Vol 20 I No 5 May 2012 l Rs 20

www.opinionexpress.in A MONTHLY NEWS MAGAZINE

AN UNPRECEDENTED PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON CORRUPTION

RNI UP-ENG70032/92, Vol 20, No 5 People forced govt to EDITOR PRASHANT TEWARI ASSOSIATE EDITOR go tough on corruption Dr RAHUL MISRA POLITICAL EDITOR PRAKHAR MISRA he nation has witnessed a huge spectacle BUREAU CHIEF from a section of visible population with Anna GOPAL CHOPRA (DELHI), VEELAAS KEN- Hazare's fast for getting the Jan Lok Pal bill be- JALE (MUMBAI), SOUMEN ACHARYA ing drafted and implemented. His fast unto (KOLKATA), DIVYASH BAJPAI (USA), KAPIL T death was an event in which not only we witnessed DUDAKIA (U.K.) RAJIV AGNIHOTRI (MAURI- the 'Tsunami of Sentiments' but was also used by TIUS), ROMIL RAJ (DUBAI), HERMAN media to create an atmosphere as if it a 'second SILOCHAN (CANADA), YASHWANT AMIN [AUS/NZ] freedom struggle'. While one can see that the dis- CONTENT PARTNER satisfaction of the people from the system was Pratham Pravakta overflowing, one also registered that this is a response to LEGAL ADVISOR the massive corruption scams which have been unearthed during last few years. ASHOKA KUMAR THAKUR,GAURAV BHATIA While Government succumbed to the mass pressure and the media projection, the MARKETING DIRECTOR whole episode also raised many a questions about the message which the fasting DIWAKAR SHETTY and Jantar mantar protest gave. ADMINITRATION DIRECTOR Unfortunately the criticism of elected leaders and the doubting of the democratic BAL MUKUND GAUR system itself were taken to the cynical extremes. CORPORATE COMMUNICATION One concedes that there are serious flaws in the QUEENIE SINGH The key to success electoral system, the money power, muscle power GRAPHICS & DESIGN for the entire GREY CELLS and Corporate influence, but to paint all the leaders ONLINE PRESENTATION in the same brush shows the warped understanding movement shall be AMIT SONI of a section of leadership of Jantar Mantar move- the constant public PHOTOGRAPHER ment. Surely our electoral system needs serious re- K P SINGH forms but this type of projection also needs to be se- pressure to be OVERSEAS MARKETING riously questioned. backed by honest OEMCL(Mauritius), OEHCL (DUBAI) Corruption is the big scourge to the system. We do need to look beyond the leaders and parties to re- effort from select ADVERTISEMENT / PR / CIRCULATION alize that Corruption is primarily due to lack of trans- VINAY GOYAL upright govern- parency of the system, lack of accountability of the DHRUV JANAK & CO. R -51 BASEMENT, ment agencies and RAMESH PARK,LAXMI NAGAR,DELHI-92 elected representatives and the very nature of our TELE: +919871232631FAX: 011-22056817 economic system and injustices inbuilt in the social strict SC monitor- system. While one lauds the tremendous response VIJAY KALANTRI - ADVISOR to the anti corruption movement, one can just hope NEW EXCELSIOR BUILDING, 6TH FLOOR, that the sectarianism of Anna Hazare should be totally bypassed and the religious A.K. NAYAK MARG, tilt of the imagers should be done away with. One hopes that while working on the FORT, MUMBAI - 400 001 (INDIA). Lok Pal Bill, the collective leadership of the movement will take note of these points PHONE : 91 - 22 - 2201 9265 / 2201 9160 to ensure that this movement does not meet the fate of two similar earlier one's and FAX : 91-22- 2201 9764 / 2201 9760 that Right wing divisive forces are kept at bay. Anna effect has forced government to act tough on corruption, of course the gov- The magazine is published and printed by ernment has sensed the public anger against series of scams hence finally major Rajiv Agnihotri for Opinion Express crack- down is ordered. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested former Communications & Entertainments Pvt Ltd, from 2 Ashok Nagar, Lucknow And printed head of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Suresh Kalmadi, in con- at Kumpu Graphic Press. nection with irregularities in the contract for the Queen's Baton Relay (QBR), The CBI is also probing alleged irregularities in the hiring of Swiss firm Event Knowledge EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICE Services (EKS) as CWG's technical consultant. Kanimozhi, the self-effacing journal- OPINION EXPRESS HOUSE ist-poet is today accused of being a co-conspirator in one of the biggest scams the 24 - A Clyde Road, Lucknow-226001 (India) Ph: 91-522-4045728/4060880 country has seen. CBI has charge sheeted Kanimozhi in the 2G scam hence her trou- Fax: 91-522-2208242 ble are about to start in a big way with already jailed former telecom minister A Raja 24x7 mobility +91 9984437000 and several important political and business leaders. Email: [email protected] The road ahead is challenging, the vested interest will try to block the cleanup process with their full might and resources. The key to success for the entire move- All content published may be subject to copyright, ment shall be the constant public pressure to be backed by honest effort from se- seek written permission to re-produce. Opinion lect upright government agencies and strict monitoring of Apex court. Express is trade mark brand of Opinion Express — Prashant Tewari Communications & Entertainment Private Limited. MAY 2012

COVER STORY: WAR ON CORRUPTION P9-30

TERROR TRAIL OBAMA GETS OSAMA P31-35

VROOM P5-8 EVERYONE’S BLUE-EYED BABY IN NEWS END OF P46-47 AN ERA

Living: The great indian lok pal Biz Time: Reliance to enter P28trick and other stories P45homeland security business Forum: Energise Indo-Japan Fashion: indians have potential, says P36partnership in education P48Monica Gaba Sports: India on top of the world Post script: Shashi Ruia named P40after cup triumph P50 businessman of the year IN NEWS

More Than A Spiritual Guru, He Was A Leading Light For Many Generations Sathya Sai Baba — Saint, philanthropist, educator

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 5 IN NEWS

athya Sai Baba born as Sathyanarayana Raju (23 November 1926 - 24 April 2011 was a guru, spiritual figure and educa- Stor. In 2011, he was listed by the Watkins Review as one of the 100 most spiritually influential people in the world. Sathya Sai Baba claimed to be the reincarnation of the spiritual guru, Sai Baba of Shirdi, whose teachings were an eclectic blend of Hindu and Muslim beliefs. Sathya Sai Baba established schools and colleges, hospitals, and other charitable institutions in India and abroad. The number of active Sathya Sai Baba followers was estimated in 1999 to be around 6 million, though adherents' estimates are far higher.] Since there are no formal ties of membership, the actual figure may never be known. The Sathya Sai Organisation reports that there are an estimated 1,200 Sathya Sai Baba Centers in 114 countries worldwide. In 2002, he claimed to have followers in 178 countries.

Early life and proclamation

In 1940, Sathya Sai Baba declared that he had no worldly rela- tionship with anyone and, around this time, devotees began to gather to him. In 1944, a mandir (temple) for Sathya Sai Baba's devotees was built near the village. It is now referred to as the old mandir. The construction of Prashanthi Nilayam, the current ashram, began in 1948 and was completed in 1950.In 1957 Sathya Sai Baba went on a North Indian temple tour.In 1954, Sathya Sai Baba established a small free General Hospital in the village of Puttaparthi. In 1963, Sathya Sai Baba suffered a stroke and four severe heart attacks. It is believed by some that he healed himself of these, and on recovering announced that he

6 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS IN NEWS announced that he would be reborn as Prema Sai Baba in the state of Karnataka.

Illness and death

Sathya Sai Baba was admitted to a hos- pital at Prashantigram at Puttaparthi on 28 March 2011, following respiration-re- lated problems. After nearly a month of hospitalisation, during which his condition progressively deteriorated, Sai Baba died on 24 April at 7:40 IST. Political reactions were swift with many offering their condo- lences, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Dalai Lama. Others who reacted to his death included cricketer Sachin Tendulkar,who canceled his birthday celebrations. The Hindu news- paper reported that "Sri Sathya Sai Baba's propagation of spiritualism and preaching of Hindu philosophy never came in the way of his commitment to secular beliefs." His body lay in state for two days, after which it was buried on April 27, 2011.The burial was accorded the status of a state funeral by the Andhra Pradesh govern- ment. The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers S. M. Krishna and Ambika Soni apart from vari- ous other political leaders, celebrities and intellectuals were in attendance through the last rites. Around 500,000 people have attended the burial.

