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pointoutnews.com september 2014 Vol-1 Issue-8 50 i n s i d e PICTURE ABHI BAKI HAI: Ashish Chauhan MODI SETTING THE TONE 1 RNI NO: DELENG/2014/55786 Point Out 2 september 2014 Point Out pointoutnews.com SEPTEMBER 2014 VOL-1 ISSUE-8 50 I N S I D E cover story MODI SETTING THE TONE Modi surely knows the burden of expectations he is carrying along and hence he started with measured steps after assuming office to limit his cabinet council to a small group and have a bureaucracy that would be efficient and decisive. Though 100 days is... P 10 PICTURE ABHI BAKI HAI: ASHISH CHAUHAN MODI SETTING THE TONE 1 RNI NO: DELENG/2014/55786 FRUITS OF LOOKING EAST Must read Test Drive P 46 Forecast P 50 Health P 52 Book Review P 56 Art and Culture P 58 Spiritual Touch P 66 www.pointoutnews.com Editor-in-Chief – Dr. Shiv Kumar Rai Consulting Editor – Surya Gangadharan Feature Editor – Suman Editor-South – Vijay Grover Special Correspondent – Aarti Principal Correspondent – Bipin sasi Correspondents – Ranjith Pasam, Abhay Kumar Design – Manaswi Photo Editor – Sanjeev Editorial researcher - Kriti AD/SALES & CIRCULATION +91- 9999280060, 011 23320740 Business Head- South V Sunil Kumar +91- 9160834356 RNI NO: DELENG/2014/55786 Owned, Printed and Published by Dr. Shiv Kumar Rai from 1201, Nirmal Tower, Barakhamba Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001. Phone- 011 23320740 All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited. Editor - Dr. Shiv Kumar Rai* P 26 Point Out Gallery P 34 3 SWACHCH BHARAT BY INVITE *(Responsible for the selection of news under the PRB Act) Printed At M.P.Printers, B-220, Phase-II, Noida, UP To Subscribe log on to www.pointoutnews.com or email to [email protected] Volume 01 Issue 8 For the month – September 2014 Total No. of pages 64+Covers Head Office 1201, Nirmal Tower, Barakhamba Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001 Phone- 011-23320740 VILLAGE ROOTS P 24 MSME : LIFE LINE OF ECONOMY MARY KOM : THE REAL LIFE STORY P 62 P 18 PICTURE ABHI BAKI HAI: Ashish Chauhan cinema ALIYAGENIUS OF THE YEAR P 36 P 65 Point Out Your Voice ‘ UMA BHARATI The Government has set in motion its plan for interlinking of rivers with a target of establishing 30 links in the next 10 years. The river-interlinking plan has been designed keeping in mind the climate and aqua life of rivers. Rivers interlinking will help in controlling floods and drought. We want to make project Ganga a role model for all other river development projects in India and our aim is to make Ganga, a pollution-free, clean river in the next three years and work is being done at a fast pace to achieve the target. ‘ SIDHARTH BIRLA Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana launch has brought into focus the subject of financial inclusion in a manner not conceptualized before. The positive spin-off effects of extending financial services to the masses are multifold and would clearly impact the overall development trajectory of the nation. The key distinction from earlier designs is the introduction of a combination of savings, loans and insurance products. This would ensure most base needs of beneficiaries are taken care of. Linking financial literacy and direct cash transfer with this program ensures demand inducement and sustainability of this model. ‘ DR HARSH VARDHAN The National Health Assurance Mission is a priority for the Government. Every Indian should have access to 4 september 2014 conservation and efficiency is the only way forward, and we have to mould our thinking on these lines, and adopt the technology in a befitting manner. ‘ SHEKHAR KAPUR knowledge and information on issues such as preventable diseases; assurance on availability of essential drugs and assurance on a package of diagnostics which are essential. A committee of experts has been working on this and a concrete programme is being put in place for the same. Health insurance will be a component of health assurance for all. India lags behind in providing healthcare services to its people despite being a signatory to the “Health for All by 2000” initiative. The time has now come to take concrete action with all stakeholders getting together to push in one direction. ‘ DHARMENDRA PRADHAN By adopting the energy efficient equipment and techniques, we can save valuable money, much needed for the nation’s development and providing basic amenities to the rural masses. Crude oil worth about Rs 6 lakh crore is imported annually, and if the energy efficient techniques could bring down the consumption by even 10%, it will usher in a big change. Indian culture and civilization have always encouraged the spirit of well being of all, and it is our duty that we act as trustees for the future generation, and use the resources sagely. He said that My slogan 'Hum, Tum, Paani – Ek Kahaani', implying that in our lives everything revolves around water and all our life stories are linked to water. Today glaciers are retreating, resulting in flooding of rivers during monsoon and drying up of the rivers in other seasons. The situation, if not controlled now, would lead to permanent drying up of rivers and displacing population around the region which is being supported by such water sources. This could lead to social disorder. There is sufficient water for India's consumption, and the technology and means to conserve it but what is lacking is the will to achieve the goal. ‘ NAINA LAL KIDWAI Inadequate access to freshwater is one of the biggest limiting factors in the development process of any country. India is facing serious and persistent water resource crisis. The simultaneous effects of agricultural growth, industrialization and urbanization coupled with declining surface and groundwater quantity, intra and interstate water disputes, and inefficiencies in water use practices are some of the crucial problems faced by India's water sector. Effective water resources management must be underpinned by knowledge and understanding of the availability of the resource itself, the uses to which water it is put and the challenges facing the users of water at all levels of stakeholders. This can be done by creating mass awareness on the measures that can be taken to address the challenges affecting every living being. Point of View CAN MODI GET OVER VOTE-BANK I ndia as a nation has a large potential with an ever swelling talent pool of youth waiting ready to give wings to their dreams and bring about a transformation. However, the potential have remained captive or on papers only due to the polity and votebank politics that has eaten up meritocracy and bred nepotism and mediocrity. While it is easy to blame politicians, the fact is vote-bank politics has turned out to be India’s biggest bane. Take for example Indian Railways, an organization that boasts of one of the largest railway networks in the world carrying daily a population bigger than the population of Australia. Headed by a veteran and shrewd politician under UPA I Lalu Prasad Yadav, railways mastered the art to come up with jugglery of numbers. To keep a section happy, railways operated at costs that were not in sync with times. Fare hike was spiked and new figures conjured up to show railways was progressing and on way to be world’s best. A trick that became the order of time as UPA 2 could not muster courage to undo it under successive railway ministers from Congress to Trinamool. Projects were diverted on regional bias and trains run on unproductive sectors. In a bid to appease a section and keep passenger fares static, railways ended up compromising on safety, services and modernization. So much so that its contemporaries have leapfrogged and regular hike in freight fares to cross-subsidize operations, railways lost a substantial amount of freight movement to road and air cargo. Trinamool’s Dinesh Trivedi who took over the ministry, albeit for a short time, was the only person in UPA rule who understood the rot and tried to rationalize passenger fares, but he poor man lost his job. Likewise, vote-bank politics is an albatross stalling India’s take off. After coming to power on great expectations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet must understand that this is a vote for change and more than a vote for BJP or RSS it is a vote for Modi and against Congress. So, Prime Minister must ensure that he is able to take the challenge and bring about a change. Delivery is the key here and he has to keep in mind the fact that people’s patience also wear out soon. He has to bring about a change, a tangible change. Though 100 days is no time to judge performance of any government, Modi has made some positive beginnings by making the bureaucracy accountable and responsive. Officials and Union ministers are regularly visiting their offices and putting in hard work as the Prime Minister has set the pace. Moreover, most ministries have a task, now. A action-plan for future. Hope this would bring about some tangible changes that would make life of common man easy. Can he get over vote-bank politics, only time would tell. Dr. Shiv Kumar Rai Editor-in-Chief 5 Point Out Arun Jaitley @arunjaitley Amit Shah @AmitShahOffice Kiran Bedi @thekiranbedi Our jawans are fully prepared to respond to any ceasefire violations by Pakistan. By working hard again , BJP will achieve 2/3rd majority in 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls Will b a unique experience for school children to hear their own @PMOIndia on Sept 5th,Teachers' Day. Most fondly recall च।च। Nehru days!! Smriti Z Irani @smritiirani Proud of the achievements of team IIT Project Sandhi, a science & heritage initiative and;sustaining and developing habitat initiative. Anandiben Patel @anandibenpatel Guj & Japan have long-standing relationship. Inaugurated Japanese TOTO group’s biggest Ceramics Sanitary Ware production plant in South Asia Gulzar @GulzarPoetry naap ke, waqt bhara jaata hai, har ret ghadi mein ik taraf khaali ho jab phir se ulat dete hain usko umr jab khatm ho.... 6 TWITTERATI september 2014 Farhan Akhtar @FarOutAkhtar Stand up for something, even if it means standing alone. Remember, the one with the strongest wings has the courage to fly solo. digvijaya singh @digvijaya_28 How we can improve Teachers status in Society ? Nation wanted to know what were PM's views on these issues not how long he would be a PM ! Chetan Bhagat @chetan_bhagat I'll tell you what is stupid. Keeping an expensive President's office with no real powers in a parliamentary democracy. PRIYANKA @priyankachopra Mixed emotions r so confusing.. Long day..full of nerves and bundles of thoughts.Even my feet r not carrying me to my bed...miss u dad.. Subramanian Swamy @Swamy39 Met the Delhi Police Commissioner and raised the issue of Sunanda murder. Soon will meet HM. Then SIT. Sadhguru@SadhguruJV Without discrimination by caste, religion, gender, or race, we want to offer a spiritual process to every human being on the planet. 7 Point Out NATIONAL PANORAMA BJP-SHIV SENA ALLIANCE ROCKED In the run up to assembly elections in Maharashtra, dispute over seat sharing and chief ministership row have rocked the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. So much so, that some senior state BJP leaders said they want to call the Sena bluff and want the party should go alone in the polls. Well, BJP high command is taking stock of the situation but Uddhav Thackeray has already made matters worse by throwing his hat in the ring for the post of chief minister and demanding 119 seats in the state. On the eve of national Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah’s maiden visit to Mumbai ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, tension was palpable between the saffron allies. State BJP chief Devendra Fadnavis skipped an event he was meant to attend with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. Shiv Sena had already set the tone by publicly criticising the BJP in an editorial in party newspaper Saamna. However, Saamna pointed to problems within the alliance. It criticised the BJP for supporting the call for a separate Vidarbha, which the Shiv Sena has always opposed. “Whether it is the BJP or anyone else, we will not allow anyone to fulfil their dream of dividing Maharashtra,” the editorial said. Keeping the alliance on track is a big challenge for Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah for if they rock the boat by walking out of the alliance it would hurt prospects of both BJP and Sena badly. The combine was projected to get to power in polls but in case the saffron parties decide to part way it would make the state contest a quadrangular one between NCP, Congress, BJP and Sena. Congress-NCP combine is likely to benefit from the split in saffron ranks. Congress-NCP alliance is also under strain over failure of both partners to agree on seat sharing. NCP has made it evident that it would not mind contesting the assembly elections on its own. Sharad Pawar is said to be wary of carrying the baggage of UPA-2 scams and non-performance to the state polls. Maharashtra Congress chief Manikrao Thakre said they had put the ball in NCP's court and said Pawar's party is yet to give a "positive response" to the former's proposal for seat-sharing. WATER SPORT PROJECT IN MIRAMAR BEACH GOA The Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (Independent charge ) Shripad Naik has said that the Central Government gives more thrust on strengthening infrastructure for tourism to make India as tourism hub in the world and therefore has decided to develop various ports through which cruise tourism can be enhanced. Naik stated this at a function of laying of foundation stone for New Passenger Terminal Building at Mormugao Port Trust Vasco. Naik further speaking said that the Central Government realizing the touristic potential of state and has agreed and Sanctioned developmental projects like Hotel Management Institute at Farmagudi, Water sport project at Miramar and IIT center, AIMS center, convention center etc. He assured his full cooperation for the development of tourism in Goa. ANDHRA PRADSH IT REVOLUTION After bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, India's second-largest information technology hub Hyderabad, now became part of Telangana state. N Chandrababu Naidu government will unleash an IT revolution across Andhra Pradesh. Information Technology Minister Palle Raghunath Reddy said, “We will develop IT sector in all the regions of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad will continue as joint capital of both the states for 10 years and after that it will fully become part and parcel of Telangana state. IT minister said the 8 september 2014 Andhra government has envisaged three missions for the development of IT, hardware and electronics in the state.” Andhra Pradesh has become the first state where cabinet meetings are paperless and all ministers use ipads, notes. Last fortnight state ministers were invited for the cabinet meeting with briefs about their departments but not on papers but on their tabs. Well, the move has envinced interest among the Narendra Modi led-NDA government at the Centre that is also looking into the details. NEW POWER POLICY ON CARDS Uttarakhand government is working on a new power policy which will encourage local entrepreneurship in the power sector and hand over maintenance of micro and small hydel projects to the gram sabhas, Chief Minister Harish Rawat said. Directives have been issued to the power department to draft a policy which encourages involvement of locals in the power sector, especially in micro and small hydro- electricity projects ranging from 2 mw to 25 mw, Rawat told reporters. Under the proposed policy, Gram Sabhas will be entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining hydel projects with a capacity of producing 2MW of power. To encourage local entrepreneurship in the power sector, the new policy will seek to give priority to locals in allotment of micro and small hydel projects through competitive bidding, the Chief Minister who also holds charge of the power department said. Entrepreneurs in the plains will have the freedom to use 25% of the power produced by their projects in the manner they deem fit while those in the hills will have the liberty to use 50% of the power produced by them, he said. Chief minister also announced that a five-member resource mobilisation committee headed by former chief secretary Indu Kumar Pandey has been constituted to explore ways for optimum utilisation of the state's resources. A three-month timeframe has been given to the panel to submit its report on resource mobilisation which may be extended to six months. Rebutting BJP MP Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank's charge of poor arrangements on Nanda Devi Raj Jat yatra route, Rawat without naming him said it was no mean achievement that thousands of people participated in a pilgrimage which passes through locations situated at a height of 16,700 ft above the sea level. "It is a unique feat which is bound to impress anyone who hears about it in the country and abroad," he said. 9 MADHYA PRADESH LEADING THE PACK Madhya Pradesh outpaced all the major states to top the economic growth charts with a scorching 11 per cent growth in 2013-14 - a year when India recorded its second