The South Asian Times

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Pomp and Pageantry

I

d i

c e l e b r

New Delhi: The 68th Republic

Day of India was celebrated on
January 26 across the nation, from
Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu
and Gujarat to the northeastern
states, with pomp and pageantry,
with the grand function here being
the cynosure of all eyes.

a t

On both sides of Rajpath in New

Delhi, a crowd of about 50,000
people -- including Indian and foreign dignitaries and jubilant children dressed in colorful dresses
cheering and waving the Indian
flag -- set the tone for a perfect
start to the celebration.

e s

R - D a y

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed

Al Nahyan, who was the Chief
Guest, watched the parade alongside President Pranab Mukherjee
from inside a special enclosure.
President Mukherjee, who is
commander-in-chief of the armed

forces, took the salute at his last

Republic Day parade, as his term
is due to end in July.
In the morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes
to the fallen soldiers at the Amar
Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.

Continued on page 6

Continued on page 6

New York: The Indian diaspora across the world celebrated the countrys 68th Republic
Day with zeal and fervor by
hoisting the national flag and
organizing cultural events.
In Washington DC, at the Embassy, Ambassador Navtej Sarna
read out President Mukherjees
R-Day address to the nation. In
New York, Consul General Riva
Ganguly Das led the event at the
consulate and was invited to the
NYSE to ring the closing bell on
January 26 to
honor Indias
Republic Day.

j o u r n a l i s m

New York Edition | Follow us on

Vol. 9 | No. 39 | Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017 | 80 Cents

Indians the
world over
mark R-Day

i n

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra

Modi with the R-Day Chief Guest, Crown Prince of Abu
Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at Rajpath.

Burj Khalifa in Dubai lit up in

Indian flags colors on R-Day to
honor India & India-UAE ties.

A birds eye-view of the parade on Rajpath on the occasion of the

68th Republic Day celerbations in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.

Padma Awards 18

Jaipur Litfest 30

US Affairs 36

Spiritual Awearness 44

excellence in journalism

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

R-DAY IN AMERICA

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

Community throngs R-Day

celebrations in America
Embassy
celebrates
RDay with
fervor

he 68th Republic Day was

celebrated in Washington DC
on January 26 at the Indian
Embassy
premises.
Indian
Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna
paid floral tribute to the statue of

In Washington, Ambassador Sarna and in New York,

Consul General Das unfurled the tricolor.
Mahatma Gandhi in front of the
Embassy. Thereafter, he unfurled
the National Flag and addressed
the guests, reading out the
President Pranab Mukherjees
address to the nation. This was fol
lowed by singing of patriotic songs
by a youth. Over 200 members of
the Indian community attended the
celebrations. Documentaries titled
"A Day in the Life of India" and
"Indian Army: An Instrument of
National Power" were screened on
the occasion.

INDO-US TIES FLYING HIGH: CG DAS

Dignitaries & prominent members of the Indian community attended

the Republic Day celebratios in the Consulate on January 26.

Special to The South

Asian Times

Ambassador Navtej Sarna paying floral tributes to the statue of

Mahatma Gandhi in front of the embassy on January 26.

Indian community leaders were joined in by Town of Hempstead

Supervisor Anthony J. Santino on January 26 in front of the Town
Hall in unfurling the tricolor to mark Indias 68th Republic Day.

New York: Consul General Riva

Ganguly Das highlighted the
strengthening relationship
between India and the United
States, saying that it has hit high
in several areas.
The depth, quality and intensi
ty of our relationship is unparal
leled, she told a community gath
ering on January 26 evening at
the Consulate to celebrate Indias
68th Republic Day. The consul
general said, Bilateral trade is
already more than $100 billion
and is expected to grow to $ 500
billion by the end of this decade.
She added that America is the
sixth largest in terms of FDI in
India. Ambassador Das also high
lighted peopletopeople relations
and lauded the efforts of the 3.8
million IndianAmericans in pro
moting bilateral ties. The com
munity has the highest income
level among various ethnic

groups. Similarly, it has the most

number of highly qualified peo
ple, she added.
Jeffrey R Cellars, area director
at the Office of Foreign Missions,
US State Department, who is
based in New York, was the only
other speaker. He also stressed
the burgeoning relations in vari
ous fields between the two
nations, and acknowledged India
as the largest democracy.
Nearly 300 people attended the

Consul General Riva Ganguly

Das reading out Indian
President Mukherjees Republic
Day eve address to the nation.
event, including Frank Wisner
(former US ambassador to India),
Upendra Chivukula (currently
commissioner at the Board of
Public Utilities in NJ), P. Rama
Krishna (Jersey Citybased chief
representative for Andhra Bank),
Ramesh Patel (FIA chairman),
and three Padma Shri awardees
H.R. Shah (TV Asia), P. Jayaraman
(formerly with Bharatiya Vidya
Bhavan) and Dr Sudhir Parikh
(Parikh Worldwide Media)

Joined by community leaders, CG Mrs Das rang the closing bell at

the New York Stock Exchange on January 26 afternoon.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

THE PARADE

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

Military might, cultural

diversity at display
New Delhi: India's military might,
its cultural diversity and achieve
ments in various areas were show
cased at a grand parade here as the
nation celebrated its 68th Republic
Day with the Crown Prince of Abu
Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin
Zayed Al Nahyan as the Chie f
Guest.
The country's main celebration
took place at Rajpath here where
India's Who's Who assembled to
watch a 90minute parade that also
focused on the government's Make
in India initiative to boost manu
facturing.
Amid fears of possible terror
attacks, a tight security blanket
was thrown around the national
capital including the venue. Nearly
60,000 police and paramilitary
personnel were deployed across
Delhi. Despite rainbearing clouds
and a drizzle, thousands turned up
on both sides of Rajpath to watch
the grand march that wound its
way over eight kilometres from
Raisina Hill, with the imposing
Rashtrapati Bhavan in the back
drop, to the 17th century Red Fort.
The day began with President
Pranab Mukherjee unfurling the
Indian flag at the Rashtrapati
Bhavan and Prime Minister
Narendra Modi paying tributes to
the fallen soldiers at the Amar
Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.
Modi welcomed the President
New Delhi: T he Republic Day
parade this year on Rajpath wit
nessed tableaux from 17 states
showcasing the amazing diversity
in the country, from physical fea
tures to fauna and flora, races, lan
guages, religions, and cultural
practices.
The tableau of Odisha depicted
the festival of "Dola Jatra" that sig
nifies the journey of Lord
Dologovinda, Bhudevi and
Sreedevi in the tradition of Bhakti
cult, while the tableau of
Arunachal Pradesh presented the
Yak Dance, one of the most famous
pantomimes of the Mahayana sect
of Buddhism practiced by tribes in
the state.
To commemorate the 160th
birth anniversary of the freedom
fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar
Tilak who is known to have
encouraged physical education
along with other social reforms,
Maharashtra's tableau highlighted
his struggles and contributions.
One of the oldest ritualistic the
aters of the world, Lai Haraoba
was recreated by the Meitei com

Indigenouslybuild Aakash missiles on display. (Photo: IANS)

Despite rainbearing clouds

and a drizzle,
thousands
turned up on
both sides of
Rajpath to watch
the grand march

PM Narendra Modi pays homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.

(Photo: IANS/DPRO)

and the Chie f Guest, Sheikh

Mohammed, the son of the UAE's
founding president.
President Mukherjee, command
erinchief of the armed forces,
took salute as the parade began
with a 149member UAE military
contingent marching down the
boulevard. Led by Lt Col Abood
Musabeh Abood Musabeh Alghfeli,
it comprised of the UAE
Presidential Guard, the Air Force,
the Navy, the Army and 35 musi
cians.
It was followed by military and
paramilitary contingents, including
mounted troops from the 61st
Cavalry and mechanized columns.
Martial music belted out by mili

tary bands filled the air as soldiers

drawn from some of the finest mili
tary units marched with clockwork
precision. Paramilitary personnel
and Delhi Police also walked, step
to step. Making their debut on the
occasion were India's Light Combat
Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Airborne
Early Warning and Control System
(AEW&C), both developed indige
nously. Despite overcast condi
tions, three of the fighter jets flew
at a height of 300 meters from the
ground at a speed of 780 km per
hour in 'VIC' formation, leaving the
spectators in awe.
Developed by the Aeronautical
Deve lopment Agency and pro
duced by Hindustan Aeronautics

Ltd, Tejas, as a fourth generation

aircraft, can fly at 1,350 km per
hour and is comparable to the
world's best fighters, including
French Mirage 2000, American F
16 and Swedish Gripen. The elite
counterterrorism force, National
Security Guard (NSG), also made its
maiden appearance with a contin
gent of 60 commandos in black
overalls and armed gear giving the
ceremonial salute to President
Mukherjee. The other commandos
were on seven vehicles. After the
armed forces came state tableaux,
displaying India's oneness amid a
rich diversity.
Haryana's tableau, dedicated to
the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' cam

munity of Manipur which prac

t ices it, w ith a replica of the
deities, elaborate traditional para
phernalia and live dancing by the
devotees.
The Gujarat tableau featured the
art and lifestyle of its Kutch
region, with a woman doing the
embroidery work, while the tourist
dest inat ion of Lakshadweep
unveiled its rich ecosystem and
marine wealth.
Famous for its traditional arts
and folk dances, the state of
Karnataka presented the tableau
showcasing Goravas, the worship
pers of Lord Shiva.
The Delhi government portrayed
the transformation of school edu
cation in the city, particularly the
recent initiatives taken for quality
enhancement in the field, and
demonstrated the evolution of the
concept of "Model Schools" here.
T he hilly state of Himachal
Pradesh, famous for Chamba
Rumal a finest specimen of
Pahari art in the Chamba town
which originated in late 18th cen
tury, splendidly represented the

essence of this wonderful craft in

its tableau. Haryana depicted the
most relevant issue in the state
and also in the country the 'Beti
Bachao Beti Padhao' movement.
West Bengal tableau showcased

exquisite art motifs that extend to

elaborate interiors and exteriors
of Durga Puja pandals, executed
by trained artists, with stylised
e lements and presentation of
crafts and culture.

Republic Day tableaux

win hearts

The tableau of West Bengal passes through the Rajpath.

paign, came first. The Jammu and

Kashmir tableau was clad in white,
depicting the popular winter sports
destination of Gulmarg.
A Delhi tableau made its appear
ance at the parade after many
years. The parade ended with a
spectacular fly past by the Air
Force, with aircraft and helicopters
setting the skies ablaze. Mi17 V5
helicopters flew with the Indian
flag and showered flower petals.
T he President presented a
posthumous Ashok Chakra, the
highest peacetime gallantry award,
to the wife of Havildar Hangpan
Dada of Assam Reg iment who
killed four terrorists before dying
in Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir.
Punjab presented its festive
dance Jago Aaiya that takes place
a night before a Punjabi wedding.
Tamil Nadu's tableau presented
the state's popular folk dance
Karakattam that forms an impor
tant event of temple festival cele
brations, especially in Amman
temple festivals in the rural areas.
The musical heritage of Goa was
the main feature of its tableau at
the parade. It was depicted
through various musical instru
ments and dance.
The magnificent Reang tribal
dance of Tripura was presented as
the theme of the state's tableau.
The dance is usually performed on
the occasion of the Hojagiri festi
vals and is accompanied by bam
boomade flute, cymbals and
khamb. The tableau of Jammu and
Kashmir attractively showcased
winter sports at Gulmarg, with
Kashmiri folk song playing in the
background.
The tableau of Assam portrayed
the holy shrine of Kamakhya tem
ple that renders prominence to its
capital Guwahati.

T U R N PAG E

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

India celebrates R-Day with Pomp and Pageantry

Continued from page 6

A 149-member UAE military contingent participated in the parade
this time. Led by Lt Col Abood Musabeh Abood Musabeh Alghfeli, it
comprised of the UAE Presidential
Guard, the Air Force, the Navy, the
Army and a band of 35 musicians.
This was followed by military and
paramilitary contingents, including mounted troops from the 61st
Cavalry and mechanized columns.
Martial music belted out by military
bands filled the air as soldiers drawn
from some of the finest military units

marched with clockwork precision.

Making its debut were Indias
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
and Airborne Early Warning and
Control System (AEW&C), both
developed indigenously. Despite
overcast conditions, three of the
fighter jets flew at a height of 300
meters from the ground at a speed
of 780 km per hour in VIC formation, leaving the spectators in awe.
The maiden appearance of the elite
counter-terrorism force, National
Security Guard (NSG), was an added
charm to this years celebration.
After the armed forces came the
state tableaux, displaying Indias
oneness amid a rich diversity.
The parade ended with a spectacular fly-past by the Air Force,
with aircraft and helicopters setting the skies ablaze. Mi-17 V5 helicopters flew with the Indian flag
and showered flower petals.
Elsewhere in the country, Uttar
Pradesh Governor Ram Naik unfurled the national flag at the Vid-

han Sabha building in Lucknow.

He also urged the people to vote in
the upcoming state assembly elections, starting from February 11.
The Republic Day was celebrated across Bihar, with Governor
Ram Nath Kovind hoisting the tricolour at Patna, while in Rajasthan,
Governor Kalyan Singh unfurled
the national flag at the Umaid Stadium of Jodhpur.
In the cultural capital Kolkata,
Governor K.N. Tripathi took the salute, while Chief Minister Mamata
Banerjee and others joined him in
the celebration.
In the technology hub
of India and capital of
Karnataka, Bengaluru,
the Republic Day was
celebrated with pomp
and show, with Governor
Vajubahia Vala unfurling the tricolour, while
in Odisha capital Bhubaneswar, Governor S.C.
Jamir unfurled the tri-

color and took the salute.

In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Governor P. Sathasivam hoisted
the national flag and described the
state as the thought leader for the
rest of India, while in Maharashtra,
Governor C.H. Vidyasagar Rao took
salute at a ceremonial parade at the
historic Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister O.
Panneerselvam hoisted the tricolor
at the Marina beach, that had been
overtaken by thousands of protesting youth till a few days ago to demand the holding of Jallikattu.
In Andhra Pradesh, Governor

E.S.L. Narasimhan unfurled the

national flag in Vijayawadas Indira Gandhi Stadium, while Narasimhan unfurled the flag in capital
city Hyderabad for Telangana.
In Assam, seven explosions took
place in three districts, with police blaming the United Liberation
Front of Asom (ULFA). No one was
injured in any of the blasts which
took place in four locations of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Charaideo
districts of eastern Assam almost
simultaneously. Militant groups
had called for a boycott of Republic Day celebrations in the northeastern region.
IANS

Indians the world over mark R-Day

Continued from page 6

In Dubai, the Indian community took pride

in the biggest-ever Republic Day celebrations
in the UAE due to the visit of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of
Abu Dhabi to New Delhi to be Chief Guest at
Republic Day celebrations. Burj Khalifa was
lit up in Indian flags colors on the eve of
January 26.
The Indian community in Sri Lanka gathered
in large numbers to celebrate Republic Day.
The main function was held at India House in
Colombo where High Commissioner Taranjeet
Singh Sandhu unfurled the Tricolor.
In Nepal, Indian Ambassador Ranjit Rae led
the celebrations. He hoisted the national flag
and read out the message of President Pranab
Mukherjee. He also distributed checks worth
around R 4 crore to the widows and next of kin
of deceased soldiers of the Indian armed forces.

In Bangladesh, Indian High Commissioner

Harsh Vardhan Sringla opened the celebrations
by unfurling the Tricolor at the new Chancery
Complex in Baridhara. Hundreds of people of the
Indian community participated with a great deal
of patriotic fervor in the celebrations. A colorful
program showcasing Indias diverse culture was
put up by youngsters of the community.
In Ukraines capital Kiev, a flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Indian Embassy in the
presence of expats, which was followed by the
singing of the national anthem. Indian envoy
Manoj K. Bharti read out Mukherjees speech on
the occasion.
Republic Day was also celebrated at the Indian
Embassy in Jakarta, the Consulate General of India in Bali and at the Consulate General of India
in Medan with gaiety and fervor. To mark the occasion, flag-hoisting ceremonies and several cultural programmes were also organized in China,
Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Malaysia.

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R DAY PRESIDENT SPEECH

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

Tolerance still being

put to test: President
New Delhi: President Pranab
Mukherjee said that country's plu
ralistic culture and tolerance were
still being put to test by vested
interests, while also noting that the
time was ripe for a debate on the
need for simultaneous polls to the
Lok Sabha and the state assem
blies.
In his address on the eve of 68th
Republic Day, he said that happi
ness and well being of people
should be touch stones of public
policy and "inclusive innovation" a
way of life.
The President said more than the
unison of ideas, a healthy democ
racy calls for conformity to the val
ues of tolerance, patience and
respect for others and these must
reside in every Indian's hearts and
minds to inculcate in them a tem
perament of understanding and
responsibility.
He also said that demonetization
carried out by the government on
November 8 last year may have led
to temporary slowdown of eco
nomic activity but it will improve
transparency of economy as more
transactions become cashless.
T he President, who assumed
of fice in 2012 and delivered his
last address of the present term,

outlined nine points to "work hard

er than ever" in order to redeem
promises made to people.
"We have to work harder
because our pluralistic culture and
tolerance are still being put to test
by vested interests. Reason and
moderation should be our guide in
dealing with such situations," he
said.
He said people have to work
hard to keep at bay the "dark
forces" of terrorism. "These forces
have to be dealt with firmly and
decisively. The forces inimical to
our interests cannot be allowed to
grow."
Mukherjee said India's pluralism
and social, cultural, linguistic and
religious diversity are its greatest
strength and "values of tolerance
and respect for others must reside
in minds of every Indian".
He said India's tradition has
always celebrated the "argumenta
tive" Indian, not the "intolerant"
Indian and mult iple views,
thoughts and philosophies have
competed with each other peace
fully for centuries.
The President said a wise and
discerning mind is necessary for
demo cracy to flourish, and
expressing concern over disrup

tions in legislatures, called for a

collective ef fort to bring focus
back on debate and decisionmak
ing. He also said "time was also
ripe for a constructive debate on
electoral reforms" and "a return to
the practice of the early decades
after independence when elections
to Lok Sabha and state assemblies
were held simultaneously".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
has been pitching for a debate on
the need of simultaneous polls to
Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Mukherjee said that India's jour
ney since Independence has been
"eventful, sometimes painful, but
at most times, exhilarating" but
"we will have to learn to adjust our
sails, quickly and deftly, to the
winds of change".
Noting that three generations of
cit izens, born in Independent
India, do no carry baggage of colo
nial past, he said it sometimes
makes it easy to for them to take
freedom for granted.
"Democracy has conferred rights
on each one of us. But along with
these rights come responsibilities
which have to be discharged."
The President said that youth
were brimming with hope and
aspirations and they look for a job

as well as a purpose in life, but

lack of opportunities leads to frus
tration and unhappiness which
manifests itself in anger, anxiety,
stress and aberrations in behavior.
Emphasizing on job generation,
he said education system will have
to join hands with innovation to

Country's
pluralistic culture
is still being put to
test by vested
interests, says
President in his
Republic Day
address
increase, poverty rat io has
declined by twothirds, average life
expectancy has more than doubled
and literacy rate has shown a four
fold increase, said people have to
work harder as onefifth of the
countrymen were st ill be low
poverty line. He said more hard

Pranab Mukherjee said demonetization will improve transparency of

economy as more transactions become cashless.
prepare youth for lifelong learn
ing. Noting happiness is funda
mental to the human experience,
he said: "We must make happiness
and wellbeing of our people as the
touchstones of public policy."
Dwelling on country's achieve
ments, he, noting that per capita
income has shown a tenfold

President Pranab Mukherjee and Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi during the
National Voters' Day celebrations at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. (Photos: IANS/RB)

President Pranab Mukherjee receives General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown
Prince of Adu Dhabi, during his ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

work was needed to provide safety

and security to women.
"We have to work harder
because we are all equal children
be fore our mother," he said,
adding that the motherland calls
upon people to do their duty with
integ rity, commitment and
unflinching loyalty.

10

Governor calls
Kerala 'thought
leader'

Kerala Governor P. Sathasivam

(right).
Thiruvananthapuram: On the
occasion of the 68th Republic
Day celebrations on Thursday
here, Kerala Governor P.
Sathasivam called the state the
"thought leader" for the rest of
India. "Although our state is
small, accounting for hardly
three per cent of India's popu
lation, yet Kerala has always
been a 'thought leader' for the
rest of India with its high liter
acy, progressive ideas and
globally acclaimed move
ments," said Governor
Sathasivam in his Republic Day
address here at the Central sta
dium, after taking the salute at
an impressive parade.
He said Kerala is now on the
path of rebuilding itself as one
of the most advanced societies
in the world, with a mission
called "Navakeralam", which
focuses on four key areas,
namely, education, agriculture
and environment, housing and
health. " I must appreciate the
efforts of the state govern
ment, led by Pinarayi Vijayan,
in focusing on these key areas
with a broad vision that aims at
an allround development of
the state, in tune with the
national goals," said
Sathasivam, former Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court.
"This rejuvenation package
for agriculture is very signifi
cant, especially in the context
of all districts in Kerala being
drought affected," he said.
"On this Republic Day, each
one of us should pledge to
grow at least two varieties of
vegetables in our homes, and
to preserve water, considering
the drought situation," the
Governor added.
Chief Minister Vijayan and
senior government officials
watched the parade from the
gallery of the stadium.

