Displaying military might & heritage

India celebrated its 62nd Republic Day with a grand parade of its military might and cultural diversity in New Delhi amid tight security, with big and small events also held across the length and breadth of the worlds largest democracy. Watched by thousands on the streets and millions on television, the parade wound its way from the Raisina Hills to the 17th century Red Fort.
The march-past was watched by the Republic Day chief guest Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defense Minister A K Antony and the countrys top political and military brass. The capital had turned into a security fortress for the event as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and helicopters scanned the capital from air, snipers kept a hawk-eye vigil from rooftops and armed personnel at every corner provided a ground-to-air security apparatus. Minutes before the parade began, Singh, Antony and chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force laid wreaths at Amar Jawan Jyoti, the British-era World War-I memorial at India Gate, where an eternal flame burns in memory of those who laid down their lives while defending the nations frontiers. The parade began shortly after Patil and her Indonesian counterpart arrived at the Rajpath escorted by the Presidents 46 bodyguards riding well-trained and impeccably-bedecked horses. After the President unfurled the tricolor and a customary 21gun salute, an Army doctor Major Laishram Jyotin Singh was awarded posthumously the highest peacetime gallantry award -- the Ashok Chakra -- for his bravery while fighting militants during an attack on Indians in Kabul. He was the first Army doctor receiving Ashok Chakra. Four Mi-17 helicopters then zoomed in from the western skies and showered flower petals on the spectators, signaling the beginning of the parade followed by the winners of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra and mounted columns of 61 Cavalry. The grand finale of the parade was as usual a spectacular flypast by the IAF, the Mi-25 attack helicopter participating for the first time. Three Mi-25 in Chakra formation led the flypast, followed by the Big Boy formation of one IL-78 refueler, flanked by two AN-32 and two Dornier. After this came the fighter jets, with five Jaguars flying in Arrowhead formation, followed by five MiG-29s flying in Fulcrum formation. The fly past concluded with the breathtaking Trishul formation as three Sukhoi Su-30 MKI performed the Vertical Charlie maneuver in front of the Saluting Base. The ceremony culminated with the National Anthem and release of orange, white and green balloons.

The breathtaking Trishul formation comprising three SU30s, during the fly past at the 62nd Republic Day Parade - 2011.
New Delhi: Colorful tableaux depicting the myriad hues of countrys diversity, a vibrant performance by students and armed forces in full battle regalia -- the Republic Day parade had miniIndia in itself. Marching down from the Raisina Hills to Red Fort, the parade showcased Indias unity in diversity and the military might as thousands of spectators along the eight km long route cheered the marching contingents and the mechanized columns. The well turned out and synchro-nized military and police contingents led by General Officer Commanding (Delhi) Maj Gen Manvendra Singh marched proudly to the lilting tunes of bands through the Rajpath where President and Supreme Commander of Armed Forces Pratibha Patil took the salute.

History revisited
New Delhi: History turned full circle when President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono became the second head of state from Indonesia to be the chief guest at Indias Republic Day parade -- after the very first one. Yudhoyono was received by President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the saluting dais when he reached the parade venue on Rajpath in the heart of Delhi. Legendary Indonesian leader Sukarno was the chief guest at Indias first Republic Day parade in 1950 -- when Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the first president of independent India. Yudhoyono, 61, is a military veteran and was elected the sixth president of Indonesia in the first ever direct presidential election held in 2004. He was accompanied by his wife Ani Bambang Yudhoyono, who too watched the parade with enthusiasm.

The Central PWD float had giant flower sculptures of two tigers with two cubs, underlining the threat to the National Animal. (Photo: Parveen Seth/TheSATimes)

President Pratibha Patil with the Chief Guest this Republic Day, President of Indonesia Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and First Lady Hj. Ani Bambang Yudhoyono during the At Home function at Rashtrapati Bhavan Jan 26.

Clinton lauds India on 62nd R Day

the freedoms enshrined in our Constitutions. Our people and governments are forging an even stronger strategic partnership to promote a secure and stable world, and support even greater cooperation on economic development, open government, and democratic values. I look forward to my visit to India in April to advance our efforts during the next session of our Strategic Dialogue. The people of the United States and India -- united by these shared values and commitment to a safer, more secure world -- are working together to construct what President Obama has called an indispensable partnership for the 21st century. I wish all Indians around the world continued peace and prosperity in the coming year.

Two honored at LI Republic Day event

Hempstead, NY: The Town of Hempstead in collaboration with the Indian American Forum has been celebrating Indias Republic Day for eight years now. This January 25, too, the colorful event was held in the Town Hall presided over by Supervisor Kate Murray. She said Hempstead was fortunate to have a large Indian American community who have enriched the town. The keynote speaker at the event was Dr Rakesh Gupta, who spoke in glowing terms about Indias present and future. The contributions made by two distinguished members of the Indian community were recognized with India Republic Day Awards. Sudhir Vaishnav, CEO and President of GEN-I, is a leading international distributor and content aggregator representing international TV channels with distribution in US, UK and Canada on various platforms. With premiere Indian TV channels like Sahara One, Filmy & Sahara Samay and Radio City under its franchise; GEN-I, under Vaishnav, has grown to become one of the strongest players in the South Asian media industry of North America. With over 32 years of corporate experience in the US, Vaishnav has worked with Fortune 500 companies. A pioneer in bringing South Asian entertainment to North America, he is the first Indian producer in 130 years of New York Citys Broadway to present a South Asian production, Andrew Lloyd Webber and A R Rahmans Bombay Dreams. A strong believer in community unity, Vaishnav is deeply integrated in philanthropic organizations as a leader, facilitator and fund raiser and serves as a Board of Advisor with many leading community organizations. He was introduced by Animesh Goenka, National President of the Association of Indians in America. Nayana Brahmbhatt, a resident of North Woodmere, has been an administrator at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple for 15 years. Her responsibilities include event planning such as medical fairs and womens conferences, teaching religious and cultural classes for children. She has also been working at Point Set Tennis Racket Club as a league coordinator and office manager for over 10 years. Each year she volunteers at USTA events and at the US Open tennis. Nayana was introduced by Anila Midha, a community leader. The program was coordinated by Indu Jaiswal, Chairperson of the Indian American Forum, and attended by over 150 prominent Indian and American community members, mainly from the Long Island area.

I join President Obama and the American people in congratulating the people of India as they celebrate the 62nd anniversary of Republic Day this January 26. Our two nations are bound together by mutual respect, shared values, and

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

I, Gurvinder Singh Bindra S/O Harwinder Singh Bindra, resident of 3006 Thomas Road, Cheyenne, WY-82009 have changed my name to Rana Gurvinder Singh Bindra.

Honorees Sudhir Vaishnav and Nayana Brahmbhatt with Mark A Bonilla, Town Clerk, Supervisor Kate Murray, and Tony Santino, Council Member.

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JPC logjam: Patil calls for Obama greets India on Republic Day constructive approach
but admitted that rising inflation, especially foodprices, is a matterof serious concern. She also made veiled references to the ongoing controversy over theoppositions demand for a joint par liamentary committee into the allocation of 2G spectrum and corruption scandals that have plagued the government. In an oblique criticism of the opposition that paralyzed the winter session of parliament over the alleged 2G scam, Patil said the successful functioning of parliament was a joint responsibility of both the government and the opposition. Full text of the Presidents address on page 22. On behalf of the American people, I send my best wishes to the people of India and to those here in the United States and around the world who are celebrating India Republic Day. Michelle and I were honored to visit India in November as India marked the 60th year of its democratic constitution.

Prime Minister Manmhan Singh welcoming President Pratibha Patil and the Chief Guest Indonesian President Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono before the Republic Day Parade 2011. New Delhi: With the government trying to shore up its image tainted by a spate of scams, President Pratibha Patil described corruption as the enemy of development and called for a constructive approach to resolve the impasse over the demand for a joint parliamentary committee probe into the 2G spectrum scam. In her all-encompassing address to the nation on the eve of the 62nd Republic Day, Patil also highlighted the growing global profile of India and called for the international community to take collective steps toeradicate the scourge of terrorism. Putting social justice and inclusive growth on top of the national agenda, Patil called for a national consensus on critical issues and a fresh pledge to include the poor and the margin alized in the growth story of India. She struck an optimistic note,saying the government was confident of achieving over 9 per cent economic growth next year,

President Barack Obama

As I said then, the United States and India are not only the worlds two largest democracies, we are two pluralistic societies that believe in the potential and dignity of every human being. These are the beliefs that inspire the nearly three million Americans who can trace their roots to India and all of whom enrich our society. And they are the beliefs that have led Prime Minister Singh and I to make the U.S-India relationship one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century. As we go forward together, the enduring lessons of this Republic Day can inspire us to seek a future of greater prosperity and opportunity for both our peoples.

Mainly Indian tunes at Beating Retreat

New Delhi: Two new Indian compositions will enthrall guests at this years Beating Retreat ceremony here marking the end of the 62nd Republic Day festivities. To be played by the armys martial band, the two new tunes will form part of the mostly Indian com positions at the colorful ceremony in Vijay Chowk where President Pratibha Patil will be the chief guest. Gaj raj, one of the new tunes composed by the army band, will symbolize the fanfare associated with elephants used in battle by Indian kings of yore. The other tune, Reshmi, will be a silky melody, according to Captain Mahender Das, who heads the Indian military band establishment here as inspector of army bands. These apart, most of the tunes that will be played at the ceremony will be Indian compositions, being played after a decade or more at the Beating Retreat, which has been an annual fare since the early 1950s. Among the regular tunes will be the popular Sare jahan se accha composed by Urdu poet Muhammad Allama Iqbal in preindepen dence India. Conceived by the Indian Armys Major Roberts in the 1950s, the Beating Retreat ceremony portrays the rich military customs and warfare practices, when soldiers were recalled to their camps at sunset from the battlefield.

R Day Snippets
Unwell Sonia misses parade
Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, suffering from a bout of flu, gave a miss to the Republic Day parade on Rajpath and the evening At Home at Rashtrapati Bhavan. She was also absent at Tuesdays official dinner for visiting Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Sonia has been a regular at both the programs over the years.

called by the militants, officials said. It is heartening to find people coming to attend the Republic Day functions across the region despite calls by some militants to boycott the celebrations, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said. Regional heads in the insurgency-hit northeastern states of Manipur and Tripura appealed to rebel groups to come for peace talks with the government.

Northeast snubs separatists

People in northeast India defied calls by separatist rebels to boycott Republic Day and joined the celebrations across the region amid a strike

Worth a lifetime
From toddlers to senior citizens, everyone was mesmerized by the grand R Day parade in the capital, with the smartly turned out contingents of security personnel

Sonia Gandhi

getting the maximum applause. Its worth a lifetime....it seems that the culture of entire nation is in front of you. It is mini-India in itself, said Seema Rastogi, a housewife from Aligarh, marveling at the colorful tableaux on display at the Rajpath boulevard in Delhi. It was a surreal moment for 17year-old Shrawan, who came to witness the parade along with his 65year-old grandfather Ram Kumar, as the Mi-17 helicopters showered petals to mark the beginning of the 100-minute parade. The enthusiastic crowds got to their feet, eager to catch a glimpse, as the parade commander, Major General Manvinder Singh saluted President Patil. Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj to suggest they join him for the official celebrations, but the invitation was turned down. Jaitley, Swaraj and other detained BJP leaders were released on Tuesday night. They participated in a flag-hoisting ceremony in Jammus Kathua town where they had been held before leaving for Delhi. Jaitley said he would raise the issue in Parliament.

Camel-mounted band delights

The camel-mounted band came, it played and it conquered! The performance of the BSF troopers, astride their gaily caparisoned animals, drew loud cheers at the parade. The camels, decorated in yellow and red cloth and colorful accessories, swayed as they marched. If the novelty of marching camels delighted, so did the personnel astride them - all more than six feet tall and sporting long, thick mustaches! Clad in white pants, black boots and red coats and sporting saffron turbans, they sure made heads turn.

BJPs flag march in J&K fizzles out

New Delhi: With its leaders and activists who traveled to Kashmir all held back in Jammu, the BJPs campaign to unfurl the tricolour at Srinagars Lal Chowk on Republic Day came to naught. A few BJP activists, who somehow managed to reach Srinagar, made repeated attempts through the day to march to the chowk carrying the flag, but were arrested each time well before they reached the spot. Similarly, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yasin Malik, who had also called for a march to Lal Chowk to counter the BJPs flag hoisting, was arrested soon after he set out with his followers. As in previous years, the official Republic Day ceremony was also held at the enclosed Bakshi Stadium in the capital, with state finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather raising the national flag. On Tuesday night, chief minister Omar Abdullah called up detained BJP leaders Arun

BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj on their return from failed yatra.

Congratulations & Best Wishes to Nassau Countys Indo-US Community on the 62nd Republic Day of India.
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Making Nassau County More Affordable

Visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks

January 26 was definitely a proud moment for Indians across the globe, as the world's largest democracy showcased its cultural and military milieu in a grand parade. Tableaux from 23 states and Central Ministries and Departments presented the historical, architectural and cultural heritage of the country. Around 686 children of different schools from Delhi and regional cultural centres presented a fiesta of the varied folk and modern dances.

A Kaleidoscope of India

The tableau on Rabindranath Tagore by the Culture Ministry and Sangeet Natak Akademi passing through Rajpath during the 62nd Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26.

The tableau of Central Public Works Department highlighted the cause of the dwindling numbers of tigers in the country.

The Delhi tableau presented the Cultural and Religious Harmony of the city against the backdrop of the Old Fort, the Baha'i Temple and the festivities.

Folk dancers passing through the Rajpath during the 62nd Republic Day Parade, in New Delhi on January 26.

Participants from the North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur, presenting the Dahal Thungri dance of Bodo from Assam at the republic Day parade.

