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A Publication of the Embassy of , Washington, D.C.

February 1, 2013

I India RevieI w Vol. 9 Issue 2 www.indianembassy.org

(Above) IAF helicopters carrying the tricolor and three services flag, during the 64 th Parade-2013, at in New on January 26. ( Below) BSF marching contingent passing through the Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade.

India celebrates 64 th Republic Day

n 11 th Pravasi n First Indian apparel n 100 th Session of Bharatiya Divas trade show in New Indian Science held in Kerala York a success Congress in Ambassador’s PAGE India will fight sexual violence After a horrific rape, Delhi has resolved to move beyond words to action. The people demand it...

rime Minister Manmohan “The emergence of women in public Singh and India’s political spaces, which is an absolutely essential leadership, like all Indians, part of social emancipation, is accom - P expressed distress and sad - panied by growing threats to their safe - ness over the brutal rape of a 23-year- ty and security.” old woman in December in . As I know well and personally, But our leaders were more than emo - women have a growing and important tional when the news broke. They were role in Indian society. We have had a and remain determined to change our fearless and charismatic woman prime nation’s laws — as well as the imple - minister (Indira Gandhi) and a woman mentation of those laws — to prevent president (Pratibha Patil). Today, we such heinous acts in the future. have our first woman speaker of the Media outlets have reported and re- in Meira Kumar, among reported the horrible facts of the events promising action. Nongovernmental many other senior positions in both that led to the young woman’s death. organizations, civic associations, media government and business. In my own But they have underemphasized an and motivated young people and family, I have seen how the nurturing important and incontrovertible fact: women have used the incident to encouragement of my parents encour - Mr. Singh has asked not only his redouble their efforts. They are making aged me and my sister, who is now an national government in New Delhi, but citizens aware not just of the problem admiral in the Indian Navy, to be inde - also governments at all levels in India, of rape, but also of violence in homes pendent women with dreams of our to find solutions and implement them and gender discrimination. own. as soon as possible. Many thousands of people took to But this progress, and there has been “Government has decided to review the streets spontaneously to express a lot of it, has not come without some the present laws and examine the levels their outrage after the New Delhi rape. growing pains. Although our society of punishments in cases of aggravated They were empowered by enhanced has steadily welcomed women as full sexual assault,” Mr. Singh said in late awareness, new technology and social partners in civil society and business December. “Women and girls repre - media — themselves offshoots of the — and progress on gender issues has sent half the population and our socie - economic and social progress taking been made — all-encompassing suc - ty has not been fair to this half.” place in India. cess takes time. These were not just words. The All of this energy and determination The government will not stop at Prime Minister quickly appointed a to improve, to bring about and demand changing laws. Solutions will need to commission of inquiry comprised of change, is good for India. It reflects the include changes to institutions, society eminent jurists and headed by the for - strong democratic experience and and mindsets, as well as updates to mer Chief Justice of India J.S. Verma institutions in the country. legal statutes. We know this is true in to conduct a wide-ranging examina - “Gender inequality is another aspect, India, just as it is true in other coun - tion of the facts. which deserves special attention,” Mr. tries that experience similar challenges The commission’s report came out Singh said in his remarks last month. — whether “honor killings,” domestic last week and is a concrete step in the violence or discrimination at the work - 2 direction of safeguarding women’s place. safety. It recommended an overhaul of Nongovernmental But what’s pivotal here is that the the legal system dealing with sexual organizations, civic tragic death of a young woman will not assault, including implementing speed - have been in vain. The true homage to ier trials and more severe punishment associations, media and her memory will be to channel legiti - for rape. In a letter thanking Mr. motivated young people mate emotions and energies into a con - Verma for the efforts made by the com - and women have used structive, effective course of action. mission, Mr. Singh has assured that We, the people of India, are commit - the government will be prompt in pur - the incident to redouble ted to bringing about this change. suing its recommendations. their efforts (Published in Wall Street Journal, But the government is not alone in January 31, 2013).

February 2013 India Review Cover STORY

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Vignettes from India’s 64 th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26. India celebrates 64 th Republic Day The country showcased its indigenous military hardware and rich cultural diversity at the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi

ith millions taking part, that stretches three kilometers from famous ‘Lathmar’ Holi, which is India celebrated its 64 th Vijay Chowk at the foot of the Raisina observed before the Holi festival and Republic Day on January Hill that houses the Rashtrapati entails women hitting men with sticks. W 26 with pomp and pride. Bhavan. The West Bengal’s tableau paid a Men, women and children partici - There was a perfect blend of indige - tribute to Swami Vivekananda, whose pated enthusiastically in numerous nous military hardware and rich cultur - 150 th birth anniversary was celebrated events across the length and breadth al diversity as the country showcased this year. of the world’s most populous democ - its military strides as well as its roots The Meghalaya tableau had its har - racy which was declared a Republic with the past. vest festival ‘Hundred Drums on January 26 in 1950. The smartly attired marching contin - Wangala’, while Odisha had the It was the first Republic Day for gents came from the armed forces, the ‘Chandan Yatra (sandalwood voyage) President Pranab Mukherjee, and the paramilitary forces, the National Cadet of Lord Jagannath’. chief guest at the main event in the Corps and school students in their col - Karnataka displayed its kinnal art — capital was King Jigme Khesar orful best. colorful wooden handicrafts, while Namgyel Wangchuk of Bhutan. There were also tableaux from 19 Bihar had ‘sikki’ art — making of mats In the national capital, the states and government departments. and baskets of a special grass, which is celebrations began on a clear and The Information and Broadcasting harvested once in a year. sunny morning with Prime Minister Ministry paid a tribute to 100 years of Jammu and Kashmir presented a Dr. Manmohan Singh paying hom - Indian cinema. With posters of tableaux showcasing its famous age to the unknown soldier at the prominent artists and stills from Pashmina wool shawls. war memorial in the heart classic movies, the tableau also had The parade was split almost equally of the capital. artists dressed as famous film between the military and cultural ele - The President’s Bodyguard, resplen - characters. ments, the latter bringing up the rear. dent in their red tunics, white breeches Equally eye-catching was the tableau A by the air force provided the and black boots, red and white pen - from the Ministry of Social Justice, grand finale with the piece de resist - nants fluttering from their lances held which had physically challenged people ance being a lone Sukhoi Su-30MKI high, presented the National Salute. on wheel chairs, giving a message of streaking into the wild blue yonder in a The National Anthem was played their strength and aspirations. Vertical Charlie maneuvre. and a 21-gun salute boomed out. Festivals and different art forms Republic Day celebrations were held That was the signal for the parade to dominated the state tableaux. in state capitals and district headquar - roll down Rajpath, the grand Uttar Pradesh showcased the ters with patriotic zeal.

