A Publication of the Embassy of India, Washington, D.C.
April 1, 2013
I India RevieI w Vol. 9 Issue 4 www.indianembassy.org
Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh with the President of China Xi Jinping, President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of South Africa Jacob Zuma at the Fifth BRICS Summit, at Durban, South Africa, on March 27. BRICS to build development bank
n Ambassador Rao n FAQs on Overseas n NASA, ISRO to deepen Addresses Maryland Citizenship of cooperation in Moon, General Assembly India cards Mars missions Ambassador’s PAGE Mahatma Gandhi ’s ‘light ’guided Martin Luther King Jr. Both these prophets of peace still have much to teach a world plagued by war, terrorism, discrimination and divisiveness
aving won our independ - developed the doctrine of Satyagraha his wife, Coretta Scott King, toured the ence in a nonviolent strug - — nonviolent resistance to evil. This country, meeting with leaders, scholars gle, Indians join watchword has been translated as and everyday citizens and discussing HAmericans in celebrating “truth force,” “love force” — and, in issues of poverty, economic policy, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s lead - a phrase made famous by the U.S. race relations and world peace. In a ership of the civil rights movement in civil rights movement, “soul force.” broadcast on All India Radio, King the United States. On August 28, we From the Salt March in 1930 to said: “If this age is to survive, it must will commemorate the 50 th anniver - hunger strikes and prison terms, our follow the way of love and nonviolence sary of the March on Washington nonviolent struggle won our inde - that [Gandhi] so nobly illustrated in his where King delivered his “I Have a pendence in 1947. life.” King later wrote in Ebony maga - Dream” speech, and, on April 4, we Gandhi also reached out to African- zine that many Indians were better will mourn the 45 th anniversary of his Americans, spreading seeds of nonvio - informed about the bus boycott than assassination. lent protest that King would ultimately many Americans. His visit to India was On March 10, we will mark anoth - harvest. In 1929, he authored a short a revelation in many ways, as if “the er milestone moment in King’s public article in the NAACP magazine, The spear of frustration” had been trans - ministry and personal journey. On Crisis, and in 1935 he met with a formed “into a shaft of light.” that day, 54 years ago, he returned group of African-American leaders vis - After his trip, King wrote: “I have from a month long journey to India iting India, including Benjamin Mays, returned to America with a greater where he rededicated himself to the who later became president of determination to achieve freedom for nonviolent struggle for justice to Morehouse College in Atlanta, which my people through nonviolent means.” which the leader of our nation’s inde - King attended. His commitment to peaceful protest pendence movement, Mahatma As a mentor to King, Mays encour - informed his later efforts, including his Gandhi, gave his life. aged him to read Gandhi’s writings, campaign in Birmingham, Alabama, King carried forward Gandhi’s which informed King’s leadership of and the March on Washington, both of commitments — and Indians enthu - the bus boycott in Montgomery, Ala., which took place a half-century ago. siastically embraced King’s cam - in 1955. King later wrote that Fifty years after King’s visit to India, paigns — because both shared com - Gandhi’s teachings were “the guiding the U.S. House of Representatives mon values, common strategies and light of our technique of nonviolent unanimously passed a resolution intro - common struggles. While each social change.” duced by Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) leader’s life was cut short by violence, Meanwhile, leading stalwarts of the recognizing Gandhi’s influence on both these prophets of peace still have nonviolent movement in India King. During February 2009, King’s much to teach a world plagued by watched King with interest. After vis - son, Martin Luther King III, Lewis and war, terrorism, discrimination and iting the U.S. in 1956, India’s Prime other Americans visited India, retrac - divisiveness. Minister Jawaharlal Nehru said he ing the martyred civil rights leader’s 2 Through most of the past century, wished he had met King. In January pilgrimage 50 years earlier. Indians and African-Americans sup - 1959, Harishwar Dayal of the Indian In today’s world, Gandhi and King ported each other’s struggles because Embassy passed along a letter from continue to inspire the leaders of non - we identify with each other’s predica - the Gandhi National Memorial Fund violent freedom struggles, from Nelson ments and principles. While born and inviting King to visit India. Mandela in South Africa to Aung San raised in India, Gandhi first struggled Accepting the invitation, King Suu Kyi in Myanmar. Their lives and for social justice in South Africa arrived in India on February 10, 1959, legacies — and King’s journey to India where he protested peacefully against declaring: “To other countries, I may — still offer new paths to global peace discrimination against Asians as well go as a tourist but to India I come as a and human progress. as Africans. pilgrim.” Having dinner with Nehru on (Published in Politico on March 7, Returning to India in 1914, he their second night in India, King and 2013)
April 2013 India Review Cover STORY
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Leaders of BRICS nations at the plenary session on March 27. BRICS agree to build development bank The modalities like the capital of the proposed bank, its domicile and the governance structure are to be worked out by the time BRICS leaders meet in Brazil next March
he leaders of Brazil, Russia, document when the leaders meet India, China and South Key outcomes of again in Brazil next March,” he Africa on March 27 gave added. Ttheir go-ahead to a BRICS the BRICS Summit As regards the contingency reserve bank to address the development arrangement, Finance Minister challenges of poor and emerging as stated in the Chidambaram said the bulk of the economies. money, that is $41 billion, will be The leaders, who met for the 5 th BRICS declaration pledged by China, $18 billion each BRICS Summit in Durban, South n Nod for a BRICS Development Bank on will come from India, Brazil and Africa — where the Indian delegation the lines of the World Bank to address Russia, while South Africa has agreed was led by Prime Minister Dr. the development needs of emerging to $5 billion. Manmohan Singh — also endorsed a and poor economies The proposal for the BRICS bank $100-billion contingency reserve n A contingent reserve arrangement with and a contingency reserve arrange - arrangement that would be deployed a $100 billion commitment from Brazil, ment was mooted when India hosted when any of the five member-nations Russia, India, China and South Africa the previous BRICS Summit in New faces a crisis. for deployment when any of these Delhi. “We (the finance ministers of the nations are in distress “It gives me great satisfaction to five countries) gave a big idea and n The setting up of the BRICS Business note that one of the ideas that we first that idea has now become a reality — Council discussed at New Delhi, that of insti - that is the BRICS development n The setting up of a mechanism for a tuting a mechanism to recycle surplus bank,” Indian Finance Minister BRICS consortium of think tanks savings in infrastructure investments P. Chidambaram told journalists in in developing countries, has been Durban, soon after the conclusion of given concrete shape during the the plenary session on the second day The proposal for the Durban Summit,” Prime Minister Dr. of the two-day summit. Manmohan Singh told the plenary. He said the finance ministers and BRICS bank and a “We have agreed to establish the officials of the five countries have contingency reserve New Development Bank. The initial been given a 12-month time-frame to arrangement was mooted contribution to the Bank should be work out modalities like the capital of substantial and sufficient for the the proposed bank, its domicile and at the previous BRICS Bank to be effective in financing the governance structure. Summit in New Delhi infrastructure,” the leaders said in a “We should have a nearly complete joint statement, officially called the
April 2013 India Review Cover STORY
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh with the Presidents of China, Brazil, Russia and South Africa during the Fifth BRICS Summit, at Durban, South Africa, on March 27.
