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- Mahatma Gandhi ISSUE 17 | 24PAGES JANUARY 2011 FREE 2011, l’année de tous les défis EDITORIAL : University graduates in Mauritius: Too few? Too many?

PAGE 03 //

Over the past five years, the number of youngsters with tertiary credentials has increased extensively in Mauri- tius. At the same time, employers fret that they are not getting the skilled workers they need to compete and contend in a global economy. Em- ployers feel that skills availabilities are a major impediment to business, as much as, if not more than, meeting onerous regulations.

CONTRECOUP : “Le sensationnalisme, tactique évocatrice? PAGE 04 // NSIGHT Ce mot de cinq syllabes qu’est le sensationnalisme réveille nos émotions qui sont refoulées en nous. En effet, le MEDIA GROUP sensationnalisme est une manœuvre de marketing adopté par les médias. Susciter l’intérêt des lecteurs et des téléspectateurs pour se tailler une part du marché en est le principal objectif. Ainsi, certains acteurs du monde “ INSIGHT NEWSPAPER ” 8, D’Artois Street médiatique se croient tout permis ; ils n’hésitent pas à jouer avec les émotions du public en publiant des articles Port Louis, Mauritius Website : www.uominsight.com à titre évocateur ou illustrés par des photos choquantes. Ayant recours au sensationnalisme est bien plus qu’un Email : [email protected] simple geste de marketing, c’est le pouvoir de manipuler les données et les émotions du lecteur à la fois...... DIRECTEUR / RÉDACTEUR-EN-CHEF Krishna Athal

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INSIGHT // 02 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 EDITORIAL //

Krishna ATHAL Editor-in-Chief [email protected] University graduates in Mauritius: Too few? Too many? Over the past five years, the number of youngsters with tertiary credentials has increased extensively in Mauritius. At the same time, employers fret that they are not getting the skilled workers they need to compete and contend in a global economy. Employers feel that skills availabilities are a major impediment to business, as much as, if not more than, meet- ing onerous regulations.

munications and technical skills a critical role in structuring the be given and not bounded by eco- such as computer familiarity. This learning process. Rather than ask- nomics). So if we need to have a would argue that increased in- ing the question of whether we solution at all, I’ll like to suggest vestment should focus on quality are churning too many graduates the creation of a marketplace for rather than just quantity. for too few jobs or not enough employers, training institutes and graduates for too many jobs, we jobseekers to meet together and The key here may be the qual- must first ask ourselves what interact on employment-related ity of education, quality not just of higher education means for us. To matters. Such a platform should tertiary education, but of the en- me, personally, education means be kept robust and expansive to tire formal education system. Edu- the enlightenment of minds which engage as many organisations and cation system has not been able to goes beyond numbers and trying individuals as possible (much like keep pace with the fast changing to balance demand-and-supply our local marketplace) so that ev- world. Despite advances in tech- of whether too many or too few eryone is kept abreast about the nology, communication, transpor- graduates are being churned latest in the labour market. tation, globalized and competi- out for the job market. The an- tive economic environment, our swer from my perspective will In August 2010 when I par- school and university curriculum therefore be that “There's never ticipated in the Olympic Game in and pedagogy remain largely the enough graduates who are quali- Singapore, I discovered an organi- same as a decade ago. Teachers fied enough.” sation called the Employment and pass down facts and students try Employability Institute (www.e2i. to memorize them for tests. Such Educational institutions all com.sg) where the pulse of the job Such employer frustrations (MICs) and MICs, high-income a system is difficult to cultivate the over the world are offering gradu- market beats. Indeed, a centralised must puzzle the many university countries (HICs); they may also ‘soft skills’ demanded by today's ate level programs to give people platform as such will help us have graduates having trouble getting affect social stability as young economy. the opportunities to acquire the a better idea what the situation is jobs. And some who get jobs people’s expectations are at an all- necessary skills not just to work like real-time in national context, are the first to lose them during time high. It is thus not surprising H2: High unemployment may but to socialise and to think more rather than grasping at straws try- economic downturns; recently that developed countries’ govern- be due to the unrealistic expec- critically. These institutions have ing to establish what is lacking experienced by two of my close ments are considering investing a tations of graduates that they are adopted curricula and pedagogies and drawing comparisons across friends. Whether it is desirable great deal of their national wealth entitled to ‘white collar’ jobs in of- that reflect the unique culture and the globe which may be helpful in or not, nobody can deny the fact on expanding and improving their fices and that ensure lifetime se- contexts in which they have been certain contexts but not in others. that today unemployment rates tertiary education systems. curity. In contrast, in the United situated – whether they have been Perhaps then, we could sharpen among tertiary graduates are sky- States, the average college gradu- affected by resource, economic, our definition about the problem scraping. I would like to know what you ate will have had 7 jobs in the first political factors. We know there we are trying to tackle. readers think about this puzzle: two years after graduation, and are centres of excellence that we An unemployed, newly-minted lots of graduates, not enough many of them in areas that are aspire to become – the Harvard, unrelated to their field of study or MIT, IIT, Stanford and Cambridge BA, friend of 24-year old groused skilled workers, high rates of THOUGHT OF in what are seemingly menial jobs but let us not overly emphasise in a recent discussion: “I expected graduate unemployment, frustra- THE MONTH to find a job easily since I have a tion all around despite high rates but which teach invaluable life these and thus lose focus that we degree in Computer Science & of economic growth. Let me ad- skills. Societies need to prepare are standing on the shoulders of “It is the same when Sid- dhartha has an aim, a goal. Engineering from University vance just two hypotheses (conve- the expectations of young people local giants who have gone on be- Siddhartha does nothing; he of Mauritius. But, after going to niently labelled as “H” to give our about labour market realities and fore us. Being a Mauritian, I think about the need to get good basic we have under-played our capa- waits, he thinks, he fasts, but multiple interviews, I found out discussion a veneer of academic he goes through the affairs experience early in their careers. bilities and thus limit ourselves in that firms are hesitant to hire me decorum and respectability) to get of the world like the stone because despite my degree, they the discussion going: terms of what we have achieved through water, without doing have to train me to meet their Let’s be optimistic… and can potentially achieve. anything, without bestirring work requirements. It is easier H1: The high unemployment We must first assume the edu- himself; he is drawn and lets for these firms to hire a graduate rate of graduates is due, not to cation is the lever through which My Suggestion himself fall.” we acquire skills and knowledge I’ll like to suggest a simple solu- with a couple of years of experi- their oversupply, but to the fact Hermann Hesse, 1877 – 1962 ence instead.” that too much of tertiary educa- to become better human beings tion if we need to strike a balance tion in Mauritius is of low qual- and contributing members to so- between the demand and supply of Hermann is a Swiss novel- What’s going on? ity and has irrelevant curricula. ciety. A desire for lifelong learn- graduates for the job market (as I ist, poet, winner of the Nobel Getting this puzzle sorted out Young people are learning the ing should be part of our human mentioned earlier, the question of Prize for Literature in 1946, may not only determine whether wrong things. For example, em- development DNA. Universities, striking a balance for demand and from his book Siddhartha, 1922, based on Gautama Bud- low-income countries (LICs) can ployers are seeking ‘softer skills’ polytechnics and other educa- supply may be onerous because dha's early life. become middle-income countries such as team-building and com- tional institutions therefore play tertiary education is supposed to

INSIGHT // 03 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 CONTRECOUP //

Le sensationnalisme, tactique évocatrice? Ce mot de cinq syllabes qu’est le sensationnalisme réveille nos émotions qui sont refoulées en nous. En effet, le sensation- nalisme est une manœuvre de marketing adopté par les médias. Susciter l’intérêt des lecteurs et des téléspectateurs pour se tailler une part du marché en est le principal objectif. Ainsi, certains acteurs du monde médiatique se croient tout permis ; ils n’hésitent pas à jouer avec les émotions du public en publiant des articles à titre évocateur ou illustrés par des photos choquantes. Ayant recours au sensationnalisme est bien plus qu’un simple geste de marketing, c’est le pouvoir de manipuler les données et les émotions du lecteur à la fois.

Hemanta Diksha NEERBUN

Les attentats terroristes du 11 Lagesse ou les aventures de Piou- La nature humaine foulées des émotions très primi- l’information. Exagérer ou même Septembre, les bâtiments mac- Piou ont longuement tenu le pays Le sensationnalisme est tives de l’homme des cavernes. difformer les faits ne peut être ulés de sang de Mumbai lors en haleine. Mais pourquoi ? Tout certes utilisé par les journalistes Pour une poignée de personnes, pardonné. Au lieu de diffuser des attaques du 26 Novembre, simplement parce que certains mais en se basant sur la théorie lire les articles sur les malheurs la même information plusieurs l’hécatombe suivant la pandémie journaux se permettent d’exagérer économique de l’offre et de la de- s’abattant sur autrui est une fa- fois, explorer de nouvelles pistes de la grippe A H1N1… La liste en les faits. L’exagération des faits en mande, on se rend compte que çon d’exprimer sa sympathie et est recommendé. Par exemple, est longue. Ces évènements n’ont une grave tactique car elle con- cette manœuvre continuera à être aussi son soulagement de ne pas lorsqu’un article est consacré à un laissé personne insensible sur le stitue une entrave aux principes employer aussi longtemps que les être à la place des victimes. Pour crime abominable, au lieu de pub- plan mondial, y compris le monde fondamentaux du journalisme. lecteurs continuent à se raffoler une infime minorité, lire de tels lier des photos macabres, aborder médiatique. En effet, lorsque le Jouer avec l’émotion des lecteurs de telles nouvelles. S’enquérir articles représente une manière les différentes peines associées au climat mondial se retrouve cham- ou manipuler l’information n’est des malheurs d’autrui a toujours de satisfaire cet être maléfique crime est recommendé. boulé par de tels évènements, les guère une pratique décente. Si été la préoccupation de quelques qui est en eux car ils éprouvent Aussi, cet aspect de sadisme journalistes entrent dans le jeu. certains journalistes avancent la individus, la conversation du mo- un malin sadisme à se moquer de que fait preuve certains lecteurs Trouver le bon scoop et ainsi at- notion de la liberté de la presse ment. Qui ne souvient pas de cette telles tragédies. est appelé à disparaitre car au fond tirer plus d’individus - même si et utilisent le sensationnalisme, scène d’accident où les badauds de l’histoire, c’est les familles des cela implique choquer l’audience un tel raisonnement est inadmis- s’attroupent pour contempler les L’impact du sensationnalisme victimes et des coupables qui se – en est le maitre-mot. sible car le journaliste a pour de- dégâts alors qu’ils hésitent à in- Le sensationnalisme constitue retrouvent harcelés par les jour- voir moral d’informer le public, former les services d’urgence? à créer une forte impression nalistes, toujours à la recherche Le devoir du journaliste de transmettre des informations La psychologie humaine est dif- psychologique sur les lecteurs. de cette perle rare qui suscitera Même les tirages mauriciens exactes et conformes aux réalités ficile à déchiffrer ; malgré que la Il peut être qualifié de tactique l’intérêt des lecteurs. font usage du sensationnalisme. des évènements. civilisation humaine ait évoluée, réussie mais cela ne peut être fait Le meurtre de la styliste Vanessa au fonds de l’être humain sont re- au détriment de la précision de

ÉVÉNEMENTS 2011, l’année de tous les défis 2010 a à peine passer le seuil que nous nous projetons déjà dans les événements clefs qui devront généralement tenir le haut du pavé en 2011. Zoom donc sur quelques défis importants pour l’année en cours à Maurice et aussi sur le plan international.

Aldo AMIC

Sur le sol mauricien, la rentrée devront sortir sous terre; ce sera et crime, a vraiment su ce démar- nale de la chimie et des forêts par ments majeurs tels que la Coupe parlementaire sera bien évidem- donc avec insistance et attention qué négativement de plusieurs l’assemblée générale des Nations du Monde de Rugby en Nouvelle- ment très attendue. Hormis que nous attendrons la venue, tant autres pays en atteignant des som- Unies. Sinon, sur le plan culturel Zélande et la Coupe du Monde de cette rentrée, il est à noter que le attendue justement de ces idées. mets concernant les personnes soulignons que la capitale de Handball en Suède seront les prin- procès qu’à intenté l’état contre Le gouvernement et surtout pas décédées de morts naturels. l’Estonie, Tallin et la ville finlan- cipales attractions. l’Angleterre devrait aussi retenir les officiers chargés de la sécurité Il est certain que les « speed con- daise de Turku seront les Capi- Espérons seulement que ces l’attention. Tous veulent voir ce routière devront tenter le tout afin trollers » ne suffiront pas à faire tales européennes de la culture, événements, à défaut de parler que Maurice pourra faire dans une de conscientiser la population sur baisser le nombre de morts. et en Argentine, Buenos Aires a de défis, soient relevés avec tact. instance internationale face au les accidents de la route et autres Au delà des frontières mau- été décrété Capitale mondiale du géant anglais. Le Harbour Bridge crimes sanglants. Pour rappel, riciennes, il est à dire que 2011 a livre par l’UNESCO. ou encore le projet métro léger 2010, sur le plan routier, sécurité été proclamée l’année internatio- Sur le plan sportif, des événe-

INSIGHT // 04 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 ACTUALITÉ EN BREF //

