INDIA NEWSLETTER
Embassy of India, Tel Aviv
No.38 July - September 2009
Independence Day Celebrations
Ambassador addressing the gathering
The 63rd Anniversary of Independence Day of India was celebrated at Embassy residence on August 15, 2009. The event was attended by around 600 people comprising persons of Indian origin, business community, students, Embassy staff and their families and other well wishers. Following the hoisting of the national
flag and singing of national anthem, Ambassador Navtej Sarna read from the President of India’s address to the nation delivered on the eve of Independence Day. A cultural programme was also organized that included Kuchipudi dance by Ms. Yael Tal, patriotic songs/dance by Indian community dance groups of Mr. Avraham Bhonkar, Kuchipudi dance by Yael Tal Mr. Rony Bhastekar, Ms. Sophia Solomon and ‘Namaste Israel’. A lively and vibrant Bhangra dance was performed by members of the Indian contingent of UNDOF. Contingent members of UNDOF performing the ‘bhangra’
Indian Film Festival in Israel, December 7-26, 2009 The Embassy is organizing an Indian Film Festival in Israel in collaboration with the Cinematheques of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, and Shai Motion Pictures, Petah Tikva. The inaugural function will be held on December 7, 2009 at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque with the screening of ‘Taare Zameen Par’ directed by Aamir Khan and starring Aamir Khan, Darsheel Safary, Tanay Chheda. This will be followed by other inaugural screenings at the Jerusalem and Haifa Cinematheques. The festival would also be screening some of the acclaimed Indian films including ‘Corporate’ (Bipasa Basu, Kay Kay Menon, Raj Babbar), ‘Anaahat’ (Sonali Bendre, Anant Nag, Deepti Naval), ‘Baazi’ (Dev Anand, Geeta Bali), ‘Rock On’ (Farhan Akhtar, Prachi Desai, Arjun Rampal, Puram Kohli, Luke Kenny) and ‘Wednesday’ (Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Shergill, Deepal Shaw). The film festival will be screening these films at the
cinematheques of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa from December 7-26, 2009. More information, including the programme schedules, etc., can be obtained from the three cinematheques. Tel Aviv Cinematheque Tel: 03 6060800, website: www.cinema.co.il, Jerusalem Cinematheque Tel: 02 5654339, website: www.jer-cin.org.il, Haifa Cinematheque Tel: 04 8353529 / 04 8104299, website: www.ethos.co.il . HOT Channel will be the media partner for the festival. Please also visit the Embassy website www.indembassy.co.il for more information.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
What's on at the Indian Film Festival ‘Taare Zameen Par’ Directed by Aamir Khan Cast: Aamir Khan, Darsheel Safary, Tanay Chheda
The film tells the story of eight year old Ishaan (Darsheel Safary) who suffers greatly until a teacher (Aamir Khan) identifies him as dyslexic. Both commercially and critically acclaimed, ‘Taare Zameen Par’ is the winner of the 2008 Filmfare Best Movie Award and the 2008 National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare. It has drawn the wide acclaim of critics, while doing well at the box office. ‘Corporate’ Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar Cast: Bipasha Basu, Kay Kay Menon, Raj Babbar
‘Corporate’ centers around the power games between two industrialists, The Sehgal Group of Industries (SGI) owned by Vinay Sehgal (Rajat Kapoor) and the Marwah Group of Industries owned by Dharmesh Marwah (Raj Babbar). The two companies are traditional rivals in the food products business. Bipasha Basu plays Nishigandha Dasgupta aka Nishi, Vice President of SGI, while Vinay Sehgal's brother-in-law Ritesh (Kay Kay Menon) joins in later as senior vice president. Ashwini, a politician backed by Sehgal, become the Union Finance Minister, which helps the Sehgal Group to enter a lucrative partnership. 2
‘Anaahat’ Directed by Amol Palekar Cast: Sonali Bendre, Anant Nag, Deepti Naval
‘Rock On !!’ Directed by Abhishek Kapoor. Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Prachi Desai, Arjun Rampal, Puram Kohli, Luke Kenny
‘Anaahat’ (Eternity) is a Marathi film (produced in 2003) directed by Amol Palekar. ‘Anaahat’ focuses on a woman (Sonali Bendre) asserting her right to sexual fulfillment. ‘Anaahat’, (the eighth feature film of the actor-turned-director), is the second offering by Palekar which examines gender-related issues, the first being Daayra. The film was inspired by Surendra Verma’s Hindi play Surya ki Antim Kiran Se Surya Ki Pehli Kiran Tak. ‘Anaahat’ was screened as the opening film of the 2003 Indian Panorama, an International film festival.