Bihar's tableau, depicting Sufi tradition through the Maner Sharif, created a surreal atmosphere with the sufiana kalam, Chhaap tilak, playing in the background.

Pleasant weather and warm sunshine made the Republic Day parade an enjoyable outing for the spectators. (Photos: Parveen Seth/TheSATimes)

March of the Military Might

A strong and resurgent India also displayed its military prowess, showcasing impressive armory and technological advances made by the armed forces. The main highlights of the parade included the T-90 Battle Tank (Bheeshma); the Brahmos Launcher System; Tejas light combat aircraft's trainer version; Dhruv fly-past advanced light helicopters; and Pinaka a multi-barrel rocket launcher. Naval underwater weapons like the Tal a lightweight torpedo; Varunastra a heavyweight torpedo; and Maareech a decoy system which seduces incoming torpedo, were also on display.

The Dare Devils of the Army performing stunts during the 62nd Republic Day Parade on January 26.

Indian Army soldiers saluting the President at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, on January 26, 2011.

The Central Industrial Security Force marching contingent passing through Rajpath.

Indian Army tanks roll out during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2011.

The Border Security Force Camel Band passing through Rajpath.

A Brahmos cruise missile launcher rolls down Rajpath during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2011.

A mock-up of an Indian Air Force Tejas two-seat trainer is towed down Rajpath during the country's Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2011. (Photos: Parveen Seth/TheSATimes and PIB)

10

CG Prabhu Dayal praises Indians for patriotism at R-Day event

New York: Scores of Indian-Americans, including diplomats and politicians, participated in a Republic Day function organized at the Consulate General of India defying inclement weather. Consul General Prabhu Dayal conveyed best wishes to the gathering, several of whom came from across the tristate area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. He read out at the function, held on January 26 evening, excerpts of President Pratibha Patil's speech delivered to the nation on the eve of the Republic Day. Dayal also read out President Barack Obama's message highlighting his November visit to India. The US leader pointed out that both nations are not only the largest democracies, but also pluralistic societies. Wishing long-term bilateral relations, Obama pointed out that there are 3 million Indian-Americans. Dr Prasad Sreenivasan, the newly elected member of the Connecticut State Assembly, was among the luminaries to attend the event. "I am honored and deeply humbled to be present here," he noted. Dr Sreenivasan is currently the only physician in the state assembly and is among the very few first-generation IndianAmericans holding an elected office in the country. And he is the only Indian elected to public office in his state. In her speech, Dr Poonam Alaigh, a state official from New Jersey, pointed out that 7.5 percent of the population in the state are Indians. She read out a message of greetings from the governor. Vijay Nambiar, an aide to the UN chief, spoke briefly. About a dozen ex-service personnel, who served India, were present and recalled their defence services to the motherland. In his own speech, the consul general recalled the recent visits of leaders of nations that hold UN Security Council's permanent seats. He lauded the services of senior Indian-American citizens who served India in the defence field. Dayal profusely thanked the nearly 200 attendees for showing their patriotism despite highly severe weather. Advocacy group Indian American Muslim Council also celebrated the day with festivities and entertaining programs. They conducted essay and video-program contests for youngsters to mark the day. The group expressed happiness about the development that has taken place over the last several years. It however noted that such development should percolate to all sections of the populace and all citizens should enjoy equal

Special to The South Asian Times

Prominent Indian Americans and diplomats took part in the celebration

rights and opportunities. "IAMC maintains that ignoring the development of any segment of the population is against both the letter and spirit of the Indian Constitution," Council President Shaheen Khateeb said in a statement. "On this auspicious day, we urge the Indian government to implement meaningful measures for the upliftment of the economically and educationally neglected sections of the Indian population."

Consul General Prabhu Dayal reading out excerpts from President Pratibha Patils speech (Photos by: Gunjesh Desai/Masalajunction.com)

NJ Health Commissioner, Poonam Alaigh addressing the gathering

Prabhu Dayal with Pakistan Consul General Faqir Syed Asif Hussain, who also attended the event

Over 200 people attended the function despite inclement weather

11

Ganesh temple to host annual R-Day event

Parikh, an active community member to play key role
New York: The Ganesh temple auditorium in Flushing, Queens will play host to Republic Day event on Sunday, Jan 30 from 3 pm onwards. The chief guest this year will be Raja Amar, Founder, CEO, and President of Portables Unlimited Inc.The temple has been organizing India Day events for several years and one person always plays an important part in such weekend occasions. Septuagenarian Champakbhai Tribhuvandas Parikh, an unassuming mild-mannered person, could easily be ignored but for his very traditional khadi clothes worn particularly on Indian Independence and Republic days. Despite his appearance and conversations mainly in Hindi and Gujarati, Parikh inspires a lot confidence and enthusiasm among his listeners and commands respect from people of his age. "After my retirement in India as a schoolteacher, I immigrated to this country in 1992. Worked for nearly 11 years and retired," Parikh said in an interview at his simple but neatly arranged rented apartment in a high-rise building. His school in Gujarat won national recognition as it received presidential appreciation. Parikh was doing multiple things at a time-teaching Hindi and Gujarati; art and painting; community and religious service and even indulging in antiBritish struggle as an adolescent. "I was a part of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Dal (which was affiliated to the Congress party and which was disbanded shortly after independence), took part in Vinoba

Special to The South Asian Times

en)." In a separate interview, Dr Mysorekar sought divine blessings for the betterment of of her native country. "May god bless India to become a major partner in global progress and prosperity," she said. "As patriotic and proud Indians we should all celebrate Republic Day joyously reassuring our solidarity and unity." The temple chief pointed out to that fact that the Hindu house of worship was incorporated on January 26, 1970.

Dont forget your ancestral land says Champakbhai Parikh, a dedicated community leader Bhave activities and the prohibition movement," Parikh said, recalling his early days. "So Indian independence activities are nothing new to me at all." As a teacher, Parikh won honors for helping poor students and excelling in his profession. Born in 1935 at Waghodia tehsil town in Baroda (now Vadodara) revenue district of Gujarat, Parikh came into contact with Dr Uma Mysorekar, head of the Ganesh temple committee, shortly after his immigration to the US. When she asked him to be part of running the temple affairs, Parikh readily agreed to ensure a wider Hindu community participation. The information was confirmed by Dr Mysorekar, who described him as an important social worker and Parikh still continues to be the temple's executive committee member--a position that ensures him to be a key organizer of India Day events there. Parikh worked for a health program at the Flushing Hospital and Medical Center and has been closely associated for years with Gujarati Samaj as well as Swami

Parikh (left) at a past Republic Day event. Narayan and Vaishnava temples. Teaching yoga at no expense is among his charitable services to the community. Before organizing the first India Day event at the Ganesh temple, he was among the organizers of various such programs in different places. "The upcoming Republic Day event scheduled for this weekend is not the first time that an India-related program is being organized close to a Hindu temple," he said. "The first Republic Day was held in 2006 here at the temple auditorium and it was filled to capacity (of nearly 800)." He began teaching Hindi at the temple free of cost in 1995 and continued it till 2003 when others took over from him. Asked what would be his message to the community, Parikh said it was simple. "I want to promote Indian values, especially among younger generations through various activities of mine. Though I took complete retirement, my work continues," he noted. "Do not forget your motherland or ancestral land. Janani Janmabhumischa Swargaa Dapi Gariyasi (mother and motherland are greater than heav-

or Raja Amar, Founder, CEO, and President of Portables Unlimited Inc., sharp instincts helped him expand his stand-alone phone store into over 150 The Cell Phone Store and Wireless Champs branded locations. Today, it is one of T-Mobiles largest Master Distributors in the United States. Amars story should inspire all parents who worry about their children. My parents sent me away to boarding school to learn to study. It didnt work, he recalls. However, when my fiances grandmother told me to either buckle down or find another girl, I listened. In 1986, 19-year-old Amar left Bombay and landed in Rockland County, New York. He had $21 in his pocket, a B.A. in business and was not exactly sure where to begin a career. He yearned for an M.B.A. but worked for a jewelry business in a mall to pay the bills. There he discovered the cellular industry and his passion for customer service.

Raja Amar, Chief Guest at R-Day event

Raja Amar, chief of Portables Unlimited, with his wife Manju.

In 1999, he opened his first phone store. Armed with a newly re-mortgaged house, he took his business to the next level and set up headquarters in Nanuet, New York in 2002. Portables Unlimited now has a gross revenue of $170 million. Amar takes service personally, even in his down time. Most important to him is carving out time to spend with his mother, wife of 30 years Manju and three sons. But if the phone rings at 2:00 a.m. and its a customer calling, I take it, says Amar. Customer service doesnt stop just because its a weekend.

New Delhi: Rajesh Yadav, Special Secretary to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, has been felicitated by President Pratibha Patil during the diamond jubilee celebration of Election Commission of India in New Delhi. Yadav was chosen for improving the election system by using information technolo-

Rajasthan official felicitated by President Patil

gy (IT) in the country, during the two-day international conference organized by the Election Commission of India. He was given a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000 and a Certificate by the President. Yadav introduced an online payment system for the government employees used in conducting the elections in his district. He paid 9,211 officers and employees their travel allowance in advance through online system which was directly credited to their accounts during Lok Sabha election. Rajesh Yadav, Special Secretary to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, being felicitated by President Pratibha Patil.

12

Padma awardees from the US

Mani Lal Bhaumik Indian-born American physicist Mani Lal Bhaumik, who is an author, lecturer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, has been given the Padma Shri honor in science and engineering category. Bhaumiks early contributions to laser technology are exemplified in the development of the excimer laser at the Northrop Corporation Research and Technology Center in Los Angeles. As the leader of the team, Dr. Bhaumik announced the successful demonstration of the world's first efficient excimer laser at the Denver, Colorado meeting of the Optical Society of America in May 1973. Subsequently, it found extensive use as the type of laser that made possible the immensely popular Lasik eye surgery, eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses in many cases requiring vision correction. In recognition of his pioneering research in high energy lasers and new laser systems, he was elected by his peers as a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers as well as of the American Physical Society. Dr. Bhaumik's current interest is in sharing with the public the astounding advances in quantum physics and cosmology and their implications for our lives, work, technology, and spiritual development. This he endeavors to do through books, articles, lectures, and TV programs. He is also keenly interested in research on the origin and the nature of consciousness and how that knowledge can be utilized in improving the quality of our existence. Subra Suresh Subra Suresh, professor of engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology too was honored in science and engineering category. He was sworn in as the 13th director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) on October 18, 2010. Previously, Suresh, 54, served as dean of the engineering school and as Vannevar Bush Professor of Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A mechanical engineer who later became interested in materials science and biology, Suresh has done pioneering work studying the biomechanics of blood cells under the influence of diseases such as malaria. From 2000 to 2006, Suresh served as the head of the MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering. He joined MIT in 1993 as the R.P. Simmons Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and held joint faculty appointments in the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, as well as the Division of Health Sciences and Technology. Suresh holds a bachelor's degree from the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras, a master's degree from Iowa State University, and earned his doctorate from MIT in 1981. Granville Austin Granville Austin came to live in Norwich, Vermont, in 1932 at the age of five. After attending the village's primary school and then its high school, Austin graduated from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, with a BA in American Literature. He then earned a doctorate in Modern Indian History from Oxford University. Austin worked as a journalist/photographer and later served with the U. S. Information Service, Department of State, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and on the staff of a U. S. senator. He is the author of two groundbreaking political histories of the constitution of India. He has held fellowships or grants from from St. Antony's College, Oxford, the Ford Foundation, the Fulbright Program, the American Institute of Indian Studies, the Rockefeller Founation, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, and the Institute of Current World Affairs. Martha Chen Martha Chen, Lecturer in Public Policy at Kennedy School of Government, is international coordinator of the global research policy network Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO). An experienced development practitioner and scholar, she specializes in the links between employment, poverty, and gender. Before joining Harvard University in 1987, she lived for 15 years in Bangladesh where she worked with BRAC, one of the worlds largest NGOs, and in India where she served as field representative of Oxfam America for India and Bangladesh. She is the author of numerous books including, most recently, Progress of the Worlds Women 2005: Women, Work, and Poverty; Women and Men in the Informal Economy: A Statistical Picture; and Perpetual Mourning: Widowhood in Rural India. Chen received a PhD in South Asia regional studies from the University of Pennsylvania. Karl Potter American linguist and Indologist Karl Harrington Potter, who has written the Encyclopaedia of Indian Philosophies, was conferred Padma Shri in literature and education category.