Violence contre les enfants: Priorité 2011 - Bodha: Rama Sithanen à la Banque 5283 cas référés à la CDU Mise sur la diversification Africaine de Développement Rien qu’entre janvier et octobre de l’année écouler, des marchés Rama Sithanen occupe le poste de directeur des stra- ce chiffre a été enregistré à la Child Development Unit tégies au sein de la Banque Africaine de Développe- (CDU). Sois un nombre supérieur à la totalité de ceux « Maintenir une bonne croissance de l’industrie et ment, depuis le 5 janvier. Il a prit l’avion le 3 janvier notés en 2009. Toutefois, des mesures ont été annoncées re-équilibrer nos marchés » Tels sont les priorités pour en direction de Tunis. L’ancien ministre des Finances par le Ministre du Développement de l’Enfant pour que Nando Bodha, le ministre du Tourisme, pour 2011. « Il faut occupe ses fonctions à la Banque Africaine de Dével- ce chiffre régresse à l’avenir. L’Ombudsperson Person for bien sur consolider le marché Européen. Mais 2011 sera oppement, à Tunis. Il est épaulé de toute une équipe Children, Shirin Aumeeruddy Cziffra, a voulu sensibiliser l’année de la diversification des marchés. D’abord sur le et se charge de l’élaboration de stratégie visant à al- la population en ce début d’année. Dans le message de marché russe avec le début des vols de Transe en janvier. léger le poids de la pauvreté dans les pays africains. fin d’année, un appel urgent à surtout été fait à la popu- Nous travaillons aussi pour un vol direct vers la Chine à Rama Sithanen se dit heureux de pouvoir apporter sa lation de ne pas rester indifférent face à ce phénomène partir de mi-2011. Nous voulons exploiter le marché niche contribution au développement des pays africains. Il sociale…2010 a surtout été marqué par divers cas de vio- de l’Inde pour le golf, le mariage et le tourisme conférence ajoute également qu’il a eu trois propositions au cou- lence a l’égard des enfants et les citoyens innocents, allant », a-t-il fait ressortir. Il faut maintenir la qualité des produ- rant de l’année 2009 mais qu’il a choisi de travailler même jusqu’à ôter la vie à certains. L’Ombudsperson for its même si la compétition est difficile avec la crise qui pour l’Afrique, étant lui-même Africain. Sithanen est Children estime que chacun peut apporter une contribu- persiste en Europe. Le ministère mise sur les îles comme un adepte d’une politique économique ultralibérale. tion pour faire reculer cette violence et aider les victimes. des atouts tels que l’Ile-aux-Cerfs, l’Ilot Gabriel ou l’Ilot Pour sa part, le ministère de tutelle, annonce l’ouverture Bénitiers. Il y a aussi la formation pour l’embauche sur d’un deuxième shelter dans le nord de l’île pour accueil- les croisières. Après un premier batch de 400 personnes lir plus d’enfants dans le besoin. Tout comme l’école des en 2010, il y a un objectif d’atteindre 1 000 personnes Prime Minister’s New Year parents, le programme de contrôle de naissance se pour- pour 2011. Le gouvernement veut amener une dimension suivra. l’adoption, la réintégration et l’accompagnement culturelle au tourisme avec l’organisation d’un spectacle message des jeunes seront entra autres les dossiers importants de qualité internationale. Il y aussi le projet de parcours pour 2011. culturelles à Port-Louis et le duty-free Shopping Project. Mauritius can once again become the star and key of the Indian Ocean, the Prime Minister, Navin Ram- goolam, said in his message to the Nation broadcast on January 1, 2011. As part of Africa together with the Rs 12 milliards pour changer Priorité 2011- Dookhun : exceptional relations which Mauritius has with two les vieux conduits d’eau emerging economic giants, China and India, the stage Personnes handicapés, les is set for the country to become an important player Gros investissement cette année dans le réseau de retraités et la délinquance in this part of the world. distribution d’eau. La Central Water Authority (CWA) The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction that compte changer 2 000 kilomètres de tuyaux au coût de juvénile the international community cheered Mauritius for its Rs 12 milliards, affirme un haut officiel de cet organisme. democracy, good governance and the spirit of maturity displayed by the population during the general elec- “Si on ne répare pas les tuyaux alors le pourcentage de Maurice aura le devoir de s’aligner sur les conventions tions 2010. With regard to the international economic fuites continuera à augmenter.” Face à la sécheresse qui internationales afin de promouvoir les droits des per- crisis, Dr Ramgoolam called for more vigilance on the continue à menacer le pays, la Central Water Author- sonnes autrement capables. La ministre Leela Devi-Dook- part of the population so that the country can overcome ity (CWA) s’est trouvée dans l’obligation d’exploiter huit hun Luchoomun rappelle que nous devons soumettre un the challenges lying ahead. nouvelles zones de puisement d’eau. Les réservoirs étant rapport en 2012 au Nations Unies sur les progrès accompli In his message, the Prime Minister said that the main en situation critique, avec un pourcentage de remplis- dans ce domaine. C’est pourquoi un comité national a été priority for 2011 is not only to save existing jobs but also sage de 39, 4, les autorités réclament la vigilance quant institué pour mesurer les progrès accompli. L’intégration to create new ones. Government will encourage women à l’utilisation d’eau. des handicapés dans la société se fera par l’éducation, entrepreneurship to foster for greater autonomy for the la formation et l’emploi. Le gouvernement innovera en womenfolk. Education as the engine of social stability ayant une classe entièrement dédiée aux enfants ayant and progress in the country is another priority of the des handicaps à l’école de Montagne-Ory. Des infrastruc- government, he said, adding that his aim is to open Le vice-Premier ministre tures seront aménager pour faciliter l’accessibilité des access to university education to a larger number of personnes autrement capables dans les établissement chinois en visite à Maurice young people. On this score, he made mention of the scolaires. Mme Dookhun annonce aussi la création d’une creation of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science, banque de données et l’installation d’un serveur pour Le vice-Premier ministre chinois, Hui Liangyu, est en Research and Technology. recenser les personnes vivant avec un handicap. Les lois visite officielle à l’île Maurice du 7 au 19 janvier 2011. En The message also highlights the other priorities of seront promulguées pour que ces derniers trouvent des effet, Hui Liangyu est à la tête d’une délégation composée the government, namely investments in the health sec- emplois dans des secteurs diversifiés sur le plan artis- de 26 membres de la République populaire de Chine. tor; actions to ease up road traffic congestion; moderni- tique, touristique et culturel. «En ce qu’il s’agit des per- Le vice-Premier ministre chinois a rendu une visite sation of the airport; protection of the ecosystem and sonne âgées, le ministère veut être à la hauteur de leurs de courtoisie au président de la République, Sir Anerood biodiversity; the second phase of the project Maurice aspiration. Nous avons aujourd’hui 148, 000 personnes Jugnauth à la State House et au Premier ministre, Navin Ile Durable; law and order and use of modern tech- qui ont plus de 60 ans. Ce chiffres atteindra 300 000 en Ramgoolam, dans le nouveau bâtiment du Trésor le 7 nology to combat crimes and drug trafficking and the 2030. Beaucoup sont encore actifs et veulent avoir un janvier. eradication of fraud and corruption. productive living », explique la ministre de la Sécurité Le même jour, une séance de travail était prévue avec Dr Ramgoolam stated that the government is guided Sociale. Dans la foulée, elle annonce la révision des activi- le vice-Premier ministre, ministre des Finances et du by the philosophy of blending economic efficiency with tés pour les retraités dans les trois nouveaux centres. Ils Développement économique, Pravind Jugnauth, et le social justice and recalled that the Ministry of Social In- seront sensibilisés à la technologie information et à des ministre des Affaires étrangères, l´intégration régionale tegration and Economic Empowerment has been set up domaines comme la culture d’hydroponique. « La carers et du Commerce international, Arvin Boolell, au Sands to give a new boost to the fight against social exclusion. strategy sera développée » avec le recrutement en février Resort and Spa à Flic en Flac. With regard to the issue of Chagos Archipelago, d’un batch de 50 personnes pour s’occuper des personnes Elle était suivie par la signature d´un accord sur une the Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction that the alités. Finalement au niveau de la délinquance juvénile, la subvention financière d´un montant de Rs 160 millions whole population is mobilized behind the Mauritian ministre Dookhun-Luchoomun annonce la révision de la et d’un prêt sans intérêt de Rs 80 millions pour une série flag in its initiative to challenge the legality of the Ma- gestion des Rehabilitation Youth Centre et des Probation de projets validés par les deux gouvernements. Le len- rine Protected Area. Hostel. Un Complaints Bureau sera institué. demain, Hui Liangyu et sa délégation ont visité Medine “We should be proud of ourselves and I am confident Sugar Estate et le jardin botanique Sir Seewoosagur Ram- that that justice will prevail”, Dr Ramgoolam said in goolam à Pamplemousses. conclusion.

Bonne et Heureuse Année 2011

Insight, le mensuel bilingue pour les jeunes, a l’immense plaisir de vous souhaiter une bonne et heureuse année 2011. Que celle-ci vous apporte le plein de santé, de bonheur et de grande réussite à chaque instant de votre vie.

Vous êtes toujours plus nombreux à venir nous lire et à rejoindre la grande communauté qu'est la nôtre. Insight vous remercie pour votre crédit et fidélité.

INSIGHT // 05 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 REVIEW //

Insight of MPCB The Mauritius Post and Cooperative Bank Ltd (MPCB) originates from a merger between the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) and New Cooperative Bank Ltd (NCBL) in 2003. MPCB has been a profit-making organization since day one and continuously increased its business and profits year after year.

MPCB had, as at 31 December 2010, 13 branches with 14 Building Insurance Policies. onsite ATMs and 3 offsite ATMs around the island, with a • The Special Savings Culture Scheme (MPCB SCS dedicated team of more than 200 employees. The opening Account)- All newborns are eligible to Government of another branch in Riviere du Rempart is scheduled for grants equivalent to a total of Rs800/- in the form of early 2011, whilst other branch openings are in the pipe- vouchers representing a Savings Account of Rs200/- line. On top of being a full-fledged commercial bank with at the time of birth, and Rs.200/- at each vaccination a wide range of banking services, MPCB also provides basic (total of 4 vouchers of Rs200/- each) and these ac- banking services in most Post Offices during banking days, counts are opened only with MPCB. which constitutes an additional means of effecting banking • The Junior Scheme (MPCB Smart Account) which transactions in areas where MPCB does not have a branch. has been especially designed for kids and teenagers It is an undoubted fact that MPCB has inherited from the to build up their future, MPCB has arrangements large number of Bank Accounts which were being operated with a number of partners who offer discounts to by the erstwhile Post Office Savings Bank. As such, one of Smart Accountholders. Gifts are also provided to the objectives of MPCB has been to capitalise on the exist- Smart Accountholders on the occasion of their birth- port and Export financing in Mauritian rupees and ing database of customers, in order to enhance the sale of days provided that their accounts are maintained Foreign Currencies. its products and services, and offer those customers a high with a minimum balance of Rs1,000/- and are well • MPCB Direct Debit and Standing Orders – We level of customer service, in line with the service being operated. On top of gift vouchers available under the take care of your bills and payments are processed provided to new customers. Smart Account Scheme, accountholders are also eli- efficiently. Let MPCB take care of these hassles on gible to Membership Cards, Junior Kwik-Cash Cards, your behalf and enjoy peace of mind. The major products and services of MPCB include the given to children above 12 years old with limit of • MPCB Credit Card – Once more, MPCB offers you following: Rs200/- or Rs500/- per day for ATM Cash transac- Peace of Mind by introducing its amazing MPCB • MPCB Home Loan – for financing purchase of Land tions/purchases/refill of mobile phones. Standard Card Credit Card and MPCB Gold Card and/or building (agricultural, • The international Debit Card (MPCB Kwik-Cash) Credit Card. With these cards, you may enjoy an residential or commercial) or construction or exten- - is available to all customers free of charge, making exclusive world of comprehensive privileges and a sion or renovation of residential buildings, MPCB the 24-hour banking concept a reality. wide range of benefits designed to give you complete offers up to 100% financing, subject to usual terms • MPCB FUN D FONE – With a simple mouse or security, along with insurance cover. and conditions. finger click, you may now fund any mobile phone • The Personal Loan Scheme or MPCB Easy for Per- through MPCB E-Banking and MPCB SMS Banking MPCB gives a lot of importance to its retail business sonal Loans up to 20 times’ salary to confirmed and over and above this facility on our ATMs or you can customers but also to its corporate customers. MPCB E- employed salary earners of established companies make use of your Kwik-Cash and Maestro card to Banking services are also privileged, offering a safe, secure of Private/Government or Parastatal Sectors, against recharge your mobile phones via MPCB ATMs, free and reliable service to the bank’s esteemed customers, both salary pledge and any other tangible security-Max- of charge. personal and corporate, in line with the Bank’s governing imum loan amount of Rs 600,000/- repayable over • MPCBusinessfly - Personalised relationship banking motto – Peace of Mind. In fact, MPCB is the first bank in a period of 7 years. and also trade finance facilities, Foreign Currency the region to have introduced the Mobitoken concept, which • MPCB Study Access financing of Tertiary Educa- financing, Treasury Services, Working Capital financ- ensures optimum secure e-banking service to customers. tion with moratorium on capital during study pe- ing, Motor Vehicle Equipment Loans, to name only Again, in line with the bank’s concern to be better accessible riod and repayment of capital and interest amount a few. to its clients, MPCB opened its 13th branch at Rose Hill in over a period of up to ten years; financing may also • MPCB SME Scheme – For new and existing busi- December 2010. cover study costs, accommodation and daily living nesses, MPCB has tailor-made services including expenses. working capital finance and term loans, finance up to The Bank continues to move forward in an innovative • MPCB Drive - for purchase of new/second hand ve- 75% of project cost to a maximum of Rs2.0M. manner by endeavouring to service its customers with the hicles, repayable over 4 to 6 years. • MPCB Remittance Services and International widest possible range of banking and allied products. It • MPCB Winsurance for all insurance needs includ- Banking Solutions – MPCB caters for all the in- hence aspires to become a major player in the financial ing Life Insurance Policies, Personal Pensions Plans, ternational money transfers by telegraphic transfer, services sector, delighting its customers by offering quality Motor Vehicle Insurance, Child Education Plans and demand draft, MoneyGram Services, as well as Im- service, thus bringing them peace of mind. Floods in Queensland Australia

Kaminee MOORUT Faculty of Agriculture, UoM

Queensland in Australia com- an increase in food prices on the prising 1852,642 kilometre square market. Australia will then have to has faced such a disastrous event import from other countries such in its history. This area has been as Uruguay, South America for its affected by the floods since the own consumption. The mining past few days and about 4,000 sector has also suffered as the coal people have been obliged to leave exports have been stopped due to their houses. Food drops and the floods and are still lying in the drug supplies are being made to Queensland’s major ports. the population as the airport and Fortunately, the farmers have nearly all the roads have been the financial support of the gov- flooded. ernment and in this context, the The impact on agriculture is Prime Minister Julia Gillard has huge: much damage to the corn, announced clean up and recov- wheat, sorghum and cotton crop ery grants worth to $15,000. Loan has been reported. The activities facilities of up to $ 150,000 with of Australia's two biggest process- interest rate subsidies are made ing companies – Swift Australia available to them Moreover, it and the Teys Meat Group – have is expected that $6 billion of the stock, purchase of fodder and in re- would take some months or even people are back to work to ensure been halted as their abattoirs nation's GDP would be used in pairing the damaged equipments a few years depending upon the that the economic sectors could have been flooded. Hence, food cleaning purposes, rebuilding the and property access. According regions that have been affected. As operate as soon as possible. shortage would result leading to infrastructure, replacing trading to General Mick Slater, recovery soon as the rains have receded, the INSIGHT // 06 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 ACTUALITÉ GENERALE //

Voulez-vous être élu Anti-blanchiment d’argent à l'avant-plan d'un “Meilleur journaliste de l’océan Indien” ? séminaire de quatre jours Vous êtes journaliste ou vous Un séminaire de formation de quatre jours ayant pour thème "le renforcement de lutte contre le en connaissez un dans votre entourage ? Alors ceci vous blanchiment d´argent et la lutte contre le financement du terrorisme de la coopération nationale", concerne. a débuté le lundi 24 janvier à l´hôtel Le Labourdonnais à Port-Louis, en la présence du Procureur La Commission de l´océan général, Yatin Varma. Indien (COI) chargée de la mise en œuvre du Projet d’Appui à Une cinquantaine de partici- Fonds monétaire international considéré comme une menace non seignement financier et l´ICAC. l’Initiative Régionale de préven- pants de différentes institutions (FMI), en collaboration avec le Gou- seulement pour le secteur financier, Maurice est aussi parmi les pre- tion du VIH/SIDA lance un impliquées dans la lutte contre le vernement de Maurice, est destiné mais à la société dans son ensemble. miers pays d´Afrique à avoir subi concours régional destiné aux blanchiment d´argent à savoir, la à aider les institutions nationales Il a également insisté sur la nécessité l´évaluation du Financial Sector journalistes de la télé, radio et Banque de Maurice, l´Independent sur la façon dont la coopération d´avoir à la fois la coopération natio- Assessment Programme (FSAP) et presse écrite de ses quatre pays Commission Against Corruption est nécessaire pour lutter contre le nale et internationale afin d´atténuer jusqu´à présent, deux FSAP ont été membres notamment Les Co- (ICAC), la Financial Intelligence blanchiment d´argent dans le but le niveau de blanchiment d´argent. adoptés. mores, Madagascar, Maurice et Unit, la Commission des services de promouvoir un secteur financier Il est à noter que Maurice a Le pays est également en phase Les Seychelles. financiers (Financial Services Com- sain et faire en sorte que le système adopté plusieurs législations en ce de finalisation d’un projet de loi de mission), le Solicitor General´s Of- du secteur bancaire n´est pas utilisé qui concerne la prévention de la recouvrement des avoirs (Asset Re- Règles du concours fice, le Directeur des poursuites pub- pour le blanchiment d´argent. corruption, la fraude, la criminalité covery Bill) considéré comme un - Tous les articles / reportag- liques, le Département des douanes, Dans son allocution d´ouverture, financière, le blanchiment d´argent outil pour lutter contre les blanchis- es devront être publiés au plus l´Autorité de régulation des jeux le procureur général, Y. Varma, a et les activités terroristes afin de se seurs d´argent en saisissant leurs tard le 30 juin 2011 par un organe (Gaming Regulatory Authority) ai- déclaré que le séminaire est venu à conformer aux recommandations biens mal acquis. de presse des quatre pays mem- nsi que la police, participent à ce un moment opportun, étant donné de la Financial Action Task Force bres mentionnés plus haut ; séminaire. que le blanchiment d´argent est (FATF) 40+9. Parmi eux se trouvent - Les articles / reportages Ce séminaire, une initiative du devenu un phénomène mondial et la mise en place de l´Unité de ren- concerneront la problématique du VIH / SIDA ; - Les articles / reportages devront être en langue française ou sous-titré en français ou ac- Barack Obama compose avec les républicains compagné d’une traduction en français pour la presse écrite. dans son discours sur l'état de l'Union Par contre, les reportages radios ne peuvent être traduits ; - Les reportages télé seront Le président états-unien, Barack Obama, a poursuivi mardi 25 janvier son prudent virage au centre d’une durée de deux minutes de l'échiquier politique américain en reprenant certaines mesures soutenues par les républicains et les articles de presse ne dev- ront pas dépasser la demi-page lors du traditionnel discours sur l'état de l'Union. de journal.

