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Volume 31 n Issue 2 & 3 n March-June 2017

Yoga for world peace 3rd International Day of

Celebrating Indian women

PBD 2017: reaching Cinema heritage tribute out to Indian diaspora A world of indie films ’s mountain railways veteran actor

Final_New IP cover Yoga.indd 1 8/8/17 5:43 PM Upcoming events across India

Champakulam Boat Race The Champakulam Boat Race is cel- ebrated with much fanfare, with a large procession that includes water floats, highly decorated boats and music and dance performances.

When: July 8, 2017 Where: Champakulam, Kerala

Hemis Festival Independence Day Hemis Gompa, the largest Buddhist India celebrates its independence monastery in Ladakh, hosts the from British rule on August 15, 1947. Hemis festival for two days every Most of the festivities take place year. The festival is famous for around the Red Fort in with a the masked dance called Cham. flag hoisting ceremony and cultural There is also a bustling fair full of programmes. handicrafts and other items that you must explore. WHEN: August 15, 2017 WHERE: Across India but especially WHEN: July 3-4, 2017 in Delhi WHERE: Hemis Monastery, Ladakh

Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race The Nehru Trophy is held in memory of India’s late Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru. The race has been held annually ever since 1952. This year will be the 65th edition of the spectacular race.

When: August 12, 2017 Where: Punnamada Lake, Alleppey in Kerala

Dree Festival Athachamayam The fertility festival of Dree is The Athachamayam festival marks celebrated by the Apatani tribe in the beginning of Onam. The cel- to appease the sun ebrations feature a street parade and moon gods. A Dree flag song inau- accompanied by decorated elephants gurates the festival at the Dree altar, with and floats, musicians, and various games, sports, song and dance to mark traditional Kerala art forms. the occasion. WHEN: August 25, 2017 When: July 4-7, 2017 WHERE: Thripunithura, Kerala Where: Ziro valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 2 8/8/17 4:52 PM Foreword

From an idea proposed by Prime Minister at the 69th session of the UN General Assembly to an international celebration of health and wellness, the International Day of Yoga has only grown in stature over the last three years. We celebrate yoga, an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition, in this issue of India Perspectives, exploring how citizens of the world commemorated the third International Day of Yoga and discovered the benefits of yoga for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being as well as for world peace and harmony. Earlier this year, the world observed International Women’s Day, celebrating the importance of women in society and appreciating and respecting their roles in our lives. We feature Indian women achievers from all walks of who have excelled in their fields in the recent past and made their country proud. Moving on, we explore the biennial event , which provides a platform for the Indian diaspora to connect with the . Portuguese PM Antonio Costa was the chief guest for this year’s event, whose theme was ‘Redefining Engagement with the Indian diaspora’. The event was held in Bengaluru and attended by more than 4,000 delegates. In January this year, ties between India and the UAE also saw a boost with the visit of UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for our 68th Republic Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the UAE Crown Prince committed themselves to the expansion of India’s role in the promotion of security in West Asia. We discuss the outcome of the talks held between the two leaders. Under the sections exploring , culture and heritage, this issue dwells on ragas as an intrinsic part of Indian , why festival curators are increasingly warming up to India’s independent cinema, how bamboo is one of the most versatile materials and mountain railways of India. The travel section takes you to Lakshadweep Islands, with some of the most beautiful and exotic beaches and islands of India. And the cuisine section features natural-ingredient drinks for improving health organically. Lastly, we pay tribute to veteran actor Om Puri, who left an

Volume indelible mark on cinema in a career spanning over three decades. 31 n Issue 2 & 3 n March-June 2017

Yoga for world peace 3rd International Day of Yoga

Celebrating Indian women Gopal Baglay

PBD 2017: REACHING OUT TO INDIAN DIASPORA

CINEMA A WORLD OF INDIE FILMS

HERITAGE INDIA’S MOUNTAIN RAILWAYS

TRIBUTE VETERAN ACTOR OM PURI

MARCH-JUNE 2017 3 www.indiaperspectives.in

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Editor: Gopal Baglay Assistant Editor: MLK Raja Ministry of External Affairs Room No. 152, ‘A’ Wing, Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi - 110001, India Tel.: +91.11.23388949, 23381719 Fax.: +91.11.23384663 Web: www.indiaperspectives.in For feedback: [email protected]

MaXposure Media Group India Pvt Ltd CEO & Managing Director: Prakash Johari Director: Vikas Johari Editorial Director: Jayita Bandyopadhyay Head Office MaXposure Media Group India Pvt Ltd #TheAddress, Plot No 62, Okhla Phase-3, New Delhi-110020, India Tel: +91.11.43011111, Fax: +91.11.43011199 CIN No: U22229DL2006PTC152087 For inquiries: [email protected]

FOR INQUIRIES | MMGIPL Tel: +91.11.43011111 FAX: +91.11.43011199 www.maxposure.in

India Perspectives is published in Arabic, Bahasa , English, French, German, , Italian, Pashto, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Sinhala, Spanish, Tamil, Chinese and Japanese.

India Perspectives is published by Gopal Baglay, Joint Secretary (XP) and Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Room No. 152, ‘A’ Wing, Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi - 110001, India. It is printed and published on behalf of the MEA by MaXposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. (MMGIPL), #TheAddress, Plot No 62, Okhla Phase-3, New Delhi-110020, India. India Perspectives is published six times a year. All rights reserved. The writing, artwork and/or photography contained herein may be used or reproduced with an acknowledgement to India Perspectives. MEA and MMGIPL does not assume responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited products, manuscripts, photographs, artwork, transparencies or other materials. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the MEA or MMGIPL.

Follow us on: http://www.facebook.com/MEA http://www.twitter.com/MEA http://www.youtube.com/MEA

For a copy of India Perspectives, contact the nearest Indian diplomatic mission. 64

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 4 8/8/17 4:52 PM contents

38 90 99

INITIATIVE cinema The world embraces yoga for peace and A world of opportunities...... 58 wellness ...... 06 travel Achievement A sanctum of serenity...... 64 India’s pride: our women achievers...... 22 snapshot Beating the Retreat ...... 70 PARTNERSHIP Growing interaction with the home heritage country...... 32 Journey through the hills...... 76 Transforming India-UAE ties set for Bamboo narratives...... 82 ‘take off’...... 38 education Engaging in dialogue for Break with convention...... 86 multipolar world...... 44 fashion

BUDGET Global celebs flaunt Indian designs...... 90

Aimed at benefitting farmers and tribute the poor...... 48 The unlikely star...... 94

Innovation cuisine Lunar voyage...... 52 Kashayam: the midas of life...... 99

music awards Moods of the ragas...... 54 Padma Awards...... 104

MARCH-JUNE 2017 5 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 5 8/8/17 4:53 PM initiative

The world embraces yoga for peace and wellness Enthusiasts across the world started their day with yoga on June 21, as they came together to mark the third International Day of Yoga

text | Tripti Nath

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 6 8/8/17 4:53 PM he fiery monsoon weather could themselves from incessant rain as they heard not stop thousands of yoga the Prime Minister’s speech and watched him enthusiasts from assembling at perform asanas undeterred by the downpour. Ramabai Ambedkar In just three years, IDY celebrations have in , the capital of already been breaking records in terms of UttarT Pradesh, India’s most populous state, participation. The first edition at New Delhi’s where Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Rajpath entered the Guinness Book of World them in performing asanas to celebrate Records for witnessing the biggest yoga the third International Day of Yoga (IDY) congregation with 35,985 participants from 84 on June 21, 2017. nationalities. The idea of IDY was proposed Yoga enthusiasts across all age groups, by the Prime Minister at the 69th session of holding umbrellas and clad in raincoats, arrived the UN General Assembly on September 27, as early as five in the morning reaffirming 2014. Just four months into office by then, their faith in the time-tested curative power of he persuaded the world community to work yoga. Those who had come unprepared ended towards adopting an IDY. “Yoga is an invaluable up using orange-coloured yoga mats to shield gift of ancient Indian tradition. It embodies

Indian PM Narendra Modi participating in a yoga demonstration in Lucknow during International Day of Yoga celebrations

MARCH-JUNE 2017 7 www.indiaperspectives.in

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unity of mind and body, thought and action, declaring June 21 as the IDY. Today, yoga is restraint and fulfilment, harmony between man celebrated across the world on summer solstice, and nature, and a holistic approach to health the longest day in the year in many parts of and well-being. Yoga is not about exercise but the world. to discover the sense of oneness The year 2017 proved to be yet with ourselves, the world and another record-setting year for Yoga enthusiasts nature. By changing our lifestyle the IDY. The tone was set by the reached the and consciousness, it can help us venue much Prime Minister in Lucknow, when deal with climate change,” he said. before the he emphasised that yoga has the The message received an scheduled time power to provide health assurance overwhelming response – the to all at zero cost. From Indian world embraced this ancient Indian space scientists and management spiritual, mental and physical practice right gurus in Bengaluru to medicine researchers, from the word go. Amazingly, India’s resolution all joined the celebrations. Yoga functions were was adopted in just 75 days with a record 177 held at the International Airport countries co-sponsoring and all 193 member in New Delhi, the Mehsana Sun Temple in states unanimously supporting the same, Modhera, and the Rashtriya Sanskrit

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 8 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 8 8/8/17 4:53 PM Facing page: Yoga enthusiasts strike a pose in Belgrade. Above: As many as 50 community organisations participated at the Sandy Springs Heritage Park in Atlanta

a brief timeline of yoga As it has evolved and developed through the centuries, yoga has retained the message of peace and equanimity that lay at its core when it first began

2700 BC (Pre-Vedic Era) 800-1700 AD (Post-classical Era) Historical evidence of the The teachings of great Acharyatrayas - Adi existence of yoga was seen Shankracharya and Ramanujacharya, in the pre-Vedic period were prominent during this period

500-800 AD (Classical Era) 1700-1900 AD (Modern Period) The Classical period is considered as This was the period when Vedanta, the most fertile and prominent period bhakti yoga, nathayoga or hatha in the history and development of yoga yoga flourished

MARCH-JUNE 2017 9 www.indiaperspectives.in

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Top: People practising Yoga in Tokyo. Bottom, clockwise from left:W ater yoga session in Hungary. Yogis in Hungary. Yoga enthusiasts in

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 10 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 10 8/8/17 4:53 PM Above: People having a gala time during the IDY celebrations in

Sansthan in Sringeri in . Around Air Force and the Indian Navy. Indian Navy 100 envoys attended the yoga event - led by personnel performed yoga onboard INS Minister of External Affairs Vikramaditya, Shivalik, Kamorta, Jyoti, INS - at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra in New Delhi’s Jalashwa and Kirch in the Indian Ocean and diplomatic enclave in Chanakyapuri. She told the Bay of . Personnel of the Indo the diplomats that yoga belongs not merely Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) performed yoga to India but to the whole world. “Its inclusion at an altitude of 19,000 feet in Ladakh and at as World Intangible Cultural Heritage by 11,600 feet on the banks of the Indus River UNESCO underlines its global significance, in the region. benefits for the entire humanity and growing The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, reach,” she said. Swaraj, who has learnt yoga Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha from Baba Ramdev, added that yoga is a and Homoepathy) organised a two-day science to attain inner peace and an art to international conference on the theme ‘Yoga attain equanimity. The event concluded with for Body and Beyond’ in New Delhi on June Shanti Prarthanas or prayers for world peace. 22 and 23. The increasing popularity of yoga The Ministry of Defence organised sessions has motivated the Ministry of AYUSH to all over India for the Indian Army, the Indian construct 100 yoga parks across the country.

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INDIA PERSPECTIVES 12 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 12 8/8/17 4:53 PM Clockwise from top: People performing dhanurasana in Mongolia. People practising kapalbhati pranayama in Lao PDR. IDY celebrations in . Meditation session in . Yoga enthusiasts try their hands at asanas in Melbourne. IDY celebrations in the lap of nature, in Peru. IDY celebrations in Senegal. An IDY event in Nairobi

MARCH-JUNE 2017 13 www.indiaperspectives.in

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Glimpses of IDY celebrations clockwise from above: Paris. Milan. Romania. Turkey.

Sripad Naik, Minister of State for AYUSH yoga for an hour everyday for the last 30 (Independent Charge) said this writer that years,” he said. He also added that last year, he will put up a proposal to the PM to start the PM dedicated the yoga day to diabetes. a yoga university to be run by the Ministry Likewise, this year, it has been dedicated to of AYUSH. “We will also set up a yoga and cancer. “We want to detect cancer at an early naturopathy institute in north where we stage so that people can be cured by lifestyle will run one-month and three-month courses interventions,” he explained. for foreigners. Yoga is the soft power of India. Academia, too, has cause to cheer, with I learnt yoga in Goa and have been practising yoga institutes across the country reporting

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 14 MARCH-JUNE 2017

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 15 8/8/17 4:53 PM initiative

Clockwise from top: The third International Day of Yoga was celebrated in Bangkok with great enthusiasm. Yoga practitioners warm up in . A girl strikes a yogic pose in Iran. IDY event in the

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 16 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 16 8/8/17 4:53 PM Clockwise from top left: IDY celebrations in . IDY celebrations in . Yoga enthusiasts in Croatia

MARCH-JUNE 2017 17 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 17 8/8/17 4:53 PM IDY celebrations across the world, 2017

1. 59. Malta 2. Algeria 60. 3. Angola 61. Mexico 4. Argentina 62. Mongolia 5. 63. Morocco 6. Austria 64. 7. Azerbaijan 65. 8. 66. Namibia 9. Bangladesh 67. Nepal 10. Belarus 68. 11. 69. 12. Bolivia 70. Niger 13. Botswana 71. Nigeria 14. Darussalam 72. 15. Cambodia 73. Oman 16. 74. Pakistan 17. Chile 75. Palestine 18. 76. Panama 19. Colombia 77. Papua New 20. Comoros 78. Peru 21. Congo (Democratic 79. 16 Republic) 80. 22. Croatia 81. 23. Cuba 82. Romania 24. Cyprus 83. Russia 25. Czech Republic 84. Saudi Arabia 26. Denmark 85. Senegal 27. 86. Serbia 111 110 28. Fiji 87. Seychelles 29. 88. 30. Georgia 89. Slovak Republic 31. Germany 90. 32. Ghana 91. South Sudan 61 33. Greece 92. Spain 23 41 34. Guatemala 93. Sri Lanka 34 35. Hungary 94. Sudan 102 76 113 36. Indonesia 95. 95 37. Iran 96. 19 38. Ireland 97.

39. 98. Syria 78 40. 99.

41. 100. 12 42. 101. 43. Jordan 102. 17 44. 103. Tunisia 45. 104. Turkey

46. Korea(DPR) 105. 4 47. Korea (ROK) 106. 48. 107. 49. 108. 50. Laos 109. 51. Lebanon 110. of 52. America 53. Lithuania 111. UN-PMI (New York) 54. 112. 55. Malawi 113. Venezuela 56. 114. Vietnam 57. Maldives 115. Zambia 58. Mali 116.

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 18 MARCH-JUNE 2017

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26 53 109 38 10 68 8079 92 25 107 89 6 44 29 97 35 62 22 43 82 30 112 49 31 40 7 80 33 104 105 99 46 47 42 103 59 24 39 98 18 63 51 37 1 75 86 48 74 2 52 27 8 67 11 84 81 108 9 65 114 73 50 58 70 85 94 101 15 32 71 91 93 56 14 57 106 45 88 21 36 87 100 77

3 55 20 115 64 28 116 54 60 66 13 5

90

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Note: Above map has been kept just for graphical representation to provide easy user navigation and it’s not presenting or associated with any political boundaries of countries.

