Vaisakhi Celebrated at the Indian Consulate, New York

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Inanticipation of a new Russian offensivein eastern Ukraine, President Joe Bidenhas approved an $800 million package ofmilitary assistance, including additionalhelicopters and the first provision ofAmerican artillery, according to anAssociated Press report.

The Ukrainians also will receive

armored personnel carriers, armoredHumvees, naval drone vessels used incoastal defense, and gear and equipmentused to protect soldiers in chemical,biological, nuclear and radiologicalattacks.

"This new package of assistance willcontain many of the highly effectiveweapons systems we have alreadyprovided and new capabilities tailored tothe wider assault we expect Russia tolaunch in eastern Ukraine," Mr. Bidensaid in a statement on April 13.

"The steady supply of weapons theUnited States and its allies and partnershave provided to Ukraine has beencritical in sustaining its fight against theRussian invasion," Mr. Biden added.

"It has helped ensure that [RussiaPresident Vladimir] Putin failed in hisinitial war aims to conquer and controlUkraine. We cannot rest now."

Mr. Biden announced the aid after acall with Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyy.

CONTD ON PAGE 60

VOL 16 ISSUE 15 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● APRIL 15 - 21, 2022 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 ● [email protected]

# 1 Indian American Weekly : Since 2006EVER TRUTHFULwww.theindianpanorama.news

VAISAKHI SPECIAL

Vaisakhi Celebrated at theIndian Consulate, New York

NEW YORK CITY (TIP): TheIndian Panorama organized aVaisakhi celebration at the Indianconsulate in New York on April 2.Incidentally, the day happened tobe the first Navaratri - the sacrednine-day festival of the Hindus,and the first day of the month ofRamadan, the month of fasting forthe Muslims. Vaisakhi is the dayof creation of the Khalsa,popularly known as the Sikhs. Itwas on the day of Vaisakhi in 1699when the Tenth Master GuruGobind Singh created a new orderand called it Khalsa to which hegave a distinct identity.

CONTD. ON PAGE 20 Bhangra is the manifestation of the Vaisakhi spirit Photo / Jay Mandal-on assignment

PM GREETS SIKHS ON KHALSA SAJNA DIVAS NEW DELHI (TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on

Thursday, April 14, greeted people, particularly Sikhs, on theoccasion of Khalsa Saajna Diwas, which marks theanniversary of the beginning of Khalsa Panth. The TenthGuru of the Sikhs, Shri Guru Gobind Singh had createdKhalsa on the day of Vaisakhi in 1669 and given his followersa distinct identity. Modi tweeted, "Greetings to everyone,especially the Sikhs on the special occasion of Khalsa SaajnaDiwas. The Khalsa Panth motivates countless people acrossthe world. Inspired by it, Sikhs have distinguished themselvesglobally in diverse fields." (With inputs from PTI)

WE WISH READERS A

HAPPY VAISAKHI

The Khalsa Panth motivatescountless people across the

world,' Modi tweeted. File photo

President Biden approves$800 million in new military

assistance for Ukraine

Ed Mangano sentenced to 12 years in prison; wife

Linda gets 15 months in jail

"The steady supply of weapons the UnitedStates and its allies and partners have provided

to Ukraine has been critical in sustaining its fightagainst the Russian invasion," says Joe Biden

File photo

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY (TIP): U.S.District Judge Joan Azrack on Thursday,April 14, sentenced former NassauCounty Executive Edward Mangano to12 years in prison in a bribery case thatstretched several years and turned aonce-popular Republican leader into adisbarred attorney and felon.

The Judge told the defendant: "Yourcrimes were motivated by greed....Youhave shown no remorse for your actionsin the slightest."

"You were the Nassau CountyExecutive and had tremendous politicalclout," she said. "You were the NassauCounty Executive and you led by yourcorrupt example."

Citing recent threats to democracy, shesaid "democracy is a precious thing andcrimes such as yours strike at the heart."

Mangano, 61, gave a lengthy defense ofhis actions and pleaded for leniency forhis wife, Linda. He told the judge: "Mylife has been destroyed," adding that hewas mentally "a wreck" and in "massivedebt."

He called it a "sad and very difficult

day, horrific decade.""I truly wish I had hindsight vision,"

he said. "I was so focused on running thecounty and dealing with NIFA..."

"We're not takers," he said, "I wouldnot allow my office to be infiltrated bythat."

CONTD ON PAGE 60

Ex-Nassau County Executive Edward Manganoand wife Linda File photo

● Remembering Jallianwala BaghMassacre Page 10

● Interview : Consul General of IndiaMr. Randhir K Jaiswal Page 12-13

Here's a Day to Celebrate. Rarelyis found a person in the historyof mankind who has left such a

deep imprint on the life and character ofpeople within a brief span of 42 years.More than three hundred years later hestill continues to move millions of menand women not only in India, the greatsubcontinent of Asia but the entireworld.

From the five beloveds he baptized in1699 today he has a following of close to30 million and growing with thereligion he gave enjoying fifth positionamong the world's most favoredreligions.

Guru Gobind Singh, the man I amreferring to, was a unique person. Theimage of God he portrayed is exactly thesame as painted by Guru Nanak Dev, theFirst Master of the Sikhs. The MoolMantra of Jaap Sahib (a poetic work ofGuru Gobind Singh) provides aninteresting study from this point ofview. The Almighty of Guru Gobind

Singh is the "True Lord of All, hasneither distinguishing signs nor marks,no one can discern him, and beyondlimitations and is manifested as theLight of the Spirit, the Lord God of amyriad Indras and is proclaimed theKing of Kings, the Master of the threeworlds- of gods, men and demons.

Guru Gobind Singh gave the messageof equality and fraternity i.e.,Fatherhood of God and brotherhood ofmankind. He said, some are Hindus,some Turks, some are of Shiapersuasion and some of Imam Shafai;mankind is all of one race.

Eminent historian Cunninghamstates that though the last apostle of theSikhs did not see his own endsaccomplished, he effectively raised thedormant energy of a vanquished peopleand filled them with the lofty, althoughfitful, longing for social freedom andnational ascendancy, the true adjunct ofthat purity of worship which had beenpreached by Guru Nanak.

Guru Gobind Singh not onlypatronized the Sikh institution ofsacrifice, he actually sacrificed hiswhole family. Guru Gobind Singh is anideal and should be an idol for the younggeneration of today. All pessimism willvanish and instead a robust optimism

will fill our youth should they imbibethe ideals and values of the Guru. Letthem give up their weakness forintoxicants and have faith in theirinnate energy to countenance anychallenge and overcome any obstacle.Let them follow the Guru's progressivehumanism empowered with spiritualityand sacrifice. Let them derive strengthand courage from the Tenth Guru whoexpressed all optimism and positiveattitude for the victory of the forces ofrighteousness over evil and repression.

Sikh culture and religion is a richheritage to be protected and glorified.The mission of Guru Nanak / GuruGobind Singh is cosmic. May theAlmighty bestow His blessings on allhuman beings, particularly younggeneration of the Sikhs and fill themwith tremendous strength and will toestablish the Kingdom of God on Earth.May the Lord Almighty rid the Sikhleaders of arrogance and drunkennessof power! May they learn to be meek,humble, caring, loving and giving,following the dictates of our Gurus!

Vaisakhi is a day to thank the TenthMaster for all His gifts to His Panth andalso a day to dedicate ourselves to Hismission. It is a day to celebrate the birthof Khalsa.

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER:

Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja

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Chitagam Saluja

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Editor-In-ChiefBlitz India Media Group

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EDITORIAL THE INDIAN PANORAMA

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 02

GUEST COMMENT

BY INDRAJITSALUJA

COMMENT

VAISAKHI SPECIAL

Vaisakhi is a day to dedicateourselves to the

Mission of Guru Gobind Singh

INDIA-US DIALOGUE: BOTHNATIONS MAINTAIN FOCUS ON

STRATEGIC COOPERATION

The India-US 2+2 MinisterialDialogue, held amid the Russia-Ukraine war, has ticked all the

bilateral boxes, with both nationsreaffirming their commitment toenhancing defense and strategiccooperation in various domains,including relatively new ones such asspace, artificial intelligence andcyberspace. It's laudable that the USdelegation, led by Secretary of StateAntony Blinken and Secretary ofDefense Lloyd Austin, and the Indianside, represented by Defense MinisterRajnath Singh and External AffairsMinister S. Jaishankar, did not let thetwo countries' differences overengagement with Russia cast a shadowon their talks.

The US has reiterated its support for

India's permanent membership in areformed UN Security Council and NewDelhi's induction into the NuclearSuppliers' Group (NSG). India is keen tojoin the elite club whose members areentitled to hassle-free procurement ofsupplies from international markets forbuilding and operating nuclear reactors,but China has been playing spoilsport inleague with Pakistan. As of now, India'sN-push is powered by initiatives underthe India-US Civil Nuclear EnergyWorking Group. Timely transfer oftechnology holds the key to a mutuallybeneficial strategic partnership,particularly in defense and energysectors. India and the US need toredouble efforts to get the best results onthis front.

Both countries are on the same pagewhen it comes to envisioning a free, open

and inclusive Indo-Pacific and turningQuad into a formidable force that canmake a lasting impact beyond itsmultilateral framework. With a newgovernment set to take charge inPakistan, it is significant that thetroubled and troublesome country findsa mention in the joint statement. Theministers have called on Pakistan to take'immediate, sustained, and irreversibleaction to ensure that no territory underits control is used for terrorist attacks'. Asimilarly strong message has beenconveyed to Afghanistan's rulers, theTaliban. All in all, the dialogue makes itclear that India and the US will continueto give precedence to their commonstrategic interests, irrespective ofgeopolitical upheaval anywhere in theworld.

(The Hindu)

ADVT THE INDIAN PANORAMA

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 03VAISAKHI SPECIAL

INDIAN ABROAD THE INDIAN PANORAMA


Indian American Association ofphysicians elect new leaders

NEW YORK (TIP): The new leadership team of theAmerican Association of Physicians of Indian Origin(AAPI), headed by President-elect Dr. Ravi Kolli, is set totake over during its 40th annual convention in SanAntonio, Texas in June.

Dr. Kolli did not have to contest the election this year ashe has been serving as the President-elect during the pastyear. Dr. Anjana Sammadar, AAPI Vice President, alsoautomatically becomes the President-Elect of AAPI for2022-23.

Nine new office bearers were announced Sunday afterelections for the year 2022-23 for AAPI leadershippositions by Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, current Presidentof AAPI, and Dr. Sajani Shah, AAPI's Chief ElectionOfficer, according to an AAPI press release.

They are:

● Dr. Satheesh Kathula as Vice President● Dr. Meherbala Medavaram as Secretary● Dr. Sumul Raval as Treasurer● Dr. Kavita Gupta, Dr. Sunil Kaza, and Dr. Malti

Mehta as members of AAPI's Board of Trustees fora three-month year term.

● Dr. Pooja Kinkhabwala as President, AAPI YoungPhysicians Section (YPS)

● Dr. Ammu Susheela as President of AAPI- MedicalStudent/Residents & Fellows Section (MSRF).

● Dr. V. Ranga will serve as the Chair, AAPI Board ofTrustees for the year, 2022-23 and Dr. Gotimukulawill continue to guide AAPI as the Immediate pastPresident of AAPI.

"I want to thank AAPI members who enthusiasticallyparticipated in the AAPI's electronic voting process thatwas held over a period of nearly a month and have electeda new and dynamic team to lead AAPI, the largest ethnicmedical organization in the United States in the coming

year and beyond," Dr. Gotiumukula said."As the incoming President of AAPI, I would like to

congratulate my incoming new team for the fiscal year2022-23," said Kolli.

"I'm very honored and consider myself fortunate to bebestowed with the responsibility of leading the fourdecades old strong organization with the cooperation andcollaboration of an excellent team of dedicated,hardworking, and loyal officers and executive committeemembers who are with me to take AAPI to newerheights," he added.

"I am looking forward to working towardsstrengthening the goals and mission of AAPI and to helpmake AAPI a healthcare leader in US and globally andwork in the best interests of our Physicians and ourcommunity here in the US and serve our motherland,India," Kolli said.

Vice President-elect Dr. Satheesh Kathula said, "We willwork together to promote our values of professionalism,collegiality, and excellence in patient care and enhanceAAPI's reputation as a premier professional organizationoffering educational programs and advocacy."

"Since its inception in 1982, AAPI has been in theforefront, representing a conglomeration of more than100,000 practicing physicians in the United States,seeking to be the united voice for the physicians of Indianorigin," said Dr. Gotimukula.

The new leadership of AAPI

INDIAN-ORIGIN DR. SANJAY RAI WINSPRESIDENT'S LIFETIMEACHIEVEMENT AWARD

WASHINGTON, D.C.

(TIP): Dr Sanjay Rai, a notedIndian American educationist,has been honored with thePresident's LifetimeAchievement Award for"lifelong commitment tobuilding a stronger nationthrough volunteer service."

The award honors those whocomplete more than 4,000hours of service over thecourse of their lifetimethrough AmeriCorps, anindependent US governmentagency that engages more than

five million Americans in service."I am very fortunate to have opportunities as a first-

generation immigrant to contribute to the success ofthis nation," said Dr Rai, senior vice president foracademic affairs at Montgomery College, Maryland,who came to the US as an international student 32 yearsago.

"The myriad institutions where I have worked andcommunities where I have lived with my family - allhave embraced us with open arms." he said. "Being partof these communities and helping them build astronger foundation made me feel even more deeplythat America is an extraordinary place for opportunity,acceptance and growth.

"This recognition from President (Joe) Biden for'those who combine an optimism about what can bewith the resilience to turn that vision into reality….who are willing to step up and volunteer in service ofcommunity and country are essential to the ongoingwork of forming our more perfect union' is somethingthat I would have never dreamt 32 years ago when Icame to this country as an international student withhopes and dreams for better opportunities," Rai said.

(Read full story at www.theindianpanorama.news)

INDIAN-ORIGIN STUDENT KARTIKVASUDEV SHOT IN CANADA; EAM

EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES

TORONTO (TIP): A 21-year-oldIndian-origin student, Kartik Vasudev,has been shot by an unidentified man atthe entrance of the Sherbourne subwaystation in Canada's Toronto while hewas on his way to work, according to thepolice.

Kartik's cousin Gaurav Vasudev hastweeted, "My cousin was shot yesterday.We still don't know what happened."

We want the truth behind thegruesome murder to come out at theearliest so we can know what happenedand why our child was shot. JiteshVasudev, victim's father

According to information, Kartik,who hails from Ghaziabad, waspursuing global management fromToronto-based Seneca University andwas in his first year. He had shifted toCanada in January and was staying atan apartment he shared with his cousin.Shortly after joining the college, hefound a job at a restaurant in Downtownarea. Every day, Kartik would take thesame route using the subway and bus toreach his workplace.

(Read full story atwww.theindianpanorama.news)

INDIAN-ORIGIN MP TANMANJEET SINGH DHESIHONORED FOR RAISING FARMERS' ISSUE IN

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

PHAGWARA , INDIA (TIP): Various farmers unions honoredTanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, MP from Slough, UK, at an event in Maulivillage, Phagwara, on Friday, April 8, for raising the farmers' issuevociferously on the floor of the British Parliament during debates andquestions during 'Kisan Andolan'.

At this special programme organized by Bharatiya Kisan Union(Doaba), farmer leaders and supporters of the Sanyukt Kisan Morchagathered in large numbers to show their appreciation for those whohad shown solidarity during the largest protest on the planet. Dhesispoke at length on the NRI support for the Indian farmers and thedaily information updates he had received from many, especially hisuncle Paramjit Singh Raipur, member SGPC, from Adampur.

Dhesi said he had organized an initiative by drafting a letter whichwas signed by 36 MPs to the UK Foreign Minister so as to raise thehuman rights issue of the peacefully protesting farmers with theIndian Foreign Minister, which he duly did.

Interacting with farmer leaders, he said he had penned anotherletter to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, signed by over 100 BritishMPs, to ensure that farmers were not mistreated by the authorities,when footage of the tear gas and lathicharge became viral.

In his address, Dhesi raised various NRI issues, such as the need tohave more direct flights from the UK to Amritsar and Chandigarh. UKMP also highlighted other ongoing work that he was leading on,involving constructing a memorial in central London for Sikh soldierswho served during the World Wars and promoting the marital artgatka by holding annual UK Gatka Championships for seven years.

Dr Sanjay Rai, has beenhonored with the

President's LifetimeAchievement Award for"lifelong commitment to

building a stronger nationthrough volunteer service."

Tanmanjeet SinghDhesi, MP fromSlough, UK was

honored byFarmers groups

at an event inMauli village,Phagwara, onFriday, April 8,for raising thefarmers' issue

vociferously onthe floor of the

British Parliament

Kartik Vasudevwas shot by an

unidentified manat the entrance ofthe Sherbourne

subway station inCanada's Torontowhile he was onhis way to work,according to the

police.



NY/NJ/CT THE INDIAN PANORAMA


RAVISHANKAR BHOOPLAPUR REFLECTS ON 14 YEARS AS PRESIDENT OF XAVIERUNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Fourteen yearsago this week, Ibecame the

President of XavierUniversity School ofMedicine. I began mytenure with one goal -to cultivate a qualityand affordablemedical education. Ithas been my greatpleasure to work withthe faculty and staffto prepare successfuldoctors to serve theworld. A big 'thank you' to the Board of Trustees, who havesupported our continued progress and played an important rolein our achievements. During this time, we reached multiplesignificant milestones, such as unconditional accreditation by theA.C.C.M (recognized by the E.C.F.M.G. and N.C.F.M.E.A. underthe U.S. Department of Education, Washington DC), approvalfrom the New York State Education Department, 84% residencymatch rate this year, over 95% first-time pass rate in U.S.M.L.E.Step 1 and U.S.M.L.E. Step 2 C.K., opening a new residentialcampus in Aruba, commenced building a new academic campus(set to open in 2023), and being named a Top 10 Caribbean MedicalSchool. We have provided opportunity to a countless number ofstudents during my fourteen years, and we look forward tocontinuing to provide opportunities to students to fulfill theirdreams of becoming a doctor."

2 more Indian American Sikh menattacked, robbed in New York

INDIAN CONSULATE TWEETED "DEEPLY DISTURBED BY THE ASSAULT ON THE ELDERLY SIKH GENTLEMAN"NEW YORK (TIP): In the second such assault in less

than 10 days, two Sikh men were attacked and robbed inQueens here, the same neighborhood in the city wherean elderly Sikh man was assaulted early this month.

The Consulate General of India in New York said in atweet that the "assault on two Sikh gentlemen inRichmond Hills, New York" is deplorable.

"We have approached the local authorities and NewYork City Police Department in the matter," theConsulate said.

It added that it notes that a police complaint has beenfiled in the incident and one person has been arrested.The Consulate said that it is in touch with thecommunity members and "ready to offer all assistance tothe victims."

Community-based civil and human rightsorganization The Sikh Coalition said that the two Sikhindividuals were attacked and robbed in Richmond Hill,Queens on Tuesday.

The attack happened "very close" to the area whereseptuagenarian Nirmal Singh was punched in anunprovoked assault on April 3.

Commenting on the latest attack, Queens BoroughPresident Donovan Richards said that it is "anotherdifficult day" in the Richmond Hill area, "as we learn ofa second attack on a Sikh neighbor - days after Singh'sassault." He said his office has been in contact withpolice authorities "to ensure that justice is served here.Queens' Sikh community deserve nothing less."

New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif, whorepresents Brooklyn, tweeted that "Our thoughts withthe entire City this morning. From the senselessshooting in Sunset Park to the horrifying attack against

our Sikh neighbors in Richmond Hill, our communitiesare hurting. Please look out for each other today-we keepone another safe."

The Sikh Coalition said that out of respect for theirprivacy, it was not sharing the names or images of thetwo Sikh individuals, who are responsive and gettingmedical care.

However, video footage shared on social media showedthe two individuals surrounded by and being attended toby locals and police personnel. One of the injured is seensitting on the side of the road, while another is standingnext to him, covering his injury near his eye with a cloth.In the video, the two Sikh men are seen without turbanson their head.

The Sikh Coalition said it is in direct touch with theNew York Police Department Hate Crimes Task Force,who has shared that one suspect is in custody while thesearch is on for another attacker.

"Law enforcement believes both men were targeted forbeing Sikh, and the attacks are being investigated as

anti-Sikh hate crimes," the Sikh Coalition said."We also remind everyone that no one community is

deserving of--or responsible for--hate crimes. In thesedifficult moments, anti-Black racism is directly harmfulto our shared efforts to stop the hate violence thatendangers us all."

NY State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar said thatas the first Punjabi American ever elected to New YorkState Office, she in "unequivocal terms" stresses thatthere is zero tolerance for hate crimes against the SikhAmerican community in New York State.

She said that she had spoken to the NYPD after boththe attack incidents and is calling "for both incidents tobe investigated as hate crimes" and the perpetratorsbrought to justice.

She noted that there has been an alarming 200% rise inhate crimes against the Sikh community in recent years.She passed a historic resolution whereby New York Staterecognizes April as Punjabi month.

"We will educate all on Sikh culture so that everyoneknows as I do, the generosity and kindness embedded inthe Sikh American community, and together with mypartners in Congress and the Mayor, we will give lawenforcement the tools they need to fully investigate andprosecute these crimes of bias."

The Consulate had said in a tweet that it was "deeplydisturbed by the assault on the elderly Sikh gentleman"in Richmond Hill, Queens. "We condemn the violentattack and are in touch" with the New York PoliceDepartment (NYPD) and local authorities who areinvestigating the matter, it said. "We are also in touchwith local community organizations for the well-being ofthe victim."

Two elderly Sikh men named Sajjan Singh, and Gulzar Singh wereassaulted in Richmond Hill

Ravishankar Bhooplapur

Dunkin Donuts has a New Addresson Long Island

GOBIND BATHIJA ADDS TO HIS 13 EXISTING VENTURES

LONG ISLAND, NY

(TIP): Long Islandbusinessman GobindBathija has recentlylaunched a new venture-his14th by way of a drivethrough Dunkin Donuts at1669 Montauk Highway,Bellport, NY. The GrandOpening of the 2000 sq ftfree standing building tookplace on April 7, 2022.

The store distributed freecoffee coupons for one yearto first 100 customers.

The formidable guest listat the Grand Openingincluded Legislator JimMazzarella, LegislatorDomminick Thorne, CarolA Seitz-Cusack, President ofBluepoint COC, Alexis

Weik, NYS Senator 3rd Senatorial Distract, Joseph DeStefano, NYS Assemblyman 3rd AssemblyDistrict, Edward P. Romaine, Supervisor Town of Brookhaven, Michael A Loguercio , Town ofBrookhaven Town Councilman, Gregory C Miglino, Chief of south Country Ambulance, David MKennedy, President of Patchogue COC, Nilda Menica, Community Relation Bellport, James BConklin, Past Distract Giverner Suffolk County, Councilman Dan Panaco, Sam Gonzalez SuffolkCounty Legislator, Stephen Hudson, Director DD franchise operation, Theresa Codispoti DDoperation manager, Sonia Bathija and Tanya Bathija.



Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin arrestedNEW YORK (TIP): Lt. Gov. Brian

Benjamin has joined the ranks of NewYork politicians arrested for allegedcorruption, creating a big headache forGov. Kathy Hochul as she and Benjaminrun for full terms this year.

Prosecutors say Benjamin, while stillserving as a state senator representingHarlem, was involved in a briberyconspiracy that involved using statemoney to indirectly benefit hisunsuccessful 2021 campaign for NewYork City comptroller, The New YorkTimes reported Tuesday, April 12morning. Benjamin has surrendered toauthorities after being indicted on afederal charge. A spokesperson for thelieutenant governor, who wasappointed to his position last August,could not be reached for immediatecontact Tuesday.

"Brian Benjamin, the defendant, andothers acting at his direction or on hisbehalf, also engaged in a series of lies

and deceptions to cover up his scheme,including by falsifying campaign donorforms, misleading municipal regulators,and providing false information invetting forms Benjamin submitted whileunder consideration to be appointed thenext lieutenant governor of New Yorkstate," reads an indictment from theSouthern District of New York, which

oversees federal prosecutions inManhattan. A noon press conference hasalso been scheduled.

The federal charge represents aturning point for Benjamin, who hasbeen accused of numerous ethicalmisdeeds over the years - none of whichinvolved a criminal charge up to today.The City first reported on shady

donations allegedly involved in thatscheme last year. A real estate developerwho backed Benjamin's 2021 bid for NewYork City comptroller had already beenarrested in relation to the allegedscheme.

Hochul recently expressedconfidence in her nominal number twofollowing revelations, first reported bythe Daily News, that the lieutenantgovernor had not informed her ofsubpoenas from Manhattanprosecutors prior to his appointment aslieutenant governor. A spokespersonfor Hochul could not immediately bereached for comment.

Immediately, Republicans beganpiling on criticism of Hochul over thearrest for her choice of second incommand. "Proof that Kathy Hochulpicked a dirty politician as her runningmate," state GOP Chair NickLangworthy said in a tweet about thearrest.

Nominations Invited for PravasiBharatiya Samman Awards 2023

Last date of submission: April 20, 2022

NEW YORK (TIP): The PravasiBharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is thehonor conferred on overseas Indians.

PBSA is conferred by the President ofIndia as a part of the Pravasi BharatiyaDivas (PBD) Conventions on a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian Originor an organization or institutionestablished and run by the Non-ResidentIndians or Persons of Indian Origin, whohas made significant contribution in anyone of the following fields :

For Achievements Abroad

● Better understanding abroad ofIndia.

● Support to India's causes andconcerns in a tangible way.

● Building closer links between India,the overseas Indian community andtheir country of residence.

● Social and humanitarian causes inIndia or abroad.

● Welfare of the local Indiancommunity.

● Philanthropic and charitable work.● Eminence in one's field or

outstanding work, which hasenhanced India's prestige in thecountry of residence; or

● Eminence in skills which hasenhanced India's prestige in thatcountry (for non-professionalworkers).

For Achievements within India

(a) Philanthropic investments andcharitable work in India.

(b) For contribution made towardsIndia's development.

Self-nomination has also been allowedfor PBSA-2023. Nomination forms andenclosures (Gazette Notification andSummary Form) may be sent [email protected] by April 20,2022. Original may be sent by post to theoffice of Deputy Consul General, 3 East,64th street, New York, NY 10065.

Forms can be downloaded frombelow:● Nomination form 2023● PBSA Award Gazette Notification● Format for Summary of PBSA

Nominee

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award Photo for representation

BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR'S BIRTH ANNIVERSARYCELEBRATED AT THE INDIAN CONSULATE

NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Richtributes were paid to BabasahebAmbedkar on his 131st birthanniversary at a special function at theIndian Consulate. India's ExternalAffairs Minister S Jaishankar recalledthe stellar contribution of Dr. BRAmbedkar.

Consul General Randhir Kumar

Jaiswal also addressed the gathering.Born on 14 April 1891, Ambedkar was

an Indian jurist, economist, politicianand social reformer who campaignedagainst social discrimination andsupported the rights of women andworkers. He died on 6 December 1956.

In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred withthe Bharat Ratna, India's highestcivilian award.

EAM JAISHANKAR PAID RICH TRIBUTE TO THEARCHITECT OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

Union Minister for External Affairs, S. Jaishankar pays floral tribute to Baba Ambedkar on his 131stBirth Anniversary at the Indian Consulate in New York. Photo / Jay Mandal- On Assignment

BY RADHIKARAMASESHAN

Whipping up a frenzy

"THE EXPANSE OF THE VIOLENCE,FROM THE EAST TO THE WEST ANDTHE NORTH, CONFIRMED THREEPERCEPTIONS: IT WAS PRE-PLANNED, BECAUSE IN EACH CASE,THE TRAJECTORY PURSUED THESAME PATH. RSS-ALIGNED HINDUACTIVISTS WENT ON SHOBHA YATRASTHAT WOUND THROUGH MUSLIMLOCALITIES, GOT UNCONTROLLABLEWHEN THEY PASSED A MOSQUE ORSIGHTED A GATHERING AND SEEMEDTO HAVE PROVOKED A REACTIONFROM MUSLIMS (STONE-PELTINGWAS REPORTED ALMOSTEVERYWHERE). REPORTS SUGGESTIN PLACES IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TELLWHO CAST THE FIRST STONE. THEPOLICE, THOUGH PRESENT, WERESAID TO BE PASSIVE. THE MPPOLICE, THOUGH, CAME DOWNSTRONG ON MUSLIMS WHOALLEGEDLY INSTIGATED CLASHESAND FLATTENED OUT THEIRPROPERTIES WITH BULLDOZERS,BORROWED FROM UP'S MANUAL."

Henceforward every Hindu festival might beanticipated with dread and not joyousness if thetrail of violence, death and destruction left

behind by the processions to 'celebrate' Ram Navami,and earlier Nav Samvatsar (the Hindu New Year) is aportent.

Ram Navami is one among the myriad festivalsdotting the Hindu calendar. It is generally observed inthe quietude of a puja room in a home following a nine-day Navratri, a period of fasting and praying in NorthIndia. It is a reflection on Hinduism's plurality thatNavratri has a different connotation in southern India.It coincides with Dasehra and is signified by nine daysof uninterrupted festivity intended to engage andentertain children. There is no one New Year inHinduism; in fact, there are a dozen across the regions,depending on whether the solar or lunar calendar isfollowed. The New Year ushered in on April 2 is knownas Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Goa and Ugadi inKarnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

However, Rajasthan - which triggered the latest cycleof violence -observes its New Year on Diwali. Thisdidn't deter members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad(VHP), Bajrang Dal (BD) and Vidya Bharti, the RSS'seducation wing - sweepingly classified as the 'Hindufringe'- from launching a Nav Samvatsar shobha yatraon motorbikes at Karauli. From all accounts, the yatraacquired the color and shape of a carnival rather thana religious occasion. The participants, young mensporting the VHP's emblematic saffron 'bandana',danced to songs played at full blast when they passed a

mosque. According to a report in Scroll.in, somenumbers were singing VHP anthems, dating back to theAyodhya era, with the refrain, 'khaula khoon mera' (myblood boils), denoting that the day this happened, you(meaning Muslims) will be put in your place and thesword will speak instead of a Hindu's words. The tropesthat figured in the songs were a topi or skullcap and'Hindu awakening'. The report quoted young Hindus(unemployed or engaged in semi-skilled work) sayingthe VHP's ditties were as inspiring as 'Vande Mataram'and caused goosebumps because of lines like 'those whowear the topi will have to bend and say Jai Shri Ram'.

It no longer matters which party rules a state.Rajasthan has a Congress government, rickety fromday one. This round of rampage also scorched non-BJPstates like Jharkhand and West Bengal and raised aquestion on whether the local intelligence failed toforesee the mayhem or deliberately kept quiet. Amongthe BJP-ruled states, Madhya Pradesh was the worsthit.

Delhi BJP leader Kapil Mishra's infamy precedeshim. He is known to give incendiary speeches thatpolarize communities as he did before the 2020 Delhiviolence. He was in MP's Khargone, the center of thetrouble, a day before it erupted. He shared a photocaptioned, 'Neither Musa nor Burhan, only Jai Jai ShriRam'. The names were those of Burhan Wani and ZakirMusa, Kashmir's militants, who were eliminated bysecurity forces.

The expanse of the violence, from the east to the westand the north, confirmed three perceptions: it was pre-planned, because in each case, the trajectory pursuedthe same path. RSS-aligned Hindu activists went onshobha yatras that wound through Muslim localities,got uncontrollable when they passed a mosque orsighted a gathering and seemed to have provoked areaction from Muslims (stone-pelting was reportedalmost everywhere). Reports suggest in places it wasdifficult to tell who cast the first stone. The police,though present, were said to be passive. The MP Police,though, came down strong on Muslims who allegedlyinstigated clashes and flattened out their propertieswith bulldozers, borrowed from UP's manual.

The yatris were armed with swords and sticks.

Smaller towns, like Himmatnagar and Khambhat(Gujarat), Lohardaga (Jharkhand), Bankura (WestBengal) and Vasco (Goa) were targeted, instead of morevulnerable cities like Ahmedabad and Ranchi todisseminate the Sangh's message. The participantswere young men, mostly unemployed, who seemed tohave all the time in the world to wreak havoc.

Karnataka pushed the Hindutva agenda in differentways: from the hijab to halal meat. The latter hascaught popular imagination to such a degree that onRam Navami day, ABVP activists bore down on the JNUcanteen which normally serves meat on a Sunday andassaulted students who challenged them.

How does the disorder help the Centre? Indeed, thesituation in Karnataka got excessive even for a seniorstate minister, JC Madhuswamy, who warned the'fringe' groups to back off as CM Basavaraj Bommairemained mum. Reports claimed that the BJP's centralbrass advised Bommai to focus on implementing hisbudgetary proposals and infrastructure projects but outof electoral and not humanitarian considerations; hijaband halal could only win 'some' votes.

The affected states stare at polls this year and thenext. In Karnataka's case, there are apprehensions thatits unicorn companies and IT majors could relocate tothe relatively peaceful neighboring states. Electionsand the threat of economic instability do not compose alarger picture. The answers lie elsewhere.

