A Publication of the Embassy of , Washington, D.C.

February 1, 2012

I India RevieI w Vol. 8 Issue 2 www.indianembassy.org

Top: Three planes in arrow formation fly over during the 63 rd Parade-2012, in New on January 26, 2012. Above: Border Security Force camel contingent passes through the Rajpath during the parade. India Celebrates 63 rd Republic Day n 10 th Pravasi n Swami Vivekananda n 99 th Indian Science Bharatiya Divas Chair established Congress held at Celebrated at Jaipur at University of Bhubaneshwar in in Rajasthan Chicago Odisha Cover STORY India celebrates 63 rd Republic Day The day was as much about celebrating India’s cultural diversity and military prowess as it was about introspecting and reflecting on the country’s destiny

President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade, and Prime Minister Dr. in on January 26.

t was a celebration of India in Dr. Manmohan Singh laid a floral arsenal, including India’s latest all its diversity, complexities wreath at the to pay nuclear-capable strategic missile Agni- and color. The 63 rd Republic tribute to Indian soldiers. Soon after, a IV displayed for the first time, elabo - IDay unfolded on January 26 grateful nation acknowledged one of rate tableaux from states and ministries with a grand pageant in New Delhi its heroes when President Patil posthu - and schoolchildren dancing down the showcasing India’s cultural kaleido - mously conferred the Ashok Chakra, road. As the sun shone brightly and scope and military power. There were India’s highest peacetime gallantry crowds squinted to look up at the blue also millions of tricolors hoisted award, to young army commando skies, the fly-past began with intricate across the country in ceremonies big Lt. Navdeep Singh, who died battling aerial maneuvers by Indian Air Force 2 and small. terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir. aircraft formation. The Indian Air President Pratibha Devsingh Patil, As Thailand’s first woman Prime Force’s (IAF) latest acquisition, the US Commander-in-Chief of the armed Minister Ms. Yinluck Shinawatra, the Lockheed Martin C-130J transporter, forces, took the salute, as military guest of honor, watched along with the made its debut. The culminating act and paramilitary contingents President, the Prime Minister and was the vertical Charlie maneuver by a marched down the Rajpath, a grand other dignitaries, the spectacle began lone Sukhoi. Petals were showered on boulevard in the heart of New Delhi. with the uniformed men and women of the people below as the parade drew to History, tradition and modernity armed and paramilitary forces march - a close. Amongst those at the ceremo - married perfectly during the ing down the Rajpath. ny were a group of 20 children from 90-minute ceremonial parade. There were camels and horses, the Afghanistan who were special invitees Earlier in the day, Prime Minister showcasing of India’s advanced of the Indian government.

February 2012 India Review Cover STORY ‘We look toward an India, where there is equity and justice’

omplimenting all citizens for their contribution to the process of nation-building, C President Smt. Pratibha 3 Devsingh Patil, on her Address to the Nation on the eve of India’s 63rd Republic Day on January 25, laid out the goals and vision of India. “We look at building our country, as one whose economy demonstrates a robustness to grow, so that we can become a developed nation. For us, however, economic prosperity alone is not enough. We look toward an India, where there is equity and justice. We look at democracy, rule of law and human values, as being essential for making our country strong. We want a scientific and technological outlook in our people. We also look toward India as a country which will continue to bring moral force on to the global stage. President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressing the Nation on the eve of the Republic Day I believe that there is a unity behind this in New Delhi vision of India,” the President said. Stating that India wishes to build plex and challenging. Forces of global - For us in India, the discourse is bridges of cooperation and friendship ization have created an interlinked and about how an ancient civilization and a with all countries of the world, interdependent world. No country young nation, will move ahead to take President Patil said that India had been exists in isolation; it is continuously India to its destiny. Our vision and our seeking an architecture for global insti - being influenced by external develop - goals are clear. We look at building our tutions that was more reflective of con - ments. All nations, developed and country, as one whose economy temporary realities. developing, are facing the impact of demonstrates a robustness to grow, so global economic instability, as well as that we can become a developed Excerpts from the President’s problems of unemployment and infla - nation. For us, however, economic Address: tion, in varying degrees. Indeed, the prosperity alone is not enough. We “On the eve of our 63rd Republic 21st Century has brought in its trail a look toward an India, where there is Day, I convey my warmest greetings to host of issues at a breath-taking pace. equity and justice. We look at democ - all of you across the country, from There are growing aspirations of the racy, rule of law and human values, as every walk of life and in different parts people, coupled with their expectations being essential for making our country of the world. I convey my special of immediate solutions. We are observ - strong. We want a scientific and tech - greetings to the Armed Forces and the ing, an information explosion and nological outlook in our people. We Para-Military Forces who guard our ever-newer technological inventions. also look toward India as a country frontiers with great vigil and valor, in These have altered lifestyles and there which will continue to bring moral high mountainous terrains, deserts and is also a growing quest for materialism. force on to the global stage. I believe the plains, on the coasts and the seas. I There are persistent questions about that there is a unity behind this vision also convey my best wishes to our how growth and resources will be of India. But, yet, sometimes one gets internal security forces and to our civil shared in a more equitable manner. distracted by discordant pulls and services. I compliment all citizens for There are worries about the direction pressures. How should we proceed to their contribution to the process of in which the human community is build our nation and its people? I nation-building. heading in this age of globalization, believe that the answer lies in our We are living in a world that is com - knowledge and technology. age-old values; the ideals of our free -

February 2012 India Review Cover STORY dom movement; the principles of our Constitution, as also in our unity, a positive attitude and our aspiration to grow. It is often said, but not fully realized, that we are very fortunate to have a rich legacy of values, traditions and teachings. The ageless spirit of India, the eternal voice of India, has been res - onating through millennia. What are those intrinsic qualities which have seen India prosper through centuries and eras? What is the message that should light our path, as we chart our future course? Our civilizational ethos contains the lessons of duty and truth. It tells us to be humane in all our thoughts and deeds. It highlights the qualities of compassion, care and of Subedar Major, Honorary Lieutenant (Retd.) Joginder Singh receiving the Ashoka Chakra on behalf of his son Lieutenant Navdeep Singh (Posthumous) of the Army Ordnance Corps / 15th Battalion, The Maratha respect for others. It teaches that Light Infantry, from President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil in New Delhi on January 26. human beings and nature must exist in harmony with each other. All issues should be viewed in the context of humanity as a whole. Concepts like Samanvay , Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah , and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam are the very essence of Indian thought. This philosophy has given succeeding gen - erations the inherent strength to grow, embracing in their fold a vast diversity of cultures, languages, religions and communities. So, when the question is asked, as to what ideals should be placed before the new generation, to take the country forward, should then there be any dithering or doubt in a country like India? As the inheritors of thousands of years of history and cul - Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh paying homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti on the occasion ture, we should follow the high ideals of the 63rd Republic Day Parade 2012 in New Delhi on January 26. of our age-old civilization. More par - ticularly, the youth should understand under the leadership of Gandhiji, those who had participated in the free - this, as they are the architects of the because we had faith in ourselves and dom struggle, and had a deep under - future as well. Our past becomes the in our strength. Surely, we can demon - standing of the aspirations of the peo - essential guide for the future as well. In strate the same discipline in nation- ple, and of our culture. The this context, I recall the lines of building. But, how do we do this? It is, Constitution has been and should be Gurudev Tagore, “Every great people only when we resolve to make the goal our compass, guiding us in nation- 4 holds its history so valuable because it of nation-building more important, building. contains not mere memories, but hope, than anything else and, show strong There is tremendous work to be and therefore the image of the future.” belief in it. It is then that courage, con - done to move forward on our social The past of India has been glorious fidence and determination, shall be our and economic agenda, if we are to and so must be its future. companions in this task, which has to achieve fast, inclusive and sustainable We can also draw inspiration from be carefully piloted in a constitutional - growth. Our foremost priority is the our independence movement. It was a ly acceptable order. removal of poverty, hunger and malnu - unique struggle, as it involved non-vio - In fact, during various times of diffi - trition, disease and illiteracy. All social lent methods and required extraordi - culties or when searching for an welfare programs must be implement - nary mass discipline, steadfastness and answer, the Constitution has provided ed efficiently. Agencies involved in the patience. We followed this course, us our moorings. It was framed by delivery of services should have a

