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

July 1, 2011

I India RevieI w Vol. 7 Issue 7 www.indianembassy.org

Indian Finance Minister Pranab (right) and U.S. Secretary of Treasury Tim Geithner at the second meeting of the India-U.S. Financial and Economic Partnership in Washington, D.C. on June 28, 2011.

India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry (right) with U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, in Washington on June 22. Strengthening India-US financial and economic partnership

n India and the U.S. n Focus on n Re-invigorate join hands to bring infrastructure Trade Policy Forum about balanced development and to resolve bilateral and sustained capital market commercial issues global growth reforms effectively Cover STORY Strengthening India-US financial and economic partnership

Taking forward their ties, India and the have agreed to expand trade and investment links between the two economies, and to develop and strengthen their financial systems

peaking at the inauguration of the second meeting of the India-U.S. Financial and SEconomic Partnership in Washington D.C on June 27, Indian Finance Minister said that in the one year since the forum’s launch, it had succeeded in giving an impetus to the rapidly expanding financial and economic engagement between India and the U.S. During the meeting, billed as the “highest-level” economic engagement between the two countries, Mukherjee and the US Treasury Secretary interacted with top U.S. corporate leaders and policy Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and U.S. Secretary of Treasury Tim Geithner in Washington, makers to discuss ways to D.C. on June 27, 2011. Photo:- Jay Mandal further strengthen economic coopera - tion between the two countries. The Chairman, Forward Market Gruenberg, Vice-Chairman, Federal first meeting of the India-U.S. Commission, and Meera Shankar, Deposit Insurance Corporation Board Financial and Economic Partnership Indian Ambassador to the US, among of Directors and Nathan Sheets, was held in April, 2010, in India’s others. The U.S. delegation, led by Director, Division of International 2 capital New . Timothy Geithner, Secretary, U.S. Finance, among others. Led by Mukherjee, the Indian Department of Treasury, included Ben The two-day meeting focussed on delegation included Dr. D. Subbarao, S. Bernanke, Chairman, Board of infrastructure development, capital Governor, Governors, Federal Reserve System, market reforms, and the two countries (RBI), R. Gopalan, Secretary, Austan Goolsbee, Chairman, Council cooperating on the Group of 20 (G20) Department of Economic Affairs, of Economic Advisers to the President efforts to reduce trade imbalances. Shashi Kant Sharma, Secretary, of the US, Mary L. Schapiro, Minister Mukherjee assured the Department of Financial Services, Dr. Chairman, U.S. Securities and Ex- American investors that with the , Chief Economic change Commission, Gary Genseles, “major steps” that India had taken Advisor, Subhir Gokaran, Deputy Chairman, Commodity Futures recently, its economy was back on its Governor, RBI, B.C. Khatua, Trading Commission, Martin J. over 8.5 percent growth path.

July 2011 India Review Cover STORY

Text of the opening statement made by Pranab Mukherjee at the India- U.S. Financial and Economic Partnership meeting: “It is a great pleasure to be here for the second meeting of the India-US Financial and Economic Partnership. I am happy that the Partnership, which we launched last year in , has succeeded in giving an 3 impetus to the rapidly expanding financial and economic engagement between our two countries. A mean - ingful exchange of views has since then taken place at sub-cabinet level and at working group meetings. It has resulted in better understanding of each other’s economic policies, and mutual appreciation of our respective positions in many international economic forums, including at the G-20. Our partnership is based on common values and interests, a shared vision of the world, and the Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee (left) with President Barak Obama’s National Security deep-rooted ties of friendship Advisor Thomas E. Donilon (right) at the White House on July 28, 2011. Photo:- Jay Mandal between our people. As the world’s regimes. There has been progress on a remains the cornerstone of our largest democracies and the leading number of bilateral agreements in relationship. market economies, we are commit - the areas of science, technology and India, as one of the world’s fastest ted to promoting freedom in our innovation, and clean energy growing economies, and the United societies, which have a strong research. We have also taken concrete States, the world’s largest economy, tradition of nursing pluralism and steps in developing joint projects for are committed to achieving a high tolerance. This makes our relation - growth global economy that is both ship unique and casts upon us the stable and sustainable. Through our responsibility to define and influence The Indian Government bilateral engagements and by working the developments that would help attaches high importance together in multilateral forums like shape the 21st century. Indeed, to the India-US strategic the G-20, we can expand economic President has char - opportunities and prosperity acterized the India-US relationship partnership, both in worldwide. as one of the defining partnerships the pursuit of India’s The Indian Government attaches of the 21st century. national development high importance to the India-US We have continued to deepen and strategic partnership, both in the pur - expand our strategic partnership as goals and for advancing suit of India’s national development outlined by President Barack Obama global peace, stability goals and for advancing global peace, and Prime Minister Manmohan and progress stability and progress. We are com - Singh. President Obama’s visit has mitted to deepening our strategic resulted in a number of important partnership and enhancing dialogue strategic outcomes that have seen food security and agriculture in and cooperation in various facets of progress in implementation. African countries. our economic relationship. The US has eased controls on high- Our economic relations are also We have a rich and varied agenda technology exports for sectors like growing rapidly. Bilateral trade grew for discussion before us today. I am defense and space. We also appreciate by 30 per cent in 2010. Investments looking forward to having a very pro - the intention of the United States to in each other’s economies continue to ductive and comprehensive exchange support India’s full membership in the expand. The engagement of people of views on issues that have been four multilateral export control and enterprises of the two countries identified.”

July 2011 India Review Cover STORY

JOINING HANDS FOR BETTER GROWTH

During the course of his visit, the Indian Finance Minister also held a bilateral meeting with the U.S. Treasury Secretary and discussed issues of mutual interest and those related to the world economic situation. Later, on June 28, Mukherjee participated in the Cabinet Level Meeting of the India-US Financial and Economic Partnership with Geithner. Asserting that India and the USA would work together to expand their trade and investment links and would further develop and strengthen their financial systems, the two leaders issued a joint statement at the end of the meeting. According to the joint statement, the two countries would also “work together in the G-20 on an effective Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Secretary of State at the U.S. State Department during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of India-U.S. Economic Partnership conference mutual assessment process to bring in Washington DC on June 28, 2011 Photo:- Jay Mandal about strong, sustained, and balanced global growth”. steps to marshal private and public progress over the past decade and that It further said that “leveraging their savings to meet the infrastructure trade and investment between the two combined knowledge, experience, and needs of a rapidly growing Indian countries had expanded across a vari - shared interests, the two sides economy,” the joint statement said. ety of industries and sectors during have agreed to a robust agenda for the According to the joint statement, this period. Between 2000 and 2010, coming year that includes deeper the India-U.S. relationship offers Indian exports to the United States engagement” in three key areas: enormous economic opportunities for had grown by nearly 180 percent while v Macroeconomic challenges, Americans and Indians alike. U.S. exports to India had increased including growth, unemployment, over four times the previous levels, the inflation, global liquidity, commodity statement said. prices, international capital flows and Between 2000 and Earlier, the combined bilateral fiscal consolidation. 2010, Indian exports to India-U.S. foreign direct investment v Financial sector reforms, the United States grew had grown by nearly 165 percent including deepening of capital between 2005 and 2009, according to markets, financial inclusion, and by nearly 180 percent the statement. Despite this progress, ensuring the stability, transparency, and U.S. exports to and especially given the size of the and integrity of the financial system. India increased over four two respective economies, the joint v Infrastructure finance, including statement pointed out that there innovative strategies to mobilize capital times the previous levels remained untapped potential and 4 for infrastructure development, and opportunities to expand trade and sharing best practices and building Through stronger collaboration and investment linkages to the benefit of capacity for design and successful exe - coordination amongst their economic the two countries. cution of Public-Private Partnerships. and financial policymakers, the two The Indian Finance Minister also The United States, the joint countries have sought to deepen met the Chief Executive Officers statement said, was “committed to bilateral and multilateral engagements (CEOs) of Indian and American making investments in technology, in order to fully capitalize on the wealth companies during his three-day trip skills, and infrastructure necessary of economic opportunities between the to the U.S. Later, Mukherjee had a to maintain and enhance U.S. compet - two nations. bilateral meeting with the itiveness in the global economy.” It said the India-U.S. economic US National Security Adviser On its part, “India intends to take relationship had made significant Thomas E. Donilon.

