www.excelindiaonline.com

NATIONAL ENGLISH NEWS MAGAZINE

VOLUME: 7 | ISSUE: 03 | MARCH, 2021 | PAGES: 44 | `20

EDITORIAL Why is a super woman?

n fact, the US Constitution doesn’t provide a great role for the Vice-President of America, as her or his job comes into Ipicture when only the President can’t discharge duties. But we have every reason now to raise a toast to Kamala Devi Harris, newly minted VP of 240- plus year old democracy, a symbol of women power in today’s world. MARCH, 2021 She symbolises not just the growing significance of women VOLUME: 7 |ISSUE: 03| `20 in the contemporary global politics, but also the Editorial Advisory Board accommodative nature of multicultural societies that have Chukka Ramaiah become the hallmarks of democracies. Daughter of a migrant RK Mishra K Stevenson Indian woman who went to America with dreams in her eyes Bhaskar Tatikonda a few decades ago, Kamala Devi Harris has proved her worth Vijay Kumar several times in the country. Chief Editor Rama Krishna Sangem We, at Excel , look at her as a true emerging women Consulting Editors power in today’s world, that is emerging out of this century’s Aruna Ravikumar Anil BL (Bengaluru) worst pandemic, Covid-19. We are happy to carry an article on Kamala Harris by her maternal uncle Dr Gopalan Senior Assistant Editors Pulipati Ram Mohan Balachandran in this March issue. We also carry two more Gollapudi Srinivasa Rao articles by two Indian-American women on the US Vice- Special Correspondents President. Acharya Chakravartula P Mahender It’s heartening to note that President has not Kavita Sreekumar (Thiruvananthapuram) only given greater representation to Indian-Americans in his The US Bureau Elisha Pulivarty (Washington DC) administration, but also attached enhanced significance to India in the ever changing dynamics of global politics. Photo Editor P.V. Prasad In this issue, we carried a 12 page section on Excel India ’s Business Consultant Leadership Meet at Warangal on February 15, and we hope Y Suresh Babu to have another wonderful meeting at Karimnagar in the last Designing week of April. Surya Teja Graphics Holi greetings to all Printed, published & owned by Sangem B Rama Krishna at Flat No. G1, Surabhi Heaven Apts. H.No. 2-2-10/A1, Opp. OU Gate, DD Colony, Hyderabad- 500 007. Printed at Karmik Press, APHB , Shop No. 35, OU Road, Vidyanagar Rama Krishna Sangem Telangana, India. RNI No: TELENG/2014/73881 Chief Editor Administrative office: Aditya Media Networks , Flat No. G1, Surabhi Heaven Apts. H.No. 2-2-10/A1, Opp. OU Gate, You can always reach us @ DD Colony, Hyderabad-500 007 www.excelindiaonline.com Phone: 92463 64326 Email: [email protected] EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 3 WHAT’S INSIDE

Vice President G-23 faces Kamala Devi identity Harris: crisis in A true trailblazer 07 21

Kamala may Koti run for Vruksharchana presidency How we made it in 2024 grand success 09 23

China and Dreams of Pakistan women play for time can come true with India 15 25

India’s space All eyes on plans begin Didi’s Bengal with a bang

17 27

Excel India Babus to leadership control meet at digital media Warangal grand success 19 29

4 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 COVER STORY Kamala to play a great role ahead US Vice President’s maternal uncle Gopalan Balachandran analyses her significant saga

Kamala Harris taking oath as US Vice President on January 20

California’s attorney general. January 2015 when Senator When she was elected a United Barbara Boxer announced that States senator in 2016, she she wouldn’t be running for became only the second Black reelection she felt “It would be an woman in the chamber’s history. opportunity to take the issues that As she explained in her book, she was driving forward in the ‘’, she has California to the national level very little interest in the title or and becoming a U.S.Senator perception of prestige of a job. would be a natural extension of Gopalan Balachandran “What mattered to me was the the work she was doing” She job”. In summer 2014, when she announced her candidacy for the amala Harris’s Vice was the Attorney general of senate seat. She won the senate Presidency will be significant California she was offered the post election in 2016. Almost fKor more than the simple reason of the Attorney General of US. She immediately, made a name for that she is the first woman and considered the offer and felt that herself in Washington with her woman of colour to be elected Vice under the circumstances there withering prosecutorial style in President of United States. After would not be sufficient time and Senate hearings, grilling her all a former San Francisco district resources for her to “create real adversaries in high-stakes attorney, she was elected as the reforms at the national level.” moments that at times went viral. first Black woman to serve as For the same reason, in It might be considered rather

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 5 COVER STORY strange that someone so immigration etc. So far her dedicated to devising and solo have focused heavily implementing social on COVID-19, such as programs at national level when she held a virtual should accept to be the vice listening session with president of US, which was African American mayors the butt of jokes of not only last week to discuss the comedians but vice presidents administrations' relief as well proposal. The vice p[resident’s However, as covid-19 active role in administrations and economic relief is changed in a fundamental brought under control way under the presidency of there is no reason to doubt Eisenhower. It reached a that the Biden/Harris peak under the presidency of administration will turn Obama when Biden was the their focus to domestic vice p[resident.In August issues where Kamala’s 2020, when Biden announced inputs will be valuable. his selection of Kamala as his Meanwhile, she has to running mate, and appeared Kamala Harris with President Joe Biden manage her role as the with heron stage he leader of the senate recounted how, when then-Sen. Kamala legislative actions-bill especially in times of tied votes. chose him as his etc- concentrated mainly in And unlike Biden, who over vice presidential running mate, "I domestic areas- welfare of two terms as vice president never told him I wanted to be the last children. Criminal law reforms, cast a tie-breaking vote in the person in the room before he made health care etc. She was quite Senate, Harris has already found the important decisions.”As vice active in sponsoring legislation herself needing to jump in twice president, Joe Biden oversaw an figuring in top quarter of sponsors and may have to do that again array of issues important to the in the senate. There is no doubt soon when the coronavirus relief Obama administration: she will be active in these areas in bill gets voted in Senate. implementing an economic the Biden administration. In addition it is extremely recovery act, shaping foreign However, asked in a recent s important that the coalition that policy from Iraq to Ukraine, and interview what her signature brought Biden to power - the Afro- strengthening cancer issue would be, replied she has one Americans and other minorities do research."That's what I asked focus: “Making sure Joe Biden is a not break up before the mid term Kamala," Biden said. "I asked success”. elections in 2022. Biden will have Kamala to be the last voice in the So far, however, she has spent to depend on Kamala heavily in room, to always tell me the truth, most of her time as vice president his efforts to maintain the which she will. Challenge my largely at Biden's side, ever coalition, given her strong roots to assumptions if she disagrees. Ask present with him at signing events the civil rights movement, her the hard questions. Because that's and speeches, watching and record in criminal justice and the way we make the best following his lead while only progressive views on immigration, decisions for the American starting to whittle away at a health care etc. people." separate portfolio for herself. That So all in all Kamala has her During Trump’s presidency, should not be surprising. work out but there is no doubt she the vice president’s role and At the moment the Biden will rise to the occasion and in four importance had been eroded administration’s main objective in years time a strong contender for substantially taking it to the time the domestic sphere is to control the presidential nomination of her of early presidents. There is no the Coronavirus pandemic, bring party! doubt that Kamala will not only relief to those affected by restore it to the level it played in unemployment under the (Gopalan Balachandran is the Obama/Biden administration pandemic environment, correcting a geo strategic expert and but take it to higher levels never the adverse impact of Trump international relations, based before seen in US history. administration in the areas of out of )

6 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 COVER STORY Vice President Kamala Devi Harris: A true trailblazer

US vice president and proudly of African American cultures, Asian and Jamaican/ African notably attending a reputable descent. Prior to this, she was historically black college, Howard. notably California’s first Indian- In 2014 at the age of 50, she is American to serve as District married to California attorney Attorney of San Francisco, . Given that Attorney General of California according to 2019 data from the and as a U.S. Senator. United US Census Bureau about 16% of States Vice President Kamala Americans get to their late 40s Dr. Pallavi Gowda Devi Harris is a true trailblazer. without ever having been married, Knowing VP Harris involves that makes her unique. eems most fitting to recognize knowing her roots both in the US It is evident that she United States Vice President and in India. She was born in questioned cultural norms by SKamala Devi Harris on Oakland, California to Shyamala remaining nulliparous and while International Women’s Day Gopalan Harris and Donald reaching her professional pinnacle (March 8, 2021)which serves to Harris. Her mother was an of success and she married celebrate social, economic, cultural immigrant from India someone who matched her and political achievements (specifically, ) and father intellectual and emotional level by ofwomen. She is a graduate of was an immigrant from Jamaica. marrying Mr. Douglas Emhoff Howard University and the They got married in 1963 after who is of Jewish descent. I respect University of California, Hastings meeting at a civil rights her for the diversity and unique College of the Law. The glass demonstration in California. They qualities that she brings forth that ceilings that she has shattered are divorced when Kamala was just 7. sends a powerful message that one numerous both professionally and VP Harris was taught to embrace can achieve anything that now personally. She is the first female both the Indian and Jamaican cultural or societal walls should

