May 2014

Letters Matter

nO POLITICS?

Greetings! This is Uday Kumar from Hyderabad, had requested you to print stories on national politics and also some content on Indian economy in your April issue, but unfortunately your team has not considered this request. Just as dinner does not get over without the serving of a sweet dessert at the end, so your readers like me feel after reading your magazine. Especially during this hot and steamy election environment in national politics, I would like to know about various parties and their agendas for the future. Hence I am once again requesting you to provide wide coverage of information about politics regularly in your magazine. I hope you will consider delivering on my dessert in the future. Thank you ... and my heartty congratulations for your success.

Uday Kumar, Hyderabad

I nCLUDE MORE PAGES, MORE COnTEnTS

NRI Achievers team, I am a regular reader of your magazine. Presentation of content and photographs is always above the ordinary. Whether it is News, Health, Vastu, Sports, Cinema, Travel, I love to read everything. But my only regret is that it finishes up so quickly. I think this is due to the limited number of pages in the magazine. Consider having more pages and more content. If you start columns on Education, Technology & IT, Politics, Children, Automobiles, Investments, Geography & Economics, Entertainment, etc., regularly then few magazines will be able to beat you. I think the matter on cinema and television is very less, whereas in India three Cs.... Cinema, Crime, Cricket and one P ... Politics, are what makes any magazine or newspaper complete.

Sneha, Mumbai

fOCUS On hEALTh An D fITn ESS

Dear Editor and Team, I would like to share my views and my experience about your magazine. Being a regular reader of your every issue, we NRI’S thank you and your team for publishing marvelous coverage globally. And I would like to share a suggestion regarding Health & Fitness. Being a competitive race everyone should take care of their fitness. As my request, please continue publishing articles that enrich the lives of your readers. I wish you all the best for your magazine.

Payal Rohtagi, New Delhi

vIBRAnCY IS BEAUTI fUL

Dear Sir, Your e-magazine is interesting, specially the layout, presentation, photographs and the vibrancy is beautiful. The information about different cultures gives insight for a wonderful reading. Congratulations and keep doing good work. It will be nice if you will also include something creative for children, eatery items, humorous items, poetry, stories and also something related to education.

Priya Agrawal (16), Child Poetess, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

ADD MORE On DIASPORA

Wow! Cover story on NRI Achievers is really a great motivation to do good for the society and the nation. Please add more stories on diaspora achievements. Don’t you think that the success stories of role-models like Lakshmi Mittal, Swaraj Paul, Hinduja Brothers, Chahal, etc., would be interesting reads for your audience?

Narayan Dutt, U.K.

ELECTIONEERS, MANGO BANS AN d SUN dRY OTHER THINGS...

Delhi is agog with election fever, with several phases of the mammoth polling exercise already over in several states, and a few more to go over the next fortnight, as it stands even as we go to print with this issue. The scenario is similar in the states and territories that are yet to go to the polls over the next two weeks before the announcement of the results on the 16th of May. The feverish pitch over the past two months has meant that normal activities have taken a backseat, and all the dirty-talk, mudslinging et al., being indulged by the Netas are more in the limelight. Though politics is all that is centrestage today, there are lighter moments as well, with the EU banning export of Indian mangoes, resulting in a glut of the khaas varieties of the ubuiquitous mango on fruitsellers' shelves, which has evoked a positively delighted response from the aam aadmi. On the diaspora front, we have yet another Indian origin techie taking over the helm of a 147 year old european telecom major, with Rajiv Suri donning the mantle of CEO over at finnish NOKIA.

Added to all this, at NRI Achievers after staying off the beaten track for two months now, we have perforce had to bite the bullet, and bring you a taste of the political mood pervading the country, through a new segment we are introducing this issue, Realpolitik. But we have not sacrificed Diaspora reach on the altar of politics, instead it continues, albeit with a different flavour ... our various keystone themes also continue, though you might be missing a few of our regular segments due to constraint of space in this issue.

Congruent with this scanario, we have a focus on Dubai in our Cover Feature, and we highlight two Indian entrepreneurs who currently operate out of the Emirates. We also bring you an example of how one man's determination and effort has seen the raising of an impressive edifice in Dubai that has been a long lasting demand from his community. Heritage tells you about the swastika, a symbol that finds universal acceptance across various cultures, Silver Screen brings you an interview with young Alia Bhatt, and travelogue takes you to Dubai, and on a desert safari amoung other things.

So things stand, and we hope you will enjoy reading this current issue of ours. And we do extend our hearty thanks to those of you readers who have made that little bit of effort and connected with us so far, sharing your life experiences, your aspirations, your problems and your prospects, we are glad. And for those who are still reluctant to reach out to us, we urge you to write/email us your thoughts, or narrate stories of those others who inspire you, and what they have achieved. Our editorial desk is as ever open to your inputs, we would love to hear from you, about you and about your communities and your life. Have a great day!

HINDUJA BROTHERS ARE WEALTHIEST ASIANS IN UK

The Hinduja brothers have edged past Lakshmi Mittal to become Britain’s richest Asians in 2014. The Asian Rich List, released a fortnight ago in London, shows the overall combined net worth of the featured 101 millionaires a staggering UK £ 51.5 billion, an increase of £ 6.5 bn since 2013, with the top 10 representing 71% of the total figure. Srichand and Gopichand Hinduja have been ranked as Britain's richest Asians this year with a total net worth of £ 13.5 billion, an increase of a staggering one billion pounds over the previous year. They maintain their lead over Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal who came a close second. Mittal's net worth has also seen an increase of £ 1 billion, taking him to £ 12 billion. Around 60 of the 101 millionaires have seen an overall increase in their net worth, with at least four of them more than doubling their wealth. Leading NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul and Angad Paul (Steel) have been listed as 10th richest with wealth amounting to £ 750 million, whereas mining giant Anil Agrawal was ranked third at £ 2.4 billion, followed by Sri Prakash Lohia (Petrochemicals and textiles) at £ 2 billion. Kishore Lulla of Eros International, who has nearly 2,000 films under its belt and digital rights to a further 700 saw his wealth increasing by £ 365 million to £ 670 million, placing him at number 11. With the entry point for

this year's list being set at £ 55 million, it's hard to expect any 'young guns' to earn their way onto the list. However, the list sees two self-made under-40 millionaires climbing steadily up the list this year. At just 39, Amit Patel, from one of the country's fastest growing pharmaceutical companies Auden McKenzie, saw his net worth increasing by a staggering £ 160 million to take his value to £ 400 million and placing him at number 17 on the list this year. Tata Ltd took away the International Business Award. The Tatas apropos are the biggest industrial employers in the UK. According to the Rich List, the year 2014 is going to be a major milestone for the Hindujas, for it will mark the centenary of the group, which has its headquarters at New Zealand House in Haymarket, London, and employs 75,000 plus people across 35 nations. The Hinduja group has what Gopi Hinduja likes to call 10 'verticals,' namely: health, energy, power generation, automotive, finance & banking, oil & gas, IT & BPO, media & cable, real estate, and trading. In India, even with the slowdown in the economy, according to the Rich List the Hinduja group has investment plans worth one billion pounds. “We are hoping that we have a stable government. If a stable government comes, from 2016 our economy will be booming like before,” Gopi says, commenting on the Lok Sabha elections.

INDIA DROPS TO 83RD ON NETWORKED READINESS INDEX

According to a World Bank's report, the Migration and Development Brief, top recipients of officially recorded remittances for 2013 were: India (US$ 71 billion), China ($ 60 billion), the Philippines ($ 26 billion), Mexico ($ 22 billion), Nigeria ($ 21 billion), and Egypt ($ 20 billion). This is also reflected in Indian banks' deposit portfolio of non-resident Indians (NRIs) in Oman going up 43.5 percent year-on-year at the end of January, according to another report.

The outstanding NRIs deposits rose to US$ 99.15 billion in January from $ 98.63 billion in December 2013. Under the foreign currency non-resident (FCNR B) category, these were US$ 40.7 billion at the end of January, up from $ 40.4 billion in December 2013, according to an Indian media house in its report quoting the latest RBI data. Indian bankers in Muscat were quoted by the publication as saying, "The rise may be attributed to the steps taken by RBI in August and September of 2013 to attract NRI deposits, to attract foreign exchange, and to stem the fall in the rupee's value against the dollar..."

India dropped 15 positions to 83rd on the Networked Readiness Index (NRI), which measures the capacity of economies around the world to leverage information and communications technology (ICT) for growth and well-being, according to the 13th edition of Global Information Technology Report 2014 released recently. The report, prepared by the World Economic Forum, INSEAD business school, and Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, assessed 148 countries this time as compared to 144 in its 12th edition last year. India ranked 68th on the index in 2013. The top 10 economies that are using ICT for growth the most or at an optimum level included Finland (1st), Singapore (2nd), Sweden (3rd), the Netherlands (4th), Norway (5th) and Switzerland (6th), all retaining their positions from last year. The US continued its upward trajectory and ranked seventh as compared to ninth last time, while Hong Kong SAR (eighth) and the Republic of Korea (10th) both climbed up from 14th and 11th positions respectively a year ago. The UK was the only nation in the top 10 which fell one place to 9th position.

NRI DEPOSIT PORTFOLIO OF INDIAN BANKS UP 43.5 PERCENT IN OMAN

NRIS SENT HOME US$ 65 BILLION IN PAST 6 MONTHS: LORD SWRAJ PAUL

Urging India to consider NRIs as "its own," Londonbased industrialist Lord Swraj Paul said they have remitted almost US$ 65 billion in the past six months through deposits into the country. Lord Paul, who is founderchairman of the UK-based Caparo Group, regretted that India "tends to forget" the contribution of non-resident Indians (NRIs) to the country's development. "Even now, as late as last year or this year, when the financial crisis hit India, they (the government) are finding our banks are suffering from a lot of non-performing assets (NPAs). The NRIs have come to the country on the call of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)," he said. "Almost US$ 65 billion have come in the last six months from NRI deposits alone," Lord Paul observed. "Somehow, India tends to forget what the NRIs have contributed. They are the ones who came to India's help in the 1990s, when the government of India opened up the business sector...," Lord Paul said he hoped the Indian government and the people would consider NRIs as their own. He said the community is as proud of India as anybody else in India. On the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, he said the Indian voter cannot be influenced by bribes. "All this is rubbish, whether the papers here or in Europe or the world, say that the Indian voter is bribed or this or that. He votes exactly where he wants to vote. And always in India, my view is, that the only winner is he, the Indian voter," he added.

INDIAN COMPANIES GENERATE 81,000 JOBS IN US

Indian companies through their massive US$ 17 billion investment in the US, have collectively generated employment opportunities for more than 81,000 people in America, according to a survey. The annual CLL survey of 68 Indian companies in 40 American states for 2013, has shown that New Jersey, California, New York,Texas and lllinois have the largest concentration of Indian companies.

TWO INDIANS AMONG AMERICA’S MOST POWERFUL CEOS UNDER-40

Two Indian CEOs have been named among America’s most powerful CEOs under the age of 40, who head publicly-traded companies with highest market values in the Forbes 100 by Google CEO and co-founder Larry Page. Website hosting company Endurance International Group CEO and founder Hari K Ravichandran (38) has been ranked 19th. AAMC has a market value of US$ 1.8 billion (INR 10,994 Crore). Ashish Pandey has served as a director and Chief Executive Officer of AAMC since December 2012. He holds a Masters of Bussiness Administration from Indian Institute of Management.

INDIANS GET HEINZ AWARD

Two Indian Men are among this year’s five prestigious Heinz Awards recipients in the US. Abraham Verghese, a professor at Stanford University Medical School, and Sanjeev Arora, a computer scientist of Albuquerque in the US state of New Mexico were honoured in Pittsburgh on April 3. Mr. Verghese who has born to parents from Kerala in Ethiopia, was given the award in recognition of his best-selling authorship. Mr. Sanjeev Arora, born at Kota in India’s Rajasthan state and now a san Fransisco-based entrepreneur, was recognized for revolutionizing community healthcare using video conferencing technology.

AMAZON.IN TO TAKE KIRANA ROUTE TO DELIVER GOODS

E-commerce giant Amazon, whose founder and CEO Jeff Bezos recently spoke of the possibility of drones dropping off goods at US homes in the near future, is on a different take in India, as it readies itself to embracing the neighbourhood kirana store for pushing the delivery advantage here. In what's a first in India, Amazon has started piloting the concept of enlisting kiranas as delivery points since last week at Bangalore. The move can help it overcome the problem of failed deliveries, a pain point for most e-tailers globally, making the last-mile logistics less complicated. "We are continually innovating to find solu-

tions that enhance convenience and the buying experience for our customers. We are running a pilot for in-store pick-up service in Bangalore. We have identified and trained staff at small kiosks and stores, run by individual entrepreneurs, to be our shipment pick-up points," Amazon India's country head Amit Agarwal told the local media recently. What is significant is how - unlike Indian organized retailers like Big Bazaar who have traditionally been pitted against mom-and-pop stores - this move from Amazon will help create a hybrid model where online players leverage corner shops to boost customer convenience.

NRI Achievers Desk

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US BASED INDIAN DIASPORA CAMPAIGN FOR NARENDRA MODI

Narendra Modi, BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate for the current general elections, has found staunch supporters outside India as well, even as a group of USbased non-resident Indians (NRIs) have landed en-masse in India to root for him. Worth noting is the fact that this group is the same that helped Barack Obama raise funds during his 2012 US presidential elections. Numbering around 650, this team of NRI volunteers led by Bharat Barai under his 'Global Indians for Bharat Vikas' association, is currently in Gujarat to boost the 'Modi for PM' campaign.

