August 2012

@ th 5 Issue An initiative by Youth Wing of Global Bhatia Foundation For Private Circulation Only Youth Wing - GBF Message from Trustee

Editor Wishing all of you a Happy Independence Day! We are also in the season of Rains, Haridas Raigaga Olympics, Rakhshabandhan and Janmasthami and hope all of you are enjoying the relaxed and festive mood. Correspondents It has been quite an eventful journey at GBF till now. We have crossed over some important Amritha Anjaria landmarks like The History of the Bhatia Community (Volume I) by Dr. Mangala B. Purandare, Nisha Gandhi Sports, Parichay Milan, Career counseling etc. However, for the past few months the GBF Train was at a junction for some internal Design & Layout churning and refueling resulting in: Dharmesh Gandhi 1. Tightening of operational systems by the setting-up of Project Monitoring Systems (PMS) under the pre-specified parameters with respect to time, cost, objectives and measures of success. Inside this issue 2. Streamlining of accounting systems and procedures to back-up the Project funding as well as routine operations, under the concurrence of Internal Auditors. 1. Kalyanji Uka Haveli, Mandvi 3. Appointment of Statutory Auditors to comply provisions of IT/RBI/CC/AGM etc. 2. News from Bhatia Organisations 4. Adaption of Code of Conduct for the Trustees of the Foundation. The objectives being to capture good and fair practices. Amongst the strongest ties that unite a community are 3. What readers say the ethical principles that guide our behavior and allow us to accomplish our common goals. It also provides 4. We are Proud of you platform for building bridges with other like minded Organization in pursuit of common goals. 5. HSUÒ ~É{{ÉÖÅ Even during the said lean period there have been some activities on the external front; by facilitating the restoration and the naming of the garden opposite VT(CST) as L. R. Tairsee Bhatia Baug to honour the memory of 6. Step Wells of Gujarat & the great industrialist and patriotic nationalist Lakhmidas Rowji Tairsee.Restoration of other Bhatia monuments, 7. On Independance Day naming the Narayan Sarovar Causeway after the donor, Shri Liladhar Pasta and issuance of commemorative stamps 8. Excel Group of Industries for legendary Bhatias being few of the activities taken up under the Heritage Project. Of course the work for The 9. Awards won by VRTI History of the Bhatia Community (Volume II) is also under active pursuance by Dr. Purandare. 10. A Poem Now that GBF Train is ready to resume journey, we are in for visits to various new and forthcoming landmarks like: 11. Paraprosdokians... 1. Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2. Parichay Milan III 12. Bhatia Cuisine 3. Sports II 4. Career Counseling 13. Blissful Nature : Konkan 5. Educational Loans 6. National Meet 14. SkeÌmesue ®es Hetpeveer³e keÀekeÀe - keÀebleermesve Þee@HeÀ 7. Medical Camp However, more than numbers of Projects it is the enthusiasm and participation of the community in general and 15. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore the youth in particular that has been very heartening. 16. Why Gujaratis are so successful... We at GBF shall anticipate and appreciate participation and more proactive responses as well as valuable 17. Vividha suggestions by ALL of you to make the journey more meaningful and inclusive. 18. For Senior Citizens Miles to Go……………. “Kutchdo panjo bare maas”

Jai Shree Krishna !

»É´Éàâ ´ÉÉSÉHÉà{Éà W{©Éɺ÷©ÉÒ{ÉÉ GLOBAL BHATIA FOUNDATION 1/6, Dossa Mansion, Next to Apna Bazar, Sir P. M. Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001 +ʧÉ{ÉÅq{É! Tel: 9167826768 Email : [email protected] Website : www.globalbhatia.org

Page 1 Editor's Desk Kalyanji Uka Haveli, Mandvi

Shri Kalyanji Vissonji Uka of Mandvi, Kutchh ventured for a business at Mozambique, Africa. He was heavily burdened with a debt which forced him to travel for making his fortune. He worked very hard and was successful. He was the first proud owner of a Motor Car in entire Kutchh. His descendents are still preserving that vintage car. The Haveli is in a good state and occupied by his family members viz. Dr. Madhusudan Ashar & Shri Dilip Ashar.

The Haveli has an excellent library with entire Dear Readers, original collection of the books, valuable art effects from Italy and rich paintings on the W{©Éɺ÷©ÉÒ +{Éà »´ÉÉlÉÅm«É Êq´É»ÉY ceilings of various rooms. ¶ÉÖ§ÉHÉ©É{ÉÉ+Éà! Shri Kalyanji Vissonji Uka

Month of August has given us 4 unique days viz. Rakshabandhan, Independance Day, Janmashtmi and Birthday of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. The contents for these 4 days are so rich that volumes can be written about them. In this issue, we’ve made a humble effort to cover them. Last year, the world celebrated Tagor’s 150th Anniversary in various ways. Very little do we know that his grand daughter was married in a Bhatia (Khatau) family. Monogram ‘KVU’ Every ‘Pushtimargiya’ firmly believes that their success in life is due to the blessing of Shrinathji. This is unchangable as ‘‘ ³eeJeled ®ebê oerJee keÀjew’’. Prosperity has never betrayed Bhatia community and as Gunvantrai Acharya mentions in ‘qÊù«ÉɱÉɱɒ that “ §ÉÉ÷Ò«ÉÉ +à AelÉÖÅ ~ÉÅLÉÒ Uà’’ means they are always traveling to new countries where business opportunity calls them. This quality of migration has consistently proved the courageous spirit of Bhatia Kalyanji Uka Haveli Mandvi community. We need a full compilation of Ornamental Motifs Bhatia Business Directory & we seek your support & cooperation for it, especially from the Bhatias settled down in USA.