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 7 COVER STORY

forefathers, the might of her mother and her own professional experience. It is undeniable that she brings vast experience as a district attorney and as a US senator. As a district attorney, she has taken a firm stance on important issues such as death penalty, criminal justice reform, and hate/ cyberspace sex crimes. As a senator, she addressed climate change, healthcare, legalization of medical marijuana, path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, ban on assault weapons in schools, tax reform, abortion rights and placed strict rules on the truancy of elementary school children to limit you. There are women from University of Wisconsin, Sarala is name a few. I know that she will all walks of life who feel stronger a retired obstetrician, bring her intellectual abilities, just seeing her in such a powerful Mahalakshmi was an information leadership,strength and class. On position carrying herself with scientist who worked for the a lighter note, whether it is the intelligence, confidence, and grace. government in Ontario, Canada, sight of her enjoying masala dosa She has inspired little girls and and VP Harris’s mother with Mindy Kaling or lighting a women who are black and brown, Shyamalawho became a renowned Diya on Diwali at the White biracial, ones who are single older, cancer scientist. House, the feeling of immense nulliparous, in interracial On a personal note, I pride around the globe to have a marriages and those who took immigrated from India at a young woman of Indian origin nontraditional paths in life. age and am a professional single isundeniably heartwarming. On Being trailblazers is not a new mother of two who proudly served this International women’s day, it concept to the VP and I might the nation in the US Army. Just is my honor to celebrate all even say is the norm after like VP Harris, I am also the international women with a learning about her family in India. granddaughter of a freedom special gratitude for United They are a force to reckon with by fighter in , P.M. StatesVice President Kamala Devi being a powerhouse based on Chikkaboraiah of Mysore, Harris. May she have much academic achievements, public Karnataka. He was a lawyer, success in the years to come. service, and political activism. Her freedom fighter, professor, grandfather, P.V. Gopalanwas politician, but above all a Dr. Pallavi Gowda is a progressive beyond his time. He humanitarian. Similar to the VP’s medical doctor, U.S. army graduated from college and grandfather instilled upon me the veteran, certified Zumba became an Indian career civil importance of standing by instructor, current Ms. India- servant and served as Director of principles, leadership, hard work, DC 2nd runner-up and Relief Measures and Refugees in higher education and helping community activist who resides the federal Government of those less fortunate through in Maryland, USA. She served Zambia, following its numerous stories on long morning as a Chief Medical Officer in independence from Britain. He walks. Force Health Protection in was also the Joint Secretary to the As a mother with a daughter Fort Meade, Maryland. She Government of India. Largely and son, witnessing a Vice received numerous awards raised by their mother, Rajam: all President of the United States such as the National Defense four of their children were well- who has similar roots is awesome Service Medal, Global War on educated: G. Balachandran and inspiring to future Terrorism Service Medal, and obtained a PhD in economics and generations. I know with her the Army Superior Unit Award. computer science from the comes the strength of her

8 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 COVER STORY Kamala may run for presidency in 2024

office in the nineteen-sixties. due to divorce, raised her two Personally,I have encountered daughters as a single mother. It is racism, colorism, and sexism. All evident that Kamala gets her of these required me to put in resilience and confidence from her. extra effort to succeed in my Time and time career, but I believe sexism was again,it'sheartening to see the toughest to overcome. For this Kamala thank her mother reason, I am in awe of women like profusely.She has amore Indra Nooyi, former CEO of Pepsi; complicated relationship with her Mary Barra, CEO of General father, a professor emeritus at Keerthi Swamy Motors; and now,Kamala Harris. . In her Harris is the daughter ofhighly acceptance speech for the VP was ecstatic watching Kamala educated immigrant nomination, Kamala thanked her Harris‘ swearing in — by parents:, from entire family — except for him. Ianother accomplished woman of India, and Donald Harris, from While Kamala’s Black heritage ethnic heritage, Justice Sonia Jamaica. Gopalan, a cancer was determined by her father, it’s Sotomayor of the US Supreme researcher and civil rights activist her mother who instilled her with Court — as the first female, Black, who passed away in 2009, was a confidence in her mixed identity, Asian (Indian)-American Vice trailblazer. In 1958,when she was as well as the belief, that a woman President of my adopted country, only nineteen,she emigratedsolo to could achieve anything. USA.This was a long time the US to pursue her dream of Kamala was predominantly coming.Growing up in India, I achieving a doctorate in science. raised as an African American. greatly admired our own female This was no easy task, especially Unlike now, Indians growing up in Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira considering she had no family the sixties in Americawere not Gandhi who was elected to the support structure in the US, and encouraged to discover their

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 9 COVER STORY

Kamala Harris easily mingles with people culture. The emphasis was on first Black, and first South Asian two have grown to respect each fitting in, not standing out. What’s Americanelected District Attorney other. Even though Ms. Harris has more, the "one-drop rule," which of San Francisco and later, yet to be given a portfolio; she has means a single drop of "Black Attorney General of California.In a vital role in the US blood" makes a person a 2017, she became a United States Government.As the president of Black,was still prevalent in Senator from California. the evenly divided Senate, she America. Therefore, her mom In her twenties, Kamaladated wields considerable power to make judiciously raised her daughters to the former San Francisco Mayor the tiebreaking vote.As far as identify more with their Black Willie Brown,then in his sixties. India is concerned,just because roots, which helped Kamala They dated while he was she has Indian ancestry,Indians navigate the complexities of being estranged from his wife for a long should not expect her to support biracial.As a mother of three kids,I time.They split up after a India in all matters, as first and can somewhat relate to what controversial relationship filled foremost, her duty is toward her Shymala must have gone through. with allegations of cronyism that country, the US. Myhusband and Ihave tried to weren’t true. It occurs to me that It is apparent that Kamala inculcate our children with Indian a man would have been much less wants to become the president. culture. In the future, will they likely to be accused of such Every decade of her life she has continue to identify themselves as allegations, nor would anyone subconsciously or consciously Indian Americans or just question the integrity of a 60- continued to learn from her life Americans? While we dearly hope something-year-old man dating a experiences to prepare herself for they will retain their Indian much younger woman. She found this future role. And suppose heritage, their happiness is our real love much later in her life Biden, who will be 82 in the next main concern. when she met her now-husband, election, decides not to run,then To further explore her Black Doug Emhoff, an attorney and we might soon get to witnessthe heritage, Kamala chose to pursue father of two children whofondly first woman, Asian American and her undergraduate degree at call her “Mamala.” As someone female African American taking Howard University in DC, who always wanted to be a on the mantle of becoming the America's oldest historically Black mother, I wonder if Kamala felt president of the USA. Go Kamala! university. She then earned a law she had to forgo motherhood to (Author is a degree at the University of focus on her career. businesswoman, California.Soon, Kamala,who When she herself was entrepreneur, engineer, anda refers to herself as a "progressive apresidential candidate last year, volunteer. Originally from prosecutor," began breaking Kamala was critical of Joe Biden’s Bengaluru, shelives in barriers.She was the first woman, record on race relations. Still, the Washington DC)

10 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 COVER STORY Reason for Kamala as US VP Indian mother Shyamala

Elisha Pulivarti from Washinton DC

adam Kamala Harris honored her mother MShyamala Gopalan Harris’s legacy at Inauguration ceremony after oath taken as the Vice Presient of the United States. “I’ll be thinking about my mother,” Harris spoke. “But I feel a very big sense of responsibility, that I wll be the first, but I will not be the last. I was raised by a mother who said that to me all the time: Kamala, well, you may be the first to do many things—make sure you’re not the last.” And that’s how I feel about this moment.” Her mother Shyamala Gopalan passed away on February Kamala with mother Shyamala Gopalan 11, 2009 due to colon cancer in Oakland, California. But eleven gonna do about it?” Kamala write Chennai and also visited their’s years later, both of her daughters in a 2019 Instagram post. “So I family in Jamaica as they grew make clear that their mother’s decided to run for President after up. influence is constantly present in Gopalan’s divorce. she raised Without Dr. Shyamala, there their lives. Though I miss her Kamala and Maya mostly as a is no Kamala. Truly today, every day, I carry her with me single mother of United States.” Shyamal is the reason for Kamala wherever I go. I think of the Her mother a gifted breast cancer to be a Vice President of the battles she fought, the values she researcher and civil rights activist. United States. Kamala’s parents taought me, her commitment to Dr Shyamala Gopalan, born divorced when Kamal was 7 and improve health care for us all, in Chennai, , when Maya was 5 years. She raised both Harris said. “There is no title or she was 19 years old, She came Kamala and Maya mostly as a honor on earth I’ll treasure more to do her Ph.D in nutrition and single mother. Because of this than to say I am Shyamala endocrinolgy at the University of mother and daughtes developed Gopalan Harri’s daughter. As I California, Berkeley in 1958. In an incredibly close relationship, continue the battle for a better 1962 she met a student in one that Kamala still views as health care system, I do so in her economics from Jamaica Donald J. incredibly formative. “I am proud name.” “she was the kind of parent Harris and were friendly and got daughter of Indian mother who who if you came home married in 1963. Her mother took reminded us every day how complaining about something, her daughters to India several blessed we are to live in this she’d say “Well what are you times to visit her parents in country.” She goes on to recount

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 11 COVER STORY

Kamala Harris with grandparents how her hard-working mother Madam Kamala Harris,has deep foundation of the world. You are a taught her to be herself, and to be love, respect for her motherland. special and unique. God has a tough in the face of inequality and She proudly says that “I am the bigger purpose in mind for you. prejudice.” Kamala Harris hails as proud daughter of Indian mother God is going to lead you to your a “Daughter and Mother of India Shyamala Gopalan from Tamil destiny. He will point you in the soil” who became the first Vice Nadu, South India.” right direction and spur you on, President from Tamil Nadu, South March is celebrations of the step by step. Trust in the Lord India. International Women’s Day and and having faith in him. By Madam Kamala Harris is UN Theme for 2021-“Women in having a spirit of thankffulness . committed to promote deeper Leadership: Achieving an Equal By being prayerful instead of relationship between the United Future in a COVID-19 World.” prideful, humble instead of States and India in global This is our historic moment arrogant. By dedicating your life security, stability in Indo-Pacific and Madam Kamala Harris sown to serving citizens and others. region, economic prosperity into history. She is the first Today, Excel India -National through trade, Investment and woman, she is the first African, English News Magazine- honor people to people connectivity. First Asian and above all first Madam Kamala Harris, first There are more than 4 million Indian American. God says that Indian American Vice President of strong Indian American diaspora Before I formed you in the Indian the United States. We also who are a tremondous source of Mother’s Womb, I knew you by dedicate this month magazine to strenth for the Partnership and name and before you were born, I mother India -Dr. Shyamala economic development of our consecrared you as the Vice Gopalan Harris, a world-renowed nations. India is close to heart. President of the United States. Scientist and her dedication, There are more than 25 Indian God already knew your name and devoation and commitment for Americans are high level postions date of birth and your mother’s cancer research. We are in the Biden-Harris name. God had already mapped committed to promote Dr. administration, including out your entire genetic code. Every Shyamal Gopalan Harris President speech writer is India hair on your head is numbered, Memorial lectures on Cancer and American. Madam Kamala Harris says the Gospel— and was Healthcare in India. India will be values strong U.S.-India ties. numbered before the very next Innovation SuperPower..