Institutions, organisations and projects

Sathya Sai Baba supported a variety of free educational institutions, hospitals, and other charitable works in over 166 countries. The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (now changed to Sri Sathya Sai University) in Prashanthi Nilayam is the only college in India to have received an "A++" rating by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (an autonomous body established by the HIGH-PROFILE DISCIPLES : BABA WITH FORMER PM VAJPAYEE University Grants Commission).Sri Sathya Sai University of which Baba was the Sathya Sai Baba supported a a Sathya Sai Baba University and Medical Chancellor, has three campuses, one at variety of free educational in- School as well as a world class hospital Puttaparthi for men,one at Whitefield, and research institute are being con- Bangalore for men[and one at Anantapur stitutions, hospitals, and oth- structed on over 200 acres (0.81 km2) to for women. His charity supports an insti- er charitable works in over serve the destitute population. Baba said tute for Indian classical music called the that the campus will be modeled after 166 countries. The Sri Puttaparthi and will infuse spirituality with Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music. Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Baba's educational institutions aim to im- academics. part character education along with excel- Learning (now changed to Sri Sathya Sai Super Specialty Hospital, lence in academics with emphasis on hu- Sri Sathya Sai University) in Whitefield (suburb of Bangalore), man values and ethics. Prashanthi Nilayam is the Karnataka, India Sathya Sai Baba chaired the The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Muddenahalli-Sathya Sai Loka Seva only college in India to have Medical Sciences in Puttaparthi is a 220 School and Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Trust received an "A++" rating by bed facility that provides free surgical and Educational Institutions in Muddenahalli- the National Assessment and medical care and was inaugurated by Kanivenarayanapura regions. In addition, Prime Minister Narasimha Rao on 22 Accreditation Council November 1991. The Sri Sathya Sai

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 7 IN NEWS

bed facility that provides free surgical and medical care and was been founded in 33 countries, including Australia, Mexico, the inaugurated by Prime Minister Narasimha Rao on 22 November United Kingdom and Peru. The Times of Zambia states, "The pos- 1991. The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences in itive influence of Sathya Sai is unprecedented in the annals of ed- Bangalore is a 333 bed hospital meant to benefit the poor.The ucation in Zambia. Sai Baba's education ideals as embodied in his hospital was inaugurated on 19 January 2001 by Prime Minister human values-based approach in education are an eye opener to Atal Behari Vajpayee. The hospital has provided free medical care educationists in Zambia." to over 250,000 patients. The Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital was In Canada, the Fraser Institute, an independent Canadian re- opened in Whitefield, Bangalore, in 1977 and provides complex search and educational organization, ranked the Sathya Sai surgeries, food and medicines free of cost. The hospital has treat- School of Canada as one of the top 37 elementary schools in ed over 2 million patients. The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust runs Ontario. On 23 November 1999, the Department of Posts, several general hospitals, two specialty hospitals, eye hospitals Government of India, released a postage stamp and a postal cov- and mobile dispensaries and conducts medical camps in rural er in recognition of the service rendered by Sathya Sai Baba in ad- and slum areas in India. dressing the problem of providing safe drinking water to the rural The Trust has also funded several major drinking water projects. masses. One project completed in 1996 supplies water to 1.2 million peo- On 23 November 2001, the digital radio network Radio Sai ple in about 750 villages in the drought-prone Anantapur district Global Harmony was launched through the World Space in Andhra Pradesh. The second drinking water project, completed Organization, United States. Dr Michael Oleinikof Nobel (distant in 2004, supplies water to Chennai through a rebuilt waterway relative to Alfred Nobel and one of the patrons for the radio net- named "Sathya Sai Ganga Canal". Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. work) said that the radio network would spread Sathya Sai Baba's Karunanidhi praised the Chennai water project and Sai Baba's in- message of global harmony and peace. volvement. Other completed water projects include the Medak In January 2007, an event was held in Chennai Nehru stadium District Project benefiting 450,000 people in 179 villages and the organised by the Chennai Citizens Conclave to thank Sathya Sai Mahbubnagar District Project benefitting 350,000 people in 141 Baba for the 200 crore water project which brought water from the villages. In January 2007, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust said it River Krishna in Andhra Pradesh to Chennai city. would start a drinking water project in Latur, Maharashtra. In Off course, his vast empire and personality had several contro- 2008, 2 million people in the state of Orissa were affected by versies but surely the better work and social service of Sathya Sai floods. As a relief measure, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, has Baba shall inspire the world for many years to come. He was a built 699 houses as a part of their first phase in 16 villages by hope for millions of his devotees and inspiration for mankind all March 2009. across the globe. Sathya Sai Baba's Educare program seeks to found schools throughout the world with the goal of educating children in the five ( Tribute paid by Prabhakar Rao son of human values. According to the Sai Educare site, schools have late PV Narsimha Rao, former PM of India )

8 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS HALL OF SHAME SIX ISSUES THAT SHAMED INDIA THE MOST... COVER STORY

Corruption: As old as the country This story was published on the India's date with corruption seems to be as old as the country itself. Starting with the eve of Independence Day last British bribing the Maharajas to gain control of the unconquered lands, it is a long trait that year. But it has become relevent has been a boon and a bane to many. You must be thinking how is it a boon? I'll come to that later. today against the backdrop in Licence Raj: Corruption Raj since Independence, India's economy has been driv- Anna Hazare's crusade against en by socialist-inspired policies for practically three to four decades. When Indira Gandhi came to power in 1966, she went on a social- corruption. Some things never ist spree --- Nationalising banks, Garibi hatao campaign and Licence Raj. Licence Raj be- change in India. Will Anna buck came synonymous with corruption as red tape was inevitable while the companies scouted this trend? Here is a list of six for licences to set up businesses in India. Imagine this: Up to 80 government agencies had to be satisfied before private companies things/issues that we Indians could set up shop, and if they did manage to do it, the government would regulate the pro- should be shameful about... duction. Probably that is not what Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of the system of Licence

10 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS COVER STORY

OF DREAM AND REALITY: THE LICENCE RAJ THAT WE HAVE IS NOT WHAT NEHRU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF what Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of private telcos in 2007(second genera- Rs 1,650 crore. This price was not taken the system of Licence Raj, had in mind. tion). on the basis of the 2007 market value The Rs 60,000 crore-scam began but on the basis of an auction held in Spectrum Raja: Billions vanish into air when the government allocated scarce 2001. 2G spectrum at throwaway prices that Also, many new players roped in for- That licence raj is still prevailing today, too to a string of companies without any eign investors soon after acquiring the li- albeit in a different manner, thanks to experience in the telecom sector. cences, thereby making a neat sum. The Spectrum Raja, is disturbing. A Raja, who The allegation is that the government value of the licence and spectrum in is the Union Minister for gave away scarce spectrum to nine com- 2007 could not be the same as in 2001 Telecommunications, seems to have lit- panies, clubbed with licences, on a first- as the telecom market has grown phe- erally thrown spectrum to the winds. come-first-serve basis, rather than nomenally during this period. Prime There were major irregularities in allot- through an auction process. Minister Manmohan Singh refused to ac- ting wireless radio spectrum and li- That is, an operator got start-up spec- cept the allegations surrounding cences by the telecom ministry to nine trum by paying pan-India licence fee of Spectrum Raja.

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 11 COVER STORY

NEW FACES OF CORRUPTION: RAJA (ABOVE) AND KALMADI Raja has continually maintained that the government has simply following its earlier practice of allotting 2G start-up spectrum along with licences on a first-come-first- serve basis. The 2G spectrum allocation is- sue came under the scrutiny of various bodies, including the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Despite these inves- tigations during the UPA-1 regime, Raja re- turned as the IT and communications min- ister in UPA-2. Raja is an MP of UPA ally DMK. The government policy of 2G spectrum is facing fire as the ongoing auction of 3G (third generation) spectrum has resulted in exceedingly high bids. Against the pan- India reserve price of Rs 3,500 crore, the 3G auction has yielded close to Rs9,000 crore in 16 days of bidding. The 3G bidding is nowhere near the closing line yet.

