Apr 2014

Indian Diaspora

a force for good

Letters Matter

BE BETTER FOCUSED !

If you intend to flatter the 'pravasi' and want him to spend on ads in your mag, it could be a non-starter I'm afraid, as the motel-owning Patels are now seeing their businesses pass into the hands of the nextgen, who are not so much obsessed with India like their parents. Alternatively, if I may suggest, you can turn it into an excellent East-West magazine, with emphasis not just on VIPs but on ordinary day-to-day people. There are many newly married Indian couples in America's West coast, for example, who would like to know how to deal with their In-laws in India. Should they send tickets when they're planning to visit ? If so, is Economy class okay, or Premium Economy as both are arthritic ?

Sumit Mitra , Kolkata

SOME POLITICS PLEASE !

I find NRI Achievers to be a good read as a monthly, and find several interesting articles but still nothing much about the ups and downs in the Indian economy, or about Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi in it. Political news and analysis is an aspect which in my view, you should not neglect, as we Indians living overseas are always looking for reliable information and viewpoints on the political scenario in the homeland. Especially now, on the run-up to the elections in 2014. I am sure there are many others like me who feel this way, so I am communicating this thought for your editorial team to consider for inclusion in future issues. Wishing you success!

Unni Menon, Sharjah

NRI PROFILES... WISh FULFILLED

I had earlier written to you expressing the wish that you highlight the lives of NRIs, as a special feature. And imagine my surprise when I found you have done exactly that in your March edition of NRI Achievers! Thanks a lot for being responsive to reader comments! And I find that all my favourite topics are still there, and as interesting as ever. Heritage takes us into many nooks and crannies of our historical past, while your travelogue takes us on even more interesting journeys in the present. Bravo! Kuljeet Singh Jalandhari, Toronto, Canada

GOOD GOING !

I am a regular reader of your magazine, and I find it eminently readable. Specific sections that interest me are the health and wellness section, which I make it a point to read first, as it gives me insights on what I can make use of from my kitchen itself. Keep that going ... for sometimes, I do find this section missing in some issues. In fact, add recipes, beauty tips, and some womencentric information too, it will be interesting to several housewives like me.

Preeti Kakkar, Delhi

Why LIMITED PAGES?

I have just finished browsing through your March issue and consider it very informative and interestingly formatted. But I don’t understand why you keep it to limited pages, because I think you are producing first hand material, and in order to introduce new segments, you are sacrificing older segments that you have introduced us to earlier. For example, in this issue, your health/wellness segment is missing.

Naval Dhandekar, Dubai, UAE

TIMES NOW fElIcITaTES INdIaNS acrOSS ThE WOrld WITh

‘NrI Of ThE YEar’ aWardS

Mumbai, March 24, 2014 - TIMES NOW, India’s No. 1 news channel with a presence in over 75 countries, celebrated the success and achievements of Indians across the world with the announcement of the winners of ‘NRI of the Year’ awards. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, who was felicitated with India's 'Global Icon Award.' The event also marked the presence of Honorable Cabinet Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr. Vayalar Ravi, as the chief guest.

The first edition of the TIMES NOW ICICI BANK NRI OF THE YEAR AWARDS, powered by Global Indian International School (GIIS) awarded individuals under 6 different categories: Entrepreneur, Professional, Student, Arts, Entertainment, Philanthropy and Social Good, and Contribution to India. The achievers are contestants from USA, Canada, Singapore, UK, and the Middle East, including Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.

List of Winners

Categories

India’s Global Icon

Special Jury Award

Name of the Winner Country

Amitabh Bachchan India

Zubin Mehta USA Popular Choice Yusuffali M.A. UAE

Entertainment Keertika Rawat UAE

My India Kunal Shah USA

Entrepreneur

Dr. Raminder Singh Ranger UK Rupesh Srivastava USA Anand Kumar UAE Nitish Jain Singapore Student

Hussain Khaki UK Mala Kiran Talekar USA Abdul Muqeet UAE

Aastha Chauhan Singapore

Professional

Dr. Rameshbabu Chandrabhan Singh UK Chandrashekar Natarajan USA Y Sudhir Kumar Shetty UAE Venkatesha Murthy Singapore

With their grit and perseverance, Non Resident Indians have achieved tremendous success in various fields in the countries they have chosen to adapt as their homes. Many NRIs are accomplished politicians, scientists, sportspeople, businesspersons, professionals and academicians in various countries and the TIMES NOW ‘NRI OF THE YEAR’ AWARDS recognizes the success of these achievers.

Philanthropy

Suman Kapoor UK Vijay Goradia USA Keshav Murleedharan UAE Dr. D Chandroo Singapore

About tiMes noW

The TIMES NOW ICICI BANK NRI OF THE YEAR AWARDS is powered by Global Indian International School (GIIS). Ducon Group, USA and Maharastra Tourism are Associate sponsors of the event. Air India is the Singapore travel partner, and Ernst & young are the process advisors. The Nominations process is supported by various organisations around the world including the Federation of Indian Associations, New York & Tri- State; Singapore India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore; India Business Association (SIMDA), UK; India Business Council (UKIBC) , British Asian Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO), and TiE, Singapore. The India Club, Dubai, the Indian Business & professional Council, Dubai are among other Indian regional language associations.

TIMES NOW, India’s No. 1 English News channel from Times Television Network, is a part of India’s largest media conglomerate, The Times Group, the publishers of the World's largest english daily newspaper, the Times of India.

TIMES NOW delivers breaking news, analysis and debates with a credible and unbiased approach in bringing news and reportage to the viewers. Sharp, incisive and direct, it is considered the nation’s voice in news. It’s distinctive style and fearless approach makes it different from the others. TIMES NOW is available widely on leading DTH, Cable, IPTV and mobile platforms globally.

IS IT SPRING IN THE AIR OR AN INDIAN SUMMER?

Deja Vu time once again, the month of march has gone by, and the environment across the nation is supercharged with the election fever. Equations are being worked and reworked, opinion polls are doing the rounds, and hectic confabulations of political parties on electoral alliances and post-electoral alignments are the talk of the day. In this milieu, most other activity that is staple for us seems to have taken on a lower key profile, with Netas and netagiri grabbing media eyeballs on most television channels, and even dominating newspaper coverage. The malaysian airline MH370 is yet to be found, even as the sighting of some debris down under holds some hope for concrete information about the lost souls who bourded that fateful airliner. On the sporting front, the mega multi-million IPL has stormclouds overhanging its fate this season, what with the Supreme Court of India coming down strongly on the BCCI while adjudicating last season's betting scam. All told, an interesting melange of matters, with sugar, spice and what have you.

Away from all the frenetic activity on that front, we at NRI Achievers chose to take some time off and go a bit off the beaten track, sticking to the refocus we began with our last issue. Diaspora reach continues, and we feature another set of achievers who are all of Indian origin in our cover story and special feature. Our various keystone themes like last time are once again wrapped in as attractive a way as possible all around this main feature.

Continuing with the debate on Brain Drain and Brain Gain, we take a look at Diaspora endeavors in other quarters, and other economies. So much so that our team, currently at Dubai for the SMEWORLD summit, is busy forging alliances for enlarging our reach to the Gulf and its large Indian communities. And so a new member joins our core team, Shantanu AP, himself a successful entrepreneur and NRI Achiever, about whom we talk more in our pages later.

We have attempted here to chart some more life trajectories of diaspora achievers in our special feature. Though it may still be pointed out that those we are featuring may in many ways belong to an elite group and not the ubiquitous Indian NRI in the street, be rest assured that efforts are on to build a platform through which we may garner quality content from a larger footprint of the diaspora in the issues to come. And yes, the game is afoot, partner, on building up precisely that platform, which will serve as both a forum, resource, and knowledge bank that will cater to that large segment of overseas Indians.

So it is that we repeat here our sincere request that you as the reader do make that little bit of effort and connect with us to share your life experiences, your aspirations, your problems and your prospects. If you are reticent to write about yourselves, you could perforce share the stories, trails and tribulations of those others who inspire you, and what they have achieved. Our editorial desk is open to you, just communicate and we would love to hear from you, about you and about your role models and your communities. Have a great day!

NRIs REGISTER TO VOTE IN GENERAL ELECTIONS

A total of 11,844 NRIs have enrolled so far by post, for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. But they will need to travel to their constituency in order to exercise their franchise on polling day. Interestingly, Kerala accounts for the bulk of NRI voters at 11,488, while Punjab with 138, and Tamil Nadu with 112, are way behind as a far second and third. NRI voter registration figures not only point to migration patterns but also indicate levels of political awareness. Uttar Pradesh for instance, the state with the largest number of general voters, has no NRI voters. Smaller states seem to have more politically conscious citizens than larger ones. At least 56 citizens from Puducherry living in France have enrolled themselves, while 27 voters from Goa are on the rolls. New Delhi and Maharashtra have 13 NRI voters each, while the rest of the states have just one each.

INDIAN-ORIGIN SCIENTIST CHOSEN FOR UN'S HIGHEST ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

An Indian-origin scientist, who proved how cutting emissions of "black carbon" or soot can significantly lessen the impact of climate change, has been selected for the United Nation's top environmental award. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) revealed recently that Veerabhadran Ramanathan of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California is to receive the 2013 "Champions of the Earth award", the UN's highest environmental award. The prize is awarded annually to leaders from government, civil society and the private sector, whose actions have had a significant and positive impact on the environment. "I am very honoured to accept this prestigious award, which recognizes the critical role of science and research in addressing the major environmental challenges of our time," said Professor Ramanathan in response to the UN honour. A major UNEP study in 2011 of which Ramanathan acted as vice-chairman, presented 16 actions to cut black carbon and methane emissions, which, if implemented, would save close to 2.5 million lives a year through reduced respiratory illnesses, avoid crop losses amounting to 32 million tonnes annually and deliver near-term climate protection of about 0.5 degree C by 2050.

VEDIC PRACTICES TO REACH SOUTH AFRICAN SHORES

Mesmerized by the exotic rituals and the rhythmic chanting of the veda mantras, a South African of Indian origin is planning to hold the ancient vedic ritual in her home country. Anasuya Khoosal, who was recently in Kozhikode, Kerala, to participate in a 'Somayagam' organized by the Kashyapa Veda Research Centre, held discussions with the Centre about modalities of organizing a similar ritual in Johannesburg, SA. "We will be soon forming a group in Johannesburg comprising members of South African nationals in our bid to organize a Somayagam. We would miss no chance to spread the noble message of the Vedas to the people of South Africa, which has a notable population of people of Indian origin" she averred.

INDIANS IN RECKONING FOR TOP WORLD THINKERS

Five Indians, four of whom are economists, are in the reckoning to be bestowed the title, "world's most important thinker 2014," as part of a global poll that has been on for the past decade. A UK publication, 'The Prospect' magazine, has been inviting its readers and the public at large, to vote on its list of influential thinkers since 2004, from it's list of the top 100 British public intellectuals. In 2005, the magazine expanded its search to the rest of the world, and asked readers to vote online. The 2014 list has four Indian economists — Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, Kaushik Basu, Partha Dasgupta and Raghuram Rajan. The one other non-economist entry from India is writer and Booker prize winner Arundhati Roy. Other highprofile people in contention are Pope Francis, the only religious leader to make it to the annual list, american philosopher Thomas Nagel, and international lawyer and political scientist Anne-Marie Slaughter, former director of policy planning at US state and former professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University.

