Vol: 27 | No. 9 | September 2019| R20

www.opinionexpress.in A MONTHLY NEWS MAGAZINE

Cover Story

WhileTALL the Centre’s Step toORDER Defang Article 370 Is A Brave Move To End Its Rampant ‘Misuse’, Restoring Normalcy In The Valley Would Require A Much More Valiant Attempt Thank You BIPL %DODML,QIUD3URMHFWV/LPLWHG www.balaji.co.in www.dighiport.in editorial New Jammu, Kashmir RNI UPENG01809 Volume 27, No 9 EDITOR Prashant Tewari and Ladakh in India Associate Editor Dr Rahul Misra odi 2.0 has changed the landscape of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Political Editor completely. The divisive Article 370 and discriminatory Article 35A Prakhar Misra has become history. These were the two instruments which the sepa- BUREAU CHIEF M Anshuman Dogra (DELHI), Diwakar Shetty ratists and the so-called mainstream leaders in Kashmir used to the hilt for (MUMBAI), Sidhartha Sharma (KOLKATA), almost seven decades to subvert the polity both from within and outside and Lakshmi Devi (BANGALORE ) DIvyash Bajpai create a feeling among Kashmiri Muslims that they were (USA), KAPIL DUDAKIA (UNITED KINGDOM) Rajiv Agnihotri (MAURITIUS), Romil Raj different and that they were a race apart, who deserved a Bhagat (DUBAI), Herman Silochan (CANADA), special and separate status within the Union. These were Dr Shiv Kumar (AUS/NZ), Nithya Ramesh the two Articles which Pakistan and anti-India forces in (Fashion & Entertainment ) Kashmir used 24X7 to mislead the international commu- Content partner The Pioneer nity that Jammu & Kashmir was an unsettled issue be- Pratham Pravakta tween India, Pakistan and Kashmiri Muslims. These two Legal Advisors Articles plus the Civil Secretariat, the State Legislature, Vishnu Sharma Adv the Police, the Law and the Revenue Departments were Vijai Krishna Adv the instruments which the Kashmir-based Abdullahs and Advertisement / Marketing Director Muftis exploited to the hilt to convert Jammu and Ladakh into Kashmir’s col- Diwakar Shetty Gopal Chopra onies and render the people of these two provinces unreal and ineffective for Administrative Director all practical purposes. These were the instruments which the political elites Amit Pandey exploited to the hilt to change demographics of Jammu and Ladakh to create Bal Mukund Gaur Kashmir-like situation there and further the separatists’ nefarious break-In- Corporate Communication / PR dia agenda and frighten the non-Muslim minorities, including Hindus, Bud- Sanjay Mendiratta M M Upadhaya dhists, Sikhs and Jains. Graphics & Design The state of Jammu & Kashmir has also been broken into two Union Terri- Writeword Commuications (Studio 8) tories – UT of Jammu & Kashmir and UT of Ladakh. All the three regions are Photographer now handled and governed directly by New Delhi or the Union Home Min- Ratan Shukla istry. The most striking aspect of the whole prevailing political situation in Overseas Marketing Jammu and Ladakh is the hostile attitude of the people to the negative poli- OEMCL Ltd (Mauritius), OEHCL ltd (DUBAI) tics being played by parties like the Congress. All in all, it can be said that the Advertisement / Circulation: Narendra Modi Government has changed the nature of discourse on Jammu, Delhi / NCR - Hemant Sharma: D 239 Defence Colony New Delhi 110024 INDIA Kashmir and Ladakh. This augurs well for the people of the UT of Jammu & Tel – 011 49060350 Kashmir and UT of Ladakh and the nation as a whole. It augurs well all the Mumbai - Vijay Kalantri – Advisor: New more because the Modi Government has put things in perspective and given ExcelsIor BUILDING, 6tH Floor, A.K. NAYAK every one to understand that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are not disputed MARG, Fort, MUMBAI - 400001 (INDIA). Phone: 91 - 22 - 22019265 / 22019160 territories and that the only issue which still remains unresolved between In- FAX : 91-22- 22019764 / 22019760 dia and Pakistan is the political future of PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. India’s The magazine is published and printed by Rajiv foreign policy vis-à-vis Pakistan has undergone a radical change. The bulk of Agnihotri for Opinion Express Communications the international community is backing PM Narendra Modi and his Pakistan & Entertainments Pvt Ltd, from Kumpu Graphic Press 2 Ashok Nagar, Lucknow & printed at policy and his policy towards the strategic regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Kumpu Graphic Press 2 Ashok Nagar, Lucknow Ladakh. PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Min- – 226001 Tele : 91-522-4060880 & ister Rajnath Singh speak in one language and warn irresponsible Pakistan, Nikhil Offset An ISO 9001 : 2008 Certified Company 223, DSIDC Complex, Okhla Industrial epicenter of global terrorism, that it must behave failing which appropriate Area Phase - I, New Delhi - 110020 Tele : 91- action would be taken. 26812316, 26810097, 26810458, FAX:91 Meanwhile in Delhi: BJP has lost Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley in the 45792362 E-Mail : [email protected], month of Aug 2019. Congress starlet P Chidambaram is arrested by CBI in [email protected] Registered Office: OPINION EXPRESS HOUSE corruption cases. Modi 2.0 has escalated fight against corruption on multiple 24-A Clyde Road, Lucknow-226001 (India) fronts and the Modi government is facing a major challenge on economic front Phone: 91-522-4060880 wherein the GDP has dropped to 5%. Modi government has announced sev- Fax: 91-522-2208242 # 24x7 mobility +91 9984437000 eral measures to boost the economy but sadly the present government lacks email: [email protected] world class economist to navigate the Indian economy to a new high. All disputes are subject to be under jurisdiction of courts in Delhi. All content published may be subject to copyright, seek written permission to re-produce. Opinion —Prashant Tewari , Express is trade mark brand of Opinion Express E d i t o r - i n - C h i e f Communications & Entertainment Private Limited. Opinion Express September 2019 3 A Monthly News Magazine September 2019 Cover Story Paradise Regained? Kashmir is a saga of selfish dynasts destroying own people P 5-11 THE HIDDEN 12 AGENDA 44 A strong Making impact in unconventional willed PM has field – Kamya DJ 16 transformed India Kick-starting 20 an economic 29 revival Trade & Global Media Terror on Namo 2.0 24 success Chowkidar 46 WOMAN of big sault on SUBSTANCE 23 corruption begins 4 September 2019 Opinion Express Cover story PARADISE REGAINED? Kashmir is a saga of selfish dynasts destroying own people

Prashant Tewari

T is axiomatic that the state of Jammu and Kashmir became an independent state as soon as it was released from its allegiance to the British Crown under the Indian In- dependence Act. The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir became the repository of all power under this Act which created the two Dominions of India and Pakistan. The Maharaja was free to decide whether he would accede to any one of the two Dominions. Meanwhile, Jinnah Ivisualized Kashmir as a part of Pakistan and dreamt of its bracing climate and its Mughal Garderns as the Governor General of Pakistan. He thought it was al- most in his pocket: whether it came to him willingly or was taken by force was immaterial. The British had promised it to him: it was a majority Muslim area and it had no approach to India except through Pakistan. Being sure of his ground, Jinnah first made an ap- proach to the Maharaja for accession of the state to Pakistan in a very persuasive and friendly manner. In fact he lured then Prime Minister of Kashmir Mr Kak to bring Kashmir in Pakistan. But Maharaja remained

Opinion Express September 2019 5 firm on the ground that either the state will enjoy independent status or it will merge with Indian Dominion. So far as India was concerned, she was indifferent on the subject, though she would have been happy if Kashmir had acceded to India. Mahatma Gandhi visited Kashmir before 15 Aug 1947 to persuade Maharaja to accede to India but he remained non committal for In- dia, if Maharaja had decided to accede to India or to Pakistan before the 15 Aug 1947, much of the trouble and bitterness may well have been avoided. But he was fondling with the idea of independence and was relying on his Dogra forces to achieve this end. However, he was com- pletely adverse to the idea of acceding

Mahatma Gandhi visited Kashmir before 15 Aug 1947 to persuade Maharaja to accede to India but he remained non committal for India, if Maharaja had decided to accede to India or to Pakistan before the 15 Aug 1947, much of the trouble and bitterness may well have been avoided.

to Pakistan as it would have involved the complete destruction of the Hindu population of the state and seizure of about accession. In his view, once the Maharaja’s letter of October 26 stating all that they had, including abduction state administration had gone to pop- that ‘’a grave emergency’’ had arisen in of women. ular hands, the question of accession his state and acknowledging that the Meanwhile Sheikh Abdullah with could be appropriately discussed with Indian Dominion ‘’cannot send the help his deputy Bakshi took over the leader- the popular government. asked for’’ without his state acceding to ship of the National Conference Party The biggest hurdle to resolving the India. Accordingly on October 26, the was the only political party of the state. Kashmir issue has been that business of Maharaja attached the Instrument of The National Conference leaders were ‘’plebiscite’’ which Pakistan as well as Accession for acceptance. In his letter favorable to the states accession to In- other India baiters including so called Mountbatten wrote, ‘’ ... my govern- dian. Maharaja felt that there was no liberals has often raised. The origin of ment has decided to accept the acces- option for him but to accede to India. that apprehension can be traced to the sion of Kashmir state to the dominion However, India continued indiffer- letter of October 27, 1947 which Lord of India. In consistence with their poli- ent approach for Kashmir. Mahatma Mountbatten wrote to Maharaja Hari cy that in the case of any state where the Gandhi and Sardar Patel preferred the Singh of Kashmir after the latter had issue of accession has been the subject situation where Kashmir accession signed his acceptance on the Instru- of dispute, the question of accession must come voluntarily to India. Pandit ment of Accession on October 26, 1947. should be decided in accordance with Nehru was keen on Maharaja handing that letter of Mountbatten was a per- the wishes of the people of the state, it over the power to Shiekh Abdullah than sonal letter, and it was in reply to the is my government’s wish, that, as soon

6 September 2019 Opinion Express as law and order have been restored in Kashmir and its soil cleared of the in- That statement of Lord Mountbatten was to evoke vader, the question of the state’s acces- sion should be settled by a reference to an almost violent reaction from M C Mahajan, the people.’’ who was the prime minister of Kashmir at the time That statement of Lord Mountbat- ten was to evoke an almost violent re- of its accession and later became Chief Justice of action from M C Mahajan, who was the prime minister of Kashmir at the India. In his Accession of Kashmir to India (The time of its accession and later became Inside Story), the learned judge wrote: ‘’The Indian Chief Justice of India. In his Accession of Kashmir to India (The Inside Story), Independence Act did not envisage conditional the learned judge wrote: ‘’The Indian accession. It could not envisage such a situation as it Independence Act did not envisage con- ditional accession. It could not envisage would be outside the Parliament’s policy. such a situation as it would be outside the Parliament’s policy. It wanted to keep no Indian state in a state of sus- ter spoke of the policy of a reference to take the decision he wanted. If there pense. It conferred on the rulers of the the people ‘’where the issue of accession were at all any ‘’dispute,’’ it existed only Indian states absolute power in their has been the subject of dispute.’’ Now, in the maharaja’s mind as to whether to discretion to accede to either of the two with regard to Jammu and Kashmir in accede to India or to Pakistan or remain dominions. The dominion’s governor October 1947, there was absolutely no independent. general had the power to accept the ac- dispute about its accession. Neither Circumstances compelled his dith- cession or reject the offer but he had no Pakistan nor India was laying a legiti- ering mind to take the decision, but he power to keep the question open or at- mate, contestable claim to the state. was not bound to obtain his people’s tach conditions to it...’’ Neither India nor Pakistan was disput- concurrence of it, before or after. In a Moreover, Lord Mountbatten’s let- ing the maharaja’s sovereign right to monarchical form of government, it is