12 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 CLEAR VIEW /SRIDEVI GADE

Let’s keep talking of women achievers

ast time I spoke about fact and carving their way globally recognized out of these complicated Lwomen achievers of India, webs of ideas, is one big were to a group of young reason why we need to and brilliant final year keep discussing and engineering girls, students. talking about them. Even On one hand it was easy today despite so many since there are no dearth of women achievers there is world renowned and talk about whether or not famous women achievers in women are capable, India, but on the other society divided with some hand to list out and speak saying women today are about, on each meant hours empowered, or getting of talking and may be still empowered, while there not able to finish. are still others who So, I decided to make Miss India Manasa Vaaranasi simply don’t agree and my own filter and picked them who’s feat and continue to maintain the women are still achievements I thought were one of their own backward in almost all the areas. kind, unique in their field, and who’s achievements And it is precisely this reason, it is vital we were path breaking, revolutionary, breaking the continue to speak of women success so and glass ceiling so to speak. One that set as an emphasize to all women we are better than example to womenkind across the world, and anybody. Their success stories would continue to specially them who came from very humble inspire to present and future women generations background. Even that list was long. in that as long as you believe in yourself and have Somehow I was not quite up to repeating the courage you will most definitely break the shackles same and wanted to take the conversation and fearlessly move forward in pursuit of forward. I mean anyone can do a google, and get achieving your dream, and glory. list, names, news and articles about women Another important remembering women achievers from India, world, with their achievers is that they remind how they have accomplishments, achievements awards and successfully broken stereotypes and have stood up recognition etc. So, what’s big about talking of and for their rights and their achievements shall serve about them. as an inspiration to both men and women, having So I thought to take it a step forward and displayed exemplary talent in their respective question the very purpose of such write, as to why fields. speak, hear, and write about such great (women) Plus, their valour, gallantry and their grit shall achievers? what purpose talking about them continue to remind every women that they have it would serve? in them all the qualities and attributes and There is a reason, an important reason …for character to achieve any greatness. centuries women have been told that they are I shall keep talking of, about women achievers inferior and weaker to men, so much that at this and hope one day in my list I shall have the honour point, it has become an expectation rather than a to speak of yours...

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 13 MY VIEW / ARUNA RAVIKUMAR

Let’s script our own destiny

t is that time of the year when encomiums are Ethiopia, Germany, Finland, Iceland, Slovakia showered on women achievers and every and New Zealand headed by women leaders have Iorganisation worth its salt is frantically listing gained wide recognition for their quick, effective, out different fields where women have excelled decisive and compassionate response in ranging from the mundane to the uncommon. stemming the tide of the pandemic. Yet, we are Never mind the reality, the raging domestic very far away from that equal world as the violence, sexual-abuse and lopsided figures pandemic has shown how women are unsafe and emerging from gender prone to abuse even bias in every sphere or within the precincts of the observation of the their homes. Achievers at World Economic Forum different levels are that gender equality with therefore precious role relation to political models who need to help empowerment for women the vast majority of is at least a century women realise their away. The fact that some potential, believe in countries like Canada themselves and work with a gender equal towards removing cabinet are fast getting baseless prejudices that there and there are have subjugated them for increasing number of far too long. nations headed by women leaders who are taking We have come a long way since khertek the world by storm make women’s day Anchima Toka of the mostly unrecognized and celebrations meaningful and perhaps focus on now defunct Republic of Tuvan became the first role models worth emulating. The Covid 19 head of the state in 1940. Numerous powerful pandemic which has been an eye opener in more women leaders have emerged since then and a ways than one has also brought into focus the powerful nation like the United States which has tremendous efforts by women and girls around sadly lagged behind many poorer and humbler the world in shaping a more equal future and nations in this respect finally has a woman vice recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic. The president in Kamala Harris perhaps signaling theme announced by UN women for the the winds of change sweeping the world. International women’s day celebrated on March “If you just set out to be liked, you would be 8th “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal prepared to compromise on anything at any time future in a COVID 19 world” aligns with and you would achieve nothing” Britain’s first priorities of eliminating all forms of violence female prime minister and Iron lady Margaret against women and ensuring that they have Thatcher’s powerful words are far too valuable every opportunity to assume leadership roles to be ignored. I would want all women to stop faster than envisaged. putting themselves up for judgement and realise The pandemic has in a way brought the that life is what we make of it. Why should we spotlight on women leaders and their ability to always follow a written script when we can script lead effectively. Countries like Denmark, our own destiny?

14 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 NO COMPLACENCY China and Pakistan play for time with India India can’t trust de-escalation moves by neighbours on the borders

De-escalation of troops at Ladakh

of China. Since the 1950s, India have been worrisome to the has lost territory to the PRC, Chinese side, which is already which of course claims that what buffetted with protectionism and it took control over was its own tariffs on its trade with the US. territory, and that much more of Even EU countries are coming what it (wrongly) claims to be around to the view that the Prof. M D Nalapat Chinese territory is still in the intention of the Chinese side is to control of India. At the same yime replace their national champions n the past, whenever another of as this has been happening, the with PRC substitutes. Reverse the several hundred "de- authorities in Beijing have sought engineering and acquisition by Iescalation" and "confidence to increase the volume of exports various means of technology have building" measures agreed upon to India, such that the balance of resulted in China being only a few between India and its neighbours trade has been overwhelmingly in years away from competing with the PRC and Pakistan was signed, Beijing's favour for decades. The European states in key fields such there was rejoicing that "peace" second highest trade deficit with as automobiles and aircraft. In the had come at last. Soon afterwards, China after that of the US vests field of Artificial Intelligence and that dream would evaporate in with India. Only after the May in telecom, the Chinese now are fresh transgressions by either of 3,2020 move by the PLA into fresh close to leading the world. PRC the two countries. In the case of Indian territory in Ladakh did the companies need the Indian Pakistan, these were mostly on policy of decoupling commerce market as well as meta data the border, and involved the from the border situation change secured through apps and telecom ceaseless efforts of the Pakistan substantially. Prime Minister from the other 1.3 billion army to push terrorists across the Narendra Modi ordered a ban on population country. frontier so that they could create several PRC apps, and put in The PRC is eager to ensure mayhem in Jammu & Kashmir place restrictions on the that India not sign any more and in other states in India. On sanctioning of investment from defense agreements with the US the Chinese side, the the PRC, which is now regarded as (such as part-producing advanced transgressions involved a series of a country in the same bracket as US weapons platforms in India. moves by the PLA that sought to Pakistan where hostility to India They are looking to the expand the territory in the control is concerned. The steps on trade installation of the Russian S-400

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 15 NO COMPLACENCY

India should be alert on the borders

air defense system in India and The need to delay fresh offensives In the case of Pakistan, it expect that once this is fully until a more propitious moment is would prefer to attack India operational, interest in the reason why Beijing has agreed together with China. If the latter Washington to make Delhi a to a de-escalation on the border, seeks a delay in such a move, so defense and security partner will without at the same time budging will Pakistan, which is in no wane. At the same time, they are from its stance that there is no condition to fight on its own working their contacts in border, not even a Line of Actual against India. GHQ Rawalpindi is Washington to ensure not just a Control, but just an undefined also wary, as is the Central cease fire but an end to the trade boundary that the PLA seeks Military Commission and the war that was declared by constantly to push forward into. PLA, at the relationship that has President Donald J Trump on the The agreement that was signed developed between the US and Peoples Republic of China. They will therefore be temporary. Indian militaries. It would like to expect that the many friends they Should the PLA occupy the wait until ( as hoped) the Biden have in the US establishment will locations vacated by the Indian administration warms up to China ensure that by the close of the side under the agreement, there and cools towards India. As a year, President Biden will in effect would be immediate repercussions consequence, Pakistan too has end the trade war. It is therefore within India. It may be joined Beijing in seeking a likely that the PLA is playing for remembered that the Pakistan temporary cooling of hostilities time for it to regroup and rebuild army stealthily occupied during against India. PM Modi will be its forces and for the international 1998 the heights in Kargil that fully aware of this, as will the very situation to turn hostile to India were vacated by Prime Minister A competent Chief of Army Staff and favourable to China for the B Vajpayee on the understanding General M M Naravane. While PLA to resume offensive that they would not be occupied by Modi will focus on strengthening operations against the Indian Pakistan. Later the heights were defense cooperation with the US, armed forces at the border. The won back after a conflict where thereby dashing the expectations campaign motivated by GHQ precious lives were lost. Should of China and Pakistan that India- Rawalpindi of painting Modi and the Chinese occupy the heights US ties will cool, General India in the blackest of hues is that the Indian military is Naravane will ensure that the geared towards turning public reported to have withdrawn from mistake (of misreading the opinion in the US and the EU under the disengagement plan, intentions of the adversary) made away from focus on Tibet and that would e a repeat of what took in Kargil during 1998 does not get Xinjiang and towards Kashmir place at Kargil during the repeated. Vigil will be constant on and conditions in India once again. Vajpayee period the border. .

16 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 BATTLE FOR STATES All eyes on Didi’s Bengal BJP should win Bengal Assembly to prove its power at the national level

Can Mamata Banerjee evoke sympathy?

Elections are scheduled to be cultural icons, who still has a held in four states – , considerable fan following across Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the State, has added spice to the the Union Terrirory of election campaigning in the state. Puducherry. Voting for five However, some also feel that his Navtan Kumar assembly elections will begin on association (with the BJP) may 27 March while counting of votes not be long lasting given his past. will be done on 2 May. The West He had been a supporter of the ith the battle lines drawn in Bengal assembly has 294 seats, the poll-bound states, Tamil Nadu 234 seats, Kerala 140 (Marxist), after which he Wpolitical parties have intensified seats, and Assam 126 seats. The campaigned for the TMC, their campaign in order to woo the Union Territory of Puducherry following which he was sent to the voters. While the BJP strives to has 33 (3 nominated) seats in the Rajya Sabha with the support of retain power in Assam, it is assembly. the TMC. On the other hand, hoping to make some gains in Political atmosphere has several Trinamool Congress MLAs Tamil Nadu with the help of its hotted up in Bengal after and leaders, who were denied a ‘senior partner’ AIADMK. On the Bollywood actor Mithun ticket, are joining joined the BJP. other hand, the ruling Left Chakraborty joined the saffron Election campaign in the state Democratic Front (LDF), headed brigade, starting his new political took a twist after the alleged by Chief Minister Pinarayi journey with a new dialogue “Ek ‘attack’ on Mamata Banerjee. The Vijayan, looks confident of chobol chobi” (death in one strike). West Bengal CM was rushed to retaining the Kerala fort. Interestingly, Chakraborty was SSKM Hospital in after However, it is the battle in West once close to Mamata Banerjee she was ‘attacked’ while Bengal which has generated and a Rajya Sabha MP of the TMC campaigning in Nandigram hours significant public interest across before he resigned from the Upper after she filed her nomination. She the country, where Trinamool House in 2016. claimed that she was heckled by a Congress (TMC) chief and state Political observers feel that few men while she was interacting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entry of Mithun Chakraborty, with locals in Birulia Bazar, East is seeking her third term. being one of the West Bengal’s Midnapore..