We have a long list of Bhatias who have made significant contribution in freedom movement of . The partial list is - Jamnadas Dwarkadas, Vitthaldas Jerajani, Manubhai Bhimani ...... They are our He´ele:mceefCe&³e Bhatias. We dedicate this issue to them.

Jay Shri Krishna !

Haridas Raigaga

YOUTH@GBF is an in-house ENewsletter distributed freely to the members of Bhatia community and published from Mumbai by Global Bhatia Foundation, a not for profit organization. Original painting on the ceiling A piece of Art Page 2 News from Bhatia Organisations

Naming Ceremony of ‘Shyam Kunj Haveli Chowk’ at Chandavarkar Road, Borivali, Mumbai

The Name on Granite Board Shri Mahendra Ved, Shri Kulin Sampat & Inaguration by Smt. Ravindra Sampat

The Happy gathering for inauguration Shyamkunj Haveli

What readers say . . .

Dear Haridasbhai, Global Bhatia Foundation is doing very good work by bringing all the Bhatia I thank you for the July 2012 issue being the fourth issue of Youth@GBF. Organisations together on one platform and such type of meetings or Our newsletter is getting more and more interesting. I congratulate you on seminars would surely bring all Bhatia forums and organizations together the wide variety of subjects chosen by you for the newsletter which make the for the betterment of Bhatia community and its success in future. reading not just interesting but informative too. I particularly liked your Please accept my hearty Congratulations for this excellent seminar. My article on Ladhabha of Zanzibar. Bhatia community has produced a large Congratulations once again to Shri Chetan Merchant and his entire team for number of entrepreneurs who started from scratch and achieved eminence the splendid work Thanking you. and success by hard work, integrity and keen business sense. - Pushpak Nursey - M L Bhakta Dear Editorial Team, JSK Haribhai Jai Shree Krishna!! Well done. Congrats on the excellent effort of the new letter. I am sure with haridasbhai Each newsletter improves. being at the helm of affairs with the editorial team, things will get better and All sterngth to your elbow. better at GBF. I specifcally liked the Gujarati part. I am sharing it with some people. - Dhiren Sampat I am also going to make the proper Bha-madu kadi as given in the recipe in Janak Khatau wrote: this latest newsletter! (Dont know if I can get kokum in Bangalore). First of all I would like to congratulate you for starting the GBF.. - Arun Bhatia We have been waiting for something like this for KUCHHI BHATIAS for a Very good move to familiarise the people with the jewels from their own long time and I am so glad your team has started this project... community. Compliments. Hemant Sampat, Dubai. Khub Khub Vadhai Ane Abhinandan ! - Gopal Ved Page 3 ! We are Proud of you TES GRA CON A notable achievement and probably a first in the history of Solicitors, in Mumbai and definitely a first in the Bhatia Community, family of Shri Shailesh Vaidya has four Solicitors now, Shaileshbhai himself is Solicitor since 1983 and Partner in the firm of M/s. Kanga & Company, Advocates and Solicitors which has completed 123 years of its formation, his elder son, Bhoumick Shailesh Vaidya and daughter-in-law, Parinaz Bhoumick Vaidya are practicing Solicitors having passed their Mumbai Solicitors exam as well as London Solicitors exam in the year 2009 and now in July 2012, Kunal Shailesh Vaidya has passed his Mumbai Solicitors exam and joined as an Associate in M/s. Kanga & Company – indeed a unique record achievement ! Further, happy to announce that Shri Shaileshbhai Vaidya has now taken over as Vice- President at Indian Merchant's Chamber, the renowned 105 year old industry and trade organization in Mumbai and we are also aware that Shaileshbhai will be President of this reputed organization, Indian Merchant's Chamber for the next year ! Some prominent Bhatia luminaries viz. Late Sir Vithaldas Thackersey, Late Devidas Thackersey, Late Sir Mathuradas Vissanji have been past-Presidents of Indian Merchant's Chamber and Mahatma Gandhi was also actively associated with this Chamber, as a honorary member. We wish Shaileshbhai and his family grand success in all their endeavours. C ONG RAT Ku. Poonam Ramesh Bhatia has scored 79% in B.Com. (University of ES ! Mumbai) and is pursuing her Computer course from NIIT. Poonam is a National Athlete who has won several medals. Here is a list. (1) Represented Maharashtra State in 35th National sports festival for women at Chennai (December 16-19, 2009) organized by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (2) Won 2nd position in High Jump in State Level Women Sports Competition organized by Maharashtra State Sports and Youth Directorate at Pune (27 to 29 November 2009)

! TES GRA CON A Family of Doctors viz. Dr. Pratapsinh L. Sampat, Dr. Jay Pratapsinh Sampat, Dr. Sharmin Jay Sampat & Dr. Parth Jay Sampat of Borivali, Mumbai are pride of Bhatia Community. Parth is in Second year of MBBS & serving patients like other three members of his family. Dr. P. L. Sampat is Vice President of Borivali Bhatia Mitra Mandal and President of Virjiani Bandhu Family.