The mandates the BJP has swung in states, buckinganti-incumbency, established that governance was notthe criterion. Governance as it is understood in afundamental sense: delivering on the basics requiredfor a decent quality of life, based on equity, justice andwelfare. Welfare there was in spades but in the mostrudimentary sense, boiling down to 'ration-paani'.

The BJP's success came down to purveying Hindutvathrough a running organization of 'karyakartas'. Theseyatras and such-like programs are meant to keep theworkers on the ground and empower them through asimulated sense of bravado. What better way ofdeflecting people's attention from inflation and aninability to create jobs?

(The author is a senior journalist)

AS I SEE IT THE INDIAN PANORAMA


GOVERNANCE HAS BECOME IRRELEVANT TO WIN A POPULAR MANDATE

Nuisance value: The Hindu fringe in the shobha yatras comprised unemployed men, who had all the time in the world to wreak havoc.Yatras are meant to empower workers through a simulated sense of bravado. What better way of deflecting attention from inflation and an

inability to create jobs? Photo / PTI

BY FRANKGARDNER

PERSPECTIVE THE INDIAN PANORAMA


"BUT WHILE WESTERNNATIONS HAVE DISPLAYEDA RARE DEGREE OF UNITYIN THE STRENGTH OF THEIRREACTION TO RUSSIA'SINVASION, THERE ARESUGGESTIONS THAT THEYARE BEING MERELYREACTIVE AND NOTTHINKING THROUGH WHATTHE ENDGAME SHOULD BE."THE BIGGER STRATEGICQUESTION," SAYS ONE OFBRITAIN'S MOSTEXPERIENCED MILITARYOFFICERS WHO ASKS NOTTO BE NAMED, "ISWHETHER OURGOVERNMENT IS ENGAGEDIN CRISIS MANAGEMENT ORACTUAL STRATEGY." THATWOULD REQUIRE THINKINGTHIS THROUGH TO THEFINISH, HE ADDS."WHAT WE ARE TRYING TOACHIEVE HERE IS TO GIVEUKRAINE EVERY BIT OFHELP WE CAN, SHORT OFWORLD WAR THREE. THEPROBLEM IS, PUTIN IS ABETTER POKER PLAYERTHAN WE ARE."

NATO ministers have been meeting inBrussels this past week to discuss howfar they should go in providing militaryequipment to Ukraine.

The challenge for NATO throughoutthis war has been how to give its allyUkraine enough military support todefend itself without getting drawn intothe conflict and finding itself at war withRussia.

The Ukrainian government has beenexplicit in its calls for help.

If it is to have any chance of fending offthe coming Russian assault on theDonbas region in the east of the country,it says, then it urgently needs a resupplyof the West's Javelin, NLAW (next-generation light anti-tank weapon),Stinger and Starstreak anti-tank and

anti-aircraft missiles that its forces havealready been using to such effect in thiswar.

That much is coming. But Ukrainewants more.

It wants tanks, warplanes, drones andadvanced missile air defense systems tocounter Russia's increasing use of airstrikes and long-range missiles that aresteadily depleting Ukraine's strategicstores of fuel and other essentials.

So, what exactly, many people may ask,is holding NATO back?

The answer is escalation.The risk of Russia resorting to using

tactical (i.e., short range) nuclearweapons or of the conflict spreadingbeyond Ukraine's borders into a widerEuropean war is constantly in the backsof western leaders' minds and here thestakes are dangerously high.

What West has given so far

● over 30 countries have providedmilitary aid to Ukraine including 1bn(£800m) from EU and $1.7bn (£1.3bn)from US supplies so far limited toarms, ammunition, and defensiveequipment like anti-tank and anti-aircraft missile systems they includeJavelins which are shoulder-held anti-tank weapons that shoot heat-seekingrockets and Stingers which are man-portable anti-aircraft weapons mostfamously used in Afghanistan againstSoviet aircraft the Starstreak is a UK-made portable air defense system

NATO members fear supplying heavieroffensive equipment like tanks andfighter jets could lead to direct openconflict with Russia

That hasn't prevented the Czechs fromgiving T72 tanks.

President Putin reminded the worldearly on in this war that Russia is anuclear weapons power and that he wasmoving its strategic nuclear deterrent up

to a higher degree of readiness.The US did not follow suit as it detected

no movement of Russian nuclearwarheads out of their secure storagebunkers. But Putin's point was made. Hewas effectively saying: "Russia has amassive nuclear arsenal so don't thinkyou can push us around."

Russian military doctrine allows forthe early use of low-yield, tacticalnuclear warheads on the battlefield,knowing that the West has an abhorrencefor nuclear weapons that have not beenused in anger for 77 years.

NATO strategic planners worry thatonce the nuclear taboo is broken, even ifthe damage is limited to a localized targeton the Ukrainian battlefield, then therisk of escalation to a catastrophicnuclear exchange between Russia and theWest inevitably goes up a notch.

The US is sending Ukraine: $800m innew military assistance, including 800Stinger anti-aircraft systems that canshoot down planes, 2,000 Javelins,shoulder-held anti-tank weapons thatshoot heat-seeking rockets, 6,000AT-4anti-armor systems, a Swedish-produced,single-use, unguided anti-tank weapon.

And yet, with every atrocity apparentlycommitted by Russian soldiers, NATO'sresolve stiffens and its inhibitions meltaway. The Czech Republic has alreadysent tanks, admittedly outdated Soviet-era T72s, but they are the first NATOcountry to do so. Slovakia is sending itsS300 air defense missile systems. Bothsuch moves would have seemedimprobably risky when this war began.

Tobias Ellwood MP, who chairsParliament's Defense Committee, is oneof those who believes Putin is bluffingwhen he raises the specter of nuclearweapons and that NATO should be doingmore.

'We have been over-cautious in theweapons systems we have been willing to

provide," he says. "We need a more robustattitude. We're giving the Ukrainiansenough to survive but not to win and thatmust change."

So how exactly could this Russia-Ukraine war escalate into a wider pan-European conflict that drags in NATO?

There are a number of potentialscenarios which will doubtless beoccupying minds in Western defenseministries.

Here are just three of them:

1. A NATO-supplied anti-ship missilefired by Ukrainian forces in Odesahits and sinks a Russian warshipoffshore in the Black Sea with the lossof nearly 100 sailors and dozens ofmarines. A death toll of thismagnitude in a single strike would beunprecedented and Putin would beunder pressure to respond in someform.

2. A Russian strategic missile striketargets a supply convoy of militaryhardware crossing from a NATOcountry, like Poland or Slovakia, intoUkraine. If casualties were sustainedon NATO's side of the border thatcould potentially trigger Article 5 ofNATO's constitution, bringing theentire alliance to the defense of thecountry attacked.

3. Amidst fierce fighting in the Donbas anexplosion occurs at an industrialfacility resulting in the release oftoxic chemical gases. While this hasalready occurred, there were nodeaths reported. But were it to resultin the sort of mass casualties seen inSyria's use of poison gas at Ghoutaand if it were found to have beendeliberately caused by Russian forces,then NATO would be obliged torespond.

It is perfectly possible that none of

these scenarios will materialize.

But while Western nations havedisplayed a rare degree of unity in thestrength of their reaction to Russia'sinvasion, there are suggestions that theyare being merely reactive and notthinking through what the endgameshould be.

"The bigger strategic question," saysone of Britain's most experiencedmilitary officers who asks not to benamed, "is whether our government isengaged in crisis management or actualstrategy." That would require thinkingthis through to the finish, he adds.

"What we are trying to achieve here isto give Ukraine every bit of help we can,short of World War Three. The problemis, Putin is a better poker player than weare."

Tobias Ellwood MP agrees."Russia does this [the threat of

escalation] very effectively. And we arespooked. We have lost the ability tocontrol the escalatory ladder."

(The author is a British journalist. He is currentlythe BBC's Security Correspondent)

(Source: BBC)

The risk of Russia resorting to using tactical (i.e., short range) nuclear weapons or of the conflictspreading beyond Ukraine's borders into a wider European war is constantly in the backs of western

leaders' minds and here the stakes are dangerously high. Photo / Courtesy Sky news

Russia-Ukraine war: Threeways this war could

escalate and drag NATO in

●● Was Jallianwala Bagh, a conspiracy or planned

massacre?

●● Did it give birth to the concept of state terrorism?

●● Was it handiwork of General Dwyer alone?

●● Has the country done justice to martyrs and their

families?

●● Is it time to look beyond rituals?

●● Bagh's epoch and media

●● Punjab's tryst with Censorship

In a liberal democracy, the media has a vital role to play.Though acknowledged as the fourth Estate, freedom ofPress has become a mere bogey as was during the

Jallianwala Bagh epoch.Not many would know that it was the Jallianwala Bagh

epoch that saw the British using the draconian law to curbthe freedom of the Press. They resorted to Censorship, notonce, but twice to gag the media. Still not satisfied, the thenEditor of The Tribune, Mr Kalinath Ray, was taken incustody for opposing the Empire.

A section of media, including The Tribune, served itsreaders as a fearless voice of the people of Punjab. Whenone looks back at the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, onecannot overlook the role the media played.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was a gruesome episodethat changed the narrative of the freedom struggle. It notonly symbolized the brute power that the British used tocontain growing demand of the populace for freedom,liberty and equality but also exposed the desperation ofthe rulers in suppressing the growing revolt. This epochalevent not only gave a new direction to the war forindependence but also changed the course of the sub-continental history. It paved the way for Mohan DassKaram Chand Gandhi to become Mahatma.

Before the Vaisakhi 1919 massacre, Jallianwala Baghwas a dumping ground of no political significance. Butthings witnessed a massive change afterwards. It providedthe much needed launch pad that guided the destiny of thenation. Interestingly, many in the crowd had come toAmritsar to join Vaisakhi celebrations at Golden Templeand some others were there for the annual cattle fair. Tokill time, they headed for Jallianwala Bagh withoutrealizing what was in store for them. That day there was noleader in the Bagh that could control or keep the gatheringtogether. Historian VN Dutta believed that it was Hans Raj,chief organizer of the rally. It was he who prevented peoplefrom dispersing. Rather, he asked everyone to sit down asthe Government would not resort to feared fire.

"After a while, he waved his handkerchief signaling toDwyer and his Indian soldiers to open fire. Hans Raj hadalready left. He was an agent provocateur. He was latermoved away to Mesopotamia and his house in Amritsarwas burnt," V.N. Dutta said in an interview. General Dwyerrefused to believe that the crowd that had assembled atJallianwala Bagh was innocent but hostile and had comeprepared to defy authority.

Has the nation given Jallianwala Bagh and its martyrstheir due? The Bagh may have been renovated and given afacelift in recent years. But does that mitigate the anguishof the people who lost their near and dear ones or thecountrymen who wanted freedom from the British empire.The British Government is still not ready to apologize forits action 103 years ago. It should have taken a lesson fromthe Canadian government that offered an unconditionalapology for its comparatively lesser grave action in theKomagata Maru episode.

Three years ago, rituals were gone through meticulouslyas the events unfolded for observing the centenary of theepochal event. The country's Vice-President came , laid awreath, joined a ceremonial salute to the unknownmartyrs, released a coin and a set of postage stamps to

mark the historic event. Unfortunately, after 103 years, noone knows how many freedom seekers laid down theirlives in a most controversial barbaric action that in thepresent day would have put to shame the infamous 9/11terrorist attack on twin towers in New York.

At that time there were no human right activists and notmany would know what terrorism, including stateterrorism, was all about.

Even after more than a century, the majority belief thatthe Jallianwala Bagh massacre was the result of aconspiracy that has not been satisfactorily counter argued.Was it a unilateral action on the part of the thenLieutenant Governor Sir Michael O. Dwyer? Or was it theculmination of incidents, including the widespreadviolence following the arrest of some Punjab leaders,including Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr Satya Pal, besidesthe murder of five Europeans and assault on missionaryMiss Sherwood? Or was it because of infamous RowlattBills?

Whatever be the background or provocation, it was oneof the single largest instances of brutal misuse of statepower against innocent, armless, and peaceful protestors.Was the punishment given to the victims proportionate tothe violation of law committed by them wittingly orunwittingly? Not many references were made those daysabout terrorism, what to talk of State terrorism. Nowwhen the world has redefined terrorism and stateterrorism, social scientists in general and those studyingarmed conflicts will have little or no hesitation to identifyJallianwala Bagh massacre as probably the beginning ofState terrorism of suppressing or silencing the voice ofdissent with brute fire power. It was the worst or blatantviolation of human rights.

While the demand for apology from the British for thisunprecedented massacre has been growing louder yearafter year, many still see it as a major aberration or act ofrashness on the part of General O Dwyer. Provoked by thePunjab rebellion especially after incidents of April 10, 11and 12, O Dwyer became furious and aggressive. With 25Gurkhas and an equal number of Baluchis, he reachedJallianwala Bagh on the fateful day. The troops fired about1650 bullets. Number of people actually killed in firing andthose who jumped into the well could not be authenticatedeven after 100 years. Even today no one has authenticnumber of those who attained martyrdom that day. Manyinjured died due to lack of medical attention.

The figures of 359 or 379 killed in firing were notworking figures. Local newspapers, however, put the figureof those killed at over 1,000. Historian VN Dutta held that

as many as 700 were killed in the firing. All O Dwyerwanted was to send a strong message that Amritsar inPunjab could become a storm center of rebellion againstthe British Empire and the evil had to be nipped in the bud.

Realizing that Vaisakhi was a big event and there couldbe massive turnouts for protests against Rowlatt Bills, theBritish ordered prohibitory orders on April 12 and 13 thatbanned public rallies, taking out of processions orgathering of groups of people at a place. Without anywarning to the crowd, he ordered fire. Havoc ensued. Thegathering, terrorized by the firing, broke up. People ran forshelter and the narrow passageways were all crammed.Some jumped into the well for safety. Those who tried toclimb the walls were caught.

Killing armless innocent people in cold blood inJallianwala Bagh probably gave birth to ruthless StateTerrorism. For Punjab it was nothing new except thatmagnitude this time was enormous.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was also a litmus testfor the media which at that time was in its infancy andlimited to a few newspapers. One of the newspapers thatthe British tried to dismiss as a small local newspaper wasThe Tribune.

Media coverage of the events became a subject ofconsiderable comment and criticism. The State used lawnot only to prevent publication of what was called":objectionable material", the publishers of a number ofnewspapers, including those who were opposed to theBritish Empire, were accused of "secessionistpropaganda". But it did not deter upright media. Punjabwas the center point of growing turbulence. Intriguingly,the laws British framed to curb freedom struggle, havesubsequently been used by Independent India. Not manywould forget the days after the then Prime Minister IndiraGandhi tried to curb freedom of Press during thedraconian emergency days. Subsequently, Punjab, too,suffered its repeated doses of censorship both during andafter Operation Bluestar.

In a liberal democracy, the media has a vital role to play.Though acknowledged as the fourth Estate, freedom ofPress has become a mere bogey as was during theJallianwala Bagh epoch. The concept of the notorious"Gaudi Media" has of late come to stay. The coverage ofthe farmers agitation in 2020 and 2021 has been theexample. Not many would know that it was the JallianwalaBagh epoch that saw the

British using the draconian law to curb the freedom ofthe Press. They resorted to Censorship, not once, but twiceto gag the media. Still not satisfied, the then Editor of TheTribune, Mr Kalinath Ray, was taken in custody foropposing the Empire.

In 1919, a section of media, including The Tribune,served its readers as a fearless voice of the people ofPunjab. When one looks back at the Jallianwala Baghmassacre, one cannot overlook the role the media played.

It was repeated during the 1977 emergency when againEditor of The Tribune, Madhavan Nair, and seniorjournalists like Shyam Khosla and Makhan Lal Kak had toface the wrath of the black laws, including detentionunder draconian National Security Act and Maintenanceof Internal Security Act (MISA). In 1984 again, thesedraconian laws were frequently used by the State to gagIndian media in general and that of Punjab andChandigarh in particular.

(Prabhjot Singh is a veteran journalist with over three decades ofexperience covering a wide spectrum of subjects and stories. He hascovered Punjab and Sikh affairs for more than three decades besides

covering seven Olympics and several major sporting events andhosting TV shows. For more in-depth analysis please visit

probingeye.com or follow him on Twitter.com/probingeye. He can bereached at [email protected])

BY PRABHJOTSINGH

OPINION THE INDIAN PANORAMA


Remembering JallianwalaBagh Massacre

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, took place on 13 April 1919 in which British troops fired on a large crowd ofunarmed Indians , killing several hundred people and wounding many hundreds more.

In 1919, a section of media, including TheTribune, served its readers as a fearless voice ofthe people of Punjab. When one looks back at theJallianwala Bagh massacre, one cannot overlookthe role the media played.



INTERVIEW THE INDIAN PANORAMA


Ambassador Randhir Jaiswal is acareer diplomat. He joined theIndian Foreign Service in 1998.

In his over two decades of diplomaticcareer so far, he has served in Portugal,Cuba, South Africa and at thePermanent

Mission of India in New York. Inbetween his overseas assignments, heserved in New Delhi at the Ministry ofExternal Affairs, first as Deputy

Secretary looking after India'srelations with the United States ofAmerica, and then as Joint Secretarymanaging India's relations with WestEuropean countries. In the middle of2017, he was deputed to serve thePresident of India as Joint Secretarymanaging his international relationsportfolio.

Randhir Jaiswal is passionate aboutsports, environment, culture,monuments, old cities and cuisines. Heis deeply interested in strategic,sustainable development and publicpolicy issues. He has been part ofIndia's delegation at various ClimateChange Conferences and was the leadnegotiator for the G-77 countries at the

RIO+20 Conference held in Brazil in2012.

He holds a Master's degree in Historyfrom Delhi University, India. He speaksHindi, English, Portuguese and Spanishand is conversant with several dialectsof Bihar, India, the State he comes from.

He is married to Dr. Abha Jaiswal, apublic health expert. The couple has twodaughters.

AMBASSADOR JAISWAL WAS KINDENOUGH TO ACCEPT OURINVITATION TO SIT FOR ANINTERVIEW WHICH WASCONDUCTED IN HIS OFFICE ONMARCH 24, 2022.

TIP: Good morning! Thank you for

giving The Indian Panorama your

valuable time to speak with us. It

has been more than one and a half

year since your last interview to The

Indian Panorama. I am keen to get

your valuable views and comments

on certain issue.

CONSUL GENERAL: Thank youvery much your gracious invitation. It is

always a pleasure to speak to the IndianPanorama and through you to the largerIndian American community and thediaspora in the United States. It is aprivilege I would say, to serve India, tofly the flag of India and serve the largerIndian American family that we havehere. In spite of COVID We have triedour best to stay connected, tried our bestto keep our service delivery on asmooth and inefficient track. And Iwould say that on that account, I'm verygrateful to the team here. By my ownjudgment we have done a decent workand hopefully others in the communitywould also think so.

You know, we have been, in spite ofCOVID, open since May of 2020. Notmany consulates or other governmentestablishments here in New York andsome other cities can talk of that. Butwe have done it. We have 70 people herewho have been coming every day sinceMay of 2020. And that has allowed us tokeep us doing our best for thecommunity and maintain the connectwith India. We have done, I think adecent job in staying connected with thecommunity and we received excellent

support. And in spite of the limitations,let me tell you I have been able to go andmeet them, give my regards to them,pay my respects to them, and to learnfrom them and to share our joys andhappiness with them.

TIP: Thank you so much.

Community has always been a

priority with you. You have always

tried to see to it that there are

conditions created in the consulate

to make people happy with the

services. There may have been

conflicts here and there, and

despite the fact that there are

sometimes very unpleasant people or

unpleasant circumstances, but then

by and large what I have heard from

people is that they have been getting

good service, and I think, you

deserve to be complimented on that.

But then there are so many areas

you know where may think that

there is something more to be done.

Do you think you are aware of the

areas where some more work is

needed for better functioning of the

Consulate?

Consul General Randhir Kumar Jaiswal speaks with The Indian Panorama Chief Editor Prof. Indrajit S Saluja

CONTD ON PAGE 13

““YYoouu ccaann ssiitt iinn tthhee rroooomm,, ttaakkee yyoouurrvviissaa aanndd ggoo ttoo IInnddiiaa”” -- CCoonnssuull GGeenneerraallooff IInnddiiaa RRaannddhhiirr KKuummaarr JJaaiisswwaall

INTERVIEWED BY PROF. INDRAJIT SALUJA

CHIEF EDITOR, THE INDIAN PANORAMA

INTERVIEW THE INDIAN PANORAMA


CONSUL GENERAL: There areseveral aspects to functioning. We haveto maintain healthy communityrelations. We have to have an efficientdelivery of consular services. We haveto have greater engagement or deeperengagement with the economicstakeholders so that we can strengthenthe India US economic technology andtrade connect. And also, you know, ingeneral, support India s friendshipthrough conversations with otherstakeholders that are there. So, there areseveral aspects to our work here.Because of COVID, yes, there have beenlimitations in terms of meetings. Wehad to do with a virtual engagementeven as we would have liked to do morephysical engagements. We wanted to domore work on that account but becauseof COVID we have not been able to doso. But now that the COVID is going intothe background, we look forward todoing more of that. Also, because ofCOVID, we had to stop people fromcoming into the consulate for healthreasons. Now we have resumed walk-inservices. So, hopefully many of thechallenges that people encounteredearlier will not be there. There is arange of stakeholders who come intoplay once you put your documents intothe mail. With walk-in they can get theservices and go back home. We also havenow opened ourselves for open houseso people who have issues to discussthey can come on a particular dayannounced by the Consulate anddiscuss the issues. So, it will help us.We are now going back to the normalduty that we had as far as consularservices are concerned. We have nowrestored long term 10-year visa. Peoplewill not have a problem anymore. Sois the case with E visa now.

All that has been restored. Sohopefully all that, you know, will helpin better services or better engagementof the diaspora and the communitywith the consulate and with India ingeneral.

TIP: Would you like to elaborate

for our readers this reopening of

various visas now?

CONSUL GENERAL: We had thelong term 10-year visa which wasissued to a large number of people herefor the United States. We had, andseveral other countries you know, hadput restrictions on the long-term visabecause we wanted to know exactlyand have some predictability in thenumber of people coming into Indiabecause of COVID concerns. Now wehave restored them. So, 10-year visasthat were issued to people are goodenough. They don't have to reapply.That was one of the fears in the mindsof the people.

So, 10-year visa, if you had, say, in2017 it was valid till 2027. You're goodto go. We are also some time backstarted one year tourist visa which isfree of cost -first half a million touristvisas free of cost. It is free of cost oneyear tourist visa to be utilized in 120days, which is four months. We alsohave a tourist visa for one year and a

tourist visa five years. All the visaregulations that we had, prior to Marchof 2020, which were suspended becausewe were in COVID , they all have beenrestored.

TIP: How about the OCI Card?

What are the latest rules? How long

does it take to get an OCI Card?

CONSUL GENERAL: From the daythe application comes to the consulate,on the 22nd day we are in a position toissue the OCI card.

TIP: There is a one that is one

particular situation that has been

described to me by many people.

There are people who left India, say

20 years ago 15 years ago,

somewhere on the way they lost

their passport. A police report is

required in the case of a lost

passport. But then there is nobody

living now at the India address

given in the Indian passport. How

can the police report from India be

obtained?

CONSUL GENERAL: In that case wewill ask from him for more details. Ifhe's able to provide the information,we'll see how to reverse that situation.In certain cases what happens is thatpeople have been staying here for long.So, we have in our system, automatictrigger, that verification is sought from

your hometown or the place ofresidence that you've inquired and thenyou've entered. If we get a report backthat a person is not there, then we seehow best to deal with it. So, we are ableto deal with the situation and find asolution to help our people. So, it's nota problem.

TIP: We have a large student

population in your consular

jurisdiction. I've been watching

there is not the kind of connection

between the consulate e and those

students. And I think when last we

met, I did ask you a question about

these students. Have you been able

to apply your mind to how best you

can, you involve them with the rest

of the Indian diaspora or how best

you can utilize their services for the

nation?

CONSUL GENERAL: It's a veryvalid question. So, one, I would like totell you is that in spite of limitations ofthe COVID whichever function we havehere students have been involved .There are 50,000 to 60000, could bemore students in the 10 States underNew York Consular jurisdiction. Thesecond thing we want all students andIndian nationals to register with theembassy, with the consulate in ourjurisdiction. We have put aregistration link on our website. It is

important for cases of emergency thatwe are able to reach out to studentcommunity and we urge all of them tocome and register so that we can stayconnected. We have consular camps ,consulate at your doorstep everymonth. And it is our idea at least, to tryto do two every month. So, we arereaching out to all the 10 states.

And also a lot of our services now,especially in the visa site are available.Nobody needs to come to the consulatephysically You can sit in the room, takeyour visa and go to India. So, a lot of itis because of digitization, a lot ofservices and we will move in thatdirection more and more, as we moveforward in the digital age. We have alarge diaspora and a growing diaspora.So, in the days to come possibly we'llhave more consulates here. But it's awork in progress

TIP: Now coming to 75 years of

independence, which is, of course a

landmark event for this year, all

over the world preparations are

being made. What are the

preparations being considered here?

CONSUL GENERAL: We launchedIndia at 75 in New York last year with aremembrance of the sacrifice of allour freedom fighters. And since thenwe've had a series of events, culturalprograms, talk shows, virtualprograms. We have a long list of thoseprograms and many people haveactually participated in them. We had aconversation on Gandhara art at theMet Museum on March 19th.

TIP: Talking about all those

challenges may require probably a

book. But I will request you to at

least identify one biggest

challenge that you faced ever since

you came to New York less than two

years ago.

CONSUL GENERAL: So, you know,the responsibility here is large becausewe're dealing with a large populationsize in 10 states. So, I would say COVIDitself has been a challenge, a majorchallenge that physically you'reseparated. There are severallimitations which come into our way.

You know, one of the biggestcomplaints we received was that I havesent you have received, but from yourside we have not received after theservice has been delivered. Now, everytime we had to explain to people that wehave dispatched it, but people would say,each time the delay was on the part ofthe service provider, it was put on ouraccount. We did try to get in touch withthe FedEx or UPS or whoever to pleasetry and see if they can barcode it butthey have their own system. . The personwho picks it up from here is not theperson who just has to barcode it. Peopleshould also understand that this is asituation which we encounter. Youknow, the world is still going through thepandemic. It happened once in 100 years.The last big pandemic that happened wasin 2018. So, it was a very unusualsituation and time zone challenge. But,again, we are almost back to normal,difficulties, inconveniences, challengesnotwithstanding.

CONTD FROM PAGE 12

Consulate@Your Doorstep: 600+ applicants availed OCI and other Consular Services at the ConsularCamp held at Burlington, MA on April 9, 2022. Applicants thanked Consulate for saving their trip to

New York otherwise. The camp was held in association with IAGB

VAISAKHI SPECIAL THE INDIAN PANORAMA

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 14The Invincible Spirit of

Optimism - ‘Charhdi Kala’

There are various hues of the Spirit ofOptimism ( 'Charrhdi-kala') whichwere inculcated in the Sikhs, right

from the time of Guru Nanak Rai Sahib Ji(1469-1539)-the Divine Preceptor ofONENESS of humanity. It continued to beinstilled amongst the Sikhs, during thelifetime of his nine successor Gurus.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Divine-Leader on the Spiritual Throne of GuruNanak Sahib Ji, says: "When I empowersparrows to fight the hawks, when Itransform the weak and the meek intofearless lions, when I make the castigatedones feel exalted, when I enable one Sikhface an army of one hundred and twenty-five thousand; and so I am recognized asGobind Singh". He says,"in egotism, one isassailed by fear, he passes his life totallytroubled by fear."

Innumerable hues and connotations ofOptimism

There are various colors and shades ofthe Spirit of 'Charrhdi-kala', whether it issacrificing oneself on the battlefront ormaintaining peace on the home front,inside the nation or within the localcommunity; be it attaining success in adiplomatic breakthrough like the re-opening of Kartarpur Sahib Corridorbetween India & Pakistan after over sevendecades of the bloodshed and partition thataccompanied India's independence fromthe yoke of the British colonial, imperialmonarchic occupation of India; or servingfood, medications, vaccines, ventilatorsand oxygen concentrators during Coronapandemic; saving people during naturalcalamities as floods, earthquakes andhurricanes; or achieving resoundingsuccess which the farming-community ofPunjab led from the front to unitenationwide workers and farmers to forcethe Indian establishment to revoke 'the 3Black farming Laws'; or successfullyenhancing awareness about Sikhs, in thewake of rising hate-crimes in the post-9/ 11scenario when many Sikhs were murderedand many more suffered near-fatalinjuries, as a retaliatory measure wherebythe mistaken-identity syndrome wasrampant.

The Spirit of Charrhdi-kala is all aboutrising to the occasion, whenever standingup and speaking out becomesquintessential, whether for one's ownrights or to protect another who is beingsubjugated, oppressed, tormented andannihilated. It also refers to wielding thesword, as the last resort, after all avenueshave been explored and exhausted. It is

optimism to the extent of intoxication withthe Divine thought of "I (the soul) amfearless as my Parent (The AlmightyMajesty) and so I must not buckle down".Now, in such a state-of-mind, the verythought of being outnumbered 1 to 125,000enemy-ranks, does not occur at all, and sothe mind becomes absolutely fearless andinvincible, just indomitable. It is not aboutwinning or losing the battle, per se but it isonly about being on the right side, ethically.

Sree Guru Nanak Sahib Ji says :

"There is One Light of Our Creator

pervading in the entire Creation and in

all Creatures".

Guru Nanak Ji was the pioneer,enunciating the cause of Inter-Religious Peace and Harmony. His

tenets emphasize upon truthful living,humility, liberty, equality, justice,compassion, honest earning, serving theneedy selflessly and protecting the weakand the meek. All this, he said would betantamount to a Divine Life and real, true,actual worship and attainment of God andfulfillment of the purpose of human-birth.Guru Nanak was on a Divine Mission. Hewas a Spiritual Maestro, a Renaissance-Man, a Crusader for Interreligious Amity,an extraordinary social-reformist muchahead his era and yet he utters the absoluteTRUTH that "he is, what he is, ONLYbecause of the Gracious Mercy of TheAlmighty and he is nothing without GOD".In other words, Divine Guru is teachinghumanity to embrace humility, byrefraining from self aggrandizement.

The Golden Chain: The foundation ofSikhism was laid by Guru Nanak whoinfused his own consciousness into adisciple, then became Guru, subsequentlypassing the light on to the next, and so on.The word "Guru" is derived from the rootwords "Gu", which means darkness orignorance, and "Ru", which means light orknowledge The Guru is the experience ofTruth (God).

For over a thousand years, India wasinvaded by a small bunch of horse-riders,from Mongolia, Persia,Afghanistan, andother regions. Taimur, Ghazni, Ghori,Nadir Shah, Abdali, Durrani, Babar, SherShah Suri are only a few of those invaders,who plundered Hindu Temples, looted gold,took women and children as slaves, killedall and sundry who crossed their path.

And then, in 1469, appeared a man onearth, the likes of whom are seen, once in amillennium. God sent GURU NANAK, TheDivine Preceptor of ONENESS ofhumanity and the epitome of humility toHEAL humanity. He was blessed by TheCreator, to win the hearts of all, and tobring about massive transformation,wherever he went. The Divine Preceptortraversed various continents, 27000 milesin 25 years of his 70-year sojourn on thisplanet, fostering Goodwill amongst races,cultures, religions.

Two of the ten Gurus had to take uparms, to protect the masses from theextreme persecution and tyranny of

the ruling elite. The sixth Guru HargobindSahibji and the tenth Guru Gobind Singhji,

with their disciples were the SaintWarriors. The fifth Guru Arjan Sahibji andthe ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahibjiembraced martyrdom, for refusing tofollow the diktat of the barbaric regime.Such events forced the sixth and tenthGurus to raise a martial force, the armynamed The Khalsa.

Guru Arjan Sahib and Guru TeghBahadur Sahib attained martyrdom for thecause of Freedom of Religion andInterfaith acceptance and harmoniouscoexistence.

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, tenthSpiritual Master, sacrificed his entirefamily including four sons, all under 18,fighting the tyrannical regimes, bent uponannihilating the Freedom of Religion,Culture and Traditions.

During these five centuries, hundreds ofthousands of Sikhs have performed thesupreme sacrifice of life, for the protectionof their motherland.

They have been in the forefront againstmarauding invaders and the oppressiveBritish regime. The maximum number ofthose exiled from India or those executedby the British, after fake trials, were Sikhs.

Illustrious Martyrs include BhagatSingh, who instilled courage in the massesby kissing the gallows, as a reward forserving the cause of India's freedom.Udham Singh avenged the JallianwalaBagh massacre perpetrated by the British,after twenty-one years, and was alsohanged.Kartar Singh Sarabha was theleading figure who played a predominantrole, in the propagation of GhadarMovement. He tried to dismantle themilitary structure established by theBritish who were fanning communaldisharmony in the country.

