PUBLIcATION OF THE cONSULATE GENERAL OF IN VOL. 2 ISSUE 11-12 | NOV-DEc 2010

President Patil Visits UAE The State Visit marked an important milestone in INDIA -UAE relations C FROM THE CONSUL GENERAL’S DESK O

Dear Reader, A year-end issue beckons a rear-view mirror look at the last twelve months. India had good rains this N year and the economy defied global pessimism as it moved towards a 9 percent GDP growth rate. An overwhelming majority of nations backed us as a Community celebrated a decade of purposeful exis - T Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council tence. It was also a year in which our Indian High for a two-year term. In an unprecedented acknowl - School in Dubai entered its 50th year. Our congratu - edgement of India’s growing international stature, lations to both these great institutions. E leaders of all P-5 countries, viz., UK, USA, France, Apart from the core responsibilities of the Russia and China visited New in a space of ten Consulate, we continued to reach out to the Indian weeks. We also successfully hosted the biggest community through a variety of ways in 2010. This Commonwealth Games so far. included film shows, cultural events at the Consulate, N Bilaterally, it was a year of high-level political celebration of Gandhi Jayanti, blood donation and engagements. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al medical camps. Passport and visa services were fur - Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the ther streamlined to shorten delivery time. The inter - T UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited New Delhi in March face with our nationals was further increased by an 2010, where he met our Prime Minister. The Hon’ble Open House on consular matters as well as one on President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, vis - financial issues. 2010 was also a year when our S ited UAE in November 2010 to add a high note to radios show “India Matters” went live for a more President Patil’s visit deepens ties India-UAE relations. Significant for the community in real-time feel. 4 the Northern Emirates during the Presidential visit On behalf of the Consulate General of India in Through her maiden visit to the Gulf Region, Indian President Pratibha Patil was the launch of the Indian Workers Resource Dubai, I wish all our readers a 2011 full of well- has further strengthened the already burgeoning relations between the Centre in Dubai and inauguration of the India Trade being and happiness! and its largest trading partner, India & Exhibition Centre in . Happy Reading! In 2010, the Indian Community Welfare Sanjay Verma ECONOMY 18 Resilient India bouncing back INDIA MATTERS ON AIR The Indian economy is showing remarkable resilience and may end the current fiscal year with a growth rate close to 9 pc

26 SUPERBRANDS The winner of the Apollo Hospitals PROFILE | KESHAVA October 2010 16 The seven-year-old tabla prodigy monthly quiz contest is BOOKS 34 Reaching New Ms. Raksha Shet TRAVEL She wins a gift hamper. Horizons 42 Smelly water, shark After hosting the prestigious Hay-on-Wye fins...Don’t crib, but The Consulate General of India in Dubai has re-launched festival in November, India gets ready for the its weekly radio programme, India Matters, with the grand Jaipur Lit Fest. With new festivals, crab! Crabbing is still a favoured outing for rural purpose of informing the public about various Consular Indian literature has made a mark in the s! teenagers and some enterprising adults in services, events relating to India and about what matters gratulation global arena to Indians in the UAE. Con some parts of India Matters is aired every Saturday between 6 pm and 7 pm on FM 105.4 Radio Spice and repeated every Friday India Matters is a monthly publication of the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Dubai . All rights reserved. No part of this journal may be produced, stored between 4 pm and 5 pm. or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of the CGI Dubai . FM 105.4 Radio Spice caters to the South Asian commu - Editorial correspondence and manuscripts can be addressed to [email protected] nity in the UAE, broadcasting mainly in Hindi and English. Content and design by IANS (www.ianspublishing.com) on behalf of Consulate General of India in Dubai.

2 IsnepdteiMa bMer a20t0t9 ers| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |IndisaepMteMabtetr e2r00s 9 3 INDIAN PRESIDENT VISITS UAE avenues for cooperation between the two President Patil countries in the best interest of the peoples arrives in of the two countries.” Dubai The meeting’s discussions covered various accompanied areas, such as politics, science, culture and by Ambassador economy, and included an exchange of M.K. Lokesh, opinion on a number of regional and Consul General international issues of mutual interest. Sanjay Verma Both Sheikh Khalifa and the President and Sheikha stressed the importance of regional and Lubna al global cooperation in resolving international Qasimi issues and enhancing peace and security to achieve prosperity and stability at the global level. In this regard, Shaikh Khalifa affirmed the important role played by India in accom - plishing security and stability in the Indian Ocean and Eastern Asia region, as well as its contributions to achieving security at the global level. They also expressed their satisfaction with the consistent growth experienced in their relations. Shaikh Khalifa praised the continu - ing role played by the Indian community in the UAE’s development projects. President Patil hailed the historic bilateral relations between both nations, and highlighted the care provided by the UAE to Indian expatriates. “We appreciate and thank PRESIDENT the UAE, under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa, for the hospitality it provides for Indian workers on its land,” said President Patil. Present during the meeting were Sheikh PATIL’S VISIT Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the DEEPENS TIES Western Region, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, Sheikh Sultan translating it into reality would require shifting Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President’s Through her maiden visit to the Gulf Region, Indian President Pratibha Patil has further from transactional to strategic engagement. Representative, and other Sheikhs and senior Indians being the largest expatriate officials. Sheikh Khalifa also hosted a banquet strengthened the already burgeoning relations between the United Arab Emirates and community in the UAE, with a population in honour of the Indian President and her its largest trading partner, India of around 1.7 million, have contributed to the delegation. new vigour in bilateral ties with frequent On the same day, President Patil addressed high-level visits. the Indian community at the Indian Social he President of India, Smt. Pratibha In terms of figures, the bilateral business The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa and Cultural Centre (ISC), the biggest Indian Devisingh Patil, in her maiden state record is envious — trade between India and Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on November 22, 2010 recreational club in the Middle East with a visit to the Gulf region, arrived in the UAE stood at $43 billion, which made met President Patil at Al Mushrif Palace. On Dh35 million five-storey building with mod - TAbu Dhabi on November 21, 2010 them the largest trading partners in 2009-10. arrival she was presented a Guard of Honour ern amenities. The club has around 2,500 for a five-day official visit. Exports from India were worth $24 billion and a 21-gun salute. The national anthem of members. The visit of President Patil to the United and imports from the UAE were worth $19 India was also played on the occasion. Over time, the profile of the Indian com - Arab Emirates serves as a reminder that the billion. These figures exclude trade in oil. Welcoming President Patil and her accom - munity in the Gulf has been undergoing a time-tested bonds between India and the Having replaced China as the UAE’s largest panying delegation, Sheikh Khalifa said that transformation, President Patil said in her UAE, while rooted in the past, need to be trade partner last year, India now expects to the visit reflected the depth of cooperation, speech at the function. “Though large num - recalibrated in its approach, focusing on the more than double this figure over the next five friendship and historic links between the bers of Indian skilled workers were employed present, and evolving a vision for the future. years. While this outlook is encouraging, UAE and India. “The visit will open more in the UAE in the 1990s as a result of the

4 IsnepdteiMa bMer a20t0t9 ers| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |Indisa epMteMabtetr e2r00s 9 5 INDIAN PRESIDENT VISITS UAE

President Patil construction boom, gradually more and more speaking at the professionals in the fields of finance, banking, Dubai Chamber insurance and information technology have of Commerce gained employment in this friendly country,” and Industry she said, while addressing the Indian business community in the ISC auditorium. leaders meet “This transition in the profile of the Indian (below); The community is reflective of the UAE economy, President at which is gaining momentum in the knowl - India Club edge-based services sector. By providing (right) highly skilled services at a competitive cost, your role has proved to be important for the UAE. Your sustained remittances to India over the years have contributed to the foreign exchange reserves of India,” the President said. More employment avenues will open up

in knowledge-based industries, such as IT, group of students at the school and in an capital. Addressing the gathering, President was the major produce of this region before finance and insurance, as the UAE economy inspiring speech quoted Mahatma Gandhi to Patil paid glowing tribute to the late Sheikh the discovery of oil, or the export of Indian prepares for a larger role by the services emphasise the fundamental principles of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for donating the timber out of which Arab dhows were built, sector, the President added. “This will ensure learning: ‘Learning without courage is like a land for the centre. The foundation stone of the destinies of the two cultures have been that there will be demand for senior execu - waxen statue, beautiful to look at but bound the new facility was laid by the late Indira closely intertwined, President Patil observed. tives and professionals for some more years to melt at the least touch of a hot substance.’ Gandhi when she was Prime Minister, It is not an exaggeration to say that there is to come,’’ President Patil said. She added, “In Sanskrit we say vidya vinayen during her visit to the UAE in 1981. a part of both the cultures in all of us, Despite the global economic downturn, shobhate , which means knowledge, when Islamic secularism, multiculturalism whether Arab or Indian. It is indeed very sat - the Indian economy has witnessed rapid and accompanied by humility adds lustre to that and the diversity of community and culture, isfying to see two old cultures forging new sustained growth. “The macroeconomic learning.” imbued with religious freedom, are the links while preserving old ones, she said. fundamentals are sound and so we seek to The President also emphasised the impor - unique features of the UAE, President Patil President Patil said the Indian Islamic further expand our growth. Our infrastruc - tance of hard work to achieve quality educa - said. From the Indian perspective, Islamic Centre is a tribute to the collective efforts of ture financing needs are estimated to be tion. She also showed profound interest in heritage is integral to its culture. Referring to community leaders. It is indeed a reflection of $1 trillion in the next five years,” education and urged students to venture out the moorings of Indo-Arab ties, the President the strength of character of the Indian she explained. India offers a large and in the fields of literature, science, engineering said Arabs had shown great interest in Indian Diaspora, in nurturing its links with the growing market, President Patil said. and information technology, and brighten the medicine and had established trade relations mother country while successfully adapting to On November 23, thousands of enthusias - name of India around the world. several centuries ago. the local traditions of the host countries. tic pupils of the Indian School President Patil attended her first public She said India’s presence and influence President Patil called for reactivating the warmly welcomed President Patil to their function in the UAE the same evening at the have been salient features of the Arab land - India-UAE Joint Business Council and school. The President interacted with a select inaugural of the India Islamic Centre in the scape. Whether it was trade in pearls, which increasing the frequency of exchange of dele -