successive year of sub-5 per cent growth in the gross domestic product. What is noteworthy is that high growth in Madhya Pradesh has happened despite the state’s industrial growth slipping to a new low during the year. Led by largely an agricultural boost and expansion by the services sector, Madhya Pradesh’s surge to the top has forced Bihar - which had been topping the growth charts in the last few years - to the third spot, with Uttarakhand moving up to second place. According to CSO data, Madhya Pradesh’s gross state domestic product (GSDP) registered a double-digit growth of 11.08 per cent at constant prices, up from 9.9 per cent in 2012-13. In March 2014, its GSDP stood at Rs 2,38,530 crore. The state has been showing a strong growth of above nine per cent since 2009-10, most of it on account of a high growth in the agriculture and allied sector, supplemented by a modest growth in the services sector. CM TAKESS LOKSAMVAD SETU TO MEET PEOPLE As a part of the ongoing ‘Loksamvad Setu’ drive, one such programme was organised in Dhari taluka of Amreli district of Gujarat, where Chief Minister. Anandiben Patel directly addressed pubic grievances and resolved more than 170 issues on the spot. During this programme Patel stressed on achieving the goal of 100% in-house toilet facility in every home. She appealed the women to take up the responsibility of this movement and spread awareness about the same. She said that the news of more and more women pledging for 100% toilet facility depicts the success of Loksamvad Setu initiatives. VIKRAM VARSITY VC ATTACKED In a re-run of late Prof HS Sabhrawal case of 2006, workers of saffron outfits the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal allegedly ransacked office of Vikram University vice-chancellor Jawahar Lal Kaul and also misbehaved with him after he made a plea to help flood-hit Kashmiri students studying at the university. Kaul was taken ill in the commotion and was rushed to the hospital. It may be recalled that Professor H S Sabharwal died of cardiac arrest in Ujjain after he was allegedly manhandled by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) workers in August 2006. Meanwhile, after a 48-hour delay, Ujjain police arrested a dozen hooligans for ransacking VC’s office. The saffron workers were protesting against Kaul's statement that people in Madhya Pradesh should waive-off rent of Kashmiri students studying in the state due to the flood situation in that state. However, Kaul's statement angered saffron workers who questioned why people like him did not issue similar statements when floods hit Uttarakhand and Gujarat states, the police official said. Point Out 10 september 2014 COVER STORY MODI SETTING THE TONE Modi surely knows the burden of expectations he is carrying along and hence he started with measured steps after assuming office to limit his cabinet council to a small group and have a bureaucracy that would be efficient and decisive. Though 100 days is too little a time to judge anyone’s performance, leave apart Prime Minister’s working but the fact is Modi has no luxury of time. At least he has to show some tangible results sooner than expected. 11 Point Out »»point out team N arendra Modi came to power on great expectations after the electorate endured a near nonfunctional UPA 2 government, especially in its second half that hit common man with prices of essential commodities hitting the sky, job generation down and corruption eating into available resources and schemes. The thumping majority BJP-led NDA received from across the country clearly suggested that the nation voted for a change, a change not just in government or the Prime Minister and his council of ministers but a change in governance. Simply speaking people want a government that is functional, efficient and not static, where policies are people-friendly and benefits reach out to the targeted rather than ending up in the coffers of select high and mighty. A government, whose policies provide equal opportunity for survival and growth to a landless farmer or labrourer in the remotest part of the country to the biggest businessman settled in India’s metro. A daunting task easier said than to achieve, given the limited time, vast landscape and rich cultural and linguistic diversity of India. 12 september 2014 COVER STORY The thumping majority BJP-led NDA received from across the country clearly suggested that the nation voted for a change, a change not just in government or the Prime Minister and his council of ministers but a change in governance. Simply speaking people want a government that is functional, efficient and not static, where policies are people-friendly and benefits reach out to the targeted rather than ending up in the coffers of select high and mighty. A government, whose policies provide equal opportunity for survival and growth to a landless farmer or labrourer in the remotest part of the country to the biggest businessman settled in India’s metro. But it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who as the leading BJP campaigner went around re-kindling hopes of a billion or more people. Now, he has to live up to their reputation and cannot falter. Moreover, though he has five years to deliver his promises and bring about a radical change who better than him would know that people’s memory is short and they want a quick fix to some of their problems. Modi surely knows the burden of expectations he is carrying along and hence he started with measured steps after assuming office to limit his cabinet council to a small group and have a bureaucracy that would be efficient and decisive. Though 100 days is too little a time to judge anyone’s performance, leave apart Prime Minister’s working but the fact is Modi has no luxury of time. At least he has to show some tangible results sooner than expected. Realising this he made a reasonable beginning. His decision to keep a lean cabinet and to club all similar functioning ministries makes sense to cut down time and improve delivery. Likewise, despite Opposition rants about the bureaucracy becoming powerful, the fact that officials have been shaken from lethargy and forced to work at a brisk pace augurs well for the future. If the government and its policies have to succeed, bureaucracy needs to be empowered and motivated. He has set the pace and tone of working by reaching office early in the morning and continuing to work late forcing ministers and babus to follow. Likewise, with one of his early decisions to do away with all 21 group of ministers (GoM) and 9 empowered group of ministers (EGoM), Modi has shed the UPA baggage that often ended holding up projects rather than ensuring smooth facilitation. Some of the initiatives Modi government took in the last 100 days are as follows- LOOKING AROUND IN NEIGHBOURHOOD Like former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who once famously said in Lahore, "We can change history but not geography. We can change our friends but not our neighbours,” the fact remains India will have to live with its neighbours. To ensure peace and prosperity in the region countries 13 To make a new beginning Modi seized the initiative by inviting heads of SAARC nations for his swearing-in. Moreover, government’s efforts have been to bridge the trust deficit and take along neighbouring countries of Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives. Prime Minister has made successful visits to Bhutan and Nepal and is expected to visit Sri Lanka while foreign minister Sushma Swaraj has went around Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in a bid to improve ties and push development. in neighbourhood needs to have confidence and faith in each other. To make a new beginning Modi seized the initiative by inviting heads of SAARC nations for his swearing-in. Moreover, government’s efforts have been to bridge the trust deficit and take along neighbouring countries of Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives. Prime Minister has made successful visits to Bhutan and Nepal and is expected to visit Sri Lanka while foreign minister Sushma Swaraj has went around Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in a bid to improve ties and push development. His policy to use Japanese technology to upgrade skills and shortcomings India and a successful visit to Japan has set the tone for a new and challenging foreign policy change. On Pakistan, government has shown some assertiveness by calling off Foreign Secretary –level talks after Pakistan High Commissioner to India spoke to Kashmiri separatists ahead of the talks. Point Out DECISIVE GOVERNMENT Has abolished the 30 group of ministers (GoM) to ensure efficient working and empowering ministries to push and decide on development agendas. A strict austerity measure is being followed whereby foreign travel by ministers and babus are under check and so are all new purchases exceeding beyond Rs 1 lakh. TACKLING BLACK MONEY A special investigation team headed by Justice (retired) MB Shah to unearth black money has been set up. SIT has prepared a comprehensive action plan, including creation of 14 september 2014 COVER STORY To improve efficiency and safety, get better trains and to cut down travel time the government decided to hike FDI cap in railways to 100%. A bullet train on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route has been proposed. an institutional structure that could enable India to fight the battle against black money. UNION, RAILWAY BUDGET Union Budget presented by Finance Minister failed to bring out any major transformation but since the first quarter of the financial year had already passed and interim allocations were already made before the budget was presented hardly gave him space to maneuver. One will have to wait for his second budget for clarity. Railway budget for a change promised a lot with minister Sadanand Gowda hitting at some of ills plaguing the organization. To improve efficiency and safety, get better trains and to cut down travel time the government decided to hike FDI cap in railways to Infrastructure, a sector neglected in the last 10 years under the Congress-led UPA rule is all set to benefit in Modi rule. Government has attracted large-scale investments in infrastructural sector by reviving the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), streamlining the Public Private Partnership (PPP) models and creating Infrastructural Investment Trusts (InvITs). 100%. A bullet train on the MumbaiAhmedabad route has been proposed. INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT Infrastructure, a sector neglected in the last 10 years under the Congress-led UPA rule is all set to benefit in Modi rule. Government has attracted large-scale investments in infrastructural sector by reviving the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), streamlining the Public Private Partnership (PPP) models and creating Infrastructural Investment Trusts (InvITs). Work for the ambitious Diamond Quadrilateral rail network — connecting major metros across the country — is in the full swing. Government has laid the groundwork for its ambitious ‘100 smart cities’ project. To develop infrastructure in rural areas, the Government has launched Syama Prasad Mookerjee Rurban Mission and Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana. The Government is also working on strengthening and modernising the border infrastructure. SACKING OF GOVERNORS Not deviating from the tradition of a shake-up at Raj Bhawans whenever a new dispensation is in power at the Centre, Modi government too did its bid. Some governors have been shunted out and others transferred. FINANCIAL INCLUSION Named Pradhan Mantri Jan Dha Yojna, this scheme aims to provide banking facility to every Indian. This will help people to get benefits of direct transfer without have to go through middlemen or making rounds of offices. 15 Point Out WHAT COVER STORY THEY SAY ? Sonia Gandhi, AICC president Have prices fallen? “People will give a reply to whether prices (of essential commodities) have gone down or not,”. Anand Sharma, Congress leader Modi is a dream merchant, who came to power by selling false hopes. “Mr Modi sold false dreams, that cannot be realised. He promised all things to all people. Rahul Gandhi did not do it. He did not give false assurances and refused to be a dream merchant. Rahul is sincere and hence he did not do all this,” promotion of a work culture nurtured by distrust and fear. People are not at all happy with the BJP Government at the Centre for not fulfilling the promises made during the Lok Sabha polls, particularly on controlling the rising prices of essential commodities. Earlier, the people were forced to listen to achche din aanewale hain (good days are coming. And they were made to believe it. Mulayam Singh Yadav, SP chief Always note, the BJP and Narendra Modi are experts in making tall but false promises and lying. Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) leader Koi lauta de mere beete huye din, this famous song of Kishore Kumar is being hummed on the streets by the people after 100 days of Narendra Modi government. The 100 days story of this government has proved to be disappointing, characterized by non-fulfillment of promises, undermining of institutions, the compromising of administration and governance and 16 september 2014 Tariq Anwar, Lok Sabha MP and NCP General Secretary Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress chief Acche din nehi, ronek a din aa gaya. The BJP government has committed no less than 100 mistakes in 100 days. They have sold the country in 100 days. Out of 100 days, 90 days have been spent in foreign trips. He is beating his own drums. We don't believe in publicity but he is more into that kind of thing. One thing should be remembered that this is India and you have to move with everyone Siddharth Birla, president FICCI Modi’s Independence Day speech was a clear enough signal to investors - both domestic and global - to make India a global manufacturing and export hub. We are now confident the 'Make in India' and 'Made in India' vision will be supported by the requisite policy and implementation of measures to enhance the competitiveness of our manufacturing sector. Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons Modi has a track record of being a doer. What he's done in Gujarat is for everyone to see. He has a huge task nevertheless in turning around the economy to growthoriented, rather than control-oriented one. We'll have to give him a little more time. I am very hopeful he will turn things around. 17 Point Out COVER STORY PICTURE ABHI BAKI HAI »»ASHISH CHAUHAN I t was evident from the beginning that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to break many conventions to do what is right for the country. Even at the time of his swearing in ceremony, he invited heads of the neighbouring countries. It was unprecedented and was opposed by many within his party and also from various heads of states. 