Depuis les élections de mi-man- entreprises est actuellement de 35 % Même scepticisme face aux inves- Les prix dat du 2 novembre, le chef de l'Etat aux Etats-Unis, mais de nombreuses tissements dans les domaines de la Deux prix seront décernés doit composer avec une Chambre niches permettent aux firmes, sur- recherche et de l'éducation, soute- pour chaque type de presse des représentants contrôlée par les tout les plus grandes, de réduire leur nus par M. Obama mais synonymes (télé, radio et presse écrite). républicains et une fine marge de imposition. à leurs yeux de dépenses. "Quand Les gagnants de chaque ca- manœuvre au Sénat. Réduction du M. Obama s'en est pris en par- le président dit 'investissement', il tégorie remporteront un voyage taux de l'impôt sur les sociétés, sim- ticulier aux "milliards de dollars veut dire hausse des impôts", a noté tous frais payés aux Seychelles plification du système fiscal, fin des de cadeaux" fiscaux accordés aux le sénateur républicain Jim DeMint. pour les 8ème jeux des Iles "earmarks" : M. Obama a apporté groupes pétroliers, qu'il a demandé Pete Sessions, qui a dirigé le co- de l’océan Indien ainsi qu’un son soutien à plusieurs proposi- aux élus d'abroger purement et sim- mité de campagne républicain pour trophée. tions qui ont depuis longtemps les plement. Les économies ainsi réali- les élections à la chambre, note un Le deuxième prix consiste en faveurs des républicains. sées devraient permettre selon lui changement de ton, mais relève demain", a dit le président améri- un lot de matériel pédagogique Le président démocrate, qui de financer l'innovation technique, qu'"on ne sait toujours pas s'il va cain. Entamé après les élections journalistique ainsi qu’un souhaite réduire le déficit en relan- en particulier dans le domaine de ce offrir le changement politique que de novembre, le recentrage opéré trophée. çant la croissance, a convenu de la qu'il appelle les "sources d'énergie les électeurs ont demandé le jour par Brack Obama lui a permis en- nécessité de réduire les dépenses propres": énergies éolienne, solaire, de l'élection". Appelés à faire da- tre autres de conclure un accord Le rôle de la COI et a proposé un gel sur cinq ans nucléaire, combustion propre du vantage preuve de courtoisie, cer- fiscal avec les républicains, de La COI se définit comme une des dépenses fédérales, sans aller charbon, et gaz naturel. tains membres du Congrès, une fois supprimer la loi "Don't ask, don't organisation de coopération ré- jusqu'aux coupes budgétaires mas- n'est pas coutume, ont siégé côte tell", qui interdisait aux militaires de gionale créée en 1984 qui est sives réclamées par les républicains. "Quand le président dit 'inves- à côte, toutes tendances politiques se dire ouvertement homosexuels, appelée à répondre à ces diffi- tissement', il veut dire hausse des confondues, en signe de soutien à et d'obtenir la ratification du traité cultés en défendant les intérêts "Simplifiez le système" impôts" la représentante Gabrielle Giffords, avec la Russie sur la réduction des et le développement durable de Barack Obama a ainsi deman- "Les républicains ont la respon- blessée lors d'une fusillade en Ari- armes nucléaires (Start) avant la ses membres. Elle instruit des dé au Congrès de faire preuve sabilité de travailler avec nous zona. prise de contrôle du Congrès par projets de coopération favori- d'imagination budgétaire en rédui- pour créer de l'emploi plutôt que Les membres du gouvernement les républicains, début janvier. sant l´échange de connaissance sant l'impôt sur les sociétés et en de perdre du temps dans de vaines et les élus des deux bords arboraient Ces victoires, et son vibrant et une mobilisation des efforts dégageant des marges pour financer politiques politiciennes", a prévenu un ruban noir et blanc – noir pour discours après la fusillade en Ari- vers des buts communs. l'innovation sans abandonner les le chef de la majorité démocrate le deuil, blanc pour l'espoir – au re- zona, lui ont permis de redorer efforts de réduction du déficit. La au Sénat, Harry Reid, à l'issue du vers de leur veste en hommage aux sa cote de popularité. "Il n'est pas Ses activités sont essentiel- question du chômage n'a elle été discours de M.Obama. S'il répond victimes de la tuerie du 8 janvier. juste en train de se déplacer vers lement orientées vers : évoquée qu'en termes généraux et en partie à leurs demandes, le gel "Nous prions pour la santé de notre le centre. En se déplaçant vers la - La défense des intérêts in- M. Obama n'a annoncé aucune nou- des dépenses proposé par Barack collègue et amie Gabby Giffords", droite, il pourrait marginaliser le sulaires de ses pays membres velle mesure concrète à court terme Obama ne suffira pas à impression- a dit le président Obama en désig- mouvement Tea Party", note Paul dans les enceintes internation- pour soutenir l'emploi. ner les républicains, qui ont promis nant une chaise laissée inoccupée Sraric, président du département ales et auprès des organisations "Ce soir, je demande aux une réduction des dépenses de 100 au milieu de la chambre entre deux de sciences politiques à l'université d´intégration régionale ; démocrates et aux républicains de milliards de dollars sur un an. élus de l'Arizona, un républicain et Youngstown State (Ohio). - La préservation et la valo- simplifier le système. Supprimez "J'apprécie le fait qu'il veuille un démocrate. Le président de la chambre de risation de l´environnement et les niches fiscales. Uniformisez faire quelque chose concernant les commerce américain, Thomas des ressources naturelles ; les règles et utilisez les économies dépenses. Cependant, le gel des Marginaliser le mouvement Tea Donohue, a estimé pour sa part que - La dimension régionale du pour abaisser le taux de l'impôt sur dépenses gouvernementales sur Party la politique ne devrait pas entrer en développement humain. les sociétés pour la première fois cinq ans au regard de la hausse de "Ce qui ressortira de ce moment compte. "La chambre américaine en vingt-cinq ans, sans augmenter ces deux dernières années n'est pas sera, non pas de voir si nous pou- travaillera avec quiconque partagera Insight souhaite bonne notre déficit", a déclaré le président. suffisant", a réagi le chef des répub- vons nous asseoir ensemble mais si ses objectifs et peu nous importe chance à tous les participants. Le taux maximal de l'impôt sur les licains au Sénat, Mitch McConnell. nous pourrons travailler ensemble qui en récoltera les fruits", a-t-il dit.

INSIGHT // 07 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 PARTAGE //

Ce qui vous attend dans le monde du travail

Magdala MULLEGADOO

monde du travail. Avec une de- des sociétés qui vous intéressent longue, dépendant de ce que qui ne vous plait pas. mande accrue de professionnels, bien avant la fin des cours. Com- vous cherchez en terme de salaire, Finalement travailler c’est telle- l’institution de Réduit essaie de mencer avant la fin des examens de travail et de responsabilité, ment stimulant. Je ne vous cache former chaque année des milliers est déjà une très bonne chose car mais un conseil si vous n’avez pas la dure vérité, travailler c’est d’étudiants qui se retrouvent si au niveau universitaire il y a de pas d’expérience et ici je parle stressant et très fatiguant mais il après trois ou quatre ans sur le la compétition, cette compétition d’expérience professionnelle d’un n’y a rien qui vous épanouira plus. marché du travail. Tout cela pour est plus féroce dans le monde du minimum d’un an ne soyez pas L’essentiel surtout c’est de faire vous expliquer que, que vous travail. Ensuite vient l’étape la plus trop exigeant. quelque chose que vous aimez, soyez en première ou dernière difficile, celle des entrevues pro- Si l’étape entrevue se passe bien rien ne sera plus agréable pour année, il n’existe pas de barrière fessionnelles. Faut-il tout accept- vous vous retrouverez employé et vous que d’aller travailler alors. entre le monde professionnel er ? Faut-il se présenter comme là la phase finale c’est l’adaptation. En tout cas bon courage à tout et celui de l’éducation tertiaire, l’employé parfait? Plusieurs ques- Bien sûr tout est nouveau et croyez le monde, moi cela fait déjà 6 mois en fait ce n’est qu’une même et tions se posent à ce niveau parce moi le travail demande beaucoup que je travaille et rien n’est plus unique chose. qu’en effet tout se qu’on désire plus que les études. Bref la phase agréable même si la vie comme De ce fait il est recommandé c’est obtenir un emploi. Mais peu finale est déterminante, elle peut étudiante de l’université de Mau- aux étudiants de se préparer à importe dans une entrevue il faut être concluante. Il n’y a pas besoin rice me manque énormément, affronter le monde du travail où toujours savoir s’imposer et être de bouger, vous vous adaptez ou donc faites le maximum pour tout est loin d’être rose. La pre- franc au maximum. Evidemment alors vous n’arrivez pas à vous vos études mais amusez vous de L’Université de Maurice ac- mière phase après les cours c’est on ne dit jamais ses défauts, mais adaptez. Evidemment il faudra temps en temps aussi. Bon cour- cueille chaque année de plus en bien sûr de se proposer comme un peu importe les faiblesses il faut tout recommencer de la phase age pour le dernier semestre. plus d’étudiants qui s’attendent à employé potentiel et par expéri- toujours qu’elles deviennent une un qui est très fatiguant mais en recevoir une formation qui leur ence personnelle il est préférable force. même temps mieux vaut recom- ouvrira plus tard les portes du d’envoyer sa candidature vers L’étape entrevue est la plus mencer que rester dans un travail

AVIS DE RECHERCHE Sens de l’appartenance Nous lançons actuellement un avis de recherche. Attention, il ne s’agit ni d’une personne portée manquante, ni d’un ani- mal perdu, mais d’un sens : celui de l’appartenance ! Délaissé, mal utilisé, étouffé, le sens de l’appartenance est en voie de disparition.

Yuri CURUMTHAULLY

Fausse identification le dit si souvent, nous sommes premières pages. Quel dommage ! Enfin appartenir… Des événements se produisent Dans le cadre universitaire et tous sur le même pied d’égalité. Regardons les gens autour de nous A quoi servent tous ces titres dans notre vie, mais nous ne som- culturel où nous vivons, nous Dès que nous décollons pour des ! « Eh ! Ils l’ont fait » s’exclament éphémères que la société nous mes pas ces événements. Les nu- nous identifions souvent à des sphères supérieures, nous per- avec enthousiasme des admira- confère ? Tout simplement pour ages ne sont pas le ciel et nous ne titres : président, représentant dons malgré nous notre identité. teurs. Fait quoi ? Tout bonnement nous faire prendre conscience du sommes pas ce qui nous arrive. d’une quelconque organisation, Mais où allons-nous ? des idiots d’eux-mêmes ! rôle important que nous sommes meneur de bande, ainsi de suite. Qu’est ce qui détermine le suc- appelés à jouer ; à nous mettre Où est-il passé le sens de Bref, que des titres, responsabili- À qui la faute? cès ? Notre stupide société ! Sa dans la peau du personnage que l’appartenance ? tés et contraintes divers. Chers Redescendre sur terre dégonfle plus grande préoccupation c’est nous jouons, afin de prendre le étudiants, prenons-nous le temps et cela fait mal. On est si bien sur de se rendre elle-même malade. pouvoir et gouverner. Certes, au- de voir de près à qui nous nous son petit nuage. On s’est fabriqué Le plus tôt nous le réalisons, le cun homme n’a reçu de la nature identifions ? A la base, comme on une image afin de paraître sur les mieux nous serons. le droit de commander les autres. Creole… Our Identity!

Amit BHOONAH

Some weeks ago, I went to the owner will greet you in French without the marooned slaves of Job Fair at Ebène with two other or English. Call Customer ser- Le Morne? Ever seen someone friends. It was pretty interesting, vice and the representative will buying “Numéro 1 ek gajack” for and one “incident” in particular do the same. Dial a restaurant to a traditional family gathering over still lingers in my mind: order food or book a reservation liquor, snacks and chit-chat? Truth The three of us decided to and you’ll get “Bonjour, restaurant is, Creole is much more than a stop by the stall of one bank and X, comment puis-je vous servir?” means of communication; it is ask a few questions. So I stepped Whenever there is “important the linguistic fossil of our history forward and spoke to the repre- business” to attend to, we seem to and the poetry of our culture. Our sentative, in Creole. Much to my treat the usage of Creole language renunciation of Creole, though language has contributed to that. issue surrounding Mauritianism bemusement, he gave me an “O! with a sense of inferiority. partial, is a renunciation of who When children grow up speak- goes deeper than just that, but I How inappropriate!” look and But really, what is so insult- we are. ing French at home, they are less firmly believe one of the causes replied in English. I promptly re- ing about Creole? It is our lan- Unfortunately, who we are is likely to ask their parents where is the undervalued importance of plied back in English, thinking he guage, and in its expressions ambiguous in itself. Many com- the expression “La Boutique Creole. was not Mauritian. But then he we find glimpses of our history plain about the absence of real Chinois” comes from. Dialects I really hope we give Creole its said “Don’t worry I understand”. as well as bits and pieces of our Mauritianism, and they are not like Creole are in themselves an true value! Who knows, maybe Why can’t two Mauritians culture. Would the expression wrong. Most people do not feel intangible, largely informal, cul- one day I’ll meet with the same speak Creole between the two of “Lin maroon” (referring to per- Mauritian at heart, and I think the tural education for the members bank official for a job interview – them? Step inside a shop and the son who ran away from duty) be status of Creole as a second class of a society. Obviously, the whole IN CREOLE!