HARD TALK
by Parveen Chopra
Mr. Prabhu Dayal has been heading the Indian Consulate in New York since September 2008. This Consulate is one of the most important and prestigious Diplomatic Missions of the Government of India. Its jurisdiction covers Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island and Virgin Islands. New York is the financial capital of the world and the region is home to a large and thriving Indian American community. India has always chosen a senior and seasoned diplomat to head the New York Consulate. Mr. Prabhu Dayal joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1976 and has served in many

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In an exclusive and exhaustive interview with The South Asian Times, Ambassador Prabhu Dayal addresses the major issues vexing the Indian community -- from overcrowding in the Consular hall to complaints of delays in issuing visas and OCI/PIO cards, and clarifies the new rules for passport surrender. He also lauds the achievements of Indian Americans and underscores the high esteem in which US policymakers hold India now.
high-ranking positions including as Ambassador to Morocco (200408), Ambassador to Kuwait (19982001) and Consul General in Dubai (1994-1998). His other postings have been to Egypt, Pakistan, Iran and Indias Permanent Mission in Geneva. He is of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India, and is one of the seniormost foreign service officers of the country. 09:15 to 10:30 hours, while applications for passport and PIO cards are received from 10:30 to 12:45 hours. This prevents over-crowding in the Consular hall. Through your esteemed paper, Id like to request the community members to adhere to the set timings. We do not require applicants to come in person as they can send applications by mail. Therefore, it is not necessary for old people and children to come to the Consulate, so they would not be exposed to hostile weather. Mr Dayal, 57, is married to Chandini Dayal, a homemaker. They have twins, aged 28: Akshay is a software engineer working for Google in the Bay Area, and the daughter Akansha is a CPA working for Ernst & Young in New York. Parveen Chopra, Managing Editor of The South Asian Times, had a frank and detailed Hard Talk with Mr. Prabhu Dayal covering a wide range of problems and issues relating to the Indian community as well as seeking his views on the rise of India in the world. Excerpts from the interview conducted in the Consul Generals chambers on the eve of Indias 62nd Republic Day for which Mr Dayal conveyed his best wishes to the Indian American community and readers of The SA Times.

with Consul General of India, New York

interview
SATimes: Mr. Dayal, you are heading the prestigious New York Consulate since September 2008. What do you feel about your assignment?
try to get some clear understanding of what they want in a way to promote mutual friendship and expose them to our rich culture. On different occasions we showcase India and its culture. InciConsul General Prabhu dentally, Maximum India festival Dayal (CG): I feel highly privi- of arts and culture is scheduled in leged and honored to have been Washington DC in March. given the responsibility of heading the Consulate General here. This assignment gives me the opportunity to interact with the crme de la crme of New York -- includ- SATimes: A major problem faced ing people from the world of busi- by visitors to the Consulate is ness, finance, media, culture, poli- theover-crowding in the Consular tics, etc. I am delighted that so hall. There are long queues outmany Americans of Indian origin side the building and people are have done so well in the US and greatly inconvenienced when the made their countrymen back home weather is hostile. How can you proud of their achievements. I am address this problem? also privileged to have a chance to serve the needs of the Indian CG: Our Consulate building was Americans residing within my purchased in 1950 at a time when the Indian American community consular jurisdiction. was small, necessitating a smaller premises. Over the years, the community has grown manifold, rendering the basement of the building where the Consular hall is situated, inadequate for accommodating all the applicants. Because of the large number of applicants, long queues are formed outside the building, but we are unable to do anything to make those people comfortable as we cannot construct anything on the pavement.

Consular services / amenities

Q: Mr. Dayal, people are afraid to

send their applications by mail lest the documents get lost.

CG: This is not true, because half the applications we receive are through mail. People living in far-flung states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire invariably send applications by mail. Generally, people in the Tristate area come to the consulate counter even though they can take the mail option which is efficient and convenient. My advice is that they should send and receive documents by express mail, which has tracking facility. Q: Yet, can the Consulate not move
to bigger premises?

Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, head of the Consulate General of India, New York.
are not answered and emails are not replied to. Why? However, many prefer to call the Consulate with queries. We have listed two numbers: 212.774.0600 and 212.774.0641. These are manned between 09:30 and 12:30 hours and between 13:30 and 17:00 hours. On an average over 200 calls are received and answered daily by our staff. But because of the large number of incoming calls, people get the impression that their call is not being attended to as our staff is busy on the same line answering another call. I again underline that queries should be sent by email so that

Consul General Prabhu Dayal with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Q: What is the scope of your role as consul general? CG: It extends to serving the
interests of India in every way. New York is the financial capital of the world. We maintain close contact with the financial community, Wall Street and so on. We also keep close contact with the politicians and meet with the elected representatives in the government, which often involves travel. We brief them and

However, we have taken a number of steps to try and address the problem of space. In 2007, visa services were outsourced, reducing the rush of applicants coming to the Consulate. OCI and PIO card services are also being outsourced from February 15, which will help to further reduce the rush of applicants. Secondly, we have staggered the timings for receiving applications at the Consulate counters. Applications for attestations, affidavits, certificates, emergency visas and OCI visa stamping are received from

CG: At the moment, we have no such plans. We are outsourcing some services as mentioned earlier, and perhaps more services could be outsourced in due course. Q: Each Consulate including the one in New York covers huge territories. Would it not be better to open more Consulates? Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said in New York in September 2008 that two more Consulates were going to be opened in the US. CG: The question of opening more Consulates in the US is under discussion between our two Governments. Q: One major complaint from the Indian community is that telephone calls

CG: We have stated clearly on our website that since there is extreme pressure on our telephone system, you must send queries by email. If you go to our website (www.indiacgny.org) and click Contact Us you will find clear instructions on how queries relating to different issues should be sent. The email system is our preferred option as different sections of the Consulate are able to respond to queries in a systematic fashion.

At the India Day Parade in New York on August 15, 2010 where film star Preity Zinta was the Grand Marshal.

Ringing the Nasdaq closing bell on the eve of Indias Independence Day, August 15, 2009.

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what such persons need to do. While a surrender certificate cannot be issued to someone who has lost his passport, for obtaining an OCI/PIO card or an Entry visa such persons Q: One of the requirements for have to submit a sworn affidavit to OCI/PIO cards and Entry visas is the effect that the holder had not rethe cancellation of Indian pass- tained the Indian passport for more port. Why is this necessary? than three years and had not traveled on the Indian passport beyond CG: Our immigration authori- the grace period of three months ties have found that many persons after adopting foreign nationality. were entering India on passports of others who had become foreign This is a simple way of overcomnationals. In other words, some ing the problem of lost passports people had carelessly lost or mis- as explained in our website. I placed their passports after becom- urge all concerned to read the ining foreign nationals, and these structions given on our website passports had somehow fallen into [http://indiacgny.org/UserFiles/ wrong hands. There are obvious Renunciation%20scenarios%20 national security implications for -20LOST%20PASSPORT.CGf] us and hence this requirement from Indians who have acquired foreign Q: Some people have complained citizenship. They are required to that they were sent back from India get their Indian passports cancelled as they did not have their passport and obtain a Surrender Certificate cancellation certificate. from the Consulate even if their passports had expired. CG: This is not true at all. Our immigration authorities are not Q: For Indians who became US asking for cancelled Indian passcitizens long back, how do they get ports or surrender certificates from the cancellation service? persons who are entering India. We need to have a copy of the canCG: Persons of Indian origin celled Indian passport or surrender who acquire foreign citizenship certificate only for processing of should approach the Consulate for the OCI/PIO card and Entry visas. cancelling their passports if this has not been already done. The instructions are given on our website. For those who have already Q: OCI (Overseas Citizenship of got their passports cancelled after India) cards take a long time to acquiring foreign citizenship, no process, so will applicants be able further action is required. to travel while documents are being processed at the Consulate? Q: Do persons who became US citizens before 2005 also have to CG: When people submit OCI apget their passports cancelled and plications they are not required to get a surrender certificate? submit their original US passports. They are only required to give us CG: Yes. a photocopy of their US passports. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that Q: Many Indians became US citi- OCI applicants will not be able to zens long ago but have lost their travel on their US passports. passports. How is their problem going to be handled? Q: But they will not be able to travel to India until the OCI card CG: When the Indian passport is is given to them.

CG continued from page 15 lost, our website clearly explains CG: They can always obtain an En- (in case of a new or renewed pass- to get their passports renewed
port). Very often, the US passports of Indian Americans expire and they get a new one. In such cases, they should carry both the old passport (which has the OCI Q: Some people applied several sticker) and the new passport. months ago and have not received their OCI cards yet. Why does the process- The OCI visa sticker can be transferred to their new passport ing for OCI card take so long? by following instructions on our (http://indiacgny.org/ CG: The OCI card was introduced website. by the Government of India in 2006 php/showContent.php?linkid=173 and since then there has been a flood &partid=100&sub=sub6) of applications for these cards. As you know, our Consulate handles a Alternatively, they can travel to large number of Indian Americans and India with their current passport, naturally, we cannot process all these the old passport which has the applications at the same time. Con- OCI sticker and the OCI card. I sequently, there has been a backlog. may mention that even when a We have mentioned on our website new passport is obtained, the visa that the OCI application process takes sticker on the old passport remains eight weeks from the date of receipt of valid. However, you must know these rules in this regard: application at the Consulate. try visa for six months if they need to travel urgently to India. Their OCI applications can be processed and the card given to them in due course. In many cases, delays occur because applicants do not send all the required documents with the OCI application or photographs submitted are not as per specifications. Our staff tries to contact the applicants by email or phone asking for the missing documents. This increases the processing time. I will like to add that applicants should check the status of their applications online (http://ociindia.nic.in/ociindia/ OnlineOCIenquiry.jsp) and contact the Consulate for collecting the OCI cards when these reach us. Many applicants fail to do so. As a result, almost 5,000 OCI cards are awaiting collection in the consulate. Detailed instructions on collecting OCI cards in person or by mail are on our website: (http://indiacgny.org/php/showContent.php?link id=177&partid=100&sub=sub6) on time.

Cancellation/surrender certificate

CG: We renew passports within four days on receipt of application at the counter. In case an applicant is in a hurry, the passport is handed back the same day against payment of Tatkal fee. However, in certain situations the process could take longer. If the passport has been issued by another office, we have to refer it there and get clearance before renewing the passport. Q: Persons who do not have legal status here in America face problems in getting their passports renewed.

1: Till you are 20-year-old, OCI

OCI and PIO cards

documents have to be re-issued each time a new passport is issued; 2: After you are 50, OCI documents have to be re-issued once after issuance of a new passport; 3: Between 21-50 years of age, there is no need to seek re-issuance of OCI documents each time a new passport is issued. However, if the applicant desires, he may avail the service for re-issuance of OCI documents. Thus, I feel that people might have faced problems with immigration probably because they did not have with them their OCI visa or the OCI card while traveling to India.

CG: There are restrictions on us in regard to renewal of passports of such persons. However, they should contact the Consul incharge of passports who will examine their applications and advice on what needs to be done.

Cultural activities
Q: After you took over as Consul
General, you have been organizing a number of cultural events.

Q: There have been complaints that

Q: How long does it take to process the PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card?

some persons have been sent back from CG: PIO cards are issued by us India even though they had OCI cards. within four days on receipt of application. If applications are received CG: People who have OCI cards are by mail, it may take a few days more. also given an OCI visa sticker affixed on their passports. While traveling to India, they must have (i) the OCI card, (ii) the passport that contains the OCI Q: Coming to Indian nationals, sticker, and (iii) the valid passport many complain that they are unable

Passport services

CG: India has a rich culture, and not only Indian Americans but other friends of India here also like to avail of opportunities to attend cultural events. We have been inviting prominent artistes to perform at the Consulate from time to time. These artistes are highly acclaimed in their respective fields, and hence we have captioned the events as Jewels of India series. Those who have performed under the series include Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Anup Jalota, percussion maestro Sivamani, Odissi dancer Sujata Mahapatra and the ghazal king Raj Kumar Rizvi. We plan to organize more events in this series.
We also celebrate various Indian festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra, Eid, Baisakhi and Christmas.

Meira Kumar, Honble Speaker of Lok Sabha, spoke in November 2009 at the Consulate under the Distinguished Lecture Series. She also inaugurated a painting exhibition at the Consulate Hall.

Amb. Dayal greeting former President APJ Abdul Kalam who visited the Consulate in April 2009.

Among the group cutting the cake to mark Indias 60th Republic Day in January 2009 were the then New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine and NJ Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula.

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These events reflect the cultural diversity of India and provide members of Indian community and friends of India regardless of their religion an opportunity to take part in them. The idea is to promote unity in diversity. Meira Kumar, Honble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Cabinet Minister, Mr. Salman Khurshid, Minister of State for Corporate and Minority Affairs, Mr. Kamal Nath, Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Dr. Karan Singh, President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Mr. Kapil Sibal, HRD Minister and Ambassador. G. Parthasarathi. Apart from this, dignitaries like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, Mr. S.M. Krishna, Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr. Nandan Nilekeni, former coChairman, Infosys and Chairman, UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), Mr. Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunications, Mr. Murli Deora, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde, Minister of Power, Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Minister for Environment & Forests, Mr. TKA Nair, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Meera Shankar, Ambassador of India to the USA, Mrs. Nirupama Rao, Foreign Secretary, have addressed audiences at the Consulate. In other words, we have tried to facilitate interaction between the community and important dignitaries visiting New York.

CG: Not at all. They are in constant close touch with us and bring to our notice the problems suffered by the community. When they campaigned against the $175 passport surrender fee, the Indian government relented, bringing it down to $20. Q: Besides Indian Americans, others
must be availing the services of the consulate here

Q: How can members of the community get invited to these events?

CG: They should send email re-

quests to me, and I will include them in the list of invitees. We cannot, of course, invite everybody to every event due to space constraints. However, we will try to accommodate people to the maximum extent possible.

CG: We issue 800 visas a day, and

Q: Is it the same as regards receptions organized for visiting Indian ministers and other dignitaries? CG: Yes, we will try to accommodate to the maximum extent. Whenever a minister or an important dignitary visits, we try to include such people in the guest list who are relevant for that particular event.

about 20 per cent of them are for foreigners, who visit India for tourism, conferences, business, meeting friends, and for spiritual quest. In terms of services rendered, we lead all Indian consulates in the US, the one in San Francisco coming second.

On India, the Indian community

Q: What do you consider your
key achievements as Consul General here?

CG: It is not good to blow ones own trumpet, but since you ask, we have tried to help the Indian community here as much as possible in regard to consular issues. On another front, we started the Jewels of India series, and the Distinguished Persons Lecture series, under which we have invited eminent people like Mrs.

Q: Have the major Indian associations here like GOPIO and FIA adopted an adversarial attitude towards the consulate since the passport surrender fees issue?

