Malaysia: A minimum of 24 people from India were rescued from a locked home in Malaysia. The reports say that they were trafficked for which two men from Pakistan have been taken into custody.

The report further confirmed that the Malaysian police speculated about the detention on certain men from India from a media report that was published on August 30th. As a result, they saved the men from Sungai Siput town, which is not far away from the current location.

According to the investigations carried out in this direction, it has been proved that the people belong between the age group of 20 to 30 and came from different towns of Uttar Pradesh. Speculations are that they landed here through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). These people were guaranteed that they would be given luring salaries by these Pakistani officials.

Malaysia is getting overly crowded with the kind of human trafficking activities and drug abuses going on in the country.

Upon investigations, it was confirmed that the Indians were asked to provide RM300 ($96) each if they are interested in going to Penang. While their employment options were being sorted out, the Pakistani suspects locked them into a home in Malaysia. The suspects are now being investigated under the laws governing anti-human trafficking in the country.

Strict action would be taken against the suspects if found guilty.

“Save The Earth” has taken a new twist in Sambalpur near Rourkela. This time, a number of women have decided to control the strings when it comes to the fate of their forest. These young women have taken it upon themselves to fight the timber mafia. But the twist is yet to come! How else would it be better to protect their very own trees than forming an emotional bond with them and protecting as if they were the brothers?

It was being noticed that the forest situated on the Budharaja hillock in the town of Sambalpur has been turning grey due to the increased smuggling for timber. For those who don’t know, Sambalpur is a small town about 150 km away from Rourkela.

Earlier, it was the Budharaja Suraksha Samiti which was working single-handedly to protect the trees. However, the outcome was never fruitful. So, now the organization has decided to join in hundreds of young women who are basically college students to participate in this initiative and bring about a difference.

With Raksha Bandhan holding an importance in the lives of Indians, an initiative was devised around this occasion. In one of the most novel and innovative ways, these women decided to tie rakhis to the trees during the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and pledged to protect their tree-brothers as their own brothers. The essence of the festival can be depicted clearly with such an act. After all, it is a vow taken by siblings to protect their own. In other words, this is a responsibility taken by each woman to protect her tree-brother under all circumstances.

The forest is covered over 126 acres of land and has been host to some of the major events in history. These include the battle fought by Veer Surendra Sai (who was a freedom fighter) against the British.

Keeping the smugglers apart, environmental concerns have been rising for quite some time now. The above act on part of young women clearly depicts how far women have come to take one of a kind initiative! More so, this should definitely be a source for inspiration for all others in the town and throughout the nation to do something for their environment.

At a macro level, this act might seem very small. Yet, at the same time, this small act is spark enough to bring about a fire to out throw the timber smugglers in Sambalpur. More so, it is definitely an invitation for people across the nation to join hands to promote greenery and cultivate the barren lands of Earth.

At the time when most immigrant doctors from India are struggling to get their degrees recognized by Canada in one of the most popular Canadian cities, Toronto, here is the news that would make all Indians feel proud, as well as inspire medicos to make it big in foreign land. The founder of BSA Diagnostic Medical Imaging Center, who hails from Amritsar, Punjab in India has made it big in the Canadian land. The center happens to be one of the largest medical facilities in Canada. A graduate from the Amritsar Medical College, Birinder Ahluwalia is a famous figure in Canada, thanks to not only his professional achievements, but also for his contributions to the cultural aspect.

Physician Ahluwalia immigrated to Toronto in the year 1985. He started off his career in the Canadian city as a courier boy. However, he did not wait much time, as soon after he joined the chief of the RDS Diagnostics as his assistant. Alongside, he was training as a diagnostic imaging specialist. He just took the right move at the time. Diagnostic imaging was just taking off, where there were lots of opportunities in the field at that time.

He then opened the BSA Diagnostic Imaging Center in the year 1989- the vehicle for his successful journey! In 2009, the center handled a total of seventy thousand cases. According to Mr. Ahluwalia, his center expects to treat even more patients this year. It was his achievement which earned him the one of the top 25 slots for the immigrant achievers in Canada. He accompanied the Canadian PM Stephen Harper to India in 2009.

Birinder Ahluwalia’s achievements are not restricted to only his profession. He is one of the founders of the Toronto’s Spinning Wheel Film Festival. Mr. Ahluwalia is the perfect example of a promising immigrant who holds the determination to make something remarkable in foreign land. He, especially, is a role model to immigrant doctors in Toronto, where one can find the highest number of immigrant physicians who are earning their livelihood as taxi drivers, due to the non-recognition of their degrees.

According to Corporate America, the biggest brands in technology would not have made it to their current position without the much needed skilled migrants from overseas. Big brands such Microsoft, Google, Cisco, Google to name a few, could not have made it to the top spot otherwise.

