A Publication of the Embassy of India, Washington, D.C.
September 1, 2013
I India RevieI w Vol. 9 Issue 9 www.indianembassy.org
President Pranab Mukherjee paying homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, on the occasion of 67 th Independence Day, in New Delhi on August 15.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inspecting the Guard of Honor at Red Fort, on the occasion of India’s 67 th Independence Day, in Delhi on August 15. India celebrates 67 th Independence Day n National security n Dr. Raghuram Rajan n Nobel Laureate advisors of India, takes over as 23 rd Dr. Norman Borlaug’s US review bilateral Governor of Reserve first India visit partnership Bank of India remembered in U.S. Ambassador’s PAGE India honors — not dishonors — patent laws The Patents Act of 1970, amended in 1999, 2002 and 2005, is considered a model in the developing world. Critics who say otherwise are simply wrong
ndia has experienced transfor - icines affordable for the 300 million We have also worked hard to bal - mational economic growth over Indians who live below the poverty ance the rights of patent holders with the past two decades. Thanks in line, was strictly TRIPS-compliant. our civic imperative to protect public Ilarge measure to reforms that India’s rigorous patent laws and health. Compulsory licensing has been opened India’s markets to global adherence to international trade an integral part of the patent regime of commerce, its Gross Domestic treaties are helping its 1.2 billion peo - many countries for years. Fifteen Product has zoomed from $189 bil - ple deal with many challenges. We countries, both developed and develop - lion in 1980 to $1.84 trillion in 2012. understand that economic growth ing countries alike, have issued more Innovation and entrepreneurship and job creation are irrevocably than 35 compulsory licenses. have been fostered by vigorous linked to the rule of law. India is In more than six decades, India enforcement of trade agreements and proud to be a prodigious incubator of has issued only one compulsory patent laws. innovation and to have gained the license on a compound pharmaceuti - Intellectual property laws passed confidence of foreign investors. cal. This is hardly evidence of a cli - over forty years have extensively pro - Direct equity investments from the mate hostile to either innovation or tected patents, designs and trade - U.S. to India have continued to flow, U.S.-based companies. The provi - marks. The Patents Act of 1970, ranging between $1 billion and $2 sions for compulsory licensing are amended in 1999, 2002 and 2005, is billion a year over the last five years. not meant to hamper the process of considered a model in the developing These investments have been across innovation, but to ensure a fair bal - world. Critics who say otherwise are multiple sectors, including pharma - ance between the interests of innova - simply wrong. ceutical research. The Indian Patent tors and the urgent need for Indeed, the most prominently cited Office treats the nationals of other improved health care. example of alleged patent “infringe - countries the same way it treats India is proud to be the world’s ment” is actually a case study in Indian companies. From 2005 to largest producer of generic drugs patent protection. The Indian 2011, more than 4,000 patents for with a 25 percent global market Supreme Court, in a landmark judg - pharmaceutical inventions were share, which has earned the country ment in April, turned down a request issued by the Patent Office. Of those the name of “the pharmacy of the by the pharmaceutical company granted, substantial numbers — 20- world”. India’s production of high- Novartis to retain the patent on a 30 percent — were awarded to quality antiretroviral therapies is esti - cancer drug because it judged the U.S.-based companies each year, and mated to have cut the cost of treat - drug to be an extension of existing more than 85 percent were owned by ments for HIV/AIDS by 99 percent, medications, not a groundbreaking foreign companies in India. from $10,000-$15,000 per patient advancement. In other words, the At the same time, India like many per year to less than $100 — a cost court reinforced the premium that developing nations struggles with saving that has improved the lives of 2 should rightly be placed on truly valid poverty, inequality and shortcomings millions of people and provided them patents, strengthening, not weaken - in health care. We have worked hard hope for their future. ing, their sanctity. to combat challenges to inclusive In their Strategic Partnership, the India makes a priority of comply - growth and development. U.S. and India cooperate on many ing with international treaties such as International treaties permit coun - fronts, with health care, disease con - the Trade Related Intellectual tries to make affordable, life-saving trol and prevention near the top of the Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement drugs available to people most in list. India is dedicated to enhancing of the World Trade Organization. In need at affordable prices. India has that partnership through its careful March, an Indian patent appeals done so in a way that is both legal and backing of patent law. court ruled that the so-called compul - sensitive to the principle of patent Published in The Hill on sory license law that helps make med - protection. August 14
September 2013 India Review Cover STORY India one of the fastest growing nations in the world: President Reforms that have enabled the country to come this far have to be pursued at all levels of governance, says President Pranab Mukherjee 3
President Pranab Mukherjee addressing the nation on the eve of India’s 67 th Independence Day, in New Delhi on August 14.
ddressing the nation on the 18.45 million ton of pulses this year Drawing attention to the role of eve of India’s 67 th augurs well for our march towards education in bringing about a re- Independence Day on self-sufficiency in pulses. This was ordering of the society, President AAugust 14, President unthinkable just a few years ago. This Mukherjee said India needs to regain Pranab Mukherjee said that India lit momentum has to be sustained,” he its “space” as an education power so the lamp of modernity and equitable said. that it becomes a “magnet for the economic growth at the dawn of its He said that as India is a “people- finest minds”. Independence and over the last driven nation”, there is a direct rela - Mukherjee said: “History records decade, the country has emerged as tionship between its success as a that we were the cynosure of the one of the fastest growing nations in democracy with the performance of world once.” the world. the economy. “People serve their “Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikrama- “During this period, our economy interests best when they participate in shila, Valabhi, Somapura and grew annually at an average rate of decision-making at the level of pan - Odantapuri comprised the ancient 7.9 percent. We are today self-suffi - chayat and other forms of local gov - university system that dominated the cient in food grains production. We ernment. We have to rapidly empow - world for eighteen hundred years are the largest exporter of rice and er the local bodies with functions, beginning Sixth Century BC.” second largest exporter of wheat in functionaries and finances to improve “They were a magnet for the finest the world. The record production of their performance,” he said. minds and scholars in the world. We
September 2013 India Review Cover STORY
must seek to regain that space,” he said. “A university is the banyan tree whose roots lie in basic education, in a vast network of schools that build the intellectual prowess of our com - munities; we have to invest in every part of this knowledge tree, from seed, root and branch to the highest leaf,” he added.