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 17 BATTLE FOR STATES

Will Stalin come to power this time?

United Democratic Front (UDF), place on 27 March, 1 April and 6 In Tamil Nadu, M K Stalin-led led by Congress, has not been able April, while the results will be DMK has signed the seat-sharing to put its house in order. The declared on 2 May. Chief Minister agreement with CPI(M) and Congress suffered a major setback Sarbanand Sonowal is confident of allotted them six seats. In total, when one of the senior most a BJP victory once again. The the DMK has allotted 54 seats to leaders P.C. Chacko resigned. Congress and the AIUDF had its allies. Congress has received 25 The elections have become forged the mahajot or grand seats, other allies VCK, CPI, CPI interesting with the entry of alliance along with six other (M), MDMK have received 6 each. ’Metroman’ E Sreedharan into the parties, including the BJP’s The DMK has released its BJP. At a rally being attended former ally Bodoland People’s manifesto promising to revive the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Front with an aim to oust the BJP. economy, improve agriculture and he said he was ready to take up In Puducherry, leaders of the farming productivity, focus on any responsibility given to him by Congress and its ally DMK are health and education, urban and the party. “I am still energetic and holding seat-sharing talks. rural development and, abolition want to utilise my energy for However, the opposition front is of manual scavenging. Stalin has Kerala. Whatever responsibility is clueless about the shape of the also promised a Rs 1000 monthly given to me I will take it up with alliance. In the 2016 elections, the allowance to homemakers with all courage and energy,” Congress had contested 21 seats ration cards. Sreedharan said at the concluding and won 15 while the DMK On the other hand, ruling function of Vijay Yatra taken out bagged two of the nine seats it was AIADMK has released a list of by BJP state president K allotted by the alliance leader. candidates for 171 constituencies. Surendran from Kasaragod to Former Chief Minister, V. The party also released names of Thiruvananthapuram. Elections Narayansamy, whose government 20 constituencies where the BJP in the state will be held on 6 April. collapsed last month after a series will contest. S Ramadoss-led PMK In Assam, while the BJP is of desertions by MLAs, claimed which is in alliance with both the seeking a second term on the basis the alliance was strong and people parties has been given 23 of its governance record of Chief will teach a lesson to the BJP-led Assembly segments. Minister Sarbanand Sonowal, the NDA for its "undemocratic style of The ruling Left Democratic Congress is raising the issue of functioning". He also alleged that Front (LDF), headed by Chief identity politics and the that the BJP in collusion with the Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Citizenship Amendment Act AINRC and AIADMK had appears to be in a comfortable (CAA) in the State. The three "toppled his democratically elected position in Kerala. The Opposition phase voting in the State will take government.".

18 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 OPINION /MADABHUSHI SRIDHAR

Babus to control digital media

he Information Technology Act, Section 79 Besides, the Programme Code under the Cable provided that the intermediaries are not liable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 is also Tfor the content generated by users. The text is, “an mandatory. These guidelines also require intermediary shall not be liable for any third-party streaming services to classify content based on its information, data, or communication link made nature and type. For example, the content “for available or hosted by him.” This immunity is persons aged 16 years and above and can be made subject to adherence of rules made by the viewed by a person under the age of 16 years with Government. Using this authority, the parental guidance shall be classified as U/A 16+ Government came up with this regulation that etc. Thus, the platform owners will have to classify almost empties the immunity. The Information their content according to different age groups: “U” Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital or universal rating, and others for 7+, 13+, 16+ and Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 are basically then 18+ age. “Intermediary Rules”, it replaced the earlier This cleverly designed regulatory cover, control Information Technology (Intermediaries and compel every publisher of news and current guidelines) Rules, 2011. affairs on digital platforms and the video Minister called it ‘soft touch regulation’ but streaming services to depend on or fear the criticised as wolf in watchdog clothing. Over the Secretaries of the Ministries. These officers are Top video streaming platforms are now under in empowered to receive and deal with ethical issues three-tiers-regulation. First tier is self-regulation and compliance of code, which includes “Norms of by the platform. The second tier involves a body of journalistic conduct” developed by Press Council. content publishers evolving ‘regulation’ headed by It is also mandated that ‘content which is retired Judge of high Court or Supreme Court. The prohibited under any law for the time being in judge will have to be appointed from a panel force shall not be published or transmitted’. The prepared by the ministry, and have up to six other Committee was given extra ordinary powers to members, who can be experts from the field of summon media persons, to admonish, censure and media, broadcasting, technology, and direct the to remove or block the content. entertainment. And the third is under the name of The Centre has, not indirectly, but directly ‘oversight’, the Ministers, their Inter- brought news media on digital platform under its Departmental Committee with secretaries take control. It says that the newspapers and their e- overall control on the entire media without papers are exempted but their content in exception including the print media being non-e-paper form makes them publisher of digital controlled through their digital versions. media of news and current affairs. As every print They impose an obligation on social media and and tv news organization has a digital version, all other platforms to assist investigative agencies. thus these guidelines will subject them to new Now the Google, Facebook, Twitter etc should governmental regulation additionally. appoint officers to deal with grievances and The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), a compliance of rules, who will be designated as digital liberties organisation, criticised that this as ‘liable’ officer for legal requirements. They should “excessive governmental control over digital news also appoint a nodal- contract person for and OTT content”. coordination with law enforcement agencies for (Writer is former Central Information 24x7 hours. Commissioner)

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 19 HEART BEATS : D r. PRIYEN KANTILAL SHAH

WHAT IS HEART FAILURE

eart failure” (HF) makes it sound like the heart is no longer working at all and there’s “noHthing that can be done. However, it denotes that heart cannot keep up with its workload and the oxygen demand cannot be met for needs. The normal heart is a strong, muscular pump a little larger than a fist. The heart has 4 chambers Left and Right Atria and Ventricles.A wall, called a septum, separates into Left and Right side of the heart hence, there is no mixing of the oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood.Heart pumps blood continuously through the whole body. HF to occur can take yearsto developand is alsocalled congestive heart failure when fluid builds up in various parts of the body - causing swelling infeet, ankles and legs. This is called “edema.” Fluid accumulating in lungs and is called “pulmonary edema.” HF occurs in adults due to effects of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, past heart attacks, low blood haemoglobin, medication used in treatment for cancer or leukemia and disease on Listen to your heart heart valves and many more, also can occur in new-borns, infants, toddlers andteenagers for too slow often requires a pacemaker, if pump other reasons also. failure is caused by irreversible muscle damage, In infants, heart failure often presents with heart function may not improve with medication breathing trouble, poor feeding, poor growth, but may continue to get worse. In this situation, a excessive sweating, takes longer time to feed or special electro mechanical pump – called Left becomes uninterested in feeding after a short time VentricleAssist Device (LVAD), ECMO and too rapid a heartbeat, parents may feel the (extracorporeal membrane oxygenator) may be rapid heartbeat through the chest wall. necessary to improve heart pump function In adults it presents as shortness of breath, temporarily. If heart muscle function continues to especially when lying down, tired, run-down deteriorate despite therapy, the heart specialist feeling, coughing or wheezing, swelling in feet, may discuss the need for a heart ankles and legs, weight gain due to fluidbuild-up. transplant.Successful treatment depends on Heart failure can get worse if it’s not treated. willingness to get involved in managing the Since heart failure has different causes and condition. The loved ones and the caregivers all outcomes, it’s important to recognize how it’s play an active role as part of the healthcare team. diagnosed treated and even cured in younger children and in adults. (Columnist is Consultant Cardiologist, Pump failure or HF caused by heartbeat that’s Care Hospital, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad)

20 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 GROUPISM IN CONGRESS G-23 faces identity crisis in Congress

Rebel Congress leaders stare at an uncertain future

the party from top to bottom in its birth to G23. activities and fair election of Congress is apparently once national president. Consequently, again on brink of division. This Sonia and Rahul Gandhi strip time it’s G23 which has emerged majority of G23 veterans of their as dissenting lot. The party's Yogesh Mishra key roles and responsibilities and golden era ended way back with decide to replace dissenting assassination of Indira Gandhi in ear 2014. BJP led NDA posts seasoned faces with obsequious 1984. The last trace of party's landslide victory in general ones in the parliament. While charisma vanished in just five Yelection. PM Narendra Modi rolls changes in BJP from one years in 1989 when Rajiv Gandhi out new rule for his cabinet and generation to other appeared failed to get clear mandate in pegs 75 as maximum age for graceful and natural, the demand general election. The voices of ministerial berth. Then comes for change brought turmoil in dissent in party had started Amit Shah as new BJP chief in Congress. growing when Rajiv Gandhi was July 2014. He too ensures greater The big difference between calling the shots. From role for youngsters and mentor’s BJP and Congress is a trust factor. Vishwanath Pratap Singh to role for veterans. The party In BJP, trust is a two-way street. Sharad Pawar, Congress conveys clear message that The transition in BJP from Atal- witnessed massive outflow of its veterans over 75 won’t get ticket Advani period to Modi-Shah era is senior cadres from late 80s to in any form of election. The testimony to the fact that the 1999. Congress, instead of introspecting party transparently offers equal The G23 veterans led by its drubbing, accuses Modi-Shah growth opportunity to all Ghulam Nabi, Anand Sharma and duo of sidelining veterans like LK karyakartas. In Congress, trust is Kapil Sibal are in no mood to quit Advani. Cut to August 2020. G23 a missing element. The leadership party in near future. Instead, they (or Group 23) veterans in rewards sycophants and keeps want complete revamp in the Congress write letter to Sonia critics at bay. It is this habit of organizational structure and Gandhi and urge to bring distrust inherited by the party’s continuous and greater say in the transparency and democracy in first family that eventually gave party. They don’t trust Rahul

