PUBLICATION OF THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF IN DUBAI VOL.3 ISSUE 1 | JANUARY 2011

A GRAND SPECTACLE

India celebrated the 62nd Republic Day in Delhi, displaying its cultural diversity and military power. Seen left above are President , Chief Guest Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at the march past in New Delhi. The Indian community in Abu Dhabi and Dubai also hosted events to mark the occasion, with Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs and Civil Aviation Vayalar Ravi (right) speaking on the occasion in Dubai. FROM THE CONSUL GENERAL’S DESK

Dear Reader, As it has been since 1950, the year starts off with Republic Day celebrations. This month, we celebrate the which entitles Indians to a democratic and secular country. We had two important visits this month. Former President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the Minister for Civil Aviation and Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Ravi and Dr. Hadef Jua’an Al Daheri, Minister of Justice were special guests at our Republic Day reception. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was marked in New Delhi early in the month. Mr. Mohan Jashanmal was honoured with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award. Dr. Azad Moopen was also named for the Padma Shri Award on the eve of Republic Day. Congratulations to both. More on our Republic Day celebrations and other news can be found inside.

Happy Reading!

Sanjay Verma

The winner of the Nov-Dec 2010 monthly quiz contest is Mr. Ganguli R.S. He wins a gift hamper.

ns! Congratulatio

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o a 4 2 8 i 6 d n 1 1 I 1 REPUBLIC DAY

A GRAND SPECTACLE

India’s 62nd Republic Day was celebrated in Abu Dhabi and Dubai by the Indian community with patriotic fervour

ndia on January 26 celebrated its 62nd High School. The chief guest at the function, Republic Day, displaying its military Vayalar Ravi, the Minister for Overseas might and vibrant cultural diversity at Indian Affairs and Civil Aviation, hoisted the Ithe annual parade in the national Indian flag in the presence of Consul-General capital, Delhi. There were meticulously Sanjay Verma, Mohan Valrani, chairman of designed tableaux, with smartly dressed the Indian High School, and other members security personnel marching along the of the community. Rajpath boulevard, amid a riot of colours. Speaking on the occasion, the Consul- In Abu Dhabi, Ambassador M.K. Lokesh General said, “The difference between the unfurled the national flag in the presence of Independence day and the Republic day is delegates and embassy officials at the Indian that the former celebrates the freedom Embassy premises. Students from Abu Dhabi struggle whereas the latter celebrates our Indian School, Sunrise Private School and Constitution, which is the basis of our laws. Indian Model School appeared in colourful Let’s celebrate the Constitution of India attires, performing and marching to the beats which guides a diverse country into the of patriotic songs. modern era. Non-Resident Indians are part The Ambassador read out the Republic of the nation building process; the process of Day message from the , creating a powerful, developed country,” he Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil. Ambassador added. also hosted a grand reception at Hilton, Abu Consul-General Sanjay Verma congratulat - Dhabi, in the evening as part of the ed the Indian High School for its 50 glorious celebrations. years of academic excellence. In Dubai, twenty thousand students and School chairman Valrani greeted his community members took part in the cele - compatriots on the occasion. “Thousands of brations, held at the premises of the Indian students gathered here present a clear testi -

4 sIenpdteiaMMberat2t0e09 rs| January 2011 Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs and Civil Aviation Vayalar Ravi lighting a lamp along with Minister of Justice Dr. Hadef Jua’an Al Daheri and Consul-General Sanjay Verma in Dubai, as part of the Republic Day celebrations

mony to the high standard members. A variety of captivating drills and and academic excellence costumes displayed India’s cultural diversi - achieved by the school,” he ty. The most notable contingent was from said. the special children of the Rashid Paediatric Minister Ravi in his Centre. address emphasised the Consul-General Verma hosted a reception importance of India’s in the evening in Dubai at the Raffles Hotel, landmark Right to which was attended by former President of Education Act. “As the India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and Minister fundamental right of a Ravi, among members of the Arab and child, it contributes to India’s growth,” he Indian communities. The chief guest of the said. “We all are proud citizens of India. Let’s evening was Dr. Hadef Jua’an Al Daheri, march towards further progress, prosperity Minister of Justice. and help eradicate poverty from our society. Dignitaries at the reception included H.H. Let’s be proud of India, take pride in its Sheikh Faisal Bin Saqer Al Qassimi, growth, and be part of Indian democracy, the Chairman, RAK Free Trade Zone; Mirza largest in the world, by voting for the right Hussain Al Sayegh, Deputy Chairman, candidates. Democracy is our greatest Oilfields Supply Centre Ltd and Patron of strength,” he added. IBPC; Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Executive The school children presented a splendid Vice-President Corporate Excellence and performance, under the theme “The celebra - Support, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority; tion of India… Jai Ho!” Abdulrahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, The march past comprised various Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, contingents, which included school stu - and Dr. Rashid Al Leem, Director-General, dents, their parents, alumni and staff Hamriyah Free Zone Authority. N

January 2011 |Indisa eMpteaMtbtere2r0s09 5 REPUBLIC DAY Show of strength, culture...