Under the Jewels of India series introduced by Consul General Dayal, percussionist Sivamani and sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan have performed at the Consulate.

mainstream American community, what are their attitudes towards India and Indian Americans? Amb. Dayal initiated the celebration at the Consulate of all major Indian festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra, Eid, Baisakhi CG: They are all highly impressed and Christmas to reflect the cultural diversity of India. with Indias achievements and they value Indian American community global community have realized CG: We are extremely proud of the here. At the highest level too impor- that to exclude India is unjustified. Indian American community which has done well in the US in all artance is being attached to India as highlighted by the fact that the first Q: You were once posted in Pak- eas of activity: medicine, engineerstate guest President Obama had was istan. How do you see the future ing, architecture, IT, business and our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of Indias troubled relationship finance, media and literature, and in late 2009. I myself was recently with its beleaguered neighbor? even in the political arena (we have two state governors now in Bobby hosted by the outgoing Governor of Ohio, Ted Strickland, at a dinner CG: India has made every pos- Jindal and Nikki Haley). where the members of the Indian sible effort to remove the irritants, American community were invited. I but the response from the Pakistani You have to realize that the Inwas also received by the then Gover- side has not been encouraging. dians coming here have been Terrorist outfits operate from Paki- the crme of society. They have nor Corzine of New Jersey in 2009. stan territory with impunity, ready earned great respect and have It does not make a difference whether to strike and hurt India. There is served as a bridge of friendship the politicians or lawmakers are Re- a deadlock on resuming trade, on between India and the US. They publican or Democratic, they both free people travel and flow of cul- have become patriotic Americans look at American interests, which tural content while Pakistan insists while remaining proud Indians are better served by closer relations on first settling the Kashmir issue. at the same time. They have left Indian shores but have retained with India. Earlier, after President Carters visit in 1977, for 23 years no Q: How have you taken to the no their Indianness. President visited India. fixed-address life of a diplomat? What are the qualities required It has been correctly said that you can take an Indian out of Now in the last 10 years, there have of a successful diplomat? India, but you cannot take India been three presidential visits: Bill Clinton in 2000, George W. Bush in CG: Training of a diplomat out of an Indian. My message to 2006, and Barack Obama in 2010. should start early. I had studied in- the community is that they should Which shows how India is now ac- ternational relations, international continue to do the wonderful corded high importance by American law and politics at Allahabad Uni- work which they have been doing policy makers. Significantly, in the versity before joining the foreign to bring India and America close. past six months, besides Obama, In- service. The IFS officer training dia also hosted presidents of France also prepares you well. But yes, Q: Your message for the readers and Russia, and prime minister of the children of diplomats suffer, of The South Asian Times. China and England, thus covering as they may never again meet the five Permanent Members of the their friends from different stages CG: SATimes is an excellent of their life. On the positive side, community paper, very influential Security Council. you become a global citizen, liv- here. I read it with great interest. It has good coverage of Indian Q: How do you see the prospect of ing in different cultures. American community as well as India becoming a Permanent Member of the Security Council? Q: What do you plan to do after events back home in India. It is great bridge between India and retirement? the Indians living herenews CG: India has every right to be a member of the Security Council given CG: After completing my ser- travels both directions: f the comthat we are the worlds largest democ- vice in 2013, I would want to re- munity here to India and bringing racy, fourth largest and fast-growing integrate with the IFS community Indian news here. I have maintained cordial relations with the economy, we have the worlds sec- back home in Delhi. paper and encouraged it to conond largest population, and we have played a positive and active role in the Q: What is your message to the tinue to serve the interests of Indian American community. UN. Other Council members and the Indian community here?

Q: From your interactions with the

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Premji, Montek in 128 Padma awardees' list

From left, former national security advisor Brajesh Mishra, Wipro chief Azim Premji, Planning Commission chief Montek Singh Ahluwalia, culture czarina Kapila Vatsyayan, actor Kajol, photographer Homai Vyarawalla, former foreign secretary Shyam Saran and wrestler Sushil Kumar. New Delhi: Former national security advisor Brajesh Mishra, Wipro chief Azim Premji, Planning Commission head Montek Singh Ahluwalia, culture czarina Kapila Vatsyayan and nonagenarian photographer Homai Vyarawalla head the list of the 128 Padma awards announced by the government on the occasion of Republic Day. The eight others who got the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second highest civilian award, include atomic energy scientist P.K. Iyer, educationist A.R. Kidwai, energy expert Vijay Kelkar, litterateurs O.N.V. Kurup and Sitakant Mahapatra and the late Gandhian economist L.C. Jain. There was no Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, for the third year running. The last person to get it was Bhimsen Joshi in 2008. The music maestro passed away on January 25. The list has 128 names -- 13 Padma Vibhushans, 31 Padma Bhushans and 84 Padma Shri awards. There are 31 women in the list. The third highest awards, the Padma Bhushans, were dominated by 12 personalities from the world of art and cinema, including the ailing Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor and Waheeda Rahman, music director Khayyam, theatre personality Satyadev Dubey as well as eminent painters Krishen Khanna and Arpita Singh. Eight people got the Padma Bhushan for their work in the field of trade and industry. Among them were ICICI Bank chief Chanda Kochhar, Infosys' Kris Gopalakrishnan, Ranbaxy's Analjit Singh, NIIT's Rajendra Singh Pawar, GVK Group's G.V.K. Reddy and HCL's Ajai Chowdhary.

Gallantry medals announced

New Delhi: Five army men were named for Kirti Chakra, the country's second highest peacetime gallantry medal, including one posthumously, and 21 others for Shaurya Chakra, the third highest gallantry medal during peacetime, by President Pratibha Patil on the eve of 62nd Republic Day. Though no one was named for Ashok Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry medal, Patil will confer the medal on Major Laishram Jyotin Singh, an army medical officer killed during a terror attack on the Indian Former foreign secretary and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's special envoy Shyam Saran has also been awarded the Padma Bhushan. Cinema is represented by Malayali actor Jayaram Subramanian, Bollywood actors Tabu, Kajol and Irrfan Khan as well as eminent Malayalam director Shaji Neelakantan Karun and embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. Among the Kirti Chakra awardees are Captain Deepak Sharma, who has been named for the medal posthumously for an act of bravery during a gunfight with terrorists in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. The president also named an Indian Air Force officer for Shaurya Chakra for saving a Russian-origin MiG-27 aircraft after a snag while being airborne at 9,500 feet. In all, the president named 440 gallantry medal and awards this year. Kannada filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli. There are six people who have got the Padma Shri for social work and seven in the category of sports. These include Sushil Kumar for wrestling, cricketer V.V.S. Laxman, Gagan Narang for shooting and discus thrower Krishna Poonia.

List of the Padma awardees

Padma Vibhushan 01. Kapila Vatsyayan 02. Homai Vyarawalla 03.Nageshwara Rao 04. Parasaran Kesava Iyengar 05.Akhlaq-ur-Rehman Kidwai 06.Vijay Kelkar 07.Montek Singh Ahluwalia 08.Palle Rama Rao 09.Azim Premji 10.Brajesh Mishra 11.O. N.Velu Kurup 12.Sitakant Mahapatra 13.L. C. Jain Padma Bhushan 01.Satyadev Dubey 02.Khayyam 03.Shashi Kapoor 04.Krishen Khanna 05.Madavur Vasudevan Nair 06.Waheeda Rehman 07.RK Shastry Srikantan 08.Arpita Singh 09.S.P. Balasubrahmanyam 10.C.V. Chandrasekhar 11.Dwijen Mukherjee 12.Rajashree Birla 13.Shobhana Ranade 14.Suryanarayanan 15.S.(Kris) Gopalakrishnan 16.Yogesh Chander Deveshwar 17.Chanda Kochhar 18.K.Anji Reddy 19.Analjit Singh 20.Rajendra Singh Pawar 21.G.V. Krishna Reddy 22.Ajai Chowdhary 23.Surendra Singh 24.M.N.Buch 25.Shyam Saran 26.T.J. Sony George 27.Ramdas Madhava Pai 28.Sankha Ghosh 29.Late K. R.Thirumulpad 30.Keki Byramjee Grant 31.Dashrath Patel Padma Shri 01.Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry 02.Makar Dhwaja Darogha 03.Shaji Neelakantan Karun 04.Girish Kasaravalli 05.Tabu 06.Jivya Soma Mase 07.Guru M.K. Saroja 08.Jayaram Subramaniam 09.Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty 10.Mahasundari Devi 11.Gajam Govardhana 12.Sunayana Hazarilal 13.S.R. Janakiraman 14.Peruvanam Kuttan Marar 15.K.K. Pavithran 16.Dadi Dorab Pudumjee 17.Khangembam Mangi Singh 18.Prahlad Singh Tipaniya 19.Usha Uthup 20.Kajol 21.Irfan Khan 22.Mamraj Agrawal 23.Jockin Arputham 24.Nomita Chandy 25.Sheela Patel 26.Anita Reddy 27.Kanubhai Hasmukhbhai Tailor 28.Anant Darshan Shankar 29.M. Annamalai 30.Mahesh Haribhai Mehta 31.CN Rao Raghavendran 32.Suman Sahai 33.E.A. Siddiq 34.G.N. Shankar 35.Mecca Rafeeque Ahmed 36.Kailasam Raghavendra Rao 37.Narayan Singh Bhati 38.P.K. Sen 39.Shital Mahajan 40.Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi 41.Sushil Kumar 42.VVS Laxman 43.Gagan Narang 44.Krishna Poonia 45.Harbhajan Singh 46.Pukhraj Bafna 47.Mansoor Hasan 48.Shyama Prasad Mandal 49.Sivapatham Vittal 50.Madanur Ahmed Ali 51.Indira Hinduja 52.Jose Chacko Periappuram 53.A. Marthanda Pillai 54.Mahim Bora 55.Pullella Srirama Chandrudu 56.Pravin Darji 57.Chandra Prakash Deval 58.Balraj Komal 59.Rajni Kumar 60.Devanooru Mahadeva 61.Barun Mazumder 62.Avvai Natarajan 63.Bhalchandra Nemade 64.Riyaz Punjabi 65.Koneru Ramakrishna Rao 66.Buangi Sailo 67.Devi Dutt Sharma 68.Nilamber Dev Sharma 69.Urvashi Butalia/Ritu Menon 70.Krishna Kumar 71.Deviprasad Dwivedi 72.Mamang Dai 73.Om Prakash Agrawal 74.Madhukar Keshav Dhavalikar 75.Shanti Teresa Lakra 76.Gulshan Nanda 77.Azad Moopen 78.Upendra Baxi 79.Mani Lal Bhaumik 80.Subra Suresh 81.Karl Harrington Potter 82.Martha Chen 83.Satpal Khattar 84.Granville Austin

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"India's rising profile getting global attention"

Abridged text of President Pratibha Devisingh Patils address to the nation on Indias 62nd Republic Day.

My Fellow Citizens,
n the eve of our 62nd Republic Day, I extend my warmest greetings to all of you across the country and also to those living abroad. We are fortunate that we are the inheritors of the ideals and values of one of the world's oldest civilizations, which has bequeathed to us a rich treasure of human experiences and thought. The concept of the human race being one, the importance of living in harmony with each other and with nature, the quest for knowledge and truth, find prominence in our age old culture. These ideas provided inspiration for our freedom movement and after our independence found a ready resonance in our Constitution. It is, however, a fact that there can be no society which does not need to evolve to cope with the changing demands of time; and there can be no nation which does not face challenges. India too has its share of problems and obstacles, constraints and difficulties. We cannot evade these or wish them away, but working in different fields, we must together find solutions. The strength of a nation is not determined by the challenges it faces, but by its responses to these challenges, especially so when it stands at a critical juncture and at a decisive point.

The Chief Guest President of Indonesia, Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the President Pratibha Patil taking salute from the marching contingent during the Republic Day Parade 2011 in New Delhi. which our culture teaches us. The youth of our country must carry forward this legacy. As the architects of the future of the country, their upbringing with a value-based education is paramount in the development of their character. It is said that the first teacher of the child is the mother when the child is of tender age, and the next is the primary school teacher. Both make lasting impressions on children in their formative years. In primary schools, teachers are doing good work. We should regularly assess issues relating to training of teachers and quality of education including checking instances of absenteeism of teachers. In addition, our special efforts to reach out to students from tribal and remote areas, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other backward communities must be augmented. Our endeavor should be to create a level playing field in educational competitiveness so that students from all sections of society can enter premier institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institutes of Management. Dear Citizens, As a nation, our aim is to grow and to create a just society. Our goal of poverty eradication and of inclusive growth that embraces the disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society can be achieved when our actions are guided by a social conscience and are not devoid of sensitivity. We are seeking good governance and a people-centric administration. In this, callous and casual attitudes in the sphere of public service are unacceptable. Delivery systems for schemes and programs that promote the welfare of the people and spur economic growth should have inbuilt mechanisms for greater transparency and accountability. Education, health and skill building efforts will create productive human resources for the future. Urban and rural development schemes will make our cities and villages sustainable habitats. Programs for women, the youth, the girl child, the differently-abled and marginalized sections of society will equip them to avail of opportunities and face the future with confidence. We need to address the problems of orphans and street children, as well as of the old and destitute. For the success of welfare schemes, the total sum of developmental funds must reach the intended beneficiaries. Corruption is the enemy of development and of good governance. Instead of getting lost in this mire, it is necessary to rise above it and seriously look at bringing systemic changes to deal more effectively with corruption. Financial institutions, the corporate world and civil society - all must uphold high standards of probity in their working. Only a genuine partnership between the Government and its people can bring about positive change to create a just society. Fellow citizens, It is heartening that our economy is progressing at a stable pace and that even in the face of difficult circumstances during the global financial downturn, its performance was appreciable. We are now returning to the pre-crisis growth pattern and are confident of growing at over 9 percent next year. All sectors of the economy will be contributors to our growth trajectory. However, rising inflation particularly food prices, are a cause of serious concern and draw attention to the urgent need to take suitable action, and also look at more innovative approaches towards food security, agricultural production and rural development. We should bear in mind that our agricultural holdings are fragmented, small and are likely to further decrease in size; making economic viability of farming a big issue. It is said that small farmers are leaving farming, because of poor returns and scarcity of agricultural labour. In such a situation, it would be advantageous to think of modernization and mechanized farming, and there should be deliberations on evolving suitable models for partnerships between farmers, private sector and the