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

Mumbai: Maharashtra celebrated

the 68th Republic Day w ith
Governor C.V. Rao unfurling the
Tricolor at the main state function,
taking the salute at a ceremonial
parade at the historic Shivaji Park
here on Thursday.
Present on the occasion were
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis,
leg islat ive assembly Speaker
Haribhau Bagde, Mumbai Mayor
Snehal Ambekar, top officials of the
armed forces, the police, members
of the diplomatic corps stationed in
Mumbai, citizens and other digni
taries and invitees.
Addressing the g athering,
Governor Rao urged the people to
reaf firm the commitment to
strengthen the democratic values
enshrined in the Constitution and
rededicate ourselves for the all
round development of the country.
He highlighted the developments
that have taken place in the state
and country, adding Maharashtra
has set up a Science and
Technology Commission headed by
Anil Kako dkar, former Atomic
Energy Commission Chairman.
"With a view to ensure security of
all citizens and prevent recurrence
of terror crimes, 7,261 CCTV cam
eras have been installed in Mumbai,
Pune and Nagpur," the Governor
said.
Referring to the upcoming elec
tions to various civic bodies, Rao
urged the people to exercise their
franchise in an orderly and peace
ful manner in the true spirit of
democracy.
Lakhs of people from all sections
of society, including college and
school students, enthusiastically
joined the celebrations at various

THE STATES

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

The tableau of Maharashtra passes through the Rajpath.

Colorful R-Day celebrations

in Maharashtra
public, government, social and pri
vate events held across the state,
including in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur,
Nashik, Aurangabad, Kolhapur,
Ahmednagar and at district head
quarters.
The colorful parade in Mumbai
saw a lively march past by units of
the Indian Navy, Indian Coast
Guard, State Reserve Police Force,
Central Industrial Security Force,
Mumbai Armed Police, Mumbai
Women Police, Mumbai Fire
Brigade, National Cadet Corps,
Road Safety Patrol, Bharat Scouts
and Guides and other organisa
tions.

Various government departments

took out floats depicting their
achievements in dif ferent fields
and on various current topics like
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and solar
energy, besides cultural presenta
tions showcasing different aspects
of the state's socialcultural life.
T he
Cong ress
units
of
Maharashtra
and
Mumbai,
Nationalist Congress Party and
other political parties also organ
ised programs to mark the day at
their headquarters.
Central Railway General Manager
D.K. Sharma and Western Railway
General Manager G.C. Agarwal held

Bengal joins nation in celebrations

Kolkata: Governor K.N. Tripathi unfurled the
tricolor and took salute at a colorful march
past at the Indira Gandhi Sarani here as
West Bengal celebrated the Republic Day
on Thursday.
With Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and
others watching, units from the Army, Navy
and Air Force took part in the customary
parade with their tableau showcasing
sophisticated weapons like the Bofors can
nons and multi rocket launcher Pinaka.
Models of Indian naval ship Bramhaputra
and aircraft carrier INS Sindhughosh were
also exhibited amid much cheers from the
huge crowds.
Contingents of Kolkata and West Bengal
Police and Border Security Force marched.
Representatives of the fire brigade and
NCC cadets as also students of 11 schools
from Kolkata and other districts also took
part in the parade.
The event saw daredevil motorcycle
stunts preformed by the Army. Young girls
of Ramkrishna Mission Vidyamandira pre
sented a group dance.
On the occasion, the Left Front led by the
Communist Party of IndiaMarxist (CPIM)
formed human chains across the city in sup
port of the country's unity and integrity.
Led by Left Front chairman Biman Bose
and CPIM state secretary Surjya Kanta
Mishra, Marxist leaders and activists

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata

Banerjee arrives at the venue of Republic
Day parade on Red Road in Kolkata. (Photo:
Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)
formed the human chain calling upon peo
ple to stand up against communal intoler
ance.
The national flag was hoisted at union
and state government of fices across the
state.
A large number of organizations, educa
tional institutions and clubs also celebrated
the Republic Day throughout the state by
hoisting flags and organizing events involv
ing students and children.

celebrations of their organisations

with the participation of top of fi
cials and staffers at their respective
headquarters here.
Various government of fices,
departments, undertakings, univer
sities, colleges, schools, housing
complexes, social organisations and
district collectorates also held flag
hoisting celebrations.
As is customary, major Mumbai
buildings like Mantralaya, the WR
and CR headquarters, important
landmarks and certain private
buildings were colourfully illumi
nated since Wednesday night for
the Republic Day.

R-Day celebrated with pomp,

pageantry in Karnataka
Bengaluru: The 68th Republic Day was celebrated
in Karnataka with pomp and pageantry amid tight
security on Thursday.
Karnataka Governor Vajubahia Vala unfurled the
Tricolor at the Field Marshal Manekshaw parade
ground in the city center here and joined hundreds
of people in singing the national anthem in tandem,
in the state capital.
About 10,000 people, including women and chil
dren, flocked to the venue and witnessed an impres
sive march past by the contingents of the three
services (Army, Navy and Air Force), state and cen
tral police forces, National Cadet Corps (NCC) and
Bharat Scouts and Guides with military music
bands. Before delivering the RDay address, Vala
went around the sprawling ground in an open jeep
for the guard of honour and received the salute
from the armed forces on the dais. A military heli
copter showered rose petals over the venue. State
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was present on the
occasion. The Governor and the Chief Minister also
greeted the people across the state. Boys and girls
representing the Seva Dal and about 3,000 students
from staterun and public schools and colleges from
across the city also took part in the march past
(parade) and saluted the Governor while passing
before the dais.
After the music bands of the services and the
state police played patriotic songs, the audience
was treated to an hourlong cultural program and
sporting events.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Republic Day celebrated

in Uttarakhand
Dehradun:
Uttarakhand
Governor K.K. Paul unfurled the
tricolor at the Parade Ground
here on the Republic Day.
Amid t ig ht security, the
Governor then took the ceremo
nial salute at the parade.
Several hundred people joined
the political fraternity in cele
brating the Republic Day.
Contingents from the military,
paramilitary forces, police and
students from schools and col
leges took part in the event.
Paul later gave away awards
to people from dif ferent
streams of life. A culture pro
gram was organized to mark
the occasion.

Odisha celebrates
Republic Day
Bhubaneswar: Odisha celebrat
ed the 68th Republic Day with
gaiety and enthusiasm, with
state Governor S.C. Jamir
unfurling the Tricolor and tak
ing the salute at Mahatma
Gandhi Marg in the capital city
here.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik
also hoisted the national flag at
the Barabati stadium in Cuttack
and remembered the freedom
fighters and their contributions
to the nation.
About 78 troupes took part in
the Republic Day celebrations
in Bhubaneswar. While several
cultural teams participated in
the parade, performances by
school and college students
along with skating and daredev
il shows were the other attrac
tions during the celebrations in
Bhubaneswar.
The commissionerate police
made e laborate security
arrangements for the smooth
conduct of the Republic Day
here.
As many as 30 platoons of
security personnel and two spe
cial tactical units of SOG were
deployed in the city. Besides,
CCTVs were installed to keep a
close watch on the parade
ground.
Republic Day celebrations
were held across the state amid
tight security. The Odisha police
made special security arrange
ments in Maoist affected areas.

New Delhi: President Pranab

Mukherjee awarded the Ashok
Chakra posthumously to Havildar
Hangpan Dada for displaying exem
plary valor and selfsacrifice while
fighting terrorists in Jammu and
Kashmir in May last year.
Dada's sobbing widow Chasen
Lowang received the highest peace
time military award from the
President on Rajpath during the
68th Republic Day celebrations
here.
The guest of honor and Crown
Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed
bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Prime
Minister Narendra Modi watched in
silence as Mukherjee saluted the
courage of the Assam Regiment's
soldier.
Born on October 2, 1979, in
Borduria village in Tirap district of
Arunachal Pradesh, Dada was
enrolled into 3 Para, Special Force,
and was reverted to his parent unit
4 Assam in January 2008. An Army
statement said Dada was always
known as a softspoken, Godfearing
soldier with a resolute will and
sharp soldierly skills. He volun
teered to serve in 35 Rashtriya
Rifles in March 2016.
On May 27, 2016, the observa
tion post sentry of his company
spotted four militants moving into
the mountainous folds near his
post. T he company commander
called Dada and told him to cordon

THE STATES

off the militants and prevent their

escape.
While he was deploying the stops,
Dada came across two militants face
to face. Showing swift reflexes,
Dada shot dead one militant and
grievously injured the other.
The injured militant took cover
behind a boulder while two others
fled down a nallah.
Dada chased the two militants and
killed both. After killing three mili
tants, the soldier began trailing the
injured militant. In the ensuing gun
fight, Dada was shot in the stomach.
Undeterred by his grievous
wound, the valorous soldier
instructed his team to surround the
militant to prevent his escape, while
he charged at the terrorist. Dada
suffered a gunshot in the neck and
died.
He was posthumously awarded
India's highest peacetime military
decoration on August 15, 2016.

The tableau of Assam passes through the Rajpath.

Jodhpur: The 68th Republic Day

was celebrated with fervor and
enthusiasm in Rajasthan on
Thursday.
The state level function was held
here. Rajasthan Governor Kalyan
Singh unfurled the national flag at
the Umaid Stadium overflowing
with crowds. Singh took salute and
inspected the guard of honour

11

Ashok Chakra for

awardee soldier's widow

Assam tableau displays

Kamakhya temple

New Delhi: Assam's famous

Kamakhya temple dedicated to
the Hindu diety Kamakhya was
showcased at the Republic Day
parade here on the state's tableau.
The tableau displayed some wor
shippers at the temple which
unusually has no image or idol for
worship and is loacted atop
Nilachal hills in Guwahati. The tem

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

ple, a major religious tourist attrac

t ion, draws worshippers from
across the country. It has a natural
fissure which resembles female
genitals. Due to the flow of water
from a spring emanating from
inside the cave, it remains moist
and worshippers believe that moth
er Earth menstruates through this
fissure at the time of cultivation.

Rajasthan celebrates
68th R-Day with fervor
from the marching contingents,
which were cheered by and
received thunderous applause
from the spectators.
Intermittent showers failed to
dampen the spirit and enthusiasm

President Pranab Mukherjee giving Ashoka

Chakra to Havildar Hangpan Dada's wife at
Rajpath. (Photo: PIB) (Inset) Havildar
Hangpan Dada.
New Delhi: Delhi's tableau made a
come back after three years at the
Republic Day parade here, high
lighting the education reforms
under the Aam Aadmi Party
(AAP) government of the city.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind
Ke jriwal attended the
parade, along with his wife
Sunita Kejriwal.
De lhi's tableau show
cased a model government
school, the transformation
in governmentrun schools
and the recent initiatives of
the AAP government to
upgrade the standard of educa
tion in the city.
The tableau also displayed the
meg a PTM (Parents Teacher
Meeting) held in July and October
in the staterun schools.
The crowd cheered as Delhi's
tableau rolled down on Rajpath
and Kejriwal, wearing a blue
sweater and a black muf fler,
beamed a smile and gave the
tableau a standing ovation, along
with his wife.
Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister
Manish Sisodia also joined in.
Earlier this month, there were

rumours
that the Centre had re jected
Delhi's tableau for the Republic
Day parade by citing poll code
violations.
But Delhi Culture Minister Kapil
Mishra put the rumours to rest,
saying the participation of the
state government was confirmed.
The last time Delhi's tableau
was thematically and aesthetical
ly accepted for the Republic Day
parade was in 2013.

as large number of people attend

ed the function.
Personnel from the Rajasthan
Armed Constabulary (RAC),
Rajasthan Police, home guards,
NCC cadets besides school chil
dren participated in the parade.
After the parade, over 1,200
school children and local artists
performed folk dances. Daredevil

teams of the police performed

acrobatics on motorcycles.
Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje
and senior state government offi
cials were present on the occasion.
The Governor also honoured
state government officers, employ
ees and police personnel for dis
tinguished and meritorious servic
es on the occasion.

Delhi
makes a
comeback
at RDay
parade

12

Despite unrest,
Kashmiri youth
proved their
brilliance: Vohra
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir
Governor N.N. Vohra said despite
unrest and odds, the state's
youth had proved their brilliance
in various fields.
"As we have seen for ourselves
in the past few years, despite the
severe constraints arising from
recurring spells of disruption
and disorder, our youth has been
doing very well in almost every
arena," Vohra said while address
ing the Republic Day function
here.
Vohra hoisted the national flag
and took salute at an impressive
parade at the Maulana Azad
Stadium here.
"In Jammu and Kashmir, our
greatest strength is our youth
who comprise almost half of our
population.
"Besides excelling in studies
and winning awards and nation
al fellowships, a growing num
ber of our students have been
gaining high positions in All
India Services, central services,
defence, central police forces
and other services."
Vohra praised actress Zaira
Wasim. He expressed his unhap
pines over the loss of lives dur
ing last year's unrest in the
Kashmir Valley and said the
protests were only hurting the
wheels of progress.
"The prolonged disturbance in
the valley last summer resulted
in large human losses and an
unprecedented number of secu
rity force personnel were
injured. I share the grief of all
those who have lost their dear
ones. "The hartals (protests)
which extended from week to
week caused large economic
losses and particularly severe
hardships for daily wage earn
ers. "The violent demonstrators
burnt several dozen schools and
set ablaze government offices,
police stations and private prop
erties. "The disturbances caused
irreparable damage to the func
tioning of the educational sys
tem. The studies of over 14 lakh
school going children and nearly
a lakh college and university stu
dents were disrupted," he said.

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

INDIA R-DAY SPECIAL

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Prime minister presenting a child

with Bravery Award.
New Delhi: Children who won the
National Bravery Awards partici
pated in the 68th Republic Day
Parade at Rajpath here to the
loud cheers from the spectators.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
had presented the Nat ional
Bravery Awards to 25 children,
four of them posthumously, from
different parts of the country.
Among the award w inners
were 15yearold Sumit Mamgain
from Uttrakhand who fought a
leopard to save his cousin, and
nineyearold Sonu Mali from
Rajasthan who saved his class
mate from a fourfoot long black
cobra.
Te jasweeta Prad han and
Shivani Gond from Darjeeling
showed immense courage in
fearlessly helping the police and
an NGO in uncovering an inter
national sex racket leading to the
arrest of the mastermind in
Delhi.
Four children received the
awards posthumously, including
eightyearold Tarh Peju from
Arunachal Pradesh who sacri
ficed her life in an attempt to
save two of her friends from
drowning. Lalhriatpuii from
Mizoram sacrificed her life in an
effort to save her cousin from a

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a group photograph with the awardwinning

children and their parents in New Delhi. (Photo: IANS/PIB)

Bravery award winning

children cheered at R-Day
car accident. Tushar Verma from
Chhattisgarh lost his life as he
tried to extinguish a fire in his
neighbour's shed. Roluahpuii
from Mizoram sacrificed her life
in a bold ef fort of saving two
girls from drowning.
The National Bravery Award
Scheme was init iated by the
Indian Council for Child Welfare
(ICCW) in 1957 to give recogni
tion to children who distinguish
themselves by performing out
standing deeds of bravery and

meritorious service.
"Their deeds of bravery show
these children's decisiveness and
courage," the Prime Minister said
during the felicitation ceremony.
Interacting with the awardees,
he said: "You must ensure that
this award does not become the
end of your life's purpose, but
rather should only mark the
beginning." He said that bravery
is a state of mind; a healthy body
he lps, but the prime moving
force is the mind. He further

added, "we need to make the

mind strong. The adulation and
fame that you are getting, should
not become an obstacle to the
future progress."
Modi reminded the children
about the significance of the day
January 23 which is Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose's birth
anniversary and urged them to
read as much as possible. Women
and Child Development Minister
Maneka Gandhi was also present
on the occasion.

Personnel of surgical strikes

conferred gallantry awards
New Delhi: A total of 23 soldiers
from Indian Army's Special Forces
that went across the border for
the surgical strike have been
awarded gallantry medals, includ
ing a Kirti Chakra, on occasion of
the 68th Republic Day.
Major Rohit Suri of 4 Para has
been awarded the Kirti Chakra,
the second highest peacetime gal
lantry award.
"Maj Rohit Suri awarded Kirti
Chakra for displaying inspiring
leadership & conspicuous gal
lantry while leading his team in an
op," the Indian Army's Northern
Command said in a tweet.
T he Kirt i Chakra was also
awarded posthumously to Lance
Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi
Magar of Third Battalion of the
First Gorkha Rifles, killed while
fighting terrorists along the Line

A total of 23 soldiers from Indian Army's Special Forces were

awarded gallantry medals, including a Kirti Chakra.
of Control in Tangdhar, Jammu &
Kashmir.
Magar, a 'Ghatak' commando of
the unit, was part of the team that
thwarted an infiltration bid and

shot dead four terrorists.

The gallantry awards include
five Shaurya Chakras, two Yudh
Seva Medals, one Bar to Sena
Medal (Gallantry) and 14 Sena

Medals (Gallantry) for soldiers

from the 4 Para and 9 Para of
Special Forces that took part in
the surgical strike.
The winners of Shaurya Chakra
include Ashu Sing h, a Chie f
Mechanical Eng ineer who
diedAwhile trying to control a fire
on board aircraft carrier INS
Viraat, Naik Pandurang Mahadev
Gawade of 41 Rashtriya Rifles,
killed fighting a group of militants
in Kashmir's Kupwara, and Head
Constable Sanjewan Sing h of
Jammu and Kashmir Police, who
died while fighting along with
Colonel M.N. Rai against terrorists
in Jammu and Kashmir. Rai was
awarded a Shaurya Chakra last
year. Winners of Param Vishisht
Seva Medal includes Lt. General
Praveen Bakshi, who heads the
Eastern Command of Indian Army.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL

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14

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

INDIA-UAE TIES

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

During the visit of Abu Dhabis Crown Prince as chief guest

at the Republic, the UAE and India took their trade and
other ties to a new level. UAE is an important partner
in India's growth story, stated
Modi.
ister
Prime Min
ra
d
n
Nare
the
Modi and of
st
e
u
Chief G
th
8
the 6
Day,
Republic
n
w
the Cro
Abu
f
o
e
Princ
neral
e
G
i
b
a
Dh
Sheikh
ed
Mohamm l
A
d
e
y
a
Z
Bin
Nahyan
the
watching
t
a
e
d
para
Rajpath in
i.
New Delh

Special to The
South Asian Times
New Delhi: India, for the first time,
laid out the red carpet for a leader
whos not a Head of State. The Abu
Dhabi Crown Prince, Sheikh
Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan
who arrived here on January 24
was the Chief Guest at India's 68th
Republic Day celebrations. The
Crown Prince is the next genera
tion of the UAEs leadership, and
its future leader, and as an Indian
diplomat explained, We are bet
ting on the future MBZ (as the
Sheikh is known) is a highly popu
lar leader not just in the Emirates,
but in the Gulf as a whole. The
Crown Prince was accompanied by
a highlevel delegation comprising
cabinet Ministers, senior of ficials
and business leaders.
Many feel that it was after the
1999 hijacking of IC814 that
India decided to take the UAE rela
tionship seriously. It wanted to
step up security cooperation, espe
cially in the light of reports that
Dawood Ibrahim and some of his
henchmen had fled to the UAE
after the 1993 Bombay attacks.
L.K. Advani as Home Minister did
visit the UAE in 2001, but the pace
of cooperation remained slow due
to Pakistans influence. Trade ties
did better than those of politics
despite challenges faced by Etisalat
and Emaar. Bilateral trade, valued
at $180 million a year in the
1970s, is today around $ 50 bil
lion, making UAE Indias third
largest trading partner for 2015
16 after China and the US. The
UAE is Indias second largest
export destination, with exports of
over $ 30 billion in 201516. For
the UAE, India was the biggest
trade partner in 2015 over $ 28
billion in nonoil trade. Thus, from
investments to security coopera
tion, India has many reasons to
invest in MBZ. PM Narendra Modi
has described the Gulf nation as
"an important partner in India's
growth story".
Over the last fourandahalf

decades, India has figured out that

its relationship with the UAE rests
on four pillars trade and com
merce, energy security, security
and defense, and welfare of its
expat community. This relation
ship has been e levated to a
Comprehensive
Strateg ic
Partnership, which came four days
after both sides held the first ever
strategic dialogue. Fourteen agree
ments were signed including on
energy security and defense coop
eration, while the much anticipat
ed agreement on a joint invest
ment fund, after the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) committed $75 bil
lion to India's infrastructure sector,
however, was left to be signed. The
agreement is a general framework
agreement which highlights the
areas of bilateral cooperation iden
tified under the comprehensive
strategic partnership as agreed
upon in the high level joint state
ments issued in August 2015 dur
ing Modi's visit to the UAE and in
February 2016 during Sheikh
Mohamed's visit to India, accord
ing to information released by the
External Affairs Ministry.
In a joint address to the media
following delegationlevel talks,
Modi said the UAE was one of
India's "most valued partners and a
close friend in an important region
of the world. and welcomed the
UAE's interest in invest ing in

fund and NIIF (Nat ional

Infrastructure Investment Fund)
that we have created on our side
which is at an advanced stage of
discussions, Secretary in charge of
economic relations in the MEA,
Amar Sinha, had announced on
Tuesday.
The two leaders resolved to har
ness the shared strengths and
complementarities to expand the
IndiaUAE partnership for the ben
efit of their countries, and also
agreed to support each other's can
didatures and campaigns at the
United Nat ions. Both leaders
emphasized the importance of pro
moting a culture of inclusiveness,
openness and tolerance within and
among societies and agreed to
work together closely to confront
the global ills of extremism, ter
rorism and religious intolerance.
They reiterated that the Indian
and the UAE experiences in
building inclusive so ciet ies
should continue to be promoted
as effective models in counter
ing extremism and radicalism.
Further, Mo di and the
Crown Prince agreed that
the UAE and India must
continue to cooperate
close ly in order to
expand mutual trade
and economic opportu
nities, and develop a
medium and long term
strategy for increasing
bilateral trade by 60
percent over the next
five years.
The two leaders reviewed
the progress in realizing the
$ 75 billion target for UAE
investments in India's plans for
rapid expansion of next generation
infrastructure development. PM
Modi invited UAEs participation in
Indias National Infrastructure
Investment Master Fund as an
anchor investor. The two leaders
agreed that the Joint Working
Group formed under the MOU on
the framework for facilitating the
participation of UAE Institutional
Investors
in
Nat ional
Infrastructure Investment Fund
should meet regularly to boost
investment ties to realize the full
potential. The Crown Prince also
conveyed his deep appreciation for
the role and contribution played
by the Indian community in the
UAE to the progress and develop
ment of their host country, noting
that Indian citizens in the UAE are
highly respected for their peaceful
nature and hardworking ethics.

