JSW Connect Issue 1 - 2013

Issue 1 - 2013

CONTENTS 46

TES

F IE LD NO

08 Cover story Feature

14

Building Heights

16

An Admirable Aim Travel

18

Business news

EDITOR Jayaraman EDITORIAL TEAM Vidyadhar Hegde Amrita Mukherjee Chandra Shekhar Jha DESIGN & IMAGING Kazim Thakur Sunil Trivedi Sanjay Punjabi

awards

43

Pride and Joy Conserving Glory

22

Instilling Pride

44

24

Forging a Bond

48 GRAINS OF WISDOM

25

Passionate Players

26

Simplified Business

51

Wonder Women

52

Art for the Ages

sports

Art & CULTURE

27

Running for Glory

54

Spiritual Odyssey

CONTRIBUTORS Paresh Tiwari, Mumbai Naveen Sinha, Mumbai Rajeev Limaye, Ratnagiri Charan Raj, Bangalore Suma Shringeri, Bangalore Kuldeep Raja, Barmer GM Kedarnath, Vijayanagar C Ram, Salem Preeti Sanghi, Mumbai Deepak Bhosle, Dolvi Praveen Waghle, Kalmeshwar Alok Mehrotra, Bengal Arvind Sharma, Nandyal

28

Bringing Laurels Home

55

Culture Chronicle

PHOTOGRAPHS Pradeep Kaushik Charan Raj

Please send in your articles and photographs to jsw.connect@jsw.in

2

Misson on Wheels

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Events

29

Plugging with Automation

30 The Crusader’s Call

CSR

56

Education for All

57

Ray of Hope

32

Celebrating Sovereignty

58

Literacy Drive

34

Quiz Whiz

59

Gift of History

35

Real Mettle

60

Illuminated Minds

36

Bonding that Lasts

61

Sporting Spirit

37

Showcasing Opportunities

62

A Stitch in Time

38

Mind Over Matter

63

Here to Help

39

Super Scions

64 Talk art

40

Ideas Beyond Ordinary

66 FOOD FACTOR

41

On Cloud Nine

68 knowledge hive

42

Excellence through Dialogue

70 LEISURE

Communiqué

Editorial

Dear JSWites, The year 2012 has taken its place in history and a new year beckons to us with all of its mystery and promise. It is customary for many of us to look back upon the past 12 months in order to appraise them.

While the global economy and the domestic steel markets faced challenges in the past months, JSW continued its exponential growth. It is this tradition of taking a brave step forward, no matter what the adversities, which is highlighted by our Cover Story this time. Vasind, fondly called the “mother plant” features as the star as it completes a glorious 30 years.

Along with the story of a booming venture in Vasind, the rest of JSW also has some interesting tales to tell. Read on to find out how the passion of one JSWite led him on the journey of a lifetime. Discover one of the most famous artworks of all time, in an all new light. Soak up some facts on how life can become better with a few easy steps, all while reading up on JSW’s latest news.

Let’s all work with all our hearts towards a truly memorable 2013.

Jayaraman Editor

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Communiqué

Chairman and Managing Director I believe that to remain competitive and lead from the front, we must not entertain complacency.

Dear JSWites, I would like to wish you and your family members a very Happy New Year 2013.

Abraham Lincoln once said “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.”

It is this passion to succeed at all odds that has made our Group what it is today. Today, we stand in the new year that calls for new resolutions, promises new avenues and holds new challenges.

We must promise to ourselves and the Group that we will look back on this year with a feeling of having accomplished everything we set out for.

Our standing today, as an estimable global conglomerate, has been possible only due to the fortitude of each of our employees. Without your zeal and the support of each of your families, none of this would have been possible.

The year 2012 has just gone by and left us with feelings of pride on our achievements. This is the benchmark we must set for every day that goes by. We have yet again proved our mettle by achieving well deserved accomplishments.

I am extremely happy as the JSW Group has attained remarkable feats - all around the year. The year was full of steep challenges, that tested us at every point and yet we thrived on them as always.

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JSW Steel commenced Module – 5 and 6 of Phase 2 of the Beneficiation Plant-2 during September 2012 at the Vijayanagar works. Also, the Hot Strip Mill – 2 successfully enhanced its capacity from 3.5 MTPA to 5 MTPA and the new Cold Rolling Mill (CRM-2) Phase 1’s capacity expansion project at Vijayanagar have also been progressing satisfactorily. They will be completed during FY 2014.

Needless to say, the JSW Energy, Infrastructure and Cement teams have also joined in this trajectory of growth whole heartedly. Their contributions have gone a long way in creating remarkable value for the JSW Group. I would like to encourage every individual on each team to stay motivated and aim for an even higher growth path for the Group.

I’m very confident that the year 2013 will be even more prosperous for the Group. Most importantly, the hard work that all of you have put in last year will further propel us towards accelarated momentum to excellence.

We are poised to leap ahead, achieve greater heights and continue setting world beating standards.

My dreams are being propelled by the large pool of talent of JSW. You all have continuously responded admirably to every challenge in your path. Your inspiring ability to quickly adapt to the adverse situations is truly commendable and gives me the hope of a better tomorrow. These relentless efforts of JSWites were the sole string that guided the Group through rough phases many a times in the past as well.

As we move from strength to strength, it is important for all of us to do even better this year. I believe that to remain competitive and lead from the front, we must not entertain complacency. A cohesive approach is needed to attain sustainable competitiveness and to remain always a step ahead from the set benchmarks.

May the New Year usher in health, wealth and happiness in your lives.

Sajjan Jindal

Communiqué

Even though the global economic condition, mainly in the manufacturing sector, remained fragile in continuation of the overall trend, we went on exhibiting a robust performance.

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Communiqué

Power yourself Dear JSWites, This time, I want to share with you on a different note. I want to tell you how happiness is real when we share with someone. Giving back opens your heart, makes you light and unburdens you from your sorrows and grief.

And, it is not only giving money, it is time, love, smiles, the care that you have for others, helping others in discharging their obligations better; the list is endless.

To begin afresh is the perfect time to get new resolutions started.

Research has shown that the old adage, “it’s better to give than to receive” is true after all. I want to stress on how employee engagement is valuable especially for improving sustainability.

The need to stop and look around us has risen– charity begins from home and surely, the weight will be heavy on us if we do not set a new balance soon.

JSW Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility has come a long way.

We consider giving CSR 1.5% from the profits we make. We have invested in local communities around our projects, improving labour practices, greening supply chains, and generally giving back. JSW Foundation is playing a big role.

At JSW, we believe that the benefits of doing business should be spread across society. This should reflect in all areas surrounding our projects. Hence, we have taken up numerous CSR activities in villages around our projects to bring prosperity to these areas as a whole.

Our endeavour is to support and guide people in these areas to improve their quality of life by imparting education, skills and financial help.

Under the “Learn, Experience, Act, Persuade (L.E.A.P.) Scheme”, we have

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made an effort to offer a platform to our employees and encourage them to contribute towards the society at large by helping others.

We have introduced the concept of voluntarism to make it more participative by applying their expertise, devoting time and monetary contributions to JSW Foundation for assisting people.

The time has now come to start a concept of Individual Social Responsibility (ISR) alongwith that of CSR. Like organisations or governments, we as individuals also have this responsibility to discharge to our fellow brothers.

We can do this by doing any one of the following: • Donating directly to any social cause of upliftment of the people.

Be it for education, medical help or other means.

• Spending time with those who need it the most. Whether it be playing with impoverished children, interacting with elderly people or teaching students of municipal schools.

• Taking up the educational / medical responsibilities of people working with you at home • Plantation of tress • Cleaning of areas and creating a healthy environment Commit to something positive now.

Make sure you commit to only that which you can comfortably accomplish and you will soon see the difference in yourself.

N.K. Jain Vice Chairman, JSW Energy Chairman, JSW Infrastructure

Hope Hope

Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune--without the words, And never stops at all, And sweetest in the gale is heard; And sore must be the storm That could abash the little bird That kept so many warm.

I’ve heard it in the chillest land, And on the strangest sea; Yet, never, in extremity, It asked a crumb of me.

- Emily Dickinson

Connect Wishes you a Very Happy New Year Keep Hope Alive!

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Cover Story

JOURNEY EXCELLENCE Commissioning of 20HI

1982

Commissioning of CRM - 4 and CGL - 1

JISCO Merging to JVSL and Commissioning of CGL - 2

1995

2005

” TAKE THE FIRST STEP IN FAITH.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO SEE THE WHOLE STAIRCASE, JUST TAKE THE FIRST STEP.” SAID ONE OF THE GREATEST LEADERS OF THE 20TH CENTURY MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. IT WAS THE YEAR 1982 WHEN A NEW DAWN BEGAN TO APPEAR ON THE HORIZON OF THE INDIAN STEEL INDUSTRY.

THE SEED WHICH WAS PLANTED IN VASIND IN 1982 HAS NOW BECOME A MIGHTY TREE.

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2012

Commencement of 2 Colour Coating Lines

Story by Chandra Shekhar Jha

TODAY JSW GROUP IS AMONG THE TOP BUSINESS CONGLOMERATES OF THE NATION.

This was just the humble beginning of a mighty journey - propelled by the vision of Late Shri O.P. Jindal and determination of Mr. Sajjan Jindal, which today, has placed the JSW Group among the top business conglomerates of the nation and the world.

Back in the 80’s - O.P. Jindal Group was growing exponentially and earning the respect of its peers and the government alike. The laser sharp business acumen of Shri O.P. Jindal drew him towards the state of Maharashtra and its immense business opportunities. Without any doubts in his mind, he stepped in. The decision is still shaping the industrial landscape of the state and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Shri O.P. Jindal formed Jindal Iron & Steel Co Ltd (formerly known as‘Jindal Strips Ltd’) and Mr. Sajjan Jindal, then in his twenties, took charge of it. Soon after, he started bringing dreams into reality and churning growth.

JISCO under the dynamic leadership of Sajjan Jindal hit the ground running. Its Vasind unit soon became a formidable force in the growing Indian steel industry. It was the largest galvanized steel producer in the country then, a position it retains till today. The Vasind unit also played a major role in fueling the new facility which was coming up at Vijayanagar as Jindal Vijayanagar Steel Limited (JVSL). Later, both Jisco and JVSL merged to become ‘JSW Steel Limited’.

JISCO at Vasind was working relentlessly towards producing world class commercial grade galvanized steel - mainly used for roofing sheets, air conditioning ducts and drums. The proximity of markets, transportation and above all quality man power were all great motivation.

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Cover Story

People came, joined and never left. The compassionate and transparent culture of the Company was the greatest motivation for people to stay and give their best.

Vasind slowly and steadily evolved to become a key location for JSW. With people came families and this is how a beautiful township, adjacent to the plant, started shaping up in the year 1987. Initially, a cluster of 25 houses with 90 bachelor quarters – it has today, become a full fledged township with all the necessary amenities. The Vasind Complex boasts of three colonies and accommodates more than 650 families.

The influx of people from across the country has boosted the local economy significantly – resulting in the creation of more direct and indirect jobs & income sources for people living nearby.

Way back in the 80’s, many young men left their villages; unsure about the new place, job and people. They were sure that they would not survive for more than a couple of years and would have to return to their respective villages. But from the first time they landed at Vasind station, the warmth shown to them by the people who came to welcome them - was overwhelming. The

love and affection they received from the people around them was such that they never ever thought of leaving the place and today they have spent 30 loyal years there. Vasind has many such testimonial.

The bonding of kinship is truly reflected when anyone visits Vasind. One can feel the tenderness in the way of life of the people. All those who joined the Company in their 20s have seen a generation or two at the location. All of them have vivid memories of their beloved Bauji (Shri O.P Jindal is fondly called.Bauji) They recall with their moist eyes how Bauji used to emphasize on safety and the right mix of work and family life for happiness.

Sometimes, he used to work alongside the workers at the plant and eat at the common canteen.

Mr. N. K. Jain called the Vasind plant the mother plant of JSW. He said, “The journey of JSW started from Vasind. It has played a major role in making JSW Group what it is today.”

“People work here as if they are working for the bigger JSW family. They display tremendous commitment and hard work in executing their respective duties. It

JSW VASIND WORKS IS A PART OF INDIA’S BIGGEST PRODUCER & LARGEST EXPORTER OF GALVANIZED STEEL. 10

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comes only when you don’t do it as just a routine job.” said Mr. Sanjay Goel. The previous Vasind plant head Mr. A.C. Doshi puts it like this” Mr Sajjan Jindal’s trust on his employees is similar to the kind of faith the United States has on its Navy Seal force. And this makes a great difference.”