INSIGHT // 08 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 CELEBRATIONS //

HISTORY India celebrated Republic Day on 26 January

To mark the importance of the sion is always a solemn reminder History occasion, every year a grand pa- of the sacrifice of the martyrs who The Republic Day of India com- rade is held in the capital, New died for the country in the free- memorates the date on which the Delhi, from the Raisina Hill near dom movement and the succeed- Constitution of India came into the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presi- ing wars for the defence of sov- force replacing the Government dent's Palace), along the Rajpath, ereignty of their country. Then, of India Act 1935 as the governing past India Gate. Prior to its com- the President comes forward to document of India on 26 January mencement, the Prime Minister award the medals of bravery to the 1950. lays a floral wreath at the Amar people from the armed forces for The 26th of January was cho- Jawan Jyoti, a memorial to un- their exceptional courage in the sen to honour the memory of the known soldiers at the India Gate field and also the civilians, who declaration of independence of at one end of Rajpath, which is have distinguished themselves by 1930. It is one of the three nation- followed by two minutes silence their different acts of valour in dif- al holidays in India, and while the in the memory of unknown sol- ferent situations. main parade, Republic Day Parade diers. Thereafter he reaches the To mark the importance of this takes place at the Rajpath, in the main dais at Rajpath to join other occasion, every year a grand pa- national capital New Delhi, where India. The Indian National Con- emergence of Indian Republic is dignitaries, subsequently the rade is held in the capital, from the the President views the parade, gress and other parties had been relevant in this context. He said, President arrives along with the Rajghat, along the Vijaypath. The state capitals also have their state celebrating 26 January as a symbol ‘Of all the experiments in govern- chief guest of the occasion. First different regiments of the army, celebrations. of Independence, even before In- ment, which have been attempted he unfurls the National flag, as the Navy and the Air force march Although India obtained its dia actually became independent. since the beginning of time, I be- the National Anthem is played, past in all their finery and official independence on 15 August 1947, Thus, applying the constitution on lieve that the Indian venture into and a 21-gun salute is given. Next, decorations even the horses of it did not yet have a permanent 26 January, to mark and respect 26 parliamentary government is the important awards like the Ashok the cavalry are attractively capar- constitution; instead, its laws January and the freedom struggle most exciting. A vast subconti- Chakra and Kirti Chakra are given isoned to suit the occasion. The were based on the modified co- and the freedom fighters. nent is attempting to apply to its away by the President, before the crème of N. C. C. cadets, selected lonial Government of India Act The amending mechanism was tens and thousands of millions regiments of Armed Forces start from all over the country consider 1935, and the country was a Do- lauded even at the time of intro- a system of free democracy... It their march past. it an honour to participate in this minion, with George VI as head duction by Ambedkar in the fol- is a brave thing to try to do so. The different regiments of the event, as do the school children of state and Earl Mountbatten as lowing words: "We can therefore The Indian venture is not a pale Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force from various schools in the capi- Governor General. On 28 August safely say that the Indian federa- imitation of our practice at home, march past in all their finery and tal. They spend many days prepar- 1947, the Drafting Committee was tion will not suffer from the faults but a magnified and multiplied official decorations. The President ing for the event and no expense appointed to draft a permanent of rigidity or legalism. Its distin- reproduction on a scale we have of India who is the Commander- is spared to see that every detail is constitution, with Bhimrao Ramji guished feature is that it is a flex- never dreamt of. If it succeeds, its in-Chief of the Indian Armed taken care of, from their practice Ambedkar as chairman. While In- ible federation. influence on Asia is incalculable Forces, takes the salute. Floats ex- for the drills, the essential props dia's Independence Day celebrates for good. Whatever the outcome hibiting the cultures of the various and their uniforms. its freedom from British Rule, the we must honour those who at- states and regions of India are in The parade is followed by a Republic Day celebrates the com- "The three mecha- tempt it. the grand parade, which is broad- pageant of spectacular displays ing into force of its constitution. nisms of the system de- Even more meaningful was the cast nationwide on television and from the different states of the A draft constitution was pre- rived by the Assembly, opinion expressed by an Ameri- radio. Also part of the parade are country. These moving exhib- pared by the committee and can Constitutional authority, children who win the National its depict scenes of activities of submitted to the Assembly on 4 contrary to the predic- Granville Austin, who wrote that Bravery Award for the year. The people in those states and the November 1947. The Assembly tions, have made the what the Indian Constituent As- parade also includes other vibrant music and songs of that particu- met, in sessions open to public, constitution flexible at sembly began was "perhaps the displays and floats and tradition- lar state accompany each display. for 166 days, spread over a period greatest political venture since ally ends with a flypast by Indian Each display brings out the diver- of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days the same time protected that originated in Philadelphia in Air Force jets. sity and richness of the culture of before adopting the Constitu- the rights of the states. 1787." Celebrations are also held in India and the whole show lends tion. After many deliberations They have worked better Austin has also described the state capitals, where the Governor a festive air to the occasion. The and some modifications, the 308 than the amending pro- Indian Constitution as 'first and of the state unfurls the national parade and the ensuing pageantry members of the Assembly signed foremost a social document.' ... flag. If the Governor of the state is is telecast by the National Televi- two hand-written copies of the cess in any other country "The majority of India's consti- unwell, or is unavailable for some sion and is watched by millions document (one each in Hindi where Federalism and tutional provisions are either di- reason, the Chief Minister of the of viewers in every corner of the and English) on 24 January 1950. the British Parliamenta- rectly arrived at furthering the state assumes the honour of un- country. Two days later, the Constitution aim of social revolution or attempt furling the National Flag of India. The patriotic fervor of the peo- of India became the law of all the ry system jointly formed to foster this revolution by estab- Today, the Republic Day is cel- ple on this day brings the whole Indian lands. The Constitution of the basis of the constitu- lishing conditions necessary for ebrated with much enthusiasm all country together even in her es- India was passed on 26 November tion". its achievement." over the country and especially sential diversity. Every part of the 1949, 10.18 AM IST, but it came into in the capital, New Delhi where country is represented in occa- effect completely only on 26th Jan- What Sir Anthony Eden, the the celebrations start with the sion, which makes the Republic uary, 1950. Following elections on Prime Minister of the United Presidential address to the na- Day the most popular of all the 21 January 1950, Rajendra Prasad Kingdom (April 1955 to Janu- tion. The beginning of the occa- national holidays of India. was elected as the president of ary 1957), said at the time of the Chinese Spring Festival

Ashton Shee-Lan IP CHAN IN

The Chinese Spring festival is This occasion is considered There are also traditional Chi- dancers will perform the Lion usually celebrated by the Mauri- to be the Chinese New Year. As nese cakes – ‘gâteaux la cire’, ‘cra- Dance a few days later where the tian Chinese of the island every such, the customs says that it is vatte’, ‘zoreil’ as we call in Mau- Spring Festivals ends. year in January or February. The not good to use knives or scissors ritian language) being shared date depends of the Chinese cal- on this day. Many go the pagoda amongst friends especially of endar. This year it will be cele- to pray. For this festival, the fam- other cultures. Children normally brated on 3rd February. The domi- ily gathers by way of outings and receive a red envelop containing nant colour during this festival is most commonly now by camping money. Firecrackers are set off ac- the red which is the symbol of or staying at a hotel for around 3 cording to the customs to drive happiness. days. away the evil spirits. Chinese

INSIGHT // 09 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 ENTERTAINMENT //

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For more details on the MiFi and on the packages, log on www.emtel.com INSIGHT // 10 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 FOCUS //

Lessons from Less How to find When I was 16, I wanted more. When I was 24, I wanted even more than that. So, I worked harder, opportunity earned more, spent more, to have more, only to owe more. I was exhausted at the end of the day When we are faced with and tired when I woke up most mornings. I ate on the fly, fell behind, ran late and could never catch a crisis or struggle we often despair. up. Sound familiar? But it’s in this struggle that L. B the best opportunities emerge. If we’re keeping our eyes open. I thought everything I was do- up meat was one of the best ways I ing was for a better life. I thought could really “do something” about A crisis is an opportunity what I was doing was normal and my new diagnosis. I stopped eat- to change grow learn reflect right. I had become so used to ing meat to achieve better health. and become better. It’s where bills in the mailbox, and feeling we discover who we are and rundown, that I didn’t know any- When I started my vegetarian how we can find a new way thing was wrong. So, how did I go journey, I started reading. I read we couldn’t have imagined from wanting more, more, more to about raising animals for meat. before the crisis presented craving less? I would love to tell I read about factory farming. I itself. It allows us to practice you that I woke up one morning a learned about the impact of our patience and acceptance and changed person, but that’s not the actions on our bodies, animals and find renewed hope – which is way it went down. Even though I the earth. By really opening my the most beautiful thing. had begun to make small changes, eyes and heart to how meat was I needed a wake up call … and it put on my plate, I lost my appetite When I’ve lost my job it was had to be really loud. for it. I was motivated by health an opportunity for reinvention and changed with compassion. and to strike out on my own. On July, 7th 2006 I was diag- nosed with relapsing remitting I fell in love with yoga. Prac- When I’ve lost a family Multiple Sclerosis. That was my ticing Yoga gives me strength, member to the unrelenting wake up call, and to say it was loud flexibility, focus, peace of mind grip of death it was an oppor- is an understatement. The diagno- and freedom from fear. I want tunity to reflect on that loved sis was nothing short of traumatic. to keep my body strong, and my one’s wonderful life and for I didn’t have enough information mind calm and focused so I can our family to come together to take action. I only knew enough effectively fight this disease and in a way never possible before. to be really scared. I had so many take care of my family. While I am questions. Could I still ski with my in search of less, I want to be more When I failed at work I family? Would I be able to help my sensitive and loving, more adap- learned to improve and grow daughter with homework? Would tive and more resilient. Yoga gives better. I even be walking in a year? me that, too. When I injured myself I No one had the answers to I got rid of my stuff. While I learned patience and new those overwhelming questions, always felt compelled to put some- ways to be healthy. so I had to focus on what was thing on an empty surface, I have most important: my health and my come to love an empty space. It When my children throw family. Nothing else mattered. If I takes living without it to realize tantrums they are teaching had moved forward with these big how clutter affects your life and me more patience and the questions and fearful thinking, my takes away from your freedom and power of raw emotions and daughter and husband would have creativity. I am reminded of that the wonder of childhood and been so worried. I realized that if every time I walk into my kitchen what happens when you lose I started thinking differently, so and instead of seeing a cluttered perspective. would they. My questions went counter, I see sunlight streaming had essentially been risking my figured it all out but am content. from, “What is this disease going in from the kitchen window. I am life and the lives of other drivers I don’t make as much as I used When my wife and I had ar- to do to my body and mind?” to still letting go of my stuff and feel wasn’t easy, but it was necessary to. I didn’t take a big vacation this guments it was an opportunity “How am I going to reverse MS?” lighter everyday. to make the change and the com- year or make any big purchases, to learn more about each other mitment to be phone free in the but there is no doubt that I am and grow closer and become The answer to my question I decided to live without debt. car. happier. Less speaks to me. Less better at finding common was change. Small shifts and big You may not think that your bank lets me love more deeply and less ground. change were necessary to be- account can affect your health, Another benefit is that now, lets me really be me. come the best possible version but considering money can cause when I pick my daughter up from When I moved and missed of myself. When I started making great stress, and stress can make school, she has my full attention. My wake up calls have become my family terribly it was an op- changes in my life, I didn’t know you sick, it only makes sense that She doesn’t have to compete with more subtle, but because I have portunity to learn introspec- that they would lead to minimal- poor money management equals business or other phone fueled the time and space to pay atten- tion and self-sufficiency and ism, but they did. In fact, while poor health. My husband and I distractions. I am there for her. tion, I hear them loud and clear. grow closer to family here in the changes I made were fighting made the decision to be debt free, When I first started to practice Mauritius. MS, they were also redefining my and paid off our last debt this sum- I redefined better. As I men- doing less and being more, I dis- whole life. The changes I made mer except for our house. What tioned before, all of my bad hab- covered Insight newspaper. It When I daily face the ter- are not all essential in the life of will we do with our money now its came from wanting something was another wake up call, but it ror of the void staring at me a minimalist, but they are all es- that we don’t have any monthly better, something more. In the sounded like a whisper, “You can face to face it is my chance to sential to my minimalist lifestyle. payments? Whatever we want. changes I’ve made, I have rede- do this. You can change.” It is not push back and assert my will fined what better means to me and a coincidence that L.B’s story of and imprint my soul upon this What I did to change my life? I hung up the phone. I do not my family. The health and happi- change changed me. I was ready malleable world. I became a vegetarian. Re- use my phone when I’m driving ness of my marriage and family to listen, ready to change. search shows that MS patients, anymore. I don’t text at red lights comes before everything else. My And that, my friends, is and people dealing with other or make calls on the back roads. husband and I have decided that The biggest lesson I’ve learned beauty. It is the finding of re- autoimmune conditions that eat I can remember too many times “more” isn’t the answer for us. is that less is enough. Of course, newed hope and growth when fewer saturated fats and “inflam- where I would arrive at a destina- I am still learning, still changing all else seems bleak and lost. matory foods” maintain better tion and not remember how I got Now at 41, forever changed, and still a work in progress, but health. (I would challenge that this there because I was so involved and virtually symptom free, I am now it is my turn to inspire change In the struggle is the pos- goes for most everyone.) Giving in a phone call. Admitting that I becoming me. I know I haven’t with my story. sible if we dare to look.

INSIGHT // 11 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 BOLLYWOOD //

Salman, Vidya win top honours at Star Screen Bobby Deol: “It was tough to find a Awards Salman Khan not only rocked the box office with script for three of us” his blockbuster “Dabangg” but also triumphed at the 17th After featuring together in it's not easy to find a good comedy form of Paramveer Singh Dhillon girl back for Gajodhar which leads Annual Star Screen Awards by "Apne", the three Deols – Dhar- script. It took us one and a half (Sunny Deol). A brawny and hon- them to the rustic heartlands of bagging the best actor trophy mendra, Sunny and Bobby – took years to work on a good script. est NRI from Vancover, Paramveer Punjab. for the action-comedy. Vidya three years to return together That's why it took us time to re- lands up in Banaras claiming to be What follows is a rollercoaster Balan walked away with best on the silver screen. The reason, turn together," said Bobby. Gajodhar's elder brother separat- ride showcasing the Great Indian actress award for her bold and Bobby says, is the lack of a good ed at childhood. The duo willingly Joint Family, Eccentric Relatives, critically appreciated perfor- comedy script. Synopsis accepts Paramveer into their fold Marriage Mayhem, and a classic mance in Vishal Bhardwaj’s The father and sons are now The Father Son duo of Dharam only to exploit his muscle power case of Mistaken Identities! “Ishqiya”. seen together in "Yamla Pagla Singh and Gajodhar Singh (Dhar- to serve their con games. "Duniyawaalon! Iss kahani mein Overall, “Dabangg” bagged Deewana", which has been re- mendra and Bobby Deol) are the Meanwhile Gajodhar falls in Comedy hai! Action hai! Romance six awards, including best mu- leased on Jan 14. biggest conmen in Banaras. Their love with Saheba (Kulraj Randha- hai! Drama hai! Melodrama hai! sic (Sajid-Wajid), best new tal- "Apne was a film people were happy go lucky existence involves wa), a beautiful girl from Punjab. Emotions hai! .... Aur Maa Kasam! ent in music (Mamta Sharma), really touched by. They said it re- drinking and pulling off hilarious As their romance reaches its peak, Bahut sara Confusion hai!!" most promising newcomer ally made them cry; so my dad de- cons on unsuspecting people. her brothers arrive and forcibly (Sonakshi Sinha), best cho- cided that the next time we come The only hitch in their perfect al- take her away. Paramveer saves the reography (Farah Khan), and together we'll do a comedy. But beit notorious life arrives in the day with a crazy plan to win the best action (Master Vijayan) and emerged as the most awarded film of the evening. However, the surprise el- ement was the tie between Munni offends morality, taken to court! “Ishqiya”, “Band Baaja Baraat” and small budget film “Udaan” The Allahabad High Court to- and fixed January 10 as the next – all three received four awards day sought a response from the date of hearing. On December 23, each. Centre on a PIL demanding an im- a woman had filed a PIL in court mediate ban on Bollywood item seeking an immediate ban on the numbers 'Munni badnam hui...' two songs, alleging that they were and 'Sheila ki jawani...' on the against decency and morality. Aamir to wear grounds that they were against The petitioner had requested Karan Johar’s decency and morality. the court to order a halt on the While passing the order, the release of Hindi film Tees Maar designs at Im- Lucknow bench of the court Khan until the song 'Sheila Ki ran’s wedding comprising Justices Pradeep Kant Jawaani' was removed from the and Rituraj Awasthi directed the film. In her PIL, petitioner Nutan It is a known fact that film- central government counsel to Thakur, through counsel Ashok public exhibition of these songs, on society. maker Karan Johar is interest- seek response from the Centre Pandey, had sought to stop the claiming they have a "bad" impact ed in costume designing and the latest to take his services is Aamir Khan. The star will be wearing a KJo-designed outfit Priyanka, Katrina patch-up? No way! for his nephew Imran Khan’s wedding with Avantika Malik. If you thought Priyanka Cho- haved like total strangers. There “Karan has designed clothes pra and Katrina Kaif hugged at was ample opportunity for both for Aamir and his son Junaid. Salman's Being Human event the ladies to at least acknowledge He has designed a traditional to start a new friendship, think each other’s presence but even as well as a formal suit for again! The actors didn't even say that did not happen. Everyone the wedding functions,” said a formal hello to each other at a around them noted this.” a source. Not just Aamir, the recent event. To refresh surfers' memory, filmmaker has also been acting Piggy Chops and Kat came face Priyanka and Katrina are at log- as a mentor to the bride-to-be, to face at an awards function, but gerheads since the latter replaced Avantika Malik. behaved as strangers. They didn't former in Dostana sequel, and Pri- Karan has helped Avantika even say hi to each other, forget yanka in turn replaced Katrina in plan the entire wedding from about a warm hug. Anurag Basu's Silence (now titled clothes, jewellery, make-up An eyewitness told Mumbai Barfi). to card designs. However, for Mirror, “Priyanka and Katrina Even at IPL awards, the actors the mehandi celebrations Sat- were next to each other for quite kept their distance. So we wonder, urday, Imran and Avantika will some time backstage. Their eyes why they had to give jadu ki jhappi be wearing designer Varun met, but they did not give each to each other at Salman's event? Bahl and Manish Malhotra’s other even a faint smile. They be- Keep guessing. clothes.

