CONTENTS
september 2014
06
06 VOICe OF INDIA PM Narendra Modi represents India before the diaspora, US and UN
16 Yet ANOtHer mArK Rami Ranger’s company gets a visit from British PM David Cameron
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20 We tHe peOpLe Women Empowered (WE) makes rapid progress
22 mAUrItIAN treND setter Raj Chintaram talks about sustainable development and environmental issues
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30 bOOKs The Amma Tell Me About books
32 reALtY AWArDs The 12th NAREDCO Convention
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Cover Story
CONNECTING WITH
DIASPORA By Sayantan Chakravarty
Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi’s visit to the USA was a resounding success insofar as his connect with the India diaspora is concerned. Mr Modi invited the diaspora to attend the PBD 2015 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in large numbers, an event that would be followed by the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. He urged upon the Indian American community to be a part of his Make In India initiative. He announced lifelong visa for PIO card holders, hitherto available only to OCI card holders. He said that through its conduct, excellence, capability, the diaspora has been able to earn the respect of Americans, and has also ensured that the world’s respect for India has gone up. He mentioned that many Indian Americans were directly involved during the elections by contributing their time and resources in India, including in remote villages. He said that for their contribution he was very thankful to each and everyone of them who made a historic win possible for his party.
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RAISING HOPE: Prime Minister Modi addressing the Indian community at Madison Square Garden, New York on September 28, 2014
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Cover Story
LEFT: Prime Minister Modi addressing the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 27, 2014. RIGHT: The PM paying homage at the 9/11 Memorial in New York the same day
Excerpts from his speech at Madison Square Garden I greet you all on the occasion of Navratri festival. It is the festival of Shakti, of purification, of increased faith and dedication… There was a time when our country was known as a land of snake charmers. Yes, it is true that our ancestors used to play with snakes. But our youth plays with the Mouse. They have charmed the world with the (computer) mouse. After 30 years India has formed a Government with absolute majority. The results cannot be stomached by India’s political pundits, because they did not forsee such a result. The opinion makers failed to create enough opinions. It is the villager, the poor, the illiterate who has helped shape the opinion of the opinion maker. The Indian elections are a story of India’s vibrant democracy, its abiding importance and lasting legacy. But winning the elections is not about getting positions, it is not about sitting on ministerial chairs, it is a huge responsibility that must be met. Since the time I have sat on my chair, I haven’t taken a 15-minute vacation. I assure you that we will not take any vacation from nation building. We will not do anything that will cause you to hang your head. Our country is filled with hope. People want change. The nation wants change. The poor of India have begun to ask “how much longer will they remain so poor?” They want change. I assure you that our Government will leave no stone unturned in order to bring an economic change, a social change, and a change in your personal lives—all for the better. When I was Chief Minister of Gujarat, I had once said that those who want to return to India from overseas should start doing so quickly. Little did I know then that I would at 8
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The Prime Minister at a breakfast meeting with CEOs in New York on September 29, 2014
some later point in time begin to oversee the process myself. Now many Indians in America feel that they should have one leg parked in India. My friends the entire world is convinced that the 21st century belongs to Asia. In the USA voices are regularly heard saying that this century will be Asia’s, and it will be India’s. I do not think these people are speaking in the air, they have reason behind their confidence. After all India has the capability, the opportunity and the resources to dominate this century. This ancient land is today the world’s youngest country, what a beautiful mix of the old and the new. Nearly 65 per cent of India’s population is below the age of 35. A country that has such a young population that seeks to forge a new destiny, an ancient nation with a great history, a modern people whose fingers deftly connect with computer screens around the world, can such a nation
Cover Story
PM addresses the Global Citizen Festival, at Central Park in New York on September 27, 2014
PM addresses the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on September 29, 2014
ever be left behind? My friends, there is little reason for losing hope. I for one truly believe that India will march forward with great speed, with extraordinary momentum. The youth will galvanize this march forward. India today has three things that are not easily available in any other country of the world, things that works hugely in its favour. It is our responsibility that we recognize these three things and present them before the world, it is our duty that we create a symphony among these three in a way that allows this great nation to zoom. The first of these three is democracy. This remains our greatest strength. During the months of electioneering I used to watch in awe when in the high heat of April and May 10 india empire | september 2014
PM Modi paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Washington DC on September 30, 2014
Cover Story
The Prime Minister with organizers of the Indian community dinner in his honour in New York on September 28, 2014. The Union Minister for External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs Sushma Swaraj is alongside him
or backward? I see it going only one way, skyward.
Prime Minister Modi at lunch hosted by the US Vice President Joe Biden and the US Secretary of State John Kerry, in Washington DC on September 30, 2014
there would be bare-bodied men braving the harsh weather just in order to catch our words. They had no shirts on, but they were cloaked in hope. Democracy in India is all about hope. It is about this tremendous belief about a better tomorrow, that the dark night will not last, and that a new dawn is always breaking. The second important thing going for us is our nation’s demographic dividend. A country with 65 per cent of its people below the age of 35 is a blessed nation. The third is the demand that India creates. The entire world wants to cater to India’s demand, and wants to rush to it. After all who doesn’t like a big market to sell. With these three things in place, do you see India moving forward 12 india empire | september 2014
Excerpts from his address at the US-India Business Council meet in Washington, DC When I was Chief Minister in Gujarat, I have met many of you at the Vibrant Gujrat Summit. In January 201, we are once again holding this Summit. Given the interest that you are showing towards India, I am hopeful that you will not forgo the opportunity to meet with the industrial world, the business world, and the Who’s Who of India under one roof at the forthcoming Summit. It is paramount that the world’s attention is focused on India, a nation of 125 crore. India too is galvanizing all its energy and with great determination is moving ahead to position itself in the world economic order. It is moving ahead with a new self confidence, new resolve. For no Government is a 3 to 4 month experience of much significance. But I can tell you that during these 3 to 4 months I found not even one reason why India should lag behind economically in the coming days. We have no time to waste in thinking why India has lagged behind. All that needs to be done is to make one small resolution—let’s move forward. It is because of this small resolution we have made that I can say with confidence that in the three months that I have been at the small office, I do believe India is moving forward very fast. Let’s look at the businessman’s perspective. After all why does a businessman or industrialist develop links with a country? He does so when from within he believes that the country he is going to invest in is the right investment destination for him. This belief is the main treasure that he has.