"Yes, I had raised funds for Barack Obama during the Presidential elections, and now I am here to support Narendra Modi," says Barai, a doctor from Chicago. Pointing at the email conversations

he had with the US President and first lady Michelle Obama, he avers, "Many an NRI in America want Modi to hold India's top post. Hence, we have pledged to undertake this campaign." Responding to another question, he says Modi has singularly been raising issues of de-

NARENDRA MODI REBUFFS CHARGE OF SOFT CORNER FOR BIG BUSINESS

Gujarat

rejected charges of favouring big business and maintained that incentives given by his government were driven by policy and were not discretionary. In an interview to PTI, Modi went hammer and tongs on the Congress, which is accusing him of favouring corporate groups, specifically the Tatas and the Adanis in allotting land for setting up projects: "I do believe in the importance of corporate India and how it can help in wealth creation for the nation. I believe that in the last 60 years, the Congress party has indulged in rent seeking behaviour by encouraging red tape. While I have never been in favour of giving concessions to big business, I certainly believe in creating the right atmosphere for investments by expediting procedures, reducing bottlenecks and encouraging transparency. "Even when incentives have to be given to certain sectors, they have to be sector-specific and policy-driven rather than case-specific and discretion-driven," he said. The Aam Aadmi Party had all along accused Modi of pro-business approaches, but more recently Rahul Gandhi, whose party itself is facing charges of graft, neopotism and favouritism, has launched an offensive accusing the BJP's PM nominee of favouring industrial houses such as Adanis and Tatas. Dismissing these charges as "another canard being spread by a desperate Congress tottering to its fall", Modi said that in an important judgment last week in the Tata Nano case, the Gujarat High Court had upheld the Gujarat government's stand and vindicated it. "The judgment has comprehensively debunked the allegations made in the petition.

velopment, and people ought to vote for him as he is an inspirational leader for the country. When alluding to Modi's hardliner image, Mr Barai had this to say: "Others have been indulging in divisive politics, which is only limited to the appeasement of a particular community, while Modi seems to be the only one who is focusing on development. Our volunteers are canvassing for Modi's support in various states including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar-Pradesh and Bihar. This country has become a victim of terrorism, price rise, corruption et al, and we urge people to vote for a candidate who can combat all this and improve the overall living standard. Therefore, casting a vote in favour of Modi means a voter is investing in his future," he added.

INDIAN-AMERICANS AGOG OVER INDIAN ELECTIONS

Though a mere fraction of the three million plus Indian-Americans have a vote back home, everyone seems quite excited about the currently underway Lok Sabha polls that many hope will usher in a "clean government" and help put India on the world stage. "Overseas Indians want a clean government in India" as "India has been missing out in the world stage," says Thomas Abraham, founder president of many major community organisations including the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO). "We need a government which will keep it's eyes and ears open, and seek out new ideas," says Abraham, as he called for the involvement of NRIs and PIOs in areas of development in technology and business, education and healthcare, as well as village development. Noting that Indian Americans have played a major role in the last three decades to develop closer ties between India and the US, Abraham said the new Indian government must bring the two countries even closer. Sanjay Puri, chairman of the US India Political Action Committee, which calls itself the political voice of Indian Americans, agrees. "This election and a resultant government, either incumbent or new, can do a lot of good for India and Indian Americans in addressing some perception and geopolitical issues,” according to Puri, who further commented: "Indian-Americans take pride in their origins and being from India. However a regular drum beat of news about scandals relating to corruption and then the issue of women's safety impact the perception of India in the minds of Americans and especially Indian Americans. Similarly, Indian-Americans care about the role India plays in the region and globally.

Chief Minister & BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi

Photo: Rajeev Tyagi

DIRTY POLITICS: TRASH-TALKING THEIR RIVALS

It's that season of dirty politics once again. With the mammoth voting schedule for the general elections at full steam, political leaders have cast brevity and decency aside, stepping up personal attacks and indulging in mudslinging on the road to the Parliament. Narendra Modi, the BJP prime ministerial candidate, has been the target of some of the most persistent potshots — perhaps in part because he is considered a frontrunner. He was very recently was called a “butcher” by Derek O'Brien of the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, and oh so long ago was likened to a “chai wala” – the guy who sells tea on the sidewalk — by Mani Shankar Aiyar, senior votary of the ruling Congress party. Modi is no slouch at this game either, firing off several salvos ridiculing Rahul Gandhi of the Congress, which has led India for most of the past half-century, by declaring that some of the things he says on the campaign trail are funnier than those of stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma of “Comedy Nights With Kapil” fame. If Mr. Sharma’s TV show ends soon, videos of Rahul Gandhi “could well be shown by the TV people,” Mr. Modi quipped at a rally last weekend.

Late last year, Modi dubbed the Congress party’s election symbol as a “khooni panja,” or bloodied hand, alleging the party was responsible for the loss of thousands lives fighting for a separate state of Telangana in south India. A Congress official called Modi’s comments “deplorable.” They were made “with an intention of terrifying the voters against Congress,” according to K C Mittal, the party’s legal secre-

tary. Not to be left out was yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who said that Rahul Gandhi, while campaigning, visited the houses of Dalits, or low-caste Hindus, “for honeymooning and picnic” – sparking a controversy with the Congress complaining to the election commission and seeking a ban on Ramdev’s public speeches. He later apologized, asserting that he “did not mean to insult” Rahul Gandhi or the Dalits for that matter. “Rahul Gandhi indulges in publicity with photos of him sitting in the homes of Dalits. If my statement hurts the Dalits, I regret it,” he said during a televised press confer-

ence a few days ago. Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party, a newcomer to Indian politics, also took the stage to sling mud at both Rahul Gandhi and Modi. He said that they were spending money like water to influence the media, and asked voters to be careful of their “helicopter democracy,” at a rally in the holy city of Varanasi last week.

Some of the issues underlying these slams are serious ones. The “butcher” comment aimed at Modi, for instance, was a reference to claims that he didn’t do enough to quell bloody riots in his

state of Gujarat in 2002, something he denies, and the SIT appointed by the Supreme Court has cleared him of. Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad says his party “condemns such language.” The “people of Bengal are looking up to Modi-ji. The Trinamool can see defeat looming, that is why the party is rattled.” Nevertheless, with major political parties firing off personal barbs at one another, some political observers feel politicians are spending too much energy criticizing their foes rather than laying out what they themselves would try to achieve if elected. “Instead of discussing substantive issues confronting the country, it is personalities that are dominating the election campaign,” says Pradip Kumar Datta, a professor of political science at Delhi University. None of the main political parties, Mr. Datta says, has focused on working on its strengths. Instead, the parties are highlighting their opponents’ weaknesses through vitriolic campaigns. “With the present trend towards personal attacks and hate speeches, this election is unparalleled and is indeed the filthiest ever in India’s electoral history,” he said.

B.G. Verghese, a political analyst at Center for Policy Research, a New Delhi-based think tank, called the current campaign “the most disgraceful, abusive and vulgar.” He said due to a long, nine-phase polling, “political degeneration” had set in with political parties and even senior leaders hurling “unsavory, un-parliamentary” remarks against each other. “And it will just get shriller as the election process goes on,” Mr. Verghese predicts.

WE MATTER !

The present electioneering milieu is respite with the use of new media, and various techno-tools to reach the minds and eyeballs of as tech-savvy an audience as possible, and even to reach out to the masses of people in the hinterlands, most of whom have a handset that is capable of receiving at least a SMS. While on the one hand this might well be termed as an intrusion into the privacy of the individual, on the other hand this unprecedented use of modern technology and mobile networks, social networks and the like spells a new phase in how political communication takes place in modern times. Suman Nalwa, a serving IPS officer, writes about what matters most in Indian democracy. of hate on internal immigrants sharing our state resources, we do not once stop to think what we need as a nation and why our youth goes without jobs, why the GDP falls, and why we remain a third world nation happy to be a few notches above our biggest rival, Pakistan.

As I open my facebook page, my email, my twitter or even whatsapp on my phone, there is one thing common in all of them, and it is not just the friend-list but the unprecedented voicing of governance issues and opinions to political cartoons, jokes, satires and links to all the dirt and muck our investigative journalists could dig up. In this scenario I do think that the 2014 elections are indeed a watershed event not only in the use of technology and social media by the political parties for disseminating their messages and their stand, but more importantly in giving a platform to all of us to voice our own concerns and opinions. At one extreme we had total disillusionment and hopelessness of the situation, and on flip side there is hope of good governance and overhauling the system with many in the middle having a rather lackadaisical approach.

As the media invades our homes with its expert panels, breaking news, scams, vitriolic speeches, allegations and counter allegations of biased reporting with political alignment, it still looks like all is not lost with many of us queuing up to cast our votes and proudly brandishing the black mark on our finger. However, as I look beyond the educated net-savvy cosmopolitan middle class, I realise how we as a nation are politically bifurcated at religious, caste and regional levels that nation building, national pride and development becomes a non issue for most. As the political parties woo us by exploiting our religious affiliations through orchestrated riots creating deep frictions, as we fall prey to caste based voting patterns because even after six decades since independence we have not been able to bridge the social and economic divide, as we bow to the histrionics

Politics in today's time is thus no more than a vehicle for personal agendas under the veneer of national upliftment. Indian politics is no longer a democratic or secular vehicle it was envisioned to be, it is driven by the isolation of vote banks and

reach any place on the world stage. We try to compare ourselves with China, but we are still eons behind them. Where they have reached today, it took them close to four decades of highly consolidated efforts at every segment of nation building, and along the way they took all the necessary measures to root out corruption and focus on development. Not just China, take any country in today's time or any time for that matter, irrelevant of their size they have made significant progress only when the entire nation worked towards it, and each of these efforts required great and well thought out policies by real leaders who took the reins of their economies, outlined the required mandates, and got the nation to follow it, and thus did they succeed in taking their nations to greater heights.

all the efforts are put into devising methods to acquire the all-important political power and thereby achieve the politically desired results. The executive, political and bureaucratic bodies are so intertwined that they do not take effective steps to make any constructive change for the nation. Every political party starts with a rhetoric of idealism but eventually ends up being a power hogging mongrel, and this is the sad demise of statesmanship and good governance. In this situation, rarely are even the most promising of the leaders able to compose an agenda for the nation and not for a class, i.e., targeting what the nation truly needs to

So it's high time that we ourselves unite and start thinking as a nation and start throwing out sectarian viewsfrom our crania. This is the best opportunity for us to reject those who cannot get past filling their coffers, and rather than securing their families net worth, work on making India a more worthwhile place to live in because 'we matter'. Politics is after all a science and not a convoluted art or a platform for personal vendetta and personal agenda for today's leaders. When we secure our nation, our home becomes secure by itself.

Suman nalwa

The author is a 1996 batch IPS officer who has served in Delhi & the Andaman and Nikobar islands. She has also served earlier as a Sub Divisional Officer in the Crime Against Women and in Anti Corruption units, and is presently posted in the Special Branch of Delhi Police.

ACCOUNTABILITY & POLITICAL SPENDING

It is a well known fact that several hundreds of crores of rupees are spent by political parties in canvassing for their candidates in each election. And the figures are well shrouded in the mists of obfuscation and opacity, despite the several reforms that have been initiated and the systems that have been put in place for bringing about transparency in political fund raising and spending. The efforts are more often than not symied due to basic disconnects, like how political parties are accountable to the EC but not to the Income Tax authorities on how much they raise or spend. With the election fever currently underway, the NRI Achievers team trawls the media both national and international, and brings you interesting aspects of the scenario.

Plush chartered jets, giant LED screens at public meetings, fleets of SUVs and sedans for roadshows, posters, hoardings and advertising. As of now, none have any fix on the mammoth amounts being spent by political parties in campaigning for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Not even the Election Commission, despite their recoveries to the tune of about INR 250 crore in cash, and huge quantities of illicit alcohol and narcotic substances so far, all in connection with poll canvassing.

Despite all the reforms that have been steered through during the past decades, the current election is still cast in the same mould as earlier ones, remaining stuck in the old ways in one crucial respectthe lack of transparency in political funding. This is despite a landmark ruling last June by the Central Information Commission bringing political parties under the ambit of the RTI Act. In the face of public outrage over political corruption, Parliament backed off from a Bill designed to negate the CIC decision. While the CIC order remains unimplemented, an RTI application on political donations has triggered a panic chain-reaction within the income tax department. All that the RTI application filed by activist Venkatesh Nayak sought was the details of action taken by the department on a 2013 letter from the EC forwarding the IT returns of 17 political parties, all of which happened to be regional parties such as Asom Gana Parishad, Bodoland People's Front, All India Forward Block and Indian National Lok Dal. Although none of the national parties or the bigger state parties figured in the list, the IT department handled Nayak's plea like a hot potato. Rather than disclosing the action it had taken on the returns of the political parties, the Central Board of Direct Taxes forwarded the RTI application to the chief commissioners of in-

come tax in various states, with a copy duly marked to Nayak. This was replicated by officers down the line. In response to the application filed on December 2 last year, Nayak received over 500 letters from IT officers of various levels and jurisdictions over the next four months.