Opinion Express September 2019 7 the monarch who personifies and repre- have said that ‘‘where there is a dispute sents the state. That too was not in dis- about the accession of a state to either pute. What is also not in dispute is the dominion, the decision must be made Himalayan bungle created by Nehru’s by the people of the state. It was in ac- government of the time. On January cordance with this policy that we added 27, 1948, India and Pakistan submit- a proviso to the Instrument of Acces- ted a draft proposal to the president of sion to Kashmir.’’ the United Nations Security Council on The above statement stands faulted the appropriate methods of solving the on two counts. Firstly, Kashmir’s legal Kashmir dispute. According to the Se- accession to India was never in dispute. curity Council verbatim reports cited by Pakistan never challenged the legality Justice Anand, the in the Security Indian representa- Council debates. tive on the floor of Secondly, Nehru the Security Coun- According to the was wrong to cil made it appear believe that the that the final status Security Council Instrument of of Kashmir was to verbatim reports cited Accession which be determined by the maharaja of plebiscite although by Justice Anand, the Kashmir signed the legal nature of Indian representative on on October 26, Kashmir’s acces- 1947 contained sion was the foun- the floor of the Security a special proviso. dation of India’s Council made it appear However, before case. Pakistan has he approached since seized upon that the final status the UN, Nehru and used this point went to Lahore for its benefit. The of Kashmir was to be on December 8, plebiscite virus was determined by plebiscite 1947, to plead sown and quickly with his coun- took root. although the legal nature terpart, Liaquat According to a of Kashmir’s accession Ali Khan, to ini- philosophy and so- tiate steps to cial action publica- was the foundation of de-escalate ten- tion of 1994, India’s sions by issuing Commitment to India’s case. Pakistan an appeal to the Kashmir, edited by has since seized upon Pakistani intrud- Dhirendra Sharma, ers in Kashmir there are several and used this point for to withdraw. Ac- statements made its benefit. The plebiscite cording to VP by Jawaharlal Menon, Secre- Nehru to the effect virus was sown and tary in the States that the question Department at is said that the ceasefire was ordered at of Kashmir’s acces- quickly took root. that time, Khan a time when the Army needed just a few sion to India must pleaded help- more days to complete its task. Further, finally be decided lessness on the the decision to beseech the UN showed in accordance with ground that he India up as a weak state that needed the wishes of the people. These cover ran a moderate Government that was third party intervention to throw out an a period between October 27, 1947 and already under attack by the media for aggressor. It led to the UN setting up a August 7, 1952. In one of these state- its failure to fully back the Azad Kash- Commission and posting its observers ments, Nehru made reference to a ‘’ref- mir movement. If he issued such an along the ceasefire line and encouraged erendum’’ and in another to a ‘’plebi- appeal, there was every danger of his the US and other Western nations to scite.’’ While Nehru may well have Government being dislodged by a more meddle in India internal affairs. made all the above referred statements extremist political entity. Instead, lia- We have Justice Anand’s doctoral in his wonted moralistic-cum-idealistic quat Ali Khan said “it would be better thesis in support of this refutation of vision of world affairs, there is reason to for India to withdraw its forces and ap- Nehru’s understanding. Justice Anand wonder today whether, in those turbu- point an impartial administration in the has stated that ‘’this Instrument of lent five years of India’s independence, state”. Nehru returned empty-handed Accession (signed by the Maharaja he had grasped the factual and legal po- from Lahore and thereafter decided to of Kashmir) was in no way different sition of Kashmir’s signed accession to go to the UN. This hurt India’s interests from that executed by some 500 other India. Take, for instance, the broadcast on two counts: One, it internationalised states. It was unconditional, voluntary of November 2, 1947 he made on All In- the Kashmir dispute; and two, it stopped and absolute. It was not subject to any dia Radio. According to the publication the Indian Army from finishing the job exceptions. As such, it bound the state mentioned above, Nehru is supposed to of throwing out the intruders. In fact, it of Jammu and Kashmir and India to-

8 September 2019 Opinion Express gether legally and constitutionally.’’ Did the accession of Kashmir to India being which 96.40 per cent was Muslim. Nehru have the legal authority to agree constitutionally valid, ‘’it excludes the Though it has only 15.73 per cent of the to a plebiscite proposal in the Security possibility of a plebiscite for determin- state’s area, the Kashmir region holds 52 Council? Did he have the constitutional ing the status of Kashmir.’’ per cent of the population. Ladakh has authority to commit India to a plebi- Years later, the problem in Kash- 58.33 per cent of the area and accounts scite as he is reported to have done in mir, is often represented primarily as for 2.18 per cent of the population. A his address to our Parliament on June a matter between India and Pakistan mere 2,74,289 people reside in Ladakh, 26, 1952? and framed around the issues of the le- of which 46.40 per cent are Muslims, The answer given by M C Mahajan, gitimacy of Kashmir’s accession to In- 12.11 per cent Hindus and 39.67 per former chief justice of India, is reveal- dia at independence. But this is not the cent are Buddhist. The challenge for ing. In his Accession of Kashmir to problem today, as circumstances since the current regimeis to correct the im- India (The Inside Story), the learned the accession have changed such that balance of population verses landmass chief justice stated: ‘’I do not see what the insurgency is now largely fueled by ratio to comprehensively offer equal op- constitutional power the Indian gov- increasingly hardliner Pakistan state. portunities for all regions and commu- ernment had to enter into such an The ethnic and religious diversity in the nities. The current violence cycle of the agreement with Pakistan on the floor state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is insurgency was started in late 1980s, it of the Security Council and how such divided into three regions, has contrib- began as an ethnic issue. However, over an understanding can be considered as uted to the complexity of the Kashmir the years the insurgency has been care- binding ... on the state of Jammu and problem. Jammu has 25.93 per cent of fully and deliberately cultivated into a Kashmir which had independent status the area and 45 per cent of the popula- religious one. This created an environ- before accession.’’ Justice Anand puts a tion. Against this, the Kashmir region’s ment of intolerance, intimidation, and seal on the subject by opining that with population in 2011 was 68,88,475 of ultimately violence throughout the val-

Opinion Express September 2019 9 ley that only exasperated other exist- outfits like All India Hurriyat Confer- ing tensions—a situation that led to the ence have no influence beyond a hand- exodus of the Kashmiri Hindu Pandits Revitalizing the economy ful of districts in the Valley. And, the from the region. Revitalizing the econ- in the valley, would help top leadership of these parties has not omy in the valley, would help address allowed new leadership to emerge from some of these problems. Describing address some of these the grassroots level. These parties and the government’s control over most of outfits have been given undue weight by the enterprises in the region, he noted problems. Describing planners in India due to feudal polity of that hiring in the valley was at a virtual the government’s the state influencing ruling elite in New standstill. To address this problem, he Delhi, which doesn’t actually match advocated a more open private sector to control over most of their outreach or impact. The local body provide Kashmiris with a greater stake the enterprises in the lections were boycotted by both the NC in their future. Further, a vibrant econ- and the PDP but people turned out in omy overall, he noted, would remedy region, he noted that large numbers with overall voting per- the crisis of high unemployment that centage at an impressive 74 per cent. currently afflicts Kashmir—a situation hiring in the valley was The most visible impact of this boy- that clearly propels young Kashmiris at a virtual standstill. To cott was confined to only four districts toward insurgent movements, much of South Kashmir – Shopian, Kulgam, as it has in many other conflict zones address this problem, he Anantnag and Pulwama. It was proof of around the globe. advocated a more open the limited influence of the PDP and the With Narendra Modi securing ma- NC. So, the ‘New Kashmir Policy’ will jority in the second term and Amit Shah private sector to provide focus more on building up a non-PDP, at the helm of affairs as the Union home Kashmiris with a greater non-NC leadership from the grassroots minister, the Narendra Modi govern- level. Amit Shah, in his recent Rajya ment will now take on the Kashmir is- stake in their future. Sabha speech, said that he will crush sue much more assertively than it did “Pakistan-sponsored terrorism with in its first term. One of the key shifts the help of locals”. Shah’s outreach to in the new government’s approach to was missing a bold Home Minister in the people of Jammu and Kashmir will Kashmir is that while prior to May 2019 Modi 1.0 to translate Doval initiative at ensure that political intermediaries, the focus was on dealing with separat- legislative platform. Amit Shah is likely who want to maintain the status quo in ists with an iron hand, the focus now is to bridge this gap in Modi 2.0 leading the state, will soon become irrelevant. to make the Kashmiri separatist and dy- to appropriate legislation in the Parlia- For the last seven decades, successive nast leaders irrelevant altogether. NSA ment. governments relied on a certain set of Ajit Doval has pushed for the muscular The Modi government is of the firm leaders from a handful of families in the policy in dealing with the present crisis view that the National Conference (NC), region to solve the Kashmir problem – in the valley with fair success but India the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and namely the Maharaja, the Abdullahs,

10 September 2019 Opinion Express the Muftis and the Nehru-Gandhis. The rorist activities. A massive crackdown and building a new leadership from Modi government is of the view that the on Jamaat-e-Islami has already begun. the grassroots. And the abolishing of time has come for the people of Kash- The outfit has a strong influence in 35A shall facilitate larger integration of mir to move away from these families south Kashmir and is largely held re- J&K with rest of the country. As India –they are not part of the solution, but sponsible for turning the four districts is marching ahead towards 5 trillion actually, a part of the problem. in the region into the hub of terrorism. dollor economy, the policy maker must The Modi government has a new This crackdown is going to get stronger not exclude J&K state from the fruits of multi-pronged Kashmir policy. It is im- in days to come until the outfit is made development just to please few feudal perative that Pakistan must be exposed completely redundant. families threatening the state of India in the international community for its Similarly, tougher action is being of the false repercussions. J&K has been role for fueling an arms conflict with an taken against separatists, not just cos- a victim of protecting the rights of few external state. It is an act of war accord- metic ones. Many of these leaders have political familities rather than the peo- ing to the United Nation charter; India been shifted to prisons outside Srinagar ple, and then one of the tallest Indian must seek sanctions on the Pakistan to places like Jhajjar and Hisar in Hary- leader Shyama Prasad Mukherjee has state for its misdeeds. ana and Tihar prison in Delhi. This is correctly predicted in 1952 that Indian On the domestic front, the first part to ensure that the Valley does not come state must abandon Prince and Czars of the policy involves scaling up military under their influence. In a nutshell, of Kashmir to let it freely integrate with action against terrorists in Kashmir. the Centre is sending a message that it the union of India to blossom in a pros- The second part of this policy involves doesn’t consider the existing separatist perous integrated society. the relentless pursuit of individuals and leadership in the Valley to be the bona With this background: history is outfits who claim to be self-styled rep- fide representative of the common peo- scripted by Narendra Modi led BJP resentatives of the Kashmiri Muslims, ple. It rather prefers to deal with people government on 5 Aug 2019 when in an and support radicalism, directly or in- directly through the administrative ap- stunning move, home minister Amit directly. No one will be spared, however paratus by making it more robust and Shah announced in the Indian parlia- influential. The National Investigation efficient. ment regarding abrogation of article Agency’s summons to the grandson of One important shift in the new 370 and 35A leading to J&K state com- Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani in rela- Kashmir policy is the redefining of plete integration with the union of In- tion to a terror funding case is proof of ‘Kashmiriyat’. There is a big push to en- dia. The paradise lost is regained by the the Modi government’s steadfast com- sure that ‘Kashmiriyat’ doesn’t remain country and Narendra Modi and Amit mitment to this new policy. The NIA confined to merely Kashmiri Muslims. Shah must be complimented for secur- has already seized assets worth about For Modi government, ‘Kashmiriyat’ is ing an outstanding victory to integrate Rs 1,400 crore and has launched an in- an all-inclusive concept– it takes into the country comprehensively. vestigation in 21 cases, Home Minister account the culture, traditions and Amit Shah said in Parliament. The Cen- stakes of Gujjar Bakarwals, Pahadis, tral Board of Direct Taxes and Enforce- Baltis, Dogras, Buddhists and Kash- (Writer is a regular ment Directorate are working overtime miri Pandits. The writing on the wall is columnist in prominent national in the state identifying, tracking and clear: Narendra Modi and Amit Shah newspapers and Editor-in-chief shutting down all means to fund ter- are discarding the old guard in the state of Opinion Express)

Opinion Express September 2019 11 THE HIDDEN AGENDA The inside story of Article 370 from Looking Back - the autobiography of Mehr Chand Mahajan, Prime Minister of Kashmir & Former Chief Justice of India

Yogi Mahajan eign state. After all, Kashmir was bigger promise was to arm twist the Maharaja than Switzerland! But, Lord Mount- to accede according to public opinion; hen the future Prime batten was not amused; he had a hid- the majority Muslims. Minister of India, Jawa- den agenda, he had promised Jinnah (The correspondence in the India harlal Nehru attempted Kashmir, and the only way to keep that Office Records Library in London re- to enter Jammu & Kash- Wmir to visit his protégé, Sheikh Abdulla languishing in jail, its erstwhile ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh banned him from setting foot in his territory. Nehru de- fied the ban. The Maharaja promptly arrested him and threw him in jail. The heir apparent of Kashmir was aghast, “How could my father do such a thing to the future Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy!” The heir apparent was right, the Maharaja did not bor- row from Kautilay; he borrowed from his sixth sense. His sixth sense foiled Jinnah’s attempts on his life twice. Per- haps, once again his sixth sense warned that the man he had thrown in jail was to throw him out of Kashmir. The Neh- ru- Sheikh Abdulla axis was to script the drama of the Maharaja’s exile. Unlike the other 564 princely states, Kashmir was purchased by the Mahara- ja’s ancestor, a Dogra chief, for 75 lakhs from the British. The sale deed allowed the State to have internal autonomy. Thereby, J&K people were the subjects of the Maharaja and not of the British colony. In 1947 the British granted the Maharaja the right to join either India or Pakistan. Legally speaking the ques- tion of accession depended entirely on the choice of the Maharaja and the peo- ple of the state had no right to question his decision. The main players, Jinnah and the National conference wooed the Maha- raja to accede to their respective coun- tries. Jinnah bribed, coerced and even threatened the Maharaja, but the Ma- haraja had dreams of his own; he toyed with the idea of an Independent sover-