Another very prominent ex-Vasind Plant head Mr. R. K. Singhal said, “We capitalized on every opportunity that came our way.

Today I can say with full confidence that Vasind Works is a world class plant. And the need of the hour is to continue with speed and to avoid complacency.”

Apart from being a leading manufacturer of cold rolled products, JSW Vasind works is a part of India’s biggest producer and exporter of galvanized steel. The total capacity of Vasind Works is 0.45 MTPA of Galvanized & Cold Rolled products and 0.35 MTPA of HR Plates. The plant has facilities to produce world-class products: Hot Rolling Mill, Cold Rolling Mills, Galvanizing Lines, Color Coating Lines (Project Stage) and Railway Siding (Project Stage) The hot rolling plant started with a plate

rolling mill in 1987 with a capacity of 30000 tonne per year. In 1994, the capacity was augmented with the installation of an 80 tonne per hour capacity furnace and a 4 Hi HR Mill replaced old plate mill. To enhance the rolling capacity at the plant, a 2 Hi Roughing Mill was added in the year 1996-97. The product range includes - 8-150 mm thickness, 1500 mm width and up to 12 m length.

A Cold Rolling Mill started with 20 Hi Rolling mill in 1982 and later another 20 Hi mill was added to augment the capacity.

Another 4 Hi Rolling Mill was installed in 1990. These mills were providing cold roll with a capacity of 1.0 lacs tonne per year.

The first Galvanizing line at Vasind was installed and commissioned in 1994 with a production capacity of 60000 tonne per year. Since then, the line has been upgraded under various improvement projects. The line speed was increased up to 120 MPM in 2004, furnace capacity was increased to 35 tonne per hour, old DC drives were replaced with energy efficient AC drives.

Subsequently line production capacity has been increased to 2.4 lacs tonne per year.

The second Galvanizing line at Vasind was

commissioned in 2004 with its state-ofthe-art design to fit in the shortest space available, equipped with latest technology.

The total Galvanizing capacity at Vasind was enhanced to 4.4 lacs tonne per year.

The products of these two Galvanizing Lines hold the leadership position in both domestic and International markets.

The Vasind plant is also at the threshold of setting up two Color Coating Lines of total capacity of 0.225 mtpa. Out of the two lines, one is for Construction grade and other is for Appliance grade. The Appliance grade will be first of its kind high tech line in India. This grade of value added steel mainly caters to the demand of refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines and other home appliances.

The location is also setting up its dedicated railway siding to further facilitate both inward and outward freight. The project is on the verge of completion.

Vasind has not only surged ahead in producing world class value added steel products but also led from the front in delivering value to the people associated with it, directly or indirectly.

VASIND LED FROM THE FRONT IN DELIVERING VALUES TO THE PEOPLE ASSOCIATED WITH IT. connect | ISSUE 1 - 2013

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Cover Story

Vasind Works Plant

The Vasind Township boasts of some world class infrastructure. Prominent among all is the Jindal Squash Academy (JSA). One of the very best in the country, it promotes the lesser known sports in India. It has evolved gradually as a great place to learn, practice and professionally opt for Squash as a career.

The major credit for this goes to Late Sunil Verma, former Coach and Mentor, to make JSA what it is today. The players under his training have already won many national and international medals in the sport.

Today more than 150 children are learning the game at JSA and will prove to be a force to reckon with in years to come.

Jindal Squash Academy

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JINDAL SQUASH ACADEMY IS A WORLD CLASS SPORTS FACILITY PRODUCING PROMISING PLAYERS FOR THE COUNTRY.

Jindal Vidya Mandir

Jindal Vidya Mandir (JVM – Vasind) another state-of-the-art educational facility for the children of the employees and people outside. JVM – Vasind was founded in1989 and at present more than 1500 students are on the rolls. The English medium school is affiliated to the Central Board of School Examination (CBSE-New Delhi).

The school has been accredited with ISO 9001:2000 and decorated with the prestigious IMC Ramakrishna Bajaj National Quality Award. JVMVasind endeavors to provide academic excellence to its students while nurturing the physical and social skills of children.

The township also hosts a ten bedded hospital with full time doctors and 4 visiting doctors. The vibrant township at Vasind hosts almost all the major Indian festivals, namely Holi, Vishwakarma Puja, Ganesh Puja, Navratri and Diwali.

Vishwakarma puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm at the location; both Mr. Sajjan Jindal and Mrs. Sangita Jindal perform the puja on this occasion.

The day before the Vishwakarma Puja, the location celebrates its annual day function, with a cultural extravaganza which is one of the grand events of the JSW family. Hundreds of employees gather to celebrate the annual day.

Children from JVM-Vasind stage dance performances and many employees also get an opportunity to showcase their talents on the occasion.

It has been more than 30 years from that first step taken towards unleashing

unprecedented growth and excellence at Vasind. The resolve is to conquer greater heights with speed and precision.

The people of Vasind have the demeanor of a winner and they had been fighting all the odds to come out - enriched and experienced. The location is and will remain an inseparable unit in the overall value chain of the USD 11 billion business empire. We continue to work on our vision and values every day.

Students of JVM - Vasind today

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Feature JSSL

Building

Heights

India will soon make it to a select club of nations that boast of skyhigh Air Traffic Control (ATC) towers. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, being developed by the GVK-promoted Mumbai International Airport Ltd, will be home to the country’s tallest ATC tower - at 83.80 metres. JSW Severfield Structures is an integral part of the project and is taking care of connection design, fabrication, erection, metal decking and fire protection.

T

he Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower is a triangular three dimensional structure and is roughly the height of a 30-storey building. The tower, which will sport a distinctive design, comprises of four floors each at its base (for security and AAI staff) and at the top (for ATC operational area, navigation equipment). The rest of the tower, between the base and apex floors, will be a concrete shaft for accommodating lifts and staircase. Since the new structure will be taller than the existing 60-metre tower, its view will extend 8 km beyond both ends of the runway.

Mumbai International Airport Ltd. - Air Traffic Control Tower is considered an architectural statement having won the Hong Kong Building Information Modeling (BIM) Award for the year 2009.

Time, Height and Fire Safety were the most important concerns while designing this Structure. Inevitably Steel was chosen as the material for construction.

The ATC Tower is an iconic structure and a landmark addition to Mumbai’s skyline. It is the tallest structure in the area, with a roof at 84m above ground. The tower combines aesthetic designs with stringent traffic control requirements.

The sloping skirts are present primarily as an architectural feature, but also break up the air flow around the tower, reducing the windinduced vibrations. The control of vibrations was achieved without the use of dampers.

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Aerial View of the tower

The tower, with a bird’s eye view of the city, is meant to keep a close watch on the movement of aircrafts. The ground controllers on the ATC tower are to provide directions and information on weather, prevent collisions and maintain smooth flow of air traffic among other functions.

The Tower is built on a site area of 1,200 sq meters consisting of four floors at its base (for accommodating security and Airports Authority of India (AAI) staff for ATC operations) and four floors at the top (for accommodating ATC Operational area, Navigation equipments, etc). The rest of the tower, between the base and apex floors, is only a RCC shaft accommodating lifts and staircase.

The airport’s developers L&T and GVK selected JSW Severfield Structures Ltd (JSSL) to execute the major project: giving credit to the impressive experience on highly specialized airport construction internationally.

The project requires a high level of accuracy in the fabrication and experience of working at heights in very congested areas. JSSL’s scope includes connection design, fabrication, erection, metal decking and fire protection.

According to the experts with knowledge of the new ATC construction, the structure is expected to face a lot of wear and tear over a period of time and needs to be maintained well. The Tower which is expected to start functioning soon will be painted with a unique paint that is guaranteed to last for 15 years.

Another important feature of the tower will be the huge glass panels that are to be fitted on the tower’s windscreen. Officials say that glass panels of such sizes and durability are not available in India at present and therefore, the ones to be used were imported from China.

Airport officials said that once the construction of the new ATC tower is completed, it will be handed over to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) that will handle and operate it. Operations of the existing ATC tower will then be shifted here.

JSSL is seen as a precursor to greater usage of structural steelwork in India. The Company is already achieving new heights in the structural steel segment. It is the onestop solution in steel construction in the country. JSSL is equipped to plan and execute desired quality specifications in a timely manner without cost overrun.

New ATC Tower at Mumbai

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15

An Admirable Aim Paras Kedia’s idea to extend the concept of Carbon Credit to trees can save the planet as well as boost the economy We all know glaciers are melting daily because of Global Warming. Yet we do nothing but think of contributing towards mitigating it.

A nature loving Chartered Accountancy student, Paras Kedia has designed a scheme that controls global warming and supercharges the economy.

Carbon Credit system plays a vital role in saving the environment. Paras applies the same to trees and calls it Tree Credit!

Tree Credit will be a benefit given for planting and possessing trees. It is directly proportional to the trees a person plants and possesses.

One can sell these credits to others.

One who possesses less or no trees will have to buy credits from those who do.

You purchase Tree Credits if you have less than 40 trees per acre Consider a company that owns 500 acres of land. Going by the rule, it should own at least 20,000 (500 x 40) trees to avoid purchasing Credits.

Key to the table The gray denotes tax slabs. The blue denotes land ownership and the yellow denotes the rate of tree credit allocation. It’s calculated as a % of trees owned. A higher tree credit rate is better.

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Feature

Land owned>

Less than 10,000 sq. feet of land

Tax Slab 10 20 30

20 17.5 15

More than 10,000 but More than 1,00,000 sq. less than 1,00,000 sq. feet of land feet of land Tree Credit’ Rate (% of trees owned) 17.5 15 15 12.5 12.5 10

The table shows that the credit rates differ for tax slabs and land ownership, giving higher tree credit rate to people who earn less and own less land.

This benefits the Indian economy, since a majority forms the 10% and 20% tax slab. Giving them higher credit means most people will participate in this.

Allotting higher credits to 10% and 20% slabs can reduce income inequality, which helps the economy to grow.

The rate of tree credit also falls as land ownership increases. Why? This encourages more urban tree plantation. Privately owned urban land is usually in small plots because of the cost and availability. Added to that, the urban areas are major pollution generators. *The figures in the table are illustrative and may change.

To calculate credit rates Assume you planted 30 trees in a year Assume you fall in the 10% slab and own less than 10,000 sq. ft of land.

You will be eligible for 20% of trees owned. 30 trees x 20% i.e. 6% Since tree credit is directly linked to the trees owned, every added tree will increase your credit rate. This rate will be used as a % of your GTI and Deductions under chapter VI of the Income Tax Act.

So, assuming you GTI is Rs. 3,00,000 The Tree Credit is 3,00,000 x 6% = 18,000 Tree Credits Now, check deduction u/s 80 availed.

Say you availed 1,00,000.

So credits will be 1,00,000 x 6% = 6,000 Tree Credits = 18,000 + 6,000 = 24,000 for the 1st year.

Tree Credit is directly related to GTI and deduction under chapter VI. It also encourages investments.

If in the 2nd year you planted 50 trees.

You now own 80 trees.

The Credits are allowed on cumulative trees. That means, trees planted in previous years will earn credits later, provided they are alive. Assuming everything remain constant, in the 2nd year you’re eligible for 64,000 Credits. = 80 trees * 20% = 16% = (3,00,000 GTI+1,00,000 Deduction)*16%= 64,000 Credits.

Now accumulated Tree Credit will be 24000 + 64000 = 88,000 (provided you don’t sell Credits.)

The rate at which Credits are sold will be decided by a Government department.

A few clarifications: 1. Who checks if the assessee should purchase Tree Credits?

2. Is the Credit claim genuine?

3. Who verifies if the trees exist?

Arborists, who are specialists in trees, can be Certified after they pass a government exam. Arborists will be the Accountants of the assessee’s trees.

What if a person does not own land?

What are his options?

The government conducts a Public Plantation Scheme (PPS) annually.

The government also allocates land annnually for plantation by people who don’t own land.

It is assumed they own 10,000 sq. feet to calculate tree credits. By planting trees in PPS and following the table they can earn credits similar to land owners.

How is the economy affected? a. It creates employment opportunities. b.It opens a new area of study. c. Government’s tax revenue increases. d.Encourages investments in Chapter VI, which increases government funds. e. Reduces Tax evasion. f. Protects the environment and prevent natural disasters.

Those who wish to read this article in detail can visit: treesaviour.blogspot. com where Paras gives solutions to queries.

This article is nothing but a piece of paper until the Government of India approves and implements it. So let us all contribute by sharing this innovative and life saving idea with others.

Carbon Credit focuses on reducing carbon emissions, whereas this scheme will focus on increasing the carbon absorption capacity of earth.