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a manifold increase in the intake of new yoga Picchu in Peru, Trafalgar Square in students. S-VYAASA (Swami Vivekanand and Central Park in New York; countries like Yoga Anusandhaan), a full fledged yoga Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Japan and New university; the Art of Living ashram in Zealand also joined in. Bengaluru; and other yoga institutes have In China, a large number of Chinese and reported increased enrolments. Indian enthusiasts assembled at Speaking at the IDY celebrations the iconic Great Wall of China in Lucknow, the PM said that The message to join India’s Minister of State several new yoga institutes have of peace and for External Affairs, General been set up in the last three years wellness has VK Singh in performing yoga and yoga has created a new job transcended postures at an event described market in the world. boundaries, as “a cultural milestone”. The From the UN headquarters in making the IDY event was organised jointly by a truly global New York lit up with the word the Indian Embassy in Beijing, festival “yoga” to several events marked the Chinese People’s Association in India, the message of peace and for Friendship with Foreign wellness has transcended boundaries, making Countries (CPAFFC) and Yogi Yoga, a the IDY a truly global festival within three popular yoga school. Twenty young Indian years of its inception. Celebrations were held ambassadors from the New Delhi-based at several iconic locations across the world, Institute also demonstrated including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Machu advanced yoga poses. Yoga has generated

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 20 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 20 8/8/17 4:53 PM a lot of interest among foreigners and is to 60 days. Michael Dust, 30, an international contributing to foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) taxation lawyer from Dusseldorf, Germany, as well. Chandra Kishore Mishra, secretary, was in India on a scholarship. He joined IDY Ministry of AYUSH, said that FTAs have been celebrations at New Delhi’s central business reported more in centres where yoga sessions district Connaught Place. “Initially, I thought and naturopathy have been organised. “We are it would be very tough. While working with expecting more and more foreign tourists to a law firm in Germany, we had yoga classes come to India for yoga,” he added. every two weeks. I thought my body was very Convenient visa processes have played their stiff but I could do yoga properly. It was a part. The Indian government gives e-Visas in delightful experience.” three categories: It permits tourists to attend a Given the immense interest that yoga is short-term yoga programme besides recreation, generating globally, the Prime Minister has sightseeing and casual visits to meet friends or a point when he says that yoga is playing an relatives. The duration of stay in India under extremely important role in connecting the the e-Visa has also been increased from 30 days world with India.

Facing page: Yoga enthusiasts strike a perfect pose in China. Above: IDY celebrations in Tashkent

MARCH-JUNE 2017 21 www.indiaperspectives.in

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India’s pride: our women achievers

As women are major contributors to Indian society, we showcase personalities from all walks of life who have excelled in their fields while doing their bit for the world over the last decade. By no means is this an exhaustive list, but it shows how much the women of our country are capable of accomplishing with sheer dedication, determination and hard work

text | Neharika Mathur Sinha

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 22 8/8/17 4:53 PM istory has seen Indian women rising to the occasion whenever the need has arisen – be it the legends Rani Lakshmibai and Razia Sultan who ruled andH defended Jhansi state and Delhi Sultanate respectively with courage and pride, or Ahilya Bai Holkar who ruled Indore between 1694 and 1766 with justice and wisdom. There is renowned Vedic philosopher Gargi Vachaknavi; seer and philosopher Maitreyi; India’s nightingale Sarojini Naidu; Savitribai Phule who started India’s first school for girls; Captain Prem Mathur, the first woman pilot in India; , the first woman president of the United Nations General Assembly; Sucheta Kriplani, the first woman chief minister in India; , Indian independence activist… the list is long and their achievements stellar enough to have filled up pages of history. With such a rich heritage of women achievers, it is not surprising that the current generation of women in India is carrying on the mantle. We look at Indian women who have challenged their limits and excelled in their fields in the recent past.

MARCH-JUNE 2017 23 www.indiaperspectives.in

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Tessy Thomas The first woman engineer to head a missile project in India, Tessy Thomas won the National Award for her outstanding contribution towards making India self-reliant in the field of missile technology. It all began because Thomas grew up next to a rocket launching station in Alappuzha in Kerala. She was fascinated and went on to do engineering from Government Engineering College in Thrissur, followed by an M Tech in guided missiles. The missile woman of India joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1988. From being the associate project director of the 3,000 km range Agni-III missile project, Thomas became project director for the Agni-IV missile project. In 2009,

hoto: rajasthantourismbuzz P hoto: she went on to hold the post of Project Director for the 5,000 km-range Agni V missile. Constant hard work and dedication have Chhavi Rajawat helped her make a mark in this male-dominated India’s youngest sarpanch (head of village) Chhavi field. Despite working 16 hours a day and many Rajawat has dedicated her life to the betterment a time on Sundays, this “Agniputri” (one born of her ancestral village Soda in Malpura tehsil, of fire) has always managed to shine. And this Tonk district, . Rainwater harvesting, is when she is also a mother. Truly a perfect toilet facilities, solar power utilisation, paved example for the women of today. roads and even a bank – this MBA graduate left no stone unturned to ensure Soda flourishes. Leaving behind the corporate city life as an IT professional, she contested elections in March 2010 to earn this honour. An alumnus of prestigious institutes including Mayo College Girls School (Ajmer), Lady Shri Ram College and Balaji Institute of Modern Management, Rajawat today divides her time between Soda and Jaipur, where her parents live. Incidentally, her grandfather Brig Raghubir Singh had also been sarpanch of Soda 20 years before Rajawat’s election. She has faced several challenges, including attacks by anti-social elements who did not want her to construct an IT centre on common land. But through it all, Rajawat remains strong and confident in her belief of making changes at the grassroot level to help make India shine.

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 24 8/8/17 4:54 PM Deepa Malik paraplegic Indian woman biker, She’s the first Indian woman to win swimmer and car rallyist. She drove a medal at the Paralympic Games 3,000 km to Leh and back in a hand- in 2016. But Malik’s silver honour controlled car. She was part of the in the shot put section is not just Tour-de-Himalaya Car Rally in 2009. a recognition of her skill in the That’s not all! This Army sport- it is also testimony to years of officer’s wife wears many more hats. hard work and dedication, and her She ran a successful catering and never-say-die attitude. Since 1999, restaurant business (2003-2010), Malik is paraplegic – paralysed below is well-known as a motivational the chest – and has undergone three speaker and is now a member of the spinal tumour surgeries in the past working group in the formulation 14 years. Because of the surgeries, of the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) she had to bear 183 stitches between on Sports and Physical Education. In her shoulder blades. And despite all 2012, she received the Award the tough times, Malik is the first for her efforts in swimming. hoto: facebook/deepa.malik.9022 P hoto:

Moumita Dutta from the University of Rupa Devi One of Indian Space , Dutta joined She is the first woman referee from Tamil Research Organisation’s the Space Application Nadu to be selected by the Federation leading scientists, Moumita Centre, ISRO in 2006 Internationale de Football Association Dutta was a key part of the and was Project Manager (FIFA). Football had been Devi’s childhood acclaimed Mars Orbiter for payloads for MOM, passion – as a student of St Joseph’s Girl’s Mission (MOM). She and realising her childhood School in Dindigul, she played at the the other team members dream of working at sub-junior level and in district football are credited with having ISRO. Today, she has tournaments. In university, she played at the planned and implemented become accomplished national level. However, she was not allowed the Mission within a span of enough to have worked to play when she started working as a teacher. just 15 months. on several prestigious In 2010-11, life dealt her a raw deal as she lost After completing an ISRO projects including her parents. And for two years, there were MTech in Applied Physics Oceansat, Resourcesat and no women tournaments at the national level. HySAT. She is an expert But Devi did not give up. She joined a referee in miniaturisation of gas development school sensors and has received in 2012, and went on ISRO’s Team of Excellence to officiate several Award for MOM. international matches. Dutta is interested in In 2013, the Asian literature, creative writing, Football Confederation recitation and music. At (AFC) chose her as present, she is heading referee for the under-14 a team that is making football festival in indigenous progress in Doha. In 2016, Devi optical sciences as part of qualified as a referee the Make in India initiative. for FIFA matches. hoto: www.thenewsminute.com P hoto:

MARCH-JUNE 2017 25 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 25 8/8/17 4:54 PM achievement ahu / F lickr hikha Bawa S S hikha Bawa P hoto: hoto: facebook / @Iafs F ighters facebook P hoto:

Teejan Bai Her first performance was at Puja Thakur She took the traditional age 13 in Chandrakhuri, near She is the first woman to have led the guard performing art form of her village Ganiyari. She sang of honour for a major visiting dignitary at the from in the Kapalik shaili (style) . In 2015, when US President to the world stage. But that’s of Pandavani, which was the was the Chief Guest at India’s not the only reason Teejan first time a woman had done Republic Day celebrations, Wing Commander Bai is admired by one and so as traditionally, they used Puja Thakur commanded the joint services all. Her struggle in the male- to sing in the Vedamati – the guard of honour. It was truly a proud moment dominated sphere of Pandavani sitting style. Since then, she has for every Indian woman. where she also faced social always stood tall on the stage Thakur has served in the as ostracism, is commendable. and sung out tales of valour, an administration officer for over 15 years. This is a recipient love, war and heartbreak para jumper from Rajasthan wants more women of the (1998) and in her guttural voice that to join the Indian armed forces and realise their the (2003), touches the soul. Married potential by becoming capable officers who apart from several other four times, she lives with her can successfully serve their country. She was awards for beautifully enacting fourth husband Tukka Ram, a recently posted at DISHA, the publicity cell tales from the Indian epic former harmonium player in under the Directorate of Personnel Officers at for many years. her troupe. the Air Force headquarters.

Eli Ahmed parents expired and she along Known as one of the few all- with her brothers had to move to rounders of , Guwahati. has been a renowned writer, She is currently working on scriptwriter, director, lyricist, a collection of short stories in costume designer, actor, social English. Her books Romanthan activist and much more! Famous and Asom Jyoti have been for her boundless energy and critically acclaimed. She is the enthusiasm, 81-year-old Ahmed editor and publisher of Oranil, has over 1,000 articles, stories, the only magazine for women in and poems to her credit. Although the Northeast. Ahmed was also

she was born into an affluent the one to establish the first film www.northeastnews.in P hoto: family, times got tough when her institute in the Northeast.

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 26 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 26 8/8/17 4:54 PM Arunima Sinha amputated from below the knee. She climbed Mount Everest with one Lack of resources at the Bareilly prosthetic leg in 2013, gaining the District Hospital, where she was honour of being the first amputee rushed to, led to the amputation and the first woman amputee to being done without anesthesia! But have done so. It took Arunima Sinha not one to be cowed down by the 52 days to reach the summit. She pain, this gutsy lady started to look credits her determination and strong at other ways of “doing something” willpower for the achievement. Her in life. Lying on the hospital bed, she experience has been recorded in her decided to achieve the most difficult book Born Again on the Mountain, task of climbing Mount Everest. released in December 2014, and she She did a basic mountaineering was awarded the Padma Shri in 2015. course from the Nehru Institute This national level volleyball of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi. player was pushed from a running Arunima has also scaled Kilimanjaro train by thieves back in 2011. (Africa), Elbrus (), Kosciuszko

Another train on a parallel track in Australia, Aconcagua in Argentina S inha / T he A runima facebook P hoto: ran over her leg and it had to be and Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia.

was at 20,000 feet, she began doubting her ability to make her aircraft recover. However, she put all her fighter pilot skills to use and managed to successfully complete her spin. had been part of her college flying club. Joining the Air Force as a fighter pilot fueled this passion. This girl from loves to play table-tennis and also engages in creative pursuits like playing the violin and painting. Her experience in the IAF is one she cherishes. Not

hoto: indiatoday.in P hoto: only did she find all the instructors and colleagues supportive during her training, she got the opportunity to fly two different aircraft. IAF women fighter pilots – Hailing from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan, Mohana Bhawana Kanth, Avani Chaturvedi, Singh loves singing, sketching, reading, travelling Mohana Singh and cooking. She joined the Air Force to carry These three women made history by becoming the on the family legacy of serving the nation. Flying first women combat pilots to be inducted into the in the night was a memorable experience, for it Indian Air Force in July 2016. taught her one important rule of flying – to trust Bhawana Kanth from in is a the instruments. Some lighting next to her aircraft keen sportswoman with interests in badminton, temporarily shook her confidence as she was unable to volleyball and adventure sports. But to fly like a distinguish between the stars and the clusters of light bird had been her childhood dream. During her below. Disregarding the visuals, she concentrated training, she faced several challenging moments, the on descending to the ground depending only on her biggest being her debut solo spin. When her plane instruments, and was able to land safely.

MARCH-JUNE 2017 27 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 27 8/8/17 4:54 PM achievement

Smriti Nagpal his passion. This led her to start Growing up with two elder Atulyakala, which sells art by hearing-impaired siblings, such talented artists. The aim of Smriti Nagpal always wanted to the NGO is to help the hearing- do something for them. At age impaired lead a life of dignity 23, she founded and became the and pride. They are now also CEO of Atulyakala, an NGO working with other hearing- that empowers deaf artists impaired artists and raising through design partnerships awareness about sign language, and creative collaborations. aiming to benefit the entire Nagpal used to work at hearing-impaired community. the National Association for Today, Nagpal has the the Deaf (NAD) at age 16. honour of being one of Soon, while still in school, she BBC’s “30 under 30” young became a part of the Hearing businesswomen. She calls sign Impaired Morning Bulletin language her mother tongue for Doordarshan. After her and is working towards giving

hoto: facebook / nagpalsmriti facebook P hoto: graduation, she came in touch more and more opportunities with a senior hearing-impaired to the hearing-impaired so artist with a Masters degree in that they can live at par with art who was unable to pursue everyone else.

Vikeyeno Zao a documentary on man and Vikeyeno Zao holds the honour elephant, This Land We Called of being the first filmmaker from Our Home, which was screened Northeast India to showcase at the 64th Cannes her work at the 63rd Cannes in 2011. Besides this, Zao has Film Festival in 2010. Zao also made several documentary directed Last of the Tattooed films, tele-films and serials on Head Hunters, a 15-minute film the people of Northeast India about the head hunting Konyak as well as its natural beauty and Nagas, which was globally environment. She herself belongs acclaimed. A mother of two, to the Angami tribe and earned she spent a gruelling seven her diploma in Direction and years researching for this film Cinematography from Asian – reading books on the subject Film and Television Institute and also interviewing the tribes in Noida. Zao lives with her across Nagaland, bordering children and husband Indrajit

Myanmar and Arunachal Narayan Dev who shares her / vikeyeno.zao facebook P hoto: Pradesh. Zao has also directed passion for filmmaking.

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 28 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 28 8/8/17 4:54 PM Baoa Devi talent of Madhubani painting, This artist holds the honour the traditional art form of of exhibiting her artwork in Bihar. Married at age 12, Baoa several countries across the Devi was asked by her mother-

world. Her Madhubani painting in-law to paint the bare walls of www.bhaskar.com P hoto: was also gifted by PM Narendra their mud house in Jitwarpur in Modi to the Mayor of Hannover, Bihar. Today, she has diversified Stefan Schosstok. Among other and added her own thoughts honours and recognitions, she to her creations. For instance, was awarded the Padma Shri in after the 9/11 attacks in the US, 2017. Interestingly, it was her she painted a snake in the sky mother-in-law Gunja Devi who looking at the blood and misery supported her in pursuing her in the world.

