Burger King Used Goddess Lakshmi's Image for Branding Meat Sandwiches

This is a case where the phrase “ignorance is bliss” cannot be applied :)

I was surprised to read that Burger King’s Spanish advertising company used Goddess Lakshmi’s image for selling Burger King’s meat sandwiches to the Indian audience in Spain. I don’t consider this incident to be offensive but unwise. It is a true example of not going deep into the cultural values and religious beliefs when developing a marketing ad for a foreign target group. This ad was brought down when religious leaders criticized it.

The funnier aspect of this ad was its tagline. The ad featured the tagline: 'La merienda es sagrada,' meaning 'the snack is sacred'. This is not a fault of Burger King but its advertising company that failed to do proper legwork. Rajen Zyed, a Hindu religious leader said “It was highly disturbing to see goddess Lakshmi modeling for a meat sandwich. Lakshmi was meant to be worshiped in temples or home shrines and not for pushing meat sandwiches in the streets for mercantile greed of a global corporation.”

The author of “Online Banking and Payment” said “Using Hindu God and Goddess’ images in ads are totally acceptable. If Burger King was advertising for a healthy and vegetarian food item this ad could have possibility worked well. Except for Goddess Kali and some other Indian God, people cannot associate Hindu God with non vegetarian food.” NYC criminal defense lawyer said “Having a diverse group in ad agencies working on foreign ads helps in understanding their beliefs and customs well. A proper marketing research is important before designing a campaign. It’s very hard to build a reputation and very easy to lose it.” The author of “Crime News” said “This is a good lesson for companies using religious idols and symbols to advertise their products overseas. Market survey and concept acceptability should be taken into account before the launch of such ads.”

Update on Swine Flu or H1N1 Virus

Swine Flu is also known as H1N1 virus, pig flu, swine fever and swine influenza. It’s not completely wiped out from different countries but has been reported to be under control. The rapid spread of H1N1 flu made World Health Organization (WHO) raise the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6, on June 11, 2009 against influenza A (H1N1) virus.

More than 70 countries have reported to have H1N1 cases. Swine flu is common in pigs but initially was not considered as a threat to human beings. Swine influenza is common in pigs in the United States, Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe, Kenya, and eastern Asia. The origin of this new strain is unknown. However, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reported that this virus cannot be associated only with the pigs but there are chances that it could have been transmitted from human to human. The exact source of this outbreak is still being investigated.

According to the June 19th update, the number of people infected by Swine flu all over the world is 65,736 and those who died is 267. The maximum number of cases are in the United States with 17855 victims out of which 44 have died. Mexico has 7260 cases resulting in 113 deaths. In India, 30 people are suffering from this disease with no death reported.

Friends, destroying Swine flu virus is not in our hands but we can prevent it by taking necessary precautions for our and other people’s safety. Try following these steps:

- Wash your hands many times with soap and water, especially when you are visiting public areas
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
- Avoid touching your eyes and nose before washing or sanitizing your hands
- Avoid coming in close contact with sick people, especially when you know they are sick
- Anyone detected with Swine flu should not go to the school or office

The author of “Online banking and payments” said “If anyone is feeling sick, have cough, cold and/or fever try seeking medical help as soon as possible.” NYC guardianship lawyers said “We should not fear this disease but take necessary precautions.” Atlantic City wage claim lawyer said “WHO has not announced travel restrictions for controlling this disease but people traveling should be careful.”

Sanjeebani Marg wishes quick recovery to all the people suffering from Swine influenza. We pray that this flu comes to an end soon. Jai Maa Durge!

Delhi University Introducing Online Programs in its Educational System

Introducing online program is a big development in Delhi University educational system. This development will be helpful for students who desire to study in a specific college and a subject of their choice. Delhi University (DU) is setting up a modern studio at its Institute of Long Learning (ILL), where lectures of popular teachers and experts of various disciplines will be recorded and placed on its portal.

ILL director A K Bakshi said ""We are getting recorded the lectures of the best of our teachers from all the colleges so that the students can learn from them on-line no matter in what college they are enrolled."

The project has been basically initiated under the 'Pan-African e-Network Project'. It was commissioned by the Ministry of External Affairs of India in February this year.

"Under the Rs 542.90 crore Pan-African project, we had been asked by the External Affairs Ministry to develop e-content, including the multimedia material for various disciplines to be provided to the African students," A K Bakshi said.

