RAM MANDIR COVID-19 WARRIOR THE WEEK VIP AYODHYA IS READY DUSTBIN BOY BECOMES A SAVIOUR ADAR POONAWALLA: NEED TWO YEARS TO ADMINISTER VACCINE ACROSS INDIA

VIDYA BALAN PLAYING MATHS GENIUS

AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST SHAKUNTALA DEVI

KASHMIR: A YEAR AFTER 370 FROZEN DREAMS The Centre’s tight grip amid the lockdown has not stifled Kashmir’s yearning for respect

PLUS MINISTER IN PMO, JITENDRA SINGH Militancy in its final phase XV CORPS COMMANDER LT GEN B.S. RAJU Pockets of turbulence FAROOQ ABDULLAH Time for street protest over LADAKH Very happy, but some worries AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 1 VOL. 38 NO. 32 THE WEEK AUGUST 9 2020

FOR THE WEEK AUGUST 3 - AUGUST 9 40 58 65 PAWAN KUMAR PAWAN CURRENT EVENTS BUSINESS @LEISURE: How Ayodhya is gearing up for the The barriers are up, but uprooting Playing Shakuntala Devi was about bhoomi pujan of the Ram temple, an Chinese interests in India would be a understanding the nuances of her event it has waited for for decades long process multifaceted personality

46 LIFE COVER STORY How a Kerala boy, in COLUMNS 22 death, gave new life to seven others 11 POWER POINT Sachidananda Murthy 48 COVID-19 WARRIOR 14 FORTHWRITE As a child, Ajoy Mistry Meenakshi Lekhi was thrashed and humiliated by his 63 SOUND BITE villagers. Today, he is Anita Pratap their saviour 64 DETOUR 51 DEAR DOCTOR Shobhaa De Cardiologist Upendra 71 SCHIZO-NATION SILENT STREETS Kaul on the need to Anuja Chauhan Srinagar under Covid-19 differentiate between lockdown on July 23 symptoms of Covid-19 74 LAST WORD AFP and heart disease Navtej Sarna LOCKED-DOWN LIVES 52 COVID-19 Serum Institute of India Last August, Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status and Overworked and CEO Adar Poonawalla statehood. Months later, the pandemic struck, battering an fearing infection, a growing number 56 BUSINESS already bruised economy. A year after the abrogation of articles of doctors are not We are on the frontline 370 and 35A, THE WEEK looks at how the people of the new reporting for duty of the pandemic Union territory are getting by war, says Rajesh Subramaniam, PLUS 54 THE WEEK VIP Need two years to president and CEO, ◆ Cannot expect justice from Centre, says former Jammu and vaccinate India, says FedEx Corporation Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah COVER PHOTO FUKEZ84/SHUTTERSTOCK ◆ Interviews: Jitendra Singh, MoS, prime minister’s office; COVER DESIGN BINESH SREEDHARAN Lieutenant General B.S. Raju, commander, XV Corps Printed at Malayala Manorama Press, Kottayam, Print House India Pvt ◆ Delhi’s challenge is phased withdrawal of troops from and Ltd, Mumbai, M P Printers, Noida, and Rajhans Enterprises, Bengaluru, and published from Manorama Buildings, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi-682 smooth conduct of elections in Jammu and Kashmir 036, by Jacob Mathew, on behalf of the Malayala Manorama Co.Ltd., ◆ Ladakhis are largely happy, but also worried about losing jobs Kottayam-686 001. Editor Philip Mathew to outsiders • Focus/Infocus features are paid marketing/PR initiatives

2 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 3 LETTERS

In the last five to interest to me. There RAJASTHAN AMITABH BACHCHAN DESERT STORM HITS CONGRESS THE LEGEND’S TOUGHEST BATTLE NEW! $ THE WEEK VIP six years, so many were only a few stories (VERY INFORMED PERSON) DR KRISHNA ELLA: MY VACCINE MISSION students have gone that I liked in the issue.

DEAR DOCTOR AMBRISH MITHAL: abroad for higher You should be catering JULY 26, 2020 JULY WHAT DIABETICS MUST DO studies. In my own to the interests of all family, most children your readers. have made up their Rajendra Bhatia, mind to study abroad. On email. This, despite the havoc caused by the Need a fair pandemic. enquiry

What’s changing in how they are shaping young Indians A recent study This is not the first

PLUS has revealed that time that we have UGC CHAIRMAN D.P. SINGH: THE NEW LEARNING only a handful of come across custodial Indian colleges and deaths, but the universities conform gruesome death of the to international father-son duo at the Address issues standards. And that, in hands of the police in THE WEEK-Hansa Research Survey 2020 of the recent past, around Sathankulam in Tamil India’s best universities was comprehensive 17 million students Nadu has shaken the and informative. Universities, across have left the country conscience of the the country, are awaiting government for greener pastures. people of the country directions on opening. So, this is the best It is time the (‘Capital punishment’, time for students to be mentally prepared government came July 26). for the courses that they have opted for. up with many more While everyone was They can even enrol for short online opportunities and expecting a proper courses, which will benefit them a lot high-class universities enquiry into the (‘Degrees of change’, July 26). for students across alleged dastardly act, AD It is good to know that many Indian different fields. Or else, it was depressing to universities, during the lockdown, have India will be laden hear the chief minister opened full-fledged online courses. But the with senior citizens. of Tamil Nadu say that fact that only around 12 per cent of Indian S. Shashidhar, both the father and households have uninterrupted electricity On email. son died of illness, and good internet coverage is a cause for which is tantamount concern, and will spoil everything that we I am a 79-year-old to shielding the are planning in such a situation. senior citizen who perpetrators of the The government needs to address this has been reading THE heinous crime. issue, and help in bringing in a bandwidth WEEK from the time I It is thanks to the revolution in the country. was in service. timely intervention Tigin Thomas, To be honest, your of the judges of On email. cover story on best Madras High Court universities was of no that the criminal

SUBSCRIPTIONS/CUSTOMER CARE CIRCULATION Hyderabad: BUREAU ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE EDITORIAL For all subscription related inquiries Bengaluru: 040-23314168/23324692 Bengaluru: Manorama Buildings, P.B. No. 26, Manorama Buildings, please write, email or fax to 080-22247735/22247736 Kolkata: 033- 24198233 080-22867345, 22867050 Kottayam 686001, Kerala, India. P.B. No. 4278, Panampilly Nagar, Kolkata: 033-24556995, Tel: 0481-2563646 Kochi 682036, Kerala, India. Senior Manager, Circulation, Bhopal: 0755-2557937 Kottayam: 0481-2563646 Manorama Buildings, Lucknow: 0522-2341576 24198344, ext.216 0172-2724699 044-66918500 REGIONAL CO-ORDINATING [email protected] PB No. 4278, Panampilly Nagar, Chandigarh: Mumbai: 022-24901331, Chennai: OFFICE Kochi - 682036. Kerala Chennai: 39495969 Delhi: 011-23354920 Tej Building, 1st Floor, Bahadur http://www.theweek.in Hyderabad: Email: [email protected] 044-66918530/31 Patna: 0612-2233809 Shah Zafar Marg, Coimbatore: 040-23314168, 23324692 New Delhi 110 002. +91 484-4447888 Toll free no.: 18001035981 Jaipur: Mumbai: 022-22074604, Cochin: 0484-4447507 0422-2241911/2245470 0141-2368360/4005808 Tel: 011-23354920, 23354921, 22004358 +91 484-2315745 For advertising: +91 98953 95097 Delhi: Thiruvananthapuram: 23359541, 23355801, 23356537 Bhopal: 0755-2431001 Fax: 43541354 Email: [email protected] 011-23739740 0471-2328198 Lucknow: 0522-2701725

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policemen were arrested. Handling a pandemic of Editor Philip Mathew Subsequently, the case such a nature is difficult, Chief Associate Editor & Director Riyad Mathew was handed over to the and whatever steps the Editor-in-Charge V.S. Jayaschandran Senior News Editor Stanley Thomas CBI. government is taking News Editor Lukose Mathew One expects that a should be deemed right. Deputy News Editors Mathew T. George, Maijo Abraham, Ajish P. Joy proper enquiry would be However, Ray has clearly Resident Editor, Delhi K.S. Sachidananda Murthy carried out by the CBI, pointed out several Chief of Bureau, Delhi R. Prasannan and that justice will be lapses in the policies Chief of Bureau, Mumbai Dnyanesh V. Jathar rendered to the family of pursued so far, and Deputy Chief of Bureau, Delhi Neeru Bhatia Chief Subeditors Susamma Kurian, the deceased. has suggested ways to Navin J. Antony Tharcius S. Fernando, deal with the problems Senior Subeditors Anirudha Karindalam, On email. Anirudh Madhavan more meaningfully. Subeditors Diya Mathew, Karthik Ravindranath, Perhaps, the worst is yet Reuben Joe Joseph, Nirmal Jovial Feature story on to come, and the points SENIOR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS PRINCIPAL CORRESPONDENTS women convicts made by Ray should be Delhi: Rekha Dixit, Mandira Nayar, Hyderabad: Rahul Devulapalli Now, Swapna Suresh taken seriously while Namrata Biji Ahuja, Soni Mishra, Kochi: Anjuly Mathai will be remembered considering future K. Sunil Thomas Srinagar: Tariq Ahmad Bhat SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS as a fugitive who was policies. Lucknow: Puja Awasthi Bengaluru: Mini P. Thomas, Kolkata: Rabi Banerjee on the run before she K.K. Cherian, Abhinav Singh Delhi: Sneha Bhura was caught by the NIA On email. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS Mumbai: Priyanka Bhadani, Delhi: Pratul Sharma, Namita Kohli, Pooja Biraia Jaiswal (‘Golden opportunity?’, Pradip R. Sagar July 26). I can feel the Ease the load Bengaluru: Prathima Nandakumar Thiruvananthapuram: Cithara Paul CHIEF REPORTER trauma that Swapna’s It was interesting to Mumbai: Nachiket Kelkar UAE: Raju Mathew, Dubai daughter is going note that schools in Chennai Lakshmi Subramanian Bhopal: Sravani Sarkar through. Thailand have introduced Ahmedabad: Nandini Gunavantrai Oza THE WEEK should partitions made from Photo Editor: Sanjoy Ghosh Art Editor: Jayakrishnan M.T. come up with a feature ballot boxes as part Deputy Photo Editors Assistant Art Editor: Binesh Sreedharan story on such women of social distancing Bhanu Prakash Chandra, Salil Bera Senior Infographic

convicts in our country. measures (‘The big Chief Photographers Designer: Sreemanikandan S. Delhi: Arvind Jain, Sanjay Ahlawat Illustrator: B. Bhaskaran The first part of the story picture’, July 12). This is Mumbai: Janak Bhat, Amey Suhas Mansabdar Layout Artist: B. Manojkumar should talk about their something that India can Photographer Designers: Deni Lal, Job P.K. glamour, and quick rise emulate when schools Delhi: Aayush Goel Graphic Designer: Syam Krishnan Chief Picture Coordinator Artists: Rajesh A.S., Sumesh C.N., to power and fame. The reopen. Bimal Nath C. Sujesh K., Ajeesh Kumar M., Jairaj T.G. second part should talk There should be at Research: Jomy M. Joseph Senior Researcher: Rani G.S. in detail about their fall least five feet distance Photo Archivist: Deepak Joy T. from grace. between each student, THEWEEK.IN It will help so many and not all need to come New Media Coordinator Neeraj Krishnan women from falling into to class, every day, at the Deputy New Media Coordinator Sarath Ramesh Kuniyl the wrong trap. same time. Senior Subeditors Hazeeda Vijayakumar, Sumitra Nair, Vaisakh E. Hari, Ancy K. Sunny, Chanpreet K.C., More importantly, Jose K. George, Justin Paul George On email. there should be a Subeditors Vinod V.K., Anita Babu, Varun Ramesh Balan considerable depletion in Senior Researcher Saju C. Daniel Good suggestions the course load for each Multimedia Rahul J. Mohan, Vipin Das P. The interview with subject, as that will ease Executive Director George Jacob Partho Sarothi Ray the burden on students. Vice President, Marketing, Advertising Sales Varghese Chandy brought out a number It is only in India that Vice President, Circulation M. Rajagopalan Nair of convincing points we have so many things Senior General Manager, Sales Hari M. Varrier MUMBAI on various aspects of to study. Most of us end Resident Chief General Manager Shree Kumar Menon Covid-19 (‘The August 15 up doing things we have CHENNAI Regional Chief General Manager K.C. Suresh deadline is a gimmick’, hardly studied during BENGALURU July 19). The questions school days. Regional Chief General Manager Ranjit Kurien NEW DELHI were sharp, and the Tanushri Nagori, Chief Marketing Officer (North) & answers to the point. On email. Head, Special Projects R. Rajmohan

6 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 7 APERITIF THE BIG PICTURE

EVERY DOG HAS ITS (OFF) DAY Daisy, a St Bernard, was descending Scafell Pike, one of England’s highest peaks, when her legs gave out. Her owners called for assistance and a team of 16 res- cue volunteers carried her down on July 26. Incidentally, her breed is famed for rescuing humans stuck on the icy slopes of the Alps.

PHOTO BY AFP

8 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 9 APERITIF

POWER POINT SACHIDANANDA MURTHY POINT BLANK MILESTONES

EYES ON SPACE Two Surat teens, Vaidehi Vekariya Check on chiefs A group of journalists were Sanjaybhai and Radhika Lakhani bribed by some elements in the Prafulbhai, discovered a near earth Trinamool Congress to malign asteroid (HLV2514). The girls made JP president J.P. Nadda had a plan to convene keen on receiving report cards from the states on my image. Vested interests are the discovery under the All India a conclave of the party’s chief ministers on implementation of the Central schemes and on how against me, fuelling suspicion Asteroid Search Campaign 2020 by BJuly 29. But that plan has changed, and Nadda they are popularising the work and message of Prime and confusion about my role in SPACE India. is now meeting the chief ministers one by one via Minister Narendra Modi. The party is worried that the BJP. videoconferencing. Unlike the Congress, the BJP has anti-incumbency has become a greater phenome-

SALIL BERA SALIL Mukul Roy, BJP leader been punctual about holding meetings of its chief non in the states in the last three years. Among the ministers and its deputy chief ministers in states current chief ministers, only a few were projected I paint nowadays. I am also cooking where it is a junior partner in government. Currently prior to elections. Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, and baking. It is really interesting, be- the party rules 12 states and is a junior partner in Bi- Jai Ram Thakur in Himachal Pradesh and Trivendra cause earlier it was only badminton. har. Deputy chief ministers of the BJP-headed states Singh Rawat in Uttarakhand were all post-electoral P.V. Sindhu, badminton player PTI are also invited to take part in the conclave, normally. surprise choices. Ask yourself, which world leader WORLD’S BEST The chief ministers’conclave was started by veteran Two of the states where the BJP is in government, except the unpredictable Mr Donald Aditya, India’s first solar-powered leader L.K. Advani in the early 1990s. There was strong Bihar and Assam, are going to the polls soon and the Trump has condemned the Chinese ferry won the coveted Gustave emphasis at that time on implementation of the party is anxious to retain power there. It has launched aggression against India? If China is Trouve Award for excellence in the promises made by the party in its state-level manifes- a fierce digital campaign in Bihar and has declared the spider, India is the prey that was Electric Boats Designed for Paying tos. The meetings discussed organisational issues, too. that the alliance will be headed by Janata Dal (United) attracted to the spider’s web. Spiders Passengers category on July 26. The state governments were supremo Nitish Kumar once never rest. Naval architect Sandith Thandassery also advised to assist party again. In Assam, the electoral P. Chidambaram, Congress leader built Aditya, which has been plying in activists in neighbouring states. activity will pick up after the Kerala backwaters since 2017. The tenure of A.B. Vajpayee as monsoon. I used to be cautiously optimistic. Now, I’m bordering between pessimism and prime minister from 1998 to The focal point in the con- realism, which is not a good place for 2004 saw a different dynamic, claves now is Uttar Pradesh, a politician because you are sup- as the chief ministers could get where Adityanath has been posed to take this message of eternal to interact with multiple Union running a brute-majority gov- optimism.... I think a lot of this feeling ministers and demand better ernment. His main focus is on is because I have not had a chance to deals for their states. policing and economic devel-

sit with fellow sufferers, workers in AFP The geographic spread of the opment. His war on criminals various parts of the valley and just vent, BJP in states shrank last year, has had its successes as well talk. We assume that our planet is a CLIMATE WARRIOR after the party lost a series of as controversies. Adityanath’s Omar Abdullah, National Conference zero-sum resource, just like we feel Indian climate activist Archana regional elections. But the inorganic growth through tough attitude towards minorities has also been leader that our mothers would tolerate many things for us, because that is Soreng has been named by United defections has brought back the party to power in questioned, but the party justifies it as a correction I feel everybody should do theatre. the most unconditional relation- Nations Secretary-General Antonio Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. to the appeasement policies of the previous govern- It’s a way of life, a sort of discipline. ship ever formed. Well, to a great Guterres as a member of his new Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa cele- ment. Adityanath has bet big on industrialisation Even if you are an engineer, theatre is extent that is true, but self-respect Youth Advisory Group on Climate brated his first year by ensuring that all those who and, supported by Modi, is jacking up infrastructure a must for a year or two. It’s the perfect and self-love are the most im- Change. Soreng will join six other defected from the Congress and the Janata Dal (Sec- so that foreign and domestic investors flock to Uttar grooming ground for being disciplined, portant attributes for anyone’s activists, aged between 18 and 28. ular) were accommodated in the state legislature, Pradesh. But electoral delivery will still be a challenge generally, in life. existence. even while placating two dozen party loyalists with for him as the party’s Lok Sabha sweep is credited Bhumi Pednekar, actor Shoojit Sircar, filmmaker chairmanships of boards and corporations. only to Modi. In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Nadda, who is out to prove himself as a strong or- WORD PLAY Chouhan accommodated loyalists of Jyotiraditya ganisation man, is pushing the chief ministers hard to The quarantine coif has been the most trending—and the most hated—hairstyle during this Scindia, who had helped topple the Congress govern- popularise not only the Union government’s 020 lakh pandemic period. It refers to a haircut administered by one’s partner or child during the lock- ment, while holding out the promise to accommo- crore stimulus package, but also the human touch of down. The disastrous result often requires professional mending. Now, many hairstyle gurus on date disgruntled BJP legislators. the relief provided by the government through free the internet are coming up with tips on how to tame the quarantine coif! Since 2014, the party’s central leadership has been rations and subsidies.

IMAGING BHASKARAN [email protected]

10 THE WEEK • AUGUSTAUGUST 9,9, 20202020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 11 APERITIF PARTY SNACKS

SPREADING ‘POSITIVITY’ Neera, a drink extracted from palm THERE’S A trees, also known as palm nectar, is quite popular in Telangana. The LOT IN A drink, which turns into toddy after NAME fermentation, has many health What’s in a name? A lot, according benefits. But preventing Covid-19 does to Kerala’s lone BJP MLA O. not seem to be one of them. Recently, Rajagopal. He had voted for the Hyderabad Mayor Bonthu Rammohan Left Democratic Front candidate participated in the inauguration of P. Sreeramakrishnan for the post neera stalls in the city. The event of speaker in 2016, apparently attracted huge crowds, including because his name had both ministers. A couple of days later, the Rama and Krishna in it. Now, the mayor tested positive for Covid-19, opposition parties are planning spreading panic among those who to move a resolution against the attended the inauguration. speaker for his alleged link with one of the accused in the Kerala gold smuggling case. It remains to be seen whether the name would force Rajagopal to vote in favour of LEADING BY EXAMPLE Sreeramakrishnan once again. Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju hardly got time to devote to his fitness during his stint in the home ministry. But once he became sports minister, he started undertaking fitness activities regularly. Rijiju, who is currently promoting the Fit India movement introduced by his ministry, has expanded his daily fitness regime during the lockdown.