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Travel Vijayanagar

GM Kedarnath, is an Assistant Manager in PPC at JSW Steel, Vijayanagar Works. His first hand account brings to light the power of an everyday man’s dreams.

Mission on I

ndia is an amazing place to travel. If you come across ten people who have travelled in India, you’ll hear ten different amazing stories. Well, I actually experienced it myself and it was worth a lifetime.

I had been thinking of a bike trip to Leh-Ladakh and the world’s highest motorable road – Khardung La at 18,380 feet. My dream route was from Vijayanagar to Leh-Ladakh, from there to Khardung La and then back to Vijayanagar via Manali. Most importantly, I wanted to cover this entire distance (more than 8000 kms) on my bike.

I decided to set out on my own to make my dream come true. At that point, I was almost clueless about managing food, clothing and accommodation throughout the trip.

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I soon figured out that the most crucial thing would be to learn every possible detail about my bike to handle any breakdowns on the way. I have spent enough time with Royal Enfield mechanics to know my Thunderbird Twinspark inside out. I perfected some basics like changing the spark plug cable, gas (accelerator) cable, changing the tube, tightening the chain, checking and cleaning the spark plug.

A solo bike journey is actually a team effort. It’s a team made of your bike and yourself. If you understand your vehicle it’ll definitely reciprocate. My bike didn’t let me down once and I marvel at its power.

The longest drive I had ever done before was the 320 km ride from Bangalore to Vijayanagar. But this expedition was a whole new ball game.

My next dream is to ride through Vijayanagar-Pakistan-AfghanistanIran-Turkey-Bulgaria-SerbiaBudapest-Prague-Germany and then return to Vijayanagar. I know it sounds eccentric but I have no doubts that I can do it.

Kargil

Sonamarg

Leh

Srinagar

Manesar

Amritsar

Ambala

- GM Kedarnath Mathura Agra

Gwalior

Indore

Wheels

Pune

I hit the road on the 2nd of May, 2012 from Vijayanagar to Bangalore. The journey to Bangalore with a heavy backpack and a camera was the most agonizing. By the time I reached Bangalore, I was in tremendous pain.

It took me two days to prepare my bike with the necessary accessories for the trip. I understood that I need to equip myself for the long journey ahead, carefully. I worked on the premise of fewer loads to increase the efficiency of my bike and myself.

I got a new customized carriage fixed on my bike to balance the load and carried my camera in my bag pack. My next destination was Pune - 850 km away. The four lane highway was very comfortable; I managed to maintain a speed of 100 km/ph. It was my first sense of exhilaration.

Hubli

Toranagallu

Bangalore

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Travel Vijayanagar

From Pune to Indore, a stretch of 617 km was not comfortable. As the temperature soared, the ice-cold water in my bottles started to boil and I had to stop at every 100 km to freshen-up. From Nashik onwards I survived only on mineral and coconut water.

To add to my problems, my bike’s silencer broke and I couldn’t reach Indore as planned. I had to spend a night at a roadside dhaba (motel). Although reaching Indore the next day was a revelation and to add to my joy, Narmada’s Maheshwar Ghat completely enthralled me.

The challenges were coming one after another. From Indore to Gwalior was 495 km of patchy road and driving was difficult. I faced two flat tyres. By afternoon, even pushing my bike to the nearest house sapped all my energy and by the time I got it fixed, I was completely drained. Adding to my disappointment, I was still 395 km from Gwalior. At around 6.30 pm, the tyre gave-up again. However luckily, I was close to a repair shop.

I reached Gwalior the next morning and the gorgeous Gwalior fort was the reward for my ordeals.

I visited the Taj Mahal and Mathura on the way to Delhi. I spent a night at a friend’s place in Ambala and set off for Amritsar the very next morning. Amritsar was a magnificent experience. I could physically feel the positive vibes in the air. I had a memorable night there as I slept in the Gurudwara and the spiritual high cannot be described in words.

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It kept getting colder. My jacket and gloves were becoming useless. In Srinagar, I found accommodation in a guest house adjacent to Dal Lake, a dream come true moment for me. Courtesy of a curfew the next day, all shops were closed and finding food was a herculean task. Finally, I managed to grab a glass of leftover milk and a stale paratha. The bone-numbing cold and hunger pangs haunted me throughout the night.

But, even though the mission had started looking impossible a night before, with morning came new hope. I was also running short of fuel. Luckily, I found a petrol pump and managed to take two extra 5 litre cans of petrol, even though it weighed me down. I knew that once I left Srinagar, the next petrol pump would only be in Kargil, 200 km away.

I left for Sonmarg early, after having a wholesome meal of rice and mutton; the best food I had in Kashmir. I reached Sonmarg the same evening. The ride was awesome. The weather was cool, the mountains white with snow, rivers were gurgling through the rocks, verdant greenery and the pristine air surrounded me.

Night at Sonmarg was even colder. Even buying new thermals was not enough. I would like to extend my heartiest thanks to the Deputy Director of J&K Tourism Development for providing me accommodation from Sonmarg to Leh. The J&K police were also very helpful in getting me a recommendation from the Tourism Department for my travel assistance in Jammu and Kashmir.

You tend to witness lots of changes in geography and weather conditions as you progress towards the north from southern India. It kept getting cooler as I started off from Manesar Lake. I reached Srinagar at 8 pm of the second day since I left Amritsar. The 200 km stretch from Manesar to Srinagar was very arduous.

Even a carefree highway drive becomes a cautious endeavour, keeping in sight every turn-every bend.

Soon, I began to realize that the snowy mountains were getting closer.

Even with thermals, jackets and gloves I was shivering the entire night. The next morning was a bigger challenge. All I could see were big, snow covered mountains and black lines that I presumed were roads.

It was raining and had snowed all night. Even though I was prepared, the police didn’t allow me to cross the check post. The roads ahead were closed and I had to spend another tough night in Sonmarg.

An exciting highlight of this stretch was the drive through the 2.5 km Jawahar Tunnel, for which I had to wait an hour because of the traffic. The tunnel was filled with exhaust smoke and visibility was a bare minimum.

When I finally saw the light, it felt like a blessing.

The road at Captain Mod, to cross the Zoji La Pass was very difficult to ride through. Since army convoys were heading to Sonmarg through this narrow stretch, I had no choice but to wait four hours for my turn. I reached Kargil that evening and spent the night in a JKTDC office room.

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The next morning dawned pleasant and I rode on.

The next day was an easier ride. The 100 km stretch to Leh was a lifetime memory. I was welcomed by the beautiful terrain, the crystal blue Indus flowing alongside the road and even good road conditions. I reached Leh that evening.

I had to ride through passes and the altitude kept diminishing. The first pass was Taglang La (17582 feet), then, Lachulang La (16613 feet), the third was Baralacha La (16002 feet) and the fourth Rohtang La (13000 feet).

Now the next big target for me was Khardung La, the world’s highest motorable road. ‘La’ means pass in Tibetan. This 14 km stretch is curvy, bumpy, snowy and tedious. The oxygen in the air kept getting lower as I climbed up. I could feel my heart all the way up and down. It was snowing and my breath fogged up my visor.

I covered the 470 km from Leh to Manali in three days.

A sense of satisfaction filled me as I reached Manali. I had achieved what I had set out to do. My mission was fulfilled.

When I opened it, the snow collected on my face and eyelashes. I could feel an acute pain in my chest. After climbing to Khardung La, a sense of serenity crept over me. I felt like never letting this moment go. But I had to return now. The memory of those moments still enthralls me.

I was confident about my return journey and as planned come down via Manali. The Leh- Manali road was only open to two wheelers. From Leh to Manali was a comfortable ride as far as acclimatization was concerned.

The decision now was whether I wanted to ride back to Vijayanagar or take other transport. I relaxed in Manali for a couple of days and decided to ride back. I was very tired and riding back to Vijayanagar was not easy. It was an intuitive decision and I had to keep faith in myself.

It took me seven days to reach Vijayanagar from Manali, a distance of 2,563 km. On the way, I even lost my way and ended up in Pachmarhi, an unexplored forest in Satpura.

It had taken me 39 days to travel a total of 8,300 km across India.

I like riding the bike and travelling long distances.

It was not just a journey, but a course, through which I tried discover myself and my country, in my own humble way. My next dream is to ride through Vijayanagar-Pakis tan-Afghanis tan-Iran-TurkeyBulgaria-Serbia-Budapest-Prague-Germany and then return to Vijayanagar. I know it sounds eccentric but I have no doubts that I can do it.

Charan Raj, from Corporate Affairs, Bangalore also went on a trip of a lifetime to Ladakh. He captured the vistas before him in the lens of his camera with aweinspiring dexterity. The images used in this story are by Charan and we thank him for his valuable contribution. connect | ISSUE 1 - 2013

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Business News Vijayanagar

Instilling Pride A team of delegates from KfW IPEX Bank, Germany, took back a memorable experience from their visit to Vijayanagar

L-R: Dinesh Jain, Stefan Eitel, Reshma Chheda, Tanja Luibrand, Holger Apel and Gaurav Bhandari

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SW Steel has had a long term banking relationship with KfW IPEXBank, Germany. Recently, KfW partfinanced imports from Germany for the new 2.3 MTPA CRM Project being implemented at Vijayanagar.

To further strengthen the existing relationship with JSW Steel a visit to the Vijayanagar works was organised in the last week of September 2012. Mr. Holger Apel (Senior Director, Global Head Basic Industries), Mr. Stefan Eitel (Director, Metals & Mining) and Ms. Tanja Luibrand (Assistant Vice President, Metals & Mining) from KfW, Frankfurt and Mr. Gaurav Bhandari (Senior Representative, KfW, Mumbai)

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visited Vijayanagar works accompanied

by Mr Dinesh Jain and Ms. Reshma Chheda from JSW Steel, Corporate Finance, Mumbai.

The KfW team had an involving interaction with JSW Steel’s senior management team at the plant on various subjects related to the steel industry. This session was followed by a visit to the various site facilities during the day. The KfW team was very impressed with the commitment and expertise of the management team at the site. They were also enthused to see the plant facilities, social infrastructure and general environment in and around the Vijaynagar works.

Interview - An interview with Mr Holger Apel led to some very positive revelations:

What is your impression of the main steel plant facilities at Vijayanagar?

How will you rate the Vijayanagar plant among the other Steel plants in other parts of the world?

This is really a world class steel complex with state of the art plants and production processes. This is particularly notable as building and operating such a plant in India is likely to be more challenging than in - for instance - Europe.

We are happy and proud to contribute to the development of an Indian tier 1 company like JSW in a business, where value is being created for the benefit of the company and the people.

- Holger Apel

Sr. Director, Global Head, Basic Industries, KfW - IPEX Bank

Can you share your experience of interacting with the senior plant management team?

I was deeply impressed about the dedication and motivation of the management team. It is obvious that they want to achieve and match best international practices. We as a bank mainly interact with the people from the finance department, I would like to extend this view to such department.

How do you rate the other social infrastructure facilities around plant such as sports and recreation facilities, townships and schools, guest house, general upkeep and maintenance of plant?

It is again very impressive, how a company like JSW and its management is taking care of their workforce far beyond of just offering attractive jobs. Education and training, social responsibility and healthcare are not only seen as essential for the success of the plant but also for the progress of the people - and in a wider sense, of the country.

Are you satisfied with the objective of your visit? Would you consider further lending to JSW Steel Ltd? For us as a lending institution with the mandate to support both, our own economy (equipment supplies) as well as the sustainable development of emerging countries like India. It is very important for our self-understanding and motivation to see how our loans are invested. We are happy and proud to contribute to the development of an Indian tier 1 company like JSW in a business, where value is being created for the benefit of the company and the people. We experienced a very warm welcome at the site and want to thank expressively for all the efforts in setting up this visit. As we definitely aim at a long lasting partnership with our customers, we will be happy to discuss further opportunities to support JSW.

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Business News Mumbai

Forging a Bond

Launch of the Channel Loyalty Programme ‘Sahyog’

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hriving relationships with every person we come in contact with, is the basis for a successful business.

JSW has made every effort to be inclusive of every connected individual in its journey of growth. Towards this end, the Company’s latest step has been to launch the first ever Channel Loyalty Programme called ‘Sahyog’.

Initiated on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, Sahyog is a first-of-its-kind relationship programme to celebrate the ongoing collaboration between JSW Steel and its Channel Partners.

It symbolises the support and cooperation between JSW Steel and the Shoppes in their journey towards fulfilling the common objective of ‘Growing Together’.