Amongst the heroic Sikh soldiers AirMarshall Arjan Singh of the Indian AirForce and Lt. General Jagjit Singh Auroraare the shining stars. Hardit Singh Malikwas an expert pilot of various jets in theWorld War theatre. Known as The FlyingSikh of Biggin Hill, Hardit Singh Malikwas the first Indian pilot of the First WorldWar and would go on to become adistinguished diplomat and IndianAmbassador to France.

Sikh regiments and battalions haveserved the United Nations PeacekeepingForces, worldwide, whether in war-torncountries or civil-wars, and in regionsravaged by natural calamities as famines,floods, droughts or earthquakes.

Fighting in the World Wars, as part ofthe British Indian Army, the highestnumber of "exceptional gallantry" Awardsfrom the British Empire were bestowedupon the Sikhs. The epic saga of twenty-one Sikhs attaining martyrdom facing tenthousand Tribal Afghans is unparalleled inworld history.

The role of the Sikhs in the Liberation ofFrance is well recognized.Today, the Sikhsreside in several countries and have made amark for themselves, in various spheres ofendeavor.

The Sikhs, whether in India or whileliving as law-abiding citizens andcontributing significantly to the economicgrowth of their adopted nations of abode,

The Spirit of Charhdi-kala is all about rising to the occasion, whenever standing upand speaking out becomes quintessential, whether for one's own rights or toprotect another who is being subjugated, oppressed, tormented and annihilated. It

also refers to wielding the sword, as the last resort, after all avenues have been exploredand exhausted. It is optimism to the extent of intoxication with the Divine thought of "I(the soul) am fearless as my Parent (The Almighty Majesty) and so I must not buckledown". Now, in such a state-of-mind, the very thought of being outnumbered 1 to 125,000enemy-ranks, does not occur at all, and so the mind becomes absolutely fearless andinvincible, just indomitable. It is not about winning or losing the battle, per se but it isonly about being on the right side, ethically.

“

”By Amarjit Singh Anand

A Sikh Day Parade in New York. FFiillee pphhoottoo

Continued on Page 15


FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 15have maintained strong connections withtheir land of origin. The foreign exchangeremittances to India, from the Sikhs areenormousand contribute to rejuvenatingthe Indian economy.

Whether the armed forces or politics.science and technology, business orvarious professions, the arts or sports,Sikhs have excelled un-proportionately, incorrelation to their very negligiblepercentage of the world populace.

Revered Saint Bhagat Puran Singhji,personally, served the residents in aleprosy-home which he established. Beingan epitome of humility and selfless service,he refused to be nominated for the NobelPrize.

There are several Sikh parliamentariansin various countries. Gurbax Singh Malhi,elected to the Canadian Parliament in 1992,created history, when laws had to beamended, to accommodate a turban-wearing member to sit in the Parliament.

In the scenario of the post 9/ 11 tragedy,several Sikhs were murdered and bore thebrunt of hate crimes, due to the mistaken-identity syndrome, but succeeded throughrelentless endeavors, to enhance awarenessabout the Sikhs.

During the current global pandemic, theDivine Guru's teachings of compassionatesharing, came to the fore, when millions ofpeople were served with edibles,medicines, clothing, shelter and allessential services.

During the unprecedented lockdown,several governments officially requestedthe Sikhs to prepare food in Gurdwaras, tobe served to individuals, as well as to besent to hospitals and other institutions forthe old and the infirm, orphans, andeconomically weaker sections.

Wherever the Sikhs reside, theyassimilate extraordinarily well, in themainstream life of any nation, culturally,politically, socially, economically, lending aspiritual and ethically sublime touch to allthat they are involved in or are called uponto do.Guru Gobind Singh Sahib ji says"Acknowledge Entire Humanity as OneRace"

Myriad connotations of FreedomFreedom cannot be awarded and

attained by mere rhetoric of

sloganeering or by guarantees in

written constitutions of nations.

Besides political freedom, each andevery human has the natural right to theiraspirations and expressions. Only thenwould everyone be empowered to enjoy thebliss of a healthy and productive lifestyle,whose components are emotional, mental,psychological health. Freedom to practicethe religion, faith, belief, tradition, custom,rituals of their liking is equallyparamount.

Freedom of thought and expression isthe natural birthright of all. The practicesof amnesty and of diplomatic immunityare really very abhorrent, as theseundermine the very premise and conceptof human rights.

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib ji was themulti-dimensional Prophet, the Beacon-of-Light, who strictly proclaimed aninjunction upon his followers thus: "I aman insignificant slave of the Primordial-Being. Those who worship me as GODshall have to endure hell".

Guru Gobind Singh ji was born onDecember22, 1666 at Takht Shri PatnaSahib in Bihar. He was anointedGuruwhen he was merely 9by hispredecessor and father, Guru TeghBahadur Ji, when the latter marchedtowards Delhi to voluntarily court arrest,

in support of the Kashmiri Pundits whowere being forced by the Mughal emperor,to give up their religion or to face death.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was, then,martyred by being beheaded, afterwitnessing the torturous martyrdom of histhree disciples, Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai SatiDas Ji and Bhai Dayal Das Ji. This was aturning point in Indian history, which ledto another historic event. On the day ofVaisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Jiformalized the martial institution of 'TheOrder of The Khalsa', the valiant force,making it mandatory for all Sikhs to weara turban and to retain unshorn hair andbeard.

The creation of the Martial Force, 'TheOrder of the Khalsa' on the day of Vaisakhiin 1699 proved to be a harbinger in thehistory of Hindustan (India). In a dramaticfashion, Guru Gobind Singh Ji tested thefearlessness of his followers by asking fortheir head as offering to their Guru. Afteran eerie silence, five Sikhs came forwardand they were anointed as the Five ChosenDevoted Disciples (5 Piaare of the Guru),

Such was this Spirit instilled in the Sikhsthat all four sons (all under the age of 18) ofGuru Gobind Singh Ji, also attainedmartyrdom, just like adult warriors. Twoolder ones martyred in the Battle ofChamkaur Sahib were Sahibzaada AjitSingh Ji (17) and Sahibzaada Jujhar SinghJi (14). The two younger sons, bricked aliveat Sirhind, were Sahibzaada ZorawarSingh Ji (9) and Sahibzaada Fateh Singh Ji(6-year lad).

In our contemporary world, the Khalsa-panth (Pathway) or 'The Way of Life' iswhat The Guru gave to the Sikhcommunity, which constitutes a large partof the global diaspora where several Sikhsare the influencers, being in positions ofauthority, as Parliamentarians andofficials in government, in U.S.A., Canada,U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia,Singapore amongst other nations. Innumbers, Sikhism is the 5th largestreligion in the world, with some 28 millionadherents.

The Sacred Utterances of the Tenth-Divine-Sovereign includethe poetic Zafar-Nama (The Epistle of Victory) as avoluminous letter to the tyrant Aurangzeb,who felt such immense remorse uponreading it, that he died,soon thereafter.This communication clearly said that theMughal Emperor did not behave asbehoves a Sovereign ruler.

The Guru wrote: "The Lord is One and

His Word is True. The Victory is of the

Lord. Aurangzeb, you've been

pretending to be a devout and pious

Muslim, whilst in reality, you are a liar

who committed a blasphemous act by

swearing on the Oath of Holy Quran,

which oath was falsified by your

treacherous and devious actions like

attacking my forces, who were promised

safe passage, if we vacated the Fort of

Anandpur Sahib. Furthermore, you

ought to be castigated for the execution

of my two minor sons, who were bricked

alive in Sirhind".

Guru Gobind Singh Sahibji authored the'Resplendent-Drama' or Play (Bachitar orVichitra Naatak) a poetic-autobiographyabout the time on the Hemkunt range ofmountains, where he was immersed inmeditation, merged in Communion withThe Divine. Thence, he was Commandedby The Almighty Majesty to assume thehuman-frame, in the form of the 10thEmbodiment on The Spiritual Throne ofThe Divine Preceptor, Guru Nanak Sahibji,in order to thwart the nefarious designs oftyrannical forces. Bachitar-Natak is part ofthe 'Dasam Granth', the Sacred Textswritten by the 10th Guru. One stanza readsthus: "I have come into this mortal-worldfor this purpose. The Supreme Lord hassent me for the propagation ofRighteousness, everywhere, and to seizeand destroy the sinful and the wicked. Ihave taken birth for this purpose, let allholy men understand this. I have come todisseminate Divine Religion. I amcommitted towards the protection ofsaints; and for annihilating all the tyrants".

Shri Daulat Rai Ji, a prominent figure inthe Arya-Samaj sect of Hinduism, wrote abook 'Sahib-E-Kamaal' Guru Gobind Singh,the Spiritual-Master par excellence. It isdedicated to Guru Gobind Singh's life, hisnoble thought and his mission so that thepopulace at large could have a just view ofthe Guru's greatness."

Mai Bhaago, the brave lady-soldierinspired the 40 deserters to return to theGuru and fight alongside of him againstthe Mughal forces, at the battle of MuktsarSahib, he was rejoined by his 40 Sikhs, whohad earlier deserted him. They wereinspired by a brave lady Mai Bhaago Ji toreturn to the battlefield. Travellingthrough Gwalior, The Guru was headedtowards The Deccan area, at the invitationof Aurangzeb who wanted to apologize.The Guru was forgiving and went ahead,considering that the Mughal Emperor wasalmost double his age. En-route, The Gurugot news that Aurangzeb had died.

Finally, Guru Gobind Singh Ji decided toterminate human-Guruship and so hepassed on the mantle to The Scripture, atNanded, where Gurdwara Takht HazoorSahib attracts devotees and pilgrims, fromall over the world. Now, The Scripture, SriGuru Granth Sahib was anointed as theEternal-Guru in 1708, when Guru Gobind

Singh Ji realized his mission wasaccomplished and it was time to shed themortal-frame. As a mark of humility, he didnot include his Sacred Verses in Sri GuruGranth Sahib, as he opined, he was notevolved up to the level of 6 Gurus and 35Hindu & Sufi Muslim Saints, whosecompositions are enshrined therein.

Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur AbchalNagar Sahib, Nanded, India was the finalresting place of Guru Gobind Singh wholeft for heavenly abode on October 7, 1708.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a Visionary,Saint, Scholar, Poet, Philosopher, Warrior,Connoisseur & Patron of artistes andskilled warrior. He sacrificed his parents,spouse and 4 minor sons, at the altar ofupholding human dignity and Freedom ofFaith/Religion & Right to Expression.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji mastered manylanguages including Sanskrit, Urdu, Hindi,Braj, Gurmukhi and Persian. He alsolearned martial arts to become adept incombat. In his 42-year sojourn on thisplanet, he authored several poeticcompositions like 'Akaal-Ustat' (Pristine-Praise of the Timeless One). The GreatGuru accomplished all of this whileremaining mindful of his DivineAssignment of steadfastly being theDefender of Human Rights of thepopulace. Hence, he did not shirk his duty,when he was pulled into fighting 16 battlesagainst the overpowering might of theMughal Emperor of India, who wasequipped with a massive army and largearsenals. Although he braved several actsof betrayal, treachery, deception, jealousyfrom various quarters, yet his utmost trustin ONENESS of humanity brought himloyalty from both sides, all of the Divine-conscious and conscientious Muslims andHindus, when they sacrificed their life,fighting against tyrannical oppressiveforces of darkness.

The five virtues recognized in Sikhismare Sat (Truth), Santokh (Contentment),Daya (Compassion), Nimrata (Humility)and Pyaar (Love). For the Sikhs, the finalgoal of life is to reunite or merge with God(Mukti). The Sikh Gurus taught that toachieve this goal it was important to workhard at developing positive humanqualities which lead the soul closer to God.The Gurus taught that all human beingshave the qualities they need to reunite withGod but they must train their minds tomake the most of these qualities. In orderto reach the final goal of life, Sikhs believethat they must constantly develop theirlove for God by developing compassion forall God's creation. The mind of someonewho is gurmukh (literally, 'Guru facing'), isconstantly focused on God at all times;while the mind of Manmukh (literally,'mind facing' or "mind centered") is full ofdesire, attractions, doubts, greed, etc andhe or she will be full of sorrow and pain.

'The Spirit of Optimism and Oneness'transcends race and religion. Amongst thefaithful devotees of Guru Gobind Singh Ji,several notable loyal Hindus and Muslimsare respected by all Sikhs. All these nobleones have gained immortality and havebecome a part of Sikh history.

Bhai Nand Lal Ji (c. 1633-1713) was aneminent poet laureate in the Guru'sDarbaar. He fled from Aurangzeb'spersecution.

Hakim Allah Yaar Khan Jogi, anunbiased Muslim poet/writer wrote twopoems almost a century ago, one onChamkaur, under the title Ganj-a-Shaheedan and the other on Sirhind,entitled Shaheedan -a-Wafa, in homage tothe 4 minor sons of The Guru.

Pir Bhikan Shah saw the Divine Lightemanating from the birthplace of The

Guru Gobind Singh created Khalsa on the day of Vaisakhi at Anandpur Sahib in 1699.

From Page 14

Continued on Page 16


FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 16Guru and started bowing in Islamic Prayer,towards the East instead of towards Meccain the West. He visited the newly bornGuru, tested him by presenting two bowls(representing Muslims & Hindus). TheGuru placed his hands on both. The Pirfurther said that he was immenselyimpressed and pleased with this act of theHoly child. The Pir, his disciples andservants then returned to his home andremained a steadfast supporter of theGuru for his entire life.

Pir Buddhu Shah was a Muslim-Divinewhose real name was Badr ud Din, whowas an admirer and ally of Guru GobindSingh. He brought many hundreds of hisfollowers and his family members to assistthe Guru's force. However, the Mughalsexecuted him, after the battle, forsupporting the Guru.

Diwan Todar Mal Ji was a wealthyHindu merchant of Sirhind,performed thecremation of the three martyrs: the twoyounger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Gujriaged 9, Fateh Singh aged 6 and theirgrandmother, Mata Gujari Ji. The twochildren were bricked alive, for refusing torenounce their faith. Their grandmother atthe news of the sudden and despicableexecution of the innocent youngsters. Thiswealthy merchant had to cover therequired ground for cremation with anestimated7,800 gold coins.

Baba Moti Ram Mehra Ji servededibles and milk to the two littleSahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji. He did notconceal his act and boldly told the Nawabthat it was his pious duty to serve edibles tothe imprisoned innocent children and theirgrandmother. Hence, Baba Moti RamMehra, along with his family, weresentenced to death by being squeezed in aKohlu (oil press).The Guru blessed thebrother-duo,

Ghani Khan and Nabi Khan with a'Hukamnama': a letter of commendationstating that both of them were the "Sons ofGuru Gobind Singh".

Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed NawabSher Khan, Ruler of Malerkotla, forvociferously protesting against theinhuman act of bricking-alive two minorsons of The Guru. Muslim-dominatedMalerkotla is the only Muslim majoritycity in Punjab with 68.5% residents beingMuslim and the rest being Hindus, Sikhs,Jains, Christians and Buddhists. Not asingle one was harmed here, during theriots erupted during the partition of India.

The Guru was an empathetichumanist to the core, a bravecommanding general as well as a

soldier, leading from the front. The DivineGuru Gobind Singh Ji gifted his disciples, apractical 'Way of Life', after sacrificing hisentire family for Human-Rights. Hisunflinching resolve to stand up and to fightfor Equality, Justice, Liberty, Peace andHarmonious Co-Existence which are asrelevant, today, as they were over threecenturies ago.

"For this purpose was I born, let all

virtuous people understand. I was born

to advance righteousness, to emancipate

the good, and to destroy all evil-doers

root and branch." -Guru Gobind Singh.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed BhaiKanhaiya Ji, who served water andadministered first-aid to wounded soldiersof both warring sides. This supremeselfless service became the precursor to thefounding of The International Committeeof Red Cross.

Bhai Joga Singh stood up, in the midst of'Anand-Kaaraj' (his wedding ceremony)when Guru Gobind Singh Ji tested hisloyalty and devotion, by sending hisfollowers. to inform Joga Singh that the

Guru required his presence soon.Before the head of Guru Tegh Bahadur

Ji was severed in Delhi, his disciples whowere martyred included the two brothersBhai Mati Das, who was sawed alive andBhai Sati Das Ji, who was wrapped incotton and burnt alive. Another follower,Bhai Dayal Das Ji was boiled alive in acauldron.

The epoch-making epic battle of FortSaragarhiwitnessed 21 young Sikhs facethe onslaught of the ferocious Pathantribals in 1897. They did not surrender.Some of them were so young that theydidn't have a beard and moustache.

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur (16

October, 1670 - 9 June, 1716) akaLachhman Dev alias Madho Dass Bairagi,originally from the Jammu region, isrevered as one of greatest Sikh warriors aswell as one of the most hallowed martyrs ofthe Khalsa Army.The Khalsa were engagedin a prolonged fight against the cruelMughals, who were practising theirtyranny and terrorism. His confrontationwith the Mughal administration inNorthern India, though brief, was strongand vigorous enough to shake thefoundations of this evil empire.Theagrarian uprising that he led in the Punjabwas the underpinning on which the DalKhalsa, the Sikh Misls and MaharajaRanjit Singh built the edifice which finallyculminated with Ranjit Singh capturingLahore in 1799 and establishing the SikhKingdom of the Punjab. This resulted inthe end of a dark period in the history ofIndia.

The valiant one Nawab Kapur Singh.

When Zakariya Khan, who became thegovernor of Lahore in 1726, adoptedrigorous measures against the Sikhs,Nawab Kapur Singh organized a band ofwarriors, who, with a view to paralyzingthe administration and obtaining food fortheir companions forced to seek shelter inremote hills and forests, attackedgovernment treasuries and caravansmoving from one place to another. Suchwas the effect of these depredations thatthe Delhi government, in 1733, at theinstance of Zakariya Khan, decided to liftthe quarantine forced upon the Sikhs andmade an offer of a grant to them. SubegSingh, a Sikh resident of Jambar, nearLahore, who was a police-inspector of thecity under Mughal authority, wasentrusted with the task of negotiatingpeace with the Khalsa.

General Hari Singh Uppal

'Nalwa'conquered regions as far away inAfghanistan. He was held in immense aweby the ferocious Afghan Pathaan tribals,whom he vanquished but ruled with

equality and respect.The Conquest of Delhi was effected in

1783 by Generals Baba Baghel Singh, JassaSingh Ahluwalia and Jassa SinghRamgarhia, when they captured ShahAlam, the Emperor of India, and hoistedtheKhalsa Insignia called the 'Nishaan-Sahib', atop the Red Fort in Delhi. Thefamed Peacock Throne of Mughal Dynastywas uprooted from theconcrete ground andwas tied with iron chains, to be pulled byelephants and taken to Punjab. It is placedas a Souvenir or trophy, in the RamgarhiaMuseum.

Sardar Sham Singh Attari (Circa

1785-1846), a Sikh general in the Sikharmy of Lahore Darbar, belonged to a Jattfamily of Sidhu Clan. was the only son ofSardar Nihal Singh Attari (d. 1817), andgrandson of Sardar Gaur Singh Attari (d.1763), The first in line to Convert toSikhism in the early days of Sikh politicalascendancy and joined the Jatha or band ofSardar Gurbakhsh Singh of Roranvala. Hesoon established his, protection over anarea around Attari, a village he hadfounded some 16 miles west from the holycity of Amritsar. His son, Nihal SinghAttari, was known for his martial prowessand for his personal loyalty to MaharajaRanjit Singh. Nihal Singh's son, ShamSingh Attari, entered the service of theMaharaja in 1817 and, in 1818, took part inthe military campaigns of Peshawar,Attock and Multan. He also fought inKashmir in 1819. He led Sikh forces againstSayyid Ahmad of Bareilly who had duringthe years 1826-31 carried on in the trans-Indus region a relentless crusade againstthe Sikhs. Sayyid Ahmad was overcomeand killed on 6 May 1831, along with hischief lieutenant, Muhammad Ismail.

Emperor (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh, the19th century ruler of the Sikh Empire inIndia,was voted as the best administratorin world history. He overcamecompetition from around the world, to benamed the "Greatest Leader of All Time"in a poll conducted by 'BBC WorldHistories Magazine'. He was instrumentalfor the Unification of Sikh MartialGroups (Misals) into a strongConfederation. The title of DivineKingship can well be used whilediscussing Sikh Emperor Ranjit Singh,who stands out amongst the Greatestrulers, who treated their subjects withfair play, equality, justice, respect andbenevolence. Wisdom, bravery, strategyand tolerance for all religions were hishallmarks. He donated tones of gold toHindu, Muslim and Christian shrines justas to Sikh Gurdwaras. His ministers,advisors, generals and functionaries

hailed from all religions, and some wereof other races from other nations.

In the first half of the 18th century,state terrorism against the Sikhs was onthe steady increase and was intensified byMir Mannu. In 1748, the Mughalsappointed Mir Mannu as Governor(Subedar) of Lahore and also as a Nawabof Multan (1748-1753).

Sikhs were offered a choice :

"conversion or death.

In order to pacify Hindus, Mir Mannuappointed a Khatri Hindu of Lahorenamed Kaura Mall as his diwan orminister. He then ordered 30,000+ army ofmughals at Lahore to finish the Sikhs. Themughal army swept the countryside andkilled many of the Sikhs they found. Bynow, the faith of the common people inSikhi and the strength of the Khalsa hadincreased tremendously. Despite Mannu'sextreme torture and reign of terror,nothing could deter the Sikhs. A Panjabifolk song of that period goes like this inEnglish:

The motto/slogan of the Sikhs was:

"We are the plants and Mannu is a

sickle; The more he cuts us, the more

we grow.

This is the time when the army of MirMannu was going from house to housesearching for Sikhs. Many of the Sikhstook shelter in jungles but some Sikhs whowere living with their families in the citiesand could not just leave right away or joinany jathas. They were captured by thearmy and all were being sent to Lahore.Most of the prisoners were Sikh womenand children.Many of the old women werekilled on the way because they were weakand could not walk for a long time. All ofthe Singhni's and their children were put inLahore jail.At that time Sikh populationwas very negligible. A decade earlier, agovernor had decided to kill all Sikhs. Atthat point people thought that all Sikhswere finished, but Bhai Gharjha Singh andBhai Bota Singh came out of hiding andfought with Mughals, just to show themthat Sikhs were far from finished.

Everyday Muslims would come andtaunt them by saying "where is yourKhalsa now? They can't even come torescue you. All of them have been killed bythe army. So it is better for you to acceptIslam and live a rich happy life." Singhnisnever ever thought of leaving Sikhi.

The sacrifice of the Khalsa women thatwas so great that it became a part of thedaily prayer. They kept reciting"Waheguru, Hail the Guru".

Sikh Women in Mir Mannu's Death CampsMir Mannu started deploying terror

tactics. First of all, he ordered that all Sikhwomen be imprisoned.

Every woman was given forty pounds ofgrain to grind daily. A very heavy stone wasplaced on the chest of those who could notgrind. They were given just a bowl of waterand a quarter of a piece of bread to eat in asingle day. The tyrants then started killingthe innocent children by throwing them upin the air and landing them on sharpspears. One soldier would throw a child upin the air and another soldier would spearthe child before the child hit the ground.The dead bodies of these children were cutinto pieces and the ladies were garlandedwith those pieces. Pieces of flesh of thechildren were thrust into the mouths oftheir mothers.But the faith of Sikh womenwas unshakable.

Such is the invincible spirit of

optimism of the Sikhs.

(The author is a thinker and a scholar onSikhism. He can be reached at

[email protected])

The Living Guru Sree Guru Granth Sahib at a Gurdwara in France

From Page 15


FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 17The Creation of Khalsa

Following the death of Teg Bahadur, Guru GobindSingh (1666-1708), the most important of all theGurus with the exception of Guru Nanak,

assumed leadership of the Sikhs.Gobind Rai, whose name was altered to Gobind Singh

possibly at the time of the creation of the Khalsa, wasborn in Patna, the only child of Guru Teg Bahadur. Atthe age of five he was brought to Anandpur andeducated in Sanskrit and Persian and in the arts ofpoetry and warfare. His father's execution in Delhi byAurangzeb must have made a deep impression on thechild. For several years after his succession as Guru, hecontinued his education in the Shiwalik Hills. He grewto manhood as the ruler of a small Shiwalik state,participating in various wars against other Shiwalikchieftains and demonstrating a particular delight in thesport of hunting.

According to Sikh tradition, on Baisakhi Day late inthe 17th century (1699), a fair was held at Anandpur, andall Sikhs were ordered to attend. The Guru remainedconcealed until the celebrations were at their height,when he suddenly appeared from a tent carrying adrawn sword and demanding the head of one of hisloyal followers.

At once the crowd became silent, wondering what hadhappened. The Guru repeated the command, andeventually Daya Singh volunteered and was takenbehind a screen to be dispatched. Gobind Singh thenreappeared, his sword dripping blood, and demanded asecond victim. He too was escorted behind the screen,and again the sound of the sword could be heard. In thismanner five loyal Sikhs agreed to die for their master.When he had apparently dispatched the fifth, the screenwas removed, and all five were seen to be very muchalive. At their feet lay five slaughtered goats. The fivevolunteers became the Panj Piare, the "Cherished Five,"who had proved that their loyalty was beyond question.

Guru Gobind Singh explained that he desired thePanj Piare to be the beginning of a new order, theKhalsa ("the Pure," from the Persian khalisah, alsomeaning "pure"). The masands (many of whom hadbecome quarrelsome or corrupt) would be eliminated,and all Sikhs, through their initiation into the Khalsa,would owe allegiance directly to the Guru. GobindSingh then commenced the amrit sanskar ("nectarceremony"), the service of initiation for the Panj Piare.When the rite was concluded, the Guru himself wasinitiated by the Panj Piare. The order was then openedto anyone wishing to join, and Sikh tradition reportsthat enormous crowds responded.

It should be noted that, contrary to the belief of manySikhs, some central features of the present-day Khalsadid not exist in Gobind Singh's time. For example,although the Guru required that those initiated into theKhalsa carry arms and never cut their hair (so that atleast the men would never be able to deny their identityas Khalsa Sikhs), the wearing of the "Five Ks"-kes orkesh (uncut hair), kangha (comb), kachha (shorttrousers), kara (steel bracelet), and kirpan (ceremonialsword)-did not become an obligation of all Sikhs untilthe establishment of the Singh Sabha, a religious andeducational reform movement of the late 19th and theearly 20th century.

The Sikh wedding ceremony, in which the bride andgroom walk around the Guru Granth Sahib, is also amodern development, having replaced the essentiallyHindu rite, in which the bride and groom walk arounda sacred fire, by the Anand Marriage Act of 1909. Thenames Singh ("Lion") for Sikh males and Kaur("Princess") for Sikh females, formerly adopted uponinitiation into the Khalsa, are now bestowed to all Sikhsin a birth and naming ceremony (see below Rites andfestivals). All of these changes have been incorporatedinto the Rahit, the Sikh code of belief and conduct,which reached nearly its final form in the early 20thcentury.

Guru Gobind Singh believed that the forces of goodand evil in the world sometimes fall out of balance.When the forces of evil become too great, Akal Purakhintervenes in human history to correct the balance,using particular human individuals as his agents. InGobind Singh's time the forces of evil, represented by

the Mughals under Aurangzeb, had gained theascendance, and it was Gobind Singh's task, hebelieved, to right the balance. In the service of thismission, the Sikhs were justified in drawing the sword.He expressed this conviction in Zafar-nama ("Epistle ofVictory"), a letter that he addressed late in life toAugangzeb. Soon after the creation of the Khalsa, theGuru was attacked by other Shiwalik chieftains inleague with the Mughal governor of the town ofSirhind. In 1704 he was compelled to withdraw fromAnandpur, losing two of his four sons in the battle thatfollowed. The two remaining sons were taken prisonerand delivered to the governor of Sirhind, who cruelly

executed them by bricking them up alive. The fate ofthese two children has remained an agonizing tale forSikhs ever since. From Anandpur, Guru Gobind Singhescaped to southern Punjab, where he inflicted a defeaton his pursuers at Muktsar. He then moved on toDamdama, remaining there until 1706 and, according totradition, occupying himself with the final revision ofthe Adi Granth. When Aurangzeb died in 1707, GobindSingh agreed to accompany Aurangzeb's successor,Bah?dur Sh?h, to southern India. Arriving at Nandedon the banks of the Godavari River in 1708, he wasassassinated by agents of the governor of Sirhind.

Source: Britannica.com



The creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singhwas the greatest achievements of his genius. Itgave birth to a movement which had far reaching

effects. It brought a new belief into being and releaseda new dynamic force into the arena of Indian History.

The Khalsa produced men of uncommon bravery,sacrifice

By the creation of the Khalsa, the Great Guru laidthe foundation of a brotherhood, which produced inthe fullness of time, men of uncommon bravery,unique and devotion and rare spirit of sacrifice.

Men like Banda Bahadur, Bhai Mani Singh, BabaDeep Singh, Bhai Taru Singh and Jassa SinghAhluwalia were among them which the Khalsaproduced within only fifty years after its inception.

He converted the Sikhs into a race of saint-soldiersThe Khalsa created brotherhood who though

worshipped the supreme Being at heart, was everready to take up arms against injustice andoppression.

Guru Gobind Singh "withdrew his followers fromthe undivided attention which their father had giventhem to regard the sword as their principal stay intheir world".

It brought a tremendous change in the character andpsychology of the Hindus

Before the creation of the Khalsa, the bulk of theHindus were cowardly, disunited and ill-organized.They were prey to mutual jealousies. Theyhad no love for religion, race or country. Centuries ofsuppression had reduced them to mere dregs ofhumanity were changed as it by magic into somethingrich and strange. The sweepers, the barbers, thewashermen and the confectioners who had forgenerations lived as crawling slaves, became doughtlywarriors who were ready to rush into the jaws of deathat their bidding of their Guru. It has been aptlyremarked that the tenth Guru transformed "Jackalsinto lions and sparrows into hawks.* Guru GobindSingh effectually roused the dormant energies of avanquished people and filled them with a loftyalthough fitfuf longing for social freedom and nationalascendancy."

The Khalsa was purified of superstitions and blind faithThe creation of the Khalsa freed the Sikhs from

superstitions and unnecessary ritual practices. Theyhad no faith in idol worship and life of ostentations.They were enjoined upon to believe in one True Lord.Gobind Singh took away from his followers theirancient solace of superstitions.

It gave new life to depressed and down troddencommunities

The creation of the Khalsa had a miraculous effectin uplifting the depressed and down troddencommunities. The members of the low castes whowere regarded as unclean and polluted in the Hindusociety became leaders among men of high birth. Theycame forward as Sikhs and fought side by side with theKshatriyas and Brahmans for the cause of Dharma.The members of the low castes proved to be thebackbone of the Khalsa and proved to be real patriotsand dougthy warriors who made sacrifices for theircountry and faith.

It made the Sikhs a unified communityThe creation of the Khalsa made all the Sikhs equal.

They considered themselves as blood relations havingacquired common heritage from their commonGurus.The external marks of Sikhism ie, the five K'sgave them a sense of brotherhood, equality andreligious unity. Their eating in the common kitchen,sitting together, gave a death-blow to the caste system.The status of one Sikh was in no way superior to thatof the other.This principle of equality led to unity andcohesion amongst the followers of the Gurus.

It led to wars between the Guru and the hilly Rajas

One of the immediate results of the foundation of theKhalsa was that it excited the jealousy of hilly chiefsand brought Guru Gobind Singh into conflict withthem. They saw in the democratic teachings and themilitary zeal of the Guru a threat to their influence andpower. Besides, they thought that they would be the firstvictims of Guru's ambition. Consequently, the hillychiefs felt much concerned and lost no time in initiatinghostilities against the Guru. Thus was started the longdrawn warfare between the two parties.

It made Sikhism distinct from HinduismThe distinguished marks of the Khalsa namely the

five K's, the appellation of Singh,the new mode ofsalutation and total abstention from smoking- theessential tenets of the Khalsa made Sikhism moredistinct from Hinduism. Thereafter, the possibilities ofthe Sikhism being absorbed by the Hinduism becamevery remote.

The Khalsa saved Hinduism from annihilation The creation of the Khalsa saved Hinduism from

annihilation. Aurangzeb had started a program ofwholesale conversion of the Hindus. His officersfollowed a policy of religious persecution of Hindus,

demolished their temples and subjected them tounheard cruelties. At such a juncture, the creation ofthe Khalsa gave a new lease of life to the Hindusreligion. By their military valor, sacrifice and services,they saved them from the tyranny of the MughalGovernment. Even after the death of Guru GobindSingh, the Khalsa continued its struggle againstinjustice and oppression and did not rest till it hadcompletely overpowered the enemy.

It gradually made the Khalsa political power in the PunjabThe great legacy of the creation of the Khalsa was

the " Sikh struggle for independence" in the Punjab. TheKhalsa first thought against the Mughals and thenagainst the Afghans and did not rest till it had achievedthe goal after a long and determined struggle for almosta century the Punjab under Ranjit Singh became asovereign state.

Guru Gobind Singh in no way gave up the essentialsof Guru Nanak's teachings. Like his predeccesors,Guru Gobind Singh insisted on the worship of the OneTrue Lord, with the same ideal, devotion and humilityand for the same glorification of the Name. He did notwant his followers to forget their Lord in the worldlypursuits. Source: Abhipedia

Significance of creation of Khalsa

The five Ks


FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 19Vaisakhi: The harvest festival

Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is a harvest festivalcelebrated in India and in parts of the world largelyby the Sikh community. The day holds great

significance and is celebrated as Sikh New Year, based onthe solar calendar.