6 India Matters| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters 7 INDIAN PRESIDENT VISITS UAE

The President gations between the apex chambers of com - attends a merce and industry in both countries while cultural addressing a business meeting organised by programme the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and organised in Industry (ADCCI) at the Emirates Palace in her honour at the capital on the same day. The President the Dubai said that the recent opening of the Shaikh International Khalifa Special Economic Zone in Abu Dhabi, Academic City would serve to enhance India’s economic presence in Abu Dhabi. The President highlighted the large infra - structure projects being executed in Abu Dhabi in the transport, communication and energy sectors and called for joint ventures between Abu Dhabi and Indian companies. The President also opened an Indian Workers’ Resource Centre (IWRC), including a 24/7 help line that would come to the aid of hundreds of thousands of Indians residing in the UAE. She launched the IWRC at the India Club at a reception for the community hosted by M.K. Lokesh, Indian Ambassador to the UAE. The reception, attended by over a thou - sand people, on day three of her five-day visit to the UAE was her first event in Dubai. The best ways to enhance economic, trade, investment and cultural relations between the UAE and India were discussed on November 24 when His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received President Patil at the Ruler’s Court. Sheikh Mohammad welcomed President Patil’s visit stressing that it was an important element in strengthening the relationship between the UAE and India. President Patil praised the high standard of infrastructure in the UAE and the advances the country had made in various sectors. port in India’s bid for permanent member - our emphasis on the importance of educa - your civilisation. They are what make your The leaders spoke of the longstanding ship on an expanded UN Security Council. tion. India has been a repository of knowl - character and identity.” relationship between the UAE and India. In the last leg of her UAE visit, President edge and one should remember knowledge “India and the UAE both view education as President Patil observed that there were Patil addressed university students on the is a treasure that increases with sharing.” the foundation of a successful economy. areas, such as education and energy, where evening of November 24. She interacted with The Indian education system was aligning The President’s visit is a clear indication of the two countries could collaborate deeply. a select group of students from BITS Pilani, its teaching syllabi to keep up with global the depth of cooperation between the two The leaders also discussed briefly the scope IMT Dubai, Manipal University and S.P. Jain standards, said the President. countries and it will certainly open up new for India and the Gulf Cooperation Council Centre of Management at Dubai Men’s “It is heartening to see globally recognised avenues of cooperation to further improve (GCC) countries investing in joint ventures College auditorium at Dubai International Indian education brands venturing into ties in higher education,” said Dr. Tayeb in third countries. Academic City (DIAC). Students from all four international markets and Indian students in A. Kamali, Vice-Chancellor, Higher Colleges Referring to advances in the social sector, universities put together a cultural show Dubai enjoy the unique distinction of receiv - of Technology. the two leaders talked about empowerment of in honour of the Indian President. ing knowledge from universities with Indian President Patil wrapped up her five-day women, in terms of goals achieved and the Addressing the students, President Patil roots,” added the President. State Visit after meetings with business way forward. President Patil also thanked said: “There has been a regular exchange of Urging the students to value their culture leaders in Dubai and Sharjah, where she Sheikh Mohammad for the UAE’s support for ideas between India and other countries. and traditions, she said: “One should not discussed the need for partnership in the India’s recent election to the non-permanent We should remember India made rapid forget to keep in touch with the basic human energy, agriculture and food processing seat of the UN Security Council and for sup - strides in knowledge development because of moral values and the traditions that make sectors. On November 25, President Patil

8 India Matters| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters 9 will be able to meet the needs of trade bodies, The President she said. She also urged ITEC to work closely addressing with similar centres in India. students at the Today, Indian and UAE companies are DIAC event actively involved in pursuing investments and projects in both countries. These joint ventures involve some of India’s most important Indian companies, such as Tata, Reliance, Wipro, Mahindra and Mahindra, NTPC, Larsen and Toubro, Dodsals and Punj Lloyd. The President told a select group of business leaders at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) that there was also room for cooperation in the oil sector. “Both countries must consider more cooperation between their respective oil industry sectors for establishing a long-term relationship in the field of petrochemical industries, not only in India and the UAE, but in third countries also,” she said. Outlining India’s expansion plans in indus - try, energy and infrastructure, President Patil spoke of investment opportunities in a country poised to register a gross domestic product growth of more than 9 percent and said she hoped UAE’s involvement would contribute to growth. “Trade and investment will be the corner - stone of our partnership in the evolving glob - al scenario,” the President said. “There is potential for the current level of India-UAE trade to be boosted considerably in the com - ing years.” “I call upon the investor community from the UAE to participate in the growth story of India,” President Patil added. “India extends to all of you a hand of partnership and invites you to participate with us in the new phase of rapid development and prosperity on which we have embarked.” Abdul Rahman al Ghurair, the DCCI chair - man, said the focus on investment was vital inaugurated the India Trade and Exhibition Aggarwal, Chairman of ITEC m.e. (GCC) nations and Middle East and North to improving trade with India. Centre Middle East (ITEC m.e.) in Sharjah in Aggarwal said the land for this centre was Africa (MENA) region. Dubai is home to more than 20,000 Indian the presence of His Highness Dr. Sheikh provided by the Sharjah Ruler’s Office. President Patil also thanked the Ruler of companies registered with the DCCI, some of Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member Another 25,000 sq.ft. of land has been Sharjah, Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed which operate across the Emirates. of the Supreme Council of UAE and Ruler allocated by the Sharjah government for the Al Qasimi, for his foresight and interest in “Our bilateral ties with India have been of Sharjah. expansion of the centre next to the Sharjah developing this region. “It is remarkable. It is steadily growing in the past and are expected The ITEC m.e., set up under the auspices Chamber building. a privilege for me to be the first President of to grow to a higher level in the future,” of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and The centre was a joint initiative of both the India to make an official visit to the Emirate Ghurair said. “Exploring investment opportu - Industry (SCCI), aims to create new opportu - governments, Aggarwal said, adding: “The of Sharjah. I am happy to be here to inaugu - nities is a key step towards enhancing nities to boost the already burgeoning trade Government of India has nominated us for rate the India Trade and Exhibition Centre, bilateral trade between Dubai and India.” ties between India and the UAE with support this task and this is a great opportunity for which I hope will act as a catalyst for promo - President Patil also took time off on from the respective governments. the business to expand.” tion of trade and economic links between November 25 evening to visit the world’s “Actually this kind of trade centre is a first The centre will be a one-stop shop for India and the UAE,” she said. tallest tower, Burj Khalifa. in the world where a government to govern - Indian businessmen and SMEs wishing to By regularly holding industry and state The President then travelled to Syria, ment trade centre has been put up by the explore potential markets and opportunities specific exhibitions and providing office space rounding off the final segment of her tour respective governments,” said Sudesh in the UAE, the Gulf Cooperation Council to aspiring exporters from India, the centre before returning to India. N

10 India Matters| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters 11 PERSPECTIVE

he United Arab Emirates (UAE), home to a large number of Indians, ‘India a nation recognises that “India is now a Tspearhead of the future markets and a nation of immense power and presence”, a leading UAE daily said in an editorial late of immense last year. “India will naturally like to see the UAE as a friend and ally. The UAE also sees the power and massive Indian presence in situ as a bridge to a wider market, a potentially exponential market in which to invest especially in the the region. Apart from Abu Dhabi in the sentiment in lauding the UAE’s role in bol - (Top) President areas of communication, energy, power and UAE, she travelled to Dubai and Sharjah. stering international peace and security”. Pratibha Patil at presence’ education as well as trade and commerce,” “The message from both leaders comes out Her comments “are certain to foster not a photo-op the Khaleej Times said. strongly: Partners in business but above all, just goodwill for now but a long-term strate - following the The editorial came a day after President friends first and always,” the editorial said. gic partnership”, the daily said. Grand Hyatt The two countries are ‘partners in business Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil met her UAE “The Indian president was fulsome in her “With both nations having similar views on Business Meet but above all, friends first and always’, counterpart, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al praise for the enormous strides taken by the security, peace and the common enemies of on November observes Khaleej Times Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi, and held talks on a UAE in recent years and recognised its prag - mankind like disease, poverty and injustice, 24, 2010; wide range of topics in politics, economy, matic leadership and its role in the region as the new era in the relationship will certainly (Above) The culture, science and current regional and well as on the global stage.” ensure that these two countries not only posi - President with international issues of mutual interest. According to the paper, Khalifa praised the tively exploit a closeness that is rooted deep members of the President Patil, who was on a nine-day, role played by the Indian community in the in the centuries of the past but move forward Indian Business two-nation visit to the UAE and Syria, aimed UAE’s “nation building”. to the same beat in tackling the problems of and Professional at enhancing economic and energy ties with President Patil “echoed much the same tomorrow.” Council (IBPC).