July 2011 India Review Cover STORY India, US to accelerate investment treaty talks India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma held talks with U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk on bilateral trade during his recent U.S. visit 5

nand Sharma, India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, held wide-ranging Adiscussions with Ron Kirk, United States Trade Representative, on June 22, when the former was visiting the United States. The two agreed to fast-track the technical negotiations for an early conclusion of the India-U.S. Bilateral Investment Agreement. They also agreed to re-invigorate the Trade Policy Forum (TPF) and make it more robust and effective in resolving bilateral commercial issues. During their dis - cussions, Sharma and Kirk covered the entire range of issues related to bilateral trade and commercial engagement. The Indian Commerce and Industry Minister apprised Kirk of various policy approaches being taken by India to sustain its high Gross Domestic India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma meeting U.S. Trade Representative Product (GDP) growth and the Ron Kirk, in Washington on June 22, 2011. opportunities it offered to the U.S. business houses to develop partner - between the United States and India products, seedless raisins, processed ships with the Indian private sector. He support tens of thousands of critical food, medical equipment, fertilizers, mentioned infrastructure, agriculture jobs in both countries”. chemicals, heavy machinery, etc. The and agro-processing, food processing, “However, to continue and grow our United States Trade Representative cold chain logistics, manufacturing of successes, both India and the United also appreciated India’s efforts to electronic devices, including chip States must take concrete steps to increase cooperation in services and design, as possible areas for enhancing resolve long-standing market access on improving the investment bilateral cooperation. He also raised and investment concerns,” he said. environment. issues of importance for the Indian On the Earlier, addressing a gathering of industry in their business operations in Doha Round, Sharma and Kirk policy makers, economists and the United States. “recognized the challenges that remain scholars at the Center for Strategic Noting that the bilateral trade in in ongoing discussions” but expressed and International Studies, Sharma goods and services had exceeded their “commitment to exploring highlighted the increasing role of $85 billion, Sharma said the talks options for productive next steps”. emerging economies in the global focused on “what India’s growth Sharma later informed that the scenario. He also emphasized that the story stands for and what needs to be United States welcomed the unilater - bilateral business and institutional part - done to nurture India-U.S. ties”. al action taken by India in reducing nerships between India and the U.S. Kirk acknowledged that “the boom - tariffs on a number of products, needed to be strengthened to the ing bilateral trade and investment flows including raw pistachios, cranberry mutual benefit of both the countrie s.

July 2011 India Review AMBASSADOR’S ENGAGEMENTS north amerIcan bengalI conference 2011

mbassador Meera Shankar attended the A31st North American Bengali Conference held in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 1. The Ambassador in her remarks said there was a saying that “what thinks today, India thinks tomorrow”. She said while it was well known that Bengal was in the forefront of politi - cal and cultural move - ments in India, the fact that Bengal was the center for science and technology development in India and the center of commerce was not very well known. She said it was time for Bengal to Ambassador Meera Shankar (second from left) at the 31st North American Bengali Conference held in Baltimore, reclaim its place. Maryland, on July 1. IndIa abroad Person of the Year event mbassador Meera Shankar attended Athe India Abroad Person of the Year event in New York on June 24 and handed over the Friend of India Award to Strobe Talbott, who served as Deputy Secretary of State during President Bill Clinton’s tenure. 6 She felicitated the India Abroad for their initiative taken nine years ago to institute the India Abroad Person of the Year Award to showcase the accomplishments of the Indian-American community and to honor individual Indian-origin achievers in various walks of life. Ambassador Meera Shankar presenting the Friend of India Award to Strobe Talbott (R).

July 2011 India Review Embassy EVENTS

adoPtIon Program enhances IndIa awareness group of students and teachers from the Turner Elementary School, Washington, DC visited the Embassy in connection with the Embassy Adoption Program on June 7, 2011. During the year, the Embassy worked A with the students of the Turner Elementary School to enhance their knowledge about India. Ambassador Meera Shankar interacted with the students and received feedback from the students on their experiences of learning about India.

Ambassador Meera Shankar welcoming the Linda Colon of teachers and Turner 7 students of the Elementary Turner School, Elementary speaking on School, the occasion. Washington, DC.

Adam F. of Turner Joyce Lofland Elementary of Turner School speak - Elementary ing on the School with occasion. the children.

Turner Ambassador Elementary Meera Shankar School presenting children prizes to the performing a children. dance during the event.

noorIstan foUndatIon recePtIon

Ambassador Meera Shankar Marie Kux, welcoming the President of members of the Nooristan the Nooristan Foundation, Foundation at addressing the the Embassy audience. on June 3, 2011.

Ambassador Tom Pickering A section of addressing the the audience. audience.

July 2011 India Review Embassy EVENTS IntrodUctIon event for mandanna’s debUt novel he Embassy of India in collaboration with The Asia society, DC, hosted an introduction event for the US edition of Sarita Mandanna’s debut novel Tiger Hills on June 9, 2011. A work of fiction set in Coorg, India, the novel is Tbeing published in over 25 countries and translated into 14 languages around the world.

Guests in attendance. Author Sarita Mandanna speak - Deputy Chief of Mission Arun Jack Garrity, Director, Asia Society, ing about her novel Tiger Hills . K. Singh speaking at the event. DC, addressing the guests. an evenIng of enthrallIng PoetrY

he Embassy of India hosted 1 2 an evening of Hindi and T poetry recitation by renowned poets based in the United States on June 10, 2011.

Photo Legends

1. Deputy Chief of Mission Arun K. Singh welcoming the poets and the guests at the event.

2. Rashmi Sanan reciting her poetry at the event. 3 4 3. Madhu Maheswari reciting her poetry at the event, and giving vote of thanks.

4. Dr. Satyapal Anand reciting his poetry on the occasion.

5. Dr. Abdullah conducting the event.

6. Poets participating at the event.

7. Guests in attendance

8 5 6 7

July 2011 India Review Embassy EVENTS sPotlIght on IndIan-amerIcan fIlm maKers he Embassy of India in association with The Asia Society, DC, hosted the screening of a documentary Back Walking Forward by Kavery Kaul on June 20, 2011, to highlight the contribution of Indian-American film T makers in raising awareness about important contemporary themes.

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Kavery Kaul speaking on her documentary A section of the guests. Jack Garity, Executive Director, Asia Back Walking Forward. Society, DC, addressing the guests.

aaPI delegatIon vIsIts the embassY of IndIa delegation of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) visited the Embassy on June 1, 2011. The AAPI delegation, led by Ajeet R. Singhvi, President of AAPI, was visiting Washington DC in con - A nection with the 2011 Capitol Hill Legislative Conference.

Ajeet R. Singhvi, President of AAPI, Members of AAPI delegation at the Embassy. Deputy Chief of Mission Arun K. Singh addressing the audience. speaking to members of the AAPI delegation.

IndIan forest servIce offIcers on washIngton vIsIt

group of Indian AForest officers visited the Embassy on June 10, 2011. Deputy Chief of Mission Arun K. Singh briefed them on “India-US relations”. Indian Forest Service officers at the Embassy during their Deputy Chief of Mission Arun K. Singh briefing a group of Washington visit Indian Forest Service officers at the Embassy.