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 21 GROUPISM IN CONGRESS

Gandhi. They don’t want Rahul to be projected as PM candidate in 2024 Lok Sabha polls. They are aware of Sonia Gandhi’s heath conditions. They doubt Pryanka Vadra’s capabilities. They really want to bail out Congress from dynasty rule so that a new and deserving leader could take on Modi-Shah combine in next parliamentary elections. Sonia Gandhi and her coterie can’t think beyond Rahul for party president post and PM candidature. The irony in Congress is you can’t even dream of becoming party president or PM candidate, howsoever qualified and eligible you are, as all your credentials would be termed nugatory when compared to Rahul Gandhi’s lineage. The party would also consider your aspirations as treason. The G23 wants to remove the label of private limited Can they tackle rebellion in the party? company from their grand old party. Unfortunately, Congress Modi and how Anand Sharma Priyanka pertaining to his full has a history of showing doors to minced no words in criticizing time role in party for decade 2021- those who have demanded change Congress for forging alliance with 2030. The siblings wanted power in leadership. Muslim cleric Abbas Sidiqui’s transfer from mother to son Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have Indian Secular Front in West silently with no interference from already expressed their Bengal and termed it selective in Sonia sena. displeasure against G23’s loud fighting communalists. Kapil Sonia Gandhi is ready to presence in public. Yes, they have Sibal is another veteran whose compromise party’s fate for Rahul started revamping the party, but continuous outcry against the who is least bothered who remains in their own way, not as G23 party and leadership in public has in or who quits the party. His suggested. They first tried to disappointed Sonia and Rahul attitude has changed after 2019 divide G23 veterans by giving Gandhi. Lok Sabha polls. He felt no significant assignments to a few in It is now direct fight between remorse when his close friend five poll bound states and in the G23 and Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Jyotiraditya Scindia left Congress. organization while ignoring the is a deciding factor. The recent He dealt Sachin Pilot’s angry- others. Ghulam Nabi Azad paid development in organizational with-Ashok Gahlot-drama and the price of their ire first as he was structure shows Sonia can’t go seemingly threat-to-quit-party compelled to bid adieu to Rajya against Rahul’s wish. Not long ago cold heartedly. Suddenly G23 Sabha when the party refused to when Rahul had tendered veterans, who were once party’s resend him to the Upper House. resignation and senior cadres most revered leaders, have become Anand Sharma was second target comprising G23 veterans had thorn in flesh of Sonia and Rahul. who was denied elevation from urged Sonia to take the party From here, the G23 members, who party’s deputy leader to leader of baton. That was the time when surrender, will have to lead opposition in Rajya Sabha. Sonia’s coterie, having big chunk Sachin Pilot-like life in the party The party is closely watching of G23 veterans, was too strong for while others would have to pack activities of G23 veterans. It is Rahul to defy with his ordinary up and seek opportunity in other counting how Ghulam Nabi Azad political acumen. He then had parties, may be BJP, as has been praised softened his tone towards series of meetings with Sonia and the trend since 2014..

22 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 BY INVITATION Koti Vriksharchana How we made it grand success

Selfie with CM KCR on his birthday

thank every one of you. a basic amenity that should be It is no secret that Green India made available irrespective of the Challenge was inspired by place we are residing. I grew up in TelanganakuHarita Haram aimed a village, where pure water and at spreading the green cover and pollution free environment were fighting environmental pollution. like our birth right but why are we As a public servant, I strongly missing the same in urban areas? Santosh Kumar Joginapally, MP believe that we all, including the Well, there might be many general public should be part of reasons, but we should not deny each government initiate for a all that happiness and health to irst things first. Before I write collective growth and it was the our next generation kids. Green further about the tremendous prime reason behind Green India India Challenge gained intense sFuccess, we received for Challenge. In other words, when momentum in the last one year KotiVruksharchana – planting of we include every citizen in the and despite the lockdown, it 1 crore saplings across noble projects, it surely leads to moved on relentlessly and is Hyderabad, various cities in the accountability, responsibility and continuing to do so. country and in around 52 it eventually turns into a primary When it comes to Green India countries as a part of Honourable right of one and all. Challenge, I always dreamt of Chief Minister of Telangana Sri Speaking about rights -clean doing it at a much larger scale KCR garu’s birthday – let me and pollution free environment is forcreating a lot more awareness

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 23 BY INVITATION and what more could be the And there is more to this best occasion than my Hero, good news. Our efforts found Guru and Mentor KCR a place in Vishwaguru World garu’s birthday. The Record and is widely written moment I proposed to have in vernacular, national and KotiVruksharchana, every international media. Other one of us in the TRS party, day, I met honourable vice- team, friends, associates president and Rajya Sabha experienced palpable Chairman Sri Venkaiah excitement in making this a Naidu garu and gave him the huge success. copy of VrukshaVedam. A lot of brain storming He enthusiastically learnt was done, ideas poured, about Green India Challenge, discussions lasted till very KotiVruksharchana and late in the nights and we left appreciated all our no stone unturned in endeavours. The vice- achieving our goal. All president while flipping thanks to the party workers, through the pages, supporters, environment reminisced about his and nature lovers – we could childhood, the greenery then, spread the word in no time agriculture andof course left and the response was in awe of the scenic beauty unbelievably encouraging. pictures of Telangana. People from various cities in Believe it or not, the WhatsApp Reciting a shloka from Goutama the country and from abroad number allotted for Green India Dharma Sastra from the book, he started enquiring on how to take Challenge received more than 70 said, “One who cuts trees without part in this amazing moment and lakh messages crashing the device any purpose will suffers on be a part of KCR Garu’s birthday and that itself is a testimony of the account of lack of life- breath.” celebrationsfor giving him the love people have for KCR garu. KCR garu, Venkaiah Naidu most memorable gift in the form of It surprised me that people garu and many more elders plants. Even as the huge response actually did homework on the irrespective of the parties, started trickling down, we started variety of plants that would religions, communities lauded talking to district in-charges, require by the Mother Earth in Green India Challenge and village heads, even apartment saving this environment. Many blessed us to move forward. secretaries and they all agreed in chose to go for fruit saplings while And what’s more? On the very unison. raavi (peepal), vepa (neem) plants next day of It is not just individuals but were also put in extensively. KotiVruksharchanathe city of corporate companies, NGOs, Reason: If fruit trees grow, not Hyderabad has been recognized as media houses, teenagers, children just us but our future generations “Tree City” of the World by Arbor and everyone irrespective of the too will derive benefit out of it, Foundation. This is an honour age group took part in it. while trees like raavi and vepa which Hyderabad received along Finally, on February 17, there give more oxygen back to the earth side 119 countries in the world was a sort of adrenaline rush in all than the intake of carbon dioxide, and the first city in Southern Asia of us and huge excitement was all kill viruses in the air making all of to achieve this. around. It all started at 10 am us healthier. Few went for plants Before I conclude, last but not sharp as planned. KTR garu, that would match their respective least – my special thanks to Kavitha garu along with their birth stars. KCR garu chose to Karunakar, Raaghava and families planted saplings and from plant Rudraksha tree as a symbol Kishore for all their time, work that moment, the mobile number of divinity, prosperity and blessing and meticulous planning without which we dedicated for Green to the state. The happiest moment which it wouldn’t have happened. India Challenge kept buzzing with was when he deeply appreciated It means we have work harder, pictures, videos of people sharing the efforts of all of us and his kind chart a better route and chalk out the activity from everywhere in words encourage me to do more plans for the Green India the world. such events in future. Challenge to continue forever. .

24 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 WOMEN POWER Dreams of women

Today’s wcomaenn are ecxcoellinmg in aell f ietldrs inu dife ferent ways

NASA’s Dr Swathi Mohan symbolises today’s Indian women

page. “Every day through our resolve to overcome them. The thoughts and actions, and in the appointment of Nagozi Okonjo – way we lead, talk, question and Iweala, the first woman and act, we challenge norms, African as director general of the transform habits, change laws, World Trade Organization (WTO) ARUNA RAVIKUMAR take action and inspire others to a few days ahead of “International create a world without gender Women’s Day” and her pragmatic discrimination.” The world’s most approach to her job augur well reams have no gender and so powerful nation, the United States making gender inconsequential. do achievements. Breaking of America may have lagged Although women as heads of state Dstereotypes and claiming victories behind humbler nations in having remain a minority they have that place them in echelons female leadership but in its first displayed tremendous qualities of beyond gender considerations female Vice-President Kamala leadership during the pandemic. many women all over the world Harris many can draw hope and Changing political fortunes and are making this statement a inspiration remembering the oft the rough and tumble of politics credible observation that will quoted and extremely popular hasn’t deterred their spirit. In hopefully close in on the gender words of her mother Shyamala Myanmar we have Aung San Suu gap much faster than estimated or Gopalan. “You may be the first but Kyi back to confinement after envisioned. Generation Equality you will not be the last”. being deposed in a military coup Forum, convened by UN women All over the world women are despite securing 83% mandate for operates with the knowledge that exploring new frontiers sending National League for Democracy. gender equality is still a distant critics and detractors into stunned Her struggle through the dream with action rarely silence through the sheer power of tumultuous political developments matching rhetoric and has these achievement. The obstacles that under the shadow of the military beautiful thoughts posted on its they face have only hardened their has been long and unending. Back

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 25 WOMEN POWER

Myanmarese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is another global woman of substance home a Mamata Banerjee Karidhal Srivatsava, Muthayya ” At 14, I boarded the train described as the Bengal tigress is Vanita and many others. Clearly from my village and left for fighting to retain power giving space has been yielded. . I didn’t know where it every male politician a run for his Mona Elthawy activist, would lead me but I know I was money. Whether you like or dislike feminist and author in her book meant to achieve great things.” their style or stand in politics we “The Seven Necessary Sins for Femina Miss India Runner up have more and more women in the Women and Girls” calls for a Manya Singh’s post on her political fray. revolution and contextually journey right up to the fairy tale It was a woman’s voice that suggests seven qualities of anger, ending with the crown on her head rang out loud and clear and attention, profanity, ambition, is stuff that dreams are made of. announced ‘Touchdown confirmed, power, violence and lust as pre- Part time jobs, extreme poverty, Perseverance safely on the surface requisites for women calling them and rejected auditions did not of Mars’ as NASA’s Rover, sins as they have so far been the deter the young lady who received Perseverance landed on the provenance of men. “The unstinted support from her auto surface of Mars not long ago. Dr, revolution does not begin in the driver father and beautician Swati Mohan the American middle. The middle is too mother. She now treads the path Indian scientist whose childhood comfortable, and too invested, in of success as a confident Diva. Her admiration for the television show the status quo” she states. awe inspiring success is the ‘Star Trek” led her to dream about Whether it is for women’s rights, triumph of the human spirit ever finding new and beautiful places climate change, or freedom for enduring, persevering and on the universe ultimately their nation, the role of female working towards making dreams manifested in her pivotal role in activists has been humungous. a reality. the Mars mission 2020 as The arrest of 22 year old Disha We know that the suffering of Guidance, Navigation and Ravi on charges of sedition and women and girls in a patriarchal Controls Operation Lead. the killing of Human rights society continues unabated and Associated with the project since activist Karima Baloch who that there are still countless its inception in 2013, the lady has relentlessly fought for the freedom victims of gender discrimination been garnering attention for her of Balochistan from Pakistan all around us. However with more bindi and Indian origin along with highlighting human rights empowered women claiming their appreciation for the towering violations outline the dangers rightful place in society, we get accomplishment of her team. This associated with activism and nearer to the goal of a achievement once again brings reiterate the fact that associating discrimination free society. The focus on eminent Indian women with a cause can be a choice that path is long and winding but scientists like Tessy Thomas, Ritu women make. surely we will get there..