‘Rock On!!’ is the story of four friends who put together the greatest band this country has ever seen, but never make it. They, namely Aditya (Farhan), Joe (Arjun), KD and Rob (Luke Kenny), fight hard to take their band 'Magik' to the position of number one. They get the opportunity to hit the music chart with an opportunity won in a competition of Channel V. The music channel also provides them with a chance of recording their first album. But no victory comes without its different effects.
‘Baazi’ Directed by Guru Dutt Cast: Dev Anand, Geeta Bali, Kalpana Kartik ‘Baazi’ is a 1951 Indian Hindi film directed by Guru Dutt. Dev Anand's N a v k e t a n production house produced the movie, and as per a commitment given by Dev Anand to Guru Dutt in their days of struggle, the movie was directed by Dutt. The movie stars Dev Anand with Geeta Bali and Kalpana Kartik. It is a crime thriller and had very popular music composed by S.D. Burman. The film is a tribute to the Forties' Film Noir Hollywood with the morally ambiguous hero, the transgressing siren, and shadow lighting. It was very successful at the box-office.
‘Wednesday’ Directed by Neeraj Pandey Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Shergill, Deepal Shaw
Mumbai, the financial capital of India, the city that never sleeps, the city of dreams, fast paced and ever changing, home to Bollywood! A City of beauty but also a city that got scarred! A city whose foundation is slowly crumbling beneath its façade of invincibility! 'Wednesday!' tells the story of certain events that unfold between 2.pm and 6 pm on a particular Wednesday in this city. Events which do not exist in any record but which deeply affect the lives of those involved.
ECONOMIC NEWS
Excerpts from President H.E. Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil’s Address to the Nation As we celebrate our 63rd Independence Day, I would like to convey a special word of gratitude to the brave personnel of the armed forces and the paramilitary forces who guard our frontiers. I call on fellow citizens to join me in paying homage to all those who took part in the freedom movement and gave us a sovereign nation. Freedom was won and the task of nation building brooked no delay. On 15th August, 1947 itself, Bapuji was quick to remind us of this. He said, “From today you have to wear the crown of thorns. Strive ceaselessly to cultivate truth and nonviolence. Be humble. Be forbearing…now you will be tested through and through.” The four essential pillars necessary to support the edifice of India have been and remain - democracy, inclusive economic development, social empowerment and a value system based on our civilizational heritage. Our uninterrupted democratic credentials and our steady economic progress achieved due to our hard work have fortified India’s stature. We have a large domestic market and inherent strengths to drive the economy forward. We must prepare for the future world whose contours will be shaped by innovation, technology and a spirit of enterprise. India has been playing a leading role in the knowledge,
economy and in the IT and IT enable sectors. After all, history tells us that since ancient times, India was a wealthy nation, well known for its riches and its global importance. However, India which is a civilization in continuum seeks in addition to material progress, enrichment of human life through cultural advancement, a constant search for knowledge and understanding, and above all, social justice. I am confident that our nation will move forward to become an exemplary democracy, an economic power and a progressive society. The importance of values in the nation building endeavour. Harmony and peaceful co-existence have been at the core of our civilization. They are messages relevant for all times and ages. They can, perhaps, never be outdated. India should build its destiny on a culture of peace and harmony. India has shown a remarkable capacity to assimilate change as well as the influences that have been brought to its land over centuries by the many groups who came here. Peaceful co-existence is inherent in our culture. Terrorism, which targets innocent people, is the very anti-thesis of peaceful coexistence. It must be defeated in the interest of the collective goal of humankind to build peaceful societies and a peaceful world.