This passing-of-the-buck reaction may be interpreted as a tacit admission that the CBDT had not set up any special cell to process and track the returns. The final replies came from the bottom layer of the hierarchy, the officers in charge of IT wards. Most of those replies

in Punjab and Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir conflated the political parties with the national cricket board. For instance, the letter from Udhampur dated February 6 said : "Neither BCCI is assessed nor any registration granted by this office. No cricket association is assessed in this office." This bizarre trajectory of this RTI application underlines the opacity of the existing system in which political parties are accountable for their funding and accounts only to the EC and the IT department. It shows that there can be no real transparency in political funding unless the parties are accountable to citizens under the RTI, as directed by the CIC.

were, to be sure, "nil reports" as the political parties concerned were not registered in their wards. Even otherwise, the few replies that said anything substantive ended up citing various reasons for rejecting the RTI application. For the political parties registered in the Northeast, the Guwahati IT office said simply : "No inquiry is required as contributions are less than Rs 20,000." It gave no indication of any attempt to verify the claim made by those political parties that all the donations received by them were below the cut-off for reporting to IT authorities.

Worse still were the replies that made a mockery of the high stakes involved in maintaining a vigil on political funding. For no apparent reason, the IT officers of Ludhiana

In its landmark decision on June 3, 2013, the CIC had directed the six national parties, including Congress and the BJP, to appoint information officers and appellate authorities under the RTI within six weeks. When none of the national parties bothered to meet the deadline, the CIC dragged its feet on issuing non-compliance notices to them. Thanks to repeated reminders from petitioner Subhash Chandra Agrawal, the CIC finally did so on February 10. But again, though they had been given four weeks to respond to the notice, the CIC is yet to take any punitive action against defaulting parties. Had the CIC forced the national parties to submit to the RTI discipline, it might have made a perceptible difference to political funding and expenditure in the ongoing election. Since this issue threatens the political class, it will not go away easily. It remains to be seen if the next Lok Sabha will revive the proposal of enacting a law to get around the CIC decision. Or will the political parties, seeing the writing on the wall, at last place themselves under the RTI, regardless of the repercussions ?

LOOKING BEYOND THE HOME TO OTHER SHORES

ELECTIONS & DIASPORA PARTICIPATION

There is a 10 Million strong constituency of untapped Indian voters – roughly half the population of Delhi – that political parties have been scrambling to attract ahead of India’s national elections. The group has no regional base, no particular vested interest, but in some areas, the parties hope, it could influence the outcome of what many still expect to be a close contest. Non-resident Indians, living in all corners of the globe from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, can for the first time return home to vote in the general elections – the results of which will be known on May 16. And with an influence disproportionate to its size – the diaspora makes up just over 1 percent of the 800+ Million eligible voters in the country – everybody from the current favourite BJP to the fledgling Aam Aadmi party is vying for overseas support.

Let us take Dubai, which is a focus of this issue. The bulk of the NRIs in Dubai are breadwinners for their families back home, so to a large extent they’re in a position to influence the voting pattern back at home even if they don’t personally go across. Another aspect of this is that there is a very large younger segment of NRIs that is likely to play a key role in influencing voting.

Winning over the diaspora has become

especially important for Narendra Modi, prime ministerial candidate of the BJP, whose international image has been in the past marred by riots that broke out in Gujarat soon after he took over as chief minister more than 12 years ago. This is the first general election where the roughly 10 Million non-resident Indians who have retained Indian citizenship will be allowed to vote. As few as 12,000 are expected to exercise their franchise given that they

must return to India to cast their ballot, but the diaspora remains quite crucial to the country’s leading political campaigns. “Many more NRIs have come back to India and are helping Mr Modi’s campaign,” says an eminent statistician and election analyst. “There is a huge professional team working behind the scenes here.”

Cross-party courtship of the diaspora is a reflection of the critical role that overseas Indians play in Asia’s third-largest economy. When the rupee plunged during a financial crisis that swept emerging markets in 2013, RBI - India’s central bank, made it easier for overseas nationals to invest, a move that attracted US$ 34 Billion in what was in effect a bailout by the nation’s high-income diaspora. Even when there is no crisis, Indians living abroad tend to send vast sums of money home, making India the world’s largest recipient of global remittances with inflows of US$ 70 Billion in 2012, according to the World Bank.

Narendra Modi, supported by independent groups overseas such as the Overseas Friends of the BJP in the US, also benefits from the powerful diaspora from his home state of Gujarat, which has seen marked economic development under his leadership. “For Modi the overseas Gujaratis who are clearly wealthy, are a way to acquire a degree of legitimacy,” says Devesh Kapur, director of the Center for the Advanced Study of India at the University of Pennsylvania, explaining that this powerful community has been lobbying to improve Modi’s reputation in the US. “Remember that it’s the Gujaratis in the US, the UK, and in the powerful countries that matter.”

Overseas support for the AAP – formed just one year ago on an anti-corruption platform – has been boosted by the scandals that have damaged the ruling Congress party. “Because they [NRIs] have lived in foreign countries with a different attitude, with a different style of government, they have started comparing the

governments and their performance in their host countries to the government back home,” explains Srujal Parikh, vicepresident, executive committee, at the Federation of Indian Associations. “They want India to grow up, they want India to prosper.” Thousands of overseas supporters are involved in the current general elections, with 30 country teams. And, according to Girish Mailar, the AAP point of contact in New Zealand, many of these teams are taking responsibility for specific candidates in the elections, looking after everything from raising funds to campaign strategy. Using the party database, these Indians are reaching out to people back home at the ward level and sending candidates detailed analysis on sentiment among the electorate. For an upstart party without an existing network for fundraising, financial contributions from NRIs have been one of the main sources of funding, with more than 30 percent of the INR 286.67 Million (US$ 4.75 Million) total raised, coming from

INDIA’S DIASPORA PROFILE

Ø Roughly 25 million people of Indian origin live overseas, according to 2012 government estimates, but only 10 or so million have retained Indian citizenship and qualify as Non-Resident Indians, or NRIs.

Ø A citizen of India who has not taken citizenship of any other country can register to vote in their home constituency even if they have moved away, say for work or education, according to the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2010.

Ø A large number of very wealthy Indians live abroad, especially in the UK and the US. Taken together, there are some 180,000 Indian millionaires overseas, with a total worth of US$ 634 Billion, according to data provider WealthInsight.

Ø

On the 9th of January every year, the day Mahatma Gandhi returned to Indian shores from South Africa in 1915, India celebrates the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a landmark event marking the diaspora’s contribution to national development.

Indian citizens abroad. “We’re like a startup company with no funds so anything we can scrounge is of tremendous value,” says Pran Kurup, who is based in Silicon Valley and works on technology and media for the AAP. “If NRIs are more amenable to contributing then that’s what the party needs.”

Modern technology also mean that this large diaspora is now better connected than ever before. “Ten years ago I wouldn’t read an Indian newspaper every day,” says Suman Babbar, a former senior adviser at the World Bank who lives in the US. “Now I read, I get tweets, I get messages 10 times a day about what’s going on.” Whether change will come about in the political dispensation is a moot point, however, modern technology like ICTs does have the potential to surely bring the diaspora closer to the home country, as the current scenario denotes.

Desk

NRI Achievers

PANKAJ SAXENA HIS HEART BEATS FOR INDIA

Here is an inspiring tale of Pankaj Saxena, a NRI who has seen more ups and downs in life than a yo-yo, but has always managed to land with both his feet firmly and squarely on the ground. There are people you'd just discuss business with and promptly leave; and then, there are people with whom, even after the business is concluded, you'd like spending time. This soft spoken, mild mannered entrepreneur belongs to the latter category. Though an NRI with business interests in several countries, his heart still loudly and clearly beats for India. The editorial team of NRI Achievers had a 2-part heartto-heart chat with him recently - part 1 in Dubai and part 2 in Gurgaon. Here is his story, more or less in his own words:

Tell us about your childhood.

I am from a middle class family of Meerut, and am the eldest of three siblings. Both my parents were salaried employees of Defence Accounts department. In typical Kayasth tradition, my parents didn't provide much wherewithal to us, but did provide us with the best of education and intellect. I was 16 and had just completed my 10th standard. One day my father called me and said that he cannot provide any means for my dreams. He told me that the house is there for me to live in, but he would not be able to give me any pocket money or luxuries. As a result, I started teaching my own classmates and in coaching institutes for earning extra money. This continued throughout my senior secondary, B.Com., MBA, LLB, CS, etc. My routine was hectic. My day started at around 4am and an hour of yoga later, I would cycle away to teach a classmate. Then, would cycle across to the coaching institute to teach. I would cycle around 30~50 kms a day to earn the extra money through tuitions. My own studies would begin at around 10pm and I would sleep at midnight. Next day, the same routine would follow. During all this, I had also learnt typing and shorthand as I knew it would be my entry ticket in to any department for a

job. I still remember the day I had earned my first Rs. 20. I aimlessly cycled, whistling, humming songs, around the company garden area of Meerut. I gave away Rs. 5 as an offering to Amarnath Ji temple (a Shiv temple in Meerut), bought something for myself for Rs. 5 and saved Rs. 10. Even at that age, you saved?

Oh yes. By nature, I prepare myself for rainy day eventuality. People have a 'Plan B', whereas I would even have a 'Plan C, D and E'.

Then?

Then one day, I was told by my father to start working in Defence Accounts. I resisted, but was forced by him. So, I cleared the exam, and started working there. My first assignment was as a PA to an IAS Officer, Mr Sanjeev Goyal. Every time I happened to be in his room, I would study him carefully - his mannerism, his public dealings, his way of speaking with juniors, seniors, peers, family, his way of conducting himself in a meeting or a conference. I would study him that intently as if I was inhaling his aura. Subsequently, I worked with a smartly turned out Sikh officer, and used to study him in a similar manner. The whole office was scared of him, but not me. One day, he asked me what I see in him. I told him I was learning how to deal with

Photos & Text: Ajay Sood

situations and people by observing him. He was thrilled to hear that, called my father and told him that his son would someday carve a name for himself. My father cynically told him that nothing of that sort would happen. His pessimism and strictness is what challenged me and drove me to reach where I am today. During those days, I would speak very little, but would write profusely - on social issues, poverty, etc. And those articles would be published in a magazine called 'Caravan'. One day, my boss's junior, an Assistant Controller of Defence Accounts, saw an article of mine and he praised and encouraged me.

Soon after, my father got transferred to Chandigarh, my younger brother died, and I decided to get out of Meerut. I wanted to become an advisor to some senior politician - I didn't want to become a politician, but an advisor. For that, I completed my B. Com and quietly applied in Modi Rubber when their vacancies were advertised. I got selected and was posted under the Systems Division GM. He used to like my drive, my command over the language and my dedication. While others would leave at 5pm, I would close my room and just sit there and study. My boss found that out one day and asked me what I wanted to do. I told him that I was studying law and would also like to take Company Secretary exam. I also told him that I do not have the financial means to pursue that. He asked me to meet Dr. B K Modi, who approved the study grant to me. I used to sit and study in office and would leave by the last company bus, which used to depart at midnight. Result? I cleared law as well as CS in first attempt. By this time, my GM had been transferred to Modi Xerox. After my results, I went to meet him. He asked me whether I would like to join Modi Xerox. My answer was yes.

Over there, I brought out the first Public Issue of Modi Xerox successfully. But that wasn't enough for me. I wanted to do more, learn more and burn more. So I joined Mass Computer Services. They used to specialise in Public Issues. I brought out the issue for Kinetic Honda, Burroughs Wellcome, Ansals, etc. Over here, I started earning money from the stock market. I used to earn so much that I would spend the salary on my colleagues and would have lot more available, thanks to my earnings from stocks. That's when I got the taste for wealth.

Over there, I used to work till fairly late. One day, Mr Ansal saw me working at 12.30 into the night. He asked me what I wanted to be. I told him I wanted to earn money - lots of it. He asked me if I would bring out the share issue for Ansals. I assented. After bringing out that public issue, I started going to the stock market to manage the price of Ansal shares. Over there, I became friendly with many stockbrokers. Because of me, many of them minted money. Among them, there was this famous stock broking company (Manohar Lal Bansal and Company). When, in professionals’ quota, stock exchange tickets were to be allotted, Manohar Lal ji asked me to apply. In those days, I was the Company Secretary for Ansals. I told him I didn't have enough money to apply. Those days, the fee was Rs. 5 lac. He asked me how much I had. I had only Rs. 1.65 lac. He said he will pay the difference, I could return that after earning.

In the stock exchange, my expertise was in controlling the price of a share. During those days, even Harshad Mehta sought my help

for building up share value of one of his shares. But, I was finding stock market to be a dicey scene since we, as brokers, would bear the burden of those who couldn't pay up for their losses. In one of those transactions, I faced a loss of Rs. 3 Crore, which in mid 90's was a big sum. So, instead of evading calls and creditors, I called the entire broking community, and auctioned my stock broking tickets of Delhi, Mumbai and Ludhiana stock markets, paid off all my debts, and walked off penniless. After having worked so hard, penniless again? Then?

Then, I decided to get into real estate. I called Mr. Sushil Ansal and he advised me that instead of getting into the domestic real estate market rat race, I should look at developing markets abroad. I was a networking man. I had a strong relationship with IL&FS. I started getting infrastructure contracts in many African and CIS countries. My networking was with countries' prime ministers and presidents. Through all this, I started my operations in Dubai. Subsequently, I started getting more work from countries like Malaysia, Ukraine, Uganda, etc. And, as a result, today I have offices in countries like UK, USA, Canada, etc. Despite all this, I still feel that the journey I have to undertake, I have only managed about 50% till now. But the rest 50% shouldn't take me as long now. Your father was cynical and pessimistic about your being able to achieve anything. What are his views now?