12 September 2019 Opinion Express veals the hidden agenda. The creation lowed the raiders to reach the gates of military intervention. However, Nehru of Pakistan was to create an Islamic Srinagar. To save Srinagar Mehr Chand put on a nonchalant air, and stated that shield to contain Soviet expansion. Be- Mahajan explained to the Maharaja, “If in the absence of a Stand- Still agree- cause of the strategic location of Kash- Srinagar is lost we would lose the whole ment with India the Indian Union could mir Britain wanted it should accede to of J&K. the only way to save Srinagar is not intervene unless Kashmir acceded Pakistan.) to accede to India”. to India, and moreover, it was not pos- When Mountbatten made his entry To mend fences with Nehru, the sible to send troops at the spur of the on the stage to accomplish the British Maharaja released Sheikh Abdulla from moment. hidden agenda, the Maharaja’s sixth jail, and on the 24th October sent his Mahajan pleaded, “Give us the mili- sense got an inkling of it, and the meet- deputy Prime Minister Batra with the tary force we need. Take the accession ing was called off under the pretext of letter of accession. But Nehru did not but the army must fly to save Srinagar Maharaja’s ill health. As Mountbatten accept the accession. Had Nehru ac- this evening or else I will go to Lahore failed in his mission, Jinnah became cepted it and deployed the Indian forces and negotiate terms with Jinnah.” desperate, and decided to forcefully on the 24th, the rape and carnage that Nehru angrily rebutted, “Mahajan grab the treasure. He armed the tribal followed could have been avoided. Why Go away!” raiders to invade Kashmir. The state did Nehru hesitate? Again, the answer Sardar Patel intervened, “Of course had modest forces but forty percent was to be found in the British papers; Mahajan, you are not going to Paki- of it comprised of Muslims, and they On the 25th Nehru sent a telegram to stan!” switched sides. Though, the Dogras Attlee to forewarn him of India’s stand Sheikh Abdulla who was listening to fought valiantly to the last man, they to take action. In reply Attlee urged the conversation in the adjacent room were hugely outnumbered. The state Nehru not to send troops to Kashmir. passed a piece of paper to Nehru asking did not even have dynamite to blow the On 26th October Mahajan flew to him to concede to Mahajan’s request. Jhelleum Bridge behind, and that al- Delhi to implore Nehru for immediate After reading the paper Nehru’s atti-

Opinion Express September 2019 13 tude changed and promised help. As most of the whose creation was Jinnah anyway! Mahajan dis- roads were blocked by the invading forces, secur- suaded Nehru, “It is a naïve belief that the Security ing the dangerous Srinagar airport was the only Council would stop Pakistan’s blatant aggression alternative. Jinnah was sure that an airlift was im- of Kashmir. On the contrary Pakistan would use possible, and hence looked forward to celebrating this opportunity to press for plebiscite.” Eid in Srinagar. But Nehru was mesmerized by the Mountbat- On the 27th the Indian army surprised Jinnah, tens, and lodged the complaint against Pakistan and made the impossible possible. Despite the in the Security Council. As predicted by Mahajan, odds, the Sikh regiment managed to land in Srina- Pakistan took full advantage of it and made coun- gar and saved it just at the nick of time. Thereaf- ter- complaints demanding plebiscite. The Secu- ter, it advanced to reclaim the occupied territories. rity Council favored a neutral administration in On 1st November 1948, against Kashmir in preparation of military advice Nehru declared the plebiscite. Nehru regret- unilateral ceasefire, and thus the ted his decision. remaining territory lapsed into After the Maharaja After Sheikh Abdulla was Pakistan occupied Kashmir. formally signed appointed the head of ad- After the Maharaja for- ministration, Mehr Chand mally signed unconditional ac- unconditional accession Mahajan thought it prudent cession of Kashmir to India, he of Kashmir to India, to resign and resume his was appointed as the consti- position in the High Court. tutional head of the state, and he was appointed as Thereafter, the only remain- the administration passed to ing hurdle left in the Sheikh’s Sheikh Abdulla. The following the constitutional head burning ambition for power month, the Prime Minister of of the state, and the was the Maharaja. Not long Pakistan, Liaqat Ali Khan came before, the Nehru- Abdulla to New Delhi to settle pending administration passed axis got the Maharaja to disputes including the Kashmir to Sheikh Abdulla. abdicate. Mahajan warned dispute. Lord Mountbatten got Nehru that once the Maha- the chance to press his hidden The following month, raja was out of the way there agenda, and at his behest Nehru the Prime Minister of would be nothing to stop the agreed for plebiscite to ascertain Sheikh from grabbing abso- the view of the Kashmiri people Pakistan, Liaqat Ali lute power. Events proved on the question of accession. he was right; the mantra of Mehr Chand Mahajan who Khan came to New plebiscite worked its magic was present at the meeting, re- Delhi to settle pending on the crowds, and also held cords in his autobiography, “I India in ransom. The Sheikh strongly objected thereto, be- disputes including the bid goodbye to democracy cause with a mass of illiterate Kashmir dispute. and became like Hitler. As people such a course had no Pakistan kept calling the meaning. They could always be plebiscite card in the UN, it carried away by appeal to reli- fueled the sentiments of the gious feelings, ‘would you go to the Mosque or the Kashmiri crowds, and the situation in the valley temple’. Plebiscite in my view has no meaning af- was further estranged from mainland India. It ter the Maharaja had acceded to India in terms of was a catch 22 situation. To diffuse the situation the Indian Independence Act. This act of accession Nehru had to find a way to silence the plebiscite was complete and conclusive.” mantra, and Nehru found it by dangling the carrot Sardar Patel concurred with Mahajan and the of sec 35A based on Article 370. The Sheikh got his conference failed. pound of flesh and gave up the plebiscite mantra. The British government stated its position on (Five years on Nehru imprisoned the Sheikh) the Kashmir issue in a telegram to the Indian High On 4th January 1954 Mehr Chand Mahajan rose Commission; “The Government of India made to become the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court provocative mistakes in accepting provisionally of India. He apprised Nehru that Article 35A, had the accession of Kashmir to India. Military help not been brought in place as per the Constitutional could have been sent without accepting the acces- provision. Article 370 was inserted in the constitu- sion of the state.” tion through a presidential order, and should have Thus, it was clear that Britain wanted Kash- been done by a parliamentary amendment under mir to go to Pakistan, and it did not give up its ef- Article 368. Fact of the matter was that the Article fort. Lord Mountbatten prevailed upon Nehru to was detrimental to the economic development of lodge a complaint against Pakistan in the Security the state. But the curse of the Nehru-Abdullah axis Council. Mahajan was an outstanding judge of the had been cast on the valley, and it was only exor- Lahore High Court, and because of his astute judg- cized seventy years later! ments and wisdom he was nominated to the Rad- cliff Boundary Commission. He could clearly read ( Writer is a youngest son of late Chief the devious intent of Lord Montbatten; after all Justice Mehr Chand Mahajan )

14 September 2019 Opinion Express Opinion Express September 2019 15 A strong willed PM has transformed India Home minister Amit Shah says that the goal of Narendra Modi govt is not retaining power, but it is focused on long-term transformations

ndia has seen 17 Lok Sabha elec- the last 63 months, dozens of signature matrix through a binary prism: rich- tions, 22 governments and 15 PMs policy initiatives have not only brought poor, industry-agriculture, and cities- Isince independence. No doubt, about significant qualitative improve- villages. This approach presented a each of these regimes have contributed ment in people’s lives, but also pitch set of self-imposed contradictions. to nation building, but had a very lim- forked India as a global growth engine, For instance, there evolved a perplex- ited impact on long term destiny of our cementing its status of eminence among ing strand of thought that the poor country. Congress, which has ruled for the world’s leading nations. can develop only if the interest of rich 55 years in all, has had eight opportu- The hallmark of Prime Minister Na- is compromised and vice versa. Modi nities to serve India with full majority rendra Modi has been his strong willed has demolished this baffling attitude by governments, but not even ten mea- approach. The nullification of Article making a clarion call: “There are only sures stand out that would be remem- 370 and abolition of Article 35A, despite two classes: the poor and those who bered for ushering in transformational the opposition’s inexplicable resistance, want to eradicate poverty.” change. The Vajpayee government took as also the lack of majority in the Rajya Ensuring ease of living has been the Sabha, exemplify this determination. primary pillar of the Modi government’s Article 370 in its original form and Ar- governance doctrine. Jan Dhan, Mudra, ticle 35A were not compatible with In- The Narendra Modi-led dia’s development aspirations, as these government has since severely restricted the state’s progress and, also, promoted separatism. Terror- rewritten the grammar ism has killed more than 41,000 people in the state, while a few families mer- of change. In the last rily pocketed the bulk of central govern- 63 months, dozens ment aid, pushing an entire generation into poverty. of signature policy The peculiar brand of appeasement initiatives have not only politics, coupled with lack of political will, ensured that no leader dared to brought about significant change the “special status” of J&K per- petuated through Articles 370 and 35A. qualitative improvement The Modi government’s decision on Ar- in people’s lives, but also ticle 370 and Article 35A, and the pas- sage of the relevant Bills in both houses pitch forked India as a of Parliament illustrate Modi’s resolve global growth engine, and political statesmanship to actualise the “one nation-one Constitution” prin- cementing its status of ciple, and lead Jammu and Kashmir into a new era of development. eminence among the Likewise, moves such as demoneti- world’s leading nations. sation, GST, abolition of the evil prac- tice of triple talaq, air strike and surgi- cal strike on terror launch pads across the border, one rank one pension, serious initiatives to jolt the status direct benefit transfer (DBT), institu- quo only to see its policy interventions tionalisation of chief of defence staff thwarted because of lack of numbers in (CDS), UAPA amendment bill and con- Parliament. stitutional status to OBC Commission, In many ways, 2014 marks a point which were hitherto seen as difficult of inflection in India’s governance and asks, were executed by the Modi gov- policy paradigm. For the first time a ernment. These moves certainly make non-Congress government won a full him the most strong willed prime min- majority in the Lok Sabha. The Nar- ister India has ever seen. endra Modi-led government has since Successive governments since inde- rewritten the grammar of change. In pendence have implemented a policy

16 September 2019 Opinion Express DBT, house for all, electricity for all, status on the world stage has grown The contrast between previous ad- LPG for all, crop insurance scheme, by leaps and bounds. When India car- ministrations and the Modi government increased MSP for farmers, pension ried out surgical strikes and air strikes is clear. While earlier governments’ de- schemes for small entrepreneurs and on terror launch pads in Pakistan, the cisions were primarily guided by the working class, and Kisan Samman Ni- world’s leading nations stood by us, sole objective of retaining power, the dhi: all epitomise this approach. In ad- while our neighbour was, and contin- Modi government is focused on push- dition specific policy initiatives have ues to remain, isolated. Recognition of ing changes of long-term significance, been taken for the development of his- Yoga International Day, UN’s Champion no matter if they don’t seem popular in torically marginalised social segments of Earth Award to Modi, leading role in the near run. This has resulted in coura- such as SC, ST, OBC and women. International Solar Alliance initiative, geous policy and legislative moves even Modi has always believed that a coun- successful launch of Chandrayaan and in the face of widely perceived political try cannot advance if the business com- highest number of simultaneous satellite risks. PM’s popularity shows that when munity does not lead this progress. His launches from India are some examples tough measures are taken with popu- emphasis on the role of wealth creators of India’s growing international stature. lar welfare as the sole consideration, in a nation’s growth underlines the im- National security remains non-ne- people reward you with wholesome portance this government attaches to the gotiable for this government. The deci- support. The overwhelming mandate in business community. From overhauling sion to appoint a CDS, modernisaton of 2019 that bettered even the 2014 record a creaky banking system, clamping down the armed forces as well as successful is a testimony to this. And the people on corruption, enhancing investments launch of anti-satellite missile demon- faith in Modi government will grow in in infrastructure, to GST and procedural strates the government’s steadfast focus the coming months due to the various simplification – all have turned India to protect India on all fronts: land, sky, pro active steps taken by Modi 2.0 on into a much easier place to do business. sea and space. The decision to imple- corruption. India remains the world’s fastest grow- ment the long-standing demand for ing major economy and is cantering to- OROP also mirrors the government’s By Amit Shah: wards the $5 trillion GDP mark. firmness to keep the morale of India’s Home Minister of India & BJP Under Modi’s stewardship India’s soldiers high. Party President

Opinion Express September 2019 17 Gental Giants A tribute to Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj by a Karyakarta ith Manohar Parikker and Anant Kumar perishes recently, two prominent central faces of the BJP— Arun Jaitley and Su- shma Swaraj — bid adieu to the world in theW same month. They were so diametrically different yet so essentially integral to the party they represented. As a party functionary who worked with both of them puts it, Sushma and Jaitley were like two banks of a river that never crossed each other’s paths, thus help- ing the party steer clear of obstructions. The brain-and- heart combo of the BJP that Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj were respectively, they carved their political ca- reers in the same party, with respective potentials and persona. While Jaitley had Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Pari- shad background, Sushma came from the socialist stable. But neither of them was considered close to the core in the Sangh family. They had distinct liberal identities in a party of hardliners. Both were darlings of media. Jaitley had his elaborate media durbars till the end of his tenure as finance minister. Sushma, though was a private person, kept in touch with a group of journalists, mostly the women journalists who cov- ered the External Affairs Ministry and the BJP, as she believed in the cause of women and rejoiced in their empowerment. Jaitley and Sushma are best-remembered for their roles as Finance Minister and External Affairs Minster till May 2019, Leaders of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha respectively when the party went out of power in 2004. And before that, for their role as the finest and fiercest spokespersons of the party. Sushma got away with her fiercest attack on Sonia Gandhi, threatening to shave her head and live like a widow if the then Congress President became Prime Minister in 2004. Many Congress leaders praised her as the “best PM candidate BJP could have had”. On the other hand, Jaitley, the chief strategist of BJP, despite his suave manner and sweet tongue, remained at the centre of Opposition’s attack and respect. While Jaitley was one of the first in the party to back Narendra Modi’s PM candidature, Sushma didn’t hide her initial reluctance to do so. Jaitley played a key role in Modi’s designation as BJP’s PM candidate, which involved sidelining of party veterans LK Advani and MM Joshi. Sushma was then on the other side. The phenomenal rise of BJP in 2014 can largely be credited to Jaitley’s strategy of pushing the candidature of Nar- endra Modi that scripted history. It is admirable for the party to be on the upsurge despite losing several prominent faces recently due to the popular acceptability of PM Narendra Modi and or- ganizational skills of Amit Shah. RSS must be credited for building the solid cadre and quality leadership.