February 2013 India Review Cover STORY India’s enduring vitality is at work: President Lauding India’s rapid progress in achieving high economic growth and social stability over the last six decades, President Pranab Mukherjee said the country would progress more in the next ten years than it had in the last sixty

President Pranab Mukherjee addressing the Nation on the eve of India’s 64 th Republic Day, in New Delhi on January 25. (Right) A bird’s eye view of Rajpath, during the Republic Day Parade-2013, in New Delhi on January 26. (Photo AFP)

n his maiden Republic Day eve “The energy of youth has to be had occupied... The spirit of India is speech, President Pranab channelized toward change with written in stone.” Mukherjee hailed the spirit of speed, dignity and order.” I the Indian youth and predicted He spoke of India’s many success - Excerpts from the President’s a bright future for India. es over the past six decades, the address to the Nation: 4 In a crisp speech laced with his vision of India’s founding leaders and “On the eve of our 64 th Republic trademark intellect, the President asked the civil society and the gov - Day, I extend warm greetings to all of said, “On our 64 th Republic Day, ernment to work together for the you in India and abroad. I convey my there may be some reason for con - country’s betterment. special greetings to members of our cern but none for despair.” “India can double its growth rate armed forces, paramilitary forces and “If India has changed more in six by turning today’s disadvantages into internal security forces. decades than six previous centuries, multiple engines of economic devel - India has changed more in last six then I promise you that it will change opment,” he said. decades than in six previous centuries. more in the next 10 years than in the “Even the British,” he said, “sensed This is neither accidental nor provi - previous sixty. India’s enduring vital - that they were leaving a land which dential; history shifts its pace when ity is at work,” he added. was very different from the one they touched by vision. The great dream of

February 2013 India Review Cover STORY

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(Left) Chief Guest of Republic Day, King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, with President Pranab Mukherjee during the ‘At Home’ reception, hosted by the President, on the occasion of the 64 th Republic Day celebrations, at , in New Delhi on January 26. (Right) Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh paying homage at the , India Gate, on the occasion of the Republic Day Parade 2013. raising a new India from the ashes of we are net exporters of food-grain. We stand with you, colonialism reached a historic denoue - Significant reduction in the incidence ment in 1947; more important, inde - of poverty has been achieved. Among US tells India pendence became a turning point for our other major achievements is the reeting the people of India on the eve an equally dramatic narrative, nation- drive toward gender equality. Gof India’s 64 th Republic Day, Secretary building. The foundations were laid No one suggested this would be of State Hillary Clinton in a message on through our Constitution, adopted on easy. The difficulties that accompa - January 25 said the India-U.S. strategic 26 January 1950, which we celebrate nied the first quantum leap, partnership was making the world more each year as Republic Day. Its driving code bill, enacted in 1955 tell their united, prosperous, and secure. principle was a compact between state own story. It needed the unflinching and citizen, a powerful public-private commitment of leaders like Jawaharlal Following is the full text of Secretary partnership nourished by justice, liber - Nehru and Babasaheb Ambedkar to Clinton’s message on the occasion: ty and equality. push through this remarkable legisla - “On behalf of President Obama and the India did not win freedom from the tion. Jawaharlal Nehru would later people of the United States, I am delighted British in order to deny freedom to describe this as perhaps the most to send my best wishes to the people and Indians. The Constitution represent - important achievement of his life. The as you celebrate your ed a second liberation, this time from time has now come to ensure gender 64 th Republic Day this January 26 th . the stranglehold of traditional equality for every Indian woman. We The United States and India share an inequity in gender, caste, community, can neither evade nor abandon this unwavering commitment to democratic gov - along with other fetters that had national commitment, for the price of ernment. Our shared values are the founda - chained us for too long. neglect will be high. Vested interests tion for the innovative, entrepreneurial drive This inspired a Cultural Evolution do not surrender easily. The civil soci - that is allowing more and more of our 1.5 which put Indian society on the track ety and the government must work billion people to realize their potential. to modernity: society changed in a together to fulfill this national goal. My three trips to India as Secretary of gradual evolution, for violent revolu - We are on the cusp of another gen - State reinforced my unyielding belief that the tion is not the Indian way. Change erational change; the youth of India U.S.-India strategic partnership is making the across the knotted weaves of the social spread across villages and towns, are world more united, prosperous, and secure. fabric remains a work in progress, in the vanguard of change. The future Together we are strengthening our ties and impelled by periodic reform in law and belongs to them. They are today trou - working to address some of the most diffi - the momentum of popular will. bled by a range of existential doubts. cult global challenges. In the last six decades there is Does the system offer due reward for As you celebrate this special day, know much that we can be proud of. Our merit? Have the powerful lost their that the United States stands with you. Best economic growth rate has more than Dharma in pursuit of greed? Has cor - wishes for a year filled with peace and pros - tripled. The literacy rate has ruption overtaken morality in public perity.” increased by over four times. After life? Does our legislature reflect having attained self sufficiency, now emerging India or does it need radical

February 2013 India Review Cover STORY

108 eminent personalities to get Padma awards

From left, scientist Yashpal, cricketer and actor .

oted scientists Yashpal and Roddam Vibhushan, 24 and 80 Padma filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, Magsaysay Award Narasimha, cricketer Rahul Dravid, Shri. As many as 24 of the awardees are winner , Olympic medallist Nactor and comedian women. Vijay Kumar are among the (both posthumous), and boxer Among the Padma Vibhushan awardees awardees. , are among the 108 eminent and are Yashpal, Roddam Narasimha and artist The country’s top civilian awards are given illustrious personalities named for India’s S. Haider Ali Raza. under various disciplines like arts, literature, highest civilian honors, Padma awards, this Among the Padma Bhushan awardees are social work, public affairs, medicine, and sports. year. actors Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore, Padma Vibhushan is given for exceptional According to a release from the Home Bhatti, industrialist , as well as and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for Ministry on January 25, President Pranab Dravid and Mary Kom. distinguished service of high order and Mukherjee approved the names of the 108 Actor Nana Patekar, poet Nida Fazli, Padma Shri for distinguished service in any awardees, who include four Padma wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, boxer Dingko Singh, field.

reforms? These doubts have to be set not reached, to the extent desired, to none for despair. If India has changed at rest. Elected representatives must those most in need of this ladder. India more in six decades than six previous win back the confidence of the peo - can double its growth rate by turning centuries, then I promise you that it ple. The anxiety and restlessness of today’s disadvantaged into multiple will change more in the next ten years youth has to be channelized towards engines of economic development. than in the previous sixty. India’s change with speed, dignity and order. On our 64 th Republic Day, there enduring vitality is at work. India’s most impregnable asset is may be some reason for concern, but Even the British sensed that they self-belief. Each challenge becomes an were leaving a land which was very opportunity to strengthen our resolve different from the one they had occu - 6 to achieve unprecedented economic In the last six decades pied. At the base of the Jaipur growth and social stability. Such there is much that we Column in Rashtrapati Bhavan there resolve must be nourished by an ava - is an inscription: lanche of investment, particularly in can be proud of. Our better and greater education. economic growth rate “In thought faith… Education is the ladder that can help In word wisdom… those at the bottom to rise to the pin - has more than tripled. In deed courage… nacles of professional and social status. The literacy rate has In life service… Education is the mantra that can increased by over So may India be great” transform our economic fortunes and eliminate the gaps that have made our four times The spirit of India is written in stone. society unequal. So far education has Jai Hind!”