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Sahyog will include the erstwhile system of ‘Bonus’ that we have been extending to our Shoppes as a support towards channel activities. It is a dynamic programme which will see several new initiatives being added to it in the coming months.

We are convinced that this programme will be a huge success and will help forge stronger relationships with everybody in the Retail Value Chain.

Business News Barmer

Passionate players

Barmer Guest House

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business venture can only head forward when it keeps abreast of every minute innovation and stays on track with every target.

The two day long United Forward Business Meet held at Barmer on the 13th and 14th of August 2012 was one such effort to keep employees in the know.

The meet was inaugurated by Mr. N K Jain, Vice Chairman, JSW Energy.

Senior Management teams of JSW Energy including all location heads were also present.

The purpose of the meet was the dissemination of business plans and an in depth discussion on O&M, Financial

Mr. N. K. Jain (centre) with senior management of JSW Energy

and administrative guidance for the year 2012-13 with the process owners.

The event was made even more memorable by the inauguration of the guest house. Mr. NK Jain and Mr. Sanjay Sagar, JMD & CEO of JSW Energy the honours.

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Business News Bengal

Simplified

Business Information of purchase requisition

email alerts of forthcoming due dates 15 days in advance

data generated and extracted through a customized report

Automatic email alerts JSW BENGAL

control stock out situation

JSW Bengal Steel. believes in not just changing, but changing faster than the competition.

Since the implementation of SAP in JSW Bengal Steel last year, the Finance and Accounts team is implementing ideas to reduce manual intervention and enhance the use of technology.

Various innovative ideas were implemented in this effort.

• Automatic email alerts for unsettled cash advance for more than 15 days are intimated to the employee with copy to HOD. • Information of purchase requisition

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informs senior management of high value payments

weekly report of all payments to vendors

created by the user, flow to the respective HOD for system approval.

• To control stock out situation, an inventory alert email has been configured.

• An email alert informs senior management of high value payments (Rs 10 lacs and above) made to any vendor.

• Similarly a weekly report of all payments made to vendors is automatically issued by system to all HODs on every Monday morning for previous week .

• For easy facilitation and smooth furnishing of various statutory returns, major data are being generated and extracted from the system itself through a customized report.

• In order to comply with statutory due dates and avoid penalties, an email alerts the user of forthcoming due dates 15 days in advance.

Many more such alerts are already on while, more are expected. The intimation of expiry of Bank Guarantee well in advance, intimation of expiring work men compensation policy etc will make jobs easier to control.

Sports Vasind

Running for

Glory

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r.

Rajendra Singh Rautela (employee at JSW, Vasind Works) is all smiles. His son Virendra Rautela, an 18 year old boy, is an exceptional athlete.

Virendra began running when Mr. Kishan Yadav (employee of JSW, Vasind Works), another runner and sports enthusiast, started a club called JSW Runners. The aim of the club is to groom kids in running.

Virendra, like many other kids, picked up the sport quickly. Now a seasoned runner, Virendra is representing JSW in running competitions across the country.

TCS World 10k held in Bangalore in May ’12, and recently ranked 9th (out of 700 runners) in the Satara Hill Marathon.

He ranked 20th / 2500 in the Vasai – Virar Marathon and 3rd in the Shimla Marathon held at approx 7500 feet high above ground level. He aspires to be included in the Open Group and win the Gold Medal next year.

Virendra Rautela recieving the medal

His accomplishments include winning many 1st place medals in various local marathons, the bronze medal in the men’s open 10k run category at the

JSW is backing this talented and passionate runner and contributing to his development. The Group is committed to promote such talents.

Virendra Rautela is working hard and looking forward to participate in the Standard Chartered Marathon in Mumbai.

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Sports Kalmeshwar

Hitesh Sharma beIng felicitated

Bringing

Laurels Home

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aster Hitesh, son of Mr. Surya Prakash Sharma and a student of Sandipani School - Nagpur was selected for the 3rd South Asian International SQAY (Martial Art) Competition. The competition was recently convened in Sri Lanka from the 5th to 8th October`12.

Hitesh secured a gold and a bronze medal, for SIKAI & KATHA respectively, at the competition. Â Earlier Hitesh had

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also participated in the 13th Sub-Junior National SQAY Championship held at Kurekshetra, Haryana and secured the 2nd position.

Hitesh is not only a good sportsmen but also a very good student. JSW Foundation is committed to find, support and groom such talents in every field. the entire JSW family wishes him well for all future endeavours.

Events Bangalore

Plugging with Automation

The JSW Stall at IMS

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SW Group participated in the India Manufacturing Show (IMS) 2012 and Electronics-Machinery-Mold- Auto Parts Expo (EMMA) 2012. The exhibition was held from 27th to 30th September in Bangalore. The four day event was organized by the IMS Foundation under the aegis of Laghu Udyog Bharati Karnataka. Shri. Jagadish Shetter, Honorable Chief Minister of Karnataka inaugurated the event.

The theme for this year’s event was ‘It’s Time For - Made by India’. The event showcased India’s prowess in the manufacturing sector and its allied industries. The industry segments Aerospace Engineering, Automation & Robotics, Automobile & Components,

Metallurgy & Mining, Industrial Engineering, Electronics & Assembly, Energy & infrastructure were among the core sectors present at the exhibition.

JSW made its presence felt by erecting a thematic stall which echoed its presence in different core sectors of the Indian economy. The stall was spread across 108 sq mtrs, showcasing the Group Companies and their product range. A section of the stall was dedicated to highlight JSW’s commitment towards communities and their holistic development approach via CSR initiatives.

IMS 2012 was supported by the Government of Karnataka; Ministry of

Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Govt of India; Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt of India; Ministry of Coal, Govt. of India; Ministry of Macro, Small & Medium Industries, Govt. of India; NSIC and SIDBI. EMMA 2012 was organized by the Taipei World Trade Centre Company; Taiwan Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers Association; Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry and the Taiwan Transportation Vehicle Manufacturing Association. The exhibition featured Electronics, Machinery & Moulds; Auto & Motorcycle related parts and accessories, food processing and green technology.

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Events Earth Care

The

Crusader’s Call

Jayanthi Natarajan and Mrs Sangita Jindal inaugurating the Daroji Book

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he recently convened Earth Care Awards held up a pledge to protect the earth. Climate change is a menace that looms large for every individual on this earth. The fight against climate change is one where no one can stand alone. Coming together with a concerted effort to develop the nation without compromising the ecology is a challenge that faces us all.

The fourth edition of the JSW-TOI Earth Care Awards was one such step in creating awareness on climate change and encouraging those who have taken up the cause. Creating a sustainable future is imperative to the survival of the planet, and this fact was driven home by

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speaker after speaker at the event.

Even the theme of the event, ‘Aanchal’ that spoke of the environment as the protective mother who needs to be respected, supported this thought.

Environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan commended India’s commitment to not exceeding the per capita emissions of any developed nation. She upheld India’s position on global climate talks and said that even while the nation needed its space to develop, this progress should not come at the cost of the environment.

While it is true that India’s emissions are amongst the lowest in the world but we also need the technology and intervention to switch to green energy.

This year, for the first time, the awards also appreciated India’s neighbours for their war against climate change.

The chairperson of JSW Foundation, Mrs Sangita Jindal, spoke on the occasion. She made a moving speech on the plight of women. She argued that women were burdened in a greater degree by climate change as they are the primary providers and foragers for their families. She said that many women were succumbing to changing irrigation patterns and diminishing water and fuel sources.

Mrs Jindal was of the opinion that the government, corporates and NGOs need to be engaged to provide relief to these women.

For guest of honour, power minister Veerappa Moily, the road to sustainability is mapped in Gandhi’s quote, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” He said much of the world’s natural resources have perished because of a “crisis of character.”

One of the winners of the award, Vithal Kamat of Orchid Ecotels, put it simply. He asked for small steps that would make a big difference. Orchid Ecotels has taken steps like doing

Jayanthi Natarajan addressing the gathering

away with cut flowers. Other winners included ACC’s Gagal Cement Works, Sri Lanka’s Help-O, Bangladesh’s ministry of forests and environment, Gujarat Energy Development Agency, Orchid Ecotel Hotel, NTPC’s CeNPEEP, nonprofit Avani, Eco Task

Force of the Garhwal Eco Warriors, Adya WiFi Metering and Coir Atlas.

Mrs Jindal also said: “We are concerned but are encouraged by the many crusaders protecting the earth.

We have people living in hamlets striving to make our lives more liveable. It’s important to recognise this work and give it publicity.”

And encourage they did. While the evening was a colourful extravaganza of dance and music, the message for the preservation of the planet rang true and clear. A book on the conservation of sloth bears at the Daroji national Park was also launched at this event amidst much fanfare. In many ways, the Earth Care Awards was a beacon call to come to arms and protect mother earth.

Glimpse of Daroji National Sanctuary

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Events Vijayanagar

Celebrating Sovereignty The recently opened Freedom Park in Vijayanagar is a joyful reminder of India’s journey to Independence

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ndia’s independence struggle and the sacrifices made by the martyrs at the altar of liberty is one that every child knows. Today, whatever we have is a gift to us from the brave freedom fighters who dedicated their lives to the cause of a sovereign India. It is no wonder then, that we at JSW have always held the 15th of August very dear.

The Freedom Park, developed on a six-acre plot adjacent to the plant at the O P Jindal Centre, Vijayanagar, is JSW’s tribute to every individual who was instrumental in auguring the freedom of the land. The Freedom Park will infuse the spirit of patriotism in the youth and create symbols of national unity. While the Group has laid special emphasis on depicting the freedom struggle, the unity of the nation and the diversity of its cultures and traditions are portrayed in detail.

Development, in various spheres during the post-Independence era, also finds pride of place in the park.

The Park symbolises the principles of the Freedom Movement. India’s Freedom Movement was propelled by a six point ideology that was accepted and published to achieve sovereignty. They were : • Free India – A proclamation of our independent nation and its self-belief.

• Freedom of Expression – One of our fundamental rights.

• Celebrations – Community festivals and celebrations are an integral part of Indian culture.

• Diversity – Cultural and geographical diversity of India.

• Agriculture and Industry – In honour of the agricultural and industrial powerhouse that India has become today.

• Freedom Fighters – Dedicated to freedom fighters and the revolutionaries who fought for the freedom that we all enjoy and take for granted today.

These six principles have been symbolically represented by six walls stitched by a walkway that leads to the National Flag representing a free and independent India.

The inauguration ceremony was a platform to honour freedom fighters. G.D. Hanumanthappa, H.M. Veerabhadraiah, G. Basappa, B.V. Ajjampur, G.M. Kalappa, T.S. Siddaramappa, and K. Narayan Bhat were felicitated for their service to the nation.The Freedom Park also commemorates JSW Steel’s achievement of reaching 10 million tonnes per annum from 1.6 million tonnes per annum in a brief span of just 12 years with the support of the people and the Government.

To raise the spirit of loyalty to India even further, JSW Group marked India’s 66th Independence Day by hoisting the country’s largest National Flag on the tallest flag post in India, at the Freedom Park. The tri-color, measuring 72 ft X 48 ft was hoisted on a 220 ft (63 mtr) flag post. The flag was hoisted by Mr Sajjan Jindal and Mr Naveen Jindal while several dignitaries were also present on this occasion.

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Glimpses of Freedom Park

The National Flag fluttering at Vijayanagar Freedom Park

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Events Mumbai

iz

Qu Wh

Runners up Debashish Mishra and Saurabh Agarwal alongwith other participants

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SW has always encouraged pursuits that sharpen the mind.

It is a matter of pride for us to be able to field quizzing teams that leave the competition far behind. Manthan- the Company’s quiz team is always geared up to probe the limits of human knowledge.

This pursuit of intellectual excellence paid off at the recently convened Times Ascent Engineering Mastermind Quiz Contest.

The quiz which was organized to celebrate Engineer’s Day was held on the 16th of September, 2012. With more than 170 teams in the fray, six challengers made it to the finals of the Mumbai round designed to put the grey cells of participants

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to work. BPCL, Infosys, JP Morgan Chase, Godrej Locking Systems and JSW Steel were the final contenders to the ultimate prize.

Debashish Mishra and Saurabh Agarwal, both avid quizzers and active members of Manthan, represented the Company.

They battled it out and came in second, narrowly missing out in a tie-breaker to BPCL who finished first. They were awarded a Samsung Galaxy S2 smartphone each.

The top two teams from Mumbai, i.e. JSW Steel and BPCL then went on to battle it out with the top two teams from Delhi and Bangalore in the National Finals where JSW Steel ranked 4th.