July 2011 India Review Consulate EVENTS “eaSt meetS weSt” In ClaSSICal reCItal he Consulate General of performed internationally as soloist India, New York, in associa - or with other outstanding musicians tion with Citi Bank and from both the Indian and Western T Salon De Virtuosi organized musical traditions. Samir also per - a Concert “East Meets West” on formed at the Nobel Peace Prize cer - Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the emony in Oslo, in 2007. He Consulate Ball Room. performed twice in 2009 at the UN Tali Roth on the Guitar The Concert featured three promi - General Assembly. He has accompa - nent artistes — Tali Roth on the nied some of India’s greatest musi - guitar (representing the West), Pandit cians including Pt. , Samir Chatterjee on the tabla with Ustad and Ustad Abhisek Mallick on the sitar (repre - Vilayat Khan in concerts. senting the East). Tali Roth, who has Abhisek Mallick has proved his been hailed by the Classical Guitar musical acumen by receiving the magazine as an “extraordinary solo ‘President’s Award’ from the and chamber musician” and by the Pandit Samir Chatterjee on Tabla with Abhisek , after winning New York Times as “a marvelous Mallick on Sitar the first prize in the All India Radio classical guitarist”, performed during Canada, Europe, Latin America, Music Competition in sitar. He is the first half of the concert. Japan and her native . also the recipient of ITC Sangeet Roth’s engagements include The second half of the Concert Research Academy Award organized recording the entire classical guitar featured Abhisek Mallick on the sitar by the International Foundation for sound track for the Woody Allen film accompanied by Pandit Samir Fine Arts. Abhisek has performed You will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger . Chatterjee on the tabla. Pandit Samir with many legendary sitarists. Since her Carnegie Hall debut, she Chatterjee is a renowned virtuoso The Concert was attended by has performed throughout the US, tabla artiste of India, who has around 130 persons.

Jewel of IndIa SerIeS: SItar and VIolIn Come together nder the “Jewel of India presentation by Michael Braudy, who Series”, the Consulate among others played some of UGeneral of India, New York Tagore’s noted songs: Boro Asha in association with “Helena Kaushik Kore Eshechinu , Purano Shei Diner Educational Foundation”, organized Kotha and Phule Dhole Phule Dhole . a concert by well known Sitarist, Professor Surendra Kaushik, founder of the Following the presentation by Partha Bose and Violinist, Michael Helena Kaushik Education Foundation, making a Michael Braudy, Sitarist, Partha Bose Braudy at the New India House on brief presentation on their activities. played a few striking ragas, one on June 3, 2011. The duo was accompa - the arrival of spring, and another nied by tabla player Subrata Manna. on the late evening followed by About hundred guests which includ - Gandhiji’s favorite Bhajan, ed diplomats, musicians, academi - Vaishnav Jan To . cians and media persons Finally, a duet recital was 10 attended the event. performed by the Sitarist and Professor Surendra Kaushik, Michael Braudy rendering some of Tagore’s Violinist which mesmerized the audi - founder of the Helena Kaushik songs on violin. ence, compelling them to give a Education Foundation made a brief standing ovation to the musicians. presentation about their activities to At the close of the event, provide higher education to Prabhu Dayal, Consul General of underprivileged girls and build their India, New York said that capacity for rural leadership pro - music knows no boundaries and is grams in one of the most backward an instant communication that brings districts of , India. Prabhu Dayal, Consul-General of India, New people together, fostering peace and The concert began with a York, addressing the gathering. tranquility.

July 2011 India Review Economy NEWS PlannIng CommISSIon hIntS at oVer 9 PerCent growth In 12th Plan he Planning Commission There was also progress on inclu - is set to target GDP siveness though less than expected, growth of 9-9.5 percent and only some of the millennium T for the 12th Five Year development goals were met,” Plan (2012-17) period as 10 Ahluwalia pointed out. percent growth does not seem Admitting that inflation had 11 feasible, its Deputy Chairman, accelerated in the last two years , said on due to global pressure on food, oil June 10. and other commodity prices, “Realistically, even 9 percent Ahluwalia said even volatile GDP growth will need strong financial conditions and exchange policy action. We could aim at rates had created an uncertain 9-9.5 percent growth for the 12th international environment. Plan period, as 10 percent growth Asserting that the country would may not be feasible,” Ahluwalia Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning be entering the 12th Plan from a said. Commission of India. very strong position, the Deputy Addressing the two-day regional Chairman said strong demand conference of the five southern ‘finance ministry vetting from all sectors had led to states on the approach paper to the improvement in implementation, 12th Plan, he said the basic objec - infrastructure debt accountability and service delivery tive of the Commission would be fund scheme’ during the first four years of the to ensure faster, more inclusive 11th plan. he federal Finance Ministry is examining a and sustainable growth. proposal to set up an infrastructure debt fund “To achieve the objectives of the “Energy, water and environment T for financing infrastructure projects across the 12th plan, the government’s will be the major sectoral chal - country during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) programs need a new architecture, lenges that have to be addressed period, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman viz., greater localization, breakdown without sacrificing growth. Montek Singh Ahluwalia said on June 10. of silos, feedback from citizens and We need better performance in “The proposal on setting up the infrastructure mechanisms for learning and shar - agriculture for rapid and inclusive debt fund is being examined by the Finance ing of best practices,” he noted. growth, and manufacturing Ministry. Financing infrastructure projects being a “We had fruitful consultations constraint, we should make regulatory changes so needs to grow at 11-12 percent that overseas investors can invest in the fund,” with all the southern states on the per year to create three million Ahluwalia said on the sidelines of a meeting of the approach paper to the 12th plan. additional jobs per year,” Planning Commission. The suggestions and inputs given Ahluwalia told the ministers and While the government is planning $1-trillion by the respective states will be officials from Andhra Pradesh, investments in infrastructure projects during the 12th considered for the draft plan,” Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry Five Year Plan as against $500 billion during the Ahluwalia added. and Tamil Nadu. 11th Plan (2007-12), Ahluwalia said the Planning Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Noting that the growth target of Commission had framed guidelines for raising funds Yeddyurappa and his Andhra through debt instruments like bonds and other nine percent set for the 11th Plan Pradesh counterpart Kiran Kumar routes such as units in the capital markets. (2007-12) may not be achievable “As financing huge infrastructure projects such as Reddy participated in the day-long due to the global financial crisis power plants, telecom, roads, highways, airports meeting. and drought in fiscal 2008-09, the and seaports are complex, involving heavy capital Planning ministers from Kerala, Deputy Chairman said as per the infusion on a long-term basis, we have framed Puducherry and Tamil Nadu mid-term appraisal, the revised guidelines for setting up debt funds with a $10-bil - represented the respective states growth target would be 8.2 percent lion target for the first fund during the first fiscal along with their officials in the as against 7.6 percent in the 10th (2012-13) of the 12th Plan period,” Ahluwalia said. absence of their chief ministers at Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had Plan (2002-07). the meeting. announced on Feb 28 in the budget for this fiscal “Though short of the nine per - (2011-12) the setting up of debt funds through spe - The Commission will hold cent target, the growth rate during cial purpose vehicles to attract foreign investments similar consultations with western the 11th Plan has been remarkable in various infrastructure projects. and north-eastern states later given the global crisis and drought. this year.

July 2011 India Review Economy NEWS IndIa to reform goVernment fInanCIal rePortIng SyStem ndia would soon intro - position at any point of time. duce a new accounting “At the heart of the any fis - system to bring in better cal management system is the I transparency and accounting system, which accountability in financial maintains the basic records of reporting of government insti - government transactions. A tutions, Finance Minister robust, comprehensive and Pranab Mukherjee said on transparent accounting sys - June 12. tem is a must for any govern - “The government has already ment,” Mukherjee said. accepted the recommendation He said the relevance of of the twelfth Finance accrual accounting had to be Commission for introduction looked at from the overall per - of the accrual accounting in spective of public financial principle,” Mukherjee said management. after inaugurating a conference “It covers a broad spectrum of state finance ministers in of activities including budget New Delhi. preparation and execution, He said the Government internal controls, accounting Accounting Standards Advisory and financial reporting, inter - Board, a part of the Comptroller nal audit, audit by the and Auditor General of India Comptroller and Auditor had prepared an operational Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee General of India, monitoring framework and a detailed road- and reporting arrangements,” map for implementation of the new actually exchanged or not. the Finance Minister said. accounting standards. The present cash-based accounting “Moreover, accrual accounting has Under the accrual system, transac - system lacks an adequate framework to be assessed against the prevalent tions are recorded at the time when for accounting of assets and liabili - accounting practices, for improving economic value is created, ties, depicting consumption of the effectiveness of planning, policy exchanged, transferred or impaired, resources and presenting the full pic - making and the budgeting process irrespective of whether cash is ture of the government’s financial for public resources,” he added.