Excerpts from the President’s address to the nation on the eve of India’s 67th Independence Day: “On the eve of the 66th anniversary of our Independence, I extend warm greetings to you and to all Indians around the world. President Pranab Mukherjee greets Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, during the ‘At Home’ function, My thoughts turn first towards the organized on the occasion of 67 th Independence Day, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on August 15. Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who shaped our liberation There is a direct relationship mechanisms to make these legisla - struggle and the martyrs who made between a successful democracy and tions work. New benchmarks of effi - supreme sacrifice for the freedom of a successful economy, for we are a cient public service delivery and our country and great patriots whose people-driven nation. People serve accountability have to be established. relentless struggle liberated our their interests best when they partici - The Direct Benefits Transfer Scheme, motherland from the colonial rule of pate in decision- making at the level launched earlier this year, will bring nearly two hundred years. Our of panchayat and other forms of local in greater transparency, enhance effi - founding fathers created the first government. ciency and eliminate wastage of pre - oasis in the desert of a colonized The last decade has seen India cious resources. world nourished by democracy. emerge as one of the fastest growing We have seen in the recent past Democracy is much more than the nations in the world. During this grave challenges to our security, right to vote every five years; its period, our economy grew annually internal as well as external. Our com - essence is the aspirations of the at an average rate of 7.9 percent. mitment to peace is unfailing but masses; its spirit must influence the Reforms that have enabled us to even our patience has limits. All steps responsibilities of the leaders and come this far have to be pursued at all necessary to ensure internal security duties of the citizens every day. levels of governance. Favorable and protect the territorial integrity of Democracy breathes through a demographic changes over the next the nation will be taken. vibrant Parliament, an independent two decades can pay us handsome Democracy has given us an oppor - judiciary, a responsible media, a vigi - dividends. It requires industrial tunity to re-create another golden lant civil society, and a bureaucracy transformation and rapid creation of age. Let us not squander this extraor - committed to integrity and hard employment opportunities. It also dinary opportunity. The journey work. requires an orderly urbanization ahead calls for wisdom, courage and Mahatma Gandhi had advised us to process. Several initiatives taken by determination. We must work on avoid, and I quote, “politics without the Government in the recent past across-the-board revival of our values principles, wealth without work, including the New Manufacturing and institutions. We must realize that 4 pleasure without conscience, knowl - Policy, the renewal of urban infra - rights go with responsibilities. We edge without character, commerce structure and the ambitious skill must re-discover the virtue of self- without morality, science without training programme will need close scrutiny and self-restraint.” humanity, and worship without sacri - monitoring in the coming years. fice”, (unquote). We have to pay heed We have given our citizens entitle - The full text of President Pranab to his advice as we work towards ments backed by legal guarantees in Mukherjee’s address to the nation building a modern democracy. terms of right to employment, educa - can be viewed at: https://www.indi - Our Constitution provides a deli - tion, food and information. We now anembassy.org/prdetail2199/president- cate balance of power between vari - have to ensure that these entitlements shri-pranab-mukherjeeandrsquo%3Bs- ous institutions of the State. This bal - lead to real empowerment for the address-to-the-nation-on-the-eve-of- ance has to be maintained. people. We need robust delivery the-67th-independence-day
September 2013 India Review Cover STORY
5
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inspecting the Guard of Honor at Red Fort, on the occasion of India’s 67 th Independence Day, in Delhi on August 15. PM assures India of better economy India has taken several initiatives to ensure removal of bottlenecks for infrastructure development, speed up clearances for industry and attract foreign investment, says the Prime Minister
rime Minister Dr. an annual average rate of 7.9 percent. Excerpts from the Prime Minister’s Manmohan Singh assured This pace of development is the high - address to the nation on the the nation on August 15 that est in any decade so far,” the Prime occasion of Independence Day: Pthe Indian economy would Minister said in his Independence “We achieved independence in 1947 again witness rapid growth thanks to Day address from the Red Fort in under the leadership of Mahatma the steps taken in recent months for New Delhi. Gandhi. If we look at our subsequent speedier industry clearances, building “In the coming months, we will see journey, we would find that our coun - infrastructure and boosting inflow of visible results of these efforts to try has seen major changes every ten overseas capital. He also promised a increase investment. Our growth will years. host of new infrastructure projects and accelerate, new employment opportu - In the decade beginning 1950, India assured removal of bottlenecks for big- nities will be generated and there will took its first steps as a democratic ticket clearances. be improvements in the infrastructure republic under the leadership of Pandit He promised a new scheme soon, sector,” he said. Jawaharlal Nehru. We established targeting some one million beneficiar - The Prime Minister said a number institutions like the Atomic Energy ies, under which trained youth will get of new infrastructure projects would Commission, Planning Commission some form of financial assistance. start in the coming months. “This and Election Commission, which went “I believe this phase of slow growth includes two new ports, eight new air - on to make a major contribution to the in India will not last long. In the last ports, new industrial corridors and rail processes of nation building in later nine years, our economy has grown at projects.” years. The first general elections were
September 2013 India Review Cover STORY
conducted and a beginning was made In no other decade has our economic development towards the formulation of the First Five Year Plan for socio-economic increased as much as in this decade. Democratic forces development of the country. have been strengthened and many sections of our society have In the Sixties, Pandit Nehru set up joined the mainstream of development for the first time new industries and factories, imple - — Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh mented new irrigation projects and opened new universities. By laying emphasis on the role of Science and In the year 1991, under the leader - law. The Food Security Bill is now Technology in nation building he start - ship of Shri Narsimha Rao, we suc - before Parliament and we hope it will ed the work of transforming this cessfully negotiated a major economic be passed shortly. This law will bene - ancient country into a modern nation. crisis and embraced reforms for fit 75 percent of our rural population In the Seventies, Indira ji boosted strengthening our economy. Since and half of our urban population. our confidence as a nation. During then, the reform process has continu - Under the law, about 810 million this period, we launched our first ally moved forward. Indians would be entitled to receive satellite in space. The Green I believe that the last decade has also rice at `3 per kg, wheat at `2 per kg Revolution enabled us to be self suffi - been a decade of major changes in the and coarse grains at `1 per kg. This is cient in food grains for the first time. history of our nation. In no other the largest effort of its kind in the In the next decade, Rajiv Gandhi ji decade has our economic develop - whole world. set into motion the process of techno - ment increased as much as in this We have been able to implement this logical and economic modernization. decade. Democratic forces have been law only because of the hard work of The foundation for the progress we strengthened and many sections of our farmers. Our food-grain produc - later made in the area of Information our society have joined the main - tion reached a record level of 259 mil - Technology was laid during this peri - stream of development for the first lion ton in 2011-12. od. The importance of Panchayati Raj time. The common man has been The average annual rate of agricul - Institutions was emphasized and this given new rights which have led to his tural growth in the 11 th Plan was 3.6, later resulted in amendments to our social and economic empowerment. which is more than both the 9 th and Constitutions for strengthening and We have recently issued an 10 th Plan levels. empowering these institutions. Ordinance towards a Food Security We now see clear indications of
6
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh addressing the nation on the occasion of 67 th Independence Day from the ramparts of Red Fort, in Delhi on August 15.
September 2013 India Review Cover STORY
7
A panoramic view from the Minarets of Red Fort as the Prime Minister addresses the nation on August 15.
US takes pride in ‘indispensable partnership’ with India he United States greeted India on its ored to witness firsthand the vibrancy of your TIndependence Day saying it takes pride in culture, the energy of your youth, and the “our indispensable partnership” and looks for - strength and resilience of your democratic ward to working together for peace, democra - institutions. cy, and prosperity in Asia and around the world. Together, our governments held their In a press statement Secretary of State fourth annual US-India Strategic Dialogue, John Kerry recalled his recent visit to India for allowing each side to build partnerships on the fourth annual India-U.S. Strategic issues such as regional security and defense, Dialogue, “allowing each side to build part - science and technology, climate change, and nerships” on issues ranging from regional women’s empowerment. security to women’s empowerment. As you mark the 66 th anniversary of your The U.S., he said, “also takes pride in our independence, the United States joins you in indispensable partnership with India, a honoring Mahatma Gandhi and the heroes of friendship built on our shared democratic val - India, who proved that great change can be ues, the entrepreneurial spirit of our people, achieved through nonviolent means. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. and our rich people-to-people ties,”. Today the United States also takes pride in Secretary Kerry said he looked forward to Here is the text of Secretary Kerry’s our indispensable partnership with India, a continuing their “critical efforts to lay the statement: friendship built on our shared democratic val - foundations for peace, democracy, and pros - “On behalf of President Obama and the ues, the entrepreneurial spirit of our people, perity in Asia and around the world.” people of the United States, I am delighted to and our rich people-to-people ties. The U.S. also joins Indians “in honoring send our best wishes to the people of the I look forward to continuing our critical Mahatma Gandhi and the heroes of India, Republic of India as you celebrate your efforts to lay the foundations for peace, who proved that great change can be Independence Day on August 15. democracy, and prosperity in Asia and around achieved through nonviolent means,” he said. During my recent visit to India, I was hon - the world.”
