PUbLIcATION OF THE cONSULATE GENErAL OF INDIA IN DUbAI VOL.4 ISSUE 12 | DEcEmbEr 2012

Pt. Shankar, who took Indian classical music to the world stage, passes away, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy; Lifetime Grammy comes a day after his death The leGenD Is no More Also

Ashish Mehta, an eminent The golden beaches of Goa provide an ideal lawyer practising in Dubai, backdrop to the celebration of the silver explains his idea of justice screen at the 43rd IFFI C

FROM THE CONSUL-GENERAL’S DESK O

Dear Reader,

India lost another of its legendary figures this month. Pandit , the man who N took Indian culture to the global audience through classical music, departed from our midst on December 11, 2012. His contributions saw him being awarded with the Bharat Ratna,

Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and three Grammy awards. Our cover story pays tribute T to the legend, who was part of the golden era of Indian classical music.

Fantasy and reality interchange places, as filmmakers reach out to a vast audience around 04 E the world. India Matters brings you coverage of the 43rd International Film Festival of India. COVER STORY The festival showcased the evolution of 100 years of Indian Cinema through an assembly of N people and nations, where the world’s greatest film artistes met the emerging talents of today. Godfather of world music Pt. Ravi Shankar, who introduced Indian classical music to TRAVEL Rapid growth has affected a significant change in not just the way India is perceived by the world the West, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy 14 Health rides in but the way Indians perceive their own selves. Indian businesses, Indian products and Indian serv - the Himalayas T ices are gaining increasing visibility and acceptability in the global market. In the backdrop of this Cycling is becoming a popular adventure sport in Himachal

reality, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh highlighted the importance of connecting India and S ASEAN by sea, surface and air links, at the 10th ASEAN – India summit at Phnom Penh. INFOCUS 06 Silver screen sentiments As a part of our regular feature ’10 Questions’, Ashish Mehta, an Indian lawyer practising Over 100 Indian and international films screened in the UAE, talks about his professional experiences and shares his views on the common legal at 43rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) issues faced by expats all over the world. in Goa; film-makers express views on cinema

Season’s Greetings and a very Happy New Year! 08 ECONOMY Happy reading! The Friendship Road Sanjay Verma India is keen to improve road and sea connec - tivity with ASEAN countries, makes heavy FEATURE investment to this end 16 Sports and style You are what you wear seems to be the motto RADIO MATTERS among sportsmen and viewers in certain sports, polo and cricket included The Consulate General of India in Dubai brings to you its weekly 10 QUESTIONS radio programme ‘India Matters’ on Suno 102.4 FM. The purpose of the show is to highlight the services provided by the Consulate and talk 10 ‘Lawyers, apt at politics’ about the events and news related to India and the Indian community Eminent lawyer Ashish Mehta talks about the in UAE. ethos of the legal profession and legal practice India Matters is aired every Friday between 5 and 6 pm on Suno BOOKS 102.4 FM and repeated every Saturday between 12 and 1 pm. in Dubai For more details visit www.cgidubai.com and www.suno1024.com 18 ‘I like new English’ Bureaucrat-author Bhaskar Ghose on the interesting experimentations with English by Indian authors CINEMA 12 ‘I love the magic of

films’ SUPERBRANDS Karan Johar describes what makes his 20 Winner of the November 2012 monthly quiz contest is movies a hit on the box office MindTree Rakhee Mansukhani The winner gets a gift hamper. India Matters is a monthly publication of the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Dubai . All rights reserved. No part of this journal may be produced, stored ns! or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of the CGI Dubai . Congratulatio Editorial correspondence and manuscripts can be addressed to [email protected]

Content and design by IANS (www.ianspublishing.com) on behalf of Consulate General of India in Dubai. Editorial Coordinator: Zarin Amrolia, Dubai

2 SEInPTdEiMa BMER a2t0t0e9 rs| December 2012 December 2012 |India Matters 3 Cover story

SHANKAR WAS NOMINATED se Achchha that was sung by Lata Mangeshkar. He was awarded FOR ANOTHER GRAMMY FOR India’s highest civil honour Bharat 2013, THE NEWS OF WHICH Ratna in 1999 and won three Grammy Awards. REACHED HIM JUST A DAY Shankar was nominated for BEFORE HIS SURGERY. another Grammy for 2013, the news of which reached him just a day PERFORMER TILL THE VERY before his surgery. Performer till the END, HE WAS LAST SEEN ON very end, he was last seen on stage just a month ago, in Long Beach on STAGE JUST A MONTH AGO, ravi shankar Gets November 4, when he played with IN LONG BEACH ON Anoushka. Lifetime aChievement He was also nominated to the NOVEMBER 4, WHEN HE Grammy Rajya Sabha between 1986 and 1992. PLAYED WITH ANOUSHKA. “How does one put the spiritual ndian music legend Pandit Ravi significance of music on paper? IShankar has been named a Music transcends all barriers and is Lifetime Achievement Grammy one of the most beautiful commu - music of the epic Gandhi that was Award recipient, a day after his nicative skills one can have. Music released in 1982. In the same year, death at 92 in a US hospital. makes us all experience different he composed the Swagatam wel - The sitar maestro will be hon - emotions or the navarasa, as we call come song for the IXth Asian Games oured along with six other artists it,” the maestro would often say that still brings a lump to the throat at an invitation-only ceremony in about his music. whenever it is played. Los Angeles on February 9, just Shankar’s personal life was also of The mid-1950s were the key to one day before the 55th annual much interest to his fans. His main Shankar’s contribution to making Grammy Awards are to be tele - companion for decades was dancer Indian classical music a world genre. cast live from the Staples Centre Kamala Shastri. He also had a rela - In 1956, Ravi Shankar crossed the in Los Angeles. tionship with New York concert pro - seas with his music to Europe Ravi Shankar has been named ducer Sue Jones, with whom he and the US. as one of the Grammy nominees fathered singer Norah Jones. The world, his stage: Pt. Ravi Shankar with his daughter Anoushka during a concert in February 2009 Throughout the 1960s and for the for Best World Music Album. It is He had a son Shubho Shankar, better part of the 1970s, he taught a category in which his daughter, from his first wife Annapurna Devi. abroad and collaborated with leg - sitar virtuoso Anoushka, 31, has Shubho, who was also a musician ends like Yehudi Menuhin and also been nominated, marking and often toured with him, died in Beatles star George Harrison, who what appears to be the first time 1992. drew from Shankar’s ragas for his that a father and daughter’s Old associates refused to bid a Godfather of world music albums will be competing for the repertoire, most famously in final farewell. “Actually, I think in a Norwegian Wood . same honour at the Grammys. way we should celebrate the passing PT. R AVI SHANKAR , who took Indian classical music to the world , dies aged 92 Harrison produced and participat - In addition to Shankar, two away of the maestro instead of griev - ed in two albums, Shankar Family & other artists will receive the ing his death,” said former student Friends and Festival of India, both Grammy Lifetime Achievement and associate Shobha Deepak Singh, e was a classical musician tions from a heart surgery, leaves students who trained at the Ravi composed by Shankar. Award posthumously. They are: the director of Shriram Bharatiya in the purest sense and behind his wife Sukanya and daugh - Shankar Foundation in the US and Many have forgotten that Shankar classical piano giant Glenn Gould, Kala Kendra. was also dubbed the ‘god - ters Anoushka, the heir to his legacy, in the national capital, where he had also played in the epic concert who died in 1982; and blues pio - “It is surreal for me to believe that father of world music’ by and singer Norah Jones. built a gurukul -like school. Woodstock, performing after Joan neer Lightnin’ Hopkins, who died Pandit Ravi Shankar, whom I called H the same year and at least indi - his Beatles friend, George Harrison. “God has blessed me with Lakshmi Shankar spent his early years tour - Baez. ‘dada’, is no more. His passing away Ravi Shankar, who took Indian and Saraswati,” he would often say ing Europe and India with Uday The maestro also wrote a rectly helped lay the foundation marks the end of an era that was classical music to the world in the of his daughters. Shankar. But he took to instrumen - ‘Concerto for Sitar and Orchestra’, for rock ‘n’ roll. truly magical,” sarod maestro Amjad 1950s and effortlessly bound the two The dancer-turned-instrumental - tal music in 1934 and studied for 10 which was performed by the London The other Grammy Lifetime Ali Khan said. worlds with the stirring notes of ist was born Robindro Shaunkar years under his mentor. Before Symphony Orchestra under Andre Achievement Award honourees maestro Pandit Birju his sitar, leaves behind an unpara- Chowdhury on April 7, 1920, in embarking on a formal musical Previn. In 1971, Shankar performed are singer Patti Page, 85; iconic Maharaj said, “ I hope his daughter lleled legacy. Varanasi. He gave up dancing in his career, Shankar worked as a com - at the Concert for Bangladesh at singer-songwriter Carole King, 70; Anoushka, who is a sitarist herself, India’s most effective cultural illustrious brother Uday Shankar’s poser setting the score for Satyajit Madison Square Garden. jazz bandleader and bass great will carry forward his legacy. And I ambassador, who died at the age of troupe 1938 to study music under Ray’s The Apu Trilogy . As music director of All India Charlie Haden, 75; and the semi - pray to God that Pandit-ji will one 92 in a hospital near his south Allaudin Khan — bequeathing his art Later, with George Fenton, he was Radio (1949-56), Shankar composed nal soul vocal group, The day take birth again and strum the California home following complica - to daughter Anoushka and legions of also nominated for an Oscar for the the classical version of Saare Jahan Temptations. sitar.” n