February 2012 India Review Cover STORY strong sense of duty and work in a one sector whose integration with India’s foreign policy is aimed at the transparent, corruption-free, time- other sectors of the economy remains promotion of an environment that is bound and accountable manner. inadequate. We need to look at models conducive to its socio-economic trans - We have a population which is of partnership, of farmers with indus - formation. We seek to build bridges of predominantly young. With education try and with R&D institutions in vari - cooperation and friendship with all and training, they can become skilled ous activities, so that, not only does countries of the world. We construc - and, thus, capable of finding their agricultural productivity increase, but tively engage with the international livelihoods, starting their own busi - farmers benefit as well. Special focus is community to find responses to global nesses and thus, becoming productive necessary on dryland farming, given its challenges. The role and stature of assets. Reinforcing our health and edu - enormous potential and the fact that a India, has been growing and our cation sectors is fundamental for large proportion of farm labor and nation has been scaling up in the lad - developing our human resources. poor farmers are dependent on it. At der of the comity of nations. India 5 Primary education is now a fundamen - the same time, it is very important to seeks an architecture for global institu - tal right for children. There is a com - build our physical infrastructure — tions that is more reflective of contem - mitment to universalize secondary porary realities. We are also proud of education. Expansion of school educa - the contributions of the Indian tion will also require increase in the We are also proud of the Diaspora, spread over many countries number of higher education institu - contributions of the and across continents, to the econom - tions. This process has to be structured ic, professional and political fields of with great thoughtfulness, to ensure Indian Diaspora, spread the countries where they live. quality and excellence. Moreover, over many countries and In conclusion, I would like to say education must reach every section of across continents, to the that we must build a strong, prosper - our society, as must access to health ous nation, based upon a firm system reach all. We need to expand health economic, professional of values. As we remove poverty, let us services, particularly in rural areas. We and political fields of the also enrich our thoughts. As we need quality medical facilities for our countries where they live remove disease, let us all remove ill-will population, which are affordable. In towards others. As our youth study today’s era of ICT, technology can be more and acquire more knowledge, let very useful in our mission of health and such as roads, ports and airports, to them also learn to be more involved in education. In fact, science and tech - overcome constraints to rapid growth. activities for the progress of the nation, nology is a critical input for the growth I strongly believe that women need other than only self-advancement. As of the nation and for all sectors of the to be drawn fully into the national we legislate, let us also understand that economy. Focus on research and mainstream. Empowerment of women the most effective law is the conscience development is an investment in our will have a very big impact on creating of citizens. As we advance in science future. Our agriculture, industry and social structures that are stable. The and technology, let us realize and service sectors need to be working National Mission on Empowerment of understand that it is more for human more efficiently, with greater scientific Women set up in 2010, should help in welfare. As we use the Earth’s inputs and more inter-linkages with the co-coordinated delivery of women- resources, let us not forget to replenish each other. Agriculture, however, is centric and women-related programs. and renew its vitality.”

Left: DRDO tableau ‘Snow & Avalanche Hazards and their Mitigation Scheme’ passes through the Rajpath during the 63rd Republic Day Parade-2012, in New Delhi on January 26, 2012. Right: The National Bravery Awards-2011 winning children pass through the Rajpath during the parade.

February 2012 India Review PBD 2012 10 th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrated in Jaipur

ravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), India’s annual conclave to connect with its 25 million Pdiaspora in some 180 coun - tries, was held on January 7-9 at Jaipur in Rajasthan with the focus this time being on inclusive growth. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the event saw more than 2,000 delegates from 59 countries participat - ing in the three-day event, which was the 10th edition of PBD. Welcoming the Chief Guest of the event, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurating the 10 th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2012 at Jaipur in Rajasthan on January 8. Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Governor of Rajasthan , Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Ravi and Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot are also seen. Prime Minister Singh paid tribute to the great journey of the Indian diaspo - ra. Referring to the role played by the Indian diaspora around the world, the Prime Minister said, “The Government and people of India recognize and greatly value the important role being played by Indian communities living abroad. We believe that the Indian diaspora has much more to contribute to the building of modern India. We propose to facilitate, encourage and promote this engagement.” As a measure of the Government’s intent to help deepen and widen this President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil presenting the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to the Prime th relationship, the Prime Minister out - Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar, at the valedictory session of 10 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Jaipur in Rajasthan on January 9. Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi is also seen. lined the key initiatives taken during the past year. In particular, he referred to have introduced a Bill intended to nomic processes have also to be ‘inclu - the improvements brought about in the merge and streamline the People of sive’ in their orientation and in their out - law enacted in Parliament to enable Indian Origin and Overseas Citizen of come... We in India speak in different Non-Resident Indians to vote in elec - India schemes by amending the languages and follow different faiths. tions in India. “Pursuant to the law that Citizenship Act. This will rectify some But Indian culture has a tradition of was enacted to enable Non-Resident of the anomalies in the schemes and assimilating and accommodating 6 Indians to vote in our national elections, provide for an Overseas Indian Card diverse traditions, customs, beliefs and the Government has issued notifications which will be given to foreign spouses peoples. That is what makes Indian for registration of Overseas Indians of such card holders as well.” society, Indian civilization endure and under the Representation of People Act, Reflecting on the theme of PBD- flourish. The ‘global Indian’ is a symbol 1950. This constitutes the first major 2012, Prime Minister Singh lent a of this diversity of our ancient land. step to enable Indians resident abroad philosophical dimension to the dis - Your individual prosperity and personal to participate in our election processes.” course. “The theme for this year’s event achievement are a symbol of what a Referring to the People of Indian is ‘Global Indian – Inclusive Growth’. diverse people like us can achieve.” Origin and Overseas Citizen of India Indian civilization and society have The Indian government proposed to schemes, the Prime Minister said, “In always been inclusive in character. It is facilitate, encourage and promote its the last session of our Parliament we only natural that our political and eco - engagement with the Indian diaspora,