Dear Citizens, Among our remarkable accomplishments has been an unwavering adherence to democracy. We must not only reinforce democratic institutions and processes, but also refrain from any action, taken wittingly or unwittingly, that dilutes or is detrimental to democracy. The time has come for us to take a closer look at our social milieu. Is there growing criminalization of our society? Is there increasing apathy towards each other? Are we becoming too materialistic, shortsighted and unconcerned about the impact of our actions on our brethren, society or the environment? It is a matter of anguish and great concern when a person is killed for a petty sum of money; or when a woman is raped because she protests against being teased; or when over small incidents, due to lack of patience, there is a quick flaring of tempers. Cases of ragging in educational institutions are also disturbing. Ragging is violence. It is heinous and should not be tolerated, for it can cause irreparable loss to the parents and to the country. Our social fabric is deeply damaged by such incidents and it is essential that these tendencies are curbed in the interest of social harmony and cohesion. I appeal to my fellow citizens to never resort to violence. I reiterate the great importance of integrity, honesty, good conduct and high values,

Government in agriculture and rural development. In any arrangement, it should be kept in mind that farmers are stakeholders in every aspect related to agriculture, whether it is cultivation related activities, warehousing, processing, marketing, research or development. Farmers, therefore, must be involved in all these various activities, with a sensitivity that safeguards their rights on their land and its produce. The corporate sector should take up responsibility to make agriculture productivity remunerative, particularly in rain fed farming areas, as food security is of prime importance for our country. Every year there is drought in some or the other part of the country. A national campaign for foodgrain productivity should be undertaken to create awareness about sustainable food production for food security in every State and in every block. Similarly, national planning for integrated production, particularly of foodgrains like cereals, oilseeds and pulses is needed and should be implemented, given that our population in the next 20 years is likely to become 148 crore. Each State should, as far as possible and as per local conditions, try to produce food grains required by it. This will result in saving transport and storage costs, as also prevent wastage during transport and handling, besides helping in quicker distribution of foodgrains. In agriculture as in all other fields we need innovations more than ever before. This decade has been designated as the 'Decade of Innovation' in India. Our scientists and researchers have the talent and the capacity to look at high-end technology as also at cost-effective, location-specific and affordable innovations for wider use in the country. Access to innovations is an integral part of their practical use. In a situation of rapidly moving global knowledge economy, our pace of research must accelerate. Larger funds should be allocated for science and technology so that such scientists can undertake in depth research in a wide range of subjects. Development and progress require an environment of stability and security. The work of our police and internal security agencies is critical in this field, as also is our cooperation and dialogue with our neighbors for stability in our region, and with the international community to create a peaceful world. Terrorism poses the single most detrimental threat to the progress of humankind. There is a crucial need for concerted action by all members of the international community to eradicate the threat of terrorism. India's profile in global affairs is the focus of international attention today. As India assumes its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, it will intensify efforts to effect concerted and collective global action against terrorism, and will also work with a deep sense of responsibility on all global issues.

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'Educate our kids better to compete with India, China'

onight I want to begin by congratulating the men and women of the 112th Congress, as well as your new Speaker, John Boehner. And as we mark this occasion, were also mindful of the empty chair in this chamber, and we pray for the health of our colleague -- and our friend - Gabby Giffords. (Applause.) Its no secret that those of us here tonight have had our differences over the last two years. The debates have been contentious; we have fought fiercely for our beliefs. And thats a good thing. Thats what a robust democracy demands. Thats what helps set us apart as a nation. But theres a reason the tragedy in Tucson gave us pause. Amid all the noise and passion and rancor of our public debate, Tucson reminded us that no matter who we are or where we come from, each of us is a part of something greater - something more consequential than party or political preference. We are part of the American family. We believe that in a country where every race and faith and point of view can be found, we are still bound together as one people; that we share common hopes and a common creed; that the dreams of a little girl in Tucson are not so different than those of our own children, and that they all deserve the chance to be fulfilled. That, too, is what sets us apart as a nation. We are poised for progress. Two years after the worst recession most of us have ever known, the stock market has come roaring back. Corporate profits are up. The economy is growing again. But we have never measured progress by these yardsticks alone. We measure progress by the success of our people. By the jobs they can find and the quality of life those jobs offer. By the prospects of a small business owner who dreams of turning a good idea into a thriving enterprise. By the opportunities for a better life that we pass on to our children. That world has changed. And for many, the change has been painful. Ive seen it in the shuttered windows of once booming factories, and the vacant storefronts on once busy Main Streets. Ive heard it in the frustrations of Americans whove seen their paychecks dwindle or their jobs disappear - proud men and women who feel like the rules have been changed in the middle of the game. Theyre right. The rules have changed. In a single generation, revolutions in technology have transformed the way we live, work and do business. Meanwhile, nations like China and India realized that with some changes of their own, they could compete in this new world. And so they started educating their children earlier and longer, with greater emphasis on math and science. Theyre investing in research and new technologies. Just recently, China became the home to the worlds largest private solar research facility, and the worlds fastest computer. So, yes, the world has changed. The competition for jobs is real. And now its our turn. We know what it takes to compete for the jobs and industries of our time. We need to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. We have to make America the best place on Earth to do business. We need to take responsibility for our deficit and reform our government. Thats how our people will prosper. Thats how well win the future. And tonight, Id like to talk about how we get there. The first step in winning the future is encouraging American

Excerpts from President Barack Obamas State of the Union Address

ence in the life of our nation; if you want to make a difference in the life of a child -- become a teacher. Your country needs you. Of course, the education race doesnt end with a high school diploma. To compete, higher education must be within the reach of every American. Thats why weve ended the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies that went to banks, and used the savings to make college affordable for millions of students. And this year, I ask Congress to go further, and make permanent our tuition tax credit - worth $10,000 for four years of college. Its the right thing to do. One last point about education. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of students excelling in our schools who are not American citizens. Some are the children of undocumented workers, who had nothing to do with the actions of their parents. They grew up as Americans and pledge allegiance to our flag, and yet they live every day with the threat of deportation. Others come here from abroad to study in our colleges and universities. But as soon as they obtain advanced degrees, we send them back home to compete against us. It makes no sense. Now, I strongly believe that we should take on, once and for all, the issue of illegal immigration. And I am prepared to work with Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, enforce our laws and address the millions of undocumented workers who are now living in the shadows. I know that debate will be difficult. I know it will take time. But tonight, lets agree to make that effort. And lets stop expelling talented, responsible young people who could be staffing our research labs or starting a new business, who could be further enriching this nation. The third step in winning the future is rebuilding America. To attract new businesses to our shores, we need the fastest, most reliable ways to move people, goods, and information -from high-speed rail to high-speed Internet. Now, most of the cuts and savings Ive proposed only address annual domestic spending, which represents a little more than 12 percent of our budget. To make further progress, we have to stop pretending that cutting this kind of spending alone will be enough. It wont. The 21st century government thats open and competent. A government that lives within its means. An economy thats driven by new skills and new ideas. Our success in this new and changing world will require reform, responsibility, and innovation. It will also require us to approach that world with a new level of engagement in our foreign affairs. Just as jobs and businesses can now race across borders, so can new threats and new challenges. No single wall separates East and West. No one rival superpower is aligned against us. This is just a part of how were shaping a world that favors peace and prosperity. With our European allies, we revitalized NATO and increased our cooperation on everything from counter-terrorism to missile defense. Weve reset our relationship with Russia, strengthened Asian alliances, built new partnerships with nations like India.

innovation. Our free enterprise system is what drives innovation. Half a century ago, when the Soviets beat us into space with the launch of a satellite called Sputnik, we had no idea how we would beat them to the moon. The science wasnt even there yet. NASA didnt exist. But after investing in better research and education, we didnt just surpass the Soviets; we unleashed a wave of innovation that created new industries and millions of new jobs. This is our generations Sputnik moment. Already, were seeing the promise of renewable energy. Robert and Gary Allen are brothers who run a small Michigan roofing company. After September 11th, they volunteered their best roofers to help repair the Pentagon. But half of their factory went unused, and the recession hit them hard. Today, with the help of a government loan, that empty space is being used to manufacture solar shingles that are being sold all across the country. In Roberts words, We reinvented ourselves. Thats what Americans have done for over 200 years: reinvented ourselves. Maintaining our leadership in research and technology is crucial to Americas success. But if we want to win the future - if we want innovation to produce jobs in America and not overseas - then we also have to win the race to educate our kids. Think about it. Over the next 10 years, nearly half of all new jobs will require education that goes beyond a high school education. And yet, as many as a quarter of our students arent even finishing high school. The quality of our math and science education lags behind many other nations. America has fallen to ninth in the proportion of young people with a college degree. And so the question is whether all of us - as citizens, and as parents - are willing to do whats necessary to give every child a chance to succeed. That responsibility begins not in our classrooms, but in our homes and communities. Its family that first instills the love of learning in a child. Only parents can make sure the TV is turned off and homework gets done. We need to teach our kids that its not just the winner of the Super Bowl who deserves to be celebrated but the winner of the science fair. We need to teach them that success is not a function of fame or PR, but of hard work and discipline. In fact, to every young person listening tonight whos contemplating their career choice: If you want to make a differ-

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Where history resides in every bylane.

heart of the city. Believed to take inspiration from the Shah of Irans palace in Tehran, Chowmallah is entered through a courtyard with four buildings around a pool. We entered the Khilwat Palace where the Durbarhall which has ornate stucco work and spectacular Belgian chandeliers. Inside the turbans, henna, herbs, spices, and a variety of products for brides, bridegrooms and wedding objects. We also saw metal handicrafts like bidri ware, filigree jewellery and hookahs. The market lane brought us to the Charminar, the signature landmark of Hyderabad, a triumphal arch entrance way with including a beautiful translucent leaf cup, bronze and ivory art, an array of clocks, stone sculpture, European statues and oil paintings, and Indian paintings. Equally impressive is the Nizams wardrobe exhibited at the Purani Haveli, a 19th century neoclassical building which was an official residence of the Nizams. The gigantic wooden wardrobe, built in two levels with a hand-cranked wooden elevator, covers an entire wing of the Ushaped palace, and houses beautiful brocades and gorgeous costumes of the Nizam. Part of the palace is now The Nizams Museum with China, silverware, objet de arts, pearls, jewels, portraits, newspaper Hurdles in way of a unified India post 1947 came from the princely states, Junagadh (Gujarat) and Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) being the most notable ones apart from Kashmir, which is still in dispute. Indian govt.s stern disposition got the former two to finally accede. Author and travel writer Anil Mulchandani on a trip to these historic cities finds them still oozing the old world charm.

Charminar, the signature landmark of Hyderabad by: Anil Mulchandani yderabad is the heritage city of historic buildings, the high-tech city of infotech, pharma and biotech companies, and the happening city of restaurants, malls, entertainment complexes and a large film industry. Amid its wealth of modern complexes, Hyderabad still retains much of its old world charm, including its cuisines and Urdu culture. Hyderabad was founded by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, in the 16th century, near the fort of Golconda. After it was captured by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century, governors were appointed to administer the state. After the decline of the Mughal Empire, Asaf Jah I, who was granted the title Nizam-ul-Mulk by the Mughal emperor, established his rule over Hyderabad. Seven successive Nizams after him developed Hyderabad both culturally and economically. To fulfill the water needs of the Hyderabad princely state, which spanned about 90,000 sq miles, the Nizams built many reservoirs including Hyderabads famous lakes. Under British Suzerainty, Hyderabad was Indias premier princely state covering an area comparable to Britains, with the Nizams entitled to a salute of 21 guns. In 1947, the Nizam wished either to remain independent or to accede to Pakistan. The Indian union chose to implement an economic blockade used military force against the landlocked princely state of Hyderabad. Following this operation, termed Operation Polo, the Nizam signed an Instrument of Accession to the Union of India. We started out at Chowmallah Palace, which was the residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad, in the

Hussain Sagar lake separates Hyderabad from its twin city Secundrabad (Pictures by: Dinesh Shukla) palace, we saw the outstanding collections of textiles and wardrobes, and the display of historical photographs. In other parts of the palace complex, we saw the photographic gallery showing landmarks of the the dynastic rule of the Nizams in chronological order, a superb collection of arms and armour and the historical manuscripts. We walked from the Chowmallah Palace to the Lad Bazaar, which is a historical marketplace with old buildings, shops and vendors, selling bangles, tinsel, jewellery, rosewater, perfume oils called attar, embroidery, brocades, silk saris, four graceful minarets with spiraling staircases leading to its upper storey mosque. Nearby is the medieval Mecca Masjid, a huge mosque made from bricks from Mecca and black granite, where many Nizams are entombed. There is a Unani Hospital for traditional medicines in this part of the city. After a quick biryani lunch, we headed for the Salarjung Museum which is deservedly famous for its collection of a former minister in the Nizams court. The collection of over 40,000 pieces is extraordinary, with the highlight being the Mughal jade carvings and opaque glassware

Purani Haveli was an official residence of the Nizams. clippings about the Nizams, and photographs of courtly scenes. We crossed the Musi River to the northern side of Hyderabad , where we saw imposing public buildings, colleges and the Andhra Pradesh State Museum. As the evening approached, we strolled around the Hussain Sagar Lake which is a large water body separating Hyderabad from Secundrabad, its twin city. There are parks along the waters edge where we saw couples and families relaxing. In the heart of the lake is the large statue of Buddha, 55ft high. Continued On page 25...