(3) Represented KES College, Kandivali in High Jump event at State Level Sports Competition organized by Maharashtra State Sports and Youth Directorate at Ahmednagar (22 to 24 December 2007) (4) Represented KES College, Kandivali in High Jump event at State Level Sports Competition organized by Maharashtra State Sports and Youth Directorate at Aurangabad (9 to 11 December 2008) (5) Represented Mumbai Suburb in Heptathalon event at State Level Sports Competition organized by Maharashtra Amateur Athletic Association at Amravati (21- 22 June 2008) (6) Represented Maharashtra State in 25th National Junior Athletics Championships organized by Athletics Federation of India at Warangal (17-21 November 2009) (7) Won 2nd position in 100 Meter Hurdles in Inter Collegiate sports & Tournaments organized by University of Mumbai (2010-2011) (8) Won 3rd position in High Jump in Inter collegiate sports & Tournaments organized by University of Mumbai (2010-2011) (9) Won 2nd position in 100 Meter Hurdles in Inter Collegiate sports & Tournaments organized by University of Mumbai (2010-2011) (10) Won 3rd position in 100 Meter Hurdles in Inter Collegiate sports & Tournaments organized by University of Mumbai (2011-2012)

Page 4 HSUÒ ~É{{ÉÖÅ ±ÉLÉ~ÉlÉùÉ´É{ÉÒ UlÉùeÒ{ÉÉ ¾Å©É NÉY«ÉÉà (¸É©ÉNÉÒlÉ) a r t i M

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Shri Trikamrai Temple, Nirona-Kutchh Maintained by : Khimji Poonja Trust HSUÒ {ÉÉ÷H{ÉÒ ùWlÉW«ÉÅlÉÒ+à +Éà´ÉÉùiÉÉÅ W{©É§ÉÚ©ÉÒ lÉÉ. 6-8-2012 {ÉÉ Kutchhi Mevo ‘Kharek’ ¸ÉÒ H{Éä«ÉɱÉÉ±É XàºÉÒ Ê±ÉÊLÉlÉ ù»É¡Éq ©ÉÉʾlÉÒ Page 5 Step Wells of Gujarat and Rajasthan

Stretch your imagination to wander among the caravans drifting in the semi desert regions of Western India. You are travelling by night, guided by the star strewn sky that tells you the time. It is going to be day break and soon you will be approaching your cherished halt - a vav (step well) where you will be spending a greater part of the day relaxing and refreshing yourself for the next day's (night) journey.

The Bygone Era of Gujarat This is fifteenth century Gujarat and night journeys are in vogue, in order to avoid the fierce midday sun or the afternoon storm that can besmear you and your baggage. No one fears travelling in the night as robberies are few and far between. Imagine the 32 years of Sultan Ahmed Shah's reign with only two murders on record!

The Exquisite Wells Back to our deluxe accommodation for the day - the pretty vav which is characterized by a long stepped corridor descending down - beneath the earth's surface and punctuated in-between with spacious storeys that finally leads to the pool of water with least possible exposure to the sun.

A labyrinthine interior of the vav's underground spaces is dark and cool - the ultimate that a weary traveller can ask and expect. Our vav is already crowded with traders and travellers from far flung places with their horses and camel carts camped near the nearby tents.

Given Gujarat's coastline and numerous harbours, it exposed the land to the outside world and Gujaratis still recount the romantic tales of caravans laden with silk, pearls, carpets, etc traversing through Gujarat and almost the same routes were adopted by the armies for offence and defence.

Ritual Associated With These Magnificent Wells There is a rush of villagers for their daily fill, few of the elderly people are absorbed in their ritual oblations to the sun while some of the women have gathered to appease the jal-deva (water deity) in order to be blessed with a boon of fertility. Another group of girls approach to propitiate the gods with offerings like milk, grain and rice. A young mother with over a month old baby has come for the thanks giving, besides praying for the longevity of the child. In fact she will be considered impure until she invokes the jal deva with various offerings.

Gujarat- A Home of Numerous Step Wells Gujarat is home to hundreds of step wells scattered throughout the state. In fact constructing a well was held to be a pious deed that absolved ones' sin and certainly it earned more merit than mere sacrifices. Almost each village or town boasted of at least one vav. For centuries the vavs have served their purpose but finally they have given up to the ravages of time. But today a deserted lot they are left for, select fly by wire tourists to peep in from the top or descend the steps and appreciate the consummate skill of bygone craftsmen. Most of the step wells withered with time while others were left unattended by the villagers who preferred to move in search of greener pastures. However some of the vavs have survived as structures and still fewer among them continue to supply water while some are venerated for their spiritual presence.

The Construction of Wells A typical well is made up of the Mandapa (the entrance pavilion), which forms the main approach at the ground level; the Kuta (the flight of steps) leads down to the water or Kund (tank) at the bottom. Most of the wells are decorated with sculptures on all available surfaces. While appreciating these works of art we often forget to appreciate the science and engineering skills with which so many pillars and lintels are made to support the five or seven storeys and that too everything under the surface of the earth.

Earliest Step Wells of Gujarat The earliest among the step wells in Gujarat are nestled among the Junagarh hills - Navghan vav and Adi - Chadi vav. The two-step wells appear to have been patiently carved out of soft rocks and these stupendous projects have been executed to great depths - a marvel even by modern standards. A local ballad sums it up - 'if one has not seen Adi - Chadi vav he has missed a great thing in his life.” However in the long list of structurally created step wells one has to revert to Dhank where sixth century Jhilani and Manjushri vavs can be seen. Almost five centuries later another step well sprang up near the famous Sun temple at Modhera. Besides there is a distinct kind of open well or rather a tank, which is attached to the temple. The lateral formation of steps make up for the large tank punctuated with a number of miniature shrines at all levels.

Page 6 Step Wells of Gujarat and Rajasthan

Rani Ki Vav In Patan- Most Significant Well Rani ki vav in Patan is the most magnificent of all step wells created in 1032 A.D. by Rani Udayamati. She was the queen of the most powerful Chalukiya king, Bhimadeva whose reign is marked with manifold building activities. A greater part of this vav remained buried for years while the exposed portions were dismembered to embellish another step well -

Bahadur Singh ki vav in the same village. Though in ruins and dilapidated to a great deal, the remaining part of Rani ki vav continues to impress for its grandeur in dimension and profuse ornamentation.