Sujata Sahu 2012 with like-minded corporate She’s known as the ‘Iron lady professionals and trekkers. of Ladakh’ for her tireless Her team also carries specially efforts to improve the quality designed furniture and sends of education there with her long-term volunteers for specific 17,000 ft Foundation. She has subjects. Sahu received the Nari been working on developing Puraskar (2016) for her activity-based learning, good work. infrastructure and libraries in 981 schools in the area. Zeenat Musarrat Jafri quit as a teacher She holds the honour of having set up the of information technology at first Indian School in Riyadh in 1982 with Gurgaon’s Shri Ram School and her husband. She has dedicated a major part dedicated her life to Ladakh. of her life to ensuring quality education It takes almost 10 hours of to the children of Indian expatriates in driving followed by two days of Saudi Arabia. Jafri, the founding principal walking or a ride on a muleback of the Indian International Public School to reach any of these remote in 1982, has been working hard to ensure schools that lie at altitudes that standards of education as well as between 9,000 and 15,000 ft. co-curricular activities are maintained. The walk itself is through steep Hailing from , Jafri took up this mountain passes, frozen rivers initiative with an aim of community and sand beds in tough weather. service. In 2017, she was awarded the In 2010, Sahu made a solo trip Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. This was to Ladakh carrying 900 kg the first time that an Indian woman of education material on 25 living in Saudi Arabia was conferred this horses. She started the 17,000 prestigious award. ft Foundation in Gurgaon in

MARCH-JUNE 2017 29 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 29 8/8/17 4:54 PM achievement

Chitra Ramakrishna The first woman managing director and chief executive of the National Stock Exchange (NSE),

Chitra Ramakrishna has had an illustrious career. ainting A rtists

Apart from several other senior posts at NSE, she oot P has been a member of the Derivatives Panel of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), chairperson of Malaviya National Institute of Technology in Jaipur and member of executive

committee at National Securities Depository Ltd. Indian Mouth and F P hoto: In 1985, this chartered accountant joined the project finance division of Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI). The then Chairman of IDBI, late SS Nadkarni, handpicked Ramakrishna among Sheela Sharma four others to help set up the NSE from scratch in Despite having lost both her arms in a train the early 1990s. A finance whiz who loves Carnatic accident, four-year-old Sheela Sharma went singing and playing the tanpura, Ramakrishna on to be a good student. With time, she started internet trading at NSE in 2000. She has started managing all her tasks by holding also been known for working on new, investor- articles with her mouth and feet. Sharma, friendly offerings. Today, Ramakrishna is who hails from Lucknow, was always fond recognised as an institution builder. She is involved of making sketches of people and sceneries. in several bodies including CII’s National Council In fact, during her school days, her friends on Financial Sector Development, FICCI’s National and teachers asked her to make geometrical Executive Committee and Capital Markets diagrams as well as biological drawings of Committee. Ramakrishna has won several awards frogs, birds and the like. Their appreciation and accolades including woman of the year in the and encouragement helped her gain Business Leadership Awards by Forbes magazine confidence and blossom as an artist. But and ranked 17th in the list of top global women there were many who criticised her style of business leaders by Fortune magazine. painting. Nevertheless, Sharma did not give up and went on to do her Bachelors in Arts. Now in her late 40s, Sharma has several solo exhibitions to her credit including one at the prestigious Jehangir Art Gallery in . She believes that everything lies in the brain and if that is working fine, no challenge, no disability can stop you from getting what you want to achieve. Today, she does everything herself – from mixing colours to cleaning brushes and moving canvasses. The most admirable thing about her is that in her works, she never dwells on negativity; her works mostly depict women and nature.

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 30 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 30 8/8/17 4:54 PM Ira Singhal of Management Studies (FMS). She This -born lady showed appeared for the UPSC exam in 2010 the world that all it takes is mental but did not get a posting as authorities strength to make it to the top. She did cited “inability to push, pull and lift” not let her physical disability bog her as a reason. She took her case to the down as she pursued her passion to Central Administrative Tribunal and become an IAS officer. The journey got a ruling in her favour in February of Ira Singhal, the first physically- 2014. In the meantime, Singhal sat for challenged candidate to top the UPSC the test twice to improve her rank, examination in the general category, and on her fourth attempt in the year has become an inspiration for millions 2015 at age 31, she topped the exam. of physically-challenged people. Ironically, her physical challenges However, the route was tough. Singhal debar her from being eligible to be an suffers from scoliosis or curvature of IRS officer, clerk or even a sweeper,

the spine, a disability that doesn’t let but the rules do allow her to be an / ira.singhal facebook P hoto: her twist her arms completely. Singhal IAS officer. Despite all the challenges was a topper in school. She went in life, Singhal is not a serious person on to study computer engineering but rather known as a prankster from Netaji Subhas Institute of among her friends. Currently an Technology (NSIT) and later did her officer trainee in IAS, she loves drama, MBA from ’s Faculty dancing and travelling.

Archana Ramasundaram same varsity. But later, she went on to This lady has proved her mettle several train at the National Police Academy times over the many decades she has in . Ramasundaram was the served in the Indian Police Service (IPS). only woman in the class, but that did not Her list of achievements is impressive. deter her. In 1982, she joined the police In 1995, Archana Ramasundaram service in . was awarded the Police Medal for Always aiming to excel, Meritorious Services, and in 2005 she Ramasundaram took study leave got the President’s Police Medal for between 1989 and 1991 to pursue a Distinguished Services. In 2014, she Master of Science degree in Criminology became the first woman officer to be from the University of Southern made an additional director in the California in Los Angeles. There too, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), she performed well, securing the highest and in February 2016, Ramasundaram Grade Point Average. She has handled all earned the honour of becoming the kinds of assignments with courage and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Director conviction, with an underlying aim to

hoto: facebook / ipsarchana.ramasundaram facebook P hoto: General – the first woman police officer work towards the protection and welfare to lead a central paramilitary force that of women. guards the country’s borders with Nepal Ramasundaram’s last post was and Bhutan. Director of the National Crime Records After completing her post graduation Bureau. She lives with her husband, a in Economics from the University of former senior state IAS officer, and two Rajasthan, she became a lecturer in the sons in Tamil Nadu.

MARCH-JUNE 2017 31 www.indiaperspectives.in

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Growing interaction with the home country

Thousands of prominent Indian-origin business leaders, professionals and artists settled in other countries head to India in January to attend the biennial Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which sees them interacting with their counterparts here

text | NB Rao

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 32 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 32 8/8/17 4:54 PM Minister of State for External Affairs, Gen (retd) VK Singh and others watching cultural performances at PBD 2017

he Indian diaspora, which adds up including Mumbai (2005), Hyderabad (2006), to more than 30 million individuals, (2009), Jaipur (2012), Kochi (2013), lives across the globe and has over Gandhinagar (2015) and Bengaluru (2017) also the years contributed significantly hosted the event. to the improvement of its adopted After the Gandhinagar event in 2015, the countries.T government decided to celebrate PBD every While most members have other year on January 8 and 9 (the prospered tremendously in their latter date marks the day Mahatma new homes, many of them also Engaging the Gandhi returned to India from South repatriate funds to their relatives and overseas Indian Africa in January 1915). January dependents in India. Remittances community 7 is now being observed as Youth of funds by Non-Resident Indians has been a Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and smaller, priority for the (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin outcome-based PBD conferences will government (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India be held in New Delhi during alternate (OCIs) added up to nearly $70 billion years to address issues of concern to last year. NRIs alone comprise nearly 18 million the Indian diaspora. Indians living abroad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who addressed The Government of India has been organising the 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bengaluru on the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) every year January 8, pointed out that engagement with the in January from 2003 onwards. The national overseas Indian community – which represents the capital hosted most of these events: in 2003, 2004, best of Indian culture, ethos and values – has been 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2014. But other cities an area of priority for the government.

MARCH-JUNE 2017 33 www.indiaperspectives.in

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeting the Prime Minister of Portugal, Dr Antonio Costa, at the PBD event. Facing page: Former President addressing the event

“Indians abroad are valued not just for their Minister of Portugal, was the chief guest. Malaysia’s strength in numbers,” remarked the PM. “They Health Minister S Subramaniam; the government’s are respected for the contributions they make— to special envoy on infrastructure, Samy Vellu; and India and to the societies and countries where they Mauritian Health Minister Prithvi Raj Singh live in foreign lands and communities across the Roopun were also present. globe, irrespective of the path they take, and the Former President Pranab Mukherjee also gave goals they pursue.” the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA), the Overseas Indians include highest honour conferred on overseas politicians, scientists, doctors, Indians, to 30 prominent personalities educationists, economists, musicians, More than from the US, the UK, the UAE, philanthropists, journalists, bankers, 4,000 delegates Australia, Bahrain, , Brunei, engineers, lawyers and information attended the Canada, , Fiji, France, Israel, technology professionals. three-day Japan, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritius, More than 4,000 delegates Bengaluru event Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, attended the three-day Bengaluru Singapore, Sweden, Thailand and event, whose theme was ‘Redefining Engagement Trinidad & Tobago. with the Indian Diaspora.’ The participants Nisha Desai Biswal, the assistant secretary of included NRIs from the US, Europe, Africa, state in President Barack Obama’s government in , the Far East and Australia and New the US from 2014 to 2017, and one of the award Zealand. The largest delegation of overseas Indians recipients, delivered the acceptance speech on — adding up to 140 people —was from Qatar. behalf of all the winners. The PBD convention also attracted many The primary objective of hosting the PBD foreign leaders. Dr Antonio Costa, the Prime is to enable the Indian diaspora to know about

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 34 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 34 8/8/17 4:54 PM Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees 2017

Name Country Field

Dr Gorur Harinath Australia Community Service

Rajasekharan Pillai Valavoor Bahrain Business Kizhakkathil

Antwerp Indian Association Belgium Community Service

Nazeer Ahamed Mohamed Brunei Community Service Zackiriah

Mukund Bhikhubhai Purohit Canada Business

Nalinkumar Sumanlal Kothari Djibouti Community Service

Vinod Chandra Patel Fiji Social Service

Raghunath Marie Antonin France Arts & Culture Manet

Dr Lael Anson E. Best Israel Medical Science

Dr Sandip Kumar Tagore Japan Arts & Culture

Ariful Islam Libya Community Service

Tan Sri Dato Dr Muniandy Malaysia Education and Community Thambirajah Service

Pravind Kumar Jugnauth Mauritius Public Service

HE Mr Antonio Luis Santos da Portugal Public Service Costa the achievements in various sectors in India and brief them on the policies and Dr Raghavan Seetharaman Qatar Business Management initiatives of the government. Zeenat Musarrat Jafri Saudi Arabia Education PBD 2017 also aimed to strengthen the Singapore Indian Association Singapore Community Service engagement of overseas Indians with their home country and provide them a platform Dr Carani Balaraman Sanjeevi Sweden Medicine for networking with other NRIs and PIOs. Susheel Kumar Saraff Thailand Business

According to government statistics, Winston Chandarbhan Trinidad & Tobago Public Service several countries are home to more than a Dookeran million NRIs/PIOs each. The US has about Vasudev Shamdas Shroff United Arab Emirates Community Service four million Indians — the largest number of migrants from India. Next is the UAE India Social and Cultural Centre, United Arab Emirates Philanthropy and Community Abu Dhabi Service with 3.5 million NRIs. But Indians in the Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Hon’ble United Kingdom Public Service Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain) are largely Neena Gill United Kingdom Public Service

temporary residents and most do not get Hari Babu Bindal USA Environmental Engineering permanent residency or local passports. Dr Bharat Haridas Barai USA Community Service Indians also live in large numbers in the UK (1.5 million), East Africa, Australia Nisha Desai Biswal USA Public Affairs and New Zealand. And many Indian- Dr Mahesh Mehta USA Community Service origin citizens are living in other countries Ramesh Shah USA Community Service including South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia and Fiji. Dr Sampatkumar Shidramapa USA Community Leadership Shivangi

MARCH-JUNE 2017 35 www.indiaperspectives.in

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Raising the global Indian profile

Overseas Indians are increasingly occupying a prominent place in their adopted nations, getting elected to public offices or heading companies and other organisations

text | NB Rao

he Indian diaspora has Kamala Harris, a two-term attorney-general contributed significantly to from California, became the first Indian to the development of its adopted win a US Senate seat from California. Pramila countries, especially in terms of Jayapal became the first Indian-American to be economic growth. elected to the House of Representatives from TIncreasingly, NRIs, PIOs and OCIs are Washington state. Others who were elected also getting into the political scenario in their to the House of Representatives included Raja countries. Last November, for instance, Indian- Krishnamoorthi from Illinois and Ro Khanna Americans made their mark in US politics, from California. Ami Bera was re-elected from with four seats in the House of Representatives, California — he is the longest-serving Indian- and one being elected to the Senate. American Congressman. Tulsi Gabbard, a

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 36 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 36 8/8/17 4:54 PM Hindu but not of Indian descent, was re-elected to fashion designers, media personnel, musicians and the House from Hawaii. writers ( at MIT). But Indian innovators, contributors and The UK too has a long list of prominent Indians, information technology and medical professionals led by industrialist , the Hinduja have contributed far more to America in recent brothers and Karan Billimoria. It is also home to years. Prominent Indian business names in the renowned writers like and scores US include Satya Nadella, CEO, of prominent personalities in the arts, Microsoft; Sundar Pichai, CEO, dramatics and film sectors. Google; Shantanu Narayen, CEO, Prominent Prominent overseas Indians in politics, Adobe Systems; , overseas Indians arts, literature, business and other sectors chairman and CEO, PepsiCo; try to influence have a significant influence on happenings Lakshmi Pratury, CEO, INK; and policies by both in their adopted nations and in India. Pranav Mistry, head, Think Tank advising leaders Increasingly, many Team and director of research, in their adopted of them visit India Samsung Research America. lands and in frequently and interact Like MEA INDIA Of course, America also has India with top political, hundreds of other prominent business and art and Indian-origin people including scientists culture leaders. and Nobel Prize recipients (Venkatraman They try to influence Follow @MEAINDIA Ramakrishnan and ); deans and policies by advising leaders — presidents of universities (Rakesh Khurana, in their adopted lands and in professor at Harvard; Vijay Kumar, professor at India — and their views are Channel University of Pennsylvania); mathematicians, taken seriously by political and MEA india economists, actors, filmmakers (), business leaders.