The country’s who’s who ndia on January 26 celebrated its marched down Rajpath during the and tens of thousands of 62nd Republic Day, displaying 100-minute immaculate parade. its military might and vibrant Before the parade began, enthusiastic citizens Icultural diversity, a spectacle wit - Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh witnessed a grand show nessed by the country’s who’s who and paid tribute at the Amar Jawan Jyoti tens of thousands of enthusiastic citi - memorial at India Gate. as India displayed its zens on a grand boulevard in the heart As a bright sun shone down on the military might and of the national capital, New Delhi. city, the country’s cultural and reli - Among those who watched the gious diversity was displayed by folk vibrant cultural diversity parade at Rajpath with visible delight artistes and dancers who mounted in the heart of Delhi was the Chief Guest, Indonesian colourful tableaux. Martial music President Susilo Bambang from various military contingents — Yudhoyono. including the ever popular Sare Jahan President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Se Achcha — filled the air. Patil, Commander-in-Chief of the The event displayed indigenous armed forces, took the salute, as mili - military hardware. tary and paramilitary contingents Taking centrestage and vying for attention were the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, the T-90 main battle tank Bheeshma, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, the advanced light hel - icopter Dhruv, armoured vehicles, the multi-barrel rocket launcher Pinaka, and state-of-the-art radars. The two-seater Tejas aircraft’s trainer version was unveiled for the first time. It is likely to be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) by December 2012. The tableaux unfold - ed a cultural spectacle from various parts of India — from Jammu and Kashmir in the north to Kerala in the south. The Kashmir tableau show - cased the valley’s dying folk culture. The Central Public Works Department float had giant flower sculptures of two tigers along with two cubs. The entire central boulevard resounded with the roar of the tiger. The country’s Buddhist roots came alive on the Gujarat tableau. School children put up colorful dances. Daredevil bikers from the Army’s Corps of Signals displayed breathtak - ing formations on motorcycles, as tens of thousands watched in awe. President of Indonesia Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President The parade ended with a spectacu - Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, lar fly past by the IAF, with 28 Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari, and other dignitaries on Rajpath aircraft and helicopters staging during the 62nd Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26 stunning manoeuvres. N

6 sIenpdteiaMMberat2t0e09 rs| January 2011 ANNUS MIRABILIS

Changes in 2010, aka Best of the year!

Consul-General Sanjay Verma reflects on the year that was... The best of literary work, theatre, films and music that dominated the Indian scene in 2010

his being the first issue of Times counted six Indian business - since Independence. And one of our 2011, a look into the rear- women. Heading the list was the finest historians Ramachandra Guha view mirror to reflect on the Chennai girl, Indra Nooyi, who heads examined the nation-building Tchanges in 2010 is in order… Pepsi. The others included bankers, a process in his book Makers of What were the defining images that media magnate, and a biotechnolo - Modern India, which celebrated 19 captured the year? gist. The Indian economy owes much Indian personalities, some of them Major political and economic to our women! not so well known, but all of whom developments dominated the big In sport too, Indian women changed the face of our country. picture. This included the visit of the showed their mettle. One of the most There is no escaping Bollywood, President of India, the India Show, abiding images of the which in some ways has become the the inauguration of the India Trade Commonwealth Games was that of Churchgate Station of popular and Exhibition Centre, the launch of Indian sports women winning lau - culture. The films which for me cap - the Indian Workers Resource rels in events as diverse as boxing, tured the essence of changing India Centre, the completion of ten athletics, archery and badminton. in 2010 included Udaan , a coming- successful years by the Indian Saina Nehwal was without doubt the of-age narrative in a dysfunctional Community Welfare Committee, sporting icon of the year. family set in middle India, and important bilateral visits, including In the world of ideas, Raghuram Peepli Live , a scathing commentary that of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rajan was not alone. In her The Art of on our visual media, in a narrative Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President Choosing , Sheena Iyenger reflected style that combined theatre with and Prime Minister of UAE and on the socio-psychology of ‘choosing’. reality TV. Tere Bin Laden was a Ruler of Dubai to Delhi in March The book was critically acclaimed delightful caper that proved that 2010, and indeed the global launch globally. The best book on there is humour in just about any - of CBSE’s international syllabi by health/medicine last year for many thing in life. The best-written our HRD Minister in Dubai… was The Emperor of All Maladies: A woman’s character in Hindi films in Leaders of the five most powerful Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha recent years was in Band Baaja countries in the world, also called the Mukherjee. A lucid and eloquent Baaraat — a film that celebrated a ‘P-5’ of the United Nations, visited chronicle of a disease middle-class girl’s thirst for success. India in the space of two months in that humans have lived with — and Our film music has always excelled 2010. The Indian economy continued perished from — for more than 5,000 our films. 2010 was not very different. to defy global gloom as only one of the years! This was again a book that Most of the music was invariably a two fastest-growing major economies made it to many a bestsellers list. notch higher in quality. The musical of the world. When was the last time that three big fight of 2010 was otherwise We also established our presence in Indians or personalities of Indian between “Sheela” and “Munni”. In the world of economic ideas. Thus, origin captured global attention by this musical race, the album that the most definitive book on the global their writings on such diverse topics stood out in 2010 was from economic crisis was written by as the international economy, health Guzaarish . Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Raghuram Rajan — Fault Lines: How and decision-making? brilliant exposition of euthanasia Hidden Fractures Still Threaten the Back home, there were number of through its music captures a mini - World Economy . The work went on written works, films and music that malist Sufi treatment blended with to win the Financial Times award for stood out in 2010. These included the essence of a Latino/Spanish flour - the best book of the year. Rajan was the debut novel Serious Men by ish, allowing the singers to dominate also on Foreign Policy ’s list of the top Manu Joseph, woven around the the songs. global thinkers. changing identity of caste and the I look forward to 2011, and the The other sunshine story of our politics that surrounds serious treasures it will bequeath through economy had a feminine face. In the research. Veteran journalist B.G. books, cinema, music, and ideas… list of the 50 most powerful business - Verghese’s memoir First Draft gave Sanjay Verma women in the world, the Financial us a view to governance in India Consul General