INSIGHT // 12 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 HOLLYWOOD //

Lady Gaga branded 'a childish diva' Lady Gaga was branded 'a Institute Gala. like a childish diva and not the of Lady Gaga'', as saying. this way. childish diva' by Vogue editor- "She (Lady GaGa) sort of professional who was about to "She sequestered herself in in-chief Anna Wintour, accord- had a meltdown before she perform for her peers; these in- the back room for a good hour. "And Anna just said no. ing to the singer's biographer. went on and as it was de- credibly famous designers and She was late to perform and I I don''t think she''s used to The British-born journalist scribed to me, Anna was re- celebrities," the Sun quoted also heard that she had been hearing that very often. When met GaGa back in May when ally none too pleased with her. Maureen Callahan, author of demanding things. She went you''re dealing with two egos she performed at Anna''s Met- Anna wasn''t impressed. She much-anticipated biography to Anna at the last minute and like that, it gets interesting," ropolitan Museum Costume thought she was just behaving ''Poker Face: The Rise and Rise was saying,'' I''d like it to be she added. We publish your articles:

That come with full name, address and telephone number; even if you want to use a pseudonym. The shorter the better; articles under 300 words take precedence. Address them to the ‘Editor in Chief’ - [email protected]

INSIGHT // 13 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 PSYCHOLOGY //

Aha! Understanding the mind games men play Have you ever wondered ... How could he disappear after he was so totally into me? Why hasn’t he texted? Why does he pull away every time we get close? Was it just about the sex? How could he not be interested in me? Why doesn’t he make a move? Will he ever commit? What the bleep is going on in this relationship? Is it him or is it me?

D KIRSCHNER Psychologist

Understanding ‘deadly dating patterns’ so, how does he describe their relationship? 4. The grass-is-greener type Understanding guys’ Deadly Dating Pat- If divorced, did they remarry successfully? He has a hard time making up his mind, terns is crucial not only to your success in • Does he have any role models who like he is never sure that the job he has is re- creating the love you want, but also to your have shown him what a good marriage is ally the best one for him. Online dating has own self-esteem and happiness. When you like? made this pattern very common. Because learn to clearly see who you are dealing there is such a smorgasbord of women, men with and understand his patterns: Five deadly dating patterns with this inclination are constantly looking • You can free yourself from second- Now that you’ve answered these eight to see whether they can do better. guessing about what you did wrong questions, let’s dig into the specific rela- Degree of difficulty: 8 whenever a relationship falls apart. tionship patterns your guy may be caught • You will be able to let go of thoughts in. Here are five of the 16 patterns, their de- If he is very true to type, he will be mor- like, “I should have told him how grees of difficulty (10 is the most challeng- tally terrified of “settling” — as in, settling much I enjoyed the comedy club he ing) and my recommendations for handling down with you. It is usually best to move picked out and that I would love to each. The first two, “the savior” and “the on before he does. go again! That’s why he’s not calling.” coward” patterns, are easier to overcome, Or, “My thighs are so big and I wore while the last three, “the super romantic 5. The slacker that clingy dress. That’s what turned flame-out,” “the grass-is-greener” and “the He has grand dreams and plans that have him off!” Or, “He broke it off because slacker” types, are in the most challenging been just over the horizon for years. He may I am too (old, needy, successful, have group. be cute and engaging as he passionately de- kids, fat ... fill in the blank).” scribes all that he is going to do. But this is • You can more easily say and under- 1. The savior the guy who consistently shoots himself in stand that, “It is not just about me. He is a super-duper caretaker, a Mr. Fix-It the foot so that he misses the finish line. He It’s about him and his issues.” who tries to be romantic too. Your happi- didn’t finish anything — not his degree, his • You can then view relationships in a ness is his happiness. And he doesn’t have new Web site, his new book, project or the more balanced way, examining more much happiness of his own. Underneath it very deal that will get him ahead. objectively who did what to whom. all he is insecure and feels not good enough Degree of difficulty: 8 Ah, men. Mystifying men. — so he seems clingy and smothering. Date him or dump him? Degree of difficulty: 4 Unless he has started to seriously engage And we’re supposed to be the mysterious In order to have emotional freedom in in therapy or coaching, you will not be able ones! Truth is, men are at least as hard to dating it is important to be like an anthro- If you are firm and he realizes he has to to rescue this guy. No, not even you. figure out as women. Their behavior can be pologist in the world of men — to study find his own happiness and stand up for confusing, frustrating and maddening. They them and understand their unique qualities himself or lose you, he will step up. Over Who are the keepers? tease us with clever poems, daily texts and and attributes. You need to suspend judg- time he could evolve into a great partner! Any of these types may be intertwined calls, only to turn around in the blink of an ment about what a man ought to be like. We with one or more of the other 11 self-sabo- eye and completely disappear or disappoint expect a lot based on fairy tales, romantic 2. The coward taging patterns in “Love in 90 Days.” Men us. Who hasn’t fallen for that grand opening movies and the media: the all-perfect prince He is afraid of honest straight talk and can vary a great deal in just how stuck they game, where they lure us with intoxicat- is supposed to come along and sweep us very afraid of conflict. If differences come are. ing conversations, exciting fun-filled dates, away to the magic kingdom of love. But up he pulls away and prefers to communi- The most important question to ask is, a single perfect rose, delicious kisses and real life is not a fairy tale or a movie. There cate by e-mail or texts. “Is he willing to grow? That is, work his way more? are no perfect guys. So how do you know Degree of difficulty: 4 out of his own self-sabotaging pattern?” If whether to date him or dump him? a guy is a good person who is attractive to Fortunately, I’ve logged many therapy Many men have some degree of this pat- you, working on his issues and crazy about hours listening to men as they’ve opened The severity of men’s dating and com- tern. You can break through by using posi- you, he is a keeper. Once again, no man is up and explored their deepest needs and mitment issues varies from person to per- tive talk, where you present your concerns perfect. Of course, neither are you. So ask fears. The good news is that they, like us, son. So here are eight key questions to ask in a loving, warm and clear way. Once you yourself: How much does this man want to usually really do want true love, and down about the guy and the relationship: develop a way to navigate conflict, “the cow- have love, that is, love with you in his life? deep they realize that they’d be happier, • What does he say about the possibil- ard” can grow into a wonderful Mr. Right. What is he willing to do or change to have more content and more sexually satisfied if ity of real love, women in general, and his that special, lasting experience? they had a good relationship. The bad news past relationships? Read between the lines. 3. The super romantic flame-out As you consider the answers to these is they are also scared, and they push real • What do you notice about his think- He is totally on your wavelength and questions you will have many ‘Aha’ expe- intimacy or commitment away. Men fear ing about being involved in a long-term re- crazy about you from the very first e-mail riences. Armed with this knowledge you being overwhelmed and taken over in an all- lationship or marriage? or glance at your photo. Chances are he is can quickly get away from guys who are consuming relationship void of any video • How does he describe other couples? a serial monogamist who has brief periods DUDs (Definitely Unworkable Dudes) or re- games, sporting events or nights out with • If his friend is getting married, is of being in mad, passionate love with you, lationships that are truly dead-end or even the guys. Believe it or not, they also fear he cynical? Does he describe his married then the next, and the next one, following destructive. You can see clearly when it is rejection and abandonment. And all these buddies as trapped in some way? the path of chemistry, wherever it may lead. time to stay and work on the relationship fears play out in a variety of ways. Men • Does he say it would take a good Degree of difficulty: 8 or when it’s time to cut your losses and go. play out unconscious and conscious games three to four years to know if a person is And then you will be free to choose the which create a maddening push-pull with ready to be with someone? Take it slow and easy to make him prove ones you want, the ones who give you love your heart. That’s why dating and relation- • Does he say love never lasts? himself. If he doesn’t, be ready to bail. that is just right for you. ships can be so confusing and frustrating. • Did his parents stay married and if

We publish your articles:

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INSIGHT // 14 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 PRODUCTIVE LIVING //

75 ways to stay unhappy forever How small people make Dale Carnegie once said, “It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where a big difference you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It’s Today, as I was relaxing at the beach, I couldn’t help but what you think about.” eavesdrop on a conversation four school kids were having on the beach blanket next to me. Their conversation was Rehaan. E about making a positive difference in the world. And it went something like this… I don’t think anyone could say it any better than that. I’ve watched so many friends search tirelessly M. A for happiness by shifting from one course to another Repression “Why do you think your at uni, changing jobs, moving to new cities, pursu- “It’s impossible to make a teachers had you memorize his ing intimate relationships, and tweaking all sorts of difference unless you’re a huge speech?” I asked other external factors in their lives. And guess what? corporation or someone with “I don’t really care!” the kid They’re still unhappy … because they spend all of lots of money and power,” one replied. His three friends shook their time and money adding positive externals to of them said. their heads in agreement. “What their lives when their internals are still in the nega- “Yeah man,” another replied. does this have to do with us and tives. “My mom keeps telling me to our situation?” So, with that in mind, here are 75 ways to stay un- move mountains – to speak up “Your teachers asked you to happy forever. Of course, I would highly recommend and stand up for what I believe. memorize those words, just like you read each bullet point and then move swiftly in But what I say and do doesn’t thousands of teachers around the opposite direction. even get noticed. I just keep an- the world have asked students to 1. Dwell on things that happened in the past. swering to ‘the man’ and then I memorize those words, because 2. Obsess yourself with all the things that might get slapped back in place by him they have inspired millions of happen in the future. when I step out of line.” repressed people to dream of a 3. Complain about problems instead of taking the “Repression…” another snick- better world and take action to necessary steps to resolve them. ered. make their dreams come true. 4. Fear change and resist it. I smiled because I knew ex- Do you see where I’m going with 5. Work hard, do your best and then condemn your- actly how they felt. When I was this?” self for not achieving perfection. 44. Spend more than you earn and rack up lots of their age, I was certain I was be- “Man, I know exactly what 6. Belittle yourself. financial debt. ing repressed and couldn’t pos- you’re trying to do and it’s not 7. Hang out with other people who belittle you. 45. Don’t say what you mean. Don’t mean what you sibly make a difference in this going to work, alright?” the 8. Try to control everything and then worry about say. world. And I actually almost got fourth kid said, who hadn’t spo- the things you can’t control. 46. Frown. expelled from school once be- ken a word until now. “We’re 9. Lie to yourself and those around you. 47. Never tell anyone how you feel or what you’re cause I openly expressed how not going to get all inspired and 10. Keep doing the same thing over and over again. thinking. repressed I felt in the middle of emotional about something 11. Be lazy and follow the path of least resistance. 48. Make sure everything you do impresses some- the principals’ office. some dude said thirty years ago. 12. Hold onto anger. Never forgive anyone. one else. I Have A Dream Our world is different now. And 13. Always be right. Never let anyone else be more 49. Always put your own needs on the back burner. Suddenly, one of the kids it’s more screwed up than any right than you. 50. Get involved in other people problems and make noticed me eavesdropping and us can even begin to imagine, 14. Compare yourself unfavorably to those who you them your own. smiling. He sat up, looked at me and there’s little you or I can do feel are more successful. 51. Make others feel bad about themselves. and said, “What? Do you dis- about it. We’re too small, we’re 15. Let small issues snowball into big problems. 52. Watch TV for several hours every day. agree?” Then as he waited for nobody.” 16. Never learn anything new. 53. Gamble often. a response, the other three kids Together 17. Never take responsibility for your own actions. 54. Stay in the same place. Don’t travel. turned around too. I smiled again because I once 18. Blame everyone around you. 55. Don’t play, just work. Rather than arguing with believed and used to say similar 19. Don’t ask for directions and don’t ask questions. 56. Let your hobbies go. them, I took an old receipt out things. Then after holding the 20. Don’t let anyone help you. 57. Let your close relationships go. of my wallet, ripped it into four smile for a few seconds I said, 21. Quit when the going gets tough. 58. Never finish what you start. pieces, and wrote a different “On their own, ‘I’ or ‘have’ or ‘a’ 22. Be suspicious. Trust no one. 59. Take everything personally. word on each piece. Then I or ‘dream’ are just words. Not 23. Get four hours of sleep every night and convince 60. Do lots of drugs. Drink lots of alcohol. crumbled the pieces into little very compelling or inspiring. yourself that it’s enough. 61. Never say, “I’m sorry.” Never say, “I love you.” paper balls and handed a differ- But when you put them togeth- 24. Never throw anything way. Even if you don’t use 62. Don’t work hard at anything. ent piece to each one of them. er in a certain order, they create it, hold onto it. 63. Always wait until the last minute. “Look at the word on the a phrase that has been power- 25. Say “yes” to everyone. Fill all your time with 64. Believe that, no matter what, you are entitled paper I just gave you and don’t ful enough to move millions of commitments. to things. show it to anyone else.” The people to take action – action 26. Try to be everyone’s friend. 65. Let others make decisions for you. kids looked at the single word that changed laws, perceptions, 27. Multitask, multitask and multitask! Do every- 66. Remember the insults. Forget the compliments. I had handed each of them and and lives. You don’t need to be thing at once. 67. Let it all bottle up inside. appeared confused. “You have inspired or emotional to agree 28. Never spend any time alone. 68. Rely on others for everything. two choices,” I told them. “If with this, do you?” 29. Don’t help others unless you have to. Do only the 69. Fail to plan. your word inspired you to make The four kids shrugged and things that benefit you directly. 70. Don’t dream. a difference in this world, then struggled to appear totally indif- 30. Hang out with people who complain about ev- 71. Don’t think about the future at all. hold onto it. If not, give it back ferent, but I could tell they were erything. 72. Always disregard other people’s opinions and to me so I can recycle the paper.” listening intently. “And what’s 31. Focus on what you don’t want to happen. suggestions. They all returned their words. true for words is also true for 32. Fear the things you don’t fully understand. 73. Make promises you can’t keep. I scooted over, sat down on people,” I continued. “One per- 33. Always seek external validation before you con- 74. Don’t decide on anything, ever. the sand next to their beach son without help from anyone sider yourself good enough. 75. Just keep going and going and going. And never blanket and laid out the four else can’t do much to make a 34. Take everything and everyone in life seriously. ever stop. words that the students had re- sizable difference in this crazy 35. Spend your life working in a career field you turned to me so that the words world – or to overcome all of aren’t passionate about. And now that you know what not to do, let me tell combined to form the simple the various forms of repression 36. Focus on the problems. you a secret about happiness. Nobody is happy all of sentence, “I have a dream.” that exist today. But when people 37. Think about all the things you don’t have. the time. It’s perfectly normal to experience consid- “Dude, that’s Martin Luther get together and unite to form 38. Read or watch lots of depressing news from erable fluctuations in your level of happiness from King Jr.,” one of the kids said. something more powerful and broadcast media. day to day, month to month, and even year to year. “How did you know that?” I meaningful then themselves, the 39. Set lofty goals for yourself and never do anything In fact, according to a recent scientific study, over- asked. possibilities are endless. to achieve them. all levels of happiness decline from one’s teens until “Everyone knows Martin Lu- Together is how mountains 40. Never exercise. one’s 40s and then pick up again until they peak in ther King Jr.” the kid snarled. are moved. Together is how 41. Only eat junk food and fried food. one’s early 70s. So the chances are that your happi- “He has his own national holi- small people make a big differ- 42. Never check-up on your health. est days are yet to come. Hopefully that gives you day, and we all had to memorize ence. 43. Setup your lifestyle so it revolves around money. something to smile about. his speech in school a few years ago.” INSIGHT // 15 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 OPINION //