eThekwini Declaration after the Besides the bank and the reserve on the agenda by host South Africa. African name for Durban. arrangement, the BRICS Summit “These are good beginnings,” The five-member BRICS bloc also established a business council Finance Minister Chidambaram said, collectively accounts for 40 percent with five members each from the five adding that the collective size of the of the world’s population, 30 percent countries, a consortium of think five member-states of BRICS — in of the world’s land mass, 20 percent tanks and an enabling agreement terms of population, output and of the gross domestic product in real among the development banks of the reserves — makes it an important terms and 26 percent of purchasing five countries to enhance financing bloc. “We should be able to influence power. They also together have for projects in Africa. discussion and decisions in G20, the foreign exchange reserves of $4.3 With this, the Summit has IMF and other multilateral institu - trillion. delivered on all the five items listed tions.”
World Bank welcomes Highlights of eThekwini Action Plan Areas of cooperation
BRICS development bank n Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs on the to be explored The World Bank has welcomed the move margins of UNGA. n BRICS Public Diplomacy by the BRICS countries to set up a develop - n Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors. Forum. ment bank and vowed to work closely with n Mid-term meeting of Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas. n BRICS Anti-Corruption the new lender. n Meetings of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Cooperation. “Establishing a development bank is a Governors in the margins of G20 meetings, WB/IMF n BRICS State Owned significant undertaking,” the World Bank meetings, as well as stand-alone meetings, as Companies / State Owned 4 said in a statement. required. Enterprises. “The World Bank will stand steady and n Meetings of BRICS Trade Ministers on the margins of n National Agencies work closely to partner with regional devel - multilateral events, or stand-alone meetings, as Responsible for Drug opment banks in a bid to enhance the effec - required. Control. tiveness of our collective work,” it added. n Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Agriculture and n BRICS virtual secretariat. According to Lou, the BRICS develop - Agrarian Development n BRICS Youth Policy Dialogue. ment bank would be complementary to the n Meeting of BRICS Health Ministers and preparatory n Tourism. existing development institutions such as meetings. n Energy. the World Bank and the Asian n Meeting of BRICS Officials responsible for popula - n Sports and Mega Sporting Development Bank. tion on the margins of relevant multilateral events. Events.
April 2013 India Review Cover STORY Charting a roadmap for future cooperation
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Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh addressing the Plenary Session of the Fifth BRICS Summit, at Durban, South Africa on March 27. Minister for Commerce & Industry and Textiles Anand Sharma is also seen.
rime Minister Dr. The five suggestions were: “It is my belief that over the last five Manmohan Singh on March n Respond to the persisting weak - summits, our forum has become more 27 made five suggestions for ness in the global economy by cohesive and more relevant. We derive PBRICS, covering global deploying adequate resources to as much value from our diversity as growth to security, as the influential revive growth. from our synergies — equally, we bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China and n Look at research and development stand to benefit enormously from our South Africa moves forward after con - and related exchanges through the convergence and collective strength,” cluding the first cycle of five summits prism of emerging economies rather the Prime Minister said. He said that in each of these emerging economies. than focus on the developed world. BRICS should also directly support “As we look to the future, the n Make economic development the development process and change progress over the past five years more broad-based and inclusive, now underway in Africa. encourages us to set higher ambi - not just as a moral imperative but “The world today faces uncertain - tions, seek new avenues and set new also as a pragmatic approach. ties, turbulence and transition on an goals for our cooperation,” the Prime n Work more cohesively at global unprecedented scale, leading to mul - Minister told the plenary session of forums to advance the agenda of tiple economic and security chal - the fifth edition of BRICS summit in sustained economic recovery and lenges for us. Terrorism, piracy and Durban, South Africa. balanced outcome on issues related the emerging threats from cyber- “However our roadmap for the to trade, development and environ - space are important security con - future should focus on consolidating ment. cerns for us,” he said. and deepening our existing coopera - n Work closely for the reform of “It is incumbent upon us to use our tion. We should also carefully priori - global institutions of political and collective voice and capacity and tize existing and new areas, keeping in economic governance, like the UN make an effective and meaningful view our strengths, our resources and Security Council and the contribution to addressing these the difference we can make, both for International Monetary Fund, that challenges and fostering global our people and the world,” he said. reflects contemporary realities. peace, stability and security.”
April 2013 India Review FAQs on OCI CARD Facts you must know about an OCI card
hat are the benefits an re-issued once after the with the passport having U visa stick - WOverseas Citizenship of India issuance of a new passport. er. Both these documents should (OCI) card holder entitled to? (c)For an applicant who is 21 to always be in the possession of the OCI An OCI card holder gets the follow - 49 years of age, there is card holder while traveling to India. ing benefits: no need to re-issue OCI docu - i. A multiple entry, multi-purpose ments each time a new pass - an foreign nationals, who are life-long visa for visiting India. port is issued. However, if the Cnot otherwise eligible for OCI, ii. Exemption from registration with applicant desires, he/she can get OCI if they are married to per - local police authority for any request that the OCI docu - sons who are eligible for OCI? length of stay in India. ments be re-issued so that the No. iii.Parity with Non-resident Indians OCI documents reflect the cor - (NRIs) in respect of economic, rect passport number. re Minor children eligible for financial and educational fields, ii. In case there is a change in person - AOCI card? except in relation to acquisition of al particulars. Minor children are NOT eligible for agricultural or plantation proper - iii. In case of loss/damage of passport OCI card in case both parents are ties. and/or OCI booklet. Indian nationals. However, they can iv.OCI can be used as identity proof iv. For correcting personal particulars apply for PIO card. for application of PAN Card and entered wrongly while submitting driving license as well as for online applications e.g. name, s an applicant who had held opening a bank account if the OCI father’s name, date of birth etc., Inationality of Pakistan or card holder is residing in India. v. In case of change of address/occu - Bangladesh, eligible for OCI? pation. No, If the applicant has ever been a hat benefits an OCI Card In case of emergency , the applicant citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, Wholder is not entitled to? can continue to carry the old passport he/she will not be eligible for OCI. The OCI Card holder is not entitled: wherein OCI ‘U’ visa sticker is pasted i. to vote, along with the new passport and the hat are the advantages of OCI ii. to be a member of a Legislative OCI booklet for visiting India. Wwhen compared to PIO card - Assembly or of a Legislative Note: It is important for the OCI card holders? Council or of the Parliament of holder to carry the OCI booklet along i. An OCI cardholder is entitled to India, life-long visa free travel to India iii. to hold Indian constitutional while in the case of PIO card posts such as that of the holders it is for 15 years only. President, Vice President, ii. A PIO cardholder is required to Judge of the Supreme Court or register with local authorities for High Court, etc. any stay longer than 180 days in iv. He/she cannot normally hold India on any single visit while an employment in the OCI cardholder is exempted from Government registration with local authorities for any length of stay in India. nder what conditions 6 Ushould one apply for New an a person renounce OCI Card and Sticker? COCI? i. In case of issuance of new Yes. He/she has to declare their passport. intention of renunciation in Form (a) For an applicant who is XXII to the Indian Mission/Post 20 years of age or younger, where OCI registration was OCI documents must be re- granted. After receipt of the dec - issued each time a new laration, the Indian Mission/Post passport is issued. shall issue an acknowledgement (b) For an applicant who is in Form XXII A. A separate appli - 50 years of age or older, cation form is available for this OCI documents must be purpose.