This year, it will be celebrated on April 14, a Thursday.

History and significanceFor the Sikh community, Baisakhi is not only a harvest

festival, but also a religious one. On March 30, 1699, onVaisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa, whichis the ‘pure’ Sikh community. On this day, the Guru askedpeople to sacrifice their life for the Lord.

Five people volunteered and they later came to be knownas ‘panj piaras‘.Sikhs visit gurudwaras on the day ofBaisakhi, and in Punjab, specifically, langars are organisedat various places. Traditionally, kada prasad (wheat halwa)is served.People wear new, colourful clothes and in theevenings, perform bhangra (Punjabi folk dance).Processions of nagar kirtans are also carried out, whichinvolve singing and chanting from the holy book, GuruGranth Sahib. Other than Punjab, the festival is alsocelebrated in other states, like in Haryana, where a BaisakhiFair is organised.

CelebrationsPeople of Punjab celebrate the festival of Baisakhi with

exuberance and devotion. As the festival has tremendousimportance in Sikh religion, major activities of the day areorganized in Gurdwaras. People wake up early to preparefor the day. Many also take bath in the holy river to mark theauspicious occasion. After getting ready people pay a visit totheir neighbourdood gurdwara and take part in the specialprayer meeting organized for the day. At the end of theBaisakhi ardas, congregates receive specially preparedKara prasad or sweetened semolina. This is followed by aguru ka langar or community lunch. Later, during the daypeople of Sikh faith take out a Baisakhi procession underthe leadership of Panj piaras. The procession movesthrough the major localities of the city amidst the renditionof devotional songs by the participating men, women andchildren. Mock duels, bhangra and gidda performancesmake the procession joyous and colorful.

Celebrations by FarmersFor the large farming community of Punjab and

Haryana, Baisakhi marks a New Year’s time as it is time toharvest rabi crop. On Baisakhi, farmers thank god for thebountiful crop and pray for good times ahead. People buynew clothes and make merry by singing, dancing andenjoying the best of festive food. Cries of “Jatta aaiBaisakhi”, rent the skies as gaily men and women breakinto the bhangra and gidda dance to express their joy.Everyday farming scenes of sowing, harvesting,winnowing and gathering of crops are expressed throughzestful movements of the body to the accompaniment ofballads and dhol music. In several villages of PunjabBaisakhi Fairs are organized where besides otherrecreational activities, wrestling bouts are also held.

HistoryBaisakhi or Vaisakhi Festival is celebrated as the Sikh

New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth. History ofBaisakhi traces its origin from the Baisakhi Daycelebrations of 1699 organized by the Tenth Sikh Guru,Guru Gobind Singh to form Khalsa – Brotherhood of SaintSoldiers to fight against tyranny and oppression.

Story of BaisakhiThe story of Baisakhi Festival began with the martyrdom

of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru who waspublicly beheaded by the Aurungzeb, the Mughal ruler.Aurungzeb wanted to spread Islam in India and Guru TeghBahadur stood up for the rights of Hindus and Sikhs and theMughals therefore saw him as a threat. After the death ofGuru Teg Bahadur, his son, Guru Gobind Singh became thenext Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh wished to instillcourage and strength to sacrifice among his fellow men. Tofulfil his dream, Guru Gobind Singh called on the historicBaisakhi Day congregation of Sikhs at Keshgarh Sahibnear Anandpur on March 30, 1699.When thousands ofpeople assembled for Guru’s blessing, Guru Gobind Singh

came out of the tent carrying an unsheathed sword. He gavea powerful speech to infuse courage amongst fellowmen. Atthe end of the speech he said that every great deed waspreceded by equally great sacrifice and demanded thatanyone prepared to give his life come forward. On theGuru’s third call, a young man offered himself. The Gurutook the man inside a tent and reappeared alone with abloodied sword. Guru Gobind Singh asked for anothervolunteer. This was repeated another four times until a totalof five Sikhs had gone into the tent with the Guru. Everyonepresent was worried and though that Guru Gobind Singhhas killed five Sikhs. At this point Guru presented all thefive men before the people. Every one present was surprisedto see all five men alive and wearing turbans and saffron-coloured garments. These five men were called Panj Piaraor ‘Beloved Five’ by the Guru.The Guru blessed them with aPahul ceremony. In an iron vessel, the Guru stirred with asword called Khanda Sahib, the batasha that his wife, MataSundari Ji had put into water.

The congregation recited verses from scriptures as theGuru performed the sacred ceremony. The water was nowconsidered the sacred nectar of immortality called amrit. Itwas first given to the five volunteers, then drunk by the guruand later distributed amongst the crowd. With thisceremony, all those present, irrespective of caste or creed,became members of the Khalsa Pantha (the Order of thePure Ones). The Guru regarded the Panch Piaras as the firstmembers of the Khalsa and the embodiment of the Guruhimself. With the constitution of the Panj Pyare the highand low castes were amalgamated into one as among the

original Panj Pyare, there was one Khatri, shopkeeper; oneJat, farmer; one Chhimba, calico printer; one Ghumar,water-carrier; and one Nai, a barber. The Guru gave thesurname of Singh (Lion) to every Sikh and also took thename for himself. From Guru Gobind Rai he became GuruGobind Singh. This was seen as a great step in nationalintegration because society at that time was divided on thebasis of religion, caste and social status. Guru Gobind Singhalso bestowed on Khalsa, the unique Sikh identity. Hedirected Sikhs to wear five K’s: Kesh or long hair, Kangha orcomb, Kripan or dagger, Kachha or shorts and a Kara orbracelet. Guru Gobind Singh also discontinued thetradition of Gurus and asked all Sikhs to accept theGrantha Sahib as their eternal guide. He urged them tocome to him with their hair and beard unshorn to getbaptized by the sword.

What Rituals Are Performed In the morning, Sikhs visit the gurudwara (temple) to

attend special payers. Most Sikhs strive to visit the reveredGolden Temple in Amritsar or Anandpur Sahib, where theKhalsa was pronounced. The Granth Sahib, or HolyScripture, is bathed with milk and water, placed on a throne,and read. Karah prasad (sacred pudding made from butter,sugar and flour) is distributed.

In the afternoon, the Granth Sahib is taken out during aprocession, accompanied by music, singing, chanting, andperformances. Sikhs also offer also kar serva by helping inthe daily chores of the gurudwaras. This is a traditionalsymbol of humanity for all Sikhs.



Vaisakhi Celebrated at the IndianConsulate, New York

CONTD FROM PAGE 1

The 90-minute celebrations startedwith singing of Gurbani by PrachiMakkar and Surya Makkar who playedTabla, too.

A display of the Sikh martial art-Gatka- thrilled everyone. The youngboys from Akal Gatka Academy foundedby Mr. Daler Singh left all spellboundwith their great performance.

A well-known community leaderRaghbir Singh Subhanpur, an ex-President of Gurdwara Baba MakhanShah Lobana recited a Punjabi poemexhorting Sikhs to follow the path ofrighteousness.

The young Riya Dadheech gave astellar Punjabi dance performance.

A 21-minute documentary onVaisakhi screened on the occasionreceived the praise of the guests whodescribed it as very informative. Thedocumentary named A Journey in Timetraced the history of Punjab and thehistory and contribution of the Sikhs.The documentary is produced anddirected by Prof. Indrajit Saluja .

To cap the celebrations was theworldwide popular -Bhangra. TheSoormay group of performers gave athrilling performance inviting roundsof applause from the gathering.

The 120 strong gathering in the ornateroom of the Consulate had not only theSikhs celebrating Vaisakhi but peoplefrom all faiths and from all geographicalareas of India and from various parts ofthe US. Among the guests werecommunity leaders, electedrepresentatives and officials. Dozens ofGurdwaras and communityorganizations were represented.

The Consul General of India RandhirKumar Jaiswal was the chief guest. Inhis address Mr. Jaiswal spoke about therich diversity of India. " Here what yousee is the culture of Punjab in the formof dances and songs. The bravery andvigor of the Sikhs is so well known", hesaid. He also spoke about his having apersonal experience of visiting thebirthplace of Guru Gobind Singh inPatna and then the place of his restingin Nanded which he visited while hewas studying in that part of the country.Welcoming the guests, he said that thedoors of the consulate are open to allpeople and invited them to get moreinvolved in the various programs thatthe consulate organizes throughout theyear.

Earlier, Prof. Indrajit Saluja, ChiefEditor of The Indian Panoramawelcomed and introduced Mr. Jaiswaland guests. He thanked the ConsulGeneral and the Consulate staff fortheir cooperation and hoped that thetradition of holding cultural festivals asalso various other activities to involvethe Indian Americans will not onlycontinue but will get speeded up.

Dr. VK Raju, an eminentophthalmologist and President of the CONTD ON PAGE 21

A Gatka performanceby students of Akal

Gatka Academy of Mr.Daler Singh

Photo / / Jay Mandal-on assignment

Another Gatkaperformance


Viraj Singh, MadhuSingh and Ashishpal

Saluja present abouquet to the Chief

Guest Consul GeneralRandhir Kumar

Jaiswal


Gatka group with the Consul General , Prof. Saluja and guests Photo / / Jay Mandal- on assignment

Prof. Indrajit S Saluja welcomes guests. Masterof Ceremonies Sangeet Sharma is seen to his

right Photo / / Jay Mandal- on assignment

Consul General Randhir Jaiswal delivering his remarks Photo / / Jay Mandal- on assignment

Prachi Makkar (on Harmonium) and SuryaMakkar (on Tabla) sing a "shabad" (hymn) -"DehShiva er mohe ihe, shubh karman te kabahun nataron" Photo / Jay Mandal- on assignment

Mr. Raghbir Singh Subhanpur recites his poemPhoto / / Jay Mandal- on assignment

Ria Dadheech gave a great performance of aPunjabi dance. She was felicitated by Senator

John Liu (left) and Consul General RandhirJaiswal Photo / / Jay Mandal- on assignment



Eye Foundation of America who hadtraveled all the way from West Virginiato attend the event was the guest ofHonor. Dr. Raju was given a standingovation for the great humanitarianwork he was doing of preventingblindness among children the worldover, in particular in India where heruns a hospital to serve theunderprivileged people, particularly inthe rural areas. Speaking of theimportance of eyes, Dr. Raju said 80% ofthe learning comes through the eyes,and a child with no eyesight becomes aburden on himself, his family and thesociety. Therefore, he considers it veryimportant to be working for a worldwithout childhood blindness.

New York State Senator John Liu, agreat friend of the Indian Americancommunity, also graced the occasionwith his presence. In his brief addresshe congratulated the Sikh communityon the occasion of their birthday.

Rokeya Akhter, Community Relationsofficer with the Queens DistrictAttorney Melinda Katz represented herboss.

Among other guests were Padma ShriDr. Sudhir Parikh, Attorney Ravi Batraand Diwali Stamp Foundation ChairRanju Batra.

Ravi Batra who admires Guru GobindSingh recalled his anguish when Sikhsin a Gurdwara in Wisconsin were shot.He was the one who got communitymembers together in New York andorganized a protest meeting.

Consul, Culture Mr. Vipul Devthanked the guests, performers,sponsors and the organizers.

It was left to the Master ofCeremonies Sangeet Sharma who veryably conducted the entire program tofinally thank all on behalf of theorganizers.

The celebrations were hosted jointlyby the Consulate General of India andThe Indian Panorama, a leading EnglishWeekly on the East Coast.

CONTD FROM PAGE 20

Bhangra boys with the Chief Guest, guests and organizers. Photo / / Jay Mandal- on assignment

A view of the gathering Photo / / Jay Mandal- on assignment

Consul, Culture Mr. Vipul Dev gives a vote ofthanks.

Photo / / Jay Mandal- on assignment

Dr. VK Raju is being honored by the Consul General Randhir Kumar Jaiswal. Seen in the picture, fromL to R: Senator John Liu, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, Dr. VK Raju, Ravi Batra,Prof. Indrajit Saluja Photo / / Jay Mandal- on assignment

Senator John Liu is felicitatedby the Consul General

Randhir Kumar Jaiswal. Prof.Saluja is seen on the extreme

right

Photo / / Jay Mandal- onassignment

Attorney Ravi Batra giving his remarks Photo / / Jay Mandal- on assignment

US THE INDIAN PANORAMA


Sikhs Sue Marine Corps OverRestrictions on Beards

THE MARINE CORPS SAYS IT NEEDS UNIFORMITY, ESPECIALLY DURING BOOT CAMP, AND THAT BEARDS POSE RISKS. SIKHS SAY THERULES ARE ARBITRARY AND NEEDLESSLY BURDEN RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): A Marine artillerycaptain named Sukhbir Singh Toor has been on amission over the past year to become the first Sikh inthe United States Marine Corps allowed to openlypractice his religion while in uniform.

During that time he has won a string of victoriesagainst the strict dress standards of the Marine Corps,and he can now wear the beard, long hair and turbanrequired of a faithful Sikh while on duty. But recently,the Marine Corps dug in, refusing to allow him or anyother Sikh to wear a beard on a combat deployment orduring boot camp, saying that beards would hinder thecorps's ability to function and put lives at risk.

On Monday, Captain Toor and three other Sikhs suedthe Marine Corps in U.S. District Court for the Districtof Columbia, saying the corps's refusal to grant areligious waiver is arbitrary and discriminatory, andviolates the constitutional right to free exercise of theirreligion.

"I just want to move on, so I can do my job," CaptainToor, 27, said in an interview from his base inTwentynine Palms, Calif., before the suit was filed."There is no reason I should have to sacrifice my faithin order to serve my country."

Joining him in the lawsuit are three prospectiveMarine recruits who have been told they must shavetheir beards and cut their hair for boot camp, where allMarines receive basic training, and only afterwardwould be able to apply for a religious exemption.

The lawsuit is emblematic of the larger struggle thetradition-bound military faces in trying to attractpersonnel in an increasingly diverse nation, whilepreserving practices that took root when its ranks werealmost entirely white, male and Christian.

At issue is the long-simmering tension betweenconstitutional guarantees of individual rights and themilitary's need to maintain an effective fighting forcethat at times must impinge on those rights. The backand forth over religion has been evolving since at least1981, when an Orthodox rabbi serving in the Air Forcesued the service over the right to wear a skullcap.Current law requires that the military not restrictindividual exercise of religion except when a"compelling government interest" is at stake, and inthose cases, to use the "least restrictive means" possible.

What counts as a compelling government interest, oras the least restrictive means, is at the center of thecase.

The Marine Corps declined to comment on thelawsuit. In prior administrative decisions concerningSikh turbans and beards, Marine leaders have cited twointerests it said were compelling. One is uniformappearance in the ranks, which the corps argues iscrucial to good order and discipline.

"Uniformity is more than the mere outwardexpression of unity with the team; it is a tool that

constantly reminds each Marine of the team to whichthey are committed and a signal to other Marines of thedepth of that commitment," the Marine Corps said inresponse to Captain Toor's first request for anaccommodation in June. Tampering with thatcommitment, it warned, could cost lives.

Second, the Marine Corps has said, beards mighthinder Marines' physical ability to do their duties bykeeping them from safely wearing gas masks.

That is why Captain Toor and other Sikhs currentlycannot wear beards when deployed in any of 39countries that are considered potentially hostile,including Algeria, Israel, Turkey, Uganda and Cuba.

Col. Kelly Frushour, a Marine spokeswoman, said therisks in foreign deployments could change rapidly."Accordingly, Marines in a combat zone must beprepared to don a gas mask at any time with little or nonotice," she said.

In their suit, the Sikhs counter that the Marine Corpsroutinely deploys men to combat zones who havepermission to wear beards because of medicalconditions or because they are part of SpecialOperations units. And the corps's beard rules wouldrequire the Sikhs to shave even in countries where therisk of chemical attack is so low that Marines deployedthere are not equipped with gas masks.

The Army made similar safety arguments against aSikh soldier in 2015 but relented in 2016 after the soldiersued. About 100 Sikhs currently serve in the Army andAir Force wearing full beards and turbans, and manyhave been deployed to combat zones. In interviews, theyhave reported no issues.

The American military now grants more religiousexemptions to uniform and grooming standards thanever before, allowing hijabs for Muslim women, longhair for a small Christian sect, and beards for a fewpracticing Norse Heathens. But the Marine Corps hasfor generations fought changes after other branchesembraced them. It was the last service branch to allow

Black men to enlist, and it balked at a 2015 mandate toallow women to serve in combat.

In the case of the Sikhs, the Marine Corps has dug inover more than just practical considerations. It alsosays beards and turbans are a potential threat to a moreabstract concept of unity.

The 13 weeks of boot camp are the crucible whereordinary citizens are turned into Marines, taking awaynearly all individual identity - phones, personal clothes,hair styles and even the word "I": Drill instructors forcerecruits to refer to themselves only as "this recruit."

"This transformative period sets the foundation forfurther service by breaking down individuality andtraining recruits to think of their team first," theMarine Corps wrote in February when it denied anaccommodation for one of the prospective Sikhrecruits, Aekash Singh. "Uniformity is a keycomponent of this process. Consequently, limitingexceptions during this transformative processconstitutes the least restrictive means to further thegovernment's compelling interests."

Mr. Singh and two other prospective recruits,Jaskirat Singh and Milaap Singh Chahal, declined to beinterviewed. In a statement, they said: "We remainready to meet the high mental and physical standards ofthe Marine Corps because we want to serve our countryalongside the best. We cannot, however, give up ourright to our religious faith while doing so."

In the suit filed on Monday, their lawyers argued thatthe Marine Corps routinely allows other recruits intoboot camp who do not fit homogeneous appearancestandards. Women are allowed to keep their long hairduring training, and the corps recently loosenedrestrictions on tattoos, allowing recruits to have inkcovering everything but their hands, head and neck.

The corps said the change in the tattoo policy wasmeant "to balance the individual desires of Marineswith the need to maintain the disciplined appearanceexpected of our profession." The Sikhs say in theirlawsuit that "it is perverse to claim that respecting 'theindividual desires of Marines' to have full-body tattoosis consistent with mission accomplishment, but thatrespecting Marines' desires to be faithful to God issomehow risky."

Giselle Klapper, a civil rights attorney with anadvocacy group, the Sikh Coalition, who is one of thelawyers representing the plaintiffs, said that thecoalition tried for more than a year to negotiate asolution with Marine Corps leaders, but that the corpshad been unreceptive.

She predicted that her clients would prevail, as Sikhshave in the other service branches, but said she wasdisappointed that they had to take the issue to court.

"We feel we have run out of other options," she said."People's lives have been put on hold. How long do theyhave to wait?"

Capt. Sukhbir Singh Toor and three other Sikhs sued the MarineCorps on Monday, April 11

President Joe Biden on Thursday, April 14 greeted people onthe occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.

Biden greets people on Mahavir JayantiWASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): "This is a day to

strive for peace, happiness, and the success ofall," Biden said in a tweet, wishing the devoteeson behalf of himself and First Lady Jill Biden.

"May we each pursue the values Mahavir Swamiembodied: to seek truth, turn from violence, andlive in harmony with each other," he said.

Welcoming Biden's message, Ajay Bhutoria, thePresident's advisor on Asian American PacificIslander and native Hawaiian commission, saidthe world is in need of the teachings of Mahavir,the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, that urged thepeople to follow the path of 'Ahimsa' (non-violence).

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Thevirtual meeting between Prime MinisterNarendra Modi and President Joe Bidenwas "very helpful" for the India-US 2+2ministerial dialogue, External AffairsMinister S Jaishankar said Wednesday,April 13 noting that there is no changein the format of the engagementbetween the two countries.

"Is this (virtual meeting) elevation ofthe 2+2? I think it was very helpful for usto have interaction even as we sat thereourselves, between the Prime Ministerand the President, Jaishankar toldreporters as he concluded his trip here.

Jaishankar was here to attend the 2+2ministerial along with Defense MinisterRajnath Singh. The US delegation wasled by Secretary of State AntonyBlinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd

Austin. The 2+2 ministerial waspreceded by a virtual meeting between

Prime Minister Modi and PresidentBiden.

"In some ways, they laid out thedirections and the contours of what wasexpected of the 2+2 in sharper terms.Obviously, it was of help to us. But I willsay that 2+2 is still the 2+2. It's not a 2+2plus one," he said in response to aquestion.

Responding to another question,Jaishankar said Americans distinguishand differentiate between China andIndia. "Obviously, they do," he said.

Referring to his recent meeting withhis Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in NewDelhi, he said the two shared theirrespective analysis of what ishappening.

"I mean, clearly, they had their view ofit, we had our view of it. But, what wedid agree on and I think we still agree onis that the way out is dialogue anddiplomacy and that cessation ofhostilities would be a very necessaryfirst step in that regard, he said,referring to the Ladakh standoff.

CONTD ON PAGE 60

US THE INDIAN PANORAMA


Battle within US panel on religiousfreedom on putting India on Red List

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Behindthe exchange of words on the state ofhuman rights in each other's countriesbetween External Affair Minister SJaishankar and US Secretary of StateAntony Blinken is a more intense battlebeing fought in the corridors of UnitedStates Commission on InternationalReligious Freedom (USCIRF) as itprepares a report to be submitted to theUS State Department on April 25.

Twice in past successive years, theUSCIRF wanted the US StateDepartment to treat India as a 'Countryof Particular Concern (CPC)' whichwould bracket it with egregious humanrights abusers such as China, Pakistanand Saudi Arabia. And, both times twodifferent US administrations haverejected its recommendation and keptIndia a rung below the Red List.

This time, the battle within USCIRFon the India chapter is more intensethan in the past amidst insider accountsthat one Commissioner has "beenturned" and is understood to be insisting

on several changes in the draft underpreparation.

In a letter to USCIRF, several US-basedcivil rights and faith groups have askedit to withstand the pressure. "It is clearthat those seeking to obfuscate thereality of India's persecution of its

religious minorities are now usingintense lobbying and combativecommunication with the goal ofpreventing USCIRF from recommendingIndia's designation as a CPC for the thirdstraight year," said the letter.

"We have also learned that such

pressure includes attempts to influenceUSCIRF Commissioners and officials toexclude even a mention of PrimeMinister Narendra Modi," it added.

On Wednesday, April 13, Jaishankarheld a press conference in Washington torebut Blinken's comments a day earlier.Nationalist Congress Party hascriticized the Government for the twoIndian Ministers present at the pressconference - Jaishankar and DefenseMinister Rajnath Singh - not giving anon-the-spot rebuttal.

Stating that human rights issue wasnot a topic of discussion during theIndia-US 2+2 ministerial meeting,Jaishankar said people are entitled tohave views about India but "we also takeour views on other people's human rightssituation, including that of the US".

Blinken had said a day earlier that theUS is monitoring some recent"concerning developments" in India,including a rise in human rights abusesby some government, police and prisonofficials.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington Photo / PTI

US congratulates new Pakistan PM ShehbazSharif, says values relationship with IslamabadWASHINGTON (TIP): The United

States has congratulated Pakistan's newPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif andsaid it values the relationship betweenthe two countries and is lookingforward to continuing the long-standingcooperation, signaling Washington'sintent to improve ties with Islamabadunder the new regime.

Pakistan's relations with the US havebeen lukewarm, especially under theBiden administration. The ties toucheda new low after former prime ministerImran Khan, who was ousted last week

through a Parliament vote, accused theUS of conspiring to dislodge hisgovernment. The US government hasbluntly denied the allegations multipletimes.

"Pakistan has been an importantpartner on wide-ranging mutualinterests for nearly 75 years and wevalue our relationship," Secretary ofState Antony Blinken said in astatement on Wednesday.

"The United States congratulatesnewly-elected Pakistani Prime MinisterShehbaz Sharif and we look forward to

continuing our long-standingcooperation with Pakistan'sgovernment," he said.

Blinken said the US views a strong,prosperous and democratic Pakistan asessential for the interests of both thecountries.

However, President Joe Biden is yet tomake a customary call to PrimeMinister Sharif, 70, since hisappointment on Monday. Biden had notmade any such call to former premierKhan also till his last day in office onSunday.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Photo / PTI

Modi-Biden virtual meeting 'very helpful' for2+2 dialogue, says Jaishankar

Jaishankar said there was discussion on India's security environment and its security challenges

India in history this Week APRIL 15, 2022, TO APRIL 21, 2022

15 APRIL1469 Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born

in 1469.

1976 India announces sending its envoy to Beijingfor the first time in 15 years.

1980 Six non-government banks were nationalized.Earlier also some banks were nationalized in the sameway.

2010 Launch of the first cryogenic rocket GSLV-D3built in India failed.

1948 The state of Himachal Pradesh wasestablished.

1994 Acceptance of 'Get' agreement in 1994 by 109countries including India.

2004 LTTE militant V. Muralitharan, linked to theRajiv Gandhi assassination, was killed in 2004 inColombo.

16 APRIL

1853 In India, the first train ran from Mumbai toThane in 1853.

1919 Gandhiji declared a fast on this day in 1919 topay tribute to those who died in the Jallianwala Baghmassacre.

2008 The statue of Father of the Nation MahatmaGandhi was unveiled in 2008 in London.

2004 India defeated Pakistan 2–1 in the series bywinning the Rawalpindi Test.

17 APRIL

1952 The first Lok Sabha of the country was formedon this day in 1952.

1977 On this day in 1977, the Independence Partymerged with the Janata Party and emerged as a bigparty.

1996 On this day in 1996, the Indian Railways hadinterrupted AIDS patients from traveling.

1983 India launched the SLV-3 rocket in 1983.2003 The Indo-British Parliamentary Forum was

formed in 2003 after 55 years.2008 Four important agreements were signed

between India and Brazil in 2008.

1975 India's first Vice President and secondPresident Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan died on 17 April1975.

18 APRIL

1612 Shah Jahan marries Mumtaz.1859 Tatya Tope, who had created a reputation for

independence in the country, was hanged for playing adecisive role in the first revolution of independence of1857.

1917 Gandhiji selected Champaran in Bihar to starthis Satyagraha movement.

1950 Vinoba Bhave started the Bhoodan movementwith 80 acres of land in Panchampalli village inTelangana, Andhra Pradesh.

1971 India's first jumbo jet Boeing 747 arrives inBombay. It was named Emperor Ashoka.

1978 Sobha Singh, who built modern New Delhi,died.

1991 Kerala was declared the first fully literate statein the country.

1991 Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayeelost the confidence vote in the Lok Sabha by one vote.

2001 16 soldiers of India martyred due to the firingof Bangladesh army into Indian border.

2008 India and Mexico enter into new agreements inthe field of civil aviation and energy.

19 APRIL

1451 Bahlol Lodi captured Delhi.1950 Shyama Prasad Mukherjee becomes the first

Minister to resign from the Union Cabinet.

1975 India enters the space age by launching its firstsatellite Aryabhata. It was the first scientific satellite ofIndia.

1882 Start of first maternity hospital in Calcutta.1971 India defeated the West Indies and won the Test

cricket series.

20 APRIL

1997 Indra Kumar Gujral became the 2nd PrimeMinister of the country.

21 APRIL

1451 Bahlol Khan Lodi, the founder of the Lodidynasty, became the ruler of Delhi in 1451.

1938 The famous poet Mohammad Iqbal, author ofSaare Jahan Se Achcha Hindostan Hamara…, died inLahore, Pakistan.

1996 Sanjay Thapar of the Indian Air Force waslanded on the Northern Dhruv by parachute.

1526 Ibrahim Lodi was killed in the first battle ofPanipat in 1526 between Babar and Ibrahim Lodi, theruler of the Mughal Empire.

1720 Baji Rao I succeeded Peshwa BalajiVishwanath in 1720.

2001 India lodged a strong protest over the brutalkilling of Indian soldiers in Bangladesh.

1924 Birth of India's first shooter Karni Singh in1924, honored with the 1961 'Arjuna Award'.

HISTORY THE INDIAN PANORAMA




AKHAND BHARAT WILL BEREALITY IN NEXT 15YEARS, SAYS RSS CHIEFMOHAN BHAGWAT

NEW DELHI (TIP)

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has saidthat 'Akhand Bharat' -- Unified India,the dream of Swami Vivekananda andMaharishi Arvind, will be a reality in10-15 years if common people also put alittle effort. Bhagwat made thisstatement during Prana Pratishthaceremony in Haridwar.

The RSS chief said that the speedwith which the country was moving onthe path of upliftment, it will take 20-25years to become Akhand Bharat. Hefurther said that the time would be halfif upliftment picks up pace.

Bhagwat said, "We will talk aboutnon-violence but also keep a stick inour hands because the world believesin power."

Reacting to Bhagwat's comments,AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi askedwhy 'Akhand Bharat' was not achievedin the last 8 years, Why MohanBhagwat is talking about making'Akhand Bharat' in the next 15 yearsand on what basis the RSS chief istalking about the creation of 'AkhandBharat'.

Bhagwat's remarks also faced aretort from Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Rautwho challenged the RSS chief toachieve the dream of Akhand Bharatin 15 days and not in 15 years.

BORIS SET TO VISIT INDIANEXT WEEK, FOCUS ONTRADE PACT

A bilateral free trade agreement,cooperation in areas ranging fromsecurity to education and the Ukrainecrisis are expected to be on the agendafor UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’svisit to India next week.

With the free trade agreementdominating recent engagementsbetween the two sides, Johnson and hisIndian counterpart Narendra Modiwill review the discussions held so farand issue guidelines for the officialsinvolved in the negotiations, peoplefamiliar with the matter said onThursday. India will host the thirdround of negotiations for the tradepact in a hybrid format in New Delhiin the last week of this month. A teamof British officials is set to visit Indiafor these discussions. The UK has beenkeen on forging new trade pacts withleading economies since its exit fromthe European Union and the Britishgovernment is focused on the speedyconclusion of a deal with India.

India, too, has views on humanrights situation in US: External

Affairs Minister JaishankarNEW DELHI (TIP)

External Affairs Minister SJaishankar said that the human rightsissue was not a topic of discussionduring the India-US 2+2 ministerialmeeting this week. However, EAMJaishankar asserted that whenever thereis a discussion, New Delhi will not bereticent about speaking out. Taking astrong stand, EAM Jaishankar said thatpeople are entitled to have views aboutIndia, adding, "We also take our views onother people's human rights situation,including that of the United States."

Earlier, Secretary of State AntonyBlinken had said that the US ismonitoring some recent "concerningdevelopments” in India, including a risein human rights abuses by somegovernment, police, and prison officials.The joint news conference after the 2+2dialogue was addressed by Blinken,Jaishankar, Singh and US DefenceSecretary Lloyd Austin.

Responding to a question, EAMJaishankar said while the issue ofhuman rights was not discussed duringthe current meeting, it has come up inthe past.

EAM Jaishankar stated, "On thehuman rights issue; no, we did notdiscuss human rights during thismeeting. This meeting was primarilyfocused on political-military affairs.”

"It is a subject which has come up inthe past. It came up when SecretaryBlinken came to India. I think if yourecall the press briefings after that I wasvery open about the fact that we haddiscussed it and said what I had to say,” SJaishankar said.

Pushing back at the US criticism ofhuman rights in India, EAM Jaishankarstated that people are entitled to haveviews about India, adding that lobbiesand the vote banks drive such criticism.

"Look, people are entitled to haveviews about us. But we are also equallyentitled to have views about their viewsand about the interests, and the lobbiesand the vote banks which drive that. So,whenever there is a discussion, I can tellyou that we will not be reticent aboutspeaking out," he said.

"I would tell you that we also take ourviews on other people's human rights

situation, including that of the UnitedStates. So, we take up a human rightsissues when they arise in this country,especially when they pertain to ourcommunity. And in fact, we had a caseyesterdaythat's really where we stand onthat,” he said.

ON RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICTIndia and China agree that dialogue is

the only way out of the Russia-Ukraineconflict, foreign minister S Jaishankarsaid, adding that Americans “obviously”distinguish and differentiate betweenIndia and China when it comes to thestands taken by the two countries onRussia amid a raging war.

“If you're asking me how we look at theunfolding developments in Ukraine, I hadMinister Wang Yi come to India lastmonth. We shared our respectiveanalyses. But we agreed and still agreethat the way out is dialogue and cessationof hostilities will be a necessary firststep,” the foreign minister told newsagency ANI.

“You're asking me, do the Americansdistinguish and differentiate betweenIndia and China (over their respectivestands on Russia amid the Ukrainecrisis). Obviously, they do,” S Jaishankartold the news agency when asked if theUS clearly understands the reasonsbehind China's and India's respectivestands on Russia.

The minister, who is in Washington forthe Biden administration’s maiden India-US 2+2 dialogues, held a series of high-level meetings and said that a lot of timewas invested in discussing the Ukrainecrisis.

India presented its perspective clearlyand “the two countries discussed theenergy crisis, food security andhumanitarian assistance to Kyiv”, hesaid.

“Obviously, a lot of our time went todiscussions on Ukraine. There wasdiscussion on US perspectives, theiranalysis, their sense, what they think islikely to happen. The conflict anddiplomacy involved in it, peace talks, andprogress were one set of issues that cameup,” he said.

