Government gets AXN Axed

Well, now the thrill of watching top reality shows such as ‘Amazing race Asia finale’, ‘Fear factor and ‘Guinness World Records’ will no longer be an option for the Indian audiences, reason being AXN’s ban till March 15, 2007 by the Indian Government. Axn, a Sony Entertainment’s network is spread across the world delivering 24 hours of action TV series, movies, animations, adventure-reality and lifestyle sports.

Government decided to ban this channel as it aired a creative ad programme, 'World's Sexiest Commercials' with sexual imagery and overtones in it, which went against the highly valued Indian morals. They said the programme was against ‘good taste or decency’ and was adversely affecting public morality. The past reveals that the government might have growled or even barked at indecency on TV, but has never bitten any channel like this!

It seems strange that they ban a complete channel due to obscenity in a certain programme! I think there has to be other ways to resolve this problem; this solution seems so off beam. Now, everyone is aware that there are some other channels too, which show bikini-clad women and movies that have sexual references or imagery. Then what about those? Well, Gurus of ad industry, Mr. Mahesh Bhatt and Ad man Prahlad Kakkad feel that the move is stupid and out of proportion. Tell me, do you think the government has saved the Indian culture from being spoilt and protected Indian citizens’ morals through this act?

Previously, India banned the 'The Da Vinci Code' and the Gujarat government had banned the movie 'Fanaa' as the lead actor supported a particular cause. Yahoo discussion group was banned sometime while its blogger was blocked a few months. Some demands to ban Orkut have also been raised these days and certainly, there is a long list of books banned by our government too. It’s really hard to understand our politicians, isn’t it? Especially their 'holier than thou' attitude! Many opine that our government needs to get rid of their 'I know what's best for you' syndrome. What do you say?

Who are the politicians to preach us on morality? Why does the government keep banning books, movies, and TV shows? Watch/read something or not should be our choice and not the government’s! Are we Indians not mature enough to decide what we want or not to see? Do they think that we all are gullible and credulous that we'll believe anything and everything we read or hear?

The government already has more pressing matters to take care of in its hand like the case of children dying of hunger in our country, politicians accepting bribes to work, of people who sell our country in defense deals and issues as how public money is being wasted on unnecessary expenses? Is our government planning to do anything about all this?

I understand TV should turn bit more standard, should work towards uplifment of the society and spread our highly acclaimed moral values, but this not the proper way to proceed. I think banning a channel and not the promo, is all just unjustified. Do you think the government must play the role of censor now?

Courtesy: RJ Salma Javid Khan

Hrithik's incredible pose (It's not morphed)

Like Kingfisher Calendar, Dabboo Rattani calendar is so popular for its novelty in photographs. Hrithik Roshan was shot while falling down in a pool.

He was asked to pose as if he is very serious in reading the News Paper and not aware that he is falling down. To make it more natural, no strings are used to support Hrithik and no morphing work was done. He literally fallen down in water after a second of the pose that you are seeing here.

7 pairs of suits were brought to picture this shot as the dress turns wet after every attempt. But incredibly, Hrithik made it Okayed in first shot itself. So, 6 pairs of suit left dry!
Courtesy: RJ Vikram

Press Release of an Art Exhibition

The "ART MALL" organized “Winter Art Camp" at BAROG (HP) from 23-30 November 2006. The Art Camp was attended by 14 prominent artists from across the country who were invited to execute their best art in their minds in the shape of painting. This was the solo purpose of this Art Camp which was to create an Artistic Harmony & sense of Brotherhood amongst Artists from All over India. It also was a great venue to exchange of culture & ideas.

These talented artists are:-
1. Prithvi Soni (Mumbai)

2. Pradhan Singh (Varanasi)

3. Madan Lal (Chandigarh)

4. Gautam Kar (Chandigarh)

5. Harsh Vardhan (Jammu)

6 . Shyam Sharma (Noida, UP)

7. Gauri Sahni (Delhi)

8. Ajay Kumar Samir (Delhi)

9. Raghu Neore (Nagpur)

10. Manoj Aggarwal (Delhi)

11. Ravindra Salve (Mumbai)

12. Shovin Bhattacharya (Shillong)

13. Vandana Singh (Delhi)

14. A K Sharma (Indore)

The ART MALL is a Art Promoting organization whose primary objectives is to bring together atleast 500 artists from different parts of the country under one roof and this is the beginning of the endevour.

Courtesy: RJ NB Ram & Rakesh Thapar

SaffronConnect.com - Launch of the Premier Online South Asian Music & Social Networking Destination

*’Desi Space, Desi Tunes’ - Creation of a Hybrid “MySpace” and “iTunes” for the Global South Asian market

New York, NY: - Looking for the latest Bollywood songs online? Want to learn more about your favorite South Asian artists? Finally, a ‘Desi Space’ with ‘Desi Tunes.’ SaffronConnect.com, the primary online social networking platform centered around South Asian audio and video content, announces its official launch. Saffron Connect is focused on serving the global South Asian market and seeks to be the first-of-its-kind online music and social networking destination directly targeting the South Asian community. It will provide innovative content and entertainment services through online, mobile, emerging, and traditional distribution channels.
SaffronConnect’s tagline ‘Desi Space, Desi Tunes’ sums up the company’s vision - to become a key online destination for South Asians. In terms of content, SaffronConnect.com will include a range from established bands to upcoming artists, major music labels to independent producers. The ‘Desi’ or South Asian market includes the residents of India, Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as well as the non-resident community who live around the world.