A
milestone
in India-UAE
relations

India's infrastructure sec

tor. Stating that work
was on to connect the
institutional investors
of the UAE with India's
National Investment
and Infrastructure
Fund, he said the Gulf
nation "can benefit by
linking with our growth
in manufacturing and
services".
On his part, Sheikh
Mohamed said that it was
"refreshing to see how the Indian
leadership is keen to strengthen
re lat ions w ith the UAE.
Acknowledging the common threat
posed by terrorism to peace and
security, India and the UAE also
condemned efforts by states who
use religion to sponsor and sustain
terrorism against other countries,
and resolved to cooperate in coun
tering terrorism by adopting a pol
icy of zero tolerance towards the
menace. A joint statement said
that the two sides agreed to coor
dinate ef forts to counter radical
ization and misuse of religion by
groups and countries for inciting
hatred and perpetrating acts of ter
rorism.
On Wednesday several MoUs
were also signed by both countries,
which included cooperation in the
areas of defense manufacturing
and technology, maritime trans

port,
freight logis
tics, warehousing, prevention and
combating of human traf ficking,
small and medium enterprises,
agriculture, cyberspace and in the
adoption of trade remedial meas
ures in areas of mutual interest.
The summitlevel talks, however,
fell short of clinching a major
investment agreement for India,
though the visiting Crown Prince
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al
Nahyan said the UAE would further
intensify ties with India.
UAE also has the largest sover
eign wealth fund that we are look
ing to investm. There is an agree
ment that they will invest nearly
$75 billion in India over the next
couple of years. During the visit we
are hoping that an MoU will be
signed between their investment

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

16

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

I N D I A R- DAY S P E C I A L

When Republic came alive

Indias cultural diversity and achievements were showcased at a grand
parade in New Delhi -- and across the country -- amid fears of possible
terror attacks and a tight security blanket. After the armed forces
came state tableaux, displaying Indias oneness and rich diversity.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defense

Minister Manohar Parrikar and Chief Guest General Sheikh Mohammed
Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at Rajpath.

The daredevil stunts of motorbike riders of Corps of

Military Police underway at Rajpath.

The BSF Camel Contingent passes through the Rajpath.

The tableau of the Ministry of Skill Development

& Entrepreneurship passes through the Rajpath.
Dancers onboard the tableau of Goa at R-Day parade.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

18

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

PADMA AWARDS 2017

Padma Awards 2017

announced
olitical leaders from across political
spectrum, sportsmen, musicians, writ
ers and ordinary citizens doing some
extraordinary work made it to this year's
prestigious Padma Awards list.
T he government awarded the Padma
Vibhushan to political leaders cutting across
af filiations including BJP veteran Murli
Manohar Joshi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, ex
chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Sunderlal
Patwa and former Lok Sabha Speaker and
Meghalaya chief minister PA Sangma.
The Padma Vibhushan is the country's
second highest civilian honor. Sunderlal
Patwa and Sangma were given the honor
posthumously.
The other big names on the 2017 Padma
list are Indian cricket team captain Virat
Kohli, hockey captain PR Sreejesh, Olympic
bronze medalist Sakshi Malik, gymnast Dipa
Karmakar who put up a spirited perform
ance at Rio Olympics, playback singers KJ
Yesudas, Kailash Kher and Anurad ha
Paudwal, mohan veena player Vishwa
Mohan Bhatt, spiritual leaders Sadhguru
Jaggi Vasudev and Ratna Sundar Maharaj,
yoga exponent Swami Niranjana Nanda
Saraswat i and polit ical sat irist Cho
Ramaswamy (posthumous).
Veteran classical and playback singer K.J.
Yesudas was named for the Padma
Vibhushan, while Grammyw inning
Hindustani classical music instrumentalist
Vishwa Mohan Bhatt was named for the
Padma Bhushan.
T his year the President of India has
approved conferment of Padma Awards to
89 persons. The list comprises of 7 Padma
Vibhushan, 7 Padma Bhushan and 75
Padma Shri Awardees.
Among the Padma awardees are 15 ordi
nary people known to have made a differ
ence with their rare talent, innovation and
contribution to the cause of nationbuilding.
For instance, India's oldest Kalaripayattu
(practised in Kerala) exponent Meenakshi
Amma was conferred the Padma Vibhushan
for practising the ancient art form said to be
at the root of Chinese mart ial arts.
Chintakindi Mallesham, inventor of Laxmi
ASU machine that significantly cut time and
labor required to weave Pochampalli silk
sarees but who incidentally is a school
dropout, has got Padma Shri in the category
'science and engineering'.
The list of unsung heroes who were

honored in the absence of any recommenda

tions and purely on the basis of research
is a celebration of the common man, featur
ing Daripalli Ramaiah who has planted over
1 crore trees and is nicknamed 'Tree Man';
Bipin Ganatra, a Kolkata firefighting volun
teer who decided to devote his life to rescu
ing people from fires after losing his broth
er to one; engineer Girish Bharadwaj who
has built over 100 suspension bridges; a tea
garden worker, Karimul Haque, who con
verted his bike into a free 24x7 ambulance;
Genabhai Dargabhai Patel, a physically chal
lenged farmer who transformed the

honor from the US. I cannot believe it and

am still trying to fathom this wonderful
news. I am deeply humbled, honoured and
overjoyed that the Republic of India has
decided to confer on me the Padma Shri,
said Shah who has lived in the US for 46
years.
He is originally from Bahadarpur in
Gujarat. He is also chairman of Bharatiya
Vidya Bhavan (USA).
It is recognition of my work for more
than 35 years and I am grateful to Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and his govern
ment as well as the people of India for

Kohli, KJ
Yesudas,
Sadhguru Jaggi
Vasudev, Vishwa
Mohan Bhatt,
HR Shah among
honorees

Sadhguru Jaggi
Vasudev

HR Shah

Isha worldwide, involved in transmitting the

science of inner wellbeing particularly the
Tamil people, who have executed largescale
projects in education, health and ecology. I
congratulate the Government of India for
recognizing the unique offering of our vol
unteers, a spectacular demonstration of self
lessness and commitment to the larger well
being of humanity. I bow to all of you as this
is your award. May this be a further inspira
tion for all.
In 2008, Sadhguru was also awarded
Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar, Indias
hig hest environmental honor by the
Ministry of Environment of Forests for
Project GreenHands for mobilizing 2 million
people from 1,800 communities of Tamil
Nadu to plant 8.2 million trees.
droughtprone Banaskantha into India's
largest pomegranate producer; and Shekhar
Naik, captain of World Cupwinning Indian
visuallychallenged cricket team.
19 of the awardees are women and the list
also includes 5 persons from the category of
foreigners, NRIs, PIOs and 6 Posthumous
awardees.
HR Shah, an IndianAmerican entrepre
neur who is the recipient of this years
Padma Shri award, has said that he would
rededicate himself to help India and US
further strengthen their ties. I look forward
to receiving the Padma Shri in New Delhi
later this year and rededicate myself to
helping India and the United States further
their close relations, as well as to promote
Indias rich culture and heritage, Shah said
yesterday after he was announced as a
recipient of Indias prestigious civilian
honor.
Shah is among three recipients of the

rewarding me with this highest civilian

honor, he said.
I am also grateful to my family, friends
and wellwishers who have supported me all
these years, said Shah, who is the first NRI
to run a 24/7 TV station (TV Asia) in North
America since 1997, reflecting his diverse
interests.
TV ASIA was started by Amitabh Bachchan
in 1993. Shah is the first NRI to own a chain
store business anywhere in the world. A
turnaround expert, he became prominent
for rescuing Krauszers Food Stores, New
Jerseys largest chain having over 400 con
venience stores.
Sadhguru, Founder, Isha Foundation has
been honored with the Padma Vibhushan,
Indias second highest civilian honor for his
exceptional contribution in the field of spiri
tualism. Upon receiving the award,
Sadhguru has said: This award is in recog
nition of over seven million volunteers of

adma Awards one of the highest

civilian Awards of the country, are
conferred in three categories,
name ly, Padma Vibhushan, Padma
Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards
are given in various disciplines/ fields of
activities, viz. art, social work, public
af fairs, science and engineering, trade
and industry, medicine, literature and
education, sports, civil service, etc.
Padma Vibhushan is awarded for excep
tional and distinguished service; Padma
Bhushan for distinguished service of
high order and Padma Shri for distin
guished service in any field. The awards
are announced on the o ccasion of
Republic Day every year.
These awards are conferred by the
President of India at ceremonial func
tions which are held at Rashtrapati
Bhawan usually around March/ April
every year.

M E S S AG E S

Jan 28-Feb 03, 2017

19

R-Day Message from the Consul General

I would like to convey my warm

greetings to all readers of The
South Asian Times on this happy
and auspicious occasion of 68th
Republic Day of India.

On 26th January 1950, the Constitution of India came into force

and India became a Democratic
Republic. People of India and the
Indian Diaspora all over the world
celebrate this day with great pride
and honor. Over the years, India
has established
strong credentials as a democracy. We have made tremendous
strides as a nation, both at home
and in the international arena. On
this landmark day, we take pride
in our many achievements includ-

ing our phenomenal economic

growth over the past few years.
During these years, India-US relations have also experienced a fascinating transformation. The deepening relations between our two great
nations is rooted in our shared
values of freedom, democracy, universal human rights, tolerance and
pluralism, equal opportunities to
all citizens and rule of law. There is
increasing convergence of interests
between India and US on bilateral,
regional and global issues.

Message from
Indias Ambassador to UN

Syed Akbaruddin, Permanent Representative

of India to the United Nations

Vibhuti Jha

Executive Director,
Nalanda International
The election of Mr. Trump is as
shocking an event for the liberals in
the US as was Mr. Modis election in
2014 in India. Liberals and the selfproclaimed intelligentsia were livid
and angry. But what they missed
out was that the deplorables vote
in reality reflected an equal and
opposite reaction to the failings of
things being done by the left-ofcenter liberal elites. Both Mr. Modi
and Mr. Trump lead two strongest
and largest democracies in the
world and both are right of center.
That alone is a good sign for better ties between the two countries
in addition to a good foundation
laid by former President Bush and
friendship established between Mr.
Modi and President Obama. Both
the countries need a faster economic growth and provide real employment to its people. India needs its
Make in India program to succeed
with skill development at its core to

prepare Indian talent to meet local

and global demands.
Mr. Trump is a stranger to the
world of political governance. He
also brings along elements of and
from the world of business hitherto
unseen. His coming to power is unsettling to the traditional political
operatives and elites. The world
will witness an uncertainty that
will leave many detractors very uncomfortable. His campaign promises had driven many people up the
wall. But the new President is a man
of action and he is in a hurry to put
his impression and imprint on the
American political and economic
landscape and thereby on the world
map. His commitment on terrorism,
illegal immigration, lowering of taxes and bringing US corporates back
to the mainland will have a global
impact and thereby is full of political
ramifications for friends and allies.
Mr. Modi is a karam yogi. Mr.
Trump is a man of action. Both
love their country and both want
rapid and real economic growth.
When the two meet or interact,
there will be lot of action and I sincerely hope that the they strike an
equation that helps both countries
achieve their potential by clever
and mature cooperation, elegant
coordination and political sagacity that ought to be the hallmark of
recognition of the power of the two
largest democracies of the world.

I am delighted to know that The

South Asian Times is publishing a
special edition to commemorate
Indias 68th Republic Day.
2017 is also the 70th year of
Indias Independence, a significant milestone in our collective
journey towards a better, just,
equitable and developed India at
peace with the rest of the world,
as was envisioned by the founding
fathers of our nation.
The dynamics of development,
peace and security have under-

Riva Ganguly Das, Indias Consul General in New York

gone fundamental changes in the
decades since our Independence.
Most of the challenges and problems facing the world today, such
as the goals of sustainable development, climate change and terrorism, are global and trans-national
in character. Only a multilateral
effort can address such challenges
and bring desired changes.
India fully realizes that the quest
for all-round excellence, peace and
security at home in an increas-

ingly globalized world is inextricably linked to the world beyond

its borders. Neither development
nor peace can be achieved in isolation. India is fully committed to
the multilateral, inclusive and collaborative approach for addressing
the great problems of our day. This
is amply reflected in the active and
positive role that India has been
playing at the UN for building consensus and finding joint solutions
to common problems.

Gauging the Trump effect

Reactions from the community on IndoUS relations under the new President.

good for the prosperity of the South

and the North. Leaders like Trump
could only slow down the worlds
economic progress by alienating the
nation from rest of the world.

Renee Mehrra
Broadcaster, activist

Its way too early to put out a

report card. The first 100 days of
Mr. Trumps presidency will give
a sense of how his executive orders will play out and what impact they will have on the nation
and the world.
With regards to Indo-US relations, the two heads of state spoke
recently and Washington considers
India to be a true friend and partner in fighting global terrorism.
It has to be seen how the issue of
H1-B visas in the context of tighter
visa rules will impact skilled Indian
professionals under Mr Trump.
The Presidents America First
policy will accentuate on American interests and the countrys national security and will radically
redefine trade accords and multilateral agreements.

Ashok Ojha

Journalist, Hindi promoter

On major concern about the new

US regime is the future of Indians
working here on H1 visas. If Trump
tries to curtail further inflow of Indian professionals into the US, his
advisors might caution him against
it because it will affect US businesses badly, which are thriving thanks
to the productive contributions of
Indian professionals in a variety of
businesses here. Trumps conservative policies are going to hurt the
economic growth of USA, which is
heavily dependent on foreign talents
and investment. If he spoils business
relations with emerging economies
of the world, such as India and China, the US middle class will suffer.
We live in a global village that is

Mukesh Modi
Entrepreneur,
community leader

Whether we voted for him or not,

Donald Trump is now our President,
and we all should support him, and
work with him as he works for us.
As he has vowed to wipe out ISIS
and terrorism, it bodes well for India. Relations between India and
USA under him will further flourish.
He comes from a business background, and his various policies are
bound to be good for business, big
and small. He brings hope for economic progress of America.

20

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

ital literacy opportunities to all skillseekers. The web skilling opportunities come with the convenience
of learning and practising skillnuggets with a mobile app as well.
The ambitious program completed one year in July 2016 and
on the first anniversary of the initiative, the Minister of State for
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (independent charge),
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, reinforced the
commitment promised by PM
Modi. During an event in New
By Akanksha Jain
Delhi, in the presence of President
Pranab Mukherjee, Rudy outlined
ince the launch of the Skill the following programs that will
India program, a lot of im- chart the way forward:
petus is being given to it as
the initiative aims at training the PradhanMantri Kaushal
youth of the country in specific Vikas Yojana - 2
skills through which they can earn
As of July 18, 2016, 17.93 lakh
a livelihood and live with pride.
Aiming to generate surplus candidates were trained out of 18
manpower of, at least, five crore lakh who enrolled. In 2015, the
over the next decade with skilled scheme had an outlay of 1,500 crore,
labor, India will be able to tackle with a target to cover 24 lakh perglobal challenges. It is estimated sons within the next year under skill
that a meager 2.3% of the work- training (including 10 lakh under
Recognition of Prior Learning).
force in India has formal training
as compared to the UK (68 per PM Modi this year approved the
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yocent) and the US (80 per cent).
Since the launch of Skill India, jana (PMKVY) with an outlay of Rs
a number of training universi- 12,000 crore to impart skilling to one
ties, institutes and schools have crore people over the next four years.
Under this scheme, around 60
mushroomed across the country
and tied up with the state gov- lakh youth will get trained and
ernments to enroll the maximum skill training would be imparted
number of youth. So far, over 55 based on industry-led standards
lakh people have received training aligned to the National Skill Qualiand 23 lakh have been employed. fication Framework (NSQF).
There will be special focus on
Over the last year, the number of
training centers crossed the 3,000 placement of trainees along with
mark and the Government has incentives. This scheme will emphatied up with around 250 training size on skill training as per internapartners. The campaigns vision is tional standards for employment in
to train over 40 crore people by Gulf countries, Europe and other
overseas destinations. Students un2022 in different skills.
Skill India resolves to bridge the dergoing training in high-end job
digital divide by providing basic dig- roles will be provided scholarships.

D E V E LO P M E N T

India to become hub

of skilled manpower
Since the launch of the Skill India program, a number of
training institutions have tied up with the state governments
to enroll maximum number of youth.
India International
Skill Centers
The first anniversary of Skill
India saw announcement of 50
India International Skill Centers slated to open by the end of
2016. In the first phase, 15 centers were launched by President
Mukherjee. These will be set up
through National Skill
Development Corporation (NSDC)
and will implement the Pradhan
Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and Pravasi Kaushal Vikas
Yojana (PKVY) to the youth seeking
global mobility for jobs. The first
15 centers will be in UP, Kerala,
Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan.
President Mukherjee inaugurated India Skills Online, a national
competition under the Ministry
of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and NSDC, to select the best talent to lead Indias
participation at the biennial World
Skills International Competition
scheduled at Abu Dhabi in 2017.
National Labour Market Information System (LMIS) is a single
window to aggregate supply and
demand trends in the Indian skill

outlay of Rs 10,000 crore with a

target of 50 lakh apprentices to be
trained by 2019-20. The scheme
would be implemented by Director
General of Training (DGT) under
MSDE. It provides for incentivizing
National
employers to engage apprentices.
The policy proposes to work proApprenticeship
actively with the industry includPromotion Scheme
ing MSMEs to facilitate 10-fold
This ambitious scheme has an increase in opportunities by 2020.
development ecosystem. The National Skills Development Agency
(NSDA) is designated as the lead
agency for the development of the
national LMIS.