4 India Matters| December 2012 December 2012 |India Matters 5 In focuS

With a galaxy of stars like Akshay Film-maker and poet Kumar, , , , said cinema is a sacred medium and a Jackie Shroff and Vinay Pathak, the film maker must take it to the highest opening ceremony also had the pres - level of communication. Film-making ence of renowned film personalities is a journey through which enrich - like Kim Ki-duk, Michael ment is achieved, he added. Winterbottom, Susanne Bier amongst India’s young filmmakers Resul others. Pookutty, Aishwarya Dhanush, Onir Academy Award winning Director and Gauri Shinde addressed a joint Ang Lee’s much acclaimed 3D film press conference to share their views Life of Pi was screened as the open - on the new advances in cinema mak - ing film of IFFI-2012. The cast and ing. Onir , the acclaimed director of crew of the film including Irrfan cinema like My Brother Nikhil and I Khan and Tabu were present on the Am, said, “Independent cinema is occasion. something that we are still discover - In the 43rd edition of IFFI, over a ing. Every day we are experimenting hundred movies were screened as a with content which is not available part of the Indian cinema and the Wisdom from the veteran: Shyam en mass. Today the biggest challenge world cinema segments. The Indian Benegal in conversation at the fest in front of the industry is to create section brought to the audience films which are for the audience. We movies from across the country in the that censorship is an ugly method of need to give them a brand of cinema Lighting up the golden beaches: Actor lighting the lamp to inaugurate the 43rd International Film Festival of India Indian panorama (feature and non- improving our life and added that which gives them something to think in Goa on November 20. Manish Tewari, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for I&B; Bharat Vir Wanchoo, Governor of Goa; feature section) which was selected by police states tackle this problem in a about; and something to take back Manohar Parrikar , Chief Minister of Goa; and Uday Kumar Varma, Secretary, Ministry of I&B are also seen a core jury headed by Buddhadeb harsh way, while democratic nations with them.” Dasgupta for the feature and M.R. do it in a far more reasonable manner. Gauri Shinde, who is acclaimed Rajan for the non-feature section. The Zanussi was not the only film-maker across the cinematic universe for her Indian panorama screened 20 feature to express his ideas on film making. recent movie English Vinglish , said, films, with Baandhon , directed by Veteran director that for her, whatever talks back is Silver screen sentiments , as the opening film, and asked the film fraternity to ponder cinema. Any visual presentation 19 films in the non-feature section, over how to market new wave cinema, which makes her think and ponder At the 43rd International Film Festival of India , screening of over 100 movies from with Celluloid Man directed by which is on the decline in India. upon is cinema. India and abroad was combined with film-makers airing views on a range of issues Shivendra Singh Dungarpur as the Interacting with media persons during Aishwarya Dhanush, renowned for opening film. IFFI, he said that smaller films can the film 3 and viral superhit song Apart from the international com - move to television but that does not Kolaveri Di , said the aim of her cine - he 43rd International Film Parrikar said that the journey which like Camouflage , Family life and The petition, the cine lovers at the 43rd offer market and explains the contin - ma is to reach people. She said that Festival of India (IFFI-2012) was started by him eight years ago has Silent Touch , Zanussi said amidst the IFFI were treated to a varied line-up of ued decline of art films. her endeavor is to seek to create was declared open in Goa yielded positive results and Goa has standing ovation that this was the world cinema, which was showcased Noted film director and producer content which tugs at the heart of the Tamidst festivities, glitz and been awarded as the best film destina - most moving moment of his life. He in sections like ‘Cinema of the World’ flagged the audience and gives him a thought with a promise to make India an inter - tion. He, however added that a collec - promised to make more films in with 51 films from 42 countries, with issue of finance for good cinema and about what he has just witnessed. national destination of good cinema. tive endeavour will be made to take future. He said that the 21st century Life of Pi as its opening film and Mira said that distribution was another big Renowned Kannada film maker and Information and Broadcasting this festival to newer heights and to will be Asia’s Century and it was his Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist challenge facing new wave cinema. the director of the film Kurmavatara Minister Manish Tewari assured the make it truly international. deep belief that it will be India’s as its closing film. Girish Kasarvalli said that there is a gathering that the Government on its The chief guest of the event and Century. Other sections in the International thin line between serious and main - part was taking a number of steps to Bollywood heartthrob Akshay Kumar Gautam Ghosh, Chairman of the section included ‘A Cut Above’, “THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN stream cinema and that the division of nurture the Indian film industry and said that cinema is very important not International Jury, and all the Jury ‘Masterstrokes’, ‘Festival Kaleido- FRONT OF THE INDUSTRY IS parallel and commercial cinema has to promote India as a destination for only for him but for his entire family. members were felicitated by scope’, ‘Turkish Currents,’ ‘Sketches been created by the media. film shooting. He said that Pitching for good and wholesome cin - the IFFI. on Screen ’, ‘Retrospective: Susanne TO CREATE FILMS WHICH Noted journalist Ratnottama Government was embarking on an ema, he felt proud that the festival is Hosted by Kabir Bedi and Perizaad Bier’, ‘Special Tribute: Ashok ARE FOR THE AUDIENCE. WE Sengupta, urging the Government to ambitious National Film Heritage happening in the centenary year of Zorabian, the event showcased the Amritraj’, ‘In Focus: Kim Ki-duk’, devise a system of ‘single window Mission during the 12th five year plan Indian Cinema. evolution of 100 years of Indian ‘Soul of Asia’, ‘Documentaries’ and NEED TO GIVE THEM A clearance’ for granting shooting per - to preserve India’s film heritage. Renowned Polish film-maker Cinema through a brilliant combo of ‘Homages’. BRAND OF CINEMA, WHICH missions, said that India has plenty to Moreover, with a view towards Krzysztof Zanussi was conferred the music, dance and videos conceived offer like its large coastlines, sea- encouraging co-production between prestigious Lifetime Achievement and directed by Jahnu Barua, Saroj The off-screen views GIVES THEM SOMETHING TO beaches, snow-covered mountains, India and other countries, India has Award by Manish Tewari on the occa - Khan and Sajjad Ali. During the festival, Polish film-maker THINK ABOUT. ” forests and the River Ganges, but the entered into co-production agree - sion, which carries an amount of `10 The nearly two-hour cultural Krzysztof Zanussi described censor - Government must wake up to the ments with various countries. lakh, a scroll, a shawl and a certificate. extravaganza also included renditions ship as a world problem and called for — ONIR needs of film-makers to have Chief Minister of Goa Manohar Known for producing acclaimed films by singer . reasonable ways to handle it. He said ‘Incredible India’ on the screen. n