Prime Minister Modi and President Obama at the Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington DC on September 30, 2014
U.S. President Barack Obama Prime Minister Modi at the dinner hosted in his honour at the White House in Washington DC on September 30, 2014
The Prime Minister shaking hand with US President after a press statement at the White House in Washington DC on September 30, 2014
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Cover Story
PM Modi delivering his address at the reception hosted by the US-India Business Council in Washington DC on September 30, 2014
Now there is new hope in the country. There is new determination. There is a new agenda for change. My primary purpose is to increase your confidence, and raise your belief. I can say with confidence that during the past three months, not only among the 125 crore Indians, but also around the world there is new confidence in India. New rays of hope, and new sparks of confidence are attracting the world to India. I firmly believe that the Government has no busiEminent Indian from Columbus, Ohio, Mr Nirmal Sinha meets up with ness to be there in business. PM Modi in the presence of Indian Ambassador Jaishankar (left) and DCM Sandhu The Government is to be a at a dinner in NYC on September 28 and presents him greetings from the facilitator, to create opporMayor of Columbus and from Senator Sherrod Brown tunities. We are disinvesting PSUs to the tune of USD 10 billion. This is the biggest that may feel if we give them a little, investors will come ever disinvestment decision taking by any post Independ- running at its doorsteps. This is not the case. The reality is ence Government in India in such a short span of time. that investors want Effective Governance. Easy GoverWe are from Gujarat. Business and commerce runs in our nance. Investors may not want red carpet, but they certainly nature. On the basis of my 14 years experience as CM of do not want red tapism. If they plan in 2014 for production Gujarat I can tell you that investors are not looking for in 2016, and in 2016 they cannot even lay the brick, then concessions, it is the misconception of the Government they will move away. â?? 14 india empire | september 2014
GOODIES BAG By Kul Bhushan
system acquires. In his first direct address to the The other hot issue which the Indian Diaspora, Prime Minister Prime Minister did not touch was Narendra Modi opened the doors the voting system for Indian citiof India for their active inter-aczens living abroad as they can now tion. After outlining the challenges vote only if they come personally and opportunities in India, he to their constituencies. In this age ended his landmark address in of electronic communications, and New York’s Madison Square Garthe fact that India is a super IT den with some long awaited goodpower, it should be quite simple to ies for them: devise a method of electronic bal● Holders of PIO (person of InPIOs on front page of a leading loting at all Indian missions abroad. dian Origin) Cards would get Indian newspaper to highlight Overall, the Diaspora had lifelong visas instead of a 15PM Modi’s speech in New York plenty to roar during Modi’s speech years’ visa. and by God, they did! Enthralled, a rapturous crowd ● People staying in India for a long period would not shouting ‘Moo-dee’, ‘Moo-dee’ with ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ have to report to their local police stations. at the end, Modi invited the Diaspora to keep one foot in ● PIOs with Non-Indian spouses will not face probIndia. He started off by thanking his supporters who had lems. contributed and travelled to India to work during his cam● PIO and OIC (Overseas Indian Citizen) cards will be merged with a modified new system. The OIC card paign. He paid a glowing tribute to their hard work in USA which resulted in their success. Pointing out the future, he allows a lifelong visa for PIOs. said, Mahatma Gandhi made the freedom struggle a mass ● US tourists will be given visa on arrival in a few movement. Let's make development a mass movement. months. This was announced in the budget. He invoked Gandhi a number of times in his 45● Visa delays will be reduced by expanding their outsourcing services. This is to redress a long standing minute speech in involving each and every Indian in freedom fight by working hard and honestly at his job and complaint of PIOs. keeping everything clean. Mahatma Gandhi never comAfter announcing these measures, he asked, promised on cleanliness. “He gave us freedom. We should pay tribute to him by delivering a Clean India,” said Modi. “Happy?” He tugged their heartstrings when he said, “I have While most of these measures were loudly cheered, especially the lifelong visa for PIO cardholders, no vis- reached here by selling tea. I am a very small person… I its to police stations and reducing visa delays, the merger am small and that is why I take interest in doing small of PIO and IC cards is not widely welcomed as per re- work for small people. I am small that is why I have the incent media reports. The merger of two cards will create tent to do big things for small people.” — his reply to peogreat confusion and the rationale of creating a new card ple who ask him to talk of his “bada vision” (big vision).” His refrain of India’s 3Ds – democracy, demography is not widely understood, claims a spokesman for Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO). The and demand – came over loud and clear to position India OIC card helps PIOs to connect emotionally with their as the future of development. Ending on a high note, he land of origin. The Indian Constitution does not allow declared, “There is no reason to be disappointed. India dual citizenship but OIC card is a unique step by the will progress very fast and the skills of our youth will government and just another name for lifelong visa, take India ahead.” ❐ claims GOPIO. This process has already started with a new bill to replace these two cards with a new one. The bill has been passed by the upper house and will be debated in the lower house. So it remains to be seen what shape the new september 2014 | india empire 15
UK IndIanS
YET ANOTHER
MARK
A
dream came true for the Chairman of Sun Mark Ltd when the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP visited the headquarters of Sun Mark Ltd. in Greenford on Friday 18th July 2014 to present the company’s unprecedented fifth consecutive Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Prime Minister toured Sun Mark’s facilities including the warehouse and supply chain facilities before the presentation of the award.
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The presentation ceremony was attended by Sun Mark staff, prominent members of the Asian community and well known British politicians including the Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz MP, Member of Parliament for Leicester East and Chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee; the Rt. Hon. Sir Tony Baldy MP, Member of Parliament for Banbury and Second Church Estates Commissioner; Mr Stephen Pound MP, Member of Parliament for Ealing North and Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland; His Excellency Mr Ranjan Mathai, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom and Padma Shri Nana Patekar, award winning Bollywood actor.