September 2013 India Review Cover STORY
enhanced economic prosperity in our I believe this phase of slow growth in India will not last rural areas. In the period 2004 to 2011, rural per-capita consumption long. In the last nine years, our economy has grown at has increased four times faster than an annual average rate of 7.9 percent. This pace of develop - earlier. ment is the highest in any decade so far Rural wages have also increased — Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh much faster in this period. MNREGA provides employment to crores of peo - ple in rural areas. result in both expansion and improve - percent. This pace of development is We have enacted the Right to ment of health services in such areas. the highest in any decade so far. Education Act to provide every child in For ensuring better safety and secu - If in the future we can achieve the the country the opportunity for educa - rity for women, we have strengthened same kind of progress as in the last tion. Almost all our children are today the law dealing with offenses against decade, the day is not far off when being imparted education in Primary women. India will be rid of poverty, hunger, schools. There has been good progress in the disease and ignorance. Our India will The number of young men and last 9 years in the infrastructure sector be prosperous and all its citizens will women going to college has more than also, covering areas such as roads, be equal partners in this prosperity, doubled in the last 9 years. railways, power, civil aviation, ports irrespective of their religion, caste, We had launched the National Rural and telecommunications. About region or language. Health Mission in 2005. The Mission 200,000 km of new roads have been We will also need to build an envi - has started showing good results. Both constructed for connecting villages ronment of political stability, social Maternal Maternity and Infant under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin cohesion and security for this to hap - Mortality rates have come down Sadak Yojana. More than 37,000 km pen. sharply. of new Highways have been built, Let us all re-dedicate ourselves to No case of polio has been detected facilitating travel and trade. More than building such an India together.” in the country in the last two years. We 40 airports have been built or upgrad - have been able to eradicate a disease ed. In 2004, only 7 percent of the The full text of Prime Minister which used to cause disability to lakhs people had telephone connections. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s address to of people. Today, 73 percent enjoy this facility. the nation can be viewed at: We have implemented the Health In the last 9 years, our economy has http://pmindia.nic.in/speech- Mission in urban areas also. This will grown at an annual average rate of 7.9 details.php?nodeid=1336
8
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh paying floral tributes at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat on the occasion of India’s 67 th Independence Day, in Delhi on August 15.
September 2013 India Review Bilateral NEWS National security advisors of India, US review bilateral partnership The two exchanged ideas ranging from enhancing security cooperation, progress on civil nuclear and clean energy cooperation to greater collaboration on climate change 9 ndian National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon and U.S. National Security I Advisor Susan E. Rice met in Washington and reviewed the India- U.S. strategic partnership ahead of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s visit to the U.S. in late September. During the course of the meeting on August 20, the U.S. National Security Advisor reaffirmed her country’s commitment to further expand and strengthen bilateral rela - tions with India, including economic and commercial ties. The two also exchanged ideas on enhancing security cooperation between the two countries, reviewed the progress on civil nuclear and U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at a meeting with Indian National Security Advisor Shivshankar clean energy cooperation and Menon at the Pentagon on August 20 in preparation for Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s visit to explored greater collaboration on cli - Washington this September. Ambassador Nirupama Rao is also seen. (Photo: U.S. Department of Defense) mate change. Rice and Menon also discussed Washington in 2009 and President The NSA said “quite a bit of India’s continued support for a sta - Obama visited India in 2010. progress” had also been made on an ble, secure, and prosperous “When two leaders meet at that initiative to streamline defense acqui - Afghanistan, according to the White level, it has to be substantive because sition procedures. “The basic idea House statement. they both have actually taken this behind this is that we move from a Rice said U.S. President Barack relationship forward in difficult times buyer seller situation to actually co- Obama was looking forward to wel - and good,” he said of Prime Minister developing and co-producing various coming Prime Minister Singh to the Singh’s proposed meeting with defense acquisitions and that could White House on September 27. President Obama. involve transfer and working togeth - Prime Minister Singh will be in the The two leaders will have a very er,” he said. U.S. to attend the United Nations comprehensive agenda as they review Menon held meeting with U.S. General Assembly meeting. the full spectrum of the relationship Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at The meeting between the two lead - encompassing agriculture, industry the Pentagon on August 20. Secretary ers will highlight India’s role in and trade, science and technology, Hagel emphasized the commitment of regional security and stability and anti-terrorism, security aspects and a the U.S. to continuing progress on provide an opportunity for the two to whole range of global issues. defense cooperation including in the chart a course toward enhanced “It has been one of our most impor - areas of trade and regional security. trade, investment, and development tant relationships which has been He also met with Energy Secretary cooperation between India and U.S., transformed over the last few years,” Ernest Moniz, some members of the the statement said. Menon said noting the two countries “intelligence community” besides an The two leaders met earlier when had as many as 32 separate dialogues exchange of views at a couple of think Prime Minister Singh visited going on a broad range of relations. tanks during the visit.