INDIAN ELECTION COMMISSION EXHORTS CITIZENS TO TAKE PLEDGE OF ETHICAL VOTING

Soon after the Indian EC put up posters urging voters to select pro-development candidates and dump the criminal and the corrupt, the Commission has in another first, urged voters to 'pledge' that they will vote ethically in the coming general elections. The communique, written in Marathi for Maharashtra's voters and in other regional languages for people from other states, asks voters to elect candidates who will 'meet the aspirations of the people and the nation as a whole,' emphasising that they should now look beyond narrow agendas. It also appeals to voters to cast their vote 'without fail, without fear or greed, and without keeping caste, religion and creed

considerations in mind' and to 'inspire and encourage friends and family members' to vote in this fashion. The commission had already put up posters and banners urging people to vote for candidates who are pro-development and well-educated, and spurn those who will offer bribes, as such candidates are most likely to indulge in corruption in future. The posters say people should also know about the assets and liabilities of candidates before voting for them. The letter also states that electing a candidate is not merely a citizen's right but his/her responsibility towards the nation.

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MAHILA SHAKTI-INSPIRING CHANGE...

International Women's Day (IWD), also called the International Working Women's Day, is celebrated on March 8 every year. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women, to a celebration of women's economic, political, and social achievements. Started as a Socialist political event, the day blended in the culture of many countries, primarily in Europe, including Russia. In some regions, the day has lost its political flavour, and instead become simply an occasion for men to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture of Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. In other regions however, the political and human rights theme designated by the United Nations runs strong. This is also a day which some people celebrate by wearing purple ribbons.

Thousands of events occur across the world to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day. Some groups select their own International Women's Day theme, specific to their local context. For example, the European Parliament's 2013 theme was "Women's response to the crisis" and their 2012 theme was "Equal pay for work of equal value". The UN theme, apropos, for International Women's Day 2014 was: "Equality for Women is Progress for All."

March 8th is an official holiday in numerous countries across the world, cutting across political convictions, religion and race. In some countries, though the day is not a public holiday, is widely observed. It is customary for men to give the women in their lives – friends, mothers, wives, girlfriends, daughters, colleagues, etc. – flowers and gifts on this day. In some countries it is also observed as an equivalent of Mother's Day, where children also give small presents

to their mothers and grandmothers.

In Armenia, after the collapse of the Soviet Union celebrations of IWD were abandoned. Instead, April 7 was introduced as a state holiday of 'Beauty and Motherhood'. The new holiday became spontaneously popular among Armenians, as it commemorates one of the main holidays of the Armenian Church, the Annunciation. However, people still kept celebrating IWD on March 8 as well. Public discussion held on the topic of the two ‘Women's Days’ in Armenia ultimately resulted in recognition of the period between March 8 and April 7 as the so-called ‘Women's Month.’

In Italy, men present women with bouquets of yellow mimosas to celebrate the day. It was Teresa Mattei who chose the

women usually celebrate on the night of March 8 in "women-only" dinners and parties. In Pakistan, working women in formal and informal sectors celebrate International Women's Day every year to commemorate their ongoing struggle for due rights, despite facing many cultural and religious restrictions. Some women working for change in society use IWM to help the movement for women's rights. In Poland, for instance, every IWD includes large feminist demonstrations in major cities.

mimosa as the symbol of IWD in Italy because she felt that the French symbols of the day, violets and lily-of-the-valley, were too scarce and expensive to be used effectively in Italy. Yellow mimosas and chocolate are also one of the most common March 8 presents in Russia and Albania.

In many countries, such as in Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Colombia, Estonia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine the custom of giving women flowers still prevails. Women also sometimes get gifts from their employers, and schoolchildren often bring gifts for their teachers.

In countries like Portugal groups of

In 1975, which was designated as International Women's Year, the United Nations gave official sanction to, and began sponsoring, International Women's Day. The 2005 Congress (conference) of the British Trades Union Congress overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for IWD to be designated a public holiday in the United Kingdom. Since 2005, IWD has been celebrated in Montevideo, either on the principal street, 18 de Julio, or alternatively through one of its neighbourhoods. The event has attracted much publicity due to a group of female drummers, La Melaza, who have performed each year. Today, many events are held by women's groups around the world. Many governments and organizations around the world support IWD.

In Taiwan, International Women's Day is marked by the annual release of a government survey on women's waist sizes, accompanied by warnings that weight gain can pose a hazard to women's health.

In India too, IWD is celebrated mutivariously, there are seminars and symposia, functions and performances, that take place on March 8th. Rural India celebrates women's day as well, in the form of large panchayat-samiti level “Mahila Melas” organised and held by Non-Governmental Organisations and Women's organisations in the region.

SME WORLD SUMMIT 2014

HARNESSING SMALL & MEDIUM BUSINESSES FOR ACCELERATED GROWTH

SME World 2014, celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovative minds, showcased the best of SMEs, hi-tech companies and quality service providers in the region, apart from offering matchless networking and investment opportunities. The event, which took place on the 26th and 27th March, 2014 at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel at Dubai, was akin to a lodestone which attracted luminaries like entrepreneurs, C-level executives, financial institutions, trading houses, venture funds and angel investors, not to mention the world media.

It was to this audience of high profile participants that the summit strove to appeal to, as the one true platform for SMEs from around the globe to showcase their potential at the summit, in the presence of such a participant profile. In retrospect, the event did prove to be a cornerstone-event for entrepreneurs in and around the Middle Eastern and North African region. The two-day high profile event boasted of hosting one of the largest gathering of innovative minds in the region.

On the morning of 26th March, the two-day SME World 2014 opened its doors to investors, businesses and the general public, with the theme ‘Enabling Global Ambitions.’ The conference was held under the aegis of Dubai SME and Dubai Economic Council (DEC), and organized by the SPI Group, well known in the UAE for their role in designing, developing and organizing innova-

tive events and content platforms for businesses in the region. SME World validates UAE’s commitment to encourage entrepreneurship and provide a strong supporting ecosystem for small and medium businesses and enterprises, by showcasing the spirit of entrepreneurship in the UAE and the wider gulf region. In addition to Panel Discussions with experts and industry leaders, the event also hosted several SME Workshops. More than a 100 top SMEs from across the region participated, presenting their products and services, sharing their success stories and their growth plans with industry representatives, governments, investors and the general public.

Dubai SME, one of the key organisers, said that it is currently in the process of mapping the universe of angel investors in the UAE to help connect these investors with viable startups that show long term growth potential. This is being embarked upon with a view “to promote equity financing and angel investing as a complementary and alternative mode of funding for startups and SMEs in various stages of growth in the UAE,” according to Alexandar Williams, Director of Strategy and Policy, Dubai SME, who was speaking about alternatives for SME financing during the second day of Summit, during a panel discussion on “Access to finance for SMEs in the UAE: opportunities and challenges.” which was moderated by Dr. Ibrahim Elbadawi, Director, Macroeconomics and Forecasting, Dubai Economic Council. The discussion examined the various modes of SME financing in the UAE, their efficacy and their role in growing the sector which accounts for a very large percent of all businesses in the UAE. Other panelists included Vikas Thapar, CEO, SME Business at Emirates NBD, Dr. Mohamed Trabelsi, Senior Economist at Dubai Economic Council, Richard Morrison, Regional Head of Corporate Direct and Intermediaries at AXA Insurance, Chris Thomas, CEO of Eureeca, Amir Ahmed, Senior Associate at Pinsent Masons and Jean Marc Paufique, COO of Zawya.

NRI AchIeveRs BuReAu

Photos: Ajay Sood

a force for good Indian Diaspora

Photo: Ajay Sood

IndIa's dIaspora today are present I n almost every nook and cranny of the globe, from those who were part of the fI rst wave of mIgratIon from IndIan shores I n the later n I neteenth and early twentI eth centurI es to the present day new dIaspora... the ubIqu Itous nrIs combI ng the globe seekI ng newer opportun ItI es. the fI rst wave I n large part thanks to the brItIsh empI re of yore, and the second, to the newly renascent gcc countrI es, and the developed economI es...

lord dI l JIt rana

Lord Diljit Rana is a successful businessman in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is Chairman and Chief Executive of Andras House Group, Northern Ireland’s biggest hotels and hospitality organisation. Born at Sanghol in Punjab, Lord Rana has been living in Northern Ireland since 1966. He was awarded an MBE in 1996, for his contribution to the economic regeneration of the city of Belfast through the development of hotels, restaurants, fashion shops and modern office accommodation. He has also been instrumental in setting up a charitable trust of INR 50 million for a school and a college named Sanghol Education Complex in his native village Sanghol, near the city of Chandigarh in India. The Ulster & Queens University, Belfast, have conferred upon him honorary doctorates. He has played a key and pivotal role in leading a delegation of academics from Irish universities to India in order to explore educational partnerships and help develop university to university links between India and Northern Ireland.

lord Rana has had to renovate and repair his property portfolio over 25 times during the troubles in Northern Ireland due to the frequent bombings and arson. Being Indian, any loyalty to Northern Ireland was not expected of him, but he did choose to stay fast in Belfast despite all the problems. Today, he is a successful property developer and hotelier, and past President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is a leading figure of the Indian community, and also serves as the Honorary Consul of India to Northern Ireland. Actively involved in promoting business links between India and Northern Ireland, he has led several trade missions of many Northern Ireland based companies to India to explore business opportunities. NRI Achievers recently had occassion to converse with Lord Rana on his life and times, and we bring you here some excerpts from that conversation.

“My name is Diljit Singh Rana, I went from India in 1963, and have been living in the UK since then. God has been good to me, and I have prospered. I have been made a Member of the British Empire in 1996, a honour somewhat like what we have in India like the Bharat Ratna and Padma Bhushan, and ten years ago, I also entered the House of Lords, the upper house of the British Parliament. Unlike the Indian Rajya Sabha, under the British system, once you are made a Lord and enter the upper house, you are a member for life, you do not have to be nominated or fight elections, or play to a constituency, the entire country is your constituency.

“We have been living in the United Kingdom for 50 years now, and when I arrived here as an economics graduate from India with some

exposure and experience in bureaucracy, i was reasonably sure that I would be able to enter the civil service here in the UK. But the scenario was different, and ... un dino me, colour bar ke wajah se, chahe jitne bhi qualified ho, white collor job nahi milti thi ... so that was disappointing, I did not know that ... and didn't fully realise the problem of the colour bar in the UK ... if I had known, I wouldn't have gone. But then, once you go, to come back is a sort of defeat ... that you made a wrong decision, so I had to make it work. It was a very unhappy period for me, as I worked in various factories, in the post office, and then made my way to Northern Ireland, Belfast, and started my own business. I bought a going concern, a restaurant, it progressed pretty well, and we grew from one to four restaurants in four years ... and then came this period of political violence, sort of terrorism ... we suffered a lot, I lost all my restaurants in the city centre due to bombings and arson, 26 times in all over a period of about 20 years ... mostly businesses were targeted, and I do not think we were particularly targeted, but later on, when I got more prominent, and started taking a pro-government pro-business stance, I began to be targeted in the 90s, but before that, it was just random

bombing and arson. And then to my credit, and I am known for that initiative ... to have started the peace talks.

“In Northern Ireland, the violence started from the late 60s, 6970-71 there were street riots, then from 71 the bullets and the bombing etc., started in a big way, and it went on upto 98, when the eventual settlement happened. So in varying degrees, the violence lasted for 30 years, sometimes intense, sometimes sporadic. And at a time when nobody was hopeful of bringing the people together and ending the violence, I initiated the peace talks, and helped start a dialogue, albeit cloaked in some secrecy, during the mid 80s. And over the years, I was successful in getting people from various walks of life, political convictions, and of various alienations, sit together and interact. So a dialogue began, and later on, many other people started participating, it was a gradual process, the church came in, from both sides when things got really bad they played a part ... then a change of guard happened in the British government, as Margeret Thatcher moved out and John Major came in ... and Major took a lot of initiatives, like opening a dialogue with the IRA and the Sinn Fein. My role in kickstarting this process of peace talks is much appreci-

ated, I should say.