Cllr. Mrs Reena Ranger-Ahuja, Dr. Rami Ranger’s eldest daughter and Chairwoman & Founder of the social organisation Women Empowered, spoke of working for the family business from a young age and learning to deal with all aspects of the company under the guidance and support of her father. She described Dr. Ranger as a family man who places his family at the heart of all that he does and was his principal driving force. Reena spoke of the Prime Minister’s visit as being momentous, an occasion that she would cherish and tell her children, and generations to come, of the honour and privilege. She added the occasion showcased the moment where one man’s dreams had become reality through aspirations of success, hard work and sheer determination. Dr. Rami Ranger MBE FRSA, Chairman of Sun Mark, said that he felt humbled to be
the only one in Britain to have won an unprecedented fifth consecutive Queens Award for Enterprise and had achieved this by connecting Britain to 115 countries through trade. He described some of his challenges but that he had always believed that a ‘Hidden Talent is no Talent’ to describe the company’s practice of exhibiting across the globe to reach out to potential customers. He paid tribute to the British sense of tolerance and fair play, where an ordinary immigrant like him could realise his ambitions and live the ‘British Dream’ to become an asset for his family, community and adopted country. He thanked the Prime Minister for keeping his promises and making time in his incredibly busy diary to present the award and as a result boosted the morale and self-esteem of those present. He added that the country was privileged to have such a
Facing Page: The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP describing Dr. Rami Ranger MBE, FRSA and his achievements. Above: The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP presenting an unprecedented fifth consecutive Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade to Dr. Rami Ranger MBE, FRSA, Chairman, Sun Mark Ltd
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UK IndIanS
Clockwise from top left: Dr Rami Ranger MBE, FRSA addressing the audience; Cllr. Mrs Reena Ranger-Ahuja speaking about her father, Dr. Rami Ranger MBE, FRSA; H.E. Mr Ranjan Mathai, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, speaking to guests; The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP greeting Padma Shri Nana Patekar, award winning Bollywood actor
Prime Minister for his attendance showed that he had time for every Briton regardless of their origin to acknowledge their achievements and success for the nation. Dr. Ranger paid tribute to his mother who had taught him values which had been the bedrock of his success. She had brought up him and his siblings to be wholesome people despite having lost her husband during the partition of India and had to live in abject poverty in a refugee camp. He closed by thanking those around him for sharing his vision and turning his dream into reality, including his staff, wife Renu, son-in-law and CEO Mr Harmeet Ahuja and General Managers Mr Ray Perkins and Mr Mohan Khurana. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Rt. Hon. David Cameron, opened his speech by saying that he did not want to miss the special occasion for anything as he was keeping the promise he made to Rami and wanted to be present. He described Dr Ranger as an ‘extraordinary business success story’ and a role model who exemplified the ‘British Dream’ with his immense hard work and achievements in business, political and social spectrums, and paid testament to his ‘enterprise, effort and ingenuity’. He stated that by being present he wanted to celebrate British export success and spoke of ‘wiping clean’ the trade 18 india empire | september 2014
deficit that the country had, if other British companies took inspiration from Sun Mark and Dr. Ranger. The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to praise the British Asian community for punching above its weight and contributing to all aspects of society and added that the contribution from the community is a reason for celebration and that he would like to see more of it. He said he had travelled to India more than any other country with the exception of Brussels in Belgium and he was committed to building special relations with India, stating “We want to see the ties grow stronger.” After his speech the Prime Minister presented Dr.Rami Ranger with Sun Mark’s fifth Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade. His Excellency Mr Ranjan Mathai, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, praised the Prime Minister for his efforts in devising a plan with the Indian Government to double trade between the two countries in the coming years. He spoke of Dr. Ranger’s achievements and contributions to society being of great distinction, He said that Dr Ranger demonstrated through his life the famous quote by John F. Kennedy, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country’. Finally he paid tribute to the level playing field that British society had created to allow dreams to come true. ❐
IndIanS In UK
LADIES FIRST
L to R: Kavita Oberoi OBE, Reena Ranger, Dinesh Dhamija and Valerie Vaz MP
Q and A by the guests
Women Empowered ’s latest event on October 9, 2014 at Bright Courtyard in Baker Street, explored how one can create and seize opportunities. The evening commenced with Reena Ranger, Founder and Chairman of Women Empowered (WE) addressing and asking the guests “Life is constantly changing, throwing new challenges, opportunities and disappointments our way and is it possible that with a new perspective we can see our situations in a different light and take ownership of what is and create something new; maybe identifying and seizing the smaller, less obvious opportunities around us will help us reach our goal faster than waiting for the big one to come along. So today we ask: Are obstacles and disappointments opportunities in disguise? How do we identify what is a possible opportunity. How do we stop fear and self-doubt from holding us back? She went on to say, “Our speakers today have done just that, created their own paths from disappointments, changed careers and now can help others and effect policy and their actions can have a lasting impact on the population or simply revolutionized an industry and the way millions conduct their transactions daily” The first speaker, Kavita Oberoi OBE of Oberoi Consulting, started her own firm after missing out on a promotion at work. She said, “You learn in many ways, you are learning every single day along the way”. She cited her secret to success as “Desperation, Perspiration, Aspiration and In-
spiration. Be passionate about what you do, if you aren’t ready for something then it isn’t going to work; visualise your dreams”. She spoke of her background starting from her entrepreneurial father and the work ethic she witnessed from his example and her mother recognizing the potential in her daughter and how she encouraged her in every avenue and supported her dreams, sometimes in secret. She spoke about the importance of education as it always gives you something to fall back on. She shared her personal story of how she juggled family expectations with her aspirations and went on to explain how sometimes difficult and stifling cultural circumstances never held her back as she always found a way to overcome them and was always determined to succeed and when she was told she couldn’t do something it galvanized her further to succeed. She spoke of the importance of role models and mentors to push and guide you along the way. Valerie Vaz MP was elected as the Member of Parliament for Walsall South in May 2010 after 20 years in politics on the road to becoming an MP. She spoke of the challenges she faced in the political landscape and how taking a chance on a seat and seizing an opportunity was ultimately the key to her election. She talked about chances in life and not to think of excuses not to do something, “Don’t wait to be asked, see an opportunity and take it. There will be obstacles but you will find a way to go around them.” Valerie, a qualified so-
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licitor, spoke of how family support, strength and example are vital. Growing up in Aden, Yemen, showed her the opportunities available to people as people were not judged on sex, race or skin colour. Growing up, her parents encouraged her to be whatever she wanted to be and to fully realize her potential. “You have to be yourself, each one of us is unique we all have our unique talents, every one of us has our own journey and own individual story”. “Every single thing you do is a piece of skill that can be used at a later date and you may not know when you will need to use it, all expertise is worthwhile and useful”. Don’t think twice, you know you can do it and see obstacles as something you can overcome”. Dinesh Dhamija, founder of Ebookers.com, talked about starting his own business from a kiosk in Earls Court and how he grew it along with his wife over 25 years. He recounted the story about how seizing an opportunity when he was asked to act as a box office. This opened up more opportunities for him and encouraged all present to seize them as they came along. He spoke about investing in yourself to open more opportunities and how creating them combined with a little luck has been the key to his success. He spoke of thinking big and believing you are going to do it. He jumped at the new phenomenon of the “internet” and went from selling airline tickets from a kiosk to a website. He said, “We then went to selling to 60 million people in the UK and then over 300 million people in Europe.” He told the audience that
an internet year is like a dog year and that was his thinking when he paid vast sums to new internet providers for exclusive deals for travel in parts of Europe. Although at the time of the sale of ebookers.com, he valued the company at more than it sold for, his wife reminded him that it was a good time to exit and that too was seizing an opportunity! Reena Ranger closed with, “Women Empowered has always been in the business of promoting that you can be anyone you want to be and achieve anything you want to achieve. We have always been advocates of each one of us being the best possible versions of ourselves as we see and wish it to be and I am sure that today’s wisdoms and advice would have helped many of us be one step closer to this goal.” Entrepreneurial stall holders at the event were Raishma Islam with her ready to wear clothing, Neetika Hora for bespoke outfits for any occasion. Sonali Malhotra of Sonali’s Creations with her ethnic jewellery range, Rubina Kapoor who launched her Diwali silverware range at the event and Bhavani Kalaria of the London Law Practice who offered free initial legal consultations for those present. WE Focus a new initiative from Women Empowered was also launched at the event. This is going to be a discussion on pertinent topics by up to 15 members of the WE community. More details will be available online and on the WE Facebook page. The first meeting is scheduled for mid November 2014. ❐
Guests at the event
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IndIanS In MaUrItIUS
Interview with Dr G. Raj Chintaram, Executive Chairman, ANPRAS
“Climate change will affect Mauritius” is the problem for Mauritius? All SIDS (Small Island Developing States) are facing the daunting challenges of climate change and Mauritius has not been spared the process. Islands in the Pacific Region have natural adaptation tendencies but since Mauritius was an uninhabited island, it does not have much natural adaptation tendency. Mauritius has quite a diverse topography; the island will not get submerged that is for sure. But as the island is highly dependent on the tourism industry; it’s obvious that the hotels and beaches will be affected…once the economy is on the decline, it will create more inequity and pave way to more unsustainable conditions.