How ISRO achieved a milestone with 2-orbit mission

n September 26, 2016, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully

launched eight satellites into the
Low Earth Orbit. This PSLV C-35
mission is unique. It once again
proved the reliability of Indias most
dependable workhorse, the Polar
Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

This was PSLVs 36th successive,

successful launch. Also, this mission has sent a key Indian weather
satellite into the space. Thus, ISRO
placed satellites in different orbits in a single attempt. Few in the
world have the capability to launch
satellites into two different orbits
in a single mission. Recently, Euro-

Of the 8 satellites launched, SCATSAT-1 is an important

addition to the Indian inventory of meteorological satellites.

pean Unions Vega launch vehicle

demonstrated this capability.
PSLV C-35 launched a 371-kg
weather satellite (SCATSAT-1) into
the Polar Sun Synchronous Orbit
(Polar SSO) at an altitude of 720 km.
As per the standard PSLV configuration, this satellite was delivered in the orbit within 17 minutes after launch. Here the real
technical challenge for ISRO scientists was to ensure the correct
placement of the remaining seven
satellites into a different orbit.
This has been one of the longest
missions ever undertaken by ISRO
and it lasted for 2.15 hours. The
last and the fourth stage of the
PSLV launcher was to perform the
required maneuvers and the main
challenge was to switch on and off
the engine twice during a period
of approximately two hours.
SCATSAT-1 is an important addition to the Indian inventory of
meteorological satellites.
The satellite would assist Indias

weather forecasting services and

also contribute in improving the existing cyclone detection and tracking services. SCATSAT-1 can also
be considered as a replacement
satellite for Oceansat-2, which was
launched in 2009 with five years
of designed life. Because of the
enhanced application potential of
SCATSAT-1, the new replacement
unit is expected to provide data inputs with greater accuracy.
The important aspect of this
mission that should not go unnoticed is that India is encouraging
university students to develop
satellites. ISRO has been promoting the participation of students
in its space program for the last
few years. Since 2009, ISRO has
launched nine student satellites.
ISRO provides technical guidance
in designing, fabrication and testing to the student community. And
it is the students who have to do
the actual planning, designing and
construction of the satellites.

One such product is PRATHAM

-- a result of almost one decade
of convincing, conceptualization,
planning, learning, experimentation, designing and production by
the students of IIT-Bombay. The
10-kg microsatellite has been designed to measure the Total Electron Count (TEC) in the ionosphere
with a resolution of 1km x 1km location grid. This satellite has been
developed with an approximate
budget of Rs 1.5 crore.
The students of IIT-B worked
hard to make their dream a reality.
Fom the drawing board to the actual launch, it took eight years and
seven graduating batches to finish
the job. As this IIT-B satellite would
be measuring the electron count in
the ionosphere, this information
could assist in detecting tsunamis,
reduce communication errors, and
improve the accuracy of the Indian
alternative to the GPS system.
Other co-passenger satellite
carried by PSLV C-35 is PISAT,
built with the involvement of students from PES University, Bengaluru and its consortium.

22

By Amit Kapoor

special Nobel Series session was a notable addition

at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit earlier this month.
Nine laureates were invited to
share their thoughts about the challenges of humankind and what could
be done to alleviate them. A Nobel
exhibition is housed in Ahmedabads Science City for five weeks
post the summit. The scientists discussed the importance of science
and technology for India to become
a knowledge superpower. They also
interacted with students and shared
their research and general approach to science and technology.
While all this bodes well for the
rise of India in the global arena,
what is important is that, of late,
Indian states are recognizing the
need for not only inviting creative individuals but also trying
to enable an ecosystem that helps
people grow and make the best of
every opportunity.
A question is: Why foster science and technology or even creativity? Many scholars, economists
and public policy professionals
have devoted considerable time
on understanding the sources of a

D E V E LO P M E N T

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

nations prosperity. Some of them

opine that economic prosperity
arises as a result of institutions
while others argue that factors like
endowments and geographic location are equally important. More
recently, other scholars believe
that productivity is the basis of
economic growth and prosperity.
Recently, scholars like Richard
Florida of the Martin Prosperity Institute (MPI) at the University of Toronto have pointed out that the rise
of the creative class could help explain the prosperity and economic
development in some parts and the
lack of it in other parts of the world.
Creative class, according to Florida, is a group of people engaged in
creative occupations. These people,
when given the right environment
and ecosystem, enable innovation,

which is the main driving force for

economic development.
Urbanization and the progress
in technology over the past two
to three centuries have meant that
the flow of ideas and sharing of information can now be done much

Amit Kapoor is Chair, Institute for Competitiveness, India.

Creativity will drive

Indias prosperity
The three Ts form the basis of economic progress -- Tolerance,
Talent and Technology. Plus you need the creative class.
In India, states that do well to foster the creative class will be
instrumental in driving innovation and economic progress.

more quickly. This has led to the

rise of the knowledge economy.
For tracking these developments, Mr Florida and his MPI team
have created a Global Creativity
Index. The report is based on the

3T framework that forms the basis

of economic progress within the
city/state -- Tolerance, Talent and
Technology -- that in turn leads to
economic prosperity. If one looks
at the most recent version of the
Global Creativity Report 2015 one
finds that most developed economies perform well -- Australia is
on top, followed by the US, while

India unveils worlds largest

LED street lighting project
New Delhi: The Power Ministry has unveiled the worlds largest street light replacement program in South Delhi. A total
of 1,500,000 street lights have already been
replaced in the country with energy-efficient
LED bulbs, which is resulting in energy savings of 206 billion kWh and reducing 171,000

tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

Union Minister of Power, Coal, New &
Renewable Energy and Mines, Piyush Goyal dedicated the LED based Street Lighting
National Programme (SLNP) to the Nation
here recently.
The SLNP program is currently running in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand,
Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh,
Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Minister Goyal added that the cumulative savings of Rs. 135 crores in next
7 years and Rs. 50 crores per annum beyond that, through this programme, would
help in investment in social development
initiatives and that too without the people
needing to spend any extra money.
The energy efficiency market in India is
estimated at $ 12 billion that can potentially result in energy savings of up to 20
per cent of current consumption, by way
of innovative business and implementation models.

Singapore, the only Asian nation in

the top 10, is at 9, followed by the
Netherlands. Also the share of the
creative class in many North American and West European countries
is closer to 40 percent.
Contrast this with Indias performance -- 99th in a list of 120+ nations -- and there is scope for tremendous improvement. One of the
reasons for this low performance is
that the share of the creative class
is quite low in India. This is due to
an issue of quality education and
skilling and outflow of people who
receive good education. Less than
5% of the Indian workforce is formally skilled. The gross enrolment
ratio is also quite low in India.
India is relatively good in the
technology component but bad
in the tolerance and talent domains. Even the BRICS as a block
is not especially impressive with
a diverse range of rankings. Brazil
ranks the highest in the Creativity Index within the block at 29.
Russia is outstandingly bad in the
tolerance aspect.
The Institute for Competitiveness and Martin Prosperity Institute had previously tied up for research on Indias Creative Class.
The research and ranking of the
Creative Economy of Indian States

was done recently.

The broad findings remain the
same as last year. This year we
have added a classification of
Union Territories and separation
from other states.
Delhi and Chandigarh retain
rank 1 and 2, respectively, in the
city-states/Union Territory category. Punjab moves to top spot
this year from the previous years
third position (in the main states
index) pushing down Kerala and
Goa. States like Bihar and Orissa
are bad performers overall.
The maximum negative variation is found in states like Himachal Pradesh, which has moved
down six places. Haryana has seen
an upward movement of seven
places, thus showing significant
improvement in performance.
States that have moved up in the
ranking include Gujarat and Karnataka. The rankings among the
Union Territories remained unchanged from the last year.
In the years ahead, Indias economic prosperity will be driven by
states and Union Territories and locations and cities within these that
are creative. States that do well to
foster the creative class will in turn
be instrumental in driving innovation and economic progress.

Govt. investing $1.8 Billion in

Solar Power Transmission Lines
New Delhi: The Government will invest
$1.8 billion on lines to transmit power from
solar parks to enable its goal of boosting cleanenergy capacity to 175 gigawatts by 2022.
The dedicated transmission lines, part
of the so-called green corridor project, will
transmit 20 gigawatts of power capacity
from 34 solar parks across 21 Indian states,
the government said recently in a series of reports commissioned by the Ministry for Power, Coal and Mines. The reports were written
by Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd to develop
plans to integrate renewable
energy on the national grid.
The green-energy corridor
is part of the countrys plans
to boost transmission capacity to enable a seamless flow
of electricity from clean electricity producing states to
consuming states that face
power shortages. New lines
will also help manage intermittency challenges of re-

newable energy, especially as clean sources

increase their share of power generation to
almost 50 percent in some states.
The inter-state portion of the transmission investments will cost 80 billion rupees, while intra-state lines will require
another 47.45 billion rupees, according to
the government.
India will receive a soft loan of about
one billion euros for the corridors development from the German development
bank KfW, Lok Sabha was informed.

D E V E LO P M E N T

Jan 28-Feb 03, 2017

23

Startup India, a right

idea at the right time
By Vikas Khanna

t a time when the growth

in jobs has not kept pace
with the rising number of
claimants, Prime Minister Narendra Modis Startup India project
holds high importance. The Indian
Government is concerned over the
rise in unemployment despite the
nation logging the fastest economic growth in the world. Asia-Pacific
Human Development Report says
that India faces a serious challenge of finding jobs for a growing
population over the next 35 years.
The governments twin pet
projects Make In India and
Startup India are a perfect answer to the issue. More jobs are
needed in the manufacturing sector due to the knock-on effect of
a global slowdown in China. The
national manufacturing policy
has suggested that the share of
manufacturing in GDP needs to be
increased to 25% to create 100
million jobs in the coming decades.
Startups along with the Make
In India initiative will be the
next job creating sector in the
years to come. Today, India has
the third highest number of startups in the world behind the US
and Britain. Nasscom estimates
software startups alone will cre-

provider of shared office space,

are among several companies that
have announced their India plans.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch has
forecast that Indian e-commerce
will surge to $220 billion by 2025
from about $11 billion last year.
Besides software, there is considerable investor interest in startups
in areas like healthcare software
ate 800,000 jobs by 2017. Sevfor the poor or low cost solar paneral companies keen to invest sniff
els for homes. India offers a huge
high potential in a country where
market as far as investment in socheap engineering talent is availcial impact startups is concerned.
able for setting up a back office.
Millions of people in rural India
It is hoped the Indian Governstill have no access to clean and
ments initiative last year by offerpotable water, toilets and electricing a slew of tax breaks for compaity. The rural segment is growing
nies as well as investors will act as products online. In 2019, this fig- riculture and rural leading to the at a healthy pace of 8-10% a year
a catalyst in supporting new busi- ure is expected to grow to 64.4%. creation of new jobs. Encouraged and is expected to add $100 billion
nesses. The government has anIndia is on the threshold of a by the growing digital buyer pen- in consumption demand by 2017.
nounced cheaper and faster patent second-generation digital revo- etration, several venture capital
The Government is getting bilapplications, offering up to 80 per lution, which will change the funds have raised billions of dol- lions of dollars in funding for a
cent rebates on the cost of patents dynamics in new economy en- lars for their Indian investments push into solar energy after PM
besides setting up a Rs 10,000 terprises like healthcare, educa- in recent years. Japans Softbank Modi promised to provide electriccrore special fund for startups. tion, e-commerce, hospitality, ag- and WeWork, a New York-based ity to every village before the end
Experts believe that
of 2018. The Modi Govexemptions from tax
ernment has drawn up
and compliance inambitious plans to raise
spections for three
solar capacity five-fold to
years will prove
100,000 MW by 2022 to
to be a shot in the
meet the growing power
arm for the sector.
needs and create jobs. InIndia is seen as
dia is the youngest startone of the worlds
up nation in the world as
fastest
growing
close to 70 per cent of the
startup
hotspots
entrepreneurs are less
in the backdrop of
than 35-years-old. About
a rapid expanding
three to four IT startups
population of interare born every day in Innet users. Mobile
dia. Over the years, there
internet user base
has been a tactical shift in
in the country has
the mindset of the youth
steadily
increased
who want to be seen as
from 15.1% in 2013
job creators than job seekto 34.18% in 2016.
ers. And Startup India is
In 2016, 43.8% of
a perfect platform to give
internet users in Inwings to the dreams of
dia had purchased
PM Modi interacts with startups representatives, VCs and angel investors.
the youth of the country.

The Government of Indias flagship

initiative is helping entrepreneurs in
their expansion and future growth
while also providing opportunities
to incubators and investors

India headed for a green energy revolution

The bionic
leaf system
using solar
energy to
produce
liquid fuel
is promoted
by Harvard
scientist
Daniel
Nocera

arvard chemist and energy innovator Daniel G. Nocera is a man on a

renewable mission. The inventor
of the artificial leaf and co-creator of its
bionic version plans to launch a pilot of
the advanced technology in India with the
assertion that a renewable energy revolution will take place in the country.
I have no doubt about it. The revolution
in renewable energy will happen in India.
When you look at places in the developed
world like the US, you are looking backwards, meaning thats what it used to be
like (coal, oil and gas) and the emerging
countries have a decision to take: Do they
want to build something looking back or
do they want to do something different,
Nocera told IANS in Kolkata on the sidelines of SABIC (Symposium on Advanced
Biological Inorganic Chemistry) 2017.
Nocera invented the artificial leaf which
used solar power to split water and make
hydrogen fuel.
Because society isnt set up to use hydrogen, to circumvent the problem of storing and using hydrogen, he and his team

went one step further with the bionic

leaf. They made liquid fuel.
The bionic leaf turns sunlight into liquid fuel. It uses solar energy to split water
molecules and hydrogen-eating bacteria
to generate the fuel. The system churns
out energy 10 times more efficiently
than natural photosynthesis. Nocera collaborated with Pamela Silver of Harvard
Medical School for the bionic version.
Now, he intends to set up a formal collaboration with the Institute of Chemical
Technology (ICT) in Mumbai and supply
some of the science and the engineered
bacteria to the scientists to take the
technology forward.
I want to start anything that goes for
the commercialization of the bionic leaf,
for instance. I want to do it in India. We
already have a MoU in place (Harvard
with ICT), Nocera asserted.
The USP of the technology, which relies on unique catalysts that are biocompatible, is that it allows the use of any
kind of water, even dirty water.
You could imagine anybody with an ar-

tificial leaf. If you have sunlight you can use

any water source. It doesnt have to be pure
water. It is totally distributed. It can use dirty
water and sunlight; its the way to distribute fuel production, explained Nocera, who
pitched his technology as being for the poor.
But will it be cheap enough? Its cheap
enough, but its not cheap enough to use
now because nobody is going to invent anything that is cheaper than coal, oil or gas.
The only way to make it cheap enough is to
put new policies in place which scientists
dont do. They dont like to work with policy
people. I work with them, he averred.
Nocera has given almost a hundred invited
talks on the artificial system (that resembles
a sleek modern-day smartphone) and has received his fair share of criticism as well for
what has been called his radical approach.
Envisioning a future where households
will have rooftop bionic systems, Nocera
believed its a tough call for India -- which
has a 100 GW solar power target for 2022
-- to continue using fossil fuels to keep the
economy growing or to set up a whole new
infrastructure for renewables.

26

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

F E AT U R E S

Overseas Indians

have come a long way

By Priyadarshi Dutta

he 15th edition of Pravasi

Bharatiya Divas convention
was held in Bengaluru, India
January 7-9, 2017. The first PBD
was held in 2003 when Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee evinced
keen interest in the issue of overseas Indians. The oversubscription
of the Resurgent India Bonds in
1998, when India was battling sanctions post-Pokhran II, showed NRIs
strong faith in an emerging India.
In a post-Liberalization environment the Indian diaspora was willing to engage back with their country of origin. India becoming an IT
power hub, fast growing economy
and atomic power gave the Diaspora much needed confidence. It was
on display at various places from
sports field to trade conferences
and international meets.
The concerns of the overseas
Indians had been on the mind of
the Indian leadership for long. The
House of Commons in Britain was
forced to investigate, as early as
1841, into the pitiable condition of
Indian indentured workers in Mauritius. This was within a few years
of beginning of the indentured system following the abolition of slavery in British Empire (1833). Way
back in 1894, the Madras session of

Congress had adopted a resolution

against disenfranchisement of the
Indians in South African colonies.
The Congress party followed up
with similar resolutions at its later
sessions. In those days the question
of overseas Indians pertained mostly to Indians in South and Eastern
Africa. It is they who had launched
numerous struggles against encroachment on their rights by the
local British government. The Gandhi-Smuts Agreement, 1914 signified a major victory for them.
But there were Indians in South
East Asia as well in Burma, Singapore, Malaya, Thailand, etc. Many
of them contributed towards Indias freedom movement in the
1940s by volunteering in or funding the Azad Hind Fauz of Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose. Of particular interest could be the stories of
those teenaged Tamil girls, born
in rubber plantations of Malaya,
who decided to shoulder guns for
the independence of India, a country they had never actually seen.
The PBD memorializes the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi to India
on January 9, 1915. He had spent
21 years in South Africa fighting
for the rights of Indian community.
His technique of Satyagraha was
developed in South Africa before
being implemented in India. In the
colonial world that Gandhi inhabited the profile, status and condition

of the overseas Indians were markedly different from today. Those

were the days when one could not
have been starry-eyed about going abroad and settling abroad. A
bulk of those who migrated went
for toiling in plantations or factories under Indenture System (to Africa, West Indies, Fiji, etc), Kangany
System (to Sri Lanka) and Maistry
System (Burma). But they deserve
credit as pioneers who reversed
the religious prohibition on seafaring that had fallen upon the Hindu
society in the medieval ages.
In colonial times racial discrimination was instituted as a state
policy by the government. But decolonization begat another set of
problems. Indians in Ceylon and
Burma entered a critical phase with
indigenous populations wanting to
get rid of them. The first two legislations passed by the D.S. Senanayake
government in independent Ceylon
deprived a million people of Indian
origin of their citizenship. While Indians might have captured power in
Mauritius, they have been reduced
to a miniscule minority in what is
now called Myanmar. Thus Indians face a new kind of racialism in
those erstwhile colonies.
In early 1960s, the airplane
replaced ship as the preferred
mode for long distance travel. It
reflected upon the pattern of migration in terms of reach, human

The writer is a columnist and independent researcher based in New Delhi.

With India growth story

happening, NRIs can now
exercise opinion on bolstering Indias position
on the world stage. This
has given rise to the concept of Global Indian.

resource quality and connectivity

with India. Coincidentally laxity
in immigration rules in the US in
1965 paved way for highly skilled
professionals and students moving
there from India. From a meager
12,000 in 1960 the number of In-

rale. The advent of satellite television, Internet and rising tele-density in the 1990s meant overseas
Indians could be in regular touch
with India. It was now possible for
an NRIs to think of the interests
of his mother country. Indians,

dian immigrants has risen to about

3 million now. Such educated and
successful immigrants are providing sinews to the Indian diaspora.
When during the years of Socialism India remained trapped
in poor economic growth rate,
the immigrants to the West were
somewhat apologetic about their
Indian identity. In India NRIs were
perceived as escapers. But faster
economic growth rate post-Liberalization, Indias emergence as IT
power hub, etc boosted their mo-

resident and overseas, could commonly exercise opinion on bolstering Indias position in the world
stage. This gave rise to the concept
of New Global Indian.
But overseas Indian community,
in several parts, continues to face
severe challenges of racism, religious fanaticism and legislative
disabilities. As against popular
misconception not everyone is successful. Thus it is not yet time to
lower the baton raised by Gandhi
in South Africa in the 1890s.

Bringing youth to the mainstream of change

By Sudhirendar Sharma

t is befitting to dedicate Vivekanandas birthday, January

12, to the youth of the country
whose entrepreneurial ambition
and consumerist desires need be
exposed to countervailing moral
and ethical values for bringing
sanity to their attitudes and actions. It makes for a compelling
case as todays youth are fed on
a celebrity overdose in a marketdriven consumerist culture.
Unlike other growing economies
that face the risk of an ageing workforce, India is poised to become
the worlds youngest country with
64 per cent of its population in the
working age group by 2020. This
demographic dividend offers a
great opportunity for the country.
Not just by numbers, the youth

make 34% contribution to the countrys Gross National Income as well.