January 2011 |Indisa eMpteaMtbtere2r0s09 7 PBD

next mini-Pravasi Bharatiya Divas would be held in Toronto. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who inaugurated PBD-2011 on January 8, announced that India would merge the two visa facilitation cards issued to People of Indian Origin (PIO) and enrol non-resident Indians, to help them vote in elections. He also announced the establish - ment of ‘India Cultural Centres’ in five more countries to project the country’s soft power and provide a global footprint to its rich diversity, which he said was “making waves” around the world. The Prime Minister Connecting with also unveiled the foundation stone for the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra and hoped it would fulfil its envisioned role of becoming a focal point for the Diaspora engagement between India and its vast diaspora. India’s annual ndia’s annual convention to The focus of this year’s event was on connect with its 27-million the eight North Eastern states — diaspora conclave strong diaspora in over 150 coun - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, concludes with Itries concluded on January 9 Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, President Smt. Pratibha with President Pratibha Devisingh Tripura and Sikkim. Patil honouring 14 individuals for In his address, Sir Anand, the Chief Devisingh Patil their achievements and for enhancing Guest, said PIOs who migrated to honouring 14 India’s image, globally. distant lands over the past few cen - The awardees of Pravasi Bharatiya turies had never forgotten their roots. individuals for their Samman included New Zealand “The 27-million diaspora, the sec - achievements and for Governor General Sir Anand ond largest expatriate community in enhancing the nation’s Satyanand, who was formally the world, can give a powerful support honoured on the day, Mahatma to India in its onward path towards image globally Gandhi returned to India from South development,” said Sir Anand. Africa in 1915. In his address, Minister for “Overseas Indians are recognised Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi globally as the ‘knowledge diaspora’. welcomed professionals and entrepre - Your skills and expertise will be vital neurs from every field to engage with inputs for India’s progress and inclu - India’s progress. “I urge all of you to sive growth,” President Patil told the participate and discover areas of 1,500 delegates from 51 countries common interest and engagement. I who attended the Pravasi Bharatiya especially call on our young overseas Divas (PBD) in New Delhi. “I hope Indians to participate with enthusi - we will see a rapid increase in the asm,” Minister Ravi told the number, size and scope of activities 2000-strong gathering. in India by our overseas Indians,” Key speakers at the event included she said. Finance Minister , “India would like to measure these Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra projects not in terms of monetary Modi, Haryana Chief Minister contributions made by members of Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Michigan the diaspora, but in terms of human Business School’s Dr. Gautam Ahuja, lives touched and improved by and Advisor to Prime Minister on them,” she added. Public Information, Infrastructure President Patil announced that the and Innovations Sam Pitroda. N

8 sIenpdteiaMMberat2t0e09 rs| January 2011 President Smt. Pratibha Patil with the awardees of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman at the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2011, in New Delhi on January 9. Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi is also seen.

India’s soft power critical tool: PM

New Zealand, who is our honoured establish new Indian cultural centres Chief Guest this year. He has been a in the United States, Canada, Saudi source of great encouragement for Arabia, France and Australia. I urge the expansion of our bilateral rela - the Indian communities in these tions in all fields. I also take this countries to support, and patronise opportunity to pay tribute to the these centres. memory of Professor C.K. Prahalad, We have signed Social Security one of the foremost management Agreements with 12 nations and gurus of our time. We honour finalised Labour Mobility Professor Prahalad by dedicating the Partnerships with two others. I take Prime Minister Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Oration to this opportunity to commend the Dr. Manmohan Singh his memory this year. efforts of my colleague Vayalar Ravi The year gone by has been a busy in this matter. Our Government had n his inaugural address at the year for Indian diplomacy. We had introduced the Overseas Citizen of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011 in the honour of receiving leaders from India and the PIO cards. We have New Delhi, Prime Minister all countries, which are permanent recently reviewed the functioning of IDr. Manmohan Singh referred members of the United Nations these schemes, and have decided to to India’s growing global footprint, Security Council (UNSC) in India. merge the OCI and the PIO cards in large part due to the country’s sig - India’s rise as an emerging nation is into a single facility. nificant soft power. welcomed as a positive factor in This year the North Eastern states “India’s soft power is an increasing - international relations. We have this of India are the partner states for the ly important element in our expand - year, become a member of the UNSC PBD. I am glad that the Ministry of ing global footprint,” the Prime for a period of two years. We will Overseas Indian Affairs is planning Minister observed. play our due and commensurate role to initiate a ‘skills initiative’ for over - in international bodies. seas employment of people from the Excerpts from the Prime India’s soft power is an increasing - North Eastern region. Minister’s Address: ly important element in our expand - In conclusion, I wish to say that “I am very happy to join you once ing global footprint. This is a matter, I am very happy to inaugurate the again in this wonderful annual which came up yesterday at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, which we homecoming of Pravasi Bharatiyas. I Prime Minister’s Advisory Council hope will become a focal point for extend a very warm welcome to each and several distinguished members interaction for the NRI community. I one of you. I extend a very laid emphasis on the more effective wish you success and prosperity in special welcome to Sir Anand use of India’s soft power. The all your endeavours in the year Satyanand, the Governor General of Government of India has decided to ahead.” N

