<p>As many as 163 Vedic pandits, who were brought to the US from north Indian villages, have disappeared from the Maharishi Vedic City in Iowa during the past year, according to a media report today.<br /><br /></p>.<p>In an investigative report, Chicago-based ethnic weekly newspaper Hi India alleged that the Vedic pandits brought to the US lived in pathetic conditions and were paid less than 75 cents an hour.<br /><br />"They have jumped the fence for immigration purposes or for chasing their American Dream," the head of the university was quoted as saying by the newspaper.<br /><br />There was no immediate reaction from the Maharishi Vedic City, where some 1,050 pandits are engaged in a transcendental meditation programme claiming to "bring about peace on earth where there will be no war".<br /><br />The university did not respond to an email and voice mail from PTI.<br /><br />The Global Country of World Peace - one of the many teaching centers set up by late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - is not aware of the plight of these pandits, some of whom are as young as 19 years, the report said.<br /><br />Quoting an unnamed pandit, the report gave details of the modus operandi of the institute and how the Indians are brought to the US.<br /><br />On their arrival, the Indians are kept in makeshift trailers under round-the-clock surveillance. Before coming to the US, they are asked to sign a contract whereby they are promised a compensation of USD 50 while in the US and another USD 150 in India.<br /><br />"If the Pandit 'behaves well', his so-called compensation for two years is given to him or his family on his return from the US. The contract is prepared in a way to obtain visa," Hi India reported</p>
<p>As many as 163 Vedic pandits, who were brought to the US from north Indian villages, have disappeared from the Maharishi Vedic City in Iowa during the past year, according to a media report today.<br /><br /></p>.<p>In an investigative report, Chicago-based ethnic weekly newspaper Hi India alleged that the Vedic pandits brought to the US lived in pathetic conditions and were paid less than 75 cents an hour.<br /><br />"They have jumped the fence for immigration purposes or for chasing their American Dream," the head of the university was quoted as saying by the newspaper.<br /><br />There was no immediate reaction from the Maharishi Vedic City, where some 1,050 pandits are engaged in a transcendental meditation programme claiming to "bring about peace on earth where there will be no war".<br /><br />The university did not respond to an email and voice mail from PTI.<br /><br />The Global Country of World Peace - one of the many teaching centers set up by late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - is not aware of the plight of these pandits, some of whom are as young as 19 years, the report said.<br /><br />Quoting an unnamed pandit, the report gave details of the modus operandi of the institute and how the Indians are brought to the US.<br /><br />On their arrival, the Indians are kept in makeshift trailers under round-the-clock surveillance. Before coming to the US, they are asked to sign a contract whereby they are promised a compensation of USD 50 while in the US and another USD 150 in India.<br /><br />"If the Pandit 'behaves well', his so-called compensation for two years is given to him or his family on his return from the US. The contract is prepared in a way to obtain visa," Hi India reported</p>