Dr G. Raj Chintaram What led you to establish ANPRAS, the organisation that you chair? I have been engaged in social and philanthropic endeavours for almost 2 decades. I founded the communitybased organisation Association Civique Midlands (ACM) in 1997 which was initially a sports club and finally evolved into one of the most active NGOs in Mauritius. With increasing international exposure and ever increasing network in Africa, the idea to create an international platform with academics, industry experts and dedicated youth came to my mind. ANPRAS started as the African Network for Policy Research and Advocacy for Sustainability and it evolved into a very dynamic entity; more action based—connecting academics and experts with field and community work. More details are available on www.anpras.org. Climate change will affect the Island Nations faster than the larger territorial nations. How serious 22 india empire | september 2014
It is said that the smaller nations are paying for the sins of the big nations that are destroying the world’s ecology and adding to emissions on a very large scale. What advice do you have for nations that are caught up in the race of indiscriminate consumerism? The idea of the Global Commons has been emerging for quite some time; we need paradigm shift in the way we look at nature. We need to see it as being dependent on it and not acting as its masters. Seychelles and Mauritius have been among the first countries to adhere to the Kyoto Protocol on CFCs emissions; this says a lot about the commitment of small nations to care for the planet. The future of developing countries and SIDS is not bleak if the big nations stop their hypocrisy; there are enough resources for everyone to live happily on earth. Interestingly Sustainable Production and Sustainable Consumption are high in the new development framework, the Post 2015 Agenda (SDGs). There are great hopes for seeing some positive changes ahead. You are a person of Indian origin. Where did you forebears hail from? About 50 per cent of Mauritius’s population is the people of Indian Origin. The settlements started back in the 19th century. We have people mostly from South India, West Bengal and the Varanasi belt of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Although, the ancestors were not from the South as there was not much of migration from those areas to Mauritius, they were mainly from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
You have studied in different parts of the world. What is your perception about the Indian education system? With Nalanda standing as the oldest university in the world, the land which invented the Zero is undoubtedly a knowledge hub. However, the system looks a bit obsolete as it looks too bureaucratic and does not offer much scope for innovation and self-development. The concept of boarding schools in India is a concept which I really appreciate. Having myself spent 3 years of hostel life in India in the late 1990s brought lots of changes in my personality, especially that of being self-dependent. On a day to day basis how do you practice sustainability in your own life? Sustainability can be embraced as a religion and unless you believe fully in it you will not move forward. From production to consumption, from business to education, it has now become imperative to impregnate the concepts of sustainable development. The world is at the era of a new global development framework with the phasing out of the MDGs and as Chairman of ANPRAS, it’s an immense privilege for to me to be leading the National Consultations on the SDGs in Mauritius. Do you find enough support from the Government of Mauritius and community leaders in your efforts? The Government of Mauritius is fully behind initiatives to build a more sustainable society. Our Prime Minister came up with his master plan of Maurice Ile Durable and there is lot of political commitment to bring about this change. Mauritius is also among the first countries to have signed the Kyoto protocol. For sure, there is a state of uncertainty and not everyone really understands the founding pillars of sustainability. Sustainable development is not equal to environmental protection though the latter forms an integral part of it. In a nutshell, Sustainable Development should aim at reducing or eliminating inequality in a society. Luckily in Mauritius, we have the Welfare State to ensure this. Any type of development which is socially just, founded on ethics, economically viable for the locals and ensures environmental protection side by side can be said to be a sustainable society.
What is the single largest cause of climate change in the world? It is undoubtedly the greed of man. Back in the 1980s, the Swedish journal Ambio did a major story on how Latin American forests become American hamburgers. If anything, there are more hamburgers being produced now. What will it take for the world to wake up? Man is a product of his environment. There is a fallacy that the environment is just what we see around that is trees, rivers and mountains. In the true sense, there is an inner environment (our thoughts, beliefs and values), and the external or physical environment. As I said earlier, whether we like it or not, we are all a product of the environment‌ since we act towards the environment, we should expect the same reaction from the environment. Interestingly in Indian mythology, I remember Lord Shiva (in serial Devon Ka Dev) warning people about the curse that one should expect by polluting the Ganges; nature has inherent capabilities to PUNISH when it reaches a degree that is beyond its tolerance. How do you raise funds for ANPRAS? Is there a revenue model? ANPRAS is a peer-funded organization. We regroup philanthropists and not people who are out for social work for monetary or material gains. However, we also engage some small consultancies and project management firms. This helps us to sustain the running â?? of the organisation. september 2014 | india empire 23
IndIanS In U.K.
DEBATING KASHMIR IN U.K.