THE MOST ESSENTIAL ITEMS ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL? MAN AT THE WHEEL Sales of beauty and personal BJP leaders in the state are worried about the recent In a recent interview with Shiv Sena care products was hit by the political activity of former Madhya Pradesh chief mouthpiece Saamana, Maharashtra pandemic, as people were confined minister Uma Bharti. These leaders had worked hard to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to their homes. As per Nielsen keep her away from the state’s political landscape after said that the steering wheel of the India’s figures, even the sale of she stepped down as chief minister in 2005. Now, the government was in his hands. A day toothpaste fell during the lockdown. firebrand sadhvi is making her political presence known after this statement, Deputy Chief Interestingly, a theory that fell again in the state. By publicly airing her displeasure on Minister Ajit Pawar took to Twitter by the wayside was the one that the cabinet composition, she ensured that one of her to wish Thackeray on his birthday. said that lipstick sales rise during earlier supporters was rewarded with a big post as soon Pawar also posted a picture showing periods of uncertainty and strife as as he returned to the BJP from the Congress. Jyotiraditya Thackeray seated in the front women find solace in putting it on. Scindia, too, visited her at her residence in Bhopal. passenger seat of a car that he was The theory did not factor masks. On Bharti has also started visiting different cities in Madhya driving. The picture seemed to hint the up are eye liners, mascara and Pradesh, mainly on religious grounds, to boost her at who was really calling the shots in eye shadow. Reason? Masks again. media presence. Maharashtra’s coalition government.

ILLUSTRATIONS JAIRAJ T.G. 12 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9,9, 20202020 AUGUST 9,9, 2020 • THE WEEK 13 FOCUS

FORTHWRITE MEENAKSHI LEKHI

Crushed from within

he disagreements between Rajasthan Chief as a public servant, threatened to hit the streets if Minister Ashok Gehlot and former depu- the state government failed to waive farm loans, Tty chief minister Sachin Pilot have added as promised in the party manifesto. But, to his weight to a sinking ship: the Congress. disappointment, nothing worked in his favour, Recent political developments in Rajasthan have which must have forced him to leave the party. been dramatic. The Congress government there, Finally, when it came to the crunch, Nath tendered which was formed on a small majority, is struggling his resignation by avoiding the crucial floor test to survive. ordered by the Supreme Court. Gehlot’s removal of Pilot from the ministry has Uncertainty looms large over the government direct links with the party’s high command in in Rajasthan, and the Congress is in power in only Delhi, as the waning leadership is unable to keep its four other states—Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand core players satisfied. and Maharashtra, where it is just a fringe player A major reason for Pilot’s revolt is his desire to assisting bigger allies, and the Union territory of MYSURU & MANDYA: be declared the face of the party in the Rajasthan Puducherry. assembly elections of 2023. He But it is a leadership crisis A much-respected world of education also wants the high command that is plaguing the Congress, to reward his supporters with and the party is experiencing city of palaces and sprawling, and Mandya also has a reputation as department of education was founded in either ministries or positions a battle between the young beautifully laid-out educational hosting educational institutions that are Mysore. According to available records, as head of corporations, be- and the old guard. The young Acampuses that are decades old not very commercialised—people believe by 1881, there were as many as 2,087 sides the removal of Avinash leaders are feeling uneasy and well established, a city for a quiet they offer “quality education” and at English medium schools in the Mysore Pandey as the general secre- and are joining the BJP where retirement, city of beautiful lakes and “affordable fees”. The boarding or hostel Kingdom. parks, city of yoga, city of great food, the expenses are relatively low, too. Students Higher education institutions, too, tary and Congress in-charge in they feel their efforts will be city of Dasara, of colourful tourism, city of also have so much to see and do on any were set up soon in the 1800s and early Rajasthan. Pandey’s loyalties recognised under its strong culture—Mysuru wears many hats. The given day in this city where music and 1900s—the legendary Maharaja’s are to Gehlot. leadership. district Mandya was carved out of the dance are part of everyday life. College, the Maharanis College and A few months ago in The Congress leadership larger Mysore district in the year 1939. Mysuru has long been renowned for The University of Mysore (UoM). The Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath is steadily crumbling in the This multifaceted city is therefore its educational institutions, whether UoM (founded in 1916) is the sixth of the Congress resigned as hands of its nepotistic leaders. a most sought after place for anyone it is the University, or the engineering oldest university in the country, and chief minister and the BJP It has not looked beyond the wanting to study and experience a whole and medical colleges. Added to that was the first University in the State of returned to power, thus reducing the Congress Nehru-Gandhi household in 40 years, except dur- world in itself. It has held world renown is the attraction of the city itself, being Karnataka. It was established in 1916 by footprint in the country. The exit of this 15-month- ing 1991-98 when P.V. Narasimha Rao and Sitaram as a region where great intellectuals less crowded than Bengaluru. Even if a the then Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja old Congress government came a year after the Kesri took over the charge. and thinkers were born and visionaries student from Bengaluru has to stay in a Wodeyar IV, it is said, after two of his party had lost its government in Karnataka, where it In the event of the demise of a national party like encouraged, as a space that propelled hostel, the proximity to Bengaluru makes educational experts undertook a five- had played second fiddle to the Janata Dal (Secular) the Congress, regional outfits that have grown at the a thirst for knowledge. A world steeped it the ideal choice as he can still meet year study of higher education around despite having more numbers in the assembly. cost of the Congress will emerge as the opposition in its ancient culture, yet, now embracing each other without too much trouble. the world—so all the best practices and In Madhya Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia was at for the BJP. the modern, well connected, peaceful Mysuru has long been a hub of education ideas, and a variety of courses from loggerheads with Nath and Digvijaya Singh, anoth- The last seven Lok Sabha elections have seen the and safe (a very important factor in our and research. The Mysore Maharajas— around the world were incorporated into er Congress veteran, ever since the government was steady rise of the BJP, and consequent decline of times of trouble), and full of opportunities the Wodeyars—are credited for their far- this landmark University. The University for a wide spectrum of people. The great reaching vision in the field of education. encompasses 180 affiliated colleges and formed there. Scindia ran out of patience with the the Congress. Yet, whatever little hope that is there weather is another plus for this city, as It was in the princely kingdom and then four constituent colleges. Congress, as the party made Nath the chief minister for the Congress is being killed by its nepotistic also its cleanliness. State of Mysore that English education “Education is affordable, though that despite Scindia leading from the front in the assem- leadership and the continuous failure of trust of its People from various parts of the came to be established in southern doesn't mean it's cheap. The cost of living bly elections. Scindia’s supporters wanted him to be major players in the regional political arena. With country and the world have been India in the 1800s. An example that is moderate, and modern distractions the party president in the state after being denied internal clashes brewing in Chhattisgarh and Pun- assimilated easily by accommodative the old and new world happily coexist are almost nil. This place is best suited to the post of the chief minister. jab as well, it will be an uphill task for the Congress locals; another reason for the swelling in this city is seen in the likes of the make your student memories richer,” says Scindia, who has always maintained his stand to remain relevant in national reckoning. number of international students Mysore Sanskrit Pāthaśhāla, which was Mrs. Prema Nagarajan who moved about encouraged to study at the University on established in 1876, and still continues five years ago to Mysuru with her family ILLUSTRATION BHASKARAN Lekhi is member of Parliament • [email protected] scholarships and fellowships. Mysuru to provide Vedic education. In 1858, the from Bengaluru; both her daughters study

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in schools in Mysuru. Mysuru has also held another attractive tag—that of the Cleanest City in India—it held that record for three years—2015, 2016 and 2018. The rating is assigned by the India’s Ministry of Urban Development, and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) annually. The second largest city of the state of Karnataka, and for the longest time perceived as a tier 2 city, Mysuru is now viewed as the fastest growing hub for IT and ITES companies after the capi- tal of Bengaluru. With foreign invest- ments coming in, and with demands for a better quality of life for employees of JSS ACADEMY OF HIGHER large MNCs making it their home, infra- structure is being constantly upgraded. Despite all the development, it’s still far EDUCATION AND RESEARCH more peaceful and slow-paced com- pared to Bengaluru, with hardly any traf- (JSSAHER) fic jams that plague the Capital. Mysuru is home to a large range of SS Academy of Higher Education and institutions offering a vast number JResearch, formerly known as JSS of courses in a myriad subjects—All University, is a deemed university located ADVT India Institute of Speech and Hearing, in Mysuru, Karnataka. It was established Central Food Technological Research in the year 2008 with a founding mission JSS AHER Institute, JSS Medical College, JSS to serve the needs of the community Academy of Higher Education & at large and envisions emerging as a Research (Deemed to be university), unique institution in the higher education JSS Science & Technology University, setting. Mysore Krishnamachar Yoga Shala, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Research, since its establishment, has Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal significantly strengthened its teaching, Music and Performing Arts University, research and service efforts to realise Dr. Surinder Singh, The Karnataka State Open University its vision and mission. The institute Vice Chancellor, JSSAHER (for distance learning) and so many has made great progress in grooming more. graduates, postgraduates, and PhD Mandya district, which was part of researchers by providing effective value Today, more than 650 faculty Mysore District till 1939, is also home based education across our institutions members instruct approximately 3,000 for various educational institutions. by focusing on overall development of undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students PES College of Engineering, Mandya, an individual through state-of-the-art and around 500 research scholars. was started in the year 1962 by People’s facilities to make the learner a useful The binding philosophy of these Education Society, currently known as citizen to the society. institutions is that of training physicians, People’s Education Trust ®. The institute is focused on medical dentists, pharmacists, nurses and other Mr Sathya Simha, an engineer based and health-related studies, and health care professionals, to provide the in Bengaluru, who completed his entire comprises JSS Medical College, JSS highest standards of patient care, whilst education in Mysuru, says the thing that Dental College and JSS College of also pursuing cutting edge research. distinguishes the city’s institutions is Pharmacy at the main campus in Mysuru JSS Academy of Higher Education the quality of teaching and approach to as well as another pharmacy college in & Research also ranks among top teaching. “Many of us in the family were Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu. With a view to 50 universities/Higher Education taught by students of literary greats extend the horizons in the field of Health Institutions in India for the last five like Kuvempu, D.V. Gundappa, B.M. Sciences, the Department of Water and consecutive years by NIRF, National Shri. Mysuru is still not about modern Health, Department of Health System Institutional Ranking Framework by coaching. The old world education Management Studies and Department MHRD, Government of India and is culture lives on. n of Life Sciences were also started later. currently ranked 33rd in India for 2020. n

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ADVT Vidyavardhaka College Of Engineering VVCE: A COLLEGE OF EXCELLENCE WITH AUTONOMOUS STATUS FROM MAY 2020-21

idyavardhaka College of AICTE guidelines. The college is situated Engineering & finally Computer Science VEngineering (VVCE), Mysuru, in the western part of the Heritage city & Engineering (Artificial Intelligence popularly referred as VVCE, is one of of Mysuru, on an elevated sprawling & Machine Learning) which is a new the prestigious engineering colleges campus of 23 acres. course introduced for 2020-21 batch. established in 1997 by Vidyavardhaka The Institute has been accredited by Besides the seven UG courses, Sangha. It was established in 1949 by National Assessment & Accreditation VVCE offers the following three post great visionaries viz., Sri K. Puttaswamy Council (NAAC) with an ‘A’ Grade by graduate programs viz., Master of and Sri Sahukar Channaiah. VVCE National Board of Accreditation (NBA), Business Administration (MBA), has grown in leaps and bounds since New Delhi. Also, the Institute has a Silver MTech in Machine Design and MTech its inception. VVCE has achieved a rating by QS–I Guage which speaks in Computer Science & Engineering. distinction as one of the best technical volumes about the quality of education In addition, VVCE has set up research and management education centers VVCE provides to its students. The centers in nine departments to promote in Karnataka. VVCE is affiliated to college has an annual intake of 840 research activities in frontier areas and Visvesvaraya Technological University students for undergraduate courses to offer MSc (Engineering) by research (VTU), Belagavi, with autonomous in seven disciplines, viz., Electronics and doctoral programmes. status from academic year 2020-21. & Communication Engineering, VVCE continues to innovate itself to Approved by AICTE, New Delhi, it is Computer Science & Engineering, be relevant and up to date to continue recognised by the Government of Mechanical Engineering, Information to be a leading institute in technical and Karnataka. VVCE functions through its Science & Engineering, Electrical management education in Karnataka, Board of Governors constituted as per & Electronics Engineering, Civil India. n

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ADVT PES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, MANDYA PES MANDYA By Sri. K.S. Vijay Anand with wisdom and ethics. It is for this very was established in 1962, and obtained Hon. President reason that we forayed into education autonomous status in 2008. P.E.T. Mandya, Karnataka about 58 years ago. According to me, PES College of Engineering, Mandya, success comes to those who work hard is run by the People's Education Trust, and stays with those who don't rest on Mandya, formed by philanthropic the laurels of the past. f a r m e r s o f M a n d y a d i s t r i c t o n a ' n o p r o fi t ' When I look at PES College of basis. The institute is committed to the Engineering, Mandya , it is indeed very society and focuses on providing quality heartening to witness that the college education to all. The institute also gives has carved a name for itself in the maximum support and care to students academic scene of the country for the from rural areas. The management, 21st century. I strongly believe that the under the leadership of President Sri. entire purpose of education is not only K.S. Vijay Anand, has visualisation to restrict itself to imparting bookish as 'committed to develop student knowledge but also inculcate values potential through high quality teaching- like wisdom, compassion, courage, learning processes and state-of-the- humility, integrity and reliability in a art infrastructure'. The management is student. People who feel good about also determined towards continuous themselves produce good results and improvement of academic standards people who produce good results feel and campus environment to impart good about themselves. We also believe Quality Education to make the students ducation is the basis of all progress. in total learning and sharing. We invite of the institute, Professionally Excellent EI strongly believe that education is you to PES College of Engineering to Socially Committed Engineers— not merely accumulation of knowledge attain quality education in the best P.E.S.C.E—through experimental and facts but also a preparation for life atmosphere. learning with modern education tools itself. Education is knowledge imbued PES College of Engineering, Mandya, and structured inputs. n

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365since 370 A year ago the Centre struck down Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by abrogating articles 370 and 35A, and made it a Union

AP territory. THE WEEK takes a look at how the region is coping, and THE ROW MUST GO ON A Kashmiri man on his way back hoping for better days from the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake in Srinagar BY TARIQ BHAT

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n August 5 last because I have to pay for travel,” he year, the Centre said. As fewer weddings are taking cut Jammu and place, Shanglu has not been able Kashmir in two. to provide for his family, which It evoked both includes his wife, two children and gasps of horror his old mother. “Without help from O and raucous the charity, my family would starve,” applause. How- he said. ever, unlike the svelte assistant in a Abdul Khaliq Shora, another magician’s saw trick, the state did houseboat owner, said, “I am 70. not come out unscathed. Now sliced I cannot go out looking for work. I into two Union territories, the former survive on aid from the charity.” Sho- state had also lost Articles 370 and ra, who lives with his wife, divorced 35A, which had given it special status daughter and grandchild, said his when it joined India. What followed houseboat had been lying vacant was a tight lockdown, restrictions on since August and needed repair. BARELY movement, a communication block- Tariq Paltoo, who owns two AFLOAT ade and mass arrests. houseboats and a guest house, and Abdul Khaliq A year on, the sight of tourists works as a volunteer for the charity, Shora, 70, is fleeing Kashmir still haunts Feroz said, “Our charity is supported by surviving on aid Ahmed Shanglu, a houseboat owner our community members outside from a charity. His houseboat near the Dal Lake in Srinagar. “My Kashmir. Our community is not used has been lying business was good before Article 370 to aid and that is why every family vacant since

was revoked,” he said. “The hotels listed with us is identified by a code August, and UMER ASIF referred tourists to my houseboat for number and food kits are delivered needs repair overnight stays.” to them at night.” The dearth of sightseers dried up Land rides have fared no better. his savings; dazed and confused, he Ghulam Nabi Pandav, chairman, no raw material as everything was said there were more than the “of- to get orders online and the money traders and on truck drivers coming approached the Houseboat Owners Kashmir Tourist Taxi Operators shut and phones were also blocked,” ficial” 2.5 lakh artisans in Kashmir, through net banking,” said a female into Kashmir discouraged them from Welfare Trust for help. The chari- Association, said 26,000 cab drivers said Nazir Ahmed Malik, a weaver in and that the handicrafts department entrepreneur. “But after the internet pursuing deals, local farmers were ty, which gives monthly aid to 600 were without work since August. Pattan. A half-finished carpet lay un- seemed unmoved by their plight. was blocked, we could not do any left without buyers. The government houseboat and shikara owners, took “Many drivers are working as labour- attended as he spoke. “Even if I had Syed Kounsar Shah, who ex- business.” offered to buy the fruit, but not many care of him. ers away from their homes so that completed this carpet, there would ports papier-mâché products, said Education also stalled. About growers came forward. Later in the year, after the lock- nobody recognises them,” he said. be no buyers,” he said. “My son now some artisans had become suicidal 10 lakh students could not attend As the autumn leaves fell, sector down was eased a bit, Shanglu met “We were told rivers of milk would works as a labourer in Srinagar and because of unsold stocks. “We are school and college for months last after sector bled. As per a December owners of several hotels and guest flow in Kashmir after Article 370 [was that is all we are surviving on.” now arranging counselling [ses- year because of curfew-like restric- report of the Kashmir Chamber of houses, looking for work. “They used revoked]. Where are those rivers?” The story repeats itself in neigh- sions] for them,” Shah said. “I am an tions. They returned to classes in Commerce and Industry, Kashmir to hire me for making kahwa and The carpet industry, one of the bouring villages. award-winning exporter, but today, March, but the pandemic forced lost between 014,296.10 crore and noon chai (salt tea) for tourists, but mainstays of business in Kashmir, is Every year, Kashmir exports about like most artisans, I feel desperate.” them back home. And though online 017,800 crore, and 4.9 lakh jobs be- none of them had any business,” also hanging by a thread. At Pattan 01,600 crore worth of handicrafts, The lockdown aside, the suspen- classes have been introduced, the tween August and December. In July he said. Since June, he has found and Sumbal, considered the carpet which includes shawls, papi- sion of high-speed internet also slow internet has played spoilsport. 2020, it updated the figure to 040,000 some work at weddings and small belt of Kashmir, dozens of weavers er-mâché products and wood carv- killed many businesses. Hundreds of The story in Kashmir’s apple crore. events outside Srinagar. “I get 0700 a have closed their looms and have ings. Parvez Ahmad Bhat, president WhatsApp accounts, which could not orchards, too, is not rosy. In Octo- In Jammu, however, most of the day (selling tea), but save only 0500 taken to menial labour. “There was of the Artisan Rehabilitation Forum, be updated, were deleted. “We used ber, after militant attacks on apple restrictions of the post-abrogation