Key Highlights of SaffronConnect.com include:
-- A platform that creates a hybrid of “MySpace” and “iTunes” for the South Asian market – allowing independent artists, music labels and video content owners to upload, share and sell their content to a community of users with interests in South Asian media. Users, in turn, will be able to sample, hear, download and share songs among their friends and other members. Some key artists whose content is currently available on Saffron Connect include Bally Sagoo, Rishi Rich, Gunjan, Karmacy, and Bohemia. Content from Saffron Connect will also be distributed to services such as iTunes, Yahoo Music, and more.
-- User engaging modules that integrate web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music downloads, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, chatrooms, and user forums to create a connected community of South Asians.

The main features include:
Music: Members can search, play, and download music based on albums, new releases, genres etc. Artists can upload music for sale and distribution.
Browse: Members can search for friends, update profiles, chat, and see who is online.
Gallery: Members can post photographs to be viewed by other members
Rate: Members can rate photographs and users.
Blogs: Members can post blogs as well as share thoughts and ideas.
Events: Members can post and browse city specific events.
Groups: Members can join different groups based on interests, etc…
Forum: Members can post questions and initiate discussions.
Poll: Members can post questions online and get feedback.
-- Creation of a South Asian social networking portal centered around audio and video content.
-- A management team with extensive online and business experience coupled with vast music industry background from the Indian subcontinent.
SaffronConnect.com plans to enhance and support the existing infrastructure and content as well as tap into additional distribution to create an ideal foundation on which the company can meaningfully increase its online presence.
To generate consumer awareness, SaffronConnect.com will launch a consumer marketing campaign, including television, print, radio and outdoor, as well as viral marketing and it plans to roll the service out globally later in the year. Such activities will happen simultaneously in both the US and India.
On the other hand, SaffronConnect.com will also attract companies looking to reach the South Asian consumer through its single gateway by offering them attractive marketing opportunities both online and offline.
About SaffronConnect.com
SaffronConnect.com is a music and social networking destination focused on serving the global South Asian market. The activities of SaffronConnect are conducted principally in the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Asia.
For further information, please visit www.saffronconnect.com

Coutesy: RJ Purvi Shah

I's Ahimsaism - A New Style in Art

Title : News, World Peace
Style : I’s Ahimsaism
Technique : Without brush
Subject : Peace
Medium : Oil on Canvas & Acrylic
Size : 90 cm x 90 cm
Artist : Ignatius Xavier Joseph

India invented a new style in art based on Indian values and culture adopting new technique based on the 5 principles of Jinas and poetry correlate to the visual language (optional). This style Is to propagate Vegetarianism, Ahimsa, Peace, tolerance and anti-terrorism. I’s Ahimsaism painting exhibition was Officially declared open on 1st October, 2006 by a Gandhian G.Narayana Rao I.A.S retd., gold medalist M.sc Osmania University, Gandhi Bhavan trustee and prime mover in building Venkateshwara Temple at Vattam Mehboobnagar dist. A.P.& Sathram at pilgrimage centre at Varanasi and Rameshwaram.

Courtesy: RJ Ignatius Xavier Joseph

Press Release of Late Sh Bhiku Ram Jain Ex Member of Parliament

Bhiku Ram Jain - Ex Member of Parliament expired on Sunday the 10 ^th November 2006. The UTHAWANI ceremony duly held on 12 ^th November 2006. Which was attended by Sh Oscar Fernandez, Smt Sheila Dikshit, Sh Ram Babu Sharma, Sh Kapil Sible, Sh Jagdish Tytler, Sh Santosh Bagrodia, Sh Sajjan Kumar, Sh Madan Lal Khurana, Sh Vijay Goyal, Sh Mangat Ram Singhal, Sh Haroon Yusuf, Sh Rajesh Jain, Smt Kiran Walia Sh Harcharan Sing Josh, & along with thousands of spotters & admirers from Various Trade Associations, Jain Samaj, Congress Party, RWA's, TWA's Friends & Relatives and many more who paid there homage to the departed soul.

Bhiku Ram Jain was a Distinguished Parliamentarian, Philanthropist, Statesman, and Social & Political Personality. His secular & non controversial attitude showed the path of sacrifice and had the far sighted vision which was the driving force behind organizations which he built under many developmental programmes of different types in Politics, Society, Education Religion, & General City Development. He was an inspiration, a friend and guidance to move into the future with confidence and commitment. He battled and overcame the odds of life to become a successful entrepreneur, Respected politician and above all a good human being.