India one of the most preferred economies for fdI: Survey oreign direct investment (FDI) is set to globe, India is the fifth most attractive coun - of years has been strong and steady,” increase in India in the coming years as try for expanding business. Srinivasa Rao, Partner and National Director Fcompetitive business costs coupled In the next three years, the most of Tax and Regulatory Services at Ernst & with high economic growth appeal to attractive region for expanding business Young, said in a statement. investors across the globe, an Ernst & Young would be West Europe, with 31 percent The survey also throws light on the cities 12 survey released on June 6 said. affirmations. across the globe that have the best chance Though investor enthusiasm for India “India ranked at fifth position with of producing the next IT giants like Microsoft declined in 2010, causing the value of FDI to 17 percent of respondents believing the or Google in the coming years. fall by 31.5 percent, India’s perceived country to be a profitable economy for It said Mumbai and New Delhi had the specialization as a low-cost business process expansion of business,” it said. potential to produce firms like Microsoft and outsourcing hub continues to appeal to “The survey clearly establishes India as Google. investors across the globe, Ernst & Young’s one of the leading economies where foreign “While Shanghai topped the chart with ninth Annual European Attractiveness capital will flow into in the coming years. In 14 percent affirmation, 8 percent of survey said. addition to the overall strong macro-eco - respondents named Mumbai and 4 percent According to the survey, conducted on nomic fundamentals, India’s navigation of named New Delhi as promising cities,” the 812 business decision-makers across the the economic downturn over the last couple survey said.

July 2011 India Review Economy NEWS

government committed to Indian firms voluntarily running social welfare providing affordable housing programmes he government on June 10 ver 1,500 private companies in India said it was committed to are running various social welfare programmes voluntarily as a part of providing affordable hous - O the affirmative action plan to help the T ing to all and that work weaker sections of society, an official state - was under way on a real estate ment issued by the Prime Minister’s Office regulation bill. said on June 14. 13 “The government is committed to The action hinges on four major points, providing shelter to all, and for this, also termed as 4Es — employability, the participation of the private sector education, entrepreneurship development, is being promoted,” said Sunil focus on augmenting land supply to and employment. Some 1,12,702 people have benefited from the private companies’ Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary increase the stock of affordable voluntary programs so far. Housing, Ministry of Housing and housing, much transparent system The leading industry chambers — Urban Poverty Alleviation at Realty and empowering the consumer,” Federation of Indian Chambers of 2011, 7th International Conference Singh said. Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Associated on Real Estate. A report jointly prepared by industry Chambers of Commerce and Industry Speaking on improving the service lobby Confederation of Indian Industry (Assocham) and the Confederation of Indian levels, Singh said that the government (CII) and Grant Thornton has pointed Industry (CII) — are actively involved in the was focused on integrated develop - out the changes that the Indian cities affirmative action plan. ment of infrastructure services, should bring about to address chal - CII has adopted the district of Nawashahar in Punjab and Cooch Behar in , securing linkages between asset lenges of sustainable growth, quality of and FICCI has adopted Sonbhadra in Uttar creation and its maintenance for life and climate change. Pradesh for implementation of the 4E long-term project sustainability and The report has also highlighted five program, which focuses on skill develop - accelerating the flow of urban sector key aspects that are critical for ensuring ment and livelihood promotion for the investments. He added that the brighter future of the Indian real estate disadvantaged population in these districts. reforms would have to be implement - sector and Indian cities at large. As per FICCI has imparted skill training to ed at the state and the central level. the report, these five critical areas are 11,000 scheduled castes and scheduled “We are also working on the Real — planning, governance, infrastruc - tribes candidates to enhance their employability. Estate Regulation Bill which will ture, finance and green technology. landmark manufacturing policy to boost growth, create 100 million jobs ndia will soon have a of Indian Industry (CII), turing headed by Prime Minister national policy on manu - said on June 10. on June 9 cleared I facturing that will help cre - “For the first time, we the draft of the policy that aims to ate 100 million additional jobs are going to have a poli - increase the share of manufacturing in and boost the sector’s GDP cy dedicated to the man - the country’s GDP to 25 percent by share to 25 percent by 2025. ufacturing sector. 2025 from the present 16 percent. Industry associations have Industry welcomes the Analysts said the new policy, if termed its as “one of the most in-principle nod given by implemented quickly, would provide a important policy initiatives in the Prime Minister to the much-needed fillip to growth, especial - recent times”. Anand Sharma draft national manufac - ly the growth of industrial output. “Creating livelihoods for mil - turing policy and hopes The draft policy, prepared after con - lions of people in the working age that a final policy will be announced sultations with various stakeholders, group is important from the point of within a month,” said Harsh Mariwala, including different ministries, state view of inclusive growth and the new President of Federation of Indian governments and industry associa - manufacturing policy would enable Chambers of Commerce and Industry tions, was presented to the high-level just that,” Chandrajit Banerjee, (FICCI). committee by Commerce and Industry Director General of the Confederation A high-level committee on manufac - Minister Anand Sharma.

July 2011 India Review Economy NEWS ‘India’s domestic banking sector will be world’s third largest by 2050’

he Indian domestic banking be more than that of group of industry will become the G7 countries, the report said. The G7 third largest in the world by developed economies of the world are T 2050 after China and the France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US, according to a survey released by Britain, the United States and global audit and consulting Canada. firm PwC. “The GDP of the E7 countries is “China and India could have a currently well behind that of their G7 combined share of around 35 percent counterparts but we’ll see them at of global banking assets by 2050. The level pegging within the next two US, Japan and Western Europe are decades and well ahead within the all projected to see large falls in their The State Bank of India is India’s largest bank. next four,” said John Hawksworth, share of global banking assets in the its working age population growth Chief Economist, PwC. coming decades,” said Harsh Bisht, will be much stronger in the long- “In the banking world, this shift is Leader, Banking and Capital term. happening even faster than anticipat - Markets, PwC India. Also, the combined domestic bank - ed and appears to have been acceler - The survey also said that India’s ing assets of seven of the prime ated by the financial crisis as emerg - rate of growth was expected to over - emerging economies (E7) of the ing market banks have been relatively take that of China’s in the long-run world — China, India, Brazil, Russia, shielded from the effects of declining as it has more catch-up potential and Mexico, Indonesia and would asset values” added Hawksworth. telecom revenue seen at India to lead global economic $63 billion in 2012 growth: oeCd evenues of the Indian telecom industry, that includes telecom - ndia is poised to register strong eco - munication services and handset markets, is likely to reach nomic growth in 2011 that will help R $63 billion in 2012, registering an annual growth of nearly 16 I offset the impact of the general slow - percent, an industry study has revealed. down in some developed economies, Telecom services, including mobile and fixed line services, will Secretary-General of the Organization for contribute $45 billion, while mobile handsets market, that includes featurephones and smartphones, will have revenue of $18 billion, Economic Cooperation and Development according to the study conducted by IT and Telecom market research (OECD) Angel Gurria said on June 13. Angel Gurria firm CyberMedia Research. “The prospects of growth of Indian econ - The study reveals that the industry is likely to register 15.8 omy is pretty strong. It played a substantial role in global percent annual revenue growth over the next five years. recovery. It is helping the average growth of the global econ - With over 15 percent annual growth, revenue of India’s telecom omy,” Gurria said while addressing a joint press conference industry is likely to reach $82 billion by 2014. with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi. “Telecom growth story will be a function of the enhanced demand Without specifying, Gurria said: “The Indian economy is for high speed broadband and data services from both enterprises enjoying one of the highest growth rates in the world, more and consumers,” said Anirban Banerjee, Associate Vice-President of 14 CyberMedia Research. than triple the rate of the OECD member countries.” The smartphones market in India is expected to grow to over 10 “India’s estimated GDP for 2011 will place it at the tenth million units in 2011 from 6 million units in 2010. The Android position in the world, ahead of 27 OECD members. The Operating System will continue to gain acceptance as a mobile prospects for continued high rates of growth in the Indian operating system and 12 percent of all smartphones shipped in India economy appear strong,” he said. during 2011 are expected to be based on the Android platform, the Addressing a seminar on taxation organized jointly by the study has reported. Ministry of Finance and the OECD, Gurria said that with Smartphones are mobile devices with advanced operating sys - high economic growth, India had witnessed a significant tems. In addition to having voice capability, these devices have the ability to download and run applications, and store user data shift in the pattern of overseas investments. beyond their required personal information management “Between 2000 and 2007, stocks of foreign direct invest - capabilities. ment into India increased five-fold, but outbound foreign direct investment increased over 16-fold,” he said.