Mr. Bakshi further said “We want to develop quality lectures with high conceptual clarity. Therefore, we have asked teachers to first submit their manuscripts that would be short listed for final recording.”

Some of these lectures and tutorials will be available online from early July 2009.

Defective products lawsuit lawyers said "Enabling quality education and providing access to strong Indian faculty members from various disciplines to reach African countries is an important step. Students residing in any part of India and African countries can advance their careers by utilizing this system.” The author of "Online Banking and Payments" said "Online learning programs are very beneficial for people who are working and/or do not have the flexibility of time to attend regular class room sessions. Women, who do not have an opportunity to continue their studies because of their domestic commitments, can take advantage of these online programs. There is no age bar associated with these programs.”

Consequences of Customs Duty Evasion in India - Sheetal Mafatlal Arrested for Carrying Undisclosed Ornaments

I would like to draw my readers’ attention towards the "customs duty evasion issue in India" by highlighting the recent Sheetal Mafatlal's arrest controversy. She was arrested at Mumbai airport and detained in custody for false declarations of gold and diamond jewelries she was carrying on her way back from London. The Air Intelligence Unit arrested her on "false declarations and smuggling gold ornaments" charges. Sheetal Mafatlal is the president of Mafatlal Luxury Ltd and wife of industrialist Atulya Mafatlal. It’s been said that the ornaments were worth Rs 51 lakh to Rs 80 lakh.

Advocate Sujay Kantawalla, specializing in customs cases said “In a bailable offense how can person be in custody even for a minute? I feel the magistrate was misled by the customs officials.” This is because Sheetal Mafatlal was carrying gold and diamonds whose worth was estimated less than Rs 1 crore. This does not provide a sufficient ground for custody.

Sheetal and her husband stated to be victimized by their family members because of the ongoing property litigation. Late Yogendra Mafatlal had during his life time given control of the Mafatlal companies to Atulya and had also distributed family property to Atulya and his four daughters, Kunti, Gayatri, Malvika and Aparna and their husbands. But property dispute has increased in their family by every passing year.

To reduce the revenue loss in India, stringent measures are being taken against people who evade customs duty. According to the 2007 Finance Bill, government had proposed to take strict actions against wrong declaration of the value of goods exported or any fraudulent methods used to hide goods in the customs checks.

The evasion amount however has been raised to Rs 1 crore. Initially it was possession more than Rs 1 lakh. The amount of duty being evaded should exceed Rs 30 lakh. People found guilty can be fined or punished from a year to seven years depending upon the severity of crime. Product malfunction attorneys said “I have heard that these stringent customs evasion norms in India have increased the government revenues.”

The Self Repair of Brain - Activin A Helps to Block Brain Inflammation

The findings published on 'Journal Stem Cells' have illustrated the capability of nerve cells in the brain to produce an anti-inflammatory molecule that allows the brain for self repair. The victims of injuries or Parkinson's disease can receive some relief from this research.

The brain's capacity to regenerate is a very recent finding as stated on Times of India. In the early 1990s neural stem cells were found in the brains. It took few more years for scientists to find out and show that they can regenerate nerve cells in the brain.

Bryce Vissel, the neuroscientist at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (GIMR), Australia said ""Given that we now know regeneration can occur, we want to understand what drives it and what blocks it, particularly in diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. We triggered rapid neuro-degeneration in the brains of mice, and it was immediately followed by a very rapid regenerative response. We wanted to know why this response could occur so effectively after acute neuro-degeneration."

Vissel further said "On further investigation, we found high levels of a molecule known as Activin A whenever regeneration occurred. This was especially interesting because Activin A is released from nerve cells. Clearly Activin A was playing an important part in the regenerative process, so we triggered neuro-degeneration and at the same time blocked Activin A. The difference was dramatic."

Rollover lawyers said "This gives a big hope to people who are suffering from brain injuries as a result of fatal accidents." Airbag lawsuit lawyers said "I read in an article that the main action of Activin A was to block inflammation in the brain after neuro-degeneration or injury."

Kavya Shivashankar an Indian American Girl Won the Prestigious US Bee Spelling Championship

I was delighted to read about the victory of the 13 year-old Kavya Shivashankar in the 2009 Scripps Bee National spelling championship. Her father Mirle Shivashankar and mother Sandy Shivashanakar are Indian immigrants settled in the United States. Bee is the nation's largest educational promotional institution administered on a non profit basis. The purpose of the spelling competitions is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts, and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives.