“We spoke about the humanitariansituation (in Ukraine) and what differentcountries are doing. We gave 90 tonnes ofrelief material in the month of March.But right now, the focus is more on thesupply of medicines,” Jaishankar toldreporters on the sidelines of thedialogues. “Other than Ukraine, we spenta fair amount of time on the Indo-Pacificregion, reviewing the progress so far. Weare preparing for the next Quad summit,”Jaishankar said.

He was joined by Indian ambassador tothe US Taranjit Singh Sandhu at the pressconference.

Source: India Today and Agencies

INDIA THE INDIAN PANORAMA


US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and EAM S Jaishankar.

Few takers for paid booster, can’t be complacent: AIIMSNEW DELHI (TIP)

Amid a sluggish start to the booster-for-all-adults drive, AIIMS-Delhi DirectorRandeep Guleria on Thursday, April 14,urged eligible beneficiaries to take theprecaution dose and regain immunity toSars-Cov2 virus.

The booster numbers have beenwoefully low since the drive began thisSunday. While 16,352 paid precautiondoses were administered to adults (18 to59-year-olds) on Wednesday, 62,683 paidbooster doses have been administered tothe eligible since Sunday, making it avery low acceptance rate.

Experts are concerned about the slowstart to the booster drive as daily newcases remained above 1,000 for the secondconsecutive day today and several statesreported a slight rise in infections andpositivity rate.

Nationally, the active cases have alsoincreased to 11,058 after remaining below10,000 for several days.

Guleria blamed booster hesitancy tocomplacency and general Covid fatigue.“Unlike in the past when Covid-19invoked fear and anxiety, it is no longersuch a dreaded disease now. People areless afraid due to the declining infections

and have become complacent,” saidGuleria.

He warned beneficiaries againstbooster hesitancy saying availablescientific data suggested that immunitywaned with the passage of time andpeople with comorbid conditions hadlower immunity after a period of time,which was why precaution doses wereimportant. “Covid-19 has not ended. Newvariants can surface any time. We knowthat with time immunity reduces andthose with comorbidities becomevulnerable,” said Guleria.

Source: TNS

INDIA THE INDIAN PANORAMA


AMBEDKAR JAYANTI:PEOPLE ACROSS NATION,PARTY LINES PAY HOMAGETO BABASAHEB

Prime Minister Narendra Modi onWednesday (April 13) paid richtributes to BR Ambedkar on his 131stbirth anniversary, stating that it is aday to "reiterate our commitment tofulfilling his dreams".

"Tributes to Dr BabasahebAmbedkar on his Jayanti. He has madeindelible contributions to India'sprogress. This is a day to reiterate ourcommitment to fulfilling his dreamsfor our nation," PM Modi tweeted.

Meanwhile, President Ram NathKovind also paid tributes to B RAmbedkar on the occasion and saidthat he being the architect of theConstitution laid the foundation ofmodern India.

Born on 14 April 1891, Ambedkarwas an Indian jurist, economist,politician and social reformer whocampaigned against socialdiscrimination and supported therights of women and workers.

He died on 6 December 1956.In 1990,Ambedkar was conferred with theBharat Ratna, India's highest civilianaward.

CBSE TO RETURN TO ONEBOARD EXAM PATTERN

The Central Board of SecondaryEducation (CBSE) has decided toswitch to its previous practice ofconducting board exams for classes 10and 12 only once a year from theacademic year 2022-23 onwards,according to people familiar with thematter.

The board last year announced twosets of board exams for studentscurrently in classes 10 and 12 in orderto prepare for any “unprecedentedsituation” that could have arisenbecause of the Covid-19 pandemic. Thefirst set of exams were held in anobjective multiple-choice formatbetween November and December2021, and the second set of exams arescheduled from April 26, 2022 assubjective or long-answer papers.

There was speculations that theboard would continue the two-termexam practice in future as well sincethe move was recommended in theNational Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

However, a senior official at CBSE,who asked not to be named, said, “Theboard decided to conduct two termexams for the session 2021-22 in orderto avert any unprecedented situationcaused by the pandemic. Even as theNEP 2020 favours two-term exams, ithas been decided to switch to theprevious practice for now and conductone set of board exams at the end ofthe academic year. The stakeholdersalso suggested one exam policy .”

Militant released during IC-814 hijacking declared a

terrorist under UAPANEW DELHI (TIP)

After designating relatives of Lashkar-i-Toiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed andJaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief MasoodAzhar as terrorists under the UnlawfulActivities Prevention Act (UAPA), theCentre has now designated Kashmirresident Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar as aterrorist under the act.

Hailing from Srinagar, Zargar, 52, wasamong the three terrorists released byIndia in exchange for the hostages in thehijacking of the Indian Airlines flight814 in 1999.

“Zargar is a threat to peace, not only toIndia, but across the world, with hiscontacts and proximity to radicalterrorist groups like the Al-Qaeda andJaish-e-Mohammed… The CentralGovernment believes that MushtaqAhmed Zargar alias Latram is involvedin terrorism and the said MushtaqAhmed Zargar is to be notified as aterrorist under the said Act,” said agazette notification issued Wednesday bythe Union Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA).

According to the notification, Zargar isthe founder and chief commander of Al-Umar-Mujahideen, a proscribedorganisation under the UAPA, and wasaffiliated with the Jammu-KashmirLiberation Front earlier. He had gone toPakistan for obtaining illegal arms andammunition training. “Zargar has beenrunning an incessant campaign fromPakistan to fuel terrorism in Jammu and

Kashmir,” the notification has said.The notification also said Zargar has

been involved in various terror crimesincluding murder, attempt to murder,kidnapping, planning and execution ofterrorist attacks, and terror funding.

In the past week, MHA has designatedthree top terror operatives as terroristsunder UAPA. These include Hafiz Saeed’sson Talha, Masood Azhar’s brother and2019 Pulwama attack planner AmmarAlvi, and Pathankot attack handler AliLashif Jan.

The Centre had amended the UnlawfulActivities (Prevention) Act, 1967, inAugust 2019, to include the provision ofdesignating an individual as a terrorist.Prior to this amendment, onlyorganizations could be designated asterrorist organisations.

In the first orders under the new Act,in September 2019, the government haddeclared LeT’s Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-

Rehman Lakhvi, JeM’s Masood Azhar,and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim asterrorists.

Designation as a terrorist helps thegovernment freeze finances and crackdown on networks created by theindividual terrorist. Clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 35 of the UAPAempowers the Centre to notify the nameof an individual in the Fourth Scheduleto the said Act, if it believes that he isinvolved in terrorism.

Who is Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar?Born in Nowhatta area of Srinagar in

the Kashmir Valley, Zargar was amongthe first batch of young Kashmiris whocrossed over to Pakistan for terroristtraining, and came back to wage waragainst the Indian state.

In 1988, Zargar joined the Jammu andKashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), andwas considered to be close to its thenchief Ashfaq Majeed Wani. In Augustthat year, he crossed over to Pakistanthrough Trehgam with the help ofZahoor Sheikh, an Anantnag-basedactivist of the secessionist People’sLeague, and received training at a camporganised by the JKLF.

He went back to Pakistan for a secondround of training during May 1989, andreturned through Uri.

After Wani’s death, Zargar fell out withJKLF’s new chief Yasin Malik, andfloated his own outfit, the Al UmarMujahideen (AuM).

Source: The Indian Express

NEW DELHI (TIP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modiinaugurated Thursday, April 14, the'Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya' (primeministers' museum), which is a tribute toevery prime minister sinceIndependence, irrespective of theirideology or tenure.

The Prime Minister became the firstofficial visitor of the museum as hepurchased the first ticket before theinauguration. PM Modi paid for theticket via digital mode.

Built and opened during thecelebration of 'Azadi ka AmritMahotsav', the museum tells the story ofIndia after independence through thelives and contributions of its primeministers.

"Guided by the vision of PrimeMinister Narendra Modi to honour thecontribution of all the Prime Ministersof India towards nation-building,Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya is atribute to every Prime Minister of Indiasince independence, irrespective of theirideology or tenure in office," the PMOsaid.

The museum is aimed at sensitizingand inspiring the younger generationabout the leadership, vision, andachievements of all our prime ministers.

Located in the national capital's Teen

Murti complex, the museum'sinauguration date collides with the birthanniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar - thearchitect of the Indian Constitution.

Representing a seamless blend of theold and the new, the museum integratesthe erstwhile Teen Murti Bhawandesignated as Block I with the newlyconstructed building designated asBlock II. The total area of the two blocksis over 15,600 square metres, the PMOsaid.

The design of the museum building is

inspired by the story of rising India,shaped and moulded by the hands of itsleaders.

The design incorporates sustainableand energy conservation practices. ThePrime Minister's office also said thatduring the construction of the museumno tree was felled or transplanted duringthe course of work on the project. Thelogo of the museum represents thehands of the people of India holding theDharma Chakra symbolizing the nationand democracy, it said.

Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalay: Modi Inaugurates Hi-Tech Museum

PM Modi at the inauguration of the Pradhanmantri Sanghralaya, in New Delhi on April 14, 2022.

Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar

Good Friday is one of the mostsignificant festivals forChristians as it commemorates

the crucifixion of Jesus. It is one of theseven days of the holy week whereChristians recall the events that lead tothe death of Jesus and his resurrection,which is observed as Easter. This year,the week will be observed from April 10to April 16.

Each day of the holy week has its ownsignificance and represents a differentevent. The week starts with the PalmSunday followed by Holy Monday andculminates on the seventh day withHoly Saturday, which falls a day beforeEaster Sunday.

Palm SundayThe week begins with the Palm

Sunday when Christians commemorateJesus’ entry into Jerusalem. As pertradition, it is believed that Jesus waswelcomed by people who waved palmbranches and laid the leaves in his path.

Holy MondayHoly Monday marks the day when

Jesus first cleaned the temple. Thecleaning is believed to be done forteaching and admonishing. Also, onthis day Jesus had spotted a fig tree thathad leaves but no fruits on it. Jesuscursed the tree for not bearing fruitsfollowing which it weathered the nextday.

Holy TuesdayOn this day, Jesus condemned the

religious authorities and claimed hisdeity. The Pharisees and the Herodiansjoined hands to conspire against Jesusand tried to get him convicted.

Holy WednesdayThis day is also called Spy Wednesday

when Judas met Jewish leaders and gotpaid 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus.Also, it was on Holy Wednesday whenJesus sat down at the supper table at thehouse of Simon the Leper in Bethanywith his disciples.

Holy ThursdayHoly Thursday commemorates the

day when Jesus had his last supper. InRoman Catholicism, the pope washesthe feet of 12 poor or humble persons asan imitation of Jesus’ selfless love forpeople of all traditions.

Good FridayHoly Friday is the darkest day of all

in the Holy Week. It marks Jesus’ deathand suffering on the cross. Peoplemourn Jesus on this day by fasting andattending church services and alsoholding processions to re-enact thecrucifixion.

Holy Saturday/Easter VigilThis day commemorates the day

Jesus was buried in a tomb. A day afterthis, he was resurrected.

Historical Significance of Good Friday The celebration of Good Friday dates

back to the 4th century by Egeria. Thisancient practice denotes time of self-punishment and fasting on the deathanniversary of the Christ.Nomenclature of "Good Friday" isderived from "God's Friday," althoughthe correct reason for this kind of nameis still not known.

Arrest of Jesus As per the documents in the Gospels,

the Temple Guards were protected bythe Jesus' disciple Judas Iscariot; in theGarden of Gethsemane he then arrestsJesus. In exchange, Judas was rewardedwith money, 30 pieces of silver was hisreward to betray Jesus. After the arrest,Jesus was forcibly brought to the houseof Annas, (the father-in-law of the highpriest, Caiaphas), who theninterrogated Christ but could not getsatisfactory answers. He was then takeninto captivity by Caiaphas, who was thehigh priest where the Sanhedrin hadgathered.

Jesus – The Son of GodThere were many conflicting

testimonies against Jesus along withmany witnesses, and Jesus remainednumb to all this. Then, the high priestsmade Jesus undertake the solemn oath,saying "I adjure you, by the Living God,to tell us, are you the Anointed One, theSon of God?" Jesus accepted the witnessobscurely, "You have said it, and in timeyou will see the Son of Man seated atthe right hand of the Almighty, comingon the clouds of Heaven." That day theSanhedrin brought upon the sentence ofdeath as the high priest condemnedJesus for sacrilege. Peter also did notstand as a well-wisher and also deniedJesus three times to onlookers. Theinterrogations went on just like Jesushad predicted.

Pilate’s Judgement

Next day morning, Jesus was broughtto the Roman governor Pontius Pilateby the assembly under charges ofdestabilizing the nation, refusing taxesto Caesar, and claiming himself as aking. Pilate directed the Jewish leadersto review according to their own law.However, the final word was the deathsentence. Jewish leaders were not readyto let out the death sentence as theRomans restricted this right on Jews.Pilate then questioned Jesus andinformed the assembly that the deathsentence was not justified. He furtherlearned that Jesus was from Galilee,and that led him to take over the case tothe ruler of Galilee, King Herod.

"Crucify Him"Herod also questioned Jesus but did

not get any answer; and then send himback to Pilate. Pilate confirmed theassembly that neither he nor Herod hadfound Jesus guilty. He proposed of justwhipping Jesus and released him. Thechief priests and the crowd called forthe Barabbas, who was in the prison formurdering during an insurrection.Pilate was surprised and asked whatrelation they had with Jesus? And thecrowd demanded, "Crucify him".Pilate's wife dreamt of Jesus previousnight and she already warned him notto harm this righteous man. Somehow,Pilate elbowed Jesus out from the crowdto release him. The chief priests got

enraged and demanded Pilate to getJesus be sentenced to death only"because he claimed to be God's son."Pilate got puzzled and also afraid; hebrought in Jesus into his palace andasked him from where he belonged.

The Death SentenceOn knowing the answer, Pilate again

faced the crowd and confirmed thatJesus was innocent and washed his ownhands in water to prove that he was notinvolved in this criticism. However,Pilate handed over Jesus to the crowd toget crucified as he feared that a riotwould start up anytime. Jesus has hiscross with him to the site of executionand was accompanied by Simon ofCyrene. The sentence mentioned "Jesusof Nazareth, King of the Jews" and theexecution site was said to be the "placeof the Skull", or "Golgotha". He wascrucified there along with twocriminals.

The Lord Let Go His SoulJesus suffered on the cross for long

six hours and during his last threehours on the Cross, he had seendarkness fell over the entire land. Hislast words were "My God, my God, whyhave you forsaken me?" Jesus gave uphis spirit with a loud cry, followed bynatural disasters like earthquake,curtains in the temple tore off, and thetombs broke open. The centurion whowas on guard at the site of crucifixionsaid in himself, "Truly this was God'sSon!" Joseph of Arimathea, who was amember of the Sanhedrin and reveredJesus, requested Pilate for his body.Nicodemus, another follower of Jesushelped wrap the body of Jesus. Pilatewanted to confirm if Jesus was deadand a soldier pierced the side of Jesusshowing that blood was oozing out andthus Jesus was dead. This is the sadhistory of Good Friday; after theJewish burial customs Shabbat beganat the sunset. On the third day from thisday Easter Sunday (or Pascha) iscelebrated and the followers believethat on this day, Jesus rose from thedead.

SignificanceGood Friday, also called Holy Friday

and Black Friday, is a day of mourning.The day is observed worldwide byChristians. It is believed that Jesussuffered and died for the sins ofhumans. This day is, therefore,observed to ask for forgiveness for one'ssins.

People pray that they may beliberated from pain, suffering andagony in their lives. According toChristian beliefs, Jesus' death alsosignifies the end of all sins. It showsthat after all the sins are eliminated,there's a possibility of a new beginning,which is signified by Jesus Christ'sresurrection on Easter Sunday.

How it is observedMany people fast and attend religious

services on Good Friday. Churches holdspecial rituals to commemorate JesusChrist's suffering and muffle their bellsas a sign of mourning.

Good Friday is preceded by MaudyThursday and followed by HolySaturday. On this day, the service for theThree Hours Agony is held.

Christians also drape a black clothover all crosses, photographs, andstatues to symbolise Jesus Christ'sdeath.

FEATURE THE INDIAN PANORAMA

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 28Good FridayGood Friday is a solemn occasion

observed by Christians across the world.This year, the occasion falls on April 15.

It is the Friday before Easter and is a dayof sorrow for followers of Jesus Christ.



SOUTH ASIA THE INDIAN PANORAMA


Shehbaz Sharif takes oath as new PM of Pakistan

Calls Imran Khan’s ‘foreign conspiracy’ claims as ‘drama’ISLAMABAD (TIP): Shehbaz Sharif

was sworn-in as the new Prime Ministerof Pakistan on April 11, bringing to an endthe political uncertainty that had grippedthe country since a no-confidence motionwas introduced against his predecessorImran Khan on March 8.

Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjraniadministered oath of office to 70-year-oldShehbaz in President Arif Alvi's absence,who went on 'sick' leave ahead of the PML-N leader's inauguration.

Earlier, Sharif was elected unopposedas the Prime Minister by Parliament afterrival candidate Shah Mahmood Qureshiannounced that his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party will boycott the voting andstaged a walkout.

Shehbaz Sharif said he wants goodrelations with India, but it can't beachieved without resolution of Kashmirissue.

The newly-elected Prime Ministertermed ousted premier Imran Khan’s‘foreign conspiracy’ claims as “drama”,saying he will resign and go home if it isproved.

Addressing Parliament after his

election as the country’s 23rd PrimeMinister, Shehbaz said that good hasprevailed over evil.

“Pakistan’s National SecurityCommittee would be briefed on acontroversial letter related to the so-calledforeign conspiracy,” he said, termingKhan’s ‘foreign conspiracy’ claims as“drama”.

Khan had alleged that the US wasinvolved in a conspiracy to topple hisgovernment.

“I will resign and go home if conspiracyis proved in letter controversy,” Shehbazsaid.

Shehbaz, 70, was elected unopposed asthe new Prime Minister of Pakistan byParliament after rival candidate Shah

Mahmood Qureshi announced that hisPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party willboycott the voting and staged a walkout.

Shehbaz, the younger brother of formerthree-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif,received 174 votes — two more than thesimple majority of 172.

He has served as chief minister of thecountry’s most populous and politicallycrucial Punjab province thrice.

Former president and Pakistan PeoplesParty (PPP) co-chair Asif Ali Zardari hadproposed Shehbaz’s name for primeminister’s position in a joint opposition’smeeting to replace Imran Khan through ano-confidence motion.

The process of electing the new leaderof the House began on Sunday after primeminister Imran Khan was removed fromoffice through the no-confidence vote,becoming the first premier in thecountry’s history to be sent home afterlosing the trust of the House.

Pakistan has struggled with politicalinstability since its formation in 1947 withmultiple regime changes and militarycoups. No prime minister has evercompleted a full five-year term. PTI

Shehbaz Sharif: A hardcore realist who makesno bones while performing onerous tasks

The 70-year-old younger brother of former three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, has served aschief minister of the most populous and politically crucial Punjab province thrice

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD (TIP):

Shehbaz Sharif, who became Pakistan’snew prime minister after theunceremonious ouster of Imran Khan, isa hardcore realist and over the years hasearned the reputation of a matter-of-factperson as well as a good administrator.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz, the 70-year-oldyounger brother of former three-timeprime minister Nawaz Sharif, has servedas chief minister of the most populousand politically crucial Punjab provincethrice.

Former president and PakistanPeoples Party (PPP) co-chair Asif AliZaradri had proposed Shehbaz’s namefor prime minister’s position in a jointopposition’s meeting to replace ImranKhan through a no-confidence motion.

His party PML-N -- especially itssupremo Nawaz Sharif -- agreed on hisname for the post of the prime minister.

The new prime minister would have toface not only the unruly oppositiontaking to the streets but a brittleeconomy that needs a very carefulhandling. There are a lot of expectationsof the masses from the new leadership tocontrol inflation, which is a tough task.

Shehbaz’s PML-N has only 86 seats andthe rest of numerical support has comefrom the coalition partners whoapparently has nothing in commonexcept their rivalry for Imran Khan, andit will be a big challenge for him to keepthem calm and satisfied.

Foreign policy challenges are also noless daunting, especially after theallegations of former prime ministerKhan against the US in the context of“conspiracy” to remove him.

Similarly, Pakistan’s ties with India

will also be a crucial test for the newleader of the country.

In his inaugural speech on Monday,Shehbaz raised the issue of abrogation ofArticle 370 in Kashmir and said Pakistanwill provide them with “diplomatic andmoral support” besides raising thematter at every international fora.

He said he wanted good relations withIndia, but it cannot be achieved withoutthe resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Born in September 1951 in Punjabi-speaking Kashmiri family in Lahore,

Shehbaz entered politics along with hiselder brother Nawaz in mid 1980s. Hefirst got elected as a member of PunjabAssembly in 1988 when Nawaz becamechief minister of Punjab.

Shehbaz first became chief minister ofPunjab in 1997 when his brother wasprime minister at the Centre.

Following General Pervez Musharraf ’scoup in 1999 toppling the Nawaz Sharifgovernment, Shehbaz along with thefamily spent eight years in exile in SaudiArabia before returning to Pakistan in2007.

He wore the hat of Punjab chiefminister for the second term in 2008 andhe grabbed the same slot for third time in2013.

Shehbaz has claimed that GenMusharraf had offered him primeministership provided he abandons hiselder brother Nawaz which he said hehad refused straight away.

After prime minister Nawaz Sharif wasdisqualified from holding office in 2017 inthe Panama Papers case, the PML-Nappointed Shehbaz as the party president.Subsequently, after the 2018 elections hebecame the Leader of the Opposition inthe National Assembly. (PTI)



SOUTH ASIA THE INDIAN PANORAMA


NAWAZ SHARIF TORETURN TO PAKISTAN

AFTER EID: PML-NLEADER

ISLAMABAD (TIP): DeposedPakistan prime minister NawazSharif is expected to return fromLondon next month after Eid, asenior PML-N leader has said, amida whirlwind of politicaldevelopments that have embroiledthe country following Imran Khan'signominious ouster from power.

Mian Javed Latif said a decisionon PML-N supremo and the three-time prime minister Sharif'santicipated return will be discussedwith the coalition partners.

All decisions would be firstbrought up with constituent partiesof the coalition, The ExpressTribune newspaper quoted him assaying.

Eid will be celebrated in the firstweek of May.

Several corruption cases havebeen launched by the government ofprime minister Khan against the 72-year-old supremo of the PakistanMuslim League-Nawaz since hisouster from the office by theSupreme Court in July 2017 in thePanama Papers case.

Sharif in November 2019 left forLondon after the Lahore High Courtgranted him a four-weekpermission allowing him to goabroad for his treatment.

He had given an undertaking tothe Lahore High Court to return toPakistan, citing his record to facethe process of law and justicewithin four weeks or as soon as he isdeclared healthy and fit to travel bydoctors.

Sharif was also given bail in theAl-Azizia Mills corruption case inwhich he was serving seven-yearimprisonment in Lahore's KotLakhpat jail.

Commenting on the politicaluncertainty in the country, Latifsaid the coalition government willnot last longer than six months andthe only solution to the prevailingwoes was to hold fresh elections.

“However, there was this task ofelection reforms that had to be doneprior to elections,” he said. (PTI)

5 policemen killed, 3 injuredin terror attack in Pakistan'sKhyber Pakhtunkhwa

PESHAWAR (TIP): At least fivepolicemen were killed and three moreinjured when terrorists fired a rocket ona police mobile van in Pakistan's restiveKhyber Pakhtunkhwa province, policesaid on April 12.

The unidentified terrorists attackedthe police van during a routinepatrolling operation in Kulachi tehsil ofDikhan district late on Monday, thepolice said.

It said the rocket attack was followedby heavy firing that left five policemendead and three, including DSP FazleSubhan, injured.

The injured were moved to a nearbyhospital, it said.

The police said the terroristsmanaged to flee from the scene after theattack that left their patrolling vantotally smashed.

The area was cordoned off and asearch operation was launched to arrestthe terrorists, it added. (PTI)

Sri Lanka crisis:

PM Mahinda Rajapaksa offers tohold talks with protesting youths

COLOMBO (TIP): Amid risingprotests in Sri Lanka over theunprecedented economic crisis, PrimeMinister Mahinda Rajapaksa onWednesday offered to hold talks with theagitators who are demandingresignation of President GotabayaRajapaksa and all members of his familyfrom the government.

The protests entered its fifth day onApril 13 and since it began on Saturday,it was carried out round the clock byyouths demanding a totaltransformation of the “corrupt politicalculture”, which they claim has beenprevailing in the island nation since itgained independence from Britain in1948.

According to a statement from thePrime Minister’s Office, Rajapaksa iswilling to hold discussions with theprotesting youths who are camping atGalle Face esplanade located nearPresident Gotabaya’s secretariat.

The Prime Minister has said if theprotesters are ready for talks, he wouldextend an invitation for theirrepresentatives to meet for discussions,the statement noted.

The youths are demanding thatPresident Gotabaya and his entirefamily—who are all part of thegovernment—should quit, while theiralleged ill-gotten wealth be brought backto the country to pay the debt.

Prime Minister Mahinda is the elderbrother of President Gotabaya. Basil, theyoungest, was holding the financeportfolio till he was sacked earlier thismonth by the president amidst theeconomic crisis. The eldest brother,

Chamal, controls the agricultureministry and nephew Namal is thesports minister.

The protest campaign has beenrunning on social media, urging youthsto gather at Galle Face. Besides, therehave been continuing protests across theisland, blaming the government for itsmishandling of the forex crisis which ledto severe shortages of essentials.

President Gotabaya who got hisministers to resign as a response topublic dissatisfaction failed to winsupport for his call on the Oppositionparties to join a unity Cabinet.

The main Opposition, meanwhile,announced that its leader SajithPremadasa has signed three motionswhich would soon be tabled inParliament—a motion of no trust, animpeachment motion against PresidentGotabaya and a motion to repeal 20amendments which had given himabsolute power as president in 2020.

Maithripala Sirisena, the formerpresident and a member of the rulingpartner Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna(SLPP), told reporters Tuesday nightthat they would no longer attendpolitical talks with the government.

They had proposed an 11-point plan,including the formation of an all-partyinterim government, to overcome thecurrent political impasse.

Sri Lanka is facing its worst economiccrisis since gaining independence fromthe UK in 1948. People have beenprotesting for weeks over lengthy powercuts and shortage of fuel, food and otherdaily essentials.

President Gotabaya has defended hisgovernment’s actions, saying the foreignexchange crisis was not his making andthe economic downturn was largelypandemic driven by the island nation’stourism revenue and inward remittanceswaning.

(PTI)

Imran Khan ‘forcing’ PTI lawmakersto resign from Pakistan’s National

Assembly: PML-N leaderISLAMABAD (TIP): Ousted Prime

Minister Imran Khan was forcingPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)lawmakers to resign from the country’sNational Assembly, senior PML-N leaderAyaz Sadiq alleged on April 13.

After losing the no-confidence motionagainst the PTI supremo and the electionof Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz(PML-N) leader Shehbaz Sharif as theprime minister, Khan’s party hadboycotted the National Assembly sessionand announced en mass resignationfrom the lower house of Parliament.

Sadiq, a former Speaker of theNational Assembly, at a press-conferencesaid that Khan was forcefully askinglawmakers to resign and was submittingtheir resignations to Deputy SpeakerQasim Suri, GEO TV reported.

“In line with the law, every membershould appear in person and submittheir resignation to the speaker [...] there

are some conditions and questions thatare noted before the acceptance of theresignation,” Sadiq said, claiming thatthe PTI lawmakers were pressured intosigning cyclostyled documents, whichincluded their names and constituency.

“The deputy speaker is violating thelaws [...] Suri had said that he identifiedthe members based on their signatures,but according to the rules, every membershould be present in person forsubmitting their resignations,” Rehmansaid. According to Rehman, several PTIlawmakers have been contacting theopposition parties to express theirreservations over Khan’s policy oftaking resignations forcefully.

Lashing out at the PTI for notfollowing the Supreme Court and theIslamabad High Court’s orders, the PPPlawmaker also urged the ElectionCommission of Pakistan to takecognisance of the matter. (PTI)



Indian Film Festival THE INDIAN PANORAMA


BY MABEL PAIS

The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA)celebrates the 20th annual edition of itsinternationally acclaimed film festival, April 28-

May 1. This marks a return to in-person screenings andevents this year. Screenings will take place at the RegalLA Live (1000 W. Olympic Blvd.), Harmony Gold (7655Sunset Blvd.), and UCLA's James Bridges Theater (235Charles E Young Dr. E).

The Festival presents 26 films (10 Features, 16 shorts).As part of IFFLA's 20th Anniversary celebration, thefestival will showcase a hybrid presentation of 20 shortfilms representing its diverse programming over thepast two decades.

The landmark 20th Anniversary edition of IFFLAwill:● Inaugurate a Spotlight on South Asia section● Feature a 20 th Anniversary Shorts special program

celebrating the festival's history, with a pre-festivalscreening of IFFLA alumni shorts highlightingfilms representing each year of the festival's historywith an in-theater co-presentation withNewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA)

● Present a live script read previewing an IFFLAalumnus' next feature project, and

● Include the announcement of a filmmakermentorship initiative to further support emergingSouth Asian filmmakers.

IFFLA Executive Director Christina Marouda, said,"Reflecting on IFFLA's 20 years, we find ourselvesoverjoyed by the range of incredible talent we havediscovered and celebrated, introducing numerousemerging and established voices to Los Angeles. We arealso incredibly proud of the sense of family andcommunity we have accomplished over the last 20 years.We are now ramping up our efforts to support the careersof filmmakers by adding to the programs IFFLA hasbecome known for over the past two decades, not just as atouchstone for our filmmakers, but also as a bridge totheir next films."

TICKETS

To purchase Tickets & Passes, visitindianfilmfestival.org or connect with the Festival onFacebook (/indianfilmfestival), Instagram(@indianfilmfestival) and Twitter (@iffla).

2022 IFFLA's LineupGALA SELECTION

Last Film Show

Dir: Pan Nalin l India/France l Gujarati l 1h 51mNARRATIVE FEATURES

Dug Dir: Ritwik Pareek l India l Hindi l 1h 47mJaggi

Dir: Anmol Sidhu l India l Punjabi l 1h 59m l WorldPremiere

Once Upon a Time in Calcutta

Dir: Aditya Vikram Sengupta l India l Bengali l 1h73m

Paka (River of Blood)

Dir: Nithin Lukose l India l Malayalam l 1h 41mPedro

Dir: Natesh Hegde l India l Kannada l 1h 49m l NorthAmerican Premiere

Shankar's Fairies

Dir: Irfana Majumdar l India l Hindi l 1h 33mShoebox

Dir: Faraz Ali l India l Hindi, Bengali, English l 1h34m l North American Premiere

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Invisible Demons

Dir: Rahul Jain l Finland/Germany/India l English,Hindi l 1h 10m

SPOTLIGHT ON SOUTH ASIA

Rehana

Dir: Abdullah Mohammad Saad lBangladesh/Singapore/Qatar l Bengali l 1h 47m

1978

Dir: Hamza Bangash l Pakistan l Urdu, English l 17 mBad Omen

Dir: Salar Pashtoonyar l Afghanistan/Canada l Dari l19 m

Baghthan

Dir: Sunil Pandey l Nepal l Nepalese l 20 m l NorthAmerican Premiere

Moshari

Dir: Nuhash Humayun l Bangladesh l Bengali l 21 mSandstorm (Mulaqat)

Dir: Seemab Gul l Pakistan l Urdu l 20 m

SHORT FILMS (MAIN LINEUP)

7 Star Dinosor Entertainment

Dir: Vaishali Naik l India l Hindi l 20 m l NorthAmerican Premiere

Adventures of Faisal Rehman

Dir: Mir Ijlal Shaani l India l Hindi, Urdu l 9 m l WorldPremiere

Close Ties To Home Country

Director: Akanksha Cruczynski l United States lEnglish, Hindi l 15 m

Holy Cowboys

Dir: Varun Chopra l India/USA l Hindi, Gujarati l 24m l World Premiere

I Don't Feel Like Knowing You (Ancora Non Lo

So) North American Premiere

Dir: Maaria Sayed l India/Italy l Italian, Urdu l 15 m lNorth American Premiere

Kalsubai

Dir: Yudhajit Basu l India l Marathi l 20 mLalanna's Song

Dir: Megha Ramaswamy l India l Malayalam, Hindi l

34 m l World PremiereThe Return

Dir: Hena Ashraf l USA/India l English, Urdu l 18 m lNorth American Premiere

Succulent

Dir: Amrita Bagchi l India l Hindi, English l 30 m lNorth American Premiere

Tomorrow My Love

Dir: Gitanjali Rao l India l 4 min l North AmericanPremiere

Under the Waters

Dir: Ambiecka Pandit l India l Marathi l 18 m

20TH ANNIVERSARY SHORTS - VIRTUALSHOWCASE

(Films marked with an * will be screened physicallyas a part of NFMLA's

InFocus: Asian Cinema Program on April 23)Aaba (Grandfather)

Director: Amar Kaushik Bebaak

Director: Shazia Iqbal*Coffee Shop Names

Director: Deepak Sethi An Essay of the Rain

Director: Nagraj Manjule The Fly (Makkhi)

Director: Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni Fly, Bird

Director: Pranjal Dua *Kunjo

Director: Terrie Samundra Little Terrorist

Director: Ashvin Kumar Letter from your Far-Off Country

Director: Suneil Sanzgiri *Lucky

Director: Avie Luthra A Mango Tree in the Front Yard

Director: Pradeepan Raveendran The Manliest Man

Director: Anuj Gulati Midnight Lost & Found

Director: Atul Sabharwal Monsoon

Director: Shyam Balse Noise (Shor)

Director: Neeraj Ghaywan *The Queen of My Dreams

Directors: Fawzia Mirza & Ryan Logan *Poshak (Facade)

Director: Iram Parveen Bilal *Tomorrow My Love

Director: Gitanjali Rao

THE INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF LOS ANGELES (IFFLA)

The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA)brings to Los Angeles audiences the most innovativeindependent films coming out of India and the Indiandiaspora, in a vibrant program comprising features andshorts, including narrative, documentary and animatedworks.