26 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 UNLIMITED SPACE India’s space plans begin with a bang

so far. private industry. In addition to the commercial The launch of ‘Satish Dhawan satellites, the ISRO also sent into Satellite’ by Space Kidz India, space a copy of the Bhagwad Gita Chennai to study weather and and a photo image of Prime long range communication Somasekhar Mulugu Minister, Narendra Modi. "The technologies is a positive satellite is in very good health," momentum. UNITY sat is a ISRO Chairman K. Sivan said combination of 3 satellites ndia’s space ambitions to get a after the launch. designed and built by Jeppiaar larger pie in the multi billion The successful launch gives a Institute of Technology, Idollar space launch business boost to Brazil’s space programme Sriperumpudur (JITsat), G. H. began with a bang in 2021. After a as it’s their first, fully developed, Raisoni College of Engineering, pause during 2020 due to the earth observation satellite. There Nagpur (GHRCEsat) and Sri COVID19 induced pandemic, the were also two Indian payloads— Shakthi Institute of Engineering Indian Space Research ‘Satish Dhawan’ satellite and and Technology, Coimbatore (Sri Organisation ( ISRO) on Sunday ‘UNITYsat’ and 12 SpaceBEEs Shakthi Sat). smoothly placed 19 satellites from from the US. However, one disappointment Brazil, US and India. Interestingly, it is the first for the “PSLV-C51 launch was The Brazilian Earth commercial mission of NewSpace that the country’s first commercial observation satellite, Amazonia-1, India Limited (NSIL), an private remote-sensing satellite the biggest & main payload soared undertaking under the ‘Anand’ from Pixxel India, the to space aboard the Polar Satellite Department of Space. It also kick Bengaluru based startup did not Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the starts the efforts of Indian start make it. Pixxel India had unveiled Satish Dhawan Space Port in ups and private sector plans to develop and launch Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It participation in Space. The Union constellation of earth observation was the 53rd flight for PSLV, the Government announced new satellites. ‘Workhorse’ with an enviable initiatives since June 2019 While India has done record of just a couple of failures opening up space sector to Indian extremely well with its PSLV

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 27 UNLIMITED SPACE

PM Modi pats ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan rocket placing payloads (satellites) alteast. To gain competitive edge, next few decades. The Union Govt upto 1.5 tonnes into the near orbit the costs of per kg of payload, has has been proactive in its and generating business, the big to be lowered. At present with its encouragement so far. But, will money is in the launch of heavier high volume launches Space X has the bureaucracy facilitate ease of payloads into the GTO ( been able to bring down costs to going things and enough money Geostationary Transfer Orbit). around $3000 per kg from over pour in from corporates and risk Here, it’s launch vehicle, the $10,000 per kg about a decade ago. taking private equity into start GSLV( Geosynchronous Satellite The ISRO has been aiming to ups is key issue to look forward to Launch Vehicle), is slowly getting bring it down to less than $1000 convert dreams into reality. into the commercial market. per kg, though it charges On paper, the Government is However, big private players international rates now. ready to allow the private sector to like the Space X of Elon Musk, Another segment of business develop another space Port in Arianespace, upcoming Blue that’s fast growing is the small Sriharikota for commercial Origin of Amazon founder, Jeff satellites, especially built by launches and use by start ups. Bezos, Virgin Space of Virgin corporates, research institutes and Similarly, the ISRO is becoming Aviation founder Charles small firms with specific data more liberal in its engagement Branson, Lockheed Martin are all gathering and application even in key technologies and getting into space activity with big objectives. Luckily, atleast half a outsourcing of development work plans. Countries like the US, dozen start ups including Skyroot and joint ventures. Russia, China, France, Japan are Aerospace, Angkul etc have made The ISRO has announced a anyway established players. good progress already in the past busy schedule of taking up two To face global competition and two years. Ananth Technologies, dozen launches this year. It will secure business as well as based out of Hyderabad, which accelerate developments in accelerate domestic capabilities, has been a consistent partner to reusable launch vehicles, huge funds and private ISRO has entered into building Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-3 participation is a must. So far, the satellites recently, says Pavaluri by early 2022. Meanwhile, the ISRO has achieved big with frugal Subba Rao, its Chairman & Space X broke ISRO’s record of innovations and modest budgets Managing Director. launching 104 satellites in a single for its successful Chandrayaan ( Greater role for Private Sector: go with its own Falcon rocket Moon), Mangalyaan ( Mars) There is urgent need for putting into space 143 satellites missions. However, the upcoming private sector to invest in creating recently. It also has an efficient Gaganyaan ( sending humans to new launch facilities, launch reusable rocket launcher. space), Chandrayaan -3 with vehicles, satellites and also a wide The market is lucrative and lander and inter planetary range of systems and products multi billion dollars, but the voyages require huge funding. For within the country that will competition is getting intense and example, the Gaganyaan project ensure a competitive edge for India has to get its act together at needs Rs10,000 crore funds India in the space business in the the earliest..

28 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 SEMINAR: WARANGAL GROWTH AGENDA-2021

Panchayat Raj Minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao presenting the 1st prize to Aliya Begum, student of Chaitanya Deemed to be University, Warangal, in an essay writing competition. ‘Excel India’ chief editor S Rama Krishna, editorial advisor T Bhaskar and business head Y Suresh Babu are seen Excel India’s Warangal Growth Seminar a grand success GOLLAPUDI SRINIVASA RAO Madhav, Aditi Group director and telecom expert Syed Aziz, Kakatiya University dean studies of istoric Warangal city witnessed a unique and commerce and business management Prof Vara vibrant brainstorming session at Excel India Lakshmi, Parish Priest Father Raja, St Peters mHagazine’s “Leadership Meet, Warangal Growth College of Education M Narayana Reddy, Kakatiya Agenda- 2021” held at the Harita Hotel, Heritage Trust director Prof M Pandu Ranga Rao, Hanamkonda on February 15, Monday. This is the Telangana State Small and Marginal Farmers Debt second such leadership meet after the Nizamabad Relief Commission chairman Nagurla Venkateswarlu event held a month ago on January 10. and former vice-chancellor of BR Ambedkar Open Telangana Panchayat Raj and Rural University Prof Seetharama Rao. Development Minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao, Surabhi Ajitha, granddaughter of late Prime Telangana State Planning Board Vice-Chairman B Minister PV Narsimha Rao turned up to pay homage Vinod Kumar, Government Chief Whip and Warangal to the leader on his birth centenary celebrations. West MLA D Vinay Bhaskar, Telangana’s senior IAS Excel India editorial board member T Bhaskar officer and Satavahana University in charge vice- welcomed and anchored the seminar while Excel chancellor T Chiranjeevulu and Telangana State India Senior Assistant Editor Ram Mohan Pulipati Council of Higher Education Prof P Papi Reddy were presented the way forward proposed vote of thanks. among the main guests at the seminar. Minister Dayakar Rao presented certificates and Excel India Chief Editor and publisher Rama cash awards to the students who won first and Krishna Sangem delivered the introductory remarks. second prizes in an essay writing competition on the Other major speakers at the event included topic of “What is Leadership in Covid times?. eminent persons from different fields – Prof The seminar that concluded with a lunch won Jalapathy Rao, agronomist, Ajara Hospitals director wide acclaim from each and every of the speakers and Indian Medical Association activist Dr Sheshu and participants.

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 29 SEMINAR: WARANGAL GROWTH AGENDA-2021 ‘KCR government has done a lot for Warangal growth’ Errabelli Dayakar Rao, Panchayat Raj & Rural Development Minister

am extremely happy that senior granting Ts 308 crore per month. On irrigation front, Mr KCR journalist Mr S Ramakrishna, Similarly, for urban population, did a wonder by executing the Ifounder and editor Excel India the state government is releasing Kaleswaram project that English news magazine chose our Rs 140 crore per month to provide envisages an additional ayacut of Warangal city to initiate a timely basic amenities such as sanitation 1.37 lakh acres besides solving the debate on the topic of growth and drinking water among drinking water problem in scores agenda. others,” Mr Dayakar Rao said. of villages across the state. The As you all know, now the In the last few years, one has SRSP Phase I and II envisage Warangal city is the fastest witnessed that a IT incubator bringing under cultivation an growing city in Telangana state centre was established in additional 2.4 lakh acres in the that was once ruled by the mighty Warangal city and Rs 11.6 crore state. Kakatitya dynasty. Taking cue were spent to provide basic “The Mission Kakatiya is a from them and also to realize the infrastructure to attract more IT unique programme that won dream of Mahatma Gandhi on self companies at Rampur near accolades across the world. It has reliance, our chief minister K Kazipet town. revived thousands of old defunct Chandrasekhar Rao has been In Warangal rural district, the tanks across Telangana. It has striving to develop the entire state state government is planning to resulted in increased groundwater on all fronts. set up TSIIC – an industrial park level and recharged agricultural The welfare or development apart from the upcoming mega open wells as per the scientific schemes conceived by Mr KCR are textile park. Through this studies conducted by various all aimed at uplift of all industrial park, over 13,000 agencies,” minister Mr Dayakar communities in the state that thousand people will get direct Rao explained. were neglected for decades until and indirect employment. The Thanking senior journalist Mr the formation of separate state government is also pursuing Ramakrishna, the minister Telangana state. “Earlier there with the Centre for setting up a wanted him to conduct such were only 8,690 Gram railway overhauling centre and debates all over the state and Panchayats, now the rarer 12,751 150 acre of land has been organize the same once in a year for which the state government is identified near Kazipet already. in Warangal district.