January 2011 |Indisa eMpteaMtbtere2r0s09 9 ECONOMY Fiscal to see 8.6 pc growth

billion) in fiscal 2010-11 as against the quick estimate of `4,493,743 crore during the previous fiscal. Economic growth for the first half of this fiscal is likely to be revised down - wards from 8.9 percent provisional estimate, Chief Statistician of India T.C.A. Anant observed. “Principally, 8.9 percent data was based on what we had projected last year. Now, the base for the previous Sharp rise in year has slightly gone up. So the real farm output has growth during the first two quarters helped boost will be lower,” said Anant, adding that overall growth the growth during the first half of this estimates for fiscal was likely to be revised this fiscal downward to 8.5-8.6 percent. GDP growth for 2009-10 has been revised upwards from 7.4 percent to The Indian economy is he Indian economy is expect - 8 percent, according to the quick expected to grow ed to grow 8.6 percent this estimates of national income 8.6 percent this fiscal fiscal against 8 percent in the released recently by the CSO. Tprevious year, led by 11 per - A significant turnaround is seen in against 8 pc in the cent growth in services, 5.4 percent in farm output this fiscal. The agriculture, previous year, led by agriculture and 8.8 percent in factory forestry and fishing sector, output, the country’s chief statistician collectively, is likely to show a growth an 11 pc growth in said on February 7, 2011. of 5.4 percent in 2010-11 as against 0.4 services, 5.4 pc in As per fresh estimates released by percent in the previous fiscal. the Central Statistical Organisation The services sector that includes agriculture and 8.8 pc (CSO), the gross domestic product trade, hotels, transport and in factory output, (GDP) expanded by 8 percent last communication, is estimated to according to the latest fiscal and 6.8 percent in 2008-09. The expand 11 percent this fiscal. latest estimate for the current fiscal is Financing, insurance, real estate official estimates also higher than 8.5 percent forecast and business services are expected to by the central bank. show a growth of 10.6 percent. The The country’s GDP at factor cost at manufacturing sector is estimated to constant 2004-05 prices is likely to grow 8.8 percent while mining and reach `4,879,232 crore (over $1,072 quarrying 6.2 percent. N

Core industries grew 6.6 pc in Dec growth rate of 6.6 percent in December 2009. ix industries, with significant with 26.7 percent weightage in the The second biggest sector in the weightage in India’s index of index of industrial production, is a index, steel, saw output increasing by Sindustrial output, grew at a rate barometer for measuring infrastruc - 11.2 percent, while crude oil of 6.6 percent in December, com - ture building in the country. production rose 15.8 percent. pared to 6.2 percent in the year-ago Electricity generation, the largest Petroleum refining products went up period, according to official data constituent of the index of six core by 8.3 percent, coal mining grew by 3 released on January 31. industries, registered a growth of 4.3 percent but cement output dipped by The index of six core industries, percent in December compared to a 2.2 percent.

12 sIenpdteiaMMberat2t0e09 rs| January 2011 Horwath MAK office inaugurated

services firms in the world (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crowe _Horwath_International - cite_note- 0). It employs nearly 26,000 people in about 460 offices around the world. In his address, Consul-General Verma referred to the robust business partnership between India and the UAE and added that the two countries would see a bright future marked by prosperity and growth. The event began with a networking breakfast, followed by a welcome address by Khalid Maniar, Chairman of Horwath MAK, a keynote address (From right to left) Paras .E. Sanjay Verma, Consul- by Frank Arford, Global CEO, and a Shahdadpuri, Davis General, along with Consul- vote of thanks by Davis Kallukaran, Kallukaran, CEO Horwath General at the British CEO. MAK. Ashok Gupta. Khalid HEmbassy H.E. Guy Bernard Delomenie, Director Maniar, Founder & Chairman, Warrington officially inaugurated Regional Executive – Europe Middle Horwath MAK, Consul General Horwath MAK’s head office on East and Africa (EMEA), and Kamel Sanjay Verma, Consul General January 16, 2011, at The Prism, Abouchacra, Chief Operating Officer of at the British Embassy, Guy Business Bay, Dubai. Crowe Horwath International, Warrington, Zayd Maniar, One of the leading audit firms in the were also present. International Liaison Partner, region, with more than 2,500 clients, The inauguration was attended by Horwath MAK and Nimish served by more than 165 over 150 guests, including the CEO of Makvana, Branch Partner, professional staff, Horwath MAK is a the Bank of Baroda, Chairman of The Horwath Mak. member of Crowe Horwath Institute of Chartered Accountants of International (a Swiss verein). Crowe India, Chairman of the Indian Horwath International is the eighth- Business Professional Council, largest association of professional and many other dignitaries. N

Smart City project cleared Etihad to expand services in India he Kerala government and Smart City Dubai have arrived tihad Airways, the national “India is the largest market we Tat an agreement over the airline of the United Arab serve, with eight destinations. The proposed `1,500 crore Smart City EEmirates, has decided to scope of our Indian operations Kochi on February 2, 2011, follow - expand its services in India to tap today reflects the historic ties ing talks between Chief Minister the huge opportunity offered by the between the UAE and India, and is V.S. Achuthanandan and United Indian aviation sector. A delegation also indicative of the great potential Arab Emirates (UAE) government led by Etihad Chief Executive James for the region and our confidence in representative Ahmed Humaid Al Hogan arrived in New Delhi on its future growth,” Hogan said. “We Tayer. February 3 to meet key civil aviation see enormous opportunity to Speaking to the media, Chief officials and trade partners. Hogan expand and diversify our services in Minister Achuthanandan said that met Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar light of the unique mix of traffic and the project was now through and Ravi and other authorities to discuss both countries’ growing position as would go into the implementation growth opportunities in the Indian world-class business and holiday phase. “The lease agreement will be aviation market. destinations,” he said. ready in a week for the transfer of the land,” he added. N

January 2011 |Indisa eMpteaMtbtere2r0s09 13 An India Matters-Superbrands Presentation