Out of the last 11 finalists only Kavya was left on the stage at the end. 8 out of the 11 contenders were Indian Americans. Kavya's winning word was "Laodicean" which means lukewarm or indifferent in religion or politics. She won $40,000 cash and several other gifts.

On being asked about her interests she said she enjoys playing the violin, bicycling, swimming and learning Indian classical dance. Her role model is 1999 Bee championship's winner Nupur Lala. Kavya belongs to Olathe, Kansas and is a student at California Trail Junior High School. Her future goal is to become a neurosurgeon.

The moment Kavya won the Bee spelling competition her parents came up on the stage to give her a tight hug. “My dad really helped me,” she said. “I couldn’t have done this without him.” Mirle & Sandy said "We haven't skipped meals, we haven't lost sleep, but we've skipped a lot of social time. She turned 13 last week but was too busy planning for the bee to have a party. That would be any kind of celebration for Kavya's birthday.”

Estate planning lawyers in NYC, West Plam Beach personal injury lawyers, vehicle rollover attorney & Atlantic City workers comp settlement lawyer have congratulated Kavya for this big success. They have wished that her dream to become a neurosurgeon comes true.

Kailash Giri Brahmachari Carrying His Blind Mother on His Shoulders to Various Pilgrimages in India

36 year-old Kailash Giri Brahmachari is being referred to as a modern “Shravan Kumar” in India. Shravan Kumar is a mythological character in the Hindu epic Ramayana respected by people because of his love, dedication and sacrifice for his blind parents. He carried his blind parents in a basket to visit various pilgrimages. Kailash Giri Brahmachari inspired by the character of Shravan Kumar, for about 12 years is carrying her mother to different pilgrimages. When Brahmachari was young, he met with a serious accident. His mother, 80 year-old Keerthi Devi prayed to God and pledged to visit few significant shrines if her son recovered soon. Due to poverty and poor health ,Brahmachari was unable to fulfill his mother’s wish at that time. He started the pilgrimage travel in 1996 at the age of 23.

Till now they have visited several places including Allahabad, Ayodhya, Kashi, and Chitrupur. He is planning to take his mother to temples at Srirangam, Chennai, Calcutta and Orissa, he said he would end his journey at the Kumbh Mela to be held 10 years from now in Ujjain. For food and shelter, they are dependent on charity.

People in India are deeply appreciative of Brahmachari’s efforts to make her blind mother’s dream come true. Keerthi Devi had asked Brahmachari a few times to end this religious travel but he is insistent on completing it. Brahmachari is being regarded as a saint and people are taking his blessings because of his true love for his mother.

The author of “The World of Online Banking and Payments” said “In the changing times, the least children can give to their parents are love and respect. Helping the poor and needy people to live a decent life is practicing the values given by the parents and thanking the efforts of good parenting.” The author of “Breaking Barriers” said “Sometimes our parents can take wrong decisions. The children who respect and love their parents will guide them towards the right path. Keerthi Devi trusts Brahmachari’s efforts and his love towards her. Not only children but parents should also learn to trust their children from this episode.”

Morjorie Newlin and Kelly Nelson – Ageless Bodybuilders

This article is addressed to all those women who feel "age is a big limitation in achieving daunting goals.” One 86 year-old woman and other 77 year-old woman bodybuilders have shown remarkable results in building muscles and receiving numerous awards in bodybuilding competitions. They have also shown the confidence to change their life styles after the age of fifty. It is very encouraging to read about their achievements.

A great grand mother and retired nurse, Morjorie Newlin had an urge to transform her life at the age of 72. When Newlin was 72, one day she went to buy 50-pound bags of kitty litter on sale. She found it extremely difficult to carry it alone to her house. That was the time she felt she has to do something about her deteriorating health. She started weight training and there was no looking back after that. In about 13 years, in her house one room is dedicated to the certificates, plaques and awards she has won in these years. She has won 40 trophies nationally and internationally. Her personal trainer, Richard Brown said “I chuckled when I saw this little old lady walk inside the gym, I was a little leery. I was just training young athletes at the time.” On being questioned about how long she will be able to follow this bodybuilding training and routine she said “Every day is different. The next day will take care of itself.”

