Indian students in US radio-tagged
Posted on February 2, 2011
Filed Under India | 4 Comments
The use of ankle monitors to electronically tag the movement of Indian students by the US authorities is absolutely shocking.
The Tri-Valley University in Pleasanton, a suburb in San Francisco Bay Area, was raided last week and charged with helping foreign nationals illegally acquire immigration status.
Some 1,555 students of Tri-Valley University, 95 percent of them from India, mostly from Andhra Pradesh, face the prospect of deportation following the university’s closure.
Now the question here is why would the US government use things like radio collars and ankle monitors that are used to track animals. Such a treatment is totally humiliating.
This is how an official here commented on it: “It is a matter of concern that the oldest democracy of the World that fought a relentless battle against slavery has resorted to modern-day shackles of radio-tags, normally used to keep track of animals in jungles
More than 1 lakh students fly to the US every year for higher studies.
Each student had paid Rs.600,000 for the admission alone. Their parents, who had raised huge loans to send their children to the US, are now finding it difficult to send the money to prevent their arrest.
It is the university that has duped so why punish the students who have gone there with their visa duly obtained. If the university is illegal, it was for them to sort the matter out.
Upon all adding insult to injury was this remark of an American diplomat who said the radio anklets looked “trendy”.
Reports have also emerged saying the scam university was run by a group of Chinese Christians.
Now this is what happens to students looking for a short cut to emigrating to the US. According to one local daily, inquiring students and professionals knew about it and warned others about the scam university in immigration forums.
Most victims apparently paid up to $ 2800 per semester to Tri-Valley, some of them paying as much as $ 16,000 up front for a full course to obtain a shady degree.
Those waiting for admissions and visas to US…please be extra of these such dodgy universities. Dont try for any short cuts if denied, we have good universities in our country that are affordable and offer quality education. Good Luck!
Adios ~
Media in India
Posted on January 27, 2011
Filed Under General | 7 Comments
Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels said that if a lie were repeated publicly a hundred times, it would become a truth. It might now not be possible in Germany, but in India it’s easy with our conscience keeper, the MEDIA! Recently, a friend was involved in the death of a restaurant manager who allegedly went under the wheels as a result of his anger. The incident was reported by all major newspapers and television channels. Not just report, it was headlined on the top by papers like the Times of India. Not that media shouldn’t, but the events that followed the incident and the fashion it was reported, gave a disturbing exposure.
Within hours after the incident, media outlets dispatched journos, one to the police station where the good friend was arrested. Another press person tracks the family’s address and ceaselessly annoys for an interview. In less than 4 hours, you switch on the news channels, and you have the anchor talking over and over and over on the accident. The flash news text will highlight the incident for the next two days. In another one hour, we have a graphic expert quickly animate the scene with erroneous conclusions on what transpired. And now with the graphic, we have the news anchor walk up and down with a big cane pointing where the car brushed, where the road is located…even what position the car was. By now our old and young are glued on watching as if an epidemic hit.
The first journo dispatched to the police station is still to get any detail on the incident, but with an opera pitch, standing beside a patrolman, will judgementally speak on what he thinks has happened. He will also visit the incident place and get some passerby comment on what he never saw 
. By now an opinion has already been made…friends and family start to panic. Surprisingly, for another 24 hrs, TV channels kept making opinions displaying the graphic and some pictures of some passerby commenting on the accident. And the second jounro already has pitched his tent outside the house pointing his finger at where the family lives.
The next day, newspapers make the accident the headline despite a major UN report speaking on the degrading health in India. This piece was placed in fourth or fifth page as if it doesnt concern Indians like this accident does. Something that creates sensation creates more revenue, why else? Newspapers even went to an extent of reporting where the person lives and in which floor not giving the slightest thought on how it would affect the family. And then comes the senior columnists of the newspapers waiting to make a 5-page editorial. They ambiguously remark on the incident.
Well everybody gets their share. The Psychologists publish a report on the accident saying ‘stress taking toll’. “The road rage incident has once again brought to fore issues of increasing violence and decreasing tolerance in cities,” they write. Oops what about the jobless news analysts? The second page of the newspaper has their reports. They bring out all past cases of brutal deaths. Somehow fill the gaps, create sensationalism. 
Furthermore, we have the incurious observers, who are called on special TV programs to debate on who is right and who is wrong. Another successful episode for their TVR rating.