April 2013 India Review Ambassador’s ENGAGEMENTS Ambassador congratulates Senator Bob Corker
mbassador Nirupama Rao congratulated Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee on Abecoming the Ranking 7 Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the 113 th Congress. In her meeting with Senator Corker at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on March 5, Ambassador Rao spoke of her interest in working close - ly with him to advance shared interests in the India-U.S. strategic partnership. She highlighted recent developments in India-U.S. relations, including in the area of bilateral trade and invest - Ambassador Rao highlights ment, and energy cooperation. Speaking of “tremendous opportuni - India’s determination to ties” in India-U.S. cooperation, achieve inclusive growth Senator Corker expressed confidence in the future of the relationship. n her meeting with Senator Robert Read more: http://www.indianem - P. Casey, Jr., the senior Senator bassy.org/prdetail2118/press-release--- Ifrom Pennsylvania at Capitol Hill ambassador-nirupama-rao-meets-sen - in Washington D.C. on March 21, ator-bob-corker Ambassador Nirupama Rao highlight - ed India’s determination to achieve inclusive growth and its efforts to develop and modernize the infrastruc - Ambassador discusses Homeland ture and agricultural sectors. Ambassador Rao thanked Senator Security with Congressman McCaul Casey for his leadership in the U.S. Senate on many foreign policy issues mbassador Nirupama Rao and his contributions to recent devel - discussed latest developments opments in India-U.S. strategic part - Ain India-U.S. strategic partner - nership. ship, including the growing bilateral She noted that closer partnership cooperation in the domain of with the U.S. was an important part of Homeland Security during her meet - these endeavors. They also discussed ing with Congressman Michael India-U.S. cooperation in the energy McCaul from Texas at Capitol Hill in sector, including recent progress in the Washington D.C. on March 14. implementation of the India-U.S. civil - They also exchanged views on the ian nuclear agreement. Ambassador regional situation in South Asia. Rao and Senator Casey exchanged Chairman of the House Committee views on the regional situation in on Homeland Security, South Asia and India-U.S. coopera - Congressman McCaul welcomed tion in the context of their global India’s positive contribution to strategic partnership. Afghanistan’s reconstruction and Read more: http://www.indianem - Read more: http://www.indianem - described India-U.S. partnership as bassy.org/prdetail2121/press-release--- bassy.org/prdetail2126/press-release--- important for Afghanistan’s stability ambassador-nirupama-rao-meets-con - ambassador-nirupama-rao-meets- and development. gressman-michael-mccaul u.s.-senator-robert-casey
April 2013 India Review Ambassador’s ENGAGEMENTS ‘India-US economic ties to grow stronger’
mbassador Nirupama Rao an average of 8 per cent per annum has expressed her “firm over the last five years and India hoped view” that India-US eco - to achieve a growth rate of over 8 Anomic relationship would percent per annum over the next five only become stronger over time years, the Indian envoy said. despite concerns of businesses on Recent months have witnessed a both sides. flurry of measures designed to fur - “Just as U.S. businesses have some ther open the economy, with FDI concerns, Indian industry has also reforms having taken place in single highlighted its concerns,” she said at and multi-brand retail, civil aviation the Centre for Strategic and and power exchanges, she said. International Studies’ (CSIS) “India’s receptivity and openness Statesmen’s Forum — ‘US-India to foreign investment is only expected Economic Agenda in 2013’ on to go up,” she said referring to a slew March 15. of proposals outlined in this year’s Hoping for an early meeting of the budget which are “aimed at improv - Ministerial Trade Policy Forum to ing the investment climate, re-invig - address bilateral policy and regulato - future bilateral economic partnership orating growth and promoting inclu - ry concerns, Ambassador Rao said arrangements,” the Ambassador said. sive development.” “it is through regular dialogue that Noting that President Barack “This is a scenario in which there is we can build common ground and Obama had termed the India-US part - immense potential for increasing address concerns in a well-reasoned, nership as “a defining partnership of U.S. investments into India, consid - rational way.” the 21 st century,” Ambassador Rao ering that the U.S. is the world’s “Going forward, and in order to said: “We need to remain committed leading investor, holding 14.8 per - negotiate the global economic terrain and engaged at all levels, continuously cent of total global FDI stock in better, India and the U.S. perhaps and without pause, overcoming any 2010,” Ambassador Rao said. also need to explore new trade and challenges, that may exist.” The full text of Ambassador Rao’s economic cooperation arrange - “I am very optimistic about the speech can be viewed at: ments,” she said. future, and of the firm view that the http://www.indianembassy.org/prde - “This is where we need to move con - economic relationship between our tail2122/remarks-by-ambassador- sciously and with momentum on the two democracies can only become nirupama-rao-at-the-csis-statesme - Bilateral Investment Treaty, as also stronger with the passage of time,” nandrsquo%3Bs-forum--- train our sights on the exploration of she said. andquot%3Bu.s--india-economic- the advantages, or otherwise, of any The Indian economy has grown at agenda-in-2013andquot%3B Ambassador Rao calls on Congressman Brad Sherman
8 mbassador Nirupama Rao met gic partnership. Ambassador Rao and with Congressman Brad Congressman Sherman expressed ASherman from California at appreciation for the positive role Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. on being played by the large Indian- March 19. Ambassador Rao and American community in the United Congressman Sherman discussed the States in promoting India-U.S. present state of India-U.S. partner - relations. ship, and the regional situation in Read more: http://www.indianem - South Asia. They also highlighting bassy.org/prdetail2124/press-release- the shared values and interests of the --ambassador-nirupama-rao-meets- two countries and their global strate - congressman-brad-sherman
April 2013 India Review Ambassador’s ENGAGEMENTS States adding new dimension Ambassador Nirupama Rao meets to India-US ties: Indian envoy Congressman Ted Deutch
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Address by Ambassador Rao to Maryland House of Delegates on March 26.