According to a report which has been made for the US Chamber of Commerce (USCC) and the American Council of International Personnel (ACIP), a strong defense is seen especially towards India. Such terms have been mentioned 43 times followed by China and Chinese with nine references.

When it comes to the ACIP, their objective is to cater to the relevant resources as well as the support which is required for the development of placement, mobility as well as the training of the highly academically qualified professionals throughout the world.

This report has come about when many measures have been taken recently to curb immigration. All the major high tech firms see it as the role of the highly qualified immigrants for their success. Many examples have been cited with reference to immigrants in the report. The H1-B program has been the key to all these developments which took place in the realm of technology. For instance, Orkut which was created by Orkut Buyukkokten is from Turkey. He received his PhD from Stanford University and later on joined Google as a software engineer.

A research by William Kerr from the Harvard Business School and William F. Lincoln from the University of Michigan has also been referred to in the report. This research projects a connection between the increased patent filings and the H-1B admissions. This has been found for both the companies as well as the cities.

The report also has a special section known as the “Hyperbole about Indian Company Use of H1-B Visas”. This part caters to the H1-B visas granted to the Indian professionals who come and work in the United States.

It has been said by British government that the nation has gained from immigration from India. At the same time, now the nation wants this rate to be controlled in order to increase the gains as well as reduce the total number of migrants walking into the nation. This is when compared to the level of immigration in 1990s.

Damian Green, the Immigration Minister for Britain on his visit to India said that the nation is also assessing the provisions for the student visas. This is being done to bring about aid to those who are the best and the brightest and could pursue their higher education. At the same time, it could also prevent those who pretend to have an intention to study in order to get a job. He also said that he is in the nation to explain the amends brought about in the UK immigration policies as well as the reasons behind them. At this point of time, the government of UK is working on limited economic immigration.

The Immigration Minister also mentioned that it has been decided to bring about a zero limit when it comes to unskilled migration. At the same time, the government wants to attract the best and the brightest of the entrepreneurs and investors who could aid in the economic growth of Britain. This does not mean there is a contradiction in reduction of immigration levels and at the same time, wanting to bring about more investment and skilled migrants to the nation. Both are possible together.

Answering questions he also said that about hundred illegal migrants on an average are being deported from UK each month. With this, about two hundred more Indians have been detained in various prisons in the nation. The Minister also met with the Chief Minister of Punjab, Parkash Singh Badal as well as the DGP to seek cooperation with regard to illegal migration to Britain from Punjab.

“Bro! Where art thou?” Most of us can relate to this statement but with a twist. However, there is another perspective here, if given an insight into this mere question gives out a picture which is completely different. This is a call for a brother who is needed. And this surely reminds me of the good old days when I and bro used to live together, play and fight. In changing times of today, I have wondered whether Raksha Bandhan continues to hold its value as it used to at one point of time. My answer is a definite yes!

In the today’s digitalized times, the definition of family has more or less changed. Individuality is given more importance to. At the same time, when I spoke to some of my colleagues about Rakhi, I could see the sparkle in their eyes. The mere mention of the topic brought about a zeal which had spread across my bay. And soon discussions started about clothes, sweets, rakhis, brothers and family, cousins and much more! This clearly proves that the tradition of love continues to exist and holds an important place in the hearts of Indians. And so, the basis of the Indian family continues to be same.

However, the way this festival is celebrated has somewhat changed now but this sacred thread of love continues to be the way it has always been. With the world spreading out further, it is but obvious that our brothers and sisters are living away from us. Yet, this does not seem to depreciate the euphoria attached to the festival. No matter how far we are from our loved ones, this is one festival, where rakhis and gifts are ensured to reach on time. Above all, its family time!

I remember the times when I was up all night designing and making my own rakhis for my brother and cousins. What makes it special are the small pleasures of life in the form of gifts and goodies which are presented to the sisters. More so, the fun element makes the festival even more colorful. Its time to be kids again and no one would stop!

Of all the festivals, this is definitely one of the important ones which people look forward to. The fun and frolic with which this festival is celebrated portrays the family values that are still deeply entrenched in our hearts. The vibrance and excitement attached can never reduce no matter however our mind set and thought processes change.

Above all, love is an emotion which forms many bonds with different people. When it comes to this bond in India, it has one special name in the form of Raksha Bandhan between brothers and sisters.

HAPPY RAKSHA BANDHAN!

In an attempt to strengthen the relation between Australia and big Asian power nations like India and China, Australia has vowed to engage the Asia Pacific region. Also, Australia has been actively involved in trading options when it comes to doing business in mineral resources. This step was mandatory also, especially after seeing the kind of history these countries have had in the past. The relations were not smooth wither.