The Osmania University was the first Indian University to have Urdu language as medium of instruction

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Picturesque Junagadh
Continued from page 24

Where history resides in every bylane.

he picturesque city of Junagadh, in the Kathiawad peninsula of Gujarat state has a rich and varied history spanning more than two millenia. Ruled by the Mauryan dynasty in the 3rd century BC, Junagadh (literally old fort) was ruled by the Guptas, the Chudasama Rajputs, the Gujarat sultanate, the Mughals and finally a succession of nine Nawabs under the Suzerainty of the British Empire. The Nawabs of Junagadh, who called themselves Babi, were actually governors of Saurashtra, appointed by the Mughal emperors after the conquest of Junagadh, the region's most formidable fort citadel but in the 1730s, they carved out their own princely state during the decline of Mughal power over India. By 1748, Muhammad Sher Khan declared himself the first independent Nawab of Junagadh, the first in a succession of nine rulers between the 1740s and the 1940s. Junagadh was modernised by Nawab Mahabat Khan, in the late-19th century, with bazaars, clock tower, gateways, schools, a college, hospitals, courthouse, a college and public library, most of them built in the Ventian-Gothic style popular in Victorian England, which was very suitable for the strong sun and monsoon rains of Junagadh. His able minister,

Bahauddin, is credited with much of the zeal that went into developing Junagadh in that period. The last Nawab of Junagadh, Mahabat Khanji-3, was known for keeping dogs, breeding Kathiawadi horses and protecting the Gir forests that is the remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion. After Indias independence and the partition of India, Nawab Mohammad Mahabat Khanji III of Junagadh, a princely state located on the southwestern end of Gujarat and having no common border with Pakistan, in September 15, 1947. There was dissent within the state, and Mangrol and Babariawad, who were under Junagadh princely state, went against him by acceding to India. The Nawab of Junagadh forcefully gained control of the two states. Rulers of the other neighbouring states reacted, sending troops to the Junagadh frontier and appealed to the Government of India for assistance. India called for a plebiscite to decide the question of accession, following which Junagadh was annexed to India and the princely state became part of the Saurashtra state, now in Gujarat. We started our tour of Junagadh at the Uparkot fort, set on a hill where Pre-Harrapan relics have been found. Historians believe this fort was built by Chandragupta Maurya in 319 BC and strengthened in the 2nd-4th century BC under the Kshatrapa dynasty. The fort was abandoned around the 6th century when the Maitreka dynasty was the major power in

Gujarat ruling from Vallabhipur near present day Bhavnagar, after which it was rediscovered by the Chudasama Rajputs in the 10th century and rebuilt as their capital by Navghan-2 in the 11th century. The perimeter walls were probably constructed ruing their rule. The guide we hired told us in Gujarati, ``This fort was subjected sixteen sieges over the next eight hundred years from when the wall was built. One of them a long siege over a potter's daughter. The girl was coveted by a neighbouring prince and came for refuge to the ruler of Junagadh, who promptly married her. In the war that followed, the chivalrous prince of Junagadh was killed and the girl committed Sati on his funereal

pyre. This was about the 11th century. We also saw the derelict mosque called Jumma Masjid, which the guide tells us probably once the Chudasama Rajput palace called Rani Ranak Devi Mahal, with ornate balconies outside and about 140 pillars inside. It is said this mosque could never be completed. Heading north from the Jami Masjid, we came to the Buddhist Cave complex. We stepped down into the complex of small cells arranged around courtyards cut down into the rock, set around a rain water tank. The caves reflect the advanced system of drainage and water utilisation prevailing in the period, and the cells are wellventilated to get light and cool air. These Buddhist caves are believed to have been created between the

The view of majestic Girnar mountain from Uparkot fort and the Ottoman allies failed to protect Diu from Portuguese conquests. From the fort, we visited the Durbarhall Museum, set into one of the former palaces of the Babis. The hall has silver plated thrones and chairs, laid out on fine carpets, and ceilings hung with huge chandeliers. From the museum, we drove to Chitkana Chowk where we saw the remarkable 18th century mausoleum complex, with vertical columns, delicate carved arches, domes and stone carvings. Continueing from here we came to the Maqbara, the 19th century mausoleum complex built for Mahabat Khan 2, Bahadur Khanji, and Rasul Khanji in 1911 AD. The most spectacular is the mausoleum of Bahauddin, with two sets of minarets with pirouetting spiral staircases, a facade rich in stone carvings, beautiful silver doors and massive domes mark the architecture of this tomb of Bahaud-din, who was called Vazir-eAzam or the great minister to the Nawabi dynasty of Junagadh. We traveled north from the walled city, we came to Sakkarbagh, which has the zoological park and city museum of Junagadh. The museum exhibits a fine collection of pre-historic and proto-historic implements made from stone and bone, stone sculpture including a 9th century Vishnu, bronze sculpture of the medieval period, copper inscriptions and manuscripts, silverware, glass, porcelain, wood carvings, carpets and costumes, traditional textiles, folk art and some miniature paintings. (Author and freelance writer Anil Mulchandani has written extensively about India including TRAVELLERS KERALA & SOUTHERN INDIA, a travel guidebook published by Thomas Cook Publishing, UK.)

The spectacular mausoleum of Bahauddin, the great minister to the Nawabi dynasty of Junagadh. second and the fourth century AD. Worn traces of figurines and foliage can still be made out on the columns in the lower level. From the caves, we walked to Adi Chadi Vav, a stepwell built by the Chudasama Rajputs with more than a hundred steps descending to the water level. Stepwells were an ingenious method of conserving water in the arid regions of Gujarat. This well is said to be named for two slave girls who fetched water from it. The Navghan kuva is a spectacular water harvesting tank, dated from 1060 AD, with a superb staircase spiralling down 52m to the water source through a 10 ft wide passage. The guard proudly showed us the pair of monumental canons, The Nilam canon whose bronze inscriptions in Arabic state that "the canon was cast in 1531 AD to fight the Portuguese who are infidel enemies of state and religion" and the smaller Ottoman canon, were brought here after the sultans

Durbarhall set in one of the ornate palaces of Babis

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Salient features of Constitution of India I

ndia i.e. Bharat is a Union of States. It is a Sovereign Socialist Democratic Republic with a parliamentary system of government. The Republic is governed in terms of the Constitution of India which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and came into force on 26th January 1950. The Constitution provides for a Parliamentary form of government which is federal in structure with certain unitary features. The council of the Parliament of the Union consists of the President and two Houses to be known as the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha). A Council of Ministers with a Prime Minister as its head aids and advises the President, who exercises his functions in accordance to the advice. The real executive power is thus vested in the Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister as its head. Written, Lengthy and Detailed Constitution Indian Constitution is written, lengthy and detailed. Written constitution is that which is based on written laws duly passed by a representative body elected for this very purpose. An unwritten constitution, on the other hand, is an evolved constitution. It is primarily based on unwritten conventions, traditions and practices. The Constitution of the U.S.A. is another example of a written constitution and that of England of an unwritten one. The Constitution of India is an elaborate document and is the most voluminous Constitution in the world. Partly Rigid and Partly Flexible Constitution A flexible constitution is that which can be amended like an ordinary law of the country, i.e. by a simple majority of Parliament. to the citizens of India. The Fundamental Rights of India conferred by the Constitution are: The Right to Equality; The Right to Freedom; The Right against Exploitation; The Right to Freedom of Religion; Cultural and Educational Rights; and The Right to Constitutional Remedies. Directive Principles of State Policy The Directive Principles of State Policy constitute another distinctive feature of Indian Constitution. These Principles embody certain ideals and objectives which should be kept in mind by the Union and State Governments while making laws and implementing policies. The implementation of these directives was not made compulsory due to the paucity of resources. The framers of the Constitution expected that as and when the future Governments would mobilize resources, they would do their best to implement these directives. Equitable distribution of wealth, employment for all, protection of health, compulsory education for children up to the age of fourteen and the establishment of village panchayats are some such principles. The Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justifiable. No legal remedy can be sought in a court of law if the government fails to follow or implement any of these principles. In other words, the Directive Principles are nonjustifiable rights of the citizen. However, these principles are considered important in the governance of the country. It becomes a moral duty of every government to follow them and realize the purpose behind them. Several amendments to the Constitution, together with some judgments of the Supreme Court have paved the way for the implementation of the Directive Principles. Independence of the Judiciary Indian Constitution has taken special care to establish an independent and impartial judiciary. The judges of the Supreme Court and the State High Courts have been provided security of service. Once appointed, their salaries and allowances cannot be altered to their disadvantage by the Government during the course of their tenure. Nor can they be dismissed before the age of their retirement except in case of proven misconduct supported by a resolution of Parliament passed by a twothirds majority. Security of service of judges is in keeping with the dignity and prestige of the highest judicial organs of the country. This provision has been made in the

Emblem of India On the other hand, a rigid constitution is the one which prescribes a difficult procedure for its own amendment. The Constitution of the U.S.A. is the best example of rigid constitution because it can be amended only if a proposal for constitutional amendment is passed by a two-third majority in each House of the Congress (the US Parliament) and ratified by at least three-fourths of the federating states. The Constitution of Great Britain, on the other hand, is highly flexible. This is so because it can be amended by a simple majority of its Parliament, much like the ordinary laws of the country. The Indian Constitution is neither very flexible nor very rigid. Some provisions of the Constitution can be amended by a simple majority of Parliament, like ordinary laws of the land while most of the provisions can only be amended by a two-thirds majority of Parliament. For very important provisions of the Constitution, such as the manner of election of the President and the extent of the legislative powers of the Union and the States, an amendment passed by a two-thirds majority of Parliament should also be ratified by at least one-half of the State legislatures. The Indian Constitution thus combines the flexibility of the British Constitution and the rigidity of the American Constitution. Jawaharlal Nehru, while justifying this nature of the Constitution, said, "0ur Constitution is to be as solid and permanent as we can make it, yet there is no permanence in a constitution. There should be a certain amount of flexibility. If you make anything rigid and permanent, you stop the nations growth, the growth of a living vital organic people." Partly Federal and Partly Unitary The Constitution declares India a Union of States (federation). It prescribes dual set of governments-the

The Preamble of the Constitution Union Government and the State Governments. The subjects of administration have also been classified into three lists-the Union List, the State List and the Concurrent List. Whereas subjects of national importance like currency, defense, railways, post and telegraph, foreign affairs, citizenship, survey and census have been assigned to the Union Government and placed under the Union List, subjects of local importance like agriculture, law and order, health and entertainment have been assigned to the States and form a part of the State List. Both the Union Government and the State Governments operate within the spheres of their authority. Parliamentary System The Constitution of India adopts Parliamentary system of government at the Centre and in the States. In such a system of government, the executive power is wielded by the Council of Ministers which is collectively responsible to the legislature. The Ministers continue in office so long as they enjoy the confidence of a majority of Members in the legislature. The moment they lose this confidence, a vote of no-confidence is passed against them and they have to resign forthwith. The responsibility of the executive to the legislature is also ensured by the right of the Members of the legislature to put questions to the Ministers. The Members may table adjournment motions and call attention motions against the policies pursued by the Government. The Ministers are duty-bound to answer all such questions and satisfy the Members of the legislature. Fundamental Rights Certain rights are considered basic or fundamental as they provide suitable conditions for the material and moral uplift of the people. The Indian Constitution guarantees a number of such rights

Constitution to keep the judges independent and immune from the control and influence of the Executive. The judges can exercise their discretion in the dispensation of justice even if their decisions go against the Government. Official Language In a country like India, with diverse cultural traditions and languages, it is essential to declare one language as the national language, symbolic of the unity of the different regions of the country. The Constitution declares Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the country. Besides, each State is authorized to adopt a regional language for all or some of its official purposes. English has also been allowed to be used along with other languages for official purposes. Adult Franchise and Joint Electorates The Constitution provides for Universal Adult Franchise. The citizens of India who are 18 years of age and above have been granted the right to vote irrespective of any qualification pertaining to education, possession of property or payment of income tax. The adoption of Universal Adult Franchise was indeed a very daring step taken by the Constituent Assembly in view of the fact that large sections of our people are illiterate. Constitution has replaced the system of communal representation (introduced by the British in 1909) by that of joint electorates. The country is divided into territorial constituencies. From each constituency, members of different communities jointly elect a common candidate. The system of joint electorates promotes communal harmony and goodwill and discourages communal politics. Establishment of a Welfare State The Preamble to the Constitution, as modified by the Forty-second Amendment Act, 1976 and the Directive Principles of State Policy aim at the establishment of a Welfare State in India. Keeping in view the inherent spirit of the Constitution, the successive governments at the Centre have been pursuing a policy of democratic socialism. Nationalization of banks and general insurance, fixation of ceiling on urban and rural lands and abolition of privy purses of the rulers of the erstwhile native States, implementation of various poverty alleviation programs are some of the measures which have been taken to remove gross inequalities of wealth and to usher in an era of social and economic equality.

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The transition of India from a British colony to a sovereign, secular, and democratic nation was indeed historical. It was a long journey of around two decades that started with the conceptualization of the dream in 1930 to its actual realization in 1950. Let us take a look into the journey that led to the birth of the Indian Republic.

Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress - 1929

he seeds of a republican nation were sowed at the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress at the midnight of December 31, 1929. All present at the session, held under the presidency of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, took a pledge to mark January 26 as "Independence Day" in order to march towards realizing the dream of complete independence from the British. The Gandhiji hoisting the Lahore Session paved way to tricolor with the charka the Civil Disobedience movement. It was decided that at the Lahore session of January 26, 1930, would be the Indian National observed as the Purna Swaraj Congress, 1929. (complete Independence) Day.

Indian Constituent Assembly - 1946

he Indian Constituent Assembly, which was constituted as a result of the negotiations between the Indian leaders and members of the British Cabinet Mission, had its first meeting on December 9, 1946. The Objective of the Assembly was to give India a constitution, which would serve a lasting purpose and hence appointed a number of committees to thoroughly research the various aspects of the proposed constitution.

India became a Republic with the adoption of this Preamble on January 26, 1950.

First day of the Constituent Assembly. From right: B.G. Kher and Sardar Vallabhai Patel; K. M. Munshi is seated behind Patel.