He was elected as an MP (Lok Sabha 1980-85), freedom fighter in Gandhi's "Civil Disobedience Movement of India" in 1931, Elected Councilor in Pre Independent India in MCD Delhi in 1945, Chairman DESU 1958-1965, Chairman MCD Standing Committee 1964-65, Elected Executive Councilor (Finance) Metropolitan Council 1967.
Was active in Delhi University Courts, many Jain Association & Institutions, Jain Sports Club, Young men Tennis Club, Auto Part Trade & Trades Associations, Petrol Pump Dealer Assn, Factory Owner Federation, Sales Tax Abolition Committee in India, Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal etc.

Courtesy: RJ Naren Bhiku Ram Jain

G.O. 86 - Amendments or a Sale Agreement with the Builders

Municipal Administration department has alas bowed down to the pressure of the builders lobby. Money might have changed hands that why the department has proposed several amendments to the GO 86.

Deviation of the original sanctioned plan is a common feature in every building constructed or to be constructed by the builders. Why the mortgage law should be amended to 10% of the built up area? Are they plugging loopholes or creating more?

For Water and electricity connections for the new buildings the Occupancy Certificate has been made compulsory only to the building constructed without sanctioned plan, why? If there is poor quality construction as per the sanctioned plan, will that building be given Occupancy Certificate?

On income part to the HUDA and other departments, there was a clause by paying three times more than normal the water and electricity connection can be obtained. Proposed change is if certificate is produced, the money paid for the connections will be reimbursed. Why to collect more and then reimburse?

For violating sanctioned plan after couple of warnings the license can be cancelled besides prosecution. Why the person or company should be blacklisted? Can’t he or the company continue the construction activity in some other license?

Joint Opens Space between the buildings, another clause suit to the needs of the builders.

Already most of the buildings do not have security due to joint open space. Banishment of compound walls will create more problems to the flat owners associations. Who will maintain which part etc? Security and privacy is lost to the inmates of the buildings.

In Fire Accident occurs the greenery etc will be lost due to rolling of the Fire Engine inside the complex. In this regard the argument of the Fire Service department is agreeable to the existing buildings, where there is joint open space. Nothing can be done to those violations now, because of 100% occupancy.

Whatever amendments are being done, are against the Multi-Stories Building Rules and National Building Code and even after Supreme Court orders.

On Fire Safety etc several orders of the AP High Court are yet to be implemented. Will the Hon’ble Court take up the detail study of the GO 86 amendments, before it put to practice? Will the Hon’ble Court appoint a commission to look into proper implementation of its orders with regards to High Rise cellar violations, fire safety, and other amenities by the builders to the inmates of the high rises?

Courtesy: RJ TR Madhavan

Papaya Juice - Cure for Dengue

I would like to share this interesting discovery from a classmate's son who has just recovered from dengue fever. Apparently, his son was in the critical stage at the SJMC ICU when his pallet counts drops to 15 after 15 litres of blood transfusion.
His father was so worried that he seek another friend's recommendation and his son was saved. He confessed to me that he give his son raw juice of the papaya leaves. From a pallet count of 45 after 20 litres of blood transfusion, and after drinking the raw papaya leaf juice, his pallet count jumps instantly to 135. Even the doctors and nurses were surprised. After the second day he was discharged. So he ask me to pass this good news around.
Accordingly it is raw papaya leaves, 2pcs just cleaned and pound and squeeze with filter cloth. You will only get one tablespoon per leaf. So two tablespoon per serving once a day. Do not boil or cook or rinse with hot water, it will loose its strength. Only the leafy part and no stem or sap. It is very bitter and you have to swallow it like Won Low Kat. But it works.
Papaya Juice - Cure for Dengue
You may have heard this elsewhere but if not I am glad to inform you that papaya juice is a natural cure for dengue fever. As dengue fever is rampant now, I think it's good to share this with all.
A friend of mine had dengue last year. It was a very serious situation for her as her platelet count had dropped to 28,000 after 3 days in hospital and water has started to fill up her lung. She had difficulty in breathing. She was only 32-year old. Doctor says there's no cure for dengue. We just have to wait for her body immune system to build up resistance against dengue and fight its own battle. She already had 2 blood transfusion and all of us were praying very hard as her platelet continued to drop since the first day she was admitted.
Fortunately her mother-in-law heard that papaya juice would help to reduce the fever and got some papaya leaves, pounded them and squeeze the juice out for her. The next day, her platelet count started to increase, her fever subside. We continued to feed her with papaya juice and she recovered after 3 days!!! Amazing but it's true. It's believed one's body would be overheated when one is down with dengue and that also caused the patient to have fever. papaya juice has cooling effect.
Thus, it helps to reduce the heatiness in one's body, thus the fever will go away. I found that its also good when one is having sore throat or suffering from heatiness.
Those of us staying in Subang Jaya are lucky as we can get papaya juice easily from the Penang Cendol stall in Giant! One cup is only RM1. Tomorrow I will buy a cup for a patient in Assunta and urge him to try it.
Please spread the news about this as lately there are many dengue cases. It's great if such natural cure could help to ease the sufferings of dengue patients. Furthermore it's so easily available. Just go to market and ask the makcik who sells ulam and they usually have papaya. Blend them and squeeze the juice! It's simple and miraculously effective!!
Courtesy: RJ Anuj Kapoor