February 2013 India Review India-US-Africa PARTNERSHIP India, US join hands to improve agricultural productivity in African countries The three-year India-US-Africa triangular partnership program will train 180 mid-level African government and private sector agriculture professionals from Kenya, Malawi, and Liberia 7 ndia and the United States inau - gurated the first triangular India-U.S.-Africa partnership in I agricultural training for 30 trainees from three African countries — Kenya, Liberia and Malawi — at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, on January 6. As part of the India-U.S. strategic partnership, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and U.S. President Barack Obama agreed during President Obama’s visit to India in November 2010 to use the expertise of both countries in agricul - tural capacity-building to extend food security to interested third countries. The three-year triangular partner - ship program aims to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen Acting Special Representative for Global Food Security Jonathan Shrier addressing the participants of agricultural value chains, and support the first U.S.-India-Africa Triangular Training Program at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension market institutions in Kenya, Liberia, Management (MANAGE) in Hyderabad on January 16. (Photo: USAID India) and Malawi. Supported by the U.S. their training, these professionals will Head of the Ministry of External Government through the United go home with new knowledge, skills, Affairs Branch Secretariat in States Agency for International and potential innovations to address Hyderabad Srikar Reddy and the U.S. Development (USAID), and by the their domestic challenges in food and Department of State Special Ministry of External Affairs and the nutrition security. Representative for Global Food Ministry of Agriculture of India, the Joint Secretary (Information Security Jonathan Shrier (Acting), program is being implemented by two Technology and Extension) in Indian attended the first agricultural training of India’s leading agricultural train - Ministry of Agriculture Sanjeev Gupta, program for the three African coun - ing institutes — National Institute of tries in MANAGE on January 16. Agricultural Extension Management The two-month training program (MANAGE), Hyderabad, and the The three-year program covers 15 major themes of agricultural Chaudhary Charan Singh National extension management and includes Institute of Agricultural Marketing aims to improve study tours to different parts of the (NIAM), Jaipur, Rajasthan. agricultural productivity, country. The study material developed The program will train 180 mid-level strengthen agricultural by the faculty in MANAGE, also covers government and private sector profes - basic skills in computers, Internet, and sionals from the targeted countries in value chains, and other information and communication agricultural extension practices, agri- support market technology tools. MANAGE will also business, and agricultural marketing. institutions in Kenya, undertake impact evaluation six The training will include classroom months after the completion of the sessions, group work, field trips, and Liberia, and Malawi program. interaction with industry experts. After

February 2013 India Review PBD 2013 Bridge of friendship, cooperation At the 11 th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh assured the overseas Indians of all possible help to deepen their connection with India

pplauding the overseas Indians for serving as a bridge of friendship and A cooperation between India and their adopted homes abroad, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said India was committed to deepen their connection with India and advance their interests. “While honoring their achievements, we will also seek to facilitate their trav - el, business and education and make it easier for them to be a part of life in India, enjoy due rights and participate in India’s economic development,” the Prime Minister said in his address at the 11 th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Kochi, Kerala, on January 8. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh lighting the lamp to inaugurate the 11 th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Highlighting the recent steps that the Kochi, Kerala, on January 8. government had taken to boost domes - tic and foreign investments in India, the Prime Minister said India’s strong ‘Indian diaspora should help build knowledge society’ economic fundamentals, backed by sound policies, would help the country resident Pranab society, while continuing to return to a higher growth path. PMukherjee on January 9 engage culturally and emotion - Prime Minister Singh said that the said India viewed its vast ally, and serving as the effective overseas Indian community should be diaspora as a valuable con - ambassadors that they have a vital partner and participant in India’s tributor to its growth and was been for this country,” the social and economic development. keen to expand the bonds fur - President said. “Whether you wish to invest or share ther in building an inclusive He said India was the world’s your knowledge, technology and skills, and knowledge society. third-largest economy on the whether your enterprise takes you to The President said the basis of purchasing power pari - the cities or your compassion brings record remittance of $67 bil - ty and the second fastest grow - you to a remote village, I assure you of lion from overseas Indians ing economy after . our continuing effort to support your was a testimony to both the He said the diaspora could President Pranab Mukherjee endeavours,” he said. emotional attachment and delivering the valedictory become partners in India’s He also assured that the government the fulfillment in investing in address at the 11 th Pravasi progress. “For accelerated 8 was deeply concerned about the safety India’s strong economy. Bharatiya Divas, in Kochi, growth, investment level has to Kerala, on January 9. and security of the overseas Indians. “We should explore ways increase. You all can help in the When needed, the Prime Minister said, and means to encourage further participation process by investing in Indian companies and the government of India would provide by the diaspora to give additional impetus to establishing new ventures,” he said. prompt and necessary assistance. India’s growth story,” President Mukherjee said “It is a matter of pride for every Indian that The Prime Minister pointed out that in his valedictory address at the 11 th Pravasi there are at least five heads of state or govern - the government had launched an Bharatiya Divas in Kochi, Kerala. ment, and over 70 senior political leaders such insurance scheme for workers abroad, “I also wish to see the Indian diaspora as a as deputy heads of state, speakers, ministers in established welfare funds for distressed stronger partner, not only in India’s economic various countries, who can trace their roots to Indians and created mechanisms to growth, but also in building India’s knowledge India,” President Mukherjee said. help vulnerable women abroad.

February 2013 India Review PBD 2013

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards for 15 eminent overseas Indians resident Pranab Mukherjee conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards on 15 Peminent overseas Indians for their contri - butions at the 11 th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi, Kerala, on January 9. The lone woman in the list is Patricia Maria Rozario, who is settled in the UK. She has won the award for contributions in the field of music. 9 Australian Indian Society of Victoria and Indian Doctors Forum in Kuwait are the two organizations that have been named for the award, and both get the award for community service. President of Mauritius Rajkeswur President Pranab Mukherjee with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees at PBD-2013. Purryag, who was the chief guest at the open - ing session of the event, led the list of other (community service); T.S. Ravindra Menon, Mohammed R. Karuvanthodi, Saudi Arabia awardees, winning it for public service. (Community service); Dr. Rasik V. (Business); Ismail E. Ebrahim, South Africa Among others who won the awards are: Joshi, Mexico (Literature); Dr. Satendra K. Singh, (Business); Bava Pandalingal, UAE, (Community Professor Gurusharan Singh Chatwal, Germany New Zealand (Community service); Gilbert. C. service); Dr. N.R. Kumar, US (Health care); and (Science); Ashok S. Vaswani, Guinea Moutien, Reunion Island (Business); Subhash Razdan, US, (Public service).