“Other than that, at a time when people were quite hesitant and afraid of putting their money into Northern Ireland, I continued with my investments despite all the uncertainty and violence, and am therefore known for my contribution to the economic regeneration of that region. I encouraged local businesses, even in those dark days of terrorism, talking hope, injecting positive attitudes ... me and some of my friends also started an Indian Business Forum in 1984-85, which played an important role in enabling economic survival of local businesses, and contributing to the economic resurgence of Northern Ireland. We were pretty successful in that, and what's more, the period also saw substantial inward investment flowing into Northern Ireland. Over the past 30 years or so, I have also led several trade delegations from Northern Ireland to India, and that effort has also paid off magnificently, so much so that India is today by far one of the largest investors in Northern Ireland. Indian tech majors HCL, Tech Mahindra, Polaris Labs, Larsen & Toubro, etc., are all there in Northern Ireland, largely due to my initiatives. On trade balance, I can tell you offhand that about 40 Northern Ireland com-

I have been made a member of the brItIsh empI re I n 1996, a honour somewhat lI ke what we have I n IndIa lI ke the bharat r atna and padma bhushan, and ten years ago, I also entered the house of lords, the upper house of the brItIsh parlIament

Photo: Ajay Sood

panies are doing good business with India, and their investments would be in excess of GBP 200 million.

“The Indian government has also been good enough to afford me some recognition in the form of the Pravasi Bharatiya Sanman award in 2007, so the Indian government is well aware of my work, and I am in touch with several Indian political persona, I come to India at least 6-7 times a year, whether it is to link up UK Universities with Indian Universities, research institutes, or to promote trade relations. For example, my effort has seen a linkage blossom between the National Institute of Immunology, India's top cancer research institute in JNU, and the Belfast University Cancer research Dept. Likewise I have promoted linkages between Queens University, Ulster University and premier institutions in India like IITs, Madras University, etc.

“To tell you about my own business interests, we have six hotels in Northern Ireland, various brands like Holiday Inn, Ramada, Ibis, and we have service apartments. We are also property developers, so between properties and hotels, and yes, an IT company as well, that is our business. We employ about 350 people, and we have encouraged a lot of other indirect investments into Northern Ireland through our businesses.

“Being established in the UK, I try and afford help to our Indian people there, in settling there, seeking gainful employment, integrating with society, etc., and now I have also funded this educational institution which started in 2001, the first classes began in 2005, and there are more than 2500 students getting educated there ... see, we live in a sort of very hi-tech world, a global village today. And connectivity is even easier now with the Indian Diaspora than it was some 30-40 years ago. The unique thing about Indian Diaspora is that people who were taken as indentured labour during the late 19th

and early 20th century to places like Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad Tobago. They are in their 4th to 5th generation now, having lived there for more than 100 plus years. But they still cherish their roots in India and still want to preserve their heritage. Say for example if you go to Mauritius, every house will have a little Shivji shrine outside, they have created a lake called 'Ganga Talav,” and they celebrate Shivratri more than any other community anywhere ... so this is the strength of Indian culture ... we want to preserve it, and it is a force for good. The Indian Disapora itself is a force for good.

“And I am glad you bring out this magazine and are interviewing me for it, a magazine like yours is needed and fills a gap that exists in the Disapora connect. Carrying stories of good encourages good. Sharing great ideas will help them reach a larger audience and will ensure they flourish. So on all fronts, now that it is understood that we need more connectivity, a magazine like yours is a great contribution in broadening that connectivity and sharing ideas, opportunities amoung diaspora, no matter whether they are NRIs, PIOs or OCIs.

“Now, talking about myself and my family, we belong to the farming community and came from district Hoshiarpur. My father used to work for the Punjab government, so early years I grew up in Lyallpur, which is today in Pakistan and known as Faizlabad. Later I grew up in Khanna, and went to the Punjab University. So I am a Punjabi through and through ... and at this stage in my life, most of my time is spent on charitable work. My children are grown up and well established, I have passed the reins of business to them, and I live along, my wife passed away some years ago, so I am focusing my energies on parliamentary work, social work, and community service, in Northern Ireland and in India. So my life commitment now is to help others and to spend what wealth I have accumulated to the betterment of other's lives.”

Photo: Ajay Sood

shantanu a p

Shantanu Phansalkar is the Chief Executive of the SPI Group,

out of Dubai, UAE,

he established in 2007 to become a premier marketing

region. Prior to kickstarting SPI, Shantanu had worked with several publishing, advertising and PR companies. He has a yen for publishing, which is manifest in the fact that the publishing business of SPI is one of its fastest growing divisions, with several laurels to its credit like 'Dubai Maps,' 'Dragon Mart Retail Guide,' and more recently, 'The Intelligent SME.' SPI apropos, stands for 'Strategy, Planning & Implementation,' and today has more than 200 clients.

apart from publishing, SPI also has its fingers in pies like branding, event management, real estate, and general trading. NRI Achievers chanced upon Shantanu in the sidelines of the SME World Summit that took place recently at Dubai, and what emerged from the encounter was a synergy that will in future see both NRI Achievers and SPI group working towards mutually beneficial goals. We bring you here some excerpts from the interaction we had with Shantanu:

“We are one of the fastest growing media companies in this part of the world, and we function under the name and style of the SPI Group. We are into, we have different different licences and are in different different businesses, and our aim is to bring thousands of entrepreneurs together. We chose Dubai as a base for ourselves as Dubai is more or less the centre of the world for this part of the globe, but we are keen to expand to other parts of the Middle East as well in the near future.

“We have been in this business for the past 5 years now, and we have managed over these years to build up a network of over 15,000 entrepreneurs, which is pretty big. While most of these entrepreneurs are from Dubai, of late we have seen that there are a lot of members coming in from Saudi, from Kuwait, and even from India, who are desirous of having a base in Dubai. And as we have primarily charted out a role for us as being a platform, or rather the platform for entrepreneurs, and specially the small and medium entrepreneurs, our whole idea was that we needed to do something big, really big, so that it really creates that huge churn in the market. And as I have been to numerous events and have seen that they have a mere 50 people, 70 people a hundred people, so we thought that what if we multiply this

based

which

company in the

Photo: Ajay Sood

by 10 times or 20 times ... get two three thousand entrepreneurs together. Which will mean that participants will get so much more networking opportunities, gain so much more knowledge and insight into markets they may want to get into, and so on through panel discussions and workshops. So the whole idea behind this SME World Summit was born.

“We are quite happy with the way it has worked out, we have more than 3000 delegates attending this summit, we have 72 exhibitors, and for an event that is being put up for the very first time, it is pretty encouraging. This will now become an annual feature on the Dubai calender, and next year we have plans of organising this in much bigger fashion, as every single participant is very happy. I am sure it will be at least double in scale in the coming year. Actually, connecting these people requires quite a bit of hard work. Toward this end, we have established a very reputed brand, which is 'The Intelligent SME.' This magazine is the number one magazine for entrepreneurs here. So there is a huge amount of recall, and added to that we have forged strategic alliances with lots of government bodies, business associations, councils, so it has added value to the network by enabling synergies where they are most needed.

“To a large extent, the event has become a roaring success primarily due to the uncompromising and meticuluous work we have put in tirelessly 24x7 over the past six months, and the unflinching confidence of our network partners and members who have been a guiding force in making the event a success by their participation. The network building exercise we have been at for the past five years I would say has borne fruit in setting the trend in this first mega event that we have organised.

“We are often asked by nongulf media why we are focusing on SMEs and not big enterprise. Let me answer that before we get ahead. Actually, you see, small and medium businesses in Dubai and UAE account for almost 85% of all businesses, and account for almost 45% of the economy. So it stands to logic that if I already have the lion's share, why do I need to make efforts to look at the balance 15%, which anyway can well look after itself, given their vast resources and access to expertise. However, we have been getting feelers of late, and we just might in the future get into some very large scale activity, but right now, our focus remains on small and medium enterprise.

“Government's role is restricted to the creation of a positive environment for growth, and the putting in place of appropriate policies that accelerate that growth. On that front, the vision of His Highness is amazing, and the motto of government seems to be that it should enable everyone to reach their highest potential, after all, Dubai is all about making the impossible possible ... so he and his government has made it a point to provide the best infrastructure possible ... fantastic road connectivity, easy licencing regime, one-window clearances, et al. And then we have come in, as an institutionalised strategy partner for the SMEs, as a shared resource that can help them flourish in this enabling environment.

“About myself, I am happily married, I have one son who is eight years old, and we are all well settled here as NRIs. But I come to India every three months, and I have my investments back home as well. So my one step is in Dubai and my other step is in India. And now, after this SME World, I will be taking a week off from my business, and will be spending time with my friends in Pune. That's my way of getting myself refreshed and coming back.

on that front, the vIsIon of hIs hIghness Is amazI ng, and the motto of government seems to be that It should enable everyone to reach theI r h Ighest potentIal, after all, dubaI Is all about makI ng the ImpossI ble possI ble...

Photo: Ajay Sood

ROHIT GUPTA FILMMAKER

The new record is for the first fulllength motion picture shot by just a two-member crew, these being producer/director Rohit Gupta & Ravi Kumar R. It also is the first film by an Indian filmmaker to go for a release via Facebook.

Since its release, “Life! Camera! Action ...” has received wide critical acclaim, earning over seventy international accolades in various categories including the prestigious Top Nine Most Popular and Board of Directors' Special Awards, 28th Goldie Film Awards (USA), Orson Welles Award - California International Film Awards, Royal Reel Award - Canada International Film Festival, Grand Jury Award-Oregon Film Awards (USA), Best Feature FilmIFFPIE (Official World Peace Film Festival) (Indonesia) and many others around the world. Renowned news producer Silicon India listed the film as 'One of the 10 Outstanding Movies by Indian American Film-makers.' The list includes Hollywood blockbusters such as 'The Sixth

Sense' and 'Unbreakable' by M Night Shyamalan, 'Mississippi Masala' and 'Namesake' by Mira Nair, and 'Fire & Earth' by Deepa Mehta.

This inspiring ninety-minute quasiautobiographical family drama features the struggle of the protagonist Reinaplayed by award winning actress Dipti Mehta - who sets off on a career in filmmaking against parental consent. Running the risk of being disowned for going against the norm of pursuing a future in engineering, medicine or architecture, the film celebrates the strength of the central character to challenge the rules regardless of the consequences.

Gupta's journey and the process of his work is widely considered a major source of inspiration to aspiring film-makers, students of cinema and youth at large the world over. Gupta who has co-written,

produced, directed, edited, written lyrics, shared credits in music and photography, marketed, branded and distributed his work, commented that It has been a marvellous journey and the road ahead looks equally interesting. New York-based Gupta is an MBA graduate and an alumni of the New York Film Academy. He first forayed into films with a four-minute American suspense-thriller film 'Another Day Another Life,' which also received tremendous acclaim from around the world including an Official Selection at Cannes in 2009. He is currently working on the post-production of his American comedy feature titled 'Midnight Delight,' due for release in 2014.

WOMEN'S RIGHTS ACTIVIST SUNITA VISWANATH

Sunita Viswanath is a Chennai-born New Yorker who is a cofounder of the NGO 'Women for Afghan Women (WAW)', an institution that runs shelters and organises programmes for violence affected Afghan women.

Her brand of feminism aims to ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities and have the same rights, irrespective of whether they are male or female. Asked about what motivated her to get into social activism and how it has changed her life, she says that having been a daily witness to women

and girls who have the guts to assert their rights despite having been subjected to unspeakable oppression, abuse and torture of both the physical as well as the mental kind, inspired her to get into activism.