Events Delhi

Real Mettle

Mr. Sajjan Jindal sharing the dias with other worldsteel members at the press briefing

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he World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world. worldsteel represents approximately 170 steel producers (including 17 of the world’s 20 largest steel companies). About 85% of the world’s steel production is represented in the membership ranks of worldsteel.

Members of the Association have access to the latest technical and economic information

affecting the industry. The Association also provides a novel opportunity to meet other steel industry professionals from around the world. The annual World Steel Conferences are one such step towards this goal of meeting, interacting and exchanging ideas. The governing body of the World Steel Association held the annual World Steel Conference for the first time in India from October 8 to 12 this year.

India is a booming market for steel and the step to conduct this meet in this country would go a long way in understanding the market. The steel capacity in India has increased from 66 million tonnes in 2009 to about 90 million tonnes in 2012.

The capacity is all set to increase further as steel plants in both public and private sectors have taken up expansion and modernization programs. As per projection, the capacity in the country would grow to around 200 million tonnes by 2020.

Mr. Jindal receiving a memento

While Mr Sajjan Jindal is an esteemed member of the Executive Committee, JSW Steel was also one of the major sponsors of the event. As such it was a matter of great pride for JSW Steel to be represented in such an august way at this esteemed forum.

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Events Bangalore

Bonding

that Lasts

Dignitaries at the event

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he Government of Karnataka organized ‘Global Investors Meet 2012’ (GIM) at Bangalore between June 6th to 8th, 2012. More than 10,000 people attended this event. This was one of the premium trade shows in the country covering a wide spectrum of industries viz. Aerospace & Defence,

Automobiles, Health, Education, Energy, Agriculture, ICT, Tourism, Engineering, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, etc.

GIM Expo provided a unique opportunity to showcase products and services. It further provided a unique platform to interact with representatives

Mr. Sajjan Jindal greeting Mr. Sadanand Gowda

from Government, Industry, Academia, Research Institutions as well as international companies from Japan, Mexico and several African countries.

Dr. Vinod Nowal alongwith Mr. Sadanand Gowda

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JSW Steel was the ‘Principal Sponsor’ for GIM 2012. Among 500 pavilions, the JSW Pavilion designed and developed on the theme of ‘JSW Builds’ generated a lot of curiosity and was well appreciated by visiting delegates. The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Mr. Sadananda Gowda and Mr. MR Nirani, Large and Medium Industry Minister were among the dignitaries to visit JSW Pavilion.

Events Goa

Showcasing

pportunities

Mr. BVJK Sharma at the event

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he India Maritime 2012 Exhibition and Conference jointly organised by the Ministry of Shipping and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) concluded successfully in Panaji, Goa. GK Vasan, Union Minister for Shipping, inaugurated the event on 17th October at Panaji. Government of Goa was the host for the event. The theme of the event was ‘Building a Global Maritime Sector’.

Mr. Vasan released the FICCI-E&Y knowledge paper on the Indian maritime sector covering a large number of important areas. Pradeep K Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, was also present and delivered the keynote address.

A special session on ‘Investment Opportunity in Goa’ was also organized on 17th October to showcase the opportunities available for private investors in the state of Goa. The session was aimed at deliberating on strategies, which enable the state to attract investments.

The conference focused on procedural bottlenecks and other stumbling blocks in maritime infrastructure development and strategy options towards building a globally competitive maritime sector.

Mr. BVJK Sharma, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JSW Infrastructure was and eminent speaker at the conference.

He emphasized on the opportunities in Goa maritime industry and said that “The rail and road infrastructure from Goa Port has become a critical challenge to harness the potential”.

Other eminent speakers in the conference were: N. Muruganandam, Joint Secretary (Ports), Mistry of Ports; L. Radhakrishnan, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust; S Hajara, Chairman & MD, Shipping Corporation of India; Rajiv Agarwal, Co-Chairman, FICCI National Committee on Infrastructure & MD, Essar Ports; Dinesh Lal, Chairman, APM Terminals Mumbai; K. Subramaniam, CMD, Cochin Shipyard; DK Sinha, Deputy Director General, Directorate of Lighhouses and Lightships; Anil Delvi, CEO, Indian National Ship Owners’ Association; and among other experts from maritime sector addressed the conference.

JSW Infrastructure also had a stall in the exhibition to showcase its facilities.

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Events Goa

Over

Mind Matter

Panel discussion with (L-R) Sachin Pilot, Shoma Chaudhary and Ben Hammersley

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he indomitable spirit of the Indian youth can change the destiny of this country. Our future lies in the hands of the future generations and it is our responsibility to ensure that they go about their lives with open minds and accepting hearts. To ignite the flame of knowledge in young minds and to expose them to the brilliant minds across disciplines is the focus of THiNK; India’s most eclectic, thought-provoking and egalitarian platform for ideas from across the globe.

JSW co-sponsored THiNK 2012, at Goa playing an integral part in bringing together brilliant, cutting-edge minds from

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across all the key disciplines that impact human affairs.

Representatives from various fields held stage and enthralled the audience with innovative ideas and exciting opinions. The topics ranged from politics to technology, science, literature, pop culture, business and even religion to name just a few.

In its most fundamental sense, THiNK celebrates the power of thought and ideas as the central driving force of every society.

JSW is in whole-hearted support of the same ideal and strives at every moment to create a platform where strong thoughts have the power to chart a new course of life..

Events Vijayanagar

Super Scions

Mr. & Mrs. Jindal with the next generation of the family.

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ijayanagar was the site of a glittering gala as the next generation of Jindals met for two days of bonding.

As the young achievers reached Hyatt Place Hampi, the JSW family was all geared up to receive them.

Their stay was made special with an itinerary that took in everything of importance at the location. Participants were taken on a trip to the plant that left them awed. The enormous scope of the operations had everyone mesmerized.

The OP Jindal Memorial Museum provided a tangible link to the dreams that came true all around them. They also spent quality time at Jindal retreat.

The young turks were taken in by the beauty and splendor of Hampi. Everyone was keen to see the award winning restoration at the Chandramauleshwar and later everyone assembled to pay respects to the deity at the Vitthala Temple. A coracle ride was a source of excitement and amusement.

The participants also visited JSW Foundation’s CSR initiatives and were touched by the efforts put in everyday by the people working relentlessly to make life better for others. The evenings were extravagant events filled with music and laughter.

The event was a grand success and everyone left with the wish to get together again soon.

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Events Mumbai

Ideas Beyond Ordinary

Mrs. Sangita Jindal (centre) with TEDxGateway speakers at NCPA, Mumbai

T

ED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading.

It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment and Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. TEDxGateway is an independently organized TED event operated under license from TED. The day long conference features eminent speakers from different walks of life who share unique ideas from India and all around the globe – ideas which will spark deep discussion and

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introspection among the group that attends, those viewing live from across the world, and those who view the talks after the event is over. TEDxGateway seeks to enlighten, unite and provoke.

JSW presented a bigger and better event at TEDxGateway this year with speakers who inspired and enthralled.

Ralph Simon a leading mobile innovator engaged the audience in a dialogue on how he perceives India as a country perfectly suited to grow as a centre of digital excellence. Angad Nadkarni

awed with an idea that promises to remove the information imbalance in the current education system, and creating a tool for every student in India to get access to the best intelligence and resources with the click of a button.

Many more such speakers took the stage and fascinated the crowd with ideas that are changing lives around them. JSW is proud to be associated with this prestigious event that upholds JSW’s values of integrity and hard work that can change lives.

Events Bangalore

On Cloud

Nine M

r. Raghu Bhargava, CEO JSoft, organized a day long Conference on “Leveraging Cloud Services to Enhance Competitiveness� on October 30.

Speakers presented topics related to Cloud computing, data security in Cloud and service offerings. They also addressed the trends and usage of Cloud applications across the globe.

Cloud computing is a broad term that refers to the delivery of IT services via the internet from remote data centres.

Chief Information Officers (CIOs) like the approach because it is faster to implement and has upfront costs that are lower than the traditional software.

Cloud computing enables companies to use software, applications, infrastructure, platform and various services on pay-per-use basis, without setting up its own IT infrastructure.

It also offers various services that can be deployed in a public and private cloud environment. Customers need not maintain any IT resources if they adopt cloud service.

End users access cloud-based applications through a web browser,

Cloud services conference in progress

a light-weight desktop or mobile application, while the business software and user’s data is stored on servers at a remote location. Proponents claim that cloud computing allows enterprises to get their applications running faster, with improved manageability.

Cloud computing relies on sharing of resources to achieve coherence and economies of scale similar to a utility over a network. However, the Cloud service provider has to ensure the

required level of data security and committed service level agreement has been addressed.

This Conference was attended by over 200 members from various segments of the industry. This helped the JSoft team to actively involve throughout the day in learning and upgrading the skills in and around cloud computing. It also provided an opportunity to showcase our products & services and develop a strong network.

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Events Mumbai

connection information

expression knowledge exchanging

wisdom tip

Excellence through

Dialogue A

well-informed & competent communication strategy can create an aura of goodwill and success around a Group’s name. In keeping with the ideals that help achieve excellence, a day long workshop was conducted, on the 24th of August, to hone and further enhance the communication strategies, skills and process of corporate communications.

Participants also weighed in on issues and were encouraged to join in on discussions about branding, media management and various other communication tools at their disposal.

While the Mumbai Corporate Communications team participated at full strength, representatives from across all locations brought a sense of togetherness and unity to the dialogue.

Mr Jayaraman introduced the workshop with a talk on the importance of cohesiveness in communications in a growing organization like ours.

The session was then started off by Mr

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network

Sheshagiri Rao. In a succinct speech, he highlighted the importance of media and media management and stressed on the importance of clarity while disseminating information.

This was followed by a presentation from the agency Ad Factors that highlighted the dos and don’ts of media management and taught the participants how to handle them.

Subsequent presentations from the participants covered myriad topics, ranging from the role and responsibility of Corporate Communications to logo usage, branding, Intranet and location specific activities.

The workshop ended with an emphasis on more integrated and consistent approach towards Corporate Communications in the coming months. It helped create a sense of achievement where the participants took back the thought that each could help make the Group a name to reckon with.

Awards Nandyal

Pride

JOY

&

(L-R) Mr. Kamleshwar Sharan, Mr. Bhaskar Chatterjee & Mr. R.C. Sodani

A

nother feather was added to our cap when JSW Cement bagged the 13th annual Greentech Environment Excellence Gold Award.

The Greentech Foundation, which confers this award, was established in the year 1999. Based in New Delhi, it is a non-profit organization, committed to recognizing and celebrating the ethos of outstanding performance in safety issues.

Greentech Foundation has taken a lead role in promoting education, training, research and dissemination of knowledge, advancing the scientific, technical and practical aspects of safety at work place, environment protection & climate change.

JSW Cement was conferred with this prestigious award in recognition of its specific contribution towards adopting clean technologies.

Its commitment towards prevention of pollution, natural resource conservation

and efficient utilization of industrial byproducts was also taken into account.

JSW Cement’s efforts towards GHG emission reduction during the year 201112 were also lauded by the award.

a case study presentation during the Environment Conference held after the award presentation. Achieving excellence in Environmental Management has been one of the key concerns of JSW Cement.

JSW Cement was selected for this prestigious award following a multi-stage evaluation by a group of experienced and qualified professionals representing different spheres of intellectual activity.

Mr Sodani highlighted the technology, practices and innovative ways used to achieve such an excellent environmental performance that enabled JSW Cement to bag this prestigious award in the very first year of commissioning its Nandyal unit.

The award was presented on 30th October 2012 in a glittering ceremony held at Novotel, Hyderabad. Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee (Retd. IAS), Director General & CEO, Institute of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi and Shri Kamaleshwar Sharan, President, Greentech Foundation, New Delhi presented the award.

The presentation was followed by a discussion and question- answer session where the audience from other industrial units interacted with Mr. Sodani on various aspects of pollution control and environment management. Mr. Sodani responded to every query and was able to lay all questions to a satisfactory end.

Mr. R.C.Sodani, Director and CEO, JSW Cement, received the award on behalf of the entire team. Mr. Sodani also made

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Awards Vijayanagar

Conserving Glory I

t takes a lifetime of dedicated work to achieve real change. The Hampi Foundation, created

by JSW Foundation, began its project at Hampi eight years ago. Ever since then, it has been a huge undertaking that took a tremendous amount of hard work and commitment.

But it was worth all the effort just to see the glorious Chandramauleshwar Temple stabilized and restored at the site. And to make the fruits of labour even sweeter, the Foundation’s endeavours have been acknowledged and honoured by UNESCO-Asia Pacific. The Hampi Foundation was conferred the UNESCO-Asia Pacific Award for Merit for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

The 15th century Chandramauleshwar Temple, which overlooks two rivers on a popular pilgrimage route to a sacred mountain, is centrally

“When we started work at Hampi in 2004, the temple was facing a number of problems and there was no real conservation strategy.”