Splendid Carvings On Wells Almost the entire horde of Hindu pantheon seems to have been chiseled on the walls of the well, besides the sculptured niches and the corridors that gradually diminishes as the well draws nearer at the depth of 285 feet. Vaishnava affiliated sculptures depicting him in various forms can be seen. The most pictorial among them is depicted on the walls of the well that shows him reclining on the couch of Sheshnaga (Lord of snakes). / devanganas / surasundaris (female figures) are in abundance. Possibly they are the best symbolic representatives of reproductive powers of nature. For instance, a scene depicts the devanganas in a standing posture under a mango tree, holding her left breast, which suggests fertility and maturity just like the mango and the mango tree. often female forms have been visualised with a mirror, pitcher or child in hand or simply emulating dance forms. In decorating the Rani ki vav, the craftsmen appear to have been given a free will to play with their imagination. Some of the gestures can be interpreted as religious and they are often compared to sculptures in Modhera Sun temple, Buddhist Stupa in Sanchi, Vimala Vasahi temple of Mt. Abu and even Khajuraho. Few of the images are simply of way erotic conjunctions like the monkey pulling female attire or the damsels themselves undoing their lower garments with scorpions climbing their thighs. With so many sequences of love and passion, can war be far off ? The artists rightly included combats, weapons and warriors with war like postures confronting opponents in shape of man or animal.

Medieval Waterways-- The Tank A little distance from Rani ki vav are some interesting outlines of medieval waterways. It was early twelfth century when Jayasimha Siddha Raja excavated artificial lakes.The largest among them was Sahasarlinga Tank, which must have been an immense reservoir as evident from the surviving remains of the brick embankments and the giant size sluiceways. In the nearby museum one can see the various statues that were recovered while excavating the Rani ki vav and the Sahasarlinga waterways.

Mata Bhavani vav Mata Bhavani vav in Asarva, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad is another step well assigned to the Chalukiyan period and dedicated to Amba-Bhavani. It is noted for its religious significance rather than its architectural appeal.The well is simple and modest in make with minor ornamentation in the galleries leading to the stretch of steps that travels down to the pool of water. However, some pre-medieval carvings and sculptors can be admired on the parapets that house the canopied roofs, niches and friezes.

Dada Harir ki vav Asarva is famous for another step well popularly called Dada Harir ki vav. This vav brings us to the early sixteenth century reign of Sultan Mehmud Begarah (1458-1511) - the most outspoken among the Gujarat sultans. Bai Harir Sultani was the superintendent of the royal harem and she had planned the vav along with her mausoleum and mosque amidst a sprawling garden interspersed with fruit bearing trees.

Bai Harir, whose mausoleum is adjacent to the vav must be turning in her grave at the fate of her grand complex which has run out of water and the trees have disappeared since long. Her only consolation may be the muezzin's call to prayer echoing from the mosque.

The courtyard of the mosque is worth observing for few of the sealed passages that once gave way to the tunnel underneath were possibly connected to the vav as well with some spacious underground alcoves. In its hey days this place must have been an ideal halt for the travellers to retire under the shady trees, slip into the cool galleries of the vav or to be a part of the congregation, praying in the mosque. The vav is reached through a flight of steps that remain uniform throughout the descent. The pool at the bottom leads to the shaft of the well, which is divided by an arched doorway. Besides, there is a narrow spiral stairway leading to the well. Being a Moslem monument, it is bereft of figurative decorations, which has been replaced with floral motifs. However Hindu hand or influences are evident from few of the animal figures. Inscriptions in Sanskrit and Persian tell us about the cost of construction, which was 329,000 Mahmudis (gold coin) of the Begara era. Besides other details and obeisance to the Creator, the epigraph reads, “ this well was built

Page 7 Step Wells of Gujarat and Rajasthan at a place where four roads meet, crowded with good men, who come from four quarters. As long as the moon and sun endure, may be sweet water of the well be drunk by all men.”

Adalaj Vav Adalaj vav, 18kms from Ahmedabad, closely resembles Dada Harir vav in its size and layout but it is rich in ornamentation and was built just prior to it. With the passage of time this step well has become commemorative of unrequited love and thereby hangs the folk tale. Water can still be seen in the well and it is attributed to the living spirit of Rudba , the beautiful wife of Veer Singh. Sultan Begara in his quest for expansion had subdued Dandai Desh and killed the Vaghela king, Veer Singh. He sent forth his matrimonial proposal to Rudba Devi who begged for time in order to complete the vav in memory of her dead husband. The Sultan agreed but he never knew that the queen would drag the work for twenty long years. Still it remained incomplete as evident from the missing canopy. The Sultan renewed his request for marriage and the queen responded by plunging herself from the balcony of the well and thus met her watery death. In other words it became a jal samadhi and thus she sacrificed herself to save her honour and also to appease the jal devi, who would be responsible for the perpetual flow of water. Madha Associated With Great Sacrifices A number of self-sacrifices are recorded in annals of Gujarat. Human sacrifice is the most cherished one, so goes the general belief. In fact one of the folk songs attributed to the Madha step wellin Vadhavan records a fortuneteller who suggests that Madha vav demands a pair - a son and a daughter - in - law! In fact the number of rituals and practices associated with vavs, the various folk songs, myths and legends still flourish in Gujarat. The inscription at Adalaj vav suggests the construction cost to be five lakh tankas (silver coins), which was spent by the queen, in order to ensure her husband's safe passage in the abode of gods. The numerous pillars, balconies and niches that hold each storey of the vav are profusely decorated with fine details. The ornamentation here is of mixed nature. The Hindu motifs are prominent but the florid and geometric patterns, popular among the Muslims can also be seen. Though the inscription credits three Hindu masons but it is believed that the queen employed Muslim masons as well. They are believed to have earned their own death when they replied to the Sultan that they were capable of building still better vavs. Halical vav in Pavagarh is another interesting and unusual well attributed to Visvakarma Vastushastra where the entrance staircase leads to a spiral stairway that further culminates into the well. In fact the spiral stairway gradually becomes the wall of the well and a timid soul should avoid these steps that make him dizzy with the sight of water that gets closer with each step. At Wankaner Palace one finds a more recent (1935) step well built in sandstone but worked out with marble surface. It reflects the palatial outlook and the purpose was simply to provide a summer escape by lowering the temperature down below. Chand Baori - The Deepest Stepwell in the World Chand Baori is a famous stepwell situated in the village near Jaipur in Indian state of Rajasthan. The Chand Baori, a vast well with flights of steps on three sides, is a 10th century monument situated in Abhaneri. It is a fine example of the architectural excellence prevalent in the past. This impressive step well is as deep as a seven storeyed building. The famous Harshat Mata temple situated opposite to this well shows that there must have been a religious connection with the step- well. The well is 35 meter on each side with steps leading down from each side and water can be drawn from any level. It has so many steps to make it impossible for someone to retrieve a coin once it has been dropped in the well.