The wonder of how such women and girl children have been able to heal themselves, and more often than not advocate

Acclaimed film-maker Rohit Gupta has been honoured by India's prestigious Limca Book of Records for his award-winning feature film “Life!

for the human rights of others also injected the much needed energy for her to keep going, serving as an immense source of hope, optimism and courage to live in this unequal world with her children and raise them to be good citizens.

Sunita, who loves Indian food and finds no meal complete without the spice of green chillies or

hot sauces, is also an ardent fan of Bollywood's follies. Talking about her bonding to India, she says that whenever she hears the strains of MS Subbulakshmi singing the Suprabatham, or Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan rendering 'Allah Mohammad Chaar Yaar,' her heart misses a beat and a feeling of nostalgia pervades the air.

SHOE DESIGNER ARUNA SETH

Pippa Middleton's derriere caught the world's attention at the British royal wedding in 2011. But something else kept the Intenet fires aburn too: her dainty silver Lynn Svarovski butterfly sandals. The pair was designed by Aruna Seth, an Indian-origin British shoe designer, who has since been called the next Tamara Mellon (of Peter Choo fame) by UK's The Telegraph.

Seth's euphonymous label is known for shoes with snug comfort and graceful elegance, and she's determined to convert flats-loving girls into stiletto-flexing experts. Seth's father, Geoff, is the inventor of the famous line of Ascot trainers, but she says she didn't venture into the market until she was certain that she could make wearing heels almost as easy as Ascots. Her label today is the rage in UK.

Asked about the bling in most of her designs, she invoked the Indian connection, saying that she does take a lot of inspiration from Indian culture and is drawn to it, particularly the bling on Indian sarees, not to mention Indian jewellery. All the colour and sparkle of such Indian ensembles certainly has had an in-

fluence on the shoes she has crafted. While her creations are already available online, she intends to get them to the Indian markets soon...

Responding to a quer about her earliest memories of India, she is of the view that India is on its way to becoming incredibly dynamic and fashion forward. Indian girls are today amazing at looking glam and wearing colours, and that she just loves coming to India for that extra bit of inspiration, and that the jewels and colours are just what then doc ordered for her shoes. “I have been coming to India since long, from a very young age. We have tons of family over there, so there are always weddings galore... we even have a family home on the outskirts of Delhi,” she says.

SOMMELIER RAJAT PARR

He then trained as a chef, but at 20, he tasted wine for the very first time and that first sip of the beverage opened up a whole new world up for him. Rajat jumped right in, and got deeper and deeper into wine-tasting. He took wine classes, worked his way up from busboy to Sommelier in San Francisco. He has now been wine director for several celebrated restaurants, has published award winning books on wine, and has now turned winemaker in Santa Barbara.

According to him, one thing every wine should have is ... balance. All aspects of the wine like acidity, fruit, tannins and alcohol, all must be in total harmony for a wine to be good enough for human consumption. This balance comes from the vineyard, so it is all the more important to pay attention to the vine itself. It is good not to have any preconcieved notion based on what is on the label.

On his India connect, he says he visits India regularly, to visit his parents every year. His family apropos is the only thing that connects him to India. On how his host country reacts to him, he says that most people tend to keep guessing where he is from, whether he is an Italian, or Greek, or Middle Eastern. On his part, he is content to let them keep guessing, and says he is proud to be Indian.

Rajat Parr grew up in Calcutta, spending more time playing cricket, football and squash than studying. But hanging around his cousins' Delhi restaurants (the Moets Chain), kindled his love for food.

TINA SUGANDH SINGER, MUSICIAN, PERFORMER

WARIS AHLUWALIA JEWELLERY DESIGNER

& ACTOR

Waris, that dabber urbane turbanned man-about-town who's popped up in Gap Ads, Wes Anderson's films, best dressed lists and ultra-hip NYC parties, is not really your average Sikh.

She has given ex-beatle Ringo tabla lessons and collaborated with him on an album in 2009. She, along with her husband Tarz, has starred in a reality show called Newlyweds, and has recorded 60 songs. Tina started performing at age five with her musically inclined family in New Jersey. It has given her an identity that is both global and Indian.

“Although I started playing drums and guitar first, tabla is my first love. Initially I played it because it made my mom's eyes sparkle ... but the more I played it, the more I fell in love with it. It's so damn intricate ! Each of your fingers is doing something individually, which is rare for any instrument. I started playing at age eight. I admit, I have loved proving everyone wrong. At performances with my family when I was younger, I would sit at the tabla to tune it and everyone would think, 'oh that is so cute ... she is tuning the tabla for her daddy !' Then I would bust out some intricate beat and their jaws would drop. I definitely loved showing people that it is not just a man's instrument ! “Growing up performing in seven languages has taught me a ton about music, culture, as well as Bollywood movies, which I am by the way addicted to. Then there is Indian food that I dig ! I love anything and everything multi-colour, with lots of sequins and glitter. Though I am not sure that's 'Bollywood' of just growing up in New Jersey. Speaking of Bollywood, my favourite movie is Namak Halaal coz I must have watched it eight billion times as a child. I love Jab se tere naina from Saawariya and dancing to Agal bagal from Phata Poster Nikla Hero with my new baby boy. Right now my favourite actor is Shahid Kapoor as I am a sucker for great dancers, and he is absolutely adorable too !

This Amritsar born designer of exquisite hand-crafted jewellery has shown up in Indie films with Tilda Swinton and written for The Paris Review. He has also offered advice on style.com (How to be civil backstage after I've hated the runway show? Should I make a sex tape?).

And yet, he is no washed out celeb. He is a teetotaller, has hiplength hair under that ubiquitous turban, and takes buddies to his mother's once a week to get their fill of Indian home cooking in NY. Jewellery chose him, says Waris, who once made himself two 40diamond rings while at Maxfields in Los Angeles, which caught the attention of the sales staff. He was the target of racism (not to mention an outpouring of support) when he modelled for Gap. Clearly, publicity chose him too. From leaving Amritsar at age 5 to New York society today, that was indeed a huge leap ...

His memory is quite fuzzy but it still very much a strong part of

him, who took the first steps in his life at the Golden Temple. In America, the family had moved to an area that had no other Indian families. So his culture came from home and visits to family. His parents instilled in him strong values that still guide his life, they spoke Punjabi at home, and ate homecooked food every day. Even today, he says that one of his favourite meals is daal and rice.

But how come jewellery design, we asked him. He confessed to having no formal training in design, but that he trusts his instincts.

“The universe speaks to us all, we just have to listen. I spent six long yeas searching the world for the best craftsmen to preserve handcraftsmanship not as museum relics but as a way of life, and for making living jewellery. So we ended up making objects of beauty for a clientele that appreciates something special.”

And his connection to India, apart from his body and soul, is his turban ... always from Amritsar !

Mumbai born Tina Sugandh is one of the world's few women tabla maestros and the next best thing in world music.

VAISHALY PATEL

FACIALIST

Vaishaly Patel came to London when she was just three, and she dreamt of a career in beauty. But her brothers thought otherwise, and wanted her to do something more stable, like business or law. So she pursued degrees in finance and business, while studying beauty on the side.

Today, her Plan-B has made her literally an A-List favourite ! Gwyneth Paltrow, Rachel Weisz, Meg Ryan, Elle MacPhereson and Anushka Sharma are fans of her GBP 250 facials. There is a 90-day wait-list at her London clinic, which specialises in craniosacral work. Her skincare range, Vaishaly, is immensely popular too.

“You can have a really good massage and feel extremely relaxed, but your mind is still at work. Even while sleeping, your mind works, you are thinking ... . My philosophy goes to the root of all body and skin problems – the mind. By switching off our minds, we can let go of the stress we hold in our body and our visage. Craniosacral work takes the facial to absolutely another level – it is the first time any client will have actually switched off so deeply. So when you awake, you really look younger, the lines on your face disappear, and your skin looks positively radiant. It rebalances your body and it sure is an amazing feeling, even for those who find it hard to switch off.”

VIVEK MAHBUBANI STAND-UP COMIC

All his life, Hong-Kong born Vivek Mahbubani's only ambition was to take up a job that would allow him to wake up after 9 am. He trained to be a web designer and developer, but enjoyed watching stand-up comedy so much, that he vowed to try it at least once. The rest, as they say, is a damn funny story.

In 2007, Vivek participated in a stand-up comedy contest and won the Chinese category. In 2008, he won the English round. And that is how it all began for him. And Vivek probably has not had to wake up early without reason ever since. “My act is all about life. I love observing the world and trying to bend reality so that I can see it from an entirely new perspective and retell a story or situation based on an angle most people would normally ignore. For instance, it is common for people to joke about Indians bobbing their heads when we speak. But I take it one step further, suggesting that if that was the case, everyone would bob their

heads at different frequencies, which means you would have a country full of people speaking at different pitches – the higher the frequency of bobbing, the higher the pitch!

“One of my fondest memories is when i was asked to perform for terminally ill patients. One patient was too sick to attend, so he sent me a microphone sculpture using beads and requested a photo of me with it. It reminded me that what I was doing was more powerful than merely telling jokes. It was giving people laughter and happiness. I will never forget that moment.'

NRI AchIeveRs BuReAu

NEW PUNJAB LAWS MILESTONES IN JURISPRUDENCE

In the last issue, we had taken up the subject of the enactment of two landmark laws in the state of Punjab, and how it is a right step in resolving problems faced by the Punjabi diaspora community. In this issue, we continue this and will in future as well, bring you a series of reports on the legal framework in the state. While we focused on the Punjab Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act 2012 in the last issue, we bring you highlights of the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act 2012 in this issue. As mentioned earlier, this new law too seeks to set a milestone in equitable justice, and makes Punjab one of the first states in the country to enact a human trafficking legislation to provide for the regulation of the travel trade, under the garb and guise of which some unscrupulous elements are even today indulging in illicit and/or fraudulent activities.

taking up any employment (whether or not under an agreement or other arrangements to take up such employment and whether with or without the assistance of a recruiting agent or a employer) in any country or place outside India.

HIGHLIGHTS

OF THE PUNJAB PREVENTION OF HUMAN SMUGGLING ACT, 2012: The Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, which was passed by the state Assembly on 21-12-2012 and implemented upon Notification in the Punjab Government Gazette on 20-082013, is now a law that provides for the regulation of the travel trade, with an explicit view to check and curb illegal, fraudulent activities, and malpractices involved in organized human smuggling and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. This law has nine noteworthy features.

Ø It defines 'human smuggling' and 'travel agent.'

Ø Provides for a licensing regime for travel agents. Debars persons from operating without a license under the Act.

Ø Gives power of search, seizure and arrest to Magistrates and Police Officials.

Ø Prescribes investigation be completed within 2 months and be verified by SP. SSP to be Nodal Officer for all investigations under the Act.

Ø In addition to imposing penalties, provides award of reasonable compensation to be paid to aggrieved person by travel agent.

Ø Identifies defined variable punishment for offences under the Act.

Ø Authorises Courts to decide whether any illegally acquired property is liable to be confiscated.

Ø Provides for liability of Director, Manager, Company Secretary responsible for the conduct of business when negligence can be attributed.

Ø Cheating to have the same meaning as under the Indian Penal Code.

Travel agent is defined as a person in a profession that involves arranging, managing or conducting affairs related to sending people abroad.

Ø Includes consultancy for permanent emigration, obtaining education, work, travel for tourism, cultural entertainment or musical shows, medical treatment, spreading or preaching religion, participating in sport tournaments, issuing advertisements for travel, holding seminars and lectures to promote emigration, arranging matrimonial alliances for purposes of emigration,

and arranging overseas travel for any purpose whatsoever except for business of recruitment governed by registration under provision of the Emigration Act, 1983.