Kelly Nelson, a 77 year-old woman did not come from an athletic background and was new to bodybuilding. In 1980, 52 year-old Kelly started weight training as she didn't like the looks of the backs of her arms. After 6 months of weight training program she convinced her daughter Colleen, who is 30 years younger to her to join the weight training program. Colleen received many awards. In 1983, after 3 years of training Kelly competed in her first body building competition. She won that competition and never looked back. Today both mother and daughter are well acclaimed body builders and role model of people above the age of 40. They have developed a line of fitness business that is doing well. They have their own fitness videos, modeling assignments and work as fitness instructors.

The author of “The World of Online Banking and Payments” said “Few days back, I watched Kelly and Colleen’s interview and was surprised to see their dedication and hard work to stay fit. Many people who get discouraged taking challenging tasks after reaching their 50s should learn from these women.” Westchester & NYC estate planning lawyers said “We saw the mother-daughter basic fitness training videos. It was amazing.” Airbag Lawsuits lawyers said “Morjorie Newlin & Kelly Nelson have inspired many people to rekindle their spirits and lead healthy lives. They have proved to the world that age is no bar to fulfill unaccomplished dreams.”

First Face Transplant in the United States

There are various accidents and tragic incidents that can cause serious facial injuries resulting into a deformed face. The skilled doctors & surgeons, advanced medical devices, proper medication and most importantly gracious donors have made it possible to do a face transplant.The first US face transplant was revealed on Tuesday May 4th ‘09. 46 year-old Connie Culp's face transplant surgery has given her a second chance to lead a normal life. Her husband Thomas shot her in her face in 2004. She was left with shattered nose, cheeks, the roof of her mouth and an eye. Her face was disfigured in this tragedy. Her husband was sentenced to 7 years of imprisonment.

The donor (name not publicized) has given a new life to Connie Culp, a mother of two children. Culp was excited to get back her nose. In an interview to the media she thanked the donor’s family “I think it’s more important that you focus on the donor family that made it, so I could have this face.”

The reconstructive surgeon who performed this operation with her team is Dr. Maria Siemionow. Dr. Siemionow replaced 80% of Culp's face with the tissues and bones of the dead donor. Surgeons used donor tissues to replace her nose, mouth, lips and chin that were severely damaged in the brutal act of violence.

Culp’s psychiatrist said that a remark by a kid kept haunting her "You said there were no real monsters mommy and there's one right there.” Culp stopped the kid and said “I’m not a monster. I’m a person who was shot,” and pulled out her driver's license to show the child how she used to look before.

The world's first face transplant took place in France three years back. This was done on Isabelle Dinoire, a woman who had been mauled by her dog. Since then two face transplant operations have been carried out - one on a Chinese farmer who was mauled by a bear while trying to protect his sheep, and the other on a French man who had become disfigured by a genetic condition.

Products liability lawyers said "Culp has received a new life. We are happy to read that in January, she was able to eat pizza, chicken and hamburgers for the first time after approximately 5 years. Initially she was able to eat and breathe only through the artificial pipes inserted in her body." Illinois trucking accidents lawyers said "The team of surgeons has done a commendable job. We hope Culp is able to feel a part of the society like before and forget about her past tragedy." Westchester estate planning lawyer said "The family of the face donor has helped in bringing back joy in Culp’s life. May God bless them.” Charlotte bankruptcy lawyers said “The psychiatrists say that at times these face transplants may result into disappointment, depression and grief towards the donor. The heavy medications can also have its side-effects. It’s important to have knowledge about the side-effects too.’

"Hanuman - Boy Warrior" Video Game Strongly Criticized by Hindu Leaders

Sony, founded in 1946, launched a new video game “Hanuman – Warrior Boy” on 26th of March 2009. It is developed by an Indian developer. Powerful Hanuman, the son of wind, is a very popular Hindu deity and is presented as the hero of the video game. This is the first Indian mythological video game of PS2 available in Hindi and English. Atindriya Bose, the Country Manager of Play Station Sony Computer Entertainment said “The launch of "Hanuman - Boy warrior" has marked a very significant milestone in the Indian gaming industry and also signifies the importance we attach to the Indian market”

“Hanuman – Warrior Boy” video game has received mixed reactions from Hindus. An acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in an interview to Nevada Today (USA), said that “in the video game set-up, the player would control the destiny of Lord Hanuman while in reality the believers put the destinies of themselves in the hands of their deities.” Few more Hindus have supported Mr. Zed’s statement and said it hurts Hindu’s religious beliefs. Hindu leaders strongly criticized Sony Entertainment’s insensitivity, alleging the company to carelessly use Hanuman’s image for economic purposes, inspired solely by profit motive. These Hindu leaders have asked Sony to withdraw this video game as they cannot accept Hanuman being a character governed by a computer joystick.