A heated debate in the House of Commons on September 11, 2014 on Jammu and Kashmir, saw the majority of British MPs uphold India’s position, with one Member of Parliament—Labour Party’s Barry Gardiner MP questioning whether it was right for the British Parliament to hold such a debate, citing a hypothetical situation of the Lok Sabha debating Scotland. The Liberal Democrat MP-David Ward (MP for Bradford East) had called for this debate about the ‘political and humanitarian situation in Kashmir’ on behalf of the Jammu & Kashmir Self Determination Movement (Europe). Notably, Bradford City has the biggest Pakistani-origin population in Britain and in the past, such constituents have been known to pressurise their MPs to censure India on Kashmir. The debate took place in Committee Room 10, at the House of Commons and under the auspices of the Backbench Business Committee, i.e.: it wasn’t a part of Government business and there was no vote at the end of the debate. At the same time, it had official recognition and was recorded accordingly. MPs from the three main parties spoke in favour of Kashmiri Pandits and acknowledged their forced exodus from their homeland 25 years ago .They further stated that the Kashmir issue has to be negotiated bilaterally by India and Pakistan and welcomed Indian Prime Minister Modi's invitation to the Prime Minister of Pakistan for his inauguration ceremony and PM Modi's offer of financial help to Pakistan for the victims of the flood disaster. The British Parliamentarians at the debate condemned terrorism and violence and rejected mediation in the dispute between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. Leading the charge for India, Labour Party’s-Barry Gardiner MP, stated: “Britain would be outraged if the Indian Parliament debated the merits and demerits of the Scottish referendum.” The Shimla Agreement between India and Pakistan requires the two 24 india empire | september 2014
countries to deal with Kashmir bilaterally and without the involvement or interference of another state”. He called the debate as ‘ill-judged’. Conservative Party’s-Paul Uppal MP, reminded Parliamentarians that Britain “carried imperial, historical baggage” and that it should have “more faith in the subcontinent”. Labour Party’s- Virendra Sharma MP stated by saying he was ‘disappointed’ the debate was taking place and described it as ‘divisive’, stressing he is elected from a diverse constituency (Ealing Southall) where there are Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims and the debate could ‘inflame tensions’ in his constituency. He asserted that “Jammu and Kashmir State was an integral part of India, the largest democracy in the world, one that is secular and with elected representation from all the country's main religions. The elections in Jammu & Kashmir have not reflected any determination for separatism. It is for us to respect the democratic choice of the citizens of Jammu & Kashmir, not to question it," he added. Conservative Party’s-Bob Blackman MP highlighted the issue of ‘ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits’, their displacement and refugee status in their own country, which, he felt, was of the highest ‘humanitarian’ concern. The Kashmiri Hindu Pandits were forced out in a process of ethnic cleansing and it would be ridiculous to reward those who engaged in ethnic cleansing.” He said “the Shia Muslims do not support the right of self –determination and nor do the Gujjars, Bakarwals, Buddhists, Hindu Dogras, Kashmiri Pandits or Sikhs or Christians. The only issue is that the Muslim population support it, but they are a minority”. Speaker after speaker echoed this sentiment, thereby drowning out the Pakistani plea that Indian security forces were committing human rights violations against Muslim Kashmiris in Jammu and Kashmir. Though David Ward MP maintained that Britain have some part to play in Kashmir, this stand was
roundly rejected by a majority of his fellow MPs. Those reflecting India’s stance on Kashmir were well prepared. Not only did they seem to have been well briefed through the Briefing Document prepared by The Indo European Kashmir Forum & Hindu Council UK, but had done their own home work. By comparison, the apologists for Islamabad indulged in propaganda, including questioning the legitimacy of elections in Kashmir. Replying at the end of a three hour debate on the political and humanitarian situation in Kashmir, Tobias Ellwood MP, Junior Minister in the Foreign Office, said: “Talks between India and Pakistan can only take place free from terrorism and violence.” He reiterated there would be ‘no mediation’ by Britain in respect of the differences between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. John Spellar MP, Labour Party’s Shadow Minister for Foreign and Commonwealth Office, stated that the Labour Party’s stand on the Kashmir issue was that it required no interference from the British Government unless it was officially asked to do so. The matter of disputed Kashmir was for the Indian and Pakistan Governments to negotiate without any outside interference. Unlike past debates on Kashmir in the British Parliament, the crowded public gallery appeared to be equally divided between Indians and Pakistanis. Rumblings of discontent were often heard from a section of the audience every time a speaker took up cudgels for India and correspondingly clapping from another segment, which were frequent as the strength of solidarity with India was unprecedented. As the British MPs' held the debate, the Indian Government expressed its anger and displeasure over UK Parliamentarians holding such a debate. India has construed the move as an attempt to criticise India’s role in Kashmir, even putting a question mark on its sovereignty over the region. Speaking at an event to mark the 125th birth anniversary of the Indian freedom fighter Sarat Bose, the Deputy High Commissioner for India in the UK, Dr Virander Paul, surprised his audience by stating: "From time to time, we find that there are certain tendencies in certain sections of the society, which are not in the interest of our strong relations.". He cautioned: "We need to watch out and be mindful of any such efforts." While the Deputy High Commissioner for India in the UK made no reference to the upcoming debate, his remarks were apparently aimed at the senior Conservative/Liberal Democrats Coalition Government Cabinet Minister- Dr Vince Cable who was present at the function. The Indian High Commission has, however, launched a diplomatic offensive by highlighting to British MPs that it is a widely recognised fact and clearly recorded internationally that infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir is aided and abetted by Pakistan, including use of cover fire and other military actions on the border. It is necessary that no encouragement should be given to the proponents of terrorism and jihadi elements which are being sent into India to create mayhem. India has always considered any debate
on Kashmir by British parliamentarians as interference in India's internal affairs. September 4, 2014 Conference Earlier on September 4, 2014, Ms Krishna Bhan, President of the Indo-European Kashmir Forum (IEKF) organized a conference in association with the Hindu Council UK on the “Plight of Kashmiri Pandits / Hindus” in the House of Commons. The meeting was jointly chaired by Conservative MP-Marcus Jones and Labour MP-Virendra Sharma. The speakers at the conference spoke passionately on many different perspectives ranging from history of the conflict, analogies with recent events, geopolitical aspects, role of journalists and politicians and the relevance of conflict to the rest of the world. The mood in the packed Committee Room 10 was effusive, upbeat and one which demonstrated resolve and a call to action. Also in attendance were Bob Blackman MP and Richard Harrington MP who supported the issues raised. The main purpose of the conference was to express the Hindu community’s grave concerns over the upcoming debate in the UK Parliament on September 11, 2014 at the House of Commons. The debate in question has been secured by Liberal Democrats MP David Ward-Member of Parliament for Bradford East, together with support from Andrew Stephenson MP (Conservative) and David Nuttall MP (Labour), on behalf of the Jammu Kashmir Self Determination Movement Europe. Surprisingly, this debate has been granted as a result of some MPs, MEPs and Lords from all the British Political Parties, together with members of the Kashmiri/Pakistan Community, who signed a petition asking the British Parliament to hold a special debate on the state of human rights for the Muslim community in Kashmir. The assembly elections for 2014 are to be held later this year in Jammu and Kashmir. Through this democratic process, the people of Jammu and Kashmir will elect a Government of their ❐ choice. september 2014 | india empire 25
PBd London
INvEStING IN INDIA India beckons its diaspora for investments in energy, manufacturing and skills. From brain drain to brain bank, the new attitude to engage the diaspora is “Investments are safe: Look at India” Close on the heels of Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi’s call for enhancing investments in India, the 24th OIFC Diaspora Engagement Meet in London centred around partnerships in manufacturing, skills and energy. The Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC) is a public private partnership between the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) formed to facilitate the economic engagement of the Indian Diaspora with India. Led by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India, the OIFC Engagement Meet set in motion a move to link economically successful UK Indians and British Nationals with vibrant revitalized investment destination- India Key Secretaries to the Government of India spearheaded
the invite for partnerships and economic engagement. Inaugurating the Meet, Mr Prem Narain, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Chairman, OIFC said, “The Overseas Indians must become a part of India’s development agenda. We have brought to London, a strong mix of information on new changes in policies, new developments and directions fronted by the new Government to help translate the enthusiasm and interest in this new India”. Mr Narain further added that "The ease of doing business is the new mantra for our Government. Investors coming to Indian market have nothing to fear and this is an assurance from our Honourable, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi." This was supported by Mr Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP),
Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Chairperson, UK-India Business Council, speaking at the Inaugural Session of 24th OIFC Diaspora Engagement Meet, 16th October 2014. Present in Dias (L-R), Ms Charu Mathur, CEO, Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre, Mr Deep Kapuria, Chairman, Hi Tech Group; Mr Prem Narain, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Govt. of India and Chairman, OIFC; H.E. Mr Ranjan Mathai, High Commissioner of India to the UK; Mr Uday Dholakia, Chairman, Indo-British Trade Council
26 india empire | september 2014
PBd London
Release of OIFC publications “Opportunities for Economic Engagement for Indian Diaspora in the United Kingdom” & “Doing Business in India – Guide for Indian Diaspora”. Present in Dias (L-R) are Ms Charu Mathur, CEO, Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre; Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Chairperson, UK-India Business Council; Mr Deep Kapuria, Chairman, Hi Tech Group; Mr Prem Narain, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Govt. of India and Chairman, OIFC; H.E. Mr Ranjan Mathai, High Commissioner of India to the UK; Mr Uday Dholakia, Chairman, Indo-British Trade Council
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India who invited the UK based Indian Diaspora and UK industry to partner in the Industrial corridors and smart cities of India. The one sentiment that echoed throughout the Session was that the UK based Indian Diaspora has been a huge asset to the United Kingdom and are a living economic link between UK and India. Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Chairperson, UK-India Business Council said that the UKIBC will work towards cementing the partnership between India and UK. H.E. Mr Ranjan Mathai, High Commissioner of India to the UK said that the major difference in the Government policy and outlook towards the Diaspora is the move from the era of stopping the brain drain to partnering with the brain bank. Mr Uday Dholakia, Chairman, Indo-British Trade Council, re-iterated the Indian Disapora's wish to play an important role in the Indo - UK relations. Mr Deep Kapuria, Chairman Hi Tech Gears and leader of the Indian business delegation to UK talked about scientific and technical collaborations between UK and India. He also said that the Indian diaspora in UK is well placed to establishment of SMEs and knowledge based industries. Mr Philip Bouverat, Director, JCB said, “There is no 28 india empire | september 2014
doubt in my mind about the quality of Indian products they are extremely good. JCB has 96 per cent supply chain integrity in India.” Responding to questions, Mr Amitabh Kant pointed out that the regulatory system in India is very strong. Moreover, land acquisitions norms are streamlining. “It's a good time to invest in India”, he said. A closed door roundtable seeking participation in “Re-invest” a global investors’ Meet to be held in February 2015, to garner investment in India’s ambitious renewable energy plans was held on the sidelines of the OIFC Diaspora Engagement Meet. India is targeting to add 100,000 MW of renewable energy in the next five year entailing an investment of $100,000 billion. India, today accounts for world’s 5th largest renewable energy capacity. The OIFC Meet was attended by more than 150 Overseas Indians and firms from the UK. OIFC leads the effort to connect with global Indian community and positions India as a springboard to expand their business engagement with India more purposefully. The OIFC Diaspora Engagement Meet in London and its predecessor in Bahrain, held in September this year, have clearly demonstrated the great outcome of OIFC’s extensive efforts over the past years to support Overseas Indians. ❐
BooKS
How the world’s first super hero wanted to eat the sun Hanuman, beloved God and iconic character in Indian mythology, gets a new look
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H
anuman, a pivotal character in the Indian epic Ramayana 1, makes his literary debut as “the world’s first super hero” in “Amma Tell Me About Hanuman”, a children’s illustrated book, that will be launched at bookstore Bookazine on 5th October at 3:30pm. A first of a trilogy on the adventures of Hanuman, this is the 8th title in the “Amma2 Tell Me” series. As author Bhakti Mathur, says “Hanuman is my favorite God, because he is so pure, strong, intelligent and yet so humble. He has conquered his ego and lives his life selflessly. He has many qualities that one can aspire to. I think because he is a monkey and as kids love animals, his playful and naughty nature, combined with his incredible powers such as lifting mountains and flying across seas, make him an instant hit with children. This book introduces Hanuman as a child, to my little readers and I hope they enjoy his adventure of wanting to eat the sun.” The simple yet meaningful verse and contemporary graphics—a signature element in all “Amma Tell Me” books—provide a fresh and engaging take on this classic mythological figure. “The real motivation for writing the “Amma Tell Me” series was to share with my sons Shiv and Veer, the fascinating stories that I grew up hearing from my grandparents,” says Ms. Mathur.” But I found there were no resources that were simple to understand and yet modern and engaging. So I went ahead and started writing stories in a style that I think kids find fun and non-preachy, so that they will truly enjoy reading and learning about Indian cultural classics and values.” This desire to bring to life ancient Hindu mythology to young children in a cheerful and engaging way appears to have resonated with Indian parents the world over as the Amma series has been gaining a strong fan following within the Indian diaspora across the world. “I love the “Amma Tell Me” books, says Sonia Maria, mother of children aged 10 and 7 years, living in Hong Kong. “They are beautifully written and designed books that my children enjoy reading again and again. They connect my children to the rich culture that is their heritage. These books also make for wonderful gifts for other children.” “Amma Tell Me About Hanuman”, available from 5th October, 2014, is price at USD 14.50 on Amazon (www.amazon.com) and at HKD 108 in stories.
About the Author Bhakti Mathur, 41, private banker by day, mother to Shiv and Veer (6 and 4) and avid Indian mythology storyteller at all other times, wrote and self-published her first book, “Amma Tell Me About Holi” in 2011. Over the next 3 years, she went on to write books on Diwali, Ramayana, Krishna and Ganesha. “Amma Tell Me About Hanuman” is her 8th title. Her foray into writing books for children was borne out of a need to teach values to her children in a non-preachy way. She finds Indian mythology to be a fascinating repertoire of characters and moral lessons that everyone, especially young minds, can benefit from. “There are so many different Gods, in so many different forms and so many lessons to be learnt”, says Ms Mathur. “So if you can’t relate to one, hopefully you can relate to another and be inspired to pick up their good qualities”. Eight books old, Ms Mathur has come a long way since launching her first title, under her own publishing company, Anjana 3 Publishing. “Thrilling and “Very Satisfying”, is how she describes her journey in the world of writing and publishing. Her collaborative efforts with talented illustrator, Maulshree Somani, are slowly but surely making a mark with Indian mothers and children in many countries around the world. ❐
1. Valmiki’s Ramayana was probably written between 500-100 BC. (http://www.ramayanaresearch.com) 2. Amma means Mother 3. Anjana is also the name of Hanuman’s mother and the inspiration behind the name of Ms Mathur’s company september 2014 | india empire 31
reaL eState
NAREDCO Convention
FOCUS ON HOUSING FOR ALL
Mr M. Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Urban Development and HUPA and Mr Prakash Javadekar, Minister for I and B, and Environment and Forest lighting the lamp at the inauguration of NAREDCO 12th National Convention and Real Estate Awards NAREDCO organized the National Convention on “Housing for All-2022” on September 12 and 13, 2014 at the Convention Hall of hotel The Ashok, New Delhi. The Convention was attended by more than 700 participants from across the country and had representation from all stakeholders, including Central and State Governments. Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Rural Development, Shipping, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Road Transport and Highways, Panchayati Raj, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Steel, Labour and Employment, Mines, Shri Jual Oram, Minister of Tribal Affairs and Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State (IC) for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Information and Broadcasting, addressed the Convention in different sessions over the two days. Besides the Speaker and Ministers, many secretaries and representatives of Development Authorities and Local Bodies from Central and State Government and experts from real estate sector – regulators, developers, promoters, financers, bankers, private equity firms, technology providers, private practitioners, consultants and academicians – expressed their views on various issues connected with the subject. A report “Decoding Housing for All by 2022”, prepared by KPMG 32 india empire | september 2014
International, was also released by Mr Naidu. The important outcomes of Convention which came out from study conducted by KPMG and deliberations were– ● India’s urban population is expected to grow at a rate of 1 crore per annum, which will continue till 2050. ● India will need to construct 11 crore housing units (6 crore rural and 5 crore urban) by 2022 to meet the requirement of housing for all and 70 per cent of this will be for EWS and LIG. This includes existing shortage of 6 crore housing units. ● 70 percent of total housing requirement will be in 9 States – Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana), Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. ● 1.7 to 2 lakh hectare of land will be required to meet the urban housing need of 5 crore. ● A total investment of USD 2 trillion till 2022, or USD 250-260 billion per annum, will be required to achieve the target of Housing for All by 2022 and 85 to 90 percent of this will be for urban housing. This would necessitate doubling the present investment of USD 110-120 billion per annum. ● In addition to USD 2 trillion for housing, USD 1.5 trillion will be required to build urban infrastructure and commercial real estate, hiking total investment needed to USD 3.5 trillion.