Both my parents are proud of my sister and me. She is now an IPS officer in Muzaffarnagar. She is accomplished in her own right, and so am I. They are happy for us. Their blessings are always with us, though they do not come to the fore in any social gatherings. What does your company do?

My company is a real estate advisory firm. We advise on turnkey solutions to our clients - from land acquisition to sanctions, to architectural planning, to construction, to marketing and sales, to the delivery of the project. Besides, we are also in to land aggregation. We have provided 80% of the Gurgaon land to the various developers. I may trade in land, or even hold the land, collaborate with a developer and share the profits. Many friends ask me to become a builder, but I have refrained from doing so as I do not wish to shout and scream at labour every morning or get stuck to a place since I have EMI cheques

to sign. I am also fond of many fine things. I am also currently involved in making a feature film. I am networked with various known personalities in both Bollywood and Hollywood. In fact, thanks to my networking, year before last we launched a golf course project of Ludhiana in House of Commons in London, and it was attended by, amongst others, Hindujas, Ruias, Kapil Dev, Faroukh Engineer, Solkar, etc. Now, we are also doing a winery project in Long Island, USA. All these varied projects are courtesy my leisure trips to various countries, during which, I ended up concluding some business deals as well. I start operations in a new country and cream the market; and when others move in, I move on to develop another new market. Having reached here, now what's your dream?

I wish to bring lot of foreign currency investments into the country. Our gold was pledged couple of decades back. If a country's gold is pledged, that's shocking. Ever since, it has been my dream to get more dollars in to the country. Lately, whatever FDI happened, it could have all come to our country, but we have some issues and hence the investments got diverted to China.

What issues?

Income Tax, for one. The amount collected as tax is lesser than the cost of collecting it. The collections are much larger from excise and customs. But, there is no political will to do away with income tax, as it is being used either as a carrot or a stick to woo the voters. Look at Dubai. It is a tax-free economy. But, the exchequer doesn't suffer - they collect purchase tax.

In effect, anything you buy, you end up contributing to the state. We could, perhaps, take a leaf out of their book. This also addresses the anomaly of 15% taxpayers bearing the burden of the rest of 85%. Similarly, we, as a country, are not yet ready for toll-tax. We suggested a model in Bihar, which has been adopted by the government there. The model is simple – they have hiked the petrol price by a rupee per litre, towards toll-tax.

No one minds it and the state gets the toll. Such simple stuff can help save a lot of fuel, man-days and angst. We should look at that. Another example - one child policy of China. They pay the citizens for restricting the number of children to one. If the family has more than one child, besides paying a one-time tax for that, they have to pay an additional tax on anything they do - whether it is buying property or for education or for healthcare. We are suffering from a population explosion. A policy like that would go a long way towards ensuring a more stable and a more prosperous economy. These are small measures, which can go a long way towards the nation's prosperity. All it needs is the 'intent'. How are you contributing towards nation building?

I have a great regard for philanthropists like Azeem Premji or Bill Gates, as they do a lot for the society. In my own small way, I try and contribute. I pay for the education of kids of my entire staff. It isn't just limited to school education, but extends till graduation. I do not do other charities; but for me, the biggest donation is donation of education. There is a famous saying - don't give them fish; teach them how to fish. I believe in that, and that is my drive for donating education. I am doing it of my own free will, but, if the government was to exempt the donation towards education from tax, that would encourage more and more people to come forth and help educate the country.

Any other views?

Churchill had predicted India's fate many decades back about how India would be led and how its people would suffer. He had the confidence in his prediction since he knew about the education-system legacy they were leaving behind. The entire education system created by the British for india was about creating 'babus' and not 'leaders. We need to seriously introspect as a nation and make sure that we attain our rightful place in the world.

...AND MILES TO GO BEFORE I SLEEP…

We featured Pankaj Saxena, NRI entrepreneur who has proved to himself that steadfast determination can be a key to achieving one's dreams in another feature in this issue. As mentioned in that piece, our editorial team had two sittings with him, one in Dubai, and once again in Gurgaon, India. In this short feature meant to complement our earlier one, we bring you some more aspects from Pankaj's worldview and entrepreneurial outlook, once again in his own words...

Musings of a Serial Entrepreneur:

... Today, when I look back into the past, I realize the long and ardent journey that I have undertaken over the last so many years. The lessons I have learnt is that it is important for one to first have a dream, believe in that dream and in oneself, develop a clear plan and focus, and be committed and sincere all through the journey. And my journey still continues ...

“It was in 1981 that I started my professional career with the Modi Group. Being my first job in the private sector, it gave me insights into the real corporate world and motivated me to aim higher while being a learner all the while. This learning experience also inspired me not to restrict myself to what was assigned to me but to reach out for greater heights and strive to be a successful entrepreneur.

“This dream came true in 1986 when I incorporated my own company “The VENUS GROUP,” with a vision of providing professional services to financial institutions and investors in the areas of merchant banking, financial markets and corporate structuring. I knew all along that it would be a herculean task to build the organization, yet I was aware of the huge potential that existed in this sector. If I could build an organization with the highest standards of integrity, I knew that the clientele would always come to our doorsteps. This has been my mantra of doing business ever since. One of the qualities that have helped me is my ability to choose the right people, empower them and inspire them to reach

greater heights. We were a member of Delhi Stock Exchange and one of the most trusted and aggressive members in the Fraternity.

“The liberalization Policies of 1991 opened up various sectors. I grabbed this opportunity with both hands and in 1993 I diversified into the real estate sector. I take pride in stating that we are the pioneers of professional real estate services in India and provide services ranging from land accumulation to licences and approvals for turnkey projects to sales and marketing of the projects. We have been associated with various landmark projects in North India and enjoy a good reputation for our successful deliveries.

“Expat Indians have always looked for reliable channel to invest in India. To enable this, I established my offices in Malaysia, USA, UK and Canada. Our global offices now also provide opportunities and solutions for Cross Border Investments. Whilst we continued to guide reputed developers from India to procure projects in other countries, we have also facilitated entry of a large number of companies and FDIs to invest in India.

“The Venus Group and I have over the years built deep rooted and enduring relationships with individuals, institutions and governments globally. I realize that the world is becoming one large global village where no man is an island. We need to use our competencies and networking abilities to help foster better understanding and cooperation in various fields amongst countries. Those of us, who are part of the developing world, need to co-ordinate better amongst our countries so that we can all individually and as nations, evolve to the next level.”

“IT wAS IN 1981 THAT I STARTED My PROFESSIONAL cAREER wITH THE MODI GROuP. BEING My FIRST JOB IN THE PRIvATE SEcTOR, IT GAvE ME INSIGHTS INTO THE REAL cORPORATE wORLD AND MOTIvATED ME TO AIM HIGHER wHILE BEING A LEARNER ALL THE wHILE. THIS LEARNING EXPERIENcE ALSO INSPIRED ME NOT TO RESTRIcT MySELF TO wHAT wAS ASSIGNED TO ME BuT TO REAcH OuT FOR GREATER HEIGHTS AND STRIvE TO BE A SuccESSFuL ENTREPRENEuR .

DHAWAL G NANDEDKAR

AN INCIDENTAL ENTREPRENEUR

It is believed by some that achievements begin before one is born – one’s genetic makeup and the society in which one will be raised are the building blocks – and continues beyond one’s demise – with thinkers continuing to analyse works that one leaves behind in the form of poetry, painting or a simple will that causes family members agony. And many a successful career is oft defined by the wealth accumulated, and the power one wields may be measured, felt, compared. But, an achievement need not be defined by what one has retained of what was made, but what could be spread out instead. NRI Achievers features here one of the most laid back NRIs, Dhawal G Nandedkar, a resident of the only Northern Emirate, Fujairah, on the East Coast of the United Arab Emirates. A dainty town with a never-ending shoreline on the East and the Hajhar Mountain Range on the West; “when is the best time to visit Fujairah”, someone asked, “everyday”, he replied. We present you, Dhawal Nandedkar's Story:

Born to businessman parents, both post graduates from the 1960s, Nandedkar attributes his father’s thorough command over English and wonderful singing skills as having been an important aspect that formed his learning base. He learned singing by age 5, the harmonium at 8, the flute at 12, the harmonica/mouthorgan at 14, and the guitar at 18. He planned to take a 2 month break on leaving his first job to learn the piano, but never took up a job and the desire he says is still in hibernation. With total disregard to gender stereotypes, he learnt origami at age 10, could weave by 11, and made artificial flowers by 14.

He was tinkering with a carpenter’s tools by 11, making his own toys, managed complex domestic electrical circuits at 15, could operate the lathe and several toolroom machines by 20 and could dismantle and assemble, to repair an entire automobile including timing its engine by 22. He had 8 perfectly running vintage vehicles by the time he married at 27. He learnt cycling on the open roads at 7, horse rid-

ing at school at 13, swimming at 14 and skating at 15. Yet, he is a total loser at any kind of sport. Not even table games like carom.

An average student at school, just before the SSC (grade 10) exams, his father improved his basics for grade 7 to 9. Practically, he almost never had to study again. He topped school with 94% and 95% in maths & science. On the realisation that studying hard (or for that matter doing anything consistently) was not his forte, his father prompted him to study commerce instead. He did MBA in finance and could finally clear his CA after his daughter was born. Took 8 attempts just to clear 1 paper – told you before, he’s just an average student.

Practiced for 4 years in India, at Nashik & Mumbai, first as a financial consultant and then as a chartered accountant. Took up a project to turn around a loss making mining-transporting-shipping company within a year and expanded it from 20K tons per month to 16K tons per shift. CEO at 29 for an investment exceeding USD 80 million and a team of 235 people and a

fleet of 150 heavy hearth moving equipments. As agreed before joining, resigned from the job and commenced practice as a chartered accountant in UAE at 34. Growing in practice at a steady pace since then.

Though a voracious reader, he rarely reads the news. He has always been a late riser. Except at school or when otherwise forced to wake up at dawn, he prefers to sleep late. During articleship (training under a CA) he used to reach office late and stay in office after everyone left. The solitude, he said, let him work better, faster & more creatively. Creativity in accounting? Oh well, quite early in the learning phase, he started preparing feasibility reports, that require one to place himself in the shoes of the promoter and imagine all the resources he’ll need and the impediments that will be encountered and give them a financial perspective. Creative approaches are also essential for designing accounting systems, developing audit strategies and identifying areas that will give more information during forensic audits and due-diligence. Using executive bond

paper and inkjet printers for filing incometax records in India, 18 years ago, to submitting feasibility reports entirely in soft copy to overseas bankers, he kept on innovating in the simplest day-to-day tasks too. Use of superior skills, language, equipment and presentation is promoted by him in all spheres of work and leisure. Throughout the two decades of his work experience, he has consistently followed some of the ethics he developed as a child.

Genuineness simplified – says the tagline of his audit firm, Prudential Auditing. Recognised through Prudential Auditing for the role of Compliance Auditor among the first batch of internal controls implemented by the regulatory authority for stock brokers in the country, in 2007, and through Verico Auditing, in 2014, as one of only two auditors (and the only full-fledged audit firm) to be recognised as a Compliance Auditor (besides the Big 4) for responsible sourcing of precious metals by the regulatory authority, his audit firms have thrived on the simple concept of following professional ethics. The audit practice carries the rare distinction of being among those with the highest ratio of professionally qualified staff for audit and implementation, which, to the detriment of the clients results in much higher fees, but translates into a very high quality of service. Besides compliance, the audit firms are into a few niche services like supply chain cost verification and turnaround management. One of their clients humorously remarked, “you also

audit”, which they treat as a compliment. Mining, land and ocean logistics are of special importance in the region and a large clientele is from this segment, including cement.

Improving working methods to reduce costs and effort has been a permanent philosophy. Even if it trains clients to do things themselves, as they return to do more complicated stuff.

In one of the personality contests at college where he was declared a winner, he listed truthfulness as his weaknesses. The surprised judge agreed to his response that he always gets into trouble because of that. The Late Dr Shrikant Jichkar told him at 12 to avoid being a civil services officer.

Dr Mrs Asha Verulkar, the Director of his Institute, told him that he won’t last more than 2 months here – that the honest people she knew had returned before that. At school, when the entire class had done something naughty, Maj P B Kulkarni Sir said, “ask Dhawal, he tells the truth” to which, Subedar More Sir said, “it’s no use, he doesn’t speak against his friends.” He was 14.

At 30, as CEO of the Company, Engr Essam Abdul Salam said, “Mr Dhawal, just say yes, don’t give me your word. Your word, I’ll need only if it’s a question of my life or your’s.” At 38, as one more client entrusted him as a signing authority for all his assets, he asked for the logic and received the following reply: “I know my money is safe as long as you are alive.” “And what if I die?” he quipped. “That’s a chance I’m willing to take,” said the client. The client was 66. An old man can see sitting, what a young man can’t see standing. As is obvious, his audit firm is not chosen as auditor where managers carry out dubious practices and where owners indulge in prohibited or doubtful business transactions. A wealthy client once remarked, “I’m wondering whether I should start a new business – I already have plenty”, to which he said, “do it for those for whom you’ll create jobs.”

In his own practice, he has always recruited people who are below 30 or above 50. Each auditor is bound by a moral responsibility to train at least one fresher to be a good accountant every year. Each senior is told to teach the accountants of the clients to improve their accounting skills. “You are killing your own business”, said a peer in 2001. “I’d rather do something else and make money”, he said. The entire team follows ethical practices. They live life at their own pace with flexible working hours and several comfortable practices at office.