Ø Dishonest misrepresentation with intention to achieve wrongful gain for inducing, deception, cheating or allurement for above activities and cheating by personation is punishable under the Act as having same meaning as IPC. If any travel agent wants to advertise or hold seminars, he will have to notify competent authority in writing with complete details of advertisement of seminars.

The words “travel agent” and “human smuggling” in the Punjab Act, find definition in the following words:

Ø “Travel Agent” means a person doing the profession which involves arranging, managing or conducting affairs relating to sending persons abroad or which arise out of the affairs of persons sent to a foreign country, and shall include a range of activities covering diverse practices.

Ø “Human Smuggling” shall mean and include illegally exporting, sending or transporting persons out of India by receiving money from them or their parents, relatives or any other persons interested in their welfare, by inducing, alluring or deceiving or cheating.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EMIGRATION ACT, 1983: The Emigration Act, 1983, provides for checks, controls, balances by enacting a licensing regime for “recruiting agents,” for “emigration” purposes which find definition in the following words in the said Act.

Ø “Recruiting Agent” means a person engaged in India in the business of recruitment for an employer and representing such employer with respect to any matter in relation to such recruitment including dealings with persons so recruited or desiring to be so recruited. Recruiting agents doing business of recruitment have to obtain compulsory registration under the Emigration Act, 1983.

Ø “Emigrate and Emigration” means the departure out of India of any person with a view to

PUNJAB PREVENTION OF HUMAN SMUGGLING RULES, 2013: KEY HIGHLIGHTS: Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Rules, 2013 for regulating the trade of travel agencies or consultancies and ticketing agents were notified on August 20, 2013 and provide for a licensing regime through notified competent authorities.

By notification dated September 3, 2013, District Magistrates/Additional District Magistrates of each district have been designated as the “Competent Authority” for issuing a licence to undertake the profession of a travel agent.

Applications for licences to be accompanied by fee of Rupees one lac for agents in existence for more than years, Rs.25,000 for less than five years and Rs.25,000 for ticketing agents. Records in electronic form and soft copies to be kept by agents. Residence certificates, proof of age, identity, passport, PAN card, Income Tax Returns, bank statements, satisfaction of credibility and no criminal record to accompany applications. For NRI agents, social security number, permission of foreign country of operations and RBI sanction additionally to be furnished.

Applicants must not be insolvent or bankrupt, should have no involvement in crimes as per police records, should not hold office of profit, should not be barred by Agents Associations, must have adequate space or accommodation and must maintain records and fee charged by them to be furnished to State Government.

Licences to be issued for five years, renewable upon furnishing Income Tax Return and Statement of Bank Accounts. Refusal to grant or renew license appealable to Government. All activities of agents to be monitored under the new rules. All illegally acquired property to be confiscated upon trial of offences under the law

ANIL MALHOTRA

The writer is a Chandigarh based practicing lawyer and is reachable at anilmalhotra1960@ gmail.com. He is a LL.M from SOAS, University of London and a Fellow of the IAML. Besides, he is an Executive Member from India of the Family Law Committee of ILA

THE MESSALINA OF THE PUNJAB

Queen Valeria Messalina, Empress Consort of the Roman Empire was the notoriously famous wife of Emperor Claudius, to whom the British compared the Queen of Punjab. Although the Queen of Punjab and the Queen of Rome had nothing in common, the informal title given by the British speaks volumes about how they trapped her and tried to spoil her royal and clean image so they could rule Punjab.

We are talking about Maharani Jind Kaur (aka Rani Jinda’n), daughter of Sardar Manna Singh Aulakh, and mother of the last King of Punjab Maharaja Duleep Singh. She was married at the age of 18 to Sarkar Khalsaji, Sher-e-Punjab, Maharaja Sardar Ranjit Singh in 1835 (who was 55 years old then). Maharaja Ranjit Singh passed away on June 27, 1839, leaving behind the throne to his eldest son Kharak Singh, who within a month of his coronation, was taken prisoner and poisoned to death. Then came Kanwar Nau Nihal Singh, his 19 year old son, who while returning from his father’s cremation (and was supposed to be crowned the next day), had a gate he passed through falling on him, killing him on the spot. Many other such claimants to the throne all died mysteriously over a span of just a few months. The only person left was Duleep Singh, youngest son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and Maharani Jind Kaur. In September 1843, at the age of 5, he was crowned and made the Maharaja of Punjab. Being a minor, his mother Maharani Jind Kaur, became the regent and de-facto ruler. She ruled over roughly 4 lakh square kilometres of land, called the “Punjab”.

The British were unable to possess Punjab. So they decided to sign a treaty with Maharaja Ranjit Singh, according to which, they would keep trade relations with Punjab, and provide protection. In case of the Maharaja’s demise, his sons would be legal heir, but if there is no heir left, the British will take over. The seed of the insidious conspiracy was set. When Maharaja Duleep Singh acceded to the throne, the Anglo-Sikh war broke out. It started as a small skirmish between Sikh forces, which was instigated by the British. After the British had bribed some chiefs and nobles in the Sikh army, they entered into the battle field. Long story cut short, the end result was that by December 1846, Maharaja Duleep Singh went on a hunting trip and never returned to Lahore. At same time, Maharani Jind Kaur was secretly arrested and sent on exile.

The British brought serious charges against her, and proved in the Khalsa Durbar of Lahore that Jind Kaur was the mastermind behind the Punjab mutiny. And since she was already kidnapped and imprisoned, she could not appear before the Khalsa Durbar to prove her innocence, and many wazirs of the Khalsa durbar had already sold themselves to the British. Hence, a resolution was passed declaring Queen Jinda’n guilty. The British, who were waiting for this day, declared the imprisonment of Jind Kaur. First she was kept under house arrest for 10 days in the Samman Burj of Lahore Fort. Then

she was moved to Sheikhupura Fort. Then there were other incidents of Mutiny, which were all blamed on Maharani Jind Kaur in prison. British proved that while she was still under tight security and heavy watch, she can still contact her loyal nobles, so must be taken away from Punjab so that the region can be in peace. Hence, she was taken to Chunar, 45 Kms away from Varanasi. This fort was used by the British for political prisoners and it was said that no prisoner left this fort alive.

By this time, Maharani Jind Kaur was stripped of all her jewellery and valuables. Even the Koh-i-Noor Diamond was taken away from Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s treasury, which he willed to the Jagannath Temple of Odisha. Jind Kaur, who was living with two of her servants in a small prison room, dressed herself as a servant one night, and somehow managed to reach the gates of fort. With help of a loyal soldier, she was able to step out of the fort and ran for 3 miles upto the banks of River Ganga. There she left her utensil and an extra cloth as a telltale clue to show she had died while bathing. She then advanced to Varanasi, where according to plan her other servant who had escaped few days ago was waiting for her. Both of them met in the free after so many years, but dressed as beggars.

The British had raised an alarm of prisoner escape and search parties started looking for her, even as these two ladies started their trek towards Nepal. The king of Nepal, Shri Teen Maharaja Jung Bahadur Rana, used to be in the court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh along with his maternal uncle when he was young. Jind Kaur was of the hope that Jung Bahadur will help her. En route to Nepal, they were recognised by an agent who reported them to the police, but they were able to escape that situation. Begging for food walking from village to village, they made headway living under the open sky. Police search parties closed in on them as they reached the Himalayas. They tried hiding themselves in a cave occupied by a sadhu. The Sadhu quizzed them about who they are, because they did not look local and did not look like beggars either. Jind Kaur asks the same question to the Sadhu, who looked like no Nepali of Pahadi either. After a brief conversation, Jind Kaur decided to tell that Sadhu the truth. She said… “I am Queen Jind Kaur, daughter of Sardar Manna Singh and wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. I have been hiding from the British”

At this, the Sadhu said: “Raajmata, I am a soldier of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and am hiding as a sadhu in this cave since his death. The

British are trying to hunt down the loyal soldiers of the Khalsa army. I am not in a position to fight for you because of my old age, but I will do anything to fulfil my duty as your loyal servant.” That night, the cave was filled with emotions and painful memories of Lahore. Next morning, these three disguised as Sadhu and Saadhvis started their journey to Kathmandu. A little before Kathmandu the Sadhu got sick with double pneumonia and died, and the ladies started crying. Suddenly, a cavalry unit reached and asked them what happened. Jind Kaur recognized the soldier’s uniform and told them everything. The soldiers were guards of Maharana Jung Bahadur, who was hunting in that forest. When news reached him, he sent for a palaki and Jind Kaur once again sat in the royal palaki to reach the tents of the Maharana. Though being the Queen of Punjab, she fell at the feet of Maharana and begged for shelter and asylum. Maharana Jung Bahadur got very emotional and built her a small refuge-palace next to river Vishnumati. She spent next 11 years in this palace, hiding from the outer world. During this period, she lost her eyesight as well.

Meanwhile, Maharaja Duleep Singh was put under the care of Dr. John Login, who converted him to Christianity at his exile palace ‘Fatehgarh’. The then Gov. Gen. Lord Dulhousie later sent him to England in 1854. He was given exposure exclusively to English Literature and everything about Punjab was kept from him. But after the 1857’s mutiny, his pension was reduced and several restrictions were imposed on him. He met a person from Surat who was working in his residence at Reohampton, from whom he learned about his origin and his being a Sikh. He also learned that he was the rightful heir to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He also

learned that his mother is still alive, and some Sikh soldier knew where she is. He then planned a journey to Calcutta. He wrote a letter to her which reached her after one year. When the letter was read to Jind Kaur, she became emotional and asked Maharana Jung Bahadur for permission to meet her son. Rana said that if she leaves Nepal, everyone will come to know that she was hiding here and it will become a risk for him. So she will have to slip away secretly and never to return to Nepal. She agreed and left Nepal forever, to meet her son Duleep Singh in Spencer’s hotel in Calcutta.

The day Jind Kaur reached Calcutta, Duleep was waiting for her. She could not see him because of her lost eyesight but when she placed her hand on his head, she was shocked to realise that he did not have a turban. Moreover, his hair were no longer like Sikhs. Her shock and pain became worse when Duleep took her to Britain, where Queen Victoria ordered her to be kept in a separate exile and not let her son or anyone meet her. She was kept in a small house near Lancaster Gate and denied frequent meetings with her son. Then she was shifted to Mulgrave Castle and later to Abingdon House, Kensington, where she died peacefully on 1st August 1863. Her final wish was:

No British shall touch my body and when I die, my eyes should not be closed because when you close a dead body’s eyes, a drop of waterfalls from eye and I don’t want my tears to fell on this sinful land. And make sure that I am cremated next to my husband in Lahore.

Duleep Singh tried very hard to get her body to Lahore. Till 1864, her body was kept in Dissenters’ Chapel in Kensal Green Cemetery. When Duleep got permission, he hurriedly brought the body to Bombay, from where he had arranged for travel to Lahore for the cremation. But when his ship reached the dock, he was handed over a telegram from Queen Victoria, stating that he should cremate his mother in Bombay only and return to England immediately. He cremated his mother at Panchvati, near Godavari River. Later, his daughter Princess Bamba visited the place in 1924 and arranged for the remains to be shifted to Lahore as per her last wish. Her remains now rest in Lahore next to her husband. Her son, the last Maharaja of Punjab, died as a Christian in France on 22 October, 1893. Punjab was later divided between Pakistan and India.

vikramjit singh rooprai

The writer is a self-made IT entrepreneur, who is also a passionate heritage & history buff

JAGGERY

The manufacturing of sugar from sugar-cane juice is an industrial process that involves a cocktail of chemicals. Sulphur dioxide, lime, phosphoric acid, formic acid, bleaching agents and viscosity reducers are just a few of these. Moreover, as the processing of sugar is carried out in equipment and containers made out of mild-steel, it often leads to a high dosage of nickel in the mother liquor.