tor trailers, at one end and LCVs technology: hybrid electric buses. (Light Commercial Vehicles) at the In 2006, the company developed other continuing to grow at the and launched the country’s first expense of the medium — 8 tonnes common rail, BS III compliant, 152 to 16 tonnes — segment. kW engine capable of being upgrad - Buoyed by a 50%+ rise in bus ed to the stricter BS IV. Ashok sales and an over 20% increase in Leyland has always led with tech - exports in 2007/08, Ashok Leyland nology. The proof of this is a series sold over 83,000 vehicles and regis - of innovations that has changed the tered a turnover of over R` s.8000 face of the industry: full airbrakes, crore (US$ 2 billion). In the bus seg - power steering, rear engine buses, ment, Ashok Leyland maintained its multi-axle trucks and tractor-trail - pole position with 45.5% of market ers, to name but a few. share. Ashok Leyland’s pan- India mar - ket is fed by six manufacturing facil - Achievements ities that combine specialisation in Over 600,000 Ashok Leyland vehi - aggregate manufacture with flexibili - cles ply on Indian and foreign roads: ty in vehicle assembly. moving people and goods, perform - In 2002 all its manufacturing ing various critical functions and units received the coveted ISO serving the Indian Armed Forces. An 14001 Certification for its index of how integral Ashok Leyland Environmental Management System, is to India is in the fact that their buses Market carry over 60 million With a 60-year-old pedigree, Ashok people everyday — Leyland is one of the foremost names more than the in the Indian commercial vehicle Indian Railways. industry. Such is the influence Ashok The company Leyland exerts, that many of the draws on its inher - product concepts it has created and ent R&D capabilities technologies that it has pioneered and strong strategic have gone on to become industry alliances with global norms. technology leaders After six years of a cumulative like Hino of Japan average growth rate (CAGR) of 25% for engines, ZF (Source: Society of Indian Friedrichshafen AG Automobile Manufacturers — SIAM), for gear boxes, AVL the industry in 2007/08 saw a for engine develop - deceleration attributed to hardening ment besides asso - interest rates resulting in a systemic ciate companies in deferment of purchase. However, the allied fields and sec - fundamentals of a strong economy tors. are all there. As a front-runner In the meanwhile, vehicles with in alternate fuels, improved fuel efficiency, faster turn - Ashok Leyland pio - around — and thus higher productiv - neered CNG-pow - ity — have been introduced in India, ered buses in with some of them bearing foreign 1997. In 2002, marquees. Better highways, greater thanks to an Ashok freight movement and the hub-and- Leyland initiative, spoke model has resulted in higher India entered tonnage, multi-axle trucks and trac - another frontier

14 sIenpdteiaMMberat2t0e09 rs| January 2011 a first in the commercial vehicle sec - tor in India and four years later, in yet another first, the TS 16949 Corporate Certification for all its six manufacturing units.

History The genesis of Ashok Leyland can be traced to a young nation’s quest for self-reliance. On Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s persuasion, Raghunandan Saran entered auto - motive manufacture and set up Ashok Motors in Madras in 1948 for the assembly of Austin cars. Later, in 1955, with British Leyland’s equi - ty participation, Ashok Leyland commenced the manufacture of commercial vehicles. In 1987, the principal overseas shareholding of the company was taken over by the transnational, multi-billion dollar conglomerate, the Hinduja Group, which now holds majority stake in the company.

Product Ashok Leyland aims to offer products in the Indian and overseas markets that best suit customer needs. Using appropriate technology, it provides vehicles with the highest value-to-cost equation. Today, the company’s product range spans buses from 18-seaters to 80-seaters and goods vehicles from 7.5-tonnes gross vehicle weight to 49-tonnes gross trailer weight and from numerous special vehicle appli - cations to diesel engines for industri - al, marine and genset uses. Ashok Leyland remains the only Indian source for high-capacity buses, doubledecker and vestibule buses. Ashok Leyland is a pioneer in the design and development of defence vehicles and is the largest fire fighters (TFFs) as also the keep their vehicles in prime condi - supplier of logistics vehicles to the recently developed light specialist tion, Ashok Leyland’s genuine spare Indian Defence Forces. More than vehicle currently undergoing trials parts, branded Leyland parts, are 50,000 Stallions are already in use. with the Indian Army. made available through nearly 1000 These vehicles, which include the Customer support is offered outlets supported by sixteen ware - Stallion 4x4s, form the backbone of through 22 sales offices, a 160- houses. Project MITR is a nationwide the army’s logistics operations. strong dealer network and a nation - capability enhancement programme These are now being assembled wide chain of franchised service cen - for 2400 parts retailers and 8200 within the defence sector through a tres. Value-added services include mechanics. ALTRUX is a pre-owned transfer of technology agreement. ALWAYS, a 24 hours-a-day seven- truck scheme, the first to be offered Other vehicles include water days-aweek, national helpline that by a commercial vehicle manufactur - bowsers, light recovery vehicles promises anytime, anywhere emer - er, under which used Ashok Leyland (LRVs), crash fire tenders and truck gency attention. To help customers vehicles are bought, re-conditioned

January 2011 |Indisa eMpteaMtbtere2r0s09 15 famous D-Line series of trucks in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, the UK, Spain and Ireland, where the brand enjoys a 15% market share in the 7.5 — 9 tonnes segment. The company’s India-made vehi - cles are exported to over 20 coun - tries in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. While the company enjoys leadership in Sri Lanka, it also dominates the standard bus markets of Mauritius and Dubai. To meet the growing demand in the overseas markets, an integrated chassis and bus assembly plant is being set-up in the Middle East, at Ras al Khaimah. It will start rolling out 2000 buses annually from 2008. Ashok Leyland is seeking to broaden the scope of its operations in their traditional domains by increasingly occupying adjacent technologies and sectors. With engi - neering services poised to grow exponentially, Ashok Leyland acquired Defiance Testing & Engineering, Detroit, a trusted test - ing partner for the American automo - tive industry. Together with Ashley Design & Engineering Services (ADES) — a division of Ashok Leyland — the company is now able to meet the needs of the transporta - tion and other select industry verti - cals with end-to-end solutions in the spectrum of design, engineering, pro - totyping, testing and validation. A very recent significant development has been Ashok Leyland’s entry into the high-growth Light Commercial Vehicle segment in partnership with using an exhaustive 140-point check centre is being set up at Khaital in Nissan Motor Company. The partner - and re-sold. association with the Government of ship has formed three separate com - Transport Exchange is a unique Haryana. panies, one each for vehicle manu - brand neutral freight intermediation facture, power-train manufacture and service which facilitates truck place - Recent Developments technology development. The first ment for load providers, arranges Growth at Ashok Leyland has been products from this joint venture will load for truck operators and ensures three dimensional: capacity expan - hit the road by 2010. Ashok Leyland timely settlement. This facility is sion, globalisation and diversification. has entered into a 50:50 joint ven - offered through Ashley Transport Adding to its production capacity ture with the Alteams Group, Services Limited, in strategic part - of 84,000 vehicles per annum, the Finland, for the manufacture of High nership with Shriram Transport company is setting up an integrated, Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) extrud - Finance Company. state-of-the-art manufacturing unit ed aluminium products predominant - Ashok Leyland has trained over with a 50,000-vehicle capacity at a ly for the telecommunication and 200,000 drivers for life-on-the-road green field site in Uttarakhand, slat - automotive sectors. Another 50:50 – and off it, too — at India’s most ed to go on stream by the end of joint venture, forged with comprehensive Driver Training 2008. The company owns Prague- Continental AG is for the design, Centres at Namakkal, in Tamil Nadu based AVIA Ashok Leyland Motors development and adaptation of and Burari, near New Delhi. A third which manufactures and markets the infotronic products and services for