6 India Matters| December 2012 December 2012 |India Matters 7 economy

November 26, with hundreds of peo - ple waving flags. The rally was flagged PoPulAR APPs FoR moBile devices off in a grand ceremony at Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel. It plans to pass oFFicesuiTe PRo RemoTe through eight ASEAN countries over OFFICESUITE Pro allows you to REMOTE is a free, fun, and easy- 22 days, covering a distance of 8,000 view, create, edit, print and share to-use app that turns your iPhone, km, before entering India at Guwahati Word, Excel and iPad, or iPod touch into a remote on December 17. A total of 124 PowerPoint files control. With the help of this app, participants from 11 countries are with great ease. you can control your computer’s participating. One can also iTunes library and your Apple TV Meanwhile, INS Sudarshini set sail open attach - with a tap or flick of a finger. on a six-month voyage on September ments and see Remote lets you 15 from Kochi. It is to call on 13 ports PDF files on an control the iTunes in 9 ASEAN countries and end the Android based phone or tablet. library on your Mac journey in March 2013. “During its OfficeSuite Pro includes a File the same way you port call, the ship will take on a few Browser and integration Box, play music or video naval cadets for short-stint training, as DropBox, Google Drive, SkyDrive on your iPhone, part of navy-to-navy cooperation; and SugarSync to give users a iPad, or iPod touch. Fast-forward, besides, cultural and business events multitude of options on how to pause, and rewind. Choose a song, will be held,” the official added. manage files and attachments. shuffle an album, or skip to the “Clearly a big focus is on connectiv - next track. Even create Genius Easterly influence: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh with the ASEAN/East Asia Summit Heads at the Gala Dinner for the ity and the North-East. Connectivity is lecTuRenoTes playlists. 21st ASEAN Summit and related summits, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 19 an area of priority,” the official LECTURENOTES is an Android app stressed. for note-taking by handwriting on AdoBe Revel the screen, in par - REVEL IS a photo app for Mac, iPad, exchange of ideas, people ticular with a and iPhone. Put photos into Revel Tourism is also a major focus of road stylus. and you can access them anywhere The Friendship Road and sea links with the ASEAN. India It is designed you have Revel installed. Everything has a visa agreement with 7 of the 10 keeping a univer - you do in Revel is By road and sea India is keen to enhance links with ASEAN writes Ranjana Narayan ASEAN countries and India and sity or school user automatically and , , ASEAN have also inked a MoU on in mind, for prepar - effortlessly sync’d tourism, the official added. ing lecture or actu - across your Mac, iPad, India is hosting a Commemorative al teaching in case of a lecturer or and iPhone. So no onnectivity is the buzzword in constitute 1.8 billion people, while Manmohan Singh’s visit to Myanmar Summit on December 20-21 to mark taking notes during class, in case matter where you are, you have all India’s relations with the 10- India and ASEAN together have a in May this year, India committed to the 20th anniversary of its ties with of a student. your memories with you and every - member ASEAN, as it GDP of $3 trillion. The ASEAN region take up the renovation of 71 bridges of ASEAN and the 10th anniversary of Major features: thing you need to keep them rebuilds road and sea links to is expected to average an annual rate World War II vintage in that country, the ASEAN-India Summit-level part - n Requires no Internet connection organised. C Allows free choice of note - Top Features: boost trade and people-to-people ties of 5.5 percent growth over the 2013-17 including in the Kalewa-Yargi section, nership. India and ASEAN held sever - n with an economically vibrant region. period, according to an Organisation which is over 100 km long. al events this year to mark their asso - book’s page width and height n Share a photo library with your A trilateral highway linking for Economic Cooperation and The Indian Government has ciation, including visit programmes by n Allows multiple pages to be partner so you have one place for Thailand and Myanmar with India, Development (OECD) report. already invested $257 million as journalists and students. simultaneously visible on the all the family photos called Friendship Road, is slowly “It is a very significant relationship grant-in-aid on this project. As part of the people-to-people pro - screen n Share albums as web galleries nearing completion, while a car rally and there is an identity of perspective Dr. Manmohan Singh, in his grammes, India has given 640 ITEC n Allows smooth writing, scroll - that update automatically kicked off from Yogakarta in and objective,” the official added, not address at the 10th ASEAN-India scholarships to low-income ASEAN ing, and zooming n Your photos are safe in the cloud Indonesia to end in India’s North- wishing to be named. summit at Phnom Penh on November countries so far. n East. An Indian naval ship is docking 19, said the working groups on the at ports of the ASEAN countries, Bridging the distances project and the highway are “welcome reviving and building on an ancient India has built most of its stretch of steps in implementing the vision of BUSINESS BUZZ sea route link with the region. the 1,400 km trilateral highway, India-ASEAN connectivity.” US$ 77 billion is the expected revenue of the Indian IT percent from US$ 11.23 billion in September 2011, accord - “The ASEAN region is economically which is to connect Moreh in Manipur The Prime Minister said the India- and BPO sector during 2012-13, according to the National ing to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). very important, especially in the con - to Mae Sot in Thailand. “A part of it is ASEAN car rally and the sailing Association of Software and Services Companies US$ 8.51 billion is the revenue earning generated by text of Asia doing very well at a time of being built by Thailand and a part by expedition of Indian Naval Ship (NASSCOM). Indian Railways from commodity-wise freight traffic during the global economic crisis,” a senior India. India is building 160 km, of Sudarshini “highlight the importance US$ 70 billion worth remittances are expected to be April-October 2012, up 23.76 percent as compared to US$ official said. which 132 km has been completed,” and the potential for connecting India received by India in 2012, according to the World Bank. 6.67 billion during the same period in 2011. India’s 1.2 billion population, with the official added. The highway is slat - and ASEAN by sea, surface and US$ 11.94 billion was the value of the total exports US$ 1.90 billion investment proposal by IKEA in India its huge young workforce, and ed to be completed by 2016. air links.” The car rally was flagged off from the Indian services sector in September 2012, up 6.3 cleared by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). ASEAN’s 600 million people, jointly During Prime Minister Dr. from Yogyakarta in Indonesia on