18 september 2014 However, he had realised that if we need a well functioning democracy and prosperous high growth economy, we need to have good relations with our neighbours. It is important to take a review of progress every now and then for any activity. More importantly for a government that promised change and from which expectations are very high. A society used to waiting for a miracle cure for all ills is a difficult customer to service for any government. Moreover, the myriad channels of formal and informal communications have made the environment heavy with expectations. Therefore taking a stock of achievements after 100 days of the government is not an easy task. The question to ask is what could a government possibly do in 100 days? and compare to that what the government has actually done? In the first few months of its regime, government can make its priorities clear either through announcements or by policy initiatives or both. The new government seems to have made its priorities clear especially with the budget and more importantly during the Independent Day address of the Prime Minister. Given the pronouncements and subsequent policy and executive actions including Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojna, the new government is trying to take up some extremely ambitious but achievable projects in a time bound manner. The opening up of banking sector to entire population is a welcome step. However the scale of execution has been mind boggling. In a single day, on September 28, on the launch day of Prime Minister's Jan Dean scheme, more than 1.5 crore bank accounts were opened. The target of achieving xx crore accounts is expected to be completed in 5 months instead of 6 months as originally planned. On its own, the scheme looks huge. However when you look at it as a part of the larger framework of providing direct subsidies and help to poor in urban and rural areas, you start admiring the way the breath taking vision of reaching out to every Indian - especially poor and helpless Indian directly - has been worked out in a step by step manner. This approach of breaking down each large, seemingly humongous activity in to various sub-activities and work towards meticulously achieving them to arrive at the end goal seems to be the hall mark of Narendra Modi as an administrator. He achieves what he sets out to do however arduous the tasks. He did it in Gujarat for more than a decade. He will do it in India. The new government therefore looks to come out with many such schemes one after another. One more interesting facet of management is project management group. A project management group seems to have been set up to monitor projects above Rs 1,000 crore anywhere in India. A portal has been set up on which all projects are managed. Everyone can see what is happening to their project’s approvals through Center and state-level agencies. Automation of work and transparency has been even enhanced by taking it to different state-level agencies as well as the central agencies. As a part of this framework, the environment ministry launched its own portal to track the progress of applications submitted to it. All the various portals are getting integrated. Even states are cooperating not only in projects of more than Rs 1,000 crore monitoring but also are in the process of setting up their own portals to monitor Rs 100 to Rs 1000 crore worth projects. The states are also setting up their own project monitoring groups. These projects are not only public sector projects but also private sector projects. In future one can expect many such groups tracking implementation of many of the development and private activities. It's a work man like framework taken from private sector for achieving results and modified for Government to act as a catalyst and a service provider. Initial success of this framework will give a huge boost to making India the easiest place to do business rather than one of the most difficult places to do business. Getting the dream of make in India can be easily fulfilled if we are able to implement the projects. Currently the pmg is monitoring 19 In the first few months of its regime, government can make its priorities clear either through announcements or by policy initiatives or both. The new government seems to have made its priorities clear especially with the budget and more importantly during the Independent Day address of the Prime Minister. more than Rs 6 lakh crore of projects. Announcement to dismantle Planning Commission, seen as the architect of India’s growth and development and setting up a new framework to monitor the policies and their implementation will go a long way in establishing a parity between center and states in a federal democracy. We need to wait and watch the final contours of the new mechanism and organisation structure being put in place going forward in this regard. Swacch Bharat is another ambitious project that has been announced. I am sure with the same meticulous planing and execution framework in a step by step way, India will be able to achieve availability of toilets in almost all households in near future. Getting different countries like Japan, China, UK, US, Singapore to invest in different parts and different projects in India is expected to be another game changer. Frequent visit of PM To foreign shores is perhaps due to the same to convince the government's and business community in these countries to take India as an important destinations to produce the goods and Services. Foreign investments upto 49% in defence and liberalisation of foreign investment in several sectors including insurance etc are giving indications of fast moving policy directions. Creating 30 crore new jobs in next 20 years in India is the most important project India has. All the efforts are being put in place to accelerate and enhance job creation in near future and sustain it. Notwithstanding the high expectations raised by media, Indian public seems to be in a mood to wait and give him a lot more time to perform. There are several other projects and changes in the way. The big bang announcements which the western educated audience is looking for may not happen in the same way they expect. However even more ambitious, even larger, more important to India projects will be undertaken and executed within time and cost. That is the promise and that is what will be delivered. We have seen a trailer in 100 days. That is sufficient to convince me to say 'picture to abhi baki hai mere dost'. »»(The author is MD & CEO of BSE LTD. He has over 22 years of experience in Financial Markets and technology. Ashish holds a B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Bombay and PGDM from IIM Calcutta) Point Out COVER STORY STRENGTHENING THE DEFENCE The signals have been strong and positive, witness this statement from Modi: “This Government is not just about promises.” Suiting action to words he has made some noteworthy visits, to the new Indian aircraft carrier Vikramaditya, to Leh where he addressed army units on the Line of Actual Control and to Mumbai where he flagged off the first Kolkata class destroyer. 20 september 2014 21 Point Out »»SURYA GANGADHARAN O n the surface, there’s nothing to suggest the Modi Government is taking defence lightly. The signals have been strong and positive, witness this statement from Modi: “This Government is not just about promises.” Suiting action to words he has made some noteworthy visits, to the new Indian aircraft carrier Vikramaditya, to Leh where he addressed 22 september 2014 COVER STORY Efforts to correct the poor material state are underway but will take time given the policy and procurement paralysis of the last decade. The import bill may not see an immediate decline since Indian industry, whether in the public or private sector, lacks state of art technology that would enable India to go it alone in military manufacture. The import bill may not see an immediate decline since Indian industry, whether in the public or private sector, lacks state of art technology that would enable India to go it alone in military manufacture. army units on the Line of Actual Control and to Mumbai where he flagged off the first Kolkata class destroyer. His Finance Minister Arun Jaitley doesn’t appear to have let the demands of the first affect his handling of the other portfolio, Defence. In policy terms he has fixed 49% as the limit for FDI with options for higher levels in the case of state of art technology. Private industry could be finally getting its due: The tender for 197 light utility helicopters was scrapped and will be re-tendered with private Indian 23 firms getting first shot at it. A Rs 25,000 crore tender for amphibious warfare vessels will go to private yards L&T, ABG and Pipavav. He has also cleared the decks for the navy to go in for maritime helicopters where Sikorsky is the likely frontrunner. But beyond the nuts and bolts of procurement there are other serious issues that the government needs to address, says Commodore Uday Bhaskar, well known naval and strategic analyst: “The challenge lies in implementing new policies in the Ministry of Defence and addressing the many imbalances that were inherited from the UPA. “The spectrum of issues that need urgent attention,” he says, “range from the poor material state of all three armed forces, particularly the shrinking ammunition stocks of the army, and a burgeoning import bill with no credible alternative to frayed civil-military relations and the disturbing perception of a decline in moral fibre of the military.” Efforts to correct the poor material state are underway but will take time given the policy and procurement paralysis of the last decade. The import bill may not see an immediate decline since Indian industry, whether in the public or private sector, lacks state of art technology that would enable India to go it alone in military manufacture. There are however, several projects underway that currently show promise: The DRDO is developing a new 155mm towed artillery gun; a hybrid self propelled gun called Catapult is now at an advanced stage of trials; Indian shipyards have orders totaling over 40 ships of all kinds; the Project 75I line of indigenous submarines will now be done at home with a foreign OEM; the LCA Tejas continues to move ahead although the Mark-I variant will not fulfill the IAF’s requirements (but the Mark-II variant is expected to meet the IAF’s benchmarks). Tatas has developed an infantry combat vehicle in collaboration with a foreign OEM that could meet the army’s requirements. The real slog may lie elsewhere: The moral fibre of the military is under strain. Rumours and leaks hinted at a concerted effort by former navy chiefs to derail Admiral DK Joshi and ensure his replacement by someone else favoured because of his “community connections”. Fingers have been pointed at the former army chief for some questionable appointments to key commands. The officer-jawan relationship is not as healthy as it should be. Other issues relate to the Defence Ministry, which needs a full time minister. There is a problem here in that years of being in the Opposition has left the BJP with limited “bench strength”. But not all are convinced about that. "I am not convinced that there is a talent crunch," said Pratap Bhanu Mehta, president of the New Delhi-based Centre for Policy Research. "The question is whether the government is looking for something more than talent. Does the question of loyalty come in, as in, do you want to avoid people who could turn out to be a little more independent? This is what seems to be happening across the board." Then there’s the ticklish issue of transforming the Defence Ministry to enable it to take on the role where it provides strategic direction to the men in uniform. It means integrating the forces with the MoD vis a vis the current situation where the Armed Forces are outside the MoD. Making this happen in a manner whereby the MoD rises to fulfill its proper role is easier said than done. Are India’s politicians and bureaucracy ready for a Chief of Defence Staff? Will the nation’s national security get the attention and priority it deserves? Mr Modi’s actions will be keenly watched. Point Out BY INVITE MSME : LIFE LINE OF ECONOMY If we take a look globally, MSME density is the highest in Brunei, Indonesia and Paraguay (as per research figures in 2010-2011) with economies having higher per capita GDP witnessing more formalized MSME structures and support per 1000 people, Thereby business density having a positive correlation with per capita income. »»MEENAKSHI LEKHI W hen making economic choices, would you choose to expand the tax base from 6% to a much larger number, create enterprise and jobs worth several crores and ensure financial credit reaches serious industry? Or would you support status quo? As we get into a phase of development, whether political or economics, but the choice to support and aid development is one that determines our actions – and one of the most crucial industries or sectors that comes into the picture are Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise. They are the lifeline of any economy that is looking at well-rounded, fast paced and holistic development as it ushers in new growth targets and a new dawn. As per the MSME Development Act of 2006, MSME’s in India were identifiable solely on initial investment – with different figures for services and manufacturing. A micro enterprise is defined as one with an initial investment of under 25 lacs INR for 24 september 2014 manufacturing and under 10 lacs INR for services. A small enterprise is one with an investment between 25 lacs and 5 crores specifically for manufacturing while a medium enterprise is between 5 and 10 crores. If we take a look globally, MSME density is the highest in Brunei, Indonesia and Paraguay (as per research figures in 2010-2011) with economies having higher per capita GDP witnessing more formalized MSME structures and support per 1000 people, Thereby business density having a positive correlation with per capita income. New Definitions To create conditions where MSMEs in India come up to world standards of efficacy and get the necessary support, definitions must be looked into going ahead. Unlike the Indian framework, EU identifies MSMEs based on turnover with a check on number of employees. In such a scenario, an interesting statistic in the European Union is that 99% of all enterprise are MSME’s, with the absolute count at over 20 million. As per EU standards, micro enterprises have under 10 employees and upto 16 crore Euro turnover, small have less than 50 employees with an increased turnover of under 80 crores Euro and the number becomes 250 employees and upto 344 crores in the case of Medium Sized. One look at our neighbour China and their MSMEs drive 80% of all employment within the country. India’s statistics on this are in the gray area with only 6% of Indians as pan card holders, 3% as tax paying and a large unregistered set-up where basics such as electricity, microcredit and research support cannot make it to the micro and small enterprises. Catalog – for best interest of Govt and MSME A catalog is essential from the government’s point of view to create a database that may then be intelligently studied with appropriate changes put forward in the best manner. As per a business article dated 3rd June 2014, India has one of the highest number of ‘Shadow Companies’ - organizations which are not registered with any government department – and at 127 shadow companies for 1 registered company, that number is fairly alarming. In Germany, every enterprise - MSME or large – has to register itself before start of operations declaring type of business, no of employees, total assets and total sales for the year, going ahead and compulsorily, year on year. This data, then needs to be activated, to understand partnership companies as well as create opportunities for loan, support and CSR. Technology and Credit Another recommendation is technological upgradation, to make the MSME Indian website more approachable, with an ease of understanding. Presently, classification and other such details are presented in a manner complex to even a highly qualified person and moreover, the absence of regional language interpretations online acts as a deterrent especially for micro and small enterprise. With 22 Indian languages, a target and timeline must be set out to reach out to all via translations – intelligent translations. The 2006 Act also provisioned that the advisory committee look into level of employment, class of enterprise and international standard linkages. Within 25 the domestic context, upgradation, enhanced competitiveness and the possibility of promoting or diffusing entrepreneurship in such enterprises was also to be looked into. A catalog would be an enabling scenario to help reach out to such enterprises and understand the nature of support required. A research paper on MSME in 2010 by World Bank and International Finance Corporation indicated that key obstacles to MSMEs were access to finance at appropriate times, corruption, inadequately educated workforce and competitive practices from the informal/unregistered enterprise. Skill Building and the Budget’s provision for Skill India Towards the same, Skill Building will not only provide the necessary trained labour force to MSME, but also build skill within the youth our country – one of the highest demographics going into this decade. In Germany, for example, about 5,00,000 companies are involved to give practical training to over 30 lac personnel. China has 500,000 Skill Training Centres. with70% are in Rural China and an estimated 600 lac apprentices at any given time across urban and rural. In sharp contrast at home, we had only 5500 centres in 2007 and even the provision to double them would leave us gapingly short. In parallel, bringing the Apprentice Act up to date as well as seriously working on increasing the no of Apprentices from 2.6 lacs to a considerable figures are short-run targets and the creation of Skill India must create tangible deadlines towards the same. In India we only have 11,000 ITI’s & ITC’s and under the previous political regime, we only had 5,500 centres. While the number has doubled in the past 7 years, it is still quite low and also requires corresponding changes in the Apprentice Act. Considering the intrinsic nature of MSME’s to economic development, the focus on micro and small enterprise is essential especially with the point of view of encouraging entrepreneurship in both the rural and urban context. With the new government in the centre, the mood is optimistic that changes will be put into place and in the necessary areas of supportive rather than restrictive policies, youth encouragement (also via setting up a fund for start-ups) and better credit and financing mechanisms. And then the onus will rest upon the youth and such MSMEs to create self-reliant conditions, innovative enterprise and best responses to positive policies. »»(The author is the Member of parliament in Lok Sabha from New Delhi & National Spokesperson of the BJP) Point Out India Japan FRUITS OF LOOKING EAST “The personal bonhomie between Modi and Abe is a larger signal to China about the Delhi-Tokyo potential. Japan’s commitment to invest $35 bn over five years in India may even spark a competition with China to India’s benefit.” 