February 2012 India Review PBD 2012 Prime Minister Dr. Singh said on bers who have spread all over the world January 8. On the occasion, he also but who nevertheless share a deep announced the introduction of a new common bond.” Exhorting Overseas Pension and Life Insurance Fund for Indians to be part of the idea of India, overseas Indian workers. Mukherjee said, “India presents an opportunity for the world as a whole. Three key initiatives Our overseas Indian family with its In his address at the inaugural ceremo - multifaceted talents, excellent capacity ny, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs for adapting to and ability to operate Vayalar Ravi referred to three key initia - within different cultures and environ - tives the Ministry of Overseas Indian ments should make a concerted effort Affairs had put in place for the benefit to connect with India’s growth and its 7 A view of the audience at PBD 2012 of overseas Indian workers. The prosperity in the times to come.” ‘Indian Community Welfare Fund’ or mention the longstanding demand of the ICWF, a fund placed at the com - overseas Indians for voting rights. I am Valedictory address mand of the Heads of the Indian happy to inform you that we have made In her Valedictory Address, President Missions across the world meant to this a reality. Indian nationals living Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil paid trib - extend ‘on-site’ welfare services to abroad can now exercise their franchise, ute to the Indian diaspora and hailed the overseas Indians in distress; the Indian in India, at the time of the elections.” Chief Guest, Prime Minister of Trinidad Workers Resource Centre, established & Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. in partnership with the Government of Idea of Indian identity Referring to the relationship that the UAE, in Abu Dhabi, providing elec - In an address at the Plenary Session on India sought to build and deepen with tronic attestation of all work contracts, “Inclusive Growth: Two Decades of the Indian diaspora, President Patil extending counseling services and Economic Liberalization”, Finance said, “We deeply cherish our relation - operating a shelter with a helpline for Minister Pranab Mukherjee said, “I feel ship with the Indian diaspora. The workers in distress; and the establish - proud of the achievements of our Government of India is keenly interest - ment in Jaipur of an office of the nation and of Indians. I am using the ed in the well-being of the People of Protector of Emigrants and a Migrant word ‘Indian’ to mean much more than Indian Origin living overseas.” Resource Centre to help young men nationality. The gathering today is a “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a cele - and women of Rajasthan to avail of all symbol of the larger idea of Indian bration of Indians living abroad. It is services related to migration overseas. identity. This is an identity that goes an occasion to welcome them to the Referring to the landmark right to beyond nationality. It refers to our land of their ancestors, to interact with vote for Overseas Indians, Minister common history and heritage. In that them and to reacquaint ourselves with Ravi said, “I would be remiss if I did not sense this is a gathering of family mem - each other,” the President said. 14 overseas Indians honored with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman resident Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Corporation Prakash Lohia, Jose Parayanken January 9 conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya from Mozambique, Kiran Navinchandra Asher P Samman on 14 eminent overseas Indians from Oman, Hassan Abdulkarim Chougule and a Canada-based institution, for their out - from Qatar, former Singapore President S.R. standing contributions toward enhancing Nathan, Khorshed Noshir Ginwala Rustomjee India’s image globally. Among the awardees, from South Africa and Rajesh Kumar Saraiya Surendra Kumar Kaushik and Dr. Kalpalatha from Ukraine. Kummamuri Guntupalli are from the US. Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce and The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is the highest Industry was also honored for its contribution in award conferred by the Indian government on bettering business and economic relations Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian between the two countries. Origin (PIOs) and institutions run by them for “I would like to congratulate all the win - serving the Indian diaspora and contributing to ners... It is an extremely distinguished list and the enhancement of India’s image in different we are honored by the presence of the parts of the world. President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil conferring awardees at this function,” President Patil said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, a the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman on Dr. Kalpalatha after conferring the award. person of Indian origin who became the first Kummamuri Guntupalli. So far, 133 NRI and PIOs and three institu - woman Prime Minister of Trinidad and from Bahrain, Sachchidanand Sahai from tions have been conferred the award. Minister Tobago, is also among this year’s awardees. Cambodia, Deepak Naraindas Shivdasani for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi The other Pravasi Bharatiya Samman from Côte D’Ivoire, Victor Shahed Smetacek observed that the 10th edition of the annual awardees include: P.V. Radhakrishna Pillai from Germany, Chairman of Indorama diaspora meet saw the highest participation.

February 2012 India Review Finance Minister’s VISIT Swami Vivekananda Chair established at University of Chicago Vivekananda, through lec - tures, seminars and suitable related academ - ic activities on Indian Culture and Indian Studies.” He added, “Swami Vivekananda loved America and Americans Left: Martha T Roth (left), Dean, Division of Humanities at the University of Chicago, and Sanjiv Mittal, Finance Minister Pranab Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, signing an agreement on establishing a Mukherjee speaking at Art in particular. ‘Vivekananda Chair’ at the University of Chicago to honor the life and legacy of Swami Vivekananda, on Institute of Chicago. (Photo: Jay On 19th January 28; Right: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee unveiled the Swami Vivekananda Plaque at the Mandal) September Art Institute of Chicago on January 28. Also seen in the picture are Ambassador Nirupama Rao and Douglas Durick, President of the Art Institute of Chicago. (Photo:-Jay Mandal) 1893, he concluded his paper on Hinduism with a stirring tribute to s part of the initiatives to It was the decision of America: ‘Hail Columbia, motherland of mark the 150th birth our National Committee liberty! It has been given to thee, who anniversary of Swami never dipped her hand in her neighbor’s headed by the Prime Minister AVivekananda, India is pro - blood, who never found out that the viding a grant of $1.5 million for set - to commemorate the 150th shortest way of becoming rich was by ting up of the Ministry of Culture Birth Anniversary of one of robbing one’s neighbours, it has been Swami Vivekananda Chair at the India’s greatest souls, Swami given to thee to march at the vanguard of University of Chicago that would civilization with the flag of harmony’.” establish a visiting professorship in Vivekananda, at the city of the field of Indian studies. For this Chicago, where he delivered The full text of the Finance purpose, in the presence of Minister his stirring address in 1893 Minister’s speech can be viewed Pranab Mukherjee, a Memorandum — Finance Minister at: http:// www.indianembassy.org/ of Understanding was signed prdetail1854/text-of-the- between University of Chicago and Pranab Mukherjee union-finance-minister-pranab- the Ministry of Culture on Swami Vivekananda Chair, Finance mukherjeeandrsquo%3Bs-address- January 28. Minister Mukherjee said, “The at-university-of-chicago-on- Addressing the University of activities that would be undertaken establishment-of-the-swami- Chicago on establishment of the under this Chair would focus on vivekananda-chair