“This protection and promotion of memorating it by the issue of a special nomic crises, conflicts, civil unrest or the rights and interests of Indian busi - postage stamp today, we will also just senseless hate crimes. At a time of nesses, professionals and workers upgrade the Gadar Memorial in San turbulence in many parts of the world, abroad is also a key task for our mis - Francisco into a functional museum the safety and security of overseas sions in various countries. Our and library with a sculpture to honor Indian communities are uppermost in Comprehensive Economic Partnership the Gadar Babas, the heroes of this our minds. We derive comfort from the Agreements and Social Security great national movement. assurances that we have received from Agreements with a number of coun - Post-independence, overseas governments in the countries of your tries play an important role in this Indians have served as a bridge of residence that they will do everything regard,” he said. friendship and cooperation between for your safety and security. We recog - The Prime Minister also released a India and their adopted homes abroad. nize that the primary responsibility special postage stamp to celebrate the Regardless of whether they are suc - rests with the host countries, but when centenary of the Gadar Movement on cessful professionals, traders and needed, as was the case last year in the occasion. entrepreneurs, or second generation Libya, our government will provide Indians, comfortably reconciling their prompt and necessary assistance. Excerpts from Prime Minister two identities, or workers toiling hard Apart from physical safety, we are Dr. Manmohan Singh’s address on to build a future for their families, they also concerned with the social and the occasion: are at all times a most effective win - emotional well-being of our overseas “Over the ages, the relationship dow for the world to India’s heritage brethren. We have therefore launched between Pravasis and Bharat has taken and its progress. an insurance scheme for workers, many forms. One of its most glorious We in the Government will do all that established welfare funds in our manifestations has been their contri - is possible to deepen their connection embassies for distressed Indians, and bution to India’s independence move - with India and advance their interests. created mechanisms to help vulnerable ment. Nearly a hundred years ago, While honoring their achievements, we women abroad. almost to this day, will also seek to facilitate their travel, Let me assure you that as India con - returned to lead a nation’s march to business and education and make it tinues to grow, as our external engage - freedom. This year, we are celebrating easier for them to be a part of life in ment increases and as we assume high - the centenary of the Gadar Movement, India, enjoy due rights and participate er international responsibilities, Pravasi which was a luminous spark of sup - in India’s economic development. Bharatiyas will continue to remain port in distant California for the strug - As the Indian expatriate community close to our hearts, as partners in our gle for independence being waged at develops a more global presence, they national efforts and as vital links to the home in our country. Apart from com - also become more vulnerable to eco - outside world.”

February 2013 India Review Ambassador’s ENGAGEMENTS ‘Indian apparel can meet US market demands’

Ambassador Nirupama Rao making the opening remarks at the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Trade Show in New York City on January 28. (Photo:-Jay Mandal/On Assignment)

mbassador Nirupama Rao has said that India’s appar - el sector has upgraded its A technology and is highly competitive in meeting the U.S. mar - ket demands in various segments, including in high fashion and mass consumption segments. Inaugurating the first Indian apparel trade show organized by the Apparel Export Promotion Council of India (AEPC), in cooperation with M/S Trade Good, in New York on January 28, Ambassador Rao said that at $3.3 billion, India’s export of Ambassador Rao inaugurating the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Trade Show in New York garments represented one of the City on January 28. (Photo:-Jay Mandal/On Assignment) important constituents of overall India-U.S. trade. Consul General of India in New York Prabhu Dayal, Chairman of AEPC A. Sakthivel and President of American Apparel and Footwear Association Kevin Burke were also present on the occasion. Ambassador Rao highlighted that through DISHA (Driving Industry towards Sustainable Human Advancement), the Indian apparel 10 industry had implemented an indus - try-wide measure for facilitating and Ambassador Rao unveiling the catalogue at the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Trade Show preparing Indian apparel manufac - in New York City on January 28. (Photo:-Jay Mandal/On Assignment) turers toward becoming more social - ly and environmentally responsible. attended the two-day show included cement long-term business partner - The first Indian apparel trade show, Ralph Lauren, Warnaco, Children ships for participating exhibitors. featuring 35 exporters and their Place, Lord & Taylor, Under Amour, India is the third largest producer of Fall/Winter 2013-14 collections, VF Sportswear, Nautica, Red Cat cotton yarn, the second largest pro - brought more than 300 U.S. buyers, and Jones Apparel. ducer of cellulosic yarn, the second including at least 20 brand stores. The buyer-seller meet helped gen - largest producer of silk and the fourth Some of the major buyers who erate substantial spot business and largest producer of synthetic fiber.

February 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS

Republic Day Reception at Embassy Residence

n the occasion of India’s Ambassador Rao said that it was India-U.S. partnership over the last Republic Day, India’s faith in democracy and its few years,” she added. Ambassador Nirupama democratic dividend that united the Speaking of a new phase of India- ORao hosted a reception country with the U.S. in a partner - U.S. relationship after President on January 24. Welcoming Deputy ship. “Our strategic partnership Obama’s reelection, Ambassador Secretary of State William Burns, with the United States is marked by Rao quoted Prime Minister Dr. Congressman Ami Bera and other energy, by hope, by the vision of our Manmohan Singh’s congratulatory distinguished guests, Ambassador leaders that our cooperation for message to President Obama on his 11 Rao said that India’s Republic Day global peace, progress and stability reelection. “I have no doubt that was an occasion to celebrate the can make a difference for our cen - there is much more we can do “strength and resilience of India’s tury,” she said. together to further strengthen the vibrant democracy, her respect for “We have particularly valued the India-U.S. partnership and thereby fundamental freedoms, her uphold - friendship, the commitment and advance peace and stability, expand ing of the rule of law, and her com - dedicated cooperation of Secretary mutual economic opportunities, mitment to friendship with neighbors of State Hillary Clinton, Deputy harness the potential of science and and our partners all over the world”. Secretary Burns, Under Secretary technology, innovation and higher It was also an occasion to “renew our Sherman, and other outstanding education and empower our people pledge and our determination to pro - colleagues in the Department of to address global challenges,” Prime tect our Republic, and to work for the State in this journey that we have Minister Sigh had said. progress of our country”, she said. jointly undertaken to strengthen the Ambassador Rao said India and U.S. must work together to realize 1 2 the agenda clearly spelled out by Prime Minister Singh. Such a part - nership was crucial not only for India and the U.S., but for the rest of the world as well, she said.

1. Ambassador Nirupama Rao welcoming and addressing the guests at a reception to celebrate India’s Republic Day at the Embassy Residence on January 24. 2. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns addressing the guests on the occasion. 3. Ambassador Rao with Deputy Secretary Burns. 4. Ambassador Rao with Congressman Ami Bera. 5. Guests in attendance.

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February 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS

Embassy celebrates Republic Day 2013

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1. Ambassador Nirupama Rao paying floral 12 tribute at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on January 26 on the occasion of India’s 64 th Republic Day. 2. Ambassador Rao unfurling the National Flag. 3. Ambassador Rao addressing the guests and reading out the President’s message to the Nation. 4. Musical group ‘Tarang’ rendering patriotic songs in various Indian languages. 5. Guests in attendance.

February 2013 India Review Consulate EVENTS CGI Houston celebrates India’s Republic Day he Consulate General of India P. Harish on January 26. Congressman (D-TX 18 th District), Congressman in Houston organized a Flag Al Green, Representative (D-TX 9 th Pete Olson, Representative (R-TX Hoisting Open House for District), graced the occasion with his 22 nd District) and Congressman Indian nationals and friends presence, among others. Green were among those who attend - T th of India on the occasion of India’s 64 On the following day, a reception ed the reception. A cultural program Republic Day at the residence of was also organized. Congresswoman by prominent Indian artists enchanted Consul General of India in Houston Sheila Jackson Lee, Representative the audience on the occasion. 13 1 2

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1. Consul General P. Harish unfurling the National Flag on 5 the occasion of India’s 64 th Republic Day on January 26. 2. Congressman Al Green, Representative (D-TX 9 th District), presenting a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition to Consul General Harish on the occasion. 3. A presentation by Anisha Rajesh of Upasana Kalakendra, at the Republic Day reception on January 27. 4. From left, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Representative (D-TX 18 th District), Consul General Harish, Congressman Pete Olson, Representative (R-TX 22 nd District) and Congressman Al Green, Representative (D-TX 9 th District) at the Republic Day reception. 5. A cultural program presented by Divyaa Unni, Artistic Director, Sreepadam School of Arts, and her students at the Republic Day reception.