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lockdown were quickly lifted Until last August, only perma- “This is unprecedented,” said a teh- domicile certificate based on their for a better life. That will not only A HEAD LOCK and internet connectivity was nent residents were considered sildar who did not want to be named. PRCs, the order has sparked fears alter the demography of the Union restored earlier. The region domiciles. Article 35A defined a “While issuing PRCs, it used to take of a National Register of Citizens territory, but also reduce the societal Kashmir yearly exports saw growth in manufacturing permanent resident as a person who weeks and sometimes months to ver- in Kashmir. In fact, some revenue clout of permanent residents. handicrafts worth of plastic and steel products, was living in Jammu and Kashmir ify the antecedents of the applicant.” officials THE WEEK spoke to in It could also affect jobs. According 01,400 crore to 01,600 crore. These include shawls, pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, and on May 14, 1954, or had been living Another tehsildar spoke of a recent Kashmir believed that it was easier to the Centre for Monitoring Indian papier mâché products animal and poultry feed. The toll there for 10 years and had lawfully procedural headache. After she had for an outsider to get the domicile Economy, the unemployment rate in and walnut wood carvings on imports from other states was acquired immovable property. The sought documents from a man who certificate. The rules dictate that the Jammu and Kashmir is currently 17.9 Manufacturing and also abolished, making goods state government would issue them claimed to be living in Kashmir for PRC should match with government per cent, far higher than the national construction sectors cheaper for consumers. a Permanent Resident Certificate more than 15 years, she got a call records, but the officials feared that average of 8 per cent. The domicile lost 04,095 crore, Local businesses, however, (PRC), which was needed to apply from an Army officer asking her to some records could have been lost law has come at a time when, ac- forcing 70,000 people are worried about their abil- for government jobs and to buy issue the certificate. “I told him that due to a number of reasons, includ- cording to the Union home ministry, out of work ity to compete with cheaper immovable property. the man had no documentary proof ing floods and fires. there are 84,000 government vacan- goods from outside. “Our cost Then, on May 18, the UT admin- or witnesses to support his claim,” The immediate beneficiaries of the cies to be filled. Agriculture and allied of manufacturing is higher than istration issued the Jammu and she said. “I told him he would be domicile law are the migrants living As for investment from outside, sectors lost 04,591 crore and 12,000 jobs neighbouring states because Kashmir Grant of Domicile Certifi- posted elsewhere tomorrow, but I in Jammu and Kashmir. Currently, at sources said the revenue department we import raw material from cate (Procedure) Rules, 2020. Under have to live here and cannot flout the least 17 lakh of them are eligible for a had identified around 50,000 acres, outside,” said Annil Suri, former these, the tehsildar has to issue the rules.” She said the officer under- domicile certificate. mostly in Jammu, to set up indus- president of the Bari Brahmana domicile certificate within 15 days of stood and did not insist. Also, with a nudge from the Centre, trial units. According to sources in Industries Association. “We have application, failing which he could While the government has said the underprivileged from other states the State Industrial Development to pay higher freight charges on lose 050,000 from his salary. that permanent residents will get the could look to Jammu and Kashmir Corporation, several companies raw material; skilled manpower also comes from outside.” He PAIN AND said that, after they paid migrant NO GAIN workers in March, all of them A wood-carving were ferried out. “Now there is artist at work in Srinagar. The labour shortage in Jammu,” he communication added. blockade has severely About 10 lakh students FOR MOST people in Kashmir, hampered could not attend classes the revocation of articles 370 and sales of because of curfew for 35A was always about changing handicrafts months last year the demography of India's only Muslim-majority state. This im- Kashmir's economy lost more than 017,800 crore pression only deepened after the till December 2019. Centre, on March 31, announced About 4.9 lakh jobs were new domicile rules under the lost during August- October 2019 Jammu and Kashmir Reorgani- sation (Adaptation of State Laws) Tourism took the biggest Order, 2020. cumulative hit of The order defined domiciles as 0 9,191 crore and 74,500 those who have lived in Jammu job losses and Kashmir for 15 years and On May 17, the Kashmir those who have studied for seven Economic Alliance of trade years and appeared in Class 10 organisations reported that and Class 12 exams in schools 0 Kashmir lost 8,416. 2 crore there. It also included any Indian during the first two months of Covid-19 lockdown citizen who had been an employ- ee of the Central government or a public-sector undertaking in SOURCE KASHMIR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Jammu and Kashmir for 10 years. AND INDUSTRY And, the children of anyone who

GRAPHICS SREEMANIKANDAN S. fulfilled the criteria above. UMER ASIF

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have shown interest in investing in areas”, where the Army could carry Jammu for fear of strengthening what a variety of sectors, including health out unhindered construction and they consider “anti-national” protests care, hospitality, education and related activities. in Kashmir. agriculture. Syed Mujtaba, a lawyer in Kash- Zorawar Singh Jamwal of Team Chaitanya Sharma, manager of the mir, said the Centre could not make Jammu, a socio-cultural group, said Time for Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promo- any law as the abrogation had been that though he was concerned, the tion Organisation, told THE WEEK challenged in the Supreme Court. new domicile law did have safe- street that they were in talks with com- “The lieutenant governor does not guards. “Navin Choudhary (an IAS panies, but the pandemic had put represent the people of Jammu and officer from Bihar whose domicile protests everything on hold. Kashmir, but the Centre,” he said. certificate went viral) has been living Some local businessmen said they “The people have no agency.” A in Jammu and Kashmir for 26 years,” AFP has passed welcomed outside investment, but government spokesman, however, he said. “Only then has he gotten the that the government should dispel said there were adequate safeguards certificate.” the Jammu-based National Pan- of the information and educa- ur primary fight will be fears that inviting such companies in place and accused the political However, Sushma Singh, who lives thers Party, said the domicile law tion departments have also been in the courts because was not part of the plan to change parties of spreading misinformation. on the outskirts of Jammu, said she was unfair to the educated youth of removed. No daily wager has been O that is where we the region’s demography. “Land Unlike in Kashmir, the scrapping of was worried about the future of her Jammu and Kashmir, and that the regularised.” expect to get justice could be leased to outsiders to set up the state's special status was greeted daughter, who recently passed her government should at least have That all is not well for the BJP in from. There is no point expect- business even when Article 370 was with cheer in Jammu, especially by CBSE class 12 exams. “Now outsiders retained the permanent resident sta- Jammu was evident when the party ing justice from the very gov- in effect,” said a businessman. He BJP supporters. The domicile law, will also stake a claim on seats in tus. “There has been no development won only 52 of 148 seats in the block ernment that snatched Article added that the government had also, however, has them worried about professional colleges here,” she said. and only retrenchment since last development council elections in 370 from the people of Jammu on July 18, approved amendments to losing jobs and business to outsiders. “We are now feeling insecure.” August; around 1,200 health workers October. This when the National and Kashmir,” former chief the law to allow marking of “strategic There has been no open dissent in Harsh Dev Singh, chairperson of were sacked,” he said. “Employees Conference and the Peoples Demo- minister Farooq Abdullah told cratic Party did not contest. THE WEEK. “As a political party, it is but natural that we will SOIL AND TOIL also keep the people abreast A woman carries NOTABLY, most political leaders of what we plan to do. We were lunch for her detained in early August have been among the first to approach the husband working reluctant to broach the topic of in a paddy Supreme Court and we have abrogation even after their release field in central one of the best-drafted peti- Kashmir; (above) several months later. The silence of tions. If by proactive you mean Farooq and the senior NC leaders and former street protests, then the time Molly Abdullah in chief ministers Farooq Abdullah [for] that has passed. We are a October, 2019 and his son, Omar, has fuelled democratic mainstream party speculation that the party is hoping and will use every democratic only for the restoration of state- means at our disposal.” hood. On July 27, Omar wrote in As for the 'Gupkar declara- a national daily that he would not tion', where regional parties of contest assembly elections as long Jammu and Kashmir resolved as Jammu and Kashmir remained a to stand together and fight Union territory. the abrogation on August 4, The party's workers, some of 2019, Farooq said: “I cannot whom have spent their whole lives say what its current status with the NC, are not pleased. “We is. Some of the signatories to fought separatists only because we the declaration have gone to had autonomy, our own flag and court individually and some have not bothered to challenge laws that protected our identity,” the abrogation at all. When said a leader in Srinagar. “Now we all the leaders are freed from have nothing and our party is saying detention, the NC will meet it will fight in court.” and decide on its next course The reason the burden of fighting of action. But we are clear that is on the NC is that it is the only we do not accept the changes party whose leadership and support forced on us on August 5 and base are still largely intact. And the will continue to oppose them.”

UMER ASIF BJP knows this. The party is now

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banking on the delimitation process, which would be completed in May. As part of this, Jammu is expected to gain twice the number of seats as Security forces have Kashmir. Before last August, the state assembly had 87 seats, including stopped handing over four from Ladakh. Kashmir had 46, the bodies of local Jammu 37. militants to their The BJP hopes for votes of the West Pakistan refugees, Gorkhas and Val- families to prevent mikis, who have gained certain rights emotional funerals, because of the abrogation. The party which they said is also banking on the new domiciles, especially in the Muslim-majority motivated the youth to areas of the Chenab valley and the Pir join militancy. Panjal region of Jammu. Only Mehbooba Mufti, PDP president and former chief minister, who is still detained under the Public Safety Act at her home in Srinagar, continues to be defiant. Analysts said she wants to salvage her image, which was sullied by her alliance with ON THE PROWL the BJP in 2014. The party, though, Special Operations seems to be in disarray as many of Group personnel its leaders have joined the Jammu leave a gun- battle site on and Kashmir Apni Party, which PDP the ouskirts of minister Altaf Bukhari floated with Srinagar, where

the BJP's backing last year. AFP two militants were As for the separatists, the abroga- killed on July 25 tion has left them in tatters. On June 29, Syed Ali Shah Geelani resigned from the chairmanship of the Hur- direct control of the Centre. That The Resistance Front (TRF), an- Kupwara. After that, security forces were killed in Srinagar. “In the past Anantnag. Deputy General of Police riyat Conference (G) and accused freed it from political interference nounced its presence with a grenade intensified operations. two months, there have been at- Dilbag Singh said the attack was the its constituents of shying away from and increased synergy with the Army attack on security forces at Hari In April, 23 militants were killed in tempts by the JeM (Jaish-e-Moham- handiwork of a hybrid group of local accountability. and the CRPF. Singh High Street in Srinagar; seven the first 24 days. But, on May 3 and med) to carry out a Pulwama-type and foreign militants working togeth- The separatists had lost traction In 2019, security forces had killed people were injured. That the group 5, eight security forces personnel attack, but we have foiled them,” said er to confuse security forces. long before August 5 because of 133 militants before August 5, and had been active on Telegram while and two militants were killed in two a senior police officer. Security forces In another significant move, internal feuds and the inability to only 25 in the remaining months. internet was suspended in Kashmir engagements with the TRF at Hand- are on the trail of other listed mili- security forces have stopped handing get public support. The Centre's “We resumed operations after two led to suggestions that its handlers wara in Kupwara. tants, including Naikoo’s successor over the bodies of local militants to crackdown on separatists through weeks [of the abrogation],” said a were in Pakistan. The police said that On May 6, the security forces killed Saifullah Mir alias Ghazi Haider and their families to prevent emotional the National Investigation Agency hit senior police officer. “The priority Pakistan had formed the TRF to mis- Riyaz Naikoo, Hizbul Mujahideen JeM IED expert Adnan Bhai. funerals, which they said motivated both factions of the Hurriyat Confer- was to prevent 2010- and 2016-like lead the Financial Action Task Force, chief operations commander, and his There have been political casu- the youth to join militancy. Though ence, headed by Geelani and Mirwaiz agitations in which many civilians which had threatened to blacklist associate at Beighpora in Pulwama. alties, too. On July 8, militants shot police have cited the pandemic as Umar Farooq. were killed.” the country for supporting terrorism. “While on his trail, we managed dead BJP state executive member the official reason, police sources The restraint, however, led to “Lashkar floated the TRF with some to bust six of his hideouts,” said Sheikh Waseem Bari, his father said the policy was first discussed in AS EXPECTED, the abrogation has several militants infiltrating from members of the Hizbul Mujahideen,” Kumar. “We interrogated some of his Sheikh Bashir Ahmad and brother 2018, but could not be implemented affected the security of the region. Pakistan. Minister of State for Home said Vijay Kumar, inspector general, over-ground workers and got vital Sheikh Umar, who were also of- due to objections by local politicians. Since January, security forces have G. Kishan Reddy, last December, Jammu and Kashmir Police. information.” fice-bearers of the party, outside their Kashmir has seen many such killed at least 133 militants in Pulwa- told Parliament that there were 84 The group gained notoriety after On May 19, Junaid Sehrai, the Bandipora home. The attack hap- changes in the past one year. And ma, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag infiltration attempts and 59 militants five of its militants and five Army Hizbul Mujahideen’s divisional com- pened a month after Ajay Pandita, a now, another autumn beckons. The districts of south Kashmir. After last could have slipped in. men were killed in an encounter on mander for central Kashmir, and his Congress sarpanch, was shot dead by chinar leaves must fall again; hope, August, the state police came under Last October, a new militant group, April 4 near the Line of Control in associate Tariq Ahmed of Pulwama, militants in his village of Larkipora in though, can cling on.

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ligerent across diplomatic forums. It has also been under domestic pressure to instigate violence in Jammu and Kashmir. We have an all-weather, effective, multilayered counterinfiltration grid in place. n INTERVIEW We keep updating our drills and use technology to beat any fresh Lieutenant General B.S. Raju, tactics used by the adversary. General Officer Commanding, XV Corps, Indian Army The surveillance grid has a mix of technological tools for all-weather day-and-night surveillance. The Sino-Indian tensions effective surveillance grid and top class weaponry ensure we respond hard and fast, in a punitive manner. have not affected The Pakistanis know it and the the situation on the unlucky ones experience it. Q/ It is said that local militant recruitment dipped in 2019. Pakistan front A/ The recruitment of local boys in

BY TARIQ BHAT XV CORPS DEFENCE PRO COURTESY PHOTO 2019 was less compared with 2018 and it shows the decline in terror influence. Local terror recruitment LIEUTENANT GENERAL B.S. tive action (situation) has been the quarantine and testing of personnel kinetic operations to kill terrorists, normally are the civilians, and are is one of our primary concerns. Our Raju, who heads the Army’s Srina- cornerstone of our security strategy. coming after leave. During opera- with a focus on the terror leader- working hard to defeat such efforts. efforts are aimed at weaning the gar-based Chinar Corps (XV Corps), The adversary’s principal strategy is tions, all precautions are taken as ship, has also played a role. The success in the south is comple- youth away from terror. Proactive has been successful in tackling the to instigate violence and cause the per the recommended protocol. mented by similar operations in the steps are being taken to identify twin challenges of infiltration opera- loss of Kashmiri life and property, However, if things get active on the Q/ Is south Kashmir free of north, which is affected more by Pa- and counsel vulnerable youth. tions along the Line of Control (LoC) which starts a cycle of violence. Our LoC, we are ready for all contingen- militancy now as claimed by the kistani terrorists who infiltrate across In this we seek help and support and counterterror operations in the strategy is to carry out most opera- cies. police? Will the focus now shift the LoC. This year, a robust counter of the civil society. New recruits hinterlands. In an exclusive interview tions based on specific intelligence to the north, where a mix of local infiltration grid and the domination have very low survivability, with with THE WEEK, the commander and in a manner ensuring minimum Q/ There has been a sharp decline and foreign militants are mount- of the LoC have curbed infiltration. some getting killed within a couple discussed the impact of Covid-19 on use of force and taking all steps to in stone-pelting incidents during ing attacks? There have been successful elimina- of months. We are working to operations in the valley, the improve- avoid collateral damage. Precaution- anti-militancy operations. A/ The success in eliminating terror- tion of terrorists who were trying to firstly prevent the local youth from ment in the security situation in ary and preemptive measures for the A/ The principal strategy of Paki- ists operating in the hinterland and infiltrate both in the Baramulla and joining terrorism and secondly to south Kashmir and whether Pakistan safety and security of the people have stani handlers and their proxies an effective counterinfiltration grid the Kupwara sectors. The terror tan- facilitate the surrender of those is trying to take advantage of Sino-In- been instrumental in saving lives. has been to instigate violence have virtually broken the backbone zeems (groups) are under pressure who have joined terror groups. dian tensions. The recent spurt in civilian killings and protests that can lead to the of terrorism in J&K. There are pock- from their handlers for executing Excerpts: is a repeat of the terror activities deaths of civilians. Pakistan has ets of turbulence in south Kashmir terror activities as we head towards Q/ So you want to give the that happened last September, and been using a variety of means to and we are focusing on these pock- the completion of one year of relative militants an opportunity to Q/ Do give us a sense of the current is indicative of the desperation of instigate violent protests including ets. The security forces and other peace after the August 5 legislative surrender. security situation against the terrorist controllers. They are resort- stone-pelting, using money and a agencies have been working in action. We are working hard to deny A/ Promoting surrender is some- backdrop of last August’s legislative ing to hitting soft targets among the network of radicalised over ground tandem to maintain a robust coun- any operational space to these terror- thing that we are working on at action [revocation of Jammu and Kashmiri population. We are working workers (OGW). Concerted police terterrorist grid in south Kashmir. ists and to provide an environment of multiple levels. In all operations, Kashmir’s special status and turn- towards neutralising this threat, too. action to cut off hawala and drug The past one year has witnessed the peace and security to the people. we extend every opportunity to ing it into a Union territory] and Covid-19 is a challenge for com- channels has choked funding for elimination of all major terrorist local terrorists to give up arms the threat of Covid-19? mon citizens and soldiers alike. such anti-national activities. Good leaders. The number of terrorists Q/ How is the Army dealing with and return to the mainstream. A/ The internal situation in Kashmir The Army has been involved in the intelligence and policing has en- operating in the valley has gone the threat of infiltration and During most encounters, we halt is stable but sensitive. Maintaining dissemination of information about sured identification and booking of down because of reduced recruit- militant infrastructure in Pakistan- operations and involve the parents peace has been the prime goal of all Covid precautions, distribution of OGWs. The civil society is actively ment and successes in counterter- occupied Kashmir? or society elders to urge trapped government agencies. The preven- sanitisation supplies and relief ma- contributing to control these violent ror operations. We are conscious A/ Since the legislative action on Au- local terrorists to surrender. Even tion of violence in the post legisla- terial. We have a detailed protocol of activities. The recent success in of the threat to soft targets, which gust 5, 2019, Pakistan has been bel- before encounters, as part of our

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Covid-19 pandemic has gripped us,” counterterror operations protocol, visible in such acts. It is also inter- reachout programmes? said Gyal P. Wangyal, chairman of the we reach out to friends and family esting to note that Geelani found A/ The support and cooperation we Ladakh Autonomous Hill Develop- of a known terrorist to facilitate no one in Jammu and Kashmir fit have received from the awam in ment Council. surrender. The family and the and ready to carry his anti-India our outreach programmes has been According to Wangyal, Ladakh has misguided youth are assured of ideology forward. The proxies in overwhelming. Our programmes to start from scratch. “Ladakh used to state help in surrender, security PoK are his last hope. These are are running well within the revised get only 2 per cent of the total budget from terror retribution and help in also indicators of a failing struc- safety protocols and we are helping of Jammu and Kashmir [even though rehabilitation. To make it more at- ture, with infighting, slandering the awam by spreading information it covered 65 per cent of the state’s tractive, we have given suggestions and the blame game coming to about Covid, distribution of saniti- area]. So development was almost to the government to update the the fore. The Pakistan–separa- sation kits/face masks and humani- negligible here,” he said. existing surrender policy. We also tist–terrorist nexus is at its lowest tarian aid to the needy, especially in The council, which was set up look at the awam (general public) ebb. The Pakistan-controlled far-flung areas.We have incorporated in 1995 after a series of agitations, IN PRAYER and Kashmiri society to construc- proxies are focused on re-engi- has 30 members; re-elections are safety guidelines and have suitably A Ladakhi, tively engage with the youth to neering violence and generating modified the implementation of our with a expected to be held in September or remove the false notion of ‘jannat a state of fear. We as a nation outreach initiatives. The joint efforts praying October. The ruling BJP has an edge in martyrdom’ spread by Pakistani need to identify this opportunity of all stakeholders in the nation- wheel and over the Congress in the polls.