MARCH-JUNE 2017 37 www.indiaperspectives.in

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Transforming India-UAE ties set for ‘take-off’

The visit of the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates gave a boost to the cordial and stable relationship shared by India and the UAE

text | Manish Chand

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 38 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 38 8/8/17 4:54 PM urj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, glowed in the colours of the Indian flag on India’s 68th Republic Day, captivating the region with the unfolding story of theB burgeoning friendship between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Back in India, a 179-strong contingent of the UAE’s armed forces led the resplendent Republic Day parade at Rajpath with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi looking on. The leaders of the world’s largest democracy and the

Left: Crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, inspecting the Guard of Honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Above: Burj Khalifa lit in the Indian tricolour to mark the Indian Republic Day

MARCH-JUNE 2017 39 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 39 8/8/17 4:54 PM PartNership

India’s Republic Day chief guest, UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with PM Modi, the then Defence Minister , former President Pranab Mukherjee and former Vice-President Hamid Ansari watching the parade

Gulf’s economic powerhouse had plenty to home around $2.6 billion annually, are poised celebrate as their talks the previous day had laid for an all-round upgrade and transformation out an ambitious and multi-faceted template for with the two countries signing a comprehensive upscaling their strategic partnership strategic partnership and an array to new heights. of pacts straddling diverse areas, For the first ranging from defence, maritime Optics and substance time an Arab transport and energy to trade, This was the first time an Arab contingent logistics and cyber security. Sheikh contingent had participated in the participated in Al Nahyan was the third leader Republic Day parade — but the visit the Republic Day from the energy-rich Arab region of Sheikh Nahyan to India as the parade India has hosted for the Republic chief guest at the country’s Republic Day, underlining the strategic Day transcended imagery and symbolism, intent by New Delhi to shape a greater West bringing this mutually empowering partnership Asia policy. to a “major take-off” point, in the Prime Minister’s evocative words. Bolstering strategic partnership Indeed, the relations between India and the The showpiece outcome was the elevation of UAE, home to 2.6 million Indians who remit India-UAE ties to the level of Comprehensive

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 40 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 40 8/8/17 4:54 PM Strategic Partnership (CSP), which firmly trafficking signed during the visit shows that the positions the Gulf’s second largest economy as two sides are looking to push the envelope. India’s preeminent partner in the region in both strategic and economic arenas. “We have been Win-win: Partnering India’s successful in creating new synergies in our ties. growth story The agreement that was exchanged The thrust will be on just now has institutionalised this operationalising the $75 billion understanding,” said PM Modi at a The $75 billion Infrastructure Investment Fund, joint media interaction with his guest infrastructure which was unveiled during PM from the UAE. Investment Fund Modi’s visit to the UAE in August On the strategic side, the was fleshed 2015, but was fleshed out during agreement on defence industry out during the the Crown Prince’s visit. Outlining cooperation envisages joint Crown Prince’s India’s expectations from the UAE in manufacturing of high-end weapons visit the economic arena, PM Modi said: systems and transfer of technology “The UAE can benefit by linking that will aid the Make-in-India mission of with our growth in manufacturing and services. modernising the country’s emerging military- We are also encouraging and facilitating business industrial complex. The pact on joint technology and industry of both countries to increase the development and cooperation in cyberspace to set quality and quantum of bilateral trade.” up joint R&D Centres of Excellence, and another Half a dozen economic pacts were signed MoU on preventing and combating of human during the Crown Prince’s visit, which could

The with the UAE Crown Prince

MARCH-JUNE 2017 41 www.indiaperspectives.in

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UAE Crown Prince and PM Modi witnessing the exchange of agreements between the two countries

have a force-multiplier effect. These included Mangaluru signalled a long-range view of maritime transport, mutual recognition of advancing energy partnership. The MoU certificates of competency of marine officers, between National Productivity Council and establishing cooperation in highways and Al Etihad Energy Services Co is expected to road transport, and cooperation enhance cooperation in energy in MSMEs. efficiency services. The UAE supported New Upgrading energy Delhi’s bid for United against terror partnership India and the UAE renewed Energy partnership also got a permanent their strategic resolve to a new impetus and strategic seat in the UN intensify their cooperation character. The agreement on Security Council in counter-terrorism and de- oil storage and management radicalisation. Significantly, the between India’s Strategic Petroleum volatile situation in Afghanistan in which Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National five UAE diplomats were killed recently, Oil Company to establish a strategic crude allegedly by operatives of the Taliban oil storage in the southern Indian city of and the Haqqani network, also figured in

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 42 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 42 8/8/17 4:54 PM key notes discussions, and provided an added Joint statement: Elevating of competency of marine officers, urgency to deepening counter- India-UAE ties to Comprehensive engineers and crews will further Strategic Partnership enhance maritime trade between terror cooperation. The framework agreement on CSP the two countries. The pact on Rallying to India’s side against enunciates core areas of expanded establishing cooperation in highways cooperation in areas such as and road transport sectors through cross-border attacks, the UAE defence and security, and builds sharing of technologies, systems and joined India in condemning on the templates outlined in joint best practices in freight logistics, “efforts, including by States, to statements in August 2015 during the warehousing and value added visit of PM Modi to the UAE and the services could be a big win-win use religion to justify, sustain and Crown Prince’s earlier visit to India in for India. There was also a pact on sponsor terrorism against other February 2016. promoting cooperation in MSMEs countries.” The UAE leadership’s Agreement on defence sectors, including in joint projects, signature initiatives like setting industry cooperation R&D and related activities. Other than joint manufacturing Agreement on oil storage up the Ministry of Happiness, of high-end weapons systems and management Tolerance, and the Future to and transfer of technology, the The agreement on oil storage and strengthen moderate Islam opens defence pact includes studies, R&D, management between India’s innovation and cooperation between Strategic Petroleum Reserves new windows of cooperation to public and private sector institutions Limited and Abu Dhabi National promote “a culture of inclusiveness, of the two countries. Maritime Oil Company envisages storage of openness and tolerance within and security is also set to emerge as a 5.86 million barrels of ADNOC crude focus areas of cooperation in the Gulf oil in underground facilities for among societies to confront the and Indian Ocean regions with joint emergency situations. global ills of extremism, terrorism anti-piracy training and exercises. Counter-terrorism and and religious intolerance.” Operationalising the Infrastructure de-radicalisation Investment Fund India and the UAE renewed their Outlining India’s expectations from strategic resolve to intensify their The road ahead the UAE in the economic arena, PM cooperation in counter-terrorism In a boost for India’s global Modi said: “I particularly and de-radicalisation. “We also feel aspirations, the UAE reiterated UAE’s interest in investing in India’s that our growing engagement in infrastructure sector. We are working countering violence and extremism is support for New Delhi’s bid for a to connect the institutional investors necessary for securing our societies,” permanent seat in the UN Security in UAE with our National Investment said PM Modi. Council. “Our convergence can and Infrastructure Fund,” he said. India’s global aspirations help stabilise the region. And, Economic pacts The UAE reiterated support for The inter-governmental pact New Delhi’s bid for a permanent our economic partnership can be on institutional cooperation on seat in the UN Security Council a source of regional and global maritime transport has the potential and backed its intent to play “an prosperity,” said PM Modi. to upscale bilateral maritime increasingly important role in trade ties through facilitating regional and global affairs.” Placing maritime transport, free transfer the relationship in the larger canvas, of monies between contracting PM Modi underscored that closer parties and reciprocal recognition India-UAE ties are of “importance, of ships’ documents. Another not just to both our countries,” but (Manish Chand is founder and editor-in-chief pact establishing a framework for “they are also of significance to the of India Writes Network, www.indiawrites. mutual recognition of certificates entire neighbourhood.” org, an e-magazine and journal focused on international relations and the India story)

MARCH-JUNE 2017 43 www.indiaperspectives.in

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Engaging in dialogue for a multipolar world

Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geo-politics and geo- economics, focussed on strategic issues like new challenges and cybersecurity

text | Anahita Mathai

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 44 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 44 8/8/17 4:54 PM he second edition of the Raisina innovation, technological growth and greater Dialogue, India’s flagship foreign connectivity, while acknowledging economic policy conference hosted by the volatility and increasingly protectionist attitudes Ministry of External Affairs and in major economies as challenges. Crucially, he the Observer Research Foundation welcomed the “multipolarity of the world, and (ORF),T was held from January 17-19. The theme an increasingly multipolar Asia”, signalling an of this year’s conference was “The New Normal: evolution from the global institutional architecture Multipolarity with Multilateralism”, that dominated the previous century. highlighting the transformational Re-energising new roles for geopolitical changes worldwide and The three-day existing institutions is part of the conference consequential changes, and India’s role balancing of multilateralism and was attended in the emerging world order. Speakers multipolarity. Antonio Guterres, by over 1,200 from 37 countries debated policy the Secretary General of the United people from 61 questions in sessions that covered a Nations (UN), addressing the countries wide range of themes, from nuclear conference via a video message called politics to sustainable development, for a “surge in diplomacy for peace”. cybersecurity, counterterrorism among others. He reiterated the importance of the UN as a Over the course of three days, the conference was multilateral organisation, noting that its role was attended by over 1,200 people from 61 countries. not limited to reacting during times of conflict. Delivering the inaugural address at the The interactions at the Raisina Dialogue conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke made it clear that institutions were not the only about India’s transformations in a time of global things changing — the ideas underpinning those

Facing page: The Prime Minister and the Minister of State for External Affairs, MJ Akbar, at the opening session of the Raisina Dialogue. Left: Former President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, addressing at the Second Raisina Dialogue

MARCH-JUNE 2017 45 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 45 8/8/17 4:54 PM PARTNERSHIP

Boris , MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom and PM Modi speaking at the Raisina Dialogue

institutions were also shifting monumentally. The timing of the conference, just before the Chief among these is the idea of globalisation, inauguration of US President , which is taking on new and varied meanings as provided an opportunity for many to discuss countries navigate their domestic politics and possible changes in US policy and how they external relations. India’s Foreign Secretary, would impact different regions of the globe. Suhrahmanyam Jaishankar, said India was well- The former Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen placed to approach the “recalculation Harper, suggested that though and recalibration” of the global order. Trump’s election had caused He spoke of the need to increase the The conference uncertainty around the world, country’s capabilities as well as its provided an US foreign policy could become influence to contribute to “global opportunity for “potentially much more predictable” development, progress and security”. many to discuss under its new leader, and that many One of the recent fundamental possible changes new opportunities for India could changes affecting geopolitics was the in US policy arise as a result. That possibility exit of Britain from the European was also mentioned by two military Union. Speaking about ‘Brexit’ and the reasons leaders from the US. The Commander of the behind it, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson US Pacific Command, Admiral Harry Harris, said trading systems should be strengthened stated that India and the US should “be ambitious for the mutual benefit of those participating together”, and Admiral Michelle Howard, in them. He highlighted avenues of Indo- Commander of the US Naval Forces in Europe British cooperation, in trade, medical research, and Africa said “building partnerships should infrastructure development and more. form the new normal”.

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 46 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 46 8/8/17 4:54 PM A high-level inaugural panel on “Big Power payments and countering violent extremism. Politics and New Challenges” featured India’s Radicalism was also a key talking point in panels Minister of State for External Affairs, MJ on changes in Europe, combating terrorism, the Akbar, with Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Prakash situation in West Asia and the potential for a new Sharan Mahat in addition to former President Cold War. of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai and former Prime The Raisina Dialogue brought world leaders Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd. and global thinkers together at an The speakers touched upon the idea India-led, India-based platform. The of ‘big power rivalries’, drawing Several panels Dialogue has emerged as a platform comparisons to the Cold War. addressed digital that allows India to convey to the Nepal’s Foreign Minister called for issues, including world its foreign policy priorities greater global unity, building on cybersecurity, and while offering multiple avenues successes like the adoption of the countering violent for innovative collaborations and Sustainable Development Goals extremism partnerships with like-minded (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. countries in the region and beyond. Separate panels built on those themes, with As India’s global engagement becomes more discussions including universal health coverage, dynamic and robust, its course through the women’s leadership, energy and climate, and globalised world will be influenced by a variety of financial infrastructure. relevant stakeholders. Going forward, the Raisina With digital connectivity a major talking Dialogue hopes to establish and expand the space point, several panels at the Dialogue addressed for these actors to come together in designing digital issues, including cybersecurity, digital India’s trajectory as a world leader.

Indian Foreign Secretary Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at the Dialogue

MARCH-JUNE 2017 47 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 47 8/8/17 4:54 PM budget

Budget - an instrument of change and development

The Government of India decided to allocate more funds for rural areas, infrastructure and poverty alleviation and yet maintain the best standards of fiscal prudence in its Union Budget

text | NB Rao

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 48 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 48 8/8/17 4:54 PM he Annual Financial statement account’, providing for expenditure till the of the Union Budget presented budget is passed which used to be almost one by Finance Minister Arun and a half months into the new financial year. Jaitley in the , the Way back in 2001, the National lower house of the Indian Democratic Alliance (NDA) government Parliament,T on February 1 was under the Prime Minister Atal unique in many ways. This Bihari Vajpayee had advanced the was for the first time that the The focus of presentation of the budget in the government changed the more the budget was Lok Sabha to 11 am from 5 pm, than century-old colonial era on the farming which was again the tradition tradition of presenting the sector, rural in both British India as well as budget on the last working day areas, healthcare independent India. of February. for the poor Another major change was Prime Minister Narendra initiated when the government Modi decided to advance budget presentation decided to discontinue with a nearly by a month to ensure that parliamentary century-old practice of having a separate approval for spending plans and tax proposals railway budget. would be completed before the start of the The government also did away with new financial year, April 1, thus avoiding the distinction between planned and non- the procedure involving passing of ‘vote on planned expenditure from this year’s budget;

Finance minister departing from North Block for Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament House, along with other ministers and senior officials to present the Union Budget

MARCH-JUNE 2017 49 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 49 8/8/17 4:54 PM Book_IP_march april'17.indb 50 budget INDIA

PERSPECTIVES Budget Expenditure 2017-18 (` in crore) Rural development Railways coverage of the ofcoverage the strengthening the financial institutions. and public services, poor,the infrastructure, for healthcare areas, sector, rural farming heads. capital and revenue under now classified be will expenditure to to raised corpus total the wouldsee fund, irrigation up along-term set had which (NABARD), Development Rural and 2017-18in 2018-19. cent per in 50 and 2016-17 in area cropped cent per to 40 cent per of 30 —from calamities natural against farmers — to secure households in rural areas out of poverty by 2019. out of poverty areas rural households in of ` corpus initial an have more will drop crop.’ fund The of ‘per goal the to achieve fund irrigation micro

Employment generation skill and livelihood ` The government raised the the government raised The on the budget was year’s of this focus The The National Bank for Agriculture for Agriculture Bank National The The government aims to bring about a crore of about acrore to bring government aims The 40,000 crore. NABARD will also set up a set also will NABARD crore. 40,000 Road transport and highways 55,000 Minority Affairs 5,000 crore. 5,000

Micro, small and medium enterprises

50 1,07,758 Fasal Bima Yojana Bima Fasal

MARCH-JUNE MARCH-JUNE 4,195

Drinking water and sanitation 64,900

Women and child development 17,273

Agriculture and farmers’ welfare

2017 6,482 Nabard willalso goal of ‘per drop goal of‘perdrop irrigation fund irrigation fund set up a micro set upamicro to achieve the to achieve the

20,011 more crop’

Scientific ministries 22,095 financial sector by the government in its its government in by the sector financial new of modes financing. with policy rail anew metro announcing be soon government will The panchayats. gram to 1.5 provided lakh be will internet high-speed while forcrore highways, ` allocated budget has The budget. the underprivileged, the government has allocated allocated has government the underprivileged, income. to double farmers’ aims MGNREGA to over spend ` aims government also The MGNREGA. the under up taken be 2017-18,In will ponds farm lakh five Major changes were also initiated in the the in initiated were also Major changes Skill development andInfrastructure entrepreneurshi sector 51,026 the and poor for the of healthcare area the In Health and family welfare

Social sectors with welfare orientation and and ` children. and allocated also scheme. It has a nationwide under woman pregnant to every ` to transfer decided It also 37,435 ` 500 core for 500 39.61 lakh crore for infrastructure 39.61 for crore infrastructure lakh 3 lakh crore on rural India and the the and India on crore rural 3 lakh The government has allocated allocated government has The ` 3,96,135 in for crore railways 1.31 lakh ` 1.85 lakh crore for crore women 1.85 lakh Human resource development

48,853 Kendras Shakti Mahila

p Agriculture and allied sector 3,016

Education and health sector 64,000

65,258 6,000

79,686 . 58,663

8/8/17 4:54 PM 1,30,215 Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley, addressing a post-Budget press conference

budget. It decided to abolish the Foreign pay a 10 per cent surcharge to make up for Investment Promotion Board. It will also the `15,000 crore loss due to cut in personal come out with a revised mechanism to ensure tax rates. time-bound listing of central public sector The government also initiated changes in enterprises (PSE). the political funding. The maximum amount Shares of IRCTC, a railway PSE, will be of cash donation for political parties has been listed on stock exchanges. The government kept at `2,000 from any single source. Parties also fixed the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana can, however, receive donations by cheque or at `2.44 lakh crore in 2017-18. The Yojana was through digital mode. The government will set up to develop the micro enterprise sector by also enable registered parties to issue bonds to extending financial support to achieve the goal donors making payments through cheques or of “funding the unfunded.” digital transactions. The budget also believes that the BHIM The dramatic changes proposed by the app will unleash a mobile phone revolution government in this year’s budget will have a in India. tremendous impact on the economy. The government extended concessions As Jaitley said at the start of his to ordinary tax-payers. Individuals with presentation: “My overall approach Like MEA INDIA income between `2.5 lakh and `5 lakh have while preparing this budget has been extended an income tax rate cut of five been to spend more in rural per cent. areas, infrastructure and poverty Those with an annual income of `5 lakh alleviation and yet maintain the Follow @MEAINDIA other than business income will have a simple best standards of fiscal prudence. I one-page return and those filing returns for have also kept in mind the need to the first time will not come under government continue with economic reforms, Channel scrutiny. But those with individual income promote higher investments and MEA india between `50 lakh and `1 crore will have to accelerate growth.”