12 India Matters| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters 13 COMMUNITY / DUBAI FORUM President launches workers’ centre Platform The Centre will provide psychological, legal and financial counselling to those in need workers’ resource centre, including a 24/7 helpline that would come to the aid of thousands of Indians residing for Indian Ain the UAE, was launched in Dubai by Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil. The helpline at the Indian Workers’ Resource Centre (IWRC) can be reached at biz brains 800 INDIA (800 46342). IWRC will also pro - vide psychological, legal and financial coun - selling to those in need. One of the objectives of the helpline is to receive, register and mon - in Gulf itor labour grievances, apart from tackling President Pratibha Patil inaugurating the ITEC Middle East other issues. The Centre is the first such initiative of the Indian Government set up for the welfare of Indian expatriates living in the UAE, especial - ly blue-collar workers. According to official President Pratibha Patil addressing the estimates, nearly 65 per cent of the Indian audience during the launch of the IWRC The forum intends to unite Indian business leaders and encourage business among community in the UAE (about 1.2 to 1.5 mil - Indians. To be headquartered in Dubai, possibly at Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest lion) comprise blue-collar workers. Based in chological counsellors. Dubai and manned by around 16 people, the Each afternoon, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., tower, the membership of the forum will be given by invitation only Centre will cater to Indians in all seven emi - the Centre also provides a free walk-in service, rates. Its management has been outsourced with a small, 30-seat waiting room. to VFS Global, an Indian company. Grievances of a serious nature lodged Barely a month after it was inaugurated, through the Centre will be taken up by the staffers say they have been inundated with Consulate or the Embassy. Individual cases eading Indian businessmen based in Alukkas (Joy Alukkas Group), Micky Jagtiani about at least 800 calls a week from unpaid will then be taken up through relevant UAE the Gulf region have been named as (Landmark Group), Ram Buxani (Cosmos), labourers, runaway domestic staff, duped authorities, such as the Ministry of Labour, if part of a forum that has been estab - Sudesh Aggarwal (Giant Group), Sunny employees and abandoned housewives. Most necessary .N Llished to unite the Indian business Varkey (Varkey Group), Syed M. Salahuddin calls are work-related: unpaid salaries, faulty community. (ETA Group), Vijay Malhotra (KPMG), and contracts, job losses, expired visas and pass - The formation of the Indian Business Yousuf Ali (Emke Group) have been named ports held by employers. Though eight agents Leaders’ Forum was announced at the India to the list. now work in shifts to attend to calls, soon Trade & Exhibition Centre Middle East A similar Board of Governors of young that may not be enough. “We weren’t sure of Dial 800 iNDia (ITEC-m.e.) established in Sharjah with a achievers and second-generation business the number of calls we would receive when Services: mandate from the Indian Ministry of leaders is being formed and will be we started,” said Ambassador M.K. Lokesh. l 24x7 toll-free helpline Commerce and the Sharjah Chamber of announced shortly. The modestly furnished Centre at Khalid l Receive, register and monitor Commerce and Industry. In course of time, the Board of Governors bin Waleed Street — Bank Street — in Bur grievance petitions To be headquartered in Dubai, possibly at would be expanded. According to a state - Dubai is the first aimed at blue-collar l Conduct awareness classes and the world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa, the ment, the Ambassador of India to the UAE, Indians, who make up around two-thirds of offer counselling sessions membership of the forum will be given by M.K. Lokesh, has consented to be the Patron the 1.75 million Indian residents. “They are l All calls will be registered and a invitation only. Indian business leaders from of the Forum. The Consul-General of India, the most vulnerable community,” the reference number issued other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) coun - Sanjay Verma, shall be the ex-officio member Ambassador said. “It is the Embassy’s l The IWRC will manage a shelter tries shall be invited to the Forum. of both the Board of Governors. responsibility to respond to their issues,” he home for runaway housemaids and The GCC is a political and economic In its meeting, the Board of Governors said. deserted housewives alliance of six Middle Eastern countries — unanimously nominated Sudesh Aggarwal as Legal or financial problems are the most l Additionally, there will be a walk-in , , the United Arab its interim President. common, according to Dr. K Ellangovan, counter at the missions in Dubai Emirates, , , and . The forum intends to encourage business Counsellor for Community Affairs at the and Abu Dhabi to receive petitions Azad Moopen (DM Group), B.R. Shetty among Indians and take up issues of concern Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. If problems directly from workers. The counters (NMC Group), Feroz Allana (IFFCO Group), to Indians and Indian business with local citi - cannot be resolved over the phone, they are will work from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. J.R. Gangaramani (Al Fara’a Group), Joy zens and Indian authorities .N passed on to a team of legal, financial and psy -

14 IsnepdteiMa bMer a20t0t9 ers| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |Indisa epMteMabtetr e2r00s 9 15 COMMUNITY / YOUNG TALENT Young Keshava performing before an enthralled crowd at the Innocence that Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi during the touched the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth soul of India Games.

Keshava, a seven-year-old tabla prodigy, stole the show at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, says Claude Arpi

ore than any other year, 2010 has been the symbol of India’s nega - tivities and successes. The MCommonwealth Games held in October in New Delhi exemplifies both these aspects. The first cultural segment of the Games was ‘Rhythms of India’ and it is here did not realise what was happening: his lived in India since his teenage years, says There, the young tabla artiste would come that Grace intervened. First, groups of drum- mother had told him that he would play for a that he just taught Keshava basics about pat - on stage from time to time to perform with mers, hailing from all corners of the country, ‘light show’ with other drummers and that he terns in Indian rhythms by playing them to his mother and Nadaka for a few minutes. walked in. Their spontaneity and simplicity was one of them. She did not want to reveal him on his veena-style invention of the ‘Raga After their return to India in September, they embodied the ‘common man’ of Bharat. to him the magnitude of the event so as to guitar’. It was a musical treat every day to see started working on the piece written by Ranjit And then a seven-year-old appeared on retain his spontaneity. Keshava practise for hours with Nadaka in Barot for the ‘Rhythms of India’ segment of centrestage — the cherubic Keshava, and Keshava’s journey is a fascinating one. At great joy, says Gopika. Nadaka says he was the Opening Ceremony. Keshava immediately started playing his tabla — immersed, so two, his grandmother, painter and arts struck by the fact that Keshava learnt fast. understood what was required of him. spontaneous, so fresh and in that moment of patron Prafulla Dahanukar, gave him his first Having played with some of the best Carnatic Ganesh Basavaraju came from to innocence, touched the true soul of India. tabla after recognising his talent on the din - percussionists, he has no doubt that Keshava practice with him. The 60,000 spectators (including the Prince ing table as she sang the bols to him. Unlike is a natural and quickly absorbs rhythms and Finally, the Big Day, October 4! The family, of Wales, his wife and Indian dignitaries), as most tabla players, he has never been tutored complicated patterns with an extraordinary including Keshava’s 11-year-old sister well as millions of television spectators, by a formal teacher. Keshava is a self-taught memory for them. Opportunity knocked on Kamakshi, arrived in Delhi a week earlier for realised that there was the other India, the tabla player with great enthusiasm for the Keshava’s door in early 2010 when acclaimed the rehearsals. Keshava had to sometimes one which had been completely eclipsed dur - instrument. Music runs in the family as director Bharat Bala of Vande Mataram fame wait for hours before coming on stage for the ing the last few months. That is what Keshava, Gopika explains. and the creative director of the rehearsals, but this did not disturb him. He the seven-year old from Auroville, the interna - “He was very musical from the start and I Commonwealth Games opening and closing could concentrate on his own world, reading tional community near Pondicherry, remind - brought him up with a lot of spontaneity, ceremonies, came to Auroville to ask if some Walt Disney stories. Even for the ed us of. Gopika, Keshava’s mother, and her always making up songs and rhythms as part Keshava could play at the opening ceremony. Opening Ceremony, he patiently waited companion Nadaka agreed to reveal more of my bond with him. At the age of three, he Bala had made the trip after seeing a video of under the stage. Gopika related to him his about this special moment and the life of had invented a walk — clapping and stomp - the boy playing during a home concert with favourite story until the time he was called on Keshava who, like any kid, had expressed his ing in perfect rhythm and he lived in it. Even Nadaka and tabla artiste Ganesh Basavaraju. stage. He was shown the crowd a minute feelings in all his simplicity. his teachers at kindergarten saw that his He was struck by the brightness, and the before he performed. There was nofear in During a press meet after his performance, sense of rhythm was apparent even in some talent of the young prodigy and felt that it fit - Gopika’s heart nor in his. It was a golden journalists asked him how he had felt before of the activities in the school,” she says. ted his idea of showing the tradition of moment before the show, she explains. It was the show — he answered, ‘happy’. He repeat - Living in the international community of knowledge, the wheel of life, an interaction like an elixir of freshness on the wounds of ed his ‘happy’ refrain about his feelings dur - Auroville near Pondicherry, it was a blessing between the young and the experienced. previous months. In a few minutes, the little ing his performance, and after it. Asked what that Gopika — herself an artist and singer — Gopika decided that Keshava would partici - boy seemed to wash away the ‘darker sides’ of he saw in the stadium, he said, ‘chairs, lot of came together with Nadaka, a musician who pate in the event as it was something that the Games preparations. It was a moment of chairs’. It is this joyfulness and spontaneity has made a name from himself in India in came to him naturally. This was just before Grace. And it came at the last minute, as that touched the heart of millions. Keshava fusion music. Nadaka, a Canadian who has they had to go on a concert tour in Canada. always in India. — Rediff.com N

16 India Matters| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters 17 ECONOMY

l Industry clocked 8.9 percent Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee while services posted 9.8 percent said after tabling the mid-year analy - growth, indicating that the sis of the economy in Parliament on expansion is broad-based. December 7. Mukherjee said the l Private final consumption which Indian economy had become had been stagnating due to global “remarkably resilient to both external recession has now begun to grow, and domestic shocks. Our economy while government final consump - not only recovered tion growth, although down from rapidly from the global downturn, the first two quarters of the last but also took the monsoon failure last fiscal when the government’s year in its stride and is now showing robust growth.” chart 1 Chief Economic Adviser in the GDP Growth back on track… Finance Ministry Kaushik Basu said the Indian economy was showing 2009-10 2010-11 signs of a recovery since the second Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 quarter of last fiscal — but this kind 1 Agriculture, forestry & fishing 1.9 0.9 -1.8 0.7 2.5 4.4 of growth had left him pleasantly sur - Industry 5.7 8.4 11.1 13.3 11.3 8.9 prised. “This growth rate has not only 2 Mining & quarrying 8.2 10.1 9.6 14.0 8.4 8.0 beaten market expectations, but also 3 Manufacturing 3.8 8.4 13.8 16.3 13.0 9.8 my own expectations. In the third 4 Electricity, gas & water supply 6.4 7.7 4.7 7.1 6.2 3.4 quarter, we are expecting to do bet - 5 Construction 8.4 8.3 8.1 8.7 10.3 8.8 ter,” Basu said, adding, “The GDP Services 7.9 10.5 7.2 8.4 9.3 9.8 numbers seem exciting and endorse The recently inaugurated state-of-the-art Terminal 3 or T3 at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International 6 Trade, hotels, transport & communication 5.6 8.2 10.2 12.4 10.9 12.1 the India growth story.” Airport. South Asia’s largest aviation hub, T3 currently handles 46 million passengers annually. 7 Financing, insurance, real estate & business services 11.7 11.3 7.9 7.9 7.9 8.3 “In services, we are still not up to 8 Community, social & personal services 7.6 14.0 0.8 1.6 7.9 7.3 capacity performance. Agriculture Total GDP at factor cost 6.3 8.7 6.5 8.6 8.9 8.9 should do a little better in the next Source: Compiled from CSO quarter. If services and agriculture pick up, the economy will perform Resilient India bouncing back stimuli spending helped to keep much better,” Basu said. up overall final consumption, is C. Rangarajan, Chairman of the This growth rate has growing again despite a partial Economic Advisory Council to the beaten market roll-back of stimulus measures. Prime Minister, said the economy The Indian economy is fter weathering the global percent in the second quarter of l Capital formation, too, is showing was likely to grow around 8.75 per - showing remarkable economic meltdown and a this fiscal, beating the govern - expectations... The robust growth from the last quar - cent in the current fiscal. resilience and is likely poor monsoon in successive ment’s own expectations of an 8.5 GDP numbers seem ter of the last fiscal. “We have good growth in the first Ayears — fiscal years (FY) percent expansion this whole fis - l Fund raising by corporates have two quarters. Decline in industrial to end the current 2008 and 2009 — when annual cal. The growth was identical to exciting and endorse also picked up from the lows of output may be reflected in the growth fiscal year with a growth rates dipped to 6.7 and 7.2 the 8.9 percent expansion logged 2008-09. numbers in the third quarter,” said the India growth story l growth rate of close percent respectively, the Indian econ - during the first quarter and 0.2 Capital inflows, too, are support - Rangarajan, adding overall growth omy is showing remarkable resilience percentage points above the 8.7 — Kaushik Basu, ive of growth (see Chart 2). was likely to remain a bit higher than to or more than 9 and is all set to once again log a percent registered in the July- l Inflation is moving southwards the budgetary target of 8.5 percent. percent after two growth rate close to or even more September period of the previous Chief Economic (see Chart 3). Even Indian industry was caught than 9 percent in the current fiscal. fiscal, data released late The ministry’s mid-year review by surprise by the numbers, especial - years of a relative In fact, there is now optimism in November by the Central Adviser, Finance published immediately after release ly in the farm sector’s output, even slowdown, reports official circles that for the first time in Statistical Organisation (CSO) Ministry of the CSO figures, also said that though they expected some more history, the Indian economy may even showed ( see Chart 1 ). India’s economic growth might well fireworks from the manufacturing Arjun Sen be able to achieve the much-coveted l Overall, the economy grew 8.9 be over 9 percent this fiscal. The sector, which expanded 9.8 percent double-digit growth. Not only that. percent in the first half of this fis - overall situation has obviously in the second quarter. Overall, the Some experts even believe that very cal against 7.5 percent in the cor - impressed North Block, the head - manufacturing sector expanded at a soon India may replace China as the responding period of 2009-10. quarters of the Finance Ministry. much faster pace in the first half of fastest growing economy in the world. l The most impressive aspect with - “Growth rate for the fiscal 2010-11 the current fiscal by 11.4 percent, as What is behind all this optimism? in the national income data was will be 8.75 percent plus or minus compared to 6.1 percent during the What are the indicators that have cre - the 4.4 percent growth logged by 0.35 percent. In the first two quar - same period of 2009-10, supported ated the hope that the economy is set the farm sector during the second ters, we have grown 8.9 percent. That by strong output and a sharp rise in to grow even faster in the coming quarter, as opposed to a mere 0.9 is quite encouraging. I can now confi - new business investments, although days? Some of the factors are: percent in the like period of last dently say that the annual growth will growth in the second quarter this l The Indian economy grew by 8.9 year. not be less than 8.75 percent,” year was less than the 13 percent