However, growing up in a hyper-connected space of the virtual
world this aspiration class needs
directions to contribute to the efforts of nation building. Enhancing
their labor force participation in
improving productivity will only
realize part of their energies. Since
ideology has been substituted by
technology, the youth rarely see
the world beyond themselves.
Such generic transformation
has created a generation different from any known before. The
youth find themselves distanced
from the nation-building narrative
of the post-Independent era, and
locate themselves in a world that
is bursting with hope, love and an
air of cherubic optimism.
The youth-targeted schemes
and programs of the government

are predominantly guided by the

National Youth Policy 2014, which
seeks to empower the youth of
the country to achieve their full
potential, and through them enable India to find its rightful place
in the community of nations.
The Government of India currently invests Rs 2,700 per young
individual per year, through youthtargeted (higher education, skill
development, healthcare) and nontargeted (food subsidies, employment) programs. The State Governments and many other stakeholders
are also working to support youth
development and to enable productive youth participation. However,
individual organizations working
on youth issues in NGO sector are
small and fragmented, and there is a
felt need of enhanced coordination
between the various stakeholders.
It must, however, be noted that

all through history, youth have

been the harbingers of change
from winning independence for nations, to creating new technologies
that upset the status quo, to new
forms of art, music and culture.
Supporting and promoting the development of youth therefore is one
of the foremost priorities across all
sectors and stakeholders.
The challenge is to engage
youth in building a cadre that
thinks and acts beyond the narrow confines of self . The task is
to help them rise above the ideology of consumption, open them to
appreciate vast cultural diversity,
and create a multi-polar environment where they effortlessly embrace differences of religion, sexual orientation and race.
What could be better than the

teachings of Swami Vivekananda

to offer philosophical directions to
youth, whose speech at the Worlds
Parliament of Religions in 1893
had made him famous as Messenger of Indian Wisdom to the Western World. Vivekananda believed
that a countrys future depends
on its youth, and his teachings focused on their development.
A study by J Walter Thompson
offers a ray of hope, though. He
argues that todays youth have
seen the flipside of consumption,
and are more inspired by Malala
than Beyonce. This generation is
characterized by ethical consumption habits, entrepreneurial ambition, and progressive views. What
they need is philosophical guidance in the right direction.
PIB Features

The author researches & writes on development issues.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

OP-ED

27

Bureaucracy: Modi moves to

dismantle demonic relic of Raj
l By Amit Kapoor
s we celebrate 67 years as a
Republic on January 26 and
70 years as an independent
nation in a few months, it is time
we reflect upon the quagmire that
we have got ourselves into.
A Republic means "a state in
which supreme power is held by
the people and their elected repre
sentatives, and which has an elect
ed or nominated President rather
than a monarch".
This definition makes us wonder
as to whether power in the country
is with the people, or is it a faade
of power to the people? I personal
ly believe that, despite having
elected leaders, the country is
under absolute control and in the
clutches of the bureaucracy and
bureaucratic processes.
The presentday bureaucracy
reflects the ageold analysis pro
pounded by So crates that the
strong (bureaucrats) have the

Narendra Modi has the mandate to bring about change within the
country that no other government at the Centre has had
in the last three decades.
advantage. Here we need to ask
the question: What is the job of a
civil servant? Is it to enable or con
trol? What I see is that processes
in the country have been built to
perpetuate control at all possible
levels, and the bureaucrats have
have ended up being the de facto
rulers of the land. The advantage
that the bureaucracy has is accen

tuated by information asymmetry

that gets perpetuated through
masquerading control via process
es that slow things down and
thereby enhance corruption.
Bureaucrats are representatives
of the state and not the state in
themselves. They behave as if they
are the state with their arrogance
and knowall attitude. These are

the people who I see as the biggest

folly of our democracy that none
of us have thought of setting right.
T hey have been wag ing war
against the people of this nation
by enslaving their will, destroying
and stalling the pace of change
and setting the the country back.
We do see some examples of
courage within the bureaucracy
that tries to change the system,
though these are too few and are
subject to peer pressure that cur
tails their thinking and will. This,
though, only reflects the shrillness
and silence of moral corruption.
This shows that the country is
still governed with an iron fist by
the last remnants of the Raj. I
be lieve we entered the age of
bureaucratic authority and control
somewhere within two or three
decades of independence. We as a
nat ion became free from the
British only to be enslaved by the
brown sahibs as Mahatma
Gandhi had predicted. I am sure if
he were alive today he would be
very worried and pained by the

state we the people are in.

Why is it that we are perpetually
asked to suf fer a career bureau
crat in whose fear and perpetual
brutality we live? The enslaving of
the country by its babus cannot be
explained or put across in words.
The bureaucrat is a symptom of all
the problems that we have or face
problems that reflect their failure
to do their job sincerely. For them,
destroying a life or an idea is ever
so easy so as to protect their turf
and playground.
By the t ime the realizat ion
dawns, it would be so late to seek
redemption and we shall live in the
throes of an everpainful existence.
Modi has the mandate to bring
about change within the country
that no other government at the
Centre has had in the last three
decades. What India has required
for ages is change in its gover
nance structure, and it is for the
first time we are seeing a govern
ment taking the right step dis
mantling a demonic relic of the
Raj.

Indian politicians: a perceptive but askance view from the mofussil

l By Vikas Datta

he Indian Republic will, this week,

turn 67. But for most of its people,
most hopes of its founding fathers
have remained hopes only. In a polity based
on 'Vox populi, vox dei', or the voice of the
people is the voice of god, some voices are
adept at articulating the silent feelings, usu
ally uncharitable, of the multitude towards
their rulers rather unforgettably. Such as
this satirical Awadhi poet from Uttar
Pradesh's Faizabad.
And Rafiq Shadani's verse can be very
simply constructed but welltargetted and
quite hardhitting.
Take a comparison of politicians then and
now: "Subhas (Chandra Bose) neta ek samay
desh ko naara dihen/Tum hamko khoon do,
ham tumka azadi dihen/Aaj ke neta kehat
hai bade pyaar se voter se/Tum hamka vote
dihe ho, khun to ham lehi len", or: "Dhumil
bhayi Gandhi ke khaadi/Pahene jaake jab
afsarvaadi/Ya to pehne bade fasaadi/Desh
ko looto baaribaari/Jiyo Bahadur khaddar
dhari!"
Or with assembly e lections coming:
"Kauno doosra mudda socho, shuru karo
parchar, Guru/Dharamjaat ka jaal na
phainko, janata hai hoshiyar, Guru/Aur
morre desh mein bas netaon ki badhi hai
paidavar/Inki sankhaiya kam ho jaye, aisa
mantar mar, Guru".
He can be mocking about fellow citizens
too particularly in a 'ghazal' ending with

Avadhi poet Rafiq Shadani regaling the

audience at a mushaira.
the unprecedented 'radeef' (ending rhyme)
"ullo ho".
Beginning with the discomforting "Tum
chahat ho bhaichara, Ulloo ho/Pyar ke batio
jaio mara, Ulloo ho", it goes to question
educational achievements: "Aur kaise inter
pas kiho ho bas jaan gaye/Kahe ikiasi likho
atharah, Ulloo ho", and ends with an equally
discomforting: "Aur degree le ke beta dar
dar bhatko na/Hawa bharo, becho gubaara,
Ulloo ho".
If you see his language, it is broad vernac
ular Hindustani, freely drawing on both
Hindi and Urdu, and presented in the
Awadhi dialect, spoken across a consider
able expanse of northern India comprising
the "cowbelt". As such, his satire is based on
the speech pattern and folklore of a large
number of common Indians, beyond metro
cities and urban sensibilities, and the
rhythms of rural or smalltown life.
For example: "Pakhandi rahe chhaon ma,

ghaame mein jari ham/Jalpaan kari neta,

bhugtan kari ham" and "Aur Bharat ke
kisano ka tanik durbhag to dekho/Gehu ka
dhari Dilli, bhoosa ka dhari ham".
At this point, we must know a little about
the poet too. Though the family hailed from
Faizabad, he was born in Burma in 1934
where his father Imamuddin was a tobacco
and perfume merchant. However, the
Japanese invasion in 1941 necessitated
relocation to India and straitened circum
stances. It was back home in Faizabad that
young Rafiq developed a penchant for poet
ry, being specially in demand at freedom
rallies.
Not very formally educated, he began
becoming a feature at national and interna
tional mushairas since the 1960s. The
darkcomplexioned, shortstatured poet
with a lugubrious expression, and habit of
bantering with the audience, soon became a
mainstay of mushairas well into the 21st
century before his death in a car accident in
2010.
His turn was eagerly awaited with the
mushaira hosts setting the stage with a gen
tly deriding introduction one saying that
the next poet was not from "either
Hindustan or Pakistan but the qabaristan"
and even Anwar Jalalpuri, an esteemed poet
himself, quipping that archaeological exca
vations are a regular feature in Ayodhya
and it was in one of them, seventy years
ago, that Rafiq Shadani was found.
And he rarely disappointed, with his pen

chant like truly great satirists of poking

fun at himself. Take: "Ek riksha waala se
hum poocha istation le chalihao?/Humra
chehra dekh ke bola bhaada de paihao?" or
the more vivid: "Andhe ke katore se athanni
nikaal ke/Ham ne jaise rakha jeb maa
sambhal ke/Ka batai aapka, hairatghairat
ki baat hai/Andha bola 'Rafiq, ab hamka
dikhaat hai' ".
He was also a dab hand at comic parody
across genres. Sample: "Ham kahe ye unse
daratdarat/Taure naam ki puja karat
karat/Ham japbe maala maratmarat/Tori
gali mein karbe gashtgasht/Tu cheez badhi
hai mastmast", and ending in true mofussil
style: "Tu khao jaalebi kururkurur/Ham
tumka taaki mururmurur/Tu hamka koso
buzurbuzur/Tabahun bhi tauri g ali
lagabaye gashtgasht/Tu cheez badhi hai
mastmast".
But it was politics that was his prime
focus and inspired some of his best "...
Aur yehi varta hot rahi kal Ramdaas aur
Ramzaani ma/Dudh ki matki dharo na
bhaiyya, billi ke nigrani ma", or especially
the start of one cited above: "Desh ma
mahang ai, be kari/ Nafrat ki phaili
bemaari/Dukhi hai janata bechaari/Bhikhi
jaat hai lotathaari/Jiyo Bahadur khaddar
dhari!" and: "Sukha ya sailaab jo aave/Tohra
bitva khushi manaave/Gharwaali angaan
mein gaave/'Mangal bhavan a mangal
haari'/Jiyo Bahadur khaddardhari!".
Though he is no longer around, his words
remain relevant for the times we're in.

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.

28

By Shivaji Sengupta

n January 20, we saw

probably one of the most
unanticipated and unlikely event in recent history: the
swearing-in of Donald J. Trump as
the 45th President of this great
Republic. Despite the vicious election campaign, Hillary Clinton attended the inauguration because
she said she wanted to pay her
respects to democracy. And as the
new President himself said, in his
tribute to democracy: Every four
years, we gather on these steps to
carry out the orderly and peaceful
transfer of power
I take this opportunity to analyze President Trumps inaugural
speech. However, as we are all
mostly Indians reading this paper,
proud former citizens of that other great democracy, a comparison
of Trumps speech with Narendra
Modis after he became prime

OP-Ed

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

minister might serve as interesting implications for democracy.

After the divisive election campaign, this inauguration could
have been the occasion to bring
the country back together. President Trump tried to do that, but
a parallel motivenot to let his
campaign promises be forgotten,
made him remind America of the
carnage of poverty and violence
that, according to him, turned
America into a waste land. So,
together with the uplifting vision
of America as one country, there
was also the reminder of the fact
that over the past 16 years, the
rich got richer in this country, and
the poor, poorer. As an interesting contrast, Narendra Modi had
also run a rancorous campaign
against the Congress Partys MaBeta regime. Modis speech to the
BJP also touched on the nations
debilitating poverty. However, his
speech was also philosophical,
mentioning duty and responsibility, and yet be all inclusive. Sabka sath, sabka vikas, he invoked,
similar to Trumps all America.
The plebian spirit is the same, but
Modis is distinctly philosophical.
Quoting from the ancient Saraswati namastubhyam, Modi said:
The wealth that cannot be stolen, neither abducted by state,
nor can be divided amongst
brothers, Neither it is burdensome to carry, The wealth

Comparing the two

carriers of democracy
An analysis of Donald Trump and
Narendra Modis inaugural speeches
that increases by giving, That
wealth is knowledge and is supreme of all possessions.
What was lacking in Trump was
the combination of wealth with
knowledge. In terms of democracy, this has deep implications.
Since Democracy is the only
form of government that offers
maximum say to the people, it is
the only political system that allows active participation of the
citizens in its political and civic
life. Democracy not only is the
best way to check the autocratic
instincts of the government but is
also one of the most effective ways
to generate public opinion, diffuse
power, achieve general consensus
and more. But it is also true that
for democracy to succeed, people need knowledge, their leaders need the wisdom that Modi
showed, and Trump didnt.
Dovetailing the needs of the
common people, Trump also in-

vokes the primary theme of his

campaign: America First. In the
inauguration he went back to this
theme: Buy American, hire American. We will seek friendship and
goodwill with the nations of the
world, but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of
all nations to put their own interests first. Narendra Modi also reminded Indians about the importance
of made in India. However, unlike
Trump, he declared Indias interests
are also the worlds interests.
My interest in Donald Trump is
no different from Americas. If he
can truly return the nation to the
common Americans, if under his
leadership the good work done
by Barak Obama in terms of the
economy, employment and healthcare can be bettered, if the United
States can truly challenge Chinas
economic and political power and
become the best again, then I will
join my fellow citizens in declar-

ing him one of the most successful presidents. However, if he cannot deliver what he is saying, for
whatever reasons, then Donald J.
Trump will have turned into exactly what he warned against in
his speech: empty talk.

The writer is Professor of English

and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Boricua College in NYC.

Modi/Trump, Gandhi/Clinton electoral dramas have parallel scripts

culture icons with disdain
and cut off their easy access
to power and the attendant
privilege.
Patriotism is the rallying cry of Modi/
Trump. Both have vowed to put their countries first and emphasize private sector-style of
management. They are courting businesses at
home and abroad to sign on to their agendas of
job growth and Make in India/America.
Modi/Trump, with outsize egos and strong
wills, are exercising strong control over the
government.
The media and the defeated sides, meanwhile, continue their relentless, scorched
earth campaign -- and its not entirely their
fault. The victors havent reached out to heal
the rift across the polarized divide.
And here comes another foray into the time
warp. After Indira Gandhi won the 1971 election, the opposition raised the specter of Soviet
interference. She did move closer to the Soviet
Union, signing a treaty of friendship that year.
She, in turn, invoked the foreign hand, an allusion to the West, trying to destabilize her.
The Democrats and a majority of the Republicans have declared Russian meddling on
behalf of Trump was a factor in his victory.
Some Democrats have declared Trumps election illegitimate.
After the 1971 election, many in the opposition took the same line against Mrs Indira
Gandhi. Ultimately the socialist Raj Narain,
the rival in her Lok Sabha constituency, got
the courts to annul her election.
Not to make any projections for the US, but
that led to Mrs Gandhi becoming an outright dictator by declaring the state Emergency in 1975.
Finally a time warp trip to Bangladesh
in 2014: Sheikh Hasinas swearing-in was
marred by violent riots. Something similar
happened last week in Washington.
IANS

Both Modi and Trump and those who supported them were depicted as deplorable communalists/Islamophobes and anti-immigrant. And throw in paternalist/sexist for extra effect.
By Arul Louis

hen the American presidential

election campaign got underway
in 2015, it was unfolding as a 2008
Bangladesh-style poll, a battle of the Begums, the dynastic war of Sheikh Hasina and
Khaleda Zia, before the latters 2014 election
boycott. It was assumed that the 2016 election similarly would be a clash of the Clinton and Bush dynasties, Hillary versus Jeb.
But last week Donald Trump became
Americas 45th President.
What happened? US politics entered
another time warp. In 2016 the US ended
up like India of 2014 with a war of attrition between a dynasty and an upstart
politician, with his populist, incendiary
style. An outsider.
The Hillary vs Trump race began to look
a lot like Gandhi dynasty versus Narendra
Modi in India.
The Gandhi/Clinton camps, smug about
their lineage, assumed the nations leadership was theirs by right.
Muslims and minorities and certain
special interests had a central role in the
Gandhi/Clinton campaigns in the belief
that this line-up can overcome a split majority community.
Modi/Trump and BJP/GOP and anyone
who supported them were depicted as deplorable communalists/Islamophobes and antiimmigrant. And throw in paternalist/sexist
for extra effect.
Repeated by voluble sections of the media,
the intelligentsia and popular cultural figures,
who became the overarching unnuanced mes-

sage of the Clinton /Gandhi campaign.

This ignored the more general angst of
an electorate that was concerned about
corruption and economic matters. And
they couldnt all be written off as deplorable communalist or Islamophobic sexists. They just didnt want the election to
be solely about Muslims or immigrants
(from Mexico in the US and Bangladeshis
through codewords in India).

quickly sank into personalized confrontations and name calling while issues
faded into the background.
Dismissing Modi-Trump with contempt
as personalities unfit for office, the media
pushed itself into a corner. Meanwhile,
Modi/Trump managed to get the message
out to the base by manipulating the media.
The Indian media at least was more
accurate in its polls, even if it didnt get

Modi/Trump also rebelled against their

respective parties established leadership,
which had to fall in line with some exceptions after the elections.
The campaigns in both countries

Modis victory margin right. The US media was left stunned by the result.
Modi and Trump during the campaigns
and after the elections treated the media,
NGOs, activists, the intelligentsia and the

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

30

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

JAIPUR LITFEST

India advised to guard its

interests in Trump era

By Prakash Bhandari
Jaipur: With over 400 leading
writers and minds of the world in
fiction and non-fiction created a
feast of words in the Pink City during the Jaipur Literature Festival
(January 19-23) that was packed
with debate, discussion, humour
and sunshine.
Highlights of the 10th edition of
JLF included the exuberant American poet Anne Waldman who has
appeared in a number of sessions
to talk about Beat poet Allen Ginsberg, her life and to share her
experimental poetry. Young UK

Taslima Nasreen argued

that all religions were
against women and only
education can help mitigate
the rising intolerance.
based poet and spoken-word artist Kate Tempest entertained the
audience with her energetic delivery and insightful texts.
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, author

of Inner Engineering:
A Yogis Guide to Joy,
suggested that Human intellect is firing
like never before. This
is why people are suffering. They have to
think for themselves,
not rely on scripture
or a guru.
Unsurprisingly the economy
was discussed in a number of sessions, always returning to the issue
of demonetisation in India. Some
of the worlds finest economists
and business minds including
Ha-Joon Chang, Sanjay Agarwal,
Kunal Bahl, Amitabh Kant, Frank
Trentman, Dumbisa Mayo got together at the ZEE JLF to discuss
this and other economic issues.
Aishwarya Dhanush,
UN Goodwill Ambassador for gender equality, has borne witness
to the positive changes that have
come about in the film industry in
the last decade. She shared, Five
years ago, it would have been close
to impossible for a woman director
to do more than one film, but now
Im about to direct my third.
Brexit is the most divisive issue
in Britain, according to Guardian journalist Jonathan Shaimin,
who was in a panel with Andrew
Roberts, Tomothi Andrew and
Garton Ash who described the
Brexiters as nave utopians.
Shashi Tharoor stirred up the
crowd declaring that the British
empire was an exercise in serving
its own perpetuation. What the
British Raj has deprived us of is
our self-respect, he said to enormous applause.
Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen told the assembled
crowd, I dont believe in nationalism, religious fundamentalism. I
believe in one world. I believe in
rights, freedom, humanism and
rationalism. Until Islam accepts
criticism, no Islamic country can
be considered secular. Whenever I
criticize, people want to kill me.
Citing the fact of the fatwa against

her in 2007, she questioned

why secular writers were
forced to leave the country
or murdered while religious fanatics are sheltered.
Taslima Nasreen also argued that
all religions were against women
and only education can help mitigate the rising intolerance. When
I talk about womens rights, I criticize religions that do not have equal
rights for women. Hindu women in
Bangladesh do not get the freedom
they have in India. What kind of democracy is it? she said.
JLF held the session Passage to
America under the shadow of the
inauguration of Donald Trump as
US President, whose positions on
immigration and trade have created
apprehension among Indians and
others all over the world.
Devesh Kapur, author of The Other One Percent, remarked that most
Indian-Americans vote Democrat
and live in Democrat states, and so
will be less affected than those living
in red states who voted for Trump.
Hardeep Singh Puri, erstwhile
Indian ambassador to the UN, and
author of Perilous Interventions,
cautioned against India presuming
the support of Indian Americans.
However, Shivshankar Menon, author of Choices: Inside the Making
of Indias Foreign Policy, disagreed.
We saw during the nuclear deal
talks how receptive the diaspora
was without giving up its American-ness. He argued that to expect the support of the diaspora.
one must create a receptive environment that can engage them.
All the panelists stressed the
importance of caution when it
comes to foreign policy, especially
because it seems like President

Jaipur litfest discussed the impact on India of

Trump tilting towards Russia & alienating China.
Trump is going to deviate from
long-followed American policies.
The election of Trump hinged a
great deal on the promise of bringing jobs back to America, and Menon , who served as the National
Security Advisor to PM Manmohan
Singh, pointed out that this would
create spaces for India to step into
the globalized economy. However,

foreign policy could pose problems

for New Delhi. The effect this will
have on the Indian diaspora still
remains to be seen. Ambassador
Puri advised strategic patience.
Chinese ambitions in the subcontinent must be treated with the utmost caution and political dexterity, but it is important not to make
preemptive decisions to defend In-