Columnist Facebook : A major influence on Rashneel Kumar MADHUR University of South today’s society Pacific (USP) Fiji Over the past years we’ve seen a major increase in the number of new Facebook users. In- Bula from Fiji deed this online social ensnare is an addiction that has caused people to cross the line from Hey, Happy New Year social networking to social dysfunction. friends. Wish you a prosper- ous and peaceful 2011! Hope you all had a fantabu- Krishna ATHAL lous (blend of fantastic and Editor in Chief fabulous) 2010. Finally we are Research in 2011 and in Fiji the celebra- • Mental health threat – Brussels MEP tion to mark a new year goes • Act like a silly little girl – Social Times throughout the opening month (January). Fijians are very fond The site is addictive because older family members and friends asked myself – I often just acted it up by making a desperate plea of playing with water and it gives people “intermittent rein- have a tendency to morph their out of a naive confidence that re- for exo-Facebook attention. we call January a “splashing forcement” – in other words that behaviour once they get on Face- mained oblivious to the real world month.” vague feeling of interest and hope book. People who’re always ratio- ramifications of virtual relation- The come back Now back to business... Last one gets when opening Facebook nal and can tell me how to get a ships. But as I look at the drama So what does that tell us? Face- month I wrote on “Youths of that someone might have posted hold of myself in the middle of a that can ensue because of a way- book is generally doing a good job Fiji” and hope you all enjoyed something of interest, or liked panic attack are suddenly calling ward Facebook wall post, an Hon- at enabling people to network. reading about us. This month’s something you wrote, or the girl and emailing me to ask for advice. esty Box confession, an errantly And in creating a subset of our column, as I mentioned last you fancied at school has sent a “My high school crush just con- tagged photo or a misconstrued physical social structure designed time, is on the major problems friend request, and you therefore tacted me on Facebook. What do SuperPoke, I realise that we’re all specifically for the web, we’ve associated with the youths in get to see pictures of her, hopeful- I do?” “What’s the likelihood of subject to the same essential so- gained an interesting peek into the my country. ly a tired and impoverished single this person being a fake, with an cial norms regardless of our age. frivolous mind of the tech-savvy When I sat down to write mother of three who clearly made impersonator behind their Face- middle aged. this column, I asked a friend a mistake in turning you down. Or book account?” “Is it narcissistic Ultimate leveller In the end, perhaps these grow- of mine on what she thought maybe that’s just me. to upload more than 10 profile Because when it’s all said and ing experiences will help parents would be her greatest prob- pictures?” LOL, as my semi-imag- done, I’ve also seen a lot of de- better understand their children. lem as a youth. She swiftly Hell! Grandpa’s in? inary internet friends say. activated accounts from my ma- Or, as in some other cases, they responded to my question Those over the age of 50 have What’s amusing to me isn’t the ture mavens. It’s the equivalent of will help children better under- saying ‘temptation’. Seriously, also not been able to escape from fact that these questions are be- packing up and moving to a new stand their parents. Whatever the that’s what I was thinking of it. In part due to the fact that any- ing asked, but the fact that they’re location, or taking a month-long case may be, I think we as mem- basing my column on, even one could join, and in part due to being asked by the people I once vacation. It seems silly to see peo- bers of society, advertisers, mar- before asking her because I the fact that Facebook really is a turned to for life lessons. Over 30 ple in their 40s and 50s go so far keters and Facebook executives believe temptation is the root good way to reconnect with and years removed from high school, as to deactivate their Facebook ac- should take this as an opportunity of all evils in a youngster’s life. stay connected to friends, Face- people still get a tiny tingly feel- count because of something petty. to learn from each other, recognis- Sometimes temptation can be book has become the dominant ing when they see a friend request And what’s even more amusing to ing the fact that no matter how old positive, but at large it is as- social network of the times. But from their school crush on Face- me is when they ask me if I no- we are we’re still subject to the sociated with something dis- does Facebook just make us all act book. ticed their sudden absence from same scrutiny and wonder when agreeable and unpleasant. idiotically? These are the questions I as a Facebook. Now they’re not only it comes to social networking. Temptation means at- I’ve noticed that a lot of my teenager and young adult barely reacting to the drama, but stirring traction or appeal towards something. Then one may ask temptation towards what? It’s RELATIONSHIP a pretty big term if you think about it logically. Youth life often circulates around social Respect and rebellion towards parents groups of similar age and ob- jectives. Now this makes the Parents-children relationship has never been easy; especially when children are no more kids. I so called temptation to breathe in more easily. dare not disagree. Oscar Wilde said that "Children begin by loving their parents; after a time they We often want to follow judge them; rarely, if ever, do they forgive them." what our peers do and it’s al- ways the bad things we go af- Jhaneshi JUGESSUR ter. Either call this a freak of Finance with Law - UoM human nature or just an unex- plainable phenomenon, the en- If your parents get the back-seat backbones, supportive at every dren, are moulded as per the era ticement towards replicating in your life, put yourselves in the step of life even when we commit we grow up in. To make this re- our peers ‘bad’ deeds becomes shoes of orphans. Parents bring mistakes. Disrespect and defiance lationship perfect, parents, also, so essential that we often for- us into the world and take care will get us nowhere. Tolerance will have some points to work on. They get about its consequences. of us: remember that they could ease their lives and ours as well. need to advise instead of criticis- This is quite tempting and have opted to spend their time Take time to live this relationship ing which more than often leads hence a… temptation! Drugs, with world cruises or simply liv- fully and make it your supreme to rebellion. alcohol, sex and you name it, ing for themselves. But they chose strength. It is more constructive to re- becomes the cornerstone in a to have us. I bet they did not know I would not say that parents are spect the choices of their children youth’s life. why they got themselves into. perfect in their roles, however. It rather than imposing on them. Al- Youth problems are every- So, bond with your parents; has often been seen that parents low children to fall in life but be where but there is always a have at least one daily meal togeth- have preconceived expectations there to catch them. To get the solution on which those en- er in order to get time to talk; have from children. Life of their off- well-deserved respect from their tangled can always rely. That’s patience to explain things to them spring should be a mirror of theirs kids, parents should keep them- for you to find out next month. and listen to their wise words. No, in terms of principles and lifestyle. selves abreast with latest fashion, Until then have a great month, I have not been appointed as the How realistic is that? music, books, friendships, rela- ents can only give good advice or stay safe. I wish the Insight official advocate of parents, but The world changes daily, it is tionships and hence, speak the put them on the right paths, but family the very best in their have instead taken time to pon- impossible to live by perceptions same language as their kids. the final forming of a person's strive to bring harmony and der on this issue. Parents are our even older than we are. We, chil- As Anne Frank says by – “Par- character lies in their own hands.” peace amongst the youths of every nation. Moce ... INSIGHT // 16 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 SPORTS //

FOOTBALL A Recap: 12 Milestones for 2010 We have just celebrated the New Year; in this first month defeat at the hands of Slovakia consigned defending tive is to promote public health, education and social of 2011, let’s cast a reflective eye on 2010 and take stock of champions Italy to an ignominious first-round exit development through football. a momentous 12 months. at South Africa 2010. Suffering the same fate two 9. Transfer Matching System comes into effect, 1 The historic 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa was sure- days earlier were France, the side the Italians beat to October. Following two years of trials, the Transfer ly the highlight of the year, with football’s most celebrated become world champions at Germany 2006. Having Matching System became mandatory. The system tournament taking place in Africa for the first time. Yet, as collected nine wins between them four years earlier, is designed to centralise international transfers and INSIGHT reveals in picking out its 12 highlights of last year, the two European giants failed to muster a single make them quicker, smoother and more transparent. 2010 served up many other magical moments and notable victory in South Africa. “The most important thing is that it increases the landmarks. 5. Spain win their first FIFA World Cup, 11 July. Af- transparency of individual transactions and helps ter arriving at South Africa 2010 as firm favourites, us to tackle issues such as the fight against money 1. Egypt conquer Africa again, 31 January. A 1-0 vic- Spain proceeded to lose their opening group game laundering and the protection of minors in trans- tory over Ghana in the final gave the Pharaohs their to unfancied Switzerland, raising old fears as to their fers,” said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter on its third consecutive CAF African Cup of Nations title. ability to compete on the biggest stage of all. “The introduction. In doing so they joined Iran, Mexico and Argen- important thing after losing that game was to stay 10. Birthdays for two legends, 23 and 30 October. tina as the only other national teams to have been cool and stick to our beliefs,” Andres Iniesta, the Regarded by many as the two greatest players in crowned continental champions three times in a hero of the Final against the Netherlands, later com- the history of the game, Pele and Diego Maradona row. Only Argentina and Uruguay with 14 and Brazil mented. In winning their next six games en route to both celebrated landmark birthdays in October, O with eight have won more regional titles than the their maiden world title, the richly gifted Spanish Rei turning 70 and El Diez 50. Earlier in the year Egyptians, who have seven to their name, more than set footballing standards for other teams to follow. the Argentinian legend took part in his fifth FIFA any other side in Africa. 6. Mandela attends the Closing Ceremony, 11 July. World Cup, his first as a coach. As fate would have 2. Comoros open their new HQ , 4 March. The open- The presence of Nelson Mandela at the Closing Cer- it, Argentina’s opening game at South Africa 2010 ing of the new headquarters of the Comoros Football emony of South Africa 2010 set the seal on what was came against Nigeria, the team that provided the Association is a fine example of the support theGoal an emotional and unforgettable FIFA World Cup, the opposition in Maradona’s last appearance as a player Programme can give in helping member associations first to be held in Africa. Mandela’s cart ride across 16 years earlier. around the world to develop the game. Comoros, the pitch in the company of his wife triggered tears 11. 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts named, 2 which joined FIFA in 2005 and has a population of around the world, as a heartfelt tribute was paid to December. The eyes of the world were fixed on Zu- 650,000 spread across its islands, were just one of one of the most important figures of recent world rich earlier this month, when the hosts of the 2018 the recipients of the 84 Goal projects implemented in history. and 2022 FIFA World Cup finals were announced. In 2010, with a total of $33,600,000 having been invested 7. The semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World opening the two envelopes to reveal the names of in them. Since the programme’s launch in 1999, no Cup, 29 July. Germany, Colombia, Nigeria and Korea the respective winners, Russia and Qatar, the FIFA fewer than 504 Goal projects have been rolled out, Republic created history when they lined up in the President triggered scenes of jubilation and joy as with the overall budget totalling $210,600,000. semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, the the victorious bid teams celebrated their success. 3. Inter Milan end Barcelona’s reign, 28 April. Coach first time teams from four different confederations 12. TP Mazembe stun the world, 14 December. De- Jose Mourinho pulled the strings as I Nerazzurri had reached this stage. The Nigerians created an- spite their surprise win over Mexico’s Pachuca in the halted Barça’s regal progress in the UEFA Champions other landmark when they became the first African quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010, League, knocking out the holders in an unforgettable side to reach the final of a FIFA women’s tournament. few people gave TP Mazembe of Congo DR much semi-final tie. The Portuguese strategist earned effu- 8. Kenya opens its Football for Hope Centre, 4 hope of repeating the trick against Copa Libertadores sive praise for his side’s defensive masterclass before September. With the exception of its predeces- champions SC International. Defying all expecta- orchestrating Inter’s defeat of Bayern Munich in the sors in South Africa, the Football for Hope Centre tions, however, The Crows downed the Brazilians 2-0 final in Madrid. In collecting their third European in Mathare, Kenya, is the first such complex to be to become the first African team to reach the final title and their first since 1965, the Italians also earned opened in Africa. Further centres were later unveiled of the competition. Not even defeat to Inter Milan a place at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010, which in Namibia and Mali as part of 20 Centres for 2010, in the final could take the gloss off their ground- they would win in style. the official campaign of the 2010 FIFA Club World breaking performance. 4. The 2006 finalists go home early, 24 June. A 3-2 Cup South Africa. The chief objective of the initia-

FORMULE 1 L'Indien Narain Karthikeyan signe chez Hispania L'Indien Narain Karthikeyan a toujours dit que je n'étais pas fini Je connais Narain déjà depuis pilote d'essai pour Williams. annoncé qu'il allait revenir en For- pour la F1. » quelques temps et il bénéficie de Hispania devait annoncer dans mule 1, après six ans d'absence, au Hispania a confirmé avoir fait l'expérience acquise en compé- la journée ses deux pilotes pour volant d'une monoplace d'Hispania signer un contrat d'un an au pilote tition avec Jordan, et comme pi- la saison 2011. Elle n'a marqué au- pour disputer le Championnat du indien dont le pays va accueillir lote d'essai avec Williams, » a com- cun point pour sa première saison monde 2011, une information con- un Grand Prix cette année, le 30 menté Colin Kolles, responsable de F1 où elle comptait dans ses firmée par l'écurie espagnole. octobre dans les environs de New d'Hispania. rangs un autre pilote indien, Ka- « Je suis de retour en F1 en 2011. Delhi. En 2005, Karthikeyan était de- run Chandhok, qui faisait équipe J'ai signé un contrat pour conduire « Nous sommes heureux d'avoir venu le premier Indien pilote de avec le Brésilien Bruno Senna, pour Hispania, » écrit Karthikeyan, engagé Karthikeyan pour disputer Formule 1 au volant d'une Jordan. le Japonais Sakon Yamamoto et 33 ans, sur sa page Twitter. « J'ai le Championnat du monde 2011. Entre 2006 et 2007, il avait servi de l'Autrichien Christian Klien.

INSIGHT // 17 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 HEALTH //

Dad, please stop smoking I've tried to get him to quit but he won't listen to me…

JENNIFER. CHOI (Jennifer thinks it's important to share her experience so she can convince others not to smoke).