18 IsnepdteiMa bMer a20t0t9 ers| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |Indisa epMteaMbtetr e2r00s 9 19 ECONOMY

posted in the first quarter. These companies include giants such 2010-11, although some chart 3 Led by strong growth “Although there has been some as ICICI, HDFC, Tata Steel, Tata risks remain in the global moderation in industrial growth com - Motors, Bajaj Auto, Reliance economy which widens in the automobile, pared to the first quarter, agriculture Industries, Hindustan Unilever, the band of expected manufacturing and and services have both recovered,” Marico and TCS. growth outcomes.” said Chandrajit Banerjee, Director- Since companies make higher In the global economy, power sectors, General of the Confederation of advance payments only when they while the U.S. economy is Indian Industry (CII). expect vastly improved bottom lines, showing definite signs of India’s factory output “Yet, the recovery in agriculture is it is only logical to assume that most recovery, the Euro zone expansion sped to likely to have a positive impact on corporates are looking forward to a remains a significant risk rural demand in the coming quarters much-improved performance in area. Recognising that a 10.8 percent in and maintain the positive momen - 2010-11 in terms of profits and sizeable percentage of October from just tum,” he said. “It is also heartening profitability as well as dividend to Indian exports are des - that the data shows a revival in both shareholders. tined towards Europe,

4.4 percent in the consumption and investment.” The stock markets, too, have wel - Mukherjee said: “Rapid Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, GOI However, belying any fears of a slow - comed the developments on the and robust recovery of * Provisional previous month down in industrial output growth, the growth front. Despite losses in the Europe is, therefore, data that has come in for October, the wake of reports about irregularities in important from India’s first month of the third quarter, 2G spectrum allocation and other point of view.” exchange rates. With the economy shows that industrial output is still negative developments, over the last There are other worries, too, for back on the growth path, foreign growing robustly. three weeks, the 30-stock benchmark the country’s economic managers. investment, especially portfolio Led by strong growth in the auto - index of the Bombay Stock Exchange, Inflation is still high, although it is investment, is again flowing back into mobile, manufacturing and power the country’s largest share market, coming down. “Inflation is coming the country after withdrawing in a big sectors, India’s factory output expan - recovered most of the losses, indicat - down. Now it is in single digit, but I way in post-Lehman 2008-09 and sion sped to 10.8 percent in October ing that the underlying market senti - would like further easing. I am hop - then again in May 2010 owing to the from just 4.4 percent in the previous ment continues to remain positive ing that by March it will be around 6 Euro zone debt crisis. month. “Figures suggest the industri - mainly because of the latest economic percent. But it should come down The review, however, notes that al growth for the past seven months and industrial growth data. further,” Mukherjee said. India’s with the current account deficit averaged at 10.3 percent. We hope There is more evidence to support annual rate of inflation based on (CAD) at 2.9 percent of the GDP in double-digit momentum in industrial the view that the economy is back on wholesale prices declined to 7.48 per - 2009-10, “the excessive inflows have growth will be sustained,” Mukherjee the high growth turnpike. The higher cent in November from 8.58 percent largely been balancing the high CAD said. The million-dollar question now advance tax payments have also been in October and 8.62 in the previous and have, therefore, not been a mat - is: Will the growth momentum be backed up by a sharp increase in cor - month. The trend is clearly down - ter of concern”. maintained in the second half of this porate tax collections during the ward and with agriculture expected to With regard to physical infrastruc - fiscal as well? Well, there are several April-November 2010 period; at maintain growth, inflation should ture, education and green technolo - indications that the answer is an `1,384.61 billion ($30.6 billion), they From top: Finance come down to around 6 percent by gies, the review, while noting the emphatic yes. For example, the latest are up by 22.3 percent compared Minister Pranab March as the Finance Minister says. progress made so far, has identified data on advance tax paid by compa - with the same period of 2009-10. Mukherjee; Chairman of On the whole, the mid-year several challenges and suggested nies convey more than a mere robust Indirect taxes collections till the Economic Advisory review has identified four key focus remedies. On the whole, however, corporate performance. November 2010, too, have surged by Council to the Prime areas for achieving double-digit and as mentioned earlier, the review The higher advance tax payments, a whopping 42.3 percent at `2,077.56 Minister C. Rangarajan; growth in the medium to long-term. is quite optimistic that the economy the tax collected till November and billion ($46 billion), or nearly two- Chief Economic Adviser in These are: fiscal consolidation, will maintain its growth momentum chart 2 the industrial output figures for thirds of the budget estimate for the Finance Ministry investment in key infrastructure in the second half as well. FII InFlowS are SUrGInG aGaIn… October all seem to add up to a sce - 2010-11. Both customs and excise Kaushik Basu; and IMF areas, universal elementary educa - All this has earned the praise of no nario which generates the hope that duties are showing a robust expan - chief Dominique tion and cleaner technologies. less a person than the chief of the Year FDI net FFI Inflows (In US$ million) the economy will continue to stay on sion at 67 percent and 34.4 percent, Strauss-Kahn The process of fiscal consolida - International Monetary Fund 2000-01 4,029 1,847 a faster growth track in the second respectively, reflecting higher imports tion is, however, on track, the mid- Dominique Strauss-Kahn. During a 2001-02 6,130 1,505 half of this fiscal as well, experts say. of industrial inputs in case of customs year review said. The country’s fis - recent visit to India, Strauss-Kahn 2002-03 5,035 377 First, the higher advance payout duty and higher domestic production cal deficit will not be more than 5.5 had said: “In terms of economic 2003-04 4,322 10,918 suggests that the manufacturing sec - in case of excise duty. Both figures, percent of its gross domestic prod - growth and inclusive growth, India’s 2004-05 6,051 8,686 tor is surely expecting continuing therefore, suggest that the growth uct (GDP) in 2010-11 as a surge in growth is amazing.” 2005-06 8,961 9,926 growth. Also the fact that companies momentum is being maintained in revenue collections has offset high “You are running as fast as you can. 2006-07 22,826 3,225 across a wide range of industries — the third quarter as well. expenditure and all fiscal targets for More will probably be too much, so far 2007-08 34,835 20,328 steel, automobiles, pharma, banking Not surprisingly, the Finance the first half with regard to consoli - it is very well managed,” said Kahn. 2008-09 35,180 (-)15,017 and software — have paid out more Ministry’s mid-year review also dation have been met. However, most Indians will proba - 2009-10* 37,182 29,047 advance tax during this period com - claimed: “All indicators, therefore, In the fiscal sector, another possi - bly disagree. With double-digit 2010-11 13,508 22,298 pared with an year ago, indicates that portend well for output growth cross - ble threat is the volatility of capital growth very much in sight, faster is a Source: DIPP, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GOI the growth story is broad based. ing 9 percent for the entire fiscal year flows, which can impact inflation and plausible proposition. N

20 India Matters| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters 21 ECONOMY

PACKED YARD: With global recovery in the air, Chennai port, from where 35 percent of India’s automobile exports are shipped, is bristling with activity once again after a slowdown of sorts in 2008-09.