In contrast to this, Jaggery is a "natural" sweetener made by the concentration of the same sugar-cane juice, but without the use of any chemicals or synthetic additives or preservatives. Jaggery is also sometimes made from the sap of the date palm, and nowadays the sago palm and coconut palm are tapped as well, for producing jaggery in southern India and Sri Lanka. The benefits of Jaggery (all flavours) include its ability to cleanse, detoxify and decontaminate your body, act as a digestive agent, sweeten your food in a healthy manner, and provide good amounts of minerals, as it contains a wealth of minerals/protein/vitamins within it.

More importantly, Jaggery has great nutritive and medicinal Value. It has for long been used as a medicinal sugar in the Ayurvedic and Sidda systems of medicine. Ancient Medical scriptures dating back to 2500 years state how Jaggery: "purifies the blood, prevents rheumatic afflictions and disorders of bile, and possesses nutritive properties of high order." ... (Sushruta Samhita, Chapter 45, Sloka 146).

Indigenous Indian medicine has for long known what western medical science is learning today: that Jaggery could enhance the translocation of dust and coal particles from the lungs to tracheobronchial lymph nodes. And so it is

no wonder that Jaggery is regularly consumed in India as a home remedy by thousands of industrial workers, traffic policemen and their like, who are exposed to high levels of pollution, as it does help them breathe easier and counter pollution naturally. Considering all this, it is well worth replacing (at least partially if not completely) the white sugar in our diets with Jaggery. Here are some health facts about Jaggery that all of us ought to know about:

Jaggery has high concentrations of proteins, minerals and vitamins, which are all essential constituents for the body. It is also a potent source of Iron, and has higher iron and copper content than crystalline white sugar. It is considered a most superior product among all natural sweeteners,

it is an energy food that can "purify" the blood, regulate liver function, and overall keep the body healthy.

Jaggery is quite easy to find, but it would be best to buy from a reputed supplier. Most speciality and organic stores, especially the south Asian grocery kinds, stock it. The jaggery should appear clean, and possess a unique sweet smell. If it is too dry and fine with a polished golden colour, avoid it, as it is likely that is has been treated with some chemicals. So prefer the slightly stickier, darker coloured Jaggery. Here are some recipes that include Jaggery to start you off on a culinary journey to discover its goodness right in the kitchen of your home:

Paanagam – A Lemon, Ginger, Cardamom & Jaggery Flavoured Cool Drink: In South India, this drink is called “Paanagam.” It is used as an offering to the gods during festivals and religious rituals. It is so delicious that one sip is enough for you to understand why it is fit for divinity.

Ingredients: 1 cup powdered Jaggery, 4 cups water, 3 to 4 pods powdered cardamom, 2 tsp grated dried ginger, the juice of 1/2 a lime, mint leaves for garnishing.

Directions: In the 4 cups of water, dissolve the Jaggery powder and let it stand for a couple of minutes until the impurities settle down. Use a strainer to strain

the solution, add cardamom, dried ginger and the lime juice, and stir. Taste it and adjust quantities of ingredients based on just how you like your beverage. Transfer to the fridge for about 20 minutes so that it is chilled. Pour into glasses, garnish with mint leaves and serve!

Rasam – A Hot Light Lemon Soup with Jaggery: Soups are comfort foods, and are rated among the most wholesome comfort foods in almost all culinary cultures. This lemon soup is magnificently light and is a perfect blend of the sour, the sweet and the spicy.

Ingredients: 2 cups water, 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp crushed Jaggery, 1 fresh green chilli split into two, 1 lime.

For Tempering: ½ tsp oil, ¼ tsp black mustard seeds, 1 sprig curry leaves.

Directions: Take a large pot, add the water, the Jaggery, the salt and split chilli, and bring to a boil. If you'd like to cut down the spice in the soup, you may deseed the chilli. Once the decoction comes to a boil, taste for seasoning and make necessary adjustments according to palate. Turn off the heat and squeeze lime juice into the soup. In another pan, heat some oil and add mustard seeds when the oil starts to smoke. As mustards start sputtering, add fresh curry leaves and turn off the heat. Blend using a spoon for a few seconds and pour it over the soup. Serve hot.

Pacchadi - A Green Mango Salad with Lemon Jaggery Dressing: This is a refreshingly tangy salad that is a great way to whet the palate before a traditional south Indian meal.

Ingredients: 2 or 3 peeled green man-

gos, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander, ½ peeled and finely chopped red onion, 1 red chilli.

For the lemon-Jaggery dressing: Half small cup grated Jaggery, Juice of 1 lime, ½ tsp kalonji seeds, a pinch of sea salt.

Directions: Shave ribbons of the mangoes with a potato peeler Into a bowl. Add the onion, coriander, chilli and toss. In a pan, heat the kalonji seeds until fragrant. Add lime juice, Jaggery, salt and whisk until heated. Cool the dressing and drizzle on the salad. Serve as accompaniment.

Dessert - Jaggery And Chocolate Fudge: Desserts are the crowning glory of any meal, and this jaggery and chocolate fudge recipe is sure to be spot-on as a hit.

Ingredients: 1 cup Jaggery, 1 cup grated dark chocolate, 1 cup crushed cashewnuts & almonds, 1 tbsp white unsalted butter.

Directions: Use butter to grease an aluminium tray. In a double boiler, melt the jaggery, add butter and mix well. When everything is melted, add the chocolate and the crushed nuts and stir until well blended. Transfer the mixture onto the aluminium tray and spread out. Allow it to cool to room temperature for about 1520 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Cut into bite sized pieces and serve.

Stella GeorGe

The author is an educationist and a pedagog, who also is a keen advocate of natural remedies, organic food and a holistic approach to medicine, wellness and health.

even minute changes can Play a Big ROle

it is not necessary that all minute details at home be built or structured according to Vastu or Feng Shui. If there are no major flaws, making even minute changes in the direction of the toilet, bedroom, office, etc., can be quite effective. There are many important factors in Feng Shui which are equally crucial and need consideration, like the placement of the furniture, of electronic equipment and the like at home, and the placement of important documents and files at office, the direction and colour of the main door, etc. These are some of the important factors to keep in mind if we want to bring excellent results. Many people usually complain that despite making many changes at the house and in the office according to Vastu, it has not helped them in obtaining the desired result. The reason for this is that just making changes according to the directions is not enough, having a balance of all the 5 elements of Feng Shui is critical for good outcomes.

Things one should follow to avoid any Vastu Dosha within one's residence:

Ø Having some blue coloured elements in the south direction eliminates goodwill factor in a person’s life. No matter how big his empire is, the impact of that business on the market will be bad. If at all it is necessary to have some colour in that direction, it should be a combination of green and red, or only red.

Ø Placement of a dust-bin in the north-east direction disturbs the thinking of a person and increases negative attitudes. This is due to the fact that this is an effective direction which controls our mind and keeping anything bad in this direction may badly affect

the mind. People having some Vastu or Feng Shui problem in this direction will think something and will do something else.

Ø This also includes plants in the house. Nature is always considered as the best remedy for Vastu Dosha, so having plants at home is considered as a good omen. Plants act as a barrier against the flow of bad energy and also balance the effect of bad energy. But not all plants are of such charac-

things at your place can be quite harmful to you, and you will always stay unaware because at the outset no one will be able to percieve how harmful it is, while it becomes the reason for all bad happenings. Improper placement of waste material like iron rods etc. on terrace can also cause hurdles in various work. In office as well, you should have only those furniture which should be related to your work and they should be in placed in the proper direction.

Ø Apart from this, shape and size also matters. If correct colour schemes of Feng Shui are followed, you will definitely fetch better results. Proper curtains are also quite effective.

Ø Placing a mirror in the South West direction is also considered wrong. as it will not allow you to complete your work successfully. So, not only rooms need to be in the correct direction proper placement of mirrors is also very necessary.

ter. Many people use money plant at home as a decorative item which is not considered good.

Ø Having pictures and images of scenery as wall hangings plays an important role. Primarily, it should be designed in such a way that it spreads positive energy at home. Images of battle fields, barren landscapes or houses, or fighting, may have a negative impact on the environment of the house. Having colourful images and that too according to the requirement is good. If your home has any problem in the east direction, having a green shaded image of woods can be a quite effective remedy.

Ø Saving and storing broken and unusable

So as you see, all the above mentioned aspects are the ones which we often end up ignoring, and not pay any considerable amount of heed to. But the long term effects of each of these are drastic. Care should thus always be taken that such small things are paid proper attention and the home is customized according to Vastu, as far as possible.

Naresh siNgal

Apart from vastu, he is also a well-known exponent of Feng Shui and Pyramidology. You can contact him at: mail@vaastunaresh.com www.vaastunaresh.com

SENIOR HOUSING A NEW ASSET CLASS FOR INVESTMENT

This may still be a very new concept in real estate, but the niche segment of 'Senior Living,' that has a significant scope for growth and great potential for investment, is all set to change the dynamics of real estate markets in the coming years. NRI Achievers takes a look... writes VINod BehL.

The concept of ‘Senior Living’ seems to have caught the fancy of both developers and property buyers of late. As many as 30 such projects have been completed so far, with one-fourth of these in Bengaluru, and another 30 are in the pipeline. The growing interest of home buyers for integrated townships is giving further boost to the concept of senior living, even as real estate companies are now developing exclusive enclaves for elderly people within their integrated township projects.

Developers have even gone beyond the concept of assisted living to introduce continuing care for citizens who are physically incapable of managing simple tasks of day-to-day living, though their condition does not require hospitalisation. There are senior living projects where developers are setting up geriatric and rehabilitation facilities. They are also successfully tapping higher-

end markets for retirement communities and there is a good demand from NRIs for this.

The growing potential of Tier-II cities is prompting developers to expand their footprints beyond metros and across the country. A study by ASSOCHAM ranks Chandigarh, Dehradun, Pune, Udaipur, Indore, Jabalpur and Ranchi as top destinations among Tier-II cities for post-retirement living given the

availability of cheaper land, and livability infrastructure.

Today, there is a demandsupply mismatch in this niche real estate segment. Currently, only 3000 dwelling units are available exclusively for senior citizens against a demand for approximately three lakh units. The growing high potential for this relatively new asset class of senior living can be judged from the fact that today about 10 percent of our population is above 60 years of age. And going by the Jones Lang LaSalle study, by 2025 there will 173 million people above the age of 60 years, up from 76 million today.

With high demand and low supply, this segment has good investment potential, even though the investment in senior homes is less liquid due to restriction of only senior citizens owning and renting out such property. But then, with developers offering rent and leasing services, such properties can generate up to 5 percent rental income. One could also put it on reverse mortgage through banks for generating a steady income flow. For good properties, capital appreciation can be as high as 100 per cent over a period of 5 years. Today, cities like Delhi NCR, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Goa, Haridwar, Vrindavan, Rishikesh, Jaipur have emerged as hot destinations with good investment opportunities in senior living.

The author is a senior media professional, with long-standing experience in the real estate sector. he is editor, Realty Plus - a leading real estate monthly. he may be reached at vbehl2008@gmail.com

VISITORS FROM HONG KONG AMOUNG TOP SPENDERS IN INDIA

Visitors from Hong Kong have topped the list of travellers paying the most for hotel accommodation in India during 2013, parting with an average INR 8,061 per night, which is 6% more than what they paid in 2012, according to a report. Visitors from West Asia took the second place, paying INR 7,909 a night, followed by South Africans, who paid INR 7,594, hotels.com said in their report. Many of the highest increases were paid by visitors from Europe. Amoung European nations, travellers from Belgium parted with 25% more at INR 6,363, Finland

INDIA INC. GENERATES 81,000 JOBS IN THE US DURING 2013

Indian companies have, through their massive US$ 17 billion investment in the US economy, collectively generated employment opportunities for more than 81,000 people in the country, according to a CII survey. The annual CII survey of 68 Indian

(22%) at INR 6,187 and Italy had the same percentage increase, taking its average to INR 6,098. Thailand and China were the fastest risers in Asia with the

former up by 23% at INR 6,903 at and the latter up by 17% at INR 7,115. Of the few countries whose spending declined, the Brazilians saw the hardest fall, parting with 10% less during 2013 to INR 6,645, followed by Japan with its own devalued currency deterring foreign travel, down 6% to INR 7,154. Other countries that spent less and were seen at the bottom of the list includes Malaysia where travellers paid the least at INR 5,315 per night, registering a drop of 1%, followed by the Russians, down 2% to INR 5,510 and the Taiwanese, down 5% to INR 5,517.