C. Raja Mohan, Hardeep Singh Puri, Shivshankar

Menon, Devesh Kapur and Robert Blackwill
at the Passage to America session.
Robert Blackwill, former US envoy
to India, advised caution to India to
avoid rivalry with China.
The foreign policy positions of
Trump, which include a relationship reset with Russia, could pose
many difficulties for India. Indias
historic friction with the Pakistani
and Chinese governments was often neutralized by the presence
of the US. But this sharp departure from history will leave India
vulnerable. Neither our economy
nor our military power can compare with Chinas, said academic
C. Raja Mohan. Because of Trumps
America First, withdrawal or apathy from the US towards Indian

dia against the new order of the US

government. India is currently not
high on the priorities of the Trump
administration, and thats a good
place to be, said Menon.
The festival ended with the debate on We Are Living in a PostTruth World with the panel Anne
Waldman, Ashutosh Varshney, Luke
Harding, Shashi Tharoor, Prasoon
Joshi, Suhel Seth and Swapan Dasgupta, and moderated by Barkha
Dutt. Oxford Dictionaries Word of
the Year 2016 is: Post-Truth, alluding to Trumps predilections. So, will
the truth ultimately triumph or does
the motto of the Indian State, Satyamev Jayate no longer hold true.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia inaugurated JLF, which had keynote address by Gulzar and Sadhgurus book launch.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

INDIA NEWS

31

Modi, Trump discuss South Asia security

Modi-Trump talk
hints empowering
ties : Parrikar

Washington/New Delhi: Prime

Minister Narendra Modi and US
President Donald Trump this
week discussed the security situa
tion in South and Central Asia
during their phone conversation
on Tuesday night and resolved
that India and US will "stand
shoulder to shoulder" to fight
global terrorism, the White House
said.
Strengthening defense partner
ship was among topics that came
up during their talks about fur
thering cooperation between the
two nations, according to the
White House.
"Trump emphasized that the
United States considers India a
true friend and partner in
addressing challenges around the
world," the White House said.
This was reflected in the fact
that conversation between the
leaders of the world's two great

Narendra Modi
has invited
Donald Trump
to visit India.

est democracies came before

Trump had talked to leaders of
important allies like Britain,
Germany and Japan or major
powers like China and Russia
since formally taking of fice last
Friday.
During his campaign, Trump
praised Modi as a "great leader"
and sought a kinship of ideas with
him as a "progrowth leader"
when he attended a rally organ
ized by the Republican Hindu
Coalition (RHC) in New Jersey in
October. He added that after his

Sebi bars Mallya

from trading in
securities market
Mumbai: India's market regulator, the
Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Sebi) on barred beleagured businessman
Vijay Mallya and six of ficials of United
Spirits Ltd (USL) from trading in the securi
ties market with immediate effect.
Mallya and six other of ficials of USL,
including its former managing director
Ashok Capoor were "restrained from access
ing the securities market and prohibited
from buying, selling or otherwise dealing in
securities in any manner whatsoever, either
directly or indirectly", according to a Sebi
order released here.
The Sebi also restrained him and Capoor
"from holding position as directors or key
managerial persons of any listed company",
adding the directions shall come into force
with immediate effect and shall be in force
till further directions. Mallya expressed sur
prise at the development, saying he had not
received any intimation from Sebi or given
a chance to state his case.

election India would have true

friend in the White House.
White House said that Trump
invited Modi to visit him later this
year. President Pranab Mukherjee
invited Trump to visit India when
he congratulated him on assum
ing the presidency. T he real
estate investorturnedpolitician
has visited India several times for
business.
Another topic Trump and Modi
discussed was strengthening the
partnership in the economy, but
the statement did not give any

details of what they might have

discussed.
Modi and Trump have parallel
priorities of job creation, especial
ly through manufacturing, and
increasing investments which
may appear headed for a colli
sion. Earlier in the day, Trump
met with auto industry leaders to
to promote his program of "Make
in America" and on Monday, he
met union and industry leaders
and emphasized his campaign
mantra of "Buy American, Hire
American".

New Delhi: Defense Minister

Manohar Parrikar on
Wednesday said that the tele
phonic conversation between
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and US President Donald
Trump was an indication
enough that ties between the
two nations would be "empow
ered".
"They spoke about enhanced
defense. This conversation will
really empower ties," the
Defense Minister said in an
interaction with media during
his visit to the National Cadet
Corps' Republic Day Camp
here. "Terrorism was a major
concern in their talk. It is the
issue that we have taken with
so many countries. We want
the world to come together
against terror," he said.
Prime Minister Modi had a
telephonic conversation with
the newlyelected US President
Donald Trump and had
informed about it on Twitter.

Priyanka scoffs at
Katiyar's 'sexist'
remarks
New Delhi: BJP MP Vinay Katiyar courted con
troversy for his alleged sexist remarks against
Congress star campaigner Priyanka Gandhi
Vadra, inviting flak from her and the Congress
over the comments that she said exposed the
"BJP's mindset".
Katiyar's comments, which came a day after
Priyanka was named among the Congress' star
campaigners for pollbound Uttar Pradesh,
attracted condemnation from his own party as
well as the Delhi Commission for Women.
The BJP leader said his party had "prettier
star campaigners" (than Priyanka).
"It doesn't make any difference. We have far
prettier women, heroines as star campaign
ers," he said in a remark that was seen as
underestimating Priyanka's ability to attract
voters through her political acumen and rat
ing her on the basis of looks.
Katiyar, however, did a volte face later and
blamed the media for distorting his comments.

"I have not made any sexist remarks. I have

been misquoted by the media," he told various
news channels.
Even as Priyanka laughed off the remarks,
she said Katiyar has only exposed the BJP's
mindset towards women.
"And if that is all he sees in my colleagues
who are such strong, brave and beautiful
women that have battled through all sorts of
hardships to get where they are, then he
makes me laugh even more. Because he expos
es the BJP's mindset towards the better half of
the population of India," she said.
Her husband Robert Vadra expressed shock
at the "misogynist and atrocious remarks" and
sought a public apology.
"This exposes the shameful mindset of some
of our political leaders. We all need to respect
women and accept them as equals instead of
commoditising and objectifying them. As a
society, we need to bring in a change. Vinay

Priyanka Gandhi will be the star cam

paigner for Congress in UP elections.
Katiyar should publically apologise for his
remarks," Vadra said on his Facebook account.
Reacting to Katiyar's remark, Congress
spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said:
"Disparaging and atrocious remarks of Vinay
Katiyar on Priyankaji reflect the petty and
insulting culture of BJP that commodifies
women."
The BJP MP's comments came a day after
Janata DalUnited leader Sharad Yadav found
himself in a similar controversy, saying "honor
of being able to cast a vote is much bigger
than your daughter's honor".

32

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

TRISTATE COMMUNITY

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Neeta Jain takes over as

Dems leader in Queens

Rupen Shah
(Image : newsleader.com)

Local prosecutor
becomes first
Indian-American
judge in Virginia
Washington, DC: Rupen R.
Shah, who is currently the
Chief Deputy of Augusta
County Commonwealth in
Virginia, has become the first
Indian American judge to be
elected the southeastern US
state.Shah is a resident of
Staunton city and his sixyear
term will commence on
February 1, according to a
press release from the local
General Assembly delegation
announcing his confirmation
on Thursday.Shah has served
on executive committee and
council of Virginia State Bar
and also as chair of Diversity
Conference of Virginia State
Bar.He was recognized by the
State Bar as a local leader of
the year 2009 and also served
as president of the Augusta
County Bar Association during
20082009.Shah, who has a
law degree from New York's
Syracuse University, founded
the nonprofit Valley
Children's Centre, which helps
law enforcement and Child
Protective Services workers
interview abused and neglect
ed children.The Indian
American also has extensive
experience in teaching law.Tim
Martin, the Augusta County
Commonwealth's Attorney,
said Shah is deserving of the
judgeship."The bottom line is
he is an excellent choice,"
Martin said. "I will miss him
both personally and profes
sionally. Our office's great loss
is the judiciary's gain." Shah
has worked as a prosecutor in
Augusta County for more than
20 years, Martin said.

New York: Dr. Neeta Jain was

sworn in as the Democratic Leader
for Assembly District 25, Part B,
which includes Flushing, Kew
Gardens Hills, Hillcrest, and Hillside
Avenue. Over 400 people attended
the ceremony at Queens College
January 21, including lawmakers,
civic leaders, and members of the
Indian community.
Dr. Jain has a long history of serv
ing the Queens community, both
socially and politically, driven by
her core values of humanity and
peace. She has also represented the
South Asian community and
worked hard to give them a voice in
politics. She was part of the suc
cessful Diwali Stamp Project. Now,
she hopes to advocate for the addi
tion of Diwali holiday to New York
school calendars.
Besides Cong ressman Joe
Crowley who was the Keynote at

Administered by Congressman Joe Crowley, Dr Neeta Jain took the oath of office
over the Jinvani, the sacred book of Jains.
the event, Dr Jain was praised for
her
accomplishments
by
Cong ressman Gregory Mee ks,
Queens Borough President Melinda
Katz, NYC Public Advocate Letitia
James, NYC Comptroller Scott M.
Stringer as well as NYC Council

members Rory Lancman, Barry

Gro denchik and Peter Koo.
Governor Andrew Cuomo and
Mayor Bill de Blasio sent congratu
latory messages to her. On behalf of
the Indian community, Ravi Batra
and Harish Thakkar congratulated

her. In her speech, Dr. Jain made a

commitment to address issues of
her district, including healthcare,
education, women and seniors.
Celebrity broadcaster and activist
Renee Mehrra was the emcee of the
event.

INOC USA President passes away

Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos was the guest

speaker at a general body meeting of the American Association of
Physicians of Indian Origin in Garden City, where he addressed the
crowd and thanked them for helping to maintain the health of our
community. Pictured (LR) are Dr. Ajay Lodha, Comptroller
Maragos, and Dr. Sunil Mehra.

New York: Indian

are proud of the work
National Overseas
Lavika did for INOC
Congress (INOC, USA)
over last 15 years as
members are grieving
Washington DC chap
over the untime ly
ter President and
death of their National
National President. A
President, Mrs. Lavika
team of INOC execu
Bhagat Singh.
tives led by the sen
Condolence message
ior Vice President
Washington DC based
have poured in from
Lavika Bhagat Singh Ravi Chopra attended
the party headquarters
Lavikas funeral serv
in India. Rahul Gandhi wrote, She ices held in Washington DC and in
worked hard to spread the ideolo solidarity with her husband,
gy of the Congress party. Dr. Deshpal Singh. INOC will hold a
Karan Singh, Chair of AICC foreign prayer meeting in her memory in
affairs, stated, Lavika was a fine New York. Lavika lived in Virginia
lady and a successful President of a suburb of Washington DC, and
INOC. I remember she hosted a was wellconnected. She had suf
wonderful event in my honor in fered from cancer for the last one
DC. INOC Chairman Shudh year and is survived by daughter
Parkash Singh added, I have lost Angelica, son Heiman besides her
my loyal and sincere friend. We husband Deshpal Singh.

The Met honors Nita Ambani for philanthropy

New York : Mrs. Nita Ambani,
Founder and Chairperson, Reliance
Foundation, was honored by the
prestigious Metropolitan Museum
of Art (The Met) in New York. This
special honor recognizes Ambanis
expansive philanthropic work in the
areas of Education, Sports,
Healthcare, Rural Transformation,
Urban Renewal, Disaster Response,
Women Empowerment and
Promotion of the Arts. She is the
first South Asian to receive this dis
tinguished accolade. The Met was
most impressed by the diversity
and scale of the work carried out by
Re liance Foundation, led by
Ambani. The direction she gives the
Foundation has helped it to focus
its work on sustainable urban and
rural transformation as well as

healthcare, education, grassroots

development through sport, and
women empowerment. T he
Foundations support of Indian Art
and the aim to take it global stems
from Ambanis personal passion.
Reliance Foundation has benefit
ed over ten million Indians, touch
ing the lives of individuals across
more than 10,500 urban areas and
villages. On the honor bestowed on
her by The Met, Ambani said, I am
delighted and humbled by this
honor for our work at Reliance
Foundation. It is truly gratifying
that our efforts, especially in educa
tion, sports, health and rural trans
formation, are bringing smiles to
millions of people. This recognition
from a distinguished global institu
tion like The Met is a tribute to our

commitment towards sustainable

development and social empower
ment, and will inspire each one of
us at Reliance Foundation to con
stantly do the best to make the
world a better place for the next
generation. The event, hosted by
The Mets Multicultural Audience
Development Initiative, celebrates
The Metropolitan Museum of Arts
diverse communities and raises
awareness and support for the
Audience
Deve lopment
Department.

Mrs. Nita Ambani, Founder and

Chairperson, Reliance Foundation,
receiving the honoree's trophy
from Tom Campbell, CEO &
Director, The Metropolitan
Museum of Art, NY

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL

Happy
Republic
Day
Happy
Diwali

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

34

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

N AT I O N A L CO M M U N I T Y

Senate Panel approves

Nikki Haleys nomination for cabinet post

American to be elected as the Governor of a State.

If confirmed as a UN ambassador,
she would be replaced by Lt Gov Henry McMaster as governor and will
complete her term that ends in 2018.
Senator Bob Corker, Chairman of
the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said Haley is a fierce advocate for American interests.
As South Carolina Governor,
Nikki Haley is a proven leader. I believe she has the instinct that will
help her achieve reform, he said,
supporting her nomination.
the next US Ambassador to the UN.
Governor Haley appears up to the
What Governor Haley lacks in
task and seems to understand this foreign policy and international afas well, said Senator Ben Cardin, fairs experience, she makes up for

Washington, DC: A key Senate

panel approved the nomination
of Indian-American Nikki Haley
as the next US Ambassador to the
United Nations, clearing the way
for what is expected to be an easy
confirmation in the full Senate. The
South Carolina Governors nomination was overwhelmingly approved
by the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee in a voice vote.
Her nomination now moves to
the Senate floor for a vote. If confirmed, Haley, 45, the daughter of
Indian immigrants, would be the
first Indian-American to serve on a
Cabinet rank position in any presidential administration in the US.
Haley, who will replace Samantha Power at the UN if confirmed,
has already created history by
becoming the first women IndianAmerican Governor of a US State. Ranking Member of the Senate For- in capability, intelligence, and a
After Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, eign Relations Committee as he vot- track record of building coalitions in
she is only the second ever Indian- ed to approve Haley s nomination as South Carolina, Cardin said. - PTI

Dev Patel gets Oscar

nomination for Lion
Way Home, Lion has been directed
by Garth Davis and also features Priyanka Bose, Nicole Kidman, Rooney
Mara, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The film is based
on the life of an Indian man, who
lost his way as a child in India and
eventually adopted by an Australian
couple. Years later, he uses Google
map to find his biological mother in
a remote village in India. The Oscar
awards will take place in Los Angeles on February 26th.

Image courtesy: Vanityfair.com

Los Angeles: Indian origin actor Dev Patel has been nominated
for an Academy Award in the Best
Supporting Actor category for his
performance in Lion. The actor
who made his debut with Slumdog
Millionaire, is in the race for the
trophy along with Mahershala Ali
for Moonlight, Jeff Bridges for Hell
or High Water, Lucas Hedges for
Manchester by the Sea and Michael
Shannon for Nocturnal Animals.
Based on non-fiction book, A Long

Dev Patel

5 Sikhs inducted into

US Army with religious
accommodation

Washington, DC: Five Sikhs have

been granted approval to serve in
the US Army with their religious
insignia intact, days after the army
issued a new regulation under
which servicemen who wear turbans, hijabs or beards can be enrolled in the military.
This is the largest induction of
Sikhs into the US armed forces after
the Department of Defense banned
visible articles of faith in 1981.
The new rules made public on
January 4, eliminate bureaucratic
hurdles that had previously discriminated against Sikhs. The new
set of rules, issued by Secretary of
the Army Eric Fanning, allows religious accommodations to
be approved at the brigade-level. Previously it was at the level
of Secretary. After a 35-year presumptive ban on observant
Sikhs, our nations largest employer has taken a vital step in
embracing policies that reflect the rich diversity of our nation, said Sikh Coalition Legal Director, Harsimran Kaur.
We look forward to permanent policy change across all
branches of the military so that all religious minorities can
freely serve without exception, she said. Private Shabaddeep
Singh Jammu, an Infantry Recruit who was born and raised

in Elk Grove, California, vowed to

follow a path of service after tragically losing his brother in 2013.
The ability to serve my country and faith has been a lifelong
goal. Im now honoring my brother while pursuing a career that
serves our nation without compromising my beliefs, he said.
According to Sikh Coalition, the
religious accommodations bring
the new total to at least 14 Sikh
American soldiers now serving
with their religious articles of
faith in the US Army.
Under the previous policy, these
accommodations involved a burdensome case-by-case process, were
brought up the chain of command to
the secretary-level, and were subject
to annual review and revocation.
Now, they can be granted at the
brigade-level and can only be revoked if the Army identifies a specific, concrete hazard.
This policy does not apply to the
other branches of the US military.

Indian-American lawmakers join

protest march against Trump
Washington, DC: All the five Indian-Americans elected to the US Congress joined the Womens March to protest against new US President
Donald Trumps alleged anti-women policies.
Kamala Harris, the first Indian-American Senator, was among the several Democratic Senators to address a massive crowd in Washington.
We all know the truth: If you are a woman
trying to raise a family, you know that a goodpaying job is a womens issue, she said.
We know that it is right for this nation to
prioritize womens issues, she added.
In her home State of California, protest
marches were held in several cities including
Los Angeles.
They can take the House, Senate, and
White House, but they cannot take away our
power. What an extraordinary day, she said.
Lets make today a beginning. Lets buckle
in, because its going to be a bumpy ride,
Harris said adding that the Womens March
really made her believe in the possibilities of
the country, with people of all backgrounds
united for justice.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said this

is what a movement looks like.
Cant see the end of the crowds from stage,
she said. I am so proud to be an immigrant
woman, in solidarity with all women and men
today, she added.
Jayapal had also boycotted Trumps inauguration. Congressman Ami Bera said any discussion of womens rights must include access
to safe and affordable health care, including
reproductive care.
We must continue the struggle for womens
equality at home and abroad. Gender should
never be a barrier to success, Bera said.
In America, respect for the rights of all
women and girls must always be one of our
core national values, Bera said.
In Chicago, Raja Krishnamoorthi addressed
a strong crowd of 150,000.
Todays march was about people from every walk of life coming together to declare
their support for the rights of women and all
Americans. Womens rights are human rights,
he said.
PTI

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

NATIONAL COMMUNITY

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

35

Dr Prasad Srinivasan is running

for Connecticut governor
l By Parveen Chopra
New York: Dr. Prasad Srinivasan,
an allergist serving his 4th term
in
the
state
House
of
Representatives, has announced
that he is running for Connecticut
governor in 2018.
Srinivasan, 67, told The South
Asian Times that his first task is to
raise funds to qualify to run, and
then to secure the Republican
ticket. The Chennaiborn, who
represents Glastonbury (in
Hartford county), filed papers
over a month ago creat ing a
gubernatorial candidate commit
tee that allows him to begin rais
ing the $250,000 necessary to
qualify for public financing of his
campaign. Danbury Mayor Mark
Boughton, also a Republican, and
couple of other partymen have
created exploratory committees in
preparation for a run for gover
nor. An exploratory committee
allows one to raise money to be

used for any state of fice.

Srinivasan is not leaving himself
that flexibility; he is in the race for
governor, period.
I am running to be your gover
nor because I know that, if we
work together, we can make
changes and put Connecticut on
the right track, Srinivasan stated
while announcing his campaign.
In Connect icut, Srinivasan
believes, taxes and spending need
to be broug ht under control,
waste and government fraud must
be addressed, healthcare costs
reduced and access increased and
the states economic climate
improved. Significantly, he sup
ported passage of the sweeping
guncontrol law passed in 2013 in
response to the Sandy Hook
School shooting of 26 children
and staf f. Securing his partys
nomination and potentially facing
an incumbent Democratic gover
nor (Dannel Malloy) or his present
lieutenant governor wont be easy,
Srinivasan admits. On the other
hand, he is no stranger to unex
pected upset victories. In 2010, in
what many considered a stunning

upset, he was able to unseat

incumbent Democratic State Rep.
Tom Kehoe.
He told The South Asian Times
that rallying behind him is the
Indian community, which has a
presence all over the state. I hope
to be the third Indian American
governor and only one in of fice
(Nikki Haley is departing South
Carolina to take up the UN post).
Connecticut maybe a deep blue
state, but it has had Republican
governors many times, he points
out. The Republican state con
vention will take place in May
or June of 2018 and decide
who the party nominee
will be, he said. A can
didate who falls short,
but receives a certain
level of votes, can chal
Dr Prasad Srinivasan, an allergy specialist, is currently serving his 4th term in the
lenge with a primary.
Connecticut House of Representatives.
Sending his greetings
for Indias 68th Republic Day, adult and pediatric patients with philanthropy moved to
Srinivasan, who came to America allerg ies, he is a g raduate of Connecticut in 1980 after he com
over 40 years ago, said, It is good Baroda Medical College in India pleted his fellowship in Chicago.
Srinivasan said he has looked at
to see India and Indian communi and is national cochair of the
ty abroad growing and getting Health Policy Council. He and his the laws and he can continue his
better. In private practice for wife Kala Prasad who are also medical pract ice even after
more than three decades, treating well known for their community becoming governor.