No one can grow without the support of family. Ethical work methods cast an ominous financial burden on colleagues, friends and family. It is sometimes strenuous, often embarrassing and very rarely rewarding. He could not have held on to these eccentric work practices without the support of parents and spouse. His advice to everyone who wants to follow his heart is to seek the consent of his life partner. And his advice to anyone leaving a cushy job and starting a business is to bear in mind that the comfort of having a commanding position and a fleet of personnel to carry out commands is difficult to relinquish. The decision-making capability while working in a large organisation itself contributes to higher earning while the same role in a small organisation is not rewarding. He strongly promotes ethical business practices. And affection to the country where you earn a living.

NRI Achievers Bureau

DUBAI

MIRAGE OR MODERN DAY OASIS ?

Dubai is an emirate in the federation called the UAE (United Arab Emirates). The main city of the emirate is also called Dubai. The emirate is located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf and is one of the seven emirates that make up the country. It has the largest population within the UAE at 2,106,177 inhabitants, and is the second-largest in terms of land territory at 4,114 square km after the capital, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are also the only two emirates to have a veto power over critical matters of national importance in the country's legislature. The city of Dubai is located on the emirate's northern coastline and heads up the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area. It is rather like an independent city-state and is the most modern and progressive emirate in the UAE, developing at an incredible pace especially in the tourist and trade sectors.

Dubai as a metropolis has today emerged as a cosmopolitan urban agglomeration that has steadily grown to evolve into a global city as well as carve an appropriate place for itself as the preeminent business and cultural hub of the Middle East, and a major transportation hub for passengers and cargo in the Persian Gulf region. Though Dubai's economy was historically built upon the oil industry, the emirate's Western-style model of business drives its economy with the main revenues now coming from tourism, aviation, real estate, and financial services. Dubai of late has attracted much world attention through many innovative large construction projects and sports events. The city has become symbolic for its skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, in particular the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. On top of all this, Dubai is home to other ambitious development projects including man-made islands, hotels, and some of the largest shopping malls in the region and the world. This increased attention has also highlighted some labour and human rights issues concerning the city's largely South Asian workforce. Dubai's property market went through a major setback in 2008–2009 following the financial crisis of 2007-2008, but is making a gradual recovery with help from neighboring emirates.

Dubai was gaining popularity in recent years as a relatively new tourist destination, until the global economic crash of 2008. Essentially a desert town/city with superb infrastructure, liberal policies (by regional standards), Dubai became popular for its excellent tourist amenities. Just five hours from Europe and three hours from most parts of the Middle East, the Near East, and the subcontinent of India, Dubai is ideal as a great short break for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining, sporting events, and even a few sinful pleasures. It is a city of superlatives: for the fastest, big-

Photos: Ajay Sood

gest, tallest, largest and highest, Dubai is the destination. It has the largest immigrant population in the world. Dubai is divided into multiple districts or municipalities:

JUMEIRAH — A diverse district whose residents range from Europeans to Filipinos to Pakistanis; a mixed Little Europe, Karachi and Manila. Jumeirah is much favoured by Europeans due to easy access to the beach, One can see beautiful villas here. Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence's the Walk and Jumeirah Mosque are top attractions.

DOWNTOWN DUBAI — While Bur Dubai and Deira are traditionally considered "Downtown," the Downtown Dubai development is smack in the center of the "New Dubai," between Dubai Marina to the south end and the border with the city of Sharjah to the north. It includes the Burj Khalifa (tallest building in the world), the Dubai Mall (world's biggest), Dubai Fountain, and lots of other skyscrapers and hotels.

DUBAI MARINA — is a mega-development that borders Jebel Ali (the world's largest manmade port). It is full of skyscrapers and hosts the "Jumeirah Beach Walk" with a number of restaurants, hotels, an open-air market when weather permits, and frequent shows. Dubai Marina houses one of the highest concentrations of Westerners in Dubai.

SATWA — One of Dubai's Little India and Little Manila, due to the presence of Filipinos and Indians. A whole lot of Filipino and Indian restaurants, shops, supermarkets may be seen here. Gold and textiles is what people come here for, so while as a gold shopper the Gold Souk might be your top destination, Satwa too has numerous gold shops and is hassle free, also not so crowded.

KARAMA — More of like a mixed commercial residential district, another of Dubai's Little Indias and Little Manilas, cheap eats and cheap buys are the thing here.

BUR DUBAI — A historical district. Bur Dubai is the usual term for the area from Jumeirah to the creek. The creek separates Bur Dubai from Deira. Tourist attractions from abras to souks to floating restaurants to the famous creek are found here.

DEIRA — Dubai's old Financial centre. Today Deira is a bustling commercial-residential district with some old souks, including one specializing in spices.

ARABIAN RANCHES AND EMIRATES

HILLS — These are two separate places, residential rents here are expensive due to the land value, and just like the whole of Dubai, these two are also Man-made.

IN FOcUS

MIRDIFF/MIRDIF — A commercial-residential

district which is somewhat newly built and lies directly under the flight path to Dubai International Airport. Mirdif City Center is one of the attractions. This is another residencial locality for the well-to-do.

INTERNATIONAL CITY — Just a simple residential area in the middle of the desert, what's special about it is its architectural design, the residential rents here are cheap and is somewhat the next Chinatown as many Chinese businesspeople reside here.

JEBEL ALI — Once isolated from the main bulk of Dubai back in the 70's, Jebel Ali is now a major residential and industrial hub encompassing the southern portions of the city. The main attraction popular with locals and tourists alike is the easily recognizable Ibn Battuta Mall, styled on the countries visited by the famous explorer. The mall is

built adjacent to the Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel whose large archway may be seen from afar. Surrounding the mall are the Garden apartments, an ethnically diverse district with a large Indian community. Jebel Ali village, a 35 year old community built on the side of Jebel Ali (Ali Mountain) for the European builders of Jebel Ali Port is still popular with western expats. The coastal side of the Sheihk Zayed Road in Jebel Ali consists of many unattractive power and desalination plants that somewhat ruin the view. The port was the 9th busiest in the world in 2011.

Though bang in the middle of the desert, Dubai has a lot of things to offer, different strokes for different people. This time round, we take a break off the beaten path, and while risking the fact that this might make it a bit travelogue-like, we have attempted to make this infocus a mite different, by telling you what makes Dubai a veritable paradise for the traveller, the shopper, the holidayer, and the global nomad. Here goes:

OLD DUBAI

AL AHMADIYA SCHOOL, DEIRA. Built in 1912, this was Dubai's first school that has now been fully restored. Many might not find the exhibits of old reed pens and diplomas fascinating, but they've tried pretty hard, and if nothing else, it has air-conditioning and clean toilets.

BASTAKIYA DISTRICT. One of the last remaining pockets of Old Dubai, home to many reconstructed buildings in the traditional style. While information on the structures is slim here, the atmosphere is very evocative and there are plenty of delightful art galleries and cafes to explore.

DUBAI MUSEUM. A must-see for anyone interested in the social history of the Emirate. A visit starts at the al-Fahidi fort, which has a few examples of the traditional reed houses and oth-

er artifacts, but isn't much to look at. The more interesting part is the modern extension built underneath the fort, showcasing Dubai's history using the latest technology and culminating in a reconstructed souq from the pearling days, complete with authentic sights and sounds. It is quite fascinating to see the speed at which the transition from poor pearling village to modern metropolis occurred.

JUMEIRAH MOSQUE. This is the largest mosque in the city, and a wonderful example of Islamic architecture, built in the medieval Fatimid tradition with the interior decorated with elaborate Arabic calligraphy. It is one of few mosques in the city open for visits by non-Muslims. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding conducts special tours for non-Muslims to help promote understanding of Islam. Located on Jumeirah Road, the mosque is an especially great place to visit in the evening when it's dramatically illuminated by floodlights.

SHINDAGHA DISTRICT — Home to the open museums of the Heritage Village, and has the home of former Sheikh Rashid Al-Maktoum. SOUKS — There are a number of nice souks, or markets, on both sides of the creek that are worth exploring. They sell everything from spices to crafts to very inexpensive tourist t-shirts.

MODERN DUBAI

BURJ KHALIFA. This is the world's tallest structure at 828 metres and 160 floors. The observation deck at the 124th floor is the 2nd highest in the world after the Shanghai World Financial center. Already dominating the Dubai skyline, the newly opened tower houses nine hotels and a Las Vegas-inspired fountain system. The visitors' entrance is located at the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall. Although the tour is called At the Top be aware that it isn't! Although the observation deck is the highest open deck in the world, at 452m it's just over halfway up the tower itself. THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN. At 270m in length and sporting a jet that shoots water up to 150m, the Dubai Fountain is indeed the world's largest dancing fountain and one with a very enticing display.

BURJ AL-ARAB HOTEL. Self-proclaimed as the only 7 star hotel in the world, for a real glimpse into "how the other half lives," afternoon tea, or cocktails, may be an interesting experience. Entry to the hotel requires a reservation which will be confirmed at the entry gate, although residents of adjacent Jumeirah hotels may be able to visit by arrangement. A "very smart casual" dress code applies. Reservations are usually required about a month in advance for a room, but

a few days will generally suffice for a meal.

DUBAI MARINA. One of the newer and more popular areas of Modern Dubai, both with residents and tourists. It offers numerous features such as a phenomenal skyline, world class hotels, a fabulous beach, a mall, and 2 different walkways (The Walk and Marina Walk) with coffee shops, restaurants, and shops. Marina Walk is right on the "Marina water", and there are many yachts there. One can rent a yacht for a cruise around the area. The Walk has a nice open market run from October till May, every Fridays and Saturdays at daylight.

PALM ISLANDS. The three largest artificial islands in the world are located just off the coast of Dubai; a major urban development to add a significant amount of upscale beachfront property to the area. Each of the islands is shaped like a palm leaf, with a trunk connected to the mainland, fronds extending from the trunk, and a crescent (a breakwater encircling the trunk and fronds).

Of the three planned, the Palm Jumeirah, at 5 km square and near Dubai Marina, is the only one open yet, connected to the mainland by a freeway bridge and a monorail, and sporting marinas, luxury resorts, and upscale shopping areas.

Lots of places to see and experience, but then, there is plenty to do as well. Dubai offers ample opportunities and has infrastructure for a wide variety of activities, and yes, the gamut caters to different lifestyles and different predilictions as well.

BEACHES AND SEA. Dubai offers endless water-sport opportunities, as it has some of the whitest and sandiest beaches in the world. Ocean temperatures range from 22°C in winter up to 35°C in summer, there are few wave breaks and the strong winds can make swimming difficult. The water is also very salty.

NATURAL OUTDOORS. Although at first glance the outdoors may seem dull and uninteresting, and even dangerous due to the desert conditions, there are actually amazing natural destinations in the emirate of Dubai, which extends into Hatta - the difficulty is in knowing where to find them! There are pristine waterfalls, cliffs lined with fossils, even freshwater lakes.

PARKS. Al Safa Park is one of the oldest in Dubai. It's a favorite for sports enthusiasts, and has many visitors who come to play tennis, volleyball, and soccer. There is a video arcade for children, and ferris wheel and bumper cars. The park even has a maze to wander through. Barbeques and picnic areas are available for those who want to make a day of it.

CAMEL RACES. The Camel Race Track is one of the more unusual attractions, with races being held on Thursday and Friday in winters. Not only can one watch the races, and also visit the paddocks. Vendors sell everything from beads to rugs and blankets, so one could purchase souvenirs as well.

WATER SPORTS. Thrill seeking water excitement. Banana boat ride and parasailing and many other water sports activities.

DESERT SAFARI. Dubai is well known for its Desert Safaris and extreme adventure sports in the desert. The most tour is called dune bashing. Dune Bashing is done using different things like 4X4 Safari Jeeps, Sand Boards, Quad Bikes and Dune Buggies. Head out to the desert in an SUV with specialist Desert Drivers. The drivers will take you for a roller-coaster ride over sand dunes, show you the sunset from a strategic vantage point and then take you to a lavish dinner with music and dance to complete the atmosphere. FISHING. Deep sea fishing in the middle of the Dubai Sea.

WILD WADI. Wild Wadi Park is the perfect place for the entire family to spend a day as well as being a great way to beat the heat and enjoy the day away from the bustle of the city. Located close to the hotels and resorts of Jumeriah Beach, the park has water rides, slides, and a lagoon that's hidden away. You'll enjoy waterfalls, out of the way swimming holes, and a tidal pool.

DUBAI CREEK CRUISE. The Dubai creek is the foundation from which Dubai grew. It originally served as a port for trading vessels plying to and from India, Africa and the Middle East. Today a bit of the old shipping culture still remains. In and around the creek one can see some of the original buildings that have served as customs houses and defense structures. You can book a ride on the creek with a dinner cruise or even rent a private boat to take you on a hour long ride up and down the creek.

GOLF. It may be a desert, but a lot of money and water is spent on irrigating opulent golf courses. Alternatively, for a more local flavor, try sand golf!

HOT AIR BALLOON. Great Fun seeing all the sand Dunes and mountains early in the morning or during sunset.