July 2011 India Review Economy NEWS India seals biggest military deal with U.S. for 10 C-17 airlifters ndia has sealed its biggest $4.1 billion deal with the US for 10 Boeing C-17 heavy-lift aircraft I by signing a formal agreement that envisages delivery of the planes before 2015, government and 15 company officials said on June 15. “The Ministry of Defense has signed a letter of offer and acceptance for pro - curement of 10 C-17 Globemaster III The offset obligation arises out of tions or airdrop them directly where heavy transport aircraft and associated the Indian defense offsets guidelines needed. The C-17’s ability to back up equipment from the US government that mandate the ploughing back of a allows it to operate from narrow taxi - for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a cost part of every deal amount in India’s ways and congested ramps. of $4.1 billion. The agreement was defense industry. “The C-17 will elevate India’s lead - signed on June 14 evening,” govern - “In addition to the purchase of prod - ership in the region,” Boeing India’s ment officials said. ucts and services from public and pri - President Dinesh Keskar said. Acknowledging the deal, Boeing said vate Indian defense industries, Boeing “The aircraft’s ability to transport in a statement that India would take will establish a high-altitude engine test large payloads across vast ranges, land delivery of the aircraft, powered by facility at the Defense Research on short, austere runways, and operate four digitally-controlled Pratt and Development Organization (DRDO),” in extremely hot and cold climates Whitney’s engines, under the Foreign India’s premier military technology makes it ideal for the region,” Jean Military Sales (FMS) route of the US developer, the officials said. Chamberlin, Boeing Mobility Vice- government in 2013-14. This facility is not available in India President and General Manager, said. “The aircraft is being offered in its and will enable aero-engines to be test - Boeing will support India’s C-17 latest US Air Force configuration, duly ed within the country. fleet through the C-17 Globemaster III customized as per IAF requirements,” “Boeing will also establish a trisonic Sustainment Partnership (GSP), a Defense Ministry officials said, noting wind tunnel facility at DRDO to enable multinational performance-based that the delivery of the entire fleet testing, research and development of logistics program, the company said. would be completed within four years. various aerodynamic bodies,” the offi - The GSP “virtual fleet” arrangement Boeing would also meet an offset cials added. ensures mission readiness by providing obligation comprising 30 percent of With this contract, India has become all C-17 customers — with varied fleet the basic cost of the 10 aircraft, which the largest international customer of sizes — access to an extensive support would work out to about $1 billion, the C-17s, which can carry a payload of 75 network for worldwide parts availabili - officials added. The basic cost, without tonnes and can land and take off from ty and economies of scale when pur - the associated equipment and training airstrips of 3,000 feet. A tactical and chasing materials. The procurement costs for IAF personnel, would work strategic airlifter, the C-17 can land will help meet the growing heavy airlift out to about $3 billion, they added. combat-ready troops in remote loca - needs of the Indian armed forces. India likely to get anti-submarine torpedoes from U.S. ndia is likely get Mk-54 lightweight mined during discussions with the Indian gov - “This sale reflects the mutual benefits of anti-submarines torpedoes to arm the ernment,” the US embassy in New Delhi said. the U.S.-India security partnership. For India, I eight P-8I maritime patrol aircraft it is buy - The Mk-54 is the most advanced light - the combined sale of the P-8I aircraft with the ing from the US. The Pentagon has “officially weight torpedo in the US Navy inventory and Mk-54 torpedoes will add to India’s anti-sub - notified” the potential sale of Mk-54 light - is intended to be employed with the P-8I mar - marine capability, as it expands its ability to weight torpedoes to the . itime patrol aircraft, eight of which are protect India and the critical sea lanes of the The news was welcomed by the US currently under construction for India by the Indian Ocean,” the Embassy said. Embassy in India, which said the sale of aerospace major Boeing. The P-8I, equipped “The offer highlights the commitment of Mk-54 torpedoes reflected the mutual benefits with Mk-54 torpedoes, will help provide high - the U.S. to share cutting-edge technology of the India-US security relationship. “The final ly-effective long-range anti-submarine war - with India and to ensure a secure and stable content and price for the deal will be deter - fare capabilities for the Indian Navy. South Asia,” the Embassy added.

July 2011 India Review Diaspora NEWS

Sukanya Roy wins America’s Indian-American White House tech guru leaving coveted spelling bee crown S President Barack Obama’s tech guru UVivek Kundra, who spearheaded his pelling tongue summer travels to India to administration’s effort to streamline the twister “cymotri - visit family. She hopes to federal government’s massive IT infrastruc - chous”, Greek pursue a career in interna - ture is leaving in August for a fellowship for having wavy tional relations. at Harvard. S New Delhi born Kundra, 36, who has hair, Indian-American Roy is the ninth Indian- worked for two and a half years as the first Sukanya Roy won the American in the last 13 federal Chief Information Officer, oversees 2011 Scripps National years to win the coveted $80 billion in federal information technolo - Spelling Bee crown to Spelling Bee crown, a run gy projects and has led a push for more retain the coveted honor that began when Nupur cloud computing. for the community for the Lala captured the award in Kundra occupied one of three fourth year in a row. 1999. tech-focused posts that the White House Roy, 14, an eighth- The spelling champion created to overhaul the government’s use of technology. grader at Abington was awarded a cash prize of “The work that I dedicated myself to Heights Middle School, Pennsylvania, $30,000, a trophy, a $2,500 US savings while serving as the federal CIO — in said she knew as soon as she heard bond, a complete reference library, a cutting waste, strengthening cyber security “cymotrichous” that she’d get the $5,000 scholarship and $2,600 in refer - and building an open and transparent gov - word right and win the championship. ence works and other prizes. ernment through technology — would “My heart started pounding, I Anamika Veeramani had performed also drive my future research interests,” guess,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it... a hat-trick by being the top ‘bee’ last Kundra said. It’s just amazing. It’s hard to put into year. Roy was one of the six Indian- words.” Americans who made it to the last 13 Indian-American to lead Roy speaks fluent Bengali and every in the finals. MIT’s largest department ndian-American Anantha P. IChandrakasan has been named the new Indian American spreads peace message head of the prestigious Massachusetts rom the ancient Moroccan city the finest multi-faith musicians and Institute of Technology’s (MIT) largest of Fez, an Indian American cul - global audiences to Fez, a UNESCO academic department — Department of F tural and social entrepreneur is designated World Heritage Site, Electrical Engineering and Computer spreading the message of peace waft - according to the New York-based Science (EECS), — Massachusetts-based ing from the Fez Festival of World Asia and North America director of MIT announced on June 13. Chandrakasan is the Joseph F. and Sacred Music. The nine-day festival the festival. Nancy P. Keithley Professor of Electrical that began on June 3 “has a peace This year’s festival, with the theme Engineering. He will take over the role making mission and was founded after of “Wisdoms of the World”, has previously held by Eric Grimson, who was the first Gulf War in 1994 when Fauzi brought among others classical named MIT’s Chancellor in February. Sakkali, the founder, felt that the Dhrupad singers Gundecha Brothers EECS is the largest academic department world was polarizing,” India-born from India and Farid Ayyaz Qawwals at MIT; nearly 30 percent of undergradu - Zeyba Rahman said. from , besides host of other ates major in the department’s Since then the festival has brought musicians from across the world. programmes. 16 Upma dish wins Indian-American chef $100,000 prize ndian-American Chef Floyd Cardoz, the man behind Cardoz divided the judges with his inclusion of the New York’s now closed Danny Meyer Indian popular Indian breakfast dish upma in his meal, but “in I restaurant Tabla, has taken home a $100,000 prize in the end (he) impressed because of the spice and passion the third season of Top Chef Masters with a simple upma that infused his final meal of the season,” said The Wall dish. Mumbai born Cardoz, who beat out California Street Journal. “The three-course feast also featured a luminaries Traci Des Jardins and Mary Sue Milliken for rice-crusted snapper in a fennel-laced broth and an inno - first place, would donate his winnings to the Young vative version of a Malaysian beef stew,” it said. Scientists Cancer Research Fund at New York’s Mount By winning the coveted prize, Cardoz joins the ranks of Sinai School of Medicine, in memory of his father, who better-known chefs Rick Bayless, of Frontera Grillin died of cancer. Chicago, and Marcus Samuelsson, of Red Rooster.