26 september 2014 »»SURYA GANGADHARAN W as the prime minister eating shredded dhokla from a bowl using chopsticks during his recent visit to Japan? Or was it some other Gujarati delicacy? The question remained unanswered but Modi’s preference for Gujarati vegetarian fare is well known. The Japanese on the other hand, are known to eat anything that moves! More to the point, what did Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan achieve? “In geopolitical terms it has considerable relevance,” says Dr Swaran Singh, Japan scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University and a visiting scholar at Hiroshima University. “The personal bonhomie between Modi and Abe is a larger signal to China about the Delhi-Tokyo potential. Japan’s commitment to invest $35 bn over five years in India may even spark a competition with China to India’s benefit.” But looking at the fine print, it’s clear that India and Japan have a long way to go. As a senior MEA diplomat put it: “The figure of $35 bn is great for headlines but we were expecting something much more given the scale of our requirements.” Much of the Japanese investment is in soft areas: the Shinkansen or bullet trains, health sector, city modernization, cleaning of the Ganga and skills development. In the “hard strategic sectors” the Japanese proved cautious and unyielding. An agreement on cooperation in the nuclear sector remains unfinished with both sides committed to continuing the negotiations. This is a setback as Japanese industry supplies many of the special steels and materials that go into the construction of nuclear reactors. So if India wishes to operationalise the nuclear agreements with France (Areva) and the US (Westinghouse), Japan’s cooperation is crucial. Tokyo has muted its insistence on India signing the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. But it wants India to agree to a moratorium on paper (and is not willing to accept the indirect formulation that saw the India-US nuclear deal go through). Indian diplomats say Modi was hopeful his personal chemistry with Abe and a spoken commitment 27 DEFINING MOMENT IN OUR RELATIONSHIP : FICCI C ommenting on the visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan, Sidharth Birla, President, FICCI said “This visit marks a defining moment in our relationship and will be registered in history as one that significantly elevated the level of engagement between India and Japan across areas. The agreements that have been signed and the understanding achieved under the guidance and leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe will bring the two countries closer in both strategic and economic spheres.” We are particularly enthused about the launch of the Japan India Investment Promotion Partnership under which the two sides have agreed to double the flow of FDI into India and the number of Japanese companies over the next five years. FICCI firmly believes that we must encourage greater export oriented FDI from Japan into India and this visit of PM has laid the groundwork for the same. Japan has committed to realise total financial flows of close to 3.5 trillion Yen into India over the next five years in projects that would form the building blocks of India’s growth such as smart cities, transport systems, clean energy, skill development and food processing”, added Sidharth Birla. Besides economic and strategic connects, the two sides have also laid great emphasis on promoting people to people contact. Promoting tourism, youth exchanges, educational collaboration and cultural exchanges are integral to the growth of our relationship and our leaders have expressed their determination to further enhance the same”, he added. Point Out India Japan Modi and Abe’s personal chemistry helps lay the ground in Washington when Modi visits. It also sends signals to China ahead of President Xi Jinping’s visit and expect Modi to underscore the “personal equation” when Xi lands in Ahmedabad on the first leg of his India tour. from him would see things through but clearly, there’s work to be done in that area. On the US-2i amphibious aircraft, Modi insisted on co-production, which the Japanese are yet to accept. There’s also a point being made internally within the Indian Navy, that when the Japanese use few numbers of these admittedly expensive aircraft, should India jump in (in fact in 2007, the navy had issued an RFP for amphibians and seven bidders 28 september 2014 responded but the nothing came of that). Dr Swaran Singh believes that Modi sees himself as being around for at least 10 years, giving himself enough time to lay the ground for a breakthrough maybe later in his first term or even in the second. In fact, Modi, and Abe (also China’s President Xi Jinping and Australia’s Tony Abbott) are seen as powerful nationalist leaders, pro business in outlook, determined to do what is necessary for their nations to get ahead. Modi and Abe’s personal chemistry helps lay the ground in Washington when Modi visits. It also sends signals to China ahead of President Xi Jinping’s visit and expect Modi to underscore the “personal equation” when Xi lands in Ahmedabad on the first leg of his India tour. Maybe then dhokla diplomacy will come into its own. 29 Point Out foreign affairs LOOKING EAST, HOLDING FIRM ON THE WEST 30 september 2014 The east is definitely figuring larger in the Indian strategic calculus but this has been the case since 2009 when then defence minister AK Antony issued a formal directive to the armed forces to prepare for a two front war in their planning and doctrines. The directive was driven by the deepening nexus between Pakistan and China, the transfer of nuclear weapons and technologies to Islamabad and the concern that Beijing might open a front in the event of another round of India Pak hostilities. »»SURYA GANGADHARAN A senior Indian journalist invited to a Track Two seminar featuring a familiar cross section of the media and pundits from both sides of the Radcliffe Line, was jolted by the intensity of the Pakistani reaction when he observed that India’s strategic focus increasingly, was China. In his own words …”the Pakistanis who included some retired military men, rather absurdly, rejected my view; to me it appeared as though they felt betrayed…” 31 The incident underscores the widely held perception here that Pakistan’s army “needs India” if only to ensure its continued relevance at home. But let’s examine the larger issue: Is there indeed an Indian “strategic pivot” taking place, from the west to the east? The east is definitely figuring larger in the Indian strategic calculus but this has been the case since 2009 when then defence minister AK Antony issued a formal directive to the armed forces to prepare for a two front war in their planning and doctrines. The directive was driven by the deepening nexus between Pakistan and China, the transfer of nuclear weapons and technologies to Islamabad and the concern that Beijing might open a front in the event of another round of India Pak hostilities. “The last has never happened,” admits Prof Srikant Kondapalli head of China Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “It did not happen in 1971 nor during the Kargil war in 1999. But China’s strategic intentions remain unclear, its military infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control extensive with a reported five airbases, long range missiles backed up by nearly 60,000 km of strategic highways and a fast developing railway network.” There’s a lot else happening in the seas around India’s littoral, he warns, and while much of this is driven by China’s hunger for energy, the danger of a “strategic noose” around India cannot be ignored. It explains the Indian decision to set up a new corps headquartered in Panagarh, West Bengal and fast track a massive highway running within 100 km of the Line of Actual Control. Don’t miss the appointment of former army chief Gen VK Singh who will drive infrastructure modernization in the sensitive eastern frontier; also Ladakh MP Kiran Rijiju who has already signaled his intention to settle people along the LAC in his home region ; diplomatically the prime minister has reached out to Japan with the implicit warning that if Pakistan is China’s “all weather ally”, Japan could be the same for India. As a senior Indian diplomat put it: “If China can take on the US, Vietnam, the Philippines and others simultaneously, we should be able to do the same. But it will take Point Out foreign affairs An Indian response will be driven by the understanding that no major attack on India can take place without the Pakistan army’s sanction, it cannot come from the civilian establishment. Domestic compulsions may force the army to ratchet up tensions with India. This could also serve the dual purpose of forcing the elected civilian government to bow to the army’s wishes. some time to arrive at a balance because at this point, we do not pose a military threat to China. The 5000 km Agni-5 strategic missile is not yet operational and we have barely begun addressing infrastructural deficiencies.” Some of the above issues are absent on our western frontier. But there has also been a growing appreciation of the multidimensional nature of the threat from Pakistan. “The most obvious,” notes Sushant Sareen of the Vivekananda 32 september 2014 International Foundation, “is the Pakistani propensity for ceasefire violations, whether to keep the Indians unsettled or push in infiltrators. No one rules out another Kargil because it can be ruled out only at our peril. May be Pakistan will rejig the terror machinery and reignite it, we cannot ignore the Pakistani army’s motivations.” Then what happens if a major terror strike happens in India? Going by 26/11, the Pakistani army probably believes India will do nothing, but that may not be the case under the Modi administration, believes Sareen. An Indian response will be driven by the understanding that no major attack on India can take place without the Pakistan army’s sanction, it cannot come from the civilian establishment. Domestic compulsions may force the army to ratchet up tensions with India. This could also serve the dual purpose of forcing the elected civilian government to bow to the army’s wishes. Will the army remove the elected civilian government of Nawaz Sharif? Sareen says: “It doesn’t take much to throw out a civil government, one army chief and two trucks but I believe that time is now past. The army would prefer to muddy the waters not jump in. It would like the ‘pot to simmer’ not boil over.” he says. Pakistan may no longer pose a conventional threat to India but its asymmetric strategies and instruments (including nuclear blackmail) leave India with no option but to retain its present force structures while also building its sinews on the east. PAYMENT OPTIONS - You can pay online at pointoutnews.com/subscription - Or you can pay through Cheque or DD using the form below: Please fill the form in CAPITAL LETTERS. Please draw Cheques/DD favouring “Fourth Voice Media Network Pvt. Ltd.” and send to 1201, Nirmal Tower, Barakhamba Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001. Name ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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Cash payments will not be accepted. * T & C apply 33 Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan Phir bhi dil hai Hindustaani 34 september 2014 GALL GALLERY GALLERY GALLE GALLARY Point Point Out Out 1 2 GALL GALL ALLERY GALLERY GALLERY GALLARY ERY 3 4 35 Point Out VILLAGE ROOTS SWACHCH BHARAT More than six decades after independence, and after spending nearly US $4 billion on the Total Sanitation Campaign between 1999 and 2010, more than 600 million Indians do not have access to a toilet either at home or in their communities, Census 2011 found. »»AARTI M ore than six decades after independence, and after spending nearly US $4 billion on the Total Sanitation Campaign between 1999 and 2010, more than 600 million Indians do not have access to a toilet either at home or in their communities, Census 2011 found. This bare statistics is what has forced Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan introduced by UPA II in 2012. During his Independence Day address to the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi announced that within one year, every school in the country will have a toilet and there will be separate toilets for girl students. He also asked parliamentarians to use members of parliament local area 36 september 2014 development scheme (MPLADS) funds to build toilets. He also reiterated his commitment to building a Swachch Bharat (clean India) by the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019. The new government has announced that rural households without sanitation facilities will get Rs.15,000 each, up from Rs.10,000, for constructing toilets, and schools Rs.54,000, an increase from Rs.35,000. Community sanitary complexes will receive Rs.6 lakh (instead of Rs.2 lakh) and anganwadis (child care centres) will get Rs.20,000 (from Rs.8,000). Claiming the scheme didn’t work well under the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, the new regime has decided to delink its toilet construction programme from the rural jobs guarantee scheme THE REALITY Despite 64 years of rural development, 60 percent of India`s rural population defecate in the open, either due to lack of toilets, lack of their operation and maintenance due to absence of water or inappropriate technology and with no scientific mode of digesting the waste, leading to rural men questioning the usefulness of toilets. Only 32 percent of rural families in 2011 (as per census figures) and 40 percent (National Sample Survey Organisation figures of 2013) have rural toilets. From over 12 million toilets to be built annually prior to 2011-12, the figure has come down to below five million per year now. States have also carried out a baseline survey in 2012-13, from which it is clear that out of the 171.9 million rural households in the country, about 111.1 million households do not have latrines. The fact that 88.4 million are eligible for the incentives, toilets have not been built. More than 20 million families who were given subsidy and financial incentive under the programme do not have functional toilets today. A Unicef-supported study in Odisha revealed that 50% of households surveyed knew that water contamination causes diseases. However, 64% of them continued to draw water from storage vessels by inserting a hand. Although 92% considered washing hands to be important for personal hygiene, only 29% households had soap or ash kept at the washing area. About 56% associated health problems with open defecation, but nearly 36% didn't think it important enough to build a toilet at home. Some years ago, the panchayat in Waki Bu village of Maharashtra's Buldhana district resolved that no certificate or ration shop supply would be given to a family that didn't construct atoilet. It worked along with volunteers making predawn dawns by shining torches and blowing whistles to expose those defecating in the open. 37 HEALTH BENEFITS A new study on large-scale rural sanitation programmes in India highlights challenges in achieving sufficient access to toilets and reduction in open defecation to yield significant health benefits for young children. Investigators, led by an Indian-origin researcher, conducted a cluster randomised controlled trial in 80 rural villages in Madhya Pradesh to measure the effect of India's Total Sanitation campaign (an initiative to increase access to improved sanitation throughout rural India) on household latrine availability, defecation behaviours and child health. A total of 5,209 children aged under 5 years and 3,039 households were involved in the study led by Sumeet Patil from the School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, and the Network for Engineering and Economics Research and Management in Mumbai. The researchers found that the campaign intervention increased the percentage of households in a village with improved sanitation facilities by an average of 19 percent. In the intervention villages, an average of 41 per cent of households had improved latrines compared to 22 per cent of households in the control villages. The intervention also decreased the proportion of adults who self-reported the practice of open defecation from 84 per cent to 73 percent. Point Out VILLAGE ROOTS IMPACT In response to the direct appeal from the prime minister, some corporate houses are coming forward to participate in the `Swacch Bharat Abhiyan` through the corporate social responsibility (CSR) route. Tata Consultancy Services One of the largest software services companies, TCS was the first one to proclaim its commitment towards financing hygienic sanitation facilities for girls. The company has announced that it has pledged Rs 100 crore to build toilets in about 10,000 schools. ‘We firmly believe that achieving the mission of providing hygienic sanitation for girl students will have a tangible impact on the level of education achievement and development of India's next generation,’ TCS CEO and Managing Director N Chandrasekaran said. Bharti Foundation Another Rs 100 crore commitment came from Bharti Foundation, the CSR arm of Bharti Enterprises. The Foundation in a media release said that over the next three years it would be constructing toilets for every rural household in Ludhiana District lacking such facilities. In addition to rural household sanitation, the Satya