By Subhash Ojha: He is member of BJP and prominent emerging leader of UP.

18 September 2019 Opinion Express Opinion Express September 2019 19 Kick-starting an economic revival Factors affecting India’s economic growth can be addressed only by second generation, systemic reform

Subramanian Swamy

he factors hampering In- dian economic growth can be addressed only by second generation, systemic reform that makes the economy an Tefficient, competitive one and which minimises the inefficiency, squandering and corruption in the deployment of the country’s vast resources When Narendra Modi took oath as Prime Minister on May 26, 2014, there were great expectations from him mak- ing decisive moves to put the economy back in recovery mode and on to a high growth trajectory of a ‘10+’ per cent per year growth rate. It is ‘10+’ because the Finance Ministry had chosen to use Paasche’s Index instead of Laspeyres Index to calculate growth rate, which, Prime Minister. These steps have still to ers are a consequence of the disastrous under present inflationary conditions, be taken. tenure of the previous government, now will artificially raise growth rate fig- nearly a year on, they cease to be a cred- ures (see Paul Samuelson and Subra- Regressive markers ible excuse. manian Swamy, “Invariant Economic The regressive markers in the pro- Some of these markers are: the Ba- Index numbers and Canonical Duality”, jected path of the economy today make sel III norms for banks (effective from American Economic Review, 1974, and it worrisome as these indicate that if not 2018) which require Rs.2,40,000 crore also Economic Journal, 1984 for the rectified soon, the Indian economy can for capitalisation. Moreover, to retain reasons.) go into a tailspin. Though these mark- 51 per cent of the equity of public sector Hence, what I have been stating in banks by the government, it will need, the past, of a 10 per cent growth rate this financial year, Rs.1,21,000 crore. target as being desirable is now, by the Hence, what I have been The 2015-16 Budget has provided for Finance Ministry’s revaluation of index only Rs.11,200 crore, which is not even numbers, more than a 10 per cent target stating in the past, of a a tenth of this. With rising non-per- now, perhaps even 12 per cent. 10 per cent growth rate forming assets of banks, there is a risk The blueprint for such a recovery, of a banking crash much like the 1997- to a ‘10+’ growth rate, had already been target as being desirable 98 East Asian crash. prepared before the general election, is now, by the Finance This year, the rainfall deficit affect- and the steps to be taken were docu- ing 67 per cent of the single crop farm- mented by a committee of the Bharatiya Ministry’s revaluation ers, will cause inflationary pressures Janata Party. Nitin Gadkari, now Union and a substantial shortfall in produc- Minister for Road Transport, Highways of index numbers, more tion, thus causing more misery to the and Shipping, had been entrusted with than a 10 per cent target farmer. While rainfall is in nobody’s task. On his suggestion, I had collabo- control, the economy, even today, lacks rated with a number of committed in- now, perhaps even 12 per the necessary financial cushion to ab- tellectuals to produce a ‘Vision Docu- cent. sorb the liabilities arising from crop ment 2020’, a road map for Mr. Modi failure and farmer destitution. to implement as soon as he became the The rupee is on the edge of a fall as

20 September 2019 Opinion Express nation in terms of GDP at PPP rates, The fall in the rupee was a little moderated three nevertheless, it still has a backward, ag- ricultural sector employing 62 per cent months ago, but for the wrong reason: the increased of the labour force and where farmers are ending their lives unable to repay inflow of funds from the subversive, corroding, their loans. money-laundering Participatory Notes (PN) The Indian economy is also saddled with a national unemployment rate that derivative. But PNs are hot money derivatives and is over 15 per cent of the adult labour so can be pulled out anytime to cause a further force, and a prevalence of child labour arising out of nearly 50 per cent of chil- devaluation of the rupee. dren not making it to school beyond standard five, a deeply malfunctioning primary and secondary educational sys- it happened in 2012-13. This is because had a profound impact on the stock tem, 300 million illiterates and 250 mil- there has been a large-scale sell-off or market. One of these is in the form of lion people in a dire state of poverty. dumping of shares of Indian companies market valuations now being well below Moreover, India’s educated youth is purchased by foreign investors earlier the long-term average and even below skill deficient, risk averse in attitude and last year. Some foreign direct invest- the level in 2013. Therefore, it is no sur- largely unemployable in the cutting- ment (FDI) companies have also pulled prise that the top 10 corporate entities edge manufacturing sector. According out. The fall in the rupee was a little have reached a stage where their annual to Macaulay’s Minute on Education, moderated three months ago, but for profits do not cover even their yearly our universities still produce clerks for the wrong reason: the increased inflow debt repayments. government administration and not in- of funds from the subversive, corrod- novators of the future. ing, money-laundering Participatory Negative factors Besides these, India’s infrastruc- Notes (PN) derivative. But PNs are hot While India has demonstrated im- ture is in a pathetic state, with frequent money derivatives and so can be pulled pressive prowess in IT, biotechnology, power breakdowns even in metropoli- out anytime to cause a further devalua- automobile ancillaries and pharma- tan cities, a dangerously unhealthy wa- tion of the rupee. ceuticals, and has also accelerated its ter supply system in urban areas, and All these destabilising trends have growth rate to become the third largest a very poor road network where there

Opinion Express September 2019 21 are gaping holes even on the National formance in experimental agricultural A transparent policy regime, auc- Highways. plots of the Indian Agricultural Research tioning of natural resources (if it is used India’s infrastructure requires about Institute (IARI) and the Indian Council for commercial private enterprise), and $150 billion to make it world class, while of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and by the unearthing of the vast $1.5 trillion the education system needs six per cent also borrowing agricultural techniques in black money stashed abroad will en- of GDP instead of 2.8 per cent today. from Israel. Indian agriculture and milk able the government to marshal suf- products are also internationally at a ficient resources for a massive invest- Need for reform low cost of production. With proper in- ment in a second generation economic These problems can be addressed frastructure and packaging, India can reform while reducing the tax burden only by comprehensive, second gen- certainly become a global player in ag- on people. eration, systemic reform that makes ricultural exports. As an economist, the only advice I the economy an efficient, competitive Even though India is also gifted with can give the Modi government is to take market oriented one that leverages a full 12 months a year of farm-friendly some steps that will raise the morale of our potentialities (such as our civiliza- weather, it grows just one crop a year in the consumer and investor. That means tional heritage of innovative intellect), over 75 per cent of arable land when it income tax abolition and reducing the and which minimises the inefficiency, can grow three crops a year. It also has annual interest rate to nine per cent. squandering and corruption in the de- the advantage of a highly competitive, The good news is that the built-in ployment of our vast resources. skilled labour force and low wage rates potential in the economy is easy to tap India has much potential today to at the national level, the advantages of for revival, as is the basic resilience of become a booming economy; it has a which have been already proved to the the Indian people to face any situation demographic dividend of a young popu- world by the outsourcing phenomenon. as demonstrated from past crises. lation of average age of 28 years com- What is needed is a bold commitment Only one year of the mandate has pared to China’s 35 years, the U.S.’s 38 of sufficient resources to harvest this elapsed, so there is still time to make years, Europe’s 46 years and Japan’s 49 potential. the necessary course correction and put years. An open competitive market system India on a fast, 12 per cent growth tra- Internationally, Indian agriculture can find these resources as has been jectory. has the lowest yield in land and live- demonstrated in the auction of the 2G (Subramanian Swamy is a stock-based milk products whose yield Spectrum licences if the quality of gover- former Professor of Economics can easily be raised judging by the per- nance and accountability is improved. and Union Cabinet Minister)

22 September 2019 Opinion Express Chowkidar big assault on corruption begins Inspired by relentless crusade of Dr Subramanium Swamy, Modi 2.0 begins its decisive battle against graft

ith 303 seats under his belt, new home minister Amit Shah in control of Ministry of Home Affairs, cocktail of mutual friends ends with the exit of Aurn Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj, scores of judicial setbacks for corrupt leaders, aggressive vocal 24x7 media,W large population access to social media handle – Modi 2.0 has launched a major offence against corruption toeing the line perused by Dr Subramanian Swamy since long. The dramatic arrest of former Union minister P. Chidambaram on money laundering allegations linked to the decade-old INX Media case, which was hushed up by Chidambaram’s good friends has expectedly left the Congress party red-faced. The Congress party has unflinchingly stood behind its vet- eran leader. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have dubbed the CBI & Enforcement Directorate’s pursuit of the former Finance and Home minister as a case of political vendetta. The public expres- sion of solidarity within the Congress for one of its most prominent leaders, however, has another dimension – one that justifies why the party’s most celebrated legal minds – Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Kapil Sibal, Vivek Tankha, Salman Khurshid – are now putting every legal trick up their sleeves to test in an attempt to ‘free Chidambaram’ with no success in sight. The “actual fear” within the party is that Chidambaram’s arrest may be just the first of several possible arrests – or at least the impres- sion of an impending arrest – of top line Congress leaders that agen-

Opinion Express September 2019 23 cies like the CBI and ED may now push for. Among them are Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gan- dhi, party veterans Motilal Vora, Oscar Fernandes – all awaiting final disposal by the Supreme Court of a tax assess- ment case linked to the National Herald matter. These leaders are currently on bail in the case in the case filed Subra- manian Swamy. There’s also the lurking possibility that Chidambaram’s son and Sivaganga MP Karti Chidambaram (co- Accused in the cases registered against father an mother) may face the same fate as his father soon, as he too is be- ing investigated by the CBI and ED for similar offences in the INX Media case. Sources within the Congress are sure of the tax assessment case against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the Supreme Court and by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) gives the mother-son duo some protection from an adverse action for the time being will be pushed by the Modi government soon. With the increased mandate Narendra Modi got (in the Lok Sabha polls), the targeting of political rivals will be fiercer now. Chi- dambaram’s arrest is clearly a warning to others. Investigative agencies more aggressive focus is Sonia Gandhi’s son- in-law Robert Vadra in the many dubi- ous land deal cases he is embroiled in. cused in at least four cases of corrup- government. His declared assets have “Vadra, it looks like now, will be next. tion, forgery and criminal conspiracy. increased from Rs.251 crores in 2013 to During the 2014 elections, Modi made Less than a year ago, the MLA from Ka- Rs.840 crores. ED has summoned him Vadra’s land deals a poll issue, but the nakapura was accused of destroying ev- for money laundering case. He is likely investigations didn’t proceed at a fast idence in connection with multiple tax to be prosecuted next for tax violations pace over the past five years because of and money laundering.. the presence of a prominent BJP leader The CBI has booked Madhya close to the Gandhi family but his de- The CBI has booked Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath’s mise will alter the entire situation now. nephew Ratul Puri, the then former ex- Then, just before the Lok Sabha polls, Madhya Pradesh Chief ecutive director of Moser Baer and oth- the agencies started calling Vadra for Minister Kamal Nath’s ers in connection with a Rs-354 crore questioning,” the pace of investigation bank fraud case filed by Central Bank will be fast tracked. nephew Ratul Puri, the of India officials. Besides Ratul and There has also been a buzz within the company, his father and Managing the party that former Haryana Chief then former executive Director Deepak Puri, Directors Nita Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s director of Moser Baer Puri (Ratul’s mother and Kamal Nath’s banner of revolt against the Congress sister), Sanjay Jain and Vineet Sharma has “something to do with the investi- and others in connection have also been booked by the agency for gations against him in fraudulent land with a Rs-354 crore alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating, allotment cases.” A party leader told forgery and corruption. Ratul had re- media that Hooda was “under pres- bank fraud case filed by signed from the post of executive direc- sure to break away from the Congress Central Bank of India tor in 2012, while his parents continue before the Haryana assembly polls due to be on the board, the bank said in a in October” and that “if he decides to officials. statement. The company is involved in stay on and lead the party’s campaign, the manufacture of optical storage me- the perception is that the investigation dia like compact discs, DVDs, solid state against him will be expedited.” Hooda evasion cases. While IT officials claimed storage devices. The case has been reg- is currently facing probe and accused in to have unearthed somewhere between istered based on a complaint from Cen- many cases related land allotments in Rs.10 to Rs.300 crores in undisclosed tral Bank of India. The company was Haryaana, including the land allotment income from his residences, the former taking loans from various banks since for National Herald case. energy minister of Karnataka insisted 2009 and went for debt restructuring a Congress’s D.K. Shivakumar, an ac- that he was being targeted by the Modi number of times, the bank has alleged