Page 8 On Independance Day

First Three Stamps of India after Independence

On 15th August 1947 India got freedom from British rule. In that year of freedom, India Post issued three beautiful stamps. This set of stamps was issued on 21st November 1947. The stamps were printed at Nasik Security Press with lithographic method. All the three stamps have become rare now. This is the first stamp of independent India. The stamp depicts the tricolor flag of India. It also depicts the word 'Jai Hind' (Long Live India) in Hindi at right side of the flag, and the date of independence i.e. 15 August 1947at left side of the flag.. The value of this stamp was 3.5 Aanas. This stamp was for foreign correspondence. This is the second stamp of the set issued on 21 st November 1947. The stamp depicts the three lions sculpture of the Ashokan pillar, which is the emblem of Government of India. It also depicts the Hindi slogan 'Jai Hind' and the date of independence. Unlike the first stamp. it is in single color, grayish green. The value of the stamp is One and Half Aana and the stamp was for purpose of domestic correspondence. This is the last stamp of this series. It was for foreign correspondence by Air Mail. The stamp depicts a Douglas DC-4 aircraft. This stamp was printed in rich blue color. The value is 12 Aanas. Like first two stamps, this stamp too depicts the Hindi slogan 'Jai Hind' and the date of Independence. Source- Stamp Auction Network StampAuctionNetwork.com

The original photograph of Bhagat Singh

LORD MACAULAY’S ADDRESS TO THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT ON 2 FEBRUARY, 1835 “I have travelled acrross the length and breadth of India and i have not seen one person who is a beggar, who is a thief. such wealth I have seen in this country, such high moral values, people of such caliber, that I do not think we would ever conquer this country, unless we break the very backbone of this nation, The original picture of Jhansi ki Rani which is her spiritual and cultural heritage, and, therefore, I purpose that we replace her old and Laxmi Bai. This picture was taken by the ancient education systems, her culture, for if the Germern photographer Hoffman 160 Indians think that all that is foreign and English is years ago. good and greater than their own, they will lose their selfesteem, their native culture and they will become what we want them, a truly dominated nation.”

Page 9 EXCEL GROUP OF INDUSTRIES Awards Listings

£2004 National Energy Conservation Award (Second Prize) in chemical sector for the year 2004 from Ministry of Power, New Delhi. (For Roha Site) £2004 International Spirit at work award for nurturing the human spirit at work and inspiring others by your example. £2004 ICMA Award for Excellence in Management of Health, Safety and Environment. £2004 Greentech Safety Silver Award by Greentech Foundation, New Delhi. £2003 National Safety Council – Maharashtra Chapter – Maharashtra Safety Award for achieving Lowest Accident Frequency Rate During The Year 2003 in Chemicals and Fertilizers Sector. (For Lote C. C. Shroff Govindji Chatrabhuj Parshuram, Ratnagiri). : The founder of Excel Industries : The Architect of Excel. £1998-99 GPFA Prestige Award for outstanding contribution in developing indigenous technology for manufacture of pesticides and winning recognition in domestic as well as international market and giving thrust to India's Export contribution £1995-96 The Chartered Financial Analyst is pleased to present the Certificate of Honour £1994-95 First Indian Agrochemical Company to receive the coveted ISO 9002 certificate for its manufacturing units – Bhavnagar, followed by Lote Parshuram and Roha £1993-94 The Good Corporate Citizens Award from the Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry £ 1992-93 Top Award for Exports Shri Kantisen Shroff £1992 The First Award for the “Best Exhibit” in Green Expo 2000 – All India Exhibition on Environment £1992 ET-HBS Corporate Performance Award in the Medium & Large Category £1992 Jamnalal Bajaj Uchit Vyavahar Puraskar (Jamnalal Bajaj Prize for Fair Business Practice.) £1991-92 First Award for Export of Organic and Inorganic Chemicals including Pesticides, from Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export Promotion Council, Bombay. £1990-91 First Award for Export of Organic and Inorganic Chemicals including Pesticides, from Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export Promotion Council, Bombay. £1991 CHEMEXCIL Award for its Outstanding Export Shri Atul G. C. Shroff, Shri Dipesh K. C. Shroff and Performance. Shri Ashwin C. C. Shroff £1991 The ICMA Award for Innovative and Purposeful Programmes for Social Progress. £1982-83 First Award for Export of Organic and Inorganic £1990 The Sir P. C. Ray Award for Development of Chemicals including Pesticides, from Basic Technology indigenously for Butenediol. Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export £1984-85 Trishul Award for Excellent Export Performance for Promotion Council, Bombay. three consecutive years, from Basic Chemicals, £1981 The ICMA Award for Process Design and Process Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export Promotion Engineering of Chemical Plant and Innovative Council, Bombay. Production of Endosulfan. £1983 Environmentalist of the Year Award to K. C. Shroff, £1973 Silver Shield for Development of Know-how of instituted by Chemtech Foundation. Elemental Phosphorus. £1983-84 First Award for Export of Organic and Inorganic £1973 The Sir P.C. Ray Award for Development of Chemicals including Pesticides, from Basic Products and Processes in Indigenous Technology Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export for Development of Elemental Phosphorus. Promotion Council, Bombay. Page 10 EXCEL GROUP OF INDUSTRIES Awards Listings