This might not be the scenario just here, must be the same in other countries as well. But one has to wonder if the freedom of press in India is misused? Does this watchdog need another watchdog? Look at the recent Radia tapes controversy. The tapes show several wellknown media faces bowing to the wishes of the powerful corporate lobbyists. The names of the journalists involved includes those top seniors in NDTV, HT, and India Today. Napoleon must be right saying “I fear three newspapers more than a hundred thousand bayonets”. Should I also quote Gandhi here for my country people ? “I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers.”
Adios~
States of India and Indian Map
Posted on January 27, 2011
Filed Under India | Leave a Comment
List of States and territories of India
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Map of India - courtesy (wordtravels)
About India: Information and facts on India
Posted on January 26, 2011
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INDIA
While travelling to India your mind might be filled with images of deserts and palaces or of starving women cooking on makeshift fires while half naked children play in rain drenched streets. The real India, however, is hidden in the nook and crannies, it peeks at you from the Gullies and villages, it spreads its wings in the dirt of the market. It can be savored in the mouth watering jalebi or a steaming cup of chai. It reflects itself in the sari of the local women; it can be seen clearly on the glistening forehead of the farmers and experienced on the charpoy with stories from grandmothers. This is the real India, an India which is as yet unexplored by the modern inventions, which is a peaceful and shadowy adobe. You can loose yourself in the kaleidoscope of Indian colors and festivals.
India is a culturally and religiously rich country. It is home to countless traditions and customs; it brims with the festivities and vibrancy of its people. To compress the description of India in a few words or pages is impossible. It is a river with abundant religions, castes, customs and a variety of people. Let’s take a look at some of India’s more prominent features, what makes this country tick.
India is the seventh largest country in the world. It ranks second in terms of population with over 1.2 billion people; it is no wonder then that this melting pot of a nation accepts people from different backgrounds and cultures and mixes in them the spirit of brotherhood and oneness. It is home to twenty eight states and seven union territories. Each of these states contributes to the cultural heritage of this country.
NORTH INDIA
The northern part of India comprises mainly of the regions of Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. North India has witnessed the rule of many empires like Moguls, Guptas and Maurayas which added to the splendor and architectural history of the country. Many of the monuments of this period of history mark different places in Delhi. These have left a permanent place in history. Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s tomb in Delhi, Taj Mahal in Agra. Jaipur also known as the pink city, which is located in Rajasthan, is a treasure trove of palaces and forts. Uttar Pradesh is dotted with wildlife sanctuaries and parks. The more famous hill resorts and hill stations can be found in Himachal Pradesh. The paradise on earth Jammu and Kashmir is a must for tourists.
RELIGIONS OF NORTH INDIA
North India is religiously a very diverse region. The Hindu pilgrimage of Char Dham, which is a very famous religious tour, is undertaken in north India. North India is also famous for religious places like Haridwar, Mathura, Allahabad, and Varanasi. The Buddhist Mahabodhi Temple is also located in North India. The famous religious site of Sikhs i.e.; the Golden temple is also located in Punjab. Ajmer, which is a holy site for Muslims, is located in Rajasthan. Languages such as Sindhi, Punjabi and Hindko are prominently spoken in this region.
FESTIVALS OF NORTH INDIA
The main festivals celebrated here are Baisakhi, Hemis, Gurpurab, Holi, diwali etc.
CUISINE OF NORTH INDIA
North India is mainly famous for its Punjabi food. The flavors of Punjab come alive at almost every home. The tandoori and Punjabi recipes are a must at every famous hotel and dhaba not just in northern India but also throughout India. The Punjabi food is also very famous internationally. The tandoori chicken finds a place even in the menu of some of the world’s most famous restaurants’.
The street food of north India is a thing to die for. The ‘Pani Puri’, ‘chat’, ‘aloo tikki’ and ‘khaare biscuit’. All of these delicacies can be brought at a minimum fare from the myriad make shift stalls set up at almost all the roads. The chaats too can be of different varieties like papri chaat and aloo chaat.
SOUTH INDIA
South India comprises of the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu and the union territories Lakshadweep and Pondicherry. Dravidian languages are spoken by the people from the south; these languages are Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Tulu. The history of south India is peppered with the rule of many kings and their invasions. The ruler ship of these kings left a lasting impact on the cultural and architectural history of south India. South India is located on the Deccan plateau. Many rivers like Kaveri, Tungabhadra, and Godavari etc run through south India.
TEMPLES OF SOUTH INDIA
The temples which dot south India are very famous for their architectural importance. Temples like Somnathpur temple, Meenakshi temple, Tirupathi Balaji temple, Mahabalipuram temple etc are the famous ones of the south.