Bharti Abhiyan will also invest in improving sanitation facilities in government schools in rural Ludhiana by building new toilets for girls. ‘It is our commitment that no single household or school in rural Ludhiana will be without a toilet by the end of this tenure,’ said Bharti Foundation Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, who happens to hail from Ludhiana. Bharti Foundation CoChairman Rakesh Bharti Mittal assured that he would be personally monitoring the progress of the project. L&T Public Charitable Trust L&T Public Charitable Trust, the CSR arm of Larsen & Toubro group, has unveiled plans to build 5,000 toilets. Group Executive Chairman AM Naik announced a major CSR initiative that would add traction to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan programme. The company’s 38 september 2014 statement read that the investments from L&T Public Charitable Trust would cover water supply and distribution, sanitation facilities, healthcare and skills training. Vedanta Vedanta Hindustan Zinc has joined hands with the Rajasthan government to construct toilets for 20,000 households in Rajasthan. Initially, these toilets will be constructed in the three panchayat samities of Bhilwara and Chittorgarh districts. With a CSR fund of about Rs 25 crore, the project will be completed in three years. Hindustan Zinc has already constructed nearly 1,750 toilets in collaboration with DRDA-Total Sanitation Project. Sulabh International NGO Sulabh International recently handed over 108 low-cost toilets to villagers at Katra Sadatganj in Badaun and adopted the hamlet as model village for a nationwide ‘Toilets for Every House’ campaign. The sanitation drive was launched in the wake of alleged gangrape andmurder of two sisters in Katra in May. The NGO said the campaign was in furtherance of women’s right to safe toilets and it plans to make the village free of open defecation in phases with 300 more Sulabh toilets in the pipeline. Defence Research and Development Organisation Speaking at a function at Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) research centre in Hyderabad, Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu put the spotlight on the DRDO-developed bio-toilets (called biodigesters) that have been set up for the army in certain areas. Naidu noted that the toilets could be replicated for the civilian population as well, saying, ‘The The Ministry for Drinking Water and Sanitation has prepared a Cabinet note for enhancement of monetary support for building different categories of rural toilets in the country. Under the new proposal, rural households without sanitation will get Rs 15,000 each for constructing toilets, while schools will get Rs 54,000 for the same. prime minister has already declared that under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, India should become Swachh Bharat by 2019. For that, you need to provide a toilet to each household in rural and urban areas. This bio-toilet is something that is affordable and nature-friendly.’ Human Resources Ministry Addressing a conference for state education secretaries in New Delhi, Human Resources Minister Smriti Irani directed departments to ‘prepare an action plan for construction of toilets in all government schools so that the goal set by the prime minister for providing all these schools with toilets within one year becomes a reality.’ The minister said that states should meet the target by July 2015. Ministry for Drinking Water and Sanitation The Ministry for Drinking Water and Sanitation has prepared a Cabinet note for enhancement of monetary support for building different categories of rural toilets in the country. Under the new proposal, rural households without sanitation will get Rs 15,000 each for constructing toilets, while schools will get Rs 54,000 for the same. LIJJAT PAPAD: SUCCESS MANTRA FROM RS 80 TO 80 CRORE SET UP »»AARTI A business model started on a borrowed Rs 80 in 1959 by seven women has today grown into a brand with over 43,000 members and a multi-crore cooperative empowering women, across India. This is the story of Sri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad.It is one on those success ventures of India that is being talked about and studied across various top business schools. It all began on March 15, 1959, where in a majority of women inhabitants of an old residential building in Girgaum (a thickly populated area of South Bombay), were busy attending their usual domestic chores. A few of them, seven to be exact gathered on the terrace of the building and started a small inconspicuous function. The function ended shortly, the result - production of 4 packets of Papads and a firm resolves to continue production. This pioneer batch of seven women had set the ball rolling. As the days went by, additions to this initial group of 7 was ever-increasing. The institution began to grow. Early days were not easy and institution had 39 The faith and patience of the members were put to test on several occasion - they had no money and started on a borrowed sum of Rs 80. With quality consciousness as the principle that guided production, Lijjat grew to be the flourishing and successful organisation that it is today. its trials and tribulation. The faith and patience of the members were put to test on several occasion - they had no money and started on a borrowed sum of Rs 80. Self-reliance was the policy and no monetary help was to be sought (not even voluntarily offered donations). So work started on commercial footing. With quality consciousness as the principle that guided production, Lijjat grew to be the flourishing and successful organisation that it is today. Shri Mahila Griha Udyog has diversified its various activities. Besides it's world famous papads it also currently has a Flour Division at Vashi (Mumbai) where flour is milled from Udad Dal Point Out and Moong Dal, a Masala Division at Cottongreen (alongwith a Quality Control Laboratory) at the same place where different kinds of spice powders like Turmeric, Chillies, Coriander and ready mix masala and like Garam Masala, Tea Masala, Pav Bhaji Masala, Punjabi Chole Masala etc. are prepared and packed in consumer packs, a printing division also at the same place. Lijjat Advertising Division at Bandra (Mumbai), Chapati Divisions at Bandra, Wadala, Mulund & Kandivali, A Polypropylene set-up at KashiMira Road and detergent powder and cakes manufacturing unit at Pune (Sanaswadi). The institution has adopted the concept of business from the very beginning. All its dealings are carried out on a sound and pragmatic footing - Production of quality goods and at reasonable prices. It has never and nor will it in the future, accept any charity, donation, gift or grant from any quarter. On the contrary, the member sisters donate collectively for good causes from time to time according to their capacity. Besides the concept of business, the institution along with all it's member 40 september 2014 SUCCESS MANTRA POWER BRAND l Lijjat Papad has been chosen as a Power Brand 2010-2011 by the Indian Consumer and received the Award on 4th February 2011 in New Delhi by our President Smt. Swati R. Paradkar. l The Economic Times Award given to the Institution for Corporate Excellence "Business Woman Of the Year" on 6th September 2002 l At the National Convention on "Rural Industrialisation", held by Khadi & Village Industries Commission along with Ministry of Agro and Rural Industries at New Delhi on 14th March 2003, Institution recevied the "Best Village Industry Institution" award from Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. l Received "Brand Equity Award" at the hands of Hon'ble President of India Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. sisters have adopted the concept of mutual family affection, concern and trust. All affairs of the institution are dealt in a manner similar to that of a family carrying out its own daily household chores. But the most important concept adopted by the institution is the concept of devotion. For the member sisters, employees and well wishers, the institution is never merely a place to earn one's livelihood - It is a place of worship to devote one's energy not for his or her own benefits but for the benefit of all. In this institution work is worship. The institution is open for everybody who has faith in its basis concepts. 41 Point Out IN FOCUS PSUs 5 STATES CLAIM HALF OF PSUS INVESTMENT; MAHARASHTRA AT TOP: ASSOCHAM »»BUSINESS BUREAU M aharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh were the major investment destinations for the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) claiming 50 per cent of their total investment of Rs 5.5 lakh crore between 2008-09 ad 2012-13. Maharashtra alone claimed 20 percent in the total gross block, followed by Andhra Pradesh (8.4 percent), Tamil Nadu (8.1 percent), Odisha (6.7 percent) and Uttar Pradesh (6.2 percent). The investment would have been much more with improved employment generation had there not been delays in execution and implementation of the new projects, the ASSOCHAM study said. There were altogether 582 projects under implementation in the central sector as on June, 2013. Out of these, 311 projects reported a time over run ranging from one month to 240 months which could have had a negative impact on employment. “Investment is a function of the state of economy, historical base of the concerned CPSE, industrial environment and the push factor of the states besides priorities of the Central Government. Despite talks of autonomy, the public sector investment decisions are influenced by several factors other than pure commercial considerations,” ASSOCHAM Secretary General D S Rawat said. Besides the top five states receiving the maximum of CPSE investment, other 42 september 2014 Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh were the major investment destinations for the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) claiming 50 per cent of their total investment of Rs 5.5 lakh crore between 200809 ad 2012-13. Maharashtra alone claimed 20 percent in the total gross block, followed by Andhra Pradesh (8.4 percent), Tamil Nadu (8.1 percent), Odisha (6.7 percent) and Uttar Pradesh (6.2 percent). major beneficiaries included West Bengal (5.3 percent), Chhattisgarh (4.8 percent), Assam (3.9 percent), Madhya Pradesh (3.8 percent), and Himachal Pradesh (3.4 percent), adds the ASSOCHAM paper. Interestingly, those which are at the bottom of the investment destinations include some of the developed states like Gujarat, Karnakata and Haryana. The bottom states in terms of CPSE investments are: Bihar (3.2 percent), Gujarat (2.8 percent), Karnataka (2.5 percent), Jharkhand (1.9 percent), Kerala (1.5 percent), Rajasthan (1.1 percent), Jammu & Kashmir (1.1 percent), Arunachal Pradesh (0.9 percent), Uttaranchal (0.8 percent), Punjab (0.7 percent) and Haryana (0.6 percent), highlights its paper. “The CPSEs investment growth rate was recorded at 9.05 percent in 201213 on year on year basis as compared to 13.42 percent in 2011-12, 9.48 percent in 2010-11 and 15.52 percent in 200910”, adds the paper. To be fair to them, the CPSEs managed to rake in a smart growth in net profit despite difficult years in the global and domestic economy. Overall net profit of all 229 CPSEs during 2012-13 stood at Rs. 1.15 lakh crore compared to Rs. 0.98 lakh crore during 2011-12 showing an increase of 17.36 percent. NTPC TO PAY TOTAL DIVIDEND OF RS. 5.75 PER SHARE T he new Government's vision of providing power 24X7 to each household translates into robust growth opportunities amid challenges for the sector. The decision to put coal, power and renewable energy under one Minister also results in an integrated energy approach, strong focus on tapping all the possible sources also opens up new business opportunities for your Company said Dr. Arup Roy Choudhury, CMD NTPC addressing the shareholders at the 38th Annual General Meeting of the Company held in New Delhi. All the functional and Independent Directors of the company were present with him on the occasion. Speaking about performance of the company he said that during year the Company crossed 43,000 MW capacity and the current installed capacity is 43,128 MW. 1,835 MW new capacity was added during the financial year 2013-14. NTPC ARUP ROY CHOUDHURY CMD NTPC has awarded work for 4,150 MW capacity and exceeded the capex target of Rs. 20,200 crore during the year. He informed that the capex of the company has been increasing steadily since 2011-12 with an exceptional and unprecedented feat of exceeding targets by about 7.5% in 2013-14. The adjusted profit increased by 16.44% reaching Rs. 10,562 crore and the total income increased by 8.5% reaching Rs. 74,708 crore. During the AGM shareholders gave consent for a total dividend of Rs. 5.75 per share for the year. Regarding the growth of the sector he said India currently has one of the lowest annual per capita power consumption of 917.18 kwh in the world which is the lowest among BRICS nations. Demand, supply and consumption trends will be the key to the growth of the sector. He said I am confident that the future will see growth in the economy, fuelling more demand for power. ONGC BOARD APPROVES INVESTMENT OF RS. 5,219 CRORE O NGC will be investing Rs. 5219 crore towards Daman Development project to enhance production of Natural Gas and Condensate in its Tapti Daman Block in Arabian Sea. The investment decision has been approved by the ONGC Board in its 260th Meeting here today. The project is located about 90-100 Km from Daman coast and includes additional development of C-24 field and monetization of B-12 marginal fields (B-12-11, B-12-13 and B-12-15). The production is expected by July 2016 with peak production rate of 8.35 MMSCMD of gas and 9,286 barrels of condensate per day. The cumulative production till 2034-35 is pegged at 27.67 43 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of gas and 5.01 Million Cubic Meters (MMm3) of condensate. The gas and condensate will be evacuated to Hazira through Tapti Process facilities of Tapti-JV. The project envisages installation of seven Well Head Platforms, one riser Platform with associated pipelines and drilling of 28 wells. The project is scheduled for completion by pre-monsoon 2019. Coming close on the heels of the Mumbai High South Redevelopment project (Phase-3) approved in the last Board meeting earlier this month for Rs. 5,813 crore, this approval flags the oil major’s aggressive investment posture to ramp up production from the Western Offshore. Point Out VL Joshi is secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water Senior IAS officer Vijay Laxmi Joshi has been appointed as Secretary in Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Joshi, a 1980 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre, is presently working as Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj. She will take over the charge from Pankaj Jain, a 1978 batch IAS officer of Jammu and Kashmir cadre, who retires on September 30, said an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). Joshi has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation in the rank and pay of Secretary with immediate effect, it said. Aruna Sundararajan Administrator, USOF, DoT Aruna Sundararajan, a 1982 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre, has been appointed as Administrator, Universal Service obligation Fund under Department of Telecommunications. She is presently serving in her cadre state. Her batchmate Neeraj Kumar Gupta 44 september 2014 Govt Watch Movers & Shakers has been appointed as Secretary, Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises under Department of Public Enterprises. Gupta is presently serving in his cadre state, Uttar Pradesh. Tapan Ray appointed Additional Secy, IT In another appointment, Tapan Ray has been appointed as Additional Secretary in Department of Electronics and Information Technology. Ray, a 1982 batch IAS officer, is serving in his cadre Gujarat. Sinha is Additional Secy, Higher Education to head committee Ramanujam Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set up a Committee to be headed by R Ramanujam to review, identify and recommend amendment in obsolete laws to further smoothen and simplify the governance. A 1979 batch IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre Ramanujam is presently Secretary to Prime Minister. Pushpendra Rajput appointed as Director, Steel in GoI Pushpendra Rajput has been appointed as Director in the Ministry of Steel in Government of India. He is a 1999 batch IAS officer of Himachal Pradesh. Amarjeet Sinha, a 1983 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre, has been appointed as Additional Secretary in Department of Higher Education. Sinha is presently serving in his cadre. Singh is new Secretary Steel Rakesh Rakesh Singh has been appointed new is CEO, FSSAI Malik Yudhvir Singh Malik has been appointed Ashok Lavasa is new Secretary as Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Department of Health and Family Welfare. Malik is presently serving in his cadre state, Haryana. Secretary Steel in the Government of India. He is 1978 batch IAS officer of Punjab cadre. Forests and Environment Secretary Civil Aviation Ashok Lavasa has been moved as Secretary Forests and