September 2013 India Review Transition AT RBI Dr. Raghuram Rajan takes over as 23 rd Governor of Reserve Bank of India r. Raghuram Govind Rajan tary stability in India and generally to took over as the 23 rd operate the currency and credit system Governor of the Reserve of the country to its advantage.” DBank of India (RBI) on The primary role of the central bank, September 4. Dr. Rajan, who was as the Act suggests, is monetary stabil - Chief Economic Advisor in the Finance ity, that is, to sustain confidence in the Ministry, took charge in Mumbai from value of the country’s money. Dr. Duvvuri Subbarao. Ultimately, this means low and stable An alumnus of the Indian Institute of expectations of inflation, whether that Technology (IIT), New Delhi, the inflation stems from domestic sources Indian Institute of Management (IIM), or from changes in the value of the cur - Ahmedabad, and the Massachusetts rency, from supply constraints or Institute of Technology, Dr. Rajan was demand pressures. I have asked the youngest Economic-Counselor and Deputy Governor Urjit Patel, together Chief Economist at the IMF from with a panel he will constitute of out - October 2003 to December 2006. side experts and RBI staff, to come up with suggestions in three months on Excerpts from the statement by that become important in these times: what needs to be done to revise and Dr. Rajan on taking office: transparency and predictability. At a strengthen our monetary policy frame - “I took charge this afternoon as the time when financial market are volatile, work. A number of past committees, 23 rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of and there is some domestic political including the FSLRC, have opined on India. These are not easy times, and uncertainty because of impending elec - this, and their views will also be con - the economy faces challenges. At the tions, the Reserve Bank of India should sidered carefully. same time, India is a fundamentally be a beacon of stability as to its objec - sound economy with a bright future. tives. That is not to say we will never Inclusive Development Our task today is to build a bridge to surprise markets with actions. A cen - I talked about the primary role of the the future, over the stormy waves pro - tral bank should never say “Never”! RBI as preserving the purchasing duced by global financial markets. I But the public should have a clear power of the rupee, but we have two have every confidence we will succeed framework as to where we are going, other important mandates; inclusive in doing that. Today I want to articulate and understand how our policy actions growth and development, as well as some first steps, concrete actions we fit into that framework. Key to all this financial stability. will take, as well as some intentions to is communication, and I want to As the central bank of a developing take actions based on plans we will for - underscore communication with this country, we have additional tools to mulate. statement on my first day in office. generate growth — we can accelerate Before I turn to specifics, let me financial development and inclusion. repeat what I said on the day I was Monetary Policy Rural areas, especially our villages, as appointed. The Reserve Bank is a great We will be making the first monetary well as small and medium industries institution with a tradition of integrity, policy statement of my term on across the country, have been impor - independence, and professionalism. I September 20. I have postponed the tant engines of growth even as large 10 congratulate Dr. Subbarao on his lead - originally set date a bit so that between company growth has slowed. But ership in guiding the Bank through now and then, I have enough time to access to finance is still hard for the very difficult times, and I look forward consider all major developments in the poor, and for rural and small and to working with the many dedicated required detail. I will leave a detailed medium industries. We need faster, employees of the RBI to further some explanation of our policy stance till broad based, inclusive growth leading of the important initiatives he started. I then, but let me emphasize that the RBI to a rapid fall in poverty.” have been touched by the warmth with takes its mandate from the RBI Act of which the RBI staff have welcomed me. 1934, which says the Reserve Bank for The full text of the RBI To the existing traditions of the RBI, India was constituted “to regulate the Governor’s statement can be read at: which will be the bedrock of our work, issue of Bank notes and the keeping of http://rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressRelea we will emphasize two other traditions reserves with a view to securing mone - seDisplay.aspx?prid=29479
September 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS
Commemorating 50 th anniversary of Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug’s first India visit 1 2 3
11
r. Norman Borlaug, placing India’s food security on a Excerpts from Ambassador known as the “father of firm foundation”, the Indian envoy Nirupama Rao’s speech on the the green revolution”, said. occasion: Dwas remembered for “his The event was attended by mem - “Dr. Borlaug, as it is said, was the great contributions to the advance - bers of the Borlaug family, the father of the green revolution, and ment of agriculture and food pro - Indian-American Administrator of given his dedication and commit - duction in India” at a function in the USAID, Rajiv Shah, Kenneth Quinn ment, it was clear he took being a Embassy. of the World Food Prize Program father very seriously. His favorite “When you consider the achieve - and Julie Borlaug, Associate words were: there is no time to ments of Dr. Norman Borlaug, you Director, Borlaug Institute for relax. realize that this is what legends are International Agriculture. He had his first experience of made of,” said India’s Ambassador In a message on the occasion, what hunger and human misery to the U.S., Nirupama Rao at the Indian Agriculture Minister Sharad meant as a young University of event held on August 7 to mark the Pawar recalled how “Borlaug led the Minnesota freshman in the fall of 50 th anniversary of Borlaug’s first global crusade against hunger with a 1933: “I saw... people out there on visit to India. missionary zeal and over the years the streets in the cold, mostly grown Although Borlaug who died on succeeded in saving billions of lives men and whole families too, sleep - September 12, 2009 at the age of 95 from starvation”. ing on newspapers, hands out, ask - “began his life’s work in Mexico, his “Borlaug left the world a heritage ing for a nickel, begging for food.” “grandest theatre of operations”, as that includes billions of lives saved He knew then that there is no more it has been termed, was India, from the misery of starvation and essential commodity than food. In Ambassador Rao said. inspired thousands of scientists his words, “without food, people The “miracle seeds” of various worldwide who will continue to perish, social and political organiza - wheat varieties that he brought carry on his vision today and tomor - tions disintegrate, and civilizations “ushered the green revolution row,” he said. collapse”. 4 5 6
September 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS
7 8
He became the man who saved a 9 achievements are testimony to the far billion lives. Agriculture Secretary reaching contribution that one man’s Vilsack who could not be with us towering intellect, persistence and sci - today since he is travelling, spoke at a entific vision can make to human memorial function at Texas A&M peace and progress.” University in 2009 on how Dr. Later in 2010, on our Independence Borlaug’s experiences up to the age Day, our Prime Minister announced of 16 shaped his life — as a scientist, our intention to set up the Borlaug teacher, saver of lives. Institute of South Asia in India. That He learnt about subsistence farm - Institute has since been set up with ing, its risks and its perils. He under - centers in three Indian states — stood mortality and the urgency of 1. Minister Govind Mohan welcoming the Punjab, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. providing help to those sick and in guests and introducing the event at a recep - “Norm” as he was affectionately tion hosted by Ambassador Nirupama Rao to need. He saw the power of a helping commemorate the 50 th anniversary of Nobel known, and as Judith Rodin, President hand, when he was helped by a caring Laureate Dr. Norman Ernest Borlaug’s visit of the Rockefeller Foundation which cousin in a blizzard. to India, at the Embassy on August 7. did so much to promote the pioneer - 2. Ambassador Rao addressing the gathering He was encouraged to seek knowl - and reading out the message from Minister ing work of scientists like Dr. Borlaug edge by his grandfather — he learnt to for Agriculture Sharad Pawar. in India, once said, “was a whirlwind advocate for the power of technology 3. Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator, United States of creative energy and initiative. Yet, Agency for International Development to save lives. Taught in a one room (USAID), speaking on the occasion. even after kings and presidents sus - schoolhouse he learnt that every stu - 4. Suzanne Heinen, Career Minister, Foreign pended prizes of peace and medals of dent is a teacher and a student at the Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of freedom and scientific excellence Agriculture, addressing the gathering. same time, he watched his father using 5. Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn, President of around his slender neck, he somehow fertilizer and machinery — turning the World Food Prize, speaking on the maintained humility and anonymity. subsistence into surplus — and that as occasion. The modesty Norm kept.” His name 6. Jeanie Borlaug Laube, daughter of Nobel you advance in learning, you advance Laureate Dr. Norman Ernest Borlaug, has become part of our zeitgeist, in life, and that good instruction is addressing the gathering. because he was one of those among better than riches, and kindness is the 7. Julie Borlaug, granddaughter of Nobel us, who made miracles. There are not Laureate Dr. Norman Ernest Borlaug, noblest weapon — as written on a addressing the gathering. many like that, and we treasure his plaque given by his teacher. 8. Guests in attendance. memory and his invaluable contribu - Dr. Borlaug’s lifelong motto was 9. Ambassador Rao with the Borlaugs. tion to India’s development.” 12 to reach for the stars, get a little of that stardust, and that we should all my went much beyond the Green The full text of Ambassador Rao’s pursue our dreams against all odds. Revolution. A science-based approach speech can be viewed at: He demonstrated that so well in all to the problems of agriculture was a https://www.indianembassy.org/prde - that he did. fundamental tenet of his thinking and tail2197/speech-by-ambassador-niru - When Dr. Borlaug passed away in the success of the Green Revolution pama-rao-at-function-held-by-the- 2009, our Prime Minister, Dr. spawned other successful interven - embassy-of-india,-washington,-dc-to- Manmohan Singh expressing his con - tions in areas such as animal commemorate-the-50th-anniversary- dolences spoke of how “Dr. Borlaug’s husbandry, dairying and agriculture. of-dr.-norman-borlaugandrsquo%3Bs- impact on India’s science and econo - Dr. Norman Borlaug’s life and first-visit-to-india
September 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS
An Evening of Readings and Musical Reflections
1 2 3
13
4 5
6 7
1. Ambassador Nirupama Rao welcoming and passages from the writings of Mahatma Gospel Choir presenting songs from the addressing the gathering at An Evening of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Movement “How I Got Over” Readings and Musical Reflections — A 2. Nolan Williams, Jr. addressing the gathering. and “I Shall Not be Moved”. Prelude to ‘Reflections on Peace: From 3. Soundarie David Rodrigo on the piano pre - 6. Ambassador Rao and Soundarie David Gandhi to King’ featuring renowned pianist senting a medley of Indian songs of peace Rodrigo with Nolan Williams, Jr. & Voices of Soundarie David Rodrigo and Nolan and songs from the Civil Rights Movement. Inspiration Gospel Choir. Williams, Jr. and his choir “Voices of 4. Nolan Williams, Jr. on the piano. 7. Guests in attendance. Inspiration”. Ambassador Rao also read 5. Nolan Williams, Jr. & Voices of Inspiration
mbassador Nirupama Rao Mall in Washington and gave his “I thoughts, including non-violence hosted An Evening of Have a Dream” speech which and Ahimsa. Ambassador Rao also Readings and Musical turned the tide of history and led to read passages from the writings of AReflections on Mahatma the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther Gandhi and Martin Luther King on Rights Act and other legislations. King, highlighting the themes of August 9 at the Embassy Residence. Martin Luther King drew his inspi - non-violence, truth and faith. The event featured renowned ration from Mahatma Gandhi Soundarie David Rodrigo played on pianist Ms. Soundarie David through his teachers at Morehouse piano the compositions of Ludwig Rodrigo and Mr. Nolan Williams, College Atlanta, President Benjamin von Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Jr. and his choir “Voices of Mays of Morehouse College, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Alberto Inspiration”. In her remarks, Howard Thurman and Bayard Ginestera. The Voices of Inspiration Ambassador Rao noted that on 20 th Rustin. Martin Luther King went to choir conducted by Mr. Nolan August 1963, Martin Luther King India in 1959 and spent a whole Williams, Jr. performed songs and addressed a gathering of 250 to 300 month. On his return, he spoke themes pertaining to Martin Luther thousand people on the National about the influence of Gandhi ji’ s King and Mahatma Gandhi.
September 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS
Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations at Embassy Residence
1 2 3
4 5
6 7
14
1. Ambassador Nirupama Rao welcoming and 3. English translation of the verse by Hamed 5. Ghazal presentation by Vatsala Mehra, greeting the guests at the Eid-ul-Fitr celebra - Osman Ziauddin, Hyderabad Association of accompanied by Haroon Alam on tabla and tions hosted at the Embassy Residence on Washington Area. Mohammed Bashir Khan on banjo. August 11. 4. Ambassador Rashad Hussain, U.S. Special 6. Mohammad Gazi, Hyderabad Association of 2. Invocation (recitation from the Holy Quran) by Envoy to OIC Countries, speaking on the Baltimore, proposing the vote of thanks. Juzer Nomani, Dawoodi Bohra Community. significance of Eid-Ul-Fitr. 7. Guests in attendance.
September 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS
Embassy celebrates Independence Day 2013
1 2
1. Ambassador Nirupama Rao unfurling the National Flag on the occasion of India’s Independence Day on August 15. 15 2. Rendering of the National Anthem on the occasion. 3. Ambassador Nirupama Rao addressing the guests and reading out the President’s Address to the Nation. 4. Presentation of patriotic songs by children from the Gandharva School of Music. Also seen is Center Director Nirmal Bajekal. 5. Ambassador Rao with children from the Gandharva School of Music. 6. Guests in attendance.
3 4
5 6
September 2013 India Review Other EVENTS
Vivekananda Memorial Program for Museum Excellence (VMPME) seminar
he Art Institute of Chicago held its 2013-14 1 Vivekananda Memorial Program for Museum Excellence (VMPME) seminar at Tthe National Museum Institute in New Delhi between July 25-27. The seminar, which was inaugurated by Culture Secretary, Ravindra Singh, focused on Museum Collection Best Practices. More specifically, it highlighted the experiences and progress of the 2012-13 Fellows, provided an overview of the 2013-14 curriculum, and included an orientation for 2013-14 Fellows. David Thurm, Madhu Ghose, and Sam Quigley represented the Art Institute at the seminar. Following the seminar, the 2013-14 Museum 2 Excellence Fellows will visit the Art Institute of Chicago between October, 14-30, 2013. Several museum directors from participating institutions will also attend the introductory days of the program at the Art Institute. The program at the Art Institute will consist of seminars, demonstrations, and hands-on work - shops. Training will continue for the rest of the 2013-14 year with an intensive follow-up curricu - lum, including regular updates via video conference calls, assessments and assignments, installation of preventive care measures, and collection manage - 3 ment implementation. A significant achievement of the VMPME during the first year has been the selection of Jatan , an indigenously developed database management pro - gram, which with the Art Institute’s assistance, will now be uniformly rolled out across ten major muse - ums of India during 2013-14.
The 2013-14 Fellows selected for training are: n Manash Bagchi, Curator, National Council for Science Museums n Dr. Mita Chakrabarty, Deputy Keeper, Indian 1. From left: The AIC team represented by Sam Quigley, Vice President for Museum Collections Management, Imaging, Information Technology; COO David n Mr. K. Moorteshwari, Deputy Superintending Thurm; and curator Madhu Ghose; with officials from the Ministry of Culture, 16 Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India Government of India, including Joint Secretary & Director General, National n Museum, Dr. Venu Vasudevan; Secretary of Culture Ravindra Singh and Dr. D.N. Sinha, Deputy Superintending Director Deepak Ashish Kaul; and Dr. G.S. Rautela, Director General, National Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India Council of Science Museums, the nodal agency for the program at the inaugu - n Ajay Srivastava, Deputy Superintending ration of the 2013 VMPME Seminar at the National Museum Institute. 2. The 2013-14 VMPME Fellows with Art Institute of Chicago COO David Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India Thurm; Vice President of Collections Management, Imaging, and Information n Dr. J. Kedareswari, Keeper, Salar Jung Museum Technology Sam Quigley; Alsdorf Associate Curator of Indian, Southeast n Santi Majee, Restoration Assistant, Victoria Asian, Himalyan, and Islamic Art Dr. Madhu Ghose, and Ministry of Culture Director Deepak Ashish Kaul at the 2013-14 VMPME Seminar at the National Memorial Hall Museum Institute. n Dr. B.K. Sahay, Assistant Curator, National 3. Vivekananda Memorial Program for Museum Excellence Seminar attendees Museum, India with Ravindra Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Culture.