new dimension is being American community “in advancing added to the India-US the progress and well-being of the global partnership with US”, Ambassador Rao said: “They Agrowing ties between the epitomize strong family values, educa - states of the two countries, according tional excellence, creativity, innova - to the Indian Ambassador to the US, tion, high standards of professional - Nirupama Rao. ism, and dedication to your core dem - Maryland state surrounding the ocratic principles and traditions.” U.S. capital on three sides “has been Maryland’s three Indian-American one of the pioneers in this regard and lawmakers, “Sam Arora, (House we admire and are completely sup - majority leader) Kumar Barve, Rajan portive of the initiatives you have Natarajan, and Aruna Miller are all uring her meeting with taken in this regard,” she said in an proud Americans who are also proud Congressman Ted Deutch address to the state assembly in of their Indian heritage,” she said. Dfrom Florida at Capitol Hill in Annapolis on March 26. “They play a very important role in Washington D.C. on March 19, Ambassador Rao addressed both the bringing our two countries together. Ambassador Nirupama Rao discussed chambers of the Maryland General They are the bridge-builders of friend - some of the major areas of cooperation Assembly, the first legislature set up in ship between India and Maryland par - in the multi-dimensional partnership the United States, predating the ticularly.” between India and the United States. Capitol in Washington DC. She also Ambassador Rao hoped that in the Ambassador Rao highlighted energy met the Speaker of the House of future “Maryland will build stronger and education as two important Delegates, Michael Busch. and stronger ties with states in India, emerging dimensions of India-U.S. State Governor Martin O’Malley’s that are good for businesses in both strategic partnership. Their discussion six-day visit to India in November our countries, in manufacturing, in also touched upon the regional situa - 2011 produced significant results with services, in education, in research and tion in South Asia. Congressman nearly $60 million in business deals for technological innovation. Deutch, who is a Member of the Maryland companies, the Ambassador “That future is what we must aspire House Foreign Affairs Committee, recalled. to. That promise is what we must see expressed appreciation for India’s This, she said citing the Governor, fulfilled” added the Ambassador. assistance for Afghanistan’s recon - sent “a strong message to India’s top The full text of Ambassador Rao’s struction and development. business organizations and companies speech can be viewed at: Read more: http://www.indi - that Maryland is the gateway to doing http://www.indianembassy.org/prde - anembassy.org/prdetail2125/press- business in the US.” tail2128/address-by-ambassador-rao- release---ambassador-nirupama- Turning to the role of the Indian to-maryland-house-of-delegates rao-meets-congressman-ted-deutch
April 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS
Embassy hosts CEO’s of technology companies
mbassador Nirupama Rao Council (ITI), Tim Regan, Senior IBM, Applied Materials, Cognizant hosted a reception on VP at Corning and incoming and others. The event proved to be a March 13 at the Embassy Chairman of ITI, Som Mittal, good platform for exchange of ideas Aof India for CEOs of U.S. President, NASSCOM and CEOs to improve trade and linkages technology companies. The event and senior executives of U.S. tech between India and the U.S. in the was attended, inter alia, by Dean giants like Global Foundries, AOL technology sector. The event was Garfield, President of the Networks, Motion Picture organized by the Commerce Wing Information Technology Industry Association of America, Apple, Dell, of the Embassy.
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1. Ambassador Nirupama Rao addressing the gathering on the occasion. 2. Dean Garfield, President & CEO, Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) addressing the gathering. 3. Interactive discussion session on the occasion. 4. Guests in attendance.
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Medical students delegation 10 from India visits Embassy
Ambassador Nirupama Rao with a delegation of medical students from India at the Embassy on March 14. Also seen are Minister Govind Mohan and Dr. Suresh K. Gupta, Regional Director, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI).
April 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS
Reception for Young Presidents’ Organization
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1. Ambassador Nirupama Rao addressing the gathering at a reception hosted for members of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YOP), at the Embassy Residence on March 15. 2. Ambassador Nirupama Rao being presented a plaque on the occasion. 3. Interactive Q&A session on the occasion. 4. Shirish Pareek, Youth & Family Officer, Young President’s Organization (YPO), Washington D.C. Chapter, proposing the vote of thanks. 5. Guests in attendance.
April 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS
An evening with Astronauts Sunita Williams and Akihiko Hoshide
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1. Counsellor Vivek Singh welcom - 6 ing the guests and introducing the event at a reception hosted in honor of astronauts Sunita Williams and Akihiko Hoshide at the Embassy Residence on March 22. 2. Ambassador Nirupama Rao addressing the gathering on the 12 occasion. 3. Ambassador Rao with astronaut Sunita Williams, astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and Japanese Ambassador to the U.S., Ambassador Sasae. 4. Astronauts Sunita Williams and Akihiko Hoshide presenting a memento to Ambassador Rao. 5. Astronauts Sunita Williams and Akihiko Hoshide addressing the gathering. 6. Guests in attendance.
April 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS
Talk on ‘The Post Budget Outlook for the Indian Economy’
s estimated by the was committed to taking all neces - The full text of Dr. Mayaram’s Economic Survey 2012- sary measures needed to improve speech on the occasion can be 13, the Indian economy investor sentiments in the capital viewed at: http://www.indianem - Awould grow in the range of market and strengthen the Indian bassy.org/prdetail2127/special- 6.1-6.7 percent, said Dr. Arvind economy. “We will do everything it talk-by-dr.-arvind-mayaram%2C- Mayaram, Secretary, Department takes to contain fiscal deficit, secretary%2C-department-of-eco - of Economic Affairs. Speaking on increase savings and investment nomic-affairs-on-andquot%3Bthe- the ‘The Post Budget Outlook for rate, keep the Current Account post-budget-outlook-for-the-indi - 13 the Indian Economy’ at the Deficit under check and bring infla - an-economyandquot%3B%2C-at- Embassy Residence on March 21, tion down by bridging the supply- the-embassy-on-march-21%2C- Dr. Mayaram said the government demand mismatch,” he said. 2013
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1. Minister Govind Mohan welcoming the guests and introducing the 2. Dr. Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, event at a Special Talk by Dr. Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, Department Ministry of Finance, Government of India, speaking on ‘The Post of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India on ‘The Budget Outlook for the Indian Economy’. Post Budget Outlook for the Indian Economy’, at the Embassy on 3. Interactive Q&A session on the occasion. March 21. 4. Guests in attendance.