In addition to film screenings, the festival offersstimulating discussions between filmmakers andaudiences, as well as panel conversations and industrysessions. IFFLA also hosts original special programs,such as retrospectives, spotlights and masterclasses,and lively networking and social events, all aimed atfostering a greater appreciation of Indian cinema andculture and promoting the diverse perspectives of theIndian and larger South Asian diaspora.

Since its inception in 2002, IFFLA has grown into thepremiere US venue for discovering the best of Indiancinema, as well as a vital hub which fosters animportant dialogue among the most originalindependent storytellers from India and its diaspora,the greater South Asian diasporic community and theinternational film industry at large. To learn more,visit indianfilmfestival.org

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues,Cuisine, Health & Wellness and Spirituality).

IFFLA CELEBRATES 20

PEDRO

SHOEBOX

REHANA Photos / IFFLA 2022



EARTH DAY VOICES THE INDIAN PANORAMA


EARTHX VOICES; EARTH'S CHALLENGESBY MABEL PAIS

EarthX celebrates its 12th AnnualEarth Day event, April 20-24, at theKay Bailey Hutchison Convention

Center Dallas, Texas. It comprisesKeynote and Featured Speakers whichincludes an Expo and Congress ofConferences. Earthx2022 addresses someof the environment's most pressingchallenges.

"At Earthx2022 we will bring togetherdiverse voices to map an inspirational,ambitious and accomplishable path toprotect and preserve our planet andthose who live here," said EarthXFounder Trammell S. Crow. "This is atruly international event, with threehigh-level summits that have roots withUN agencies - the first time theseglobally recognized convenings willhappen at the same time. We are proud towelcome individuals from Ukraine,Armenia, Mexico and other Central andSouth American countries and across-the-aisle representing a cross-section ofleading environmental conservationists,governmental officials, corporations,nonprofit organizations and governmentagencies."

Watch a short video from EarthXFounder - youtu.be/tdhMN9-mEUg

"The acclaimed thought leaders andfeatured speakers at the Congress ofConferences exemplify why Earthx2022is an essential destination for thoseinterested in learning more about theexciting things happening aroundsustainability," said EarthX CEOMichael Fletcher. "Our guests will covera wide range of environmental topicsincluding the current status of ourislands, wildlife conservation effortsalong the Gulf Coast, the regeneration ofAmerica's rural landscape, amplifyingyouth voices and environmentalinvestment, to name just a few of themany important conversations we willbe having."

Featured speakers announced includeconservationist Theodore Roosevelt IV,former NASCAR driver and currentteam owner Richard Childress, UnitedNations Secretary General YouthAdvisor (North America) Sophia Kianni,Sint Maarten Prime Minister SilveriaJacobs, Mexican singer Emmanuel andFounder of Sea Shepherd Paul Watson,and more.

Guests also include U.S. Sen. KevinCramer (R-North Dakota), U.S. Rep.Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan), U.S. Rep.Bruce Westerman (R-Arkansas), U.S.Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), EPAGeneral Counsel Jeffrey Prieto, ExternalCivil Rights Compliance Office, EPAOffice of General Counsel DirectorLillian Dorka, and U.N. GlobalCampaigns Director (UNDP) Boaz Paldi,and President of Global PartnershipsForum and Co-Founder of BlockchainCommission (Family Offices forSustainable Development) Amir Dossal,and more.

The Congress of Conferences isorganized into 12 programming trackspresented in a variety of session

formats. Earthx2022 is the exclusive hostof three special events focused on theUnited Nations' 2030 Global Agenda andachieving the Sustainable DevelopmentGoals (SDG) including: the SDG MediaSummit, the Global Youth Summit andFamily Offices for SustainableDevelopment Summit, as announced atthe United Nations Climate ChangeConference (COP26) in Glasgow,Scotland.

** Please note, some eventsare invitation only. Toregister or request aninvitation, visit earthx.org.EARTHX2022 CONGRESS OFCONFERENCES● Law● Energy● Farm, Ranch & Forest● Wildlife Conservation● Islands● United Nations Family Offices● Latin America● United Nations Global Youth Summit● Environmental Justice Summit● E-Capital Summit● Corporate Impact Summit● In This Together

** Please note: some events areinvitation only. To register or request aninvitation, visit our registration site.

Law

● Perspectives from FederalGovernment Leaders (U.S. EPA &Others)

● Perspectives for State GovernmentLeaders

● Corporate Business & EnvironmentalInsights

● Environmental Justice● Environmental Social Governance● Sustainability

Energy

● Discussions on Diverse EnergySupplies, Including Renewable,Hydrogen, Fossil Fuels, Nuclear &More

● Future of Energy● Resiliency● Innovation● Policy

Farm, Ranch & Forest

● Sustainability & Regeneration ofAmerica's Rural Landscape

● Land & Resource Conservation● Carbon Markets & Opportunities for

Farmers & Ranchers● Global & Local Forest Issues

Wildlife Conservation

● Wildlife Conservation in the 21stCentury - The Road Ahead

● International Partnerships toConserve Common and Not-So-Common Species in Africa, Mexico,Canada and the U.S.

● Landscape-Scale Habitat RestorationThat Benefits Landowners, Hunters,Anglers, Hikers, Kayakers &

Conservationists● Innovative Ways to Leverage Funding

for Greater Impact● Gulf Coast Restoration in the

Aftermath of Deepwater Horizon● Conservation Science & Policy● Outdoor Recreation

Islands

● Resiliency● Current status of our oceans● Lessons Learned at COP26 - United

Nations Climate Change Conference● Looking forward to COP27 - United

Nations Climate Change Conference● Public-Private Partnerships - United

Nations Sustainable DevelopmentGoal 17

● Saint Maarten's National EnergyTransition

● Kingdom of Tonga's National EnergyTransition

United Nations' 2030 Agenda forSustainable Development (InvitationOnly)● United Nations Family Offices for

Sustainable Development (UNFOSD)Summit

● One-day event to help alignenvironmental investment to theglobal agenda across North America,South America and the Caribbean

● Facilitates new engagements andopportunities for collaboration

● Advances achievement of theSustainable Development Goals

● Managed by PVBLIC Foundation andthe United Nations Office forPartnerships

● The United Nations SustainableDevelopment Goals (UNSDG) MediaSummit

● Will highlight the power of media todrive social change

● Speakers include media, marketing,advertising, and telecommunicationsleaders and social media influencerswho champion causes that protect theplanet.

● UNFCCC Global Youth Summit● Convenes youth climate leaders who

are spearheading transformativechange from within the UnitedNations as well as building grassrootsmovements in communities aroundthe world.

● Co-hosted by YOUNGO, the officialyouth constituency of the UnitedNations Framework Convention onClimate Change (UNFCCC), andMarch For Science.

Environmental Justice Summit

● Local, national and global leadersexplore infrastructure through thelens of the environmental justicemovement.

● Sharing solutions based on the livedexperiences of frontline residents.

● City of Dallas civic leaders will be onhand.

● Co-hosted by Paul Quinn College, DMagazine and Coalition For A NewDallas

Latin America

● Border Town Sustainability Issues -United States and Mexico

● Sustainable Cities in Mexico● International Conservation Caucus

Foundation● Wildlife Conservation and Hunting in

Mexico● Conservation of the Mexican Jaguar● Clean Energy in Latin America

E-Capital Summit (Invitation Only)

● Environmental Investment Forum● Environmental Venture Capital● Environmental Private Equity● Environmental Innovator

Commercialization Showcase● Climate Tech Prizes

Corporate Impact Summit (InvitationOnly)● Environmental & Social Justice● Corporate Political Responsibility● Elevating Management of ESG-

Related Shareholder Inquiries● Behind the Curtain: Understanding

Corporate, Campaigner, Investor &Philanthropic Theories of Change

In This Together (Invitation Only)

● Launched on July 4, 2020, In ThisTogether is a campaign to help savethe environment and repair ourdemocracy by growing a diversebipartisan community of America'ssilenced majority, common senseproblem-solvers who have beenmarginalized by the politics of fear,anger and division.

ABOUT EARTHXEarthX, a member of the International

Union for Conservation of Nature,convenes the world's largestenvironmental green gathering andexpo, conference, film festival, and TVchannel. Founded in 2011 as Earth DayDallas by environmentalist andbusinessman Trammell S. Crow, theTexas-based nonprofit organizationpromotes environmental awareness andimpact through conscious business,nonpartisan collaboration, andcommunity-driven sustainable solutions.

To learn more, visit EarthX.org orfollow the organization @earthxorg onInstagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts andEntertainment, Cuisine, Health & Wellness and

Spirituality)

EarthX 2019 Photo / EarthX.org.



WORLD THE INDIAN PANORAMA


CHINESE SPACE ASSETSDOUBLE IN FOUR YEARSBEIJING (TIP): China has doubled

its space assets for intelligencegathering and surveillance over the pastfour years. It can now track and targetforces of other countries worldwide,especially in the Indo-Pacific.

This has been stated by the USDefense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in itsreport “Challenges to Security in Space,2022”. “As of January 2022, China’s ISR(intelligence, surveillance andreconnaissance) satellite fleet containedover 250 systems—a number second onlyto the US, and nearly doubling China’sin-orbit systems since 2018,” the reportsaid.

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA)owns and operates about half of theworld’s

ISR systems, most of which couldsupport monitoring, tracking andtargeting of the US and allied forcesworldwide, especially throughout theIndo-Pacific region.

These satellites also allow the PLA tomonitor potential regional flashpoints,including the Korean Peninsula,Taiwan, Indian Ocean and the SouthChina Sea, said the report that focuseson the growing space capabilities ofChina and Russia.

On China, it says recentimprovements in space-based ISRcapabilities emphasise the development,procurement and use of increasinglycapable satellites. “Space capabilitieswill probably enhance potential PLAmilitary operations farther from theChinese coast,” it added.

China owns and operates over 60communications satellites, at least fourof which are dedicated to military use.Future data relay satellites could conveytargeting data to Chinese military.

The PLA considers electronic warfare(EW) capabilities to be critical formodern warfare, and its doctrineemphasises using EW to suppress ordeceive enemy. PLA routinelyincorporates in its exercises jammingand anti-jamming techniques that areprobably intended to deny multiplespace-based communication, radarsystems and GPS navigation support tomilitary movement and precision-guided munitions employment. China isprobably developing jammers that couldinterfere with satellites by denyingimagery.

The DIA’s report details Chinese andRussian efforts to establish space forcesand expand space weapon capabilities.These factors are contributing toincreased militarisation of the spacedomain.

The loss of space-basedcommunication and navigation servicesfor any military could have adevastating impact during a conflict.(TNS)

Israel successfully tests newlaser missile defense system

JERUSALEM (TIP): Israel’s newlaser missile defense system hassuccessfully intercepted mortars,rockets and anti-tank missiles in recenttests, Defense Minister Benny Gantzsaid April 14.

The Israeli-made laser system,designed to complement a series ofaerial defense systems such as the costlyIron Dome deployed by Israel, will beoperational “as soon as possible,” Gantzsaid.

The goal is to deploy the laser systemsaround Israel’s borders over the nextdecade, Gantz added.

The tests took place last month in theNegev Desert.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said inFebruary that Israel would begin usingthe system within a year, sending amessage to archenemy Iran.

Gantz said the laser system would bepart of “an efficient, inexpensive, andinnovative protection umbrella.” Israelhas already developed or deployed aseries of systems meant to intercepteverything from long-range missiles torockets launched from just a fewkilometers (miles) away.

It has also outfitted its tanks with amissile-defense system.

Little is known about the lasersystem’s effectiveness, but it is expectedto be deployed on land, in the air and at

sea.The announcement came near the

anniversary of the 11-day Israel-Gazawar, in which Gaza’s ruling Hamasmilitant group fired more than 4,000rockets toward Israel.

Israel said its Iron Dome defensesystem has been a great success, with a90 per cent interception rate againstincoming rocket fire.

But officials say the system isexpensive to deploy, and the new laserdefense will be much more cost-effective.

The Defense Ministry released a shortvideo showing what it said weresuccessful interceptions of rockets,

mortars and an unmanned aerialvehicle. The video, which was highlyedited and includes music, appeared toshow a laser beam coming out of aground station, hitting the targets andsmashing them into small pieces.

Thursday’s announcement came astalks on restoring Iran’s tattered nucleardeal with world powers have stalled.

Israel opposes the deal, saying it doesnot do enough to curb Iran’s nuclearprogramme or its military activitiesacross the region, and Israeli officialshave said they will unilaterally dowhat’s necessary to protect the country.AP

British PM and finance minister to be finedover lockdown parties

LONDON (TIP): Britain's PrimeMinister Boris Johnson and his financeminister Rishi Sunak are to receive finesfor breaching strict coronaviruslockdown rules, the government said onApril 12, prompting calls for them both toresign.

Police have been investigating 12gatherings at Johnson's Downing Streetoffice and the Cabinet Office after adamning internal inquiry found his staffhad enjoyed alcohol-fuelled parties thatshould not have been allowed.

Johnson said he had attended a few ofthe events, but has always deniedknowingly committing any wrongdoing.

"The prime minister and Chancellor ofthe Exchequer have today receivednotification that the Metropolitan Policeintend to issue them with fixed penaltynotices," a government spokespersonsaid.

"We have no further details, but we willupdate you again when we do."

A spokesperson for Johnson's wifeCarrie said she would also be fined.

Some of the gatherings took placewhen people could not attend funerals orsay farewell to loved ones dying inhospital because they were followingrules set by Johnson's government.

After the events were first reported inlate 2021, Johnson said there were no

parties and that all rules were followed.He later apologised to parliament for

attending one event, which he said hethought was work-related and also saidsorry to Queen Elizabeth for another atwhich staff partied on the eve of herhusband's funeral.

The Covid-19 Bereaved Families forJustice UK group said it was "stillunbelievably painful" that Johnson hadbroken his own rules when they wereunable to be with loved ones as they died.

"The fact that @BorisJohnson and@RishiSunak then lied about it, andwould have continued to do so if thepolice hadn’t intervened, is trulyshameless," the group said on Twitter.

"There is simply no way either thePrime Minister or Chancellor cancontinue. Their dishonesty has causeduntold hurt to the bereaved."

Opponents also called for Johnson and

Sunak to quit, saying they had misledparliament about their actions.

"Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak havebroken the law and repeatedly lied to theBritish public. They must both resign,"said Keir Starmer, leader of the mainopposition Labour Party.

The Liberal Democrats called forparliament to be recalled immediatelyfrom its Easter holiday and for there tobe a vote of no-confidence in Johnson.

However, the prime minister'simmediate future will be determined bylawmakers in his own ConservativeParty, who can trigger a leadershipchallenge if 54 of the 360 who sit inparliament demand a confidence vote.

Earlier this year a number ofConservatives called for him to quit aspublic trust plummeted over the"partygate" affair and support for thegovernment shrank. (Reuters)



WORLD THE INDIAN PANORAMA


PUTIN VOWS RUSSIAWILL PRESS UKRAINEINVASION TILL GOALS

METKYIV (TIP) : President Vladimir

Putin vowed on April 12 that Russia’sbloody offensive in Ukraine wouldcontinue until its goals are fulfilled,and insisted the campaign was goingas planned, despite a majorwithdrawal in the face of stiffUkrainian opposition and significantlosses.

Russian troops, thwarted in theirpush toward Ukraine’s capital, arenow focusing on the eastern Donbasregion, where Ukraine said Tuesday itwas investigating a claim that apoisonous substance had been droppedon its troops. It was not clear what thesubstance might be, but Westernofficials warned that any use ofchemical weapons by Russia would bea serious escalation of the alreadydevastating war.

Russia invaded on February 24, withthe goal, according to Westernofficials, of taking Kyiv, toppling thegovernment and installing a Moscow-friendly one.

In the six weeks since, Russia’sground campaign stalled, its forcessuffered losses that may number in thethousands and it stands accused ofkilling civilians and other atrocities.

Putin insisted Tuesday that hismilitary action aimed to protect peoplein areas in eastern Ukraine controlledby Moscow-backed rebels and to“ensure Russia’s own security.”

He said Russia “had no other choice”but to launch what he calls a “specialmilitary operation,” and vowed itwould “continue until its fullcompletion and the fulfillment of thetasks that have been set.”

For now, Putin’s forces are gearingup for a major offensive in the Donbas.which has been torn by fightingbetween Russian-allied separatists andUkrainian forces since 2014, and whereRussia has recognized the separatists’claims of independence.

Military strategists say Russianleaders appear to hope local support,logistics and terrain in the regionfavor Russia’s larger and better-armedmilitary, potentially allowing its troopsto finally turn the tide in their favour.

In Mariupol, a strategic port city inthe Donbas, a Ukrainian regimentdefending a steel mill claimed a dronehad dropped a poisonous substance onthe city.

It indicated there were no seriousinjuries. The assertion by the AzovRegiment, a far-right group now partof the Ukrainian military, could not beindependently verified.

It came after a Russia-alliedseparatist official appeared to urge theuse of chemical weapons, tellingRussian state TV on Monday thatseparatist forces should seize the plantby first blocking all the exits.

“And then we’ll use chemical troopsto smoke them out of there,” theofficial, Eduard Basurin, said. (AP)

Russia warns of nucleardeployment if Sweden and

Finland join NATOLONDON (TIP): One of Russian

President Vladimir Putin's closest allieswarned NATO on April 14 that if Swedenand Finland joined the U.S.-led militaryalliance then Russia would have tobolster its defences in the region,including by deploying nuclear weapons.

Finland, which shares a 1,300-km (810-mile) border with Russia, and Swedenare considering joining the NATOalliance.

Finland will make a decision in thenext few weeks, Prime Minister SannaMarin said on Wednesday.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman ofRussia's Security Council, said thatshould Sweden and Finland join NATOthen Russia would have to strengthen itsland, naval and air forces in the BalticSea.

Medvedev also explicitly raised thenuclear threat by saying that there couldbe no more talk of a "nuclear free" Baltic- where Russia has its Kaliningradexclave sandwiched between Poland andLithuania.

"There can be no more talk of anynuclear–free status for the Baltic - thebalance must be restored," saidMedvedev, who was president from 2008to 2012.

"Until today, Russia has not taken suchmeasures and was not going to,"Medvedev said. "If our hand is forcedwell... take note it wasn't us whoproposed this," he added.

Lithuania said Russia's threats werenothing new and that Moscow haddeployed nuclear weapons toKaliningrad long before the war inUkraine.

The possible accession of Finland andSweden into NATO - founded in 1949 toprovide collective Western securityagainst the Soviet Union - would be oneof the biggest European strategicconsequences of the war in Ukraine.

Finland gained independence fromRussia in 1917 and fought two warsagainst it during World War Two duringwhich it lost some territory to Moscow.On Thursday, Finland announced a

military exercise in Western Finlandwith the participation of forces fromBritain, the United States, Latvia andEstonia.

Sweden has not fought a war for 200years and post-war foreign policy hasfocused on supporting democracyinternationally, multilateral dialogueand nuclear disarmament.

Kaliningrad is of particularimportance in the northern Europeantheatre. Formerly the Prussian port ofKoenigsberg, capital of East Prussia, itlies less than 1400 km from London andParis and 500 km from Berlin.

Russia said in 2018 it had deployedIskander missiles to Kaliningrad, whichwas captured by the Red Army in April1945 and ceded to the Soviet Union at thePotsdam conference.

The Iskander, known as SS-26 Stone byNATO, is a short-range tactical ballisticmissile system that can carry bothconventional and nuclear warheads.

Its official range is 500 km but someWestern military sources suspect itsrange may be much greater.

"No sane person wants higher pricesand higher taxes, increased tensionsalong borders, Iskanders, hypersonicsand ships with nuclear weapons literallyat arm's length from their own home,"Medvedev said.

"Let's hope that the common sense ofour northern neighbors will win," saidMedvedev. (Reuters)

RUSSIA DESTROYS 4 S-300 MISSILE

LAUNCHERS IN UKRAINE,SAYS DEFENCE MINISTRYKEIV (TIP): Russia has destroyed S-

300 anti-aircraft missile systems whichhad been supplied to Ukraine by aEuropean country, Russia's defenceministry said on April 12.

The ministry said that Russian sea-launched Kalibr missiles on Sundaydestroyed four S-300 launchers whichwere concealed in a hangar on theoutskirts of the Ukrainian city ofDnipro.

Russia said 25 Ukrainian troops werehit in the attack. It did not say whichEuropean country had supplied the S-300 systems. (Reuters)

AUSTRALIAN PM SCOTTMORRISON CALLS

ELECTION FOR MAY 21CANBERRA (TIP): Australia's PM

Scott Morrison has called for a May 21election that will be fought on issues,including Chinese economic coercion,climate change and the Covid pandemic.

Morrison on April 12 advisedGovernor-General David Hurley asrepresentative of Australia’s head ofstate, Queen Elizabeth II, to set theelection date.

Morrison’s conservative coalition isseeking a fourth three-year term. Thedate is the latest available to him. Heurged voters to stick with a governmentthat delivered one of the lowestpandemic death tolls of any advancedeconomy rather than risk the oppositionLabor Party. — AP

SPAIN PROBES MUSEUM WITH 1,000

STUFFED ANIMALSMADRID (TIP): Spain's Civil Guard

on April 12 said it was investigating abusinessman in the eastern Valenciaregion who owned a private taxidermycollection with more than 1,000 stuffedanimals, including just over 400 fromprotected species and at least onespecimen of a North African oryx,already extinct. The collection wouldfetch 29 million euros ($31.5 million) onthe black market, a Civil Guardstatement said. AP

BECKHAM’S SON MARRIES ACTOR

NICOLA PELTZLONDON (TIP): Model-chef

Brooklyn Beckham and actor NicolaPeltz tied the knot in a ceremony inMiami on april 12. Brooklyn, the eldestson of former footballer David Beckhamand fashion designer-former Spice GirlVictoria Beckham, announcedengagement with the “Transformers:Age of Extinction” actor on July 11,2020. (AP)



HISTORY THE INDIAN PANORAMA


History This Week April 15 to April 21 "HISTORY HAS DEMONSTRATED THAT THE MOST NOTABLE WINNERS USUALLY ENCOUNTERED HEARTBREAKING

OBSTACLES BEFORE THEY TRIUMPHED. THEY WON BECAUSE THEY REFUSED TO BECOME DISCOURAGED BY THEIRDEFEATS." - B. C. FORBES

April 15

April 15, 1817 - The firstAmerican school for the deafwas founded by Thomas H.Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc inHartford, Connecticut.

April 15, 1912 - In the icywaters off Newfoundland, theluxury liner Titanic with 2,224persons on board sank at 2:27a.m. after striking an icebergjust before midnight. Over 1,500persons drowned while 700 wererescued by the liner Carpathiawhich arrived about two hoursafter Titanic went down.

April 16

April 16, 1862 - Congressabolished slavery in the Districtof Columbia and appropriated$1 million to compensateowners of freed slaves.

April 16, 1995 - Iqbal Masih, ayoung boy from Pakistan whospoke out against child labor,was shot to death. At age four,he had been sold into servitudeas a carpet weaver and spent thenext six years shackled to aloom. At age ten, he escaped andbegan speaking out, attractingworldwide attention as afeatured speaker during aninternational labor conferencein Sweden.

Birthday - American aviationpioneer Wilbur Wright (1867-1912) was born in Millville,Indiana. On December 17, 1903,

along with his brother Orville,the Wright brothers made thefirst successful flight of a motordriven aircraft. It flew for 12seconds and traveled 120 feet. By1905, they had built a plane thatcould stay airborne for half anhour, performing figure eightsand other aerial maneuvers.Wilbur died of Typhoid fever inMay 1912.

Birthday - Film comedianCharlie Chaplin (1889-1977) wasborn in London. He began invaudeville and was discoveredby American film producerMack Sennett. He then went toHollywood to make silentmovies, developing the funny'Little Tramp' film character.Chaplin's classics include TheKid, The Gold Rush, City Lightsand Modern Times. In 1940, hemade The Great Dictator pokingfun at Adolf Hitler, who bore aresemblance to Chaplin. In hislater years, Chaplin had afalling out with Americans, butreturned in 1972 to receive aspecial Academy Award. In1975, he was knighted by QueenElizabeth II.

April 17

April 17, 1961 - A U.S.-backedattempt to overthrow PremierFidel Castro of Cuba faileddisastrously in what becameknown as the Bay of Pigs fiasco.About 1,400 anti-Castro exilesinvaded the island's southerncoast along the Bay of Pigs butwere overrun by 20,000 Cubansoldiers and jailed. Trained andguided by the U.S., the exileshad expected support from U.S.military aircraft and help fromanti-Castro insurgents on theisland. Instead, due to a series ofmishaps, they had fended forthemselves with no support.The failed invasion heightenedCold War tensions between

Cuba's political ally, SovietRussia, and the fledglingadministration of PresidentJohn F. Kennedy. The followingyear, the Russians brazenlyinstalled nuclear missiles inCuba resulting in the CubanMissile Crisis.

April 17, 1989 - The Polishlabor union Solidarity wasgranted legal status after nearlya decade of struggle, paving theway for the downfall of thePolish Communist Party. In theelections that followed,Solidarity candidates won 99out of 100 parliamentary seatsand eventually forced theacceptance of a Solidaritygovernment led by Lech Walesa.

Birthday - Americanfinancier John Pierpont (J.P.)Morgan (1837-1913) was born inHartford, Connecticut. Hedisplayed extraordinarymanagement skills,reorganizing and consolidatinga number of failing companiesto make them profitable. Hisextensive interests includedbanking, steel, railroads and artcollecting. In 1895, he aided thefailing U.S. Treasury bycarrying out a private bond saleamong fellow financiers toreplenish the treasury.

April 18

April 18, 1775 - The MidnightRide of Paul Revere andWilliam Dawes occurred as thetwo men rode out of Bostonabout 10 p.m. to warn patriots atLexington and Concord of theapproaching British.

April 18, 1906 - The SanFrancisco Earthquake struck at5:13 a.m., followed by a massivefire from overturned woodstoves and broken gas pipes.The fire raged uncontrollablyfor three days resulting in thedestruction of over 10,000 acresof property and 4,000 lives lost.

April 18, 1942 - The first air

raid on mainland Japan duringWorld War II occurred asGeneral James Doolittle led asquadron of B-25 bomberstaking off from the carrierHornet to bomb Tokyo and threeother cities. Damage wasminimal, but the raid boostedAllied morale following years ofunchecked Japanese militaryadvances.

April 18, 1982 - QueenElizabeth II of England signedthe Canada Constitution Act of1982 replacing the British NorthAmerica Act of 1867, providingCanada with a new set offundamental laws and civilrights.

Birthday - American attorneyClarence Darrow (1857-1938)was born in Kinsman, Ohio. Hechampioned unpopular causes,and is best known for the Scopes'monkey trial' in which hedefended a teacher who taughtthe theory of evolution.

April 19

April 19, 1989 - Forty-sevenU.S. sailors were killed by anexplosion in a gun turret on theUSS Iowa during gunneryexercises in the waters offPuerto Rico.

April 19, 1993 - At Waco, Texas,the compound of the BranchDavidian religious cult burnedto the ground with 82 personsinside, including 17 children.

The fire erupted after federalagents battered buildings in thecompound with armoredvehicles following a 51-daystandoff.

April 19, 1995 - At 9:02 a.m., amassive car-bomb explosiondestroyed the entire side of anine-story federal building inOklahoma City, killing 168persons, including 19 childreninside a day care center. Adecorated Gulf War veteran waslater convicted for the attack.

April 20

April 20, 1999 - The deadliestschool shooting in U.S. historyoccurred in Littleton, Colorado,as two students armed withguns and explosives stormedinto Columbine High School atlunch time then killed 12classmates and a teacher andwounded more than 20 otherpersons before killingthemselves.

Birthday - Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) was born in Braunau amInn, Austria. As leader of NaziGermany from 1933 to 1945, hewaged a war of expansion inEurope, precipitating the deathsof an estimated 50 millionpersons through militaryconflict and through theHolocaust in which the Nazisattempted to exterminate theentire Jewish population ofEurope.

April 21

April 21, 1836 - The Battle ofSan Jacinto between Texans ledby Sam Houston and Mexicanforces led by Santa Anna tookplace near present day Houston.The Texans decisively defeatedthe Mexican forces therebyachieving independence.

(Read full article atwww.theindianpanorama.news)

TitanicEngraving by Willy Stöwer

Wilbur Wright

Charlie Chaplin

Fidel Castro

John Pierpont (J.P.) Morgan

Queen Elizabeth II

Clarence Darrow

Adolf Hitler



BOLLYWOOD THE INDIAN PANORAMA

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 44Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt

tie the knot

‘Jersey’ release pushedfurther to April 22

The release date of the ShahidKapoor and Mrunal Thakur-starrersports drama, 'Jersey' has been

pushed yet again. The makers of the filmshared that the film which was earliersupposed to debut in theatres on April 14,will now release on April 22. Sharing thenews, the film's producer, Aman Gill said,"As a team, we have put our blood sweatand tears into 'Jersey' and would like ourbeloved film to reach all of you in thewidest possible way. 'Jersey' will nowrelease on 22nd April." The film,presented by Allu Arvind, produced by DilRaju, S. Naga Vamsi and Aman Gill, hasbeen directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, andit also stars Shahid's father PankajKapoor.

Kangana Ranaut sports seven looksfor ‘Dhaakad’!

Actress Kangana Ranaut hassported seven strong andintense looks for her

upcoming film 'Dhaakad', whosetrailer is all set to drop on Tuesday.As Agent Agni, the actress will stunaudiences with her seven differentlooks and multiple combat sceneswhich have been designed andchoreographed by internationaltechnicians. Kangana Ranaut will beseen in unique hairdos and in combatattire showcasing her warrior avatar.Along with the trailer, the actresswill surprise the audience with aaction-packed first look on the bigscreen as it will be attached to 'KGF:Chapter 2'. Director Razneesh Ghaiadds, "A new action star is on therise, with Dhaakad, Kangana trulybecomes the master of disguises.

Each look is unique and we'venever seen Kangana do action like this before" The film also stars Divya Dutta andArjun Rampal as the antagonists. 'Dhaakad' will see Arjun and Kangana battlingeach other and their duels are clearly to be relished on the big screen. It is no lessthan the clash of the titans and the combat sequences have a never seen beforequality to them. 'Dhaakad' is designed as an international level spy thriller, directedby Razneesh Razy Ghai and produced by Deepak Mukut and Sohel Maklai. It ispresented by Soham Rockstar Entertainment Pvt Ltd in association with KamalMukut, Sohel Maklai Productions and Asylum films.

Bollywood A-listers Alia Bhatt andRanbir Kapoor got married onThursday, April 14, not in a big fat

Indian wedding spangled with tinsel asmany would have imagined but at theirBandra apartment with just family andclose friends in attendance.

Bhatt, 29, posted a series of loved-uppictures with Ranbir, 39, on Instagrampost the wedding to announce that theyhad tied the knot in their balcony afterdating for five years.

“Today, surrounded by our family andfriends, at home… in our favourite spot– the balcony we’ve spent the last 5years of our relationship – we gotmarried. With so much already behindus, we can’t wait to build morememories together… memories that arefull of love, laughter, comfortablesilences, movie nights, silly fights, winedelights and Chinese bites.

“Thank you for all the love and lightduring this very momentous time in ourlives. It has made this moment all themore special,” the caption by Ranbirand Alia, read.

Alia and Ranbir matched the colour oftheir wedding outfits in ivory and gold:lehenga and matching kundan jewelleryfor the bride and sherwani for thegroom from Bollywood’s go-to weddingdesigner Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

After keeping the media personnel andfans stationed outside ‘Vastu’ waiting, thecouple arrived for the much promisedphoto op at around 7.40 pm.

The couple arrived walking hand-in-hand to the beats of drums and greetedthe media and waiting fans with foldedhands. As they posed for pictures, Ranbirlifted Alia in his arms and walked back to

the building as fans broke into a cheerfulapplause. The wedding festivities were atight-knit affair with the media stationedoutside getting morsels of informationabout what was going inside till Aliafinally shared the pictures from thewedding on her social media pages.