Commonwealth Games: Muck yet to stop flying

Imagine buying a 100 litre fridge for Rs 42,202 (which can be bought for a mere Rs 14,000-15,000), a toilet tissue paper roll for Rs 4,132 (Original price: Rs 30-40) and a 2 tonne AC for Rs 1,87,957 and wait..... an umbrella for Rs 6,000 and

12 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS COVER STORY

LORDING OVER LOOT GAME?: KALMADI AT CWG SITE (BELOW) BOFORS SCANDAL IS ALIVE EVEN AFTER OVER 20 YEARS and wait..... an umbrella for Rs 6,000 and the Bofors scandal (which is yet to see more!!!! the light of the day), fodder scam and This is probably a Guinness record and Mayawati's Taj Corridor Scam. A quick the neatest way in which Suresh look at history to find out why they are Kalmadi, the chairman of the Games still rocking the Parliament. Organising Committee, could make pots Bofors: The Indian government signed of money... after all price is a matter of a $1.4 billion contract with Swedish arms perception. The rot starts right at the top. company AB Bofors on March 24, 1986, The probe of Comptroller Auditor General for the supply of over 400 155mm how- of India (CAG) revealed that undue favour itzers. It is alleged that Bofors paid kick- had been showed to London-based Fast backs to top Indian politicians and key Track Sales solely on the recommenda- defence officials to secure the deal. tion of Commonwealth Games Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, Federation Mike Fennell and Chairman who was close to Rajiv Gandhi, was the Suresh Kalmadi. middle man. Jubilee Sports Technology, a relatively Former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's unknown company, had bagged many name figured in the first CBI chargesheet Games contracts and was a key supplier. in the case as "an accused not sent for It appears as if the company's headquar- trial" as he was killed in 1991. The ters and other shareholders have simply Hinduja brothers also have been charged vanished into thin air as most of the ad- in this case --- with cheating, criminal con- dresses have turned out to be a fake. spiracy and corruption. Both were later There too much more muck....At this rate, cleared of any involvement by the Delhi Mani Shankar Aiyar's dreams of the Delhi High Court. The latest --- CBI has applied Games flopping might come true. for a closure of the case against Italian Among the other famous scams that businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi. have rocked India for several years are

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 13 COVER STORY

ENDLESS TRAIL: QUATTROCCHI (ABOVE) AND LALU PRASAD

Fodder Scam: The Rs 950-crore scam kept Lalu Prasad Yadav in the limelight long enough. It involved the alleged embezzle- ment of about Rs 950 crore from the treas- ury of Bihar. This was done over many years and through various officials who even fabricated vast herds of fictitious live- stock for which fodder, medicines and an- We evade taxes, pay off cops for traffic violations, register properties under false names, play for the country even if we are not eligible all because corruption has become so intrinsic in our system. imal husbandry equipment were suppos- edly procured. Now back to why it is a boon for people like us. It is because our officials are cor- rupt that we know that a bribe here and there will get our work done, without breaking our heads too much about being law-abiding citizens. We evade taxes, pay off cops for traffic violations, register prop- erties under false names, play for the country even if we are not eligible all be- cause corruption has become so intrinsic in our system.

14 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS COVER STORY

JUSTICE UNDER FIRE: FORMER CJI KG BALAKRISHNAN AND (BELOW) JUSTICE DINAKARAN

Judiciary: Nearly 30 million cases pending even though we have to give everyone the benefit of the doubt) actually punished? n India, if you file a case, your case might come up for hearing Take the case of the Anti-Sikh riots. Despite 16 years of courts 10 years later. Well, with a population of 1 billion and and cases and more cases, not one accused has been Icounting what would you expect? India could brought to book. Congress MPs Sajjan Kumar and take some lessons from the US on litigation Jagdish Tytler have been charged with murder -- a country where people get sued if their in the case. Yet, both of them roam freely. dog poops on the road, or they show The ex-chief executive officer of cruelty towards their cat. Satyam, now Mahindra Satyam, Over three million cases are Ramalinga Raju is now "recuperating pending in India's 21 high courts, in a hospital" when he should be and an astounding 26.3 million serving time in a jail for embezzling cases are pending in subordi- thousands of crores of rupees nate courts across the country. from his company. That is another At the same time, there are al- fad: Feigning illness to escape go- most a quarter million under-tri- ing to jail. als languishing in jails across Actors too are not far behind. the country. Of these, some Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt 2,069 have been in jail for more have been in the limelight mostly for than five years, even as their guilt all the wrong things they have done or innocence is yet to be ascer- rather than their acting. Sanjay Dutt, tained. who is one of the six accused in the The only thing that works in India is 1993 Mumbai riots case, was sentenced to money and muscle power -- even in the judi- six years in jail under the Arms Act but was ex- ciary. Not true? Tell me one case of where a onerated for terror offences under the stringent politician or an actor or a businessman who is accused TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive of some really serious crimes (mostly they do turn out to be true

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 15 COVER STORY

WHOSE HONOUR?: A PROTEST AGAINST KHAP KILLINGS Activities Act). Sanjay Dutt has moved on... He got married and is going to be a father. In September 2002, Salman Khan ran his Land Cruiser over some pavement dwellers killing one and seriously injuring three people. At the time of the accident, Salman was re- Sanjay Dutt, who is one of the six accused in the 1993 Mumbai ri- ots case, was sentenced to six years in jail under the Arms Act but was exonerated for terror offences under the stringent TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act). Sanjay Dutt has moved on... He got married and is going to be a father.

turning from the J W Mariott Hotel in Juhu and heading for his home in Bandra. The actor was booked for rash driving and causing death due to negligence under sections 304, 279 and 388 of the Indian Penal Code. He is currently making movies....

16 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS COVER STORY

JFREE FOR ALL: FOOGRAIN STORED AT FCI GODOWNS IS EXPOSED TO ALL KINDS OF VAGARIES

Honour Killings: Partition horror act continues before it gets any worse.

The funny thing is there is nothing honourable about them. FCI: Nation starves, food grains rot "Honour killings" is the murder of a family or a clan member by one or more family members in which the perpetrators believe What is with the Food Corporation of India? They are supposed that the victim is bringing dishonour upon the family, clan or to be feeding millions of people and instead are doing everything community. in their power to make sure the food grains don't reach the mass- The rate at which honour killings are reported in India, it is a es. The FCI is responsible for procurement and storage of food miracle that people still find the courage to fall in love outside grains. Even as thousands and lakhs of people starve everyday, their community. Widespread in most circles, conservatives or food grains rot in FCI godowns. In one of the latest exposes, the otherwise, in India or abroad, it shows up in different ways. government has admitted that 61,000 metric tonnes of food Women and young girls are especially at the receiving end of grains, which could have fed about 8.4 lakh people for one year, such heinous crimes. Funny, people don't seem to think parad- was unfit for consumption. And the best part is, the FCI wants to ing women naked and molesting them in public are not "dishon- export the unfit grains to our neighbours - Bangladesh and ourable". Nepal. This "tradition" has its roots in the gory Partition saga, where Now, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar is of the opinion that many women were forcibly killed to save family honour. During all reports on rotting of food grains are not "correct and quite ex- those troubled times, there were a lot of forced marriages where aggerated. "There are only certain cases of damage and we have Indians and Pakistanis would marry each other. This, in turn, led suspended some officials," he added. to them being declared social outcastes. But, it did not stop The remark came two days after the Minister conceded in the there. It became a bloodbath, which got sucked into the melee House that rotting of foodgrains was a "shameful" fact. He had of all the things that came to define Partition. said that over 11,700 tonnes of foodgrains worth Rs. 6.86 crore This is not a practice relevant to India alone. It is practised in were found "damaged" in government godowns. We give food to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Africa, the Middle East and many other rats, but don't have enough for our people. countries. This is a genocide that needs to be addressed soon... Source: India Syndicate

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 17 DOGGED DETERMINATION : ANNA AT JANTAR MANTAR COVER STORY

NEW DAWN: ANTI-CORRUPTIO PROTETERS AT JANTAR MANTAR Appreciate efforts; ignore individuals in this fight he timing of Anna Hazare's fast was Middle class professionals which has advised caution. Some newspa- perfect. The cricket World Cup had per articles have in fact out rightly dis- Tconcluded, India had won and for a like doctors, teachers, missed the agitation as a middle class few days the media was full of post victory students and housewives "page three" event. But while there are celebrations. Then came Hazare's fast and kicking out seasoned politi- some infirmities in Hazare's demands, to the TV media was all over him. Middle dismiss the whole event as a stage-man- class professionals like doctors, teachers, cians and vowing to help aged one would be dangerous. It would students and housewives kicking out sea- Hazare's fight against cor- also be an insult to the Indian democracy. soned politicians and vowing to help Consider some of the objections. That Hazare's fight against corruption made ruption made great media Kiran Bedi, Swami Agnivesh,Baba great media copy. TV coverage of the fast copy. TV coverage of the Ramdev, etc. are playing a political game. filled neatly the void left by the World Cup fast filled neatly the void left More than likely. final and the now boring images of Raja The visual of a small clearly uncomfort- being paraded in court. by the World Cup final and able girl (whose daughter?) giving juice to It is interesting to note that while the TV the now boring images of break Hazare's fast could not have been media has backed Hazare's Jan Lokpal bill, Raja being paraded in court. improved upon even if rehearsed in a TV this is not entirely true of the print media studio. Frankly, if not for the hovering Bedi,