April 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS
Briefing National Defense University students on India-US relations
Deputy Chief of Mission Ambassador Arun K. Singh briefing National Defense University (NDU) students at the Embassy. students of the National Defense University (NDU) on ‘India-U.S. Relations’, at the Embassy on March 11.
Discussion on India-US relations with AFSA members
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14 1. Deputy Chief of Mission Ambassador Arun K. Singh briefing members of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) on ‘India- U.S. Relations’, at the Embassy on March 12. 2. Interactive Q&A session in progress. 3. Members of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) at the Embassy.
April 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS
Indian-American community bids farewell to DCM Arun K. Singh
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1. Dr. Suresh K. Gupta, President NCAIA, K. Singh, addressing the gathering. State Proclamation to Ambassador Arun K. welcoming and introducing the event at a 3. Dr. Rajan Natarajan, Deputy Secretary of Singh. reception organized by the Indian-American Maryland State for Policy and External 6. Dr. Renuka Mishra, MC of the Event, community to bid farewell to Deputy Chief Affairs, addressing the gathering. introducing community leaders, for their of Mission, Ambassador Arun K. Singh, at 4. Ambassador Arun K. Singh being presented remarks. the Embassy on March 24. a Plaque by the Indian American Community 7. Guests in attendance. 2. Deputy Chief of Mission, Ambassador Arun 5. Dr. Rajan Natarajan presenting a Maryland
April 2013 India Review Consulate EVENTS
Consul General’s engagements
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5 6 4. From left, Consul General P. Harish, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and St. John Flynn, Cultural Programming Director for the Houston PBS affiliate, KUHF-FM, during the launch of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s latest book, Oleander Girl on March 7. 5. Consul General P. Harish addressing the gathering at the inaugural ceremo - ny of the 2013 Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Annual Convention & 16 Trade Show with the 1. Consul General P. Harish addressing the gathering during the celebratory theme ‘Inspired by the dinner marking the 102 nd Birthday of His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Past, Building for the Burhanuddin organized by Dawoodi Bohra Houston Chapter on February Future’ between March 14. 27-29 at George R. 2. Consul General P. Harish met with Texas State Representative (D-TX: 144 Brown Convention District) and Chairperson of House Maritime Sub-committee Mary Ann Center, Houston. Perez on March 1. In photo, Representative Perez presenting House 6. Consul General P. Harish Resolution 371 recognizing February 13, 2013 as Indo-American hosted a lunch in honor Community of Greater Houston Day to the Consul General. of Congressman Ami 3. Consul General P. Harish called on Congressman Gene Green (D-TX: 29 th Bera (Democrat- District) on March 7, 2013. California: 7 th District) at his residence on March 29.
April 2013 India Review Economy NEWS
Educated India clears 63 FDI proposals in single youth will brand retail he Indian government has cleared 63 drive Tproposals for foreign direct investment (FDI) in single brand retail since the meas - ure was allowed last year, Commerce and economic Industry Minister Anand Sharma said on March 15. 17 “Though I am not able to tell off-hand growth: the quantum of FDI the 63 proposals bring in, it will be in billions of dollars,” he said PM on the margins of an interaction with scien - tists of the state-run Central Manufacturing rime Minister Dr. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh addressing at Technology Institute (CMTI) in the outskirts the Foundation Stone laying ceremony of Ghani Manmohan Singh stressed Khan Choudhury Institute of Engineering and of Bangalore. on the need to impart skills Technology in Malda, West Bengal on March 16. Among the global majors which have Pand world class education to got approval to invest in single brand retail the youth for a faster economic growth “We have increased government is the Swedish furniture giant IKEA that is of the country. expenditure to four percent of GDP already sourcing goods from India valued “To fulfil the demands of our fast from 3.3 percent of GDP. In higher at $1 billion. “Majority of the single brand growing economy, we have to make education we have set up a large num - retailers which are investing in India has our youths educated and skilled. The ber of engineering institutes, including already a sourcing base in the country and hard fact is that without proper skilled 16 central universities, seven Indian the trend is set to increase manifold,” manpower, we cannot sustain the fast Institutes of Management, eight Minister Sharma pointed out. pace of economic growth for long,” Indian Institutes of Technology, 10 The Minister also said that British super - Dr. Singh said while speaking at the National Institutes of Technology and markets chains Tesco and Sainsbury have foundation laying ceremony of the five Indian Institutes of Science, applied for setting up their sourcing centers Ghani Khan Choudhury Institute of Education and Research.” and enter the Indian retail sector subse - Engineering and Technology in He said the federal government had quently. Narayanpur in Malda district of West started the National Skill Development He also said that the manufacturing sec - Bengal on March 16. program which aims to make 520 mil - tor had to grow at 10-12 percent annually The Prime Minister said that the lion people skilled by the end of the to enable the Indian economy to return to government understood the demands 12 th Five-Year Plan. “In higher educa - nine percent gross domestic product (GDP) of the people well and had laid special tion, we are laying greater focus on growth rate. stress on the education sector. quality,” Dr. Singh said. ‘Proper strategy will help India, US achieve $500 bn trade’ ith the India-US trade now joint Leadership Exclusive Session touching around $100 bil - with the US India Business Council Wlion, charting out a larger (USIBC). strategy of engagement would help Godrej said that in addition to achieve the next target of $500 billion, enabling frameworks such as a bilater - a top industry official said in Mumbai al investment treaty, the two sides on March 14. should recognize the value of labor “Achieving the next target of $500 mobility, focus on enhancing services billion entails charting out a larger trade, investments and value addition strategy of engagement, in which both and get down to industry-level and sides commit against protectionism From left, President of U.S.-India Business Council state-level cooperation. and create enabling frameworks,” said Ron Somers, President of CII & Chairman of “There is recognition of the role Adi Godrej, President, Confederation Godrej Group Adi B Godrej and Chairman of India can play in the years to come,” USIBC and President & CEO of MasterCard of Indian Industry, while addressing a Ajay Banga in Mumbai on March 14. Godrej said.