The growth is also broad-based, with recovery in all three sectors — agriculture, industry and services — and 2010: Year of Growth in consumption and investment… — Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee

Following an over 8.5 hree quarters of over 8.5 per - wider inflationary process,” Subbarao percent growth over three cent growth marked a revival added, reflecting the dilemma before Key developments in 2010 j quarters, the Government of the Indian economy in policymakers. Little wonder, the cen - GDP up 8.6 percent, 8.8 T2010 though the year-end tral bank hiked its policy rates by as percent and 8.9 percent in is confident of achieving a was beset by inflationary pressures. many as six times during the year in a the first three quarters 9 percent growth overall The year began on a positive note bid to curb inflationary pressures, j Industrial growth of around 11 when the economy registered an 8.6 while also trying to ensure enough percent between January and during the current fiscal. percent growth in the first quarter. liquidity for corporate lending to October However, inflationary and Factory output was up around 17 maintain industrial growth. j Average export growth of over percent in January and exports grew As the year ended, the economic 25 percent during the first 10 price pressures are of 35 percent in February after 13 growth for the third quarter is an months some concern, observes months of decline. impressive 8.9 percent, exports have j Foreign exchange reserves up Stock markets also regained buoy - expanded by over 25 percent, foreign $11 billion and stand at Gyanendra Kumar Keshri ancy, investments by foreign institu - funds have invested $28.6 billion in $294.602 billion tional funds started pouring in again, equity markets, the public issue mar - j Food inflation at 12.13 percent and appetite for capital goods picked ket has revived and foreign exchange ZOOMING SALES: A record number of 13.5 million automobiles were now, against 17.28 percent in up. However, the general optimism reserves swelled $11 billion to nearly sold in the first 11 months of 2010. January was guarded on account of a high $300 billion. j Annual rise in wholesale price food inflation of over 17 percent. “The growth is also broad-based, January and November, and the Even on the policy front, the year index at 7.5 in November “India’s growth-inflation dynamics with recovery in all three sectors — mobile telecom subscriber base has began on a promising note when the against 7.31 percent in are in contrast to the overall global agriculture, industry and services — expanded from around 525 million to government reworked its decades-old December last year scenario,” Reserve Bank of India and in consumption and investment,” over 700 million in 11 months. fertiliser subsidy policy, transforming j Investments by foreign funds Governor (RBI) D. Subbarao said, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee However, price rise, albeit moderat - it into a more scientific one based on in equities top $28.6 billion releasing the annual monetary policy observed, expressing confidence of a ed, remains a worry. nutrient use. in 2010 for the fiscal in on April 20. 9-percent growth this fiscal. The annual food inflation, for Besides, the government, in j As many as 71 public issues hit “The economy is recovering rapidly This apart, the government has example, which stood at 17.28 per - December, decided to decontrol markets, raising `71,000 crore from growth slowdown but inflation - revived its divestment programme, a cent at the beginning of this year still petrol prices once again, allowing ($15.7 billion) ary pressures triggered by supply side record number of 13.5 million auto - hovers in the double-digit level at state-run fuel retailers to fix their factors are now developing into a mobiles have been sold between 12.13 percent. own tariffs for gasoline . N

22 India Matters| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters 23 NEWS INDIA INC INKS RECORD $55 BN M&A DEALS TILL MID-DEC ’10

ndia Inc. sealed mergers and worth $ 27.25 billion with a view to acquisitions (M&A) deals worth expand their market share. I$55 billion till December 15, “There have been acquisitions in 2010, including a record number of South America, Europe, Australia more than $120 billion for this year, billion-dollar transactions. and for some time now. against earlier apprehensions of The total deal value surpassed the More recently, there is a lot of inter - INDIA’S EXPORTS HIT $130-135 billion. The government previous record set in 2007 and big- est in developing economies in had set an export target of $200 ticket deals made a comeback as Africa, Indonesia and ” says billion for 2010-11. corporate India regained its deal- Grant Thornton India. 33-MONTH HIGH IN In December, the exporting sec - making appetite with more than $9 Till December 15, 2010, the total tors that registered higher growth billion deals, the highest-ever in a value of deals announced amounted includes engineering (112 per cent), single year. to $54.6 billion, significantly more DEC 2010 electronics (88 per cent), manmade The M&A deals showcased the than the previous high of $42 billion fibres (30 per cent), yarns (65 per high global ambitions set up by India achieved in 2007, according to cent) and drugs (810 per cent). Inc, which acquired foreign assets research firm VCCEdge. N Cumulative exports register ndia’s exports showed a During April-December 2010-11, 36.4 percent growth during ‘remarkable’ annual growth of the country’s merchandise export the April-December 2010 36.4 per cent, highest in 33 grew by 29.5 per cent to $164.7 Ashok Leyland’s UAE J-V plant goes on stream Imonths with consignments in billion. Imports too rose by 19 per - period. India could export December 2010 raising prospects of cent to $247.1 billion over the L&T bags UAE $215-225 billion worth of the country exporting $215-225 year-ago period. hennai-based in Prague. According to orders worth billion worth of merchandise in The cumulative numbers indicate commercial vehi - Ashok Leyland’s Managing merchandise in the the current fiscal. that the country’s exports could grow Ccle manufacturer Director R. Seshasayee, the $158 million current fiscal Exports in December aggregated by about 20 per cent over the previ - Ashok Leyland Limited facility is an important build - $22.5 billion, while imports contract - ous year. In 2009-10 India’s exports on December 16 ing block in the company’s ngineering and con - ed by 11.1 per cent to $25.1 billion, stood at $176.5 billion. Trade deficit announced the commissioning of its quest to be a global player. struction major Larsen resulting in a narrow trade deficit of during the first nine months stood at Ras Al Khaimah plant set up in a “Ashok Leyland has enjoyed a Eand Toubro (L&T) on $2.6 billion, the lowest in three $82.4 billion. joint venture with Ras Al Khaimah dominant position in the popular December 3 said its years. The growth was also attrib - During the period, other sectors Investment Authority (RAKIA). bus market of the Gulf region and, construction division had uted to diversification of India’s that performed well include gems The 2,000 units per annum plant, therefore, it was only natural for us bagged a contract worth export markets. For instance, the 112 and jewellery (10 per cent), electron - involving an investment of $20 mil - to set up a manufacturing base clos - `716 crore (around $158 per cent rise in engineering exports ics (35 per cent), man-made fibre (11 lion, is the first vehicle factory in the er to our customers,” he said. million) from the UAE to was helped much by orders from per cent), yarn (55 per cent), carpets United Arab Emirates. “The UAE factory will also cater construct an intersection Latin American countries like (43 per cent), drugs (13 per cent), The plant will roll out the models to African and European markets,” connecting a road between Columbia. chemicals (20 per cent), plastics (28 made by AVIA Ashok Leyland based he said. N Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The overall trade gap may not be per cent) and leather (10 per cent). N The Sheikh Khalifa Interchange project is to be Barjeel Geojit to open new branches in UAE completed in two years and includes construction of four arjeel Geojit, a joint venture Marina area,” Barjeel Geojit CEO bridges, a 62-metre-long, Investment prospects good: Mittal between Sharjah-based Sheikh Krishnan Ramachandran said. 20-metre-wide tunnel, and BSultan Bin Al Soud Al Qassemi Barjeel Geojit currently operates 12 km of four to six-lane ndian steel magnate Lakshmi 19 with Sheikh Nahyan bin and Geojit BNP Paribas Financial, is in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al roads, the company said in Niwas Mittal, on a recent visit Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of all set to open three new branches in Khaimah and Muscat. a regulatory filing. Ito the United Arab Emirates, Higher Education and Scientific the UAE. Barjeel’s range of financial product The project is expected to said that he found investment Research, Mittal discussed the eco - “As part of our long-term strategy offerings include shares, bonds, significantly improve traffic prospects encouraging in various nomic boom in the UAE and the to expand the reach among Non- mutual funds, commodities, and cur - conditions in the Al Samha sectors in the country, especially in encouraging investment climate. Resident Indians in UAE, Barjeel rencies from the major markets in region, especially the truck major infrastructure projects. Sheikh Nahyan hosted a dinner in Geojit recently obtained licences the world and in particular, the traffic from the new Sheikh During a meeting on December honour of the visiting industrialist. from the regulators to open branches Indian equity markets and mutual Khalifa port, it added. in , Mussaffa and the Dubai funds . N

24 India Matters| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters 25 An India Matters-Superbrands Presentation try’s information and communica - tions technology sector and plum - meting telecom costs. In keeping with market trends the hospital is growing both horizontally and vertically. In order to ensure that quality health care is accessi - This translates into approximately ble to all, Apollo has started a 6% of India’s gross domestic prod - chain of clinics across the coun - uct — or US$ 34 (Rs. 1360) per try. It has established over 100 capita. By 2012, this figure is pro - telemedicine centres both in India jected to surpass US$ 40 billion and abroad and has also ventured (Rs. 160,000 crore) into health insurance with (Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers ). ApolloDKV. The private sector accounts for more than 80% of total health care Achievements spending. This sudden surge can be As an ISO certified institution, attributed to rapid urbanisation and Apollo became the first hospital in an expanding middle class, with Asia to receive the JCI internation - more disposable income. al accreditation. This is the gold Affluence, however, has its down - standard for excellence in health side. While several diseases like care. Three of its hospitals – poliomyelitis, leprosy and neonatal Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad tetanus will soon be eliminated the have been its proud recipients. urban sprawl has spawned its own It is not difficult to see why. set of problems. Overcrowding, new Apollo’s milestones are many and slums, poor drainage and sewage could easily fill all the pages of a systems book of medical breakthroughs. have resulted in a concomitant The procedures that were per - recrudescence of other communica - formed a decade ago in the best ble diseases like dengue fever, viral of the western world’s super spe - hepatitis, tuberculosis, malaria and ciality hospitals have been done Market pneumonia. In addition, affluent, quite routinely in the facilities of The Apollo Hospitals Group — sedentary lifestyles and poor eating this iconic Indian institution. recognised as the architect of cut - habits of urban Indians are causing Consider some of these achieve - History Group has no need to showcase its ting edge health care in India — pandemic increases in cancer, heart ments: the hospital has performed Padma Bhushan Dr. Pratap C. stature or list its achievements. represents one of the most striking disease and diabetes. It is expected 60,000 cardio thoracic surgeries Reddy, founder-chairman of Apollo They speak for themselves. examples of the post-liberalisation that these chronic metabolic ail - with a 99.6% success rate and Hospitals, has helped in making transformation of markets that has ments will grow at a faster rate 10,400 kidney transplants. It was Chennai a centre for medical excel - Product swept across India. The hospital than infectious diseases in the the first to perform liver, multi-organ lence in the country. He is also Before Apollo, health care in India has spread its wings and soared. coming decade. and cord-blood transplants in India. credited with being the catalyst in was a scattered offering. There Several nations have replicated its Apart from covering an entire range The Indian health market, there - Apollo was also the first Indian insti - bringing quality health care to the was hardly any doctor-patient or Indian model. Government authori - of disease management, the Group fore, will need more answers, tution to introduce cutting edge country and modernising it. doctor-hospital integration. A sick ties and private health care groups has ventured into pharmacies, IT greater specialisation and increased techniques in coronary angioplasty, Dr. Reddy migrated back from the person had to run a gauntlet of dis - in a number of countries are active - outsourcing, medical education and diversification. It will require greater stereotactic radiotherapy and radio- US in the mid 1970s and set up his parate services under several ly negotiating to bring Apollo facili - hospital management projects. It investments in preventive medicine, surgery for CNS tumours. cardiology practice in India. Moved roofs. Apollo introduced ties to their lands. also extends insurance benefits research and development and criti - Furthermore, with India’s growing by the death of an Indian who 360 degree medical From a single hospital unit in the under a family health plan. cal care — backed by flexible and population, it is estimated that over could not afford to travel to the care across various early 1980s, Apollo is now ranked Surprisingly, even though quality affordable health insurance the next ten years, an additional US for treatment, Dr. Reddy specialties in each of its as Asia’s largest health care health care is not accessible to schemes. As importantly, it will 818,000 physicians would be need - embarked on a mission to work hospitals. This simply provider — and the third largest in rural India, the health segment of require the expansion of medicine ed. Apollo — now recognised as a towards improving the medical meant that patients could the world — with over 8000 beds the Indian economy has grown for rural areas whose 700 million world-class post graduate training infrastructure in India. get a range of services — across 42 locations in India and exponentially in recent years. It is inhabitants continue to be deprived centre — has taken the lead in He garnered the sup - including preventive care, abroad. one of India’s largest sectors in of proper health care facilities. developing hundreds of high quality port of friends and fel - emergency services, Relentlessly fighting battles with terms of revenue and employ - A solution that promises much is health care specialists: intervention - low physicians in the diagnostics, consulta - death and disease, the Group has ment — and continues to expand telemedicine — the remote diagno - al cardiologists and cardio thoracic US and began to work tion, treatment and diversified into a number of speciali - rapidly. During the 1990s, Indian sis, monitoring and treatment of surgeons. on his project. Most rehabilitation — all ties and businesses beyond its car - health care grew at a compounded patients via videoconferencing or The Royal College of Radiologists of the medical equip - under one roof. dio thoracic facilities — forays that annual rate of 16% and today notch - the internet.Telemedicine is a fast in the UK recognises Apollo as a ment had to be The hospital’s Centre made Apollo a serious contender for es up a very creditable revenue of emerging trend in India, supported centre for training and final imported from of Cardiology and Cardio global leadership in health care. US$ 34 billion (Rs.136,000 crore). by the massive growth in the coun - examination. abroad. Today, the Thoracic Surgery is one of