MONUMENTS OF SOUTH INDIA
The famous monuments of south India are the Charminar in Hyderabad, Golconda fort, Gol gumbaz, Mysore palace etc.
RELIGIONS OF SOUTH INDIA
Though south India is peppered with temples of Hindu deities, the regions of south India are diverse in terms of religion. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil nadu are dominated by Hindu religions, whereas Kerala sees a vast amount of Christians as its inhabitants, there are about five distinct types of Christians in Kerala.
FESTIVALS OF SOUTH INDIA
South India celebrates a variety of festivals like Aaranmula boat race, Onam, Nehru trophy boat race, onam etc in Kerala. In Tamil nadu pongal, karthigai deepam, natyangali, jallikatu are celebrated with fervor. In Karnataka dusshera, yugadi, rajyotsav and karanga are celebrated. In Andhra Pradesh pongal, ugadi, ganesh chaturthi, Deccan festival and lumbini festival are given a lot of importance.
CUSINE OF SOUTH INDIA
The main foods of the south are the Mughalai and the Andhra cuisine. The dosas and idlis are a treat to die for. The uttapam, pongal and rasam feature in almost all menus of famous restaurants in South India. The Hyderabadi haleem is the most famous cuisine of Andhra Pradesh, it is usually served during Ramzan, the holy month of Muslims. The main feature of the South Indian cuisine is that it offers a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The pickles, chutneys and papa dams are also a part of the main meal. The main offerings in the desert are the Jalebis and the various items maid from milk.
EAST INDIA
The states of West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand together form east India. This region is mainly famous for tea (Darjeeling), religious places for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The beaches, monasteries and temples all together make East India a very famous tourist spot. It is also home to __ % of the indigenous communities in India. Orissa and Jharkhand the two mineral rich states are located in this part of the country.
RELIGIONS OF EAST INDIA
Hinduism is the primary religion of this region and Bihar is also home to the Father of two religions, Buddhism and Jainism. Along with Hindus you will also find Muslims, Christians and Sikhs. Sarna or Nature worshiping is another practice prevalent among the indigenous communities of the region.
PLACES OF INTEREST OF EAST INDIA
Bodh Gaya, Nalanda University, Sanchi Stupa (Bihar) Jagannath Temple, Sun temple, Chilka lake, beaches, wild life sancturies (Orissa), Netarhat and Betla districts In Jharkhand pull a tourist crowds. Darjeeling Tea gardens and Sunderbans are other places that attract tourists other than the City of Joy.
LANGUAGES OF EAST INDIA
Bangla is the main language spoken throughout east India. Along with Bangla, Hindi, Urdu, Magadhi, Santhali and other indigenous languages are also spoken in the region.
FESTIVALS OF EAST INDIA
The major festivals which are celebrated throughout east India are durga puja, sonpur cattle fair, Bihu, rath yatra, konark dance festival, ganga sagar mela and hornbill festival.
CUISINE OF EAST INDIA
Eastern Indian cuisine is fairly simple. The food is either steamed or fried. Rice is the staple food and people throughout eastern India are fond of it. Dal (pulses), green vegetables, tomato chutney and fish/ chicken/ mutton or pork are the common accompaniment to Rice. Indians from Orissa and West Bengal are especially very fond of sweets and sandesh and rasgulla are a part of their daily diet. Mustard oil is the main oil used for cooking.
WEST INDIA
The states of goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra together form western India. The main languages spoken in western India are Marathi, Guajarati and various dialects of Hindi along with Konkani.
The most famous parts of West India are probably Mumbai and Goa. While Mumbai is famous for its film industry, Goa is known to be the heaven of party goers with a spread of beaches and lakes. Goa is a photographer’s dream, with a spread of lush green beaches and sands the beauty of this place cannot be compared with any other region.
MONUMENTS OF WEST INDIA
The famous monuments in this part of India are Gateway of India, Aga khan palace, Ajanta ellora caves, elephant caves and Aurangabad caves. The state of Gujarat is famous because it was the home state of Mahatma Gandhi. Gujarat is also famous for its various temples and culturally enriched architecture.
FESTIVALS OF WEST INDIA
The main festivals celebrated in this region are teej, dung darbar, diwali, gudi padva and narali purnima.
CUSINE OF WEST INDIA
The cuisine of east India is very diverse in nature. It has spicy as well as muted elements in it. Famous dishes are the, Chicken Xacuti, Daal-Baati-Choorma, Fish Curry, Bhelpuri, Thepla, Laal Maas, and Pork Vindaloo
India is not just a picturesque holiday country with half naked men toiling away in fields. It is a country seeped in culture and tradition. A country which accepts people and imbibes in them a national spirit.