8 India Matters| December 2012 December 2012 |India Matters 9 10 questions

UK, Singapore, Australia or the US; The UAE has a zero tolerance policy ances and other issues affecting the (ii) develop an out of the box approach on drug-related offences and driving people of India. and develop confidence to keep up under the influence of any mind-alter - Client (people) management! It’s is with the ever-changing requirements ing substance. Dishonour of a cheque an art which is extremely important in ‘Lawyers, apt of the clients; (iii) be street smart, dis - by the bank of its issuer is a criminal the practice of law. Most lawyers are ciplined and dedicated, as the practice offence against the signatory of such well experienced in this. of law requires discipline and commit - a cheque. Strategy! Client management, case ment; and (iv) always act in the best Until recently non-receipt of salary management, finding effective ways to interest of clients and practise good and severance pay was a common circumvent the laws to protect a karma . Success will follow. issue. Now, with the introduction of a client’s interest or public dealing at politics’ Wage Protection System, this issue is requires a good strategy. Experience Are there any challenges for closely monitored by the UAE Central gained by lawyers in developing good ASHISH MEHTA , an eminent Indian lawyer practising 5an Indian lawyer practising Bank, making it mandatory for all strategies in the practice of law better in Dubai describes his idea of justice in an inter - in the UAE? employers to file salary payment enables them to play an effective role , , Indian lawyers do not have the right to details with the UAE Central Bank on in politics, as well. view to India Matters plead before courts of any jurisdiction a monthly basis. Media! Generally speaking, politi - in the UAE; save the courts of the Money lending against charging cians with a legal background are Dubai International Financial Center interest is a serious criminal offence; appointed by political parties to be How do you define justice? knowledge of the law, the second most practice of law, which is compelled (DIFC Courts), where expatriate only entities licensed by the UAE their face in the media. Again, knowl - 1 important ingredient in the practice of by the requirements of clients. lawyers registered with DIFC Courts central bank are permitted to lend edge of the law and effective use of Lord Atkinson once said: ‘Might is law is interaction with people from During the last decade or so the are able to practice and plead before money against charging interest. words greatly helps lawyers in effec - Right. Law is might, justice is right but different spheres of life. I thoroughly practice of law has evolved globally, DIFC Courts. tively projecting the right image of justice which is natural is mightier enjoy interacting with people and hence this change in the teaching of Language is another barrier, as all How many pro bono cases their political party and getting across than might.’ participating in affairs affecting law was necessary to keep up with proceedings, filings and submissions 7have you taken up so far? the right message to the electorate; “It is better that 10 guilty should common people. the changes demanded in what have are conducted in the Arabic language How do you decide that a case is and defending their political parties escape than that one innocent person Initially, destiny brought me to become the global requirements to across the courts of any jurisdiction in deserving of a pro bono treat - from any allegations from other polit - should suffer,” British philosopher Dubai. Now I am qualified and practice law in any jurisdiction. the UAE; other than DIFC Courts ment? ical parties. John Stuart Mill made this argument licensed to practise law in multiple Some of our National Law Schools where all proceedings, filings and Each week 6 to 10 pro bono matters Is there a synergy at play? I respond over a century ago in a speech before jurisdictions, including the UAE, are at par with top institutions in the submissions are conducted in the are taken up. Decision on whether a by quoting: “ Hazaron jawabo se the British Parliament. India, United Kingdom and world. Most of these law schools in English language. matter deserves pro bono treatment is achchi hai Khamoshi meri, Na jaane It can be very hard to reconcile Singapore. I remain grateful to the India focus on overall development, Other than the aforesaid, the UAE taken after understanding the suffer - kitne sawalo ki aabru rakhe .” (My different definitions of justice. In my Government of Dubai for granting me with emphasis on developing expert - provides a level-playing field for all ing of the person in distress; oral, cir - silence is better than a thousand opinion, if law is the means then jus - a license to practise law. ise in legal drafting, mock courts, lawyers practising in the UAE regard - cumstantial and documented and answers; it keeps intact the honour of tice is the end. Much less to say that internship, project reports, arbitra - less of their jurisdiction of qualifica - meeting the aggrieved person. innumerable questions). it’s the end that defines the means. How has the teaching of law tion, mediation, personality develop - tion, thus providing an equal opportu - Doing justice is important; it is equal - 3in India changed in the last ment and confidence building, dealing nity to Indian lawyers, who are Why do so many lawyers Who are your role models in ly important that it must be seen that two decades? Do our National with challenges faced by newly-quali - employed by licensed law firms in the 8turn politicians? Is there a 9the legal profession? justice is done. Law Schools match the top insti - fied lawyers and counseling, to name UAE, to excel. synergy at play? I prefer to categorise role models tutions in the world? just a few. In my opinion the electoral is better into two categories — good lawyers Why did you choose law as a During the last two decades the teach - What are the common legal served by lawyers who turn politi - and successful lawyers. There is a 2profession? Why Dubai? ing of law in India has changed enor - What is your advice to any 6issues affecting the Indian cians, as their knowledge, understand - distinction between good lawyers The potential to excel in the practice of mously and this process of change 4Indian law graduate aiming community in the UAE at large? ing and interpretation of the complex and successful lawyers. Generally law is limitless. There is never a dull continues today. Previously there to practise internationally? What are the channels available laws allow them to better apply the speaking, not all good lawyers are moment with the multitude of chal - were no private universities offering In my opinion, law graduates from for facing these legal challenges? law to resolve the socio-judicial griev - successful lawyers and, similarly, not lenges that are unique to each situation. specialised law degree courses. At that leading Indian law schools are at par Ignorance of law is no excuse. There all successful lawyers are necessarily As a member of the student’s coun - time traditional universities had a nar - with law graduates from foreign law are multiple legal issues affecting the THE POTENTIAL TO EXCEL IN good lawyers. My work has always cil in school and as an office bearer of row vision; the primary focus was to schools. However, it is unfortunate Indian community in the UAE. motivated me to excel and inspired the National Students Union of India prepare students to practise as litiga - that degrees from most Indian law For example, In India a joint bank THE PRACTICE OF LAW IS me to be a role model for other (NSUI) in my university days, I active - tion lawyers. The mindset has schools are not yet considered at par account is generally on either or sur - LIMITLESS. THERE IS NEVER A lawyers. ly participated in learning about the changed since those days. with the degrees of these foreign law vivor basis. Most new arrivals to the grievances of my fellow students and The practice of law has changed, schools. After I was called to the bar, I UAE believe that a joint bank account DULL MOMENT WITH THE Any favourite book or resolving their issues. Subsequently, I the areas of practice are much wider obtained qualification as a solicitor is also on either or survivor basis. MULTITUDE OF CHALLENGES 10 film on lawyers? developed an interest in assisting oth - and, at the same time, the law from the United Kingdom. Their belief is incorrect. In the unfor - When not working, the last thing I ers to resolve their grievances and schools are offering industry-specific My advice to Indian law graduates tunate event of death of any joint THAT ARE UNIQUE TO EACH want to do is to read a book on lawyers started enjoying public dealings since courses. To a great extent this aiming to practise internationally is to account holder, the account in the SITUATION. or watch a film on lawyers. I prefer to then. I chose law as a profession, as it change in the teaching of law is due (i) re-qualify from an internationally UAE shall be frozen by the bank where utilise such time to read some jokes synchronises with my persona. After to the demand for change in the recognized jurisdiction, such as the the account is maintained. on lawyers.