It was not long back when in the month of March, China ordered a sentence to some officials from the Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto to four to 14 years in jail. This was a sentence which was termed hard and rigid by the Australian authorities. This incident further demolished the mutual relationship between both the countries. These executives were charged and blamed of exchanging commercial secrets as well as getting involved in bribe scams.

When we talk about the relationship between India and Australia, the past is not hidden! The incidents of racial attacks on Indian students residing in Australia made news in all media networks a few months back. This disturbed the relationship between both the countries in a major way.

The situation is such that Indians have minimized their number of prospective applicants who want to study in Australia. Now Australia is looking forward to strengthen its relationship with India and China.

Australia is intending to step positive in the favor of nuclear cooperation pacts with India. But nothing has been confirmed yet.

If reports are to be believed, almost 5,000 students who have come from India have been badly affected, courtesy the closure of 37 Immigration colleges in the land of Kangaroos Australia. The shutting down of colleges happened because according to the new list of occupations implemented by Australia, the occupation of gardeners, cooks, hairdressers, journalists, fitters and fashion designers has been barred out.

Overseas Indian Affairs minister Vayalar Ravi has said that the closure of more than 37 colleges has badly affected as long as 5,000 students who are studying in Australia. However, it is likely that the students who are affected from this episode would be given their fee back in the form of refunds or be offered some other educational institution. The list of occupations in demand has almost being cut to half!

Additionally, it was in the month of February, the Migrations Occupations in Demand was scrapped out! This meant more and more number of applicants was left in a state of limbo. Moreover, the benefits taken by the prospective immigrant to the country who has some relative in the land of Kangaroos has been cut off.

A lot of Indians end up taking courses like cookery and gardening in the country as they think it would assist them furthering getting immigration status in Australia. The entry for Indians going to Australia has been made stringent as the scores required for the English language tests have been hiked. These changes were implemented after the Indian students were attacked on the basis of their race in the country.

In a written statement to a question asked in Rajya Sabha, the Minister for External Affairs, Mr. S.M. Krishna said that no student has come forth with complaints. About 20 representations have been received from students by the High Commission of India which is situated in Canberra along with the Consulates General in Sydney and Melbourne. These students have been affected due to the closure of colleges. Their representations have been for their fee refunds.

At the same time, alternate placements are being offered to such international students in similar colleges or institutions. Incase, similar placements are not being offered or available or are being accepted, the students have the option of getting their money refunded. Such cases of Indian students in Australia are being addressed with the relevant Australian authorities for the relocation or for the refund of the tuition fee.

However, despite the tuition fee being refunded, many of these students have lost out on a lot. Despite being placed in a similar course in some other institution, it might not be the same. This is especially when they walked into the nation with lots of hopes and aspirations.

Above all, since the DIAC has all the rights to change the rules without any prior notification, it is highly suggested that these students are better prepared for such mishaps which are quite unfortunate. More so, the advice of an immigration consultant dealing with student visas for Australia would give a better insight for students as to how to deal with such a situation.

On 14th August, I was in one of the multiplexes in Delhi when all of a sudden people stopped wherever they were. I too followed the rest having no clue what was going on around me. It took me a while to realize what was happening. No one cared about getting late or whether they would miss the beginning of a movie. It took me a while to notice that the National Anthem was being played. For a second, it seemed that the world has stopped functioning. And the people were paying their respects to it.

The question has crossed my mind many a times- “Does the Indian National Anthem hold the same value in the hearts of the people that it once did?” And my answer is a definite Yes! The above was just one of the many instances which have proved time and again, that the essence of patriotism continues to be same. Agreed that India is changing socially as well as globally but what stands constant is that the Indians are still true of their nation. However, the approach to project this patriotism has changed drastically. But then with times, change is constant which suits to the changing generation.

The views and opinions have definitely changed and with that, the way people perceive aspects around them. The outlook of today’s youth is definitely modernized (especially the urban youth). And so, there has been a transformation from the traditional Indian clothes to the western outfits. At the same time, the essence of the Indian traditions continues to exist with people celebrating all the festivals with zeal and enthusiasm as always. For instance, the festival of Rakshabandhan is here and so, the preparations are full-on!

On the other hand, a modern perspective in place does not stop the youth to go back to their parents and touch their feet. India has always been known for its strong family ties and for the strong institution of the family. And the tradition continues to exist, although with a twist!

At the same time, the youth is comparatively more secular and respects all traditions and religions which make the nation a better place to live. Also, be it any part of the world; Indians living abroad tend to keep the nation and its culture alive!

Above all, it is the recognition and the feeling of belongingness that binds the people to their home which is the nation here. And so, despite what seems to be the bigger picture, people in India carry the nation in their hearts!