£1972 The ICMA Award for Social Progress in the £1968-69 The Bronze Shield for Import Substitution for Chemical Industry. Developing Indigenous Know-how for manufacture £1969-70 First-ever Gold Shield for Import Substitution for of Monochloro Acetic Acid. Developing Indigenous Know-how for £1964 The Sir P. C. Ray Award for Development of manufacturing Methyl Bromide, Aluminum Products and Processes in Indigenous Technology. Chloride, Phosphorus Pentasulphide and Aluminum Phosphide.

CERTIFICATION – EXCEL CROP CARE LIMITED £BS OHSAS 18001:2007 - Occupational Health and Industrial Chemicals on January/2012 (Certifying Agency - TUV, Germany) £SA 8000:2008 - Social Accountability Management Systems on April 28, 2010 (Certifying Agency - TUV, Germany) £ISO 9001:2008 - Quality Management Systems on April 28 2010 (Certifying Agency - TUV, Germany) £ISO 14001:2004 - Quality Management Systems on January 21, 2010 (Certifying Agency - TUV, Germany) £ISO 9001:2008 - Quality Management Systems on January 21, 2010 (Certifying Agency - TUV, Germany) £ISO 9001:2000 - on September 2006 (Certifying Agency - TUV, Germany) £S.A. 8000 - on November 2007 (Certifying Agency - TUV, Germany) £DSIR approval for In-house R & D unit (F. No: TU/IV- RD/2399/2009) £S.A. 8000 - Social Responsibility on November 28th 2007

TRANSPEK INDUSTRY LIMITED-CERTIFICATIONS £ISO 9001:2008 £ISO 14001:2004 £BS OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health & Safety Assessment Series) EXCEL – GROUP COMPANIES 1. EXCEL Industries Limited 2. EXCEL crop care Limited 3. Transpek Industries Limited 4. Agrocel Industries Limited 5. Hyderabad Chemicals Limited 6. Kutch Crop Care Services 7. Ansul speciality Molecules 8. TML Industries Limited

List Of Awards Won By Vivekanand Research Training Institute (VRTI) A Poem

1. Gramvikas kshetre asadharan kamgiri, kadarrupe, Gramvikas Rashtriya Puraskar, by Rashtriya Vanijya ane Audyogik Sangah New Delhi, 1993. When I born, I black When I grow up, I black 2. Gram technology kshetre sansthaye melvel siddhibaddal ' When I go in Sun, I black Gram technology Rashtriya Puraskar, By, Siri Ramvsheshran Devi Bhatia Memorial Charitable Trust, When I scared, I black New Delhi, 1997. When I sick, I black And when I die, I still black 3. Parmananda Kapadia ane Jadavji Somchan Mehta Rashtriya Saphai Puraskar,By National Sanitation and And you white fellow environment improvement foundation.1997 &2003 When you born, you pink When you grow up, you white 4. Darshak Award, Darshak Foundation, Ahmadabad, 2006. When you go in sun, you red 5. BhumiJal Samvardhan Puraskar, by Jalasansadhan When you cold, you blue Mantralaya Govt. of India, New Delhi, 2007 &2008. When you scared, you yellow 6. Earth Care Award 2011, JSW Foundation and Times of When you sick, you green India, New Delhi, And when you die, you gray And you calling me colored ?? 7. Kutcha Ratna Paritoshik, 2012 (Krishi) by the Kutchi chair, University of Kutch. This poem was nominated by UN as the best poem of 2006, written by an African kid ...... Page 11 PARAPROSDOKIANS... are figures of speech in which the later part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently humorous.

1. Where there's a will, I want to be in it. 13. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming 2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on my you. list. 14. Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind 3. Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear the fall of a successful man is usually another bright until you hear them speak. woman. 4. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong. 15. A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory. 5. We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public. 16. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only 6. War does not determine who is right - only who is left.. need a parachute to skydive twice. 7. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not 17. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery putting it in a fruit salad. easier to live with. 8. They begin the evening news with 'Good Evening,' then 18. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure. proceed to tell you why it isn't. 19. You're never too old to learn something stupid. 9. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from 20. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call many is research. whatever you hit the target. 10. Buses stop in bus stations. Trains stop in train stations. On 21. Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. my desk is a work station. 22. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. 11. I thought I wanted a career. Turns out I just wanted 23. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any paychecks. more than standing in a garage makes you a car. 12. In filling out an application, where it says, 'In case of 24. Where there's a will, there are relatives. emergency, notify:' I put 'DOCTOR.’