30 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 SEMINAR: WARANGAL GROWTH AGENDA-2021 ‘We need to fix our own agenda for growth of Warangal ’ B Vinod Kumar, Vice-Chairman Telangana State Planning Board

ecalling his long association put all our efforts to realise the 2016 but could not be expanded. with Warangal, Telangana decades' old dream of the coach In the growth agenda, the canal RState Planning Board Vice- factory," he said. needs to be expanded, redesigned Chairman B Vinod Kumar said With regard to social sciences, and remodeled to supply water to Warangal was in the forefront of Warangal is the epicentre for the Warangal and Nalgonda, he the Telangana movement with the Telangana movement. "The suggested. impetus given to by stalwarts like Department of Economics of In the medicare sector, Kaloji Narayana Rao and Prof K Kakatiya University should have Warangal has the pride of chest Jayashankar. Participating in the a Chair for the Telangana hospital and general hospital. Leadership Summit: Warangal Development Studies. New "Since the requirement of general Growth Agenda 2021 organised by generation will get an opportunity medicine is on the higher side, let Excel India magazine, Vinod to study the historical perspective us shift the chest hospital to Kumar said, "we need to fix our of development under great rulers another location and convert this own agenda for development and who made the Kakatiya region into a general hospital so that it growth. We should not wait for flourish with art, culture, can decrease the pressure on the somebody to do something irrigation, agriculture and valour. other government hospitals. someday. We need to proactively It is time for the Kakatiya Another hospital could be planned create an agenda and ensure that University to take the forefront for in Kazipet," he said. it gets executed." development of Warangal," Vinod The Government College of In this direction, Vinod Kumar Kumar said. Nursing is providing yeomen reminded the promises made in Drawing a historical services in paramedical services. the Andhra Pradesh perspective of irrigation under the It is empowering girls to take up a Reorganisation Bill in which it great rulers of Kakatiya, Vinod profession with pride. They are was promised by the Centre that a Kumar reminded that the serving across the country and Coach Factory would be set up in carrying capacity of the Kakatiya earning a place of pride for Kazipet." We need to pursue and canal was restored during 2014 to Warangal.

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 31 SEMINAR: WARANGAL GROWTH AGENDA-2021 ‘CM KCR giving importance to 3 Ts of Warangal’ Dasyam Vinay Bhaskar, Government Chief Whip and Warangal West MLA

ithin a short span of 6 years, in Warangal. Kaloji Kala Kshetram: we have witnessed Kazipet is another example like Wtremendous growth . With the 3- Mamnoor airport. But gradually, Pride of Warangal point focus on Neellu, Nidhulu Warangal was ignored once again. With Warangal in our and Niyamakalu, Telangana has It is time to acquire coach factory, hearts, we started Kaloji Mitra redrawn its road map for wagon manufacturing and fast- Mandali in honour of the development under the visionary lane connectivity with Hyderabad. legendary poet and freedom leadership of Chief Minister K There is scope to develop Tri-Cities fighter. We approached a Chandrashekar Rao. -- Kazipet, Hanamkonda and government during the time of The Kakatiya rulers focussed Warangal. These regional united AP urging to allot a 300 on 3Ts -- Temples, Towns and linkages will make Warangal sq yards to start the mandali. Tanks. The benefits of 3Ts are independent and make it an After watching this news on TV being experienced even now. This alternative capital of Telangana. scroll, KCR, who was by then in has made Warangal a city of art, It is already an hub for education the midst of Telangana culture, education and and tourism. The historical places movement, called me up and agriculture. There was an airport have attracted Unesco too. Recent said: Why are you asking for a set up in 1930 by the Nizam ruler excavations have revealed the rich small piece of land. We will have Mir Osman Ali Khan for the heritage of Jainism in Warangal. an abundance of land once we benefit of the trading activity since We developed one such site which achieve a separate state. After the Sirpur Kagaznagar paper mill is barely 1 km away from the formation of Telangana, and Azam Jahi Mills, Warangal, Warangal. It has the potential to KCR sanctioned Rs 55 crore for were operational at that time. But become a world centre for Jain Kaloji Kala Kshetram, where a during the combined State, it was followers. We need to take up state-of-the-art auditorium with neglected by the then rulers. The restoration of traditional tanks, a seating capacity of 1,000 airport was operational till 1981. enhance lake views, sports and besides an art gallery, library It is time to regain the past glory recreation centres to attract and a lecture hall. of the Nizam-era Mamnoor airport tourists

32 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 SEMINAR: WARANGAL GROWTH AGENDA-2021 ‘People of Warangal are conducive for growth’ T Chiranjeevulu, IAS , Satavahana University in-charge Vice Chancellor & Joint Director General, MCR HRD Institute

am delighted to be back here in press clippings and photos to the old art forms in name of cultural Warangal and be part of this chairman again. Then there was carnival in Warangal. We brought Iexcellent conference where I have immediate response. Soon a together various traditional caste worked as civil servant for eight general manager from Bombay based artistes and organized a years. I have worked in various came here and sorted out the carnival from Kaloji junction to capacities and always held some issue. I felt very happy as this district collector office. This was or other incharge post apart from initiative brought smiles on the appreciated by public and my routine posting. As a DRDA faces of many poor women. provided a long awaited project director, I have initiated The DRDA encouraged milk opportunity to the artistes to several interventions that paid off production in dry area of Jangaon showcase their performances and well and at one point of time, the and it was a revolution of sort as earn some money. members of Self Help Groups from mere hundreds of litres to it When I was collector of (SHGs) from Warangal went to went to thousands of litres of Karimnagar, there some of us other states to train the members procurement daily. conceived and in collaboration of SHGs there. You can imagine Similarly, I am delighted for with the private medical colleges, the work we did here. “We are being associated with a modern we launched Arogya Raksha for number one in the country funeral ground – Siva Muktidham the poor. This gave the idea to securing Rs 500 crore institutional near Padmakshi hillock. When the Arogyasri programme later the credit,” he said reminiscing his cloth merachant Mahendra state government launched. experiences in Warangal district. Kapoor had a bad experience What I mean to say is that When a bank manager in when his mother died, he came up whatever your position or capacity Kodakandla refused to give credit to build one modern funeral place. be, if you have commitment to do to our SHGs, I have tried my best He broached the idea with me and something good, you can always and even wrote letter to the bank I it took up with the collector and do. If you want to escape, you have chairman. But, the manager did ensured allotment of land. Now it many reasons. Ultimately, what not relent. Then I have asked the is one of the best places in we want is satisfaction at the end women to stage a silent protest Hanamkonda with lot of greenery of life that only comes from our near the bank and it was covered and facilities. deeds. in all media. We have sent those We have also revived the age

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 33 SEMINAR: WARANGAL GROWTH AGENDA-2021 ‘Kakatiya University has potential to grow great’ Prof T Papi Reddy, Telangana State Council of Higher Education chairman

am happy to be part of this subjects such as Pharmacy, Public result, the students were not conference being held in my Administration and sciences. This getting employment opportunities Idistrict and having been was also the centre for many mass particularly in private sector. The associated with the Kakatiya movements both Left and neutral syllabi need to be made relevant to University for over three decades. movements such as separate the needs of modern industry to Unlike other media organizations Telangana agitation. The students enhance job potentiality. “It is who only point out the lacunae, from this university played key astonishing to note that even the here the management of Excel role in all the movements and this Post Graduates students lack India has asked us to come up Kakatiya University has a distinct basic knowledge of their subject with solutions as well which are a identity in the country. Now that and general knowledge as well,” welcome step. vibrancy is lost and an eerie of he said. Warangal has been recognized silence prevails on the campus. As per my observation many as educational hub since long time Students and teachers are divided universities in government sector as Kakatiya Medical College came on different lines which have became redundant and now not up first in private sector. In 1950s, hampered the academic many people prefer to pursue the Regional Engineering College environment further. education in them. They are all now the National Institute of However, the present state of opting for private universities. Technology came up here. The affairs is not satisfactory as Even those from rural areas are Kakatiya University which was a academics took back seat for looking for job potential courses. PG centre in Osmania University various reasons. Particularly the The poor and downtrodden are evolved into university in 1976. syllabus has become outdated and ready to go a step ahead to pursue The Kakatiya University has there is no match between the courses that promise them been centre of excellence in some institution and industry. As a immediate job.

34 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 SEMINAR: WARANGAL GROWTH AGENDA-2021 ‘Warangal city can be a hub of medical tourism’ Dr. M Sheshu Madhav, Paediatrician & MD of Ajara Hospitals, Hanamkonda

elighted to be here this Since a separate Telangana paramedical staff in proportionate morning and I am enchanted state is formed, the government to the growing population. The Dwith the topic. Indeed I have been should accord top priority to state government should give a waiting for such a forum to encouraging the private parties in thought to this point as well. We ventilate the grievances of our the health sector. Similar to need more laboratories and medical fraternity. My strong view TSIPAS, a single window should diagnostic centres and need to is that there is no point in be created to give permissions for train technicians as the health developing state capital construction of nursing homes and sector is witnessing wild growth Hyderabad anymore as it was clinics without any hassle. with the emergence of new already saturated. “Few years back, some like technologies. The state government should minded doctors have formed a There is also a wide gap in the focus on developing Warangal city, society to set up a multi specialty rural health sector too. The Public the biggest city after Hyderabad. hospital. But there is objection Health Centres (PHCs) still lack There are no adequate health care from fire services and then from basic amenities and staff crunch facilities in the city despite municipal corporation and next hitting them hard. The fruits of growing day by day. Being close to some other agency. It took a long research should reach the rural the state capital and having time to secure all permissions PHCs and rural poor should excellent rail and road connection, while our investment accrued benefit. the Warangal city has all the huge interest by time we Unlike other sectors such as potential for enormous growth in completed construction of hospital tourism and IT, the health sector all sectors, particularly the Health and started operations,” Dr Seshu too offers a wide variety of jobs sector. “For a population of 10 lakh Madhav lamented. and there is much scope for in Warangal urban, there are only Similarly, the permission to employment in the sector. The 1500 beds in government sector start a nursing college is still with Warangal city can be a medical and 2,500 beds in private sector. the Central government that has tourism hub as it has got all the There is a wide gap,” he pointed put an embargo for now. We need capacity. out. more doctors, nurses and

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 35 SEMINAR: WARANGAL GROWTH AGENDA-2021 ‘Change food habits to change cultivation pattern’ Prof Jalapathi Rao, Agronomist

armers are ignored a lot. For as the main crop twice in an medicines as your food. the inputs and efforts they put agricultural year for the past Unfortunately, healthy crops Fin raising crops they need to get several generations. Now water is are not giving remunerative prices matching prices. The question is an expensive input for agriculture. to farmers. With growing pressure how to make agriculture and Water needs to be used optimally. on making a living with rising horticulture profitable for farmers Water resources are depleting prices, farmers are going for two with minimum inputs is the dangerously low. States and cash crops. Paddy cultivation as a challenge. All innovative methods nations are fighting over water. second crop under borewell need to be utilised to realise the Alternate crops for paddy needs to irrigation needs to be stopped. dreams of every farmer. be explored by farmers. There should be self-regulation by Unfortunately, farmers are forced Paddy also attracts huge farmers. There is a tremendous to follow the market trends. They labour expenses. Experts' opinion consciousness about health among go by what is in demand. Thus is to bring down paddy cultivation people. leading to a glut in the market across the globe. In view of the This just awareness is not just leading to dismal prices making prime preference to paddy, other enough. People need to change their lives miserable. They are grains are ignored creating a their food habits. They need to caught in these vortex markets, nutrient deficit leading to lifestyle create a great demand in the traders and input costs. It is no diseases. India is now knows a market for healthy grains. Then wonder that they are forced to diabetic capital. "Vanta marethe paddy cultivation will gradually take extreme steps. gani panta maaradhu" (Change come down. One day, the crop Fortunately, a string of tanks food habits to change cultivation pattern will look like a bouquet of are a great gift to the farming pattern). This is the crux of flowers. This is the day when community in Warangal. Since making India fit. It all boils down farmers will be economically fit water is available in abundance to: Eat your food as your medicine, and people will be fit on all counts farmers have been raising paddy otherwise you have to eat of health.