I was born into a smoking later. He left his grieving wife and pen to my dad. family. My dad, uncles and older 4-year-old son. Just days before he cousins smoke all the time. They died, he was seen smoking in his I was shocked he didn’t stop never listen to anyone’s pleas to hospital room with his family be- I expected my dad to quit after quit. I hate it when they smoke side him. I saw the picture of the what happened to his own dad, right in front of my face or at my dad lying on the bed. He looked but it was exactly the opposite. house because I can’t stand the like a car crash victim. His shriv- He smoked more often. I thought smell. I’m scared that one day I eled body, sunken cheeks and to myself, “How can he possibly might get sick from inhaling the pointy shoulder blades gave me continue to smoke?” My dad uses wafts of thick smoke. Even though chills and goose bumps. I didn’t the weapon that killed my grand- I tell them about the risks to their want to ever be in the position of father. Doesn’t he feel guilty or health, nothing has stopped their that little boy. troubled by the thought that he’ll addiction, even when my grandpa We also showed my dad a video be following in my grandfather’s died from smoking. about a grandma smoking through footsteps if he doesn’t stop? My dad started smoking at age a hole in her throat. I shuddered Every day I nagged my dad to 23. He smokes a pack every day when I heard her deep, hoarse quit smoking, but he would always now. I didn’t think much about my voice uttering, “They say nico- respond, “Don’t worry! I promise dad’s smoking or how bad it was tine isn’t addictive … How can I will quit tomorrow. Let me just for his health until my grandpa they say that?” as she sucked the have this last one,” but would nev- got sick when I was in standard cigarette with her eyes closed and er follow through. He says that he three. One of the most disappoint- the smoke billowed out the hole. has stress and needs something ing sights that I have seen of my These stories showed how harm- to alleviate it. He’s a manager of dad was at the reception after my ful smoking can be. an air conditioning company and grandpa’s funeral. My dad and his I knew the gory examples and works long hours under the sun brothers went outside and started pictures were powerful, but I also every day. He leaves at 8 in the to smoke. I couldn’t believe it. I wanted something more personal. morning and comes back home was so mad that I wanted to go So my sister told me to end the around 10 at night. After dinner, over to them and snap their ciga- PowerPoint with a video of me he slips out the back door to steal rettes in half. It looked like they sharing my thoughts. I told my- puffs of nicotine-infested smoke didn’t care about their father’s self that I was going to be harsh. until he feels relaxed. But this death and were disrespecting him. But when I started to record, I shouldn’t be his excuse, because My grandpa smoked for 40 could only say how I couldn’t af- there are plenty of other ways to years before he was diagnosed ford to lose my dad to such a pre- relieve stress. It’s as if he’s a hos- with throat cancer at the age of ventable action. Then, I started tage to those little cigarettes. 80. He moved in with us and my to cry. I ended the video saying During health class in the sum- After school one day, I typed told my sister and to my surprise parents cared for him for the next that I loved him and wanted him mer before high school, I learned “nasty effects of smoking” into she was going through it too! I was seven years. The cancer made it to stay healthy and to always be more about the effects of smoking. Google and found images of people shocked and scared. We went on- hard for him to swallow food and there for me. After he watched the There was a lesson in my health with rotting teeth, deep wrinkles, line and found out that we were he had to have a hole cut in his presentation, he hugged me and book about nicotine, which is the black circles under their eyes and going through minor phantosmia, throat to make it easier for him said, “I’ll try to stop for you.” But chemical in tobacco that causes patches of no hair. I felt nauseous which smells imaginary odors. to breathe. It was covered with he didn’t take the whole thing that addiction. It tells the brain you when I saw a picture of a healthy a cloth, but I imagined it to be a seriously because he walked right can’t do anything unless you have pink lung next to one all black and I can’t escape the smell deep black hole filled with blood. out of the room and didn’t talk to a cigarette. This reminded me of shriveled up. It looked like a dead, When my dad would come My grandpa was unable to drink me about it. the time when my dad told my burnt rat that oozed with wet tar. back inside after smoking, the or eat anything. He was given a Later that year, my grandpa’s mom that he wanted to quit for his I wanted to get the point across to smell lingered. I got used to turn- special type of milk through a tube cancer got so serious that he was health, but it was really hard. He my dad. So that night I showed my ing on the air conditioning and that was surgically cut into his transferred to a hospital. The day said that he went without a ciga- dad the pictures. I heard a sound opening the windows to get rid stomach. He also couldn’t walk or I went to the hospital to visit my rette at work for just two hours that I wasn’t expecting. A laugh! of the smell. I would run to my shower by himself anymore. Be- grandpa was a nightmare. I walked and started hyperventilating. He He was actually laughing. How room and slam my door and yell cause his cancer was weakening into his room with my parents. My began to feel dizzy and dropped could he not take this seriously? at my dad to get out of the house. his vocal chords, he had a raspy aunts and uncles were already his tools. All he could focus on He said in Kreol, “That’s not go- I felt like a prisoner. My mom saw voice and his breathing was loud. there. Everyone had blank expres- was smoking a cigarette. ing to happen to me. I bet some me crying once because the smell It was as if he was slowly dying in sions on their faces. My eyes shot I found through statistics that of them are Photoshopped just to was so unbearable and lectured front of me. to the machine that monitored many people die from secondhand create a more dramatic effect.” I my dad to quit once and for all. I would listen to radio with him his heart. Instead of going up and smoke either from heart disease, was pissed. I was clenching my She admitted to him that she was while sitting next to his recliner, down with each strong heartbeat, lung cancer, asthma attacks or teeth so I wouldn’t talk back to sick and tired of the smell too. help my mom wash and dry his the line was almost straight. My other infections. Women who live my dad. If he wasn’t going to take My father still smokes. He clothes, and pour the milk into the grandpa was heaving and losing with a smoker have a 91 percent it seriously, I wouldn’t either. I spends thousands of money a year tube. To me he wasn’t a sick old strength with every passing min- greater risk of heart disease and wasn’t going to waste my energy to have that temporary pleasure patient. I adored him. ute. I didn’t expect to see him dy- twice the risk of dying from lung on someone who wasn’t willing to and calmness. We’ve tried to get ing so fast. I had thought he would cancer; 91 percent, that’s a lot. I change. I decided to give up. him to see a therapist to quit, but My sister and I tried to get survive, leave the hospital and get was paranoid that when I got old- After that, whenever I saw he keeps saying that he wants to through to my dad better. It hit me hard. I backed out er, I’d be one of those many people him inhaling the chemicals and do it on his own. I don’t want to When I saw my grandpa suf- of the room and paced in the hall- because of my dad. cancer-causing toxins, I was up- give up on him. But at the same fering from cancer, I knew that way. In the car, I cried. Five days A few months later, I found set because he made me smell the time, I’m afraid that my next at- I couldn’t let this happen to my later, he died. out that my 25-year-old cousin smoke. tempt is going to fail just like the dad. I wanted him to quit. My The day after my grandpa died had started smoking. Maybe he A few months later, I would previous ones. One thing I’ve older sister and I put together an was like a dream. I had never thought it was OK because he smell smoke for a few seconds learned after seeing people close anti-smoking PowerPoint presen- thought about death in my family saw the other men in my family even though nobody was smok- to me suffer is to never touch a tation. I hunted for information on and for it to happen felt unreal. I do the same thing. I wanted to tell ing anywhere near me. It was cigarette. The problem no lon- the web and my sister laid out ev- began to think about the times I my dad that he was setting a bad weird, but I ignored it at first. But ger rests in my hands, but in his. erything on the computer. took his condition so lightly and example for the younger people when I kept on smelling it during Ultimately, my dad needs to give One of the examples I used was how I didn’t help him enough at in my family. I was so angry that class, in the library and in the car, smoking up for his own sake. I just a story about a man who started home. All I could do was promise I knew I had to try again to make I freaked out. It felt like the smoke pray that he can be freed soon. smoking at 13 and died 20 years myself that I wouldn’t let this hap- him quit. was following me everywhere. I

INSIGHT // 18 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 SCI & TECH //

2011, l'année des Les larmes des femmes affaibliraient le Android ?

Les analystes prédisent désir sexuel chez l'homme un avenir radieux au sys- tème d'exploitation pour Des scientifiques de l'Institut Weizmann ont démontré que des composants chimiques présents smartphones de Google. dans les larmes féminines réduisaient l'excitation sexuelle. Le marché des smartphones Les larmes des femmes pour- face aux visages de femmes qu'on est en ébullition. Après avoir été raient envoyer des signaux chi- leur montrait. En revanche, ils y dominé presque exclusivement miques aux hommes décour- voyaient moins de sex-appeal. par les géants Apple (iPhone), ageant leur excitation sexuelle, RIM (BlackBerry) et Nokia affirme une étude réalisée par Guidé par la chimie (Symbian), il est désormais des chercheurs israéliens. Selon Des films suscitant l'émotion secoué par Google (Android) ce document, des scientifiques de ont aussi été montrés aux hom- et, plus récemment, par Micro- l'Institut Weizmann ont démontré mes, qui devaient qualifier l'état soft (Windows Phone). S'il est que des composants chimiques de leur humeur, tandis que leurs trop tôt pour tirer des conclu- présents dans les larmes fémi- réactions physiologiques étaient sions sur les Windows Phone, nines réduisaient l'excitation sex- enregistrées (température, batte- lancés en octobre, le système uelle chez les hommes lorsqu'ils ments de cœur). Une fois encore, d'exploitation mobile de Google sentaient ces larmes. la réaction des hommes ayant a, pour sa part, réussi une percée L'étude menée notamment par senti des larmes de femmes n'était incontestable depuis son lance- Shani Gelstein et Yaara Yeshurun pas plus émotionnelle, face aux ment, en 2009. Il pourrait jouer un rôle prépondérant en 2011. au laboratoire de neurobiologie films, que la réaction des hommes Gratuit pour les con- du professeur Noam Sobel de ayant senti une solution saline. En structeurs, Android est incon- l'Institut Weizmann à Rehovot en revanche, les signes d'excitation tournable dans les rayons. Il Israël a d'abord fait pleurer des sexuelle étaient au minimum. Des équipe de nombreux terminaux, femmes devant des films tristes. tests ont montré "une sérieuse fabriqués par Samsung, HTC ou baisse dans le niveau de testosté- LG, et inonde le marché, du bas Baisse de la testostérone rone", une hormone liée au désir de gamme aux téléphones les Dans un second temps, il a été sexuel, conclut l'étude. Au cours plus onéreux. Chaque appareil demandé à 24 hommes de 23 à 32 d'une dernière expérience, la réac- peut se connecter à l'Android ans divisés en deux groupes de re- tion cérébrale des hommes testés Market, magasin d'applications nifler à l'aveugle soit ces larmes a été scannée par un examen IRM de Google. Certaines tablettes soit une solution saline, tout en pour montrer que les régions as- tactiles sont aussi équipées évaluant des visages de femmes sociées à l'excitation sexuelle d'Android et, bientôt, ce sera sur un ordinateur. Les groupes montraient une nette réduction breuses questions intéressantes. fants ?" a commenté le professeur au tour des téléviseurs. Tous ont ensuite été inversés. Il en est d'activité chez ceux qui avaient Quels sont les composants chi- Noam Sobel. "Ce travail renforce les appareils électroniques con- ressorti qu'en sentant les larmes été en contact avec les larmes des miques impliqués ? Les larmes l'idée que les signaux chimiques nectés intéressent Google, car, en leur fournissant un système féminines les hommes ne mon- femmes. des femmes sont-elles différentes humains peuvent modifier le com- d'exploitation, le géant améri- traient pas davantage d'empathie "Cette étude soulève de nom- de celles des hommes ? Des en- portement des autres", ajoute-t-il. cain espère drainer des utilisa- teurs vers ses sites et ses ser- vices. Et ainsi doper ses revenus publicitaires, les seuls qui comp- Facebook aurait réalisé un bénéfice net tent pour boucler ses budgets. 500 millions de smartphones vendus en 2011 ? de 355 millions de dollars sur neuf mois Selon le cabinet Nielsen, les ventes de terminaux équipés Le secret entoure jusqu'à présent les résultats financiers du réseau social, la société n'étant pas – d'Android ont devancé celles de l'iPhone sur la deuxième moitié encore – tenue de les publier. de 2010, malgré le lancement de l'iPhone 4 en juin. "Quiconque Facebook a affiché un béné- ties Lou Kerner, qui détient des sur ses performances financières regarde cela attentivement se- fice net de 355 millions de dollars actions Facebook, estime que à partir d'avril 2012, indique un rait fou de ne pas en déduire (273 millions d'euros) sur les neuf les données diffusées en termes autre destinataire de la plaquette. qu'Android gagnera plus de premiers mois de 2010, selon des de chiffre d'affaires sont "con- Selon le droit boursier américain, parts de marché qu'Apple avec documents communiqués par formes à nos attentes". Il se dit les sociétés ayant plus de 499 le temps", explique Andy Har- la banque Goldman Sachs à ses en revanche "surpris" par la rent- actionnaires doivent publier un greaves, analyste chez Pacific clients. Le prospectus d'une cen- abilité annoncée et estime que certain nombre d'informations Crest Securities. "Ils ont plus taine de pages concernant une cela implique que les marges de financières. d'appareils, ils vont être chez opération de placement privé Facebook seront un jour supéri- davantage d'opérateurs dans dans Facebook a été remis jeudi eures à celles de Google. Gold- Une introduction en Bourse en une gamme de prix plus large", après-midi à des clients intéres- man Sachs a récemment valorisé 2012 ? explique-t-il encore. sés par un investissement en ac- Facebook 50 milliards de dollars Une telle divulgation Le marché des téléphones tions dans le réseau social, a in- à l'occasion d'un investissement d'informations pourrait être le dits intelligents grandit à vue diqué une personne ayant reçu de 450 millions dans le réseau so- prélude à une introduction en d'oeil. Alors qu'en 2009, 173 une copie. Ce client de Goldman cial. Les données financières ci- Bourse en 2012, même si rien ne millions d'appareils avaient été précise avoir reçu une plaquette tées dans le prospectus de place- dit que le réseau social choisira écoulés, ce chiffre est passé à 269 millions en 2010. Une véri- distincte de six pages contenant ment n'ont pas été avalisées par de vendre des actions au public investir dans le réseau social. des informations financières sur des commissaires aux comptes et simplement parce qu'il lui est table explosion pour ce marché, Facebook, fondé dans une rési- qui pourrait atteindre un demi- le réseau internet. donnent peu de détail sur la façon demandé d'ouvrir ses livres de dence universitaire à Harvard en milliard d'unités vendues en Selon ces documents, le chiffre dont Facebook réalise son chiffre comptes. Les clients de Goldman 2004, revendique plus de 500 mil- 2011. Cela ferait du smartphone d'affaires de Facebook s'est établi d'affaires, explique le client, qui qui souhaiteront acheter des ac- lions d'utilisateurs et constitue un le premier moyen d'accès à In- à 1,2 milliard de dollars sur la péri- dit avoir signé un accord de non- tions Facebook placeront leurs concurrent potentiel pour les mo- ternet pour la population mon- ode janvier-septembre, générant divulgation. fonds dans une nouvelle société teurs de recherche comme Google diale. un bénéfice net de 355 millions de Selon le document, il est prob- enregistrée au Delaware appelée et Yahoo, notamment en ce qui dollars. able que Facebook dépasse les 500 FBDC Investors LP, selon le client. concerne la manne publicitaire. On comprend mieux pour- actionnaires cette année et que la Goldman a prévu de lever au quoi Google préférerait que ce Accord de non-divulgation société se trouve obligée de dif- moins 1,5 milliard de dollars au- soit grâce à son Android. L'analyste de Wedbush Securi- fuser des informations publiques près de ses clients fortunés pour

INSIGHT // 19 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 DEBATE //

Single-sex marriage This house believes that gay marriage should be legal.

Opening statements

Defending the motion Against the motion

Evan Wolfson Maggie Gallagher Founder and executive director, Founder, National Organisation Freedom to Marry for Marriage

The denial of marriage is one of the harshest inequalities inflicted on lesbian and gay For the majority of Americans, and most human cultures across time and space and families—discrimination enacted by our own government. It hurts families struggling history, marriage is the union of husband and wife. These sexual unions deserve their during tough economic times and punishes children by depriving their families of the unique status, in law, culture and society, because they really are unique. They can make critical safety-net and meaning that marriage can bring. new life and connect those children in love to their mother and father.

......