February 2013 India Review Consulate EVENTS A reception to mark India’s 64 th Republic Day he Consulate General of Mukherjee’s address to the Nation on Representatives from the Indian- India in New York hosted a the eve of the Republic Day. In his American community and Consul reception to celebrate the address, the Consul General com - Generals of other countries, among T 64 th Republic Day of India mended the Indian-American commu - others, attended the event. New Jersey- on January 26. Consul General Prabhu nity for its contribution to the strength - based singer Varsha Joshi rendered Dayal read out President Pranab ening of India-U.S. relations. patriotic songs on the occasion.

Consul General Prabhu Dayal welcoming and greeting the guests. A cross-section of the audience on the occasion. Mahatma Gandhi Punya Tithi observed he Consulate General of India, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Sanjukta Sen and students of the New York, in association with H. R. Shah payed floral tributes to the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan presented of TBharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA Mahatma’s portrait . Gandhi ji ’s favorite bhajans on the observed the 65 th anniversary of In his address, Consul General occasion. Around 50 guests, includ - Mahatma Gandhi’s Punya Tithi on Prabhu Dayal shed light on the contin - ing teachers, students, journalists and January 30. Consul General of India in ued relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s office bearers of the Bhavan attended New York Prabhu Dayal and philosophy in the contemporary world. the event. 1 2

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1. Consul General Prabhu Dayal addressing guests on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s Punya Tithi on January 30. 2. Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan H. R. Shah speaking on the occasion. 3. Sanjukta Sen and students of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan presenting devotional songs on the occasion.

February 2013 India Review Economy NEWS ‘Balance economic growth and environment’ conomic growth is undoubt - of our society. Inclusive growth edly the prime driver of a should not be a mere slogan but a country’s overall develop - fundamental driving force for sus - E ment but the natural ecosys - tainable development,” he said. tem and the people who make up the Appealing to the Indian industry to society are also vital for nation-build - be part of the sustainability move - ing, President Pranab Mukherjee said ment, President Mukherjee said: on January 14. “What is necessary for our industry 15 Speaking at the presentation of the is a belief that the compulsion of cre - CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2012, ating value for a business cannot be President Mukherjee said: “We need separated from our concern for soci - to usher in a culture of social respon - ety and environment.” sibility in the governance of Indian He said that environmental sustain - companies.” ability had an important place in “Indian business, by integrating today’s global discourse on growth and social and environmental objectives development. He urged the industrial - President Pranab Mukherjee speaking at the in their operations, can make a posi - CII-ITC Sustainability Awards for 2012 presentation ists not to compromise the future tive contribution for the betterment ceremony, in New Delhi on January 14. capacity of the ecosystem. India to expand indigenous India defers anti-avoidance nuclear power program: PM tax norms to April 2016 tating that nuclear energy n a move to boost investor confidence, India on January would remain an increas - 14 deferred the implementation of the General Anti- Singly important element of IAvoidance Rules (GAAR) the nation’s energy mix, Prime by two years to April 2016 and Highlights of the Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh exempted non-resident Indians amendments: on January 15 said that India was in foreign institutional n If a tax structure is imper - in the process of expanding its investors (FIIs) from its missible, GAAR will apply indigenous nuclear power pro - purview. n No treaty override in new gram. He emphasized that the “Having considered all the provision government would also ensure circumstances and relevant n GAAR will ensure same that the safety and livelihood of factors, the government has income is not taxed twice people were not affected in pur - decided that the provisions of in the hands of the same taxpayer in the same year suit of nuclear power. Chapter 10A will come into or in the next assessment “As we pursue our national force with effect from April 1, year growth objectives to meet the 2016 as against the current n GAAR will not apply to rising aspirations of our people, provision of April 1, 2014,” such FIIs that choose not the supply of affordable clean Prime Minister, Dr. Finance Minister P. to take any benefit under Manmohan Singh addressing section 90 and 90A of the energy will be one of our fore - at the Lifetime Achievement Chidambaram said. most national challenges and a Awards 2011 presentation The GAAR norms intro - IT Act key priority for our govern - ceremony of the Department duced by the then Finance n If there is a tax avoidance ment,” he said. of Atomic Energy, in New Minister Pranab Mukherjee is arrangement, the existing Delhi on January 15. provisions of the IT act say The Prime Minister said the targeted at the foreign that GAAR provisions will first nuclear reactor with Russian collaboration at investors and companies rout - prevail. Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu would start operating soon and ing money through tax havens the second reactor would follow by the year-end. like Mauritius. “Even as we implement our power program, we will con - “GAAR will not apply to such FIIs that choose not to take tinue to ensure that nuclear power remains wholly safe. The any benefit under an agreement under section 90 or section Fukushima incident in 2011 raised justifiable safety con - 90A of the Income-tax Act, 1961. GAAR will also not apply cerns about nuclear power,” he said. to non-resident investors in FIIs,” he said.

February 2013 India Review Economy NEWS Boeing delivers IAF’s first C-17 for flight testing he Indian Air Force (IAF) with a 2010 government-to-govern - India,” Air Commodore Nimesh has received its first Boeing ment agreement and under the U.S. observed. C-17 strategic airlifter for government’s foreign military sales The airlifter will now enter a USAF T flight testing by the U.S. Air (FMS) program. flight test program at Edwards Air Force (USAF). Force Base in The technological - Palmdale, ly sophisticated California, machine, which has for training a 77 ton payload, was the IAF crew as per received on behalf of the IAF by the FMS arrange - Air Commodore Sanjay Nimesh, Air ment with the USAF. Attache in the Indian embassy in “The C-17’s ability to oper - Washington, and some IAF officers Boeing has promised to deliver four ate in extremely hot and cold cli - who have been stationed in Long more aircraft this year and the remain - mates; transport large payloads Beach, California, to oversee the com - ing five in 2014 as per the agreement. across vast ranges; and land on short, pletion of the project and for training. “It was exciting to see the C-17 fly austere runways makes it ideal for This is the first of the 10 C-17 again, this time with Indian Air Force India’s airlift needs,” said Nan Globemaster III airlifters that India is markings, and we look forward to the Bouchard, Boeing Vice President and buying for $4.1 billion in accordance day that the first IAF C-17 flies over C-17 Program Manager.