Dubai Bureau

GURUNANAK DARBAR

SIKHISM'S ICONIC GRAND GURDWARA IN DUBAI

With ornate 24-carat gold canopies for the Guru Granth Sahib, Italian marble on the walls and floor, stunning chandeliers and a five-star kitchen — Dubai’s first gurdwara is indeed a grand realisation of the aspirations of the 50,000 odd Sikhs resident in the United Arab Eminates. The Gurunanak Darbar comes across as a manifestation of a heady mix of spirituality, time-worn tradition with liberal doses of modernity, visible opulence, and the determination of a man.

On entering the portals of the gurudwara, one is at once struck with wonder, in awe of its sheer grandeur and the meticulous attention to detail. A sense of calm descends on us as strains of “Tu Prabh Daata,” a popular kirtan, fill the air. As the ambience sinks in, NRI businessman Surender Singh Kandhari, the man credited of being behind the Sikh temple, walks in, urging devotees to use the lift instead of taking

the stairs to the main prayer hall. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, who donated a piece of land in the Jebel Ali area for the gurdwara nearly six years ago, wanted it to be iconic. And the magnificent ensemble that has been put in place is well worth every bit of the 65 million Dirhams (US$ 18 Million) that has been spent on raising it, a large part of it contributed by Kandhari.

“We didn’t want to compromise on

anything. It has the latest Italian marble and best lights. I told the contractor I want a 100year guarantee for the building so that posterity, our future generations, are able to utilize it,” Kandhari says. “I told the ruler, ‘Well, one can’t surpass the Golden Temple.’ But what we have here is definitely the most modern gurdwara in the world,” avers Kandhari, chairman of the Al Dobowi Group that manufactures and distributes automotive batteries and tyres.

The idea of the building was born 11 years ago with the growing need for a place of worship for the Sikhs, who until January this year shared space in the cramped temple premises in Bur Dubai. The permission came through six years ago when the ruler of Dubai gave 25,400 sq feet of land to build the temple. On the grand opening of the gurdwara, Kandhari compared Sheikh Mohammed, also the vice president of the UAE, to Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir, who had laid the foundation stone of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest shrine for Sikhs. Today, as many as 10,000 people visit the temple on Fridays, which apropos has three floors of parking space on its premises. “On Baisakhi, we served food to around 40,000 people visiting the gurdwara,” says Kandhari proudly, adding that several Pakistani Sikhs also come to offer prayers besides many Sindhis and Punjabi Hindus.

The state-of-the-art kitchen, which churns out food for devotees throughout the day and every day, has a dough-kneader, a chappati-

maker and large dishwashers. And as with the rest of the building, the kitchen too is spotless. Apart from a large carpeted prayer hall, there are three smaller rooms for private functions, a meditation room, a library and the spacious ‘langar,’ or common kitchen and dining hall. Gurunanak Darbar is modeled on both the Golden Temple and the gurdwara in Southall, London. Interior designer Paul Bishop was sent to both shrines “to get the feel” of gurdwaras.

To promote religious values among the next generation of NRIs, special three-hour sessions are held for children at the temple on

Saturdays where they are taught Punjabi, ‘Kirtans’ and how to behave in places of worship. “There are already 55 children attending these classes. All four of my grandchildren, one of them just two years old, go there,” Kandhari says. “The women are keen on sending their children to learn kirtans. When you are out of India, the desire to connect to your roots becomes even stronger,” he added. Having grown up in Andhra Pradesh and later studying in Chennai’s Loyola College, Kandhari admitted that he became more familiar to his language and religion only when he came to Dubai in 1976. Thus, he understands the need for children to know about their culture in a foreign land. “They can’t learn without getting proper lessons. In Vijayawada, I had no one to teach me Punjabi. While in Loyola College in Madras, I used to go to church every Sunday. I started learning about Sikhism and Punjabi after coming to Dubai.”

Although the NRI businessman had to borrow from friends to complete the gurdwara, he calls the income generated by it as “unbelievable.” He already has plans on how to use the money for social good. “I want to build a hospital for the poor. Healthcare is so expensive in Dubai ... Labourers living in camps nearby can’t afford the high medical costs.”

Kandhari says the gurdwara now attracts visitors from across the world. “We have visitors from the UK, the US, France and Canada ... They get surprised that in an Islamic country, we have the most modern gurdwara.”

Dubai Bureau

INDIA-BORN SURI NAMED

After Microsoft's Satya Nadella, the Finnish tech giant Nokia has now announced that a person of Indian origin — Rajiv Suri — will be its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment clearly indicates that Nokia would now focus on wireless-network equipment as it faces a new start without the phones that made it famous...

An old hand, Rajeev Suri, 46, joined Nokia in 1995. He revived Nokia's networks business - Nokia Solutions & Networks or NSN (formerly known as Nokia Siemens Networks), which contributes close to 90 per cent of Nokia sales now. So, although he does not have a degree from a top-notch business school, it was not a tough job for the 149-year old firm to choose Suri for the top post. "Rajeev is the right person to lead the company forward," Nokia Chairman Risto Siilasmaa said in a statement, adding: "He has a proven ability to create strategic clarity, drive innovation and growth, ensure disciplined execution, and deliver results."

Suri has an electronics and telecommunications engineering degree from Mangalore University. He was part of the 1989 batch at the Manipal Institute of Technology, an institute which Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is also an alumni of. Suri started his professional career at Calcom Electronics, then moved to ICL India and Churchgate Group of Nigeria. He joined NSN India as system marketing manager in 1995 and became its head in October 2009. Between 2007 and 2009, he ran NSN's India business to boost revenues. One of the toughest decisions Suri had taken to revive NSN was to lay off 23 per cent of the workforce (about 17,000 employees) in 2011. In the past two years, Suri has cut down the workforce by more than 25,000 to bring NSN back to profitability. Now Suri will have to look after the two other business segments - HERE, a map service, and Advanced Technologies, a division that plans to build on Nokia's patents for developing technology and licensing it, besides exploring new opportunities through research and development.

"Nokia's strategy is to develop its three businesses in order to realise its vision of being a technology leader in a connected world and, in turn, create long-term shareholder value," Suri said in Finland on Tuesday. "Our goal is to optimise the company so that each business is best enabled to meet its goals. Where it makes sense to do so, we will pursue shared opportunities between the businesses, but not at the expense of focus and discipline in each."

Suri was born in India to Yashpal and Asha Suri, and was raised in Kuwait. He has also lived in the UK, Nigeria, Germany, Singapore and Finland. Suri now lives in Finland, which he calls his second home, with wife Nina and two sons. He drives a Maserati to work, loves watches, including his IWC Schaffhausen. People close to Suri say he has a photographic memory, is a hardcore salesman, a go-getter, a fast thinker and quick in taking actions. His industry peers point to the fact that Suri's acceptability in his organisation, dominated by Europeans, is notable. "He has a charismatic personality," said one of his former colleagues.

NEW CEO OF NOKIA

With more than 24 years of international experience, Rajeev Suri is a leader who cherishes the opportunity of transformational and turnaround assignments. Suri has spent almost 20 years in Nokia’s networks business, dealing with strategy, M&As, sales and marketing before becoming its head in 2009. He has lived in West Asia, Africa and Europe. Suri cut more than 25,000 jobs over the past two years to bring the network unit back to profit

DESIGNATION: President and CEO of Nokia

Previously, CEO, Nokia Solutions and Networks (NSN) Head of Services, NSN, Sep 2007 – Sep 2009

Joined Nokia in 1995, and has held numerous executive level positions in the company

Born in 1967, Suri is based in Espoo, Finland

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Telecommunications, Manipal Institute of Technology, Mangalore University, Karnataka, India. Both Suri and Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, studied Electronics and Communications Engineering at Manipal Institute of Technology. While Nadella is from the 1987 batch of the institute, Suri belongs to the 1989 batch.

In an email to fellow employees soon after his appointment, Suri described himself as an 'international citizen'. "While the fact that my preferred cricket team comes from India may say something about my roots, I now have friends, family and colleagues in many, many countries. As a result, I tend to focus more on people than on place," he said. In another email last week to his alma mater, the Manipal Institute of Technology, Suri had said that he spent the best time of his life there. "A great university with wonderful teachers, fantastic memories and deep, lifelong friendships ... the university and teachers that made me what I am ... recently you have shown your pride quite publicly, and for that I am ever so grateful," he said.

Those in India who have known Suri describe him as extremely focused and an excellent people manager. Bimal Rath, once an HR director at Nokia and now helming a leadership consultancy firm, says Suri conducted himself as a global manager right from day-one. "He worked with cross-functional teams across geogra-

phies. Culturally he was very adaptable and he was highly respected among his global counterparts. Though the business has gone through many ups and downs, he kept the ship on an even keel." The current VP-HR of CocaCola India, Sameer Wadhawan, who used to head HR for Nokia Siemens Networks' managed services business earlier, says Suri has brought a lot of clarity into the business, is systematic, and has stayed steadfast in whatever he's wanted to achieve. Navnit Singh, country head for India at executive search firm Korn/Ferry International, noted that it is difficult to break into the corporate setups of European companies and manage their sensitivities. "Suri is very open, transparent, and a people's person which explains his success," he said.

Nokia's non-handset business swung to a 108-millioneuro net profit in the latest quarter, compared to a loss of 98 million euros in the same period last year, a reflection of Suri's efforts that included major cost cuts. But Suri still has to contend with the aggression and cost efficiencies of Chinese rivals like Huawei and ZTE, which are making deep inroads in almost every continent.

The sale of the handset business to Microsoft which added to Nokia's cash resources by US$ 7.5 Billion, according to Suri puts Nokia in a position to consider smaller-size acquisitions to fill gaps in its product portfolio that now focuses on wireless networks. But Suri is of the opinion that all three of Nokia's current business areas remaining within its ambit after the sale of the mobile handset business to Microsoft - in addition to the networks unit, it has navigation and patents businesseshave opportunities for organic growth, without acquisitions. "In a world where everyone and everything will be connected, there will be more and more synergies between the three businesses as we move forward," he added. The company could look to sell combined patent and technology licences, he said, adding that it could potentially license its brand as well, and could even return to consumer electronics business in the long term, utilising expertise it still has in that area. In a conference call with analysts, he also mentioned that the company has won several unannounced contracts in Europe.

IN COMMON CULTURE SWASTIKA

When famous Bollywood actor Amir Khan said ‘All is Well’, I was wondering, how come such a beautiful and powerful line was not discovered earlier. Then one day, when I was explaining the symbols on mosques and temples to some college students, I pondered over the name “Swastika”. A little more research and I found that this name is actually three words combined to one. “Su” here means ‘good’ (as in Su-Prabhat, Su-vidha, SuKumar etc). “Asti” means ‘to-be’. Along with a diminutive suffix ‘Ka’, it becomes Su-Asti-Ka, which means “It is good” or “All is well”. With time, it became the synonym of good health and wealth. 5000 years ago, during the Indus valley civilization, this symbol was established and widely used. It was a synonym for sun, power, strength and good luck. Many believe, that this symbol is actually the characters of Brahmi Script, written in calli-

graphic form. While some debate that the symbol used for Swastika is as old as 10,000 BC as it appears on a late Palaeolithic figurine of mammoth ivory in Mezine, Ukraine. However, most of the historians and archaeologists confirmed that it is actually a stylized figure of stork in flight and not a true Swastika symbol. Hence, the honour of oldest use of Swastika is still with the Indus Valley Civilization.

With time, people started migrating from the Indus Valley. They went to lands far-far away and established new colonies. With them, they also took this auspicious symbol of prosperity and luck. It was spread across the globe and became popular with many names. It went to China to be called ‘Wan’, while in England, it became popular with the name of ‘fylfot’. From Ethopia to Ghana, it was called ‘nkotimsefuopua’ and appears at various occasions. Germans started calling it ‘Hakenkreuz’, which also became the official symbol of the bath party and was made (un)

popular by the Third Reich of Adolf Hitler. In Greece, it was known as tetraskelion and gammadion. Before Hitler adopted this symbol, it was used by many other armed units. Swastika was the official emblem of the Finnish Air Force until 1945. Latvia called it Ugunskrusts and used it as the official air force symbol till 1940. The 45th Infantry division of the United States Army used swastika as a unit symbol until the 1930s. They even fought Germans wearing the swastika badge in World War I. Swastikas and the similar Greek key symbol appear in decorative features of a number of US federal, state and local government buildings including schools and county courthouses.

Very few people know that the famous brewery group Carlsberg’s first logo was a Swastika, which was discontinued in 1930. Many other companies like KRIT Motor Car Company, Crane Valve Company, Buffum Tool Company, Washington Charcrete Company, Duplex Adding Machine Com-

Th E 45Th I N fANTRy dIvISION Of Th E UNITEd STATES ARMy USEd SWASTIKA AS A UNIT SyMbOL UNTIL Th E 1930S. Th Ey EvEN fOUghT gERMANS WEARINg Th E SWASTIKA bAdgE IN WORLd WAR I

pany and Swastika Flour used it in their logos in past. Famous author Rudyard Kipling was a big fan of the Swastika and used it as his personal emblem on the covers and flyleaves of many editions of his books, signifying his affinity with India. Even the theosophical society included it in their logo, along with the famous star of David, the Ankh and Ouroboros. Swastika also appeared on currency notes of Russia in 1917 and on stamps of Britain. The ancient Greek coins were stamped with Swastika symbol. Collectors have identified more than 1,400

different swastika design coins, souvenirs or merchant/trade tokens and watch fobs, distributed by mostly local retail and service businesses in the United States.