36 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 SEMINAR: WARANGAL GROWTH AGENDA-2021 ‘Warangal needs big industrial growth push’ Syed Aziz, Telecom expert & Director, Aditi Group

ow, I see there is good institutions will have to be done in rural development process by connectivity to city from all an integrated way so that empowerment. Nthe four corners with good ring economic connectivity will be The above social inclusion is road and beautiful Hyderabad to established. already taken place and it is Warangal road. Creation of clusters – Thanks further more required to Recalling our former president to our chief minister strengthening the roots of the Dr APJ Kalam Concept - PURA ShriK.ChandraShekar Rao garu village connectives and (Provision of Urban Amenities to for making 33 Districts and these development. Rural Areas) is a strategy for rural districts is going to gain the One more important point is development in India That energy cluster movement and taking that,like Mumbai – Pune self-sufficient talukas/district can governance to the doorstep. Industrial corridor be a new development model for The cluster framework for Hyderabad – Warangal further rural India in terms of creation of providing livelihood opportunities to Karminagar can be a good jobs and better amenities to its and urban amenities to improve potential sector. Unlike Mumbai – population. the quality of life in rural areas. Pune,there is valley /ghat and not PURA proposes that urban The vision of transformation to a levelled land. infrastructure and services be a 'developed' Warangal/Telangana I would like to add the point provided in rural hubs/Cluster to can only be realized if we launch a here, there is a very big scope for create economic opportunities mega mission for empowering the the Data centers as of now outside of cities. Physical rural people. Creation of Physical, Amazon is signed and further connectivity by providing roads, electronic and knowledge more companies are in pipeline electronic connectivity by connectivity’s leading to economic and any one of the data center is providing communication connectivity in villages. Such a brought into these corridor the networks, and knowledge model of establishing a circular employment and the connectivity by establishing connectivity among the rural communication to the rural part is professional and technical village complexes will accelerate going to be solved.

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 37 SEMINAR: WARANGAL GROWTH AGENDA-2021

“I feel “This is high “After privileged to time that we formation of be in Warangal give proper Telangana city to pay importance to state, we got a homage to my primary wonderful late education opportunity to grandfather which is vital revisit the and former Prime Minister of for the growth of any state in great legacy of our Kakatiya India PV Narasimha Rao the country. Over the last few rulers whose heritage is still today. He was always modern decades of my experience in relevant to our modern in his thoughts and young at Warangal city, we have seen governments. We at the trust heart. We learnt a lot from our how our youth need enough have been trying our level best Thataiah who used to be a care and guidance to share to unearth the great practices keen observer and enthusiast their lives. Primary education of Kakaitya rulers who laid of many things. Our country and the teachers’ training is importance to 3Ts -temple, now needs a visionary leader an important area where our town and tanks which are like him whose economic governments should focus three pillars of our rural and reforms have ushered India their attention. Otherwise, we agricultural growth and into new era.” can’t build growth avenues for societal wellbeing.” our society.” - Surabhi Ajitha, Prof M Pandu Ranga Rao, Educationist and M Narayana Reddy, Director, Director, Kakatiya Heritage granddaughter of late PV St Peters College of Education Trust

“The un- “This Covid “We must precedented pandemic has remember Covid-19 taught us a that our life pandemic has lot on the will never be taught us importance of the same many lessons improving again after and the entire our social the Covid world is still trying to sector’s role in overall pandemic. Every sphere of grapple with the changes wellbeing. We from the Lodi our education, right from the that the virus has brought in Society in Warangal have primary to higher levels will for us. We should give done a lot to extend a undergo tremendous importance to the medical helping hand to the needy in changes in the coming years. fraternity and doctors and rural as well as in urban Sustainable business models other staff who stood in the areas. Though the and ecological friendly trade front in battling this governments have done and manufacturing practices pandemic and go for their best, the non- are going to shape up our vaccination which is good governmental sector futures. We need to update for us all. We should step up especially the philanthropy our management education.” funds for health sector.” hasn’t lagged behind in saving the poor.” Prof P Vara Lakshmi, Prof G Vijay Kumar, Dean, Commerce & Business Vice-Principal (Academic), -Father Raja, Management, Kakatiya Kakatiya Medical College Parish Priest University.

“I am very happy to be participating in this Excel India’s leadership meet at Warangal. This great city which has rich heritage can be a hub of education and other emerging areas of our economy. This metropolis with a combined population of around 10 lakh can be developed into a major growth partner to Hyderabad city, a global hub today. Making Kakatiya University a great place of learning and excellence was one of the aims at the time of its establishment, but over the years, due to a variety of factors, the varsity has lost its glory. Now restoring its glory is vital to growth agenda of Warangal.” Prof Seetha Rama Rao, former VC, BR Ambedkar Open University

38 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 SEMINAR: WARANGAL GROWTH AGENDA-2021 “Every citizen can be a leader in Covid times” Dr. Pratyusha Raj, MBBS, Kakatiya Medical College, a winner of 1st prize in essay writing competition on Leadership in Covid Times. Excerpts from her essay

Panchayat Raj Minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao presenting the 1st prize to Dr. Pratyusha Raj. ‘Excel India’ chief editor S Rama Krishna, Editorial Advisor T Bhaskar and Business Head Y Suresh Babu are seen t’s not about (being) perfect, it’s about (putting in) and controls, leading by objectives and leading by a effort. And when you bring that effort every single shared vision. Iday, that when transformation happens, that’s how A main action needed in post-Covid times is change occurs. Change starts in your thoughts. communicating about the Covid-19 vaccine which Pandemic creates a great opportunity where every also involves the goals of World Health Organisation. individual, as a citizen should unrole themselves and We must bring equity forward in your work towards the nation to maintain integrity, to communication; make arrangements which clearly attain significant changes in health sector, to make explain the need of Covid immunisation process. strategies which helps in reaching out all the Build relationships with trusted messengers from necessary sources to all the individuals in the diverse organisation and community groups. We country. must show how the Covid vaccine fits into a larger Every citizen of a nation who has responsibilities public health strategy. and who is determined to work for their nation will Leadership qualities include keeping a vision be a leader in these times. She/he should work and before the people on the front and the centre, should pull together people, getting accurate developing a national deployment and vaccination information, fighting misinformation, supporting plan for Covid vaccine. A leaders should also list every individual belonging to all the sections and existing and upcoming resources to support Covid making sure that important social services that vaccine introduction, describe strategies for the people rely on or keep in touch with the needy people. deployment, implementation and monitoring of the In recent times, Covid-19 pandemic had set a very vaccine throughout the country. It is essential to good example, to demonstrate how crucial the need identify target population for the vaccination and of every citizen to be responsible. prepare the supply chains and manage the health We need opportunities, situations to understand care waste. the situation, to make happen every decision and Leadership is lifting people’s vision to high sights, every planning. The leader should understand inter- raising a person’s performance to high standards. It’s relational emotion process as devices for internal about building of personalities beyond the normal motional process. A leader should lead by commands limitations.

EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021 39 SEMINAR: WARANGAL GROWTH AGENDA-2021

Paying homage to PV IN PICTBhUaskRar wEelcoS ming the dignitaries

Prof. Papi Reddy at an event poster Releasing Excel India February issue

Vinod Kumar paying keen attention to a speaker Rama Krishna welcoming minister Dayakar Rao

AA vviieeww ooff athued iaeundcie ence

Ram Mohan proposing vote of thanks Lunch time for VIPs

40 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021

PICTURE OF THE MONTH

FORM IV MMaaggnniifificciieenntt Statement about ownership and other particulars about newspaper (Excel India) to be published in the first issue every year after the last day of February TTeemmppllee 1. Place of publication : Hyderabad 2. Periodicity of its : Monthly publication 3. Printer’s Name : Sangem B Rama Krishna Nationality : Indian Address : H.No. 2-2-10/A/1, Flat No. G1, Surabhi Heaven Apartments, D.D. Colony, Opp. O.U. Gate, Amberpet, Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana. 4. Publisher’s Name : Sangem B Rama Krishna Nationality : Indian Address : H.No. 2-2-10/A/1, Flat No. G1, Surabhi Heaven Apartments, D.D. Colony, Opp. O.U. Gate, Amberpet, Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana. 5. Editor’s Name : Sangem B Rama Krishna Nationality : Indian Address : H.No. 2-2-10/A/1, Flat No. G1, Surabhi Heaven Apartments, D.D. Colony, Opp. O.U. Gate, Amberpet, Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana. 6. Names and Sangem B Rama Krishna addresses of : H.No. 2-2-10/A/1, individuals who Flat No. G1, Surabhi Heaven own the newspaper Apartments, D.D. Colony, Opp. and partners or O.U. Gate, Amberpet, Hyderabad, shareholders holding Hyderabad, Telangana. more than one per cent of the total capital I, Sangem B Rama Krishna , hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Sd/- Date: 1-3-2021 Signature of the Publisher

Yadadri temple of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy in Telangana is completely re-built with stones. The renovated temple is set to be inaugurated soon

Printed, Published and Owned by Sangem B Rama Krishna, Printed at : Karmik Press, APHB, Shop No. 35, O.U. Road, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, Published at : H.No. 2-2-10/A/1, Flat No. G1, Surabhi Heaven Apartments, D.D. Colony, Opp. O.U. Gate, Amberpet, Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana., Editor: Sangem B Rama Krishna, RNI No. TELENG/2014/73881

42 EXCEL INDIA | MARCH 2021

Excel India, March 2021, RNI No. TELENG/2014/73881