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 19 COVER STORY

have been improved upon even if re- number of existing mechanisms: the CVC, Who will regulate the Lokpal? Will hearsed in a TV studio. Frankly, if not for the CBI, the commissions for human he/she become larger-than-life and as cor- the hovering Bedi, I thought the girl was go- rights, SC/ST, etc. rupt? This is again a rather silly argument. ing to make a break for the open spaces. But these are all government controlled Rulings of the Lokpal must be subject to ju- Yet, this event was not about these indi- dicial review. It must be remembered that viduals but about Hazare. It must be said Hazare's only failing is his as one pillar of democracy, people still that, in the past, Hazare has shown no po- have faith in the judiciary. What has come litical leanings going after both Congress obstinacy. But was that under attack is the accountability of the and Shiv Sena leaders in Maharashtra. not true of Mahatma political and executive class. This is what Nor has he shown any compromise with Gandhi? Obstinacy of Hazare has highlighted. Will the Jan Lokpal politicians of Maharashtra to obtain any bill solve all problems? Probably not, even personal benefits. leaders can be danger- in an amended form. But hopefully, this will Hazare's only failing is his obstinacy. But ous, especially in a start the demand for electoral and admin- was that not true of Mahatma Gandhi? democracy. This is where istrative reforms which the political class Obstinacy of leaders can be dangerous, es- has been unwilling to accept. pecially in a democracy. This is where com- comparisons of Hazare Maybe the time has come for a perma- parisons of Hazare and the Mahatma are and the Mahatma are nent civil service, police reforms and state rather silly. The Mahatma was fighting a rather silly. funded elections? It is the lack of these clearly non-democratic colonial govern- and the arrogance of the political and ex- ment. But in choosing politicians and gen- mechanisms and there is ample evidence ecutive class that has ignited the anger of eral corruption as his target, Hazare has of their ineffectiveness and even misuse. A the middle class. It is easy to dismiss all clearly struck a chord among the urban democracy requires independent regula- that has happened as the handiwork of the middle class. Forget the high level corrup- tors like Trai, Sebi, etc., which have stood "middle class" in urban areas. Those using tion in telecom, the CWG, etc. the test of time. The failure of the DGCA in these arguments seem to forget the lesson What irks the middle class is that even the aviation sector is mainly because it has of history: all successful revolutions have 20 years after liberalisation, even legal ac- not developed into an independent regula- been led by the middle class. It is true that tivities still require payoffs. From home tor. So, this is what the middle class is hop- this class usually does not vote in elec- building, issue ration cards, to starting ing for. That the Lokpal will become an in- tions. But that is mainly due to disillusion- small business to doing music shows, un- dependent regulator for the political and ment with all political parties. This is dan- derhand payments are necessary. It is not the executive class. Given this, it is obvious gerous for democracy. The Hazare issue surprising that every survey I have seen that non-governmental actors must play a must be addressed or the remedy might puts the political and executive at the bot- part in giving teeth to this regulator. Hence well be painful. tom of the trust ladder. So, it's not about the demand for nongovernmental repre- the Jan Lokpal bill but about the failure of sentation in drafting the bill seems emi- governance and regulatory mechanisms. nently reasonable. Consider the other ob- Critics of Hazare argue that there is any jection. By Manoj Pant, Faculty, JNU

20 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS COVER STORY

NEW WAVE: ANNA AND HIS ARMY Manoj Pant Everything 1. Who is Anna Hazare? An ex-army man. Fought 1965 Indo-Pak War

you wanted to 2. What's so special about him? He built a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahamad Nagar dis- know about trict, Maharashtra 3. So what? This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is pro- Anna Hazare duced in the village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills. It seems lots of people do not know about Anna In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one Hazare and his indefinite fasting and about the of the richest village in India. It has become a model for self- LokPal bill. I like to share the following email sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village. floating around the internet to explain it crystal 4. Ok,...? clear in a nut shell to share. This guy, Anna Hazare is well decorated. He was awarded

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 21 COVER STORY

Padma Bhushan and is a known figure ty to trial in case of corruptions within 1 for his social activities. The job is to bring all al- year. Within 2 years, the guilty will be pun- leged party to trial in case ished. Not like, Bofors scam or Bhopal Gas 5. Really, what is he fighting for? of corruptions within 1 Tragedy case that has been going for last He is supporting a cause, the amend- year. Within 2 years, the 25 years without any result. ment of a law to curb corruption in India. guilty will be punished. Not 9. Is he alone? Who else is there in the 6. How that can be possible? like, Bofors scam or fight with Anna Hazare? He is advocating for a Bil, The Jan Lokpal Bhopal Gas Tragedy case Baba Ramdev, Ex. IPS Kiran Bedi, Social Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman Bill), that will Activist Swami Agnivesh, RTI activist Arvind form an autonomous authority who will that has been going for Kejriwal and many more. Prominent per- make politicians (ministers), beurocrats last 25 years without any sonalities like Aamir Khan is supporting his (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds. result. cause.

8. It's an entirely new thing right..? Next, they make a joint committee to 10. Ok, got it. What can I do? In 1972, the bill was proposed by then DRAFT the JAN LOKPAL BILL. 50% gover- At least we can spread the message. Law minister Mr. Shanti Bhushan. Since ment participation and 50% public partici- How? Putting status message, links, video, then it has been neglected by the politi- pation. Because you cant trust the govern- changing profile pics. cians and some are trying to change the ment entirely for making such a bill which bill to suit thier theft (corruption). does not suit them. At least we can support Anna Hazare and the cause for uprooting corruption 7. Oh.. He is going on a hunger strike for 8. Fine, What will happen when this bill from India. that whole thing of passing a Bill ! How can is passed? At least we can hope that his Hunger that be possible in such a short span of A LokPal will be appointed at the centre. Strike does not go in vain. time? He will have an autonomous charge, say At least we can pray for his good health. The first thing he is asking for is: the gov- like the Election Commission of India. In ernment should come forward and an- each and every state, Lokayukta will be ap- (Inputs by Dr Rahul Misra, nounce that the bill is going to be passed. pointed. The job is to bring all alleged par- Associate Editor)

22 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS COVER STORY

Anna & His Battle It seems lots of people do azare's rise coincides with Pawar's in the socio-political landscape has coin- not know about Anna Hazare decline? The clash between two cided with the almost proportionate de- Hsons of Maharashtra - one, an ambi- scent of one of India's foremost politicians, and his indefinite fasting and tious neta, the other, a social activist - sym- Sharad Pawar. bolises India's war against corruption. The all-pervasive cancer of corruption in about the LokPal bill. I like to Anna Hazare's ascent in the socio-polit- the body politic is the battleground and the share the following email ical landscape has coincided with the al- spectators are a billion strong. The mo- floating around the internet most proportionate descent of one of ment is historic and both, Anna Hazare India's foremost politicians, Sharad Pawar. and Sharad Pawar, have emerged as the to explain it crystal clear in a As India battles corruption like never be- defining symbols of this battle. Once a nut shell to share. fore, it is extraordinarily symbolic that anti- strong prime ministerial candidate who corruption crusader Anna Hazare's ascent had challenged 10 Janpath, Pawar has