September 2013 India Review Consulate EVENTS 67 th Independence Celebrating birth Day celebration at CGI anniversary of Ustad New York Vilayat Khan
n the occasion he Consulate of India’s 67th General of India, 17 Independence TNew York celebrat - ODay on ed the 85 th birth anniver - August 15, Consul sary of Late Ustad Vilayat General of India in New Khan, the legendary sitar York Ambassador maestro, by organizing an Dnyaneshwar Mulay rang Indian classical instru - the closing bell at the mental music (sitar) con - NASDAQ Stock cert of Hidayat Khan, sitar Exchange, New York. maestro and son of Ustad
The Consulate General of India, New York also hosted Vilayat Khan on August 30 at the Consulate Ballroom. The a reception in the evening at the Consulate. Around 250 concert was organized in association with the Ustad Vilayat guests, including prominent members of the Indian- Khan Foundation, Inc. American community and local dignitaries such as Consul General Ambassador Dnyaneshwar Mulay Ambassador Frank Wisner, Permanent Representative of addressed the gathering and underlined the invaluable India to the United Nations Ambassador Asoke Mukerji, contribution of Ustad Vilayat Khan to Indian classical Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United music. Nations Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, and a number Late Ustad Vilayat Khan was a legendary sitar maestro of community leaders attended the celebrations. well known for his versatility and innovations in the field of Warmly greeting and welcoming the guests, Indian classical music. He was an inventor, an architect of Ambassador Mulay underlined the important contribu - the modern sitar and very well-established gayaki aang tion of Indian diaspora worldwide toward growth and (vocal style of sitar playing). He continues to inspire gener - development of India. ations of musicians. He said that the vibrant Indian community in the U.S. The style of presentation of Hidayat Khan is very lyrical had been contributing immensely to the friendship between and vocal inspired. During the concert, he performed raga India and the US. He also outlined the efforts that the Yaman Kalyan and raga Khammaj, based folk melodies Consulate has been taking toward improving its services, from different parts of India. He was accompanied by particularly streamlining various Consular procedures and Enayat Husain on Tabla. expanding the outreach activities in various states under its The sitar maestro has been exposed to the music from jurisdiction. across the world and his presentations carry the influence Consul General Mulay, along with the other dignitaries of world music. A large number of people from the New cut a cake in celebration of this joyous occasion. York City and Tri-State area attended the program.
September 2013 India Review Consulate EVENTS ‘Let’s build bridge between communities in Ohio’
onsul General of India in New York Ambassador CDnyaneshwar Mulay has offered his services to build a bridge between the communities in Ohio, the govern - ment, local businesses and different working bodies of India. Consul General Mulay was the keynote speak - er at the annual India Festival in Ohio organized by the Federation of Indian Associations of Central Ohio (FIA) on August 24. He also led the flag hoisting ceremony in the presence of several Arriving in Columbus on August 22, visited The Columbus Dispatch for an elected officials and community lead - Consul General Mulay attended a din - editorial board meeting. The Ohio ers. Over 12, 000 people attended the ner reception with the Presidents of State University invited him for a annual India festival. Ohio is one of the FIA member organizations, FIA office luncheon where he took stock of the ten territories under the jurisdiction of bearers, sponsors, and other guests. various programs through which the the New York Consulate. On August 23, the Consul General university is engaged with India. Consulate General of Houston 1. To commemorate India’s 67 th 1 2 Independence Day, the Consulate General of India in Houston organized Flag Hoisting Open House for Indian nationals and friends of India at the residence of Consul General of India P. Harish on August 15. In photo, Consul General P. Harish unfurling the National Flag. Congressman Pete Olson, Representative (R-TX 22 nd District) is also seen. 2. Consul General P. Harish with Congressmen Pete Olson and Steve Stockman on the occasion of India’s Independence Day cel - ebrations on August 15.
3 4 5
18
3. Consul General P. Harish (2 nd from left) at the 4. Consul General P. Harish and P. Nandita with 4th Annual Eid Milan 2013 — Fostering Amity Board Members of the 5 th Annual Indian Film between Cultures, Communities and Religions Festival of Houston (to be held in Houston from organized by Indian Muslims Association of October 4-6, 2013) during the curtain raiser Greater Houston (IMAGH) on August 18. Also event that they hosted on August 22. seen in the picture are Latafath Hussain (left), 5. Consul General P. Harish in a meeting with President, IMAGH; Charles Foster (2 nd from United States Senator Ted Cruz, (Republican- right), Patron, IMAGH and Abeezar Tyebji Texas) on August 28. (right), Chairman, Board of Advisors, IMAGH.
September 2013 India Review Economy NEWS India would remain an open economy: Prime Minister
rime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on August 30 said while the slide in the value of Pthe rupee caused by external 19 developments was a matter of concern, India, US discuss there was no question of capital con - trols and India would remain an open commercial ties economy. ommerce and Industry Minister Anand “The depreciation in the value of the CSharma met with U.S. Trade rupee since end of May is a matter of Representative Michael Froman in Bandar concern,” the Prime Minister told the Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, and Lok Sabha. “What triggered the sharp reviewed ongoing negotiations in the World depreciation in rupee was the market’s Trade Organization in view of the coming reaction to unexpected external devel - Bali Ministerial Meet in December. opments,” he added. done to contain the fiscal deficit at The two leaders also discussed the future “Clearly, we need to reduce our 4.8 percent of the gross domestic roadmap for concluding the Doha appetite for gold, economize the use of product (GDP). Development Agreement negotiations and petroleum products and take steps to “Last two decades have seen India issues of trade facilitation and food security. increase our exports,” he said. At the grow as an open economy and benefit - The Commerce and Industry Minister called same time, the fall in rupee’s value is ed from it. There is no question of for participation of the U.S. in manufactur - good to some extent as it makes reversing these policies,” he said. ing and research and development (R&D) exports competitive, he added. “I would like to assure the house and sectors of India’s economy. USTR Froman The Prime Minister also assured the world the government is not con - impressed upon putting in place a rule- that the country’s growth would pick templating any measures on capital based multilateral trade agreement which up soon, and everything would be controls.” will be both balanced and ambitious. India gets its third military transport Indian Navy gets IAC ‘Vikrant’ ndia on August 12 launched its first heavylifter indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) I‘Vikrant’, joining the select group of three other nations having naval platforms of such complexity and size. The warship was launched by Elizabeth Antony, wife of Defense he Indian Air Force (IAF) has received its Minister A.K. Antony in Kochi. Tthird Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, a Speaking on the occasion, the large, versatile military transport aircraft Defense Minister described the launch “historic moment not only for the capable of carrying heavy, oversize loads of the aircraft carrier as a “momentous Navy but the entire nation”. long distances and landing on rough and day” for the Navy and the country. Standing at about 25 meters above unprepared surfaces. “It is indeed a proud moment for water with its construction completed The plane which departed for India on the country to witness our efforts at till the flight deck, the IAC appears August 20 from Boeing’s Long Beach, achieving self-reliance in the field of mammoth and muscular. California, facility joins the first and second warship design and construction as To be equipped with modern India C-17 airlifters, which arrived in June very few countries possess the capa - weapons systems including long range and July, respectively. Boeing is on track to bility to design and develop aircraft surface-to-air missiles and close-in deliver two more C-17s to the IAF this year carriers,” he said. weapons system, the IAC is expected to and five in 2014. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral D.K. be the centerpiece of the Indian Navy’s Joshi said the launch of the IAC was a strengths in coming years.