“Now, thanks to Hampi Foundation’s partnership with the local community and government, the temple has been stabilized and can serve as a model for future archaeological and conservation endeavors across the country.”

- Mrs. Sangita Jindal

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located in Hampi and is one of the site’s most prominent architectural buildings. Prior to Hampi Foundation intervention, the temple’s gateways and fortification wall were in danger of collapse, while its interior and exterior were deteriorating and threatened by fire damage, water damage, plant growth and other factors. Since then, the temple’s foundation and upper embankment walls have been consolidated and stabilized.

This is also the 8th UNESCO-Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Abha Narain Lambah, Hampi Foundation’s consulting architect. An internationally renowned conservationist, her firm’s projects have included most of Mumbai and some of India’s most important cultural heritage sites, including the Ajanta Caves, a World Heritage Site, and the Maitreya Buddha Temple. Her master conservation plan for Hampi was one of the first of its caliber in India.

Announcing the awards, the jury called the project a “benchmark for conservation practice at archaeological sites in India.” This was the first pilot project for the restoration of a state-protected monument at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. The publicprivate partnership between the Government of Karnataka and Hampi Foundation (with financial support of Global Heritage Fund) the two key partners in the project, is also a pioneering initiative that can serve as a “worthy model for future conservation projects” within the site and across the region.

The successful stabilization of the temple will ensure that future work on the temple structure, including aesthetic restoration, can be accomplished successfully.

The local community has benefited from the project through employment on the site. Local religious pilgrims and sadhus living in the ashram on the site, have also benefited by the steps leading up to the temple being reset, therefore making it easier for them to access the ashram.

Established in 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation recognize “excellent achievement in successfully conserving

or restoring heritage buildings and properties in the region by the private sector or by public-private initiatives.” The awarded projects span a wide range of conservation projects from private residences to palace complexes. Over the years, the projects have illustrated the increasing momentum and level of conservation in Asia and the Pacific.

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Field Notes CSR

Vasind

Literacy Drive As part of the Remedial Education Project - 25 classes were organized in 16 schools in Mahuli and Vasind cluster. KARM (our NGO partner) is implementing the project. KARM organized parents’ meetings and stressed on home visits to inform parents about the need of sending their children to the classes. This interaction was necessary as absenteeism is rising due to the flooding of rivulets and weeds blocking paths leading to schools. In the meetings parents were urged to accompany children to school and remedial classes.

Value of Vision KBHB & JSW steel signed a MoU on 9th August 2012. The medical director Dr. Chandrashekhar and Mrs. Sangita Shrirao – Administrator signed the MoU from KBHB while Mr. Dileep Bhatt signed the same from JSW Vasind Works. KBHB’s administration department is helping our purchase dept. at Vasind to procure the eye care equipments to be donated to the outreach center is Shahapur.

Hygienic Havens

Kutehr

In keeping with the commitment towards people, Community Mobilisers continuously visited every Panchayat. They worked in conjunction with the MHV during tours to assist health services at the village level.

They have been given Annuity Policy Cheques. The CSR team was attached with liaison teams to sign the registry of land oustees. They distributed sanitation material to 100 needy families of Garola Panchayat in the month of July, 2012. Beneficiary villages are also being visited for physical verification during the construction of toilets.

Healthy and Happy

JHARKHAND

Medical services are being provided in three villages namely Indra Toli, Paseriya and Chirwan in our Coal Mines project site. The aid is provided through Dr. A. K. Sinha, MBBS, who is a well known doctor of Bhurkunda (a kasba near our site). Basic medicines are being provided free of cost to the villagers. While a majority of patients were suffering from typhoid, bronchitis, gastroenteritis and malaria some cases of Tuberculosis were also detected.

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RATNAGIRI

Sporty India With a view to promote Indian Sports like Lazim and Malkhamb at the school level, two days of Lazim training was organized for the community organizers. The trainer imparted all the basic techniques of Lazim that could then be taught to school students. The first such session held for students saw an enthusiastic turnout.

VIJAYANAGAR

Dealing with Data Community Perception Survey (QLS) was completed with the help of an external agency from Dharwad. The Nandihalli PG Centre was requested to provide MSW students to canvas the questionnaire which was designed for the study. With the help of 15 MSW Students and 5 field staff, 1000 questionnaires were canvassed and data collected from the surrounding villages.

A Stitch in Time A meeting with Gram Panchayat members of Taranagar was conducted which discussed a proposed satellite Tailoring centre in the village. Matters related to providing building, maintenance, required infrastructure etc were discussed. The Gram Panchayat has given the NMDC building for the centre and the electrification of the centre is under process. Sewing machines have already arrived.

Salboni

Making Life Better

Salem

Annai Theresa is an orphanage run by Mr Rajendran, a JSW employee. It is supported by JSW Salem Works. With 60 residents at present, the orphanage is a major help for orphans of the area. In 2010, the trustees decided to construct a new building on a plot of donated land. The construction would cost Rs 40 lakhs. The trustees approached JSW Foundation and were given Rs Five Lakhs for the same. On the 23rd of September, the orphanage was inaugurated.

Local groups and other donors had also contributed to the fund.

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Grains of Wisdom

GRAINSOF

WISDOM Folk tales carry the history, knowledge, beliefs, and morals of people for centuries before societies develop literature. Folk tales exist in almost every society, full of witches, talking animals, foolish yet lucky men, and wise people of all ages. They have entertained and enlightened generations and usually carry a similar pattern. One such continuing pattern is that of three choices or advice. Here are three variations of this theme.

Hebrew

A

hunter once caught a bird that could speak. It said, “Set me free, and I’ll teach you three wise precepts.”

“Tell me, and I will set you free,” said the fowler.

“Swear to me first,” wretorted the clever bird, “that you will keep your promise.”

When the man swore, the bird said, “My first precept is: Never regret anything.

My second rule is: Never believe anything that is beyond belief. My third precept is: Never try to reach something that is unattainable.”

Having spoken thus, the bird reminded the bird-catcher of his promise and the man let it fly.

The bird sat on top of a tall tree, and mockingly said, “Stupid man, you didn’t know that a precious pearl was hidden in my body.”

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When the man heard this, he regretted allowing the bird to fly away. He tried to climb the tree, but fell down and broke his legs.

The bird laughed, and said, “I taught you three precepts, and you’ve forgotten all.

I told you never to regret anything, yet you repented setting me free. I told you never to believe anything beyond belief, and you trusted that I carry a costly pearl in my body. I am only a poor wild bird. And finally, I advised you never to strive for the unattainable. You tried to catch a free bird, and are now lying with broken legs.

“Your only consolation is that you are no exception, for there are many as unwise as yourself.”

And the wise bird flew away.

Latin

A

carpenter who was very greedy, collected a lot of money, and placed it in a tree trunk, which he never lost sight of. One day, while he slept, the sea overflowed and carried his treasure away. It floated to a distant city. A good man saw the log in the water, and thinking it would be of use to him, brought it home. One cold day, he cut the log for fire¬wood. When he struck it, he heard a rattling; and the gold rolled out. He put them in a safe place, until he could find the owner.

The carpenter took the cakes and weighed them. Finding that the one with the earth weighed heaviest, he greedily chose it. “If I want more,” he added, “I will have that” — indicating the cake of bones. “You may keep the third.”

“I see,” murmured the host, “that God doesn’t wish the money to be restored to this wretched man.” He called the poor and infirm, opened the cake of gold in front of the carpenter, and distributed it amongst the poor.

The carpenter was in pursuit of his money. He soon came to the house of the hospitable man. He mentioned his search; and understanding that the money was his, the host decided to find whether God wanted the money returned.

He made three cakes, the first of which he filled with earth; the second with bones; and in the third he put a small bit of the gold.

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Grains of Wisdom

Greek

A

king established an ordinance, where criminals brought before the judge, should declare three irrefutable truths to gain safety or else be hanged.

The judge, hearing this, said to the bystanders, “Does he speak the truth?”

They answered: “Yes, or he wouldn’t have been here.”

A soldier was wrongly convicted of breaking the law. He was seized, and brought to the seat of judgment.

“The second truth,” said the soldier. “I don’t like the dangerous situation I am in.”

“You know the law,” said the judge.

“Certainly,” said the judge, “that is true.

Now, the third truth, to save your life.”

“I do,” returned the other. “If I declare three unquestionable truths I shall be free; or, I must die.”

“True,” replied the judge; “I suggest you take advantage of the law’s clemency.”

The soldier said “The first truth is that from my youth, I have been a bad man.”

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“Why,” he replied, “if I once get out of this place, I will never willingly re-enter it.”

“Amen,” said the judge, “your wit has preserved you; go in peace.” And thus he was saved.

Art & Culture Mumbai

Wonder Women

J

SW Foundation has been deeply linked with the betterment of women. It also actively supports the cause of art education in the country.

Bringing these two noble thoughts together, JSW Foundation and the UGC recognized Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women’s University came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to undertake a project of conservation of SNDT Kanyashala.

Kanyashala is a grade III heritage building where SNDT Women’s University has given its consent for restoration, interiors and adaptive reuse of the same to be completed by JSW Foundation.

Upon receipt of relevant required consent from SNDT University, JSW Foundation will commence the work of the project by appointing conservation

Mrs. Sangita Jindal with officials from the SNDT Women’s University

architects and contractors required for the completion of the Project. The new conservation building will be named as “Sangita Jindal Centre for Arts”.

The new conservation building will be used for the purpose of undergraduate and post graduate departments of Arts and Painting of SNDT Women’s University as well as other departments such as Music, Dance and Theatre.

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Art for the Ages P

eople in the ancient times always gave a special place to the arts.

Today, in our fast track lives, the arts have gradually been sent to the back burner. However, there are some among us who realize that the pursuit of art is what makes humans stand out as a superior species. And towards this end, Kaladham is a simple effort, to preserve, explore and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of this nation, so that it remains an inspiration for generations to come.

On the 25th of November 2012, Kaladham was formally inaugurated at Vijayanagar. Built on a 10 acre site within the neatly modeled JSW Township, the museum was inaugurated by the Hon Simon Crean, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Arts, Australia, in the presence of Shri B. S. Anand Singh, Hon. Minister of Tourism, Government of Karnataka & District Minister-in-charge, Bellary. JSW Foundation Chairperson Mrs. Sangita Jindal was also present. The Australian Minister is visiting the country as part of the Oz Fest of which this inauguration was also an important part.

Kaladham is a concept that harks back to those golden days of art and culture.

It is not just about one branch of the arts but rather a holistic melting pot of all kinds of arts and their respective artists. A true coming together of lovers of various arts and a platform for the promotion and betterment of the cultural heritage of India will be facilitated by this distinctive endeavour.

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Kaladham houses an Open Air Theater, Dance Hall, Conference, Retail and Exhibition hall and CafĂŠ. The stunning Place Hampi exhibition is presently displayed on the ground floor of the Exhibition hall.

The Center welcomes you with an open stone pavilion and the gentle sound of flowing water. Emerging from the ground in a stone bowl, the water moves further inwards into pools, channels, pillared corridors, courts and pergolas, smoothly connecting and guiding the visitor to the open doors of a Museum, Interpretation Center, CafĂŠ & Retail, Dance Hall, Open Air Theatre, a Gallery and a Conference Room besides many other places to arrive, finally slowing down to rest within a large pond, shaped out of the ground within the premises.

This will be a place where Contemporary Design, Art, Photography, Video and applied Arts of the modern age will all get a window to come together and showcase their journeys.

Commenting on the occasion, Mrs Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, JSW Foundation, stressed on the need to utilize India’s vast reserves of artistic traditions to create a better tomorrow.

Mrs Jindal stated that Kaladham would help in a big way to create awareness for the arts and to make the future generations keenly participate in the propagation of the same.

Kaladham at Vijayanagar

A few exclusive glimpses from the event

Art & Culture Vijayanagar

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Art & Culture Delhi & Bangalore

Spiritual Odyssey Mystical musicians in a soul-stirring performance

O

n two pleasant November evenings Bangalore and Delhi resounded with soulstirring Sufi music, as the Ruhaniyat Music Festival presented by JSW Foundation took listeners on a journey of spiritual ecstasy.

Ruhaniyat – The All India Sufi & Mystic Music Festival is held in across India. Organised by Mumbai-based cultural organization Banyan Tree Events it is one of the biggest of its kind.