July 2011 India Review Science NEWS

India to launch 12 foreign India to launch next communication satellites in next two years satellite in July ndia has bagged “We have an order ndia will launch another advanced multi-million from Germany to communication satellite — GSAT-12 dollar contracts launch an 800-kg I— in geosynchronous orbit in the I to launch 12 dedicated satellite second week of July using a smaller rock - foreign satellites in the (N-Map) for envi - et, a senior official said on June 1. lower orbit from its ronmental studies. The 1,400kg GSAT-12 will be launched 17 spaceport over the next The other satellites, from the spaceport at Sriharikota, about two years, a top space weighing between 80 km northeast of Chennai, on board the agency official said on 80-100 kg will be polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV-C17). June 1. launched on board “The 320-tonne heavy rocket will have “Through our com - our polar satellite extended strap-ons for carrying solid and mercial arm Antrix launch vehicles liquid propellants to put the spacecraft in Corporation, we have (PSLVs) as addition - the geosynchronous orbit in two stages,” received orders from al payloads along Indian Space Research Organization Canada, Indonesia, ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan with Indian commu - (ISRO) Chairman K. Radhakrishnan said. Germany and other nications or remote- The `1.5-billion GSAT-12 will have 12 European countries to sensing satellites,” an extended C-band transponders for commu - launch a dozen satel - Antrix official said. nications and weather forecast services. lites in the sun-syn - Antrix is also in The launch cost is about `1 billion. chronous orbit during negotiations with “As we are using a polar launch vehicle the next two years,” France to launch a to place the satellite in the geosynchro - state-run Indian Space remote sensing satel - nous orbit, the spacecraft will be first Research Organization lite (EnMAP) in the placed in the lower elliptical orbit (ISRO) Chairman K. lower orbit. between 284 km perigee (closer to earth) Radhakrishnan said. India has already and 21,000 km apogee (away from earth) Of the 12 satellites, launched a total of and subsequently transferred into the four are from Canada, two each from 26 foreign satellites during the past intended orbit in stages between 21,000 Indonesia and Germany and one decade for various countries, includ - km perigee and 36,000 km apogee,” from Luxembourg. The remaining ing Germany, Italy, Israel, Korea, Radhakrishnan said. three are from universities in Europe. and Singapore. Two Indian firms win clean energy awards wo Indian companies special - market for their waste products. izing in alternative energy “We’ve adopted a new business T sources for rural electrification model to expand effectively and effi - have won this year’s prestigious ciently, and this international recog - Ashden Awards for Sustainable nition will certainly be a source of Energy in London. inspiration for everyoneinvolved,” The Husk Power Systems (HPS) of Gyanesh Pandey, CEO of HPS, said Bihar and the Abellon CleanEnergy in a statement. Ltd of Gujarat received the awards on Sarah Butler-Sloss, Founder Abellon at work: Chipping crop waste in the field June 16. The award contains prize Director of the Ashden Awards and money of 20,000 pounds. HPS has about 60 gasification Chair of the Judging Panel, said: HPS generates electricity through plants that provide affordable electric - “Abellon has devised a system that the gasification of rice husk. The ity to over 25,000 Bihar households. relies on a local, clean source of company has been trying to boost its Each connection costs `100. energy to reduce CO2 by replacing entrepreneurial capacity in collabora - Abellon produces biomass pellets dirty industrial fuels, drive economic tion with Britain-based Shell from crop waste to power Gujarat’s growth, improve crop yields, and Foundation for about two years. industries and gives farmers a support farmers.”

July 2011 India Review Trends in SOCIETY With its vast network and relentless service, the Indian Railways has not just connected the distant corners of the country, but has contributed immensely in the socio-economic development of the nation

IndIan RaIlways Key catalyst of socio-economic growth

he Indian Railways — one of April 1, 2009–February 28, 2010 to April 2010-February 2011. The freight the largest developed $12.48 billion during April 1, carried shows an increase of 29.25 networks in the world — is a 2010–February 28, 2011, showing an MT over the freight traffic of 803.50 T key catalyst of socio- increase of 7.20 percent. MT actually carried during the corre - economic growth in the country. The total passenger revenue earn - sponding period last year, registering The premier transport and logistics ings during the eleven months of the an increase of 3.64 percent. organization of the country has the financial year 2010-11 were $5.22 bil - During the month of February 2011, largest rail network in Asia and is the lion compared to $4.74 billion during the revenue earning freight traffic car - world’s second largest under a single the same period last fiscal, registering ried by Indian Railways was 76.80 MT. management. an increase of 0.15 percent. There is an increase of 4.26 MT over Foreign direct investment (FDI) The revenue earnings from other the actual freight traffic of 72.54 MT inflow into railways related compo - coaching amounted to $508.4 million carried by the Indian Railways during nents has been $122.10 million from during April 2010-February 2011 the same period last year, showing an April 2000 to January 2011, according compared to $461.22 million during increase of 5.87 percent. 18 to the Department of Industrial Policy the same period last financial year, The Indian Railways has tied up and Promotion (DIPP). showing an increase of 10.23 percent. with a Japanese bank for funding of The total approximate earnings of The total approximate number of $6.65 billion for its dedicated western Indian Railways on originating basis passengers booked during April 2010- freight corridor project that would during April 1, 2010–February 28, February 2011 was 7206.30 million connect Mumbai to Delhi. The ambi - 2011 were $18.68 billion compared to compared to 6777.13 million during tious project involves building of nine $17.26 billion during the same period the same period last financial year, large industrial zones, high-speed last financial year, registering an showing an increase of 6.33 percent. freight line, three ports, six airports, a increase of 8.24 percent. Indian Railways have carried 832.75 six-lane intersection-free expressway The total goods earnings have gone million tons (MT) of revenue connecting Mumbai with Delhi and a up from $11.64 billion during earning freight traffic during 4,000-mega watt (MW) power plant.