April 2013 India Review Economy NEWS India aims for energy independence by 2030 etroleum and Natural Gas Minister M. Veerappa Moily said the government had set Pambitious targets that aimed to reduce India’s crude oil imports by half by 2020, by 75 per cent by 2025 and achieve self-sufficiency and energy independence for the country by 2030. “We are taking every possible initia - tive to work towards our goal of attain - Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas Dr. M. Veerappa Moily addressing the National Editors’ Conference ing self-sufficiency in petroleum,” he in New Delhi on March 24. Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Panabaka Lakshmi is also seen. said in his address to the National Editors’ Conference on Social and “Thus, about 133 billion barrels of for enhancing domestic production of Infrastructure Issues in New Delhi on prognosticated resources remain to be oil and gas and sustainable reduction March 24. unlocked through exploration. As you in import dependency by 2030. Minister Moily said the target was will appreciate, this will be possible Minister Moily said India was emerg - achievable and pointed out that India only by speedy implementation of new ing as a refinery hub, with its refining had so far established only 73 billion exploration programs across the coun - capacity increasing from 62 MMTPA in barrels of oil and equivalent gas try,” he said. 1998 to 215.07 MMTPA. India had, through exploration out of 205 billion The Ministry had constituted a since 2001-02, been a net exporter of barrels of prognosticated hydrocarbon committee under the chairmanship of petroleum products. It now constitutes resources. Dr. Vijay Kelkar to prepare a roadmap the largest merchandise exports.
India a key development partner: US India’s exports up 4.25 pc ndia is playing a key role as an ndia’s exports increased by 4.25 percent to emerging development partner for I$26.26 billion in February, registering posi - Ineighbors and other countries, par - tive growth for the second straight month, on ticularly Africa, thanks to a US-India the back of revival of demands in Europe, partnership, according to the USAID government data showed on March 11. Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah. Exports has increased year-on-year just President Barack Obama made a for the third time in the first 11 months of number of commitments during his the current financial year. Exports had 2010 India visit around such coopera - increased marginally by 0.82 percent at tion, “and I’m pleased to say there’s $25.58 billion in January, after contracting been real progress,” he told foreign in the previous eight months in a row. media on March 13 in a briefing on his Cumulative value of exports in April- recent visits to India and Burma. USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah February period of 2012-13 has dropped by President Obama and Prime 4 percent at $265.95 billion, Commerce Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh then only in India but also in other parts of Secretary S.R. Rao said. India’s imports in together launched Partnership for an the world, Dr. Shah said. February increased by 2.6 percent to $41.18 18 Evergreen Revolution to bring Indian This would also help “bring Indian billion, leaving the monthly trade deficit of technology and expertise to other parts resources and talent and entrepreneur - $14.9 billion. of the world, said the highest ranking ship to Africa, Burma, Afghanistan, “The good news is that the trade deficit is Indian-American official in Obama Bangladesh, and a number of other coming down,” Rao said. He said demands administration. settings as India takes more responsi - for Indian goods have improved in Europe In India, the U.S. was focused on an bility on the global stage for ending and some other parts of the world showing effort to turn its traditional program extreme poverty and its conse - a sign of recovery in the global demands. into an innovation laboratory in three quences,” he said. “Sectors which have large weightage, priority areas — health, agriculture, “Today there are hundreds of fellows especially engineering, has started perform - and energy — that can help address training in Indian research institutions ing better,” he said. the effort to end extreme poverty not from Africa,” Dr. Shah said.
April 2013 India Review Science NEWS NASA, ISRO to deepen cooperation in Moon, Mars missions
ndia and the U.S. have agreed to of potential cooperation,” it said. NASA’s Moon Mineralogy Mapper, an instrument on the ISRO’s Chandrayaan-1 mission, took this expand their cooperation in civil Continued progress is also being image. Small amounts of water were detected on space activities ranging from made in promoting compatibility and the surface of the Moon at various locations. (Photo: I weather and monsoon forecast - interoperability between the U.S. ISRO/NASA/JPL-Caltech/Brown Univ./USGS) 19 ing to cooperative space exploration Global Positioning System work, including future missions to the (GPS) and the Indian programmatic interest in, Moon and Mars. Regional Navigation and scientific merit of, The agreement between the two Satellite System moving forward with countries’ space agencies, Indian (IRNSS), the the proposed Space Research Organization and statement said. NASA-ISRO National Aeronautical and Space Further work cooperation in the Administration (NASA) was in this area L & S-Band SAR announced on March 22 after a meet - would take mission, or ing of the India-U.S. Civil Space Joint place bilaterally remote sensing Working Group (CSJWG). and in multilat - techniques, the “Building on NASA’s collaboration eral bodies such statement said. in India’s highly successful as the International At the opening of Chandrayaan-1 lunar mission in 2008, Committee on the meeting, NASA NASA and ISRO agreed to explore Global Navigation Administrator Charles further cooperative space exploration Satellite Systems, it said. Bolden highlighted the work, including future missions to the The two sides exchanged impressive growth of US-India Moon and Mars,” a joint statement information on a range of space and cooperation on a range of cutting issued after the meeting said. other policy issues and noted ongoing edge projects from deep space explo - “To this end the CSJWG agreed to efforts to open up new opportunities ration to the use of Earth observing continue discussions in planetary sci - for collaboration. satellites to promote sustainable ence and Heliophysics to identify areas Both sides confirmed the significant development. India tests BrahMos missile from underwater ndia successfully tested the super - tracking stations, including Indian sonic cruise missile BrahMos from naval ships positioned throughout the Iunderwater in the Bay of Bengal off flight path, confirmed the pin-point the Andhra Pradesh coast on March accuracy of the mission,” Pathak 20, an official said. added. Congratulating the scientists for the The BrahMos missile can carry a successful launch of the missile, conventional warhead of up to 300 kg. Defense Minister A.K. Antony said: “It It has a top speed of Mach 2.8, about is a wonderful achievement and a three times faster than the U.S. sub - proud moment for India.” sonic Tomahawk cruise missile. This “The submarine-launched version of makes BrahMos one of the fastest the missile was test-fired at 2.10 p.m. cruise missiles in the world. The successful test firing of the submarine- from a submerged platform off the launched version of BrahMos supersonic cruise It can be launched from sub - coast of Visakhapatnam. This was the missile from a submerged platform off the coast marines, ships and aircraft. Sea and first time that a supersonic cruise mis - of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on March 20. ground launched versions of the mis - sile was launched vertically from a sub - full range of 290 km. Following a pre- sile have been successfully tested and merged platform,” said BrahMos defined trajectory, it emerged from put into service with the Indian army Aerospace spokesperson Praveen water and took a turn towards the des - and Navy. Pathak. ignated target, meeting all mission The missile system has been jointly “The missile took off vertically for its objectives. All the telemetry and developed by India and Russia.