In 1925, Coca Cola made a lucky watch fob in the shape of a Swastika. The Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company also made a ‘Good Luck’ token featuring the Swastika. Harvard University Library has a 1908 leather watch fob with a brass swastika that was created for the presidential campaign of William Jennings Bryan. America, in 1917, made good luck medals during World War I, bearing a Swastika. The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC displays the original propeller spinner from Charles Lindbergh's aeroplane 'Spirit of St. Louis,' manufactured in early 1927. A swastika, left-pointing, was painted on the inside of the spinner cone along with the names of all the Ryan Aircraft Co. employees that built the aeroplane, presumably as a message of good luck prior to Lindbergh's solo Atlantic crossing. In Mathematics, the equation (x4 – y4 = xy) creates a curve, which is known as ‘the Swastika Curve’. The Swastika even found its space in Chinese and Japanese scripts, where it is an important alphabet.

The “Legion Freies Indien” (Free India

Legion) aka “Indian Volunteer Legion Regiment 950” was an Indian military unit raised during World War II in Germany. It was co-founded by Subhash Chandra Bose and became popular by name “Azad Hind Fauj”. It was originally established with intention to confront the British and free India. However, due to outbreak of World War II, it got involved in other battles and the soldiers were killed or captured. The legion did not survive post 1945. Captured soldiers were deported back to India, where they were tried for treason in Delhi. Along with their flag bearing a Tiger and words “Azad” & “Hind”, they proudly carried the Swastika flag during their days in Germany.

While the swastika remains a sacred symbol in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, it is also popular worldwide. Due to America’s reaction against Germany, its wide use in the Americas was stopped, however, it is still used as a running pattern in architecture and craft. In Asian countries, one can encounter the swastika at every step in one or the other form.

vikramjit singh rooprai

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

DAYS, DIRECTIONS, HOLIDAYS, AND VASTU

HAVE A WONDERFUL VACATION WITH YOUR CHILDREN THIS SUMMER

Summer is here and the most awaited holidays of the year, the annual holidays are just about to begin! Summer holidays are very special, firstly as there is no worry of studies, and also because they are just about fun and nothing else. No homework, no exams or early morning school buses to catch. All you can do is plan a long vacation with your family and pack your bags. But though holidays are meant to be enjoyable, they sometimes end up stressing you. With a little help from Vastu, you can have a peaceful and happy holiday season.

Vastu helps in balancing the five elements in your home. When you attain balance of earth, water, fire, air and space, then your home is filled with harmony and peace. These five elements have an effect on everything in your life, from day to day works to holidays. These holidays may be national or international, but they do get affected by vaastu.

Holidays are mainly breaks that you take from your routine life. They are meant to help you to relax and get some entertainment. They help you forget your worries and work pressures and spend some quality time with your children. They also help you spice up your mind-numbing life and improve your mood. Holidays are the coming together of the entire family. In order to make your holiday a memorable one without any bad happenings, do follow a few vastu rules.

It is important to choose a suitable direction for the holiday. If you are go-

ing on a holiday with your children this summer, you have to choose on what days you should travel toward a particular direction of a city or country. If you are travelling south then avoid travelling on Monday and Sunday. If you choose to go towards the West then avoid Sunday and Friday. Do not travel on Thursdays if you are going north. Avoid Tuesdays if you travel towards the east.

You can also find out the favorable direction for you and your children and travel accordingly. Going for a holiday in the direction which suits you and your children best will always improve the bonding between the family members and joy in the family. For detailed information you should contact a professional vaastu expert. He or she will advice you about the directions that will suit you and your family members best. You can plan your holidays accordingly.

Along with planning your holidays you

can also take the help of Feng Shui products to have a safe journey. *You can place a Feng Shui Owl or a Feng Shui Elephant in the house before leaving your home for vacation. This will keep you safe and protected.

ØPictures of Feng Shui butterfly will bring joy, and colorful memories of your holidays.

ØWhenever you go somewhere on a holiday, you can hang your family trip photographs on the northeast wall of your house. It will increase your happiness and love for each other.

And yes, make sure you take expert advice and plan your holidays to build some wonderful memories for your future.

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

A HOT NEW ASSET CLASS EDUCATION REALTY

Education being a sunrise sector is coming up as a hot emerging asset class in real estate that is set to change the dynamics of real estate market in the coming years. NRI Achievers takes a look at the emerging trends in the sector ... writes Vinod Behl.

Considering that the private sector is playing an increasingly dominant role in creating educational infrastructure in the form of schools, colleges, professional institutes and universities, it is today throwing up big opportunities for those interested in putting their money into the real estate sector. Cashing in on this huge opportunity, real estate developers are taking to education route, especially as education related infrastructure is an integral part of the integrated townships which many real estate companies are developing or are keen to develop across the country.

Ansal API was perhaps the first real estate company to venture into education by establishing the Shushant School of Art and Architecture in Gurgaon. In 2000, the group set up the Ansal Institute of Technology, which has today acquired the status of a university that runs courses in Architecture, Planning, Interior Design,

Civil Engineering, Real Estate, etc. More recently, it has established the Ansal Institute of Technology and Management in Sushant Golf City in Lucknow.

Kolkata-based PS Group has set up the Institute of Leadership & Entrepreneurship (I-Lead) to promote high quality training in business management and entrepreneurship. Several real estate firms engaged in developing townships have tied up with premier school chains to set up schools as part of developing comprehensive social infrastructure in their townships.

More recently, apart from the Ansals, real estate companies like Supertech and Hero Group have also set up universities. Now besides real estate companies entering the education segment, we are also witnessing industry-led initiatives. UKbased Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has joined hands with Amity University to set up a school of Built Environment supported by the Urban Development Ministry, to promote careers in built environment (construction management, real estate and urban infrastructure).

Globally, education-driven communities like Education City in Doha spread over 150 msf have residential apartments, dormitories, retail spaces, and other welldeveloped infrastructure. Educationdriven agglomerations have recently come up in Indian cities like Coimbatore and Manipal. And India's first planned education city is coming up over 2500 acres in which over three dozen educational intuitions will be developed in just under 2000 acres in the first phase. A big Education City is also coming up near Sonepat on the Delhi-Chandigarh highway. The concept of student accommodation which is quite popular abroad is now taking shape in India.

The potential of education-centric real estate can be judged from the industry statistics. A recent survey by international property consultancy DTZ shows that by 2020, about 5550 msf of real estate demand will come from the higher-education sector, including student accommodation and retail spaces.

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

ANSAL API WAS PERHAPS THE fIRST REAL ESTATE COmPANY TO vENTURE INTO EDUCATION bY ESTAbLISHINg THE SHUSHANT SCHOOL Of ART AND ARCHITECTURE IN gURgAON.

Questions & answers

Starting with this issue, we bring you a Q&A column on all matters pertaining to the purchase and sale of real estate in India, the extant laws that govern this, and numerous other related matters. Readers of NRI Achievers are invited to send in their queries, which will be answered by leading expert and entrepreneur in the domain of real estate development.

Who is non-resident Indian (NRI) ?

Any Indian Citizen who stays abroad for employment or pursuing a business or vocation outside India or stays abroad under circumstances indicating an intention for an uncertain duration of stay abroad is a non-resident. Persons Posted in UN organizations and officials deputed abroad by Central and State Governments, Public Sector undertakings etc., on non-temporary assignments are also treated as non-residents. Non-resident foreign citizens of Indian Origin are treated on par with non-resident Indian citizens (NRIs). Indians going abroad for study, seminars, lectures, or research are not NRIs. No student can be an NRI until he or she finishes his/her studies and starts working abroad.

Who can purchase immovable property in India?

Ø Under the general permission granted by RBI, the following categories can freely purchase immovable property in India:

Ø Non-Resident Indian (NRI) - that is a citizen of India residing outside India

Ø Person of Indian Origin (PIO) - that is an individual (not being a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh or Sri Lanka or Afghanistan or China or Iran or Nepal or Bhutan), who

Ø At any time, held Indian passport or Ø Who or either of whose father/grandfather was a citizen of India by virtue of the Constitution of India or the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955).

The general permission, however, covers only purchase of residential and commercial property and not for purchase of agricultural land/plantation property/farm house in India. OCIs can purchase immovable property in India except agricultural land/plantation property/farmhouse.

How can NRIs invest in real estate in India?

According to the regulations of FEMA and RBI, an NRI is permitted to make specific investment in real estate. A NRI is allowed to do the following investments in property:

Ø Any immovable property can be purchased by an NRI in India other than any agricultural land, farm house and plantation property.

Ø An NRI can get any immovable property as mentioned above as a gift from an Indian resident, Indian citizen residing outside India or person of Indian origin.

Ø Obtain any property by inheritance.

Ø An NRI can transfer immovable property to any resident of India by sale.

Ø An NRI can transfer any agricultural land, farm house or plantation land to any resident of India by gift.

Ø An NRI can also transfer his/her residential or commercial property by means of gift to any person either residing in India or abroad or person of Indian origin.

Can a NRI/PIO acquire agricultural land/plantation property/farm House in India?

Since general permission is not available to NRIs/ PIOs to acquire agricultural Land/plantation property/farm house in India, such proposals will require specific approval of Reserve Bank and the proposals are considered in consultation with the Government of India.

What is the Tax treatment for income generated from property selling or renting for NRI/PIO/ OCI?

The mere acquisition of property does not attract income tax. However, any income accruing from the ownership of it, in the form of rent (if it is let out)/ annual value of the house (if is not let out and it is not the only residential property owned by that person in India) and/or capital gains (short term or long term) arising on the sale of this house or part thereof is taxable in the hands of the owner. Do NRIs/PIOs/OCIs have to file returns in India for their property rental income and Capital Gains Tax?

The Government of India has granted general permission for NRIs/PIOs/OCIs to buy property in India and they do not have to pay any taxes even while acquiring property in India. However, taxes have to be paid if they are selling this property. Rental income earned is taxable in India, and they will have to obtain a PAN and file return of income if they have rented this property. On sale of the property, the profit on sale shall be subject to capital gains. If they have held the property for less than or equal to 3 years after taking actual possession then the gains would be short term capital gains, which are to be included in their total income as tax as per the normal slab rates shall be payable and if the property has been held for more than 3 years then the resultant gain would be long term capital gains subject to 20% tax plus applicable cess.

How do Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements work in the context of tax?

India has DTAA’s with several countries which give a favorable tax treatment in respect of Certain

heads of income. However, in case of sale of immovable property, the DTAA with most countries provide that the capital gains will be taxed in the country where the immovable property is situated. Hence, the non-resident will be subject to tax in India on the capital gains which arise on the sale of immovable property in India. Letting of immovable property in India would be taxed in India under most tax treaties in view of the fact that the property is situated in India.

What are the rules governing the repatriation of the proceeds of sale of immovable Properties by NRIs/PIOs as prescribed by the RBI?

(a) If the property was acquired out of foreign exchange sources i.e., remitted through normal Banking channels/by debit to NRE/FCNR account, the amount to be repatriated should not exceed the amount paid for the property:

(i) In foreign exchange received through normal banking channel or

(ii) By debit to NRE account (foreign currency equivalent, as on the date of payment) or debit to FCNR account.

Repatriation of sale proceeds of residential property purchased by NRI’s/PIO’s out of foreign exchange is restricted to not more than two such properties. Capital gains, if any, may be credited to the NRO account from where the NRI’s/PIO’s may repatriate an account up to USD one million, per financial year, as discussed below.

(b) If the property was acquired out of Rupee sources, NRIs/PIOs may remit an amount up to USD one million, per financial year, out of the balances held in the NRO account (inclusive of sale proceeds of assets acquired by way of inheritance or settlement), for all the bonafide purposes to the satisfaction of the Authorized Dealer bank and subject to tax compliance. The NRI/ PIO may use this facility to remit capital gains, where the acquisition of the subject Property was made by funds sourced by remittance through normal banking channels/by debit to NRE/ FCNR account.

VIkAs GuPTA

The writer is a joint Managing Director of Earth infrastructure, who is a marketing expert in real estate. He may be reached at vikas.gupta@earthinfra.com

EU BAN FLOODS INDIA WITH MANGOES, PRICES PLUNGE

A ban on the import of Indian mangoes, including the famed Alphonsos by the European Union from May 1, and a resultant glut in supply are pushing down prices in the local market much to the delight of domestic consumers. During the last week of March, EU had announced the ban on Indian mango imports after finding fruit flies in some consignments. On April 1, the Centre made checks and certification mandatory for exports, but the EU has been unmoved so far. A review of the measures is likely to take place by December 31, 2015. Meanwhile,

fruit markets across the country are receiving record supplies. "After the Sunday break, there was a record inflow of around 2.5 lakh boxes in over 650 trucks compared to last

RUPEE OVERVALUED, SHOULD TRADE AT 70 TO US $ 1

The rupee weakened past the 61 PER dollar mark earlier over the past fortnight, slipping to a one-month low on the back of global cues and good demand for the dollar from oil importers. Analysts in the past have maintained that the rupee is likely to stabilise around the 60 per dollar mark till the electoral verdict is out on May 16, after which the movement in the currency will depend on the kind of government that assumes power at the Centre. However, recent pressures on the currency and an upward trajectory in the consumer price index (CPI), or retail inflation, has led currency

expert AV Rajwade to forecast a gloomy scenario for the Indian currency, which had recovered sharply after hitting a record low of 68.85 per dollar in August 2013. Mr Rajwade, while speaking on Indian TV, averred that an exchange rate of 60 per dollar is not sustainable as India's export growth has fallen steadily over the past few months, an indication that the current rate is not competitive. Even as we go to print today, the rupee was trading at 60.35 today amid lack of any major triggers though month-end dollar demand from oil importers could push the pair higher later in the session.