High Level Maharashtra HLS delegation visits Israel Mumbai. During their visit, the delegation met with Israel’s Chief of Police and other senior police officials. The delegation visited several HLS related sites including a Border Police base, the Police Command and Control The Indian delegates meet with Israel's Chief of Police Center, Ashdod Seaport A 6-member delegation led by Mrs. and more. The delegation met with Chandra Iyengar, Additional Chief several Israeli Security Experts to discuss Secretary (Home), Government of the concept of “Safe Cities”. Maharashtra, visited Israel from July 11- The delegates also met with various 17, 2009. Israeli Home Land Security companies The delegation also included Mr. D. that presented their unique capabilities. Sivanandan, Police Commissioner of
Delegation from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas visits Israel A high-level delegation led by Mr. Sunil Jain, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, visited Israel from July 28-31, 2009 to participate in the Tripartite Meeting (Israel - India - Turkey) of Ceyhan Red Sea Project in Israel. The delegates met with top officials from the Israel Ministr y of National Infrastructure as well as officials from the Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline Company (EAPC). The delegates also visited EAPC’s headquarters in Ashkelon. 3
ECONOMIC NEWS
The Second India-Israel Forum
Meeting with Israel's President, Mr. Shimon Peres
The Second India – Israel Forum took place from September 8-10, 2009 at the Hilton Hotel in Tel Aviv. The Forum was organized by the Harold Hartog School of Government and Policy, Tel Aviv University, with the cooperation of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). 23 Indian and 34 Israeli leading business people and officials participated in the Forum. The Indian participants included H.E. Navtej Sarna, Indian Ambassador to Israel, officials from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), CEOs and other senior officials from various
leading Indian companies. The Israeli participants included representatives from the academia, Bank of Israel (led by Prof. Stanley Fischer), Mr. Mark Sofer, Ambassador of Israel to India, and top officials from various leading Israeli companies. The objective of this Forum was to further explore ways to increase the cooperation between India and Israel in various sectors including: Infrastructure, Real Estate, Investment and Financial Resources, Technology, Industry, Agriculture, and more.
At the conference
Israeli Telecom Delegation visits India
Group photo of the Israeli delegation
A 19-member delegation comprising leading Israeli telecom companies visited India from September 7-11, 2009, in order to explore possible corporation between Israeli and Indian telecom companies. The delegation was organized by the Israel Export and International 4
Cooperation Institute under the “Shavit” programme. The delegation had representatives from Israeli telecom companies that specialize in Wireless Networking, Network Optimization, VAS, BSS, Access / Transport, Testing, and Enterprise Services.