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 23 COVER STORY

ANNA’S ARMY: HAZARE WITH KEZRIWAL. KIRAN BEDI AND SWAMI AGNIVESH Once a strong prime ministerial candidate Will Hazare join this league as the architect who had challenged 10 Janpath, Pawar has Once a strong prime of India's anti-ccorruption crusade? been openly accused by Hazare of encouraging ministerial candidate corruption and became the first victim of the Jan who had challenged 10 The Gandhian Hazare's village, Ralegan Lokpal agitation. It didn't help one bit when days Siddhi, in Ahmednagar district and Pawar's later, the tainted PR handler Niira Radia named Janpath, Pawar has hometown Baramati represent two models Pawar as the godfather of Shahid Balwa's DB been openly accused by of development, both with their sets of ad- Realty empire. Hazare of encouraging mirers. As the youngest-ever chief minister of The mass support that Pawar easily drums up, Maharashtra, Pawar served four terms be- especially from his rural followers, has always corruption and became fore focusing on national politics. He pro- been cited as the crown jewel of his five-decade the first victim of the pelled Baramati's development through a long political career. Even that now virtually Jan Lokpal agitation. three-pronged strategy: he strengthened the pales into insignificance in front of the mass out- cooperative movement for sugar production pouring of support, from Kashmir to Pawar also established, and dairy development, influenced industri- Kanyakumari and Gujarat to Assam, in favour of again in Baramati, the alists to establish plants, and established in- Hazare. massive Vidya frastructure through his control over the gov- ernment. ANNA HAZARE HAS INSPIRED A NEW MOVE- Pratisthan educational Thus, while the Baramati taluka is a leader MENT complex which, in keep- in dairy and sugar production, the Kalyanis, ing with his vision, of- Goenkas and Thapars have their big indus- There's deep symbolism in the fact that both tries in this small town. The Anil Ambani-led are from Maharashtra -- a land that has been at fers advanced courses Reliance Airport Developers Ltd is privately the forefront of social reforms and offering icon- in information technolo- developing the Baramati airport as a gener- ic leadership to India. From the 17th century gy al aviation hub while Vijay Mallya's United king Chhatrapati Shivaji who took on the mighty Breweries Group has established India's Mughals, to Babasaheb Ambedkar who pioneered the Dalit move- largest winery in Baramati. ment in the modern era, the intervening period saw social re- Once a strong prime ministerial candidate who had challenged formers like Jotiba Phule and Maharishi Karve, and political giants 10 Janpath, Pawar has been openly accused by Hazare of en- like Lokmanya Tilak and Gopal Krishna Gokhale. couraging corruption and became the first victim of the Jan

24 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS COVER STORY

ON TARGET: SHARAD PAWAR Jan Lokpal agitation. Pawar also estab- has publicly spoken of his vasectomy af- lished, again in Baramati, the massive The mass support that ter the birth of his only child, a girl), a new Vidya Pratisthan educational complex Pawar easily drums up, es- chapter opened in Pawar's career after he which, in keeping with pecially from his rural fol- chose to move to Delhi. He was effective- his vision, offers ad- ly sidelined by the Congress high com- vanced courses in lowers, has always been mand. information tech- cited as the crown jewel As the political scientist Ram Bapat nology and told this correspondent in an interview, biotechnology. of his five-decade long the move to Delhi was a blunder. Pawar In 2004, political career. Even should have focused on the development Reliance of Maharashtra. Another view suggests Industries CMD that now virtually pales that it was the compulsions of Delhi poli- Mukesh Ambani into insignificance in tics and his personal ambitions that inaugurated brought Pawar closer to corporate biggies Vidya Pratisthan's front of the mass out- and the consequent controversies. School of pouring of support, from Hazare and Pawar have clashed previ- Biotechnology and of- ously. Hazare has openly accused Pawar fered all-out assistance, as Kashmir to Kanyakumari of collaborating with the builder lobby, did Kiran Mazumdar Shaw of Biocon and Gujarat to Assam, in and his anti-corruption campaigns in India. favour of Hazare. Maharashtra caused the resignations of Anna Hazare (72), who is almost as old three NCP ministers. Another NCP politi- as Sharad Pawar (70), never had any of cian and a close relative of Pawar, these advantages. He was a truck driver 'ordinary' villagers have replicated the Padamsinh Patil, had to bite the dust when he left the Indian Army and re- Ralegan Siddhi model. Popatrao Pawar's when he was arrested in a murder case turned to his chronically drought-stricken village Hivre Bazaar is a famous example. and accused of plotting to murder village in 1975 to try and lift it out of The mass support that Pawar easily Hazare. poverty. He focused on character, values drums up, especially from his rural fol- Recent years have seen Pawar em- and principles, walked the talk, motivated lowers, has always been cited as the broiled in serious controversies involving the villagers to undertake water-conser- crown jewel of his five-decade long politi- mega-construction firms such as Lavasa vation projects through shram-daan (vol- cal career. Even that now virtually pales and now DB Realty. In his larger crusade untary labour) and, through community into insignificance in front of the mass against corruption which has the support action, forced the closure of liquor shops. outpouring of support, from Kashmir to of the entire nation, Hazare has clearly The hard work paid off and his village Kanyakumari and Gujarat to Assam, in outpaced and overshadowed Pawar. The became an oasis of self-sufficiency, and a favour of Hazare. Hazare-Pawar battle is now just a side- model for others to follow. While only pow- Once admired for his administrative story and has perhaps reached its de- erful politicians and regional satraps skills as chief minister, quick grasp of nouement. could try to replicate Pawar's Baramati complex issues, grassroots popularity, — Prashant Tewari model, many self-driven, but otherwise and a progressive predisposition (Pawar (Editor in chief)

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 25 COVER STORY

POSTERBOY!: HAZARE’S SUPPORTERS AT INDIA GATE AND (BELOW) GOVINDACHARYA United we are, divided we operate —India's fight against corruption nna Hazare's fast-unto-death was just a reflection of what political groups and people working for electoral reforms - such as Hindutva groups have in store for the graft-hit Congress in Jayaprakash Narain of the Lok Satta, the Janata Party headed by the months to come. A nationwide agitation Subramanian Swamy and the Rashtriya Krantikari Janata Aagainst corruption is being planned with Party from Bihar - to whip up support for a mass move- three main RSS sympathisers - K.N. ment. Govindacharya, S. Gurumurthy and "We agree that we are all working for a political Subramanian Swamy - at the helm of affairs. alternative that is against corruption. I request A meeting of what is being referred to as the you all to start spreading the message that we Rashtrawadi Morcha, a political group are all working towards a corruption free aligning with a number of provincial politi- India," Govindacharya told the meeting at- cal parties and civil society groups, was tended by 25 organisations. held in Delhi on Thursday. The first public programme will be held on RSS sympathiser K N Govindacharya May 10 when the Morcha members will ob- presided over a meeting of the serve fast to rid India of corruption. Rashtrawadi Morcha in New Delhi. Jayaprakash Narain stressed on short and What came out of the session chaired by long term plans to "save India". He said: "Now Govindacharya was that there is an under- we have to rescue politics, we have to exhort standing that corruption is the biggest issue people to vote, we have to save India from cor- agitating people and the political class is too dis- rupt politicians and infuse fresh blood." credited to leverage that. Hence, the Hindutva What was also clear was the robust nature of groups are creating a broad-based alliance with small nationalism and subtle Hindutva undercurrent in the dis-

26 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS COVER STORY ments had penetrated Hazare's agitation, which was visible in the rich saffron sym- bolism in the Bharat Mata framing the backdrop of the platform and the havans being performed at the site. The RSS had exhorted its cadre to join Hazare's movement and its general secre- tary Suresh Joshi had written a letter of support to Hazare. Yoga guru Ramdev, who has been work- ing with Govindacharya, delivered a speech from Hazare's platform to "hang the cor- rupt" and Hazare himself praised the Hindu Hriday Samrat Narendra Modi. What it all added to was that the Hinduta groups, supported by the RSS, are gearing up for a second mass movement against the Congress based on corruption. It is not irrelevant to mention here that the anti-Emergency movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan in the 70s too had an important strategist called Nanaji Deshmukh and a side effect of that agita- SWADESHI BRIGADE: S GURUMURTHY tion was the political legitimisation of the nationalism and subtle Hindutva under- and pro-poor," said Abhishek, convener of RSS. current in the discourse. "We are pro-Bharat the Rashtrawadi Morcha. The same ele- People's movement to root out corruption oga guru Baba Ramdev said that a jec- tives of the movement was to bring about people's movement to liberate the an end to corruption and bring back black country from rampant corruption money stashed away in various financial Yand build a strong spiritual institutions in the country and abroad. 'Bharat' would be launched by him in He said currency notes of higher de- June. Baba Ramdev politically sug- nomination should be removed gested that he supports the Anna from the financial system to Hazare movement but with a rid- bring about changes in elec- er that no dynasties shall be pro- toral politics given the fact moted, ( he was referring to the that present-day elections inclusion of father son duo of were being held with black Shanti & Prashant Bhushan money. in the Lokpal bill drafting "The movement has al- committee ) ready set June as the He told journalists that af- deadline for the govern- ter tasting success in the ment to withdraw circula- first phase, it was decided to tion of currency notes of launch Bharat Swabhiman higher denomination," he Andolan from Ujjain to said. cleanse the political system. He said it was neces- The movement would bring sary to direct political par- significant change in the sys- ties to declare assets of the tem as the crusade against cor- elected representatives and ruption would be in the form of those in high places to bring 'Satyagraha.' The Andolan would transparency. have its network in over 600 dis- tricts across the country and a 'Yuva Bharat' programme would also be launched to attract youth for social change. UNDER GURU’S GUIDANCE: Baba Ramdev said one of the main ob- BABA RAMDEV IS A DRIVING FORCE FOR ANTI-CORRUPTION BRIGADE