‘The Last Harvest: Paintings of 8 Rabindranath Tagore’ in Chicago s part of the worldwide celebrations of Tagore’s 150th birth anniversary, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated an exhibition titled “The ALast Harvest: Paintings of Rabindranath Tagore” at the Art Institute of Chicago on January 28. The exhibition, on view from January 29 through April 15, 2012 presents 61 works drawn from three collections in India. The exhibition is co-organized by the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee cutting the ribbon to formally inaugurate the exhibition. (Photo: Jay Mandal)

February 2012 India Review Finance Minister’s VISIT India’s growth fundamentals are strong: FM

ddressing the Chicago ence amongst nations. Council of Global Affairs in While we take steps to Chicago on January 28, address the resurgent A Finance Minister Pranab immediate concerns Mukherjee said that even though the for the stability and world economy was passing through recovery of the world turbulent times, India’s growth economy, we need to fundamentals remained strong. also move on correct - 9 “The Indian economy is, in some ing the underlying ways, better placed than many other global imbalances. nations to withstand a fresh round of One way of doing that global economic turmoil,” he said. is to leverage global Emphasizing the key role of imbalances to address infrastructure in sustaining high developmental imbal - growth and strengthening the growth ances. dynamics of the Indian economy, the If we need to add Finance Minister said India’s Twelfth demand to the global Five Year Plan would seek to acceler - economy, to offset the ate the pace of investment in moderation of infrastructure. demand in industrial - “India needs to invest an addition - ized countries, a good al 3-4 per cent of GDP on infrastruc - way of doing that is to ture or about $1 trillion to sustain expand infrastructure current levels of growth and to equal - investment in devel - ize its benefits over the Plan period,” oping economies. Minister Mukherjee said. The This suggestion may Finance Minster urged the U.S. well be extended to investors to seize the opportunity that increasing investment Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee (Photo:- Jay Mandal) India provided and “contribute to our collective prosperity in the times to India’s robust performance in difficult times makes it a come”. The round table meeting was also safe haven that global capital is looking for. Even as we attended by the Ambassador of India grow and acquire economic strength we are a willing hand in to the United States, Nirupama Rao. the global recovery and improved financial stability Among the business leaders from the U.S. who attended the meeting — Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee included Marshall Bouton, President, Chicago Council on Global Affairs; in infrastructure generally, and a global recovery and improved Charles Evans, President and CEO, more liberal flow of technology to financial stability. India presents Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, developing countries, which in turn opportunity at this moment that among others. could spur output and productivity cannot be ignored. I urge you to seize growth in both advanced and devel - this moment and contribute to our Excerpts from the Finance Minister’s oping countries. collective prosperity in the times to speech on the occasion: Looking forward, I would say that come.” “The global financial crisis and its India’s growth fundamentals are after-effects have forced many of us strong and they look more attractive The full text of the Finance to take a re-look at some of the basic in a world challenged by problems of Minister’s speech can be viewed at: principles of economics and finance. confidence and lack of growth. http://www.indianembassy.org/ It has generated a fundamental India’s robust performance in diffi - prdetail1855/text-of-the-speech- change in the national mindset and cult times makes it a safe haven that of-the-finance-minister-shri- we are all witness to a new world global capital is looking for. Even as pranab-mukherjee-delivered- order, which is more integrated and we grow and acquire economic at-the-chicago-council-of- has a higher degree of interdepend - strength we are a willing hand in the global-affairs

February 2012 India Review India-U.S. NEWS Bilateral meeting on health issues held

delegation from the United States led by United States Secretary of Health and A Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius met with the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister for a bilateral meeting on health issues on January 11. The dis - cussions focused on the progress of the US-India Health Initiative launched in 2010. Minister Azad reaffirmed India’s commitment to the ongoing coopera - tion in the field of health and “also to find new avenues to further broaden A U.S. delegation led by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and deepen the commitment to called on the Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad, in New Delhi on January 11. ensure better health at affordable costs for our people”. bilateral discussions between the ed, namely, Working Group on Non- He said that the Government of United States and India on health Communicable Diseases, Working India had been implementing health - collaborations and program imple - Group on Infectious diseases, care reforms in the field of infrastruc - mentation. Working Group on Maternal and ture, human resources, health Child Health and Working Group on research and disease surveillance The discussion focused strengthening Health System and aimed at providing better service Services. delivery at grass root levels. on the progress on the India-U.S. collaboration has Expressing satisfaction particularly at US-India Health successfully taken shape in the last the progress of Polio containment Initiative launched several decades in the areas of med - efforts, the Minister said, “We are ical research such as tuberculosis, excited and hopeful, at the same time, in 2010 nutrition, cancer, neurosciences, vigilant and alert.” mental health, maternal and child The Health Initiative is an To take the agenda further, four health, HIV/AIDS, environmental interagency umbrella mechanism for Working Groups had been constitut - and occupational health. MoU signed for upgrade of skill training in India he Wadhwani Foundation seeks to leverage the combined (WF) from India and the expertise of Virginia’s Community T Virginia Foundation for College system in running industry Community College Education relevant professional education shar - (VFCCE) from the U.S. signed a ing technical and organizational Memorandum of Understanding know-how, curriculum/courseware 10 (MoU) in New Delhi on January 10 and teacher training to enhance such to upgrade skill training in the programs in India. country. Human Resource As part of the MoU, the VFCCE Development Minister Minister Kapil and the WF will together identify Sibal and U.S. Senator Mark high impact skill develop- Warner, Co-chair of the Senate India ment programs in India. While Caucus were present. VFCCE experts will serve as consult - Speaking on the occasion, Minister rate of growth India needs massive ants, sharing best practices, the WF Sibal underlined the requirement for skill upgradation to prepare for the will provide local support and enhanced skill development in the jobs that will be created. co-funding for this capacity building country, considering that the high The WF and VFCCE partnership endeavor.