and separatist propaganda. and work hard to strengthen the al fight against the pandemic will AHLAWAT SANJAY beads, in With Article 370 gone, there is fear progressive elements in Jammu ensure that the people of Kashmir Leh market that the influx of outsiders would Q/ How many local and foreign and Kashmir. will remain safe and healthy. We are Keeping lead to a change in the region’s militants are active in Jammu confident that with our combined demographics. “With no special and Kashmir? Q/ Ceasefire violations along efforts, we shall overcome this hur- status, Ladakh will become open A/ Estimates regarding active the LoC have increased. Is Paki- dle. The Army is constantly working for all, especially in terms of real militants vary, but the figures are stan trying to take advantage of alongside the civil administration to the faith estate,” said Wangyal. “That is why we down because of the relentless Sino-Indian tensions? bring succour to the lives of the peo- need protection of land. It has to be successful operations. This is A/ There is only one reason for the ple. We have modified our combat Ladakhis remain optimistic about the ensured that potential buyers do not largely a result of good control near constant ceasefire viola- drills as per Covid-19 advisories to future, even as they worry about an exploit us. Domicile rules for Ladakh over infiltration, killing of existing tions—Pakistan is attempting to ensure the safety of both the soldiers are also required.” cadres and reduced recruitment. assist more and more terrorists to and the awam in all interactions. influx of outsiders Abdul Qayum, president of the The number of terrorists remain- infiltrate into India. The Pakistan Force preservation in the times of the Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam, which rep- ing does not matter much since army facilitates these infiltration pandemic remains our concern even BY PRADIP R. SAGAR/Ladakh resents 20,000 Sunni Muslims in Leh, lower numbers do not mandate attempts. Also, in the summer as we ensure the safety and securi- Dras and Zanskar, fears that Ladakh a major change in our methods; months, an escalation in cease- ty of the national borders and the or the people of Ladakh, the Kargil. Leh is dominated by Bud- is set to lose its cultural identity. a single terrorist with a pistol fire violations and infiltration hinterland. past one year has been one dhists; Kargil, by Shia Muslims. There “With enough funds from the Union can prove lethal and terrorise attempts is well anticipated. F of hope and apprehensions. are about 1.15 lakh Shias and 1.35 government, Ladakh will develop,” the population. We are working The Army is well poised and Q/ What is your reaction to the de- Hope, because the erst- lakh Buddhists. Hindus, Sikhs, Sunni he said. “But I feel the ‘Ladakhiness’ towards addressing the complete fully committed to not allow any mand for a political initiative to fill while Buddhist kingdom’s Muslims and others number around will be lost. We have a distinct culture ecosystem that nurtures terrorism misadventure by Pakistan. The the vacuum created by the abroga- decades-old dream to be a Union 10,000. and identity; I don’t think it is going so that we can once again focus on situation on the Ladakh border is tion of Article 370 and the bifurca- territory finally came true on August The past one year has not seen any to last.” development, prosperity and the also well under control. There has tion of Jammu and Kashmir? 5 last year. “It was the result of a 70- big-ticket development work here. Qayum said Leh has benefited well-being of the population. not been any major escalation A/ Our role as security forces is to en- year fight of the people of Ladakh to Prime Minister Narendra Modi re- administratively—people no longer in the situation on the Pakistan sure a secure environment where the get their identity,” said P.T. Kunzang, cently approved the plan for the first have to travel to Srinagar to make Q/ How do you look at the recent front. We are aware of some administration and the civil society president of the influential Ladakh Central university in Ladakh, which their grievances heard. But he resignation of Syed Ali Geelani, defensive deployments done can function without the fear of the Buddhist Association, which had will have a centre for Buddhist stud- believes that demographic change is a vocal supporter of militancy, by the Pakistanis. The situation gun. We are working on that singular been spearheading the agitation. ies. This will help Ladakhis, who now now imminent. Leh is easily acces- from the Hurriyat Conference? in Gilgit-Baltistan is also being aim. It is a work in progress…. On the Apprehension, because Ladakhis have to travel hundreds of kilometres sible by air, and every year it hosts A/ The resignation of a man who watched. There has not been any political front, the government has now worry about jobs and protecting from home for higher education. The tourists that number four times its has already lost his relevance is major perceptible escalation in clearly enunciated the objectives and their land and fragile ecosystem. Union government has also allocated population. an effort to regain space for the the situation on the Pakistan front the roadmap for the political land- “People who want to use the resourc- 06,000 crore for various development Qayum said the only way forward separatists. It reveals the corrup- owing to the situation on our scape and we are confident that we es in Ladakh for selfish purposes are projects. “A cold desert, Ladakh only is to give more teeth to the hill devel- tion and the Pakistani roots in all borders with China. will soon see progress on that front. not welcome,” said J.T. Namgyal of gets few months of summer to carry opment council. “Unless the Union actions of the separatists. The des- It will not be apt for me to comment the BJP, who represents Ladakh in out development work. Activities government empowers the council,” peration of the Pakistani establish- Q/ What has been the impact of on the political developments or the Lok Sabha. had to wait till March because of the he said, “I do not see any change in ment and the separatist camp is Covid-19 on the Army's public scenarios. Ladakh has two districts, Leh and snow. But from March onwards, the decision-making.”

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joining the anti-China chorus with the US. “India needs friends, and in diplomacy, there are no permanent Testing times friends, only permanent interests,” he said. Ansari said the way forward for Delhi’s foremost challenge would be PTI peace in the region was a tripartite phased withdrawal of security forces dialogue with Pakistan and China, as M.M. Ansari, the Line of Control and the Line of from and smooth conduct of assembly Actual Control were not internation- former elections in Jammu and Kashmir ally accepted borders. interlocutor, Referring to the Galwan Valley clash Jammu and of June, Pillai said: “India cannot BY NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA open too many fronts. It needs to be Kashmir, careful how it treats its neighbours. year after articles 370 and “A variety of developmental said the way When we deal with the Kashmir 35A were struck down, activities were anticipated, but little situation, it is not only the domestic a list of challenges still happened after Jammu and Kash- forward for audience that is listening. We know A confronts the Centre. mir went into a second lockdown peace was the Chinese were not only listening These include legally because of Covid-19,” admitted a a tripartite and watching, but also preparing,” defending the bifurcation of Jammu government official. PLANNING Pillai said, referring to the Galwan and Kashmir, assuring people of the The benefits of certain Cen- MODE dialogue with Valley clash of June. region that the decision was not an tral laws are also yet to reach the Prime Minister Pakistan and A section of the security estab- attempt to change demography, and grassroots. “The empowerment of Modi with lishment, however, believed that National Security China. defeating the home-grown militancy the Panchayati Raj institutions is Advisor Ajit Doval Chinese ambitions in Kashmir had born of a deep sense of alienation in still not complete. The babus in the nothing to do with Article 370 and Kashmiri Muslims. central secretariat do not believe that they would grab any territory if “The alienation of the Kashmiri in decentralisation of powers,” said former Border Security Force chief, to control the narrative in Kash- from Mirpur in PoK and living in there was an opportunity. Muslim is nearly 100 per cent after Anil Sharma, president of the All said heavy deployment of security mir, which he failed at. exile in the UK, told THE WEEK. “India will not hesitate from revis- the abrogation of Article 370,” said Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat forces had prevented terror inci- The ISI is now, reportedly, pool- Geo-strategic experts said the iting its China policy,” said a top in- former home secretary G.K. Pillai, Conference. “People feel as if they dents, but a wave of mass mobilisa- ing the resources of Jaish-e-Mo- abrogation was also meant to send telligence official. “India will pursue who was part of discussions between did something wrong by supporting tion can be expected in future. hammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba for signals to China and Pakistan. “The strategic autonomy by not working the Centre and Kashmiri groups dur- the abrogation. They cannot meet The litmus test for the Centre infiltration and attacks. Pakistan Modi government wanted to tell against interests of any country, but ing the previous UPA government. any administrative secretary for re- would be the phased withdrawal of seems to be worried that further them that after such internal reor- whenever Indian interests overlap, it “The Covid-19 crisis and the ensuing dressal of their grievances. Corrup- security forces and the smooth con- integration with India would sever ganisation, a red line will be drawn will collaborate with others, includ- lockdown have been a blessing in tion continues at all levels.” duct of assembly elections. Sources social ties between PoK and Jam- on their interventionist policies,” said ing in military cooperation.” disguise for the security situation. Anoop Kaul, chairman of Sampoorn said that Delhi would like to wait for mu and Kashmir, and is trying to Srikanth Kondapalli, a professor in As for the on-ground situation How the government utilises this Kashmir Sanghathan, said the the delimitation process to end and lure young professionals from the Chinese studies at Jawaharlal Nehru in Jammu and Kashmir, a securi- time to generate employment, initi- government should issue a domicile economic activity to pick up before valley who sympathise with the University. “However, China's ap- ty expert in the government said ate developmental works and launch certificate to all Kashmiri Pandits calling elections. Pakistani narrative on Kashmir. proach is to put India on the defen- National Security Advisor Ajit outreach programmes will temper living outside the Union territory. Sources also said that the Centre Delhi's direct control of the se- sive, and hence took the issue to the Doval would be the man to take the the repercussions later.” He also demanded that a truth and might release a few political de- curity grid in Kashmir could give it UN Security Council thrice last year. Union territory out of the double With the delimitation process and reconciliation commission be set tainees as a symbolic gesture to get the upper hand, but for normalcy If China does not resist the lifting lockdown. “History is replete with new domicile law, Kashmiris feel up to bring out the actual reasons public support. By now, many of to return, more bloodshed cannot of Article 370, the Kashmir land it examples of how princely states that they can be dispossessed of their behind the exodus and bring all the detainees are too weak to shape be ruled out. However, the good acquired from Pakistan (including merged with India grew to become rights by hegemonic control through culprits to justice. public opinion. news for Delhi is the burgeoning Aghil, Shimshal, Ruksam and Sak- world-class destinations. The IT city new settlers, said M.M. Ansari, There is also growing resentment The separatists have also lost pro-independence sentiment in shgam) will be in jeopardy.” India, of Hyderabad is one example and former interlocutor, Jammu and among people, especially in Jammu, their power. Recently, Syed Ali Shah PoK. “Instead of keeping the [24 in a tit for tat move, raised the Hong they can thank [Sardar Vallabhb- Kashmir. about the UT status; home ministry Geelani resigned from his faction of seats reserved for PoK in the as- Kong issue at the UN Human Rights hai] Patel for it,” said a government Policymakers in Delhi, however, sources indicated that Home Minis- the All Party Hurriyat Conference. sembly] empty, the Indian govern- Council in July. official. are confident that once the benefits ter Amit Shah, who wants to control Intelligence agencies have inputs ment should consider nominating Pillai said Modi was disillusioned The government hopes to do the of the new domicile law start show- the security situation, is keen on on how the Pakistan Inter-Services the people from PoK living in exile with Chinese president Xi Jinping same with Jammu and Kashmir, and ing, people will embrace the change. restoring statehood. D.K. Pathak, Intelligence was leaning on Geelani to those seats,” Amjad Ayub Mirza, and there was a worry that India was Ladakh.

36 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 37 COVER STORY JAMMU AND KASHMIR

This is because investments were not accomplished what it has in the allowed from outside. All that has last one year, I think we should look been changed with the new domicile forward to it as the next agenda. law. The Covid-19 lockdown has caused some interruption, other- Q/ How do you see the future wise a big outreach programme had of separatists in the Valley and been started by the Union territory mainstream political parties like government to facilitate and cre- the National Conference and the ate awareness about investment PDP? options that were available. They A/ Separatists have no future. Sep- were visualising a huge investment aratism in Kashmir is by conven- up to 025,000 crore and had started ience and not conviction.... They conducting outreach programmes in have been unfaithful to their own n EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW various cities like Mumbai, Bengalu- people and trying to bluff them by Jitendra Singh, ru and Kolkata. New industrial hubs raising the slogan of separatism. minister of state in Prime Minister's Office have been identified in small districts There are many separatist leaders like Udhampur and many potential who are drawing pension as ex-leg- investors are already keen to set up islators, including Geelani.... This will be the last phase of units. On the one hand they claim not to be subscribing to the Consti- militancy or terrorism in J&K Q/ When will the assembly tution of India, on the other hand elections be held? they are very particular to make use BY NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

SANJAY AHLAWAT SANJAY A/ They will happen in due course of of each and every privilege made time and, as you know, the delimita- available through the Constitu- tion exercise is also going on. tion. They fooled people for three Q/ There is concern over the securi- in Jammu and Kashmir. This itself the Centre. All these laws were either it is the vote bank demography. generations and now the young ty situation in Jammu and Kashmir speaks for the security situation. not implemented or implemented They feel if someone comes from Q/ What is the plan for Pakistan- generation in Kashmir is not ready post abrogation of Article 370. in a modified or truncated form to outside and gets citizenship after occupied-Jammu and Kashmir? to be taken for a ride.... A/ Till as late as August 5, 2019, all Q/ When can we expect a ter- suit political interests. Citizenship living there for ten years as per the A/ PoJK is a part of India and it was As far as the dynasties are the prophets of doom were saying ror-free Jammu and Kashmir? rights were not given to refugees who domicile law—or an IAS officer forcibly occupied by Pakistan and concerned, not just in Jammu and no one can touch Article 370. They A/ I can speak from the evidence on settled there from Pakistan.... is allocated AGMUT (Arunachal that too when Indian forces were on Kashmir but all over India, the had gone to the extent of saying that the ground that terrorists are on the But now for the first time, Jammu Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Ter- the verge of retrieving it. It was one feudalist hangover is over.... Today, if somebody even touches it, there run. This is going to be the last phase and Kashmir is enjoying similar ritory) cadre and after serving there of the many Nehruvian blunders as people have learnt to test and elect will be earthquakes, (eruption of) of militancy or terrorism in Jammu kind of liberty and freedom as rest of for a couple of years, he will also get history records it that prime min- their representatives on the basis volcanoes and bloodshed. But... and Kashmir. India. It is the only Union territory voting rights and likewise students, ister Jawaharlal Nehru went to the of hard evidence. What has also the following six months have been which has got two AIIMS. This hap- Pakistani refugees or Gorkha settlers Akashvani Bhavan and made the an- happened is that in the last six the most peaceful festive season in Q/ How is the government ensuring pened after the personal intervention get similar voting rights—that will nouncement of unilateral ceasefire years under Modi, there has been a Jammu and Kashmir. This was the good governance? of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. impact their limited captive vote without consulting his cabinet, home whole new opening of avenues and time when we had Diwali, Holi, Eid A/ The Prevention of Corruption In the last five years, more than half bank on which they have been minister or defence minister and the opportunities particularly for the and Moharram. Among national Act, 1988, dealt by the Department a dozen medical colleges funded by thriving on. Otherwise, if there is a territory was lost to Pakistan. youth and now in the age of social [holidays], we had Independence of Personnel and Training handled the Centre were opened but there healthy change of demography hap- The question now is how to media and connectivity, the youth Day and Republic Day. In the last by me, has been implemented in was no faculty since the local govern- pening all over the world, why should retrieve it. Even in 1994, when the of Kashmir are able to realise what 30 years, there has not been a single Jammu and Kashmir for the first ment did not allow them to purchase Jammu and Kashmir shy away from Congress was in power, a resolution they are missing out. occasion when there has been no time. Jammu and Kashmir had its land. That barrier has been removed it? There are certain advantages of it. was passed unanimously by Parlia- untoward incident during national own anti-corruption law which was now. Now people are increasingly realising ment saying that the only pending Q/ How do you see the entry of [holidays]. The perpetrators of terror- lacklustre.... Now it has an act that this facade of demography, and the issue between India and Pakistan is new political parties in Jammu ism in the state and Pakistan-spon- talks of time-bound disposal of cases Q/ There is worry that the new dom- debate is cooling down. of retrieving the illegally occupied and Kashmir? sored terror groups would always try and after the 2018 amendment, not icile law will change the demogra- part of Jammu and Kashmir that is in A/ As far as we in the BJP are con- to show their presence. This was the only the bribe taker but the bribe phy of Jammu and Kashmir. Q/ How big is the focus on industri- Pakistan's occupation. So why were cerned, the more the merrier. That only year when no untoward incident giver is also held guilty. Secondly, the A/ This debate has been raised by al growth? successive Congress governments is the spirit of democracy. took place.... This was also the year jurisdiction of the Central Vigilance those who have a huge vested polit- A/ Jalandhar city, which is close to quiet on it for 25 years? Now since To read the full interview when Block Development Council Commission has been extended. The ical interest. It is not the population Jammu, is a big business centre but the BJP and the NDA have shown elections [were held] for the first time Right to Information Act is same as at demography they are worried about, the latter has not [benefited from it]. the will to move forward and having Visit www.theweek.in

38 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 39 CURRENT EVENTS RAM TEMPLE

wahin, masjid nahin, jin patharon gation halls). It will be 161ft high, as has been at the workshop since 1990, ko santon ne sweekar kiya unse hi against the initial height of 128ft. The living in the cramped quarters on its Breaking mandir nirman (the mandir there, area of the temple was to be 140ft premises. “We have enough pillars no mosque, the mandir to be built by 268.5ft. This will now be 235ft by for one floor,” said Rai. “Those for from the stones accepted by the 360ft. While the original structure the second were to be carved when seers). Though Das’s current position required 1.75 lakh square feet stone, the first would be constructed. Now holy ground as chairperson is held to be largely the requirement is now 3.5 lakh there is double work to be done. ceremonial, he dismisses any talk of square feet. The only way that will happen in my Despite muted criticism among seers, discontent. “All this is just a figment While no one denies the need for lifetime is if the work is contracted of malicious imagination,” he said. a grander temple, many fear they elsewhere.” Ayodhya readies itself for a historic moment The proposed temple is bigger than will not live to see it. Among them Ayodhya is undergoing a limited in the Ram temple saga the one that was planned earlier. It is Anant Rai, who is in charge of facelift ahead of the bhoomi pujan. will have one shikhar (spire) sur- the Nyas workshop, where the pink The pillars and beams of the railway BY PUJA AWASTHI/Ayodhya rounded by four mandaps (congre- sandstone pillars rest. Rai, now 80, overbridge at Naya Ghat have been

A BARELY palpable excitement This body was announced on Feb- courses through Ayodhya as it ruary 5, as directed by the Supreme readies itself for the bhoomi pujan Court judgment on the title suit. (ground breaking ceremony) of the According to the gazette notification Ram Janmabhoomi temple on Au- on the formation of the SRJTKT, it gust 5. Municipal corporation vans bears powers ‘including construc- weave their way through the narrow tion of the temple and all necessary, lanes, asking residents to participate incidental and supplemental matters in a quick beautification of the town thereto’. that is readying itself for the biggest Champat Rai, vice president, VHP, event since the demolition of the is the general secretary of this new Babri mosque. trust. Rai was blooded into the Rash- While Covid-19 has scaled back triya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a the celebrations, there is muted crit- child and has been an active member icism among Ayodhya’s seers of the of the VHP and the temple move- way things are panning out. A new ment since 1991. He is the authorised body, the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi spokesperson for the SRJTKT, but Teerth Kshetra Trust (SRJTKT), is rarely speaks to the media and his managing the show, while older ones communication with the old guard such as the Nirmohi Akhara have of the temple movement is also been pushed to the background. erratic. As a result, rumours about It is a disappointment that is not the temple—for example, one about voiced directly. Ambrish Singh, re- a time capsule being placed in the gional organisational secretary, Vish- temple’s foundation, which Rai later va Hindu Parishad (VHP), said that shot down—float freely. A member while his organisation’s focus is the of the old guard said: “We know only Ram temple, it has many other tasks as much is out in the newspapers. All to carry out such as the protection of the manpower and material power PAWAN KUMAR PAWAN cows and stopping religious conver- now rest with Rai. We are nothing.” WORK, sions. “We will initiate a mass contact Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, chair- WORSHIP programme to ensure the emotional person of the SRJTKT and head of An artist from connect of Hindus with the mandir as the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, a trust Assam gives decided by the trust,” said Singh. But formed in 1993, was not part of the finishing touches it papers over the fact that the VHP original list of appointees to the new to idols at Ram Katha Kunj in old guard, which has long been at the trust. He had openly questioned the Ayodhya. These forefront of the Ram Janmabhoomi need for a new trust. This stemmed idols will find a movement, has been sidelined since from the guiding principle of the place at the Ram the formation of the SRJTKT. temple movement that went: Mandir temple

40 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 41 CURRENT EVENTS RAM TEMPLE