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 27 COMMENT

CELBRITY QUOTIENT: SHABANA AZMI AND URMILA Great Indian Lok Pal trick and reneged on it. If the Congress had A Surya Prakash But, going by the statements of Mr Manmohan Singh and Ms Sonia Gandhi af- been sincere about The promise of bringing in an effective law ter the recent settlement with Anna to curb corruption in the top echelons of Hazare, there can be no doubt that the fighting corruption, it the state should undoubtedly go down as Congress and the Prime Minister would not have draft- the biggest hoax played by the political have taken deception to a new level class on the people of India after inde- altogether. ed a toothless Lok pendence. Every Government, from the The first acknowledgement that the can- days of Jawaharlal Nehru to Mr Manmohan cer of corruption had begun to destroy the Pal Bill whose provi- Singh, promised to establish an institution great gains of the freedom movement sions are laughable to bring to book corrupt Ministers and MPs came in the 1960s when the Santhanam

28 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS COMMENT IT IS OUR DEMOCRACY THAT IS TO BLAME FOR THE SORRY STATE OF INDIA I have been witnessing the revolution at Jantar Mantar since 5 5 Does our democracy enable citizens to get laws they wish April and have listened to responses on TV debates. The passed? Is referendum not their right especially when their in- Executive and the legislature are worried about losing what terests are obviously at variance from those of the elected leg- they consider their rights and their exclusive space. One basic islators? Are we not stake holders in our own governance in a premise of their responses runs as follows; democracy 'of the people for the people and by the people'? We are a democracy with a constitution and nothing can be People as in the public and as in the Civil Society. done or even attempted out side the constitutional frame work. Our legislature has a vested interest in Corruption and pow- Legislative, Judiciary and Executive alone can make laws, er of patronage. Are they our patrons or are they our ser- change the constitution, adjudicate constitutional vants? The question reverts to who is sovereign he or disputes until it is amended and execute laws we? through procedures and rules laid down by the Anna's agitation as it is being termed is only executive. Civil Society and the citizen at the starting point for getting answers to these large have no locus standi in decision mak- very basic questions in the public mind. It ing once they have sent their pseudo rep- can not stop here because the root causes resentatives to the legislature. of the maladies of mis- governance and corruption lie, not in the lok Pal Bill not be- The following beg serious consideration. ing in position. It lies with our Electoral System, with our Party System indeed with 1 Whose constitution is it ? Is it of WE THE our democracy. The politician has to find his PEOPLE or is it of they the legislature? rightful place as a servant of society who 2 Who is the sovereign ? The Citizen or the MP must work for the common good of the major- / MLA or the PM / Cabinet? ity and for the maximum good of the nation. His own survival ( Not his best political interest ) must Following subsidiary questions then arise: be co terminus with the best interest of the people of India. 1 Does the legislature indeed represent the majority as should To that end this movement must aim at rectification of our be the case in a democracy? Most Win with 15 to 20 % of to- democratic system. tal votes cast. The constitution is sacrosanct only so far as it serves the in- 2 Do the voting citizen have any say in selecting candidates? terest of the people who have adopted it for themselves. Does he have a real choice of selecting ? Parties allot tickets Despair and frustration have reached the stage where People through an opaque mechanism. don't give a damn for being called a Democracy. They would 3 Is the elected legislator free to work in the best interest of rather exchange it with good governance with or without the those who he pretends to represent? Or is he subservient to false glory of being called the largest democracy in the world. Party whip or his own political interest? Long Live Veteran Anna Hazare 4 What recourse does the voting community have to correct an Long Live Veteran Solidarity with Anna. errant legislator who manages to get elected on promises he Veterans Will go all the way in supporting the Second War of is neither sincere about nor capable of working for? Does the Independence from Corrupt Rule. community have the right to recall?

Santhanam Committee was appointed The farce vis-à-vis the Lok Pal these occasions, it was the Congress that to assess the extent of the problem and to Bill began after Mrs Indira was in power. suggest remedial action. This was followed After all this humming and hawing for by the report of the first Administrative Gandhi became Prime Minister over four decades, the Lok Pal Bill proposed Reforms Commission which recommended when her Government intro- by the Manmohan Singh Government last the appointment of a Lok Pal to inquire into year constitutes an affront to the intelli- the conduct of Ministers and MPs. duced it in the Lok Sabha in gence of every citizen. Here, it must be The farce vis-à-vis the Lok Pal Bill began 1968, knowing fully well that made clear that this draft had the tacit ap- after Mrs Indira Gandhi became Prime the Bill would lapse if the proval of the Congress and the attempt to Minister when her Government introduced distance party president Sonia Gandhi from it in the Lok Sabha in 1968, knowing fully Lower House was dissolved it is as disingenuous as the attempts by the well that the Bill would lapse if the Lower prior to its passage in ruling party to accuse Anna Hazare of re- House was dissolved prior to its passage in Parliament. Sure enough, the sorting to "blackmail" and undemocratic Parliament. Sure enough, the Lok Pal Bill means. faced sudden death when Mrs Gandhi opt- Lok Pal Bill faced sudden Instead of empowering the aam admi to ed for early dissolution of the Lok Sabha in death when Mrs Gandhi opted complain against corrupt Ministers and 1971. Since then, eight more half-hearted for early dissolution of the Lok MPs and arming the Lok Pal to go after the attempts have been made to legislate on wrong-doers, the Government's draft Bill this issue in Parliament and on a majority of Sabha in 1971. seeks to protect the corrupt in a variety of

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 29 COMMENT

MASS MOVEMENT: CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IN FRONT OF INDIA GATE Bill seeks to protect the corrupt in a foreign affairs, security matters and de- Finally, there is a clear attempt in the variety of ways, while simultaneously try- fence-related issues. Anna Hazare's draft Government's draft Lok Pal Bill to scare ing to intimidate complainants. makes no such exception and rightly so. away complainants by saying that those The Government's draft says the Lok Bofors was a defence deal (purchase of who file false complaints will be pe- Pal will only be an advisory body without field guns) in which Ottavio Quattrocchi, nalised and imprisoned. Anna Hazare's any police powers or the power to regis- a friend of the Gandhi family, received Bill is devoid of such intimidation. ter FIRs against the corrupt. Nor will the commission payments from the Swedish All this is not to say that everything is CBI be under it. Further, the Lok Pal will company.Obviously fearing a repeat of a fine with Anna Hazare's draft 'Jan Lok Pal have no power to initiate suo motu action scandal of such proportions, the Bill'. It has its flaws and hopefully these or receive complaints of corruption from Government does not want the Lok Pal to will get ironed out in the coming months. citizens. It will be empowered to proceed investigate defence deals. But, is it not ludicrous for Mr Singh and only if the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or The Government's draft Lok Pal Bill is Ms Gandhi, who are primarily responsi- the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (both also so cleverly worded that everything ble for allowing Quattrocchi to walk away political appointees) permit it to do so. can be classified as coming within the with the Bofors loot, to now claim that And, after all this, the punishment for purview of 'security matters' and thus they are committed to a strong anti-cor- guilty politicians who swindle the ex- kept out of the Lok Pal's scrutiny. For ex- ruption law? Or for Congress loudspeak- chequer of thousands of crores of ru- ample, if we had a Lok Pal last year on ers to claim that the settlement with pees will be a minimum of six months the lines proposed by the Government, Anna Hazare is indicative of the "sagaci- and a maximum of seven years in jail. the Prime Minister would in all probabili- ty and wisdom" of Ms Gandhi and Mr As against this bogus Bill drafted by ty have claimed that the Rs 1.76 lakh Singh? the Government, Anna Hazare's 'Jan Lok crore 2G Spectrum scam was a 'security Even more laughable is the contention Pal Bill' wants the Lok Pal to be an inde- matter' that cannot be probed by the om- of the 'Amul Baby' of the family (whose pendent body like the Election budsman. great grandfather, grandmother and fa- Commission with suo motu There are other areas of divergence ther fooled the people into believing that power to investigate complaints which are equally significant. Mr Singh they would bring a strong anti-corruption against Ministers, MPs, judges and bu- and Ms Gandhi prefer to go soft on the law) that he too favours a strong anti-cor- reaucrats, to file FIRs and prosecute the culprits (jail term of six months to seven ruption law. If so, what was he doing all corrupt, and not be just an 'advisory years) whereas Anna Hazare wants the this while when his party and body'. Further, the 'Jan Lok Pal' will di- jail term to be five years to life imprison- Government were circulating a draft Lok rectly receive complaints from people ment. Further, Anna Hazare says the loss Pal Bill not worth the paper it was print- and act on them. to Government must be recovered from ed on? There is another major point of differ- the accused. For example, if A Raja is It has been wisely said that you cannot ence. Mr Singh and Ms Gandhi do not held guilty, then all his properties must fool all the people all the time. But this is want the Lok Pal to have the power to in- be confiscated. Mr Singh and Ms Gandhi one lesson that the Nehru-Gandhi dy- vestigate the Prime Minister in regard to do not want such a provision. nasty will never learn.