With all due respect to the Hindu leaders’ reactions, I have a different opinion. Religious institutions also need funds to carry out their events successfully. The progress of a country depends upon its economics. The big picture of “Hanuman – Warrior Boy” is to bring Lord Hanuman closer to kids through computers. This can help kids deeply associate with their religious values. Time is changing and so are the mind set of people. We have online access to all the vedic rituals, pooja ceremonies and fasting books. Instead of calling priests for performing ceremonies, some people now prefer performing it online. I am just trying to show how some people have changed their religious mindset and prefer performing ceremonies online which is more convenient. We can call it convenience or changing times but these changes have helped people to stay close to their religious root. Instead of totally discarding their religious values, they are somehow trying to maintain it. Author of "Breaking Barriers", Dr. Ranu Sinha said “I personally prefer calling priests to perform religious ceremonies. But looking at the changing times it’s important to understand how the coming generations will accept religion. If religion is stringent and hard to follow, then gradually it will lose its importance.” Author of “The World of Online Banking and Payments” said “We have so many toys depicting Gods and Goddesses. I would like to name few - Kisna toy, Hanuman toy and Makhan Chor Kanahiya toy which kids like playing with. If we have no objections to kids playing with Hindu deities’ toys, then why do we have any issue with a computer game built around Hanuman. According to me God is love and not a symbol of fear or control.”

"A Better India, A Better World" - A Cute Class Two Student on the Cover of the Book

Referred as an IT icon, Mr. N. R. Narayana Murthy selected a class two student for the cover image of his book. The cute kid's name is Mansi Bhatia who is representing tomorrow’s inquisitive and bold Indian generation on the cover of his book “A Better India, A Better World”. She is raising her hand to ask a question from her teacher. Mr. Murthy is one of the seven founders of Infosys, a global consulting and IT services company in India. Currently he is holding the positions of non-executive Chairman & Chief Mentor of Infosys. He is associated with various prestigious National & International advisory boards including, Harvard Business School, Wharton School, Cornell University, Stanford Graduate School of Business and few more. He has been honored the Padma Shri award and voted as the 7th most admired CEO/Chairman in the world in a global study conducted by Burson-Marsteller with the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Mr. Murthy’s book “A Better India, A Better World” is based on his lectures delivered around the world. “It is a manifesto for the youth, the architects of the future, and a compelling argument for why a better India holds the key to a better world.” Mr. Murthy’s book “A Better India, A Better World” is based on his lectures delivered around the world. “It is a manifesto for the youth- the architects of the future, and a compelling argument for why a better India holds the key to a better world.” A big event was organized to recognize Mr. Murthy’s book at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where many diplomats and eminent personalities were invited. A cute looking Mansi Bhatia shook hands with the President and sat with the President and Mr. Murthy on the stage, enjoying every moment.

West Palm Beach car accident lawyers congratulated Mr. Murthy on his book release. Charlotte Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyers said “Mr. Murthy has mentioned five essential elements for success - openness to learn, meritocracy, speed, imagination and excellence in execution.” The author of “The World of Banking and Payments” said “Mr. Murthy is a role model for many Indian entrepreneurs and people working in the IT sector.”

Portrait of President Barack Obama Made from Gumballs

This is an amazing piece of art by artist Franz Spohn, who created it with the help of few school kids. Obama's gumball portrait was unveiled in Times Square, New York and crowd showed immense enthusiasm while appreciating this remarkable artistic work. The six-by-six feet portrait is made of 12,784 gumballs. It took approximately 5 hours to create this art.

Artist Franz Spohn used different color gumballs as pixels. With the help of computer he was able to map out where each gumball will fit. Many school kids volunteered for this job on January 19th at the King Center in Ravenna, Ohio. It was created on Martin Luther King’s Day. This portrait is being displayed on Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.

Product Liability Lawyers have expressed their deep appreciation and congratulated Franz Spohn for creating such a unique Obama portrait. Author of “The World of Online Banking and Payments” said "Passionate artists come up with distinctive and imaginative ideas. They have the ability to bring life to their creation constructed from the most inert objects.”