16 sIenpdteiaMMberat2t0e09 rs| January 2011 Ashok Leyland. The name has histor - ical reasons – and timeless meaning. Ashok, meaning happy, is the name of the company’s founder Raghunandan Saran’s son. The sec - ond part of the company’s name has come to cue the international aspect, while the first part, so unmis - takably Indian, has underlined the custom-built relevance of the compa - ny’s products and operations in the Indian context. Brand Ashok Leyland is essen - tially an experiential brand, its val - ues felt in day-to-day life – more pal - pably by its immediate customers and end-users. It has layers of meanings, depending on the intima - cy or remoteness of the relationship with it. To the customer, it conjures up images of a strong, sturdy, extremely reliable and caring brand. To the initiated, it is appropriate technology that makes economic sense. To its various stakeholders, it means more than just economic sense – it means a lasting relation - ship based on trust. The core of the brand has always been innovative, international, speedy, moving with the times – and often – even ahead of it. The innards of Ashok Leyland vehicles have always been contemporary. The core is now being matched by the con - tours of the new, modern, future- ready range of vehicles. www.ashokleyland.com

the transportation sector. The first Promotion THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ASHOK LEYLAND product, a track and trace device ‘Engineering your tomorrows’ has called ‘Alert’ is already in the market. been the Ashok Leyland brand prom - Ashok Leyland Ashok Leyland’s Corporate Social ise. The tagline finds expression at Responsibility initiatives revolve two levels: on the hard-core technol - n At 60 million a day, Ashok around the welfare of employees and ogy level, it is the sum total of the Leyland buses carry more passen - their families, the driver community essential values of vehicle technolo - gers than the Indian Railways and those residing in the vicinity of gy — safety, comfort, economy and n Ashok Leyland is the only manu - its manufacturing units. ecology; on the aspirational level, it facturer of double-decker and The company’s initiatives for social denotes a warm and caring relation - vestibule models of buses in India engineering comprise the manufacture ship with the ‘second person singu - n With over 50,000 in service, the of eco-friendly vehicles, imparting lar’ — meaningful to each stakehold - company is the largest supplier of comprehensive training to drivers, er in a unique way. logistics vehicles to the Indian addressing their health concerns, pio - Army neering the research and development Brand Values n Ashok Leyland marine engines of alternative fuels, enriching the com - The two most visible – and recog - enjoy over 90% market share in munity and bringing benefit to the nised – components of the brand are India company’s stakeholders. the dynamic ‘L’ logo and the name (Reproduced with the permission of Superbrands India Private Limited — copyright owners)

January 2011 |Indisa eMpteaMtbtere2r0s09 17 BOOKS ‘Indian writers added colour’ British novelist Martin Loius Amis, who was in the country for the annually-held Jaipur Literature Festival, on the diversity Indian authors have lent English literature

Nabokov, he has been hailed as the “undis - puted master of the new unpleasantness”, by the New York Times . He has authored nearly a dozen novels like The Rachel Papers , Dead Babies , Night Train , Yellow Dog and The Pregnant Widow , and an equal number of non-fiction works and anthologies of essays, opinions and stories. “Indian writing was marked by a new energy. I read my friend Salman Rushdie, who marks a watershed in Indian writing exemplifying the evolution in literature,” the British litterateur said, when queried about his “favourite colonial writer”. Outlining the chronology of his literary initiatives, he said his first novel in 1973, ( The Rachel Papers ) was “about the things that went inside the head of a 23-year-old”. “In 1975, I wrote a novel about a peer group in London. Money was a jet lag novel between London and New York,” Amis said. The Rachel Papers , which won the Somerset Maugham Prize and was made into a movie, was an autobiographical tale about a an egotistical teenager and his complex relationship with his girlfriend. ndian writing has added colour and “In the 1980s, you never went out to write diversity to contemporary English a novel about the decade. Novels, as Vladimir literature, says British novelist Martin Nabokov said, came to writers with a throb. ILoius Amis, the author of contemporary I was inspired by the royal wedding of Prince British literary classics like Money and Charles and Diana and the riot against the poll London Fields . tax that rocked England. The contrasts between “The major change that contemporary a royal wedding and riots, and the immensity of English literature has seen in the last three New York provided me with a glimmer, and I decades is the arrival of Indian writers, head - decided to follow it,” Amis said. ed by Salman Rushdie,” Amis said. For Amis, writing is a “lifelong vocation” “Indian writers have given us (British litera - which goads him to refill his pen to document ture) the colour. We badly needed it. They the environs in which he lives. gave us a huge amount of diversity and styles, “Write about what you know. Defame your making novel writing a much more public brothers, write about your grandmothers and occupation,” said the 61-year-old novelist who relatives,” he advised Gen Next writers, urging was in India for the recently concluded them to be rooted in the present rather than Jaipur Literature Festival. writing about the past. The writer who teaches creative writing at The Jaipur Literature Festival is one of the Manchester University was named by the biggest of its kinds in the world. An estimated Time magazine in 2008 as one of the 50 great - 50,000 people, including writers, delegates, est British writers since 1945. Inspired by the media persons, students and book lovers, likes of Saul Bellow, James Joyce and Vladimir visited the festival this year. N