B2B meetings between the Israeli delegates and Indian companies
INDIAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC NEWS INDIAN ECONOMY FIIs invest US$ 7.44 billion in Indian stocks during July-September 2009 Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) made a net investment of US$ 7.45 billion in equities during July-September 2009, according to data with the market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Manufacturing grows as PMI rises in September The HSBC Markit Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), based on a survey of 500 companies, rose to 55 in September 2009 from 53.2 in August 2009, indicating growth in the Indian manufacturing industry on the back of strong industrial orders and increased local demand. Investments in health infrastructure to get a booster dose The spend on healthcare infrastructure in the country is projected to grow at 5.8% annually to reach US$14.2 billion by 2013, a near 50% increase over the 2006 level, according to research firm KPMG. This forecast on the expenditure includes spends both by the government and the private sector on construction and maintenance of buildings that would house medical research, drug production or primary health care services. Infrastructure companies sign US$ 4.2 billion loan pacts with World Bank Representatives from the Government of India, India Infrastructure Finance Co Ltd. (IIFCL), Power Grid Corporation and World Bank, have signed loan agreements for three projects amounting to US$ 4.2 billion, which will go into long-term finance for infrastructure projects, capacity building of IIFCL, assisting public sector banks in credit growth and strengthening the power transmission system. Hotel Industry in India witnesses tremendous boom According to the world travel and tourism council, the growth in the hospitality industry is pegged at 15% every year, and with 200,000 rooms (both luxury and budget) needed in the country, the segment is poised for stupendous growth. (Continued on page 7)
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
International Crafts Festival, Jerusalem
At the International Crafts Festival in Jerusalem
The Embassy in coordination with Ministry of Textile, Government of India, sponsored the visit of five master craft persons from India who participated in the 34th International Arts and Crafts festival. The festival was organised by the Municipality of Jerusalem from August
3-15, 2009 at “The Sultan’s Pool”, Old City Walls, Jerusalem. The Indian craft persons exhibited their expertise and products, which included art metalware, wood carving, miniature painting, enamel jewellary and terracotta pottery. Pavilions of more than 50 countries including India were displayed at the festival. The exhibits of crafts from India invited keen attention of visitors/tourists. Mr. Sujit Ghosh, First Secretary and three other officials of the Embassy attended the festival reception on August 12, 2009, visited the Indian pavilion and interacted with the Indian craft persons.
Onam Celebration
At the Onam celebrations in Hedera
Onam Celebration was organised on September 4, 2009 at Nave Haim, 3 Emek Yizrael Street, Hadera by Ms. Sima Molly and a group of about 50 Malayalee immigrants. The celebration included women’s songs, a brief on Onam followed by an Onam feast. Mr. Sharad Srivastava, First Secretary attended the celebration.
Screening of Indian Movie
Indian Classical Dance Performance
Renditions of Kuchipudi and Odissi at the Suzanne Dellal Dance Centre, Tel Aviv
An event of Indian classical dance performance - “Anjali” was held in Suzanne Dellal Dance Centre, Neve
Tzedek, Tel Aviv, on the evening of July 25, 2009. Ms. Yael Tal, an Israeli dancer who is learning Kuchipudi dance in India under ICCR scholarship performed Kuchipudi dance and Mr. Yuval Cohen (who learnt Odissi dance under ICCR scholarship) performed Odissi dance along with Ms. Ortal Cohen at the event. Mr. Sujit Ghosh, First Secretary and other Embassy officials attended the function. The event was attended by an audience of about 200-250 Israelis who applauded the performance.
The Embassy of India in coordination with the Students Council of Weizmann Institute of Science, Rechovot, has started screening an Indian movie every month in the Wolfson Auditorium for students and faculty members. The Indian movie ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ (a movie about Gandhigiri - Satyagraha, nonviolence, and truth) was screened on Sept 23, 2009 at the auditorium.
BOOK LAUNCH - Hebrew version of the “Autobiography of a Yogi”
Ambassador launches the Hebrew version of the book in the presence of the translators
The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv hosted a function on September 15 2009 to launch the Hebrew version of one of the most famous books on Yoga -
“Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramhansa Yogananda. Paramahansa Yogananda’s work relates his life story, his search for truth, his understanding of the science and philosophy of yoga, and his beliefs in the unifying aspects of Eastern and Western religions. Ambassador appreciated such efforts for promoting better understanding and respect for each other’s culture and traditions. Dr. Udi Bilu and Mr. Ronen Kats, who translated this famous work of Indian philosophy into Hebrew, expressed the hope that the book would satisfy the urge among many Israelis to
know more about India’s rich philosophical and cultural heritage. Dr. Udi Bilu and Mr. Ronen Kats and their Brighu Yoga friends in Israel, who are students of Dr. Brahama Gopal Bahaduri from Varanasi, are devoted followers of the doctrine of Bhrigu Yoga and are practicing the same in academia and in selected units of the IDF. They have previously also published Hebrew version of the works of Swami Vi v e k a n a n d a a n d h i s t e a c h e r Ramakrishna Paramhansa. The event was followed by screening of a documentary film on “River Ganga” 5
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Popular Indian Recipes low-medium heat for about 10 minutes or Samosa till the potatoes are cooked. Mix in the
Ambassador’s Visits Ambassador’s visits / events at Embassy Residence July 2, 2009: Ambassador paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Tourism, Israel, in Jerusalem. July 8, 2009: Ambassador hosted dinner at the Embassy residence in the honour of a visiting group of Indian journalists. July 22, 2009: Ambassador visited Moshav Nevatim and interacted with the Indian community there.