Front line support for seniors

l By Rajeshwar Prasad
senior needs transportation help to
reach a medical facility; another
needs some help with light chores
around the house; a third is sort of
depressed being lonely in the house or
apartment. The list of problems elderly
people face goes on; and the bottom line is
not knowing where to call, which agency
to approach that can help and how to pro
cure that help. In short, elders need the so
called front line support for innumerable
problems and issues. The most important
entity in this regard is to reach ELDER
CARE LOCATOR. The Eldercare Locator,
established in 1991, is a free national serv
ice or resource funded by the
Administration on Aging. It is administered
by the Nat ional Asso ciat ion of Area
Agencies on Aging (AAA).
The Area Agency on Aging is a generic
name; the actual name of AAA could be dif
ferent such as in Nassau County, NY, it is
called Office for The Aging; in Florida, it is
Department of Elder Af fairs. To reach
Eldercare Locator one should call its toll
free number 8006771116 during
weekdays from 9:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M.
Other times a caller can leave a message
with name and telephone number, and
normally the call will be returned next
business day. Its web site, available all the
time, is: www.eldercare.gov. It is Eldercare
Locator which can connect you with AAA.
An Area Agency on Aging is a designated

Nassau County Commissioner of AAA, Sharon Mullen, with (L to R) Rajeshwar Prasad, Dr.
Samir Dutta (NIAASC VP) and Dr. Thomas Abraham (founder of GOPIO). Sharon gave a
citation to NIAASC on behalf of Nassau County Executive.
local agency by the State to address con
cerns of all seniors of 60 years or older. An
AAA could be public entity or a private
notforprofit organization. The AAA pro
vides information about available pro
grams and services for seniors; and pro
vides and administers funds through con
tacts with a number of service agencies

addressing issues of seniors. In all there

are about 620 local and state agencies
throughout USA, which provide service to
elderly.
Among the Indian seniors there are two
distinct groups: those who have been in
the USA for 45 decades and came here
mostly as professionals; and those who

came later normally sponsored by their

elder children or brothers/sisters. Seniors
in the first group have lived here, worked
here and are thus entitled to all benefits,
and they have basically adapted them
selves to the America mainstream. The
other group normally live with their chil
dren, and are dependent on them for all
support. Many of them face serious adap
tation problems, language and communi
cation difficulties, and primarily confined
to their family members as far as their
exposure is concerned. Even the earlier
group may not be familiar with how to get
services for seniors and it is thus incum
bent for them to know where to call for
services. They may need to help their par
ents or grandparents. The National Indo
American Association for Senior Citizens
Inc. (NIAASC) can also help locate the AAA
for seniors who are unable to communi
cate properly. In case such help is needed
a person can send an Email with the ques
tion, state and zip code he or she lives in,
and the te lephone number. Email of
NIAASC is niaasc@aol.com. For some
handy information for seniors they can
reach its web site www.niaasc.org and
browse Articles of Interest, and proceed
ings of its conferences. NIAASC has held
28 conferences since its inception in
1998, and its 29th conference is scheduled
for November 4 & 5, 2017 in Florida and
focus in the upcoming conference will be
Special Needs Of IndoAmerican Seniors,
And Health Care Advances For Seniors.

36

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

U S A F FA I R S

Trump open to conducting joint

strikes on IS with Russia
Washington DC: The White
House said on Monday that US
President Donald Trump is open
to conducting joint strikes with
Russia on Islamic State terrorists.
I think if theres a way that we
can combat IS with any country,
whether its Russia or anyone else,
and we have a shared national interest in that, sure well take it,
Xinhua news agency quoted White
House spokesman Sean Spicer as
saying at a briefing.
The stance breaks from the policy of the previous US administration, which only worked with Russia
to de-conflict air strikes in Syria.
The remark came after the Russian
Defence Ministry claimed that two
jets from the US-led coalition participated in a strike on IS targets alongside Russian aircraft. But the Pentagon on Monday denied the claim.

Trump calls
for major
investigation
into voter
fraud
Washington: President Donald
Trump on Wednesday called for
a major investigation into voter
fraud in the 2016 election, after
his claims earlier this week, without citing any evidence, that millions of illegal votes were cast during the November polls.
I will be asking for a major investigation into VOTER FRAUD,
including those registered to vote
in two states, those who are illegal
and even those registered to vote
who are dead (and many for a long
time). Depending on results, we
will strengthen up voting procedures! Trump tweeted.

US less safe for

immigrants due
to Trumps policies:
Kamala Harris
Washington:
Indian-American
lawmakers slammed resident Donald Trump for signing executive
orders to reshape the countrys immigration policies, describing the
move as anti-immigrant that will
tear apart families.
Trump has escalated his antiimmigrants stand with a series
of executive orders that will tear
families apart, while weakening
the public safety and national security, said Senator Kamala Harris, the
first Indian-American to be elected
to the US Senate.
Creating a deportation force to
target immigrant families who are
contributing to our society is not
a show of strength. Asking taxpayers to pay for an unrealistic border
wall is not a solution. And telling
cities to deny public safety, education, and health services to kids and
families is irresponsible and cruel,
said Harris.
She said that the US was now
less safe because of the anti-immigrant policies followed by the
President.
Immigrants will report fewer
crimes, more families will live in
fear, and our communities and local

economies will suffer, Harris said.

Indian-American Seattle representative Congresswoman Pramila
Jayapal, who boycotted Trumps
presidential inauguration, slammed
the President for moving forward
with his divisive agenda that will
do nothing to solve the real immigration issues.
He has doubled down on his
agenda that pits mother against
mother, neighbor against neighbor,
tearing up the fabric of our communities, Jayapal said.
We must take on enacting comprehensive and humane reform of
our broken immigration system to support our economy, our communities and our families - but the
President offers zero leadership in
this area, she said.
The lawmakers were also joined
by Senator Chuck Schumer and
Democratic Whip Congressman
Steny H Hoyer in opposing Trumps
immigration policies.
President Trumps plans are
based on alternative facts and do
nothing to keep us safe or fix our
immigration system in a humane,
pragmatic and effective way,
Schumer said.

Trumps comments on voter fraud

came on Monday during a meeting
with Congressional leaders.
On Tuesday, Trumps press secretary Sean Spicer vigorously de-

evidence that any substantial illegal voting had occurred or influence the popular vote.
Ohios secretary of state responded to Trumps tweet on Wednesday,

Committee chair Representative

Debbie-Wasserman Schultz issued
a harsh condemnation of Trumps
call for an investigation, telling
CNNs New Day that the tweets
message was deeply disturbing.
He seems to be questioning the
legitimacy of his own election, all
while, for the last couple of months,
touting how legitimate and huge
his election was and historic it is. It
cant be both, she said.
And former senior adviser to former President Obama, David Axelrod, told CNN, It becomes an impetus for those who want to further
erode voter protection for people
who legitimately want to vote and
are facing a series of barriers.
When pushed by the media
President Trump has signed a flurry of executive orders after
about whether Trump will call for
taking office on building the wall on the southern border,
an investigation into the matter,
on immigration, withdrawing from TPP, and so on.
Spicer said, maybe we will, addfended Trumps statement about il- saying his office already investigat- ing later that Trump believes in
legal voters, though neither Trump ed claims of voter fraud.
voter fraud based on studies and
nor his surrogates could provide
Former Democratic National information he has.

Hindu, Sikh prayers offered at

interfaith service for Trump, US
Washington: Universal Hindu and Sikh prayers
were offered at the interfaith service in the Washington National Cathedral on January 20 to invoke divine blessings for the new President Donald
Trump and the nation.
Hindu priest Narayanachar Digalakote prayed
in Sanskrit for the government leaders in the first
part of the service when prayers were said for
those who govern.
Jesse Singh, the founder of American Sikhs for
Trump, recited in Punjabi a prayer said by Guru
Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh master, in the segment
of prayers for the people.
Singh who was dressed in a suit and wore a dark
turban, translated the invocation that was for unity, binding the common bonds of all and equality.

Expanding on it, he added prayers for the most

vulnerable in society and for those who perform the
dangerous and dirty jobs for the well being of all.
Bless all whose lives closely linked with ours,
he prayed. Wearing a saffron shawl and religious
markings on his forehead, Digalakote recited a shloka or hymn to invoke divine blessings for those
who govern, in the first part of the ceremony of
prayers for leaders.
Trump has reached out to the American Hindu
community, addressing a rally held by them last
October, where he said he would be their friend in
the White House. Trumps son Eric visited a Hindu
temple in Orlando, Florida, in the final days before
the November election and his wife, Lara, visited a
temple in Chantilly, Virginia, to celebrate Diwali.

Narayanachar Digalakote (right) of the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland, who
recited a Hindu prayer at the interfaith service for President Trumps inauguration.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

38

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

INTERNATIONAL

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Mexican President considers canceling US trip

Iraqi PM declares
full liberation of
eastern Mosul
Mosul (Iraq): Iraqi Prime Minister
Haider alAbadi declared full libera
tion of the eastern side of the city of
Mosul after more than 100 days of
fighting against the extremist mili
tants of the Islamic State.
Abadi, according to Xinhua, urged
the security forces to move quickly
to liberate all the remaining areas
of Iraq's northern province of
Nineveh, in particular the western
side of the provincial capital city of
Mosul, locally known as the right
bank of Tigris River which bisects
the city. He made the remarks at a
press conference here, praising the
"heroic forces and the unity of all
Iraqis". In addition, a military state
ment said that the army soldiers ful
filled liberation of eastern Mosul
after they swept the remaining
areas left in the hand of IS militants
in the northern outskirts of the
eastern bank of the city.
The troops, backed by the USled
coalition and Iraqi aircraft, freed
the neighborhood of Rashidiyah
and the nearby villages of Ba'wiza,
Baysan and Shrikhan after heavy
clashes with the IS, leaving dozens
of them killed and destroying eight
car bombs, according to a statement
from the Joint Operations
Command.
The troops also killed two suicide
bombers, shot down five unmanned
drones carrying bombs and
destroyed three vehicles carrying
heavy machine guns, the statement
said. Experts believe that with the
recapture of the whole eastern side
of Mosul, the troops will soon begin
a new phase of the antiIS major
offensive on the western part of the
city. On October 17, alAbadi
announced the start of a major
offensive to retake Mosul, the coun
try's second largest city.
The second phase of the offensive
to free the eastern bank of Mosul
began on December 29.

Mexico City: Mexican President

Enrique Pena Nieto is considering
scrapping his visit to the US as
President Donald Trump signed
an order to construct a wall
between the two nations.
President Donald Trump's
action to sign the executive order
to beef up America's deportation
force and construction of the
wall, were enough to prompt
Pena Nieto to consider scrapping
his plans to visit the W hite
House, the New York Times quot
ed Mexican officials as saying.
In a video message delivered
over Twitter, Pena Nieto did not
mention whether he would can
cel the meeting, saying future
steps would be taken in consulta
tion with Mexican lawmakers, the
New York Times reported.
Pena Nieto reiterated his com
mitment to protect the interests

of Mexico and its people. He chid

ed Washington's move to contin
ue with the wall construction.
"I regret and condemn the US'
decision to continue with the con
struction of a wall that, far from
unit ing us, divides us," the
Mexican President said.
Trump during his election cam
paign called Mexican immigrants
rapists, threatened to deport mil
lions of them and promised to
build a wall to keep others out.
Now, the perceived insults
endured during the campaign
have turned into action.
According to the New York
Times, decades of friendly rela
tions between the US and Mexico
on matters involving trade,
security and migration seemed
to be unraveling.
On Twitter, Trump's action was
referred to by politicians and his

Pakistan testfires nmissile

Islamabad: Pakistan "successful high precision, defeating the
ly" testfired its second indige enemy's hostile radars," it added.
On January 8, Pakistan con
nouslydeveloped nuclearcapa
ble missile, Ababee l, w ith a ducted its first successful test
range of 2,200 km and capable fire of submarine launched
of "engaging multiple targets cruise missile Babur III having a
range of 450 km.
with high precision".
The missile was fired from an
T he test firing comes two
weeks after the launch of sub underwater, mobile platform
marinefired Babar III, that and hit its target with precise
accuracy.
Indian analysts dubbed as fake.
The Babur weapons system
In an apparent reference to
incorporates
advanced aerody
India,
Pakistan
Military
spokesperson Maj Gen Asif namics and avionics that can
Ghafoor said: "The development strike targets both at land and
of the Ababeel weapon system sea with high accuracy, accord
was aimed at ensuring surviv ing to ISPR. It has been
ability of Pakistan's ballistic mis described as a low flying, terrain
siles in the growing regional hugging missile, which carries
Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) certain stealth features and is
capable of carry ing various
environment."
The missile is capable of deliv types of warheads.
ering mult iple war
heads, using Multiple
Independent Reentry
Vehicle (MIRV ) tech
nology. "The test flight
was aimed at validat
ing various design and
technical parameters
of the weapon system,"
Maj Gen Ghafoor said
in a statement.
"Ababeel is capable
of carry ing nuclear
warheads and has the
The missile is capable of delivering
capability to engage
multiple warheads.
multiple targets with

torians as "an offence to Mexico",

a "slap in the face" and a "monu
ment to lies".
"It is an unprecedented moment

for the bilateral relationship,"

said Genaro Lozano, a professor
at the Iberoamerican University
here.

President Pena Nieto has reiterated his commitment to protect

Mexicos interests.

Moscow ready to normalize

ties with the US: Lavrov

Russian President
Vladimir Putin.
Moscow: Normalizing ties with
the US will take time, but Russia
is ready to begin the process,
the Russian Foreign Minister
said during in the State Duma
here.
Addressing members of
Russia's lower chamber of
Parliament, Sergey Lavrov said it
would take time and serious
effort to recover from the dam
age that RussoAmerican ties
suf fered under the administra

tion of former president Barack

Obama, efe news reported.
"But, as pointed out by
President Vladmir Putin, we are
willing to do our part to repair
relations in the interest of our
people and in the interest of
global security and stability,"
Lavrov said.
Russia's top diplomat said his
country approved of new ly
elected US President Donald
Trump's stance with regard to
the normalization of bilateral
relations.
Russia hoped Trump would
maintain his intentions of con
centrating on America's domes
tic problems without straying
into the internal affairs of other
countries, Lavrov said, adding
that Russia would continue to
judge Trump's actions.
Realestate mogul and former
reality TV personality, Trump,
who won the US election for the
Republican Party, has postured
in favor of normalizing ties with
Moscow.
This political outlook runs in
stark contrast with Obama, who,
during his administration, sup
ported the imposition of eco
nomic sanctions on the Eurasian
country for its involvement in
the Ukraine conflict.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

40

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

BOLLYWOOD

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

89th Oscars: 'La La Land' lands 14

nominations, Rahman out of race

Bollywood dance
probably the best
in the world, says
Jackie Chan
Mumbai: Legendary actor Jackie
Chan, who is in India to promote
his forthcoming film "Kung Fu
Yoga" is quite impressed with
Bollywood dance style and thinks
it has improved a lot.
"When I was 16, I watched
Bollywood movies. I didn't under
stand the language and I went
away after seeing the dance. But
for the last 15 years, I watch
Hindi films... Why? Because of
the dancing, the movements are
so good, probably the best in the
world," Chan said at an event
here on Monday.
"Earlier in Bollywood and
Chinese films, the actions and
dancing were not up to the mark.
But now we have money and
technology and now we can train
people. Currently, Bollywood pro
duces some of the best films in
Asia." He added.
Chan has been acting in movies
for over five decades.
"You've been growing up
watching me when your father
took you to see my movies. Now I
want that you should take your
parents to see my movie," he
said. Talking about his love for
the Indian people, Chan said: "I
know Indian people love me and
I love them too. I come here for
making movies, charities, film
festivals because I love you all."
The 62yearold says his inspi
ration of doing action at this age
are his fans from all over the
world. "I've been doing actions all
my life. Do I scare? Yes I do. ..
every time when I do the action I
think this is probably my last
shot. But when I see my fans and
I can't meet them one by one.
What can I do for them? The
only thing I can do to bring dif
ferent kinds of comedies, actions,
and different kind of roles. I
don't know how many years I can
continue to make films, but as
long as I can move I will do the
(IANS)
best for you."

Los Angeles: Hollywood romantic

musical comedydrama film "La La
Land" is nominated across 14 cat
egories equaling a record previ
ously set by "Titanic" and "All
About Eve" for the 89th
Academy Awards. Indian compos
er A.R. Rahman missed the race to
the golden statuette, while Indian
origin British actor Dev Patel has
one nomination for "Lion."
"La La Land", which won seven
Golden Globes earlier this year,
has been nominated in categories
like Best Picture, Best Actor in a
Leading Role (Ryan Gosling), Best
Actress in a Leading Role (Emma
Stone) and Best Directing (Damien
Chazelle).
"Moonlight" and "Arrival" got
eight nominations each, while
"Lion", a Garth Davis directorial
set in India and Australia, features
in six categories of the nomination

pack, which displays diversity to

avert last year's #OscarsSoWhite
controversy.
Interestingly, Viola Davis has
become the first black actress to
earn three Oscar nominations.
This year, her role in "Fences" has
fetched her a nomination in the
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
category, which even feature two

other black actresses Naomie

Harris ("Moonlight") and Octavia
Spencer ("Hidden Figures").
Celebrities like Terrence Howard
and Brie Larson joined Academy
President Cheryl Boone Isaacs to
reveal the 89th Oscars nomina
tions in two batches.
While Tamil movie "Visaranai",
India's Oscar entry for the Best

Foreign Language Film was out of

contention in an initial list itself,
Rahman who had won two
Oscars in 2009 lost out on his
chance at two nominations for his
work for "Pele: Birth of a Legend."
Rahman's name featured in an
initial list of 145 scores in con
tention for a nomination in the
Original Score category. Also,
"Ginga", his acclaimed number
from the 2016 biographical film,
was part of a long list of 91 songs
competing for a spot in the final
nominations for the Original Song
category.
To win Best Performance by an
Actor in a Supporting Role Oscar,
Dev w ill have to de feat
Mahershala Ali ("Moonlight"), Jeff
Bridges ("Hell or High Water"),
Lucas Hedges ("Manchester by the
Sea") and Michae l Shannon
("Nocturnal Animals"). (IANS)

Battle of the blockbusters:

'Kaabil' versus 'Raees'
Mumbai: Its a box office clash that
has been widely spoken about
but there are high chances that
Kaabil and Raees w ill do
exceedingly well as they are both
eminently watchable films.
Both films are re leasing on
Wednesday.
This time, the level of engaging
ness in both the films is high. Both
are love stories. Intense love sto
ries.
In Kaabil, Hrithik Roshan loves
his wife to death, whose death you
will know soon enough, and HE is
ready to go to any lengths to
avenge the wrong done to her. The
last 20 minutes of Kaabil are so
heartinthemouth, you would be
advised to hold your bursting blad
ders until the last drop of blood is
shed and avenged on screen.
Kaabil is by far Sanjay Guptas
best work, more emotional and
dramatic than any of the violent
sagas he has narrated in the past.
Hrithik gives his finest, most sear
ing and passionate performance
since Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai and
Guzaarish. His intensity of emo
tional expression is disturbing,
haunting.
Raees is also a love story. And
its got nothing to do with Mahira
Khan. Shah Rukh Khans character
of a man of illgotten power and
wealth from Gujarat in the 1980s
is in love. With himself. Since I
believe Shah Rukh in real life truly

loves himself, the merger of the

actor and the character is so bru
tally complete, its like watching
mirror images of two identical
souls one off camera, the other
on it dressed in very dif ferent
clothes.
Raees is also about how two
heterosexual men can be bonded
spiritually even while being on
separate sides of the firing line.
This is perhaps the first time in his
entire career as a leading man that

Shah Rukh has found a costar who

is compelling in his own right.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, when
pitched against Shah Rukh truly
defines what The Clash Of The
Titans means. He does with Shah
Rukh what a Rishi Kapoor or Vinod
Khanna could never do w ith
Amitabh Bachchan.
Tit for tat.
The two actors keep us ruthless
ly riveted to the screen. The move
ment of the plot is almost mania

cal, to match the manic energy and

mutinous passion of the two men
at each others throats.
More than anything else, the two
films this week prove what Hindi
cinema has known all along.
Nothing can replace the cult of
superstardom. T he mysticism,
magic and magnetism that Khan
and Roshan bring to the screen,
have to be seen to be believed.
Dont pick one between Raees
and Kaabil. Go see both.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

42

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

HUMOR

Funny Side by Nury Vittachi

Don't rush to judgement, these four true tales teach us

couple of years ago, a
friend accused me of
being really slow on the
uptake, so I called him last
night. "Yep," I said.
One should always take time
over important issues instead of
rushing to judgement. Case in
point: A recent news report says
police were shocked to see the
driver of a forklift truck use her
vehicle's pointy bits to pick up
and move a van that someone
had parked in front of her
house. It was a cheeky, dangerous act, so
police detained the driver and then set out to
trace the van owner. It turned out to be the
forklift driver.
"Villain and victim were the same person,"
said reader Sarath Malhotra, who forwarded
me the link to the news story from the US
state of Wyoming. Police realized they now
lacked a victim to file a complaint and so had
to prosecute the motorist for Wearing
Flipflops While Operating a Forklift, which is
apparently an actual offence. (It is clear to me
that lawmakers worldwide work in three sep
arate divisions: Criminal Law, Civil Legislation
and Silly Laws, the third group being by far

the most prolific.)