Ranbir does not have an official socialmedia account. Media and those waitingoutside were treated to ‘laddoos’ andsweets post the wedding earlier in theevening. ‘Dholaks’ were heard too,

perhaps the only concession to theotherwise understated affair.

Boxes of snacks were also distributedamong the media personnel, who hadbeen keeping vigil outside.

Given that both Ranbir, Raj Kapoor’sgrandson and a scion of the first family ofBollywood, and Alia, daughter offilmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, are fromBollywood families, the star presence wasa given, and kept the cameras whirring.

Source: PTI

Ranveer Singh: Like to convince peoplethat I can transform myself into anyone

Bollywood's livewire starRanveer Singh, who isgearing up for the release

of his next 'Jayeshbhai Jordaar',says for him, the best thing aboutbeing an actor is that one can livemany lives.

Ranveer says: "For me, the bestthing about being an actor is thatyou can live so many lives andexperience so much because eachcharacter that I choose to playare remarkably different fromone another.

"When people saw 'Band BaajaBaaraat', they felt for the longesttime that I was a boy who wasborn and brought up in Delhi.

"This has happened many times during the course of my 11-year career andthat to me is the biggest compliment because I like to convince people that I cantransform myself into anyone."

The actor is clear that he doesn't want to get typecast in the industry and amongaudiences. He, thus, picks his projects with care to wow audiences.

Ranveer said: "I have a personal ambition to never be typecast and it's a toughone but I choose my scripts quite cleverly. 'Jayeshbhai Jordaar' presented me witha huge opportunity to play a character with no reference point all over again. Ithink I really manifest these roles into my life."

The Yash Raj Films' 'Jayeshbhai Jordaar', also starring Arjun Reddy fameShalini Pandey, is releasing on May 13. Source: IANS

Rihanna redefines whatpregnant women canwear in cover shoot

Larry David confirms‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’to return with Season 12

Multi-hyphenate artiste and thecreator of American sitcom 'CurbYour Enthusiasm', Larry David

has confirmed that the show will berenewed for its Season 12, reports 'Variety'.

The show creator shared the news at anEmmys event at the DGA presented by HBOMax.

As per 'Variety', the event included ascreening of Season 11 episode 'TheWatermelon' as well as a live paneldiscussion hosted by Rich Eisen andfeaturing David, executive producer JeffSchaffer, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, J.B.Smoove, Cheryl Hines and Richard Lewis.

Eisen wrote on Twitter, "So, I washonored to emcee an (Emmys) panel for'Curb Your Enthusiasm' tonight here in LAwith most of the cast and asked LarryDavid the ultimate question: Will there beanother season of Curb? He said yes."

The news is special because the show isput into operations only when David feelsinspired to write more of it. The gravity ofthis can be gauged from the fact that theshow has 11 seasons spread out over 21years. It took a major hiatus between 2011and 2017. But as Smoove told Variety aheadof the Season 11 premiere, "I think Larrycan see more seasons, more episodes, morestorylines, based on what he has at hisdisposal. The more the world changes, themore toys he has to play with.”

Pregnant Barbadian singer-actress Rihanna has sent theInternet into a frenzy by

appearing with her fully grown babybump on the cover of 'Vogue'magazine. The "Love The Way YouLie" singer took to her social mediaand shared the adorable picture.

She wrote in the caption, "Our lilfashion killa on da cover ofVOGUE!" For the cover shoot, shewore a red strapless jumpsuit withlaces from the house of Alaia, thebrand name of the Tunisiancouturier Azzedine Alaia, which shepaired with matching gloves.

For footwear, she tied her outfittogether with a pair of red andtransparent pointed-toe stilettos,also from Alaia, and rounded herlook with Chopard earrings.

As she explores motherhood, thesinger shared that it had given herthe opportunity to try clothing thatshe would have never sportedotherwise.

Rihanna said in an interview with'Vogue': "When I found out I waspregnant, I thought to myself,'There's no way I'm going to goshopping in no maternity aisle.' I'msorry -- it's too much fun to getdressed up. I'm not going to let thatpart disappear just because my bodyis changing."

She added: "I'm hoping we are ableto redefine what's considered'decent' for pregnant women. Mybody is doing incredible things rightnow, and I'm not going to beashamed of that. This time shouldfeel celebratory. Because why shouldyou be hiding your pregnancy?"

Source: IANS

HOLLYWOOD THE INDIAN PANORAMA


Selena Gomez warns body shamers Singer-actress Selena Gomez has warned body-

shamers on a social media post not to "b***habout" her weight.

Making use of her TikTok Story, the 29-year-oldsinger/actress shared a clip of her saying, "So I betrying to stay skinny, but I went to Jack in the Box andI got four tacos, three egg rolls, onion rings and a spicychicken sandwich."

She added that she doesn't judge herself for what sheeats and wishes other people wouldn't either, reportsaceshowbiz.com.

"But honestly, I don't care about my weight becausepeople b***h about it anyway," Selena said.

"'You're too small,' 'you're too big,' 'that doesn't fit.''Meh meh meh meh', " she continued, before slammingthe trolls, "B***h, I am perfect the way I am."

This wasn't the first time Selena talked about hatefulcomments she received over her body.

During an interview with Cosmopolitan in 2020, the'Bad Liar' singer revealed that her weight oftenfluctuates due to the medications she took to help hercombat Lupus.

"I've gotten insecure. I also have lupus so I fluctuate

in my weight a lot," she had confessed.However, the singer-actress shared that she's learned

how to deal with the insensitive remarks after beingbody-shamed in 2019.

In 2019, Selena was heavily body-shamed as herhealth issues resulted in weight fluctuations. She evendecided to quit social media because of it. During anappearance on the 'Giving Back Generation' podcast inNovember that year, she said, "I experienced (bodyshaming) with my weight fluctuation for the firsttime."

"I have lupus and deal with kidney issues and highblood pressure, so I deal with a lot of health issues, andfor me that's when I really started noticing more of thebody image stuff," she explained. "So for me, I reallystarted to notice when people started attacking me forthat."

The 'Lose You to Love Me' songstress elaboratedfurther, "In reality, that's just my truth. I fluctuate. Itdepends on what's happening in my life." All of thenegativity took a toll on her mental health as well.

"That got to me big time. I think for me, that reallymessed me up for a bit," she admitted. Source: IANS

WOMEN THE INDIAN PANORAMA


Tired of dark circles and want toget rid of them. Avoidchemically induced serums

and gels, by using these interestingremedies, which can be preparedeasily at home, to reduce dark circlesnaturally. Just be careful and avoidgetting them into the eyes whenapplying it.

Rose waterSoak two cotton balls in rose water

and place them over the eyelids. Keepthem for 10 minutes and then removethem.

CucumberIt is a known fact that cucumber

has skin-lightening properties andacts as a great astringent. Take afresh green cucumber and cut it intothick slices. Chill them in therefrigerator. After half an hour, takethem out and put them over closedeyes for 10 - 15 minutes. Wash off with

normal water.

TomatoTomato too acts as a great skin

lightening agent. Take one teaspoonof fresh tomato juice mix it with oneteaspoon of lemon juice. Gently applythe mixture around your eyes on thedark circles. After keeping it foraround 10 minutes, wash it off withcold water.

Potato slicesPeel and cut potato into thin slices.

Immediately put them over closedeyes for 15-20 minutes. Wash off withnormal water. Almond oil - Beforegoing to bed every night, gentlymassage almond oil into the skinaround your eyes.

Mint Crush six to seven fresh mint

leaves and apply them around the eye.Keep it for around 10 - 15 minutes and

then wash it off with cold water.

Silver spoonSilver teaspoon is not only a

beautiful and elegant kitchenaccessory, you can also use it to getrid of dark circles under your eyes.Put a silver spoon in your fridge for 3minutes and then, gently touch yourunder eye area with it (yes, only agentle touch, no squeezing orpressing). Cold spoon will tone theskin under your eyes and the silvermetal will help to get rid of under eyecircles.

Ice cubesOur next trick on how to get rid of

dark circles under eyes is to use icecubes. Ideally, it’s better to prepare icecubes yourself using green orcamomile tea, for example. Camomilehas calming properties, and the icewill tone your skin and reduce undereye dark circles and puffiness.

Be wary of catfishingThe world of online dating offers many

wonderful opportunities to meet compatiblepeople. But it also makes you vulnerable to

catfishing. The term refers to individuals whocreate elaborate false identities and attractunsuspecting victims to fraudulent onlinerelationships. And yes, being catfished can reallyhamper one's emotional health.

It is heartbreaking and alarming to think that thewonderful guy or girl you are talking to may benothing more than a mirage projected by someone.Here's what you need to know about how to avertingthis.

Monitor plausibilitySome catfishers are using their false online

identity to do something akin to living out theirdream lives. As a result, it's good to look out forridiculous life stories that don't seem realistic. Youshould accept the fact that not everyone you meetonline is who they claim to be. Are you talking to asupermodel, a powerful government member, or anindividual with a 100 page CV of personaltragedies? If so, strongly consider the possibilitythat you are being duped.

Look for mysterious attitudesBe very wary if you notice that someone is

unwilling to provide more than just a few photos ofthemselves or is constantly evading any attempt tomeet in person. Even if you are not being catfished,someone who tries to avoid a personal meeting willalmost definitely have something else to hide (oftena spouse). Be mindful, choose your mental andemotional health and set clear boundaries.

Do your researchListen to your intuition. Always ask for their full

name, do an internet search to see if this person'salleged identity seems legitimate. For example, youshould find a departmental profile of someone whoclaims to be a college professor. It's also worthbrowsing through the images that come up whenyou enter the person's name and location. Whilenothing is foolproof, it is particularly useful if yourcontact will happily connect with you usingInstagram or another social networking site whereyou can see them regularly interact with a largenumber of people who appear to verify their story.Keep a check on someone’s credentials.

Ask for a proofGiven the growing awareness of catfishing, you

should be able to ask people on online dating sites toprove their identity without hurting their feelings.You can explain that you have heard bizarre storiesand are very cautious about meeting people withoutobjective proof of honesty. For example, it might bea good idea to ask the person to send you a pictureof them holding a piece of paper indicating theirname and the current date. If you don't want to beexplicit about your testing needs, ask for a videosession with audio and video. While this can onlyverify their true appearance, it does help weed outsome catfish. If they are unwilling to give you proof,seriously reconsider your association.

Virtual datingGenuine people are willing to have conversations

without any ulterior motive. If you want to makesure that the person you are talking to is the personyou are talking to, you need to see it via multiplevirtual dates. After talking to someone for a while,the video chat is normal and expected. Again, ifsomeone actively prevents you from seeing him,they are not what they say they are. Virtual datinghas become acceptable since the global pandemic,so make use of this opportunity to get to know yourromantic interest better. Source: Healthshots

FOOD

Tawa Chicken FryA delicious lip-smacking dish, the Tawa Chicken Fry is

easy to make and can be served as a starter or as anappetizer to a meal.

IngredientsChicken - 500 gmsGram Flour - small handfulJuice of 1 LemonGinger Garlic Paste - 2 tblspTurmeric Powder - 1/3 tspCoriander Powder - 1/3 tspCurry Leaves - fewRed Chilli Paste - 3 tspSaunf - 1/2 tspCumin Seeds - 1/2 tspSalt as per tasteOil as required

Method Clean, wash and dice the chicken into bite-sized

pieces. Combine the gram flour, lemon juice, ginger garlic

paste, turmeric powder, coriander powder, curryleaves, red chilli paste, saunf, cumin seeds and saltin a bowl.

Mix well with a little water. Add the chicken pieces and mix until evenly coated. Keep aside for 45 to 75 minutes. Heat oil in a pan over medium flame. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and

cooked. Remove and drain excess oil. Serve with mint chutney.

Remedies for dark circles

iStock



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PPAAGGEE SSPPOONNSSOORREEDD BBYY

Covaxin booster enhancesantibody response againstCovid variants including

Omicron: Study

Abooster dose of Covaxin administered sixmonths after the two dose primary vaccinationhas shown elevated immune responses against

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern including Omicronand protection from severe disease, a study by ICMRand Bharat Biotech has found.

The emergence of Omicron with at least 30mutations within most vaccines' target region -- thespike protein -- raised an alarm about its immuneescape from vaccine-induced neutralising antibodies,thereby leading to increased transmissibility andcausing breakthrough and reinfection, seniorscientist at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) inPune, Dr Pragya Yadav, told PTI.

Additionally, reports of waning of antibodyresponses against the emerging variants of concern(VoCs) of virus for other approved vaccines haveraised concern globally, she said.

As a part of the study the antibody responses insera of 51 participants who received two doses ofCovaxin collected six months post second dose and 28days after receiving a third (booster) dose (given onday 215th post second dose) and its impact against theOmicron VoC was evaluated.

The study by the Indian Council of MedicalResearch (ICMR) and Covaxin manufacturer BharatBiotech was conducted in January and the findingswere published in the Journal of Travel Medicine onMarch 24.

"The antibody response was higher for participantsadministered with booster doses for B.1 and the VoCs-- Delta, Beta and Omicron variants," Dr GajananSakpal, another senior scientist at the NIV, said.

This indicates that the booster dose of Covaxinrobustly triggered neutralising antibody responsesand efficiently neutralised the multiple variants ofSARS-CoV-2, Sakpal said.

"We conclude that the neutralising antibodyresponses were significantly elevated after third doseof BBV152/Covaxin against the homologous B.1 (19.11fold) and other heterologous strains (16.51 fold), Beta(14.70 fold) and Omicron (18.53 fold) VoCs, providingassurance of a protective immune response of boosterin recipients," the study stated. Source: PTI

Know the new XE Omicronvariant and its severity

With new coronavirus variants emerging everyfour months on average, UN Secretary-GeneralAntonio Guterres has cautioned that the

Covid-19 pandemic is far from over as large outbreaksare spreading in Asia.

Guterres also called for governments and pharmacompanies to work together to deliver vaccines to everyperson, everywhere.

In a video message “One World Protected - BreakCovid Now” to the GAVI COVAX Advance MarketCommitment Summit 2022, Guterres said Friday thatthe gathering is a critical reminder that the "Covid-19pandemic is far from over."

“We're seeing 1.5 million new cases each day. Largeoutbreaks are spreading in Asia. A new wave issweeping across Europe,” he said, adding that somecountries are reporting their highest death rates sincethe start of the pandemic.

He said the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is a“startling reminder” of how quickly Covid-19 canmutate and spread — especially in the absence of highvaccination coverage.

While some high-income countries are preparing fortheir second booster doses, one-third of humanityremains unvaccinated, he rued.

“This is a brutal indictment of our deeply unequalworld. It's also a prime breeding ground for newvariants… more deaths… and increased human andeconomic misery,” he said.

Guterres said the next variant is not a question of“if ” but of “when.” “We are far from our target of everycountry reaching 70 per cent vaccination coverage bythe middle of this year. And with new variantsemerging every four months on average, time is of theessence,” he said.

He added that governments and pharmaceuticalcompanies need to work together to deliver vaccines to

every person, everywhere — not just in wealthycountries.

A new strain of the Covid-19 Omicron variant, firstdetected in the United Kingdom, appears to be moretransmissible than previous strains of the virus, theWorld Health Organization (WHO) had said.

WHO said last week that the XE recombinant (BA.1-BA.2), was first detected in the United Kingdom onJanuary 19 and more than 600 sequences have beenreported and confirmed since.

“Early-day estimates indicate a community growthrate advantage of 10 per cent as compared to BA.2.However, this finding requires further confirmation,”WHO had said.

It added that XE belongs to the Omicron variant untilsignificant differences in transmission and diseasecharacteristics, including severity, may be reported.

Source: PTI

HEALTH THE INDIAN PANORAMA


After cosmetics and blood, now scientistsdetect microplastics in lungs

Ateam of scientists have for the first timediscovered microplastics in live human lungs, afinding that indicates we are inhaling the

dangerous substances without knowledge that can havea major impact on our respiratory health.

Micro-plastic pollution is one of the most crucialenvironmental issues in recent times. The latest findingcomes after two major studies, published last month,showed the presence of microplastics in cosmeticproducts and in human bloodstream in detectablelevels.

While synthetic fibres have previously been found inlung tissue, there are limited studies confirming thepresence of microplastics, and none as robust as this.

The research led by a team from the University ofHull and Hull York Medical School found 39microplastics in 11 of the 13 lung tissue samples tested,considerably higher than any previous laboratory tests.

The study showed 11 microplastics were found in theupper part of the lung, seven in the mid part, and 21 inthe lower part of the lung, which was an unexpectedfinding.

“Microplastics have previously been found in humancadaver autopsy samples, this is the first robust studyto show microplastics in lungs from live people,” saidLaura Sadofsky, lead author on the paper published inthe journal Science of the Total Environment.

“We did not expect to find the highest number ofparticles in the lower regions of the lungs, or particlesof the sizes we found. This is surprising as the airwaysare smaller in the lower parts of the lungs and wewould have expected particles of these sizes to befiltered out or trapped before getting this deep into thelungs,” she added.

Lung tissue was collected from surgical procedures

carried out on patients who were still alive, as part oftheir routine medical care. It was then filtered to seewhat was present.

Of the microplastics detected, there were 12 types,which have many uses and are commonly found inpackaging, bottles, clothing, rope/twine, and manymanufacturing processes. There were also considerablyhigher levels of microplastics in male patientscompared to females.

“The characterisation of types and levels ofmicroplastics we have found can now inform realisticconditions for laboratory exposure experiments withthe aim of determining health impacts,” Sadofsky said.

Source: IANS



The forecast on planetNeptune is chilly and

getting colderFrigid and far-flung Neptune, our solar system's

outermost planet, is adding to its reputation as anenigmatic world, with astronomers puzzled by a

surprising drop in its atmospheric temperaturesduring the past two decades.

Focusing upon Neptune's stratosphere - theatmosphere's relatively stable region above theturbulent weather layer - the researchers had expectedto find rising temperatures in the part of the planetvisible from Earth with the onset of its southernhemisphere summer, a season lasting four decades.Instead, they found temperatures decliningsignificantly.

The study was based on more than 95 thermal-infrared images - every one ever taken - spanning 2003to 2020 using ground-based telescopes in Hawaii andChile, mostly the European Southern Observatory'sVery Large Telescope. It is the most comprehensiveassessment to date of Neptune's atmospherictemperatures.

"The atmosphere appears more complicated than wehad naively assumed, which, unsurprisingly, seems tobe a general lesson that nature teaches scientists againand again," said Michael Roman, a postdoctoralresearcher at the University of Leicester in Englandand lead author of the study published on Monday inthe Planetary Science Journal

Neptune's stratosphere temperature fell as much as14 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) to minus 179F (minus 117 C) over the 17 years studied. In contrast,temperatures in Neptune's troposphere - the even-colder weather layer - showed no significant variabilitywhile reaching as low as minus 370 F (minus 223 C).

Neptune is among the least explored of the solarsystem's eight planets, with its great distance making it

difficult to study from Earth. NASA's Voyager 2 is theonly spacecraft to have made a close-up visit, flying pastNeptune in 1989.

"I think Neptune is very intriguing to many of usbecause we still know so little about it," Roman said.

Its temperature changes were unevenly distributed,with regional variations. The southern tropics cooled,then warmed, then cooled again. Mid-latitudestemperatures initially remained constant before fallinggradually. South pole temperatures initially droppedonly slightly before warming dramatically between2018 and 2020.

"I suspect the overall temperature drop may mostlikely be due to changes in the atmospheric chemistry,which responds to changing seasonal sunlight and, inturn, alters how effectively the atmosphere cools,"Roman said. Source: Reuters

Ozone heating Earth more thanpreviously thought: Study

Zoom announces newfeatures aimed at

educators, students

Zoom has announced a host of new featuresaimed at educators and students. These featuresinclude enhancements to the Breakout Rooms

feature, “Anywhere Polls”, and newly added supportfor virtual background and blur on Chromebooks.According to the company, it added virtualbackgrounds and blur features on Zoom for Chromeafter requests from education customers sinceChromebooks are popular among students andteachers. “Virtual background and blur forChromebooks is extremely beneficial to our studentsand teachers. Many students were reluctant to turntheir cameras on before this feature enhancement,”Rod Smith, Chief Technology Officer, Clayton CountyPublic Schools said in a press statement. ClaytonCounty Public Schools is one of the customers thatrequested the feature.

The Breakout Rooms feature on Zoom allowsconference hosts to split attendees into separatebreakout rooms for group activities. It is a popularfeature among education users. The new ProgramAudio feature will allow meeting hosts to sharecontent with audio to breakout rooms, adding theability to share videos with audio.

The ozone layer may be heating theEarth’s atmosphere more thanpreviously thought by weakening one

of our planet’s most important coolingmechanisms, according to a study.

The researchers found that changes toozone levels in the upper and loweratmosphere were responsible for almost athird of the warming seen in ocean watersbordering Antarctica in the second half ofthe twentieth century.

The deep and rapid warming in theSouthern Ocean affects its role as one of themain regions for soaking up excess heat asthe planet warms, they said.

The study, published in the journalNature Climate Change, found that the majority of this warming was the result of ozoneincreases in the lower atmosphere.

Ozone—one of the main components of smog—is already hazardous as a pollutant, but thelatest research shows it may also play a significant role in driving climate change in the comingyears.

“Ozone close to Earth’s surface is harmful to people and the environment, but this study revealsit also has a big impact on the ocean’s ability to absorb excess heat from the atmosphere,” saidMichaela Hegglin, an associate professor at University of Reading in the UK.

“These findings are an eye-opener and hammer home the importance of regulating airpollution to prevent increased ozone levels and global temperatures rising further still,” Hegglin,one of the study’s authors, said.

The team led by researchers at the University of California Riverside, US, used models tosimulate changes in ozone levels in the upper and lower atmosphere between 1955 and 2000.

These simulations showed that a decrease in ozone in the upper atmosphere and increase in thelower atmosphere both contributed to warming seen in the upper two kilometres (km) of theocean waters in the high latitudes by overall greenhouse gas increases. Source: PTI

SCIENCE AND TECH THE INDIAN PANORAMA


Meta to start testing money-making tools for its

metaverse

Facebook owner MetaPlatforms is beginning totest tools for selling

digital assets and experienceswithin its virtual realityplatform Horizon Worlds, a keypart of its plan for creating ametaverse, it said.

The tools will be availableinitially to a handpicked set ofusers who are creating virtualclasses, games and fashionaccessories within thecompany’s immersive platform, which is accessible via VRheadsets, Meta said in a statement.

Using one tool, those select users will be able to sell theiraccessories or offer paid access to specialised digital spaces theyhave built, the company said.The social media giant is also testingout a “creator bonus” program for a small set of Horizon Worldsusers in the United States, through which it will pay participantseach month for using new features the company launches.

“We want there to just be tons of awesome worlds, and in orderfor that to happen there needs to be a lot of creators who cansupport themselves and make this their job,” Chief Executive MarkZuckerberg said in a conversation with early adopters, held insideHorizon Worlds using avatars.

The Facebook parent company, which changed its name to Metalast year, has invested heavily in virtual and augmented reality toreflect its new bet on the metaverse, a futuristic idea of a networkof virtual environments accessed via different devices where userscan work, socialize and play. Source: Reuters



ELON MUSK OFFERS TO BUYTWITTER FOR $41 BILLION

Billionaire Elon Musk has offered tobuy Twitter for about $41 billion, justdays after rejecting a seat on the socialmedia company's board.

Musk's offer price of $54.20 pershare, which was disclosed in aregulatory filing on Thursday,represents a 38% premium to Twitter'sApril 1 close, the last trading daybefore the Tesla CEO's more than 9%stake in the company was madepublic. Twitter's shares jumped 12% inpremarket trading.

"Since making my investment I nowrealize the company will neitherthrive nor serve this societalimperative in its current form. Twitterneeds to be transformed as a privatecompany," Musk said in a letter toTwitter Chairman Bret Taylor. “Iinvested in Twitter as I believe in itspotential to be the platform for freespeech around the globe, and I believefree speech is a societal imperative fora functioning democracy,” Musk saysin the filing. “However, since makingmy investment I now realize thecompany will neither thrive nor servethis societal imperative in its currentform. Twitter needs to be transformedas a private company.” The buyoutoffer from Musk is just the latestdevelopment in his relationship withTwitter. The billionaire revealed inregulatory filings over recent weeksthat he'd been buying shares in almostdaily batches starting Jan. 31. OnlyVanguard Group’s suite of mutualfunds and ETFs controls more Twittershares. Source: Reuters

SRI LANKA DEFAULTS ONENTIRE $51 BILLIONEXTERNAL DEBT

Crisis-stricken Sri Lanka defaultedon its $51 billion external debt onTuesday, calling the move a "lastresort" after running out of foreignexchange to import desperatelyneeded goods. The island nation isgrappling with its worst economicdownturn since independence, withregular blackouts and acuteshortages of food and fuel. SriLanka's finance ministry said in astatement that creditors, includingforeign governments, were free tocapitalise any interest payments dueto them from Tuesday or opt forpayback in Sri Lankan rupees.

"The government is taking theemergency measure only as a lastresort in order to prevent furtherdeterioration of the republic'sfinancial position," the statementsaid. It added that the immediate debtdefault was to ensure "fair andequitable treatment of all creditors"ahead of an International MonetaryFund assisted recovery programmefor the South Asian nation.

Retail inflation soars to 17-month high of 6.95%

NEW DELHI (TIP)

Retail inflation quickened to 6.95% inMarch, compared to 6.07% in the previousmonth, driven by a sharp jump in foodprices, official data released on Tuesday,April 12, showed.

A range of products have becomeexpensive, driven by rising oil prices andbroken supply chains due to the Ukrainewar, the data showed.

Shop-end prices, as measured by theConsumer Price Index, breached theReserve Bank of India’s so-called tolerablelimit of 6% for the third straight month, asfood prices jumped 7.68% in March,against a rise of 5.85% in February.

Overall, retail inflation now stands at a17-month high. The higher prices havebegun to bite into demand. Households arebuying less daily-use goods and items,according to market intelligence firmBizom.

The government collects retail pricedata from selected 1,114 urban marketsand 1,181 villages covering all states togauge inflation, which has a direct impacton people’s income and also economicgrowth.

A rise in food prices relatively hurtspoor households more because low-income people spend a large share of theirmonthly budget on food.

Oils and fats inflation stood at 18.79% inMarch, compared to 16.4% in February,while vegetable prices rose 11.64%,compared to a rise of 6.13% in theprevious month. Pulses price rose 2.57%, amarginal decline compared to 3.02% inFebruary. The CPI index on clothing andfootwear rose 9.40% compared to an 8.86%increase a month ago. In the fuel and light

inflation category, prices rose 7.52%.On Friday, the Reserve Bank of India

announced its new monetary policy,gearing towards inflation control. Thecentral bank revised the country’sinflation forecast to 5.7% in FY23 from4.5% earlier, acknowledging pressures ofinflation from crude oil crossing$100/barrel. High inflation not just erodesthe value of money and savings, it canultimately hurt growth itself.

“The surge in global commodity pricesand the disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the supply chainimplications of the continued lockdownsin China since March 2022 following theoutbreak of a fresh covid-19 wave in thecountry do not augur well for output ofthose sectors, including automobiles, that

are dependent on key raw materialsprovided by Russia, Ukraine or China, inthe absence of any other alternatives,"said Aditi Nayar, chief economist, ICRALtd. Manufacturing, which accounts for77% of IIP, saw growth fall to 0.8% inFebruary from 1.31% in January. Thecapital goods sector grew by 1.1% inFebruary compared to 1.3% in January,indicating weakness in the industrialsector. Consumer durables, whichcomprises white goods, declined sharplyfor the fifth straight month in February,reporting an 8.2% contraction comparedto a 3.3% decline seen in January.Consumer non-durables, which representinelastic demand, reported a 5.5%contraction in February compared to a2.1% growth in January.

WTO lowers global tradevolume growth forecast

to 3% for 2022NEW DELHI (TIP)

The world merchandise trade volume is expected to growby 3 per cent in 2022 against the earlier forecast of 4.7 percent, mainly due to the ongoing war between Russia andUkraine, the WTO said on Tuesday.

Prospects for the global economy have darkened since theoutbreak of war in Ukraine on February 24, promptingWTO economists to reassess their projections for worldtrade over the next two years, the World TradeOrganisation (WTO) said in a statement. "The organisationnow expects merchandise trade volume growth of 3 percent in 2022 -- down from its previous forecast of 4.7 per cent-- and 3.4 per cent in 2023, but these estimates are lesscertain than usual due to the fluid nature of the conflict," itadded. The most immediate economic impact of the crisishas been a sharp rise in commodity prices.

Despite their small shares in world trade and output,Russia and Ukraine are key suppliers of essential goods,including food, energy, and fertilisers, supplies of whichare now threatened by the war, the statement said.

Grain shipments through Black Sea ports have alreadybeen halted, with potentially dire consequences for foodsecurity in poor countries, it noted. Source: PTI

Pharma stock see highest drop in 10years after Covid pill’s birth defect risk

Shionogi & Co. slumped themost in more than a decade afterthe drugmaker said animalstudies showed its experimentalCovid drug disturbed fetaldevelopment.

The stock fell as much as 16% inTokyo trading Wednesday, thebiggest intraday decline sinceMarch 2011. The stock had beendown 8.4% this year through April 12.

The drug likely won’t be recommended for pregnant women,Kyodo News reported Tuesday, April 12, without givingattribution. The animal data, which showed harm when it wasgiven at high doses, was submitted to Japanese regulators inFebruary when the company sought a review, a Shionogispokesman said. The pill’s chances of success fell to 5% from 50%after the report tying it to birth defects, Stephen Baker, an equitiesanalyst at Jefferies & Co., wrote in a note to clients. He cut hisrating on the stock to “underperform” from “buy” on Wednesdayafter trimming the profit estimates and target price.

Still, rival Covid treatments also carry risks for pregnantwomen but have been approved for use. Merck & Co.’s Lagevriohas a boxed warning saying it shouldn’t be taken by pregnantwomen after it was linked to fetal harm in animal studies. PfizerInc.’s Paxlovid at high doses led to a decrease in fetal body weightin a rabbit study, though there aren’t restrictions on its use duringpregnancy. Source: Bloomberg

BUSINESS THE INDIAN PANORAMA








To mark the birth of Lord Hanuman, HanumanJayanti is celebrated all over India in the month ofChaitra in Hindu calendar. The great Hanuman is

known for its great strength, power and his immortaldevotion towards Lord Rama. He is considered to be agreatest follower of Lord Rama and played a crucial rolein his life. He is also known as Sankat Mochan whopeople remember in both good and bad times. He isconsidered to be as one of the most powerful Hindu godsin India. According to Hindu mythology, as the son of'Pawan', the God of Winds and 'Anjanee' often referred toas 'Pawanputra,' is blessed with immense physical andmental strength that is greatly inspiring. LordHanuman is considered to be the eleventh Rudramanifestation of Lord Shiva. He symbolizes strengthand selfless devotion, and his ability and determinationto achieve impossible feats has been chronicled inseveral episodes of the Ramayana. He showed hisunconditional love for Lord Ram, who also blessed himand reciprocated his devotion by treating him like abrother.

Hanuman Jayanti is observed on full moon day, whichis the 15th day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month ofChaitra (April-May). In different parts of India,Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated in different months onaccount of variation in the dates of Hindu calendarfollowed by different states.

In North India, Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasiand Hanuman Garhi at Ayodhya are the venues of greatcelebration.

How to Celebrate Hanuman JayantiCelebrations on Hanuman Jayanti began early in the

day with special puja being performed by devotees.Devotees perform holy Puja in temples dedicated to SreeHanuman or at Home. People in India organize specialprayers for Lord Hanuman to get rid of evil spirits. TheGod is known for its magical powers. Prayers andHymns are sung all day long in various Hanumantemples dedicated to the lord. Hanuman is considered asa symbol of Power and great strength in Hindumythology. He is believed to have carried a wholemountain in his shoulder. On auspicious day ofHanuman Jayanti, People apply red Sindur from Lord'sfeet on their foreheads. This is considering being aritual for good health and good luck.

Some of the important puja rituals include offeringred vermillion with ghee to the idol of Hanuman. Redflowers, rui leaves with areca nut, fruits especiallybananas, ladoos are offered and diyas are lit. Devoteesrecite the Hanuman Chalisa and Bajrang Baan andperform ‘arti’. It is believed that Hanuman was born atsunrise, so recitations and poring over religious texts isdone at dawn and later ‘prasad’ distribution ceremony isheld.

In Western India, the practice of fasting a day beforethe Hanuman Jayanti is prevalent, whereas in NorthernIndia, the general practice is to observe fasting on theday Hanuman Jayanti is held. Also, it is far morepopular among males, especially wrestlers andbodybuilders. It is believed that chanting the HanumanChalisa hundred times for hundred days can help oneattain the four tenets of Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha.

Hanuman Jayanti is an occasion to remember LordHanuman's unbridled devotion to Lord Rama and hisfeats of daring. In their quest to fight against Ravana,Lord Hanuman led a monkey army and built a bridge toLanka. He also carried a whole mountain of magicherbs on his shoulders to restore the life of Lakshman.Thus, the ubiquitous standing statue of Lord Hanumanwith his heart stretched out open is at once a metaphoricas well as literal illustration of his infinite devotion toLord Ram, his wife Sita and brother Lakshman.