Drafting Committee - 1947

lthough India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947 , it did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead, its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935, and the country was a Dominion, with George VI as head of state and Earl Mountbatten as Governor General. On August 29, 1947, the Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the Chairman. A Draft Constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on November 4, 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to the public, for 166 days, spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308

As the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a crucial role in the birth of the Indian Republic members of the Assembly signed two handwritten copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on January 24, 1950.

Constitution comes into force

ndia enjoyed the true spirit of Independence on January 26, 1950, when the Constitution of India finally came into force. The Constitution gave the citizens of India the power to govern themselves by choosing their own government. Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the first President of India at the Durbar Hall in the Government House and this was followed by the Presidential drive along a five-mile route to the Irwin Stadium, where he unfurled the National Flag. Ever since the historic day, January 26 is celebrated with festivities and patriotic fervor all around the country. Despite the odds, the Indian Constitution's unambiguous commitment to a democratic, secular,

The first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad, signing the hand-written copy of the Constitution. equitable, civil libertarian society will be the anchor of support on which India can confidently face and conquer any upheaval.

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As India celebrated its 62nd anniversary of being a Republic on January 26 this year, lets go back in history and relive some of the most memorable moments of the country's first Republic Day.

First Day, First Show

Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru (right) and Defense Minister Baldev Singh at the first Republic Day parade on January 26, 1950.

First Indonesian President Soekarno and Madame Fatmawati Soekarno, chief guests at the first Republic Day on January 26, 1950, with Jawaharlal Nehru and his sister, Mrs. Vijay Lakhsmi Pandit.

Folk Dancers of Madhya Pradesh marching past at the first Republic Day parade.

President Soekarno and Madame Fatmawati seated on the dias as Dr. Rajendra Prasad, First President of the Republic of India, takes the oath of office in the Darbar Hall of the Government House on January 26, 1950.

The last Governor General of India C. Rajagopalachari (second from right) shakes hands with Air Marshall Sir Thomas Walker Elmhirst at India's first R-Day Parade.

Security personnel guard on roof of VIP stands at India's first R-Day Parade.

Dignitaries at India's first Republic Day parade included diplomat Vijayalakshmi Pandit (fourth from right), Health Minister Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, India's first Defence Minister, Baldev Singh, and Law Minister BR Ambedkar, among others.

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They were there when the history was being written in 1950. Hear from those who attended the first-ever celebrations of India becoming a Republic.

By Sailen Chatterjee

Reminiscences of first R-Day

Gandhi cap. The outgoing Governor General, C. Rajagopalachari, our first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, beaming with pride and joy, the Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Patel, the Iron-man of India, Cabinet Ministers, Judges of the Supreme Court and the Auditor-General of India, were present in the hall to witness this biggest national ceremony of the 20th century. Pandit Nehru and his other Cabinet colleagues were sworn-in soon after. The Speaker of Lok Sabha, G.V. Mavalankar, the first Speaker, sat in the front row... Outside the Darbar Hall, there were unforgettable scenes of jubilation. Large crowds of men, women and children had assembled in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Many of them had come from the adjoining States to witness the ceremony. People raised slogans of "Gandhiji-ki-jai" and "Vande Mataram". Thousands visited Rajghat, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, to pay their respectful homage to the Father of the Nation. In the Darbar Hall, for the first time the national emblem of Ashoka Pillar with three lions was placed near the throne where in the past the British Viceroys used to sit. Also for the first time a smiling statute of Lord Buddha was placed behind the throne. The President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who greeted the large gathering smilingly with folded hands, made a short speech in Hindi and English, stating that it was a memorable day in our annals. Let us begin with offering our thanks to the Almighty Power that has enabled us to see this day to the Father of the Nation who showed us and to the world at large his infallible method of Satyagraha and led us on along it to freedom and to the numberless men and women, whose suffering and sacrifice have rendered the attainment of Independence and establishment of this sovereign democratic Republic possible". The birth of the Republic was celebrated by the masses by organizing prabhat pheries. The day dawned with a clear sky and sun was bright throughout the day. It was one of the coldest days in Delhi and men, women and children dressed in their best, came out to participate in this great festival. They exchanged greetings and congratulated each other for the new era that dawned under the new Constitution... (The author is a journalist and freedom fighter. The piece is courtesy, Press Information Bureau)

ndia became a Republic on January 26,1950 amidst rejoicings, fanfare of trumpets and booming of guns. A Proclamation announcing the new status of India was read out by the last Governor General C. Rajagopalachari, heralding that from 26th January 1950 the proclamation said India, this is, Bharat, shall be a Sovereign Democratic Republic. It was a memorable and proud day for the whole nation. The high-domed circular Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan (then known as Government House) was brilliantly lit. Over 500 guests had assembled inside the hall. President Sukarno of the Indonesian Republic, his wife and several members of the Diplomatic corps, members of the Constituent Assembly and prominent citizens had graced the occasion. It was a historic occasion when free Indias first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, was administered the oath of his office. The Chief Justice of India, Sir Hiralal Kania, read the oath of office in Hindi. Dr. Rajendra Prasad repeated it sentence by sentence. The President was dressed in black achkan, white churidar and a white

An aerial view of the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath, New Delhi on January 26, 1964.

Birth of a Republic
nforgettable scenes of enthusiasm and rejoicing marked the beginning of a new era in the Indian history when the Republic of India was born with the swearing-in of Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the as the first President. At the most solemn ceremony, held in the brilliantly lit and high domes of Durbar Hall at Government House, India was declared a Sovereign Democratic Republic exactly at 18 minutes past 10 on the morning of Thursday, January 26, 1950. Six minutes later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad sworn in as the President. The birth of Indian Republic and the installation of its first President were announced by a salute of 31

guns shortly after 10-30 a.m. The simple and yet grand ceremony of the Durbar Hall, the excitement of hundreds of thousands of people lining the five-mile route through which the President drove in state and the spectacularly colorful parade at Irwin Stadium, where the President hoisted the Union Flag and took the salute, will remain in the peoples memory for long... the President took the oath of office and made a brief speech, first in Hindi and then in English. In the course of his speech he said: Today for the first time in our long and chequered history we find the whole of this vast land from Kashmir in the north to Cape Comorin in the South, from

Kathiawad and Cutch in the west Coconada and Kamrup in the east, brought together under the jurisdiction of one Constitution and one Union which takes over the responsibility for the welfare of more than 320 million men and women that inhabit it. Its administration will now be carried on by its people and for its people. This country has great natural resources, and now has come to it the great opportunity to make its vast population happy and prosperous and to make it own contribution to the establishment of peace in the world. (Excerpts from an article titled Birth of a Republic published in the February 4, 1950 issue of the Fauji Akhbar (Sainik Samachar)

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Jaipur Lit Fest

6th Jaipur literary fest draws glitterati from world over

By A Rawat/SATimes Jaipur: The 6-day DSC Jaipur Literature Festival, considered AsiaPacifics leading literature event, ended Jan 25. It attracted a few of the biggest names of the literature world like Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk, JM Coetzee and Pulitzer prize winner Junot Diaz and Vikram Seth. In the midst of books and celebs like Gulzar and Javed Akhtar the show also brought fashion and music from the world over to the Pink City. The inaugural function was attended by the US Ambassador Timothy Roemer and Dr Karan Singh along with Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot. Bollywood also came calling: actors Kabir Bedi and Om Puri, film maker Muzaffar Ali, Meera Ali and director Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Daman Singh, daughter of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Tehelka fame journalist Tarun Tejpal and painter Jatin Das were there too. Three books were launched at the festival while music ranging from Punjabi folk to rock and fusion made the evenings memorable for the delegates and audience. Most of the sessions especially at the front lawns were jampacked and booklovers not only from across India but also from abroad flocked here. Event director and writer William Dalrymple felt like the last Mughal at the success of the event Mahatma Gandhi. Ches visit to India in 1953 was also highlighted at the discussion. First DSC South Asian Literature Award A former banker of Pakistani origin HM Naqvi won the $50,000 DSC South Asian Literature award for his first book Home Boy. Naqvi, 36, worked for World Bank from 1997-2003 before turning a full time writer. He studied in Georgetown and Boston. His book is about three Muslim youths living in USA and their struggle after 9/11. Rajasthan leaders are world apart in literary taste CM Ashok Gehlot, who is trying for an image makeover by shedding his discomfort with page 3 glitterati, was at the Jaipur litfest attending a session conducted by noted journalist Mrinal Pande and Ravish on Aisee Hindi Kaisi Hindi, a satire on the use of Hindi in the media. Former chief minister Vasundhara Raje was spotted at the book-stalls at the festival and bought a few books. She was chased by young girls for autographs while Gehlot maintained his stoic silence at sessions. Literary bites on global issues Orhan Pamuk and girl friend Kiran Desai created a flutter when they canceled their visit to Sri Lanka literature festival next month over freedom of speech issue in Sri Lanka. Rory Stuart, a first time British MP, came to the festival to

Nobel Laureate John Maxwell Coetzee at JLF which he dreamed with Namita Gokhale six years ago. Jaipur event this year established itself as a contender for one of the top events in the literature calendar of the world. Book lovers bid adieu to the festival hoping to come back next year to enjoy the company of words and beautiful people from all around the world. Che brought to you by Goldman Sachs Che Guevara may be a symbol of revolution in the American continent but to hold a session on him crucial support came from capitalism: Goldman Sachs in this case. Jon Lee Anderson, a US journalist who has traveled through the most troubled countries, talked about Ches grooming years and his connection with philosophy of

H M Naqvi with film maker Muzaffar Ali and his wife Meera

Pulitzer prize winner Junot Diaz (second from left) at the discussion The great crisis in American Fiction discuss the war torn Afghanistan. Sanjoy Hazarika, a former correHe said it may take more than 30 spondent of New York Times, spoke years for the country to stand on its on human rights violations by feet and the coalition forces with- Indian army in the North Eastern drawal will be considered a defeat. states of India.

Humor Humor with Melvin Durai

It's incredible how incredible India is

n a highway in Chennai, I pass a luxury bus with the words Incredible India emblazoned across its side. Underneath, in smaller letters, is an explanation that some genius in the tourism department found necessary to include: The mantra to woo tourists. India is indeed incredible. And if you dont believe me, just ask some of the tourists who have been successfully wooed. British tourist, wiping his brow at a juice stand in Bangalore: Its incredible how hot it is over here. American tourist, sitting in an auto-rickshaw in Mumbai: Its incredible how unruly the traffic is. Australian tourist, relaxing on a houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala: Its incredible how few crocodiles there are. India is incredible in many other ways, of course. Its a country where youll find incredible poverty and also incredible wealth. Some of the worlds richest people

live in India, the type of folks who would wonder how Bill and Hillary Clinton managed to spend only $3 million on their daughter Chelseas wedding -- didnt they buy enough diamond and gold jewelry to put around the necks of the elephants? Didnt they spend a few million to ensure that a dozen Bollywood stars made appearances, not to mention a former U.S. president? Indias wealth is evident in the huge houses youll see in many neighborhoods and the coterie of servants that the well-to-do employ. If youre lucky enough to be rich in India, youll have someone to do your cooking, someone to do your cleaning, someone to write love letters to your wife. (A man can dream, cant he?) But you dont have to be rich to have domestic help in India. Even some of the maids have maids. Whats truly incredible is the number of businesses in India. Youll find stores and stands on the side of almost every street in the city, most operated by smalltime entre-

preneurs. Now I know what the tourism guidebook meant when it said, Dont be surprised if you spot a few people doing their business on the street. (But Im still confused about the part that said, Its impolite to stare.) Very few of Indias retail outlets are franchises -- most are independent businesses. McDonalds, like other fast food chains, has expanded to India, but you wont find the golden arches in every neighborhood -- not yet, at least -- and thats a good thing. I dont miss having a Big Mac, not when I can have a Big Dosa. I ordered an incredibly big dosa at one restaurant and, being a little careless while handling it, almost knocked over the man in the next table. Many a fight has been started by a poorly handled dosa. Its incredible what youll see on the streets of India. The other day, I saw a man washing clothes on the side of a street, another man ironing clothes, and a third man standing in his underwear, saying, Hurry

up! Im going to be late for my interview! Ive seen young women wearing burkas -with only their eyes visible -- and also young women wearing short skirts. And youll never guess which of the women were listening to Justin Bieber on their iPods. Its incredible how much progress India has made in the last decade or so. You can see it almost everywhere. The economy is churning, people are earning, and rupees they are burning. The people who rode bicycles to work a decade ago are now riding motorcycles, those who rode motorcycles are now driving cars, and those who drove cars are now relaxing on houseboats in Kerala. As the country develops, it may one day be flooded with tourists. Then I wont be surprised to see a luxury bus with the words Intolerable India on it. And underneath, some genius in the tourism department will include an explanation: The mantra to shoo tourists.