It is held in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune and Hyderabad. Mystic musicians from various parts of India — sufi qawwals, Kabir panthis, and Bauls — perform at the festival.

Mr. Sajjan Jindal at the event in Bangalore

Having featured over 2000 Sufi and mystic musicians over the years, Ruhaniyat, an Urdu word meaning `soulfulness’, has become a huge platform for Indian musicians to perform in various international festivals world wide.

JSW Foundation proudly presented the Ruhaniyat festival at Delhi and Bangalore. From the plains of India, the rugged climes of Pakistan, and the sandy dunes of Egypt to Bulgaria, and The Netherlands, artists all converged on the venues to light them up with their soul stirring tunes. the evenings were all about spiritual awakening.

Dervishes twirl in time with the music

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Art & Culture Mumbai

Culture Chronicle

Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Vidya Balan join the models in thanking the audience

T

he Jehangir Art Gallery has undoubtedly rendered exemplary service to Indian art and culture over the last six decades. It is certainly the most prestigious destination for art shows in this country. On completing 60 years of promoting art in the country, Jehangir Art Gallery celebrated with a 10 day gala. Mrs Sangita Jindal, well known for her interest and conservation of the Indian arts, was a patron of the celebrations.

Mrs Jindal launched the brand new Jehangir Art Gallery website. The celebrations included an exhibition, titled 60 years of Being Jehangir, which captured some of the gallery’s memorable moments over the years

and gave the audience an insight into the history of the gallery. The gallery also hosted a number of other events including a Zakir Hussain concert, an art auction, free workshops and discussions and concluded the festivity with India Modern – an evening of art, fashion and music.

The fashion show featured Sabyasachi’s Mukherjee’s collection and saw Vidya Balan as the showstopper. Models walked the ramp with stars twinkling above, palm trees in the courtyard and the Prince of Wales Museum as a grand backdrop. Needless to say, the entire event was a great success and a fitting tribute to an institution that has done so much for art in the country.

Mrs. Sangita Jindal with Sapna Kar at the event

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CSR Kutehr

Education for All

A

continuing passion for the education of every Indian drives the JSW Group to do more for the cause. The relentless pursuit of creating a more literate and self-sufficient India is reflected at every location. Kutehr is not far behind and there too one can witness the commitment towards the cause.

With such a focus on education, 19 qualified youths were deployed in the project area to begin work. The Kutehr Panchayat Pradhan and School Management Committee had asked for teachers to fill the vacant positions and this too was done by the CSR initiative of the site.

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Moreover, 17 students who met the requisite standards were enlisted for the scholarship of ITI/Diploma under the R&R scheme. Their future is not only bright but also secure.

To top it all off, 17 students were shortlisted from the Project Affected Area in DC, Chamba office so that they could be distributed Fellowships.

Needless to say, all these concerted efforts are nothing more than a holistic way to include every student in the ongoing dream of a better future.

CSR Ratnagiri

Ray of Hope

Rural women in a tete-a-tete with Mrs. Sangita Jindal

W

omen empowerment took a big step forward when Mrs Sangita Jindal, Chairperson of JSW Foundation paid a visit to the Ratnagiri power plant and port facility. December 2012, saw Mrs Jindal reaching out to the rural women of the area. She was very keen to meet the women, so as to understand the progress of various programs in women empowerment.

Representatives of women Self Help Groups explained the income generation activities undertaken.

Founder members of a proposed women’s co-operative society for self

employment were very inspired by the encouragement by Mrs Jindal.

The community organiser – Miss Ranjeeta explained the progress to the Chairperson. The women expressed gratitude towards JSW and emphasized JSW’s role in the registration of such co-operative societies that will go a long way for micro finance & enterprenuership development of women in Panchkroshi.

Mrs Jindal took deep intrest in the details and assured continual support from JSW Group.

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CSR Vasind

Literacy Drive A

long with creating an educated and literate India, JSW also focuses on imparting saleable vocational skills to people. This ensures that they can find employment and live a respectful life.

The oral, written and practical examinations of all the trades of O.P. Jindal Centre were conducted in the month of August.

The instructors from other Agnel Technical College centers had conducted the exam at Vasind in order to make the process more transparent and fair.

A large number of students appeared for the examinations. Out of the 223 applicants, 221 passed and successfully completed their respective courses.

Those who were successful in the examinations were given certificates

Trade Name

Regular Students

Left

Exam Appeared

Fail

Pass

New admissions 2012-13 Batch

1

Fitter

37

0

37

0

37

38

2

Radio, TV, Tape & Electronics Repairing

20

3

17

0

17

13

3

Information Technology

21

4

17

0

17

17

4

Two & Three Wheeler Mechanic

27

4

23

0

23

17

5

Dress Making & Fashion Designing

24

5

19

1

*18

17

6

Professional Beautician

20

3

17

0

17

15

7

Welding & Fabrication

32

1

31

0

31

25

8

Com. Hardware & Networking

09

3

06

0

06

0

9

Electrician

61

5

56

1

55

73

251

28

223

2

221

215

Total

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in a ceremony organized on the 17th of September. The occasion was chaired, by Mrs. Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, JSW Foundation and Mr. Narendra Joshi, Principal, Agnel Technical College. The pride of every student was palpable and we wish them a brilliant future.

Since two students of the tailoring batch were barely literate and would not have passed the written test, an executive decision was taken to present them with a certificate based on their tailoring skills.

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CSR Vasind

Gift of History

The launch event of the Hakka and Bukka comic book

I

t is very important for the children of this technological age to realize the glory of their roots. Lost in a world of television and internet, kids are fast losing touch with the past. Even though rural areas are filled with folktales and local lore, it is also a priority to bring the glorious history of this nation before the children.

To make young kids aware of our glorious past in an engaging & interesting manner JSW Foundation tied up with Amar Chitra Katha to publish a truly unique comic booklet. Aptly named ‘Heroes of Hampi’ the booklet is a one of its kind effort to

familiarize children with history. It follows the story of two warrier brothers Hakka and Bukka. These are the same men who went on to become the mighty rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire.

To generate more interest in the booklet and to ensure that its message reaches the youth, the Foundation also sent some copies various local schools.

The Vasind site reacted admirably and distributed 450 copies of the booklet amongst nearby schools. Here’s hoping the ‘Heroes of Hampi’ can excite the imagination of the future.

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CSR Vijayanagar

Illuminated minds T

o nurture the educational excellence in children of the surrounding rural areas in Vijayanagar, JSW Foundation is awarding scholarships to the top three SSLC students every year. The award comprises of a certificate and a cash amount of Rs 10,000, Rs 7000 & Rs 5000 respectively. Further, JSW CSR volunteers have come forward to mentor these students. For the last academic year, 17 students from 6 surrounding CSR High schools have been awarded.

Also, to satisfy the curiosity of school children about the plant, JSW Foundation has been organizing a series of exposure visits for schools in the neighbouring villages. The one day event included visits to the plant, Freedom Park, township, sports complex, schools etc.

Transport and food are arranged

by JSW Foundation and on an average 80 children along with the respective school teachers are brought. The children are awestruck by the enormity of the operations. A few in their feedback have even stated that they would study hard to become engineers and be employed at JSW.

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CSR Vijayanagar

Sporting Spirit S

ports have always held a special place in the lives of all JSWites.

The JSW Foundation also believes in the betterment of and participation in sporting activities. One more step towards this goal was the Bellary district level sports meet organized by the Foundation. The meet, held on the 21st and 22nd of September, 2012 was a roaring success. The Toranagallu High School provided the location for the

event and the students and audience had a wonderful time. The competitive events saw a great turnout. Over 1200 children from 86 schools took part to make the event memorable.

Mr. Manjunath Prabhu, VP (Admin & CSR), and other dignitaries were there for the inaugural function and their presence added an extra bit of excitement to the event.

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CSR Salem

A Stitch in Time T

he betterment of women has always been a focal point for all activities at JSW. In keeping with this mindset, JSW Steel, Salem Works signed an MOU with SONA college technology for imparting training to rural women in a bid to create sustainable employment opportunities in the villages of Potanneri and M. Kallipatti panchayat. This course has

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two levels: Level 1 is a basic stitching training course in Potanneri centre and Level 2 is conducted in SONA Garment Institute.

So far 6 batches of 30 women each have already completed the course.

Four batches were distributed their certificates by the CEO, Mr D. Ravichandar on 20th September 2012.

CSR Jharkhand

J

SW Steel, Jharkhand has embraced the ideals of helping the less fortunate with all fervour. In the spirit of bringing about a change in people’s lives, medical aid is currently being provided in four villages - Barenda, Baredih, Chokahatu and Pandadih.

Major ailments diagnosed were joint pains, cataract, seasonal fever, skin infections, anemia, phyleria and malaria. Four persons were diagnosed with leprosy. Two patients were advised to get a tuberculosis screening.

Joining the employees in this noble endeavour by providing his services is Dr. Abhishek Kumar a BAMS doctor with an Ayush certificate. Post treatment, all basic medications are being distributed free of cost.

546 patients have visited our centre in the month of September, 2012. Out of a total 546 patients to have received medical aid, 30% were male, 55% female and 15% children.

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TALK ART Starting with this issue, Connect explores the world of art by highlighting famous pieces from the past. We discuss the where, how and why of certain works of art gaining immense popularity.

And to begin we examine the most recognized painting in the world, The Mona Lisa.

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Paint, Passion and Perfection

Talk Art

A

story is told of two women, standing in front of the Mona Lisa, and saying to each other, “I don’t like it.”

“What’s all the fuss about?”

The guard replies, “Ma’am, the Mona Lisa has stood the test of time. When you stand before her, it is you, not she, who is being judged.”

Roy McMullen’s book, Mona Lisa: The Picture and the Myth, begins: “The Mona Lisa’s without a doubt the most famous work in the entire forty-thousand-year history of visual arts. Moreover, it has been famous a remarkably long period.

When it was still in Leonardo’s studio, it was already inspiring imitations. It is decidedly not like other paintings; it might be better described, as a cross between a universal fetish and a Hollywood-era film star.”

But, how did it come to be so?

First, of course, behind the mystique of the Mona Lisa is the mystique of Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo, has come to symbolize the Renaissance -- the seeker of knowledge, the heroic, old wise man.

There is doubt on the actual date of the painting, with authorities quoting 1504, 1513-16, and even 1515. There is also doubt about the woman in the painting.

The earliest answer, is that she was a “certain Florentine lady,” but Giorgio Vasari identified her as Mona Lisa, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo (Mona is from Madonna meaning Mrs.). Over the centuries, many women have been called the model, including a suggestion that it is Leonardo himself, looking in a mirror. Today, consensus is in favor of Mrs. Giocondo.

Leonardo didn’t give the painting to the Giocondo family, but took it with him to use as an advertisement of what he could do. So, in addition to being a mystery, the painting was also a publicity gimmick, from its earliest days.

The Mona Lisa was revolutionary.

The pose broke tradition -- previously, portraits were full length. The waistup, hands-folded-on-lap approach, was more intimate and was imitated

Do you smile to tempt a lover, Mona Lisa?

Or is this your way to hide a broken heart?

Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep; They just lie there and they die there; Are you warm, are you real, Mona Lisa?

Or just a cold and lonely lovely work of art? immediately. The background is painted in a gradation of lights and colors, losing detail in the distance, instead of the traditional approach of distinct foreground and background. She herself is rendered with extraordinary vividness. Most importantly, Leonardo’s technique lent a deep mysteriousness to the expression of the lady who seems to know all about you while hiding secrets of her own.

There was also an element of inaccessibility as the painting was kept in the palaces of France.

When the Louvre, previously a palace, became a museum in the 1700s, the Mona Lisa remained hidden in a “badly lit room.” It was finally in 1804 that it was moved to the Grande Galerie of the Louvre and opened to the public.

This was the great Romantic era, and Leonardo was again a hero. Writers and poets from the Marquis de Sade to Jules Michelet referred to Mona. By the mid1800s she was an icon.

There was a German opera about Lisa.

Nat King Cole sang about her. She had become a familiar theme.

By the 1970s, there were Mona Lisa T-shirts, sweaters, scarfs, hairpins, jigsaws, plates, towels and wastebaskets. In 1963, she spent seven weeks on display in the U.S. In 1974, over two million people saw her in Tokyo and Moscow. Tokyo shops were named Mona Lisa. In Moscow, viewers left poems and flowers near her, as if she were a sacred image.

But, now we’re back where we started: how do we explain this incredible fame?

Well, once the popularity ball starts rolling, it keeps rolling. But let’s not overlook the painting itself--the technique, the tone values. Leonardo was a wizard, who “combined actuality with artifice, matter with spirit, and the natural with the supernatural.”