April 2013 India Review Diaspora NEWS
Vistasp Karbhari named AAPI plans 9-city childhood obesity President of Texas University awareness campaign he American Association of Physicians of istasp M. Karbhari, a noted TIndian Origin (AAPI) plans to organize a researcher and scholar, is nine-city childhood obesity awareness cam - joining a growing band of paign in the U.S. with seminars and music VIndian-Americans heading concerts by Indian singer Shankar U.S. institutions of higher learning Mahadevan in June. with his appointment as President of “With obesity proving to be a major epi - The University of Texas at Arlington. demic affecting nearly one third of the A Pune University graduate, nation’s population, we have a responsibili - Karbhari will succeed James D. ty to save future generations by decreasing Spaniolo on June 1, the university childhood obesity,” said Jayesh Shah, presi - announced after the Board of Regents dent-elect announcing the tour. unanimously approved his appoint - “The impact and role of AAPI in influenc - ment on March 12. ing policy makers and the public is ever Karbhari is also a published author more urgent today,” said Dr. Narendra or co-author of more than 200 scien - Vistasp M. Karbhari Kumar, President of AAPI. tific papers. He got his bachelor’s and One status, while maintaining and The awareness campaign with continuing master’s degrees from the University of strengthening excellence in both medical education (CME) seminars will be Pune and his doctorate from the research and education and ensuring held in Cleveland, Ohio, June 8; Los Angeles, University of Delaware. the success of our undergraduate and California, June 9, Dallas, Texas, June 15; New He is currently also the Provost and graduate students,” Karbhari said. York, June 16; New Jersey, June 22; Atlanta, executive vice president for Academic “I am honored by the Board’s deci - Georgia, June 23; Tampa, Florida, June 29; Affairs at The University of Alabama sion to name me as president,” he said. and San Jose, California, June 30. in Huntsville. Prior to that, he served “We are fortunate to have a leader The AAPI campaign will identify high as professor and vice chairman of the of Karbhari’s calibre take over the prevalence — high risk schools and choose structural engineering department at reins of UT Arlington, and we know 100 schools for the year 2013-14, with the University of California-San he is the perfect fit to make sure excel - the objective of promoting awareness Diego. lence, accessibility and affordability of childhood obesity and offering “UT Arlington is an incredible remain top priorities at UT educational resources to promote healthy institution, and I am committed to Arlington,” Regents chairman Gene lifestyle. — IANS advancing UT Arlington toward Tier Powell said. — IANS Bobby Ghosh named the Editor of Time International oted journalist Aparisim covers, from soccer star Leo Messi to ‘Bobby’ Ghosh, an Indian Bollywood icon Aamir Khan to a pro - Nnational, has been named the file of Egyptian President Mohamad Editor of Time International. Morsi,” it said. “Bobby, quite simply, is a magnifi - The first non-American to be named 20 cent journalist who has done the high - World Editor in Time’s more than 80 est level of work that one can aspire to year history, Ghosh started his career in our profession,” the Time Inc. at the Deccan Chronicle, in Editor-in-Chief Martha Nelson and Visakhapatnam; then went to work in Time Managing Editor Rick Stengel Business Standard in Kolkata and told staffers in an announcement on Aparisim ‘Bobby’ Ghosh BusinessWorld in Mumbai and Delhi. March 15. His recent India stories for Time Currently Time’s Deputy other challenges,” the memo said. have included profiles of cricketer god International Editor, Ghosh takes “The breadth of his interests and the Sachin Tendulkar, Bollywood star over from Jim Frederick, who is depth of his expertise is reflected in a Aamir Khan and world chess champi - vacating the position “to move on to sampling of his recent international on Viswanathan Anand. — IANS
April 2013 India Review Trends IN SOCIETY Online libraries re-kindle 21 the thrill of reading Besides making reading an enjoyable and hassle-free experience, online libraries make books easily India once she returned with her 6,000 people registered with the site. accessible to everyone, family from abroad. “In metros, traffic is a big problem including those in the “I knew books and technology and and access (to bookstores and realized that the library system in India libraries) isn’t always easy. In smaller remote parts of the country was not good. So I decided to start an towns, bookstores are not always well online library. I designed the software stocked. In schools and colleges they hen was the last time you myself (which) took about eight often don’t have the space and visited a library, browsed months and started my venture with resources to continually update their through the hundreds of around 3,000 books,” she said. collection. Taken, you can find pirated Wtitles, and finally bor - While Easylib’s services are restrict - books at the traffic signal, but they rowed a book that evoked your inter - ed to Bangalore, INDIAreads, another often have pages missing and in any est? Online libraries that promise to online library, has a pan-India pres - case it’s morally unsettling. To address offer nearly the same experience have ence. Started in 2010, it has a wide all these concerns, we started caught the readers’ fancy and are variety of books on its shelves, includ - INDIAreads,” he said. rekindling a lost love. ing a reference section on government Chhajer said there was no deadline The online library system works like reports and studies, aimed at students, fixed to return a book. So, once you your conventional library. Once you academics and bureaucrats, and also a have the book delivered at your register, you can browse and choose a separate category of books being made doorstep, you can take your time to book to read, which will be delivered to into movies or TV serials. finish reading it. you within 24 hours, and also be “Our aim is to make books accessi - Has this new medium re-kindled a picked up after you are done. There are ble to everyone in the country; to make lost love, especially among youth? fiction, non-fiction and children’s cate - reading an enjoyable and hassle-free “Youngsters are very computer- gories and, apart from renting, you can experience,” said Shrawan Chhajer of savvy; so this medium of discovering also buy books. INDIAreads, which has its head office books and reading has definitely been a Easylib, for instance, has a whopping at Noida in Uttar Pradesh and has over hit with them. For the last two years we 28,000 titles. Started by Vani Mahesh, have had a large number of teenagers an engineer and a self-confessed “avid and youngsters registering them - reader”, the Bangalore-based venture selves,” Mahesh said. has been creating ripples among book Most online libraries also have a lovers. brick and mortar (bookstore) version Recounting how as a young mother where people can do some real brows - she found online shopping so conven - ing and be a part of events like ‘meet ient thanks to Amazon and eBay, the author’, workshops and book Mahesh realized what was missing in launches.