February 2012 India Review Ambassador’s ENGAGEMENTS Ambassador Nirupama Rao calls on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton mbassador Nirupama Rao called on the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in A Washington, DC, on January 25. Secretary Clinton and Ambassador 11 Rao discussed a broad range of bilat - eral and regional issues. The two rec - ognized that there had been tremen - dous progress in strengthening the India-U.S. global strategic partner - ship and they agreed to continue their efforts to further consolidate upon the progress made and work toward implementing the initiatives that had been taken in the last few years, including in the area of civil nuclear Ambassador Rao calls on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on January 25. Credit: U.S. Department of State cooperation. Secretary Clinton and Ambassador Rao also exchanged mutual interest, including the situa - developments with regard to Iran and perspectives on regional issues of tion in Afghanistan, and recent Myanmar. Ambassador Rao meets Congressman Adam Smith mbassador Nirupama Rao met about India’s robust devel - with Congressman Adam Smith opment assistance to Aat Capitol Hill in Washington, Afghanistan and its vision DC, on January 18. Ambassador Rao for an independent, sover - and Congressman Smith exchanged eign, stable, united, demo - views on India-U.S. bilateral relations cratic and prosperous and took positive note of the growing Afghanistan. momentum of cooperation across a Ambassador Rao invited wide range of issues, built upon shared Congressman Smith to values and convergent interests. visit India. Congressman Congressman Smith described India as Smith accepted the invita - a critical partner for the U.S. and wel - tion, and said that he would comed the deepening India-U.S. be in touch with the strategic partnership. Ambassador to explore a Both Congressman Smith and mutually convenient time Ambassador Rao also attributed the for the visit. recent positive developments in the Congressman Smith, bilateral India-U.S. relationship to the who represents the state of contribution of a dynamic Indian- Washington in the U.S. American community. Congressman Ambassador Nirupama Rao with Congressman Adam Smith at House of Representatives, Smith warmly welcomed India’s inter - Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on January 18. is the Ranking Member of est in establishing a Consulate General the House Armed Services in Seattle. and development of Afghanistan. Committee and is known for his keen The discussions also touched upon Ambassador Rao referred to India’s interest in foreign and security policy the situation in South Asia, and the traditional ties with Afghanistan, issues. He is a member of the common interests of India and the which were now a strategic partner - Congressional Caucus on India and U.S. in the long-term peace, security ship. She informed the Congressman Indian-Americans.

February 2012 India Review Ambassador’s ENGAGEMENTS ‘India’s global outlook and foreign policy is a reflection of the priorities that it has defined for itself’

ddressing a seminar on Our dialog and cooperation on “India as a Global Power: strategic issues and our bilateral coop - Contending Views from eration in counter-terrorism, informa - A India” jointly organized by tion exchange and defense have the Center for a New American matured and today there is much Security in partnership with the enhanced mutual understanding. George Washington University’s We are trading both in goods and Rising Powers Initiative in Washington, services much more than ever before. D.C. on January 23, Ambassador Investments are now in both direc - Nirupama Rao has said that a strong tions. Commercial links are strong and sense of realism and pragmatism growing; research based partnerships informs India’s foreign policy. “India’s are on the increase and technology global outlook and foreign policy is a exchanges are expanding in different reflection of the priorities that it has Ambassador Nirupama Rao fields of economy. I would like to defined for itself as it seeks to develop, to be secure, to withstand external If you just look at the progress we have made threats, to ensure that it’s national and across a wide range of sectors in the last two years developmental interests are not diluted by actions by hostile players in the or so, it would be clear that our bilateral relationship global arena,” she said. with the U.S. is today better than it has ever been — Ambassador Nirupama Rao Excerpts from Ambassador Rao’s speech on the occasion: will be called upon increasingly to believe that we have outgrown the Like for all countries, our foreign deploy its potential in the interest of “buy-sell” paradigm. policy seeks to forge strategies that global peace and development. And In conclusion, I would say that the serve India’s interest, protect its sover - buoyed by its sustainable economic relations between India and the United eignty and its security concerns, and growth, India is more willing and able States are defined by shared values, promote its economic development. to play a role commensurate with its convergent interests, the need to bring Our vision of a secular, pluralistic and size and destiny, whether in the UN more progress and prosperity to our tolerant society within the country, Security Council or other multination - peoples, and by the pragmatic realiza - embracing diversity of opinions and al institutions such as G20. tion that we are on the same side when outlook, is sought to be articulated in it comes to eliminating those forces our dealings with the world. While we India-US global strategic that threaten the freedom of our have paid attention to the strengthen - partnership democracies, and hinder our develop - ing of our military and strategic deter - Today India and the U.S. share a ment. The fact that this “GPS”, as it rent capabilities, we are not protago - convergence of interests to ensure were, identifies our relationship is cer - nists of the first use of force in settling security of our people and stability in tainly an encouraging augury for the outstanding issues, but rather, we have the world. If you just look at the future. Indeed, it should provide a bea - been advocates, consistently, of the use progress we have made across a wide con for our future efforts. of diplomacy and statecraft in building range of sectors in the last two years or 12 relations and addressing problem so, it would be clear that our bilateral The full text of the speech can be issues. relationship with the U.S. is today bet - viewed at: http://www.indianem - Today as India’s economic growth ter than it has ever been. The visits of bassy.org/prdetail1846/address-by- provides it more weight and adds to Prime Minister Singh to Washington in ambassador-nirupama-rao-at-the- our influence we remain conscious that 2009 and of President Obama to New seminar-andquot%3Bindia-as-a-glob - with this comes ever increasing Delhi and Mumbai in 2010; the launch al-power%3A-contending-views-from- responsibility — responsibility in of the Strategic Dialogue whose third indiaandquot%3B-jointly-organized- weighing every move we make and round will be held here in Washington by-the-center-for-a-new-american- positions we take with the realization in the summer of this year have led to security%2C-in-partnership-with-the- that India is growingly, one of the key a qualitative change and expansion of george-washington-universityan - players on the global stage today and our global strategic partnership. drsquo%3Bs-rising-powers-initiative

February 2012 India Review Ambassador’s ENGAGEMENTS India, US have limitless horizon to work together: Ambassador Nirupama Rao ddressing the Woodrow increase linkages between the U.S. Wilson International and Indian universities. The first Center for Scholars in India-U.S. Higher Education AWashington, D.C. on Summit held in Washington, D.C. January 25, Ambassador Nirupama last year has laid a road map for our Rao said that India and the United joint efforts in expanding collabora - 13 States had a limitless horizon to tion in the field of higher education work together. between our two countries. “In myriad ways we are working Our relationship is unique in that together with our partners in the it goes way beyond what the two US, both in the government and Governments are doing. In fact, outside, such as with experts here at people-to-people links are at the the Woodrow Wilson Center, to heart of our growing partnership. build a great partnership based upon Ambassador Nirupama Rao The energy, creativity and enterpris - common values, converging inter - ing spirit of our people, private sec - ests and a shared vision of the health are making our partnership tor and civil society are building new world,” she said. mutually more rewarding, with flow bridges across hitherto uncharted of ideas, knowledge and people in waters and adding resilience and Excerpts from Ambassador Rao’s both directions. vibrancy to our relations. speech on the occasion: We are partnering with the U.S. I believe we have a robust agenda In myriad ways we are working across the entire range of issues for qualitative improvement in our together with our partners in the US, related to agriculture — from using partnership in the months ahead at both in the government and outside, space technology for better mon - the bilateral and global levels, from such as with experts here at the soon prediction and crop productiv - our development partnership in edu - Woodrow Wilson Center, to build a ity to improving the linkages from cation, health, agriculture, science great partnership based upon com - farms to markets. Health is yet and technology, clean energy to mon values, converging interests and another critical area where there are trade and economic cooperation, a shared vision of the world. exciting opportunities for collabora - security cooperation, dialog on India is in the midst of a national tion tapping into each other’s com - export controls and high technology endeavor to achieve socio-economic parative advantages. We are working trade and deepening of consulta - development for its billion-plus together across a full portfolio of tions on global issues. population in an inclusive and clean energy options. The U.S. is I would like to conclude by noting participatory way. assisting us in mapping our reserves that both our governments are com - While we have been able to achieve of shale gas resources. mitted to build on the excellent foun - good economic growth in recent The growth of knowledge economy dation that has been created to fulfill years, we remain acutely aware of the is an exciting frontline of our engage - our common objective of creating a enormous development challenges ment today. We are tapping into our partnership that not only benefits the that confront us. We need to improve respective scientific and technological peoples of both countries, but also our agricultural productivity, build strengths, innovation, and encourag - responds to the global challenges of more schools and institutions in ing co-development of a vibrant S&T our time. It has the potential to shape higher education, focus on skill eco-system through projects under the destiny of our peoples, and development to reap the benefits of the bilateral Science and Technology indeed, of the larger humanity. demographic dividend, and strength - Endowment Fund of $30 million. I en our health infrastructure. And in believe this could produce benefits The full text of Ambassador this task, we see the United States, for both our countries as well as pro - Nirupama Rao’s speech can be with its economic and technological duce global public goods. viewed at: http://www.indianem - prowess, as an important partner on Both the Governments had bassy.org/ prdetail1852/remarks-by- the basis of mutual benefit. launched the “Singh-Obama 21st ambassador-nirupama-rao-at-the- Cooperation in areas such as nuclear Century Knowledge Initiative” in woodrow-wilson-international- energy, high technology and clean November 2009 with funding of $5 center-for-scholars%3A-25- energy resources, agriculture and million from both the sides to january-2012