DoCoMo TO EXIT INDIA AT US$ 1.3 BILLION LOSS

Japan's biggest mobile operator NTT DoCoMo is hanging up on Tata Teleservices, its partner of five years, by offloading its entire stake at as low as half the original acquisition price of US$ 2.6 billion. It becomes the second Japanese major to exit India in recent weeks after Daiichi Sankyo sold its interests in Ranbaxy Laboratories. The over two-decade-old DoCoMo had acquired a 26.5% stake in Tata Teleservices between 2009 and 2011 in a deal that was supposed to catapult it into the telecom industry big league, but cut-throat tariff competition, regulatory uncertainty and billions of losses have forced the Japanese biggie to disconnect with Asia's third largest economy. Under the 2009 joint venture agreement, DoCoMo had two options: one, to increase its stake to 51% in two phases by March, and the second to sell its stake for half the acquisition price or at a fair market price, whichever was higher. Both the options were linked to performance targets and with the Indian joint venture missing the targets, the Japanese major has decided to dial out of Tata Teleservices. With DoCoMo now having chosen to exit the alliance, the Tata Group will come under pressure to fund the buyout as well as improve the telco's performance.

week's 400-500 truckloads a day. Already, traders are selling premium quality mangoes at Rs 150 per kg which seems to be a far better deal than in previous seasons," said Sanjay Pansare, director of the APMC fruit market at Vashi, Mumbai. On Monday, with over 650 trucks flooding the market complex, there were chaotic scenes and a massive traffic snarl-up that took till afternoon to clear. Among the reasons, officials said, were a good crop and a majority of labourers having left for their native places either for elections or summer vacation.

ITOCHU MAY BUY REDINGTON FOR INR 3000 CRORE

Japanese trading conglomerate Itochu Corporation is mulling the possible acquisition of Redington India — a distributor of IT and telecom products, and a large reseller of Apple phones — for as much as US$ 500 million, or about INR 3,000 crore, people directly aware of the matter have divulged. Redington India was incorporated as G Kewalram Private Limited in 1961. It entered distribution of IT products in the '90s and later expanded into distribution of telecom products to capture the growing demand for mobile handsets. Over time, the group had consolidated a significant part of its worldwide trading operations under Redington India. Singapore-based NRI family Kewalram Chanrai, Standard Chartered Private Equity and Taiwanese IT distributor Synnex together own over 55% stake in Chennai-based Redington, which is run by an independent management team under R Srinivasan.

PURANI JEANS IS A SAGA OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP

The soulful and refreshing 90s music of Eros International’s PURANI JEANS was launched at the popular Hard Rock Café in Andheri, Mumbai recently. The concert was hosted by actors Aditya Seal and Tanuj Virwani, and attendees gor to witness performances of the well-known artists like Mika Singh, K. K, Navraj Hans and Sona Mohapatra. Ram Sampath who has crooned the music for PURANI JEANS, confesses that the movie is very close to his heart as he started giving music in his 90’s and now he is reconnecting with it through PURANI JEANS. An exclusive unplugged version of the romantic song Dil Aaj Kal was unveiled and sung by Sona Mohapatra. Produced by Manju Lulla of Eros International and NextGen Films, directed by Tanushri Chattrji Bassu, PURANI JEANS stars Tanuj Virwani, Aditya Seal and Izabelle Leite in lead roles. The movie is set to hit the theatres on 2nd May.

PIED PIPER WOOS CARDIFF AUDIENCES, BAGS BEST SCREENPLAY

Vivek Budakoti's PIED PIPER, produced by Rajita Sharma, has won the Best Screenplay Award at the Cardiff Independent Film Festival. It has also been selected for the Gothenburg Independent Film Festival. Run by a non-profit community group, Cardiff Independent Film Festival (CiFF) exists to provide a showcase for independent film-makers to exhibit both features and shorts. Cardiff’s reputation as a major creative hub and attractive location for film-makers makes it a natural home for this selfsustainable independent film festival. Besides the recognition for best screenplay, PIED PIPER was also nominated for the Best Film, and Rajpal Yadav for the Best Actor as well.

YASHPAL IS THE VILLAIN IN MANJUNATH

Yashpal Sharma will be seen assaying the role of the villain in MANJUNATH; the biopic based on the tale of a young IIMLucknow graduate Manjunath Shanmugham. MANJUNATH is inspired by the true story of a boy in Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh who fought the fuel mafia and was brutally killed in 2005. Known to have played successful roles in HAZAARON KHWAISHEIN AISI, LAGAAN, GANGAAJAL, and the more recent GANGS OF WASSEYPUR, Yashpal’s experience made him bring the role of Golu alive with his instinctive talent.

KANGANA'S VENICE OBSESSION REFLECTS IN REVOLVER RANI

The fashionista, Kangana Ranaut, is currently riding high on success, and will next be seen in the never-seen-before dakoo avatar from Chambal for REVOLVER RANI. Kangana Ranaut is quite fond of Venice including the culture and fashion over there. Interestingly, her character in REVOLVER RANI, Alka Singh, is also shown to be quite fond of clothes and accessories from Europe. Kangana has gone quirky for her role in the film. When Kangana learnt about her character, she specially ordered clothes and accessories like the sunglasses from Venice, and made sure that the clothes were personally selected by her trusted team which also had a Venice Inspiration. Well, looks like the Venice inspiration has given the Chambal character Alka Singh quite a cool edge!

MuMbai bureau

ALIA BHATT

"PARINEETI & SHRADDHA ARE MY ONLY COMPETITORS"

Alia Bhatt aspires to be a "Superstar" after becoming a good actor. But as of now she feels she is "zero". The 20-year-old, who started her career in filmdom with 'STUDENT OF THE YEAR', has since starred in the film "HIGHWAY" and now getting critical Acclaim for her intense performance in '2 STATES'. Which is being going on successfully in theatres. "I want to be a good actor first and then evolve into a superstar. At the moment I don't feel I have achieved anything. " Alia tells NRI Achievers. Talking to Jyothi Venkatesh who asked her about her ideas about superstars, she says, "A superstar should not have an attitude. They should have the charisma and appeal to connect with the audience. I think Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has that in her. When she walks in, you can't help but look at her ... ."

STUDENT OF THE YEAR chose you. Did you choose 2 States?

My debut film as an actress - STUDENT OF THE YEAR chose me, I did not choose it. Similarly I’d say that 2 STATES chose me and I it was not the other way around because I was signed for the film within 15 days of the release of STUDENT OF THE YEAR. Yet I would have chosen the film anyway given the choice because I fell for the book when I had read it, and I knew that it could be easily made into a good film. The film is about the North South face off.

What is your role in the film?

I am playing the role of Ananya Swaminathan in 2 STATES.The story of 2 STATES is very easily relatable to and each and every one would be able to identify with it, whether he or she is young or old, because it is what I’d say a ghar ghar ki kahani about inter-caste marriage which is today a very sensitive subject. Ananya is a modern Tam Bram, who talks in Tamil to her mother played by Revathy but in Hindi to her friend Krish, and in true blue Punjabi played by Arjun Kapoor because Hindi comes generically to her, though she hails from Chennai. In personal life, I think in English and not Hindi. In fact, while acting in 2 STATES, though Hindi does not come so easily to me, I made it a point to be well prepared by sticking to my chaste lines in Hindi.

Photo: Rajeev Tyagi

What fascinated you about the role?

When I was offered the role, though I felt that I could easily bring a lot to the table and people could also easily relate to me and thus I could succeed in making my portfolio of films very strong, it wasn’t at all easy pulling off the role of a Tamil Brahmin girl.

What was the brief given to you about your role?

The brief given to me was that Ananya had also spent a lot of time in Kolkata besides Chennai and she is a Bharatanatyam danseuse. I worked very hard on my Bharatanatyam portions. The role of Ananya did drain me a lot but at the same time I’d also say that it was thought provoking role, since as an actress, I had to give the role a lot of thought to get into the skin of the character. It is not easy to convince your parents if they are opposed to a inter-caste wedding.

Are you as outspoken as your dad Mahesh Bhatt?

The main difference between my dad and me is that though I am not as blunt as he is, whereas he does not mind talking too much.

What was your reaction when HIGHWAY did not do as well as it was expected to do at the box office?

I feel that HIGHWAY did better business than what was expected from it. Though frankly no one expected that the film would collect 100 Crore Rupees at the box office, the love which people showered on the film was fantastic and mind bog-

gling and it worked in favour of the film. I should confess that HIGHWAY swayed me not only personally but also a lot emotionally.

What do you like the most about your job of acting?

What I like about the job of acting is the fact that I get to live an entirely different life with each character that I set out to play in my films, whether it was STUDENT OF THE YEAR or HIGHWAY or for that matter 2 STATES or HUMPTY SHARMA KI DULHANIYA. It is all about getting the right note. It is the second project of both me and Varun with Dharma Productions where we have a three film contract for a period of five years. How do you feel now that three films of yours are being released this year back to back?

Yes. It is true that I have as many as three films released this year, almost back to back. After HIGHWAY, now 2 STATES is being released and soon my third film this year- HUMPTY SHARMA KI DULHANIYA will also see the light of the day. I hope that it will not be too much for the audiences to digest as far as I am concerned. Varun Dhawan has been paired opposite me in that film after STUDENT OF THE YEAR.

How is Abhishek Varman as a director?

It was nice working with a young filmmaker like Abhishek Varman, who is a simply a gem of a director. He was very patient and treated us with kid’s gloves and had a lot of understanding. The best thing about

Abhishek Varman is that he knew what exactly he wanted from his artistes and was never in a mood to rush anybody through till he got the right take from them. You shot to the top in a short period. How do you view competition?

I do not consider any actress to be a competitor or feel that I should try to keep other actresses at bay because first and foremost I do not at all view at competition as a hostile factor because I feel that there is a place for every good actress in

the film industry. Frankly, I feel that Parineeti Chopra and Shraddha Kapoor are my only competitors if you consider it on a healthy note.

Have you found the one with whom you would want to be in a relationship? You were previously linked with Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor.

The most important qualities that I want in my man is that he should be loyal and honest. Coming from a family in which everyone has strong opinions, I don’t want a guy who will push me down. I am yet to find that man in my life. Even if I do get him, I am not foolish to flaunt his name in public, because I feel personal life is too sacrosanct.

Jyothi Venkatesh

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

SandS of future duBaI

Our safari driver pointed towards the vast desert vista through the windscreen of our safari Hummer H2 and said with typical native nonchalance – “This is what Dubai was about 35-40 years back.”

We had reached the safari venue in a 4x4, gliding over a smooth 6-lane freeway, driving past many exits, interchanges and cross-roads; along the way, we had come across numerous high-rise structures, 5-star hotels and shopping malls; and upon reaching there, we were face to face with people of many nationalities. During this entire journey, never for a minute had we considered the stark reality that our safari driver highlighted. Pondering over the brief statement made by him, we got present to the irony and the reality of those few words.

Dubai, which today may be replacing some of the older and traditionally more colourful cities like London as the new shopping capital of the world, was nothing but an endless stretch of desert till about 4 decades back. Today, this Emirate boasts of having the world's largest shopping mall (Dubai Mall), tallest man-made structure (Burj Khalifa), largest flower garden (Dubai Miracle Garden) and largest airport terminal (Terminal 3), besides ranking 3rd in the global list of cities with the highest number of skyscrapers.

Initially built mainly on oil money, the state investments in infrastructure, healthcare and

education and tax and business related policies, have helped attract large amounts of dollar investments from all around the world. As a result, today, despite a real estate boom, hundreds of people pour in from all corners of the globe to settle in Dubai daily.

The Emirate offers it all - shopping, entertainment, business opportunities, sports, a high-end lifestyle

Photos & Text: Ajay Sood

and 7-star hospitality. There are over 70 shopping malls, 140 skyscrapers, scores of 5-star hotels, dozens of business districts, and multitude of world-class stadia playing host to some of the richest and most famous sporting events, be it in golf, tennis or even cricket. Even the richest horseracing event ($10 million prize money) - the Dubai World Cup - happens here.

It also offers a wide range of entertainment to suit all age groups. There are numerous amusement parks for children and even adults who still have a child in them; if you have a craving for a specific cuisine, you can be sure to find a restaurant that suits your taste and budget; traditional entertainers like swirling dervishes, belly dancers or even raunchy dance bar performers are sprinkled all around.

Being a tax-free state, and the petrol costing a mere AED1.92 per litre (or $0.52 per litre), it’s no wonder that despite a population of just 1.7 million, the number of cars is in excess of 1 million here. Also, the place is replete with a veritable who's who of cars - Bentleys, Porsches, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Rolls Royces, Hummers, et al. Even though Dubai is a stable of speedsters, what is most impressive about this Emirate is the traffic discipline. With average speeds exceeding 80kmph, the traffic functions like clockwork and the credit largely goes to the will of the law enforcers.

The climate is hot and mostly humid, and the soil is sandy. Yet, thanks to the labour of love and liberal doses of drip ir-

rigation, the greenery and the rainbow hues of flowers have turned it in to a beautiful city.

While there, do shop. And do visit some of the world's largest/tallest/biggest attractions. 'On The Top' - the 452mt high viewpoint in Burj Khalifa is my personal favourite. From here, while you get a bird's eye view of this modern megapolis, you also see the truth of the safari driver's words - wherever there's no development, the sandy vista still fills the view.

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.