THE RAM TEMPLE 30 years in

APA the making ESTIMATED BY NANDINI OZA KUMAR PAWAN 80,000 COMPLETION N D COST IN THE TO 1 LAKH et to e hree to three and 161 FEET 360 FEET 235 FEET devotees a day determined a hal years Chandrakant Sompura, chief OFFING architect of the Ayodhya Ram The plot in temple, was reluctant to change the Dhannipur village where temple’s 30-year-old design. But, a mosque is STRUCTURE considering the improved connec- planned to be oadearin walls ear tivity and the increased importance constructed the weiht and transer now attached to the temple, he it to the round throuh agreed to make some modifications painted brightly. Shiv Narayan Singh, their belief that no prayers offered to the oundation ron will SECOND FLOOR not e used to it. He spent three months during a local artist, said he had chosen the seer go unanswered. Every April, not e used t is or aesthetic uroses and entry the pandemic making changes to Hindu symbols such as conch shells the death anniversary of Sharda Baba will e restricted the original design. and chakras against a background of draws devotees from afar. MATERIAL “I have no words to express my rainbow colours. “I have not painted Syed Mohammed Shoeb, CEO of ansi Paharur sandstone FIRST FLOOR feelings,” said Chandrakant, an any deities as the pillars will be des- the board, said they were yet to get rom haratur district ill have the am Darar Ahmedabad native. “My effort of ecrated by animals and humans,” he physical possession of the land. On ajasthan in o comrisin statues o 30 years is going to take shape.” said. Singh is also tasked with a few July 29, in a sudden move, probably sandstone am Sita ashman and Designing grand temples is in other paintings for the town but is prompted by the bhoomi pujan, the anuman rics rouht y kar sevaks his blood; his grandfather, Prab- unsure of how much he will be able board announced the setting up of to Ayodhya over the years hashankar, was the architect of the to complete. “I have not been paid the Indo-Islamic Cultural Founda- will e used in masonry Somnath temple in Gujarat and his since March, so work has been even tion (IICF) “for building the mosque father, Baldev, too, was a renowned more difficult,” he said. and other facilities for the benefit of architect. Chandrakant followed in The overall charge of priming the general public”. The plan, it said, their footsteps and has designed the Janmabhoomi has been given is to construct a mosque the same more than 100 temples. to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh size as the demolished one, along On August 5, when Prime Minister University in Faizabad. Manoj Dixit, with medical and health facilities, Narendra Modi lays the foundation vice chancellor, said that a rangoli of a community kitchen, a research stone for the temple, the 77-year-old flowers will be made at the site and centre, a museum, a library and a will not be able to attend owing to 1.25 lakh diyas will be lit there and publishing house. Covid-19 protocols. His sons Nikhil at other prominent spots. “We will Minor irritants to the bhoomi and Ashish will make presentations create a three-dimensional effect pujan, which will be beamed live by on the design. “I have worked with with the diyas, maybe write Bhaye Doordarshan, have sprung up. One Modiji on many projects like the Pragat Kripala Dindayala (The Lord is in the form of Kunwar Moham- Ambaji Temple and 51 Shaktipeeth; has appeared from the Ramcharit med Azam Khan, who leads a body I will miss this occasion,” said Manas) with them,” he said. called the Muslim Kar Sewak Manch. Chandrakant. About 25km away from the temple “Ram is our seer as well for we have Ashish said the ground floor’s site, on a dirt road that leads to the converted from Hinduism,” he said. area was increased after studying village of Dhannipur is the five-acre “Muslims have as much stake in the 10 temples with the most footfalls, plot that was given to the Sunni mandir and this should be recorded like the Golden Temple. Three Central Waqf Board. The land houses so that years from now controversy mandaps (stages) have been added a shrine to a local seer called Sharda does not erupt. The temple should and the height was increased for Baba. Abdul Majid, who runs a be a symbol of communal harmony. aesthetics. “Minor detailing, like the sweetmeat shop in front of it said If not invited to the bhoomi pujan, I GROUND FLOOR MARBLE FLOORING iconography, is yet to be done,” he that he has not seen anyone visit will drown myself in the Sarayu.” ill house the deity and 250columns three mandaps staes said. “It also depends on the kind the site since the allotment. “Some Meanwhile, an undeterred Ay- of marble that is to be used for weeks ago, government officials odhya ambles towards its big date flooring.” came and planted rice on it,” he said. with a destiny that has eluded it for GRAPHICS SREEMANIKANDAN S.\RESEARCH NANDINI OZA In Dhannipur, residents are firm in years.

42 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 43 COVID-19 MUMBAI

the residents of Dharavi. The World Health Organization, too, lauded this CHECK’S UP very aspect in Dharavi’s fight against A 200-bed hospital designated for Covid-19 Covid-19. “Children, almost 50 of treatment in Dharavi them, from the community came over asking for work, and we paid The them Rs300 per day for distributing food,” says Dighavkar. “ We had no shortage of manpower; when we ad- vertised for 50 ward boys, 450 people queued up outside my office.” grand Money, too, was available as a number of people, including many celebrities, contributed towards sal- vaging the crisis in Dharavi. “Every- slum one wanted to donate to Dharavi only,” says Dighavkar. “We acquired Through community a few private hospitals in the area, including the 51-bed Sai Hospital engagement, Dharavi has and Prabhat Nursing Home, and a transformed itself into a number of other facilities including lodges, hostel rooms, marriage halls beacon of hope in the fight and hotels. So, logistics was never an issue, and we were equipped to against Covid-19 have an instant end-to-end solution in Dharavi itself from treatment to discharge.” By the first week of June, BY POOJA BIRAIA JAISWAL a 200-bed hospital was set up com- plete with oxygen supply machinery, JANAK BHAT JANAK some of which were donated by Bollywood celebrities. Measures such as appointing DHARAVI HAS AN inherent spirit therapy to treat the infected]. All Lakshmi Kamble, a third-generation tracking and testing through multiple screened close to 48,000 people community coordinators from within to fight all odds with its camarade- the 2,100 discharged patients were resident of Dharavi, lauds the aggres- fever camps, and prompt acquisition within the first week itself in six high- Dharavi to be in-charge of sealed-off rie. A few months back, in April and asked if they were willing to donate sive cleaning and disinfection efforts of facilities for quarantining and risk zones. And an additional 350 containment zones worked well, too. May, it was the hotbed of Covid-19 their plasma, and almost 400 to 500 that happened in the area. “Because isolating patients. clinics, which had shut down, started “There was a sense of belonging and infections in Mumbai. And now, a s agreed.” The Brihanmumbai Munic- of one virus suddenly everyone At the time when the pursuit of the screening people for Covid-19, and ownership involved among these on July 29, Asia’s largest slum has just ipal Corporation authorities have seems to be taking interest in Dhar- virus was at its peak in April, there they coordinated their efforts via coordinators, and that is why we three active cases. already identified 50 to 60 eligible avi,” he says. “Why did they neglect were only eight health posts in Dhar- WhatsApp. “We thought it was better observed that there was strict adher- Incidentally, a record number of candidates from Dharavi for plasma and ignore us for so long?” avi, each manned by an assistant to serve our own people than remain ence to rules,” says D’Souza. Covid-19 survivors from Dharavi are donation, and among them 15 have Covid-19 reached Dharavi on April medical officer and a few nurses, and cooped up indoors,” says Dr Yusuf After witnessing high numbers in coming out to donate their blood already donated it. “We are quite ex- 1, when a 56-year-old man died on supported by 200 community health Khan, an AYUSH doctor who has a April and May, it was only on and af- plasma to help fellow beings. “Most cited about the number of volunteers the very day he tested positive for volunteers and 50 odd coordinators. small clinic in Dharavi. “The people ter June 3 that the community started of the essential services workers from who are coming forward to volunteer the coronavirus. Soon, the numbers This was not enough for the dense- here believe us. So, when we say witnessing a dip in Covid-positive Dharavi were found Covid-19-pos- for this effort,” says Dighavkar. spiked and contact tracing became ly-populated slum. More hands were that ‘yes, you must get quarantined’, cases. And, now, Dharavi is inching itive, and, among them, almos t 75 The snaking roads of Dharavi now an enormous challenge for the au- needed in distribution of essentials, people obey.” towards zero active cases. But the per cent were in the age group of 20 wear a particularly clean and refresh- thorities. “[In Dharavi,] a community too. And, that is where Dharavi’s As with doctors, the BMC also got fight is not over. to 50,” says Kiran Dighavkar, assistant ing look. Its narrow, confined alleys toilet is usually shared by 300 to 400 strong community engagement came abundant volunteers to do the leg- “It is too early to celebrate,” says municipal commissioner of G/South look freshly washed, and its heaps of people. That one factor was enough into picture. work for various other things. “Peo- Vinod Shetty of ACORN India. “The ward which comprises Dharavi. garbage have disappeared. Almost to strike off the concept of contact At a time when most private clinics ple from within the community came government can now seriously “They did not have comorbidities, everyone wears mask, and the slum tracing, as was being applied else- and hospitals remained shut in forward to work for the community, think about upping the hygiene and and hence, their plasma was found to seems unusually quiet with fewer where, in the city,” says Dighavkar. Mumbai, 24 private doctors based and manpower was never an issue,” sanitation levels in Dharavi so as be good with a high load of anti- people around. What followed then was an ag- in Dharavi came forward to lend a says Vanessa D’Souza, who helms to improve the living conditions of bodies [that can be used for plasma Crouching outside his tenement, gressive effort of proactive tracing, helping hand to fight Covid-19. They the NGO SNEHA that works with people there.”

44 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 45 LIFE A TOUCHING FAREWELL

that Anujith’s organs reached the his red school bag after he found needy. It was very rare to see such a crack on the tracks. Next day, commitment,’’ said Gracious. the picture of him carrying his The family and friends ap- tattered bag was carried by all proached Health Minister K.K. newspapers. “I saw the reports Shailaja’s office for help. After she and admired this guy who saved alerted the chief minister’s office, so many lives,’’ said Princy. permission was granted to use the Admiration turned gradually police helicopter for transporting into love, but religious differenc- the organs. Covid tests were sub- es stood in the way. The young sequently performed for Anujith, lovers, however, did not budge the intended recipients and the and got married despite the medical staff involved. All, luckily, challenges. tested negative. “We had just begun our life,” After a five-hour-long surgery, said Princy. “He was such a nice the heart, the hands and the small soul, helping everyone around A hero intestine were airlifted to Kochi. him. Why did this happen?’’ One kidney was transported to Speaking of her husband’s Kollam, while the second kidney I want to meet sacrifice, Princy believes that all lives on was transplanted in a patient in all of them who received Anujith’s organs Thiruvananthapuram. The corne- [recipients], will turn out to be healthy. “I Alive, Anujith saved as, too, were donated to patients in especially the want to meet all of them, espe- the capital. cially the person who received hundreds from a train Anujith’s heart started beating person who his hands. I want to hold those accident a decade ago. in the body of 55-year-old Job received his hands,’’ she said. Gracious said Mathew (name changed as per hands. I want to the meeting might happen once In death, the organ protocol) after a four-hour-long hold those hands. the recipients had recuperated surgery. Mathew has been suffer- fully. “What is more important is donor gifted life to ing from dilated cardiomyopathy Princy, Anujith’s wife the fact that the donor’s family seven more people since 2012 and his heart function comes to terms with the loss. was reduced to 15 per cent. “We Such meetings are quite emo- BY CITHARA PAUL don’t know how to thank Anujith tional for both the donor’s family and his family. We want to meet and the recipients,’’ he said. them once my father is out of hos- Princy, meanwhile, tries pital,’’ said his son. The patients there was no better way to honour to find solace in the fact that NOT EVEN DEATH could stop the lives of seven recipients. wishes was not easy for them be- who received Anujith’s forearms a person like him who always Anujith’s heart is still beating. “I Anujith from caring for his Anujith had registered himself cause of the increasing number and small intestine are also re- lived for others. “He was a rare tell my son that his father is not fellow beings. The 27-year-old as a donor with Mrithasan- of Covid-19 infections in Kerala. covering well. Doctors said hand soul,” said Ajith, one of Anujith’s dead, that he is living through from Kerala’s Kollam district jeevani, Kerala government’s or- “We tried our best to convince transplants were rarely performed close friends. “There is not a single many others. I do not know crashed his motorcycle on July gan transplant programme, and them that it was not advisable because family members of the person in our village who had not whether my son understands an- 17 while swerving to save a had made his family and friends to do this in the time of Covid. dead usually did not like to see the received some help from him.’’ ything. But what I said did make pedestrian; he succumbed to promise that they would donate There were many technical and body without hands. No wonder help came pouring him smile,’’ she said. his injuries three days later. But his organs in the event of his medical issues involved to do or- “All the patients are doing well in following Anujith’s accident. The three-year-old may or Anujith’s heart now beats in death. “He always lived for oth- gan transplants during this time,’’ and have been shifted out of ICUs, It was friends and acquaintances may not have understood the another man’s body, his arms ers. He had made me swear that said Dr Noble Gracious, nodal thanks to the coordinated effort of who took care of the expenses dur- enormity of his father’s sacrifice. went to a young boy who lost his I would donate his organs,” said officer of the Mrithasanjeevani the medical teams involved in the ing his hospitalisation and burial. But many others certainly have. hands in a mishap, his small in- Anujith’s wife, Princy. “It was my programme. mission. But none of this would Now they are trying to repay the Inspired by Anujith, 110 young testine now functions in a young duty to fulfill his wishes.” Another problem was that the have happened without the love loan he took last year to build his people from his village have woman, his kidneys have saved Anujith’s sister Ajalya echoed eligible recipients were spread and determination of Anujith’s house. pledged to donate their organs. the lives of two people and his the same sentiments. “I am sure across the state, while Anujith’s family and friends. This is an Saving lives, in fact, was nothing And, as Princy would love to eyes have given new light to two this is what my brother wanted. body was in Thiruvananthapu- unforgettable experience in our new to Anujith. Back in 2010, he believe, “He is happy up there, others. The magnanimity of a He would be very happy now,’’ ram. “But his family and friends professional lives,’’ said Gracious. saved hundreds of lives when he knowing that he has helped sev- single donor has transformed she said. But fulfilling Anujith’s were determined to see to it Anujith’s friends and family said stopped a local train by waving en others even in death.”

46 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 47 COVID-19 WARRIOR WEST BENGAL

to such people as they never ques- tioned our decision,” said Mondal. “The doctor’s story is a guiding force for all of us. Moreover, the hospital is The good run efficiently.” Mondal, who is a member of many health committees of South 24 Par- ganas, said: “Since this hospital has doctor oxygen and other related facilities, we have decided to admit not only As a child, Ajoy Mistry was thrashed mild patients but also severe cases here,” he said. “We will shift them to and humiliated by his villagers. Kolkata only if the situation worsens.” Today he is their saviour He added that though the hospital had necessary facilities, the admin- istration would supplement it with BY RABI BANERJEE more doctors and equipment. On July 16, when THE WEEK IN THE LATE 1970S, little Ajoy Mis- Kakdwip and Namkhana are also spoke to Mistry, he was busy treating try was a household help to a wealthy emerging as hotspots in the district. critical patients. “We have to fight family in Hanspukur village in South Mistry runs a 50-bed hospital in day and night to save lives,” he said. 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. Hanspukur—Humanity Hospital— “So, it is difficult to talk to you.” The One day, he was sent to the local and a clinic-cum-hospital at Pathar rush of patients is forcing Mistry to market to do the family’s shopping. Pratima. stay at the hospital around the clock. Ajoy, who was 12, spent 10 paisa on Mistry’s mother Subhasini, 75, has “More patients are coming in every a sapodilla plum (chikoo). The sweet been credited with founding Human- day, making it difficult for me to go taste was short-lived; as his employ- ity Hospital with her meagre earnings out with my ambulance like I did at ers thrashed him over the missing 10 as a vegetable vendor. Several news first,” he said. paisa. reports echoed this when she was But, he has already made a huge “No one rescued me even though awarded the Padma Shri in 2018. But, difference in the district. “He has I was crying profusely,” said Mistry, Mistry said there was more to the traveled all over (the district) to track 55. “The locals knew the story behind story than what was reported. “My people with Covid-like symptoms,” my thrashing, but no one supported mother’s hard work has always been said Sukumar Mondal, a panchayat me.” Today, the little boy is Dr Ajoy my strength,” he said. “But the hos- member in Kakdwip. “He also gave Mistry and life has come full circle. pital was the result of my relentless people advice on how to cope with He is now seen as the saviour of the struggle, [through] torture and insult. the disease. He gave nutritious villagers who had once turned their It is completely different from what food to poor mothers and pregnant backs on him. people know.” Subhasini, too, said her women.” Covid-19 hit Hanspukur hard in dream of starting a hospital for the Said Mistry: “I have felt poverty May, a few days after super cyclone poor became a reality only because and humiliation; it prompted me to Amphan swept through South 24 her second son became a doctor. try to make a difference in society. Parganas. Mistry led relief operations Today, the two hospitals give hope I could have joined a good hospital BERA SALIL across the area. Wearing person- to thousands. Humanity Hospital is and made money, but I did not do al protective equipment, Mistry a government-approved Covid-19 that.” also lost the job.” would have helped me.” villages and go to remote places to ferried food, medicines, masks and hospital. It even has an intensive care Mistry was four when he lost his His mother then found work for The turning point came when he bring many boys like me to the same sanitisers in an ambulance. Within unit, a rarity in any part of West Ben- father, Sadhan, to an abdominal him at several households. Mistakes was admitted to an orphanage at orphanage,” he said. a month, he reached around 4,000 gal, let alone a rural area; only half-a- infection. Sadhan had lost his land were punished in the same man- Bishnupur. The man who ran the Meanwhile, after leaving her son patients, including pregnant women. dozen hospitals outside Kolkata have because he could not pay tax, and ner—public thrashings. His ragged orphanage took him under his wing. at the orphanage, Subhasini and Bishnupur town, under which ICU facilities. the family had no means of liveli- clothes earned him the moniker “It was the greatness of Jyotish Chan- her two daughters went to Tiljala Hanspukur falls, is a major hotspot Bishnupur MLA Dilip Mondal said hood. Subhasini got Mistry a job at “dustbin boy”. While everyone dra Ray, who I used to call uncle,” near Park Circus in Kolkata to earn in South 24 Parganas. The spike in that he held a meeting with the local a tea stall as a dishwasher. “One day ridiculed him, no one bought him said Mistry. “He allowed me to stay a living selling vegetables. Mistry cases has been linked to the large administration before designating I broke a glass,” he said. “The owner clothes, said Mistry. “I belong to a at his home and study in school.” completed his schooling with dis- number of migrant labourers who Humanity Hospital as a Covid-19 cen- hit me on my head and cheeks. I was scheduled caste,” he said. “Perhaps, if Mistry excelled at studies. “I not tinction, cleared the all India medical had returned home. Pathar Pratima, tre. “Dr Mistry agreed; we are grateful crying, but the man had no heart. I I belonged to the upper caste, people only used to study, I used to work in entrance examination and received a

48 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 49 COVID-19 WARRIOR THE WEEK WEST BENGAL Dr (prof) Upendra Kaul DEAR DOCTOR chairman, Batra Heart Centre, and dean, academics and research, Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre, New Delhi

Avoiding hospitals has affected heart patients in a big way

Cardiologist Dr Upendra Kaul on the need to differentiate between symptoms of FOR THE PEOPLE Covid-19 and heart disease