Composed by Vikram Sarath for Indianiser.com
Binayak Sen’s conviction a travesty of justice
Posted on December 26, 2010
Filed Under General, India | Leave a Comment
It was indeed a travesty of justice. The appalling verdict convicting Binayak Sen to life imprisonment has come as a shock. A local court in Chhattisgarh found Sen, a doctor and civil rights activist, guilty of criminal conspiracy to commit sedition.
When our bigwigs accused of the CWG and telecom scams go scot free, a man who dedicated his entire life to the poor is charged on fictitious evidences. The 58 year old paediatrician has been accused of carrying messages and letters to Maoist rebels.
Most human rights activists, academics and even journalists have reacted with utmost horror at the sheer injustice of the judgement.
Dr Sen is a professor at the prestigious Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, of which he is an eminent alumni. At least 22 noble prize winners from all over the world had sought his immediate release.
Amnesty International which considers Dr. Sen a “prisoner of conscience” has asked that the “state and federal authorities in India immediately drop these politically motivated charges against Dr Sen and release him.”
Sen who graduated top at the Christian Medical College in Vellore refused to heed his father’s wish for him to study further or work in England. He gave up his lucrative career and comfortable lifestyle and chose to provide healthcare to poor tribals in Chhattisgarh.
For over 30 years he devoted to treating patients and training health workers for administering primary health care. In fact Sen was selected for the Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights in 2008.
It is clearly unjust of the BJP government to slap life imprisonment to a gem like Sen, connecting him with the Maoists. The man himself in 2007 had said “I have never condoned Maoist violence. It is an invalid and unsustainable movement.”
Activist Teesta Setalvad believes that Sen got convicted on “trumped up evidence” because the BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh government was gunning for him.
The press and those at high power must not let such injustice pervade in our democracy, especially when it is someone who stood for the poor and suffering. Sincerely hope our press, NGOs and rights activists will condemn Sen’s life imprisonment and work for his release.
Merry Christmas!
Posted on December 24, 2010
Filed Under Blogging, Religion | 2 Comments
Was attending the Church last week when I chanced upon a thought for the day at the bottom of the service sheet. It said: “He became what we are that He might make us what He is”. That line I thought beautifully illuminated the birth of Christ amidst all the celebrations for Christmas.
A King took the form of a man, came into the world in a humble manner, became one of us, donned the role of a servant “to serve and not to be served”, empathised with the poor and suffering, and died on the cross to “give his life as a ransom for many”. And everything that he practised and taught was of love. Isn’t love the very reason God came to man.
Like every year, Christmas again looks or has been given that picture of a commercial event with cakes, shopping and presents. The message of servanthood and God stopping so low in humility to draw us close to Him seems to have been forgotten. Christ birth reminds us again that God is not distant and alien but is close…there is no room for fear. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people,” is what the angel told the shepherds.
Did I mention what the pastor preached during that service last week? The sermon very uncommonly picked two characters from Luke 2 which preachers rarely talk on during Christmas. One is Simeon who was waiting in anticipation for the birth of Christ. With prayer and praise, he waited for the birth. The second was a widow woman Anna who “never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” for that great event in history. Times have sure changed. The kind of celebration then during the birth of Christ and now for Christmas seems so contrastive. What kind of celebration does this King born in a humble cot made of straw need? Nothing better than knowing and being one like Him.
Wishing you all a super Christmas and an awesome 2011!
Adios ~
‘indianiser’ completes another year..
Posted on December 18, 2010
Filed Under Blogging, General | 9 Comments
Another birthday and ‘indianiser’ is climbing up the ladder. One more year of memories, that is what my sweet angel has offered. Athenian Aeschylus, the father of Greek tragedy, said “memory is the mother of all wisdom”. Well someday when life becomes all hectic, I would flip over a page and smile at all those interesting entries I made.
So Happy Birthday to indianiser. Currently it has at least 300 regular readers and by next December, it is gona cross the 1000 mark. So let’s wish it all luck. Have no present for my boy oops but its also my birthday and have no present for myself..wont that make us even?
Let me wish you all a Happy Christmas. Enjoy your holidays and dont forget those gigantic resolutions for 2011 
Adios ~
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India is the seventh largest country in the world. It ranks second in terms of population with over 1.2 billion people. It is home to twenty eight states and seven union territories. Read More -
States of India
Find the list of states and territories of India. Also included in the post is the map of India. India is a federal union of states comprising twenty-eight states and seven union territories. Read More -
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