July 2011 India Review Trends in SOCIETY

19

Moreover, the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd has awarded contract for power Railways is always environment friendly, and is supply and Overhead Equipment considered ‘evergreen’. It is also the most fuel (OHE) to Siemens AG of Germany and its Indian arm Siemens Ltd India efficient mode of transport Consortium for $67.6 million. — , Former Railway Minister The Indian Railways has also attracted the attention of Bombardier Transportation, part of the $19 billion, considered ‘evergreen’. It is also the km long broad gauge railway link will Montreal-based global transportation most fuel efficient mode of transport,” connect Sevok in North Bengal to company. It has submitted a proposal Banerjee told Parliament while pre - Rangpo in Sikkim. The project, esti - for the Dankuni Locomotive Project in senting the Railway budget. She point - mated at a cost of $747.4 million, is West Bengal to set up an ed out the Ministry’s green initiatives, expected to be completed in the next electric locomotive assembly and including free supply of 14,00,000 five years. ancillary unit. CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) to For the financial year 2011-12, the railways households and phasing out railways have projected a 17.1 percent of incandescent lamps. increase in upper-class passenger rev - The Road ahead In an attempt to link Sikkim to the enues and 16.4 percent in second- The state-run transporter is observ - rest of the country through rail, class revenues, over a passenger ing 2011-12 as the “Year of Clean IRCON, the Railway public sector growth of 6.4 percent. During finan - Energy”, highlighting a slew of green undertaking (PSU) has signed a mem - cial year 2010-11, with a 5.3 percent measures taken by the then Railway orandum of understanding (MoU) increase in passenger numbers, the Minister Mamata Banerjee. “Railways with North-East Frontier Railway for railways’ revenue is set to grow is always environment friendly, and is the execution of the project. The 45- 11.2 percent.

July 2011 India Review Short STORY COMPANIONSHIP IN TWILIGHT By Anil Chandra The author, a former Indian bureaucrat, is a short story writer and a scholar. Chandra has also written three books on history covering ancient India and China

beam of morning sunlight filtered through the parting curtains on to Mr. Parmar’s Abed. The old man twisted on his back and listened. The house at Mashowbra, near Shimla was quiet; the grandchildren must have gone to school and their parents to work. The day, as always, promised to be long and dreary, which made Mr. Parmar unsettled and fidgety. After getting up and reading the morning newspaper meticulously, he could think of nothing to do. He was all alone. All alone! Stepping in front of the windows, he looked toward the mountains. Greying whiskers spread over his unshaven chin, and his bloodshot eyes seemed to reveal his sorrow. Last night, lying in the bed, he had overheard his son and morning,” the old man replied. as sister Vidya. When they caught daughter-in-law talking: “He has no On Sunday, they set out early. It up with her, sister Vidya asked, hobby and he doesn’t care to cultivate took them more than thirty minutes “Your grandchildren?” The one. He stays home all day moaning to reach the mountain top, and from descent was easy, especially with and sighing to himself. It’s as though there Mr. Parmar led the way down someone to talk to. I asked him to move in with us just another path to a public park with a From then on, Mr. Parmar to hurt him.” pavilion and the look-out with an followed a new daily schedule. He got “But you know father wasn’t like this excellent view. up early to join the group mountain before… when mother was alive.” A woman standing at the edge of the climbing, and then came down to see The cicadas in the mountains look-out suddenly began singing. the grandchildren off to school. He began chirping so loudly they could Quite sure he was her senior, met sister Vidya almost every morning, be heard in the house — the first Mr. Parmar waited until she had and they gradually began to confide in sound of summer. He had a sudden finished and then asked casually, each other. Knowing she was a widow yearning to go up the mountain. “How old are you?” living with her daughter and son-in- Since it was past the time for early “I’m sixty-seven,” the woman law, he assumed that she also had fam - 20 climbers, he had the path to himself replied. Her hair was short and she had ily problems, and could understand his. — except for the five birds, the a longish face, fair complexion and “When they watch television, I never cicadas and the wind, making the eyes that sparkled with spirit. complain about being disturbed melodies of the mountain. She was two years younger than he during my nap. Why then should I be The next day, Mr. Parmar went was. “You certainly don’t look your accused of disrupting the children’s sitar climbing again. That evening at dinner, age,” Mr. Parmar said. practice and homework when I want to he was no longer just an audience, and The woman smiled and strode off. watch the television? It’s a good thing, I his spirits were high. “We want to go On the way down, they saw her am not dependent on them. If I had to with you!” piped the children. “On again, walking with a group of elderly ask them for money, I can’t imagine Sunday, we will go first thing in the men and women who addressed her what the situation would be like.”

July 2011 India Review Short STORY

Sister Vidya was silent for quite a But their luncheon dates were talk about me. I am quite aware of while. “My daughter and her husband quietly discontinued before the rainy proper behavior.” are good to me,” she said. “But I don’t season was over. It was sister Vidya’s “Let them wag their tongues! If we live on them for nothing. I never want turn to invite him, and she didn’t call. enjoy being together, so be it. They people to look down on me.” Obsessed with his secret thoughts, he can’t tell us what to do.” He hadn’t The rainy season arrived early that did nothing to get in touch. intended to say so much, but since year, and it rained non-stop for days Then one afternoon, the rain the opportunity has presented itself, together. The hikers disappeared. stopped and all at once and there was he might as well go on. “Sons and Mr. Parmar’s rheumatic pain recurred, radiant sunlight everywhere. grandsons, they are my own flesh and giving him a severe backache and Impulsively, Mr. Parmar picked up the blood, but our age difference makes confining him to a chair by the window, phone and called sister Vidya. “People it difficult to communicate. I’ll be 21 from where he listlessly watched the are going up the mountain,” he lied. seventy this coming October. How entrance to the path up the mountain. “Would you like to come for a stroll?” many more years do we have? What One day, he heard somebody calling She hesitated, but eventually agreed we need is companionship. Someone him – sister Vidya? to meet him. After hanging up, he went to talk to, go places with, or ask how He got up with difficulty, and to the bathroom to shave. Looking into we feel when we are ill. We aren’t opened the door to the house. She was the mirror, he felt foolish — practical - lovesick young people.” laughing as she came in. “Look at me! ly seventy and still excited over a date! He was getting a bit worked up, It wasn’t raining when I started out, The sun had dropped behind the and stopped walking. Sister Vidya so I didn’t carry an umbrella. But just mountain and the path was shady and also paused and responded softly: “I as I got here, it started to rain. So I understand; only ... people talk.” decided to pay you a visit.” He felt weak without “What is there for them to talk Though his back was still aching, the support of about? If we don’t take care of Mr. Parmar insisted that she stay for ourselves, who will? Sister Vidya, I lunch. He was quite adept at cooking his stick, and his collect a good pension, and I own a certain special dishes, and sister Vidya backache was starting house at Solan. If you are willing, the praised them highly. Eating alone, up again. “Getting two of us can lead a good life together.” Mr. Parmar has lost interest in At length sister Vidya said, “To be cooking, but now he extended her old,” he sighed. “It’s frank, my daughter will not object to another invitation. In return, sister no good getting old whatever decision I make. But I’m Vidya offered to treat him to her without a companion.” sixty-seven. Should I make myself a style of cooking. laughing stock? So many years have The two started having lunch passed and now, at this late stage, if I together, once or twice a week. At first, cool. After exchanging greetings, they change my name…” Mr. Parmar told his family about walked in silence. Suddenly sister They reached a spot where they these meetings but gradually stopped Vidya tripped. He hurried to steady often paused to catch their breath. bothering to mention them. her. “Be careful!”, he said. “It’s slip - Here, in a niche between two rocks, “Your father’s girl friend came pery. Here take this stick.” somebody had made a shrine, in again today”. He felt weak without the support of which were many idols. “How do you know?” his stick, and his backache was starting Sister Vidya joined her palms and “All the dishes are put back in the up again. “Getting old,” he sighed. bowed. “If there are gods, I pray for wrong places.” “It’s no good getting old without a their divine guidance.” She moved The couple laughed, and Mr. Parmar companion.” back a step and bowed again. found himself smiling as well. He “My daughter said exactly the same He noticed perspiration on her hadn’t been aware they were leaving thing,” sister Vidya said. forehead and asked, “Tired?” such traces. “Do you think we are “Sister Vidya...”; he wanted to She shook her head. With a com - going to get a new mother?” his explain, but struggled in vain to find panion, life certainly would be more daughter-in-law asked. “Grandmother the proper words. meaningful. Vidya and father are good for She turned to him and said, Side by side, the elderly couple each other. An old person should have “Listening to my daughter talk like looked toward the opposite mountain companionship.” that, I started to feel self-conscious. peak. Magnificently coloured clouds Only then did the possibility of That’s why I didn’t call you. You know filled the sky, clustered around the marrying sister Vidya crossed Mrs. Negi, our neighbour? It was she golden setting sun. The sun had lost Mr. Parmar’s mind. Almost seventy who told my daughter about us. All my its intensity, but was still splendid and married again? Seventy! So what? life I have done nothing to make people to behold.