24 September 2019 Opinion Express in the complaint which is now part of the Modi government is using CBI and Trinamool or TDP. The cases against the CBI FIR. When it was unable to pay ED to jail all rivals…strengthen the these leaders, like Himanta Biswa Sarma the debt, a forensic audit was done and charge of an undeclared Emergency.” and Mukul Roy, were registered when the the account was declared as “fraud” Whether any of these fears of Congress- they were not in the BJP. The BJP used by the Central Bank of India on April men prove true or not is anybody’s guess to call them criminals. After they joined 20, 2019, it has alleged. but, for now, Chidambaram’s arrest has the BJP, the investigations stopped. Congress insiders say that putting up certainly shaken up the Congress party, What has happened with Chidamba- a vociferous defence of Chidambaram still recovering from the shock of its Lok ram… a 10-year-old case in which he was may also serve another political pur- Sabha debacle. While Chidambaram’s not even named in the FIR… it is all po- pose – that of building up the argument arrest has, so far, not attracted much litical vendetta (sic),” another Congress of “political targeting of Opposition solidarity from other constituents of the leader said. But the hard reality is that through pliable investigative agencies”. Opposition, Congress sources say efforts every government in the past has mis- Chidambaram was caught by BJP leader are on to get these parties on board to used the investigative agencies to score Subramanian Swamy in Aircel-Maxis “protest against the use of CBI and ED political points, hence to blame the cur- money trail to son’s firms in late 2012. by the government to lock up political rent BJP government may be just an ac- Probe in Aircel-Maxis firm lead to open rivals”. After all, several senior leaders ademic exercise. Modi 2.0 has launched and shut case INX Media bribery case. of these parties too are facing investiga- the offence against Lalu Yadav, Akhilesh Though Chidambaram managed certain tions in various cases or corruption. Yadav, VirBhadra Singh, Chandrababu freinldy elements in Modi Government, Now the agencies have started Naidu, top leaders of NCP, DMK, AL- irrepressible Swamy with the help of his knocking the door of Ahmed Patel in DMK, TMC, INLD to name the few be- huge Army of “patriotic” people exposed Sandesara-Sterling Group related bank cause of the criticism faced by Modi 1.0 the Income Tax and ED findings of Chi- frauds and money laundering. Apart for being soft on corruption. Team Modi dambaram family’s secret assets in 14 from him, his son Faizal and son-in-law Shah has gripped the entire governance countries and 21 hidden foreign bank Irfan also caught in the 1000s of crores to unleash the war on corruption. To- accounts in 2016. This explosive expose worth money laundering case of the fu- day, people are happy and mood in the by Swamy neutralized Chidambaram’s gitive Sandesara family. country in positive in favour of the ac- friends in BJP Government and Prime “There are over a dozen leaders in the tion taken by the investigative agencies Minister Ordered for strict action. BJP who have a slew of corruption cases to secure country’s wealth. A leader said, “in case any other se- against them, but the agencies are not in- By J Gopikrishnan: He is In- nior leaders are harassed or arrested in terested in probing them. Many of these dia’s leading investigative jour- the coming weeks or months, the party leaders joined the BJP in recent years nalist and bureau head in the na- can then go to the people and say that after quitting parties like the Congress, tional daily – The Pioneer

Opinion Express September 2019 25 26 September 2019 Opinion Express Of Tiger & The Rising Sun Potential in Indo-Japan symbiotic ties, marketing yet to be tapped anjeev Sinha prides himself on being a pioneer. The longtime SJapan resident is hoping that he can help Japan and India to pioneer a relationship that better benefits not only both countries, but also the greater global community. From humble begin- nings in a small town in India, Sinha be- gan taking the path less chosen early on. “I have somehow had the serendipity to do new things. I was the first person from my hometown to go to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Kanpur),” he said. But this was only the beginning. He said encouragement from his elder brother, who faced the challenges of a poor countryside upbringing, drove him to excel and be the first person from his region in the desert town of Barmer to go to the prestigious university. Sinha continued to go down the path less chosen. When he graduated with an integrated Master of Science in physics, he elected to cross the ocean to Japan. “It was like I took the wrong flight. When I was graduating, many people were thinking about going to the U.S., not Japan. That hasn’t changed much.

Sinha continued to go down the path less chosen. When he graduated with an It remains hard to attract people from of these companies, he plays a central India to Japan,” he said. While others in role coordinating their businesses. “I integrated Master of his generation were looking west with was also the first to create a company Science in physics, he dreams of making a move to the U.S., like this dedicated to India-Japan rela- Sinha looked in the other direction. “I tions. We have a big group … that way elected to cross the ocean like to explore new things. That has al- we can confidently help Japanese com- ways been my nature. I wanted to try panies go to India and companies in In- to Japan. “It was like I something new. Japan fascinated me dia come to Japan. We are quite broad took the wrong flight. in terms (of) technology, particularly and have a very holistic approach,” he AI (artificial intelligence) and robotics. said. When I was graduating, So, what brought me here was exploring Sinha believes a stronger India-Ja- many people were new frontiers,” he said. pan partnership has unrealized poten- After a stint in Japan spent “explor- tial just waiting to be tapped; in short, thinking about going to ing new frontiers” in AI in 1996, he the nations have complementary quali- moved on to the financial sector, work- ties that make them something akin to the U.S., not Japan. That ing at Goldman Sachs, Mizuho Securi- a match made in heaven. “Japan lacks hasn’t changed much. It ties and UBS before becoming chief human and natural resources. India country representative for Tata Asset has both and is good at global market- remains hard to attract Management. Today, Sinha is president ing, but lacks two things — capital and people from India to of the India Japan Partnership Fund technology. Japan has both. This makes and Group, a corporate group of 30 the countries a very good match,” said Japan,” companies he started in 2008. Operat- Sinha. He believes the pair can develop ing in the capacity of a director at each a symbiotic relationship if Japan brings

Opinion Express September 2019 27 capital and technology to India and pan, and vice-versa. So, people in India uses India’s resources and the country don’t know about Japan, and people in Bridging birth as a global marketing platform, not just Japan don’t know about India,” he said. a market to hawk its wares. Sinha add- “There is not much interaction so things land and adopted ed that Indians are eminently suited to are not happening.” both global marketing and navigating The lack of mutual exposure may home multicultural situations, and for this partially explain it, but he says cultur- reason are sought after by multination- al differences in approaches between BY MICK CORLISS al companies in the U.S. and Japan. the countries that can also slow things Sanjeev Sinha’s life has taken “That is the strength of Indians, down — a second Catch-22. “The Japa- him from the small, rural Barmer and something that tends to be lack- nese don’t start until there is a plan, and district of Rajasthan, India, to the ing in Japan. Indians are very good at Indians don’t plan much and love to be gleaming skyscrapers of Tokyo. intercultural communication,” he said. spontaneous,” he said. Sinha shared During more than two decades in “I think the reason is that Indians tend that working in four different corpo- Japan, he has promoted bilateral to think very deeply about everything. rate cultures of the world — European, interactions among industrial- That is why differences in culture are Indian, American and Japanese — has ists, politicians and others in the not a big hurdle for Indians.” However, taught him a few things. land of his birth and his adopted while Sinha envisions a future of cas- “In Japan consensus building takes homeland. After bouncing around cading mutual benefits, a few challeng- a long time. Every department of a firm the financial sector at major banks es have kept this win-win relationship has to approve a decision. Japan de- and investment banks, he struck in check. “I feel that in India-Japan re- pends on very meticulous and intense out on his own by establishing lations there is a chicken and egg prob- planning that I feel is too rigid for the the India Japan Partnership lem. There are not many Indians in Ja- modern situation. This approach works Fund and Group. The group’s 30 companies coordinate activities as they serve as a gateway and facilitate the business of compa- nies in India and elsewhere. He has helped Indian startups find financing from Japanese tech companies and remains dedi- cated to serving as a bridge that can help forge win-win relation- ships between India and Japan. He has also authored four books that shed light on doing business in India and advocates a closer economic relationship to benefit both nations. COURTESY – THE JAPAN TIMES

fine in Japan … but now the world is so dynamic and volatile. If you spend so much time on planning, by the time you finish your plan, the world has changed,” he said. Nevertheless, over the past decades Japan and India have created a solid rapport at the leader- ship level. He stressed that Japan is the nation that Indians typically say they trust the most. Sinha seems to believe the political will for pushing ahead with a win-win relationship is there. A case in point is the Indian bullet train that Japan will help finance to run between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, but which — unlike a Japanese shinkansen — is run- ning behind schedule. “The countries need a push to move the relationship forward and this project could be that push,” he said. Inputs and article shared by Sanjeev Sinha from Tokyo Japan

28 September 2019 Opinion Express Trade & Terror THE 4th WAVE OF GLOBALIZATION 2020 AND SURVIVAL OF INDIA WITH ITS PEACEFUL NEIGHBOURS WHO ARE NOW MORE UNITED AS ONE WHILE MANY WESTERN COUNTRIES CONTINUE INCREASING TERRORISM AND ESCALATING TRADE WARS

Joginder (Jo) Singh Birring

he 4th Wave of Globalization 2020” – A Multi Polar Eastern World against the Brit- ish (Now Broken Kingdom) Their Home grown funded terrorist exports and their Trade Wars against the Eastern Countries “TAs we are entering a new, digital-driven era of globalization – we call it “The 4th Wave of Globalization 2020” as on this Earth up until today in the World, The Age of Discovery and The 3 stages of Globalization have so far been as follows:

Opinion Express September 2019 29 Age of Discovery (15th-18th centu- ries) Truly global trade kicked off in the Age of Discovery. It was in this era, from the end of the 15th century onwards, that European explorers connected East and West – and accidentally dis- covered the Americas. It was the largest genocide and holocaust in human history as the Peaceful Native American people lost their land, peaceful ways of life and traditional values as the European invaders enslaved them, waged wars and contin- ued stealing by preaching their twisted versions of Christianity. Aided by the discoveries of the so-called “Scientific Revolution” in the fields of astronomy, mechanics, physics and shipping, the Portuguese, Spanish and later the Dutch and the English first “discovered”, then subjugated, and finally integrated new lands in their economies. The Age of Discovery rocked the world. The most (in)famous “discovery” is that of America by Columbus, which all but ended pre-Colombian civilizations. But the most consequential explo- ration was the circumnavigation by Magellan: it opened the door to the Spice Islands, cutting out Arab and Italian middlemen. Trade once again remained small compared to total GDP, it cer- tainly altered people’s lives. Potatoes, tomatoes, coffee and chocolate were introduced in Europe, and the price of spices fell steeply. Yet econo- mists today still don’t truly regard this era as one of true globalization. Trade certainly started to become global, and it had even been the main reason for starting the Age of Discovery. But the resulting global economy was still very much siloed and lopsided. The European empires set up global supply chains, but mostly with those colonies they owned. Moreover, their colonial model was chiefly one of exploitation, including the shameful legacy of the slave trade where the Jewish and British ship owners companies were hugely involved in the transportation and sales to Europeans living in occupied lands in the USA/ Caribbean Islands. The empires thus created both a mercantilist and a colonial economy, but not a truly globalized one.

30 September 2019 Opinion Express he Age of Discovery rocked the world. The most (in)famous “discovery” is that of America by Columbus, which all but ended pre-Colombian civilizations. But the most consequential exploration was the circumnavigation by Magellan: it opened the door to the Spice Islands, cutting out Arab and Italian middlemen.

Opinion Express September 2019 31 The First wave of globaliza- But the first wave of globalization tion (19th century-1914) The “British” Industrial and industrialization also coincided This started to change with the first with darker events, too. By the end of wave of globalization, which roughly Revolution made for a the 19th century, the Khan Academy occurred over the century ending in fantastic twin engine of notes, “most globalizing and industri- 1914. By the end of the 18th century, alized European nations grabbed for a Great Britain had started to dominate global trade. On the one piece of Africa, and by 1900 the only in- the world both geographically, through dependent country left on the continent the establishment of the British Empire hand, steamships and was Ethiopia”. In a similarly negative (as it murdered and enslaved 100s of trains could transport vein, large countries like India, China, millions of peaceful people), and tech- Mexico or Japan, which were previously nologically, with innovations like the goods over thousands powers to reckon with, were not either steam engine, the industrial weaving of miles, both within not able or not allowed to adapt to the machine and more. It was the era of the industrial and global trends. Either the First Industrial Revolution. countries and across Western powers put restraints on their The “British” Industrial Revolu- independent development, or they were tion made for a fantastic twin engine of countries. otherwise outcompeted because of their global trade. On the one hand, steam- lack of access to capital or technology. ships and trains could transport goods constructed the Suez Canal, connect- Finally, many workers in the industri- over thousands of miles, both within ing the Mediterranean with the Indian alized nations also did not benefit from countries and across countries. On the Ocean and opened yet another artery globalization, their work commoditized other hand, its industrialization allowed of world trade. Others built railways in by industrial machinery, or their output Britain to make, slave trade, rape, kill India, or managed mines in African col- undercut by foreign imports. and steal other countries products/re- onies. Foreign direct investment, too, sources that were in demand all over was globalizing. The world wars the world, like iron, textiles and manu- While Britain was the country that It was a situation that was bound to factured goods. benefited most from this globalization, end in a major crisis, and it did. In 1914, The resulting globalization was as it had the most capital, technology the outbreak of World War I brought an obvious in the numbers. For about a and more treacherous murderous ways. end to just about everything the bur- century, trade grew on average 3% per The invention of the refrigerated cargo geoning high society of the West had year. That growth rate propelled ex- ship or “reefer ship” in the 1870s, for ex- gotten so used to, including globaliza- ports from a share of 6% of global GDP ample, allowed for countries like Argen- tion. The ravage was complete. Millions in the early 19th century, to 14% on tina and Uruguay, to enter their golden of soldiers died in battle, millions of the eve of World War I. Those with the age. They started to mass export meat, civilians died as collateral damage, war means in New York, Paris, London or from cattle grown on their vast lands. replaced trade, destruction replaced Berlin could also invest in internation- Other countries, too, started to special- construction, and countries closed their ally active joint stock companies. One of ize their production in those fields in borders yet again. those, the French Compagnie de Suez, which they were most competitive. In the years between the world wars,