10 India Matters| December 2012 December 2012 |India Matters 11 cInema

Indian themes in World cinema

The Johar imprint: (top) Karan Johar’s World insight into India: A still from The Revolutionary Optimists directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai ; (above) the latest flick Student hree documentaries by film mak - ents, he added. Answering a query of the Year Ters from different parts of the he said that the film has relevance office numbers are eventually your world made in different languages in this day since it shows how ‘I love the magic of films’ report card in the business. But I showcased in the World Cinema in following personal ambition is think what’s really important is that IFFI 2012 have one common thread, more important than pursuing You can ’t go wrong with the passion-profession combo in life , KARAN JOHAR you must make a film, which is viz India. material gains. remembered. So, to leave the film German director Walter Steffen’s Co-director of The Revolutionary tells Anjuri Nayar behind in the minds of a cinegoer Munich in India is about painter Optimists Nicole stated that the film should be every filmmaker’s objec - Hannez Fritz, also known as Fritz reflects the strength and positivity tive,” he says. Munich, and his paintings in India. of the children and people and it is e is passionate about his walking hand in hand, you can’t or not it is part of the `100- `200 He is quite chilled out about the The Bengali documentary The not meant to be voyeuristic about work and believes in the really go wrong,” he said. crore club, but Karan believes a latest fad of remakes. “I am ok with Revolutionary Optimists, directed by poverty in India, but to show how power of cinema, the rea - Karan’s passion was evident in his film’s success should be measured remakes. If you can give your own Nicole Newnham and Maren R. the Indian traditions and culture son why he mostly man - films Kuch Kuch Hota Hai , Kabhi on the basis of its longevity. “I think edge and slant, then why not? I think Monsen, is about the journey of strengthens and empowers the peo - H three children in a Kolkata slum ple to face the challenges of ordi - ages to hit box office bull’s eye, says Khushi Kabhie Gham , Kal Ho Naa if a film doesn’t last in longevity and there is a dearth of writers, but I Karan Johar, the successful director Ho , My Name Is Khan and in people’s memories, it is not a film don’t think that’s why people make from childhood to adolescence. The nary life. Filmed over the course of and the man behind Dharma Agneepath . Known for making of importance or relevance. Box remakes....it’s also your sense of cre - Canadian film-maker Nisha Pahuja’s three years, The Revolutionary Productions. glamorous and designer family dra - ativity and what you want to do with The World Before Her juxtaposes Optimists follows Amlan Ganguly “I am a great believer in cinema. I mas, he feels his films are able to it. Remaking it in exactly the same traditional and modern women in and three of the children he works love films. I love the magic of the find a perfect match between intelli - “I THINK WHAT’S REALLY way is no fun. Revisiting it in a cer - contemporary India. with in Kolkata, as they challenge movies. And I think when you love gence and commercial elements. IMPORTANT IS THAT YOU tain way and adjusting it to the mod - Interacting with the media in Goa, the idea that marginalisation is writ - the movies, you create the movies,” “While we produced a Student Of ern times always makes it interest - Walter Steffen said that he was ten into their destiny. Karan says. The Year , we have also produced a MUST MAKE A FILM, WHICH ing,” he says. attracted to the story of Fritz Talking about The World Before This is true of everyone who is My Name Is Khan , which had its IS REMEMBERED. SO, TO Discussing his own experience with Munich, who quit a safe job in the Her , Director Nisha stated that the involved with his production house own impact and relevance, or a Agneepath , he says it was more of a 1930s to become an artist and his film explores the tension between Dharma Productions, says Karan. Kurbaan , which has some kind of LEAVE THE FILM BEHIND IN tribute to his father Yash Johar. journey as a painter in India during traditional and modern perspectives “I think the reason why we do social relevance as part of its plot. So THE MINDS OF A CINEGOER “I wanted to pay a tribute to a film unsafe times. While exploring the toward women by following the jour - what we do is because all of us in the while there is entertainment, there which my father had produced and adventurous side of the protagonist ney of young and ambitious women company are very passionate about is also relevance and we balance it SHOULD BE EVERY Mukul (Mukul S. Anand) had direct - in his film, he was able to see the participating in beauty pageants cinema. It’s not a day job for me; it’s within the company,” he said. ed fantastically. I wanted to make other side of India, which was not and women joining Durga Vahini, the a passion job for me. So, when you The latest yardstick to measure a FILMMAKER’S OBJECTIVE.” sure that we make it in a different actually a dreamland that he had women’s wing of the Hindu funda - have both passion and profession film’s success in B-town is whether way, which I believe in,” he says. n heard as a child from his grandpar - mentalist movement.

12 India Matters| December 2012 December 2012 |India Matters 13 travel

FOR NEWCOMERS AND FAMILIES, THE HILLS SURROUNDING NARKANDA, 65 KM FROM SHIMLA, AND KASAULI IN SOLAN, AROUND 29 KM FROM THE HIMACHAL CAPITAL, ARE THE BEST CYCLING SPOTS.

the most number of cyclists. The route is tough and the pressure on cyclists is extreme, since they have to cycle through the cold deserts of Lahaul and Spiti and Ladakh. “The Manali-Leh expedition is for 14 days, including three days of accli - matisation,” said Prithvi Raj Sharma of Magic Mountain, a travel agency in Manali. He said the fee per cyclist ranges between `40,000 and `50,000, depending on the time of booking and the kits sought. For newcomers and families, the hills surrounding Narkanda, 65 km from Shimla, and Kasauli in Solan, around 29 km from the Himachal cap - ital, are the best cycling spots. Hatu Hotel in Narkanda, run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Pride on the pedals: (above) Participants meant growing business for travel Development Corporation, provides of the Hercules Mountain Biking agents and tour operators. mountain bikes. Expedition; (above right) roughing it out; Those in the adventure tourism The slopes of Jalori Pass (at an Healthy rides in the Himalayas (below) in the pristine setting of Himachal industry in Kullu and Manali say the altitude of 3,223 metres) in Kullu are best time to pedal in the hills is from one of the finest in the world, accord - An increasing number of travellers , who wish to opt for adventure holiday for healthy June till snowfall begins in November. ing to Cycling Federation of India They also list the best cycling routes. member Rakesh Mohindra. Cyclists living , are heading towards the rugged terrains of Himachal to explore nature on a bicycle The 475-km Manali-Leh road linking can test their endurance, skill and luck the tourist hill town to Ladakh attracts on these vertical climbs, he said. The 320-km Shimla-Rekong Peo- ycling through the rugged since last three-four years, the expedi - tic adventure lovers too,” he said, Sumdoh-Kaza route also offers a lot of mountain tracks of Himachal tion is getting popular among Indians. adding, “They now see mountain bik - thrills, with mild, tough and extremely Pradesh is on a roll. And this A major chunk of them are corporate ing as an adventure holiday for rugged slopes. But it is strictly for Ctime, the adventurous moun - executives from metros,” said Mohit healthy living.” professionals, riding bikes of titanium tain bikers are not just foreigners. Sood of the Himalayan Adventure “It is an exercise of the mind and the carbon fibre priced between `100,000 At a nine-day 438-km long moun - Sports and Tourism Promotion body,” said Saminder Saluja, a cyclist and `200,000. tain biking (MTB) expedition in Association (HASTPA). from Delhi, who participated in the Andre Deplechin, a 59-year-old Shimla recently, 62 of the 75 cyclists The club in Shimla had organised expedition. cyclist from France and a participant were Indians — most of them with the expedition, considered one of “For the past few years, I have been in Hercules MTB Himachal, said, “I white collar jobs in big cities. toughest in the world in early October. a regular participant.” have been biking across the world for “Initially, Hercules MTB Himachal “The trend to explore nature on a The growing enthusiasm among 20 years, but Himachal’s terrain really used to see mostly foreigners. But cycle is getting popular among domes - Indians for mountain biking has also tests one’s nerves. n

