colleen Badawi, Derek Brewart, Debbie Mahfoud, and Blake Brewart many grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

The viewing was held at Todd Memorial Chapel in Pomona on  May 7, followed by the funeral on May 8, at St. Joseph Church Pomona. Guests were asked to make donations to PRATHAM USA in lieu of flowers.

Hamilton is known for Hamilton Brewart Insurance (HBI), which he opened in 1976.

Hamilton John Cyril Brewart was born in Baghdad, Iraq on December 19, 1935. His special fondness for the Indian-American community goes back to his visit many years ago to India with his sister Ivy. In his young adult years in Iraq, he worked for the British Petroleum Company. It was there that he met and married, Amy Hovsepian, in 1958.

Twelve years after his divorce from his first wife, Hamilton married Denise Godinho.

MASSIVE TURNOUT: The community came out in huge numbers for a day of fun.

VAN NUYS, CA – Punjabi Heritage and Cultural Society in association with the Festival of India Los Angeles, organized the first ever open air Vaisakhi Mela here on May 5 at the Birmingham Charter High School grounds. Organizers estimated that nearly 12,000 people attended the celebrations.

Along the perimeter of the grounds, there were nearly 60 booths, selling food, jewelry, clothing and  offering services like real estate, insurance, medical and recreation.

The highlight of the celebrations were live performances by the popular Punjabi pop singers, Jazzy B from Canada and Sharry Maan from India.

Speaking on the occasion, Congressman Brad Sherman said San Fernando Valley has emerged as a major hub for the Indian-American community in the United States. He described the Vaisakhi Day celebrations as an ‘outstanding event’ and recognized the organizers, Iqbal Samra, Ravi Grewal, Shamsher Sidhu and Raman Chadha.

Jazzy B.regales the drowd.

Congressman Howard Berman, while speaking on the occasion praised the Indian-American community and spoke of the contributions they had made in the development and growth of the area.

Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield could not be there, but sent Certificates of Recognition to the organizers.

Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah and Dr. Piara Singh were honored on the occasion for their outstanding contributions and services to the community.

Iqbal Samra, thanked the sponsors for their support and announced that $100,000 had been raised from the organization of the mela, and the organizers would be looking into seeing how best the money could be used for the benefit of the community.

Raman Chadha said the mission was to showcase Punjabi culture, language and heritage. He said events like the mela were aimed at raising enough funds to start a community center in San Fernando Valley with cremation facilities and also a senior care center.

Sharry Maan, a decorated Punjabi singer from India, whose song ‘Yaar Anmulle’ broke all records of any unsigned Punjabi singer on YouTube, sang his popular numbers to the delight of the audience. So familiar was the crowd with, ‘Yaar Anmulle’, that the singer playfully chose to render one line and the audience gleefully sang the next line, with gusto! In addition to other numbers, he sang his latest song, ‘Pooja Kiven Hai’.

Organizers, guests and sponsors. Pics: S.R. Wedding Photography

Another musical offering during the celebrations came from the “crown prince of banghra” Jazzy B. He sang popular Punjabi numbers and the audience danced to his tunes for nearly two hours. Even some technical problems in the sound system could not decrease the passion of the large crowd who received him with great excitement.

The event was emceed by Asha Sharma, who was referred by the dignitaries and the singers as encyclopedia of Punjabi literature and culture. Throughout the whole event, she recited short poems, sayings and verses.

In addition, local artist Bikram Singh presented Punjabi songs. Kathak Kala Academy students presented impressive Kathak dance. Bhangra Regiment and Cal Bhangra District presented stirring bhangra dance.

EVENT HIGHLIGHT: Shyamal Shodhan with the models

BY K.B.NAIR

CERRITOS, CA -  A full house of over 300  came to the charity event held by the  Akshaya Patra Foundation  at the Cerritos Sheraton on May 6.  While the fashion show by Shyamal & Bhumika was the draw, it  more importantly provided first time information  to many of the scope and magnitude of the NGO’s immense task of serving a hot meal daily  to  1.3  million school children across nine states in India and the kind of support it needs to achieve its goal of extending this to 5 million kids by the year 2020.

Vandana Tilak, the Los Angeles Chapter Chair in her brief talk compared the mission of the organization to  the concept of ‘ Sanskruti’  which exists in Indian culture to set aside a little for others, she pointed out that with the purchase of a ticket for the show, every person present had already helped pay for a meal for a child for a whole year.  A video on Akshaya Patra was played, outlining the latest marketing and technical expertise it adopts and displaying the state of the art equipment it uses to fulfill its daily undertaking. The audience watched in pin drop silence except for murmurs of amazement as some of the  mind boggling  statistics unfolded on the screen.

Vandana Tilak addressing the gathering.