32 September 2019 Opinion Express the financial markets, which were still connected in a global web, caused a fur- ther breakdown of the global economy n the early decades after World War II, institutions and its links. The Great Depression in like the European Union, and other free trade the US led to the end of the boom in South America, and a run on the banks vehicles championed by the US were responsible for in many other parts of the world. An- much of the increase in international trade. In the other world war followed in 1939-1945. By the end of World War II, trade as a Soviet Union, there was a similar increase in trade, percentage of world GDP had fallen to 5% – a level not seen in more than a albeit through centralized planning rather than the hundred years. free market. The effect was profound. The Second and third wave of globalization than the free market. The effect was At the same time, a new technol- The story of globalization, however, profound. Worldwide, trade once again ogy from the Third Industrial Revolu- was not over. The end of the World rose to 1914 levels: in 1989, export once tion, the internet, connected people all War II marked a new beginning for the again counted for 14% of global GDP. It over the world in an even more direct global economy. Under the leadership was paired with a steep rise in middle- way. The orders Keynes could place by of a new hegemon, the United States of class incomes in the West. phone in 1914 could now be placed over America, and aided by the technologies Then, when the wall dividing East the internet. Instead of having them of the Second Industrial Revolution, and West fell in Germany, and the So- delivered in a few weeks, they would like the car and the plane, global trade viet Union collapsed, globalization arrive at one’s doorstep in a few days. started to rise once again. At first, this became an all-conquering force. The What was more, the internet also al- happened in two separate tracks, as the newly created World Trade Organiza- lowed for a further global integration of Iron Curtain divided the world into two tion (WTO) encouraged nations all over value chains. You could do R&D in one spheres of influence. But as of 1989, the world to enter into free-trade agree- country, sourcing in others, production when the Iron Curtain fell, globalization ments, and most of them did, including in yet another, and distribution all over became a truly global phenomenon. many newly independent ones. In 2001, the world. In the early decades after World even China, which for the better part of The result has been a globalization War II, institutions like the European the 20th century had been a secluded, on steroids. In the 2000s, global ex- Union, and other free trade vehicles agrarian economy, became a member ports reached a milestone, as they rose championed by the US were responsi- of the WTO, and started to manufac- to about a quarter of global GDP. Trade, ble for much of the increase in interna- ture for the world. In this “new” world, the sum of imports and exports, conse- tional trade. In the Soviet Union, there the US set the tone and led the way, quentially grew to about half of world was a similar increase in trade, albeit but many others benefited in their slip- GDP. In some countries, like Singapore, through centralized planning rather stream. Belgium, or others, trade is worth much

Opinion Express September 2019 33 more than 100% of GDP. A majority of ization is expanding too, through the As a percentage of GDP, global ex- global population has benefited from global effect of climate change. Pollu- ports have stalled and even started this: more people than ever before be- tion in one part of the world leads to ex- to go in reverse slightly. As a political long to the global middle class and hun- treme weather events in another. And ideology, “globalism”, or the idea that dreds of millions achieved that status the cutting of forests in the few “green one should take a global perspective, is by participating in the global economy. lungs” the world has left, like the Ama- on the wane. And internationally, the zon rainforest, has a further devastating power that propelled the world to its The 4th Wave of Globaliza- effect on not just the world’s biodiver- highest level of globalization ever, the tion 2020 sity, but its capacity to cope with haz- United States, is backing away from its That brings us to today 2019, when a ardous greenhouse gas emissions. role as policeman and trade champion new wave of globalization is once again But as this new wave of globaliza- of the world. upon us. In a world increasingly domi- tion is reaching our shores, many of the It was in this world that Chinese nated by two global powers, the US and world’s people are turning their backs president Xi Jinping addressed the China, the new frontier of globalization on it. In the West particularly, many topic globalization in a speech in Davos is the cyber world. The digital economy, middle-class workers are fed up with Switzerland in January 2017. “Some in its infancy during the third wave of a political and economic system that blame economic globalization for the globalization, is now becoming a force resulted in economic inequality, social chaos in the world,” he said. “It has now to reckon with through e-commerce, instability, and – in some countries – become the Pandora’s box in the eyes of digital services, 3D printing. It is fur- mass immigration, even if it also led to many.” But, he continued, “We came to ther enabled by artificial intelligence, economic growth and cheaper products. the conclusion that integration into the but threatened by cross-border hacking Protectionism, trade wars and immi- global economy is a historical trend. [It] and cyber attacks. gration stops are once again the order is the big ocean that you cannot escape At the same time, a negative global- of the day in many countries. from.” He went on to propose a more

34 September 2019 Opinion Express will be left without any clear vision or rorists many of them white Christians, focus. Many more of them will continue who convert to Islam so that they can sinking into further debts, exporting tarnish/disrespect the religion of Islam. more home grown terrorism, creating Many of these white Christian converts more illegal wars that imports more to Islam are nurtured and funded by the mass immigration to their Countries West’s so-called Intelligence services. and their banks/businesses fail and The People of today must remem- fall into more bankruptcies. That will ber, must respect, honour and value be their ways of living life and can only the great spiritual leaders, magnificent be stopped IF their general public stops writers, artists and musicians who have supporting/voting for incompetent walked this Earth and who all left and two faced politician fools to lead their shared messages of peace love unity Countries in the New World where the and Universal God vibrations which Eastern World has become much wiser, expressed(still express when you read, educated and peacefully united. The British/Broken Kingdom’s “Divide and Rule” games are finished. The British India under PM “Broken Kingdom” public are presently getting ready to select their next clue- Narendra Modi and his less clown (AKA Pointless Politician), who cries with laughter while making new ministers MUST the innocent people cry in many more strengthen and maintain new painful ways. India under PM Narendra Modi and peaceful relations with his new ministers MUST strengthen all its neighbouring and maintain peaceful relations with all its neighbouring Countries in the East Countries in the East without India/Indians being enslaved, without India/Indians raped and robbed again by any British company/British person. being enslaved, raped We at The WHS Group of Compa- nies have activated more of our Peace- and robbed again by any ful Protection Patrols and World Smart- British company/British echno C8 IND Humint Hit Squads throughout India as we monitor track person. British Companies, British people based in/doing business in India. IF we catch any of them breaking Indian listen and learn more attentively with- Laws, avoiding tax regulations, creat- out rushing around or become distract- ing financial scams, black money laun- ed by the mindless crap that mentally dering, creating or funding terrorism/ compressed heartless fools bombard inclusive globalization, and to rally na- Communal riots, committing rapes/ you with) that we are all one no matter tions to join in China’s new project for drug dealing/human trafficking in India which colour your skin or type of clothes international trade, “Belt and Road”. we will take them out of India in more or whichever place you reside on this It was in this world, too, that Alibaba ways than one! Earth. The 4th Wave of Globalization a few months later opened its Silk Road It is the duty of all Indians and NRIs to 2020 is the end of many bad things in headquarters in Xi’an. It was meant as be more alert and more attentive to details the Western World in more ways than the logistical backbone for the e-com- when dealing with any British company/ one. Hopefully it will not be the end of merce giant along the new “Belt and British person in India and Overseas so all people/this planet in this ever more Road” But if the old Silk Road thrived that you do not fall victim to their two deadly and dangerous World War 3 that on the exports of luxurious silk by camel faced scams or deceits that destroy and we find ourselves in today. and donkey, the new Alibaba Xi’an fa- tarnish Our Motherland India and hurt For the sake of all innocent children cility would be enabling a globalization our innocent Indian people/children. and peaceful people in this world, IRRE- of an entirely different kind. It would The 4th Wave Of Globalization 2020 SPECTIVE OF ONES COUNTRY, CUL- double up as a big data college for its is now where Eastern exports increase TURE OR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS we Alibaba Cloud services. and more peaceful lawful ways of living must be more humane towards each oth- Technological progress, like global- life are adhered too as new products of er as well as more caring for this Earth. ization, is something you can’t run away media, arts, fashion, music, technology, It is not hard to make a decision when from, it seems. But it is ever changing. eco tech and many more things of peace- you know what your “True” Values are. So how will the 4th Wave of Global- ful profitable benefit increase across the The Global Chairman ization 2020 evolve? The last 6 months Western World. Hopefully it will stop Group President of The of 2019 take us into the New Year of many in the Western World from send- Worldhomelandsecurity/ 2020 where many more in the Western ing/increasing the export of their illegal Smartechno Group Of Companies World (Especially The Broken Kingom) wars and stop their Home grown Ter- www.worldhomelandsecurity.one

Opinion Express September 2019 35 The Blonde Bombshell wins Big Kapil Dudakia almost the whole of the then Govern- and went to leading private schools. Let ment machinery as well as the opposi- us be very clear, he may come across as tion politicians all united to fight to re- someone who does not take things se- On 23rd July 2019, the Rt main in the EU, you had on the other riously, and many in the UK as well as Hon Boris Johnson MP side a small group of dedicated people internationally assume that he might who had a message and were clear in not be all that bright, that would be a was elected by more than their presentation. This message for Br- huge error of judgement. PM Johnson 66% of those who voted exit was spearheaded by Boris Johnson. is intelligent and shrewd in equal mea- He became the face of Brexit, supported sure. He has an instinct for politics that as the next leader of the well by a small team of articulate politi- you cannot teach or learn. He came into Conservative Party in the cians and others. They cut through the politics from a career in journalism. His white noise of the Remainers and the first major triumph, he beat Ken Liv- UK. The direct result of biased media and to the horror of the ingstone to become the Mayor of Lon- that momentous decision ruling class, and of course the stubborn don. No Conservative politician stood EU, the British people voted to leave. any chance of winning in London. This being that on 24th July Her PM Cameron resigned immediately, capital city with its higher proportion of Majesty the Queen duly and the Rt Hon Theresa May MP was ethnic minorities has a huge predisposi- duly elected as his replacement. There tion to be a Labour Party strong hold. appointed him as her Prime was only one problem. She was a ‘Re- Couple that with the fact he was facing Minister. mainer’ and in her heart did not want Ken Livingstone, the man who champi- the UK to leave the EU. What followed oned Labour against PM Thatcher, and So how did we get here and was three years of shambolic negotia- a darling of the London electorate. And what does this mean for the UK tions with the EU to agree on a ‘with- guess what, the Boris factor was like a and the rest of the world? drawal agreement’. She failed in almost tsunami. He persuaded the London Ever since the debate about the electorate to elect him and elect him UK leaving the European Union (EU) they did. He became the Mayor twice became a manifestation within Brit- Konversations in a row. Unprecedent by any Conser- ish society, it became apparent that vative politician. People should have increasingly the electorate had become with Kapil learnt their lesson at that time, that impatient with the EU and more im- here is a man who has the will and the portantly, they had lost trust and con- every aspect of Brexit because she made determination to take on huge chal- fidence in the EU project. So, when the a fundamental error of entering a nego- lenges, and he always bets on himself then Prime Minster the Rt Hon David tiation with a mindset of appeasing to to win. That is a winning mentality that Cameron MP gave the nation a once in the EU and not fulfilling the mandate of again you cannot teach or learn. It’s in lifetime referendum to decide whether the people. It all came to a head in 2019 his very DNA. the UK should remain a member of the and as the months passed it became So, on 24th July PM Johnson took EU, or to withdraw, the country erupted clear the Prime Minister had lost the office. He entered 10 Downing Street into a national debate that both sides confidence of the nation and her party and you could sense in the air, that wanted to win. It was a fierce contest in delivering Brexit. As she declared something special was about to hap- between the ‘Remainers’ and the Brex- her resignation there was renewed hope pen and take everyone by surprise. No iters’, and dare I say, both sides threw in the nation that maybe the Conserva- sooner had he got his feet under the everything into their preferred narra- tive Party will select someone who be- table and news started filtering out, PM tive including the proverbial kitchen lieved in Brexit and can deliver it with Johnson had already sorted out most sink. Like any contest, to get the core sincerity. of his frontline Cabinet. Within a few message across you require a lead per- And our story come alive as a result hours he declared the key positions. son. Someone who connects the mes- of this momentous decision. Alexander sage with the mindset of the voters. In Boris de Pfeffel Johnson was born in the this contest whilst we had on one side 60s. He had a privileged background

36 September 2019 Opinion Express Opinion Express September 2019 37 Chancellor of the Rt Hon Sajid Exchequer: Javid MP

Foreign Secretary and Rt Hon Dominic First Secretary of State: Raab MP

Home Secretary: Rt Hon Priti Patel MP

Secretary of State for Rt Hon Ben Defence: Wallace MP

Secretary of State Rt Hon Alok International Sharma MP Development:

Minister without James Cleverly Portfolio (Cabinet MP Office):

Chief Secretary to the Rt Hon Rishi Treasury: Sunak MP

PM Johnson had proved his critics wrong yet again. In one masterstroke, he appointed not only an intelligent and compe- tent Cabinet, but one that reflected equalities and diversity in its true sense. This is the Conservative Party that has become the first British political Party to appoint such a diverse front bench in the most powerful positions. We must remember it was after all the Conservatives that gave the UK it only two female leaders and Prime Ministers, so PM Johnson has taken the Party forward and way beyond all the other political Parties put together. In what can only be seen as an astonishing own goal, the politicians on the left (and the Labour Party) attacked the new Cabinet and in effect called the ethnic Cabinet members – not ethnic enough. The reality of the racist underbelly of the left was exposed for everyone to see. Can you imagine, here we have got some outstanding politicians in the Conservative Par- ty, promoted to some of the most senior positions because of their competence, and we end up with the left exhibiting their racism for all to see. There is a clear message for the BAME communities in the UK. If you think the left are your friends, then you are seriously misguided. The left will tolerate ethnic minorities as long as they tow the line. Their objective is the enslavement of the BAME and to hijack the equalities agenda. However, today their inherent racism has been exposed for once and for all. It’s for the electorate now to understand this and take appropriate action. Back to the developments at Number 10. As the news fil- tered to the media gathered outside, one could sense both shock and awe at what was unfolding. No one had predicted that PM Johnson would enter Number 10 and ruthlessly change the very make up of the Cabinet as well as the rest of Government machinery. This was a Brexit Prime Minster. He was not fool- ing around anymore, and in a matter of a few hours his actions sent a message to both the nation as well as to the EU, Great Britain is ready for Brexit come what may. He had made sure

38 September 2019 Opinion Express There is a clear message for the BAME communities in the UK. If you think the left are your friends, then you are seriously misguided. The left will tolerate ethnic minorities as long as they tow the line. Their objective is the enslavement of the BAME and to hijack the equalities agenda.