MARCH-JUNE 2017 51 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 51 8/8/17 4:54 PM INNOvation

Lunar voyage With the ISRO-TeamIndus association, India may soon be scaling new heights aiming for the moon — quite literally

he Indian Space Research Seven years after a team of enthusiastic Organisation (ISRO) underlined entrepreneurs came together with a vision its dexterity in space missions to make an impossible dream come true, most recently by the launch of 104 TeamIndus is all set to launch a spacecraft nano satellites via its proven Polar onboard ISRO’s time-tested PSLV platform in SatelliteT Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C37 platform. late 2017. If successful, the company may become But there is more in store for India’s premier the first private entity to soft-land on the lunar space research agency, with its association with surface, a feat achieved earlier by USSR, USA TeamIndus, India’s sole entry to Google Lunar and China. In the $30 million competition, XPRIZE (GLXP). India may soon be scaling new Axiom Research Lab, known as TeamIndus is heights aiming for the moon — quite literally. required to land its spacecraft on the Moon,

Indian Lunar Mission at a glance

PSLV will inject the spacecraft into an orbit 880 x 70,000 km around the earth Proceeds towards moon at a speed of 350 m/s

TeamIndus members

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 52 8/8/17 4:54 PM travel 500 metres on the rough and 70,000 km around the earth. The spacecraft unexplored lunar surface and broadcast data, will then undertake a 21-day journey to soft- images and high definition videos to earth. land in Mare Imbrium, a region in the North- “Unlike most other teams in GLXP, Western hemisphere of the Moon. After TeamIndus was started by ordinary folks landing in Mare Imbrium, the spacecraft with neither any aerospace experience will deploy all its payload including the nor deep pockets, both of which are TeamIndus rover that will traverse 500 prerequisites when it comes to space. metres on the Moon’s surface in order One of the foundational principles to accomplish its Google Lunar of TeamIndus is to make space XPRIZE objectives. more accessible to everyone. The mission — the team Thus the TeamIndus Mission claims — is driven by its was designed to be the inclusive nature, providing most open and accessible opportunities for students to space mission ever. That is conduct flying experiments to the reason why the central the moon, develop mechanisms thought guiding the Mission is for supporters to get a ringside view to be #HarIndiankaMoonshot,” Rahul of the engineering as well as for brands to Narayan, TeamIndus’ fleet commander had enable and partner this historic journey. recently said. Earlier, Narayan had cited that the mission The TeamIndus spacecraft has been will help India join an exclusive club of designed and developed in Bengaluru by a nations with proven technology to soft-land 100-person engineering team including 20 on the Moon, thereby opening newer avenues retired ISRO scientists. In a launch window of space exploration. “Programmes like these starting on December 28, 2017, the PSLV are a testimony to the Indian government’s will inject the spacecraft into an orbit 880 X Make in India initiative,” he had said.

Descent starts at an altitude of 12.4 km at 100 Touchdown m/s on Moon and Mid-course deployment of correction robotic rover

Artist’s impression of the Lander (background) and the Rover (foreground) after successful landing on the moon

MARCH-JUNE 2017 53 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 53 8/8/17 4:54 PM MUSIC

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 54 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 54 8/8/17 4:54 PM Moods of the ragas

Intrinsic to the musical heritage of India, ragas possess not just auditory beauty but also visual and cultural richness

text | Shailaja Khanna

agas are an integral part of , and are indeed a purely Indian concept seeming to have esoteric origins as their rendering is linked with so many other ideas of mood (), colour,R seasons and time — concepts that don’t have anything to do with notes. The Sanskrit word ‘raga’, in fact, translates into emotion and colour. Each raga is a melodic idea that uses at least five notes of the octave, and two ragas may have exactly the same set of notes like Darbari and Jaunpuri but their sound and the mood they create are completely different, since they use the same notes differently. Rasa or emotion is associated with a raga — a raga like Puriya is meditative, while the same set of notes with different emphasis in Raga Marwa create a restless energy. Raga Sohini, also with similar notes, is effervescent and is associated with the season of spring. The examples are too many to enumerate!

An imaginary depiction of Mughal emperor Akbar watching Tansen receive a lesson from Swami Harida (Mughal miniature painting). Miniature paintings in India often depicted ragas in human form or associated with gods

MARCH-JUNE 2017 55 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 55 8/8/17 4:54 PM MUSIC

Ragas can evoke the nine rasas or emotions— The lyrics are also to do with blooming flowers and the predominant ones being love (shringara), peace verdant forests. A famous composition in Basant (shanti), detachment and melancholic solitude talks of the dairy maids going to pluck the profusion (vairagya). Ragas like Des and Pilu are considered of flowers in the forests of Vrindavan. Raga Megh romantic, Bhupali brings peace and Shri is a raga and various forms of are performed in the of vairagya. There are anecdotes associated with monsoon and are associated with the rains — visually many of the ragas too, delineating their cultural shown as dark blue or grey, with pouring rain or dark significance. According to one anecdote, Raga Tilak overhanging clouds. The lyrics, too, talk about clouds, Kamod, a lyrical, light raga was being played on the rain and thunder. There are many tales of Malhar and a spider on the wall nearby slowly started concerts bringing on rains, even in modern times. inching towards the music. The moment the notes of Apart from representing different moods, ragas the sombre and melancholic Raga Malkaus began to are also linked to the theory of time. There are play, however, the spider ran back up the wall! This specific times of day at which specific ragas are to experiment was repeated two or three times, with be performed. This concept is still adhered to in the exactly the same result! north Indian classical tradition. There are pre-dawn There are also specific ragas meant to be ragas (Lalit, Ramkali), ragas to be sung at dawn performed during two of the six main seasons— (Bhairav), in the morning (Todi), pre-noon (Bilawal), spring and monsoon. Raga Basant and Bahar are noon (Sarang) afternoon (Bhimpalasi, Patdeep), dusk specifically sung in spring, in the day or at night. (Marwa, Aiman), evening (, Des) and finally, hotos: S hailaja Khanna P hotos: Left: Raga Basant, 18th century, Bundi, from a collection of HK Swali; (right) a 17th century Marwar painting depicting Raga Hindol

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 56 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 56 8/8/17 4:54 PM hoto: S hailaja Khanna P hoto: Left: Kakubha ragini, Rajasthani miniature painting; (right) Raga Bhairav, 18th century, Deccan

late at night (Malkaus, Kanhara). Ustad , and its presiding deity is the Fire God Agni, with a leading singer today, does not like to even do riyaaz the colour being the white of a lotus; re was said (practice) of a morning raga in the evening! to be the cry of the hawk, the deity represented is Not only the mood and time of a raga, but the Brahma and the colour is red; ga is the sound of a visual depiction of ragas is enlightening too. There goat, the deity is Goddess Saraswati and the colour are six main ragas, pictorially always is green; ma is the call of the deer and depicted as males. Each of these has is represented by Lord , whose eight female consorts and eight sons, There are colour is blue; pa is the call of the or ragaputras. The familial links are specific times cuckoo bird, Lord is the deity, made due to the notes of the ragas of the day when the colour is black; dha is the neighing that link them. The visual depiction specific ragas horse, represented by Lord Ganesha and of ragas in the series of Ragamala are performed - a the colour is yellow; ni is the elephant’s paintings was started around the 15th concept followed trumpet, symbolised by the Sun God in the north century in various courts — Mughal, and the colour is a combination of all the Indian classical Deccan, Pahari, Rajasthani and Central other six colours. The late Ustad Vilayat tradition Indian. The earliest known Ragamala Khan, sitar wizard, too, associated ragas paintings date back to 1475 and were with colours as well as images. These found in Gujarat. inescapable connections between sound and visual, The seven notes — sa re ga ma pa dha ni — were mood and time, prevailing since the last 500 years also symbolised by the cry of an animal as well as its or so, are indeed a marvel. How a sur (note), sung at representing deity and a colour, to aid the process the appropriate time, can create a strong emotion of visual representation. Thus, according to one or indeed a physical phenomenon like rainfall is manuscript, sa was taken to be the cry of the peacock truly miraculous!

MARCH-JUNE 2017 57 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 57 8/8/17 4:54 PM CInema

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 58 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 58 8/8/17 4:55 PM A world of opportunities

With festival curators increasingly warming up to India’s independent cinema, films from the globe’s most prolific film-producing country seem ready to travel in bigger numbers than ever before

text | Saibal Chatterjee

mphal-based filmmaker Haobam A product of the Film & Paban Kumar, 40, is one of the rising Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, Kumar stars of India’s independent cinema. belongs to . Exposed to the depth and But chances are that the average range of world cinema, however, he was bitten moviegoer in this part of the world has by the filmmaking bug. In a style that blends neitherI seen his work nor heard enough about striking restraint with piercing insight, Kumar him for him to become a household name. uses the medium to highlight the complexity International film festival programmers, on of life and society in his native Manipur, a part the other hand, simply cannot have enough of India that is rarely seen on the big screen. of Kumar’s fiction feature debut film, Loktak After winning a slew of national and Lairembee (Lady of the Lake). international accolades through the years,

MARCH-JUNE 2017 59 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 59 8/8/17 4:55 PM CInema

A still from the filmL oktak Lairembee

the filmmaker made his narrative major European festival since Aribam Syam feature debut last year with the critically Sharma’s Ishanou was screened in the Un acclaimed Loktak Lairembee, which trains Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film the spotlight on an endangered fishing Festival in 1991. community. The film had its world premiere “Berlinale,” says Kumar, “was the festival at the 21st Busan International Film Festival that I was particularly keen to be part of. last September, won the Golden Gateway I am hoping Loktak Lairembee will now Award at the 18th Jio MAMI Mumbai travel further from here and that I will Film Festival in October and in February get somebody good to come on board to 2017, was unveiled at the 67th Berlin Film represent the film internationally,” he says. Festival, becoming the first Manipuri entry The filmmaker is one of several Indian to make it to the official selection of a filmmakers who are currently making

I am drawn to contemporary issues. Manipur is a difficult place with a complicated social landscape in which ethnic tensions are rife. It has 29 different tribes.” Haobam Paban Kumar

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 60 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 60 8/8/17 4:55 PM a mark on the world stage. At Berlinale In its Berlin premiere, Newton, itself, India was also represented by Amit V featuring in the lead role Masurkar’s political black comedy, Newton of a government clerk sent to man a polling and Ashish Avikunthak’s experimental station in a forest area in Chhattisgarh, Bengali-language Aapothkalin Trikalika garnered praise from its first audience. (The of Emergency). Also Describing it as “engaging in the festival was the viewing”, the Screen Daily said: Aaba, made by Mumbai-based “Laughs, tension “Its laughs, tension and the Amar Kaushik. and the interplay interplay between the two that At the 2017 edition of the between the two give Newton its momentum.” give Newton its International Film Festival of The review added: “The mostly momentum,” Rotterdam (IFFR), Sanal Kumar successful handling of its topical reviewed Sasidharan’s Malayalam film premise — not only focusing Screen Daily Sexy Durga bagged the event’s on difficulties in the world’s flagship Hivos Tiver Award, the biggest democracy, but conjuring first Indian film ever to do so. The festival broader international parallels at a time jury lauded the film “for its daring and when the validity of election processes resourceful approach in creating a mood of is being called into doubt — is just one of constant tension, providing an insight into the reasons Masurkar’s follow up to 2014 multi-layered power dynamics of gender, comedy Sulemani Keeda deserves to travel class and authority.” on the festival circuit.”

Stills from the film (left)A aba and (right) Newton

MARCH-JUNE 2017 61 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 61 8/8/17 4:55 PM CInema

Coming in the wake of titles such as ’s , Amit Kumar’s Monsoon Shootout, ’s Chauthi Koot and Neeraj Ghaywan’s , all of which have played as part of the official selection in recent editions of the , the works of a new breed of rookie Indian filmmakers looking to carve individual niches for themselves are increasingly finding takers among festival curators. Among them are the likes of Raam Reddy (whose debut Movie Review Thithi bagged two Golden Leopards in Nilotpal Majumdar, former dean of Satyajit Ray Film and the Locarno Film Festival, 2015) and Television Institute on Loktak Lairembee, “Selection of Aditya Sengupta (who won the a film from Manipur for the world premiere will not only Best Debut Director prize get the attention of the international audience but will at Venice Days, 2014 with also showcase the rich culture of the region.” A new breed of Labour of Love). Indian rookie Experimental filmmakers filmmaker Ashish actor Rajkummar Rao on Newton, is looking to Avikunthak’s Aapothkalin “India is the biggest democracy in the world, and carve a niche for Trikalika is the first- I am sure people are always curious to know how themselves it functions. In that way, Newton is a very Indian ever feature-length film film. When I read the script of the film and when I from India to be selected saw some real people acting in it, it took me back for Berlin’s Forum Expanded since the to the days of the golden age of Indian cinema.” segment was launched in 2006. An associate professor at the Harrington School of Communication and Media of Ashish Avikunthak on Aapothkalin the University of Rhode Island (URI), Trikalika, “My films have a direct relationship to what I am, he is known for films underlined by albeit with some dilution as it’s a rigorous experiments with form and representation after all.” content. Aapothkalin Trikalika is his fifth feature-length cinematic essay. In an interview posted on the URI website, Avikunthak says of the film: Aaba producer posted on Facebook, “[It] is a profound political and religious “Congratulations Amar Kaushik on winning the commentary on the state of perpetual and Special Prize for the Best Short Film for ‘Aaba’ perennial emergencies we live in. It is not in the Generation section at Berlin International Film Festival.” a report; but a philosophical comment of the world we live and inhabit.” Mumbai-based filmmaker Amar

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 62 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 62 8/8/17 4:55 PM A still from the filmA apothkalin Trikalika (The Kali of Emergency)

Kaushik had India’s only title competing for There are several other promising an award at Berlinale 2017. His short film, independent Indian films in the works. Aaba (Grandfather), set in Ziro, Arunachal Anup Singh is ready with The Song of Pradesh, is about an orphan Apatani girl Scorpions, starring and French- who learns that her grandfather is dying. Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani. The old man goes about preparing his own Ashim Ahluwalia is making Daddy, a grave, filling it with all the things that biopic of Mumbai gangster Arun Gawli, he loves. The film, which features non- while cinematographer Shanker Raman’s actors including village elder Dani Randa directorial debut Gurgaon, and his real-life granddaughter Sunku, a dystopian view of the fast- takes storytelling back to its most pared- expanding millennium city on the Like MEA INDIA down form. edge of Delhi, is ready to do the Adding to the Indian buzz is London- festival rounds. Aditya Vikram based Gurinder Chadha’s Viceroy’s House, Sengupta, too, is set to hit the which marks Bollywood actress Huma road with the unconventional Follow @MEAINDIA Qureshi’s maiden foray into international Jonaki (Firefly), the tale of a cinema. The film also features Om Puri comatose old woman. in his last role in a British film and is a A world of opportunities Channel set in the final months of awaits India’s resurgent MEA india the in India. independent cinema.