14 India Matters| December 2012 December 2012 |India Matters 15 Feature

“SACHIN TENDULKAR IS Puma, Fila, Reebok and Nike have matched with navy or black blazers pushed a culture of sports-oriented — a style made popular by cricketers MORE ABOUT SUITS AND casual wear mostly among the and cricket lovers alike in the decade DHONI IS VERY CASUAL IN younger, vertically mobile profes - between the 1950s and 1980s. SportS sionals and the GenNext. The prod - The colours are widely worn by the APPROACH TO CLOTHES. uct lines are endorsed by popular respective club supporters often VIRAT AND GAUTAM sports icons. outside the pitch. “Off the field, former Indian skip - GAMBHIR ARE BASIC IN creases for the crease per Kapil Dev is still the male fashion and An archive of beyond-the-cricket icon, with his elegant bandhgallas THEIR FASHION, WITH pitch stories, Stories from the Vault and Indian pants. Sachin Tendulkar T-SHIRTS AND DENIMS. ” - Cricket Fashions compiled by the is more about suits and Dhoni is very — MAYYUR GIROTRA Donald Bradman Foundation says casual in his approach to clothes. cricket fashion has certainly come a Virat and Gautam Gambhir are basic Style long way over the years. in their fashion with T-shirts and “In the early days of cricket, flan - denims. Fans like to follow them,” Madhusree Chatterjee favourite tee-icons. After the infi - nels were the common uniform, a Girotra says. comments on the making of delity scandal surrounding golfer tradition which remains to this day, Women sports fashion has Tiger Woods broke out in 2009, Nike albeit in a modified form. Flannels changed in the last 100 years to a new glamour statement took a hit. An IMC report on Ralph consisted of white trousers, a white become more utilitarian, from the Lauren RLX Golf Line says the com - short, Oxford shoes and often a top conservative tailored blouses, long pany lost “105,000 customers”. hat,” the archive says. These days skirts, pleated jackets and volumi - here’s polo, golf and, of effortlessly and carried himself both Glamour as a goal: (above) Women polo In India, mega-brands like Adidas, flannels are worn as “whites” and nous trousers. n course, cricket... where style on and off the field,” Girotra says. players; (below) Cricketer Kapil Dev on matches strokes, where According to Girotra, sports-ori - the ramp Tsports and fashion blend ented men’s fashion has been finding indelibly. Over the decades, this acceptance in the mainstream combination has bred its own ecolo - couture stage since the last decade. IndIa ’S FIrSt dISabled SkydIver headS to antarctIca gy of lifestyle and fashion. Polo is one of the primary arbitra - In the latest fashion makeover, the tors of sports fashion trends in India, ai Prasad Vishwanathan, India’s Royal Jaipur Polo team, one of the along with cricket and now golf. Sfirst disabled skydiver, who has country’s best and most fashionable “Polo fashion is very crisp. It is since childhood suffered a loss of sen - polo squads, is making a new sports perhaps the only sport where you sation in the lower half of his body, glamour statement. can’t just wear anything to watch a will add another feather to his cap The fancy pink T-shirts that the day match. You must have your crisp when he goes to Antarctica in 2013. team has been wearing for the last white linen shirt and your sun glass - Sai will become the first Indian with six years has been replaced by white es in place,” he said. a disability to travel to the icy conti - blue-collared T-shirts with an The Jaipur Polo team has inspired nent. In his 20s, Sai said he had an emblem of the erstwhile Jaipur king - a range of apparel under the label, extra growth in his spinal cord and a ship, matching white breeches and the Jaipur Polo Company. The range surgery to remove it left him disabled. riding boots. offers a selection of rugged polo “This put tremendous stress on my “Golf and polo are the two games shirts, rugby shirts, polo jean riding parents. Lack of awareness and socie - which have strict fashion norms and breeches, ladies polo pants and tal shame of bringing up a child with ethics. The uniform of the Jaipur accessories. disability pushed them to a corner ,” Polo team had never been seriously Asos Fashion Finder, a contempo - Sai says. designed. The team had been chang - rary fashion tracker, says sportswear Sai was forced to change many ing its gear continuously for the last has become more evolved since it schools as they could not help him six years. It was not very edgy,” has moved out of the gymnasium. due to his disability. But, believing Candles in the wind: Sai Prasad Vishwanathan before a skydiving attempt designer of the new uniform Mayyur “The sweatshirt, once worn to the that his “salvation” lay in education, Girotra says. gymnasium, hoodies and bareball his parents pushed him through a degree at the University of disability to skydive from a height of Girotra, who manages the mother- jackets now blend with everyday different schools. Wisconsin-Madison in the US and 14,000 feet. and-son label Rimple-Mayyur, says basics like chinos, before being “My disability turned out to be my went on to become an engineer. “I was selected from across the he was “inspired by cricket icon styled with a backpack and hip-hops asset. It gave me many skills of my His life changed when he spotted a world, as one of the 30 Antarctic Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi in for a day to the field,” a spokesper - life,” says Sai, who hails from skydiving advertisement on the univer - Youth Ambassadors in 2012, and will fashioning the new outfit”. son said. Thiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu but stays sity campus, and went for it. Thanks become the first Indian with a disabili - “I have been following his fashion Buyers have positioned golfing in Andhra Pradesh with his family. to that, he is now in the Limca Book ty to travel to Antarctica in February and admired the way he dressed apparel brands promoted by their Sai later received a scholarship for of Records as the first Indian with a 2013,” he says.

16 India Matters| December 2012 December 2012 |India Matters 17 books

Teller of Tales has been “WITH NEW PLAYWRIGHTS Mayurbhanj in Odisha and found published by Penguin-India. that Santhali poetry was about AND WRITERS ENQUIRING everyday life. ‘batting for ethnic literature INTO THE EVOLUTION OF THE “Its essence is simple. The ‘I like new English’ Ethnic literature can no longer be Santhals sing of life, pain and joys. ignored as these reflect the country’s LANGUAGE THROUGH THEIR They speak of their community and Indian English has an identity of its own , says former bureaucrat BHASKAR GHOSE , rich folk traditions and keep India’s WRITINGS, THE LANGUAGE their ancestors, who are their even as another former bureaucrat and poet SITAKANT MAHAPATRA pitches for diverse languages alive, says NOW HAS AN IDENTITY OF demigods. They sing of their gods... protecting diversity of languages in the country acclaimed poet and translator They take a holistic view of the Sitakant Mahapatra, who has won ITS OWN.” world,” Mahapatra said. several honours for his contribution — BHASKAR GHOSE The poetry is also a mirror of the nglish is fast developing a thing even more dramatic or even to give recognition to tribal Santhali tribe’s collective spirit, he said. dynamism all its own in the more epic,” Ghose said. literature. “They cannot think of being alone. non-English-speaking Early in life, Ghose had once used “The state is surrounded by ethnic groups of the country. But moderni - They are close to nature and often Eworld, says former Indian the name Arunava Varman (replac - cultural identities and has to com - sation, Mahapatra said, brought worship natural symbols. Their gods Administrative Service officer, ing his own) to write an article in prise of indigenous groups,” says the about by unchecked industrialisa - are free. They believe in a five-fold writer and noted theatre personality The Illustrated Weekly . 75-year-old former IAS officer, tion in the mineral and natural reality as their philosophy in life and Bhaskar Ghose, whose first novel is a “It was not exactly a pen-name. known for his two decades of work in resource-rich region in the last two prefer to live as groups.” tale of two bureaucrats. Arunava is another of my names (it bringing tribal Santhali literature centuries, has changed the lifestyle Mahapatra, a native of Odisha, is “With new playwrights and writ - means the same as Bhaskar, the sun) into the national consciousness. and socio-political structures of the also an accomplished poet — with 15 ers enquiring into the evolution of and Varman is my community “Literature is also an important ethnic groups. collections to his name, besides the language through their writings, name,” the writer said. aspect in the evolution of tribal “New agricultural policies, educa - some essay collections, a travelogue the language now has an identity of The book took off under a strange people as distinct ethnic groups,” tional system, political system and and more than 30 contemplative its own,” Ghose said at the launch of set of circumstances, Ghose recalled. Mahapatra said in New Delhi ‘panchayati raj’ have come in. This works in Odiya. He has also been his third book, The Teller of Tales , “Penguin had asked me to write a set recently. Mahapatra has collected modernisation has touched all honoured with Jnanpith and Sahitya his first work of fiction. of anecdotes. The editor then sug - oral poems of Santhal tribal groups aspects — their health, spirit and Akademi awards and Padma “We in our own time had a British gested that I get them together into a from the Orissa-Jharkhand- livelihood,” Mahapatra said. Vibhushan. influence. But the language is not novel. That was three years ago,” Chhattisgarh region and translated Another book of his, Bringing Mahapatra said Telugu and Tamil that any more. It is acquiring a Ghose said. them into English. Them Back to School , probes the poetry are languishing while regional colour — growing in its own It started “developing a life of its These were published in eight vol - high dropout rate among ethnic chil - Bengali, Odiya, Malayalam and way in South India; in the eastern own,” Ghose said, of the book. umes as They Sing Life: Anthology dren, suggesting ways to make them Urdu are doing well. part of the country; and in North The stage too is integral to the of Oral Poetry of the Primitive return to classrooms. “Folk traditions are keeping lan - India... And each of these versions of book. “I spent 40 years of my life Tribes of India . He said he began studying guages alive. One has to go back to the English language is different,” staging plays and worked for Yatrik Santhals, along with Gonds and Santhali society during his time as folk to see how they have helped lan - Ghose said. as an actor and director. I started Bhils, are the three largest tribal deputy commissioner of guage evolve,” he said. n “It is wonderful; I like the new acting in St Stephen’s. My first role Indian English,” the septuagenarian was an eight-line part in Macbeth ,” writer said. Resource Development and Ghose said. Ghose’s novel draws from his Information and Broadcasting. Ghose’s theatre troupe, Yatrik, experience as a senior bureaucrat for appears in his book in the incarna - Now, a literature festival in Taj city 36 years, his 50-odd years on the ‘Civil’ background tion of ‘Delhi Players’. The theatre n the lines of the Jaipur Literature of Hindi and Braj Bhasha poets. The “Coming immediately after the stage as one of the driving forces The book explores the lives of two ensemble is the backdrop for a OFestival, Agra is set to host a Taj younger generation has to be told of Jaipur festival, the literary conclave behind Yatrik, one of the oldest friends, Arunava Varman, a semi- romantic tangle between Arunava, City Literary Festival in February. the pioneering contribution of the writ - will focus on the status of Urdu and theatre groups in the capital, and his autobiographical character modelled Tapan and the “attractive Jaishree Besides book releases, lectures, ers and poets from the past and relate Hindi literature and how Bollywood days at St Stephen’s College, when on the writer, and fellow bureaucrat Kapur”, a talented actor with a flaw - reading sessions and interaction with it with contemporary ambience,” said has impacted people’s literary percep - he experienced India in all its Tapan. Arunava’s tales, crafted with less complexion. authors, the Feb 1-3 festival will focus Syed Jafri, director of Mirza Ghalib tions and tastes,” said Jafri. diversity. intelligence and ingenuity, offer The story moves across an arc of on the impact of social networking Research Academy and a member of “The heritage of Braj region, the “When you read it, you will notice excitement to Tapan, whose life is interesting terrain — from Mandu sites, micro-blogging, blogging, e- the festival’s organising committee. rich legacy of Ghalib, Surdas, the similarities. Basically, it centres otherwise quite dull and grey. and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh books and contemporary literature. “These days, information technolo - Raskhan, Amir Khusrau, and others around two friends who grew up in But the stories begin to fray as to Jalpaiguri in north Bengal and the Bloggers, young authors, poets gy platforms and social media are has to be highlighted,” Harvijay the services (IAS) together,” Ghose Arunava’s character reveals itself. Himalayas — places that the writer and film personalities will participate helping promote instant literature. You Bahia, chairman of the festival said during the book launch. There are disturbing gaps in visited as an IAS officer. in the festival at 167-year-old St. write a creative piece, poem or story organising committee, said. The writer, who was educated in Arunava’s anecdotes. “The book is about the people who Peter’s College campus in the heart and post it on Facebook and start “A rich Mughal ambience will be Mumbai and Delhi, joined the IAS in “After his second drink, Arunava were on the stage with him for the of the city. getting immediate feedback. In a the flavour. We’ll have music, songs, 1960. He served as Director General Varman became more expansive and last four decades and those who “Agra is the land of Mirza Ghalib, sense, you are the author, editor, pub - painting and theatrical performances of Doordarshan and as Secretary of mellow... His usual style was to top helped him serve the country as a Nazeer and Meer. Its rich literary her - lisher and distributor,” said Piyush in the evenings,” said St. Peter’s the Ministries of Culture, Human every story or anecdote with some - bureaucrat,” the writer said. The itage has been nurtured by a stream Pandey, a cyber journalist. College principal John Ferreira.