Agreement finalized for US engines US media firm acquires for indigenous Indian fighter jet stake in Graphic India A Media, LP, the Asian investment arm ndia has finalized an agreement Minister) V.K. Saraswat told India Cof Los Angeles based The Chernin for 99 GE 414 engines to power Strategic (www.indiastrategic.in ) in Group, LLC (TCG), has acquired a large Iits indigenous Light Combat an interview that the agreement with minority stake in Graphic India, a comic Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. GE was signed recently, and that he book and animation company. This is the first, and significant, expected the aircraft to be a success Graphic India is focused on creating engine contract for for both the IAF and the Indian mythological and superhero characters, Light Combat comics and stories for the Indian youth Aircraft (LCA) GE Aviation to power Navy. Tejas will be the fighter jets for GE won the contract for its F414- market, published across mobile and online first combat India and the GE-INS6 afterburner turbofan engine platforms. aircraft in the Launched last year by media entrepre - inventory of the LCA will be Indian Air Force neurs , Gotham Chopra and Indian Navy and Suresh Seetharaman as a subsidiary of with engines U.S. company Liquid Comics, it from the US. will now be jointly owned by Liquid Comics in September and CA Media. 2010 with a Devarajan will be appointed CEO of narrow margin Graphic India and will remain Executive 16 the first combat aircraft in the against a com - Chairman of Liquid Comics, according to a inventory of the Indian Air peting bid by the European news release. Force (IAF) and Indian Navy with Eurojet EJ 200. “At Graphic India, we intend to find, nur - engines from the US. Both services GE, which is already supplying its ture and promote a new generation of cre - have U.S.-made transport aircraft LM 2500 gas turbine engines for some ators to transform the world with their sto - though and all the three U.S. engine newer Indian Navy ships, was given the ries. The team at The Chernin Group and CA majors, GE, Honeywell and Pratt & necessary clearance by the U.S. Media bring an unparalleled level of expe - Whitney have supplied power units Government. It will supply an initial lot rience in entertainment and we could not for them. of 18 engines while the remaining will imagine a better partner to work with to DRDO Director General (and be progressively assembled and made launch this mission,” Devarajan said. Scientific Adviser to the Defense in India.

February 2013 India Review Science NEWS

ing science in a manner that can be understood by the common man. ‘Take science to people’ “This understanding would con - tribute to the creation of a science cul - ture in the Indian society.” Citing the example of Indian scien - tists working a century ago, the President said they delivered lectures in a language that lay people could understand and thus motivated a gen - eration of people to move towards sci - 17 entific endeavor. “Culture of excel - lence is the second nature of creative scientists. Eminent scientists of the world have always been concerned as to how their understanding of natural phenomena could be applied to solve social problems of the future,” he said. Stating that India was expected to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh releasing the commemorative emerge as a major economic power by postage stamp at the inauguration of the 100 th Session of Indian Science Congress on January 3. 2035, he said the country should also emerge as a major knowledge power. elp spread the scientific the centenary celebrations of the The Science, Technology and culture among people and Indian Science Congress in Kolkata Innovation Policy launched at the win another Nobel for on January 3. event aspires to position India among HIndia soon, said President “I would like to urge upon you all to the top five global scientific powers by Pranab Mukherjee while inaugurating apply modern tools for communicat - 2020.

Harness science to boost agriculture: PM Science policy envisages cience and technology must be greater private sector role used for boosting agricultural ndia’s new science, technology and inno - Sproduction as well as to pro - Ivation (STI) policy brought out on January mote inclusive development, said 3 envisages greater private sector participa - Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh tion in research and innovation, and forging while addressing the Indian Science of international alliances and collaborations Congress in Kolkata on January 3. to meet the national agenda of inclusive The Prime Minister said scientific growth. tools must be used to find out new The policy, unveiled by Prime Minister breakthroughs in water-saving tech - Dr. Manmohan Singh at the centenary session nologies of cultivation, boosting land Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh speaking at of the Indian Science Congress in Kolkata, th productivity as well as development of the 100 Session of Indian Science Congress in seeks to accelerate the pace of discovery, dif - Kolkata on January 3. climate-resistant varieties of crop. fusion and delivery of science-led solutions. “The transformation of agriculture the participation of six Nobel laure - India’s demographics have changed sig - must be top priority concern of our ates, 60 foreign scientists and over nificantly over the years, with an over - public policies, including science and 15,000 delegates. whelmingly young population that is highly technology policies,” he said. The Prime Minister also called for aspirational. New paradigms of innovation “As India seeks a sustained growth popularizing science in schools and have also emerged with globalization. of its national income, we must colleges, as well as in homes and The STI policy 2013 seeks to trigger an endeavour to harness the tools of sci - workplaces through communication ecosystem for innovation leveraging part - ence to cater to the needs of the methods. “Eventually, science must nerships among diverse stakeholders and underprivileged and to bridge the gap help in establishing an inclusive society by encouraging and facilitating enterprises between the haves and the have- that seeks to solve major social prob - to invest in innovations that are country and nots,” he said. lems through the application of sci - context specific. The five-day conclave witnessed ence,” he stressed.

February 2013 India Review Diaspora NEWS Ami Bera on House foreign affairs panel alifornia physician Ami also work to foster innovative indus - Bera, who has become the tries that can bring good jobs to the 7 th third Indian-American district,” he said. C member of the U.S. House Recalling his links to India, of Representatives, has been named Congressman Bera said: My parents on three prestigious committees on emigrated here from India in the foreign affairs, science, space and 1950s with very little but the dream of technology. a better life. I grew up believing “I am honored to have been named America was a land of opportunity, to the House Foreign Affairs where if you worked hard and played Committee,” he said in a statement by the rules, you could reach your full after he was named to the committee potential. following his swearing-in on January 3. “My family’s story isn’t unique; it’s “In an increasingly complex global the story of the American Dream. I landscape, relationships with other will work every day to ensure that we nations have tangible effects here at Congressman Ami Bera continue to invest in the next home and we need strategic thinking to generation and keep the American guide our foreign policy in the 21 st opening up new markets for our goods Dream alive.” century,” he said. and services around the world. Raised in La Palma, California, The Sacramento region, which “That would help create jobs here at Democrat Bera defeated three-term Congressman Bera represents, he said, home. Through my new role on the Republican incumbent Dan Lungren was “uniquely situated to benefit from Science, Space and Technology, I will by a narrow margin. — IANS

Indian-Americans celebrate ‘Beyond ’ second-term inauguration of President Obama to showcase Indian resident Barack Obama’s half-sister Maya PSoetoro-Ng came to cheer with Indian- American Americans as they had a ball to celebrate the second-term inauguration of the man they experience voted overwhelmingly. “Indian-Americans are tremendously important and we hope they would be increasingly visible not only in the govern - he rich history of immigrants Director of the Smithsonian Asian ment, but also in all parts of American life,” from India and Indian Pacific American Centre, which is said Maya at what was billed as “Indiaspora TAmericans and their many con - mounting the exhibition with New 2013 Inaugural Ball” on January 19. tributions to the U.S. will be brought Jersey-based TV Asia network, “It is certainly a reflection of how important to life in Washington through an serving South Asians across the U.S. India is and how important Indian-Americans upcoming exhibition, Beyond and Canada, as the media sponsor. are to the fabric of the nation,” added Maya Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape “Visitors of all ages will leave the 18 at what was termed the Indian-Americans’ the Nation . exhibition with a deeper understanding political “coming-of-age party” at Mandarin Scheduled to open in late 2013, the of this vibrant community as they strive Oriental in the national capital. exhibition will showcase the Indian to realize life, liberty and the pursuit of Joining the President’s half-sister were a American experience and the many happiness in America. This exhibition bevy of American politicians and Indian- dynamic roles they have played in is about celebrating a community that American officials from the Obama adminis - shaping American society and culture embodies the American spirit.” tration. through a collection of photographs, Over a two-year period, the The Indian-American community is count - artefacts, videos, interactive stations exhibition is expected to draw more ed as the most affluent and well-educated and stories. than seven million visitors before ethnic group in the US. — IANS “The Indian American story has yet embarking on a national tour in to be fully told,” said Konrad Ng, 2015. — IANS