July 2011 India Review Cinema NEWS ReleAsed from hospital in singapore

amil superstar Rajinikanth who was undergoing treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore was discharged on June 15 and would Tremain in that country for some more time. The 60-year-old actor was flown to Singapore on May 28 and was admitted to the hospital the next day. He was earlier admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre in Chennai for recurrent res - piratory infection and gastro-intestinal problems. Soon after leaving the hospital, Rajiinikanth spoke to Rana . In a four-page letter to his ardent fans, released to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and congratulat - the media here, Rajinikanth said: “I was at a loss for words ed her on her election victory. He also called DMK when I sat to write to fans soon after getting discharged President and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister from the hospital.” M. Karunanidhi on June 16, and informed him about “I am talking to you after speaking to the Chief Minister his condition. who had assured the government’s help and to Kalaignar He thanked his fans for praying for his recovery on June (Karunanidhi) who has immense affection for me,” the 18 and said he would make them happy in his next movie actor said, adding: “Sorry, for not talking to you first.” Karisma’s five Youth will drive content in Indian characters cinema: span 500 years e has devoted over four decades to the film indus - try, witnessing major changes in content along the his comeback will be a Hyears, but megastar Amitabh Bachchan has always whammy for Karisma made it a point to keep in sync with the tastes of the youth, TKapoor. In Vikram who constitute the bulk of the audience as, he stresses, Bhatt’s Dangerous Ishq , she “You have to listen to them.” plays five roles set in five dif - The 68-year-old icon, says while he is happy with most ferent lifetimes spanning a of the changes, he still has reservations over the use of whole gamut of mythological expletives and doing explicit scenes in films. and historical events. He says the youth will continue steering changes in con - Karisma plays Mirabai, a devotee of , and then tent — from candyfloss romance dramas to dark comedies, moves forward in time, that includes the partition era, hardcore action fights, and hard-hitting reality films. ’s assassination, and the present-day politics. “Indian cinema will change with every generation! When Reluctant to reveal the details, Vikram Bhatt, who is we came in the 1970s and 1980s, the old timers didn’t nec - busy researching the women characters of ancient, essarily agree with what we did. But the youth seemed to medieval, and modern India, says, “Karisma’s character like it, and so we went ahead,” says Amitabh. will pass through four different eras and lifetimes, plus “I’m happy that changes are taking place in the industry. there’s a role in the present times. So, it’s actually a total Sometimes we regret changes... Some of the language has 22 of five roles.” the use of expletives... I am Vikram says, “Karisma has always been a very hard- uncomfortable using exple - working and capable actress. But in terms of challenges tives, I am uncomfortable posed to her performing abilities, I feel there have not doing explicit scenes, but the been too many golden opportunities. I feel this is the right younger generation is okay time for Karisma to do Dangerous Ishq. It takes her to a doing it; so we have to go new level as an actor.” with it. The film, written by Amin Haji, will have Karisma shar - Amitabh’s Bbuddah...Hoga ing screen space with five leading men. And, it is believed Tera Baap released on July 1 the guys being considered are not the Vikram Bhatt regu - and Aarakshan will hit the - lars like Aftab Shivdasani and Dino Morea. atres Aug 12.

July 2011 India Review Travel & TOURISM

23 tIme foR pulsAtIng ActIon on hImAchAl hIghwAY f you are an intrepid motorist and Lahaul & Spiti and Ladakh, Suresh The road crosses four high mountain want to test your nerves in the Rana, a six-time winner of the motor passes in the cold desert — Rohtang most inhospitable terrain and rally Raid-de-Himalaya, said the entire Pass (13,050 ft), Baralacha Pass Itough climatic conditions, then a Manali-Leh route was tough and the (16,020 ft), Lachlungla Pass (16,620 475-km-long Himalayan highway is pressure on the motorist was extreme. ft) and Tanglangla Pass (17,480 ft). your calling. “In a four-wheeler, a sport utility A.K. Dikshit, Commander of the The Manali-Leh road that links the vehicle will be the ideal machine. In the 38 Task Force of the General Reserve tourist resort town of Himachal two-wheeler category, a 500 cc bike is Engineering Force (GREF), said some Pradesh to Leh in Jammu and Kashmir the perfect vehicle,” he suggested. of the areas along the Rohtang Pass, has been reopened as part of an The non-stop journey in a four- some 52 km from Manali, were still annual drill, attracting adventure lovers wheeler between Manali and Leh takes under 45-50 feet snow. GREF is a and motorists. 16-18 hours. wing of the Border Roads Organisation “Since the reopening of the Manali- “Since the journey is quite treacher - that maintains the highway. Leh highway, we have been getting a ous, it’s advisable to give it two days Dikshit said a sudden drop in the number of inquiries from motorists with a night halt at Sarchu (mid-way temperature, even in summer, can trig - across the globe daily about its road between Manali-Leh),” said Rana. ger winter-like conditions in Rohtang. worthiness,” Mehar Chand Thakur, a “Even oxygen is quite minimal and travel agent in Manali, said. IF YOU ARE KEEN ON TRAVELING high velocity winds start blowing later The highway was reopened on THROUGH SOME OF THE HIGH in the day. It’s advisable to cross the June 1 after remaining closed for over PASSES IN HIMACHAL PRADESH, pass in the morning,” he said. six months due to heavy snow in HERE ARE A FEW TIPS: Himachal Pradesh, whose economy 3 Make sure your trip is planned well in the region. is highly dependent on tourism, advance. Check on general road condi - Commenting on the highway that tions and confirm whether the high attracted 13, 298,748 tourists, includ - passes through the cold deserts of mountain passes are open. ing 454,851 foreigners, last year. 3 Most of the picturesque destinations in Kinnaur, Chamba, Lahaul & Spiti and Kullu districts are at high altitudes. Even during summer, you must carry woollen clothes, jackets and some eatables as you may have to remain stranded on roads for days together due to landslides. 3 Make sure you are medically fit 3 Make sure you have an extra driver, espe - cially if you plan to drive at night. Carrying extra fuel is a must. 3 Travelling in small groups and carrying life-saving medicines is recommended.

July 2011 India Review EMBASSY OF INDIA SS Pre-sort First Class A U.S. Postage 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW CL T Paid RS Washington, D.C. 20008 FI Silver Spring, MD Tel: 202-939-7000 RT Permit No. -SO Fax: 202-462-7276 PRE 3966

n Lunar Eclipse

This combination of 10 pictures taken on June 15 shows the moon during a total lunar eclipse. Parts of Europe, Africa, Central Asia and Australia saw a total lunar eclipse, the first of 2011 and the longest in nearly 11 years. A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth casts its shadow over the Moon. The lunar face can sometimes turn reddish, coppery-brown or orange, tinged by light from the Sun that refracts as it passes through our atmosphere.

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