Environment. He is 1980 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre. 45 Point Out TEST DRIVE THE NEW STYLISH SEDAN ‘ZEST’ »»BUSINESS BUREAU Key Highlights: »»The Zest base variant in petrol T ata Motors announced the commercial launch of the Zest, the all new, sub-four metre compact sedan with a start price of Rs. 4.64 Lakhs, ex-showroom, New Delhi, for the petrol Revotron 1.2T model and Rs. 5.64 Lakhs, ex-showroom, New Delhi, as the start price for the diesel variant. Zest from Tata Motors, clearly showcases the three key vectors of DesigNext, DriveNext and ConnectNext to deliver best-in-class performance with unparalleled driving pleasure in a spacious, dynamic, comfortable and stylish sedan. The company also launched an industry first service offering with the 333 Confidence. This unique programme offers best-in-class 46 september 2014 warranty of 3 years or 1 lakhs Kms (whichever is earlier), an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) of 3 years/ 45000 kms (whichever is earlier) and a free 24X7 Roadside Assistance service for 3 years. With this, Tata Motors is offering its customers high reliability, reduced cost of ownership and great resale value for the Zest. starts at Rs.4.64 Lakhs and the base variant, in Diesel starts at Rs. 5.64 Lakhs, ex-showroom, New Delhi »»Zest comes loaded with 29 segment leading features Available in four trims in Petrol »» and five trims in Diesel »»Range will come in six exciting colours »»On sale in over 470 Tata Motors passenger vehicle sales outlets Technology-enabled dealerships »» Ranjit Yadav, President Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors "We at Tata Motors are delighted to launch the much-awaited Zest. It has been engineered for global customers, by global teams across India, UK, Italy and Korea to offer a car that matches refinement with performance - from the engine, to suspension & braking, the NVH or premium materials. All this has brought elegance to life in this segment. With 29 segment-first features, Zest from Tata Motors is the first all-new vehicle in the Horizonext journey with our commitment to bringing disruptive innovation to this segment of car-buyers. Both the petrol and diesel versions come with their unique segment-firsts and we are confident it will delight our consumers with its design, driving pleasure and great connectivity features." with new retail identity for enhanced purchase experience Introducing 333 Confidence, an »» industry first service offering Riding on Tata Motors DNA of being spacious and safe, a greater attention to detail towards the vehicle's interiors is another defining factor of the Zest's design. The Zest will come with the Revotron 1.2T, the first engine from the new family of gasoline engines from Tata Motors and will be India's first Turbocharged Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFi) Petrol engine. It has been developed in conjunction with global consultancies and suppliers to deliver world-class performance in terms of power, torque and efficiency. 47 COMPACT, SPORTY AND PROGRESSIVE AUDI A3 T he leading luxury car manufacturer, announced the launch of the Audi A3 Sedan. “The launch of the Audi A3 Sedan, the first compact luxury sedan in India, is yet another first from Audi. In line with our customercentric approach, we decided to launch the sedan version of the Audi A3 which is a segment up from the compact luxury hatchback. Sporty, stylish and path-breaking, the Audi A3 Sedan showcases Audi’s ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ in every single aspect, especially in the areas of design, ultra-lightweight technology, efficient drivetrains, high-end multimedia and infotainment systems. We are confident that the Audi A3 Sedan is the right product at the right time and will set new benchmarks,” said Joe King, Head, Audi India. »»Audi A3, win the prestigious ‘World Car of the Year 2014’ »»Powerful and efficient Petrol (40TFSI) & Diesel (35TDI) engines »»Best in class fuel efficiency figure of 20.38 kmpl »»Accelerates 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds (40TFSI) and 8.6 seconds (35TDI) »»Prices start at INR 22,95,000/- ex-showroom Delhi Audi A3 Sedan has a distinctive, coupé-like design, together with the dynamic shoulder line, distinctive wider wheel arches, striking side sill and the much narrower rear lights, the Audi A3 Sedan exudes sportiness from every angle. The Audi model range includes the Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A7 Sportback, new Audi A8L, Audi Q3 S, Audi Q3, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi S4, Audi S6, Audi RS 5 Coupé, Audi RS 7 Sportback, Audi TT Coupé, the super sports car Audi R8, Audi R8 Spyder and the Audi R8 V10 plus available across the country: in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi Central, Delhi South, Delhi West, Goa, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kanpur, Karnal, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Mumbai South, Mumbai West, Nagpur, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Noida, Pune, Raipur, Surat, Udaipur, Vadodara and Visakhapatnam. Point Out GADGETS SAMSUNG: ‘WORLD GREATEST SCREEN’ ON A TAB »»BIPIN S amsung has come up with their new series of Tab. Samsung Galaxy tab S, claiming ‘world greatest screen’ on a tab. Tab S is slim and light in weight and has a screen with the ratio 16:10 almost as a widescreen T.V. it’s also having AMOLED technology and Side sync quality but it is only effective if you’re having Samsung Smartphone. Having 7900 mAh battery life saves your time by charging again and again like other Samsung phones. It comes with: n 10.5 and 8.4 inch screen n Multi window n Bluetooth 4.0 & GPS n 16 to 32 GB memory n 8Mp camera & 2.1 mp front n Android 4.4.2 kitkat n 11 ac wifi n Resolution 280 PPi n 1.9 GHz & four 1.3 GHz core processor APPS FREE FILE MANAGER FOR NOKIA N okia has come up with the modern way to manage your file system using copy, move and rename features and also supports bulk operations, share and open with. It also helps you to pick more folders to manage your PC. I Features n Browse files and folders n Core file operations: copy, move, rename and delete for files and folders n Bulk operations n Create new folders and open with n Share support to and from other apps n It is available in English (United States) and 3 other languages. 48 september 2014 SONY SELFIE CAMERA Features n 180 degree tilt n 19.2mbps sensor & 23mm quivilant f/2 wide range angle prime lens n LED flash on the top n 3.3 type OLED screen with approx 1,299k dots n Beauty effects: n Skin toning n Skin Smoothing, n Eye Widening, n Face Slimming, n Shine Removal n Can create self timer by tapping their finger n Available in: violet, pink, green and white. UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL U niversal Remote Control for TV, can easily make turn your Android smart phone or tablet into a Universal remote control for all tvs. It is easy to set up and the operation is simply the same as the real TV control remote. The difference between "Control Remote for TV Universal" and other applications of this style is that it is compatible with almost all TV manufacturer and all models and it is truly easily to use. .Connect your smartphone pr tablet through your wifi (for better download speed) This app is not currently compatible with all TVs on the market, if it does not work, please be patient and report us your TV Model and we will try to update our app to increase our compatibility. We will welcome any feedback and is appreciated as well. 49 Point Out ARIES: (22nd March- 21st April) Professionally this is an excellent time for you to indulge into fresh projects and expand your business. You will witness subtle positive changes in your money matters during this phase of your life. Avoid any transitions in matters of heart. Also outings and journeys along with your loved one might create further anxieties in life during his month. You shall come across a number of opportunities as the month comes to its close. LUCKY COLOUR: Green. TAURUS: (22nd April - 21st May) Professionally, you will witness a lot of positive changes in life. You shall contemplate your past achievements and work towards future ones. This is the time to explore new opportunities and indulge into fresh projects. Financial matters will be tough to handle as situations and circumstances might not be as favourable as expected. A woman with excellent PR skills might be a cause of stress in matters of heart. A dominating elderly man will be very demanding by the end of the month. LUCKY COLOUR: Deep blue. GEMINI: (22nd May- 21st June) This is the month when wisdom and patient attitude will sail you through your obstacles that you might have to face in life. Avoid any new financial dealings in this month as it might not give you expected results. In matters of heart, you might have to deal resistance from a man who has a practical outlook in life. Professionally, there will be issues that would need a calm and patient approach. Subtle property related problems at the work front might arise during this week. Doing charity and service to humankind creates abundance of good fortune in life as the month progresses. LUCKY COLOUR: Green CANCER: (22nd June - 21st July) Matters of heart shall be romantically inclined and you will feel blessed by the way situations turn up for you during this phase of your life. Journeys and outings along with your loved one shall be pleasant and successful. Professionally, growth patterns emerge bringing you laurels and appreciations from your colleagues and contemporaries. Financially too this will be an excellent time for you to explore new opportunities and make fresh investments. However, there will be subtle anxieties that you might have to face as the month comes to its end. LUCKY COLOUR: Red. LEO: (22nd July - 21st August) Financial dealings need better communications and flexible approach to achieve desired success. There are possibilities of a joint investment not giving due returns. Professionally, one needs to be more proactive and decision oriented. Any form of carelessness can cause you further anxieties in this front as well. The cards guide you to avoid any professional or personal outings or journeys in this phase of your life. However, this is just a very transient phase which shall ease out by the month end. LUCKY COLOUR: Peach. VIRGO: (22nd August- 21st September) Professionally, you will witness a lot of positive changes in life. Good news follows at the work front and any targets are achieved in time. Matters of heart might be a bit disappointing. You might feel ignored or left out on certain issues related to your love life. A balanced outlook towards your finances creates further growth opportunities in this front. You might think about shifting to a better place or buy a new property as the month comes to its close. LUCKY COLOUR: Green. TAROT FORECAST »»Nandita Pandey LIBRA: (22nd September- 21st October) Professionally, projects bring in huge returns and rewards as the month progresses. This is an excellent time for you to expand your base. Projects done in partnerships shall be favourable and positive. Sudden problems might arise related to your investments. There are property issues or renovation that might turn out to be more expensive that your desired budget. A youngster might be a cause of a lot of attention in life. News related to matters of heart will be disappointing. Your partner might also be very demanding in this phase of your life in matters related to heart. Slow and subtle changes take place as the month comes to its end. LUCKY COLOUR: Soft Pink. SCORPIO: (22nd October- 21st November) You are being blessed and guided by a fatherly figure in money related matters during this month. This is a progressive month as far as your investments are concerned. Professionally you will come across a lot of new acquaintances and networking of any kinds will boost your professional growth possibilities. Any outings in matters of heart are best avoided in this phase of your life. The cards advice you against any journeys or outings during month end. LUCKY COLOUR: White SAGGITARIUS: (22nd November- 21st December) Good news in professional area will be growth oriented and shall be rewarding. A youngster who has a dynamic personality with a go getting attitude helps you in your endeavours in the work front. Friends and family support you in your monetary endeavours the whole month through. Matters of heart whoever, might turn out to be very demanding and you might feel that you are being misunderstood or ignored in love life. A woman with a practical mindset helps you in your endeavours by the end of the month. LUCKY COLOUR: Orange. CAPRICORN: (22nd December- 21st January) Professionally there will be issues that might need to be dealt with carefully. Applying enough wisdom and patience towards issues related to your projects will help you sail through them easily and effortlessly. A junior in your office might be very demanding in this phase of your life. Your attention will be diverted towards a motherly figure which might affect your love life adversely. Financial expenses are on the higher side due to a youngster being over demanding. A little bit of risks in life helps you in overcoming your anxieties by the end of the month. LUCKY COLOUR: Dark Green AQUARIUS: (22nd January- 21st February) Matters of heart shall be extremely pleasant and enjoyable. Blessings from the elders and high above and also celebrations at home front create a positive aura all around you. Wedding celebrations for some of you is a strong likeability as the month progresses. Professionally, there are two or more projects that might create insecurities in life. Finances need a lot of effort and focused attitude from your end in order to get you desired results. The cards guide you to keep a check on your emotional outbursts as the month comes to its end. LUCKY COLOUR: White. PISCES: (22nd February- 21st March) Professionally, this is a good time for you as most of your projects gets completed in time. You will relax and enjoy the fruits of your hard work in this month. Financial investments shall give you results and yet there will be a feeling of sadness as few obligations have to still be fulfilled. Matters of heart indicate soft and subtle romance in life. Having a diplomatic and patient attitude saves you from a lot of troubles by the end of the month. LUCKY COLOUR: Green/ Yellow. (Nandita Pandey is an internationally renowned and acclaimed Astro Vaastu Tarot Consultant, Spiritual healer and Past Life Regression Therapist based at Delhi. Email [email protected] ) 50 september 2014 touching every aspect of the nation 51 Point Out health VEGETARIAN DIET IN DIABETES India is facing an “Epidemic” of diet-related non-communication diseases including obesity and related comorbidition. The prevalence of diabetes, specifically Type 2 Diabetes has also seen a magnificent rise in both rural as well as urban India. Type 2 diabetes mellitus accounts for approximately 95% of all diabetes and is associated with severe complications. »» PROF. ANOOP MISRA & DR SWATI BHARDWAJ T he metabolism of Indians is inherently abnormal, conducive to development of diabetes and cholesterol disorders. Simple shift 52 september 2014 in diets, choosing low glycemic index foods with high fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, could tilt metabolism in such a manner that blood sugar and cholesterol get metabolized more efficiently. The message of this article for every Indian, starting from childhood, correct diets and physical activity should be at the top of daily agenda. India is facing an “Epidemic” of diet-related non-communication diseases including obesity and related comorbidition. The prevalence of diabetes, specifically Type 2 Diabetes has also seen a magnificent rise in both rural as well as urban India. Type 2 diabetes mellitus accounts for approximately 95% of all diabetes and is associated with severe complications like nephropathy (damage to the kidneys), neuropathy (damage to the nerves) retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eyes), stroke(blockage in the blood vessel of the brain) and coronary heart diseases (CHD; blockage/hardening of the arteries). These complications not only reduce quality of life for those affected but also lay an economic burden on the individual as well as the nation. Nutrition has known to play an important role in the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes, managing existing diabetes (type1, type 2 and gestational diabetes) as well as in preventing or reducing the progression of diabetes-related complications. There have been several nutritional approaches suggested for prevention and management of diabetes. Since consumption of red-meat has been found to be strongly associated with higher risk of developing diabetes, a higher risk of developing diabetes, a vegetarian diet with increased intake of fruits and vegetable, decreased levels of total, saturated and trans fats may help in preventing diabetes as well as achieving good glycemic control. Displacement of saturated fat and increased intake of fibre have been seen as general reasons for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. Further, increased fibre intake may improve glycemic control diabetes. Vegetarianism is the practice of abstaining from consumption of meat, red meat, poultry and seafood. It may also include abstention from by-products of animal slaughter, such as animal-derived rennet and gelatin. There are several type of vegetarianism, which exclude or include various foods. Indian population is going through a phase of dietary transition; leaving the traditional diets, people have now started opting for commercially available packaged foods or quick home-made foods. These snacks often regarded as ‘‘comfort foods’’ are quickly prepared or are easily available commercially and include fried foods that are high in energy and fats (saturated and trans fats) but low in nutrients. The increase in the intake of energy dense foods together with low levels of physical activity level is leading to increased incidence of obesity and other related lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and the metabolic syndrome. Sedentary habits, especially watching TV, are associated with significantly higher risks for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Given the current dietary patterns of Indians and increasingprevalence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, cardiovasculardiseases, etc., it is important to generate awareness through awareness programs to spreadhealthy messages on good nutrition and good health for theprevention of obesity and diabetes. These shall not only promote good health, but shall also help inthe prevention of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, 53 A balanced vegetarian diet with emphasis on plat foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts, can easily meet the nutritional recommendations and may have a number of benefits over a meat-based diet for the prevention and management of diabetes and its related complications. controls blood sugar levels), resistance to insulin action, or a combination of both. Prolonged untreated diabetes leads to severe complications. The complications of diabetes are: »» Damage to the kidneys (Diabetic nephropathy) »» Damage to the nerves (Diabetic neuropathy) Damage to the retina of the »» eyes (Diabetic retinopathy) »» Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD; Blockage/ hardening of the arteries) »» Stroke (blockage in the blood vessel of the brain) heartproblems, and other related diseases. On the long run, suchprograms shall act to reduce the burden on economic growth ofthe nation. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. Over the past 30 years, the status of diabetes has changed from being known as a mild disorder of the elderly to one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality affecting the youth and middle aged people. It is the fourth or fifth leading cause of death in most high-income countries and there is substantial evidence that it is epidemic in many economically developing and newly industrialized countries. A balanced vegetarian diet with emphasis on plat foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts, can easily meet the nutritional recommendations and may have a number of benefits over a meat-based diet for the prevention and management of diabetes and its related complications. Diabetes represents a group of chronic metabolic disorder characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) caused by decreased insulin secretion (a hormone secreted by pancreas, which metabolizes glucose; »»(Dr. Anoop Misra is Chairman, Fortis-CDOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology & Dr. Swati Bhardwaj is Head, Nutrition and Fatty Acid Research, National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation ) Point Out spOrTS FOOTBALL FEVER IN INDIA Indian Super League is all set to make some positive growth in Indian Football. Social media sentiment for the tournament is very positive - with fans eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament and football action in India! 54 september 2014 »»RANJITH H ero Indian Super League, the most anxiously awaited football extravaganza in the country, unveiled its’ official emblem in a grand fanfare event, thus presenting India with its very own first ever, high-profile footballing competition. Indian Super League is all set to make some positive growth in Indian Football.The Leaguehas ‘Let’s football’ – the League’s official line is an apt fit to its ambition in connecting with today’s youth and creating interest in millions to play the sport professionally. The emblem with hexagons combined to form a football symbolises collaboration of passion, energy and enthusiasm among its stakeholders. also launched its official TV campaign titled 'C'mon India, Let's football', kickstarting an extensive marketing campaign in the run-up to the football tournament's inaugural game on October 12. Social media sentiment for the tournament is very positive - with fans eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament and football action in India!As a show of strength behind the Hero Indian Super League,Mrs. 55 Nita Ambani, Founding Chairperson, Football Sports Development led the eight League Partners to a pledge – committing to the League’s vision in bring a footballing revolution across the country. Joining her on stage were Sachin Tendulkar (Kerala Blaster FC), Ranbir Kapoor (TeamMumbai), AbhishekBachchan (Team Chennai), Samir Manchanda (Delhi Dynamos), John Abrahim (NorthEast United), KapilWadhawan (FC Pune City), VarunDhawan (FC Goa) and Utsav Parekh (Atletico de Kolkata) along with Sanjay Gupta, COO, Star India and Praful Patel, President AIFF. ‘Let’s football’ – the League’s official line is an apt fit to its ambition in connecting with today’s youth and creating interest in millions to play the sport professionally. The emblem with hexagons combined to form a football symbolises collaboration of passion, energy and enthusiasm among its stakeholders. Colours chosen to represent the League convey the values and emotions, with red signifying the energy, passion and action, while blue exudes confidence, trust and responsibility; both seamlessly combining to represent the League’s values. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Nita Ambani said, “It’s a momentous day for us as we set ourselves in building a grand coalition among all stakeholders to develop football in the country and take it to its deserving space in the Indian sports.ISL hope to act as a foundation in creating an eco-system to nurture talent and make our own national football heroes, through its ambitious grassroots development programme. “It’s a beginning of a long journey and today we have taken baby steps. I am happy to have equally enthusiastic League Partners’, committed to the League’s vision.” Commenting on the official launch of the league, Sanjay Gupta, COO, Star India, said, “Football is much more than a sport. It is an international phenomenon. And yet, India as a country has not joined this global community. Which is why, today marks a historic turning point for the future of football in this country. With the launch of the Hero Indian Super League we take our first steps to join the world community. This I believe is the birth of a footballing nation. “We plan to attract and nurture the best of Indian talent to play with marquee players selected from 20 countries, spanning 5 continents. What you will experience is a world-class spectacle – in stadia, on television, on your mobile screen and across all digital devices,” further added Mr. Gupta Andy Knee, VP, Football at IMG: “We are delighted to mark the official launch of the Hero Indian Super League. The potential for football in India is truly immense, and the ambition for the League is to spark a revolution for the game in this great country—to encourage tens, even hundreds of millions of Indians to start playing, following and watching the sport.” “Certainly, the world of football has started to take notice. Since the League first became known, IMG has received expressions of interest and support from players, managers and administrators at the highest levels. The global game wants India as a major footballing power,” further added Mr. Knee. Scheduled for kick off on 12thOctober 2014, the Hero Indian Super League will see some of the greatest players in action from the world of football.The league is already generating a lot of buzz and has struck the right cord with most of its team owners being the youth icons and renowned faces globally. The Hero Indian Super League will be telecast internationally and may just mark the beginning of the new era in Indian Football. Point Out BOOK REVIEW POLITICS TRUMPS ECONOMICS: THE INTERFACE OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICS IN CONTEMPORARY INDIA A n India a globally impressive talent pool co-exists with the highest incidence of poverty in the world. The engaged citizen is aware of this situation, wants to know how it has come to be, and what can be done to improve it. That the country’s full potential is not being realized to make for a dynamic economy and acceptable living conditions for her people points to something beyond economics being at play. And this is the ever-present politics. In this volume, edited by Bimal Jalan and Pulapre Balakrishnan, twelve professionals illuminate the interface between politics and economics in the country, illustrating in the process how their interaction will determine the path that India will take. Among the subjects discussed are the implications of the emergence of coalition governments as the norm, the rise of civic activism, the tension between identity politics and development, and the nature of the discourse on the informal sector. The essays also offer possible solutions to end corruption in administration, and identify the strategic factors in achieving inclusive growth. By Bimal Jalan and Pulapre Balakrishnan Publisher : Rupa Publication Price: Rs 500 With contributions from Meghnad Desai, Dipankar Gupta, Poonam Gupta, Ashima Goyal, Ravi Kanbur, Sunil Mani, T.T. Ram Mohan, Deepak Mohanty, Samuel Paul and M. Govinda Rao, Politics Trumps Economics is an incisive comment on how politics can influence the outcome of the most well-intentioned of economic policies. Author Bio: Dr Bimal Jalan was Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1997 to 2003 and a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha during 2003–2009. Earlier he was Finance Secretary and Chairman of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. He epresented India on the Boards of IMF and World Bank. His recent books include The Future of India: Politics, Economics and Governance;India’s Politics: A View from the Backbench; and Emerging India: Economics, Politics & Reforms. Dr Pulapre Balakrishnan is Professor, Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram. He is the author of Pricing and Inflation in India and Economic Growth in India: History and Prospect. He has served as Country Economist for Ukraine at the World Bank and has been a Senior Fellow of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. He has been a recipient of the Malcolm Adiseshiah Award for Distinguished Contribution to Development Studies (2014). 56 september 2014 Sub title: A Memoir Author: Naseeruddin Shah Price: Rs. 699 Publication-Penguin And Then One Day A nd Then One Day tells a compelling tale, written with rare honesty and consummate elegance, leavened with tongue-in-cheek humour. There are moving portraits of family members, darkly funny accounts of his school days, and vivid cameos of directors and actors he has worked with, among them Ebrahim Alkazi, Shyam Benegal, Girish Karnad, Om Puri and Shabana Azmi. The accounts of his struggle to earn a living through acting, his experiments with the craft, his love affairs, his early marriage, his successes and failures are narrated with remarkable frankness and objective self-assessment. Brimming with delightful anecdotes as well as poignant, often painful revelations, this book is a tour de force, destined to become a classic of the genre. Author Bio: Naseeruddin Shah has been an actor in films since 1975, and an actor–director–teacher in theatre almost as long, having played the lead in over two hundred feature films and more than sixty professional theatre productions, both in India and abroad. A first-time writer, he is passionate about playing and watching tennis, cricket and movies, in that order. The recipient of numerous awards which he neither treasures nor cares to mention, he lives in Mumbai with his wife, Ratna, their three children and a cat. 57 Author- S.B. Pillay Price-Rs.995 Publication-Rupa THE COMPLETE MAHABHARATA VOLUME 6: DRONA PARVA T he Mahabharata of Veda Vyasa is the longest recorded epic of the world. With almost 100,000 verses, it is many times as long as the Iliad and the Odyssey combined and has deeply influenced every aspect of the Indian ethos for some 4,000 years. The main theme is the Great War on Kurukshetra, but the epic teems with smaller stories, and other stories within these, all woven together with a genius that confounds comparison. As its heart, it contains Krishna’s immortal Bhagavad-Gita, the Song of God. The Mahabharata embodies the ancient and sacred Indian tradition, in all its earthy and spiritual immensity. Famously, ‘What is found here may be found elsewhere. What is not found here will not be found elsewhere.’ Many believe this most magnificent epic to be the greatest story ever told. Yet, the only full Indian translation of the Mahabharata into English is the 19th century one by Kisari Mohan Ganguli. More than a hundred years have passed since Ganguli accomplished his task, and the language he used is now sadly archaic. This new 12 volume series retells the great epic, line by line, in fresh, easily readable English prose. With it, we hope to bring the Mahabharata alive again, for the contemporary and future reader. Author Bio: Born in 1951, S.B. Pillay is a retired Indian Audit and Accounts Service officer. He was educated at St Xavier’s High School (Delhi), Loyola College (Kolkata), and received his master’s degree from Loyola College in Chennai. He went on to study Law at St Xavier’s College, Mumbai. During an illustrious career in the IA&AS, he worked all over India and abroad, as well, and has a deep insight of Indian life. He was director general of the NAAA in Shimla and retired as additional deputy CAG in 2011. He has always been an avid reader and is the author of several comic and satirical pieces. Point Out ART & CULTURE CREATOR OF THE MOHAN VEENA Vishwa Mohan Bhatt has attracted international attention by his successful indianisation of the western Hawaiian guitar with his perfect assimilation of sitar, sarod & veena techniques, by giving it a evolutionary design & shape and by adding 14 more strings helping him to establish the instrument MOHAN VEENA to unbelievable heights. C reator of the MOHAN VEENA and the winner of the GRAMMY AWARD, Vishwa Mohan has mesmerized the world with his pristine pure, delicate yet fiery music. It is due to Vishwa's maiden mega effort 58 september 2014 that he rechristened guitar as MOHAN VEENA, his genius creation and has established it at the top most level in the mainstream of Indian Classical Music scenario, thereby proving the essence of his name VISHWA (meaning the world) and MOHAN (meaning charmer) and indeed , a world charmer he is. Being the foremost disciple of Pt. Ravi Shankar, Vishwa Mohan belongs to that elite body of musicians which traces its origin to the Moughal emperor Akbar's court musician TANSEN and his guru the Hindu Mystic Swami Haridas. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt has attracted international attention by his successful indianisation of the western Hawaiian guitar with his perfect assimilation of sitar, sarod & veena techniques, by giving it a evolutionary design & shape and by adding 14 more strings helping him to establish the instrument MOHAN VEENA to unbelievable heights. With blinding speed and faultless legato, Bhatt is undoubtedly one of the most expressive, versatile and greatest slide player s in the world. Being a powerhouse performer, Vishwa's electrifying performance always captivates the audience whether in the United States of America, Europe, Gulf countries or his motherland India. Vishwa Mohan has become the cultural ambassador of India by carrying the Herculean task of glorifying and popularizing Indian culture and music throughout the world. Outstanding features of Bhatt's baaj (style) are his natural ability to play the 'Tantrakari Ang' and incorporate the 'Gayaki Ang' on Mohan Veena which is the greatest advantage of this instrument over traditional Indian instrument like sitar, sarod and veena. It was no surprise that Vishwa Mohan with his sheer virtuosity and limitless supply of melodies won the highest music award of the world, the GRAMMY AWARD IN 1994 along with Ry Cooder for their World Music Album, 'A MEETING BY THE RIVER' enhancing his celebrity status not only as a star performer but also as an improviser and a soulful composer. Vishwa Mohan has performed extensively in the USA, USSR, Canada, the Great Britain, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Scotland, Switzerland, Denmark, then scaling the Gulf of Dubai, Al-Sharjah, Bahrain, Muscat, Abu Dhabi etc. and throughout India. to a piece of wood added to the side of the neck. The melody strings are on what we would consider the treble side of the neck, and the drone strings are on the bass side. The drone strings are lower in height than the melody strings to allow for unrestricted playing of the melody strings. The sympathetic strings run underneath the melody and drone strings to yet another level in the bridge. The instrument has a carved spruced top, mahogany back and sides, a mahogany neck, and a flat, fretless, rosewood fingerboard. The Mohan Veena is under tremendous tension; the total strings pull to be in excess of 500 pounds. It is due to this high tension the tone tuns incredible with the sympathetic ringing out and strengthening each note played. This is a loud instrument made to cut through with low amplification Apart from being a star performer , Vishwa is a master collaborator too and with his highly inventive nature, he did a historic jugalbandi with a Chinese Ehru player Jei Bing Chang and Vishwa has become the first ever Indian to strike a jugalbandi with a Chinese artist. Vishwa has also combined with ace American Dobro guitar player Jerry Mohan Veena Indian stringed instruments have undergone many changes throughout history . Many western musical instruments like violin, harmonium, mandolin, archtop guitar and electric guitar have come to be accepted in Indian classical music. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt developed and named this hybrid slide guitar and has been added to the list of Indian classical instrument. The Mohan Veena is a highly modified concord archtop, which Bhatt plays lap-style. It has 19 strings: three melody strings and four three drone strings coming out of the peg heads, and 12 sympathetic strong to tuners mounted 59 Douglas, with the American country music Taj Mahal and a rare combination with the Arabian Oudh player Simon Shaheen . All these recordings have been released in U.S.A. & Europe and are setting new sales records. ‘Tabula Rasa’ an album with Bela Flek, the most regarded Banjo player, & Chinese Erhu Jei Bing Chang was nominated for the Grammy award in 1997. Composing has been in his nature too. He has come in this arena by composing "Music for Relaxation" for Music Today. This album is creating new records all over the world. "Megh Dootam" a Sanskrit epic poem has been composed and recorded for the first time by Vishwa, and top-notch Indian film singers like Kavita Krishnamoorty and A. Hariharan have sung his compositions. To top it all he has recently recorded a project for the ace film director MANI RATNAM ‘s Hindi -Tamil bilingual film the famous music director A.R.RAHAM. Point Out Point Out lls i e h t to olders n o i t n e stakeh t t a l l a c om the t s u j t no utions fr o t t p m eek sol e t t a s e ou also to s u i d c & s s i n o t i nation d e A c us but r c the e of th d e n r u e ect o h p r a w as y r salute eve that touches A magazine 60 september 2014 D E S I I N BER poin toutn ews .com EM SEPT 2014 UE-8 1 ISS VOL- 50 ABHI URE PICT HAI: AN BAKI H CHAUH IS H AS MEOTTIDNGITHE S TONE 1 61 786 14/55 NG/20 : DELE RNI NO Point Out MARY KOM : THE REAL LIFE STORY T his month's release, Omung Kumar's MARY KOM is one such film which is a biopic on one of India's most illustrious sports personalities, Mary Kom, who, despite all her hardships, put our country on the international map with her achievements. The film goes on to show the real life story of this sports star, which not many are aware of. The film serves as an eye opener not just on the fact that India can produce international 'gold medal winning' boxers, but also that Manipur is very much a part of India! The movie is less about the sport ‘Boxing’ and more about the sports person. The film is important in that it makes a worthy hero out of a woman boxer who struggled against the odds. Reality films are getting popular these days and there are many filmmakers out there who have and are waiting in wings to try their hand at making movies based on the real life stories of iconic personalities. A few examples (read 'testimony') in the past have been films like BOSE: THE FORGOTTEN HERO, GURU, GANDHI MY FATHER, THE LEGEND OF BHAGAT SINGH, PAAN SINGH TOMAR and not forgetting the controversial film THE DIRTY PICTURE. Interestingly, films on sports personalities are picking up with CHAK DE INDIA and more recently BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG winnings the audience's heart. The irony of the film is that, while it starts off with a pregnant Mary Kom (Priyanka), who later goes on to 'deliver' a performance of a lifetime. Mary and her ever-so-supportive husband OnlerKom (DarshanKumaar) fight against all odds in a curfew stricken Manipur to ensure the safe delivery of Mary. Hereon, the viewers are subjected to a series of flashback events which lead to the making of the star pugilist 'Mary Kom'. Delving into her upbringing, the film explores her past that includes her father's strict opposition to boxing during her childhood and Mary's 62 september 2014 undying spirit and love for the sport. Omung does a great job of building up the climax with heart wrenching scenes where Mary chooses to box over spending a blissful life with her family. Post her opting to box, Mary accidentally lands up at the boxing training academy of her coach Narjit Singh (Sunil Thapa), who, after seeing her persistence, teaches her that 'the world maybe round for everyone, but her world should be the shape of the boxing ring, a Square'! Mary's talent for the sport combined with her coach's training form a deadly unbeatable lethal combo who go on to win international competitions galore. However, things come to standstill when Mary marries OnlerKom, despite her coach's firm opposition, and Mary's subsequent pregnancy, and her delivering twin children, thus bidding adieu to her long cherished game of boxing, something which her coach had always feared for. Resigned to live the life of a commoner finding it difficult to survive with two kids, Mary applies for a job, but the job she gets is that of a 'hawaldaar', something that slaps her from within. Unable to continue with a mundane existence, Mary vows to make a comeback in the ring, this time round, minus the support of her coach, a 63 decision which proves wrong in the long run. Now, after serious losses in the ring, the absence of her coach and the unbending politics of the boxing federation, Mary faces an uphill task. Will she manage to convince her coach to train her again and will she manage to overcome the boxing federation forms the rest of the film. Omung Kumar certainly deserves an ovation for having shown the guts to make a biopic on Mary Kom, something which will surely go down in the history of exemplary biopics on Indian celluloid. He has managed to achieve the task of making Priyanka refrain from imitating the real Mary Kom, at the same time managed to show her inimitable love for the sports and her spirit to fight against all odds. The film definitely serves as an eye opener to all those who were ignorant about Mary and her contributions to the sports arena. As far as the performances are concerned, it is indeed Priyanka Chopra who steals the show. She does total justice to this author backed role. One just cannot but miss the transformation of 'Marte Chun Chun Kong' to MC Mary Kom and also the scene when she confronts the boxing federations' chief. When you have a role that's tailor made for the heroine, it leaves us with no doubt about the screen space for the hero. But, in this film, it's the 'hero' DarshanKumaar, who exhibits good screen presence and holds his ground firm, despite Priyanka's towering performances. Full marks go to Sunil Thapa, who shows his emotional, professional and rational sides with equal ease. He is exactly what the highly ranked coaches are made up of. Same applies to the couple playing Mary's parents. The rest of the cast help the film to move forward without any glitches or flaws. The music of the film (ShashiSuman, Shivam) is just not upto the mark, but its shortcoming is overshadowed by the film's background score (Rohit Kulkarni) and the film's crisp editing by the man himself Sanjay LeelaBhansali, who also is the producer of the film. Brownie points go to SaiwynQuadras for his screenplay and story, Karan Singh RathoreRamendraVashishth for their dialogue and dialect. The film's cinematography by Keiko Nakahara is totally at par with costume designer IshaMantry. On the whole, MARY KOM is definitely worth a watch and entertaining but most of the audience have compared the movie with “BhagMilkaBhag” and thinks that it should have aspired to be more. The icing on the cake is that the film has been made tax free, something that should help the film in pulling the audiences to the theatres, besides the word of mouth. Go for it. CINEMA TWITTERATIS AGGRESSIVE OVER RAM GOPALVERMA case has been filed against Filmmaker Ram GopalVerma for hurting the religious A sentiments of Hindus by insulting Lord Ganesh through his series of tweets. In the midst of his objectionable tweets, he even mocked the practice of Ganesh Chaturthi and tweeted, ""Happy Ganesh Chaturthi. May this day, August 29, bring happiness to everybody so that there will be no problems from August 30." His tweets seemto project his inner frustration and failure in life. The filmmaker was booked under four sections of the Indian Penal Code – sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), and 298 (hurting religious feelings). A group of Ganesha devotees burnt Ramu's effigy in his home-town Hyderabad. However, Ramu has considerable support within the Telugu film industry, unlike the Mumbai film industry which has completely disowned Ramu and dissociated itself from his controversial antics. As the twitteratis started to get aggressive over his ungodly tweets, Ram GopalVarma tried to defend himself and apologized for hurting the sentiments of people, "All tweets I put on Ganesha were in my usual manner but unintended by me to hurt anyone's sentiments...but if they did I sincerely apologize", he tweeted. A filmmaker who has earlier directed a film for RGV says, "Ramuji is isolating himself from everyone. This time he has gone too far and is unlikely to get any support fromBollywood. People are disgusted by his gimmicks." Meanwhile, back in Mumbai, the law enforcement is geared up to protect RGV's home.So far, Ramu has not had a visit from any cops, nor has he received any summons to present himself in a police station. He is not the least shaken or nervous." Point Out CINEMA MOVIES CLASHING IN 2014 Creature 3D (Horror) Vikram Bhatt BVG Films Bipasha Basu, Imran Abbas 64 september 2014 E 12TH Sep Finding Fanny Ugly (Drama/Thriller) AnuragKhasyap DARR Motion Pictures Phantom Films Rahul Bhatt, Ronit Roy (Comedy/Drama) Homi Adajania, Maddock Films Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, Pankaj Kapur, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Kapoor (15 crore) UTV Motion Pictures & Anil Kapoor Films Company Sonam Kapoor, Fawad Afzal Khan Creature 3D (Horror) Vikram Bhatt BVG Films Bipasha Basu, Imran Abbas E 2nd October Bang Bang (Action/Comedy) E 19th Sep Dawaat-e-ishq Haider (Comedy/Drama) Habib Faisal, Yash Raj films Aditya Roy Kapur, Parineeti Chopra, Anupam Kher Khoobsurat(Romance/comedy) Shashanka Ghosh Siddharth Anand Fox Stars Studio Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif Vishal Bhardwaj DramaVB Pictures Tabu, Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor E 7th Nov Action Jackson (Comedy) Prabhu Deva ALIYA-GENIUS OF THE YEAR W hen Alia came on the show ‘Koffe with Karan’ ,she gave us quite a shocker concerning her general knowledge. When asked who the President of India is, Alia promptly replied with PrithvirajChavan.In the fourth season of the show , When Karan asked Pariniti and Alia the full form of BJP, Parineeti promptly replied with BhartiyaJanta Party, while Alia did nothing else but sheepishly smile at Karan. She has been popular on social media apps like What’s App for her Dumbo jokes. 65 Baba films Ajay Devgan, Sonakshi Sinha The Shaukeens (Comedy) Abhishek Sharma Grazing Goat Pictures Akshay Kumar, AnupamKher, Annu Kapoor E 19th December P.K (Comedy/Drama) RajKumarHirani Vinod Chopra Films, Rajkumar Hirani Films, UTV Motion Pictures Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sushant Singh Rajput Welcome Back (Comedy) Anees Bazmee Base Industries Group John Abraham, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, PareshRawal, ShrutiHaasan Recently a new viral video title : Genius Of The Year, created by funny portal AIB and directed by ShakunBatra of Ek Main AurEkTu fame, announces that Bollywood's Gen-Next glam brigade has grown up and is gradually learning to take jokes on them.The video seems to project her as a brainy babe. “So, after the ‘Alia Bhatt jokes’ thing… I decided to fix my brain!” Alia posted on Twitter along with a YouTube link to the video. A brief description of the video uploaded by comedy collective AIM, reads: “What did Alia Bhatt do after the internet turned her into the butt of all jokes? A documentary crew found out…”. It has taken the virtual world by storm and has received more than 20 lakh hits in less than two days.Alia's fans have applauded the actress' guts to come on screen to narrate her journey "From DolceGabbana to smart like Shabana". In the video, she is seen talking about how “hurt” she was when instead of searching for “Alia Bhatt hot pics” on Google, people started looking for “Alia Bhatt jokes.”The Bhatt family, including Alia's dad and film-maker Mahesh Bhatt, joins in to read out an SMS joke: "Alia Bhatt thinks the national animal is Tiger Shroff". "The new crop of actors is a far more chilled out lot, who enjoy and connect with the online crowd," adds Bhatt, profusely applauding Batra for making the film in a shoe-string budget.At the gym, she reads newspapers, her diet is “three portions of newspapers in the morning” and she is instructed to “skip Page 3.” She is made to brush up her knowledge via music and lands on Koffee with Karan again, stunning the host Karan with her answers. The video has brought to light Alia’s sportsmen spirit and has her trending on social media with this video. All the stars have applauded her sense of humour and AIM has gained much recognition. Alia has definitely proved she is not just beauty with an ”enlarged brain”, she has the attitude to be one of the coolest leading actresses of all time. Point Out SPIRITUAL TOUCH IT IS THE YOUTH WHO WILL TRANSFORM THIS NATION »»SWAMI VIVEKANAND My hope of the future lies in the youth of character- intelligent, renouncing all for the service of others, and obedientwho can sacrifice their lives in working out my ideas and thereby do good to themselves and the country at large. M y faith is in the younger generation, the modern generation, out of them will come my workers. They will work out the whole problem, like lions. I have formulated the idea and have given my life to it. If I do not achieve success, some better one will come after me to work it out, and I shall be content to struggle. Where are the men? That is the question. Young men, my hope is in you. Will you respond to the call of your nation? Each one of you has a glorious future if you dare believe me. Have a tremendous faith in yourselves, like the faith I had when I was a child, and which I am working out now. Have that faith, each one of you, in yourself-that eternal power is lodged in every soul- and you will revive the whole of India. Ay, we will then go to every country under the sun, and our ideas will before long be a component of the many forces that are working to make up every nation in the world. We must enter into the life of every race in India and abroad; shall have to work to bring this about. Now for that, I want young men. “It is the young, the strong, and healthy, of sharp intellect that will reach the Lord” , say the Vedas. My hope of the future lies in the youth of character- intelligent, renouncing all for the service of others, and obedient- who can sacrifice their lives in working out my ideas and thereby do good to themselves 66 september 2014 and the country at large. Otherwise, boys of the common run are coming in groups and will come. Dullness is written on their faces- their hearts are devoid of energy, their bodies feeble and unfit for work, and minds devoid of courage. What work will be done by these? If I get ten or twelve boys with the faith of Nachiketa, I can turn the thoughts and pursuits of this country in a new channel. Among those who appear to me to be good caliber, some have bound themselves by matrimony; some have sold themselves for the acquisition of worldly name, fame, or wealth; while some are of feeble bodies. The rest, who form the majority, are unable to receive any high idea. You are no doubt fit to receive my high ideas, but you are not able to work them out in the practical field. For these reasons sometimes and anguish comes into the mind, and I think that taking this human body, I could not do much work through untowardness of fortune. Of course, I have not yet wholly given up hope, for, by the will of God, from among these very boys may arise in time great heroes of action and spirituality who will in future work out my ideas. 67 Point Out 68 september 2014