26 IsnepdteiMa bMer a20t0t9 ers| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |Indisa epMteMabtetr e2r00s 9 27 guages to promote layman under - standing of various common medical problems such as asthma, migraine, epilepsy.

Brand Values Over the years, the institution has consistently risen above the excep - tional. It has been a trailblazer in health care initiatives in India. If medical tourism is a reality today, it is in no small measure attributable to the high standards Apollo has set – and the fine name and recognition it has achieved internationally. Apollo’s employees are enjoined to follow rigorously the Florence Nightingale approach of ‘tender lov - ing care.’ All efforts are made to the first successful unrelated dou - Promotion ensure that every patient who ble cord blood transplant in India Apollo is building a novel health walks into Apollo is put instantly at on an eight-year-old Ugandan boy care ecosystem. The objective is to ease. suffering from Fanconi’s Anaemia. offer the patient the best experi - It’s not just the quality of the In another exciting new develop - ence – right from his entry into the diagnosis, the equipment, the med - ment Apollo is working with IBM to gate till his departure from the hos - ical staff or the exceptional success create a Health Super Highway pital. The communications for this rates at Apollo that have made it which will connect doctors across exercise attempts to capture the the leading health care provider in the country and across the globe, spirit of the mission. These include the region; it is largely the emotion - thereby creating a new paradigm in campaigns for orthopaedics and pre - al bond that the hospital creates the largest groups in the world. health care delivery: the Apollo ventive heart checks where real with the patient that makes Apollo Similarly constituted, the Reach Hospitals. patient testimonials and their expe - so special. All the 750 pharmacies Centre of Gastroenterology and The mission of these hospitals riences will be used. at Apollo Clinics are open around- Hepatology specialises in the pre - will be to travel beyond the metros The Group also publishes relevant the-clock. vention, diagnosis and treatment into the country’s hinterland. pamphlets in English and local lan - www.apollohospitals.com of diseases of the digestive tract and liver. Kidney and cancer treatments THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ANCHOR are carried out by the Centre of Nephrology and Centre for Anchor Oncology. The hospital has per - Recent Developments have benefited from surgeries and n Apollo Hospitals was named after formed pioneering surgeries includ - Apollo Hospitals introduced the related procedures with a success the first space craft that landed ing knee replacement, Birmingham concept of The Apollo Clinic to rate of 97%. on the moon, reflecting the pro - Hip replacement and the Illizarov ensure that quality health care is An additional 30,000 children moter’s vision of the hospital procedure at its Centre for available to more people and in with heart diseases across India being the first and the foremost in Orthopedics and Joint more regions than ever before. have been screened. all its chosen fields Replacement. This is an integrated franchisee Apollo has also launched one of n Nearly 50,000 patients from 55 Advanced care for treatment of model which offers facilities like the largest pharmacy chains in countries seek treatment at brain tumours, epilepsy, multiple specialist consultations, diagnos - India. The pharmacies are well- Apollo Hospitals each year sclerosis, movement disorders, tics, preventive health checks and stocked, open around-the-clock and n Apollo operates 42 hospitals in vestibular diseases, stroke and a 24-hour pharmacy. offer a wide range of medicines, over 30 countries headaches is available at the In addition, as an outreach pro - hospital consumables, health prod - n In 1995 the hospital performed Centre for Neurology and gramme, Apollo has launched its ucts and general OTC products. its first heart transplant; the Neurosurgery. Chest Pain Clinic initiative for com - The hospital’s telemedicine cen - patient continues to lead a nor - Apollo has launched the Health prehensive heart care. tres operate not only in India but mal, healthy life City in Hyderabad. This is an inte - ‘Save A Child’s Heart’ was also in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sri n Apollo Hospitals have achieved a grated health care delivery facility established in 2002 with the aim Lanka, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, success rate of 70% in bone mar - spread over 33 acres. of providing quality care and finan - Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria and row transplants The facility covers disease preven - cial access to children belonging Ethiopia. n All the 750 pharmacies at Apollo tion, management, wellness and to lower socio-economic groups. A recent pioneering effort at the Clinics are open around-the-clock research. In this short span 900 children speciality hospital in Chennai was (Reproduced with the permission of Superbrands India Private Limited — copyright owners)

28 India Matters| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters 29 TRENDS

Kochi port Haldia, India’s only riverine port; Paradip in Ports Association (IPA), the volume of goods Orissa; Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh; handled by Indian ports increased by 3 per - and Port Blair of the Andaman and Nicobar cent in April last year, raising hopes that the islands. Port Blair is the youngest member of sector is on track to meet the 6.5 percent the power club of India’s major ports. throughput growth target for calendar year The south has five major ports: Chennai, 2010, says international business intelligence Tuticorin, and the privately owned Ennore in firm Business Monitor International (BMI). ; Kochi in , and Mangalore The total tonnage throughput at the 12 major in Karanataka. ports was 46.6 million tonnes in April, com - The busy west coast, too, has an impressive pared with 45.4 million tonnes in April 2009. lineup of four major ports. Mormugao in Goa; The figures showed significant volume growth Mumbai and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust at the ports of Kandla, JNPT, Chennai, (JNPT) near Mumbai in , and Mormugao and Mumbai. Kandla in Gujarat. There are approximately After slowing to just 7.7 percent in 2009, 200 intermediate ports, too. India’s production index is expected to have According to a recent report, traffic at these recorded an average growth of more than 13 ports has grown steadily at more than 9 per - percent in 2010, led primarily by a strong cent in the last four years. The report was construction and infrastructure sector. compiled by consulting firm Ernst and Young A strong recovery is in progress and the for the Federation of Indian Chambers of performance of the economy is supportive of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). It said that the freight transport sector. Over the next 10 the growth was driven largely by the perform - years experts expect annual economic growth ance of the non-major ports operated by state in the 7-8 percent range, making India one of governments. Credit-rating company ICRA the top-performing, emerging markets. also said that during calendar year 2010, traf - Foreign trade is expected to grow a stronger fic had jumped 15 percent over the last year. 12.5 percent, and remain in double digits in The country’s maritime industry encom - the future. All this adds up to strong freight passes ports (both major and non-major), demand, particularly for bulk commodities, shipping (overseas and coastal), inland water such as oil, coal, iron ore, steel and a range of transport (IWT) and aids to navigation and agricultural foodstuffs. manpower both on-board and ashore. Around Across India’s major ports there is double- 70 percent of India’s external merchandise’s digit annual growth in both total tonnage and trade by value, is transported via maritime containers handled. At JNPT, total tonnage is INDIAN PORTS: transport. expected to have risen by 15.6 percent to To leverage the opportunity in ports and to nearly 70 million tonnes, a dramatic increase ensure optimum utilisation of the coastline, the in pace after the meagre 4.7 percent growth in government is encouraging private sector par - recession-hit 2009. The Port of Chennai, one BEACONS BY ticipation in port development. Indian ports of India’s top-12, recorded an 11 percent are now evincing unprecedented interest from growth in 2010, says the BMI report. strategic buyers like international liners, termi - The ports sector is poised for significant nal operators, banks and infrastructure funds. growth from new manufacturing and power THE SEA At a conference on ports and shipping in projects and greater cargo traffic. Increase in Mumbai late last year, FICCI chairman containerised trade coupled with the govern - Hemant Kanoria had said, “The government ment’s active initiatives to develop the ports With India enhancing the scale and quality of its port infrastructure substantially, it expects the private sector to invest nearly $14.5 sector, are expected to further boost growth. billion to develop major and non-major ports The commissioning of multiple power sta - has raised its competitive advantage significantly in an increasingly globalised world in the Eleventh Five Year Plan ending 2012.” tions (based on imported coal) and steel and A report compiled jointly by FICCI and offshore exploration and production projects Ernst and Young says India presents an excit - are likely to power the Indian ports sector. ndia is on a high growth path. In spite of the GDP structure. Ports, therefore, play a key ing investment opportunity with its 13 major Additionally, the government has been pro - the crippling global recession, if its gross role in the economy’s march ahead. Peninsular ports, more than 200 non-major ports and a moting public-private participation in the sec - domestic product (GDP) growth of more India’s uninterrupted coastline of more than coastline of 7,500 km. Called “The Indian tor on a build operate transfer (BOT) basis, Ithan 7 percent was impressive last year, it 7,500 km is dotted with major ports from Ports and Shipping Sector: Breaking thereby stepping up capacities and traffic is going to be even more sparkling this year. in the East to Marmugao in the West. Boundaries, Tapping Potential,” the report handling at ports. According to a recent estimate of the Together, the ports of India handle almost 95 said offshoring in general, and the likely The government prioritised the expansion International Monetary Fund (IMF), India’s percent of all foreign trade. There are 13 major prospect of India emerging as a manufactur - and modernisation of ports as part of its five- GDP growth will touch 10 percent by the end of ports in India, all operated by the Government ing outsourcing hub, will help its maritime year plan initiatives in 2007. It has been this financial year. of India. industry grow. instrumental in redefining the role of ports Foreign trade is one of the critical pillars of Four of them are in the East. Kolkata’s According to figures released by the Indian from mere trade gateways, to integral parts of