30 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS TERROR TRAIL

OBAMA FINALLY GETS OSAMA WORLD’S MOST DREADED MAN IS DEAD By OECEL News Services

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 31 TERROR TRAIL Osama bin Laden, the world's most wanted terrorist, was killed early today by US special forces in a helicopter-borne op- eration at Abbottabad near the Pakistani capital, climaxing a over 10-year long mas- sive manhunt. The special forces personnel swooped down on the compound where bin Laden was holed up guarded by his ultra loyal Arab bodyguards in a pre-dawn operation killing the dreaded terrorist, US officials said. The news of the slaying of the world's most prominent terror mastermind was broken to the world by US President Barack Obama, who made the announce- ment live from White House."Bin Laden, 54, is dead and his body is in US custody," President Obama said at half past 11 mid- night US time after initial story had been broken by news channels. Though it was dark, crowds massed out- side White House chanted 'USA, USA'.Besides the al-Qaeda chief who car- FOUNTAINHEAD OF TERROR: OSAMA BIN LADEN WITH HIS RANKS ried a bounty of USD 25 million, two couri- ers one of whom was his son and the oth- er a woman, reportedly used as a human shields, were killed in the operation, un- named American officials were quoted as saying by ABC News. First reports said that it was through these couriers that bin Laden had been traced.Other women and children present in the compound were not harmed, ac- cording to Pakistani officials. An American helicopter was destroyed by US Navy Seals after it was damaged and crashed during the operation that targeted a large compound in Bilal Town area near Abbottabad, 120 km from Islamabad.There was no word from the Pakistani government or military on the operation. Two US helicopters swept into the com- pound at 1:30 am and 2 am and 20 to 25 Navy Seals under the command of the Joint Special Operations Command stormed the compound in cooperation with the CIA and engaged bin Laden and his men in a firefight, US officials told ABC News. Bin Laden fired his weapon during the fight, the US officials said.The Americans took bin Laden's body into custody after the firefight and confirmed his identity.One of the US helicopters was damaged during the operation and the troops decided to destroy it themselves with explosives. Several Pakistani news channels beamed grainy footage of a burning heli- copter on the empty lawn of the com- pound.They also beamed footage of the compound surrounded by Pakistani troops this morning. .

32 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS TERROR TRAIL

HIDEOUT: OSAMA BIN LADEN’S HOME IN ABBOTABAD, PAKSITAN A PHONE CALL THAT TRACKED OSAMA hen one of Osama bin In a secret CIA prison in always was clear that bin Laden's vulnera- Laden's most trusted aides bility was his couriers. He was too smart to picked up the phone last Eastern Europe years ago, let al-Qaida foot soldiers, or even his sen- year, he unknowingly led US al-Qaida's No 3 leader, Khalid ior commanders, know his hideout. But if pursuers to the doorstep of he wanted to get his messages out, some- Whis boss, the world's most wanted terrorist. Sheikh Mohammed, gave body had to carry them, someone bin That phone call, recounted Sunday by a Laden trusted with his life. US official, ended a years-long search for authorities the nicknames of In a secret CIA prison in Eastern Europe bin Laden's personal courier, the key break several of bin Laden's years ago, al-Qaida's No 3 leader, Khalid in a worldwide manhunt. The courier, in Sheikh Mohammed, gave authorities the turn, led US intelligence to a walled com- couriers, four former US nicknames of several of bin Laden's couri- pound in northeast Pakistan, where a intelligence officials said. ers, four former US intelligence officials team of Navy SEALs shot bin Laden to said. Those names were among thou- death. Those names were among sands of leads the CIA was pursuing. The violent final minutes were the cul- thousands of leads the CIA One man became a particular interest mination of years of intelligence work. for the agency when another detainee, Abu Inside the CIA team hunting bin Laden, it was pursuing. Faraj al-Libi, told interrogators that when

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 33 TERROR TRAIL

TERROR TEAM: OSAMA BIN LADEN WITH TOP LEADERS OF AL QAIDA for the agency when another detainee, harsh technique was a valuable tool or an Abu Faraj al-Libi, told interrogators that Then in the middle of last unnecessarily violent tactic. when he was promoted to succeed It took years of work for intelligence Mohammed as al-Qaida's operational year, the courier had a tele- agencies to identify the courier's real leader he received the word through a phone conversation with name, which officials are not disclosing. courier. Only bin Laden would have given When they did identify him, he was al-Libi that promotion, CIA officials be- someone who was being nowhere to be found. The CIA's sources lieved. monitored by US intelli- didn't know where he was hiding. Bin If they could find that courier, they'd find Laden was famously insistent that no bin Laden. gence, according to an phones or computers be used near him, so The revelation that intelligence gleaned American official, who like the eavesdroppers at the National Security from the CIA's so-called black sites helped Agency kept coming up cold. kill bin Laden was seen as vindication for others interviewed for this Then in the middle of last year, the couri- many intelligence officials who have been er had a telephone conversation with repeatedly investigated and criticized for story spoke only on condi- someone who was being monitored by US their involvement in a program that in- tion of anonymity to dis- intelligence, according to an American of- volved the harshest interrogation methods ficial, who like others interviewed for this in US history. cuss the sensitive opera- story spoke only on condition of anonymity "We got beat up for it, but those efforts tion. The courier was locat- to discuss the sensitive operation. The led to this great day," said Marty Martin, a courier was located somewhere away from retired CIA officer who for years led the ed somewhere away from bin Laden's hideout when he had the dis- hunt for bin Laden. bin Laden's hideout when cussion, but it was enough to help intelli- Mohammed did not reveal the names gence officials locate and watch him. while being subjected to the simulated he had the discussion, but In August 2010, the courier unknowing- drowning technique known as waterboard- it was enough to help intel- ly led authorities to a compound in the ing, former officials said. He identified northeast Pakistani town of Abbottabad, them many months later under standard ligence officials locate and where al-Libi had once lived. The walls sur- interrogation, they said, leaving it once watch him rounding the property were as high as 18 again up for debate as to whether the feet and topped with barbed wire.