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By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma

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

Stars Foretell: Jan. 29 -Feb. 4, 2011

Aries: Information provided by subordinates is likely to be unreliable and should be verified. Clouds of the past few days disappear as family members bring you pleasure and comfort. Business deals should be done very carefully. Relations with your partners might get strained due to work pressure. Listen to the advice of experts before making any investments. Matrimonial alliance for some, while others will have flourishing romance to keep them in high spirits. Taurus: This week you need to move out and rub elbows with people at high places. Your carrier will take a positive turn if you take advantage of the opportunity that comes your way. You will also be able to impress others with your knowledge and enthusiasm. New partnerships done during this period will be favourable. Your financial position will improve, but for the next couple of days, you should depend more on your own intelligence and skills and less on fate to earn any major benefits. Gemini: Another brilliant week for creative activities, but if you behave stubborn you could be nullifying whatever positive has to happen. You will make new friends and experience new things during this period. Recognition and rewards are certainly yours if you present your ideas well. Do put some efforts into collecting information about your trade. Do not get emotionally involved with a person who is already committed to someone else. Cancer: A week when you do things that you enjoy the most. You will be highly appreciated for making changes around your house. Important letters/telephones/emails should be attended to immediately. Call someone you havent heard from for a long time. Travel plans if any might be postponed, due to unexpected work or might not bring desired results. You will receive gifts and favours from loved ones to brighten up your days. Financial gains are almost certain. Leo: This week new ventures will start on an optimistic note. Auspicious days for make important purchases, but try not to overspend on luxury items. Your health needs care so do not skip meals and be regular towards your exercise. Although you will get substantial time with your beloved but your relationship will suffer because of minor disagreements. Say no to new alliances and partnerships. Virgo: This week you will have to work extra to achieve your goals, even if it might mean working overtime and seeking favours. Rewards and other benefits for those who stay committed to their job. Unexpected expenses will put tension on your mind, but do not worry, as financial gains will soon be in your pocket. Spouse will be caring and provide you with love and affection. Good week to participate in outdoor activities and social events. Libra: A better understanding with your spouse brings in happiness, peace and prosperity at home. Pressure from seniors at workplace will lead to some stress on your mind. Perfect week to work on creative hobbies and jobs. Household problems will be easier to tackle, but little more tact is required when dealing with relatives. Social activities will be high on your agenda, and you will be in the mood to spend extra money on shopping and purchasing other items of comfort. Scorpio: Your sharp observation will help you stay ahead of others, but quarrels seem certain if you get into philosophical debates with friends. Efforts of the past bring favourable results and rewards this week. Some of you will undertake a journey, which will be hectic, but highly rewarding. Tact, tolerance and patience will help maintain harmony at home. Investment in antiques and jewelry will bring in long term financial gains and prosperity. Sagittarius: Get involved in activities, which are exciting and will keep you relaxed. Rewards for deserving sportsmen, media personalities and stage artists are certain. Keep your secrets to yourself as relatives/friends could meddle in your private affairs if you confide in them. Try not to be too extravagant if you go out shopping. Social activities will be satisfying. Your imagination will help you come up with new and brilliant ideas. Capricorn: This week do things that will help you maintain a good physique. Concentrate on creative hobbies in order to relax. Also, spend time to adapt to changes, which could benefit your career. Spend your spare time enjoying the company of children, even if you have to go out of your way to make that happen. Your optimistic views will impress people around you. Good week for developing new contacts. Relatives and visitors will occupy your evenings. Aquarius: This week you might have to deal with unreliable individuals who will promise a lot but deliver less. Adapt to new techniques to increase your work efficiency. Your style and unique ways of doing things will interest people who are watching you.Talk and listen to people about their project and you will gather valuable information. Put in more efforts in improving your style of working to get immediate rewards. Pisces: All financial affairs should be kept free from risk as much as possible. Spouse will remain cooperative despite your erratic behavior. Travelling for pleasure will be enjoyable, however it could cost you more than what you had anticipated. This is the right time to sign important documents. You will be in the spotlight, and success is well within your reach. Dont lend or borrow money to avoid the complications unnecessarily.

Annual Predictions: For those born in this week

January 29: Ruled by number 2 and the Moon, you are highly creative, practical, emotional, friendly, simple and generous person. You enjoy enormous respect at your workplace, but at the same time you need to check your tendency to behave introvert, selfish and jealous at times. New jobs and assignments will be the highlight of the coming year. Promotions and transfers for some employees. Investment in property will yield good returns in the long run. Frequent and fruitful journeys will be undertaken bringing monetary gains and help you build up long lasting relationships. Relations with someone of the opposite sex will strengthen giving a refreshing and interesting twist to your life. Some exciting news from children will lift your spirits. Rise in your medical bills as health of your parents could cause tension and anxiety. The months of May, June, August and December seem to be highly eventful. January 30: Governed by number 3 and the planet Jupiter, you are bold, ambitious, dignified, courageous and intelligent. You are hard working and always appreciated for your commitment and efforts, but you need to control your tendency to behave erratic, stubborn and lazy at times. This year will be highly beneficial for those who are willing to take investment and business risks. Speculation in property and stocks will bring in handsome results. This year will be highly significant for working and professional women, as they will prosper in their respective fields. New romance will be exciting but short-lived. Journey or pilgrimage will provide comfort and peace. Be extra careful of your jewelry and expensive items. Chances of overseas education for few students who are looking for a better career. The months of January, March, June and August will be important. January 31: Influenced by number 4 and the planet Uranus. You are energetic, practical, enthusiastic, authoritative and trustworthy. You are intelligent and can do wonders with your ability to put in your maximum, but you need to control your tendencies to behave reckless, stubborn and impatient at times. Financially this promises to be a highly lucrative year. New contract or partnership will take shape, lifting your moral and confidence. Investment in stocks and real estate recommended. Businessmen dealing in trading and export will benefit. Students will find this period highly exciting, adventurous and full of good opportunities. Religious feeling will arise making you go for a pilgrimage later in the year. Nuptial knots for few lovebirds. Chronic patients need to take preventive medication. Drive carefully, especially during the night. The months of February, June, July and August seem to be important and significant. February 01: Ruled by number 1 and the planet Sun. You are confident, intelligent, god fearing, authoritative, and an artistic person. You are an excellent host and love moving about in high society, but you need to control your tendencies towards extravagance and stubbornness at times. You would make few new partnerships that would raise your confidence. Although your earnings for the moments will be more or less same, but your future looks more promising. There would be moments when gains would easily exceed your expectations, but most of the times you would have to put in your maximum efforts to achieve necessary results. People will continue their unabated support. Your spouse would think about you as greatest emotional support, and does things to keep you happy and satisfied. The months of May, July, August and December will prove highly significant. February 02: Influenced by number 2 and the Moon. You are highly imaginative, emotional, trustworthy, and simple person. You possess sharp memory and a very creative mind. You are loyal and a patriotic person and your parents take pride in you, but you need to check your tendency to behave fickle-minded, jealous and introvert at times. This year positive changes in your personal status are evident. You will get many opportunities to grow and prosper. New assignments and promotion will bring you monetary gains. Property disputes if any will settle amicably. Although health seems fine but it will be wise to take necessary precautions. Meditation and yoga should be practiced for physical and spiritual gains. Children will be supportive and bring in some happy news later in the year. The months of January, March, May and August will especially bring in prosperity. February 03: Governed by number 3 and the planet Jupiter, you are energetic, honorable, ambitious, dignified and an intelligent person. You are gifted with excellent memory, ability to work hard and determination to stay ahead of others, but you loose many brilliant opportunities because of your tendency to behave stubborn, moody and shy at times. This year you should not blame others for your difficult position. You should remember that only you can do wonders for yourself. So take advantage of the opportunities that comes your way and do the job to the best of your ability and success will definitely be yours. New jobs will improve your financial position. Acquisition of some real estate later in the year cannot be ruled out. Health wise this year will not be satisfying as minor ailments will keep on bothering you now and then. It will be necessary that you do not avoid preventive medicines and seek a doctors advice whenever necessary. The months of March, April, August and September will be significant and result oriented. February 04: Influenced by number 4 and the planet Uranus. You are active, emotional, imaginative, simple and a methodical person. You are very fond of socializing and always like to associate with large group of people. You are helpful and sincere but you need to check your tendency to behave erratic and stubborn at times. This year you will participate in many important functions and religious ceremonies. Social gatherings and activities will be beneficial in establishing new and long lasting contacts. Opportunities for a new job and assignments will be plenty but job satisfaction seems unlikely for the moment. A sudden influence of a person from the opposite sex will give a new and interesting twist to your life. Some gains through inheritance seem high on your cards. The months of May, August, and September will prove to be highly significant.

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No end to desires
This article has been selected and reprinted from Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharajs book, Spiritual Pearls for Enlightened Living (Radiance Publishers), an inspirational collection of stories from the worlds great wisdom traditions.
took several hundred dollars from his money and left it in an envelope in the carpenters workshop. The neighbor thought that if he gave the carpenter money he would not have to work and he would stop his incessant hammering. The carpenter entered his workshop and found the envelope lying there. Instead of using it to take a vacation or a break, the carpenter thought, Someone left me several hundred dollars. What good fortune! I will take some of the money and invest in new tools so I can build bigger and better furniture and make more money. Thus, the money flamed the carpenter s desire to earn more money. He began working even harder, hoping to increase the newly found hundreds into thousands. As he began to make more money, he was still not content. He decided he wanted to turn the thousands into tens of thousands and thus he worked still harder. The rich neighbor was annoyed that his plan had failed and instead of silencing the carpenter, it merely increased the noise because now the man worked longer hours. When the carpenter had earned tens of thousands he wanted to make a hundred thousand. He put pressure upon himself to work day and night and even on weekends. Soon, he stopped his humming and singing. He no longer took joy in his work but felt strangled by the pressure he had put upon himself. On many nights, he was so stressed out he could not even sleep. The inner contentment and peace he had when he was just a poor carpenter were gone in the pursuit of trying to make more and more money. Consider our own lives. Do we find ourselves spending all of our time working to make money so we can retire? Do we work overtime to make more money? Do we work all weekend long to increase our profits? Do we find that we cannot even take a day or even several hours off work without thinking about work? If this is what is happening to us are we becoming like the carpenter? If we make all the money in the world but cannot enjoy personal peace and joy in our work, is it worth it? If we find that we are devoting too much of our time to making money and not enough to our family, our hobbies, our spiritual pursuits and those things we love then we need to analyze whether we are making the right choices. It is good to save for the future, but is it worth using up our entire life in trying to have more than what we need? Who knows what the future will bring? When we become old, will we have the health to do what we waited our whole life to do? If we leave our spiritual pursuits until we have reached our senior years, who knows how much time we will have left or whether we will be able to devote time to spirituality at that stage. If we ignore our family until they are already grown and have children of their own, we miss an important part of their lives that can never be recovered. Let us consider how we spend our time. If we have decided that certain goals are important then we should try to find time for them throughout our life and not put them all on the back burner in the pursuit of amassing more money than we need. We should weigh our time and make sure that we do not lose our peace and contentment over the stress of being engaged in If we find that we are devoting too much of our time to making money and not enough to our family, our hobbies, our spiritual pursuits and those things we love then we need to analyze whether we are making the right choices. It is good to save for the future, but is it worth using up our entire life in trying to have more than what we need? a mad pursuit for money and possessions. Being conscious of how we spend our time and our life is important. If we listen to our soul, we will find that inner peace and contentment are more valuable than all the riches in the world. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, an international spiritual leader and Master of meditation, affirms the transcendent oneness at the heart of all religions, emphasizing prayer and meditation as building blocks for achieving peace.www.jyotimeditation.org

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

nce upon a time there was a carpenter who worked out of his home. Every day he took joy in building some furniture or tools to sell to others. He merrily sang and hummed as he worked, content with life. One day, his rich neighbor grew fed up with the noise the carpenter made as he hammered the wood. The neighbor had reached a point in which he could not take the noise anymore. The neighbor finally had a plan to quiet the carpenter. He

Whatever you give me tastes sweet

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj n our daily life we face many difficulties, hardships and disappointments. Things do not always go our way. If we listen to the discussions of others and review our own words and thoughts, we find that many of them deal with complaints about how life is treating us. Life seems to be bitter at times and in turn makes us bitter. Have we ever thought about life from a different perspective? Think about how fortunate we really are. After all, we are human beings. How many species of life are there that walk the earth? There are mammals, reptiles, and insects. There are creatures of the air and creatures of the sea. Fortunately for us, we have been born as human beings. How many of us have ever thanked God for the life we have been given? We complain to God when things go wrong but what about the hundreds of things that God has given us? God has provided us enough food to keep us alive this long. We have had protection from the elements in the form of clothes and some sort of shelter. Most of us have families who love us. We have received some kind of education and have some kind of work. If we take all that comes to us as a gift from

God then we can accept the good and the tribulations equally under Gods will. In this respect, there is a story about King Mahmud of Ghazni. One day, while he was sitting with his most devoted servant, Ayaz, he shared half of his cucumber with him. When he had finished, the king then took a bite of his own half. Yuk! he cried, as he made a disgusted face and spit out the cucumber. This is so bitter! How could you have eaten your piece if it tasted like bitter poison? Ayaz replied, My dear king, I have enjoyed so many favors and blessings from you all these years. Whatever you give me tastes sweet! Ayazs attitude demonstrates the frame of

Life is precious. Do we want to live our lives to their fullest? The pain and disappointments will not go away by complaining about them. We must pass through those times. Let us try to do so in a state of calm acceptance and conserve the energy that we normally use for complaining. Instead we can think of God in love and gratitude. We will find that we pass through the times of tribulations more easily.
mind of a true lover of God. Such a lover is so much enamored of God and so grateful to God, that he or she takes everything, good or bitter, as a gift of the Beloved. Ayaz had received so many blessings from the king that he felt it was not his place to complain if one of these gifts were bitter. After all, if the king gave him so much good, he must love him. If therefore, once in a blue moon, he had handed him something bit-

ter, Ayaz knew he had no evil intention. He accepted all the king gave him with love and gratitude. If we could accept the rainy days with the same gratitude as we do the sunny days, we would find our lives would be more full of love, peace, and happiness. If we could appreciate the weeds as well as the roses, we would enrich our daily lives. If we could appreciate our enemies as well as our friends, we would not have to waste precious breaths in complaints and bitterness. If we could accept days when we are ill and under the weather as well as those in which we are well and healthy, we would reduce our stress and worry and maybe even heal faster. Life is precious. Do we want to live our lives to their fullest? The pain and disappointments will not go away by complaining about them. We must pass through those times. Let us try to do so in a state of calm acceptance and conserve the energy that we normally use for complaining. Instead we can think of God in love and gratitude. We will find that we pass through the times of tribulations more easily. Like Ayaz, let us take everything coming from God as tasting sweet. Then, we will sweeten our whole lives and the lives of those around us. For more visit www.sos.org