30 sNepotve-MDbeecr 20019 0 |India Matters Nov-Dec 2010 |Indisa epMteMabtetr e2r00s 9 31 TRENDS

Paradip port

Expansion and Modernisation business, major players include Hindustan offshore exploration and production activities The Government has undertaken expansion Shipyard Limited, ABG Shipyard Limited and and the emerging trend of coastal shipping and modernisation of ports on a priority Bharti Shipyard Limited. These companies will also generate substantial revenue, basis. According to the Ministry of Shipping, have made substantial investments over the according to ICRA. The port sector is expect - its plans include formulating a national mar - years. DP World is the world’s largest port ed to receive an investment of nearly $7.5 bil - itime development policy to facilitate private operator with operations in 20 countries lion in the near future. investment, improve service quality and pro - worldwide. In India, it is engaged either as a Ports don’t just handle cargo. They also mote competitiveness. For this goal, the gov - port operator or a developer of terminals at provide a host of critical services to arriving ernment has allocated $11.33 billion. Mundra, Navi Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, and departing vessels. Some of these services Under the plan, the Government will also Visakhapatnam and Kulpi seaports. It has so include operation and maintenance (pilotage, invest more than $9 billion by 2015 on 111 far invested $2 billion in India, and plans to harbouring, mooring, lighterage, and dredg - shipping sector projects. In fiscal 2009-10, it invest another $12 billion in the next five ing) and provision of marine assets (like tugs, had launched 10 major expansion projects at years. mooring launches, pilot launches, barges, and an estimated investment of more than $1 bil - L&T Infrastructure Development Projects dredgers). lion, 60 percent of which was allocated to the Limited specialises in building roads and Chennai mega container terminal alone. bridges and developing railway and port proj - Government inviting private players India’s the global and logistics chain. The Government has also given its permis - ects. Gammon India is another big construc - The Government has encouraged PPPs in this Major ports scheduled for redevelopment sion for 100 percent foreign direct investment tion contractor in the port sector. One of its sector. Some of these efforts include: maritime are Kandla, Mumbai, Mormugao, and New for port development projects under the auto - major projects has been the construction of l Inviting private companies to invest in sector has Mangalore on the west coast, Cochin and matic route. The experience of operating berths at the Vishakhapatnam Port. developing cargo handling berths, con - Tuticorn in the south, and Chennai, Ennore, berths through PPPs at some of the major tainer terminals, dry docks, and installing attracted Vizag, Paradip and Kolkata on the east coast. ports in India, has so far been successful. Major Trends cargo handling equipment on a BOT basis; The Government has also decided to enable The outlook for demand supply dynamics l Allowing up to 100 percent Foreign Direct considerable Demand for Port Services the 12 major ports to attain world-class stan - remains positive. In the early part of 2010, as Investment (FDI) for projects involving international India’s maritime sector has attracted consider - dards. To this end, each port is preparing a the economy began emerging from the effects construction and maintenance of ports able international interest in recent years. perspective plan for 20 years and an action of the global recession, cargo handling at the and harbours, utilising the automatic interest in Demand for port services is also growing and plan for seven years. A high-level committee ports picked up in volume. According to a route of clearance; recent years throughput at the country’s major terminals is has finalised a plan for improving railroad study by credit rating agency ICRA, invest - l Offering special tax incentives for invest - showing signs of a recovery after a decline in connectivity of major ports. The plan is to be ments in key end-user industries, such as ment in the port sector as well as a 10- the country’s trade volumes in 2009. Handling implemented within three years. The power, steel, and refinery, point to a year tax holiday to enterprises engaged in at India’s 12 major international terminals National Maritime Development Programme favourable demand environment for the port developing, maintaining and operating grew by 6 percent between April 2009 and is expected to bring in a total investment of sector, not only in cargo volume, but also in ports, inland waterways and inland ports, January 2010, indicating that volumes would over $120 million into port infrastructure. logistics and service activities. and; have shown a significant recovery over the full In an interview to the Reuters news agency From dealing in crude oil and iron ore l Allowing non-major ports (operated by year. in September, Shipping Minister G. K. Wasan alone, most ports have diversified to include state governments) to fix their own tariffs. According to the Department of Shipping, had said India would modernise its ports to high return coal, petroleum, oil & lubricants the government plans to increase the cargo accommodate larger vessels and make trans - (POL), and container cargo. Traffic relating to Greenfield Port Projects handling capacity of major ports by 200 per - porting iron ore and coal to roads and rail - According to the ICRA report, India will com - cent to reach 1.5 billion metric tonnes by ways more efficient to keep up with its boom - mission 24 greenfield port projects between 2012. It aims to achieve this through an ing economy. India’s port capacity is expected Paradip port 2016 and 2025. These projects will be spread investment of $25 billion through Public to climb to 1.3 billion tonnes a year by April across six coastal states. Once commissioned, Private Partnerships (PPPs). 2012 from the current 920 million tonnes, they will raise the cargo handling capacity of An independent Crisil report focusing on Reuters had said, quoting the Minister. Indian ports by 835 million tonnes annually. Indian ports and maritime transport esti - The global ports and shipping sector saw a mates that port capacity will grow by 160 per - Key Players rebound with 13 PPP projects being awarded. cent by 2012. By then, cargo handling at the In this industry, there are three areas of oper - Port Blair was declared the 13th major port, major ports is projected to grow at 7.7 per - ation where activity is mostly centered: ports, and this positive step may result in the devel - cent annually, while cargo traffic will reach shipping and shipyards. In the port sector, the opment of Andaman & Nicobar as a region. 877 million tonnes. Containerised cargo is key players are DP World, L&T Infrastructure Further, the announcement of large projects expected to grow at 15.5 percent over the next Development Projects Limited, Gammon such as the fourth container terminal at JNPT seven years. India Limited, APM Terminals and the is another positive development in the sector, The new foreign trade policy sees India’s Container Corporation of India Ltd. In ship - added the report. With the growth of this vital share of global exports doubling in the next ping business, the important players are the sector in mind, the Government is planning five years to $150 billion. A large portion of Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Essar and implementing policies that could take the the newly generated foreign trade is expected Shipping Ports and Logistics, and The Great Indian shipping industry to new highs. to be via shipping. Eastern Shipping Company. In the shipyard —(Courtesy of India Now , IBEF)

32 Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters 33 omance, action, comedy, real life stories... Bollywood is gearing up with an inter - R esting line-up of releases in 2011, starring big names like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Ajay Devgn, who all have more than one film on offer. Vidya Balan, a perfect combination of beauty and talent, will start the New Dhobi Ghat Year on a serious note with No One Killed Jessica . Based on the murder of ramp model Jessica Lall, the film directed by Rajkumar Gupta, will release January 7. It also stars Rani Mukerji. Vidya will be seen in another real life story Dirty Pictures , a biopic inspired by the southern sex symbol Silk Smitha’s tragic life. However, the serious mood will soon be dispelled by the release of fun flicks Turning 30 and Yamla Pagla Deewana . While the former, starring Get a sneak peek Gul Panag, is an effort to entertain audiences through the story of a 30- into the exciting plus single woman and her woes, the films on offer in latter will see the three Deols — the year ahead... Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby, indulging in funny antics. Aamir Khan will appear in his wife Kiran Rao’s directorial debut Dhobi Ghat , a film about Mumbai and four people whose lives intersect and are forever altered as they journey through longing, loneliness, loss and love. Releasing January 21, it also features Prateik Babbar, Monica Dogra THE NEXT LEVEL and Kriti Malhotra. Madhur Bhandarkar’s first comedy Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji will wrap up the first month of the year. The National Award-winning filmmaker, known for making hard-hitting movies, forays into comedy with Ajay Devgn and a host of other actors such as Emraan Hashmi, Omi Vaidya, Shazahn Padamsee and Shruti Haasan. Ajay, who had the maximum releas - es in 2010 and has been named the most profitable male actor of the year, once again has the highest number of releases in the new year — Tezz , ’s remake of Tamil hit Singham , Aarakshan , Rascals , and Shetty’s Diwali comedy with Abhishek Bachchan. It was not a favourable year for Akshay Kumar, but he may climb up on the hits list with his first release of the year Patiala House . His role is

38 India Matters| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters 39 inspired by the first Sikh cricketer National Award year for Priyanka fatale in Saat Khoon Maaf . It seems with the release of the comedy Tanu box office. In March, the actor will Mumbai-based production and in the English team, Monty Singh Chopra, but this beauty the actress is trying to make her Weds Manu that has R. Madhavan return with the thriller Game that distribution house Watch Tower Panesar, and the promos look couldn’t give any big hit. The glam - body of work versatile as her next and Kangana Ranaut. will hopefully have a better fate at International, said: “It will be perhaps promising. In the latter part of the orous actress, who shocked and sur - release Barfee will see her as a deaf Abhishek Bachchan was appreci - the ticket window. His other releas - for the first time that all the biggies year, Akshay has several releases prised her fans with her zara hatke and dumb character. ated as freedom fighter Surjya Sen es are Players and Rohit Shetty’s will have multiple releases in one lined up — Thank You , Desi Boyz , performances in Fashion and Just like January, the second in Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se , but Diwali comedy. year in 2011. But the major point is Joker and Housefull 2 . 2010 was a Kaminey , will be seen as a femme month will also end with a smile the film couldn’t create a buzz at the Sunny Khanna, director of the corporates have again got the movies at extreme prices and they are going to bleed. Let’s see how much the audiences will spend this time.” Yamla Pagla Deewana There are other big stars with multiple releases in 2011, but the dates are not finalised yet. Shah Rukh Khan will have two releases, Don 2 and Ra.One , as well as the animation movie Koochie Koochie Hota Hain where he has given the voiceover. Saif Ali Khan’s long-awaited home production Agent Vinod , which will see him in the lead, will hit the screens. He will also be seen playing an important role in Aarakshan . Salman Khan is expected to repeat the success of Dabangg with three releases in 2011 — Ready , My Love Story and Bodyguard . His Kites couldn’t fly high, but the actor is set to prove his worth with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and the remake of Agneepath . Ranbir Kapoor, who emerged as a dark horse, thanks to his performance as a scheming politician in Raajneeti , will take his versatility to another level with Rockstar and Barfee . While John Abraham will be seen in the Hindi remake of Tamil action cop drama Kaakha Kaakha and two sequels Dostana 2 and Housefull 2 , Sanjay Dutt will feature in Rascals and Double Dhamaal . It wasn’t a great year for Sonam Kapoor, but she bagged three projects — Thank You , Mausam and Players — all coming in the new year. Katrina Kaif will entertain her fans with her roles in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan . Kareena Kapoor has Shah Rukh’s home production Ra.One and her boyfriend Saif’s movie Agent Vinod as well as Short Term Shaadi in her kitty. Imran Khan, Aamir Khan’s nephew, is a good actor, but it seems lady luck is eluding him. He may turn the tide with three releases — Delhi Belly , Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Short Term Shaadi . N