Indian evening in Ashdod An Indian evening was organised by the Indian community of Ashdod on July 12, 2009 at Namaste restaurant, Ashdod, in honour of a visiting group of Indian journalists. The event included Indian dance and song performances by the ‘Namaste Israel’ group followed by snacks. Mr. Sharad Srivastava, First Secretary attended the event.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN INDIA India International Trade Fair November 14-27, 2009, New Delhi www.indiatradefair.com Eima Agrimach India 2009 December 3-5, 2009 IARI, Pusa, New Delhi www.eimaagrimach.in Energy Expo December 11-14, 2009, New Delhi www.indiatradefair.com Enviro-Tech December 11-14, 2009, New Delhi www.indiatradefair.com IndiaChem 2009 December 12-14, 2009 Ahmedabad, Gujarat www.indiachemgujarat.com Municipalika January 21-23, 2010, Ahmedabad www.biztradeshows.com 13th India International Security Expo February 15-18, 2010, New Delhi www.indiatradefair.com 6
Samosa laced with finely chopped fresh vegetables
Serves: 4 Cooking time (approx.): 20 minutes + to deep fry Style: North Indian Vegetarian
Ingredients: For the Samosa stuffing: ½ cup(s) shelled green peas 2 tablespoons oil ½ teaspoon cumin seeds 2 green chillies chopped fine 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger 500 gm large potatoes peeled and cubed ½ teaspoons red chilli powder Salt to taste ½ teaspoon lemon juice ½ teaspoon(s) garam masala (hot spice mix) (optional) 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
Ingredients: For the Samosa shell: 1 cup fine flour (No.1) 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon carom seeds (optional) 3 tablespoons oil Salt to taste Water as required for kneading Oil to deep fry
cooked green peas and put off the heat. Let cool. Mix in the coriander leaves. 3. To make the samosa shell, mix together the fine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add in the carom seeds and oil. Add water little by little whilst mixing with fingers to make a stiff dough, the consistency of a short crust pastry. Keep covered with a damp cloth for about 15 minutes. 4. Divide the dough into 16 equal balls. Apply a little dry flour to each ball when rolling into a circle of 4" diameter. Cut each circle into two and lightly dampen the edges of each semicircle with water. Shape each semicircle onto a cone by pressing the cut edges together. Place a spoonful of the potato-pea filling into the cone and seal the edges well (apply some water on the edges if they do not seal well). Repeat this procedure with the rest of the balls. Deep fry in medium-hot oil in batches on medium flame till crisp and golden brown. Remove onto a paper towel. Tips: To save on time, potatoes can be pressure cooked and then cubed and tossed in spices. Chillies can be increased or decreased as desired. The samosa shell can be made with plain flour without the baking soda. Self raising flour can be used instead of plain flour, in which case omit the baking soda and baking powder. Serve hot with: Tomato ketchup.