18 India Matters| January 2011 I-Witness: A Peek into the Future A Suitable Book: Vikram Seth in aloud as he went on with his almost-soliloquy. Conversation with Somnath Batabyal “Lata would now probably be 80,” he said. at the Jaipur Literary Festival “About 60 years would have elapsed since then. or the fans of Vikram Seth, the Jaipur And I might set the story in modern times tryst with the author was a special one instead of immediately after Partition. The Findeed. The very name of the session research would also have to be different. stemmed from the title of his extremely pop - I might travel and visit places.” Talking about ular and successful novel, A Suitable Boy . the length of the book, he said, “Well … it could Not only did Seth speak of his novel, and its be a slim book, or it may turn out to be another Hindi avatar, Koi Achcha sa Ladka (Seth monstrous, big book.” mentioned he decidedly hadn’t been in favour A Suitable Boy had indeed been one such, of “Ek Suyogya Var” — the title suggested earlier), he also running into 1,488 pages in paperback, released in 1993. gripped the audience with his thoughts on the much await - It went on to become brilliantly successful in spite of its ed sequel to the original English version, which is going to thousand characters and their extended families or friends, be called A Suitable Girl — of course. simply because Seth knew his craft so well! Seth did not shy away from revealing his thoughts about A young woman asked him about what to do about a the sequel he was yet to begin. “I haven’t started writing it writer’s block when it comes to poetry. Seth’s reply: “The yet,” he said. When he should really be focusing on writing point is to write a poem you can’t not write. There are some the sequel, he said, he has been preoccupied with other things that can’t be written. Life is not all about writing. It things instead: sculpture for one. “As you can see, I easily is better to store up experiences and return to them when get distracted,” he grinned, while his equally entertaining you have found clarity of expression.” interviewer, Somnath Batabyal, sat back and smiled with To my own question about whether he believes in cre - the audience. ative writing courses, he said, “I wouldn’t cut off the hand The audience wanted to know how Seth felt about Lata that has fed me.” Translated, it meant that he believed Mehra — the protagonist of the earlier novel: whether she writing skills could be honed if not quite ‘acquired’. had made the right choice, and whether she was happy. “I A Suitable Girl is scheduled for release in 2013, and the wish I knew,” he replied. world waits for Seth’s magic to strike once again. Lots of So what’s A Suitable Girl going to be about? mays and mights and ifs and buts at the moment — but it’s “Erm … it will be about our dear Lata Mehra’s grandson sure to be a feast! seeking a girl.” One could make out Seth was thinking — Divya Dubey , Publisher, Gyaana Books

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Courtesy: Bahri Sons, New Delhi

January 2011 |India Matters 19 CINEMA Into the real world...

More and more hooting behind the closed doors Shooting in real locations cannot be Bollywood directors of a studio on a set made to compared to what transpires on the resemble a kitchen or a court is sets. So directors are capturing the are venturing out Snow passe . Bollywood directors locales that would help their into real locations to are increasingly hitting the streets to audience connect with a film more capture the raw sights, sounds and feel effectively. Band Baaja Baaraat capture the essence of the real locations. director Maneesh Sharma says, a of the situation, says Most of the films released in the last real location makes a film more visibly Dibyojyoti Baksi few weeks like Dhobi Ghaat , No One distinct, something he was able to Killed Jessica and Band Baaja Baaraat accomplish in his first film that is still have been shot in ‘real’ places. “The running in the theaters. “It was a con - audience finds a connection to the film scious decision to give a texture and through the locations. I was very sure I flavour to the film, which I thought if wanted to shoot the film in all real loca - shot in real locations, will communi - tions. We shot Patiala House on the cate with the audience in a better way. streets of London, the gurdwara, the I was very clear that I wanted to Oval stadium and South Hall,” director capture the essence of Delhi. Nikhil Advani said. “Though one has to “As it’s about aspirants, the journey wait for permission, arrange for securi - between Janakpuri and Sainik Farms ty, I don’t like to compromise. I make had to be visually distinct, which we sure I get what I want.” wanted to shoot in real locations and that’s why I went with it. I wanted the quality of realism in the film,” Sharma said. The fact that Ranveer Singh was a new face and was debut - ing with the romantic drama helped Sharma shoot amid heavy traffic on Delhi streets. “We did lots of candid shooting. For instance, let’s say Bittu and Shruti are on a bike and thank - fully Ranveer not being a very known actor by then, we would just ask them to ride the bike behind an Innova. My director of photography and I were sitting in the back seat with a camera and shooting them. We just rode along wherever we wanted.” High-end equipment makes it easier to shoot a film in real locations, says Sudhir Mishra. “Technologies are making it easier to go and shoot in real locations. Earlier it was difficult but now with newer kinds of cameras, it’s becoming easier to shoot in real loca - tions. People connect with the stories very well and there is a new breed of actors who merge with the crowd very well,” he said. N