National  President and CEO of  Akshaya Patra , Madhu Sridhar elaborated on the  technology intensive kitchens set up  across India to  prepare freshly prepared nutritious midday  meals for over 1.3 million children who would otherwise go hungry.  This has proven to be a great incentive for children to attend school and will help to break the cycle of poverty for them and their families through the education  they can set their minds on , thanks to a full stomach.  She urged listeners to visit one of the kitchens to experience first hand  the  hope they deliver along with food to the children.  She acknowledged  the roles of the Central and State Goverments who  cover 50% of the cost and added that this makes it an example of  how success comes when the private and public sectors and civic society come together. . She also  hoped  that within the next ten years this model would be replicated in at least one other country  than India. She added she was  touched by the response of those wishing to volunteer their time and resources to raise awareness about the organization for the Akshaya Patra children and had a special word of appreciation for  Vandana Tilak,  Nitin Bajaj, Krutika Pranav, Parul Mehta and Smita Vasant. She  also thanked Shyamal and Bhumika for supporting the cause and by willing to contribute part of the day’s proceeds to the NGO.

Ravi Tilak joined the others in the appeal for pledges. He went on to dramatically announce that this year his grandmother had entered into her 101st year and in her honor he was donating a sum of $101,000 to Akshaya Patra which was met with a thunderous response.

With business out of the way, the audience was treated to a short,  yet  sublime collection of a new line from the house of Shyamal and Bhumika.  The range had been specially created  for Akshaya Patra and fashion designer Shyamal Shodhan described it  as a theme which focused on beach weddings. The couple believe in using artisan techniques while designing their Indian wear and international collections and their love for Indian embroideries, hand woven fabrics, and age old craft techniques   were very visible in the embellishments on the dresses .  At the end Shyamal Shodhan briefly described his visit to a kitchen which made him a diehard fan of Akshaya Patra.

Fund raising in progress with Madhu Sridhar, Sailesh Ranchod and Ravi Tilak.

A total of $136,000 was collected at the event but Vandana Tilak told India Journal that more importantly  than the amount  collected, this particular event was focused on spreading awareness in  the local Indian community about Akshaya Patra which is why the ticket price had been kept low. She said the chapter aims at trying to tap Corporate Organizations with a large number of Indian employees for sponsorships and  urging the participation of the youth in the community.

Madhu Sridhar told India Journal that if she is able to persuade a third of the three million Indians in the USA to pledge $15 to the cause every January 1st, the organization was set to provide a meal for a million deserving children for a whole year. For more: www.foodforeducation.org

Shena Aggarwal and Rukmani Riar

NEW DELHI – For the second straight year, the top two positions in the Indian Civil Services Examination 2011 have been bagged by women–an AIIMS graduate and a social scientist.

Shena Aggarwal, who holds a MBBS degree from the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here, bagged the top slot in the exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) results for which were announced on May 4.

The second rank was secured by Rukmani Riar, a Master of Arts (Social Entrepreneurship) from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.

Chennai-based law graduate S Divyadharshini topped the list in the 2010 exams followed by computer engineer Sweta Mohanty from Hyderabad.

In the 2011 exams, the third position was obtained by Prince Dhawan, an M.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.

A total of 910 candidates — 715 male and 195 female — were selected for appointments to various central services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others, according to a release by the Department of Personnel and Training.

Of the top 25 candidates – 13 appeared from Delhi; three from Jaipur, two each from Mumbai & Chandigarh; and one each from Hyderabad, Chennai, Dispur, Patna and Jammu centres.

The result also showcased the pan-Indian distribution of successful candidates in the examination. Candidates claiming domicile from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh are in the top 25 list.

The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2011 was conducted on June 12. As many as 4,72,290 candidates applied for this examination, out of which 2,43,003 wrote the test.

According to a release by the Department of Personnel and Training, 11,984 candidates were declared qualified for the main written examination held in October-November, 2011 out of which 2,417 candidates were selected for the personality test conducted in March-April, 2012.               (PTI)

Music and dance featured prominently at the mela.

BY DEEPINDER SINGH

CORONA, CA – Dhamaal Entertainment in association with REC and Hollycal Production organized ‘Desi Mela 2012’ here at the Citrus Park on April 28. Nearly 5,000 people gathered to attend the fun event that ran the whole day, starting from 12 noon till 9pm.

Live entertainment was provided by seven local singers, who showcased their talent by singing popular numbers, winning the appreciation of the audience. They were Amit Anand, Amit Gill, Alisha Ali, Arshad Ali, Izez Mussa, Jamal Hassan and Shazia Ali. Team from UC Riverside performed Gidda. Thayla performed fusion dance amidst applauses of the crowd.