The moderator's opening remarks

Roger McShane

Marriage has long been con- tance of the homosexual lifestyle. and introduce new ones, we have compelling as to warrant ignoring to qualify gay couples for mar- sidered one of society's most Moreover, it is a matter of equal two passionate participants in the will of the people? And how riage on her grounds, she adds fundamental institutions. But the rights. In America, for example, America's debate over gay mar- does Mr Wolfson feel about civil that "children need a mom and nature of marriage is constantly the Government Accountability riage. Arguing for the motion is unions, which more Americans a dad". The same assertion was evolving and the pace of change Office has counted 1,138 statutory Evan Wolfson, the founder and are inclined to support? made in defence of California's has increased in the past half cen- provisions that take marital sta- executive director of Freedom to Proposition 8, but lawyers were tury. In the West, we have seen tus into account when determin- Marry. Opposing him is Maggie On the other side of the debate, unable to back up the claim in the empowerment of wives, the ing benefits, rights and privileges. Gallagher, the founder of the Na- Ms Gallagher argues that the "key court. There have been numer- acceptance of interracial mar- Proponents of gay marriage ques- tional Organisation for Marriage. purpose of marriage in both law ous studies on the effects of child riage and a startling rise in di- tion why committed gay couples and culture" is the creation and rearing by same-sex parents. Can vorce rates. Of more relevance are treated differently from their Mr Wolfson opens up the pro- raising of children. "If gay unions Ms Gallagher point to any that to this debate, a growing number heterosexual counterparts under ceedings by noting the prominent are marriages, then this is no lon- support her position? of countries have also allowed these laws. Americans who have recently ger what marriage is about," she gay couples to wed. When The come out in favour of gay mar- says. But is this really the defin- My questions aside, our two de- Economist came out in favour of Others, however, see gay mar- riage. Indeed, support for gay ing element of marriage? After all, baters have put forward thought- gay marriage in 1996, no country riage as frivolous and potentially marriage in America seems to in- barren women are allowed to mar- ful opening arguments. One thing gave homosexuals the full right of harmful to traditional marriage. crease every year, but most polls ry. In fact, as Jonathan Rauch has they both agree on is the impor- marriage. When we reiterated our Society and the state are primarily still show greater opposition, and pointed out, sterile heterosexual tance of marriage, but I imagine argument eight years later, only interested in marriage for the sake most referendums in support of unions in America far outnumber this will only intensify the debate. two countries—Belgium and the of children, so what stake do they gay marriage have failed. Mr Wolf- homosexual ones. Do those rela- So before I hand it over to them, Netherlands—had given full legal have in a relationship that cannot son says that "there is no good tionships fall outside the marriage I want to encourage the audience status to same-sex unions. Today produce them? They argue that reason" to continue excluding model? to comment and vote, and implore ten countries fully recognise and the expansion, manipulation and gay couples from marriage, but a everyone to maintain a civil tone. perform same-sex marriages. trivialisation of marriage under- plurality (and perhaps majority) Gay adoption and artificial in- Like a marriage, this debate will mine this core institution. of Americans obviously disagree. semination also complicate Ms benefit from mutual respect and For supporters, gay marriage is Are the benefits of including ho- Gallagher's argument. While the understanding. the culmination of society's accep- To flesh out these arguments, mosexual couples in marriage so presence of children would seem

INSIGHT // 20 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 DEBATE //

The proposer's opening remarks The opposition's opening remarks

Evan Wolfson Maggie Gallagher Founder and executive director, Founder, National Organisation Freedom to Marry for Marriage

In our law and our society, marriage mitting gay men and lesbians to marry?", Here is a hard question for Evan Wolf- idea that this sexual power is both deeply touches every aspect of life, from birth to Cooper replied, "Your Honour, my answer son and other gay marriage advocates to valuable and inherently dangerous. We death, with taxes in between. is: I don't know … I don't know", and, in answer: why do so many people, and so need a social institution, endowed with desperation, argued that they "don't have many judges, decline to recognise a right public authority, that teaches young men Marriage matters. That is why so many to have evidence". The flimsiness of the to gay marriage? For the fact is that the ma- and women in the midst of erotic, emo- people are passionately engaged in this on- evidence and absence of logical reasons to jority of judges who have considered the tional and psychological dramas that they going conversation about ending exclusion discriminate in marriage led Judge Walker question in America over the past decade need to come together in love to raise the from marriage and why, every day, we see to rule that: have disagreed with Mr Wolfson's basic children their bodies make together. If this hearts and minds open and support grow. argument: that the right to marry includes is a core purpose of marriage, then same- Take, for example, Bill Clinton. In 1996, he "Moral disapproval alone is an improper the right to gay marriage. And not only in sex unions are not marriages. If gay unions signed into law the so-called Defence of basis on which to deny rights to gay men America. Just last June the European Court are marriages, then this is no longer what Marriage Act (DOMA), which added dis- and lesbians. The evidence shows conclu- of Human Rights rejected the idea that gay marriage is about. crimination in federal programmes such as sively that Proposition 8 enacts, without marriage is a human right. Social Security, immigration and taxation reason, a private moral view that same- Gay marriage asks us to surrender this to the exclusion of gay and lesbian couples sex couples are inferior to opposite-sex Meanwhile, a majority of Americans once widely acknowledge key purpose of and their families from marriage. couples … Because Proposition 8 disad- consistently reject gay marriage, even marriage in both law and culture and to vantages gays and lesbians without any in progressive states such as California adopt a new view: marriage is the way we Since then, Mr Clinton has been on a rational justification, Proposition 8 violates (2008) and Maine (2009). Most recently, recognise committed and loving adult re- personal journey from opposition to sup- the Equal Protection Clause of the Four- in 2010, the people of Iowa demonstrated lationships. port of the freedom to marry. "Throughout teenth Amendment." their rejection of the idea that the right my life, I have opposed discrimination of to marry includes same-sex marriage by Under this view of marriage, few of the any kind. When the Defence of Marriage In fact, the denial of marriage is one voting to oust three Iowa judges who were core features of marriage in law or culture Act was passed, gay couples could not of the harshest inequalities inflicted on up for re-election. are comprehensible: Why then is mar- marry anywhere in the United States or the lesbian and gay families—discrimination riage a sexual union—must we have sex world for that matter. Thirteen years later, enacted by our own government. It hurts For those of us who respectfully dis- to commit and care? Why do we bar close the fabric of our country has changed," families struggling during tough economic agree with Mr Wolfson and other gay relatives from marrying? Why only two? he said in a statement in support of the times and punishes children by depriving marriage advocates, the key question in Surely more than two people can love and Respect for Marriage Act, which would their families of the critical safety-net and this debate is not "How do we feel about care for one another? We can love many overturn DOMA. Mr Clinton explained meaning that marriage can bring. gay people?" but "What is marriage?" and people in many ways; commitment comes his change of heart: "I had all these gay "Why is the law involved in marriage?". in different forms. To say a relationship is friends, I had all these gay couple friends, Today, gay and lesbian couples can mar- not a marriage is not necessarily to deni- and I was hung up about it. And I decided ry in 12 countries on four continents. While Only if we first answer these questions grate it. I was wrong … I think it's a good thing not gay and lesbian couples and their families can we address intelligently the question a bad thing. And I just realised that, I was, around the world embrace the meaning of what justice, equality and the principle It is not discrimination to treat different probably for, maybe just because of my age marriage brings to their lives, we see every of non-discrimination require. Here is the things differently. If there are people—and and the way I've grown up, I was wrong day that their love and commitment hurts truth that too few gay marriage advocates there are—who do not fit the marriage about that. I just had too many gay friends. no one. Religion is not harmed, as this is can grapple with, even long enough to model well, we can and do develop in- I saw their relationships. I just decided I about City Hall civil marriage licences, not make an argument: for millions of people, novative structures to meet their needs. couldn't, I had an untenable position." religious rites or celebrations that are up gay marriage will not merely add a new We need not redefine marriage to express to each faith to decide on its own. Kids class of entrants into marriage. It will fun- concern about our gay friends, neighbours Mr Clinton has not been alone on this are not harmed; in fact, ending marriage damentally change the meaning of mar- and fellow citizens. journey. Prestigious gatherings such as the discrimination helps the children raised riage in the public square. US Conference of Mayors and the Ameri- by gay and lesbian parents, while taking To ardent activists like Mr Wolfson and can Bar Association, as well as diverse nothing away from anyone else. That is The law's definitions are unusually pow- Andrew Sullivan that seems impossible. and sometimes surprising people such as why organisations such as the American erful. If the law says the word "cat" must To disagree with his view, as Mr Sullivan Laura Bush, Cindy McCain, Governor Ar- Academy of Pediatrics and, in fact, every now mean "either cat or dog" because they told me a few weeks ago in a debate at nold Schwarzenegger and even the likes of reputable national child-welfare and pub- are similar in so many ways, then it will ob- Georgetown University, is by definition Glenn Beck, have come forward and shared lic health professional association in the viously become difficult for society to talk to dehumanise him. When the wife of a their story of moving from opposition to country have come out in support of the about cats intelligently or effectively. The prominent law professor told me that my support for the freedom to marry. They all freedom to marry. And communities are disconnect between the law's definition view of marriage and family was insulting recognise the universal power of the word not harmed; marriage helps build strong and society's definition will cause friction to her gay son, I said to her, "I don't want marriage—when you say "We're married", families, and more strong families mean that makes the transmission of ideas more to insult your son. Is it the way I'm saying everyone knows who you are in relation a stronger community for us all. Ending difficult, to say the least. it? Can you help me say it better? Or is to the person you are building your life marriage discrimination helps families— it the idea itself—children need a mom with—and have come to understand that particularly in a challenging economy— For the majority of Americans, and and a dad—that's the problem?" She said, loving and committed gay couples share while hurting no one. most human cultures across, time and thoughtfully, passionately and sincerely, the same mix of reasons for wanting the space and history, marriage is the union "No, it's not the way you speak, it's the freedom to marry. As President Barack Obama said when of husband and wife. These sexual unions idea itself that needs to be retired." he signalled that he, like Mr Clinton before deserve their unique status, in law, cul- Americans are seeing that there is no him, is changing his mind on his personal ture and society, because they really are Finding common ground or courtesy good reason to continue excluding com- journey to supporting the freedom to unique: these are the unions we all depend across a divide that great is going to be an mitted couples from marriage. In the marry: "Attitudes evolve, including mine." on. They can make new life and connect ongoing challenge. But I will say, a society federal trial earlier this year, the anti-gay those children in love to their mother and that attempts to repress as rude, uncivil or forces behind California's Proposition 8 father. bigoted an idea as important as "children failed to come up with any evidence or need a mom and a dad" is in trouble. logic to justify marriage discrimination. Marriage emerges time and again cross- When the Prop 8 lead lawyer Charles culturally because it addresses a core hu- Cooper was asked by Chief Judge Vaughn man problem: sex between men and wom- Walker, "What would be the harm of per- en makes babies. Marriage incarnates the

INSIGHT // 21 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011 SOCIETY //

SÈCHERESSE Implorons le ciel qu’il nous pleuve dessus Chose certaine, le ciel ne nous aura pas fait de cadeau depuis plusieurs mois maintenant. Les grosses pluies sont attendues pour très bientôt mais toujours est-il que la population éprouve des difficultés croissantes pour son approvisionnement en eau.

Aldo AMIC

La sècheresse affectant l’île accomplir des tâches futiles telles Maurice n’est assurément pas que le lavage fréquent de voitures de la même trempe des autres et de vitres entre autre. Le pire calamités touchant les autres c’est que ce sont les fêtes de fin parties du monde; et pourtant d’année qui ont contribuées à ce cette condition de manque d’eau résultat. n’a que trop durer aux yeux des La masse mauricienne, fidèle à mauriciens. Voilà des mois durant son habitude, n’aura en aucun lieu qu’il n’a pas plu. Nous avons certes dérogé à la tradition du « grand reçu quelques gouttes de pluies nettoyage de Noël » ! Il faudrait ces derniers temps ici et là mais peut-être aussi faire ressortir que rien de bien conséquent, rien de ceux faisant parti de cette institu- suffisant pour un peuple de plus tion, dont nous avons fait mention d’un million d’habitants. Alors que plus haut n’aura pas dans toutes faire dans ce cas précis ? les situations fait preuve d’une Le gouvernement tente tant utilisation minutieuse, judicieuse bien que mal de rassurer tout un et avant-gardiste de ses sources chacun sur les caprices de la mé- d’eau. téo en précisant et en rappelant Aura-t-il ainsi fallut être plongé qu’il ne faut pas gaspiller l’or bleu. dans l’une des pires sécheresses Malgré les bonnes volontés de de notre existence pour que des l’état, il n’en demeure pas moins actions concrètes soient prises que les usagers de l’institution qui (construction de réservoirs, dé- quelques mois encore la pluie que gens instruits et soucieux à nous faire don de ses gouttes, nous procure quotidiennement de tection de nouvelles sources sou- n’avait encore pas fait son appari- de notre avenir, s’avoir un emploi sans quoi nous resterons sur notre l’eau, se permettent toujours de terraines…) ? tion ? sage de l’eau. Surtout implorons faim, ou de préférence, notre soif. laisser leur robinet ouvert pour Et que se passerait-il si d’ici Sachons simplement, en tant le ciel qu’il se décide finalement

WRITE OR WRONG “Mo enn morisien” A heartfelt thanks to all those who mailed me on [email protected]. The response was so big that am plan- ning to have my fan club on Facebook (even if I hate the latter). Many people expressed their anger, others were critical, some were clinical and the rest (hardly any) appreciated my column and its content.

The Human [email protected]

The angry people disliked my made up of? and PR being two branches of neutral approach because they Remember the slogan "Maurice the same tree (communication), believe humanity is a species, not c'est un plaisir" and all the buzz the Journalists reporting on the a religion. Islam, Christianity, Jew- around it? The award-winning rebranding were apparently less ish, Bahai, Hinduism, Buddhism, tag line (First prize – BBC World PR-savvy. inter alia, exemplify religion ac- News/ Future Brand) surely war- cording to them. ranted many brainstorming ses- All the above to say that Acan- The critics and 'clinics' were sions, polishing and refining. It chi must have found the inherent against the content. They think definitely took hours of to finally positive core values of Mauritians. my article is crap as it is not re- come up with a single line which I will try to lift a corner of the veil, ferring to any issue in particular. summarises the country. ''Malay- à ma façon. That is, I’ll look for Finally, the handful optimists sia, truly Asia" is another example. the negative core values of Mau- were glad to see something differ- Branding experts have, inter ritians. ent and off the beaten track. They alia, to look for positive core val- From the top of my 20 years of appreciated the detachment from ues that characterise the brand observation, I can say that Mau- sensationalism even if they agree and such an exercise is usually ritians are curious by nature and there is room for improvement. costly. Unfortunately our tag line they always want to know what is your bread from your bag, they Mauritians spit: in the bus, while However, they wrongly showed was gunned down by nearly all happening around them. Our cu- want to know what's in there. Pull walking on the road, while driv- concern about the positioning of local media houses and subse- riosity becomes so intense that we the curtains over the windows, ing, at the hospitals, in the sea and the article among the last pages of quently a large majority of our often (or, always?) step over the they want to know what is hap- swimming pools… I remember the newspaper. population did not seem to be- line. This practice is beautifully pening behind. careless people nearly spiting on That's all about the feedback, lieve in the rebranding. That was known as ''vey zafaire dimune'' Another common trait is our me while I was walking around in back to business now. As planned, a major blow for the PR company in Mauritius and it is undoubt- spitting habit. Only a handful of Port Louis. I will be exploring the word Mau- Acanchi as there was a mistrust edly present among all patriots. Mauritians know that spitting in That s all for now. Next week ritian (morisien) from my per- between the main internal stake- Sit in the bus, the people want to public is not allowed. And near- I’ll elaborate on the nasty habits of spective. What are character traits holders of the brand (Mauritians) know the 5 W's of your presence. ly all Mauritians spit out saliva Mauritians. Until then, don't spy of a typical Mauritian? Is there and the brand itself (Mauritius). Hold the hand of your spouse, the (including mucus and bacteria) on your neighbours and give up something common to all Mau- The whole story proves at least people want to know why you are whenever and wherever they spiting in public ritians? What are we Mauritians one thing: despite Journalism holding his/her hand. Take out can. Funny examples of where

INSIGHT // 22 ISSUE 17 // JANUARY 2011

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