MARCH-JUNE 2017 63 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 63 8/8/17 4:55 PM Travel

A sanctum of serenity Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory, is the perfect place for a relaxed holiday amid beautiful beaches and lush landscapes

text | Gaurav Nagpal

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 64 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 64 8/8/17 4:55 PM MARCH-JUNE 2017 65 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 65 8/8/17 4:55 PM Travel

The Bangaram Island, which lies like an exotic teardrop in the stunningly coloured sea around the Lakshadweep islands

he group comprises 36 members, this archipelago, occupying a total land mass of but is named after a hundred- 32 sqkm and enclosing 4,200 sqkm of lagoons. thousand! Lakshadweep, a Though only 10 of the islands are inhabited — paradise in the Arabian Sea, is a Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, group of 36 beautiful islands; yet, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy - you itsT name means “a hundred thousand islands” cannot just waltz in when you wish. The islands in Malayalam and Sanskrit. What you get are a restricted area, and an official permit from here is stunning natural beauty, the administration is needed to pristine sandy beaches, and diverse visit them. flora and fauna. And, the mystical By air or by sea, if you Lakshadweep islands are perfect History if you are not looking for a typical are to reach The history of Lakshadweep is rushed and “busy” holiday, and Lakshadweep, somewhat unclear. Legend has instead prefer to enjoy a more laid- you must pass it that the first settlement here back, relaxed experience. through Kochi was in the period of Cheraman Perumal, the last king of Kerala. The facts He is believed to have slipped out from Lakshadweep is the tiniest Union Territory of Cranganore (present-day Kodungallor), and India and the only coral chain of the country! one of the search boats looking for him was The area was formally designated a Union caught in a fierce storm, with the crew stranded Territory in 1956 and the name Lakshadweep on the island now known as Bangaram, from was given in 1973. Thirty-six islands, 12 atolls, where they then moved to Agatti, and further, three reefs and five submerged banks make up discovering more islands along the way.

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 66 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 66 8/8/17 4:55 PM The theories about the coral atoll formations rains come calling. Round the year, you will find are equally inconclusive. The most prominent, places to stay at as no resort closes down because though, and also the most accepted is the one of the weather; however, getting there by ship propounded by Charles Darwin in 1842. He might be tough during the monsoon period. suggested that a volcanic formation forms the base of the islands below the reef, and it was over How do we get there? this base that corals settled and built fringing Kochi (erstwhile Cochin) is the gateway to reefs, which, in turn, transformed to barrier reefs Lakshadweep. Be it ships or flights, you must set and finally to atolls because of the geological off from — or pass through —Kochi, if you are submergence of the base. to get to Lakshadweep. A short flight of under two hours gets you to the island paradise; if boats When do we go there? catch your fancy, you need to spend 14-18 hours, Lakshadweep is characterised by a tropical depending on the island you choose to land on. climate, with summer temperatures ranging You can pick from among a variety of passenger between 22-33°C, while in winter the range is ships with different classes of accommodation, 20-32°C. Mid-October to mid-May is perfect — a la the railways – AC first/second/seating, with weather is pleasant, and you will not be running medical and doctor facilities available on board helter-skelter away from a deluge from the skies some of the ships. unless you enjoy rains. Conversely, mid-May to For travel during the monsoons, remember September is not a good time, as this is when the that certain islands are connected by flights or

MARCH-JUNE 2017 67 www.indiaperspectives.in

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 67 8/8/17 4:55 PM Travel

A small boat sailing the sparkling blue waters of Lakshadweep

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 68 8/8/17 4:55 PM Things to note • If you require any particular medicines, carry your own supply, as only common medicines are available on the islands. • Do not pick up corals as souvenirs – this is a punishable offence. • Consumption of alcohol is prohibited across Lakshadweep, except on Bangaram island. • Carrying or consuming narcotics is a punishable offence, as is nude swimming and sunbathing. • Do not venture outside the premises of your island lagoon without permission of the authorities or without a proper escort – it might be risky. • Do not pluck tender coconuts off the trees – the trees are privately owned and unauthorised plucking is considered a theft.

helicopters and are thus reachable even during (due to the dominating position occupied by the monsoons, while others remain out of women in local society) offers a rich tradition reach; do look into this when making your of performing arts — watch, in particular, travel plans. lava dance, among the most attractive of local dances and performed on festive occasions. What do we do there? Kadmat island offers a full- The islands offer a plethora of water fledged water sports institute sports — take your pick from scuba Certain and a dive school. You can enjoy diving, windsurfing, snorkelling, islands are not the experience of dive package kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, reachable during tours on this island; also, this is sport fishing and yachting. Don’t the monsoons; one of the three islands — along miss the night voyage into the sea, remember with Bangaram and Agatti — that as well as rides on glass-bottomed this when foreign tourists are permitted boats. You could also just go making plans to visit. around the islands to catch the What is noteworthy across all sights— lighthouses, marine life exhibits, and islands is the focus on preserving the delicate local industries. Popular folk art forms include ecology of Lakshadweep. Care has been Kolkali and Parichakali, along with Oppana, taken to ensure no activity could possibly seen at marriages and involving a song sung by damage the coral or other parts of the island, a lead singer and followed by a group of women. which is why only non-intrusive water sports Minicoy island, dubbed ‘Women’s Island’ are allowed.

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Beating the Retreat A glimpse of the annual military musical extravaganza, marking the culmination of Republic Day celebrations

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 70 8/8/17 4:55 PM t is colourful, years, evolved into a much- musical, and a awaited event with the foot- grand affair. The tapping music of the bands ‘Beating the Retreat’ from the Army, the Navy, ceremony is based the Air Force, the State onI a centuries-old military Police and Central Armed tradition, according to Police Forces enthralling the which soldiers called a close audience. It is a wonderful to the war at sunset. It is sight to watch military held every year on January bands perform in front of 29, three days after India the illuminated Raisina celebrates its Republic Day. Hills, New Delhi. A look at The ceremony has, in recent this year’s ceremony...

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The then President Pranab Mukherjee chose to arrive at the venue in a ceremonial buggy – an open gold-plated carriage. The Beating the Retreat dates back to the time when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield and returned to the camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat.

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 72 8/8/17 4:55 PM This year, 16 military bands, 16 pipe and drum bands from Regimental Centres and Battalions participated in the ceremony. One band each of the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force was also part of the event.

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The performances by bands and musicians thrilled the audience with patriotic fervour. While the tunes were a mix of Indian and Western compositions, the dominance of the desi tunes added a special flavour to the ceremony.

Soldiers marching during the Beating the Retreat ceremony. Beating the Retreat is an event of national pride, and creates nostalgia for the times gone by.

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Journey through the hills If you like to enjoy views of India from the heavenly heights, undertake the mountain railway journeys that take you through the most attractive routes while you breathe in the cool mountain air

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 76 8/8/17 4:55 PM he spectacular hill railways of India established an effective rail link across the mountainous and enchantingly beautiful terrains of the country. Built during the TBritish colonial rule as a result of their interest in establishing control over the mountain ranges of India, they are still well-maintained and operated by , and serve as an innovative mode of transportation for people to enjoy the beautiful heights. These rail routes connect popular hill resorts with the foothills, making their way through rugged and scenic views and providing an adventurous ride. As a trip to the hills is a real treat, we take you to five amazing mountain railway routes to enjoy.

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Darjeeling Himalayan Railway World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Best time to visit – October to March While you travel by the DHR, there is a dramatic change of the landscape gradient The Himalayan Railway (DHR) in as it reaches the Sukna station. As the train is synonymous with nostalgia. begins its slow climb upwards, it reveals The toy train journey on the two-feet narrow the resplendent beauty of the Queen of gauge railway that runs through New Hills ensconced by the Himalayas and tea and Darjeeling has always enticed travel plantations. Tindharia is the first major stop enthusiasts to the scenic beauty of Darjeeling. to watch out for, with its impressive antique The slow, serpentine journey extends over 78 locomotive shed where the engine is changed km with varying degrees of elevation as the for the train to continue its journey towards train makes its journey from New Jalpaiguri Darjeeling. is another stop to watch (374 ft above MSL) to Darjeeling (7,218 ft above out for as the train makes its way through the MSL), crossing more than 13 stations. crowded bazaar and gives a glimpse of the The DHR was built between 1879 and town. But it is the Ghum station, the highest 1881 by the British and is still considered an railway station in India, which inadvertently exemplary form of mountain railway, which steals the show with its impressive museum on combined the innovative idea of engineering the first floor of the station building. When the and indigenous knowledge of the geography train finally pulls into the Darjeeling Bazaar, of the mountainous terrain. In 1999, due to its the slow journey upwards reminds one that it is outstanding universal value, authenticity and necessary to take things slow and occasionally excellent management, it was declared as a stop to smell the flowers.

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 78 8/8/17 4:55 PM Nilgiri Mountain Railway considered as an engineering marvel. It was Best time to visit – March to June recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in July 2005. Similar to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, The train covers a distance of 46 km in a the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) was built span of five hours and crosses the stations of by the British in 1908. Initially operated by the Kallar, Coonoor, Wellington, Aravankadu, Ketti, Madras Railway (now under the jurisdiction Lovedale and Ooty (Udhagamandalam). From of newly formed Salem Division), the 3 ft 3 3⁄8 Mettupalayam to Kallar, one is treated to the inch of metre gauge runs from Mettupalayam endless views of rice fields that stretch up to to Ooty. Due to the steep, tricky terrain of the seven km. Soon it is followed by 21 km of steep Nilgiri Hills, the railway faced a real challenge rocky terrain and then it enters Coonoor, the during the construction of the tracks. Hence, to little hill station known for its tea plantations. cope with the steep terrain, it implemented the From Coonoor the uphill journey continues to Alternate Biting System where the engine, when Fern Hill at a height of 2,218m, the highest point ascending, is placed at the back to push the train on the railroad. Shortly before Ooty, the line from behind and on the return journey downhill, dips downhill. Photography enthusiasts are in the engine is placed at the front to avoid collisions for a treat especially by the viaduct, which lies in or derailments. This is why the NMR is still between Kallar and Adderley.

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Kalka– Railway Best time to visit – March to June

The toy train ride at the break of dawn from the quaint station of Kalka to Shimla is what dreams are made of. As the train moves uphill through tunnels and chugs over bridges, amid lofty pines and deodars, the natural beauty leaves you mesmerised. The rail route connects the people from the plains to Shimla, the summer capital of British India. Inaugurated in 1903 by British Viceroy Lord Curzon, the train passes through 103 tunnels, 969 bridges, and 919 curves, halting at popular stations such as Barog and Solan. In fact, the Kalka-Shimla route — proposed in 1891— was modelled on the narrow gauge rail route in Darjeeling. It was declared a heritage railway by the government in 2007, and in 2008 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Matheran Hill Railway Best time to visit – March to June A two-feet narrow gauge heritage railway in , covers a distance of 21 km from the forest territory of Neral to Matheran in the Western Ghats. Built by Abdul Hussein Adamjee Peerbhoy, financed by his father Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy, and supervised by consulting engineer Everard Calthrop of Barsi Light Railway between 1901 and 1907, this project cost `16 lakh. Matheran, which means ‘forest on top’, is an eco-sensitive region and travellers visiting there can soak in the enamouring views of nature. The toy train journey takes around 281 thriller zigzag turns from Neral to Matheran hill top.

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 80 8/8/17 4:55 PM Kangra Valley Railway Daulatpur tunnel and past the ruins of Best time to visit – September to June the old Kangra fort, providing glorious views of history, art and culture. As the The little-known Kangra Valley Railway train chugs further, the passengers soak in the state of Himachal Pradesh is in the fresh air of countryside and get a another engineering feat that meanders glimpse of white peaks. Next, as the train through a maze of hills and valleys. enters the Palampur region, the pine scent Planned in May 1926 and commissioned fills the air and the tea gardens on both in 1929, the Kangra Valley Railway sides provide a refreshing view. in the sub-Himalayan region starts However, the train moves at a from Pathankot in Punjab and ends at snail’s pace as it reaches its highest Like MEA INDIA Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. The point, Ahju station, at a height railway line passing through 993 bridges of 1,290 m. and two tunnels covers a distance of 164 The picturesque hilly town km in nine hours and 20 minutes. of Kangra, at an elevation of 733 Follow @MEAINDIA The beautiful sights begin after the m, is surrounded by the sublime train crosses Nurpur with hillocks on Dhauladhar range. The town is both sides and the Dhauladhar range situated at the confluence of River Channel gaining prominence. Later, the landscape Bener and River Majhi, and Beas is MEA india changes as the train passes through the an important river in the region.