HONDA ANGLES FOR THIRD SPOT IN INDIAN AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

companies in 40 American states for 2013, made public about a week ago at an event at Capitol Hill, showed that New Jersey, California, New York, Texas and Illinois have the largest concentration of Indian companies. According to the survey, the collective investments amount to a whopping US$ 17 billion as of today and together they generate employment for more than 81,000 people in the United States," the report 'Indian Roots, American Soil: Story of Indian Companies, growing impact on the US economy,' had to say. It is a fact that in recent years, India has emerged as one of the 10 fastest growing sources of Foreign Direct Investment into the US, according to data from the US Department of Commerce. Data from Reserve Bank of India further shows that the US features among the top five destinations of FDI from India.

Piggybacking on the immensely successful launches of their new and rejuvenated offerings like the Amaze compact sedan and the new City, Honda Cars India is all set to emerge as the third biggest passenger car maker in India head-to-head with SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra this season. According to reliable sources in the auto financing circuit, Honda is among the few car companies that have managed to buck the slowdown in the automobile market. "We expect Honda to clock anywhere between 18,000-20,000 units in retail this month," says the head of one of the top three auto finance companies. "Given that M&M also sells around 19,000 units a month, it would put Honda on par with the third biggest passenger vehicle com-

pany in India after Maruti and Hyundai."

Honda sold 15,700 odd vehicles in January 2014 and around 14,300 units in February. Thanks to the excise reduction, year-end push, spectre of a price rise and March 31 being both Gudi Padwa in Maharastra and Ugadi in southern markets, march-april is expected to bring in good retail numbers for the auto industry.

INDIA IS STAR AMONG EMERGING MARKETS: CREDIT SUISSE

Neelkanth Mishra, Head, Equity Strategy (India), Credit Suisse, is firmly of the belief that India warrants a star rating amoung emerging markets in the world economy. According to his analysis, India looks much better than other Emerging Markets from a relative perspective, and on an absolute basis, the economy is doing reasonably fine. However, Mishra is of the opinion that the investment cycle is still weak and will continue to remain so, irrespective of

which party comes to power post general elections. Mishra also believes that a 12-15 percent return for the broader index this year, is not unthinkable and is quite possible. But if the cyclicals overshoot, he would not be surprised by a 15-20 percent return as well. He is, however, constructive on the broader market until the end of the year.

IPL

CORROBORATION OF VIRTUE?

While the Supreme Court intervention into the sleaze surrounding the betting scandal, the imminent upheavals in the BCCI, and the uncertainty surrounding the present IPL Season is grabbing headlines today across media, that for us is grist for another windmill, and the content for another upcoming issue. However, it would not be wrong to say that the IPL was probably the best thing that has happened to Indian Cricket. We open the innings here at NRI Achievers with the positive side of the IPL (the Indian Premier League), the billion dollar baby of the BCCI ...

Six years ago this multi-city extravaganza was planted as a seed in the nursery of Indian Cricket by Lalit Modi. Now no more a part of IPL or BCCI, it looked like another B–grade Xerox of the NBA (National Basketball Association) of the United States, or the Barclays Premier League from England. But after six years of competition and the seventh one on the horizon early this summer, the seed has ostensibly grown into a fullfledged tree. Not only is the popularity of the league at an all time high, but the monies involved have also expanded geometrically. Yuvraj Singh, for example, was snagged by the Bangalore franchise for a staggering 14 Crore INR in the latest IPL auction recently.

Let’s go back to the start and trace the trajectory of this IPL journey. When the league started in 2008, there were mixed thoughts as to what it is all about, whether this league system will benefit anyone from the players, the mega-rich owners, the BCCI, and most importantly, the fans of the game. The idea was akin to that followed in European football, but with the trend there is a century old, the question cropped up whether Indian cricketers were mature enough to play divided by teams pitted against each other, and still continue to come together for the national team. This league was not just about Indian players, it was a global stage where the biggest cricket names of the world were also part of the whole big money-minting idea. This was the emergence of the new face of Indian sporting, a face of hope for the budding cricketers where they got a stage to

showcase their talent and rake in tons of money. It was also seen as a sign of upward mobility and a reiteration of the growth of cricket in India.

IPL with all its glitz, glamour and moolah has not just been about the extravagant razzmatazz. In the last 6 years, it has become an integral part of the lives of Indian public, and has its own share of fans and critics alike. IPL has now managed to become a household name in homes, offices, colonies, towns, et al. IPL like tournaments are being played at each and every level. With every tournament name and concept inspired from the IPL, it has become the flavour of the nation for the T20 version of the game. To give you an example of such tournaments I did not have to look too far. There is an IPL type premier league being played in my office within colleagues every year!

IPL’s success and the windfall for the players involved has given a turbo boost to the millions of budding cricketing hopes in the country. Now the ones who can’t dream of donning the Indian national cap may well afford to be a part of IPL. Being a part of IPL will, if nothing else, makes sure that the player will earn decent amounts of money. Critics say IPL is not cricket but I have a different opinion, IPL may not have the tenacity and passion of one day cricket nor the technical brilliance of test cricket, but it sure4 offers you something else. 3 hours of pure entertainment. It offers you the biggest sixes, the most brilliant catches, the fastest balls bowled, and edge of the seat finishes. By the end of all your nails are history. So thinking on these lines I do

get a thought that isn’t this cricket. This is “Cricketainment”. For 2 months in the year, every evening is fun and drama, not thanks to Saas Bahu soaps, but due to IPL, where the story is by no means clichéd, but every game has thenpotential to give a high to any cricket fan. And the game of the night before is usually the topic of discussion on the breakfast table the next day.

Now we do understand what IPL has done to India, Indian cricket and the people of this cricket-frenzied nation. The success of the league in India can also be put down to the fact that many Indians con-

sider cricket almost a religion. The broader picture suggests that IPL has not only inspired Indians but has also inspired other cricket playing nations to have a league of their own. The Bangladesh Premier league is one such example. The edition of IPL that was played in South Africa also helped the country in multiple ways – spurt in tourism was one beneficial side-effect. The game also garnered humungous amounts of money for the game in South Africa. Along with the boards and the countries, the number of foreign players who love IPL has also grown every year. IPL has given a different avenue to players from Indian and abroad alike. It has become a veritable melting pot of different cultures – you not only share the dressingroom with players from around the world, but you also share an important two months of the year. The exhaustive itinerary ensures that players and teammates spend a considerable amount of time together. It’s those unguarded moments spent with each other that provide access to the personality behind the player.

The franchises have also provided players today with the best physios, the best coaches, and playing along and against the world’s best, evolving into the best platform for any aspiring youngster out there.

The gap between first-class and international cricket was huge in the past, and IPL

has managed to bridge this gap elegantly, albeit in the shorter forms of the game. Javagal Srinath, one of India's bowling greats, has this to share with a budding aspirant: “Test cricket is the real test of your character, temperament and technique, Test is the ultimate honour… you know there are not even 300 players who have represented India since we started playing Test cricket.” Srinath was trying to drive home the point of Test cricket’s importance and relevance. “Exactly! If only 300 have played in 80 years, what are the chances that I’d get to play for India one day?” the youngster shot back. “More than 150 Indian cricketers get to play in the IPL every season and the money they earn is much more than Test cricketers make in a year.” This is the mindset that IPL has given to youngsters who are vying for the exposure to get into the eye of the selectors.

And when we throw in an eclectic mix of cheerleaders, starlets, stand-up comedians and the like amidst all the players, the franchise owners, the money and the glitz, it has all the ingredients of a gala carnival, and justifies the label of “Cricketainment.”

A one-stop-shop offering some heart-stopping, amazing and scintillating sporting action that doesn’t cease to enthrall audiences. So, perhaps its time for us to stop punching the IPL bag and make peace with

it, because you either love it or you hate it, but you sure can no longer ignore it.

Just one little word on the this season's IPL. It was to be played in phases, and had seen a sea-change in the outlook of the teams. The franchises from Punjab and Delhi had made a strong point via some smart-buying that they are seen to mean serious business. The biggest gainers as players were Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Karthik, and Mitchel Johnson who have raked in multiple Crores as they change franchises. The auction is done, the venues have been decided, so come this April the rollercoaster ride is on the agenda once again. And this ride is just about 3 things -- Cricketainment, cricketainment and ... cricketainment. But as a cloud descends on the BCCI and N. Srinivasan, and the Supreme Court suggesting sweeping changes in the administrative setup, not to mention it's recommendation that both Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals be excluded from the league, uncertainty does reign. Lets wait and watch...

Anshul GuptA

The author is a software engineer by profession. A passionate and avid sports enthusiast, who follows a wide swath of sports, ranging from Cricket, Football, Hockey, NBA, Tennis and more.

Th IS IS Th E mIN dSET ThAT IPL hAS gIVEN TO yOUNgSTERS whO ARE VyINg FOR Th E ExPOSURE TO gET INTO Th E EyE OF Th E SELECTORS.

KANGANA RANAUT’S REVOLVER RANI ALL SET TO RELEASE ON 25TH APRIL 2014

The Wild Wild West Of India will come alive this April with REVOLVER RANI releasing on 25th April. Starring Kangana Ranaut, Vir Das and Piyush Mishra, the movie is produced by Wave Cinema and directed by Sai Kabir. Set against the backdrop of politics in Chambal and Gwalior, Revolver Rani is an unusual love story with Kangana Ranaut and Vir Das. Popularly known as Revolver Rani, Kangana plays a politically active local who talks easier with a gun easier than with words. Manipulated by her uncle for his political motives, Vir Das also tries to get his way into Bollywood by wooing Rani. Revolver Rani will see Kangana in an all new quirky avatar after her role as a simpleton in QUEEN.

SALMAN & AKSHAY DANCE TOGETHER FOR FUGLY

Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar are dancing to the title track of FUGLY along with Mohit Marwah, Vijender Singh, Arfi Lamba and Kiara Advani. The song was shot over 2 days at a studio in Mumbai, on 4 different set ups with choreography by Mudassar Khan. Akshay and Salman were on the sets throughout the entire time, learning and rehearsing the steps along with the newcomers. Produced by ‘Grazing Goat Pictures’ and directed by Kabir Sadanand, FUGLY is shot extensively in Delhi, Haryana and some breathtaking locations of Leh, Ladakh. It is a story of four friends: Dev, Devi, Gaurav and Aditya, and how this carefree bunch at the threshold of their lives get caught in a ‘Fugly’ incident which sucks

them slowly into the big bad world of corruption, politics and the real Delhi. This puts the best of friends through the most bizarre life changing events. The central characters are played by an ensemble of some of the freshest faces to be launched which includes World Champion Boxer Vijender Singh, Mohit Marwah, Kiara Advani, Arfi Lamba and Jimmy Sheirgill, who for the first time plays a totally negative character.