Interesting as the explanations are, they fail to answer the question --why did this particular painting hold the spotlight for 500 years?

Her fame became transcendent in 1911, when the painting was stolen from the Louvre. Newspaper accounts gave her enormous familiarity to all. If you knew one painting, that would be the Mona Lisa. She was found in Italy and returned in 1913. The return was a royal progress, with stops for exhibitions.

Mona was a sensation once again.

Larry Feinberg from Chicago’s Art Institute attributes it to the idealization and other-worldliness of the painting.

McMullen adds that Mona was more open to interpretation. It still is, one of the supreme examples of inviting the viewer to discover for himself what is signified.

Following World War I, this mystique was widely exploited. The Dadaists saw her as a cultural fetish. Aldous Huxley wrote a short story, The Gioconda Smile.

The explanations are each more confusing than the other. In the end, one can’t help thinking, “Is she smiling because she knows? connect | ISSUE 1 - 2013

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B

engali onanza

T

he universal picture of a Bengali is largely stereotypical.

Bollywood’s representation of a curly haired man in bottle-bottom glasses and a ridiculous accent has been regular and distinctive over the years. But in the midst of all the shawl wearing, ‘isssh’ swearing Bengali symbols that are not even funny anymore, there is a standout. That is the Bengali’s love for food. No matter how many times it is shown, exaggerated or even derided, it will take ages to understand the love the everyday Bengali has for food.

Right from the commonly

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An enthusiastic pursuit of excellent food has brought a unique level of finesse to this eastern cuisine

known maach bhaat (fish and rice) to the not so well known bati chocchori (a dry mixed vegetable) the Bengali is ever prepared to get down and dirty with a plate of food.

Bengali meals are an elaborate affair. Even on a daily basis, those who are lucky enough to live with family, are treated to a multicourse extravaganza. It all starts with a shaak (paalak) or ucche (Karela). Usually the ucche is deep-fried and the shaak is a simple stir-fry with mustard seeds. These serve as palate cleansers and are to be had with just

a minute spot of rice and a drop of ghee. The rice itself is usually the aromatic atop chaal (parboiled rice).

Following that comes the thick dal. Special occasions call for special dishes and the dal (usually moong or masoor) is treated to a helping of fish pieces. It just adds that extra bit of zing to the humble platter. This sweet and spicy concoction is not eaten in isolation. To accompany the dal there must be a partner. These accompaniments can range from the undemanding kophir torkari (cauliflower curry) to the slightly heavier

lau chingri (bottle gourd with prawns).

There are of course various little fried vegetables or fish that act as quick distractions and help to add that extra crunch.

The delicious beguni (brinjal fritter), the mouth-watering pumpkin fritter (thin slices of pumpkin dipped in besan and fried) and topshe fry (Topshe fish dipped in besan and fried) all fall into the category of these tasty temptations.

Once you are done with these blander courses, it is time to jump right into the one thing that excites

Food Factor

Paayesh (Basmati rice pudding) Ingredients:

Method:

• • • • • • •

• Clean and wash the rice.

• Remove and let it dry for

1 tbs raisins 1 cup Basmati rice 3 green cardamoms 10 almonds 1 cup jaggery grated 2 litres milk 1 tbs sugar

a Bengali even more than football i.e. the fish course.

There can never be enough print space dedicated to the varied fish dishes that Bengal has conjured up. Your meal can be taken to the heights of gourmet bliss with just the swish of a ladle. It can be a doi maach (Rohu pieces cooked in a curry of onions, garlic, tomatoes and curd) or the East Bengal special Chitol macher muittha (dumplings of the Chitol fish in a ginger, garlic, onion and green chilly curry). Fish dishes range from the very simple Paabda jhaal (paabda fish in a mustard curry) to the more labourintensive Chingri Maacher malai curry (Prawns cooked in ground coconut, coconut milk and fresh cream).

But let’s just focus now on the

• • • •

an hour.

Blanch the almonds and slice.

Wash the raisins.

Boil milk.

Lower the heat and continue to boil stirring constantly for fifteen to twenty minutes.

one dish that can be easily declared the king of Bengali non-vegetarian cuisine. The Bhaapa Ilish (Hilsa steamed with a mustard sauce) is undoubtedly every Bengali’s guilty pleasure. Even the most composed of men have been known to lose all control in its very presence. The dish is an aromatic, creamy, spicy, delectable blast of flavours.

The slow steaming process ensures that the fragrance of the mustard paste completely envelopes every bit of the fish.

Hilsa has a beautiful flavor in itself that is reminiscent of the sea. The slow cooking also sees to it that this flavor is left intact and only augmented by the addition of the mustard.

Chillies add a welcome punch and the Bhaapa Ilish is born.

Being a seasonal fish adds greatly to the temptation of the Hilsa. The sheer number

• Mix in the rice and • • • • •

continue to stir till the rice is soft.

Mix in sugar.

Continue to stir till the milk has reduced to half.

Add jaggery and mix.

Mix in the cardamoms, almond slices and raisins and stir well.

Serve cold.

of ways in which the Hilsa is enjoyed in those two-three monsoon months deserves a page unto itself. It’s fried, steamed, curried and even used in chutney.

To top off this culinary extravaganza, Bengalis also have an abundance of sweets at their beck and call. Leaving aside the store bought varieties; there are a number of desserts that are made regularly in Bengali homes. Paayesh (Basmati rice pudding), tomato chutney (an explosion of sour, sweet and spicy) and kachagolla (Mewa, sweetened with jaggery and rolled) are regulars at the table.

This meal, though filling and bountiful is nonetheless light and leaves enough space to indulge in the Bengali’s

favourite pastime. There are discussions at the table on everything from politics to movies, debates that get heated and are only cooled by the next course of food. It takes all the expertise of the cook to bring the focus back to the food but it is easily achieved by the experienced hands of Bengali mothers and wives who can dish out a logical argument just as easily as they can a shukto (mixed vegetable curry with Raadhuni spice).

So, after you have finished that abundant splurge which Bengalis simply call lunch, it is time to roll into a comfortable position and catch your forty winks. We are hoping, for your sake, that it is a Sunday because you won’t be moving for a while after this bonanza.

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knowledgeHIVE

Gyan-omics

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We all have our own zones of specialization. There are things we all know and there are things that some of us know better than others. Some know laws, others know poems and yet others can rattle off cricket statistics faster than the Wisden itself. But humans are nothing, if not incomplete. And there are a bunch of things that each of us do not know. Here are some unusual facts and some useful information that might fit into those gaps.

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Knowledge Hive

Amazing India

Words to Wonder:

Did You Know?

India is a land of wonder and diversity.

No wonder we are proud of its rich and varied heritage. Let’s have a look at some really interesting and amazing facts about this great nation of ours.

• India is the world’s largest, oldest, continuous civilization • Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus are studies, which originated in India • India is the largest English speaking nation in the world • Martial Arts were first created in India, and later spread to Asia by Buddhist missionaries • Sanskrit is the root of all European Languages • The game of snakes & ladders was created by the 13th century poet saint Gyandev • The art of Navigation was born in the river Sindhu 6000 years ago. The word “navigation” is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH • India has the second largest pool of scientists and engineers in the World • The Indian Railway employs more people than any other organisation in the world

Here are three common English words which have absolutely no rhyming partners. Poets everywhere should be very careful around these!

• Istanbul, Turkey is the only city in the world located on two continents • China has more English speakers than the United States • Japan has approximately 200 volcanoes and is home to 10% of the active volcanoes in the world • Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise • The letter J does not appear anywhere on the periodic table of the elements • You share your birthday with at least 9 other million people in the world • The USA bought Alaska from Russia for 2 cents an acre • Johnny Depp has a phobia of clowns • Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors • India has the most post offices in the world

Bulb: This funny sounding word is one we use almost everyday. It originally came from the Greek word for “onion” i.e. bolbas. In the early 1800s the word was used for anything that had a shape similar to the onion, for instance, thermometer bulbs. But even with such a long history, no rhyme for it can be found.

Orange: This common fruit was first cultivated in Asia in 2500 B.C. The English word is derived from the Persian root word, Narana. However, poets have always avoided this yummy fruit for its lack of rhyming.

Angel: Angel comes from the Greek word “angelos”, which means “messenger of God.” Even though its close cousin “angle” has many rhymes, angel remains all alone in the dictionary.

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Everyone has a list of things that they want to get done. But, as has been said often enough, life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. And there are more things on this beautiful planet of ours than you can ever plan to get done. So why not break away from the beaten track and try your hand at a few different things. Here are ten things that you can try in the New Year that will excite you, keep you on the edge of your seat and enrich your life, all at once.

Let’s start easy. Learn to cook a meal you would be proud to serve. Test your boundaries and go as exotic as you can. Never eaten Mongolian food before? Google it. Find some recipes and get it done. Practice until you can really cook it well. Then, for the grand finale, invite friends and family over and throw them a grand party. Make sure you decorate to match the theme of your meal.

This one is also considerably easy. Just smile at a stranger and wish them a good day. It might be someone you have seen on and off in office but haven’t really spoken to. Or, if you are feeling really adventurous and brave, it might be the person next to you at the bus stop. Just smile, and say “Have a nice day.” It is often said that a smile can travel all day. And if you make someone smile in the morning you will be setting a chain of happiness into motion.

Scrapbook life

Strange attractions

Eat it right

10

Steps to Bliss

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Everyone takes pictures of major events in their life. Take pictures of everyday things. How your colleagues look engrossed in work, how your family fights over the remote, how the traffic in the city lights up the night sky. Collect these pictures. Print them out and make a scrapbook that documents, in photographs, your life. It might not seem like much today, but one day these will serve as a great way to remember days gone by.

Learn Magic

Take up a pointlessly fun sport and follow it through. Whether it be go-karting, paintball or even flying a kite. Let the child inside you rule for a while and let go of all inhibitions. Don’t keep score and just go for the thrill of the moment.

Adventure time

Of course it is a status symbol to set foot on every country around the world.

But how many people can honestly say that they have seen every nook and cranny of their own homeland. Travel around India and you will experience sights and sounds that you wouldn’t find anywhere else on earth.

Sport spotlight

Travel today

Do something that terrifies you.

Something, that in the normal course of life you would never dare. Try your hand at public speaking, sing karaoke or even spend a night in an allegedly haunted house. Face your fears and the thrill you gain will be worth the fright.

Collection craze

It is a shame for us that in this great nation of ours today, there are so many children who do not receive a basic education. This would be a good time to just get a group of kids together and start imparting some home schooling. You could start with the alphabets and go on to teach them anything that you think you specialize in. It may be music, dance, drama or even mathematics. Just impart a few life skills to a child and you would have made a difference.

Far from fear

Teach children

Leisure

Start collecting something that fascinates you. And don’t just collect, learn about them too. If they are old coins, find out their history and if they are postcards try to figure out when and where they came from. It is a fun hobby that can lead to hours of exhilarating research and knowledge.

Adrenaline junkies from around the world come to India for their next big rush. You can also have a taste of what excites them. Travel to Himachal Pradesh and try paragliding in the lush mountains, parasail in Goa, trek in the Himalayas, take a midnight boat-ride in the Sundarbans and see a whole new side of the country and yourself.

Maybe you won’t become Houdini in a day but you could get hold of a few neat tricks. If nothing else, someday, your kids will be glad you learnt how to make a coin appear out of their ears.

Also, when life gets you down, instead of feeling bad, you’ll have a world of smoke and mirrors to escape into.

So, go live it up. Next to your list of jobs to do and numbers to call, put up a list of simple yet fun things that you can do this year to make yourself and people around you happy.

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Winners of last Sudoku Last Issue’s Solution

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1st

Shaila Shetty, Mumbai

2nd

PA Dadaper, Vijayanagar

3rd

Suraj Kumar Dhandhania, JSW Ispat

Please send the filled SUDOKU to jsw.connect@jsw.in before 28th of February 2013

SPOT IT! Find five differences in the two images below. Seems impossible? Game on!

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The Last Word Democracy will not come Today, this year Nor ever Through compromise and fear.

I have as much right As the other fellow has To stand On my two feet And own the land.

I tire so of hearing people say, Let things take their course.

Tomorrow is another day.

I do not need my freedom when I’m dead.

I cannot live on tomorrow’s bread.

Freedom Is a strong seed Planted In a great need.

I live here, too.

I want freedom Just as you.

Democracy by Langston Hughes James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967) was an American poet and one of the earliest innovators of the literary art form ‘jazz poetry’.

Published by JSW Group.

For Internal Circulation only.