Opinion Express September 2019 39 that everyone on his team had signed the EU on 31st October 2019. How will this affect the UK? up for his vision of Brexit and of the What PM Johnson has done is There is no doubt that a no-deal will new emerging UK post Brexit. within a few days established a totally impact the nation adversely. However, new dialogue. One that states that he the freedom to pick and choose what So, where does this leave the is planning for and ready for a no-deal. the UK does around the world pres- UK now? This has for the first time taken the EU ents opportunities that hitherto had There are relatively few options. My bureaucrats off guard. Their intransi- been denied because of EU regulations. advice to everyone, don’t believe much gence to date left the UK with an unpal- There are nations already lining up to of the rhetoric you might see and hear atable deal which was rejected on three get into trade deals with the UK. Yes, I from the media and the biased journo’s occasions by Parliament. However, with accept these will not be perfect from day – they have confused the debate with so the prospect of a no-deal looming, even one, but the fact that there are major much fake information that many are those in the EU with the biggest of egos countries willing to enter those deal is left confused. So, what are these op- are now shaking in their boots. They a great positive step. We have the likes tions? know that a no-deal is bad for everyone. of the USA, India, Australia already for PM Johnson secures a viable deal Yes, the UK will suffer for several years, a more productive relationship. with the EU which is presented to Par- but it is in a much better shape than The UK has already sorted out con- liament and they accept it. Job done. the vast majority of the 27 countries in tinuity deals with: Central America, The EU does not offer a viable the EU. Those countries are already in Andean countries, Norway and Iceland, deal – in which case 31st October UK difficult economic cycles. If a no-deal Caribbean countries, Pacific Islands, will leave the EU without a deal. Again, becomes a reality it will cripple the EU Liechtenstein, Israel, Palestinian Au- job done. at the grassroots. The bureaucrats are thority, Switzerland, The Faroe Islands, If there is a viable deal and Parlia- playing a dangerous game, but I sus- Eastern and Southern Africa, South ment rejects it – then on 31st October, pect as we approach the deadline of the Korea and Chile. With mutual recogni- the UK will leave the EU without a deal. 31st October, leaders of many of these tion agreements with the United States, Again, job done. 27 countries will openly go against the Australia and New Zealand. People will debate 101 other sce- EU leadership. The cracks are there to It’s a start and dare I say; I can see narios, none of them matter. It’s great be seen already and in time either the this list increasing very quickly over the discussion points for the Westminster EU relents and accepts a deal worthy of coming months. crowd, but nationally it won’t mean both sides, or it will go into an abyss of So why have I presented these two anything. The bottom-line UK will exit its own making. lists to you? Firstly, to establish the lay

40 September 2019 Opinion Express 15 of United Kingdom’s top trading partners in terms of export sales in 2018

United States US$64.4 billion (13.3% of total UK exports)

If the EU don’t do a Germany $47 billion (9.7%) deal and they create a situation whereby Netherlands $33.3 billion (6.9%) all these countries France $31.8 billion (6.6%) could potentially have serious Ireland $28.3 billion (5.9%) difficulties with their China $27.5 billion (5.7%) exports to the UK, Switzerland $25.4 billion (5.2%) you can see how this will play out with the Belgium $19.1 billion (4%) population of each of Italy $14.1 billion (2.9%) those nations. Spain $13.9 billion (2.9%)

Hong Kong $10.3 billion (2.1%)

United Arab Emirates $10 billion (2.1%) of the land as it were so you, the reader, Turkey $9.5 billion (2%) can decide what is important to you. My reading is quite simple, look at the trade Japan $8.3 billion (1.7%) deficits and you will note that many of the EU countries are dependent on sell- South Korea $7.8 billion (1.6%) ing their goods to the UK. If the EU don’t do a deal and they create a situ- ation whereby all these countries could United Kingdom incurred the So, is this new Johnson Gov- potentially have serious difficulties with highest trade deficits with the ernment only about Brexit? I their exports to the UK, you can see how following countries: don’t think so. By his very na- this will play out with the population of ture PM Johnson is very much in each of those nations. Germany US$44.5 billion the centre of politics. There are We have reached the point in the (country-specific those who wish to paint him and game of jeopardy where the ultimate trade deficit in his Cabinet as far-right. Noth- question is being asked by the UK to the ing can be further from the truth. EU. Are you willing to be so stubborn 2018) Yes, he expresses some positions that we end with a no-deal and face the China $35.3 billion that are at a tangent to what one consequences of a nightmare for most of might assume, and yes, he uses the EU countries? When push comes to Netherlands $22.1 billion very colourful language that can a shove, one side will have to bend. And Norway $20.9 billion divide opinion, but that is the I don’t believe PM Johnson will bend makeup of the man. It’s either any further. The ball is now firmly in the Belgium $15.8 billion take it or leave. With respect to EU courts. My advice to them would be Italy $11.7 billion the domestic agenda it seems to quite simple, do not underestimate PM me his focus will be on: Johnson and his resolve. The UK is no Poland $7.6 billion a. The public services. longer willing to be pushed around and Spain $7.1 billion b. Immigration and its management. it would be to the advantage of the EU c. Defence. to cool things down and give a palatable Canada $6.4 billion d. Housing and regeneration. deal. This is now their last chance. Miss Russia $6.1 billion e. Transport. this opportunity and the game is up. f. And of course, the economy.

Opinion Express September 2019 41 You can see from his front bench he has got big hitters who are not shy of speaking their minds also and will put forward chal- lenging and interesting policies. PM Johnson has hit the road running. His team had spent months planning what to do in such a scenario, and when the op- portunity arose this time, they were ready to take advantage. He has caught both his own Party as well as the country off guard. The playful Boris was underestimated by too many in the media, and too many ca- reer politicians who have lost touch with the electorate. His first speech outside Number 10 was a campaigning cry to rally the troops. He is ready with his Cabinet not only to take on Brexit, but he wants to be ready for the General Election. Earlier this year the newly formed Brexit Party led by Nigel Farage gave a thumping to all the other Parties in the EU elections. They wiped the floor and became the most successful new Party. The shockwaves it sent out were and are very clear. Ignore the will of the people on Brexit at your peril. PM Johnson has therefore positioned his Party correctly now. He has redefined what they stand for and how it fits this new paradigm in British politics. On the centre right you have the Tories and the Brexit Party. And on the left you have the Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Greens. The only reason to vote for the Brexit Party is Brexit frankly. Therefore, PM Johnson in one simple precision move has taken away that reason by placing the Tories as the champions for Brexit. The Parties on the left are all fighting for the same elector- ate. By so doing, that vote will get shared such that no one Party on the left will have enough in our ‘First Past the Post’ election system to secure a majority. The only ques- tion that remains now is, will the Tories have secured enough votes by the next elec- tion whereby they command a total majority? In my view, if they deliver Brexit and focus on a progressive grassroots’ domestic agenda, they will win power and do so with a clear majority. Well you heard it here first folks. Politics in the UK is in full blown fluid- ity. I accept that most commentators, in- cluding yours truly, are all in a difficult situ- ation to figure out what lies ahead. I have given a perspective based on my drone sur- veillance from the above of what I believe is happening at the grassroots. Time will tell how much of this becomes a reality, but what I am sure about, the UK enters an era of incredible opportunity. Can we take those opportunities and harness the power of our people? Well that is the big question of our time today. Twitter: @kk_OEG

42 September 2019 Opinion Express Country’s Longest Road Himalayan Railway The Edge of 50 The Path Eight-Fold In Search of Solace UP: The Growth Factory The Making of the Building the Great New enhanced website More editions COFFEE TABLE COFFEE BOOKS TABLE MAGAZINES � � � � � � COMING SOON � � EXOTICA DIALOGUE completes PRINTECH LIMITED thanks all its readers and patrons for their support. Raipur � CMYK Bhopal Raipur � � Dehradun � The Pioneer Ranchi � Lucknow Lucknow The journey of passion continues with your blessings as we enter our 20s � � Delhi Bhubaneswar Chandigarh Delhi Faridabad 8 editions � � � 4 editions � �

Opinion Express September 2019 43 Making impact in unconventional field – Kamya DJ J Kamya born in Ghaziabad tured in radio boom box- Sudan Africa, with which ignorance, unconventional but in a progressive family Ketru Rice Radio – Houston, L.A Radio binds people, To her, what only mat- inherits a versatile spirit of And Radio City -Uae. ters is how she can be better with every the country. She connects From the top of the world map to passing day than yesterday, to her she is Dher instantly with the crowd she plays the south of it, DJ Kamya has sprinkled her only competition, She can be proud for. Her cognitive ability to multi task her musical magic in the continents. of the actions of a stranger and can be and master the genres music is given in She is only Indian female DJ from India happy for the success of a person she the music world but what sets her DNA to perform in beverely hills –los angeles has never shaken hands with. rolling is our very own bollywood and Hollywood along with other American Later in life, she wishes to be a Poli- electronic music. She is a trained pro- cities repeatedly and further spread- tician and work in service for the people fessional from DJ Nasha’s Academy but ing her wings in Australia, Phillippines, and country .Surely her fierce, help- on the console what cajoles the crowd is Korea, Malaysia, Dubai, Doha, Muscat, ful, compassionate, Independent and the sheer passion for music which she Bahrain, Africa, Hong-Kong, Thailand. strong personality is all the more rea- holds in her heart and the pulse of the Her domain acumen is not confined to sons for her to be a politician. crowd which she understands so well. just clubs but she has also collaborated DJ Kamya is a Disc Jockey Since She tops the top Dj charts in India with consummated artists on stage like 2008 along with 150 club performances with Farhan Akhtar, Salim Sulaiman, Neeti She is Professionally trained at DJ over 800+ seismic events which in- Mohan, Badshah, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Nasha’s Work Station in Mumbai cludes geographies like- Usa (Beverly Imraan Khan,Jazz Dhami and our Specialized in Harmonic Mixing and Beat blending with live percussions She is India’s First and Only female She has been invited to promote her global shows Dhol player. Favorite Genres and mixes on Air as a part of the marketing Bollywood Music campaign. She is one of the top favourites in the House Music top national radio channels in India like 93.5 Red Awards and Achievements FM & Radio Mirchi 98.3 .On the global net she 1. She is the only female DJ from India to receive an award for being an has repeatedly featured in radio boom box- Sudan enabler to women for sustaining liveli- hoods. 2. Awarded by zoom Delhi mag- Africa, Ketru Rice Radio – Houston, L.A Radio And azine as the best DJ Radio City -Uae. 3. Official mix for the movie Soor- ma 4. T.V project- smash up for Diljit Hills, La, Houston-Texas,Washington own ‘captain cool’ M.S Dhoni. She has Dosanjh and Akhil for 9Xtashan music Dc And Virginia), Australia (Sydney also diversified into brand promotions channel & Melbourne), Africa (Dar E Salam , events for luxury and worldwide brands 5. Radio interviews on Houston Tanzania) , Asia (Honkong, Bankok), like Mercedes, Bmw, Virgin Atlantic, (USA) radio, Australian radio, Middle Middle East (Dubai, Doha, Muscat, Reliance, Microsoft, Infosys, Hp, Em- East radio and Sudan Africa radio boom Bahrain) and has been the Bagpiper to a bassies Of Slovakia, United Kingdom box. crowd as big as 25000+ people. In addi- and German and is an active performer 6. Performed over 150 nightclubs tion, she has featured in top radio shows in college fests. with over 800+ seismic performance, both nationally and internationally and For it’s the passion for music in this featured in top radio channels both na- her mixes are often queued non-stop Diva’s soul which causes the flames tionally or internationally. on these shows. She has been invited to in very heart of the crowds plays for. promote her global shows and mixes on Amidst the bustle of electronic music Why DJ as a career? Air as a part of the marketing campaign. world is DJ Kamya whose DNA is pure My love for music, my life: I would She is one of the top favourites in the and pure music. The diva owes her suc- rather say that I pushed myself to chase top national radio channels in India like cess to her strong rooted beliefs where my imagination. The entire concept one 93.5 Red FM & Radio Mirchi 98.3 .On success and fulfillment to her means person binding so many people togeth- the global net she has repeatedly fea- being liberated, She is free from ties er with music is what inspired me since

44 September 2019 Opinion Express I am a total people’s person. If you had to switch your profession to another genre, what would it be? I keep switching my style every now and then.. I get bored quickly of monotony. However if I have to switch my genre, currently I would How do you get the prefer to play TRAP and TECH crowd pumped? HOUSE., however bollywood The crowd gets pumped up remains my all time favourite. if the DJ is pumped up. And the It is just SO MUCH FUN to DJ have to look great in order make people dance on bolly- attract crowd. To begin with, a wood, It’s a treat to watch hon- shout out for the crowd to bring estly. Off course, I would like in the grand energy and some to be a accomplished politician of their current favourite num- later in my life because I see bers so that they feel familiar to all the traits that are ideal for music and dance. politics in me.. What is your USP? How your style is I am the first and only fe- different from other male dhol player in India so DJs? far…besides that I have played Every DJ is different with internationally a lot of times for their style and performance the crowd with the strength of and so am I.. My energy , my starting from 10000 till 30000, presence on the stage is what hence I am a professional at makes me different.. I am a handling big scale events. total fun person on console.. I love making people dance like Article and interview its their last and mine too you by Anshuman Dogra – can say I am fearless DJ on the Bureau Chief New Delhi. console.