Mistry distributing GOEL AAYUSH free medicines in South 24 Parganas WHEN WE TALK about heart cases came down by 70 per important to remember that patients, we must remember cent. Now, it is not that heart differentiating between the that these are people who attacks have just disappeared. two is a doctor’s call. I would scholarship from a German organisa- free of cost from his hut. It made local also have high blood pressure Rather, the reason is that strongly urge people to tion. He moved out of the orphanage communist leaders angry. The po- and diabetes. The threat of people have been delaying report to the doctor imme- and started tutoring the nephew of tential threats were dealt with when, infection has meant that while going to a hospital or not diately if there is discomfort a rich farmer, who was childless. He I have felt poverty with the help of one of his professors, people have been advised to going at all. Some of them are in the chest, if a person who was given accommodation and food Mistry brought then health minister and humiliation; it avoid hospitals, it has affected now coming in and reporting could climb three flights of in return. Prasanta Sur to lay the foundation non-Covid patients of heart worsening of their condition stairs is now out of breath Thanks to Mistry’s efforts, the prompted me to stone of the hospital. disease in a big way. and complications such after climbing just one, if an boy who used to fail exams started Soon, he received donations from try to make a For chronic patients though, as bad valves and holes in elderly person complains scoring more than 90 per cent. His many people and was able to build a Do not ignore staying away from a hospital the heart. If care is delayed, of abdominal distress after uncle was pleased and wanted to difference in society. permanent structure. He completed symptoms physically is not that much then bypass or angioplasty having food—one that is give Mistry one of his many houses —Dr Ajoy Mistry his MBBS from Calcutta Medical of a problem. In their case, becomes very difficult. There (of heart relieved after belching or sit- in the area. Mistry saw a chance to College and Hospital in 1995 and his telemedicine works because is also a high chance of death disease) ting down, since these are all build a hospital for the poor and put MD from the same college two years only a follow-up is needed for if such patients do not receive that cause symptoms of heart disease. forth the idea. The man accepted, Party of India (Marxist) leaders. As later. Many of his former professors monitoring their condition. care at the right time. concern; Weight gain and lack of phys- but later backtracked because his his education progressed, he began also began frequenting his hospital They can also monitor their Do not ignore symptoms ical activity is also emerging relatives felt that Mistry was trying to tutoring more students to make ends as guest doctors. It took 20 years to report to blood pressure regularly at that cause concern; report to as an additional factor. grab his land. “One day, they beat me meet. In the early 1990s, he bought a get the hospital going in full swing. the hospital home. Gadgets to check their the hospital to ensure imme- I would also advise people up while I was going to write an ex- small patch of land in the village. The However, he could not save his elder to ensure blood sugar levels are also diate care. Most hospitals now to wear their masks proper- amination in the medical college,” he CPI(M) leaders told him that they brother who had congenital heart immediate available. have processes and facilities ly—and not on their neck— said. As per the advice of his profes- would build a hospital and name it disease. He refused to undergo to ensure that Covid-19 pa- care. and try to stay safe because sors, he lodged an FIR against them. after his father. But, he refused. “I surgery as he felt it was too risky and Seek early care in case of a tients, suspects and non-Cov- though a majority of the “But, they were in positions of power told them I have no desire to name it died two years ago. heart attack id patients are dealt with young people may be asymp- in the panchayat; the police did not after my father and it would only be What about the people who However, it is the patients of appropriately. tomatic, they do meet their take any action,” said Mistry. for humanity,” said Mistry. called him “dustbin boy” or heart attack that seem to be parents and grandparents Instead, he was attacked again He built a thatched-roof hut and thrashed him? Mistry said he sees suffering the most because Do not ignore symptoms who are vulnerable because on his way to college. But this time, brought his mother to stay with him. them looking at him while he is they have been avoiding If people have shortness of their age and comorbidi- he retaliated. “As a result, a police By that time, his elder brother had working. “Some give threatening hospitals. I have data from of breath, they should not ties. We cannot afford to be complaint was lodged against me started a small business and his looks,” he said. “Others have apol- 60 hospitals that shows that confuse it with Covid-19, in denial about Covid-19, or as well,” he said. As his enemies sisters were married. On December ogised, but I tell them they are not between January and March since that is also a symptom non-Covid diseases. were linked to the Congress, he got 31, 1992, while he was still in medical guilty. I was the victim of a society and April and June heart attack of the infectious disease. It is — As told to Namita Kohli the support of the local Communist school, he said he would see patients which taught them to do so.”

50 THE WEEK • AUGUSTAUGUST 9,9, 20202020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 51 COVID-19 MISSING DOCTORS The doctor is out Overworked and fearing infection, a growing number of doctors are not reporting for duty

BY MINI P. THOMAS

DR YOGESH JAIN does not mince not going to come anywhere near STAFF CRUNCH words as he analyses the impact the hospital,’” he said. “They simply Deepak Hospital in of Covid-19 on health services in refused. We have doctors who have Bengaluru had 22 doctors and 67 nurses on its rolls, the country. “I fear there may be elderly parents, grandparents or but is now left with only large-scale desertion by doctors and toddlers at home. If they get infected, three doctors and eight nurses from most public hospitals the outcome can be grim.” nurses. Dr Nagaraj H.N. if the surge continues. We are going In Bengaluru, 25 hospitals and (right) hopes they would to have a tough time from August to nursing homes have shut down be- return soon; (below) October,” said Jain, cofounder of the cause of staff shortage since March, Dr Vithal Salve quit his Jan Swasthya Sahyog. according to Dr R. Ravindra, presi- job at Shaheed Hospital in Dalli Rajhara, Chhattis- BHANU PRAKASH CHANDRA The situation at Thane, India’s dent, Private Hospitals and Nursing garh, following burnout worst Covid-19 hotspot with over Homes Association. Dr Nagaraj H.N. 80,000 positive cases, seems to of Deepak Hospital, a multispecialty confirm Jain’s worst fears. “Fifty per hospital in Bengaluru, said that dur- exemplary selfless service.” die on Covid-19 duty have no health cent of general practitioners in Thane ing the initial days of the outbreak, he According to Dr Ranjan Sharma, insurance coverage, said Dr Diwakar have shut their clinics since the managed to keep the morale of doc- president, Indian Medical Asso- Tejaswi, a physician based in Patna. pandemic began,” says Sandip Malvi, tors and nurses high, and admitted all ciation, 93 doctors who were on “They are middle-class people and deputy commissioner, Thane Munic- patients. “But within a month, doc- Covid-19 duty have died as on July their families have nothing to bank ipal Corporation. The Maharashtra tors started getting scared and many 13 due to the infection. Of the 1,279 on,” he said. government recently issued an or- ran away without even informing doctors who tested positive, 771 Dr Vithal S. Salve, who holds an der making it mandatory for doctors us,” said Nagaraj. “Even doctors who were younger than 35. Because of the MD in physiology, said he suffered to treat Covid-19 patients for at least worked with us for 20 years started shortage of physicians, even special- burnout and quit his job at Sha- 15 days in a month. Of the 25,000 disappearing.” The 55-bed hospital ists are being asked to treat Covid-19 heed Hospital, a 150-bed maternity private practitioners in Mumbai and that had 22 doctors and 67 nurses on patients. hospital in Dalli Rajhara, Chhat- Thane, only 2,000 have signed up its rolls till recently is now left with “Medical personnel should not tisgarh. Before the outbreak, Salve for Covid-19 duty. Several civic and just three doctors and eight nurses. work for more than six hours in a PPE would visit his family in Maharashtra health bodies in the country have Fear has gripped health care kit,” said Rohit Mundhada, a surgical once a month. “From February 21 warned of action against doctors workers like never before. “Patients oncology resident at Tata Memorial to June 23, I did not take a single day refusing duty, under the Epidemic complain of health care workers Hospital, Mumbai, who is currently off,” he said. “The hospital was short Diseases Act, 1897. Eight doctors of hesitating to check pulse or perform the virus could spread through the attacked with an iron stool by the admitted in an isolation ward. “But staffed and overburdened. We were the Patna Medical College Hospital physical examination,” said Jain. “In air. “The government should have relatives of a deceased Covid-19 in India, they put in eight to ten open 24x7, and during that period we were suspended in May for refusing cities like Mumbai and Delhi, there intervened,” said Nagaraj. “When a patient. After the family vandalised hours in a Covid-19 ward, by choice, had almost 200 deliveries a month, Covid-19 duty. is a wide gap between the proportion person dies, the energy within the the hospital, 300 doctors who were wearing PPE.” Many doctors are besides some emergency surgical “Some doctors are paranoid and of people who require respiratory cells dies within two minutes and treating Covid-19 cases refused to working tirelessly with scant regard operations. The working hours are genuinely scared,” said Dr V. Mo- support and those who actually get the tissues cease to function. The resume duty. for personal safety, he added. ranged from eight to 22 hours a day.” han of Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Special- it. Many doctors maintain a lot of virus cannot survive in a dead body.” Preeti Sudan, health secretary of That holds true for states such as Despite these circumstances, ities Centre, Chennai. When the lock- distance from patients.” Those working in Covid-19 wards India, said that no government staff Bihar. Besides health centres being Nagaraj points out that doctors and down restrictions were eased and the Health care workers also have to often find themselves in precarious has refused Covid-19 duty. “They heavily understaffed, the lack of nurses have a responsibility. “How clinics opened, a few of his doctors deal with apathy and hostility. When situations. A non-Covid-19 patient have gone beyond duty,” she said. protective gear and ventilators are will the common man survive if we refused to resume duty. “They said: an orthopaedic in Chennai died of contracting the infection can prompt “We are grateful to our doctors, causes for concern. Microbiologists shy away from our responsibility?” ‘The risk is too much. Even if you Covid-19, local residents protested violence. At Hyderabad’s Gandhi nurses, lab technicians, surveillance and sample collectors are also con- he asks, as he continues to hope that pay us full, we will not come. We are the cremation of the body citing that Hospital, an on-duty doctor was officers, ASHAs and field staff for this tracting the infection. Doctors who his doctors would return.

52 THE WEEK • AUGUSTAUGUST 9,9, 20202020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 53 THE WEEK VERY INFORMED PERSON Adar Poonawalla CEO, Serum Institute of India, Pune

at a subsidised rate to the Closest to OFFICIAL government? Need two years to NAME It is too early to comment on success AZD1222 the vaccine’s price. However, COVISHIELD is one among we will keep it under 01,000.... administer the the four Covid-19 vaccine DEVELOPERS University of Ox- We are certain that it will be candidates (as on July 24) in ford, AstraZeneca procured and distributed by phase III, the most advanced Work started in: Covid-19 vaccine stage of clinical trials January 2020 governments free of charge. across India BASED ON SII has invested heavily in in COVISHIELD, which is an A weakened ver- Covid-19 vaccine research. sion of a common BY ABHINAV SINGH indicator of providing long- cold virus that We have invested close to term protection to people. affects chimpan- $200 million in the current dar Poonawalla’s Serum the next one year for India and zees; contains ge- phase of producing the COV- Institute of India (SII) other low- and middle-income How much time will it take netic material of ISHIELD vaccine. Once the SARS-CoV-2 virus Ais part of the Oxford Uni- [GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance] to vaccinate India? spike protein vaccine goes into the develop- versity-AstraZeneca initiative countries. We will manufacture Holistically, it will take around Interim results mental phase, we will be able to develop a Covid-19 vaccine. about 60-70 million doses per two years or so to administer (phase I/II) to elaborate more. SII is also working along with month (which might stretch the vaccine countrywide. In We are also working on two WITH A SIN- the US-based firm Codagenix to 100 million doses later). the initial phase, it will be part GLE DOSE OF of our own vaccines. We seek whose vaccine is still in the With this, we are looking to of a government-adminis- VACCINE to release them by the end pre-trial phase. Poonawalla manufacture around 300 to tered vaccine programme. It is •Four-fold of 2021. In addition, we are increase in spoke to THE WEEK about the 400 million doses by the end of very important to ensure that antibodies to the conducting phase-III trials of developmental progress of the this year. Based on the success the vaccine reaches the most coronavirus spike the recombinant BCG vaccine vaccine candidates and the of the trials, we are expecting vulnerable and the remotest protein in 95 per shots to improve the innate challenges in administering it. to launch this vaccine by the corner of the country. cent of partici- ability to fight the virus and pants one month Edited excerpts: end of this year. I believe by the after injection reduce the severity of Covid-19 first quarter of the next year, In an earlier interview with •In all partici- in India. This is an extremely What is the status of your the vaccine will start reaching THE WEEK (April 28), you pants, a T-cell safe vaccine since it is given to response was newborn babies, and we have Covid-19 vaccine projects? the masses. Meanwhile, the said that the vaccine may be induced, peaking The Oxford University-Astra- Codagenix vaccine candidate available by September-Oc- by day 14, and been selling this in more than Zeneca vaccine (COVISHIELD) is in its pre-trial phase, and it tober. Is it possible for you maintained two 100 countries for many dec- is showing promising results is expected to progress to the to fast track the work for months after ades. Based on our trials, we injection based on the ongoing trials human trial phase towards the the vaccine? will be certain on the efficacy and has been cleared for the end of this year. Usually it takes a minimum PARTICIPANTS and viability of the vaccine, final phase. We are hopeful that of five to seven years for a (PHASE I/II) post which we will initiate it will be an efficacious and What makes COVISHIELD vaccine to be approved and 1,077 healthy mass production. individuals aged immunogenic vaccine that is unique? made available for mass use. 18-55 in five UK We are working with Mylab viable for mass use. We will have to wait for all However, owing to the current hospitals Discovery Solutions and are We seek to apply for licen- the trials and test results for situation and circumstances, producing two lakh Cov- sure trials within a week. With a clearer understanding of its the approval processes are EXPECTED id-19 test kits per day. As per PRICE the government fast-tracking efficacy. So far, based on the being fast-tracked. But none Less than 01,000 our associations, we are to everything, we are hoping to trials conducted, we believe of the tests, trials or similar per dose manufacture and distribute get approvals for this soon. Post it would be an immunogenic requisites are being fast- SII’s production the Novavax candidate (which plan this, we will begin the phase-III vaccine. As per the data from tracked for this. Our aim is to In a year: 1 billion is just a month or two behind of human trials in India with the results, we have found that provide an effective and safe doses AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine) around 4,000 to 5,000 people. it has given only mild reactions vaccine for all. Based on the In a month: grad- across GAVI countries. Coda- Once we get necessary reg- such as fever, and headache, positive results of phase II and ual increase from genix vaccine is in pre-clinical 60 million to 100 ulatory approvals, we will start which is expected out of vac- III results, we hope to provide million doses trials and we have worldwide manufacturing it in large vol- cines. This vaccine candidate the vaccines across markets rights for it. We have also umes. As per our arrangement has not caused any severe by the end of this year. SOURCE WHO, tied up with a company for a with AstraZeneca, we will be side-effects. In addition, the AstraZeneca, mRNA [vaccine] candidate and Oxford University making one billion doses over T-cell response is much better Will you provide the vaccine hope to announce it soon.

5254 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 5355 BUSINESS INTERVIEW

Rajesh Subramaniam our recently announced alliance many times I was asked about my looked at me, baffled, and said, “Son, education at the Loyola School in president and chief operating officer, FedEx Corporation with Microsoft to leverage data and green card. So when I walked into my let’s first figure out whether you have Thiruvananthapuram, my father technology to add value. interview with FedEx, my euphoria what it takes to work at FedEx, then thought that it was prudent for me was already down. I didn’t say good we will worry about the paperwork”. I to move on to Mumbai. Overnight Q/ What kind of changes have you morning or even hello. Instead, I was hired as an entry-level associate I moved from a nice, comfortable made in the style of functioning at walked in and right off the bat told marketing analyst. house in Thiruvananthapuram What we FedEx? them I did not have a green card and to a 200-square-foot apartment A/ I believe in three roles of the did not want to waste their time if Q/ How were your growing-up in the middle of a teeming city. leader—vision, team, and execution. that was going to be an issue. They years in India? Honestly speaking, I enjoyed my It is critical to establish the vision, A/ I was born in Thiruvanantha- time in Mumbai. This change was expected to and make sure we have the right puram and it was a simple way made very quickly, so the ability to team in place to take the vision of life focused on education. My adapt to change and thrive in new forward and execute it. I am also father retired as DGP of Kerala circumstances was instilled in me at happen in highly focused on a culture fuelled and my mother a doctor. From a very young age. by collaboration and teamwork. I the beginning I had a big focus I was also fortunate to be selected believe we are stronger together, and on sports. My father is an ace to IIT Bombay. It was a fantastic ex- three years the best ideas and results come when sportsman, and sports have been perience of four years with wonder- we share ideas and work together our passion. I played everything, ful colleagues who remain lifelong across the company. but focused primarily on cricket friends. My biggest learning from and badminton. At age 15, after my IIT Bombay was how to compete in happened in Q/ You studied chemical a tough environment. I also learned engineering. How did the transition how to be logical, analytical and to FedEx happen? strategic. While I studied chemical three months A/ When growing up in India engineering, I do think these core studying maths, physics and skills were instilled in me for the rest BY ABHINAV SINGH chemistry, you are on a straight and of my life. narrow path. If you do reasonably My wife, Uma, who is an IIM India-born Rajesh Subramaniam started his career in FedEx as an well at the IIT, then you are likely to Ahmedabad graduate, was at FedEx entry level marketing analyst 29 years ago. He rose through the get a scholarship to go to the US. That in the early 90s. When we moved to ranks to become president and chief operating officer of the courier was my case. I arrived in the US with Hong Kong, we decided that one of behemoth last year. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Sub- a $2 bill in my pocket, which I still us had to take the back seat. It could ramaniam talks about his company’s strategy during the pandem- have, to attend Syracuse University have easily been the other way, and ic, its prospects and his early life in Kerala and Mumbai. Excerpts: for my master’s. It was only after that she would have been more success- point that I began to think ‘is this a ful than me. We have two children Q/ The past few months must We have also facilitated the transport career I want to be in, or do I want whom we are very proud of. have been challenging for FedEx. of more than 7,300 humanitarian aid to broaden myself and go into the How did you deal with it? shipments globally through collabo- world of business?’ It quickly dawned A/ Currently, we have found our- rations with our non-profit partners. on me that I needed to be thinking selves on the frontline of the war At the same time, we have continued broader, that I needed to look for against pandemic, with more than to see a significant surge in e-com- opportunities outside of engineering. five lakh employees delivering merce shipments as people stay at I figured the logical path to take aid and medical supplies across home and order online. would be to get an MBA. I found the globe and keeping commerce Our strategy was built for this the cheapest of the top 20 schools I in motion. Our organisation has growth. We were skating to where the could go to—the University of Texas helped transport 31.8 kilotonnes of puck was going, but instead, the puck in Austin. PPE kits since February 1, includ- came to us. What we expected to I graduated in 1991 when the US ing over 1 billion masks, across the happen in the next three years hap- was in the middle of a recession. globe. At the same time, we have pened in a matter of three months. Jobs were very tough to come by, orchestrated more than 100 char- We are also reimagining FedEx at the especially for somebody like me tered flights and 1,000 ocean con- intersection of physical and digital who did not have a green card. I had tainers to supply critical PPE kits. networks. We are also excited about been through several interviews and