18 India Matters| December 2012 December 2012 |India Matters 19 Introducing India’s

MindTree, US, gained recognition on Global Service’s List of the Top 100 (GS100) companies, which defined global outsourcing. MARKET In NASSCOM’s list of the Top 20 When the definitive story of India’s IT Software and Services Exporters information technology industry is in India (excluding BPOs) for written, MindTree will occupy a very 2009/10, MindTree was ranked special place in its narrative. For, in 13th – moving up one place from its its very early days, MindTree figured 2008/09 position. there just had to be another way of running a company. In this pursuit it HISTORY broke the mould and developed an Backed by US$ 9.50 million in ven - organisation that, some years later, ture capital, MindTree Limited was uct engineering. Within this fine Social Responsibility — this series of was to be called a ‘New Kind of co-founded by ten IT veterans in demarcation is MindTree’s Enter- initiatives is at the heart of every - Software Company’ by The New York services (ITS) (59 percent) and August 1999, including Subroto prise Resources and Consulting thing the company does. Times . In a market where several product and engineering services Bagchi and Krishnakumar Natarajan. Group. In fact, so fundamental is it to the influential brands occupy positions (PES) (41 percent). Prior to co-founding MindTree, This is a niche team of individuals system that while half the appraisal of eminence, this tribute is a power - Subroto was Vice President at with extensive expertise in the appli - results are devoted to achieving ful testimony to its enterprise. ACHIEVEMENTS Lucent Technologies besides being a cation of technology for business management objectives the other On the ground, this accolade is The fine track record that MindTree well-renowned author. growth. The team helps organisa - half is reserved for evaluation of per - supported by compelling facts. Of has displayed has, not surprisingly, MindTree’s Managing Director and tions define and craft next genera - formance against CLASS. Even if an the numerous IT companies that resulted in several recognitions. Chief Executive Officer, tion IT strategies, which can then be executive does commendably well in started life at the same time as From 2004 the company has been Krishnakumar Natarajan – fondly mapped to technology solutions the former he will stand considerably MindTree, only a few have withstood consistently lauded as a people’s abbreviated to NKK – was the Chief deployment. down-graded if his performance in the assault of time. enterprise gaining in each research, Executive Officer of the Electronic the latter is below par. MindTree has MindTree has done better; it has and counts amongst the country’s Commerce Division at Wipro and RECENT DEVELOPMENTS also been committed to social caus - flourished in this environment and best employers, including Hewitt’s held several other key positions in In February 2011, MindTree es since inception. Through the has been termed the best mid-size Best Places to Work in India survey. the same organisation from 1982 announced two exclusive multi-year MindTree Foundation, the company services company out of India. MindTree was awarded the num - until 1999. MindTree has, since and multi-million dollar partnerships supports primary education and the December 2010 saw MindTree ber one place in India for Corporate inception, operated in both the IT in the area of IT Infrastructure cause of differently-abled people. emerge in its 10th year as a battle- Governance in the Asia Money 2009 services and product and engineer - Management Services (IMS), anoth - hardened veteran notching revenues poll. While it was selected as the ing services space. Its growth has er growth area for the company. The www.mindtree.com of `1,296 crore (US$ 288 million) – second best company in Asia, been so rapid that MindTree is customers include one of the largest an increase of 4.70 percent over the MindTree ranked number one in the recognised to have been quickest to information and communication tech - WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MINDTREE previous year. continent – excluding Japan – in the reach US$ 100 million (`450 crore) nology (ICT) service providers in There was something very satisfy - two categories of responsibilities of in revenue – surpassing this mark in Europe and a leading US-based bank. n The average age of a MindTree ing about these results: the global 2005/06. The following year, The combined deal size, in the Mind is 29 meltdown notwithstanding, it was management and the board of direc - MindTree became a publicly traded next five years, is over US$ 70 mil - n Rather than working with a design the 10th straight year of revenue tors and shareholders’ rights and company, when it listed on the lion ( `315 crore). MindTree will use agency, MindTree’s visual identity growth for this iconic brand. equitable treatment. In the spheres Mumbai Stock Exchange. Today, its managed services platform, was created by Chetan, a young Today, MindTree employs over of disclosure and transparency and MindTree continues to grow expo - MWatch, to provide IMS as managed entrepreneur with a very fine mind 9,700 people – fondly called investor relations, MindTree was nentially and expects to go past services from India. Specific areas of – and cerebral palsy MindTree Minds – across 24 loca - slotted amongst the top three. US$ 1 billion ( `4,500 crore) in work include application and infra - n Almost 61 percent of MindTree’s tions, including its main develop - For two consecutive years – 2009 revenue in the coming years. structure support services, telecom revenue comes from the US ment centre in Bangalore and its US and 2010 — MindTree won the support services and remote desk - n The original business plan for headquarters in Warren, New Jersey. Indian Most Admired Knowledge PRODUCT top management services. MindTree was created in 1998 in As of 31st December 2010 Enterprise (MAKE) award offered by MindTree specialises in IT Services, the small coastal Indian city of MindTree had 269 active clients, Teleos. In the same year, MindTree independent testing, infrastructure BRAND VALUES Vishakhapatnam including 48 Fortune 500 compa - was felicitated with the CIO 100 management and technical support MindTree’s success comes through n MindTree’s overall client satisfac - nies. Approximately 61 percent of award instituted by IDG — India’s (IMTS), knowledge services and an enduring commitment to a value tion rating in 2009/10 was 92 its revenue was generated from the magazine for the CIO. The award product and engineering services system steeped in its history. percent while its client’s willing - US, 19 percent from Europe and the paid tribute to CIOs and organisa - including research and development Defined as CLASS — Caring, ness to do repeat business was a balance 20 percent from India and tions which in tough global condi - (R&D) services and software prod - Learning, Achieving, Sharing and very satisfactory 96 percent the rest of the world. tions had found ingenious solutions MindTree’s revenue is split to take businesses forward through