Strengthening private sector participation in affordable housing construction, which has been confined to high and middle income segment due to many structural issues, has been the unanimous recommendation of the Convention. It was felt that the short fall of USD 500 – 600 billion in USD 2 trillion required, taking into consideration the current rate of investment and 5-6 percent annum growth, will be difficult to bridge because of structural issues such as high gestation period of housing projects, limited and expensive liquidity, spiraling land and construction cost, high fees, duties and taxes, unfavourable and archaic development norms, delay in project approval and unaffordability of EWS / LIG households because of high unit cost. It was also felt that Government should address structural issues on priority and encourage private sector participation, as they are better placed in managing financial and construction risk in comparison to Government. Public Private Partnership has been recognized as important tool in bridging gap between demand and supply of affordable housing, as it would help in arranging private capital for construction by private player and land, approvals and subsidies to poor by the Govt. agencies. Major reforms indentified in housing and real estate sector, to achieve the target of “Housing for All by 2022” are: ● Decentralising decision making and empowering Urban Local Bodies. ● Streamlining project approvals by introducing single window clearance mechanism backed by technology. ● Revamping of building development norms and municipal by laws. ● Reviewing LARR Act 2013 to make land acquisition faster and easier. ● Promoting Public Private Partnership (PPP) and strengthening Private Sector participation. ● Reviewing rental laws and promoting construction of rental housing stock. ● Forming nodal agency to coordinate activities of all stake holders. ● Empowering EWS / LIG households. ● Rationalising various fees, duties and taxes. ● Granting infrastructure status to housing sector. ● Channelising long term funds for housing construction at low rate of interest. ● Allowing External Commercial Borrowing (ECB), FDI and REITs to finance affordable housing projects. ● Reducing cost and schedule overrun. ● Promoting mass housing construction technologies. It was unanimously resolved by all participants that above reforms must be initiated immediately to achieve the target of housing for all by 2022, approximately one crore housing units per annum. National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), under the aegis of Ministry of Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Govt. of India, is the apex body of real estate sector at National level. NAREDCO is working in close cooperation with Central and State Govts. for the transformation of old and archaic development norms, rules, regulations and procedures, as also for the modernization and technological up gradation in the real estate sector. ❐
Mr M. Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Urban Development and HUPA presenting awards at NAREDCO 12th National Convention and Real Estate Awards
Ms Sumitra Mahajan , Speaker, Lok Sabha presenting award at NAREDCO 12th National Convention & Real Estate Awards
Mr Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Minister for Transport and Rural Development at the NAREDCO 12th National Convention and Real Estate Awards
Mr Narendra Singh Tomar, Labour and Employment Minister at NAREDCO 12th National Convention and Real Estate Awards september 2014 | india empire 33
IndIa eMPIre BooK exCerPtS
ProF SUBhaSh C. SharMa
Scam Buster Country: USA Designation: Life Member
H
ard work. Persistence. Sincerity. According to Subhash C. Sharma, these are the three keys to success. Born and educated in New Delhi, Mr Sharma originally from Haryana is a highly active member of the Indian community in Carbondale, Illinois, US, where he has lived since 1983. Mr Sharma is at present the Treasurer of the Hindu Temple and Cultural Society of Southern Illinois (HTCSSI). Since 1983, Mr Sharma has been teaching in the Department of Economics at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, and has been very active professionally. Within a span of four years he was promoted as Associate Professor with tenure, and in another six years he was promoted to Full Professor. At present he is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Economics. His research interests are: Econometrics, Times Series Analysis, Statistics; and in applied areas of Macroeconomics, Monetary Economics, International Finance, Microeconomics and Development Economics. Mr Sharma, a Life Member of the GOPIO, has so far published over 75 articles, most of which appear in highly respected journals. He has chaired/co-chaired 35 PhD dissertations and has also served on 62 other PhD dissertation committees across the campus. He is a Fellow of the Midwest Econometric Group and an Executive Editor of the Journal of Asian Economics. In 2007 he was invited by the School of Management at National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, to conduct a seminar and guide faculty members in their research projects. In 2005 he was invited by the School of Business at Xiamen University, China, to lecture on advanced topics in Econometrics to PhD students. He is married to Kusum since 1982 and they enjoy travelling. They have a son, Amit, and a daughter,
Sheena, who are both well settled after graduating from the University of Chicago. Mr Sharma’s involvement with GOPIO began in 2007. Having been a victim of property scam (perpeterated by a close family member whom he trusted) and noticing the growing number of such scams against NRIs/PIOs in India, he got involved with GOPIO to draw the attention of the Government of India and the media to this issue. In January 2008 in GOPIO’s annual convention in New Delhi, Mr Sharma, moderated and chaired a session titled, “NRIs/PIOs Property Scams and Legal Ramifications”. Based on the discussions held during the session and the inputs from other convention participants, a resolution on Investments in Properties and Disputes was passed. The resolution read: “GOPIO urges the Government of India to enact legislation to designate fast track courts for NRIs/PIOs for the speedy settlement (at a stretch in 10/20/30 days) of ❐ their property issues.”