Opinion Express September 2019 45 WOMAN of SUBSTANCE Priya Priyadarshini Jain wears many hats at the same time,with aplomb ouse of Lords, The United dian origin are the leaders in their re- reputation you have to have vision and Kingdom Parliament, Lon- spective fields in the countries they hard work. You have to set your own don. One of the most bliss- presently live. The award ceremony was goal. You have to pave your own path. ful day in the life of Priya also concurred with the official launch You have to believe in yourself. Think PriyadarshiniH Jain for being honored of coffee table book on ‘50 most influ- thousand times before you take deci- and felicitated as the “Indian Woman of ential Indian women worldwide’ which sion but once started never look back.” Influence” on this remarkable occasion. featured top Indian women’s like for- Priya believes in nation building The day also marked the grand launch mer President of India Pratibha Pa- and her interest for the same can be no- of coffee table book on ‘50 most influen- til, Nita Ambani, Baroness Smith, MP ticed through her articles on Skill India tial Indian women worldwide’ featuring Caroline, Hema Malini, Shilpa Shetty, & Ayushman Bharat being published her as one of the most prominent per- Pinky Anand, Shivani Mehra along with in many magazines and newspapers. sonality from India. Priya Priyadarshini Jain and others. She is a great admirer and follower of “Indian Woman of Influence Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Awards” had awardees from vari- Pj-the personality India. She once said that the vision and ous countries like Britain, India, USA, Priya Priyadarshini Jain is a Delhi- dedication of the PM to make “New In- Spain, Scotland etc who were selected based successful entrepreneur, fash- dia” have made an everlasting impact on the basis of their achievements in ionista and philanthropist, who enjoy on her.” their respective fields and contribution high regard in India and Britain. She towards the nation building. The awards possesses many qualities which makes Impact in India were presented by the Barons of the UK her different from others. Her charis- As an Indian it’s certainly a moment Parliament in the glittering presence of matic personality has mantra of suc- of pride for me that I have been cho- respected Member of Parliament, their cess, achievement, wealth, philanthro- sen as one of the awardees among the families and the elite section of London. py, beauty, glamour, intellect, name & 50 top Indian women globally. It will It was indeed a memorable moment for fame. add value to my philanthropy and will each and every recipient as this being While accepting the award at the UK certainly initiate more such works that one of the life time events of their life. Parliament, she owed this award to her helps more and more people for better- late legendary father Mr. D.K. Jain who ment. About indian woman of in- was a pioneer in the field of education fluence awards and business. She has inherited high Her mission & vision ‘Indian Women of Influence Awards’ values, skill & zeal of entrepreneurship Priya revealed that she had started to was held at House of Lords, UK Parlia- from the deeds and thoughts of her fa- pen a book on Narendra Modi. Though, ment on 25th June 2019. The award ther. As Priya Priyadarshini Jain rightly at this point of time she was reluctant recognized the power of Indian women says, “You may be born rich, you may to divulge more details about the pro- residing in different parts of the world. have an illustrious and much wealthy posed book. But upon request, she said This award assures that women of In- legacy but to get further success and that “This book will not be on his life and political activities, rather this book will be a document. It will present the views of beneficiaries of different pro- grammes announced by the Prime Min- ister Mr. Modi.”

Message to girls & women to change the society I would like to advice all girls and women that believe in yourself and do whatever you want to do to achieve your ambitions. Today, the world has differ- ent perception towards us and sky is the limit. So, be positive and achieve your goals and strengthen yourself do something bigger and better and bring a change in the society.

Report filed by Kapil Dudakia – United Kingdom Bureau Head of Opinion Express

46 September 2019 Opinion Express Priya believes in nation building and her interest for the same can be noticed through her articles on Skill India & Ayushman Bharat being published in many magazines and newspapers.

Opinion Express September 2019 47 Gopio Chairman And President Meet With Indian President Ram Nath Kovind GOPIO Convention In Varanasi A Success - Five Conference Sessions Discussed Strengthening Global Connections of Indian Diaspora resident Ram Nath Kovind de- livered the Valedictory Address Pat the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Varanasi on January 23rd. GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and President Sunny Kulathakal called on the President. Dr. Abraham briefed him about GOPIO and some of the Diaspora issues as well as how the Diaspora can be mobilized for India’s benefit. Dr. Abraham and Mr Kulathakal presented President Kovind a copy of the book, Global Indian Diaspora - GOPIO Mak- ing an Impact. GOPIO joined hands with diaspora community in prayers and rallies in solidarity with india Mrs. Savita Kovind, Dr. Thomas Abraham, President Kovind and Sunny Kulathakal GOPIO joined hands with other community groups in prayers and ral- Bhujawala, Dilip Butani, Anju Garg, GOPIO France Paris joined with lies around the world. Here are cover- Pranav Desai, Aparna Hande, Dr Nehru other associations and organisations age in some of the countries. and Abhinav Mehta. of France strongly condemning the New York terrorist attack in Pulwama at Jammu USA | Southern California Kashmir on February 14, 2019 where 40 A community meeting of various CRPF personnel were killed and many Indian American Associations was held 45 candles were lit more injured. GOPIO France came out at the Sanatan Dharma Temple to show on February 24, 2019 near the Eiffel their solidarity against the Pulwama in the memory of the Tower, Espalanade Trocadero, Paris to attack. It was on 14 February 2019, a departed souls. There protest against the terrorism and to say convoy of vehicles carrying security « NO » to violence. personnel on the Jammu Srinagar Na- were speeches, poems GOPIO France considers that terror- tional Highway was attacked by a vehi- ism is an awful crime against freedom and cle-borne suicide bomber at Lethpora and religious shlokas democracy that affect us all. There are no in the Pulwama district, in the State of rendered on the occasion words enough to condemn this dastardly Jammu and Kashmir. The attack result- act and this can never be excused or jus- ed in the deaths of 45 Central Reserve tified. We extend our condolences to the Police Force (CRPF) personnel. GOPIO-New York joined hands families of the victims of this extremely 45 candles were lit in the memory of with Long island Indian community for tragic event and offer prayers for the the departed souls. There were speech- a solidarity meeting on February 17th speedy recovery of those injured. es, poems and religious shlokas ren- to condemn terrorist attack on Indian GOPIO France share the universal dered on the occasion. This cowardly soldiers. It was initiated by Mr. Kam- belief that terror will not succeed as the terrorist attack was condemned by all lesh Mehta, Chairman and Publisher of will of decent people shall overcome such speakers and they hoped for lasting South Asian Times and put together by criminal acts. We fully support all mea- peace for future. Mr. Jasbir Jay Singh and Mukesh Modi sures to bring security, calm and confi- The names of the leaders include B of India Day Parade of USA. Several dence to the people and urge all efforts to U Patel, Vijay Patil, Ajoy Dube, Ashok other Indian community groups par- prevent similar attacks in the future. It is Patnaik, PK Nayak, Sudip Gorakhsha- ticipated in the event which had sev- time now to put up a united front against kar, Arvind Joshi, Kamlesh Chauhan, eral speakers.The Indian Consulate was terrorism. Sachin Amin, Ashok Madan, Kanaksinh represented by Deputy Consul General Zala, Anil Parekh, Dr Gadasalli, Gopal Shatrugna Sinha. Report filed by MM Upadhya- Chaturvedi, Abdul Gani Shaikh, Manek EUROPE ya from Varanasi

48 September 2019 Opinion Express Millennial Queries A book that answers all questions related to adulating years

rash-dieting, confidence no- brainers and creative dating Ccome alive in the millennial novel of our times. Adulting, though a fiction book, answers the very real questions every millennial has. From love to creativity and confidence, this book shows young people how to meet every challenge with sass and a smile. And most of all, that they are not alone in their perils. Adulting is set in contemporary Delhi and follows the lives of three

Aisha, Ruhi and Tejas’s lives take a dramatic turn amidst the backdrop of the Mountain Echoes Literary Festival in Bhutan which sets the putting their very jobs at stake. Set in the publishing world of Delhi, this en- Quote from the stage for the rest of the tertaining new novel takes you through book. Their loyalties edit meetings, book launches and liter- author ary festivals, painting a world that is A book promising to are further tested when witty and sparkling even as it shows you a #metoo incident at that it’s not all glitz and glam. withstand the test of time Bold and unapologetic, this is a with challenges I have work threatens their story of love and self-discovery, heart- faced and still see young ache and books. relationships, putting Adulting : The millennial story of people facing today, be it their very jobs at stake. our times body-image, creativity or Publisher: HarperCollins In- confidence. dia Genre: Contemporary Fiction Date of publication: Book will be available in privileged youngsters – Aisha, Ruhi bookstores August 25th, 2019 onwards Quotes from the book and Tejas. Aisha is a social media in- Booking available: Amazon and Flip- “You don’t need to bend fluencer who has to deal with body kart shaming comments by her followers. backwards to please Ruhi is a books editor at an upcoming About the author anyone. You have to love publishing house, who tends to live Neharika Gupta is a martial arts yourself first. Only then more in the stories in her head rather practitioner, yogi, poet and writer. She than the real world; she has to come was born in 1991 and went to school at are you worth loving.” - Aisha on Ruhi’s identity crisis to terms with her own identity. Tejas, Amity International, Noida. She holds successful author is dealing with ma- a B.A. (H) in English Literature from jor writer’s block and tries every trick Lady Shri Ram College for Women and “Why does growing bigger in the book to stop himself from being an M.A. in Creative Writing from Bath make me feel so small.” - a one-hit wonder. Spa University, UK. She worked in pub- Aisha on gaining weight Aisha, Ruhi and Tejas’s lives take a lishing for a year before shifting to writ- dramatic turn amidst the backdrop of ing full-time. She lives in Delhi with her the Mountain Echoes Literary Festi- parents and three dogs. She also writes val in Bhutan which sets the stage for at neharikagupta.com agupta23 Email: guptaneharika@ the rest of the book. Their loyalties are Website: neharikagupta.com Face- gmail.com further tested when a #metoo incident book: facebook.com/Neharikagupta23 Book review by at work threatens their relationships, Instagram: instagram.com/neharik- Sanjay Mendiratta

Opinion Express September 2019 49 ‘Fashion is more than clothes’ Name- Farrah Kader Profession: Actor / Model / Influencer Work experience : Film: Project Marathwada ‘2016 Down Town (Amazon Prime US/UK) ‘2018 Music Video: ‘Falling through’ by Sanea Takea. Released by interscope media ‘2019 Reality Show: Arre Ho Ja Regender Upcoming: Web show for Zee5 Published in Solis Magazine, International Picton Magazine, International Evon Magazine, International Cover Story for Shuba Magazine, International Chiiz Magazine, India Lafiesta, India TMM magazine, India Opinion Express, India Upcoming editorials: Ellements Magazine, International Creators Magazine, International Elegant Magazine, International Marjen Magazine, International

Eloquent and confident fashion Fear Your Fear.” entrepreneur now. I’m not just talk- girl Farrah spoke to Nithya Ramesh ing about baring for baring, I’m talk- - Fashion & Entertainment bureau. Q How do you compare Indian ing about experience, When i was Here she talks about the personal fashion industry with the present 12, everything I hadn’t dealt with and professional challenges and global benchmark? bubbled up to the surface, I had no reveals her business plans Fashion for me is far more than the coping skills. Instead of being able clothes i’m wearing. Fashion should be to breathe or take a moment, i expe- Q What & who inspired you to full of energy and spirit & totally fearless. rienced several severe mental break- be in the entertainment & fashion I have a sense of the absurd and unique downs. Looking back, I’m like, ‘Oh, industry? sense of style. Rebellion is compelling maybe I shouldn’t have been put in Until you really are a fan, you don’t and, crucially, likeable; I think Indian that position, But I wasn’t put in it; it understand the depth of what it is, how Fashion houses pull is comparable to that just happened. Although i got through talented those women & men are in en- of global. my darkest days, it still numbs me tertainment & fashion. It is mayhem and and my budding career, served as an chaos and crazy and, obviously glamor- Q (Confidence) - from where outlet. The confidence is really just is ous but It’s an amazing art! It’s incred- you draw breathtaking confidence very authentic and natural because it ible! Part of the inspiration came from my to shoot brilliant yet bold shoots? is something that reminds me to speak insistence on my own fallibility. I am, as far as it is possible for me up about something. It has given me Sometimes I’m the most awkward to be, an anti-model, i often seems a the strength or the power of my voice. person in the world in my body and my bit bemused by my own success. In I also think it made me-feel beautiful skin. Sometimes I’m far too confident; addition to being a model, actress, and feel strong in myself, and that is I think it’s a constant journey, “Do Not influencer and daredevil, i’m also an so important right now!!!

50 September 2019 Opinion Express