SHERLYN CHOPRA SIGNS A MULTI-LINGUAL FILM

Sherlyn Chopra signs a multi-lingual film "BAD GIRL" as its leading lady. Sources confirm that Sherlyn has been signed for the multi-lingual film at a whopping sum of INR One Crore and Ten Lakhs to play the protagonist. The film which is loosely based on Monica Bellucci's Oscar winner, Malena, is to be directed by award winning director Shajiyem, who has been receiving rave reviews for his recent film, Ms LEKHA THAROOR KAANUNNATHU. BAD GIRL is being produced by Shah Productions.

MuMbai bureau

CINEMA : OUTLOOK FOR ApRIL-jUNE SEASON

Gear up for multiple releases of the choicest Hindi films during the next quarter, i.e., between April and June this year! Films slated for release are David Dhawan’s MAIN TERA HERO, Kundan Shah’s P SE PM TAK, Ravi Chopra’s BHOOTHNATH RETURNS, Feroz Khan Abbas’s DEKH TAMASHA DEKH, the Rajanikant starrer KOCHADAIYYAN, the Arjun Kapoor-Alia Bhat starrer 2 STATES,, Subhash Ghai’s KAANCHI, Rajshri Pictures SAMRAT & CO starring Rajeev Khandelwal, Inder Kumar’s Rekha starrer SUPER NANI, Amol Gupte’s HAWA HAWAAI, HEROPANTI, the Himesh Reshammiya starrer THE XPOSE, Anurag Kashyap’s UNGLI, The Ameesha Patel production DESI MAGIC, Vikram Bhatt’s CREATURE IN 3D, the Akshay Kumar starrer HOLIDAY, the Saif-Riteish starrer HUMSHAKALS directed by Sajid Khan. Phew! Will these releases get affected by the IPL, examinations or the elections, or will they be able to conquer the hearts of the cine goers and make an impact in the box office? NRI Achievers delved into this topic by speaking to some leading film celebrities, and here's what they opine.

T p AGGARWAL, Producer cum Publisher of BLOCKBUSTER, the film trade weekly, says: “IPL used to affect the fate of the films at the box office once upon a time , but not today, because while the matches were happening once in a blue moon at one time, now there are far too many cricket matches that you even lose count of them. It is only when the semi finals and the final matches are being held when India and Pakistan are battling it out, there will be a slump at the box office. While only the final year examinations will make a dent at the box office collections, when the electioneering stars , it will affect the films a lot, because a vast majority of our youth will be weaned away by vested interests with drinks and bribes and the atmosphere also tends to become very dirty with the influx of dirty politics and also instability sets in for some period till the new government is formed”.

FEROZ ABBAS KHAN, who has made DEKH TAMASHA DEKH, a political satire, says: “Whether you release your film at the time of the examinations or IPL or the elections, what matters is not whether your film is good or bad, but whether it is able to connect with the audiences instantly. I feel that good or bad are merely relative terms. I am of the opinion that the really big star-studded films released during the IPL are always fool-proof because of the tremendous following that their stars command. IPL matches really affect to only a small extent that too in the latter stages when the knock-out portions of the matches become a problem for films. I do not think that the election period will affect the films which are released during that period because the election period is synonymous with the youth for the holidays that they get during the elections. Take for example films like BAND BAAJA BARAAT and QUEEN. Thanks to the word of mouth publicity that the films fetched, they went on to beat all the records of the other films which were released during the same period. In April, when my film DEKH TAMASHA DEKH will be released, it will not be affected because it is only the University examinations which will be taking place then, not the school exams which will pose a problem for the grownups to keep their children away from the theaters and the TV sets at home”.

pRODUCER MUKESH BHATT is of the opinion that the exam season will definitely poke a spanner into the works for films that are being released, as a large chunk of our audiences are youth and most of them will be preoccupied with exams. He adds, “Of course our youth also patronise the IPL but India is a very vast country and not every youngster is keen on cricket or for that matter IPL matches. The IPL matches will also affect the films but only on days when there are interesting matches. Today there is a big threat to films only if they are released at a time when India and Pakistan are pitted against each other in a cricket match, not when the IPL matches are on because there is no patriotism involved whenever in IPL. In fact, I am releasing my film CITYLIGHTS during the IPL and the elections because it is only the big budget filmmakers who do not want to take any chance at the box office as far as the prospects of their films are concerned, not the small-budget film maker, who does not mind taking risk”.

pAHALA j NIHALANI, Producer-Director-Exhibitor-Distributor whose film AVATAR is being readied for early release feels that the IPL will not affect the fate of films in India much these days because of the trend to hold matches outside India. “Even if IPL matches are held in India, if they are held at nights there is absolutely no chance of them affecting the collections at the box office, because the multiplexes run shows right from 8 am till 11.30 pm at night and anyone who wishes to see a film can watch it at any convenient time of his or her choice. As far as the elections are concerned, they will certainly make a dent because the people who flock to theatres to watch films will prefer to make money during elections instead fo spending the money on tickets. The months of April and May are not conducive to release films, because if there are examinations in April, thanks to the extremely hot weather during May, people go out of Mumbai and most of the theatres wear a deserted look, and it is only when the colleges reopen in June that theatres start registering collections once again. I should know because I own the theatre Nishat in Mumbai”, he adds.

VIjAY SINGH, CEO, Fox Star Studios asserts that the fact that theatrical business has continued to exhibit strong underlying growth definitely augurs well for the future. “More of the same will no longer work for the Indian audiences. It is the key lesson that we have learnt in 2013. If you have a lot of strong content based mid-segment movies, it will perform well at the box office, whether they are released during the IPL matches or the elections or for that matter the examination period. What matters is not only good content but also the ways in which they are released. Growth in the digital theatrical distribution platform has been a very important enabler in reaching a wider audience base through a substantial increase in the number of screens.”

TARUN CHOpRA, ProducerDirector, who had recently made W, quips, “It is only when the cricket matches of the IPL is in its last lap that the excitement starts mounting and people are tempted to stay glued to their TV sets to watch the matches, or if you can afford go out to the matches and watch them personally. As far as elections are concerned, it is not going to make any major difference to the fortunes of films which are being released because if a person wants to see a film, he will make it a point to go to the polling early

NANDU AHUjA, Senior Vice President, Theatrical, Eros International feels that the release date is very crucial for any film today since it is actually the deciding factor after determining the right release window keeping in mind the examinations, festivals, long week ends, the IPL and the elections, besides the other releases which will clash with your film. “The distribution strategy for any film is dependent on several factors such as the genre of the film, the content and the cost of the making of the film etc. I feel that it is

SUNEIL SHETTY,

extremely important to gauge the target audience for a film and then develop a distribution strategy for it, which will be conducive for it”.

to cast his vote and then enjoy watching any movie of his choice since the date on which the elections will be held have been declared as holidays for the public. If it is examination time, then the chances of families going out to watch a film are remote. But the fact that QUEEN has clicked in such a big way though it was released during the examinations has proved that if you come up with a good film, sky is the limit”.

has the last word on this: “The bottom line is that what matters is a good film, and if you have a film that boasts of very good content, you do not have to bother about IPL, examinations or even the general elections. In the past, we have had films which have proved to be excellent at the box office, whether they were released during the IPL or even the examinations. The IPL, I concede, may affect the prospects of any film only in the initial stages as well as in the final stages of the matches, especially if India is pitted against any foreign country because at that time the excitement level will soar high otherwise it will be a cake walk for a film because we are a population of 120 crores today, and not everyone is interested in elections or IPL. It is only when you churn out a bad film that you have no other alternative but to blame the IPL or examinations or for that matter the election time as the reason for the failure of your film.”

The writer is a well-known & established film critic.

Actor cum Producer,

Jyothi Venkatesh

KILA RAIPUR

OLYMPICS… RURAL-INDIA STYLE…

Iwas perched precariously with my camera gear on the crowded 4 feet by 7 feet roof of a guard tower at the far end of the Kila Raipur Stadium. A videographer, who had shot at Kila Raipur earlier as well, had captured the lion's share of the available roof space. There were 8-10 other villagers standing alongside. And the roof had no railing. Needless to say, it was not a very comfortable place to be, but it was a perfect vantage from a photographer's point of view.

I was asking a local a few questions about the bullock cart race which was yet to begin. He had pointed out the start line, the racetrack and the finish line for this race. The finish line was about 20 feet below and about 50 feet away from where I was located. I had incredulously looked at that line and had asked him - "These bullocks must be running at a fairly fast pace, and naturally, they don't have any brakes.

How do they stop after the finish line?" He says: "They don't stop. They just continue to run out of the stadium, into the fields, and stop when their pace gradually reduces..."

I am from Ludhiana, but, during my entire Ludhiana life, I had never

attended the globally famous Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, which have been covered by BBC and National Geographic, besides multiple other global channels and publications. This year, I was determined to correct this anomaly. Upon checking the

schedule, I realised that this unique sports meet was to happen on the weekend after Basant Panchami, in end-February. I planned this trip many weeks in advance. Even though I travel extensively, the excitement of visiting Kila Raipur far exceeded the excitement levels I had experienced lately for any of my other recent travels.

We had made Hotel Sarovar Portico, a centrally located, comfortable hotel in Ludhiana, our base for 2 days - the entire meet is a 4-day affair, but we had decided to be there on day 3 and 4, as the star events happen on these days. From there, the journey to Kila Raipur is normally about 35 minutes, traffic-permitting.

Once we reached there, the programme sheet handed over to us listed some real strange events. Despite the bullock cart races being the star attraction of the meet, the other events had a rustic charm of their own. Dog races, dancing ponies and camels, dare-devil Nihang riders, motorbike stunt riders, bare-back riders racing their stallions, tractor races, timed loading and unloading of trolleys, were some of the rural attractions, besides the standard hockey, athletics, Kabaddi, tugof-war, etc.

The entire atmosphere was mostly that of a large village fair. The parking lot was large and orderly; the stadium had a semi-finished look, and was surrounded by the lush-green fields that are so

Photos & Text: Ajay Sood

typical of Punjab; most of the crowd was the villagers in their ethnic attire - some had come to cheer their village sportsmen, others had just come to watch the action; media persons were there in full force to cover the event; loud and hilarious Punjabi commentary informing the spectators about the action in the stadium was flowing incessantly from the loud-speakers sprinkled across the entire stadium. But what contrasted it from a typical village fair was the presence of a large number of camera-wielding foreign tourists thronging the stadium.

To an avid sports fan, this event may seem slightly unorganised, as

there is no schedule being followed; the schedule gets determined minute by minute. But in its’ own way, the event is a hugely organised effort. Some bits of organising that go on behind the scenes, and need to be appreciated are - inviting the participants from far-flung villages across the entire Punjab-Haryana belt where, even in this telecom era, communication is still a challenge (in fact, this year, there were some sportspersons who had come all the way from Lucknow); arranging for funds to get this event going year-after-year (this year was the 78th edition of these games); getting the media to come and cover

the event; catering to the media and its special needs from the make-shift media centre; managing the crowds; organising VIP guests who also provide grants for the meet; are just some of the visible aspects. Lots more must have been happening behind-thescenes and that's what makes this entire mammoth effort a marvel.

Our two days were hectic since the action was non-stop. For instance, as soon as a race would get over, highjump or some other athletics event would start. While that was still going on, a Kabaddi match would begin. Show riders would enthrall you, and before you had a chance to share your amazement with your group, the tractors would go flying past as a part of the tractor race. On top of that, the bullock cart races, which punctuate the meet (since there are many heats, quarter finals, semi-finals and final), genuinely take the cake on adrenaline-quotient. But, despite the frenetic action, the experience was awesome.

While you'll see some glimpses of the action in the images alongside, to take in the entire electric atmosphere and its thrill, it is recommended that you be there in person.

The writer is an accomplished and avid travel photographer, relishing equally the challenges in capturing cityscapes and landscapes, heritage and architecture, wildlife and citylife, street and people.