Bhatia Cuisine Osaman Lachko or Kathan Daal (Spiced split gram Water) (Thick Yellow Split Gram)

INGREDIENTS ½ cup Yellow split gram INGREDIENTS 1 tsp Ginger–chili paste 1 cup Yellow split gram 4-6 pieces Kokum ¼ tsp Turmeric powder 3-4 tbsp Jaggery ¼ tsp Asafetida ½ tsp Turmeric powder 1” piece Ginger FOR TEMPERING 1 tbsp Ghee 1 tbsp Ghee Salt to taste 2” piece White radish, thinly sliced 1 Green chili, slit ¼ tsp Fenugreek seeds METHOD ¼ tsp Mustard seeds Pressure-cook the split gram with 4-5 cups of water, ginger, and ¼ tsp Cumin seeds turmeric. Give it 3-4 whistles. When cool remove and drain out ¼ tsp Asafoetida water from top in another bowl and use it for Kadhi or Osaman. A few curry leaves Heat ghee in a small pan, add asafetida and pour this over cooked To Garnish split gram. Churn the cooked gram to smooth consistency. Grated coconut and coriander leaves Return to heat, add salt and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. METHOD When it is thick, take it off the gas and serve with rice, Kadhi or Osaman. Serves 6-8 persons Pressure-cook the split gram with 8-9 cups of water. When cool, - by Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal churn well and add ginger-chili paste, kokum, and jaggery and turmeric powder. Boil this for 10-15 minutes. Heat ghee in a small pan; add fenugreek, mustard and cumin seeds. When they splutter, add asafetida, curry leaves, chili and radish. Pour this tempering FREE ONLINE COURSES over Osaman. Simmer it for 10 minutes. Garnish with grated coconut and green coriander leaves. Serve hot with Kathan daal https://www.coursera.org/ and rice. Serves 6-8 persons Page 12 SkeÌmesue ®es Hetpeveer³e keÀekeÀe - keÀebleermesve Þee@HeÀ Blissful Nature : Konkan - YeerceeMebkeÀj keÀþejs

Nightingale voice of Konkan Territories itself, Irresistibly magnificent, unknown by themselves. meewpev³e : HegC³e veiejer Welcoming you with never felt before conviviality, That's nature's sentiments for you with honesty. efoveebkeÀ : 14-07-2012 Wish the nature's music of love to be blissful forever.

Closed view seemed an ocean of untold history. What could unfold the water build mystery? Far vision seemed stretch of colossal stones yet short, Nothing so far and ever can touch this fort. Wish the nature's music of love to be blissful forever.

Every corner has a painful cry of war, Each rock has seen the cry of lost lives. Fervent but nothing narrated yet hidden more, Years surpass but inattentive condition further deprives. Nothing but a bit effort to maintain, that's Sindudurg Fort. Wish the nature's music of love to be blissful forever.

Beautiful fantasy of nature's ice cream, Village seemed like eternal valley of unbelievable dream. Houses of sea rock and endless farms, Chirping of songbirds and morning rooster alarm. Conversation with waterfalls, grasses, mountains and trees, Was too adorable to perpetually capture and freeze. Wish the nature's music of love to be blissful forever.

Panorama of unity of sea, sun, sky and sand, Morning where sun kisses the sea and land, Sky hugs the water and sun, And this beautiful unification makes every morning sanctifying phenomenon. Wish the nature's music of love to be blissful forever

Forgetting ourselves in the sharp waves of the sea, Yet remembering through power eyes of sun. Understanding the ups and downs of thee, Each observant moment feels life has just begun. Wish the nature's music of love to be blissful forever

Trees say, “hello” and grass say, “welcome”, Plants cry, “Why don't you always come?” Giving not only shelter and bread and butter, But providing lives to earth yet no utter. Dance with joy with us and give shoulder to cry in unhappiness, “We are always there for thy”, loud and unheard hence discontentness. Wish the nature's music of love to be blissful forever

Entrance of purity and steps of sacredness, Flowers of pray and bells of holiness, All believed and said in temple of Ganpati, Hence the worship results in self-sanity. An Appeal to Youth Wish the nature's music of love to be blissful forever Global Bhatia Foundation invites Bhatia Youth from the Globe to serve Prayers of countless people and cried of unfortunate, as volunteers. GBF youth has education, sports & cultural events on its No one has returned with displeased fate. agenda and success of such projects is possible with the service of selfless volunteers. Contact : [email protected] With joyous sound of waves and bless with its location of the sea shore, Is there anything else you can ask for more? Wish the nature's music of love to be blissful forever Disclaimer Views expressed by the authors need not be assumed as the - By Hemisha view of Global Bhatia Foundation.

All The Copyrights Are Acknowledged. Page 13 Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's 151st Anniversary is on August 7, 2012

Letter to Ajit Singh Khatau husband ofTagore's Grandaughter Nandini (the adopted daughter of Rathindranath and Pratima)

Santiniketan, [West Bengal, India]

10 March 1940

Dear Ajit

I am extremely busy with our own affairs and with other peoples' innumerable claims. On the top of it I am eighty and the burden of age has bent my back. But I am not allowed rest, for the work I had begun has its impetus which is ceaselessly driving me on - I do not know to what end. I have had enough empty applause from my countrymen and I am afraid I Young Rabindranath Tagore shall have to thank them for it when I take my departure. The other day Mahatmaji came to our ashram and his generous sympathy and Geetanjali assurance of help has given a new strength to my tired endeavour. He is Where the mind is without fear and the great and he has unerring appreciation for whatever has genuine merit and head is held high; I have felt sure he would never allow me to drag my load of heavy Where knowledge is free; Where the world has not been broken up responsibility unaided till I drop down on the road away from the final into fragments by narrow domestic walls; realisation. However I do not complain and I feel happy that I have my Where words come out from the depth of own source of strength within myself. truth; I find it very difficult to carry on correspondence but I constantly [get] Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection; Where the clear your news from Bouma [Rabindranath daughter-in-law Pratima Tagore stream of reason has not lost its way into (Rathindranath Tagore's wife)] and am glad to know that both of you are the dreary desert sand of dead habit; living a life of happiness which I hope with God's blessings may continue to Where the mind is led forward by thee the end. into ever-widening thought and action-- Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, With love and blessings to you both let my country awake.