between information technology the use of information technology. (Reproduced with the permission of Superbrands India Private Limited — copyright owners)

20 India Matters| December 2012 December 2012 |India Matters 21 Take a The Indian Passport and Visa services, Quiz! handled by BLS International Services Take Home a Prize! Their website is www.blsindiavisa-uae and for queries you may call 04-2555530 The Passport and Visa Service Centres located at the premises of the Indian Associations/Indian Social Centres in the different Emirates will continue 1. Which Indian state celebrates ‘Buddhi Indian reformer Raja Roy Diwali’ a month after the festival of was… to remain functional at their existing locations. lights is over? This magazine invites 6. Name the Nineteenth century poet Locations of all Indian Passport and Visa Centres: contributions from 2. River of Smoke , which was shortlisted whose pen name was Asad. readers in the form BLS Premier Lounge, Dubai Indian Association Sharjah (I.A.S) Near Mamourah Police station of Q&As, factoids, for the DSC South Asian Literature 507, Habib Bank Building Near Al Garb Police Station, Mumtazar Rd photographs, quiz Prize 2013, has been penned by… 7. Name the chairman of the First Press Bank Street, Bur Dubai Al Manak Tel: 07-2288345 news and participation Tel: 04 386 1133 /04386 1100 Tel: 06-5610845 in upcoming quiz Commission of India, set up in 1952. Fax: 04 386 1144 Kalba events. You can 3. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, recent - Email: Umm Al Quwain Kalba Indian School and Cultural write in to ly conferred Honoris Causa (Doctor of 8. Who is the author of India’s Unending [email protected] BLS Centre C l u b ( K.I.S.C.C) [email protected] Letters) upon the chief of cardiology Journey , which talks about the spiritu - Jawasat Road O p p o s i te Kalba Police Station Dubai Riqqah Area N e a r B in Moosa Pharmacy at Fortis Hospitals. Name him. al edge that India has? BLS Centre Opp. Lulu Centre Tel: 09-2777357 105, 106 Al Khaleej Centre Tel: 04-2555530 Opposite Al Ain Centre Fujairah 4. Name the India-born professor of 9. Garam Hawa was based on a short Mankhool Road Ajman Indian Social Club Fujairah (I.S.C.E) mechanical engineering at the story by Ismat Chughtai. Who was the Bur Dubai Indian Association Ajman (I.A.A) O p p o site Hilton Hotel University of South Florida, US, who director of the film? Tel: 04-2555530 O pposite Lulu Centre A l F a zil Road Tel: 06-7474212 Tel: 09-2221155 has received the 2012 US Professor of BLS Centre the Year Award. 10. Daimabad, famous for the discovery of 202, Dubai National Insurance Building, BLS Premier Lounge, Abu Dhabi Khorfakan a bronze chariot dating to Indus Valley Deira 201, M-1, Plot No. 159, Indian Social Club, Khorfakan (I.S.C.K) Plot No. 315 (129-134) Shark Lot (19/2), Behind Indian School 5. The final resting place of the great period, is located in... Port Saeed Opposite Aramex Building, Tel: 09-2387677 P O Box 30910 Muroor Road, Tel: 04-2555530 Abu Dhabi. Al Ain Tel: 02 491 3572 /02 491 3570 Indian Social Centre Kerala Muslim Cultural Fax: 02 491 3573 Al Saroj District Centre (K.M.C.C) Email: Tel: 03-7221080 THE PICTURE Al Shiravi Bldg [email protected] Near Sabaka Bus Station QUESTION Deira Tel: 04-2274899 Abu Dhabi This still is taken BLS Centre from a 1957 film by BLS Centre M-1, Plot No. 159, Shark Lot (19/2) Unit No. 118 -119, Near Main Bus Depot, Muroor Road V. Shantaram, which Mezzanine Floor Al Khaleej Center, Opposite Aramex Office became the first Opposite Al Ain Center, Tel: 04-2555530 Indian film to win a Mankhool Road, Golden Globe Award. Bur Dubai Ras Al Khaimah It is also known for (Only for passport services) BLS Centre Shop No. 3, Opposite its song Ae Malik Sharjah al Safeer Furniture, Tere Bande Hum. BLS Centre A l S afeer Mall and Awwad Trading Name the film . Office # 146, First Floor ( A l k a h E s t ablishment) Damas Tower 14 (Burj 2000) B e h i n d S u b a r u S h o wroom Opposite Sharjah Central Post Office Tel: 04-2555530 Rolla, Sharjah ANSWERS TO THE LAST CONTEST (Access gate is opposite Message Indian Association Ras Al Book Store) Khaimah (I.A.R.A.K) 1. N.R. Narayana Murthy 2. Sebastian Vettel 3. Moosa Raza 4. Maruti Suzuki 5. Shillong 6. Tamil Nadu 7. Atmaprakashi 8. Anuradha Roy 9. 10. Mukesh Ambani 11. Mandu

22 India Matters| December 2012 December 2012 |India Matters 23 THE WORLD OF ART IN MUMBAI

A skull made out of e-waste, a sculpture made out of diamonds, a Fiat car transformed into a copper sculp - ture, a display of renowned Damien Hirst and a paint - ing of the mythical deer Aniya — these were the key highlights of the second edition of the India Art Festival. The festival that kickstarted in Mumbai on November 28, showcased over 3,000 artworks by over 500 artists from 50 cities across India. One of the biggest attractions amongst them was the very first display of the works of well-known British artist Damien Hirst. The ‘Art Concoction’ also featured works of other celebrated international artists like Anita Klein, Paul Wright and Jindrich Pevn.

Consulate General of India P.O. BOX 737, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Tel: +971 4 3971222/ +971 4 3971333, Fax: +971 4 3970453 Email: [email protected]

Consulate Hotline Numbers +971 50 9433111 (For women/housemaids in distress and counseling for stress and depression) +971 50 7347676 (For death formalities on holidays and after office hours) Passport: 04-3070741 Visa: 04-3070743 Consular: 04-3070782 Labour: 04-3070716 Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi Plot No. 10, Sector W-59/02, Diplomatic Area, Off the Airport Road P.O. Box 4090, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 2 4492700, Fax: +971 2 4444685 / +971 2 4447768 Email: [email protected]/[email protected] Indian Workers Resource Centre Indian Workers Resource Centre is a first-of-its-kind government initiative with a 24X7 toll free multilingual (Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu & English) helpline offering free legal, financial and psychological counseling, to the Indian Community in the UAE.

IWRC Centre, Al Jawahara, 202, Above Habib Bank AG Zurich, Bank Street, Bur Dubai Tel : 800 (India) 46342 Fax 043559309 Email: [email protected]; www.iwrc-uae.com Walk-in timing: 3-7pm