February 2013 India Review Short STORY The crows and the serpent (From Panchatantra , a collection of ancient Indian fables)

nce upon a time, there stood a huge banyan tree on the outskirts of a small 19 O village. In this tree there lived a pair of crows with their young ones. One day, a snake came to live in the hole at the bottom of the tree. The crows were not happy at the arrival of the snake, but they could do nothing. After a few days, the female crow hatched her eggs and some baby crows were born. When the crows went out in search of food, the snake crawled up the tree and ate up the babies. When the crows came back, they could not locate their babies. They chased high and low, but to no avail. The crows were full of grief on the loss of their young ones. After a few months, the female there. He considered of asking a wise the guards would kill the snake to crow hatched some more eggs. This fox for help in order to get rid of the save themselves and take the time the female crow stayed in the snake. With this thought, both of necklace. The crows liked the plan nest while the male crow went out in them went to the place of the wise and swore to execute it the next search of food. The snake was greedy fox. The fox welcomed her friends morning. and ignoring the presence of the and said, “Both of you seem to be So, the next morning, the crows female crow, he crept up the tree and very sad. What happened? “ were ready with their plan. The crow attacked the babies. The female crow The crows replied, “We are in a big couple flew to the river bank; the who was keeping a watchful eye on problem. A snake is after us and he female crow picked up the necklace her babies, tried to fight with the eats up our eggs and the young ones. and flew off. While, the male crow snake, but she was weak. Hearing the We seek your help in this matter.” shrieked loudly to attract the guards’ shriek of the female crow, other They narrated the whole story to the attention. The guards ran after the crows came to help her, but the snake fox. The fox was intelligent; she crows brandishing their sticks and had already eaten the young ones and thought for a few minutes and then swords. Soon, they reached the slithered back into his hole. laid out a brilliant plan before them. banyan tree where they saw the crows This killing became the feature of She said, “Listen carefully and do it dropping the necklace into the snake their life. Every time the crows laid as per the plan. In the morning, go to hole. their eggs, the snake crawled up the the river bank where the ladies of the As the guards were trying to take tree and ate all the young ones. Due royal family would be bathing. They the necklace out with the help of a to this, the crows were never able to keep their ornaments in a tray on the stick, the snake came out of the hole. raise their young ones. The crows river bank. The guards keep a watch The snake hissed at them. The guards were sad, but they didn’t know how on them from a distance”. killed the snake by sticks and swords. to get rid of the killer snake. The fox suggested the crows to pick They took the necklace and returned One day, the female crow told her up a necklace from the tray and fly to their place. partner crow that she wanted to leave away making a loud noise. This The crows were happy to see the that tree at once. The male crow con - would compel the guards to chase sight from a distance. They thanked soled her by saying that the tree had them to the tree as the crows would the fox for her help. Thereafter, the been their home for many years and drop the necklace into the hole of the crow couple lived happily with their that they should continue to reside snake. In order to get the necklace, young ones in the banyan tree.

February 2013 India Review Trends IN SOCIETY IndIa’s shining sIlk industry Second largest producer of silk in the world, India has the distinction of being the only country to produce all the five known commercial silks, namely mulberry, tropical tasar, oak tasar, eri and muga

ndia has a rich and complex his - tory in silk production and its silk trade dates back to 15 th I century. India is also the only country producing all the five known commercial silks, namely, mulberry, tropical tasar, oak tasar, eri and muga, of which muga with its golden yellow glitter is unique and prerogative of India. India’s traditional and culture bound domestic market and an amaz - ing diversity of silk garments that reflect geographic specificity have helped the country achieve a leading A muga silk chador worn by women in Assam. Muga silk, with its golden yellow glitter, is unique and prerogative of India. position in silk industry. Over the last six decades, the Indian sericulture in national Economy second only to China. India has pro - silk industry has registered an impres - Sericulture industry provides employ - duced around 23230 Metric Tons sive growth, both horizontally and ver - ment to approximately 7.56 million (MT) of silk, which includes 18395 20 tically. Plans and schemes implement - people in rural and semi-urban areas in MT of mulberry silk and 4835 MT of ed by the federal and state agencies and India. Of these, a sizable number of vanya silks during the year 2011-12. relentless efforts of thousands of dedi - workers belongs to the economically Mulberry silk is a dominant variety of cated persons in the fields of research weaker sections of society. Around 60 sericulture practiced in the states of and extension have contributed to this percent of the sericultural activities are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West growth trajectory. For instance, the undertaken by rural women. Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Jammu and age-old multivoltine hybrids have been Kashmir. India is the largest consumer replaced by multivoltine x bivoltine and silks of India of raw silk in the world. As the con - bivoltine hybrids. The sericulture With 14.57 percent share of world’s sumption of raw silk (around 28,733 industry has witnessed a quantum silk production, India is the second MT) exceeds the production, the jump in raw silk productivity. largest producer of silk in the world, additional requirement of around

February 2013 India Review Trends IN SOCIETY

and returns which in turn is bringing out vertical growth of the industry. The raw silk productivity has increased from 87.84 kg/hectare (2007-08) to 90.90 kg/hectare (2011-12). Renditta (numbers of cocoons in kilograms required to produce 1 kg silk) has gone down from 8.13 (2007-08) to 7.66 (2011-12) due to R&D interventions.

seed support 21 CSB has the responsibility of supplying basic seed material for both silkworm and its host food plants besides under - taking production of quality silkworm Tasar silk is mainly produced in the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Odisha. seed (F1) to supplement the efforts of Tasar culture is practiced on small scale in some parts of , West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. the concerned state sericulture depart - ments. Under this program, technical 5,700 MT of silk (particularly bivoltine assistance and field level training are mulberry silk of international quality) also provided to the farmers by the is imported, mainly from China. grain extension centers. The CSB has a Eri, tasar and muga are other vari - chain of Basic Seed Farms supplying eties of silk produced in India. These basic seeds to the states. Its commer - are collectively called vanya silks (or cial seed production centers augment wild silks) as these silks are mostly efforts of the states in supplying com - products of the forests. Tasar silk is mercial silkworm seed to farmers. mainly produced in the states of CSB’s commercial seed production Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, involvement is about eight percent of Madhya Pradesh and Odisha while in the country’s current estimated some parts of Maharashtra, West absorption. Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, tasar cul - ture is practiced on small scale. Oak sericulture development Programs tasar is now being practiced in sub implemented by CBs Himalayan states like Manipur, The Central Silk Board is currently Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, implementing the Catalytic Assam and Meghalaya. Eri silk ranks Development Programs (CDP) under first among non-mulberry silk produc - which a number of federally sponsored tion and found mostly in the hill tracts schemes are taken up for the develop - of the northeastern states besides some Sericulture industry provides employment to ment of sericulture with the involve - approximately 7.56 million people in rural and parts of Bihar, West Bengal and semi-urban areas in India. ment of the state governments, both in Odisha. Muga silk, also known as the traditional and non-traditional areas. golden silk, is exclusively found in Assam and is widely distributed in the Eri silk ranks first among silk Mark Brahmaputra Valley. non-mulberry silk The Ministry of Textiles came up with production and found an initiative for the protection of the Research & development interests of the consumers and other The Central Silk Board has a network mostly in the hill tracts of stakeholders by bringing out the ‘Silk of research and development institutes the northeastern states Mark’ scheme in June 2004. Silk with a network of Regional Sericulture Mark, the assurance label, signifies Research Stations and Research besides some parts of that the product to which it is affixed Extension Centers throughout the Bihar, West Bengal and is made of pure silk. Silk Mark labels country to provide necessary research Odisha. Muga silk can be affixed to primary, intermedi - and development support to the indus - ate and finished silk products, try. The technology developed by R&D is exclusively found including yarn, fabric sarees, institutes of CSB has been popularized in Assam garments, carpets, etc. among the farmers to maximize yield