Grandfather - by Rabindranath Tagore

Why Gujaratis are so successful... Once Bill Gates organized an enormous session to recruit a new 500 people leave the room. Kantibhai says to himself, "I dropped out of Chairman for Microsoft Europe. 5000 candidates assembled in a large school at 15, but what have I got to lose?" So he stays in the room. room. One of the candidate was Kantibhai Shah. Lastly, Bill Gates asked the candidates who do not speak Serbo-Croat to Bill Gates: "Thank you for coming. Those who do not know JAVA may leave. 498 people leavet the room. Kantibhai says to himself, "I do not leave." speak one word of Serbo-Croat but what do I have to lose?" So he stays 2000 people leave the room. Kantibhai says to himself, "I do not and finds himself with one other candidate. Everyone else has know JAVA but I have nothing to lose if I stay. I'll give it a try." gone. Bill Gates: "Candidates that have never had experience of Bill Gates joined them and said: "Apparently you are the managing more than 100 people may leave." only two candidates who speak Serbo-Croat, so I'd now Another 2000 People leave the room. Kantibhai says to like to hear you have a conversation together in that himself "I never managed anybody by myself but I language." have nothing to lose if I stay. What can happen to Calmly, Kantibhai turns to the other candidate and says: me?" So he stays. "Kem chho?" Bill Gates: "Candidates who do not have The other candidate answers: "Ekdum majama!!!” management diplomas may leave."

Page 14 VIVIDHA

Marriage invitation from a Software Engineer

Page 15 For Senior Citizens

HEALTH CHART

Apples Protects your heart Prevents constipation Blocks diarrhea Improves lung capacity Cushions joints Apricots Combats cancer Controls blood pressure Saves your eyesight Shields against Alzheimer's Slows aging process Artichokes Aids digestion Lowers cholesterol Protects your heart Stabilizes blood sugar Guards against liver disease Avocados Battles diabetes Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes Controls blood pressure Smoothes skin Bananas Protects your heart Quiets a cough Strengthens bones Controls blood pressure Blocks diarrhea Beans Prevents constipation Helps hemorrhoids Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Stabilizes blood sugar Beets Controls blood pressure Combats cancer Strengthens bones Protects your heart Aids weight loss Blueberries Combats cancer Protects your heart Stabilizes blood sugar Boosts memory Prevents constipation Broccoli Strengthens bones Saves eyesight Combats cancer Protects your heart Controls blood pressure Cabbage Combats cancer Prevents constipation Promotes weight loss Protects your heart Helps hemorrhoids Cantaloupe Saves eyesight Controls blood pressure Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Supports immune system Carrots Saves eyesight Protects your heart Prevents constipation Combats cancer Promotes weight loss Cauliflower Protects against Prostate Cancer Combats Breast Cancer Strengthens bones Banishes bruises Guards against heart disease Cherries Protects your heart Combats Cancer Ends insomnia Slows aging process Shields against Alzheimer's Chestnuts Promotes weight loss Protects your heart Lowers cholesterol Combats Cancer Controls blood pressure Chili peppers Aids digestion Soothes sore throat Clears sinuses Combats Cancer Boosts immune system Figs Promotes weight loss Helps stops strokes Lowers cholesterol Combats Cancer Controls blood pressure Fish Protects your heart Boosts memory Protects your heart Combats Cancer Supports immune system Flax Aids digestion Battles diabetes Protects your heart Improves mental health Boosts immune system Garlic Lowers cholesterol Controls blood pressure Combats cancer Kills bacteria Fights fungus Grapefruit Protects against heart attacks Promotes Weight loss Helps stops strokes Combats Prostate Cancer Lowers cholesterol Grapes Saves eyesight Conquers kidney stones Combats cancer Enhances blood flow Protects your heart Green tea Combats cancer Protects your heart Helps stops strokes Promotes Weight loss Kills bacteria Honey Heals wounds Aids digestion Guards against ulcers Increases energy Fights allergies Lemons Combats cancer Protects your heart Controls blood pressure Smoothes skin Stops scurvy Limes Combats cancer Protects your heart Controls blood pressure Smoothes skin Stops scurvy Mangoes Combats cancer Boosts memory Regulates thyroid Aids digestion Shields against Alzheimer's Mushrooms Controls blood pressure Lowers cholesterol Kills bacteria Combats cancer Strengthens bones Oats Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Battles diabetes Prevents constipation Smoothes skin Olive oil Protects your heart Promotes Weight loss Combats cancer Battles diabetes Smoothes skin Onions Reduce risk of heart attack Combats cancer Kills bacteria Lowers cholesterol Fights fungus Oranges Supports immune systems Combats cancer Protects your heart Straightens respiration Peaches Prevents constipation Combats cancer Helps stops strokes Aids digestion Helps hemorrhoids Peanuts Protects against heart disease Promotes Weight loss Combats Prostate Cancer Lowers cholesterol Aggravates Diverticulitis Pineapple Strengthens bones Relieves colds Aids digestion Dissolves warts Blocks diarrhea Prunes Slows aging process Prevents constipation Boosts memory Lowers cholesterol Protects against heart disease Rice Protects your heart Battles diabetes Conquers kidney stones Combats cancer Helps stops strokes Strawberries Combats cancer Protects your heart Boosts memory Calms stress Sweet potatoes Saves your eyesight Lifts mood Combats cancer Strengthens bones Tomatoes Protects prostate Combats cancer Lowers cholesterol Protects your heart Walnuts Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Boosts memory Lifts mood Protects against heart disease Water Promotes Weight loss Combats cancer Conquers kidney stones Smoothes skin Watermelon Protects prostate Promotes Weight loss Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes Controls blood pressure Wheat germ Combats Colon Cancer Prevents constipation Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes Improves digestion Wheat bran Combats Colon Cancer Prevents constipation Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes Improves digestion Yogurt Guards against ulcers Strengthens bones Lowers cholesterol Supports immune systems Aids digestion

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