40 India Matters| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters 41 TRAVEL Smelly water, shark fins... Don’t crib, but crab! Crabbing, a rustic outdoor sport, is still a favoured once-a-month outing for rural teenagers and some enterprising adults in some parts of Goa

way from Goa’s sun-kissed even during low tide where the water is generally a piece of shark’s skin, fish weight are significant parameters, which beaches, trance parties and deep,” he says. Eaten curried, roasted or waste, smelly chicken entrails or pork determine the taste of the crabs. “We let neon lit coastal streets, young often fried, crab meat, which is succulent legs to lure the crabs. “The bait is tied go the smaller ones as they do not taste Aboys dressed in shorts are still and sweet is a gourmand’s delight. But firm so that the crabs, which are lured, good. Also if you release them, they are happy wading shin-deep in muddy, catching them is not a very pleasant task keep tugging at it. This done, the trap is probably going to visit your trap once smelly water, armed with shark fins or at all, unless you like handling putrid then lowered into the deep water where more when they put on some muscle,” rotten chicken entrails to hunt crabs. flesh — which is the prime bait for this it rests at the bottom. You can sit on the Anzil quips. Fishing for crabs isn’t exactly a dream claw-toting beast. bank and sip on your beer in the mean - And if Anzil can judge the taste of a sport for those obsessed with hygiene. Nested in rocky nooks and crannies time,” Jonathan said. crab by its looks, his friend Joel, a A rustic outdoor sport, it is still a along river or creek bottoms, they come Crab catchers generally set up more teenager from the same village, can favoured once-a-month outing for rural out in droves attracted by the smell of than half a dozen traps at a time in dif - determine the gender and hence can tell teenagers and some enterprising adults decomposing flesh. ferent parts of the water, with a nylon which crab goes into which cooking pot in those parts of Goa, which are far Crabbing in the many estuarine waters rope running from each trap tied to a — all with a mere look. removed from the tourism spotlight. of Goa, as well as in the submerged piece of bark or rocky spike on shore. “The female crabs are usually curried, Crabs must sense when Jonathan fields, is done with the help of handmade Now, after you’ve done your bit to get the as the spawn are known to add a unique Fernandes, 27, is around. Jonathan is traps. crabs, crabs do their best to help you out. flavour, while the male ones are either one of the most avid crab-catchers from A trap called a ‘cobllem’ in Konkani, “Once you yank the net up, the crabs made into soup or gravy. An experienced Varca, a village on the banks of the river consists of a circular ring — made of caught below simply refuse to let those crab catcher will tell the sex of a crab Sal, around 60 km from state capital metal — with another rod running across above them climb out of the net. Then with one look and confirm his finding by Panaji. the diameter. they pull them back with their claws,” weighing it,” he says. “We set up crab traps usually during A loose hanging net is secured to one says Anzil Fernandes, another avid crab Crab catching done, they are then high tide as chances of catching a crab side of the ring. catcher from Betul. dumped into an open pail to be carried increases. But one can get good crabs Hanging from the diametrical rod is Anzil knows his crabs well. Colour and back home. N

42 IsnepdteiMa bMer a20t0t9 ers| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |Indisa eMpteaMtbetre2r0s09 43 TRAVEL Trapped? Eat, gamble, enjoy For five-months this district of Himachal is cut off from the world... So what do you do in Keylong... network and socialise...

Vignettes from Keylong

hat would you do if you were festivals and fairs occur. Even the celebra - life to a grinding halt,” says Bhrigu Devi, stuck in a snow- covered tions of a wedding, solemnised in sum - of Tandi village. place and cut off from the mer, are held in these months,” Gyan The climate in the district is very harsh Wrest of the world for five Negi, a local, said. as much of the land falls under a cold months? Lament? But this landlocked At every function, the entire village desert. The mercury drops below minus Himachal Pradesh town makes the most gathers and celebrates for days together. 20 degrees Celsius. of it by holding celebrations, gambling, The consumption of ‘arah’ — local liquor Currently, the minimum temperature of knitting, drinking and making merry! extracted from barley, and ‘challo’ or gam - Keylong, located at an altitude of 10,354 ft Heavy snowfall high up the Himalayan bling, is part of every occasion. on the Manali-Leh National Highway-21, is slopes in late December usually cuts off Negi says this is their way of communi - hovering around minus 9 degrees Celsius. access to Keylong and its nearby villages cation without technology. “When phones Ritesh Chauhan, deputy commissioner in Lahaul Valley. The road links resume stop ringing due to long power failures, of Lahaul and Spiti, said recent heavy effectively mid-May. personal interaction is the best option. snowfall led to the closure of the Rohtang “Summers are for making money and The only indoor activity is gambling. One Pass (13,050 ft), which is the only route winters for jollification. It’s the time session can last even for days together.” that connects Keylong, the district head - when nothing germinates, but social cul - Lahaul Valley, comprising more than two quarters of Lahaul and Spiti, with Manali ture blooms,” announces Geeta Devi, an dozen small, scattered villages, remains in Kullu district. octogenarian. marooned with little road connectivity. In some areas on the Manali-Keylong once-a-week helicopter service to trans - The locals, mainly tribals, are known “We normally hold community highway, snow has accumulated up to 20 ft. port the locals. for producing the most disease-free, pest- kitchens. The entire womenfolk are Chauhan said road connectivity would The Buddhist-dominated district resistant seed potato varieties that sell like huddled together at one place, and stitch be restored in May when the snow starts attracts globetrotters not only for nature- hot cakes across the country. They also clothes and knit woollens for the next sea - melting. “Till then, the entire valley would based activities but also to ancient monas - cultivate peas, cauliflower and hops. son. This is the best period for socialising remains cut off from the rest of the world.” teries like Tabo, Dhankar, Gungri, Lidang “This is the best period when all our when snow and bone-chilling winds bring However, the government runs and Hikkam. N

44 India Matters| Nov-Dec 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |India Matters 45 KALEIDOSCOPE Photo courtesy: Incredible India!

1. The Rama Mission (well known What was that nickname ? for its philanthropic, educational and 6. Durand Cup, the oldest football tournament in India, is also the third oldest football cultural activities all over the world and tournament in the world, after the English This magazine will based on the philosophy of the unity of FA-Cup and the Scottish FA-Cup and was accept contributions human life, and making people aware of started in Shimla ( India’s unique hill-station from readers in the the richness of different cultures and the in the state of Himachal Pradesh ) in 1888. form of Q&As, factoids, need for intercultural appreciation and and basically initiated, as a recreation for quiz news and understanding was founded in 1897. British troops stationed in India. Who start - announcements of Who was it founded by ? ed this football tournament? upcoming quiz events and also photographs. 2. Which famous Indian revolutionary of the 7. Which Chief Justice of India, also acted as You can write in to Indian freedom movement later turned into a the President of India? [email protected] yogi ? 8. What was the name of this famous Indian 3. Jawahar Lal Nehru was India’s first Prime athlete who broke the Olympic record in Minister. How many years did he serve as the 400 meters event but still finished the Indian Prime Minister ? fourth and missed a medal, in the 1960 Rome Olympic Games ? 4. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 is also known as India's First War of 9. India’s first satellite Aryabhata with a Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny. When weight of 360 kg was launched on April did it start, and from where ? 19, 1975 with an orbital life of nearly seventeen years. From where was Aryabhata launched? 5. Mansur Ali Khan, also known as M.A.K. Pataudi, a former Indian cricketer 10. Bengali cuisine (within, Indian cuisine) is and, former captain of the Indian cricket appreciated for its fabulous use of team in 40 matches was also the 9th and “panchphoron”, a term used to refer to last Nawab of Pataudi until 1971. He was five essential spices. Which are these five popular and famous with a nickname. essential spices ? Nalanda: The Epiphany of THE PICTURE ANSWERS TO THE LAST CONTEST

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o h w , a r a k s a h B ( a k a t a n r a K . 6 | . e s a b a t a d l a r t n e c a n i l a u d i v i d n i in the 5th century BC, it reached the student and a teacher. The Buddha came

h c a e f o n o i t a m r o f n i c i r t e m o i b d n a s c i h p a r g o m e d c i s a b e r u t p a

c zenith of its fame and glory in the begin - to Nalanda often. Two of his chief disci -

l l i w r e b m u n e h T . a i d n I n i s n e z i t i c s t i l l a r o f e u s s i l l i w ) I A D I U

( ning of the 9th century. At one time, it ples, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana,

a i d n I f o y t i r o h t u A n o i t a c i f i t n e d I e u q i n U e h t r e b m u n e u q i n

u had over 3,000 teachers and philoso - came from the vicinity of Nalanda.

t i g i d - 2 1 a s i r a a h d a A . 5 | r a k d e b m A o a r m i h B b e h a s a b a B . r D .

What is this visual and 4

| . e t a t s e h t n i i h d n a G a m t a h a M f o ” s r e t r a u q d a e h l a c i t i l o p “ phers, attracting students from coun - Today, Nalanda is a UNESCO World

with which major recent

d n a m r a f l a t n e m i r e p x e c i n o c i e h t s a w , t a r a j u G n i i t a m r a b a

S tries as far away as Java, Sumatra, Cultural Heritage site.

r e v i R f o s k n a b e h t n o , m a r h s A i t a m r a b a S . 3 | e f f i l c d a

international event would R Korea, Japan and China. Admission was (Text & Photo courtesy:

l i r y C r i S y b 7 4 9 1 n i n w a r D : e n i L e f f i l c d a R e h T . 2 | s c i r t s u A

you associate it with ? 1 coveted and only two of every ten schol - Incredibleindia.org)

46 IsnepdteiMa bMer a20t0t9 ers| October 2010 Nov-Dec 2010 |Indisa epMteMabtetr e2r00s 9 47 MERRY CHRISTMAS

Children dressed as Santa Claus light candles on the eve of Christmas at St. Paul’s Church in Amritsar in Punjab. Christmas was celebrated with much fanfare and zeal throughout the country.

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