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Bamboo narratives From handicrafts and construction to medicinal healing, bamboo is one of the most versatile materials to be found in India, and has a flourishing home in the Northeast

text | Mohona Banerjee

n 2004, , then Prime India. Indeed, bamboo plays a pivotal role in Minister of India, took an initiative the cultural, social and economic traditions to further the cause of bamboo in the of the region. However, with improved country at the seventh World Bamboo communication, higher awareness and the Congress in New Delhi. Envisioning aid of the government, bamboo has over the Ithe humble bamboo as a medium of change, years evolved into an industry which has the wise man’s timber was introduced to a transformed the socio-economic milieu of revolution that changed lives. the Northeast India. Bamboo is naturally woven into the The National Mission on Bamboo everyday lives of inhabitants of Northeast Application discovered through a survey

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 82 8/8/17 4:56 PM that bamboo makes up approximately 12.8 per cent of India’s forest cover and two-thirds of the growing stock is situated in the Northeast. Given the considerable growth of bamboo in this region, traditional bamboo mats, bamboo floor boards, headgear, baskets, fish traps and other items have found a new lease of life after the government recognised the potential of bamboo and introduced it to the global market. The rich sylvan resources of the North-east, especially in the forests of the Mizo hills, Mikir, Nowgong and Lakhimpur districts, have resulted in varied species of bamboo like Dalu banh (dinochloa gracilis) and Muli banh (dendrocalamus strictus) that are found in the regions of Kulsi and Karimganj respectively. Muli banh, due to

Above: Green soup with bamboo shoots; Right: Oriental straw hats Water tap with pipe cover made of bamboo

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Characteristics of bamboo its solid culm or stem, is used for rice or tea leaves. As fish dominates construction purposes especially Assamese cuisine, fine fishing traps  It helps prevent soil erosion to make house frames, fences and like Jakai, Khalai or Chepa are made due to its widespread root system and large canopy. scaffolding while Dalu banh, due to with fine bamboo strips and used to its softness, is ideal for making mats  It sustains riverbanks and catch fish in shallow water. Bamboo serves as a good windbreak. and crafts and also forms an integral is also used to make ‘Jhapi’, the  It helps decrease water part of northeastern cuisine. Bamboo traditional Assamese headgear with pollution as it devours high is not limited only to construction immense historical value. amounts of nitrogen and agrarian purposes, however. A is another state that is  It absorbs carbon dioxide and young bamboo stem considered the ‘home’ generates 35 per cent more can also be used to of bamboo. Tripura oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees cure various ailments Assam is one of witnesses flourishing including the early stages the states to have bamboo growth all over  Bamboo can grow in arid regions where other crops fail of diabetes, chicken pox a large amount its landscape. The bamboo due to droughts and chronic pain. of resources forests in the state cover Interestingly, Assam for the bamboo approximately 2,739 sq is one of the states in industry km. The main difference Uses of bamboo India that has a large between the two sister  Furniture and construction amount of resources for the bamboo states is the importance of bamboo in  Beer, wine and medicine industry to flourish, almost at par their socio-economic makeup. As per  Boards or lamination with countries like Canada, Norway government data, an estimated 2.76  Durable utensils and and Finland. Around 50 species of lakh families in Tripura are engaged musical instruments bamboo grow in Assam alone, with a in bamboo-related vocations. Setting  Handicrafts, rugs, toys large chunk of them being processed aside the artistic aspirations attached and accessories for handicrafts such as chalanis to bamboo art, modern bamboo  Making charcoal (sieves) that are loosely woven with tiles, furrowed sheets, ply boards fine bamboo slips in a criss-cross and bamboo furniture have found pattern and are used for sieving commercial and ecological success

A traditional bamboo fish trap

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 84 8/8/17 4:56 PM Mizo tribe performing traditional Bamboo dance – the Cheraw – at Chapchar Kut festival in Mizoram

as bamboo makes for a cheaper and better Agartala, the capital city of Tripura. alternative to timber. Barak, Bari and Kali Given the versatility of bamboo, people in are some of the bamboo varieties found in the North-east have learnt to fashion it into Tripura with Bari and Barak being the ones musical instruments and use it to perform predominantly cultivated. their traditional dance! In Nagaland, people Given the commercial use the thin variety of bamboo success of bamboo in Tripura, to make mouth organs, flutes the state government had People in the and cup violins – launched the Tripura Bamboo Northeast instruments that are Mission (TBM) in the year 2007 have learnt to popularly used by Like MEA INDIA to further the development of fashion bamboo the Aos of Nagaland. the bamboo sector. With the into musical Also, the Cheraw help of the TBM, the turnover instruments dance performed in of the sector in the state saw Mizoram, involving Follow @MEAINDIA an increase from ` 27.9 crore in 2006-2007 two crossed pairs of bamboo to `115.56 crore in 2012-2013. The massive staves and four people, is one of boost to the economy with the help of the most famous dances in the Channel bamboo has culminated in the construction Northeast and a popular attraction MEA india of a bamboo park on the outskirts of during festive occasions.

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Break with convention Beyond its presence in 3 Idiots, the SECMOL institution holds aloft the beacon of practical education to build a sustainable future for its students

photos | Lobzang Dadul/ SECMOL

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 86 8/8/17 4:56 PM emember the popular Hindi and Cultural Movement of Ladakh movie 3 Idiots, where the (SECMOL) has been striving to reform the friends of Phunsuk Wangdoo government school system. It has become trace him to an unconventional famous as the place to pursue practical, educational institution in environmental, social and traditional theR Leh-Ladakh region? Wangdoo believes knowledge, values and skills. It strives to more in gaining knowledge than earning help young Ladakhis and others growing up degrees, and the institution is no make- in Ladakh to choose and build a sustainable believe Bollywood dream, but a functional future. Students learn ancient Ladakhi three-decade-old brick-and-mortar structure songs, dance and history alongside modern in Ladakh. academic knowledge in a solar-powered Founded in 1988 by a group of Ladakhi campus managed, maintained and run college students, the Students’ Educational largely by them. Over the last few decades,

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the SECMOL campus has grown into The solar-powered SECMOL campus an eco-village where students, staff and uses solar electricity for heating, volunteers live, work and learn together. electricity, and pumping. Photovoltaic Nearly 95 per cent students fail the panels generate electricity for lighting, class 10 exams in the state every year. computers and TVs. Batteries store power To address this, SECMOL launched for nights and cloudy days with a small the Operation New Hope generator for backup in case (ONH) movement in 1994, in of extended cloudy weather or collaboration with the state Students, staff heavy usage. The campus is not education department, the and volunteers connected to the grid or any local government and village live, work and other power source. community members. In later learn together There are two solar cookers years, SECMOL continued its on the SECMOL and water heaters for bathing, work on educational reforms campus and the campus buildings outside of the government use passive solar heating to framework. There has been a clear stay warm through the coldest months of improvement – from 2003 to 2006, winter. Passive solar design absorbs the about 50 per cent of government school sun’s heat and stores it for long periods, students in Leh district passed their with no need of circulating water pipes, air matriculation exam, which has recently blowers, or moving parts. These facilities risen further to more than two-thirds of have allowed SECMOL to successfully run the students passing. its residential programmes every winter

Various activities carried out by SECMOL students

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 88 8/8/17 4:56 PM ONH’s aims and objectives: • To organise the village communities for constructive participation in the running of schools by forming Village Education Committees (VECs). • To train teachers in creative, child-centered, and activity- based teaching methods to make schooling less painful and more joyful for children. • To produce Ladakh-relevant Actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sharman Joshi during the shooting of Bollywood film3 Idiots versions of primary textbooks and teaching materials. • To use the above factors to revive the interest, strengthen for the last 15 years, even when the minimum the confidence, and enhance outside temperatures fall to -25°C. the dedication of Government The south-facing windows keep the school teachers. buildings warm (as the sun moves low in the southern sky in winter). Greenhouses are attached on the south side in winter, and removed during spring to prevent overheating. The skylights are covered with glass or clear plastic to keep warm air indoors, and the thick earthen walls and floors as well as later in the floor comprising layers of various insulation in the roof, outer walls and under sizes of rocks. A top layer of gravel and cement the floor helps to store collected heat (thermal acts as a heat bank. The gap between the walls mass). Natural lighting obviates the need for is filled with low-cost insulation: saw dust, electricity in the daytime. wood shavings or sometimes paper and plastic Most of the buildings are at garbage like bottles and bags. least three feet below ground At times, cow dung is used as an level on the northern side, as the The ceilings, insulating plaster. earth’s temperature at that depth outer walls The drinking water supply and floor are is relatively warmer in winter and comes from a borewell 130 insulated, cooler in summer. The dug-out feet deep. Solar panels power protecting from earth is used to make the walls of an electric pump that fills the heat in the building, keeping them warm domestic water tanks. Two the daytime in winter and cool in summer concentrating reflector-type solar along with moderating the cookers cook much of SECMOL’s humidity of the building. food, and the large parabolic reflector, made The ceilings, outer walls and floor are of common mirrors, focusses the sun’s rays insulated, protecting occupants from the heat to a secondary reflector under the pots in the in the daytime. The wood waste generated kitchen. This design gives as much heat as a during construction is stuffed in the ceiling large gas burner and saves a lot of money while to stop heat loss, along with an insulating preserving the environment.

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 90 8/8/17 4:56 PM Global celebs flaunt Indian designs We explore how Indian fashion designers are dressing up celebrities across the globe and, in the process, redefining Indian textiles and handloom

text | Pooja Kulkarni

oday, fashion has crossed the famed US tour of 2014. Leaving this aside, borders of nation, culture and popular international actors and singers like creed, and evolved to become Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Lupita Nyong’o one universal style. Fit and and the like have also been lauding the work finesse is what seems to of Indian designers. So, what is making matterT at the end of the day to fashionistas of celebrities choose Indian designers over the world and even to celebrities, including international labels? Speaking to us, Dongre, those from Hollywood and politics, who one of India’s top fashion designers, says, “It’s aren’t thinking twice before flaunting works not only celebrities but even the everyday of Indian designers at important events in woman who is well travelled and has access their lives. to all international brands, who chooses to Former US First Lady Michelle Obama invest in Indian labels for her wardrobe. thrilled India by arriving in New Delhi The history and heritage of Indian in 2015 wearing Rourkela-born Bibhu clothing makes it so unique to the world. Mohapatra’s creation. The Duchess of When designers combine the reinvented Cambridge, Kate Middleton, surprised one silhouettes with traditional textiles and and all by donning a vibrant multi-coloured rich handicrafts, the outcome is inimitable. Anita Dongre dress during her royal India That’s what makes iconic personalities tour in 2016. Mumbai-based menswear choose Indian labels.” designer, Troy Costa, became a household The popularity quotient of our desi name after India’s Prime Minister Narendra designers has also gone several notches Modi flaunted his designs during his much- higher due to this. New York-based and

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Former US First Lady Mumbai-born designer Naeem Khan, Michelle Obama who has been a favourite with Michelle and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Obama for the last eight years, had Middleton, both said in an online interview, “When Ms wearing designs by Obama chose one of my creations for her Naeem Khan first state dinner at the White House in 2009, I was actually super shocked. The whole thing went viral. For her to choose my brand and to put me on this world stage and today what has happened to the brand is just crazy. And that is because of her. It’s important how she has actually cultivated and put the designers in front. The power of celebrity-backing has been crucial. I would say that 90 per cent of my brand recognition comes from celebrities wearing my pieces.” It is the ubiquitous approach of the designers that is leading them to come up with contemporary designs with universal appeal. According to designer Troy Costa, blending various looks is the way forward. “I believe that if you want to be part of an international space, you need to dress the part. Do you see a Japanese person wearing a kimono in an international context? I think not. On an international stage, I don’t think an all-out traditional look is the best choice. You want to blend in,” he had told a weekly lifestyle magazine. Dongre adds, “Fashion has naturally evolved to produce more styles that have a global appeal. To add to it, technology has blurred borders, making almost everything accessible to all. Just like we wear international brands here, our labels are also being worn by people internationally. We work with Indian textiles and embroidery techniques.

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 92 8/8/17 4:56 PM Every season we reinvent the silhouettes to This is the dust aspect. Then the paisley lend a contemporary look. These universal patterns on some of the pieces represent styles look just as good at wedding the decadence in India. So I’ve taken one functions as they would on a red carpet.” element from the two sides and created In the process, designers a whole collection out of it.” are also reinventing Indian Finally, it’s a labour of love. textiles. For a fashion show in It is the “The design process usually New York, Khan had created 39 ubiquitous starts as a fantasy, with ideas looks inspired by Indian body approach of the that I dream of and visualise. art motifs and paisley patterns. designers that These ideas become a reality by Talking about it, he shared is leading them bringing various ingredients with New York’s leading daily, to come up with together, from the lifestyle, age “It’s all about the decadence contemporary and sex appeal, to the textures and dust of India. The white designs of the finest fabrics and circles and dots on some of embroideries that we produce the dresses are the patterns the Sadhus use in my family factories in India. Then add on their bodies – I actually hand-painted about 90 days, a few fashion sous chefs in them myself. A lot of the patterns are from the Naeem Khan studio, and the final outfit body painting. I looked at tribal India and is a dish of beauty, love and craftsmanship,” made it luxurious by using rich fabrics. concludes Khan.

From top: Fashion designers Bibhu Mohapatra, Naeem Khan, Troy Costa and Anita Dongre

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 94 8/8/17 4:56 PM The unlikely star From his debut filmGhashiram Kotwal to his cinematic success in Hollywood, veteran actor Om Puri left an indelible mark on cinema in a career spanning more than three decades

text | Nandini D Tripathy

t is often said that acting is about Harpal Tiwana’s group, Punjab Kala Manch, immersing yourself in a character. When in Patiala, when he was still in college,” says Om Puri portrayed sub inspector Anant , who was Puri’s classmate Velankar in ’s Ardh at the latter’s next step towards perfecting his Satya (1983), he represented a reality of craft— the , Delhi. Ithe 1980s that saw a nation recovering from “And I was not surprised to hear that at all,” he and seeking a new goes on, “because he remained like sense of idealism. He was the face that in NSD, where we met in 1970. of Everyman— ordinary, familiar, Om Puri He had struck me immediately standing up against exploitation— seasoned his because of his remarkable face and and became the angry young man acting prowess had inspired in me a tremendous of the 80s, New Wave cinema’s foil at the National sense of admiration. He was to ’s proverbial School of Drama the most sincere, punctual and inspector Vijay. Long before he painstaking actor in our entire found his niche as the unlikely hero in Hindi class and I would find it amusing that he cinema, Puri had found his true calling in worked hard at everything - from expressions the craft of acting through the medium of and diction to handling the menu at the mess theatre— and his journey had begun in his and going around like the father of the bride, homeland, Punjab. asking everyone how the food was! That “Om was, I have been told, one of the most was Om. Universally liked, thoroughly non- industrious members of Punjabi playwright controversial and understated. And I was the

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exact antithesis to that. would part of a Kabuki play at NSD and it was an often cite his example to me and by the end of outstanding performance.” Shah echoes the our three years there, I realised how much Om sentiment. “Kabuki is the Japanese equivalent had developed as an actor and how little I had.” of our Kathakali in terms of style, elaborate Actor-director MK Raina, Puri and Shah’s make up, headgear and so on. Om had about senior at NSD, recalls that the a month to prepare for that role actor’s defining characteristic and his performance was utterly was his simplicity. “It was his Puri’s cinematic incredible. It was the performance greatest strength, along with debut happened that convinced me that his his conviction that he could do with the 1977 approach to acting was the right anything if he worked hard enough Marathi film one. And I have followed Om’s at it. He would go to the open Ghashiram example ever since,” he affirms. air theatre early in the morning, Kotwal While Om Puri’s cinematic before most people had even debut happened with Marathi woken up, to practice his speeches. Some of film Ghashiram Kotwal, his first set of Hindi his finest performances on stage have been in films led the New Wave of Indian cinema in the plays he was a part of at NSD,” he recalls. the 1970s and 80s, a creative movement where Ask him if any one performance in particular he was accompanied by the likes of Shabana has remained with him through the years Azmi, and Naseeruddin Shah. and he responds immediately, “He was once “Om, Naseer, Shabana and Smita represented

Actors Om Puri, Manish Dayal and Mirren in a still from the film The Hundred-Foot Journey

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 96 8/8/17 4:56 PM A still from The City of Joy

many things, but above all they represented the Shah adds that Puri breathed life into every poetry of the real,” shares filmmaker Sudhir kind of character he took up, even when it Mishra, who worked with Puri in his 1992 was least expected of him. The 1983 cult dark film, Dharavi. “I personally think Dharavi is comedy, , saw him as the Om’s best performance. It is underrated because corrupt builder Ahuja and his talent for comic it is not bombastic. But that’s what he was all improvisation shone through. It became a about - he had a presence that never called marker of his versatility, and would be followed attention to itself in a way that obstructed up by an array of comic roles (Chachi 420, East the storytelling.” Actor , who Is East and many more) where Puri would stand has worked with Puri in movies like Ghaath out with his masterful comic performances. (2000) and Chakravyuh (2012) finds the Shah recalls, “The immortal coffin scene— a latter’s rendition of Lahanya Bhiku in Govind lot of it was ad libbed by Om right there! He Nihalani’s Aakrosh (1980) his most compelling really brought that character to life and no performance. “It is something every actor one expected something like that of him after should see and learn from. He really set a tone seeing or Aakrosh. After that, even for the kind of acting that completely changed though I had started my career before him, he the face of mainstream Indian cinema at the really became the first star of the New Wave.” time, and inspired my entire generation. Fifty In the years that followed, Puri dabbled years from now, the relevance and greatness of not only in mainstream Hindi cinema but also that film will be the same,” he opines. managed to make a mark in Hollywood as well

MARCH-JUNE 2017 97 www.indiaperspectives.in

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A still from the 1996 Hollywood movie The Ghost in the Darkness, Puri sharing the frame with Val Kilmer

as the British , receiving an down to Mumbai after most of the film had honorary Order of the British Empire in already been shot. I was a little awkward 2004 for his contribution to British cinema since everyone knew each other very well with films such as My Son The Fanatic and and I was the odd one out. But Om Puri ji East Is East. In Hollywood, made it a point to come, sit and films like City of Joy, Wolf, chat with me so that I would Charlie Wilson’s War and Puri was feel at ease,” she shares. most recently, The Hundred equally famous In a tweet posted in Foot Journey, also established in Hollywood December 2016, about a month him as a performer to reckon having appeared before his sudden demise, with. Actress , in a number of Om Puri wrote, “I have no movies who made a guest appearance regrets at all. I have done quite in The Hundred Foot Journey well for myself. I didn’t have as Puri’s on-screen wife, recalls that while a conventional face, but I have done well, he delivered an excellent performance and I am proud of it.” His words echo across as an actor, it was really his humility India’s film and theatre fraternity as fitting and sensitivity off camera that made an testament to a truly fulfilling professional life impression on her. “The unit had come lived by a truly gifted actor.