February 2013 India Review Cinema NEWS And the Award goes to...

anbir Kapoor starrer Barfi! emerged the top winner at the Filmfare Awards 2013 R bagging six trophies, including best film and best actor, while Vidya Balan’s Kahaani followed close with five wins. The heart-wrenching love story between a deaf-and-mute boy and an autistic girl, directed by Anurag Basu, won Ileana D’Cruz the best debut (Female) award. Pritam received the Best Background Score and Best Music Director trophies for Barfi! . The film, (Above) Vidya Balan receiving the Best Actor (Female) award for Kahaani from which was India’s veteran actor Rekha during the 58 th Filmfare Awards in . (Left) Actor official entry at the Ranbir Kapoor speaking after winning the Best Actor (Male) award for Barfi!. Oscars this year, also won the husband in Kahaani , each. Annu Kapoor won the best actor Sony Trendsetter Sujoy Ghosh won the in a supporting role (male) for his por - Of The Year Best Director award trayal of Dr Chaddha in Vicky Donor . award last night at for the film. The film’s writer Juhi Chaturvedi the 58 th Filmfare awards It was a big night for most earned the Best Story award. held at the Yash Raj Films small budget content-driven Ayushmann Khurrana, who made studio in suburban films released in 2012. his acting debut in the movie, won two Mumbai. Anurag Kashyap’s directo - awards — Best Debut (male) and Best While Vidya continued rial Gangs of Wasseypur , Playback Singer award (male) for her winning spree with the went head to head with ‘Paani Da Rang’. Best Actress award for her John Abraham’s debut Irrfan Khan bagged the Critics’ portrayal of a pregnant production Vicky Donor , Award for Best Actor (Male) for Paan woman in search of her both bagging four awards Singh Tomar .

Amole Gupte to focus on cinema ’s place in school curriculum rom making cinema a part of school syllabus and a child’s aesthetic sensibilities from early in his life,” said Fensuring healthy working hours for child artists to Gupte, the writer of Taare Zameen Par and director of making a roadmap for animation films’ release — as the Stanley Ka Dabba . new Chairperson of the Children’s Film Society Of India “I’d like our children to view Iranian and European (CFSI), Amole Gupte plans to try new alternatives to cre - films in the same way that they enjoy other school activi - 22 ate a strong foothold for children’s movies in the country. ties like elocution and debate. At the moment, the arts “As the CFSI chairperson, I should make a difference to and culture are set aside by students when they reach children’s cinema. Otherwise what’s the point? I have the class VIII. Why can’t cinema and the arts be given the Information & Broadcasting Ministry’s full support. My same importance as science and chemistry? Give our chil - first mandate is to find an alternative distribution network dren early access to aesthetics,” he added. for children’s films through schools,” said Gupte. Gupte also suggests regular screening of CFSI pro - He would be putting forth a proposal to include cin - duced films in schools. ema as a subject in the school syllabi. “In theory, this has been around for many years. But “We must start building cinema into the school cur - we need to implement the screening of CFSI films in riculum in India so that good films would be woven into Amole Gupte schools more diligently.”

February 2013 India Review Travel & TOURISM OF culture And FAith

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The Tourism Ministry plans to promote spiritual tourism and attract foreign footfalls by opening Buddhist, Jewish and Sufi centers across the country

ulticultural India is (Above) The Tawang monastery is the largest planning to pitch faith monastery in India and a very popular tourist attraction in Arunachal Pradesh. tourism by developing M more religious tourist maintain the momentum by develop - circuits to attract foreign footfalls ing more sites and certain niche cir - and encourage greater domestic cuits. According to the Planning traveling that has seen double digit Commission Working Group on growth in recent years benefiting the Tourism, India is targeting one per - local economy. cent of world tourist arrivals by the Faith tourism is “recession-proof” end of the 12 th Five Year Plan (2017). and, realizing this, the government is India’s share in international tourist making efforts to promote pilgrimage arrivals in 2011 was 0.64 percent. tourism from ASEAN countries to According to the World Travel and Buddhist centers and opening a Tourism Council (WTTC), nearly 40 Jewish center in Kochi. million Indians are employed in “We have to have a proactive tourism and the country has the high - approach for developing these cen - est growth potential over a 10-year ters,” said Tourism Secretary Parvez period between 2009 and 2018. Dewan. Recognizing the significance of the Other circuits could be the 22 Sufi industry, the government recently centers and the British-era war ceme - From top, Shri Mahavirji Jain Temple in relaxed its tourist visa rules by lifting teries in the country. There are also Rajasthan; The Dargah of the Sufi saint Khwaja restrictions imposed on foreign plans to connect pilgrimage centers in Muinuddin Chisti, in Ajmer, Rajasthan; and the visitors. Golden Temple in , . the North with those in the South. According to the Tourism Ministry, The government has appointed a “We should be sensitive to the needs 6.29 million foreign tourists arrived consultant to identify the spiritual of people who are visiting these cen - in 2011, earning the country $16.5 tourism circuits. Tourism Minister ters,” added Dewan. “For instance, billion. In the first 11 months of K. Cheeranjeevi said that while iden - hotels set up in Jain religious centers 2012, 5.89 million tourists came to tifying and developing the circuits, should address the values and food India against 5.57 million in 2011, efforts would be made to plug infra - habits of the people,” he said. earning the nation $16.78 billion, a structure gaps and provide necessary Foreign tourist arrivals have been on growth of 22.1 per cent over the like amenities to tourists. the rise and the government wants to period in 2011.

February 2013 India Review EMBASSY OF INDIA SS Pre-sort First Class A U.S. Postage 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW CL T Paid RS Washington, D.C. 20008 FI Silver Spring, MD Tel: 202-939-7000 RT Permit No. -SO Fax: 202-462-7276 PRE 3966

n Magical Music...

Marching bands from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force march in front of the Central Secretariat and Parliament buildings during the Ceremony at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi on January 29. The ceremony marks the culmination of Republic Day celebrations in India. ( Photo: AFP) EMBASSY OF INDIA 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-939-7000; Fax: 202-462-7276 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.indianembassy.org www.facebook.com/Indembassyusa

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