20 sIenpdteiaMMberat2t0e09 rs| January 2011 CINEMA

One of the best things about the film is its casting. Each of the actors A stunning debut complements the film, its director, and the city of perfectly. Each is believable in his or her own garb. Prateik is bound to become the heartthrob of the generation, while Kirti’s innocence has to be seen to be believed. Real life singer Monica brings out the uncertainty of her character beautifully. The only one who is a little out of place, and hence the small sore point of the film is actor Aamir Khan. He begins shakily and is self con - scious, unable as he is perhaps of shaking away two decades of Bollywood’s acting baggage. By the end of it though, he manages to get into the film’s rhythm and gives a believable performance. It was, therefore, not Kiran Rao’s luck that she got superstar husband Aamir to act in the film, but Aamir’s luck that he got into the film, which will go down in the history of cinema as one of the best character sketches very year, literally hundreds of a city and its people. Very few peo - Film: “Dhobi Ghat” of thousands throng to the ple in the world have sketched any city of dreams, Mumbai. city with such tender love, care and Director: To portray so many dreams affection. And to add to the lilting Kiran Rao; E in a short span of an hour and a half melody that is Mumbai in the film is Cast: Aamir Khan, Prateik Babbar, calls for some brilliant filmmaking. composer Gustavo Santaolalla who Monica Dogra, Kriti Malhotra And watching Dhobi Ghat will gives a haunting background score. make you realise that there indeed Director Kiran Rao brilliantly have been very few debuts as manages to find a physical stunning as this one. representation of Mumbai city, in Dhobi Ghat is the story of five char - the old woman who blankly stares at acters — Yasmin (Kirti Malhotra), all the characters, but says nothing. Arun (Aamir Khan), Shai (Monica The metaphor is simple but powerful Dogra), Munna (Prateik Babbar) and — Mumbai is a dying, decaying the city of Mumbai. After a one night city, but one that is definitely alive stand with Arun, who is a painter, and watches over all. Shai, an investment banker from And like the character of Arun who America and an becomes a voyeur into the life of amateur photographer, obsesses Yasmin, it is Kiran Rao who has over him, while her dhobi Munna played voyeur on the city of Mumbai. pines for Shai. Arun, meanwhile, Another striking dimension of the discovers a few tapes in his flat from film is that nowhere does it slacken or the previous tenant and, watching lose pace. On the contrary, it unfolds them, falls in love and finds a muse in almost like a mystery, like a rose the woman who has made them — bud, only to scintillate the Yasmin. Each of the character is thus senses in full bloom. It thus might looking for something in the other, become the low budget Indian film while the fifth character, M umbai, that will finally make money like simply stares blankly at them without regular big-budget Bollywood fare. N comment or prejudice. — Satyen K. Bordoloi

January 2011 |Indisa eMpteaMtbtere2r0s09 21 This magazine will 1. Until 1973, the Union Territory of dish. During the colonial reign in India, it accept contributions Lakshadweep was known as the Laccadive, became popular with Englishmen stationed from readers in the Minicoy and Amindive Islands, or the angli - in India. When they returned home, the form of Q&As, factoids, cised version, Laccadives. recipe was distributed among most quiz news and What is the literal translation of the Commonwealth countries, in various ver - announcements of name Lakshadweep? sions. Name this soup. upcoming quiz events and also photographs. 2. What is the name of the cotton textile that was 6. What does ‘ chattis ’ denote in the name of You can write in to derived from the former name of the coastal the state ? [email protected] city of Kozhikode? 7. A pioneer of the Hindi literary 3. Punjab, it is the Land of the “Five Rivers”. movement called "Chayavada", Four of them are Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Lehar (Waves ), was this poet’s last Beas. Which is the fifth? collection of poem. Who was he?

4. What is the city of Bhuwaneshwar 8. Rouff is a folk dance. It has its origin in? known as? 9. Which state in India is home to the last of 5. Literally meaning ‘pepper water’, this soup India’s virgin tropical forests — Silent is a British interpretation of a South Indian Valley?

THE PICTURE QUESTION

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi, this is one of the most beautiful mausoleums in the world built by Hamida Banu Begum. This monument was also the first distinct exposition of authentic Mughal style inspired by Persian architecture. Name this monument.

ANSWERS TO THE LAST CONTEST

a i d n I , i h l e D w e N n i y l t n e c e r d l e h s e m a g h t l a e w n o m m o C h t 9 1 e h t f o t o c s a m e h t — a r e h S . 1 1 . d e e s n i m u c

k c a l b d n a , d e e s i n a , d e e s n i m u c , d e e s k e e r g u n e f , d r a t s u m : e r a s e c i p s l a i t n e s s e e v i f e h T . 0 1 . n o i t a t S h c n u a L e c a p S d a r g o g l o V e h t s a w

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22 sIenpdteiaMMberat2t0e09 rs| January 2011 KALEIDOSCOPE Photo courtesy: E4Entertainment

Of delicate, lyrical and graceful movements...

The Ras Lila is an important dance form movements. It is this which gives in Manipur and is known as the dance of Manipuri dance its undulating and soft worship. It revolves around the story of appearance. The foot movements are the love of Krishna and the Gopies (cow- viewed as part of a composite movement herd maidens). This form of dance was of the whole body. The costume and started by Bhagya Chandra in 1779, and ornaments of the artistes are vibrant, in some parts of India it is still elaborate and intricately designed. performed every year on Krishna The dance was conducted during the Janmashtami (the festival to celebrate Dubai Shopping Festival, 2011 at Global Krishna’s birthday). Village to showcase the various dance The traditional Manipuri dance style forms of India. embodies delicate, lyrical and graceful (Photo courtesy: E4Entertainment)

January 2011 |Indisa eMpteaMtbtere2r0s09 19 BEATING THE RETREAT

A view of the illuminated Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Parliament House (right) during the Beating the Retreat Ceremony, in New Delhi on January 29, 2011.

Consulate General of India P.O. BOX 737, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Tel: +971 4 3971222/ +971 4 3971333, Fax: +971 4 3970453, Tlx.: 46061 CGIND EM 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]