September 2013 India Review Diaspora NEWS
Indian American named for Vince Girdhari Chhabria nominated top US environmental award to key judicial post resident Barack Obama has nominated n Indian and Water Resources Pyet another Indian American legal lumi - American Institute is a civil nary, Vince Girdhari Chhabria, to a key judi - professor of engineering specialty cial post in California. A biological institute of the Nominated to be U.S. District Judge for the and agricultural engi - American Society of Northern District of California, Chhabria is neering has been recog - Civil Engineers, the currently deputy city attorney for government nized for lifetime country’s oldest litigation at the San Francisco city attorney’s achievement by a top national engineering office, where he has worked since 2005. U.S. environmental society. Announcing Chhabria’s nomination and water resources Professor Singh along with five other judicial posts, institute. was born in Agra, President Obama said: “These men and Vijay Singh, India, on July 15, women have had distinguished legal Professor and Caroline 1946. He acquired his careers and I am honored to ask them to & William N. Lehrer master of science continue their work as judges on the feder - Distinguished Chair in degree from the al bench.” the Department of University of Guelph “They will serve the American people Professor Vijay Singh. Biological and in Ontario, Canada, with integrity and an unwavering commit - Agricultural Engineering at Texas and then did his Ph.D from the ment to justice,” he added. A&M University, has been named as a Colorado State University. On confirmation by the Senate, Chhabria recipient of the 2013 Lifetime A recipient of various distinguished would become the first South Asian judge Achievement Award by the American awards and author of a voluminous in California and the fourth South Asian Society of Civil Engineers number of publications, Singh served judge in the US. — IANS Environmental and Water Resources in the faculty of various universities in Institute (ASCE-EWRI). the U.S. before joining Texas A&M A $5mn boost for India Set up in 1999, the Environmental University on July 1, 2006. — IANS studies in US $5 million gift to the India studies cen - Indian American kids are world Ater at a New York University is set to make it one of the pre-eminent resource centers for the study of Indian culture and geography champions civilization in the US. team of three bright young New Hampshire. In the biennial com - The donations make the Centre for India Indian American students beat petition, teams of students answered Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences Aout teams from 17 other questions on physical, cultural and at Stony Brook University as the recipient of regions to win top honors at the 11th economic geography. The Indian- the largest gift ever made to a U.S. public National Geographic World American trio won by correctly iden - university for India Studies. Championship in Russia’s St. tifying a country whose flag has six The gift comprises a donation of $1.25 Petersburg city. small stars representing the mainland million from Nirmal K. Mattoo, a leading The U.S. team composed entirely and its five offshore islands. The nephrologist and chairman of Stony Brook’s 20 of Indian American kids soared ahead answer was Equatorial Guinea. Centre for India Studies executive commit - of second place Canada, which was “I’m still trying to process it and tee, and a $1.25 million permanent endow - up against third-place India in a tense what that means,” Ramanathan was ment from members of the Indian American tiebreaker round in the July 31 final, quoted as telling his local newspaper community Coupled with matching funds of California based ethnic weekly India the St. Cloud Times. $2.5 million from the Simons Foundation Wes t reported. Students around the world earned Challenge Grant, the gift has a total impact The team was made up of captain the chance to be part of the World of $5 million. Gopi Ramanathan, 15, from Sartell, Championship competition by win - Mattoo’s gift will be used to establish Minnesota; Asha Jain, 13, from ning or being a top finisher in the the Nirmal and Augustina Mattoo Chair in Minocqua, Wisconsin; and Neelam national competitions of their home Classical Indic Humanities. — IANS Kaur Sandhu, 14, from Bedford, regions. — IANS
September 2013 India Review Science NEWS
GSAT-7 satellite launched India launches satellite for better weather successfully forecast ndia’s advanced satellite Insat-3D, which SAT-7 was successfully put According Iwas launched on July 26 onboard Ariane- into the geosynchronous to defense 5 rocket from Kourou in French Guiana off transfer orbit on August 30 experts, the the Pacific coast, will improve weather and Gby the European Space satellite will monsoon forecasting system. 21 Agency’s (ESA) heavy rocket, authori - enable the “After a perfect lift-off at 01:24 a.m. from ties said. navy to the European Arianespace spaceport at It was launched in the early hours acquire Blue Kourou, the two-ton advanced weather from its spaceport at Kourou in French Water capa - satellite was placed in the geosynchronous Guiana off the Pacific coast. bilities and it transfer orbit (GTO) 32 minutes later, about “The advanced multi-band commu - need not 36,000 km above from earth,” the Indian nication satellite was deployed in the depend on Space Research Organization (ISRO) said in transfer orbit, around 36,000 km from foreign a statement. Built by ISRO, GSAT-7 is an above the earth, by the Ariane-5 rocket advanced communication satellites like The sophisticated spacecraft is orbiting at of the ESA’s Arianespace 34 minutes satellite meant for providing Inmarsat, perigee (closest to the earth) of 249.9 km after its lift-off at 2 a.m. IST,” the state- wide range of service spectrum which pro - and apogee (farthest from the earth) of from low bit rate voice to high run Indian Space Research bit rate data communication. vides com - 35,880 km in the orbit. Organization (ISRO) said. munication “The satellite’s solar panel was automat - The Indian space agency’s Master services to its ships. ically deployed soon after it was separated Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan, The spacecraft is equipped with from the rocket’s upper cryogenic stage and about 180 km from Bangalore, transponders in Ku band, S band, C our master control facility at Hassan took acquired signals from the 2.5-ton band and UHF (ultra high frequency) over its control for further maneuvres,” the dedicated spacecraft five minutes band to improve the maritime commu - ISRO statement said. Hassan is about 200 before it was separated from the nications among the Indian Navy’s km from Bangalore. rocket. warships. Indian astronomers help get peek into ancient cosmos tars born billions of years ago which planets, stars and galaxies are emit signals, and a specialized “viewed” and studied from the earth, Sradio telescope can capture a radio telescope uses antennas, such signals. Indian astronomers which operate in the radio frequency have been part of an international of the electromagnetic spectrum to team building such radio telescopes detect “signals” emitted by celestial to increase our knowledge of the bodies and objects in the outer space early universe. for studying their phenomena. Four astronomers of the Raman “The primary goal of the radio Research Institute (RRI) in telescope is to ‘view’ the birth of the Bangalore participated in building a first stars and galaxies — the cosmic One of the tiles making up the 32T, a prototype new radio telescope in Australia to dawn — almost 13 billion years ago. instrument for the Murchison Widefield Array. track and receive signals from distant The telescope entered the operational stars and galaxies, which emerged at phase on July 9 to get a deep insight Zealand and the U.S. in building the cosmic dawn, 13 billion years ago. into cosmic phenomena,” mammoth radio telescope. “We participated in building the Subrahmanyan said. “We have designed and built the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) Besides Subrahmanyan and three digital receivers of the telescope at the radio telescope in Western Australia other astro-physicists — Uday institute, installed and commissioned outback to unfold the cosmic history Shankar, K.S. Dwaraknath and A.A. them to also study the influence of that remained a mystery so far,” RRI Deshpande — four top engineers the sun on interplanetary space director Ravi Subrahmanyan said. from the institute also partnered with weather close to the earth,” Unlike an optical telescope through counterparts from Australia, New Subrahmanyan said.