April 2013 India Review Cinema NEWS Bollywood shines at National Film Awards healthy mix of Bollywood, for Shivaji Lotan Patil. The award for play writer (original) for Kahaani , southern, Marathi and the best female playback singer was which won Namrata Rao a best edition Bengali cinema took away conferred on Samhita for the song National Award, and even a special Athe accolades at the 60 th ‘Palakein naa moon don’ from the mention for actor Nawazuddin National Film Awards, announced in Marathi film Aarti Anklekartikekar . Siddiqui. New Delhi on March 18. Movies with In the feature film category, a total of Vicky Donor , a film on a youngster offbeat themes and unconventional 38 films from 14 languages have been who plays a sperm donor, won three treatment shone the brightest. selected for the awards. gongs — best film providing whole - Malayalam films bagged 13 awards to Bollywood was shining, courtesy some entertainment (jointly with emerge at the top. unique films like Malayalam film Ustad Hotel ), best Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Paan Kahaani , Vicky supporting actor for Anu Kapoor Singh Tomar , about an athlete- Donor , Paan and best supporting actress for turned-dacoit, won the best film. Singh Tomar , Dolly Ahluwalia. Actress Irrfan was named the best actor OMG: Oh My Parineeti Chopra won a special for the same film, and he shared God! and Dekh mention for Ishaqzaade . the title with actor Vikram Indian Circus , Shankar Mahadevan Gokhale, who was honored which won got the best male for the performance in multiple playback singer Marathi film Anumati . awards. award for the song Actress Usha Jadhav Sujoy ‘Bolo na’ from the won the best actress Ghosh won film Chittagong . title for playing a rustic the best housewife in Marathi screen - film Dhag , which won the best director’s gong
Irrfan (left) was named the best actor for his role in Paan Singh Tomar and Usha Jadhav won the best actress title for playing a rustic housewife in Marathi film Dhag. B-Town hails Spielberg as ‘most prolific ’, ‘god of cinema ’ scar-winning Hollywood director Steven Spielberg was in Mumbai to celebrate Othe success of his film Lincoln , interacted with a bevy of Bollywood filmmakers, including Madhur Bhandarkar and Ashutosh Gowariker, who have hailed him for his genius. Spielberg addressed a select gathering in Mumbai on March 11. 22 “It was great interacting with Steven Spielberg. Most of the directors from Bollywood were present. He is a sort of an inspiration for the entire world,” Bhandarkar, a National award-winning director, said. Schindler’s List , Saving Private Ryan and War talking to him, the entire industry is elated,” Megastar Amitabh Bachchan anchored the Horse , to name a few. said Bhandarkar. Director Ashutosh Gowariker, event, while a lot of filmmakers posed ques - “Amit Ji (Amitabh) held a very nice conversa - who was also present at the event, said: “ I tions to Spielberg, who has helmed internation - tion with him. People of the industry asked sev - think he was very generous in his sharing of al films like E.T. the Extra Terrestrial , Indiana eral questions. I always say Steven Spielberg is information. It was great to see the most Jones and the Temple of Doom , Jurassic Park , the god of cinema and today after meeting and prolific filmmaker of our time.”
April 2013 India Review Travel & TOURISM
How To reAcH AIRWAYS: The airport located nearest HimAlAyAN to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport of West Bengal which is only 124 Kms away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. HeriTAge RAILWAYS: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Siliguri in West Bengal are the two rail stations nearest to Sikkim. NJP is 125 Kms and Siliguri is 114 Kms from Gangtok. 23 ROADWAYS: The National Highway 31A connects Gangtok with Siliguri. Private and public transport vehicles are available. From Siliguri one can catch jeeps and taxies to reach almost all the important tourist destinations located in both south and west Sikkim. SIKKIM HELICOPTER SERVICE: For the more discerning travelers, Sikkim Tourism presents the Sikkim Helicopter Service from Gangtok to The Tathagata Tsal or the Bagdogra Airport and back. Buddha Park in Sikkim. Laid out across 23 acres of lush slopes against a startling backdrop of the icy Kanchenjunga and the Maenam hills range in southern Sikkim, shines the state’s newest tourism address — the Tathagata Tsal or the Buddha Park
ikkim is driving its tourism Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Shri Siddhesvara Dhama at Namchi in envelope with a combination Chamling in a grand ceremony in southern Sikkim”, Chamling said. of nature and spirituality to Rabongla on February 26 to com - A gurdwara in Gangtok and church - Spreserve the essence of its memorate Lord Buddha’s 2,550 th es across the state add to the holistic Himalayan heritage and make a state - birth anniversary. color. ment of sustainable growth in this age Hope for tourism, one of Sikkim’s “We have been advancing tourism of fragile eco-systems. economic lifelines, piggy-backs on as a new profession and major eco - Sample this: Laid out across 23 Buddhist trails, nature tourism and vil - nomic activity. We want our children acres of lush slopes against a startling lage tourism. to work in the tourism service sector. backdrop of the icy Kanchenjunga and Major Buddhist centers like the old We are training youngsters and build - the Maenam hills range in southern Rumtek Monastery, Rumtek Dharma ing capacities,” Chamling said, adding Sikkim’s Rabongla district shines the Chakra Centre, Pal Zurmang Kagyud that the “state is exploring new fron - state’s newest tourism address — the monastery, the Namgyal Institute of tiers in eco-tourism to add variety”. Tathagata Tsal or the Buddha Park, Tibetology, a giant statue of guru The focus on eco-tourism has nearly 65 km from Gangtok. Padmasambhava and one of become more creative and infrastruc - At the center of the park perches a Tathagata, together with a handful of ture-oriented since Sikkim was shrine with a towering 140 feet statue holy lakes, including Changu at declared “an eco-tourism destination of Lord Buddha with its face coated in 12,400 feet above sea level, keep the in 2009”, Tourism Minister Bhim 3.5 kg of pure gold in the Dharma state’s Buddhist circuit busy. Dhungel said. He said Sikkim was Chakra Mantra tradition. The icon However, Sikkim’s approach to one of the pioneering states to pro - and the park built at a cost of almost spiritual tourism is secular, Chamling mote nature tourism with “forest and $7 million over the last seven years is said. “Buddha may be of primary flower trails”. expected to boost the state’s economic importance, but the government has As a pro-people alternative, the gov - fortunes on the strength of the Buddha built a replica of the Hindu Char ernment is encouraging home stay in relics from nine countries. These were Dham — four temples dedicated to villages, Tourism and IPR Secretary installed at the sanctum by Sikkim Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu — at K.S. Topgay said.
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n Colors of happiness…
Young women celebrating Holi, the festival of colors, in Kolkata on March 27. (Photo: IANS)
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