February 2012 India Review 99th Indian SCIENCE CONGRESS PM calls for increased R&D expenditure

naugurating the 99th Indian While research Science Congress (ISC) at Bhubaneshwar in Odisha on generates new I January 3, Prime Minister knowledge, we need Dr. Manmohan Singh called for innovation to use this changing the face of Indian science and increasing the spending on knowledge creatively and research and development (R&D) to productively for social two percent of the GDP from the cur - benefit. Our Government rent 0.9 percent by the end of the Twelfth Five year Plan (2012-17). He has declared 2010-20 as said this could only be achieved if the “Decade of industry, which contributed only 25 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh addressing the 99th Innovations” — PM percent of the total R&D expenditure Annual Session of the Indian Science Congress at today, increased its contribution. Bhubaneswar in Odisha on January 3. the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in We have to increase public private partnerships and Odisha. The theme of catalyze significantly increased interaction between publicly the conference was owned Science and Technology institutions and industry — PM ‘Science and Technology for Inclusive Innovation “We must strengthen the supply that over the last few years, the num - — Role of Women’. The chain of the science sector,” Prime ber of scientific publications by Indian Prime Minister declared Minister Singh said in his address at scientists working in India had that the year 2012 would be celebrated the ISC. The Prime minister informed increased at more than 12 percent per as the Year of Mathematics to pay trib - that a proposal was under considera - annum against the global average of 4 ute to one of India’s noted scientists — tion to build national capacity and percent. India had moved from the M S Ramanujan. capability in supercomputing which 15th rank in 2003 to the 9th rank in would be implemented by the Indian 2010 with respect to the number of The full text of the Prime Institute of Science, Bangalore, at an publications in peer-valued journals. Minister’s speech can be viewed at: estimated cost of $1 billion. More than 15,000 delegates partici - http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx? Prime Minister Singh pointed out pated in the January 3-7 event held at relid=79318 Time to think out of the box and think big: Ambassador Nirupama Rao naugurating Excerpts from Ambassador Rao’s It is time to think out of the box the first speech on the occasion: and think big if we are to emerge as I Women The moot point is why scientific global leaders in science and Science Congress streams remained largely male- harness the potential of science as on the sidelines of dominated or why there are very few an agent of transformation and 14 the 99th Indian women members in various national development. Science Congress at Bhubaneshwar in science academies or in decision- Odisha on January 5, Ambassador making positions in scientific The full text of Ambassador Nirupama Rao called for redoubling establishments. Nirupama Rao’s speech can be efforts to make science more inclusive. This also begs a question whether viewed at: “It is time to think out of the box and we are doing enough in India to http://www.indianembassy.org/prde - think big if we are to emerge as global encourage the participation of tail1836/inauguraladdress-by- leaders in science and harness the women in Indian science, or more ambassador-nirupama-raoat-the- potential of science as an agent of importantly, what more should we be indian-women-science-congressat- transformation and development,” doing to make science more bhubaneshwar-%285-january- she said. inclusive. 2012%29

February 2012 India Review Embassy EVENTS Embassy celebrates Republic Day 2012

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Rendering of the National Anthem.

Ambassador Nirupama Rao unfurling the National Flag at the Republic Day 2012 celebrations on January 26. Ambassador Rao reading out the President’s Message to the Nation.

Ambassador Rao paying floral tribute at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in front A group led by Ayona Dutta rendering patriotic songs in various Indian languages. of the Embassy.

February 2012 India Review Embassy EVENTS Embassy welcomes Minister Vayalar Ravi

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1. Ambassador Nirupama Rao welcoming the guests. 2. Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi address - ing the guests, including prominent Indian-American community members, at the Embassy on January 22. 3. Guests in attendance.

Embassy hosts Harvard Club of Washington, DC 1 2

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1. Ambassador Nirupama Rao interacting with members of Harvard Club of Washington, DC on ‘India and India-US relations’ on January 23. 2. Ren’e Rocque Lee, President, Harvard Club of Washington, DC proposing the vote of thanks. 3. Guests in attendance.

February 2012 India Review Embassy EVENTS Presentation by Indian-American Artist Anil Revri at Embassy n connection with Anil Revri’s exhibition ‘Faith American University Museum (Katzen Arts Center), and Liberation through Abstraction’ — an he made a presentation on his work and its relevance interfaith project comprising of drawings, in contemporary global society at the Embassy on I paintings and sculpture — inaugurated at the January 19. 1 2 17

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1. Ambassador Nirupama Rao welcoming the guests. 2. Jack Rasmussen, Director and Curator of Katzen Arts Center•intro - ducing Anil Revri to the audience. 3. Anil Revri making his presentation. 4. Image of a piece of work by Anil Revri. 5. Guests in attendance.

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February 2012 India Review Consulate EVENTS CGI New York celebrates 63 rd Republic Day Celebration of Vishwa Hindi Divas

Consul General Prabhu Dayal welcoming the audience.

he Consulate General of India in New York celebrated Vishwa THindi Divas at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in New York on January 20. On the occasion, Consul General Prabhu Dayal acknowledged the efforts of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and its contribution in promoting Top: Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi addressing the audience on the occasion. Hindi language and Indian culture Bottom: Consul General Prabhu Dayal reading out of the speech of President of India. abroad.