Nearly 50 stalls were put together which gave the whole show an actual Desi Mela look. There were food stalls, Indian-Pakistani clothing, mehndi tattoo, rides and jumpers for the kids and games. Food was provided by Indomie, Singh Cash & Carry, Pooja Caterings, Karachi Tandoori, Barbeque Grill, KFC Halal and Cool and Chill Ice Cream.

Main sponsors of the event were Aqra Travel, Indomie and Power Security.

Anees Karim while talking to India Journal said it has been his dream to bring the Indian and Pakistani communities together and celebrate the festivals as there is commonality in language and culture. “It was a delight watching Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi community here, sharing and enjoying the rich culture and heritage of the region,” he said. He thanked the audience who turned up in large numbers.

One of the bhajan groups among the 24 that participated.

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Carson, CA – Graced by the presence of Pujya Maa Sarveshvari, over 1200 devotees from all over the U.S., India and elsewhere, assembled with great joy and festivity at the Shree Ramkabir Mandir here for a three day Bhajan extravaganza, as part of the  2012 National Bhakta Mahila Mandal Bhajan Sammelan.

Over 850 ladies representing 24 different bhajan groups and regions flew into Los Angeles on April 27.  The Bhajan Sammelan was dedicated to the Mandir’s spiritual gurus, Late Mahant Shree Ramsvarupdasji and Pujya Maa Sarveshvari, both of whose guidance, support and blessings made the Mandir possible.  The Sammelan was also held in honor of the Late Mahants Dayaramdasji and Gokaldasji, who served for several decades in Ramkabir Mandirs in Surat and Kabirvad.

The Mandir was beautifully decorated outside.  This being a ladies event, the adage that behind every successful man is a woman, was reversed, with local male devotees, led by the President of  Shree Ramkabir Mandir, Mukundbhai Lallubhai Bhakta, members of the Board of Trustees, and volunteers with seva-bhava   extending invaluable support throughout the planning and implementation of this event.

With all the devotees inside the mandir on the evening of April 27, aarti was sung, led by the leaders of all the Bhajan groups who were attending.  Devotees were then welcomed by Dudhiben Lakhubhai Bhakta and Minaxiben Indubhai Bhakta.

Welcome speeches were followed by special prayers offered by Bhakta youth in the memory of late Mohanbhai Naranbhai Bhakta, whose dedication to the revival of traditional Bhakta bhajans is well known.

A souvenir dedicated to him was released. With emcee Dharmeshbhai Jagdishbhai Bhakta at the helm, proceedings started at this National Bhajan gathering at 8 am, on April 28.

Prayers led by Mandir youth followed, and all other participants 800 or so strong joined in.

The bhajans then began in earnest.

The highlight of the day came when Pujya Maa Sarveshvari arrived. The rise in devotional intensity was palpably felt as she entered the Mandir and bowed before Satguru Kabir, with devotees belting out a rapturous dhun reciting her name.  Maa then showered her love and grace upon the devotees by walking through the crowd of seated participants … and then in absolutely humility bowed to all the devotees …  recognizing the Divinity in all, and teaching the quality of humility to all by her own example.

The next day saw the same enthusiastic participation of bhajans. During the day, short speeches were delivered by Vallabhbhai G. Bhakta, Vice–President of Shree Ramkabir Mandir, Niranjanbhai D Patel, founder of the Mandir’s Kabir Research Center, and each Bhajan group leader.  Speaker after speaker extolled the welcome accorded to the attendees, the high quality of the entire event, the love, warmth and affection shown to them by the Mandir by providing free accommodation at the Hilton Hotel for three days, and especially by its donors and volunteers in the form of services offered during the entire event.

Youth planting a tree.

BY A STAFF REPORTER

CHINO HILLS, CA – Earth Day is a global annual event aimed at preserving the environment by promoting green initiatives. Since the first gathering, in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) has gathered more than 1 billion people to take part in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. Volunteers around the world gather locally to plant trees, recycle, and spread the word about Earth Day’s significance.

This year, BAPS Charities volunteers here, participated in a local tree-planting event at the Veteran’s Park on Chino Hills Parkway. BAPS Charities youth volunteers planted approximately 25 trees of four different types: Elderica pines, Eastern redbud, Cinnamon camphor, and Liquidambar. “Today was a huge success, we planted a good number of trees” said Mike Curtiss, the Landscaping Inspector for City of Chino Hills. “Thanks to the great turnout of volunteers from the girl scout and BAPS Charities, we were able to accomplish a lot.”

In an effort to go beyond the 24-hours dedicated to Earth Day, the BAPS center in Chino Hills utilizes green energy from solar panels which results in a carbon footprint offset of approximately 1,220,000 pounds of CO2 per year.  Additionally, BAPS centers are continuously finding new ways to creatively harness cutting edge environmental designs and materials in their activities. Currently, many facilities utilize power saving fiber optics, LED lighting and management practices to ensure energy consumption is both optimal and efficient.