In the epic tale of Ramayana, the extraordinary role ofLord Hanuman, an exemplary devotee of Lord Rama, isvery well detailed out in situations requiring strength,will-power and courage. Lord Hanuman's character islyrically elaborated in Tulsidas's 'Hanuman Chalisa'.Also invoked as 'Sankat Mochan', Lord Hanuman canavert any ill-effects posed by the nine planets to one's lifeas well as save one from the influence of evil spirits. InIndia, Tuesdays and Saturdays are dedicated to the

worship of Lord Hanuman to get his blessings forprogress, wisdom and fearlessness.

Significance of Hanuman JayantiLord Hanuman is the embodiment of courage, self-

control, highest state of devotion, intellect, sense-control and humility. Hanuman Jayanti is the mostauspicious time to worship him to imbibe all his greatqualities in our human capacity. It is also said that LordHanuman can grant extraordinary powers to a ‘sadhak’earnestly seeking his blessings on his spiritual journey.The saffron flag near the Hanuman temples in thehighways and the hilly regions is a sign of protectionagainst the possibility of any untoward incident or evilenergies. He has the boon of immortality, (he is called'Chiranjeev' for this reason), and it is believed he stillexists.

When Maa Sita was abducted by Ravana, Hanumancould locate the place of captivity of Mata Sita andused his intellect and power to build an army to reachLanka and save Sita. Some of the most noticeableepisodes in the Ramayana include burning of Lankawith his tail, bringing an entire mountain which had‘sanjeevani’ or life-saving herbs to save Lakshman’slife. Lord Rama reciprocated his love and devotion bytreating him as his brother and blessing him.There is astory about the meeting of Bheem and Lord Hanumanin Mahabharat.

There is a popular belief that worshiping LordHanuman will help in removing the hardship causedby Lord Shani or Saturn in astrology. When Lord

Hanuman broke the boasting of Lord Shani then heapologized to Hanumanji and promised that he neverever create obstacles in Shri Ram and Hanuman work.To make Hanuman Jayanti, a fruitful day, you can visitMaruti's temple and worship the deity. As a part of thetradition, red tilak (vermilion mark) is applied on theforehead of Lord Hanuman idol and Ladoos (sweet) areoffered.Some of the important puja rituals includeoffering red vermillion with ghee to the idol ofHanuman. People are seen observing fast (Vrat) on thisday. Worshiping Rudra (Bajrangbali) with these ritualswill bestow you with blessings and glory of Hanumanor Anjaneya on Hanuman Jayanti. Thus, he will alwaysstand by his sincere devotees.

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““IIff HHiinndduuss ddoonn’’tt mmaaiinnttaaiinn HHiinndduuiissmm,, wwhhoo sshhaallll ssaavvee iitt??””

““IIff IInnddiiaa’’ss oowwnn cchhiillddrreenn ddoonn''tt cclliinngg ttoo tthheeiirr ffaaiitthh,, wwhhoo sshhaallll

gguuaarrdd iitt??””

““IInnddiiaannss aalloonnee ccaann ssaavvee IInnddiiaa,, aanndd IInnddiiaa aanndd HHiinndduuiissmm aarree

oonnee..””

Hanuman Jayanti SPIRITUALITY THE INDIAN PANORAMA


Hanuman Jayanti 2022Saturday, 16 April 2022

Purnima Tithi Begins - 02:25 AM on April 16, 2022

Purnima Tithi Ends - 12:24 AM on April 17, 2022







MISCELLANY THE INDIAN PANORAMA


contd from page 1

President Biden approves $800 millionin new military assistance for Ukraine

It is the latest in a series of U.S. security assistancepackages valued at a combined $2.6 billion that has beencommitted to Ukraine since Russia invaded on Feb. 24.The weaponry and support material has played animportant role in Ukraine's successful defense thus far.

Mr. Biden is under pressure from members of bothparties in Congress to expand and accelerate U.S. aid.

Robert Gates, a former CIA Director and DefenseSecretary, said on Wednesday he believes theadministration needs to push hard for weapondonations by NATO members in Eastern Europe, whosearsenals include Soviet-era tanks and other weaponryand equipment that could help Ukraine immediately.

"The United States ought to be acting, 24/7 - how do wemobilize the equipment and how do we get it intoUkraine and into the hands of the Ukrainians," Mr.Gates said in an online forum sponsored by theCarnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"It's critically important and critically urgent, and weought to be sort of ransacking the arsenals of thosestates, and I think they would be cooperative,particularly" if they are given assurances that thePentagon will provide American replacements for thedonated weapons.

The Pentagon said the $800 million packageannounced by Mr. Biden includes weapons andequipment that will require some training for aUkrainian military not fully accustomed to Americanmilitary technology. U.S. and allied forces had beenpresent inside Ukraine to provide training for eightyears before pulling out in advance of the Russia's latestinvasion.

The new arms package includes 18 of the U.S. Army's

155mm howitzers and 40,000 artillery rounds, two airsurveillance radars, 300 Switchblade "kamikaze" armeddrones, and 500 Javelin missiles designed to knock outtanks and other armor. Also included are 10 counter-artillery radars used to track incoming artillery andother projectiles to determine their point of origin forcounter attacks.

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said delivery ofthe material will be expedited, but he offered no specifictimetable.

"This list came directly out of multiple conversationswith Ukrainians in the last few days as we began to seethe Russians now start to reprioritize the Donbas fight,"he said, referring to Russia's shift from a failedoffensive in Ukraine's north aimed at Kyiv, the capital,to a force buildup in the country's eastern Donbasregion, where Russian-backed separatists have beenfighting since 2014.

Ukrainian military personnel will need training onthe radars as well as the howitzers and the Switchbladedrones, Mr. Kirby said. He said the training may be doneby U.S. soldiers in Europe and the arrangements arebeing worked out.

"These are not highly complex systems," Mr. Kirbysaid, and so extensive training will not likely berequired.

Among the other items in the package are 11 Soviet-era Mi-17 helicopters that the United States had plannedto provide to Afghanistan before Mr. Biden last yeardecided to fully withdraw from the country. They aretransport helicopters that also can function in an attackrole. The Pentagon previously had sent five Mi-17s toUkraine, Mr. Kirby said.

Ed Mangano sentenced to 12 years inprison; wife Linda gets 15 months in jail

Mangano said, "I feel like I'm just taking the fall for

these guys' years of criminal acts."The judge later in the day sentenced Mangano's wife,

Linda Mangano to 15 months in prison for herconviction in the same bribery and obstruction ofjustice case involving a former restaurateur who was along-time family friend.

contd from page 23

Modi-Biden virtual meeting 'veryhelpful' for 2+2 dialogue, saysJaishankar

Jaishankar said there was discussion on India'ssecurity environment and its security challenges. Butthere was no specific focus on reference to thegranularity of India-China border, in the part of themeetings he was present. It may or may not havehappened during the meeting between the two defenseministers.

"If in 2022, we have a relationship with Russia, withAmerica or China or any other country, these are notrelationships that evolve, that appearedinstantaneously and are sort of susceptible toimmediate solutions or changes. Internationalrelations is in many ways there is a trendline there arethings which happen over time, those are aggregatewhich builds up, he said.

"My sense from these discussions, I've had people inthe administration, people dealing with policy, they arewell informed. In many ways they understand whereIndia is coming from. At the same time, I would quitehonestly say the narrative the public narrativesometimes is very, very different. I think today, there isa gap in a way between the policy and the narrative andhow do we how do we narrow that," said the minister.

Early childhood stroke alarming in Indiatoo : World Stroke Organization

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

JAIPUR (TIP) It is now notrestricted to North America alone,the early strokes (Lakva in Hindi)in childhood in the age group of 6months to 18 months is not onlyrising alarmingly but alsodrawing the attention ofPediatricians in India too, warnsWorld Stroke Organization (WSO).

Stroke is defined as the suddenocclusion or rupture of cerebralarteries or veins resulting in focalcerebral (brain) damage or neurological deficits inchildren, and differs in clinical presentation, etiology andneuroimaging from adults.

WSO, in its recent blog in February 2022, says, "Pediatricstroke is rare; recent studies estimate its prevalence to bearound 172 in 100,000 a year in North America. To betterunderstand childhood stroke, a group of doctors withinthe Department of Pediatrics at Sawai Man Singh MedicalCollege in Jaipur, India set out to investigate the profile ofchildhood stroke at their hospital".

Quoting and recognizing SMS Medical College's childspecialists, Dr Dhan Raj Bagri, Dr Antrichsh Kumar, andDr J N Sharma's research paper appeared in the Journal ofAlzheimer Disease and Parkinsonism, WSO said theirstudy evaluated 75 pediatric stroke children between 6months and 18 years, out of which 65.3 percent (48) weremales and 34.7 percent 27) were females suggesting malepreponderance (M:F=1.89:1).

SMS specialists team explored patterns in presentation,etiology and neuroimaging in children who presented totheir hospital with stroke from June 2019 to December2019. "Over a 7-months period the hospital admitted 75children with childhood stroke, and neuroimaging showed

that 72.2 percent of cases wereacute ischaemic stroke, 5.3 pc werehemorrhagic and cerebral venousthrombosis in 12 pc", Dr Bagri, ateam leader and AssistantProfessor at the SMS Pediatricssaid in the joint research paper.

Patient characteristics showedthat age ranged from 6 months and18 years, with 52 percent of thegroup aged between 6 months and5 years, and the majority ofcohorts were males, Dr Bagri

pointed out.The most common clinical presentation of childhood

stroke at SMS Medical College was hemiplegia, fever,seizures, headache, and altered consciousness in over halfIndia's population, he said, adding it was noted that 67percent of cohorts had a comorbidity with CentralNervous System (CNS) infections being the most common,about 53 percent, Bagri said.

Though newer modalities of treatment increasedchances of recovery many folds from the past decades,India needs prompt identification and treatment inchildhood stroke to prevent long term morbidity andmortality too, Dr Bagri told TIP when asked.

In developed nations, every such patient gets anambulance and treatment within 60 minutes (golden hour)of reporting to the hospital, whereas in India, the time lostin reaching the hospital and getting a better identificationplays very critical role and needs more awareness inpublic with strengthening medical infrastructure in thevery field, he recommended.

WSO anticipates that their research will provide moreclinical and etiological information on pediatric stroke,particularly in India.

NAPCON'S NATIONAL ASTHMARESEARCH AWARD FOR

RAJASTHAN'S DR SHITTU

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

JAIPUR (TIP): NAPCON-2021 has conferred theNational Asthma Research Award to Rajasthan'syoung physician Dr Sheetu Singh for heroutstanding medical research in PulmonaryScience at its international conference concludedin Varanasi recently.

Dr Sheetu received a cash award of Rs.25,000 andcitation for her outstanding research and medicalservice to the humankind. Her exclusive researchfocused on the prevalence, risk factors andtreatment practices for Asthma in the country. Herresearch is a contribution towards morbidity andmortality from asthma and chest diseases in thecountry.

There were about 400 research entries in theaward session which aimed to focus on researchdone in the field of pulmonology. NationalConference of Pulmonary Diseases is organized byIndian Chest Society (ICS) and National College ofChest Physician India (NCCP).

Dr Sheetu Singh has been conferred the National AsthmaResearch Award for her outstanding medical research in

Pulmonary Science

61ADVT THE INDIAN PANORAMA


ASTROLOGY THE INDIAN PANORAMA


Nastur Bejan Daruwalla is available for astrological consultations.

He can be reached at [email protected] and on phone

+91-9638770377 www.bejandaruwalla.com

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE - APRIL 18 TO APRIL 24, 2022

The Indian Panorama brings you Weekly and Birthday Horoscope by NASTUR BEJAN DARUWALLAVEDIC ASTROLOGER NASTUR

BEJAN DARUWALLA

Shree Ganeshaya Namah

ARIES : Ganesha says this week,you'll focus on finding out what reallymatters. As your encounters grow, you'llsee that you have the necessarypotential but were too busyunderestimating yourself. From this

week forward, everything will be different because ofthis realization. You're ready to get started. Your partnerand you both will make a plan out a weekend trip or aholiday gateway this week. And this will bring youcloser to each other. People who are married might notbe able to fulfill the matrimonial obligations this week isthe position of Ketu will maliciously affect their 7thhouse. Things will get alright real soon therefore do notworry. For health, you will not need any specific kind ofattention but you must avoid eating out this week.

TAURUS : Your confidence inKarma will be strengthened this week.You'll remember the times when Godprotected you from becoming a victimof the worst. You'll also encounter thegenerous part of your personality this

week, as you'll be in a forgiving mood. This week, a brieftravel will also be on the agenda. This week, you'lloverlook vital details. You will allow your emotions totake center stage; being passionate will not be adifficult, but you must remain balanced. Your need ofkeeping everyone happy will hinder your relationshipfronts this week. you must try to focus more on yourpersonal intimate tuning with your partner rather thanconsidering everyone else around. Your health will befine and you do not need to pay much attention to yourhealth this week.

GEMINI : This week, a uniquealignment of elements in your zodiacindicates that both your first and fourthhouses will be greater than youanticipated. This will result inmonetary rewards as well as the

development of skills and talents. You'll have an issuethis week if you rely entirely on someone. This week,students will have to pay special attention to theirstudies. You have been getting lots of higherexpectations from your partner for a long this iscreating problems in your relationship for a long but,this week your partner will help you get through theemotional trauma you have been facing and this willenhance your relationship. Your health will be alrightthis week.

CANCER : This week, you will notdodge any clashes or disputes since youwill be in the mood to face andovercome them. This week, you willembrace accomplishments; theseaccomplishments will aid your growth

process. You'll have to be cautious with your money.This week, you're more inclined to let free. Be on thelookout for forgery and fraud. Your partner and you

both will amend lots of things in your Relationship thisweek. If you are already married, you might have to dothrough minor problems with your spouse in order tobalance your domestic lives. Your health will needminor attention this week is you might get intoproblems due to dehydration and immunity disorder.

LEO : This week, you'll have a morepositive attitude and a better outlook.With a holistic perspective, you'll beable to forecast your progress. Thisweek is ideal for expressing oneself.This week, manifesting will be

beneficial to you. This week, things may look drearyoccasionally. You'll have to hang on to your hopes thisweek if you want to get over these sensations. Yourpartner and you both will look at the larger picture ofyour relationship this week. Planning out a future withsomeone is on the list for you as Venus is showering itsblessings on you! Rahu is going to transit in themalicious position in the latter half of the week whichmight lead to injuries or accidents, therefore takeproper care of you.

VIRGO : Listening to your heart thisweek will prepare the way for you. Thisweek, your aspirations will grow as youbegin the process that will lead andsustain your main objective conduct.You will lose two equally essential

items this week, which will be difficult for you to accept.Your love life will be all well this week. As your moonwill be weaker in the latter half of the week, you mightget manipulated by what others have to say about yourpartner but do not let such things affect yourrelationship. Your health will need some attention inthe latter half of the week as you might suffer fromminor abdominal aches. Drink enough water.

LIBRA : This week, yourperspectives will be valued. You'll havea more adaptable mindset. This week,your abilities will be revealed. You'llalso close the gap between your ideasand their execution. In the second half

of this week, you will put unnecessary strain on yourmoney and family. You must realize that problems donot solve themselves. This week will be a terrific one foryou in terms of relationships. This week, you'll need tospend some time with your partner to put things right.This week will be fine for your health. Take medicineonly when absolutely necessary.

SCORPIO : You will reclaim yourown equilibrium and stability, as wellas the health of your companion,family, and children. You will be able tomake a tangible contribution to thetasks you will be given. This week,

Languor will ruin your job. To help your week go moreeasily, try to generate creative energy inside yourselfthis week. Expecting less will help you feel better about

your relationships. This week, a married couple willembark on a new path to happiness. This week will beexcellent for your health, but you must exercise everyday.

SAGITTARIUS : Your interpersonaltroubles will be settled favorably thisweek. You will also find solutions to anyreal estate or property-related issuesyou may have. The market will payattention to your old business. In the

middle of this week, your indecisiveness will generatean unwelcome mess. This week, make sure you don'twaste any time by hesitating. This week, your lover willbe unable to devote much attention to you. BecauseVenus will be a little weaker this week, you may have tobe extra cautious about speaking certain things tothem. In the second half of the week, your health willrequire modest attention.

CAPRICORN : This week, yourattentiveness and cognitive efficiencywill be at their best. This week, you willrepair the previous breaches. You willundoubtedly meet someone who willhelp you resolve your interpersonal

conflicts. This week, you'll be very sensitive to people'spredicament. This will suffocate your sanity, resultingin modest setbacks in your romantic relationships.Because their moon will be weaker this week, avoidpressing your children to pursue anything they aredenying. This week will be fine for your health. Avoidgoing out in the heat unless absolutely essential.

AQUARIUS : This week, yourpositive enthusiasm will help youbecome a strategy. This week, you'll feeluplifted. The litigation that has beenplaguing you for a long time will finallyyield positive results. This week, the air

in your life will start to clear. Throughout the secondpart of the week, you'll have to deal with those whoaren't on your side and who will obstruct yourdevelopment. This week, you'll need to pay extraattention to your romantic life. Before making anymajor decisions, a married couple must exercisecaution. Your health will be OK, and you won't have tobe concerned about it this week.

PISCES : This week, you'll get thecorrect spades. Things that have beenhidden until now will be revealed, andfortunately, they will be in your favor.You will be able to meet your social andfinancial demands this week. Your

aggression will put you through a lengthy paperworkprocedure in the second half of the week. You mustmanage your temper and be at rest when things may bedone easily by being patient. This week, your lover maywant a bit more from you, but owing to the weaker Venus,you will be unable to meet their emotional requirements.It will be necessary to look after your health.

April 18

Ganesha says your day promises you fame andgood fortune. You shall gather knowledge,information and make new long lasting contactsduring this period. Your efficiency will increase andyou will manage your money much better, bringingyou more gains. Chances of businessmen enteringthe service industry or anything related withcomputers will be strong and beneficial.

April 19

Ganesha says today your energy will be high andyou will feel strong enough to face any challenge.Day seems exceptionally good for those who arelooking for a change in their career, as they willreceive an excellent job offer. Frequent and fruitfuljourneys will be undertaken. You will also improveyour relationship with important people during thisperiod. Children will win laurels at school andoverachieve the expectations of their parents.

April 20

Ganesha says this year you will be extremelyreceptive to new and progressive methods at work.

Financial gains are certain and you will spend moreon things to improve your style and livingcomforts.Your inability to gather support on yourprevailing project will create a sense ofdissatisfaction and frustration. Today your day isbetter for financial dealing, though partnership andjoint ventures should be completely avoided.

April 21

Ganesha says your personality and confidence willimprove and it will bring major gains in yourprofession as well. Your employer will appreciateyour knowledge and your skills. You will also makeadditional financial gains through sale of property.This is also a good period to invest in expensive artand ornaments. Good news from distant relatives canbe expected later in the year.

April 22

Ganesha says people will like your companybecause of your ever growing ideas. Alwaysremember that success comes to those who dare todream and think differently. Thus be confident,believe in yourself and do what you want to do inlife, success will definitely be yours. An appropriate

and healthy diet and fitness regime will be high onyour agenda. Flow of money may be inconsistent butyou will not lack it when you need it the most.

April 23

Ganesha says today your day will be great.Yourfriend and family may surprise you. Your hard workpays off soon and your boss may get impressed byyour work. You may plan to have a trip to a romanticplace with your partner soon , which may make yourbond strong. Spiritual gains later in the year bringssolace and comfort. Students' day may start with lotsof happiness.

April 24

Ganesha says you may enjoy your day as you mayorganize some home parties soon. Investments madeduring this phase will bring in good profits. Mattersrelated to property will bring gains. Distant travel,maybe overseas, brings joy and happiness along witha possible reunion with an old contact. Renovation ofthe house or construction related activities wouldalso be high on your agenda. Chronic patientsdefinitely need to be more careful about their health.

BIRTHDAY HOROSCOPE : APRIL 18 TO APRIL 24, 2022BY ASTRO FRIEND CHIRAG - SON OF ASTROLOGER BEJAN DARUWALLA

ASTROLOGY THE INDIAN PANORAMA


CLASSIFIEDS THE INDIAN PANORAMA


Goa is much more than justbeaches, parties, and hippieculture. This happening

destination is home to a diverse range offlora and fauna that bring a largenumber of the world’s wildlifeenthusiasts and nature lovers here everyyear. Set in the Western Ghats, Goa’sthick jungles, expansive marshes,alluring hills, glistening lakes, andmeandering rivers provide shelter to anoverwhelming range of plant, animal,and bird species that are sure to blowyour mind. So, when you visit again,make sure you venture into thesenational parks in Goa that will make youfall in love with a side of Goa you neverknew existed.

Explore these fascinating wildlifesanctuaries and national parks of Goathat will bring you face to face with itswild side.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife SanctuaryBhagwan Mahavir National Park in

Goa is the most famous national parkand nature reserve in Goa. spread over awhopping 240 sq. km of area, this is aprotected reserve located in the lushWestern Ghats. Home to the famousDudhsagar Waterfalls, this area is knownfor its unspoiled vegetation thatconstitutes tropical evergreen, semi-green, and moist deciduous forests witha few sparkling streams meanderingthrough them.

Other than this elegant waterfall, thisforested area is also home to the Dhangarnomadic buffalo herders who live inharmony with the flora and fauna of thisbeautiful sanctuary. The core area of thiswildlife sanctuary park takes up an areaof about 107 sq. km and was declared aprotected national park in 1978. Nowknown as the Mollem National Park inGoa, it’s an adventurous hub with junglesafaris, night safaris, bird watching, andvarious forest trails for hiking.

Fauna: Gaur, Panther, Spotted Deer,Sambar Deer, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer,Wild Boar, Porcupine, Wild Dog, LeopardCat, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur,Jungle Cat, Civet, Flying Squirrel,Malabar Giant Squirrel, Pangolin,Slender Loris, Tigers (occasionally),King Cobras, Python, Krait, Viper. Theavifauna includes Indian BlackWoodpecker, Malabar Pied Hornbill,Paradise Fly Catcher, Fairy Blue Bird,Wagtails, Barbets, Great Indian HornBill, Kingfishers, Shrikes, Emerald Dove,Grey Jungle Fowl, Blue Mormon,Common Jezebel, Common Mormon.

Bondla Wildlife SanctuaryThis is amongst the smallest wildlife

sanctuaries and national parks in Goaand is spread over an area of only 8 sq.km. It’s the favorite spot of all naturelovers and wildlife enthusiasts who visitGoa owing to the fact that it is home toover 150 species of birds and a largevariety of animals and plant species.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is anexcellent spot for a family outing withyoung children who wish to see animalsat close range in their natural habitat,and also because the park offers variousfun avenues like a zoological park, a hugedeer park, and a botanical and rosegarden in its premises. Lying in thefoothills of the lush Western Ghats, theBondla reserve is located just 50 km fromthe city of Panjim in Goa.

Fauna: Leopard, Panther, Sambar Deer,Spotted Deer, Hog Deer, Barking Deer,Mouse Deer, Wild Boar, Porcupines, ScalyAnt Eater, Malabar Giant Squirrel,

Indian Bison, Indian Peafowl, Pythons,Vipers. The avifauna includes CommonGrey Hornbill, Golden BackedWoodpecker, and many more.

Netravali Wildlife SanctuaryLocated in Sanguem Taluka of eastern

Goa, this pristine wildlife reservationcovers an area of about 211 sq. km andboasts of an enormous range of flora andfauna, luring in wildlife enthusiasts fromaround the world. It draws its name fromthe Netravali tributary of the ZuariRiver that flows through this forest andmakes up for an extremely importantsource of freshwater in this region.

It’s one of the most photogenicnational parks in Goa owing to somereally enchanting and dreamy foliageconstituting of deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen forest types aswell as a massive variety of butterflieslike Black Rajah, Gaudy Baron, andMalabar Tree Nymph! You can easily gethere via a taxi or hired vehicle from thenearest airport in Dabolim.

Fauna: Black Panthers, King Cobras,Giant Squirrels, Slender Loris, MalabarTree Toad. The avifauna includes GreatPied Hornbill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, GreyHeaded Bulbul.

Cotigao Wildlife SanctuaryThe forest cover of Cotigao Wildlife

Sanctuary located in the Canacona areaof South Goa is so thick that sunlightrarely ever reaches the ground. It’samong the most fascinating nationalparks in Goa with tall trees and somerare species of plants. A prominent namein the list of national parks in Goa,Cotigao reserve attracts a huge numberof nature lovers and botany enthusiastsowing to its vast and diverse range offlora.

It attracts adventure enthusiasts withits eight nature trails ranging from 500meters to 5 km. It’s one of the mostpeaceful and untouched wildlifesanctuaries in the region and is just 12

km away from Palolem Beach. You caneven stay at the forest department’s resthouse here once you’ve obtained therequired permit from the DeputyConservator Of Forests in Panaji.

Fauna: Monkey, Wild Boar, Gaur,Flying Lizard, Golden-Back GlidingSnake. The main avifauna includesMalabar Trogon, White-BelliedWoodpecker, and Velvet-FrontedNuthatch.

Mhadei Wildlife SanctuaryCharming waterfalls like the Vazra

Sakla Waterfalls and the Virdi Falls are aprominent feature of the Mhadei WildlifeSanctuary. It’s a well-known biodiversityhotspot that has been tagged as an area ofhigh endemism by ConservationInternational. It was recently declared atiger reserve after a number of tigerswere sighted in the area over aconsiderable period of time. In fact, ithas been proposed to make Mhadei a part

of the Project Tiger Reserves.In terms of flora, the Mhadei

sanctuary is also home to over athousand species of flowering plants aswell as a huge variety of endemicorchids. It’s one of the best nationalparks in Goa for birdwatchers, birdphotographers, ornithologists and hasbeen awarded the title of anInternational Bird Area. The park hasmore than 250 resident and migratorybird species here other than over ahundred species of butterflies.

Fauna: Tigers, Indian Gaur, BarkingDeer, Sambar Deer, Ruddy Mongoose,Asian Palm Civet, Black-Faced Langur,Leopard, Sloth Bear, Black Panther,Dhole, Mouse Deer, Jungle Cat, IndianPangolin, Slender Loris. The avifaunaincludes White-bellied Blue-flycatcher,Malabar Parakeet, Nilgiri Wood-pigeon,Malabar Grey Hornbill, Rufous Babbler,Grey-headed Bulbul, Crimson-backedSunbird. Source: -Traveltriangle.com

Goa’s wild sideTRAVEL THE INDIAN PANORAMA




LIVERPOOL IN CHAMPIONSLEAGUE SEMIS, QUADRUPLEDREAMS ALIVE

A place in the Champions Leaguesemifinals secured. The dream of anunprecedented quadruple of trophiesstill intact. Key players rested amid ahectic schedule.

Liverpool is in a good place enteringthe home straight of what could turn outto be the club’s greatest ever season.

Even conceding two late goals to draw3-3 at home to Benfica couldn’t take thesmile of Jurgen Klopp’s face.

“The day we qualify for the semifinalsof the Champions League and I’m nothappy, please come here and knock meout,” the Liverpool manager saidWednesday, April 13, after seeing histeam advance from the quarterfinals 6-4on aggregate.

With Liverpool inflicting significantdamage by winning the first leg 3-1 inLisbon last week, Klopp was confidentenough to rest stars like MohamedSalah, Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk andTrent Alexander-Arnold for a returnmatch against Benfica that turned into awild, end-to-end contest at Anfield.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC FALLS TO FOKINA IN MONTE CARLO

World number one Novak Djokovicslumped to defeat in only his fourthmatch of the season, losing 6-3 6-7(5) 6-1to unseeded Alejandro DavidovichFokina in the Monte Carlo Masterssecond round on Tuesday, April 12.

The 20-times Grand Slam championendured a tough start to the year as hewas unable to defend his AustralianOpen title in January after beingdeported from the country for beingunvaccinated against COVID-19.

Djokovic, who only played threematches in Dubai ahead of the Masters1000 event in Monaco, struggled to findhis range early in the contest asSpaniard Davidovich Fokina raced to a 4-1 lead before taking the opening set onCourt Rainier III.

The world number 46 grabbed an earlybreak in the second set to go up 3-0 butDjokovic battled back before overcomingissues with a wobbly serve to level thecontest in a tight tiebreak.

Fokina then raised his game in thedecider, preying on mistakes made by atiring Djokovic and completed thevictory as the Serb found the net.

"This win is so special to me because Igrew up watching Nole (Djokovic) andI'm a big fan of his," Davidovich Fokina,22, said in his post-match interview.

Djokovic was broken nine times andmade 51 unforced errors and DavidovichFokina said rustiness could have playeda part.

Gujarat Titans thrashRajasthan to go top of table

MUMBAI (TIP)

Skipper Hardik Pandya enhanced hisreputation as a No. 4 batter with anunbeaten 87 off 52 balls as GujaratTitans trounced Rajasthan Royals by 37runs in the Indian Premier League.

Pandya, whose strike rate andapproach has been questioned at his newposition, played responsibly when it wasneeded before displaying the power he isknown for to lead Titans to 192/4 afterbeing sent in to bat.

The in-form Jos Buttler (54 off 24)provided another flying start to Royalsbut the rest of the batting unit did notdeliver as the innings ended at 155/9.Young left-arm pacer Yash Dayal (3/40)impressed on IPL debut while LockieFerguson (3/23) got the important wicketof Buttler, who was deceived by the NewZealander’s slow yorker after a series ofquick deliveries.

Ferguson also dismissedRavichandran Ashwin in the same overafter the senior India spinner waspromoted to bat at No. 3.

The other notable contribution toRoyals’ innings came from ShimronHetmyer (29 off 17). From 56/1, Royalsslipped to 90/5 and could not recoverfrom there on.

Pandya, who has been bowlingregularly this season, also picked up awicket. He also ran out the dangerousSanju Samson as the Royals skippertried to steal a quick single.

With their fourth win in five games,Titans displaced Royals from the top ofthe points table. It was Royals’ secondloss in five games.

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharmafined Rs 24 lakh for team's slow over-rate

PUNE: Mumbai Indians skipper RohitSharma and other members of theplaying eleven were fined for

maintaining a slow over-rate duringtheir IPL game against Punjab Kingshere.

Punjab Kings won the match by 12runs on Wednesday night.

"The Mumbai Indians have been finedafter they maintained a slow over-rateduring their IPL match against PunjabKings at the MCA Stadium, Pune onApril 13," the IPL stated in a mediastatement.

Five-time champions Mumbai Indianscontinued their losing streak andsuffered their fifth loss on the trot after

going down to Punjab Kings."This was the team's second offence of

the season under the IPL's Code ofConduct relating to minimum over rateoffences.

"Mumbai Indians captain RohitSharma was fined Rs 24 lakh and the restof the members in the playing elevenwere fined Rs 6 lakh or 25 per cent oftheir match fee, whichever is lower," itadded. Earlier, Rohit was fined Rs 12 lakhfor his team maintaining a slow over-ratein its game against Delhi Capitals.

Source: PTI

SPORTS THE INDIAN PANORAMA


FIH Pro League: Harmanpreet's double handsIndia 3-0 win over young Germany

BHUBANESWAR (TIP)

Vice-captain Harmanpreet Singhcontinued his goal-scoring spree with abrace as the Indian men’s hockey teamdefeated an inexperienced Germany 3-0 inthe first match of their two-leg tie toextend its lead in the FIH Pro Leaguestandings here on April 14. Harmanpreetconverted two penalty corners in the 18thand 27th minutes, while Abhishekdeflected in another Harmanpreet drag-flick in the 45th minute.

With 12 players of Germany’s 22-member squad making their senior debutin the tie, the vast gap between the twosides was evidently visible.

By virtue of this win, Indiaconsolidated their position at the top ofthe table with 24 points from 11 games.Germany are placed second with 17 pointsfrom nine matches.

Both the teams will lock horns again inthe second match of the tie tomorrow.

The Indians started on a bright note andsecured a penalty corner early in the firstquarter but Jugraj Singh’s effort was keptout by the German defence and NilkanataSharma shot wide from the rebound. Indiaenjoyed a lot of possession in the firstquarter but the forward-line wasn’tclinical enough to bury the chances.

India continued in the same vein in the

second quarter and took the lead in the18th minute. Harmanpreet’s low andaccurate drag-flick crashed into thesideboard past the post defender. Indiaearned another penalty corner soon butthis time German goalkeeper AlexanderStadler denied Harmanpreet.

But Harmanpreet doubled India’s leadthree minutes from half-time. He pulledhis body from right to left and wrong-footed Stadler with a drag-flick into thebottom left corner.

The Indians kept up the pressure afterthe change of ends and created plenty ofscoring opportunities but the youngGerman defence stood firm. They were,however, guilty of conceding a lot ofpenalty corners. And from anotherpenalty corner, pusher Abhishek, whowas named the Player of the Match,deflected in Harmanpreet’s variation tohand India a comfortable 3-0 lead.

IPL 2022











Vaisakhi Celebrated at the Indian Consulate, New York

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