September 2013 India Review Cinema NEWS ‘Chennai Express success Unique combo compelled Manoj to good sign for Indian films’ do Satyagraha anoj Bajpayee’s character in Satyagraha hennai Express is doing brisk Mhas shades of gray and humor as well business not only in North and he says that India, but at the southern the presence of the Cbox office and in interna - two different ele - tional markets as well. The romantic ments convinced comedy’s lead actor Shah Rukh Khan him to take up the feels it’s a good sign for the Indian film role. market. “When you get “It’s a good sign not only for us, something chal - but for the films that came and that lenging, you just will come in the next five-six go ahead and pick months... the market of Indian films up the challenge. is so big,” Shah Rukh told reporters The two elements on August 15 at the INOX theatre in of hatred and laughter compelled me to do Mumbai, where he came with the the film,” Manoj said. film’s director Rohit Shetty and inter - It was not easy for the actor to emote both acted with media and fans. the shades. “It’s a unique combination, but it Also starring Deepika Padukone, the was a tough combination to crack. It was movie is a co-production by Shah it has got the highest paid preview col - quite a lot of hard work as well as a lot fun on Rukh’s Red Chillies Entertainment and lections, highest weekend collections, the set,” he said and added: “It was very dif - UTV Motion Pictures. highest overseas collections for an ferent from what I have done till now. This “This film is doing well down South, opening weekend for a Bollywood film character is cunning and clever.” internationally also it is doing good. I and also the fastest film to reach the Manoj, who has been seen in films like think it’s a great sign for Indian films,” `1-billion-mark. “Our market is grow - Gangs Of Wasseypur , Pinjar , Veer-Zaara , he added. ing extensively and very soon people and Raajneeti , has been applauded for his Released on Eid, the romantic com - will be comparing our market to inter - acting abilities over the years. edy is said to have set new records — national markets,” said Shah Rukh.
‘Paresh Rawal is a Indians think from the heart: Ashton world-class actor’ ollywood actor Ashton nil Kapoor, who is working with Paresh Kutcher, who shot parts of ARawal again in Welcome Back, a sequel Hhis latest movie Jobs in India, to the 2007 hit Welcome , regards him as a believes the country’s people think world-class actor. from their hearts over their minds. “I was working internationally and they This, he says, made his experience of were saying ‘Anil shooting in India worthwhile. you are doing very Kutcher shot in India — in Old 22 well and I like the Delhi and the Jama Masjid area last way you work.’ I year. The actor says it was important said, ‘I am noth - to incorporate Indian culture in the Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs in Jobs. ing! There are movie. great actors in “We see the way people live and Kutcher said in a statement. India, like Paresh you start to feel that people are living “We went all over the place. We Rawal; they are based on their instincts. They kind of went to Old Delhi and traveled world class think more from their heart than their around shooting sort of pieces here actors,” the 56- mind and I think that was an impor - and there. So it was great,” he added. Actor Paresh Rawal. year-old said. tant capacity to get and incorporate Kutcher plays the role of Apple co- in the film and it was beautiful,” founder Steve Jobs in the biopic.
September 2013 India Review Travel & TOURISM FoR ExPERIEnCE oF A lIFEtIME Be it a brush with nature at the breathtakingly beautiful Pangong lake 23 across the Chang La Pass, or a ride on the double humped camel at the famous cold desert of Nubra valley, a trip to Leh is a tribute to beauty
eh in the Ladakh region of (Above) Zojila Pass on National Highway 1D; Srinagar, most people prefer taking a Jammu and Kashmir is a pic - (Bottom) A view of the ancient Leh Palace. road trip to Leh. One, because the turesque little town, cocooned journey through the changing land - Lamid the hills and drowned in How to gEt tHERE: scape, whether you go via Manali or calmness. You can savor every little through Srinagar, is in itself a lifetime moment and enjoy your holiday in the BY AIR: There are direct flights from Delhi, experience. Plus, you get to drive past true sense of the word. Leh, you real - Srinagar and Jammu. the ‘magnetic hill’ (from Kargil to ize, is not just a destination; it’s an BY ROAD: Approximate distance from Leh) when your car defies gravity to experience. Chandigarh to Leh via Manali is 800 km. move a short distance of slight road Leh, at an altitude of more than Approximate distance from Srinagar to Leh elevation on its own! And second, as 11,000 feet, is blessed with nature’s is 440 km. State transport buses also ply on most travel experts would say, a road bounty. Simple things like waking up the Srinagar-Leh route. trip prepares you better in the acclima - to an azure blue sky and the sight of ACCOMMODATION: Leh, being a popular tization process. snow-capped mountains, or star-gaz - holiday destination, has innumerable From Leh, one has to cross the ing at night and wishing upon the hotels, guest houses, and even youth hos - Chang La Pass to reach the breathtak - scores of shooting stars leaves you tels. In the peak tourist season, you can ingly beautiful Pangong lake, made with happy memories. expect the hotel room tariff to start any - more famous by the movie 3 Idiots . Although it has an airport with where from `1,500. The lake, 60 percent of which lies in direct flights from Delhi, Jammu, and Tibet, is striking amid the surrounding barren hills. One can count at least seven shades of blue in the water! The Nubra valley, at a distance of 150 km from Leh, is again a must-visit. Famous for being a cold desert, when there, a ride on the double humped camel, also called the Bactrian camel, is worth experiencing. Leh in itself has a lot for visitors to see. There is the magnificent Shanti Stupa, the 400-year-old Jama Masjid, and the ancient Leh Palace which is a humble multi-storeyed structure from whose balconies you get a bird’s eye view of the entire town.
September 2013 India Review EMBASSY OF INDIA SS Pre-sort First Class A U.S. Postage 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW CL T Paid RS Washington, D.C. 20008 FI Silver Spring, MD Tel: 202-939-7000 RT Permit No. -SO Fax: 202-462-7276 PRE 3966
Dear Readers:
For receiving information on Embassy of India’s programs, events and announcements by email, please send an email to [email protected] giving your full contact details (Name, Affiliation and optionally, phone number). Any additional information you deem necessary may be included. Embassy of India
EMBASSY OF INDIA 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-939-7000; Fax: 202-462-7276 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.indianembassy.org www.facebook.com/Indembassyusa
www.twitter.com/IndianEmbassyUS CONSULATES Consulate General of India Consulate General of India Consulate General of India Consulate General of India Consulate General of India 3 East, 64th Street 540 Arguello Boulevard 455 North Cityfront Plaza Drive 4300 Scotland Street 5549 Glenridge Drive NE, New York San Francisco (NBC Tower Building) Houston Atlanta, N.Y. 10065 CA 94118 Suite #850 Chicago, IL 60611 Texas 77007 GA 30342
Tel: 212-774-0600 Tel: 415-668-0662 Tel. 312-595-0405 to 0410 Tel. 713-626-2148/49 Tel: +1-404-963-5902 Fax: 212-861-3788 Fax: 415-668-2073 Fax. 312-595-0416 Fax. 713-626-2450 Fax: +1-678-949-9657 E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Website: Website: Website: Website: www.indiacgny.org www.cgisf.org www.chicago.indianconsulate.com www.cgihouston.org
Printed and Published by the Press & Information Office, Embassy of India, 2107 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, D.C., 20008 Content, design and production by IANS. www.ianspublishing.com