56 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 57 BUSINESS CHINESE INVESTMENTS

are household names in India, names like Sany, Dezan Shira or Benling are unlikely to ring a bell. Yet, these are the flag-bearers of the Chinese juggernaut in India. “Apps and mobile handset makers apart, China’s ‘smart’investment has been in garnering the lucrative B2B contracts and infrastructure projects from India,”said a government official who did not wish to be named. “The public may not be familiar with these brands, but that is where big bucks and deep inroads can be made.”Sany, for instance, is among the world’s biggest concrete machinery makers and it has six units in India, with the main manu- facturing plant in Chakan, Pune. The great wall of India Chinese investments in metals and renewable energy sectors are more than 055,000 crore each, way above telecom and auto sectors that get talked about more. “Manufacturing generated the highest number of total jobs and greatest investment, with a total of 1.46 lakh jobs and $22 billion dollars of investment,” said a report by fDi for CII. “Electricity and construction have the largest project size on average in terms of investment and jobs creation.” Interestingly, even while improving its technological prowess with research labs like those of Huawei in Bengaluru, China has also been following a two-pronged strategy to make the maximum out of the Indian ecosystem. One, using their experience in executing cost-ef- fective and big-scale construction, these firms bid for big government infrastructure projects. And two, making long-term investments in sunrise sectors like electric vehicles and solar/wind energy projects. A paper by Brookings Institute (March 2020) says Chinese compa- nies like Lany, Longi and CETC aim to invest $3.2 billion dollars in In- dia’s renewable energy sector. Chinese automakers in India have lined up EVs. Ironically, two out of three memoranda of understanding that Maharashtra signed with Chinese companies on the very day of the Galwan clash involved Chinese automakers Great Wall and Photon. With the tide turning, that strategy may just come face to face with the great wall of India. While the ban on Chinese apps like TikTok made headlines, even more significant were the restrictions India AP brought about on Chinese companies in the infrastructure and heavy BIG PLANS industries area. The Maharashtra MoUs were the first to be put on Chinese concrete hold, along with the 0471-crore signalling work on the Kanpur-DDU machinery maker Sany has six units in India railway line given to Beijing National Railway Research. Nitin Gadkari, Union minister for transport and MSME, also banned Chinese firms from road construction, saying he will tweak norms. The barriers are BY K. SUNIL THOMAS the usually-talked-about trade defi- “Construction norms are not good, so I have asked to change it…so we cit, the dominance of Chinese majors can encourage Indian contractors,” he said. With 0100 lakh crore set up, but uprooting IT SEEMED LIKE A detail so small that scant attention was paid to it. in India’s telecom sector and the to be invested in constructing roads, it is a blow to Chinese business Chinese interests Amid a long list of proposals, reforms, wish lists and tax and duty rejigs dragon’s deep coffers fuelling India’s interests. in Nirmala Sitharaman’s last budget presentation, there was an innoc- startup success stories. “Chinese The power ministry has announced a ban on power equipment in India would be uous item—customs duty on toys, tricycles, dolls and scale models im- business presence in India is huge,”- sourced from Chinese companies besides cancelling an order for 20 a long process ported into India was sought to be hiked from 20 per cent to 60 per cent. said trade economist Anusree Paul. lakh smart meters. The state-run telecom operator BSNL was forced It was one of the first salvos India had fired against China in what “There are more than 75 companies to put on hold its 08,697 crore 4G tender, when the Telecom Export has now become a trade war, though it took a while for many to re- in e-commerce, fintech, aggrega- Promotion Council alleged that it ignored ‘Make in India’ norms to alise the significance. The Indian toy market, worth 01.12 lakh crore, tion services and logistics.” The total favour foreign (read Chinese) companies. NITI-Aayog also pitched in, had been flooded by Chinese products. Additionally, the government Chinese money invested in India is suggesting that BSNL rework its tender to use only India-made equip- started enforcing high BIS quality standards on all toy imports, even around 06 lakh crore, spawning 1.87 ment. TRAI chairman R.S. Sharma put in his own bit by saying local while offering subsidies and land at concessional rates to Indian toy lakh jobs. telecom gear makers must be given preferential market access. makers. While Chinese tech and telecom The trick with these piecemeal responses, which were followed China’s deep involvement in India’s business scape goes beyond brands like Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo by a sweeping order on July 23 limiting Chinese companies from

58 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 59 BUSINESS CHINESE INVESTMENTS

stricken by and preoccupied with ...... Big Chinese investments in India (actual and proposed) in $ million DEEP IMPACT the disease. China’s generals thought Infrastructure CCTEB 288 Tsingshan 3,000 Xinxing Liugong 78 they would catch the Indian Army 1,250 snoozing on the border. Automobile SAIC 288 BYD 29 Real estate CNTC Fosun 115 Q/ Is China overtaking a declining 1,360 US? Consumer goods Huawei 300 Oppo 1,070 Vivo 619 Haier 530 CRRC 63 Midea 115 A/ No. China has reached the Source: Brookings India limits of what it can do. There is Energy TBEA 400 CETC 46 Longi Solar 224 n EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW wide disagreement on why China bagging government contracts and making security clearance from the Gordon G. Chang, has gone full “wolf warrior”, as it is home and external affairs ministries mandatory, seem to be to get the Chinese American author and China expert called. Some believe China went economic boycott message across loud and clear, even while keeping on this bender because Xi thought India immune from accusations of targeting China or contravening the The total Chinese China was strong, and others argue World Trade Organisation norms. That is why none of the government money invested he did so because he thought his decisions mentions China directly. An order in April banning automatic in India is around Xi Jinping sees breaking up regime weak. I am in the latter FDI, as well as the end-July amendment on government orders, speak camp. I think Xi saw a closing only of countries India shares land border with, while the ban on power 06 lakh crore, India to be of great benefit window of opportunity. The arrogant equipment says it is applicable to ‘prior reference countries.’ Even the spawning 1.87 leader knew China’s economy was 100 per cent inspection of Chinese shipments at Indian ports was car- BY NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA stumbling, the environment was ried out without any written order. lakh jobs. giving out, the Chinese people The biggest lacunae in India’s strategy, however, is that the balance were restless, and the country’s of trade is heavily lopsided in China’s favour. Even if India stops all Q/ Where is the US-China backbone, ejection of Chinese demography was entering a long imports from China, it just forms 3 per cent of the total exports of the technology war headed? businesses and the like will pressure period of accelerating decline. People’s Republic. In contrast, 14 per cent of the materials India im- A/ The winner of the US-China China to return to its side of the India is of particular concern for ports are from China, including crucial raw materials on which India’s it should be systematic. Let China tech war will dominate our era. border for good. India must teach Xi. The Chinese people take great pharmaceutical industry is dependent, and components for anything learn the lesson from our strong Beijing was not considered a tech China a lesson it will never forget. pride in being the world’s most from electronic products to mobile phones and automobiles made in points.” contender a decade ago. Now, some The costs imposed on China must populous tribe, and he knew that India. India knows well the limits of its call it a leader. America is already be greater than the benefits Beijing India was just about to overtake his The bigger question is if Indian industry will give up Chinese imports economic muscle, and is hoping for behind in critical areas. Focused believes it obtains with its hostile country in population size. Xi could and raw material that give them immense cost advantage. JSW Group a strategic leverage. But the devel- on other matters, Americans did conduct. Because Xi sees breaking see that demographic trends, which chairman and managing director Sajjan Jindal announced that his opments could mark a turning point not mobilise themselves to meet up India to be of great benefit, New he could do nothing about, would company would bring down its $400 million import of clinkers, the base in India’s trade plans. “We must Beijing’s challenges. Now, the Delhi—and the Indian people— mean India would soon leave China rock for manufacturing cement, from China down to zero in two years. move in mission mode to be atma Trump administration is thinking of must be willing to impose severe in the dust. For Xi, it was now or A few others also have made similar statements. nirbhar in at least 15 critical sec- how to get back control of cutting- measures on him and his dangerous never, the last moment to humble “We have faltered as a country by going for the ‘cheapest’ as the only tors,” said Deepak Sood, secretary edge technologies. Just look at how regime. India’s only option is to be India. criteria,” said Vinod Sharma, managing director of Deki Electronics. general of Assocham. “We should the US is now going after Huawei strong. If it is not strong now, China “That is not very strategic. We have to always be careful not to put all work on a twin track of not only Technologies. At the beginning of will dismember India. India is in Q/ What does the future hold for our eggs in one basket.”His game plan? Work towards an alternative investing more to ramp up capacity, the year, Huawei looked like it was the same position as the rest of the China’s ambitions of emerging as a over the next 18-24 months, with the government providing incen- but also ensuring that the end con- going to dominate 5G. Now the world when it comes to China. India superpower? tives ranging from ‘star rating’to GST rebates for companies going for sumers get best quality products at company is in retreat in the world’s cannot think it can escape decades A/ China has reached the limits of increased localisation. internationally competitive prices.” most important markets. of misguided policy towards Beijing its power, and in the ordinary course Mukesh Aghi, CEO and president of the US-India Strategic Partner- Assocham has come up with a two- without cost. of events would be starting down a ship Forum concurred. “You have to divert from China,”he said. “There year roadmap to ramp up domestic Q/ How should India respond to decades-long slide into weaknesses. is no other option. We have to move from cheap goods to quality goods. capacity in 15 large import items, Chinese aggression—military Q/ How has the Covid-19 We should, however, be aware that a It is not just cost that should define your process. Look at it strategically. ranging from oil and electronics to versus economic costs? pandemic impacted China’s declining China is still a dangerous Let us say your profit goes down 5-7 per cent, it is still worthwhile. Once steel. A/ India needs to put more forces relations with the rest of the one—perhaps even more dangerous you do that, you will find ways to innovate, to become efficient and The move to reduce dependency on its border than China has. world? than a strong one. Xi, presiding over competitive.” on China could be significant in a Ultimately, however, it will be A/ An arrogant Xi Jinping, who a deteriorating situation, now has all However, knee-jerk responses like slowing down imports from China post-Covid-19 world order. “India economic pressure that forces has always believed his China the reason in the world to lash out, at Indian ports only seem to have boomeranged. “That, and measures will have to muscle its way onto the the Chinese military to pull back. should dominate the world, saw an especially because he has seen that like cancelling MoUs, only make us lose credibility when we go back high table,” said Aghi, “and make Boycott of Chinese goods, banning opportunity during the coronavirus Chinese intimidation has worked in on our word,” said Chandrakant Salunkhe, president of the India China sure it does not instead end up of China’s apps, removal of Huawei pandemic to extend Chinese the past. If India stands its ground, it Business Council. “We support any move in our national interest, but being part of the menu.” equipment from India’s telecom influence while countries were will prevail.

60 THE WEEK • AUGUSTAUGUST 9,9, 20202020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 61 BUSINESS GOLD SOUND BITE then she could book profit on 30-40 ANITA PRATAP per cent of the holding.” Compared with fixed income Metal dictator instruments, on an average, gold has done 2-3 per cent better in Gold reigns supreme in an uncertain the past 20 years. But this might The showdown is on not be the time to invest in gold economy; but invest in it carefully because the risk reward is not in favour. “Gold may go up another 5 he “Thucydides Trap” states that a rising pow- yond, and as far as Australia and Britain. BY NACHIKET KELKAR per cent or maybe 10 per cent. But, er is doomed to conflict with the established In what will probably be called the “Pompeo small investors are not going to exit Thegemon. This theory has stood the test of Doctrine”, America’s top diplomat, who harbours old, almost as a rule, gains market, the depreciation in rupee when gold goes up 5-10 per cent. time for 2,500 years. Experts now fear a doomed presidential ambitions, proclaimed the new battle when there is an uncer- also weighs on gold prices. “Weak This Covid-19 will be a thing of the conflict between the United States and China, in a cry against China. Until now, US-China relations tainty in the economy. The macro indicators, global uncertain- past maybe in eight or 12 months new version of the Cold War. have been defined by a complex coupling of finan- G and when the economic rebound Closing each other’s consulates is vintage Cold cial and economic mutual interdependence. In a economic turmoil triggered by the ties due to trade war, geopolitical pandemic has been no exception. tensions, fears of global slowdown happens, assets like gold, which War. But the new twist is that China cannot be seminal speech at the Richard Nixon Library and On July 27, gold prices hit a new and a U-turn in monetary policy don’t serve any productive purpos- “contained” because it is deeply integrated into Museum, Pompeo outlined his decoupling doctrine the global economy. As US Secretary of State Mike by announcing an ideological war between “free- high of $1,944 an ounce, beating stance by the US Federal Reserve es, will come down,” said Ragh- Pompeo admitted: “The USSR was closed off from dom and tyranny. The Chinese Communist Party is the previous record of $1,921 in augured well for gold prices,” said vendra Nath, managing director of the free world. Communist China is already within the enemy, the Chinese people the friend”. 2011. So far in 2020, global gold Dhiraj Relli, managing director and Ladderup Wealth Management. our borders.” The Trump administration that has spurned, prices have surged 27 per cent. CEO, HDFC Securities. Experts say that there would be And making full use of it— insulted and sanctioned its allies Spot gold prices in India topped In the first six months of 2020, long periods of underperformance snooping, spying, selling and now beckons them to join an 052,000 for 10 grams on July 27. In global gold exchange traded funds by gold. For instance, the last time stealing. FBI Director Chris- alliance of democratic nations to gold topped $1,900 per ounce was rupee terms, gold has rallied 28 per saw inflows of $39.5 billion. In topher A. Wray says China’s take on China. America still has in 2011. If one had invested at cent this year, on top of the 25 per India, much of the gold is held in intellectual property theft is “so friends across the world. So does that peak, he hardly has made any cent rally it had in 2019. physical form. Indian Gold ETFs massive that it represents one China, which has drawn many money in the nine-year period that “The rally in gold is ferocious and saw inflows of 02,040 crore in April- of the largest wealth transfers in countries into its Belt and Road we are seeing a relentless demand June, taking their total assets under followed. human history”. China’s thieving Initiative. It also has allies in the for the safety from coronavirus management to 010,857.44 crore. One can invest in gold by buying costs an estimated $250-$600 corrupt, authoritarian world. The turmoil,” said Rahul Gupta, head Experts say gold prices could rally the physical metal or buying digital billion a year and robs millions China bloc is not equal, but it of research (currency) at Emkay further over the next few months. gold through platforms like Paytm, of American jobs. The new US cannot be dismissed. Global Financial Services. “The “The overall situation remains sup- MMTC-Pamp and SafeGold. war chant: China is “raiding, not Experts say the emerging bipo- political decisions to increase portive for gold,” said Anuj Gupta, There are also gold ETFs and gold trading”. lar world is divided not so much stimulus packages is keeping gold deputy vice-president (commodi- funds that are offered by mutual Two-thirds of Americans view by ideology as by the great fire- prices higher.” ties and currencies research), Angel fund houses. The sovereign gold China as a “major threat”, which explains the bipar- wall of technology. The west’s rejection of Huawei is Over the past few months, cen- Broking. “Till Diwali, gold may test bonds are a good bet, considering tisan consensus to get tough on China. Reducing the opening shot of the decoupling. 5G is the battle tral banks around the world have $2,000 an ounce and in the domes- that these bonds offer an annual American dependence by helping companies to terrain for the two blocs. China has developed cut- slashed interest rates. In many de- tic market we are expecting around interest of 2.50 per cent, which can shift out supply chains and isolating China com- ting-edge hard, soft and internet-related technol- veloped economies, they are cur- 053,000-054,000 per 10 gram level. act as a hedge when the investment mands public support. In the run up to the Novem- ogies involving social media, deliveries, payments, rently near zero. The stimulus sig- My recommendation is to book underperforms. ber presidential elections, China-bashing by both infrastructure and entertainment. nals in the US is more pain ahead some profit; if someone holds gold, Donald Trump and Joe Biden will intensify, but The assumption that innovation thrives only in for investors and that is making the accelerating shift heralds worsening US-China the petri dish of freedom, or that a Facebook can them rush to gold. In the Indian relations thereafter. emerge only in America, is questionable. Chinese A shift has also taken place in China, away from drones were deployed to take close-up videos of former premier Deng Xiaoping’s mantra—“Hide the burning Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The your strength, bide your time, never take the lead.” footage helped firemen pinpoint their water hoses Under Xi Jinping, China is done biding its time, and thus save the structure. The drones were made REUTERS rising peacefully. It has risen. by Chinese student entrepreneurs in their university It is flexing its muscle—military, economic and dorms. As Thucydides wrote, people being people, rhetorical—and cracking its whip within, in Hong similar sort of things—from creativity to conflict— Kong and Xinjiang, in its neighbourhood and be- happen, again and again.

ILLUSTRATION BHASKARAN Pratap is an author and journalist.

62 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 THEAUGUST WEEK 9, •2020 AUGUST • THE 9, WEEK2020 63 DETOUR SHOBHAA DE FASHION • ART • BOOKS • MUSIC • GAMING • LUXURY • FOOD • PEOPLE • REVIEWS • CINEMA • SERIES The ever-combative Kapur

n Oscar is the kiss of death in Bollywood,” tional arena, unlike some of his Bollywood counter- tweeted the award-winning actor-produc- parts. Yes, he is fastidious and picky when it comes Aer-director Shekhar Kapur to one of the to projects—because he can afford to be just that. most talented musicians alive, A.R. Rahman, who Why compromise with one’s vision, particularly if the responded somewhat laconically. This exchange same vision has paid rich dividends in the past? highlighted the increasing polarisation in Bollywood, The last time I met Kapur was a few months ago as actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic death contin- at a mutual friend’s dinner. As always, I found the ues to raise important issues of nasty behaviour and genial Kapur at his relaxed best, happy to talk shop. blatant discrimination in India’s billion-dollar film But equally happy not to. Among other invitees, there industry. was author Amitav Ghosh with his wife, since the Kapur comes with impeccable credentials as dinner was in his honour after a book launch. It was a filmmaker—he has deftly a small group with most guests directed great actors, from Cate having long associations. The ex- A Blanchett (Elizabeth, 1998) and quisite Hyderabadi banquet was Heath Ledger (The Four Feath- the uncontested star of the night, ers, 2002), to Seema Biswas as the host and hostess (filmmak- complex (Bandit Queen, 1994) and Sridevi er Zafar Hai and his lovely wife (Mr India, 1987). He was keen on Colleen) graciously looked after directing Rajput in the much-de- guests. Kapur, who was born in equation layed Paani. The two had Lahore, was in full flow, but quiet- reportedly spent four months ly so—there was zero attempt to discussing and prepping for the hog the spotlight or dominate the Playing Shakuntala Devi, says project that did not get off the discourse. He and I were meeting Vidya Balan, was about ground. He has gone on record to after a gap of several years, but it claim he knew people who had hardly mattered. The connect was understanding the nuances of “wronged” the 34-year-old actor: immediate and cordial. It was yet her multifaceted personality “What happened to you was another marvellous soiree that their karma. Not yours,” read his underlined a dying Mumbai tra- BY PRIYANKA BHADANI cryptic tweet, after the tragedy. dition, and reminded all of us of an earlier era where Regardless of how this saga pans out, it is great evenings such as this one were enjoyed by like-mind- to know that the 74-year-old Kapur continues to be ed people, learning from one another and celebrat- combative—as he can well afford to be. With a net ing each other’s success in an open, generous way. worth estimated at $25 million, he is in an enviable One hears Kapur will be giving his statement in position to say and do as he please. He is also one of writing to the Mumbai police regarding his associ- the few people in Bollywood to take a stand when ation with Rajput. So far, more than 40 individuals required, as he famously did when a “trilogy” of his have been summoned by the cops. I am not sure for superhit directorial venture, Mr India, was grandly what exactly! Are the police as starstruck as the rest announced without informing him. He asked an of the country? Or, do they want to demonstrate their important and very valid question: “Where is the efficiency in “cracking” this tricky case by getting director’s ownership on material he has created?” statements from stars like Kangana Ranaut? Let This did not go down well with the community, with us see what is unearthed. But our man Kapur has people like Javed Akhtar questioning his stand. declared he will dedicate Paani to the memory of the Given Kapur’s education and background (CA actor who did not live long enough to star in what from London), he is entirely at home in an interna- promises to be Kapur’s magnum opus.