© GLOBAL INDIAN DIASPORA — GOPIO Making an Impact | Published by: India Empire Publications 34 india empire | september 2014
CoLUMn: yogI aShwInI
MInd and Body
DHWANI By Yogi Ashwini Yogi Ashwini
T
he entire creation was brought into existence by Dhwani. It is the dhwani which is responsible for anything which is manifest and the unmanifest is what gave rise to dhwani. So the unmanifest gave rise to dhwani and dhwani constructed the entire manifested creation. So even a human body was made by that dhwani. A certain kind of dhwani affects a certain part of the body. We feel that if we hear something we hear it from our ears or when we read we think that we are reading it through the eyes, but if you have noticed ever that if something is written in English and a few alphabets are missing from it then you wont even notice that something is amiss. In the same way the dhwani has an effect on every part of the body. For instance, the effect of Shri Maha Mrityunjay mantra is directly on the nadis of the body. Any vicaar (imbalance) that develops in the body before coming into the body, first goes to the nadis and from there it affects the body. So this mantra acts directly on the nadis and at that level only reduces the negative effect of the karmas somewhat or if the karmic effect is very less then it may even remove that completely. Like for instance, Shukracharyahad Sanjeevni Vidya by which he could bring dead back to life. So that vidya had its first two basic parts as these two mantras only – Shri Savitri mantra and Shri Mahamrityunjay mantra. The rest of the parts have been lost, nobody knows what they were. But beings of that time had very strong bodies, beings of today are very weak and polluted so probably the complete vidya is not required at all, these two parts are good enough to bring awakening inside the body. Most of you have spent a lot of years reading texts, listening to lectures, there is so much that you know but still searching. Why? Because what you are searching for, you wont get it using the 5indriyas (senses), those 5 senses cannot give you that. That ‘thing’ is revealed to you only when the 5 senses are closed, only then it comes to an awakened state. Even now it is inside you but it is in an inactive state and what is inactive you cant experience. You will just keep reading more books, listening to lectures and the time will just keep passing and finally the time to leave will come and so all that will be of no use. So by reading something, hearing lectures or understanding with your mind will make no difference. Be36 india empire | september 2014
cause you have already tried all these things out for many years now and you know how much an effect does a lecture have on you or how much do you understand it.. So even when I am talking don’t try and understand it, don’t get into the meaning of words if you go in their meaning then you will just keep going round and round right here, because any word which is spoken does not have one interpretation, it has different meanings at different levels, different dimensions. So the dhwani, from where it is sanchalit, the force of that is something which needs to be experienced and you experience it once you connect with it. Words are a distraction. Whatever a person may keep understanding or saying does not matter because in the end the words also don’t last nor does the body. Dhwani can be either out aloud (ahad shabd) or internal (anahad shabd) But that should not make any difference, you should experience either… not by 5 senses, but by closing them. What you see with your eyes and hear with your ears is bhram (illusion). What you see and understand when your senses are closed that is truth. Because what is present in every speck that is only what is called maya. As the sloka goes- Ya devi sarvbhuteshu Vishnu maya shabdita Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namo Namah. The Goddess who resides in every microcosm, who is the swaroop of shakti, that energy Vishnu addresses as Maya. And the one who is in every speck that is only making your 5 senses function also and these senses are your physical body, which you think yourself as. So in every speck of it Maya is present which is deluding you and this Maya which is deluding you is this body, this creation and the physical truth. But a Yogi, does not have to do anything with physical truth, he just wants to reach the complete truth (poorna satya) and you cannot reach there with your 5 senses open because they will keep deluding you. The shakti of the body which is also called Aura, shakti of surya which is called its tej is not visible to the eyes. Those who show these to eyes they are fooling you, because drishti is swaroop of maya only. That is visible from some other indri and to open that indri you first have to do yog and to do yog ❐ you have to do a lot of hard work. Nothing is easy. —The writer Yogi Ashwini Ji is the head of Dhyan Foundation, Delhi. For details contact: ashwiniyogi@yahoo.co.in
IndIanS In USa
Recognition for Dr Chopra Bellhaven Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care (Brookhaven, NY) and Dr. Sachin Chopra have been recognized with a 2014 IPRO Quality Award. The awards, given annually by IPRO, recognize organizations and professionals that demonstrate a commitment to improving the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries. IPRO is the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) for New York State. The awards were given during IPRO’s 30th Annual Meeting at the Marriot Hotel in New York. Focusing on proactive prevention and management processes, Dr. Sachin Chopra lead the medical wound care team and was successful in its quality improvement journey, and recognized by IPRO for its exemplary performance: significantly reducing the rates of high-risk pressure ulcers for its residents by 59.8 per cent. IPRO is a national organization that provides a full spectrum of healthcare assessment and improvement services that foster more efficient use of resources and enhance healthcare quality to achieve better patient outcomes. Dr Sachin Chopra is a graduate of Cornell University, New York Medical College, and NYCOM. He was awarded the prestigious “Resident of the Year” Award at the Long Island Jewish/ North Shore Health System at Plainview; and was also honored by the New York State Assembly and the
Maureen Valvo, Senior quality improvement specialist, IPRO (far left), presents the 2014 Quality Award (pictured from Left to right) Josephine ledee, Dr Robert Roche; Charles Edouard Gros (CEO of Bellhaven); Kelly Moteiro; Dr Sachin Chopra and Matthew Pernice New York State Senate for medical care helping the critical care of underserved populations. He currently is on the Medical Board of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Nursing Home. Chopra thanked his family and colleagues, and said he was honored to be a part of the medical team that is dedicated to patient care.
Pennsylvania Cow Sanctuary
Laba welcomes Jamaican Ambassador
There is a “Cow Sanctuary” in Bangor, Pennsylvania. Known as Lakshmi Cow Sanctuary, whose tagline is "Promoting Love and Compassion for All", it reportedly “rescues” cows and provides safe and nurturing haven, and a free and loving environment to them. Many people celebrate their special events here by feeding cows and find sanctuary a “deeply inner-transformative experience”. The sanctuary also sells organic dried cow dung patties for use in some Hindu ceremonies. Spread over 42 acres, it currently has 16 cows with names like Vedanta, and similar others drawn from ancient Indian texts. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed commended efforts of the Sanctuary to provide protection to cows which are held sacred by Hindus and are considered the seat of many deities. Also referred as “Mother Cow”, this divine animal was venerated from an early period by Hindus worldwide. Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed the need of more such cow sanctuaries world over to provide caring shelters for cows, whom oldest existing scripture Rig-Veda described as aghnya, or not slayable. Dr. Sankar Sastri, a former dean of engineering in New York City College of Technology, is the founder-president of this Sanctuary located about 70 miles from New York City. “Our cows are not used for dairy production, many come to us from dairy farms and have required up to 6 months to trust humans again,” an announcement says.
L A B A’s chairman, Uday Dholakia welcomed Her Excellency Mrs. Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, the Jam a i c a n Ambassador to the UK to Leicester. The talks with the Ambassador ranged from forming trading links between Jamaica and LABA around food and drink as well as promoting inward investment, academic links and links with creative industries. The Ambassador was also keen to utilise LABA’s links with the Indian sub-continent to promote opportunities for investment in infrastructure of ports, roads and industrial parks and film locations for Bollywood. The Ambassador invited LABA to take a delegation to Jamaica supported by JAMPRO (the Trade and Investment arm of Jamaican government). Uday dholakia presented the Ambassador with Kashmiri Shawl as a welcome gift from LABA and received a tin of the world famous Blue Mountain coffee from the Ambassador.
38 india empire | september 2014
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