Finance Minister in Chicago

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Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee addressing the Indian- American community at a reception organized in his honor by the Consulate General of India, Chicago on January 29. (Photo: Jay Mandal )

February 2012 India Review CGI Houston celebrates 63 rd Republic Day

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Left: Sanjiv Arora, Consul-General of India in Houston, unfurled the National Flag at India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26.

Above: U.S. Congressman Pete Olson (22nd District of Texas) greeting Consul-General Arora on the occasion of India’s Republic Day-2012.

Lok Sabha speaker visits Miami Minister visits Dallas

Minister of Labour & Employment Mallikarjun Kharge addressing the Indian-American community at a function organized by the Texas Chapter of Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) and the India Meira Kumar, Speaker of (Lower House of ) Association of North Texas (IANT) in cooperation with Consulate with Tomas Regalado, Mayor of Miami, during her transit visit to Miami on General of India, Houston, on January 29 in Dallas. During the visit, January 12, at a reception hosted in her honor by Dr. Eduardo he also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Martyrs’ J. Padron, President of Miami Dade College. Day on January 30 at University of Texas, Arlington.

February 2012 India Review Economy NEWS India to grow by 7.7 percent in 2012: UN

ndia’s gross domestic product Kumar said Asia, especially India (GDP) is expected to grow by and China, would be the main drivers 7.7 percent in 2012 and 7.9 of the economic growth in the coming I percent in 2013, the United years. Nation’s Department of Economic “It used to be said that when the Affairs said on January 17. India’s U.S. and Europe sneeze, the world GDP grew by 7.6 percent in 2011. catches a cold. But now, the situation “The prospects for world economy A Namma Metro train runs through the city of has changed. Today, the Western are not good. The U.S. and European Bangalore. Over 1.2 million people are expected economies have a cold but India and economic growth will slow down fur - to use the metro service by 2013. other developing economies are doing ther,” said Nagesh Kumar, Chief The UN’s annual economic report, well,” he said. Economist of the World Economic Situation and South Asian economies are expected (UN) Economic and Social Prospects 2012, said the world’s eco - to grow by 6.7 percent this year and Commission for Asia and Pacific. nomic growth would fall to 2.6 percent 6.9 percent next year, largely driven by He said strong domestic demands in 2012 as compared to the estimated the Indian economy. and high savings rates would help 2.8 percent in 2011 and 4 percent in However, there is a downward risk. India maintain its growth momentum 2010, because of the slowdown. “India GDP growth in South Asia will dwin - despite slowdown in the U.S. and will be able to weather the crisis, with dle by two percentage points, the European economies. scars,” he said while releasing the report. report says.

‘QFIs can directly invest in equity markets’ India allows 100 percent FDI in he federal government on January 1 allowed qualified foreign investors single brand retail T(QFIs) to directly invest in equity mar - ndia on January 10 allowed 100 was 51 percent. “This is a welcome kets to decrease volatility. percent foreign equity in single move with a potential to lift the gener - “In a major policy decision, the federal I brand retail, notifying the norms al mood in the economy. Increased government has decided to allow qualified that among other things all wholly- investments by foreign single brand foreign investors (QFIs) to directly invest in owned international brands would retailers will not only help improve Indian equity markets in order to widen the need to source 30 percent of their consumer choice but also enhance class of investors, attract more foreign funds, requirements locally. competitiveness of Indian and reduce market volatility and to deepen The government justi - enterprises,” said Rajan the Indian capital market,” a Finance Ministry fied the move, saying that Bharti Mittal, Vice- statement said. foreign direct investment Chairman and MD, The distinction of a QFI ranges from an (FDI) in single brand Bharti Enterprises. individual to a group of investors that comply would attract investments As per the notifications, with the international standards of the finan - in production and mar - products to be sold cial action task force (FATF). keting, improve the avail - should be of a single The move is also important because cur - ability of such goods for brand only as they are rently only foreign institutional investors or the consumer and sold internationally. sub-accounts (FIIs/sub-accounts) and non- encourage sourcing of Companies which pro - 20 resident Indians (NRIs) were allowed to goods from India. pose to set up wholly directly invest in equity markets. “The cabinet took the owned subsidiaries under “As a first step in this direction, QFIs have conscious decision to lib - the single brand format been permitted direct access to Indian mutu - eralize policy for FDI in single brand would have to source at least 30 per - al funds schemes pursuant to the 2011-12 retail. FDI in single brand has led to cent of the value of products sold from budget announcement. As a next logical step, emergence of some global majors in Indian small industries, artisans and it has now been decided to allow QFIs to Indian market,” said Commerce and craftspersons. directly invest in Indian equity market in order Industry Minister . Also, only products that are branded to widen the class of investors, attract more Until now, global retailers owning a during manufacturing will be consid - foreign funds, and reduce market volatility.” single brand had to look for an Indian ered for entry under the single-brand partner as the cap on foreign equity format.

February 2012 India Review Economy NEWS Apex Bank cuts cash reserve ratio

fter nearly two years of to growth and anchor medium-term Industry welcomed the cut in CRR, tight check on money sup - inflation expectations on the basis of but urged the central bank to start ply to tame inflation, a credible commitment to low and lowering interest rates in forthcoming A India’s central bank took stable inflation,” he added. reviews. steps on January 24 to infuse more “The announcement should help “This gives a clear signal that the liquidity in the system by reducing a address the money market liquidity sit - RBI has recognized the challenges key rate. to growth owing to a weakening The cash reserve ratio (CRR), the demand condition. The RBI needs 21 amount against deposits which com - to start reducing the repo rate as mercial banks have to keep as liquid well in order to start the investment assets such as cash, has been lowered cycle, which has weakened,” said by 50 basis points to 5.5 percent from Chandrajit Banerjee, Director- 6 percent. General, Confederation of Indian “This step will release $6.5 billion Industry. into the system,” Reserve Bank of “The growth-inflation balance of India (RBI) Governor D. Subbarao the monetary policy stance has now said in a statement, soon after pre - shifted to growth, while at the same senting the third quarter review of the time ensuring that inflationary monetary policy for the current fiscal pressures remain contained,” year. the RBI Governor said. “The policy actions and the guid - uation, which has tightened in the past India’s annual rate of inflation cur - ance are expected to ease liquidity two-three months,” Finance Minister rently stands at a two-year low of 7.47 conditions, mitigate downside risks Pranab Mukherjee said on January 24. percent for December, 2011. ‘India can be a great power using more renewable energy’ ndia can be a great power, properly utilized, India can realize its “Imagine houses in villages ushering in a game changing place in the world as a great power,” producing energy through solar Ithird industrial revolution by said Rifkin. power and then selling the same utilizing its renewable energy According to Rifkin, the country energy through internet or distribu - resources and collaborating with can leapfrog into the third industrial tion companies, this will give level- power producers and suppliers, says revolution by creating infrastructure playing field to the rural areas in American economist and author terms of industrialization.” Jeremy Rifkin. The report claims that if 20 percent “With the second industrial of all energy needs be sourced from revolution, which was ushered in renewable sources, it would create through internal combustion engine jobs and industries that in the long and heavy use of crude oil, being on term will lower the cost of generating life support, this is the right time for energy through these methods. India to use its renewable natural “It's just like the case of personnel resources to start the third industrial computers. Earlier they were very revolution,” Rifkin, President of expensive but with mass production Washington-based Foundation on and usage the cost of one (personnel Economic Trends, said. computers) has come down,” said Rifkin was in New Delhi for the Rifkin. release of a report, Mega Trends of Some of the mega trends men - the Emerging Third Industrial tioned in the report include less Revolution in India, prepared in that allows individual buildings, dependence on fossil fuels, new busi - collaboration with FICCI Young houses and villages to generate ness models in sharing of energy, Leaders. energy by utilizing renewable sources new and intelligent technologies, col - “India is the Saudi Arabia of like solar, wind and geothermal laborative eduction for preparing a renewable energy sources and if energy. workforce of the 21st century.