Director Shekhar Kapur/PHOTO AFP www.shobaade.blogspot.com

6464 THETHE WEEKWEEK •• AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 65 @LEISURE CINEMA

nlike everyone around her of Shakuntala Devi was that she was a who has memories of human computer,” she says. “Slowly, meeting mathematician I started discovering so many layers. Shakuntala Devi when At one point, I turned to Anu and U she visited their school or asked, ‘Ok tell me, what has she not at one of her talks, filmmak- done?’” Balan says what attracted her er Anu Menon does not have any such was how Devi embraced her flaws and recollection. An engineering graduate, limitations as well as her gifts and her Menon had not even read any of her genius. “I think that is what makes her books. But knowledge about Devi, she so inspiring,” she says. “That she did says, is like one of those old Hindi songs not think she was a saint. She thought, “that you just know”. After directing ‘Main jaisi hoon great hoon’ (I am great the critically acclaimed Waiting (2015) as I am). She wanted to try everything and co-directing the first season of and live every moment like it was her Four More Shots Please! (2019), Menon last. So, she wrote books, she was an as- was looking for the story of a woman trologer, and at some point, she joined in maths “because we rarely tell such politics. She was travelling the world stories”. The first name that came up and meeting presidents and prime min- was that of Devi. The fact that the isters of various nations.” mathematician’s daughter, Anupama One of the striking points in the trail- Banerji, lived in London, where Menon er is when Anupama (played by Sanya is based, helped. The film Shakuntala Malhotra) accuses her mother of not Devi premieres on Amazon Prime Vid- being like other moms who are selfless eo on July 31. and always at the beck and call of their Devi, a math wizard known as the children. Devi, on the other hand, bal- “human computer”, simplified com- anced both motherhood and her career, plex mathematical equations for DOING refusing to give one up for the other. countless students. Her name was THE MATH “Even if you are not able to personally Balan as included in the Guinness Book of identify with the character’s predica- Shakuntala Devi World Records in 1982 for multi- ment, you can draw from what you have plying two 13-digit numbers in just she was so gregarious Devi’s life from the age of five to until No One Killed Jessica and seen around,” says Balan. “I have seen 28 seconds. In the 1970s, Devi’s hus- and flamboyant,” says 60-something. Actor Araina plays The Dirty Picture happened in this a lot with friends who are working band, Paritosh Banerji, an IAS officer, Menon. That is why she the young Devi and Balan takes 2011. The Dirty Picture, inspired moms, whose children expect them to came out as gay. It inspired her to write could think of no one better than over from the age of 20. It was by the life of south Indian actor be only mothers. I think the expecta- a book on homosexuality called The Vidya Balan, who often displays a important for Balan to understand Silk Smitha, not only catapulted tions from a mother are very unfair.” World of Homosexuals—an empathetic similar exuberance, to play Devi. the nuances of her character— Balan into the hall of fame, but Although she is not a mother, Balan is “inquiry into the lives of a minority “Vidya is equally funny and witty where she was at each stage of her was also a watershed moment no stranger to the complexities of being of her fellow humans who have lived and we felt she could carry off the life, physically, mentally and emo- for women-centric cinema in GETTY IMAGES a wife and a working professional. half-hiding throughout their lives”. role really well,” says Menon. It tionally. “When you go through so India. The trick, says the actor, is “Even though I have come a long way, “We had so much information that was important for her to contact many stages of a character’s [life], to capture the essence of the per- I still think there are times when I feel we had to figure out what was actually Balan during the early stages itself it becomes very challenging and son. You might not look like her, that maybe I should do some more,” going into the film,” says Menon, who because she was not sure if the fulfilling,” she says. To prepare but you can adopt some of her SHE DID NOT THINK says Balan. She deals with it by having did interviews lasting several hours actor would consent to play the for the role, Balan listened to the mannerisms. And that is what SHE WAS A SAINT.... open conversations with husband, film with Banerji. “We got an intimate peep mother of a woman in her 20s. taped interviews of Anupama she has tried doing with her por- SHE WANTED TO TRY producer Siddharth Roy Kapur. into everything there was to [know She sounded out Balan in early and her husband by Menon and trayal of Devi. Balan’s multifac- Playing Devi might just be a defining about] Shakuntala Devi. We matched 2018, and the actor was instantly co-writer Nayanika Mahtani, eted nature helped her inhabit EVERYTHING AND LIVE moment in Balan’s career. The mak- [our research] with what Anupama pro- attracted to the role. interacted with Anupama to un- the character. “After a point, I EVERY MOMENT LIKE IT ers, on their part, have left no stone vided us—her memories, anecdotes, “You have a sense that it was a derstand her mother and watched referred to Vidya as Shakuntala. unturned to imbue her character with and a wealth of photographs.” life well lived,” says Balan, who, all the available videos on Devi. They became one and the same WAS HER LAST. nuance and authenticity. “This film is During the three years of research too, has a knack with numbers. Interestingly, Balan had said in for me,” says Menon. not a puff piece, neither is it an ode to into Devi’s life, Menon discovered her “She had a wicked sense of an earlier interaction that she did Balan’s journey of getting into —Vidya Balan on Shakuntala Devi (in pic) Shakuntala Devi,” says Menon. “We zany sense of humour and her zest for humour and was like a com- not know how to act in a biopic the skin of the character was have gone into the darker spaces, ready life. “When I started out, I did not know plex equation.” The film covers and “live the life of a real person” slow. “What I knew [initially] to make it a bit real.”

66 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 67 @LEISURE FOOD

THE NAIR VISHNU V.

TASTE OF COOKING UP A STORM (Clockwise from left) Athira Vishnu; Ruchi FREEDOM Bharani; Kabita Singh JANAK BHAT JANAK These women digital chefs are finding liberation on YouTube

BY POOJA BIRAIA JAISWAL

n May this year, during In the last the lockdown, searches five years or so, all the difference. Kabita gets a six for the frothy Dalgona these women— digit income per month for upload- I coffee saw a 5,000 per essentially stay- ing at least three videos a week. She cent spike on Google, as at-home mothers, many of whom YouTube feed leaves one in no doubt has been able to hire a few employ- coffee aficionados tried their hand at have quit plush corporate jobs—have about the popularity of her recipes. ees and contribute to the family’s whipping up the creamy two-toned been cooking up a storm in their “I had a secure banking job which I income.” Close to 90 lakh people coffee with its butterscotch-hued kitchens, even as their husbands left to follow my passion in cooking,” viewed Kabita’s post on instant foam. Just when the popularity of play a supporting role. The lockdown she says. “Of course nobody believed jalebis which, according to her, can the drink peaked on Google Trends, further amplified their popularity on in me back then, but as time passed be prepared in 10 minutes. Madhavi, an unassuming homemak- YouTube as the demand for home- and my popularity grew, those “We have even made an e-booklet er, got over 21 lakh people hooked to cooked meals that are quick and easy around me began taking me seri- of my recipes to inspire users on her ingenious spin on the drink—a to put together shot up. So did an ously and realised the power of the WhatsApp during this time of staying Dalgona coffee cake—on her You- interest in learning fun ways of exper- digital medium.” indoors,” says Ruchi Bharani, an inte- Tube channel, ‘Madhavi’s Kitchen’. imenting with everyday ingredients. A typical day in the life of a home- FOR A GROWING BREED fare to the joys of everyday cooking rior designer and chef with the digital For a growing breed of homemak- For many, like Vishakha Singh, 28, based digital chef, especially since and home-based meals. “These platform Rajshri Food. Her tryst with ers uploading recipes on YouTube who has been consistently uploading the start of the pandemic, stretches OF HOMEMAKERS women are so much more relatable cooking began after marriage when daily, the kitchen has turned into “high on oil, but extremely satisfying well into 14 to 15 hours of work daily, UPLOADING RECIPES in the way they come across and she lent her mother-in-law a hand a sanctuary, and they are enjoy- non-vegetarian recipes” on You- which involves preparing meals for their essentially home-grown style in her kitchen, where the aroma of ing unprecedented popularity. “I Tube since 2016, the recognition has the family and shooting at least two ON YOUTUBE DAILY, of cooking,” he says. “Also, the fact homemade Sindhi cuisine would lin- don’t think I have ever had as many brought a boost of self-confidence to three different videos. While in THE KITCHEN HAS that many of them are churning out ger for hours. Her recipe for dal fry, viewers as during the lockdown. The and a sense of identity. “It just made normal times, the creator has the fascinating stuff in regional cuisines which she put up around eight years viewership has more than doubled. me feel so much more valued,” says help of an extended team comprising BECOME A SANCTUARY. like Assamese, Marathi and Kerala is ago, was the first to get over a million As if people are just noticing their Singh. “I can earn my own money by videographers, a video editor and phenomenal. They are very consist- views. “That time there were not as own kitchens and are relishing the doing something that has been taken social media managers, in the past ent with their videos—be it daily, many YouTube chefs as now. So it joys of making their own food,” says for granted [till now].” four months, the digital chefs have weekly or fortnightly—and that is was relatively easy to get popular,” Kabita Singh, 39, whose YouTube Her feelings are shared by Mad- been doing everything themselves. be a pro at it,” she says. “It gives such essential for YouTube to take them she says. channel, ‘Kabita’s Kitchen’, has hura Bachal, who has been at the This includes chopping vegetables a sense of achievement to be able to seriously as digital chefs.” But for Vishakha and many others more than 80 lakh subscribers. With forefront of popularising Mahar- and preparing the ingredients, han- do what you want the way you want Banker Manish Singh, Kabita’s like her, their top-notch cooking vid- recipes that teach one how to rustle ashtrian recipes since 2014. Food, dling the DSLRs, editing, uploading without having to depend on or face husband and father of their two chil- eos that have helped them put their up instant jalebis and potato chips she says, has always been the centre and marketing. “But that has also the condescension of anyone.” dren, has taken to helping his wife by stuff out there have afforded true in less than 10 minutes, her average of her universe. Whether it is the been a self-revelation,” says Athira According to Chef Ajay Chopra, managing her brand endorsements liberation. “I am a very shy person,” monthly viewership, which was close homemade Lamington chocolate Vishnu, mother of a three-year-old, a former MasterChef India judge and handling the finances. “It is she says Vishakha. “So, for someone like to two crore before the lockdown, cake, honey chilli potatoes or the im- who has gained 800 plus followers on the show’s first two seasons, the who conceptualises everything. I me, it has been exhilarating to be has shot up to nearly seven crore in munity-boosting raw mango panna since starting her YouTube channel lockdown has shifted the focus from only play the support function,” he popular only for my work and not the past four months. with a twist, a casual scroll down her last month. “I never thought I could chef-centric and exotic restaurant says. “On YouTube, popularity makes my looks.”

68 THE WEEK • AUGUSTAUGUST 9,9, 20202020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 69 SCHIZO-NATION ANUJA CHAUHAN

The cheerleader effect

verybody loves a boy band. From the Beatles, Prasada getting itchy feet are not helping either. to Backstreet Boys and Boyz II Men, to BTS See, if you are a very strong talent, you do not Eand One Direction who made the hashtag need a boy band. They then fade into the back- #10yearsof1D trend just a few days ago, we love ground to become merely your accompanists— the freshness, energy and sheer frisson they bring like Bruce Springsteen and the E street band, for into our jaded lives. There is just something about example. Or Indira Gandhi and the sycophants. the combined impact created by a grouping of four Or Narendra Modi and the Pink Lotus Gang. But if or five comely youths, with freshly broken voices, the group is greater than the sum of its parts, and tousled hair and eager eyes (seemingly) seeking true nobody is a stand-out performer on their own, love, that creates a veritable pheromone storm in then it makes sense to stick with the band. Ditch the bosoms of women everywhere. Girls want them, it, and you end up in obscurity or, to paraphrase a boys want to be them and everybody across the One D superhit, you end up feeling “so low, since board is quite comprehensively enchanted. you went solo, hole in the middle of your heart like Of course, the cheerleader effect, also known as a polo”. the group attractiveness Rahul—the Harry Styles effect—a cognitive bias of the Congress Party Boy which causes people to Band, if you will—put out a think individuals are more solo album recently, name- attractive when they are in ly, his China videos. They a group—has a major role seem vaguely reminiscent to play here. The term was of Harry Styles’s first solo first coined by that fictional ballad, the overproduced, “high-functioning-socio- world-weary-ish ‘stop your path” Barney Stinson on crying, it’s a sign of the the show How I Met Your times’, ie, hardcore Harry Mother. Canny, womanising fans felt vindicated in their Barney pointed out knowl- belief that Harry was the edgeably to his more naïve talent that powered One D, friends that women (like cheerleaders) always look but everybody else on the planet was left pretty more attractive in a group, but when separated out, much unshaken. and met one-on-one, cease to look as attractive. Meanwhile, Sachin and Jyotiraditya are prowling Like a grouping of scatter cushions on a couch, around radiating a sort of sullen, wronged Zayn if you are into home décor. Or a group of fighter Malik vibe, all broody angst and enigmatic utter- planes flying in formation, if you are into the action ances, intermittently belting out Sufi-style wails stuff. Anyway, the point I am trying to make here is and romancing beautiful women, and wondering that record producer and media personality Simon why their life has been reduced to just “f#@king Cowell knew what he was doing when he picked out and fighting on, it’s a paradise and it’s a war zone”. a motley crew of ordinary-ish British lads with strong I was never a groupie of the Congress Party Boy singing voices and put them together to create hyste- Band, but I did dig a couple of their early hits. My ria and history with One Direction ten years ago, and advice to them would be to put their petulance and that Rahul Gandhi is looking pretty sad now that he egos aside, kiss and make up and reunite as a band. has been separated from Sachin Pilot and Jyotiradit- Sure, they are older, and stouter, and staler, but ya Scindia—and they are cutting a pretty sorry figure they are definitely better together. None of them on their own, too. Rumours of Milind Deora and Jitin are going to create history on their own.

ILLUSTRATION BHASKARAN [email protected]

12-07-202019-04-202012-04-202022-03-202029-03-202026-04-202019-04-202012-04-202022-03-202029-03-202022-03-202029-03-2020 09-08-2020626-07-2020 70 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 71 @LEISURE PEOPLE

RASIKA DUGAL, actor Spreading cheer

hen people’s moods start- GETTY IMAGES ed plummeting during the Wlockdown, Rasika Dugal and Chords of love husband Mukul Chadda came up with Mind Ananya Birla will soon be out with her latest elec- the delightfully light-hearted short film, tro-pop single, Let There Be Love. “I feel like we are Banana Bread. But that is not all. Dugal mystery all going through this collective trauma right now has much more up her sleeve. There is Mira Actor Aftab Shivdasani announced and I wanted to give a voice to that, but also show- Nair’s A Suitable Boy, the comedy-drama the first film, Dhundh, to be produced case the sparks of hope and positivity that are being Lootcase and the second season of Delhi by Mount Zen Media, the produc- born right in the middle of this chaos,” she said. The Crime. In between, she has been dubbing tion company which he had recently song, recorded at her makeshift home studio in Los for the second season of Mirzapur. She will launched with wife, Nin Dusanj. Angeles, is produced by the Grammy-winning Aar- soon begin work on Lord Curzon Ki Haveli. Shivdasani shared a poster of the film on Pearce, who has worked with the likes of Justin on Instagram and captioned it, “Evil Bieber and Pitbull. Were you scared about going out to dub for Has An Address, Your Mind. The Mind Mirzapur 2? works in mysterious ways. Excited to I was going out after a long time and hence present Dhundh....” The film, to be had taken extra precautions, [almost to the It was really a need to respond creatively produced in association with Man- point of] overdoing it. (Laughs) The good thing to the very strange times that we are liv- diraa Entertainment, is set to release in was that the producers were extra nice. I dis- ing in. And I consciously wanted to have October. cussed the safety measures and the things that a light-hearted take on it because we would make me comfortable.... I asked them could all do with a little of that. Every to shift the dubbing to a studio closer to my day, there is something which is even house in case I wanted to use the loo and they more devastating, at an economic or did. It was strange to step out though. The streets a human rights level. In the coming looked so different. months, we are going to feel the Honest impact of all this severely. We really So many people are struggling for work and need something in such times to sonnets you have four projects back-to-back. cheer us up. On a lighter note, it was Singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, whose I am so grateful. I have nothing to complain a break from the constant house- melancholic love ballads have enthralled about, especially because I am getting to do such work. I had always been interested many, has come out with an audiobook a variety of roles. Recently, we released a small in being a part of something right of 14 poems performed by her and Rocking it clip of a song from Lootcase, where I am doing a from the ideation stage because as accompanied by music from Grammy Duleshwar Tandi or Dule Rocker has been setting the in- little dance, something that I have not done earlier. actors, you enter a project when Award-winning songwriter Jack Antonoff. ternet ablaze with his lockdown rap videos. A Dalit migrant Lootcase’s Lata is a blunt and straightforward per- the work is half done. So, you don’t The poems, titled Violet Bent Backwards worker from Odisha’s Kalahandi district, the 27-year-old son. [On the other hand], Savita in A Suitable Boy is have much agency. Mukul has Over the Grass, are “eclectic and honest passionately croons about the plight of migrant workers a gentle, calm and loving person. It is lovely to play written a few things previously, and not trying to be anything other than and records his songs on a mobile phone outside his hut. such diverse characters across formats. but for me this was exciting and they are....,” said Del Rey. The hardcover of Tandi had to return to his village, Borda, from Raipur on thus Banana Bread happened. the poetry collection will be available on March 23. He started performing rap early, with gigs in You wrote and acted in Banana Bread with Mukul. — PRIYANKA BHADANI September 29. cities like Chandigarh. GETTY IMAGES 72 THE WEEK • AUGUST 9, 2020 AUGUST 9, 2020 • THE WEEK 73 LAST WORD NAVTEJ SARNA

In droll Londongrad

ondon steals a march over Washington, DC with the intelligence agencies. The Russian ambassador its drollery, if that is the mot juste that Jeeves quickly ran out of lunch companions, his very shadow Lwould have approved. Nothing is allowed to get the kiss of death. All so New World, almost nouveau too serious. Most issues are talked down, understated, riche. joked about. It is classy to be self-deprecating; the On the other hand, allegations of Russian meddling weighty traditions of Westminster and Whitehall are in the Brexit referendum were treated with old mollified with calculated casualness. world elegance. Ministers looked away and the Washington, DC, by contrast, is a serious town, intelligence agencies took the hint—as befits a nation overrun by crusaders wrapped in earnestness. The on whose empire the indefatigable sun never set. No ponderous senator, the clean-cut Congress staffer, point poking around, since anyway the bets on the the bow-tied lobbyist, the pensive columnist, the referendum had already been placed at Ladbrokes think tank academic—their righteous shoulders seem and Wimbledon was around the corner. weighed down with the burden of Finally, the Parliament’s protecting the free world. Probity, Intelligence and Security transparency, accountability are Committee (ISC) investigated, the catchwords and breaches are but Downing Street stalled the examined with a gimlet eye; if release of its report for nine someone is caught, he apologises months; haste is so gauche. on camera, with a faraway look The press conference on the and quivering lower lip, the long- report was an appropriately suffering wife at his side. underplayed affair in the library When allegations surfaced of of the Army and Navy Club, a Vladimir Putin playing favourites green curtain drawn to partially in the 2016 US election, the hide the bookshelves. The sound Americans got all hot under the arrangements were iffy—it is bad collar as if the very heart of their form to appear terribly efficient. democracy was under threat. The The hard-hitting report intelligence agencies rolled up their revealed much, except on sleeves, spat on their palms, and produced a report how deep and successful was Moscow’s meddling. within two months. “Russia’s goals were to undermine Naturally, since no one asked that question in the public faith in the US democratic process, denigrate first place, hence no one knew: MI5’s input to the secretary [Hillary] Clinton, and harm her electability committee was all of six lines. The fact is that Russian and potential presidency. We further assess Putin and billionaires—both friends or enemies of Putin—wield the Russian government developed a clear preference tremendous influence in London. Owning mansions for President-elect Trump,” they concluded. and football clubs they keep an army of Londoners, President Donald Trump bounced this hot potato including peers, in profitable business while donating from one teleprompter screen to the other for three liberally to political parties and cultural causes. Secret years. There was a lot of broken china: NSA Michael agents have free run of Londongrad, so nicknamed: Flynn, FBI director James Comey and finally Attorney the Salisbury and Polonium poisonings are clear General Jeff Sessions lost their jobs; a special counsel, evidence. Meanwhile, the ISC report breezily Robert Mueller, was appointed and Trump tweeted concludes that UK’s stretched agencies “took their eye 300 times, fulminating against the “witch hunt”. A off the ball.” The problem is that the Russians do not bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee produced get this; you see, they do not play cricket. five voluminous reports upholding the findings of But there is still time for a G and T.

IMAGING BHASKARAN The author is the former Ambassador of India to the US and High Commissioner to the UK.

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