Anyway, the tale presaged the arrival in my
inbox of a rash of news reports with unex
pected twists.
An email from a regular contributor report
ed a recent incident in the UK town of
Wiltshire. A woman saw a man with some sort
of longbladed weapon lurking menacingly in
a quiet street. She called police and nine
squad cars full of officers turned up to find
a man trimming a hedge. The conversation
went something like this. "What are you
doing?" "Trimming my hedge, then having a
cup of tea and a nap." "No mass murders or
terrorist activities?" "I don't think so but I'll

check my diary."
Next came a news item from the
Washington Post. An old, homeless bag lady
had long the habit of making deranged
sounding claims that the government owed
her $100,000. Eventually a kindly social
worker took the trouble to read through the
paperwork in one of the woman's bags and
discovered that the government owed the
woman, 80yearold Wanda Witter,
$100,000. Be nice to homeless people, who
may well have more disposable income than
we do.
The fourth talewithatwist came from a
reader who collects "dumb criminal" reports.
In California, a fugitive female, 29, found a
pair of handcuf fs at a friend's house and

made a snap decision to try them on. Click!

Now where's the key? No key! Unable to
remove them, she called the police for help.
T hey turned up at the house and were
delighted to find a woman they had been
looking for, precuffed and ready to go. This
was kind of like a Christmas present for
police detectives, who usually have to do all
their own detecting and handcuffing.
So there we go. Don't make rush decisions.
Yet there are exceptions. I told my children
that I will love them unconditionally whatever
they do, even if they rob banks or start wars,
but if they ever use the words "craycray",
"whatevs" or "swag" I kick them out and
change the locks right now. That's reasonable,
right?

REPUBLIC DAY
Independence came into force on Republic Day.
We gathered our own resource on Republic Day.
Democratic government of our Sovereign state,
Came into existence on this date.
Republic Day brought our own Constitution.
Dream came true, ending every illusion.
This day, we celebrate our culture and history.
With brave efforts and patriotic chemistry.
Scenic beauty of men and maids.
Singing and dancing with military parades.
DARSHAN KUMAR JAIN
Malad, Mumbai India
Darshankumar_jain@yahoo.co.in

Laughter is the Best Medicine

BEST
RATE
FOR
INDIA
AND
PAKISTAN
New York Head Quarter
422S Broadway
HICKSVILLE
NY 11801

5168271010

by Mahendra Shah
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and
humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the
immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat,
he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

ASTROLOGY

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

43

psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com
Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899; Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874;

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma

Annual Predictions: For those born in this week (Jan 28 - FEB 3 2017)

28th January, 2017

Governed by the number 1 and the
Sun, you are also dominated by the
planet Mercury. Serious by nature,
you like a certain degree of privacy in
your life. You enjoy being alone and
like to keep busy, in your own work.
You cannot tolerate to see the miseries
of those who are physically handi
capped. In the coming year, you will
be spending a lot of your time in doing
social work for hospitals and charita
ble institutions. This will not only, give
you a sense of satisfaction, but also
bring you fame and recognition. You
can expect to see, changes both pro
fessionally and at the domestic front,
in the year ahead of you. Some of you
might lose money through specula
tion. You are advised, to lend money,
only when you are sure of getting it
back. Your independent nature, will al
low you to take your own decisions in
the year ahead of you. The month of
June, October, February will be event
ful months.
29th January, 2017
Governed by the number 2, you are
also governed by the planet Moon and

Mercury. You are studious by nature,

and you are happiest, when you are
amongst books. Teaching comes natu
rally to you. You not only like to pur
sue it as a profession, but also find sat
isfaction in doing it. In the coming
year, you are advised, not to take
hasty decisions. In matters of love, you
will be ready to break away from tra
ditions and customs, and take deci
sions, which you think are best. For
those who are to be married this year,
you can expect to achieve prosperity
and happiness, after marriage. Your
bosses will notice your hard work and
dedication, and you are likely to be re
warded for your efforts. The coming
year, will be an eventful one for you,
but you are advised not to take trivial
matters to the extreme. Your lucky
colours are cream, blue, purple and
white. The month of May, August and
January will be highly eventful.
30th January, 2017
You are governed by the number 3
and by the planet Jupiter. You are also
dominated by the planet Mercury. You
are intellectual and ambitious by na
ture. In the coming year, those of you
in the field of education and adminis
tration can expect to reach newer
heights of excellence. You will also
spend a lot of time in doing social
service for the needy. You will work
selflessly for institutes associated with
the handicapped. This will not only
give you ultimate satisfaction, but will
also bring you fame and recognition.
A word of advice in the coming year

you tend to get worried over trivial

matters. Try to relax and remain calm
and gentle. Getting restless over small
matters, will only add to your stress.
Most of you are likely to travel a lot in
the coming year. Visit to pilgrimages
is not ruled out. You will enjoy a hec
tic social life. The months of July, Sep
tember and November would prove to
be highly significant.
31st January, 2017
Influenced by number 4 and the plan
et Uranus, you are active, trustworthy,
energetic, systematic and reliable per
son. Your approach is practical and
you take serious note of your duties
and responsibilities, but you need to
control your tendency to behave stub
born and jealous at times. Coming
year offers you opportunities to make
major investments not only in specu
lative fields, but also in real estate.
Benefits in cash and kind from rela
tives and friends. Spouse provides you
with love and affection and children
win laurels and make you feel proud.
Sudden fall in the health of some eld
erly person in your close relations
may cause some concern. Drive care
fully, especially during night. The
months of March, May, July & Novem
ber will be highly significant.
!st February, 2017
Governed by number 1, and the Sun,
you are original, authoritative, digni
fied, determined and a sensitive per
son. You are a true asset to your
friends and your family members take

pride in you, but you need to check

your tendency to overspend and dom
inate at times. A very favorable period
starts this year, but you should avoid
controversial issues that might cause
arguments with loved ones. You would
make many beneficial contacts
throughout the year, some of which
would bring you financial gains. You
would be best in managing money and
investment of your own and that of
the others. Financial gains through
sale of property, accrual of rent, divi
dends or interests seem certain. Save
the maximum so that you could easily
meet unexpected expenses later in the
year. Children would also bring you
good news during this period. The
months of July, September and Febru
ary will especially prove to be signifi
cant.
2nd February, 2017
Influenced by number 2 and the
Moon, you are highly confident, imag
inative, practical, trustworthy and a
simple person. You are open and hon
est in all your professional dealings
and people trust and have complete
confidence in you, but you loose many
good opportunities to rise to the top in
your career because you behave im
patient, stubborn and erratic at times.
This year the Sun shines brightly on
you bringing you excellent career
growth and financial gains. Invest
ments that you make during this peri
od would fetch you good returns. For
some, a change of residence, purchase
of a vehicle or an overseas journey

seems very much on the cards. Your

beloved would provide you with love
as well as financial support. This per
son would also make many sacrifices
for your happiness and welfare. New
ventures would be alluring and prof
itable, but speculation should be
avoided. Health needs care. The
months of April, October, November
and January will be important.
3rd February, 2017
Governed by number 3 and the planet
Jupiter, you are confident, ambitious,
independent, dignified, religious and
an optimistic person. You are able to
attain a high level of perfection in
whatever you undertake, which brings
appreciation and recognition from
people around you, but you need to
control your tendency to behave
spendthrift, jealous and reckless at
times. You should put more energy to
implement the creative ideas, which
are in your mind. Results might be
slow but eventually would be beyond
your expectations. You also need to re
view your expenditures. With little
planning you would be able to save
from your budget without compro
mising on necessary items. You would
be very attached with your parents,
but at times this might effect your re
lationship with your spouse who
might feel neglected and lonely. Pend
ing court or property disputes will get
settled, but the results might not be to
your satisfaction. The months of June,
August and February will prove to be
important.

Stars Foretell: January 28-February 3, 2017

ARIES: Good week for computer professionals
as they realize their dreams. New
relationship at family front will
be long lasting & highly benefi
cial. Indications of earning finan
cial profits through commissions,
dividends or royalties. You need to
hold romantic emotions & shouldnt do any
thing making you repent later. To counterattack
your stress you will have to go in shelter of spir
ituality. Take a trip, as there is some place wait
ing for you. Your ability to invest in real estate
might get interrupted. A restless behavior might
crop differences with close associates.

TAURUS: Responding positively & quickly to new

ideas in business will go in your
favour. Family members will be
very positive & supportive to your
plans. Improvement in finances
makes it convenient in clearing
long pending dues & bills. The compa
ny of love partner makes you forget about the
work. Divine knowledge from a saintly person
provides solace & comfort. If you are planning a
vacation, be sure to consider your family and
friends. Dont show off and just invest according
to your pocket. Time to keep yourself abreast
with knowledge to impress others.

GEMINI: Act smartly & diligently to keep col

leagues faith alive in you. If possi
ble share the company of close
relatives who understand your
feelings and needs. Unexpected
travel for some proves hectic &
stressful, but financially rewarding.
Dont give into unnecessary demands of roman
tic partner. Make the best use of your energy to
enjoy a sound health. Be ready to travel with a
challenge, new connections will help you.
Purchasing of electrical appliances can be done.
You are likely to reap achievements with hard
work at personal front.

CANCER: Calculated risks at professional front

will be rewarded with success.
Sad news from distant relatives
might disappoint you. Some of
you will overspend on others.
Sudden romantic encounter will
lift your spirits. Meditation and
yoga prove beneficial for spiritual as well as
physical gains.
Traveling abroad can be exciting adventure
that will be remembered forever. A good deal
for residential property is ahead. You succeed
in learning the art of living to bring success &
harmony in your life.

LEO : You will be successful in regaining your

professional touch. Relatives will be
willing to lend a helping hand at
the time of need. Successful exe
cution of brilliant ideas would
help in earning financial profits.
Attending a social event/family func
tion brings a romantic encounter. A very healthy
week when your cheerfulness gives the desired
tonic and confidence. Finally you have found the
time for your deserving break, travel will be
favorable. Mortgaging your plot is not right for
you, crisis may arise. Personal dilemma prevents
from taking any concrete action this week.

VIRGO: A Selfconfidence helps in making an

impact at professional front. Parents
are likely to be cooperative despite
your erratic behaviour. A very suc
cessful week as far as monetary
position is concerned. Make sure
you dont get sentimental on
lover/beloveds comments. Toothache/stomach
upset might create some problems. Better to take
physicians advice to get immediate relief. You will
have to go out of routine work to enjoy your vaca
tion. Property investment is one thing in which
you have to be very much sure about the money
matters as well as legal matters.

LIBRA: Valuable support from a colleague would

help in professional matters. Time to
get involved into activities that
would help in bringing contact
with close relatives. Expenditure
rises but rise in income takes care
of your immediate bills. Your physical
charm would catch the attraction of opposite sex.
You are likely to maintain good health that would
also give you success. Adventurous holidays, the
best way to experience with your friends, time to
enjoy. Deals have to be made according the area
and location, not the price. If possible, dont allow
others to take decisions for you

SCORPIO: Business partners would be enthusi

astic about new plans & ventures.
You will be in the mood to cele
brate with family and friends
this week. You are likely to earn
monetary gains through various
sources. Romantic partner would try
innovative methods to catch your attention.
Mental alertness would enable to solve a tricky
problem. If you want to travel start planning
your trip now. Your investment plans are at full
boom and you might succeed in them. If possi
ble, take decisions by relying on inner strength
and judgmental faculty.

SAGITTARIUS: An excellent time for developing

professional contacts. Guests visit
would make it a pleasant & won
derful week. Important people
will be ready to finance anything
that has a special class to it. You
find it a little dif ficulty to make
romantic partner understand your position this
week. Stress & tensions are likely to increase,
putting some mental pressure. Planning a vaca
tion, keep an eye on your expenditure before
you travel. Purchasing home loan is not the
right decision for you. In friend circle, even
your unique & original ideas might fail.

CAPRICORN: Painters would find a unique oppor

tunity to exhibit their creative talent.
Make sure you do something excit
ing and different with people at
home. Avoid hasty investment. Your
losses are certain if you dont look at
investments from all possible angles.
Avoid temper flair up especially in romance this
week. A continuous positive thinking gets rewarded
as you succeed in whatever you do. Your travel
plans are smooth, but the toughest part is that your
partner doesnt have time. Buying cheap property
can be problematic for you regarding its resale.
Dont abandon principles especially at testing times.

AQUARIUS : Senior colleagues cooperation brings

success at professional front.
Performing rituals/auspicious cere
monies at home prove high benefi
cial. Property dealings would
materialize helping in bringing fab
ulous gains.
Love life blossoms paving the way for lovely times
ahead. Creative hobbies are likely to keep you
relaxed. Great time for perfect family vacation to
an exciting destination. Time to make investments
on farmlands. Boundless creativity and enthusi
asm would enable to make some successful
experiments.

PISCES: You are likely to face some tense

moments at professional front. You
succeed in making new acquain
tances provided you participate
in social /family function. High
time to get rid from the tendency
to live for the week and wasting too
much time and money on entertainment. A
romantic encounter is likely to add spice to life.
With a positive outlook & confidence, you suc
ceed in impressing people around you. Travel
opportunities full of challenges are often the
beginning of great enterprises. Valuation is
must before you purchase a plot.

44

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017

SPIRITUAL AWARENESS

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Illumine your self with love

By Sant Rajinder Singh

Ji Maharaj

f we were to sum up the mes

sage in all the talks and vers
es written by the great poet
saint, Sant Darshan Singh Ji
Maharaj, we would find one
theme permeates them all. That
theme is divine love.
Just as the atom permeates all
matter, so does divine love per
meate all life. The purpose of all
existence is divine love. Divine
love means the love between the
soul and God. This love moved
God to create all creation, includ
ing each of us, and this love is
what draws each back to the
Creator.
If we are to commit our life to
the highest purpose it would be
to illumine ourselves with love.
Who should we love? We should
love God. When we love God, we
also love all Gods creation,
including all humanity and all
creatures of the earth.
There is a beautiful story in the
Bible that tells how Jesus and his
disciples were traveling. They
came to a village where a woman
named Martha opened her home
to him. She had a sister named
Mary, who sat at Jesuss feet lis
tening to what he said. But
Martha was distracted by all the
preparations that had to be
made for his visit.
Martha was annoyed that Mary
was only sitting at Jesuss feet
basking in his love while Martha
had to do all the work. Martha
went to Jesus and asked, "Lord,
dont you care that my sister has
left me to do the work by
myself? Tell her to help me!"
Jesus replied, "Martha, Martha,
you are worried and upset about
many things, but only one thing
is needed. Mary has chosen what
is better, and this will not be
taken away from her."

This story has

caused many to
wonder about its
meaning. But those
who understand the
true meaning of this
story realize that the
heart of the story is
love. It is describing
that the highest of all
in life is to love. Mary
was lost in love with
her Master, Jesus. She
was enraptured by his
glance and by his pres
ence, and she melted
into ecstasy. The true
purpose of his coming
was to enjoy the heartto
heart and soultosoul
meeting. This story is not
saying that the service
that Martha was doing
was not good, but it is talk
ing about how worried and
upset she was. She was not
lost in love, but caught up
in the trials and troubles of
life.
Yes, service is there, but
Martha was only focused on
the tasks at hand and criticiz
ing what others were doing,
without being lost in the love
that we need to be lost in
while doing service and while
looking to find God. That is why
Jesus told Martha that Mary had
made the better choice and that
her choice to love was not going
to be taken away from her. It is
talking about Martha who, while
doing service, was not engaged
in love, but instead was distract
ed, troubled, upset, and critical
of others. That is not how seva
with love and selflessness is to
be performed.
This story points to the fact
that the highest of all pastimes
in this world is love. Love can be
having darshan and enjoying the
physical presence of the Master
and it can be performing seva,
but only that seva which keeps
love at the forefront.
Love is the fabric of life. It is
the most important goal and
occupation we can have, for it is
the only way back to God. If we
wish to continue in separation
from God, then let us only
engage in the millions of tasks
this world has to offer that take
us away from God. If we wish to
go back to God, then let us
engage in the work of love.Sant
Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj has
beautifully said in a verse:
I could have rested in the comforting shade of your tresses,
But there is no time from the
never-ending problems of life.

Sant Darshan Singh Ji

Maharaj is emphasizing the sad
truth that we are so caught up in
the neverending problems of life
that we never rest in the com
forting shade of the tresses of
the Master. The Masters have
traditionally come from a culture
in which long hair or tresses was
the style. Whether their hair
flows out upon their shoulders
with their silken, glimmering
strands that capture the heart of
their disciples or whether their
hair is tied up in a bun under a
turban, when the turban is
removed the disciples can enjoy
those lovely tresses. Those tress
es symbolize the love and protec
tion of a Master.
In this verse by Sant Darshan
Singh Ji Maharaj, the lover wants
to be with the Beloved and have
those tresses flowing out freely
for the lover to enjoy. The lover
wants to look at them and be
intoxicated by them. This sym
bolizes the ecstasy the disciple
experiences when in the pres
ence of the Master. The verse is
saying that those moments are
the most comforting and blissful
times we can have in this life.
Unfortunately, the neverend
ing problems, stresses, and tasks
of life are pulling the disciple
away from these blissful times.
The disciple always wants to be
in the moments of bliss that
come from the presence of the

Master.
But life is pulling the disciple
and Master apart from each
other. There is always one
excuse after another that keeps
them apart. One day it may be
that the disciple has to watch the
World Cup competition of a
favorite team. Another day it
may be that we have to shop for
this thing or that thing. Another
day we are growing our busi
ness. Another day we are tied up
with this petty problem or anoth
er. There is no end to the rea
sons we are pulled away from
the moments of love.
Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj
is saying that if we wait for some
time and we complete this task
or that task, resolve this problem
or that problem, take care of this
person or that person, time will
pass us by. We will never get to
the moments of love that are the
most important pastimes in life.
Love is the ingredient that
makes this life beautiful and
worth living. It beautifies every
thing. It fills us with the nectar of
bliss to propel us through the tri
als of life. Once we realize that
time and problems are keeping
us away from those blissful
moments between Master and
disciple without, and the disciple
meeting the radiant form of the
Master within, then we will
attain the goal of love.
It is true that we have some
responsibilities in life to earn our
livelihood, take care of our fami

ly, and perform our duties

to our society. But within
positive mysticism and
performing our duties,
we also need to snatch
away as much time as
possible to devote to
spiritual love. We need
to realize that divine
love is the highest pas
time of all. We need to
make time for that
every day. Masters
have given us the
minimum time by
which we can suc
cessfully connect
with love, and that is
ten percent of our
time, or two and a
half hours a day
minimum. That
time can be spent
in meditation
where we contact
that love within
us.
Everyone seeks
to love and be
loved. Love is a
universal need.
From being new
born babies to our last dying
breath, we seek love. Children
want the love of their parents,
family, and friends. As adults we
seek the love of our partner,
spouses, family, friends, and chil
dren. Listen to most people on
their deathbed, and they have
only three words to say to those
around their bedside, and that is
"I love you," and those are the
last three words they want to
hear from others.
We feel our life is filled with
beauty, warmth, and happiness
when adorned by love. When
bereft of love, we feel life is
empty and not worth living.
There are different degrees of
love we can experience. Most
loves of this world, such as
between parent and child, lovers
and beloveds, spouses, family,
and friends are reflections of a
higher love. They are love on a
miniature scale. They are physi
cal reflections of a love that
exists at the level of spirit. These
loves of this world are but reflec
tions of the love of God, or divine
love.
(To be continued....)

Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

is an internationally recognized
spiritual leader and Master of
Jyoti Meditation who affirms the
transcendent oneness at the heart
of all religions and mystic traditions, emphasizing ethical living
and meditation as building blocks
for achieving inner and outer
peace. www.sos.org.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL

Jan 28-Feb 3, 2017