February 2012 India Review Science NEWS ‘Tulsi’ as anti-radiation medicine

rom grandma’s home Besides tulsi, sea-buckthorn and remedies for cough, cold Himalayan mayapple (Podophyllum and other ailments, ‘tulsi’ hexandrum) were other herbs F (Holy Basil) is now being chosen to develop medicines not tested by Indian scientists for treat - just to treat those effected by ing people exposed to harmful radi - nuclear radiations but also as a ations and initial tests have shown precaution for those going for res - some positive results. cue work in radiation-affected Scientists at the Defence Research areas. and Development Organisation Selvamurthy said it was for the (DRDO) have developed a tulsi- first time in the world that tulsi was based herbal medicine for treating being used for countering the people exposed to radiations. The harmful effects of exposure to radi - medicine is already in the second ation. phase of trials. According to scien - “The medicines used for treating tists, tulsi has anti-oxidant proper - radiation-related ailments are very ties and can repair cells damaged by toxic in nature. These herbal medi - exposure to radiation. cines would change the way radia - “Tulsi-based medicine is already tion treatment takes place, as they in second phase of clinical trials. It would be quite safe,” he added. has to undergo some more trials Listing out other innovations by before it is finalized and goes for the research organization, commercial production. Animal tri - Selvamurthy said a special Aloe Vera als have also been conducted and based anti-frostbite cream, Alocal, their results were quite encourag - had been developed for soldiers ing,” DRDO’s Chief Controller deployed at higher altitudes. The (Research and Development) W. medicine, which is already in the Selvamurthy said. market, prevents frostbite.

India’s first Start-up Village at Kochi he country’s first Public munications industry. “This would be Private Partnership (PPP) tele - made possible in association with T com business incubator — leading companies in the telecom Startup Village — will be set up at sector by setting up Telecom KINFRA Park in Kalamassery near Innovation Zones that bring the latest Kochi in . technology platforms and products to The Startup Village will focus pri - Department of Science and the start-ups in the incubator before marily on student start-ups from col - Technology (DST), Government of it is released in the commercial mar - lege campuses and would be modeled India, Technopark and MobME kets,” said Ramnath. 22 on Technology Incubators in the Wireless have joined hands to set up The first phase of the Startup Silicon Valley, US. the Startup Village. Village is expected to be inaugurated It aims to incubate 1,000 product An agreement for 15,000 sq ft space by February this year and the first start-ups over 10 years and start the was signed between MobME CEO batch would be inducted by April. search for a billion-dollar company Sanjay Vijayakumar and KINFRA Sijo Kuruvilla, CEO of Startup from a college campus by the turn of Managing Director S. Ramanath. Village, said the campus would have this decade. Ramanath said the Startup Village full 4G network, advanced telecom The National Science and would provide a vibrant ecosystem labs and provide all services required Technology Entrepreneurship for start-ups to create breakthrough for a student to start a company even Development Board (NSTEDB), the technologies for the global telecom - while in college.

February 2012 India Review TRAVEL & TOURISM Birds are back at Hokarsar

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okarsar Bird Reserve — species like the purple moorhens have “Initially, they used to be migratory this premier wetland in started living inside this bird reserve as in nature, but for the last six years they Srinagar is in the prime of residents. have changed their habits and live as H its beauty these days. It is “We have around 50,000 purple resident birds here.” host to more than 600,000 migratory moorhens in the reserve this time. Ramzan also spotted scores of cor - birds, with the numbers swelling with They lay eggs inside and bring up their morants. each passing day. chicks,” says Muhammad Ramzan, a “The cormorants are basically birds Each year, thousands of migratory forester at the reserve. of passage. They live here for a short birds leave their summer homes in time after their arrival. They will soon Russian Siberia, the Philippines, east - More than 600,000 fly out to the Indian plains where they ern Europe, China and , flying spend the winter months. thousands of miles by navigating their migratory birds have left “They will again spend a part of their long arduous journeys through their summer homes in far time in this reserve in the spring before instinct, to reach their winter homes in away places to reach the flying out to their summer homes,” the valley. says Ramzan. More than 600,000 migratory birds, Hokarsar Bird Reserve Displaying their mutli-colored including greylag geese, mallards, gad - plumage, the birds fly in systematic walls, garganeys, pochards, grebes, patterns, creating a mesmerizing spec - wigeons, shovellers, teals, coots and tacle over the skies in the reserve. pintails, have reached this bird reserve. “We also host Ruddy Shelducks in “We have around 4,000-5,000 grey - the reserve. The migratory bird is lag geese in the reserve this time and known for its capacity to fly high,” says more are arriving each day,” Wildlife the warden. Warden (Wetlands) Rouf Zargar says, “All the migratory birds leave the adding his department has formed reserve in the evenings for feeding in special anti-poaching patrols to check the Wullar Lake and other water bod - illegal hunting of the birds outside the ies, but with mathematical accuracy, reserve. Bird hunting has been banned they return in the mornings to spend in Jammu and Kashmir since 2001. the day in the safety of the reserve.” “Bird protection has to be a commu - The birds feed on water chestnuts nal effort and all of us have to under - and wild grass, but when the water stand that our survival is directly linked bodies are frozen during the extreme to the well-being of wild animals and winter cold, the wildlife department birds around us,” the warden asserts. arranges special paddy meals for Encouragingly, some migratory bird them.

February 2012 India Review EMBASSY OF INDIA SS Pre-sort First Class A U.S. Postage 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW CL T Paid RS Washington, D.C. 20008 FI Silver Spring, MD Tel: 202-939-7000 RT Permit No. -SO Fax: 202-462-7276 PRE 3966

A view of the illuminated Rashtrapati Bhawan (C), the two North and the South Blocks of the Central Secretariat atop Raisana Hill during the Beating the Retreat Ceremony, in New Delhi on January 29, 2012.

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