Method: 1. Cook the peas in boiling salted water for about 10 minutes or till soft. Refresh in cold water and drain well. 2. Heat the oil in a pan. Toss in the cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add the green chillies and ginger. Fry briefly. Add the potato cubes and mix well. Add the red chilli powder, salt, and garam masala powder. Toss well. Sprinkle some water. Cover and cook on
Samosa served with chutney
INDIAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC NEWS (Continued from page 4)
Healthcare industry attracts investment opportunities from PEs, VCs The Indian healthcare industry, which is expected to reach US$ 75 billion in value in 2012 from the current US$ 35 billion, is attracting investment opportunities from private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) firms, according to private equity experts. Government scouting for e-passport component suppliers The Union Government has kick-started the process of scouting for suppliers of electronic components for another 20 million e-passports, in a move that could bring fresh business for smart card vendors, chip makers and IT firms. Over the next 24 months, the Security Printing & Minting Corporation (SPMC) of India expects to procure 20 million electronic contacts-less inlays along with its operating software for the production of e-passports. According to the tender document, the inlays have to be electronic contact-less type according to SCOSTA-CL requirements. Forex reserves rise by US$ 1.28 billion The country's foreign exchange reserves rose by US$1.28 billion to touch US$ 277.64 billion for the week ended September 4, according to the figures released in the Reserve Bank of India’s Weekly Statistical Supplement. AGRICULTURE Agri export to double in 5 years India’s agri-export turnover is expected to double in the next 5 years, said Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman Asit Tripathy. Agri-export turnover is set to rise from US$ 9 billion to nearly US$ 18 billion by 2014. India to be world’s 5th largest coffee producer India is likely to climb up in the ranking list of world top-10 coffee producing countries if the actual output in Financial Year 2009-10 matches estimates, a top official of Londonbased International Coffee Organisation (ICO) said. India is expected to replace Mexico as the fifth largest coffee producer in
the world if the new crop output matches the post blossom estimates of the state-owned Coffee Board. REAL ESTATE Accor to invest US$ 130 million for 50 hotels Accor Hospitality said it will invest US$ 130 million to come up with 50 hotels in India by 2012. Accor is the largest hotel chain in Europe, with 4,000 hotels in 90 countries. TELECOM / IT / BIOTECHNOLOGY Reliance Infratel to erect 56,600 towers by 2010 Reliance Infratel, the tower subsidiary of Reliance Communications (RCom), will build 56,596 telecom towers by FY 2010, increasing the total number of towers to 100,000. Tata DoCoMo plans to set up R&D centre NTT DoCoMo, the leading telecom provider in Japan, is planning to set up a new global research and development centre in India in association with Tata Teleservices Ltd (TTSL), its GSM partner in the country. IT industry may create 40k jobs this fiscal: Nasscom NASSCOM has projected that some 30,00040,000 students will be absorbed by IT companies this fiscal. Mckinsey & Company, in its report on the perspective of the IT industry by 2020, has given the current pace of reforms and expected constrains in talent and infrastructure supply, the exports component of the Indian IT industry is expected to reach US$ 175 billion in revenues by 2020. The domestic component will contribute US$ 50 billion in revenues by 2020. BrainLAB to open India arm next year Germany-headquartered BrainLAB group, a privately held manufacturer of softwaredriven medical technology, is planning to form an Indian subsidiary next year to localise its growing Indian operations. Microsoft in pact with TCS to launch 'virtualisation' centre Microsoft India has entered into a strategic alliance with Tata Consultancy Services
(TCS) to launch Microsoft-TCS virtualisation centre of excellence (CoE) in Chennai. At these centres, there is no need for physical storage spaces as the data is stored virtually Piramal Life lines up US$ 43.4 million for new drug research Piramal Lifesciences, the drug research company of the Piramal Group, plans to invest Rs 200 crore (US$ 43.4 million) in the next two years for developing new medicines, according to Ms. Swati Piramal, Director, Piramal Group. Indian formulation market is expected to cross US$ 13.7 billion by 2013 Socio-economic factors such as rising income levels, increasing affordability, gradual penetration of health insurance and the rise in chronic diseases would see the Indian formulation market to touch US$13.7 billion in value by 2013 with a CAGR of 12.2%. By 2015, India is expected to rank among the top 10 global pharmaceutical markets. AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY Auto sales jump by 14.51% in April-Sept The total domestic car sales in the country in the first half of Financial Year 2009-10 increased by 14.51 per cent year-on-year, according to sales figures released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Spark Electra to hit Indian roads in 12 months The electric version of General Motors India's small car, Spark, is expected to hit the Indian road in the next 12 months. In September 2009, General Motors India had entered into a technology tie-up with Bangalore-based Reva Electric Car Company to produce green cars for the Indian market. Nissan Motor to source auto parts from India Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Company plans to source auto components worth US$ 20 million during 2010 from India for its operations spanning countries including Thailand, Japan and China. The company is looking at sourcing components including engine pistols, clutches and start-up motors from India. 7
India Calling: Jim Corbett National Park
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the State of Uttaranchal, Jim Corbett National Park is heaven for wildlife lovers in India. Located around 300 kilometres away from New Delhi, it is India's first ever national park. Undoubtedly the most beautiful Park in North and Central India, Corbett National Park was established on August 8, 1936, and named after Jim Corbett, the famed hunter author-photographer-naturalist. On the road to Nainital from the Park is Jim Corbett's home, now a museum. The park covered 520 sq. kilometers in 1986, and a proposed extension of 588 sq. kilometres is under consideration. Project Tiger, which was set up with the help of the World Wildlife Fund, was launched at Dhikala, in the Corbett National Park on April 1, 1973. This project was aimed at saving the Indian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
Other Attractions in Corbett
from extinction. Over 50 mammals, 580 birds and 25 reptile species have been listed in the Corbett National Park. The insect life is also astounding, noticeable especially after the monsoons. But undoubtedly, the jewel of the Corbett is the Indian tiger. It was estimated that in 1984, the tiger population was 90 in this park. Leopards as well as lesser cats such as the leopard cat, jungle cat, fishing cat are also found here. The sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, dhole, jackal, yellow throated marten, Himalayan palmcivet, Indian grey mongoose, commonotter, porcupine, clacktaped hare are the other attractions of this area. It is possible to see elephants all over the park.
There is a lot for bird watchers in this park. It has over 580 species of birds. Most of the water birds are migrant, and arrive in winters. Some of these are the greylag, barheaded goose, duck, grepe, snipe,
Ramnagar: Situated in the rich farm belt of Terai, on the southeastern fringes of the great forests, the busy market town of Ramnagar is the main administrative centre for Corbett National Park and Project Tiger. Wildlife Viewing: Chital, Sambar, and various other Deer species find refuge in the Savannah grasslands known as the Maidan, behind the campsite to the south, and Tigers are occasionally drawn in looking for prey. Two hour elephant
sandpiper, gull and wagtail. The residents include darters, cormorants, egrets, herons, the blacknecked stork and the spurwinged lapwings. Reptiles, which are residents of this area, are the gharial, the rare fish eating, long-nosed crocodile, and a few species of turtles and tortoises. The Indian python, viper, cobra, krait and king cobra also inhabit the Corbett National Park. The National Park offers invaluable experiences for adventurous and serious minded wildlife - buffs, photographers and anglers. It is advantageous to have one's own vehicle here. Walking in some areas is permitted, but only when accompanied by a guide. Elephant rides for wildlife viewing, in the mornings and evenings, can be booked in the Dhikala complex.
rides, explore this sea of grass, rarely penetrating far into the deep jungles beyond; try to convince your Mahout or Elephant driver to venture in, as they can be quite magical. Corbett Wildlife Safari: Jeep Safari, is the most convenient way to travel within Corbett national park, and can be rented for the park trips from Ramnagar, from the KMVN Tourist Lodge and other travel agencies.
How to reach By Air: The nearest airport is situated at Pantnagar, 80-km southeast. By Rail: One can catch direct trains from Delhi, which are Delhi-Moradabad and Moradabad-Ramnagar. By Road: Frequent buses to and from Nainital and Ranikhet, 112-km north, serve Ramnagar. Buses arrive every half hour or so after the eight-hour trip from Delhi; Delhi Transport Corporation runs a semi-deluxe service, and most of the alternatives are pretty basic. 8
Best time to visit: December to April. For more on India tourism, visit: www.uttaranchaltourism.in www.tourismofindia.com www.jimcorbettnationalpark.com