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Kashayam: the elixir of life

A variety of natural ingredient-based drinks have found their way from mythological texts of yore to common usage today, enhancing health the natural way

text | Madhulika Dash

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ovember 2015. The Government of Tamil Nadu faced a dire situation. Incessant rains had led to an increase in cases of fever andN a threat of dengue. It was a state of emergency as NGOs and medical centres set about dispersing medicines, including Ayurvedic ones. In a short time, a total of 17,500 people, including 8,742 students in 21 schools were administered with the dosage. How was such an effective dispersal carried out? With Nilavembu kashayam, one of the oldest Ayurveda-approved medicines that, for centuries, has been an effective go-to wellness Bhaang, a drink for high fever and any popular conditions with dengue- drink today, is like symptoms. one of the oldest Kashayam is a name for kashayams concoctions that can be known to numb administered for good health aches and pain and used as a medicine in cases of illness. Also mentioned in Ayurveda, it has remained with us since the start of the century as what we fondly term as dadima ke nuskhe (grandma’s treatments), and is still as effective as it were then. Haldi doodh (turmeric and milk) or “golden milk” as the West popularly addresses it these days, is one of the finest and the most relatable examples of kashayam. Although many purists do not see milk-based wellness drinks as kashayam, given the diktats of Ayurveda that define the making of kashayam as boiling of the herb (or a blend of a few) in water till it reduces to one-fourth of its original

Traditional Indian drinks (top to bottom) turmeric and milk, amla juice and rasam are recommended in Ayurveda

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 100 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 100 8/8/17 4:57 PM quantity, Charak Samhita, the book of hand was among the strength gainers, and surgery and medicine from ancient India, was used generously to treat Gautam Buddha claims otherwise. According to this old text, and other monks. Varanadi kashayam is any drink that has managed to harvest the another magical wellness drink that is still wellness properties of a particular herb, used to treat a wide variety of conditions vegetable, leaf, grain or even that range from headache lentil and is in an easy-to-digest to obesity and even a weak state can be called a kashayam. Honey-ginger- digestive system. The honey- In fact, old texts talk about lemon drink, ginger-lemon drink that is drinks made of barley, sattu popular for popular for its weight reduction (flour made of roasted gram) reducing weight, miracle is said to be a simplified and even cannabis that were is said to be a version of this 4,000-year-old used to treat people in cases simplified version kashayam. Another perfect of common illnesses. Bhaang, of a kashayam example of this ancient health a popular drink served during mocktail is the rasam. The the festival of Holi these days, in fact, is tasty soup-based dish from southern India one of the oldest cannabis-based kashayam is, in fact, one of the oldest kashayams recipes that was known to numb pain — made to restore strength and immunity, and was extremely beneficial in conducting which has been made the same way ever surgeries or even treating people suffering since its inception in the early years of the from painful conditions. Sattu on the other Tamil civilisation.

Left to right: Aam panna, carrot juice and cucumber juice are also good for health

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Of course, in the list of around 3,000 wellness potions that were mentioned in Charak Samhita and eventually included in the practice of Ayurveda is Amruthotharam kashayam, a classic wellness dish that could treat an array of conditions, including Kashayam vs modern medicine: chronic fever, constipation and appetite Which is more effective? loss. And much like Abhiyangam, a traditional oil massage used to align the While both Ayurveda and modern medicines are considered effective streams doshas in our body, Amruthotharam of treatments, says Dr Rahul Dogra was designed to be the first line of (Ayurveda specialist, Kairali), “each of them wellness and cure. But kashayams were has its own pros and cons when it comes to the ‘necessity’ of a treatment. While widely used in wellness, and eventually modern medicine is more effective for inspired pleasure drinks. The reason instant relief, especially in chronic diseases, the advantage of Ayurveda is long-term for this transition, say experts, is the prevention since the treatment works to fact that ancient doctors were well eliminate the root cause rather than the aware of the body’s ability immediate symptoms.” to absorb nutrients when However, when it comes to kashayam and Turmeric modern pharmaceuticals, the former works not only ingested but as effectively as the latter. And the reason given in a state where the milk is one for this, adds Dr Dogra, is that “kashayam of the most contains water-soluble active principles of complex nature of these the herbs. As water-soluble components properties are broken down relatable are readily absorbed from intestines, into simpler elements and, examples of kashayam can work as effectively as allopathic medicines.” thus, act faster. Kashayams kashayam were prepared mostly from fresh herbs and other ingredients, thus allowing the benefits of these natural products to be absorbed by the body better and quicker. In fact, during the Mauryan period, which saw the emergence of pleasure drinks, aside from rice wine that was made in almost every household, the basic principle followed was borrowed from kashayam. This ensured that the drinks not only tasted good but didn’t harm the body as much as other intoxicating drinks. A popular folktale talks about how Chanakya used kashayam to develop emperor Chandragupta’s immunity to poison by administering to the king small dosages of a special post-

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Book_IP_march april'17.indb 102 8/8/17 4:57 PM Left to right: Neem leaves in mortar and pestle with neem paste, and herbal tea with fresh mint

meal digestive concoction. It is said that In fact, each change of season or beginning the political strategist had a team of veds of a battle would mean long sessions with the (doctors) to study the effect of poison and its rakhbadar (chief royal cook) and veds and antidotes. Yet another anecdote talks about hakims who would find newer herbs, spices, how emperor Harshvardhan plants and kashayam that would introduced a special day-time be given to the king to prepare It is said that drink for students to abate him for the next Chanakya used lethargy and concentrate better. venture. kashayam to That drink was close to the The use of bark, Like make emperor MEA INDIA modern-day herbal tea. Kada (a Chandragupta roots, leaves and homemade medicinal drink to immune even pollen of a treat cough and cold) is another to poisons plant in cooking impressive kashayam that has came as a result Follow @MEAINDIA remained popular through of kashayam that centuries. It is said that in ancient and even aided the emperor to maintain medieval ages, Indian kings maintained his command: be it in the Channel a bevy of veds and hakims to develop battlefield or handling a family MEA india kashayams to treat various health problems. of a thousand.

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Padma Awards

A sneak peek into the system of awards, a primary recognition from the Government of India

INDIA PERSPECTIVES 104 MARCH-JUNE 2017

Book_IP_march april'17.indb 104 8/8/17 4:57 PM PADMA AWARDEES 2017 he government of India, on Name Field State the recommendation of the Shri KJ Yesudas Art – Music Kerala Padma Awards Committee, Sadhguru Others – Spiritualism Tamil Nadu constituted by Prime Minister Shri Public Affairs Maharashtra – headed by Cabinet Secretary Shri Public Affairs and Home Secretary, Secretary to the Prof. Udipi Ramachandra Rao Science & Engineering Karnataka T Late Shri (Posthumous) Public Affairs Madhya Pradesh President and a few eminent persons, awards Late Shri PA Sangma (Posthumous) Public Affairs Meghalaya some people with special honours on the eve Padma Bhushan of Republic Day every year. These are the Name Field State civilian awards with which the government Shri Art – Music Rajasthan honours its people for exceptional service Prof. (Dr) Devi Prasad Dwivedi Literature & Education Uttar Pradesh in any field of human endeavour. The Shri Tehemton Udwadia Medicine Maharashtra Shri Ratna Sundar Maharaj Others – Spiritualism Gujarat recommendation of the committee are Swami Niranjana Nanda Saraswati Others-Yoga Bihar submitted to the Prime Minister and the H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Literature & Education Thailand for approval. (Foreigner) Late Shri Literature & Education – Tamil Nadu (Posthumous) Journalism History and relevance Padma Shri Instituted in 1954, the two civilian awards Name Field State were and Padma Vibhushan. Smt. Art - Music The latter had three classes namely Pahela Shri Chemanchery Kunhiraman Nair Art - Dance Kerala Varg, Dusra Varg and Tisra Varg. These were Smt. Art - Dance subsequently renamed as Padma Vibhushan, Smt. Bharathi Vishnuvardhan Art - Cinema Karnataka Shri Art - Cinema Odisha Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri later on Shri T K Murthy Art - Music Tamil Nadu January 8, 1955. The Padma Vibhushan Shri Laishram Birendrakumar Singh Art - Music Manipur is given for exceptional and distinguished Shri Krishna Ram Chaudhary Art - Music Uttar Pradesh service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished Smt. Baoa Devi Art - Painting Bihar service of a high order and Padma Shri for Shri Tilak Gitai Art - Painting Rajasthan distinguished service in any field. Dr Prof. Aekka Yadagiri Rao Art - Sculpture Telangana Shri Art - Music Odisha Shri Art - Music Maharashtra Padma Awards Smt. Parassala B Ponnammal Art - Music Kerala Everyone without distinction on the basis of Smt. Sukri Bommagowda Art - Music Karnataka race, occupation, position or sex is eligible for Shri Purushottam Upadhyay Art - Music Gujarat these awards. Government servants including Smt. Art - Music Maharashtra those working with PSUs, except doctors and Shri Wareppa Naba Nil Art - Theatre Manipur Shri Tripuraneni Hanuman Chowdary Civil Service Telangana scientists, are not eligible for these awards. Shri T.K. Viswanathan Civil Service The disciplines in which awards seek to Shri Kanwal Sibal Civil Service Delhi recognise service are: Shri Birkha Bahadur Limboo Muringla Literature & Education Sikkim Smt. Eli Ahmed Literature & Education Assam Art – music, painting, sculpture, photography, cinema and theatre. Dr Literature & Education Delhi social service, Prof. G. Venkatasubbiah Literature & Education Karnataka Social work – Shri Akkitham Achyuthan Literature & Education Kerala charitable service and contribution to Namboothiri community projects. Shri Kashi Nath Pandita Literature & Education Jammu & Kashmir Shri Literature & Education Delhi Public affairs – law, public life, politics. space Shri Harihar Kripalu Tripathi Literature & Education Uttar Pradesh Science and engineering – Shri Literature & Education Tamil Nadu engineering, nuclear science, information Shri Literature & Education Delhi technology, research and development in Shri VG Patel Literature & Education Gujarat science and allied subjects. Smt. Eli Ahmed Literature & Education Assam

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Dr Narendra Kohli Literature & Education Delhi banking, economic Prof. G. Venkatasubbiah Literature & Education Karnataka Trade and industry – Shri Akkitham Achyuthan Namboothiri Literature & Education Kerala activities, management, promotion of tourism Shri Kashi Nath Pandita Literature & Education Jammu & Kashmir and business. Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry Literature & Education Delhi Medicine – medical research, distinction/ Shri Harihar Kripalu Tripathi Literature & Education Uttar Pradesh specialisation in ayurveda, homeopathy, Shri Michel Danino Literature & Education Tamil Nadu sidhha, allopathy and naturopathy. Shri Punam Suri Literature & Education Delhi journalism, Shri VG Patel Literature & Education Gujarat Literature and education – Smt. V Koteswaramma Literature & Education Andhra Pradesh teaching, book composing, literature, poetry, Literature & Education- promotion of education, promotion of literacy, Shri Balbir Dutt Journalism and education reforms. Literature & Education- Smt. Maharashtra excellence in administration Journalism Civil service – Literature & Education- etc. by government servants. Shri Gujarat Journalism Sports – popular sports, athletics, adventure, Dr Subroto Das Medicine Gujarat mountaineering, promotion of sports Dr (Smt.) Bhakti Yadav Medicine Madhya Pradesh and yoga. Dr Mohammed Abdul Waheed Medicine Telangana fields not covered above Dr Madan Madhav Godbole Medicine Uttar Pradesh Others – Dr Devendra Dayabhai Patel Medicine Gujarat and propagation of Indian culture, Prof. Harkishan Singh Medicine Chandigarh protection of human rights, wildlife Dr Mukut Minz Medicine Chandigarh protection/conservation. Shri Arun Kumar Sharma Others-Archaeology Chhattisgarh The awards are conferred posthumously Shri Sanjeev Kapoor Others-Culinary Maharashtra only in highly deserving cases. The awards Smt. Meenakshi Amma Others-Martial Art Kerala are presented by the President of India usually Shri Genabhai Dargabhai Patel Others-Agriculture Gujarat Shri Chandrakant Pithawa Science & Engineering Telangana in the month of March/April every year Prof. Ajoy Kumar Ray Science & Engineering West Bengal where the awardees are presented a certificate Shri Chintakindi Mallesham Science & Engineering Andhra Pradesh and a medallion. The total number of awards Shri Jitendra Nath Goswami Science & Engineering Assam given in a year (excluding posthumous awards Shri Daripalli Ramaiah Social work Telangana and to NRI/foreigners/OCIs) should not be Shri Girish Bhardwaj Social work Karnataka Shri Karimul Hak Social work West Bengal more than 120. Shri Bipin Ganatra Social work West Bengal Smt. Nivedita Raghunath Bhide Social work Tamil Nadu Selection criteria Shri Appasaheb Dharmadhikari Social work Maharashtra The government invites recommendations Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal Social work Punjab from all state/UT governments, ministries/ Shri Sports-Cricket Delhi departments of the Government of India, Shri Shekar Naik Sports-Cricket Karnataka Shri Vikasa Gowda Sports-Discus Throw Karnataka Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan Smt. Deepa Malik Sports-Athletics Haryana awardees and Institutes of Excellence. Shri Mariyappan Thangavelu Sports-Athletics Tamil Nadu Recommendations received from them and Smt. Dipa Karmakar Sports-Gymnastics Tripura central/state ministers, chief ministers/ Shri P R Shreejesh Sports-Hockey Kerala governors, MPs, as also private individuals Smt. Sakshi Malik Sports-Wrestling Haryana and bodies are placed before the Padma Shri Mohan Reddy Venkatrama Trade & Industry Telangana Bodanapu Awards Committee, which looks for lifetime Shri (NRI/PIO) Art-Music USA achievements of an individual while making Shri (NRI/PIO) Literature & Education USA a selection. There ought to be an element Literature & Education- Shri H.R. Shah (NRI/PIO) USA of public service in the achievements of the Journalism Late (Smt.) Suniti Solomon person to be selected. The award is given for Medicine Tamil Nadu (Posthumous) ‘special services’ and not long service. Persons Shri Asoke Kumar Bhattacharyya Others-Archaeology West Bengal selected for the awards are also subjected to (Posthumous) verification with a view to ensure that their Dr Mapuskar (Posthumous) Social work Maharashtra Smt. Anuradha Koirala (Foreigner) Social work Nepal character and antecedents are above board. Source: www.padmaawards.gov.in

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