34 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS TERROR TRAIL by live satellite feed or video carried by the SEALs - the team stormed the com- pound. Thanks to sophisti- cated satellite monitor- ing, US forces knew they'd likely find bin Laden's family on the second and third floors of one of the buildings on the property, offi- cials said. The SEALs secured the rest of the property first, then pro- ceeded to the room where bin Laden was hiding. A firefight en- sued, Brennan said. The SEALs killed bin Laden with a bullet to the head. Using the call sign for his visual iden- tification, one of the soldiers communicated that "Geronimo" had A YOUNG OSAMA ALONG WITH HIS SIBLINGS. PHOTO COURTESY THE SUN been killed in action, 18 feet and topped with barbed wire. ereign country. If Obama ordered an according to a US offi- Intelligence officials had known about the airstrike and bin Laden was not in the cial. house for years, but they always suspect- compound, it would be a huge diplomatic Bin Laden's body was immediately iden- ed that bin Laden would be surrounded by problem. Even if Obama was right, obliter- tifiable, but the US also conducted DNA heavily armed security guards. Nobody pa- ating the compound might make it nearly testing that identified him with near 100 trolled the compound in Abbottabad. impossible to confirm bin Laden's death. percent certainty, senior administration In fact, nobody came or went. And no Said Brennan, "The president had to officials said. Photo analysis by the CIA, telephone or Internet lines ran from the evaluate the strength of that information, confirmation on site by a woman believed compound. The CIA soon believed that bin and then made what I believe was one of to be bin Laden's wife, who was wounded, Laden was hiding in plain sight, in a hide- the most gutsiest calls of any president in and matching physical features such as out especially built to go unnoticed. But recent memory." bin Laden's height all helped confirm the since bin Laden never traveled and no- Obama tapped two dozen members of identification. At the White House, there body could get onto the compound with- the Navy's elite SEAL Team Six to carry out was no doubt. out passing through two security gates, a raid with surgical accuracy. "I think the accomplishment that very there was no way to be sure. Before dawn Monday morning, a pair of brave personnel from the United States Despite that uncertainty, intelligence of- helicopters left Jalalabad in eastern government were able to realize yesterday ficials realized this could represent the Afghanistan. The choppers entered is a defining moment in the war against al- best chance ever to get to bin Laden. They Pakistani airspace using sophisticated Qaida, the war on terrorism, by decapitat- decided not to share the information with technology intended to evade that coun- ing the head of the snake known as al- anyone, including staunch counterterror- try's radar systems, a U.S. official said. Qaida," Brennan said. ism allies such as Britain, Canada and Officially, it was a kill-or-capture mis- US forces searched the compound and Australia. sion, since the US doesn't kill unarmed flew away with documents, hard drives By mid-February, the officials were con- people trying to surrender. But it was clear and DVDs that could provide valuable in- vinced a "high-value target" was hiding in from the beginning that whoever was be- telligence about al-Qaida, a US official the compound. President Barack Obama hind those walls had no intention of sur- said. The entire operation took about 40 wanted to take action. rendering, two US officials said. minutes, officials said. "They were confident and their confi- The helicopters lowered into the com- Bin Laden's body was flown to the USS dence was growing: 'This is different. This pound, dropping the SEALs behind the Carl Vinson in the North Arabian sea, a intelligence case is different. What we see walls. No shots were fired, but shortly af- senior defense official said. There, aboard in this compound is different than any- ter the team hit the ground, one of the hel- a US warship, officials conducted a tradi- thing we've ever seen before,'" John icopters came crashing down and rolled tional Islamic burial ritual. Bin Laden's Brennan, the president's top counterter- onto its side for reasons the government body was washed and placed in a white rorism adviser, said on Monday. "I was has yet to explain. None of the SEALs was sheet. He was placed in a weighted bag confident that we had the basis to take ac- injured, however, and the mission contin- that, after religious remarks by a military tion." ued uninterrupted. officer, was slipped into the sea about 2 Options were limited. The compound With the CIA and White House monitor- am EDT on Monday. was in a residential neighborhood in a sov- ing the situation in real time - presumably Said the president: "I think we can all agree this is a good day for America."

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 35 FORUM

Energise India-Japan partnership in tertiary education, innovation Mukul G Asher case for deepening tertiary education and prime minister Naoto Kan and Japan's ef- research engagement with Japan. The re- forts to expand international linkages of its s India embarks on long overdue cent assumption of office by Japan's new universities provide a favorable backdrop reforms of its tertiary and profes- for intensifying such partnership with sional education systems, includ- There are two broad factors Japan. ing promotion of research culture in There are two broad factors which ne- A which necessitate such cessitate such diversification. First, there the universities, there is merit in diversify- ing the partners with whom it seeks deep- diversification. First, there has been increasing globalisation of re- er engagement in this area. India's in- search and development and innovation creasing integration with the global econo- has been increasing globali- activities. my, including emergence of Indian multi- sation of research and de- Thus a recent survey by the National nationals, also requires such diversifica- Science Foundation (NSF) of the US found tion. velopment and innovation that American manufacturers conduct The US and the selected about a fifth of their total R&D in other Commonwealth and European countries activities. Thus a recent sur- countries. Indeed, in several key sectors, have been India's traditional partners in vey by the National Science such as motor vehicles, textile and appar- tertiary education and in innovation activi- el, and electrical equipment, the off ties. While engagement with them should Foundation (NSF) of the US shoring share exceeds 30%. While relevant continue to be deepened, as is evident found that American manu- data are not available, it is a reasonable from ongoing India-US strategic dialogue, presumption that such tendencies are also it is essential to accelerate such engage- facturers conduct about a occurring concerning other major econom- ment with non-traditional countries such fifth of their total R&D in ic powers such as Japan, South Korea, and as Japan, South Korea, and Brazil. Germany. This column, however, focuses on the other countries. Secondly, the current global economic

36 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS COVER STORY

CLASS APART: TOKYO UNIVERSITY Secondly, the current global economic India should therefore in- bilateral provider of economic and techni- crisis has diminished medium term growth cal assistance. Japan is globally recog- and employment prospects of the US, The creasingly leverage on nised as a leader in many areas such as European Union as a group, and the UK. countries with strong glob- automotive engineering, life sciences, India's rising share of working age popula- electronics, railways, solid waste manage- tion to total population strongly suggests al presence of technology ment, and renewable energy. Its proven generation of livelihoods, including for in- intensive companies, and competitiveness is based on excellent uni- creasingly educated workforce with high versities, who have traditionally been en- aspirations, as among the highest priori- excellent university system gaged in close collaboration with industry, ties. India therefore must explore all av- with close industry link- but whose international engagements enues for such employment generation. have so far been limited. Non-traditional sources, which are rapidly ages. It is in the above This is however changing, with ageing, with Japan and south Korea ex- context that India must in- Universities introducing more courses in pected to register decline in absolute pop- English, and actively seeking foreign stu- ulation, therefore represent an attractive tensify its efforts to engage dents who could form part of Japan's tal- opportunity. Universities and research ent pool. Japan's strength in close univer- India should therefore increasingly sity-research institutions-industry linkages leverage on countries with strong global institutions in Japan, as has been an area of major weakness in presence of technology intensive compa- well as R&D labs of India. nies, and excellent university system with Separation of teaching and research close industry linkages. It is in the above Japanese corporations. and of graduate and undergraduate edu- context that India must intensify its efforts cation has not permitted realisation of syn- to engage Universities and research insti- Japan has increasingly emerged as ergies of full fledged universities combin- tutions in Japan, as well as R&D labs of among India's most important economic ing teaching and research. Commercially Japanese corporations. and strategic partners. It is also the largest oriented and socially useful research col-

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 37 FORUM

IWATE UNIVERSITY industry and universities and research mote English as a language essential for to grow as multi-polar world emerges. has therefore been limited. This has ham- global commerce and science.While these Functional knowledge of other major lan- pered India's efforts to progress on the are steps in the right direction, importance guages, including Japanese, has now be- path of becoming a knowledge economy. of non-English languages on the internet, come more essential. Deeper engagement with Japan could help and in commerce and science is expected Acquiring such knowledge in Japanese address this deficiency. language takes about one year. This is a The Japanese government has set up Acquiring such knowledge relatively small investment for widening ca- several scholarship programs to attract for- reer options for individuals, business op- eign students and to facilitate exchange of in Japanese language takes portunities for firms, and for enhancing sci- faculty and researchers. But Indian higher about one year. This is a rel- entific and technological options for the education and research institutions, as country. Accessibility of Japanese lan- well as Indian's desiring to pursue higher atively small investment for guage training needs to be expanded con- education abroad have not given requisite widening career options for siderably in different parts of the country. priority to exploring opportunities with their There are indications that Indian profes- counterparts in Japan. individuals, business oppor- sionals, particularly in the IT industry, and For the individuals, need to study tunities for firms, and for in engineering are exploring prospects with Japanese language have been considered enhancing scientific and Japanese companies. Indians desiring to a formidable barrier. This is however un- widen their higher education options are warranted and counter-productive, partic- technological options for also enrolling in tertiary institutions in ularly given deep cultural linkages be- the country. Accessibility of Japan. But the trend needs to be signifi- tween India and Japan.Indians are gener- cantly accelerated. Global operations of ally adept at languages, with most growing Japanese language training companies from Japan, including their up with familiarity with at least two to three needs to be expanded con- growing presence in India, which is begin- Indian languages. The use of English has ning to rival similar presence of companies also become more widespread. Several siderably in different parts from South Korea, can be expected to pro- states, such as Gujarat, have begun to pro- of the country. vide promising career prospects for

38 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS JAPAN in India, which is beginning to rival sim- ilar presence of companies from South Korea, can be expected to provide prom- Higher Education is ising career prospects for Indians famil- iar with Japanese language and busi- ness culture. Japan core strength that To accelerate the trend, Indian uni- versities should consider collaborations with Japanese universities as they seek made it a global tech global partners. Institutions such as St Xavier's college in Mumbai, which are planning to internationalise their cur- super power - Aftab Seth riculum, student assessment criteria, and management practices would also greatly benefit by collaborating with their Japanese counterparts, particular- Deeper engagement in ter- tiary education and in inno- vations will provide greater substance to India-Japan strategic partnership, and enhance economic space and strategic leverage for both countries. India should also consider enter- ing into totalisation agree- ment with Japan, recognis- ing social security arrange- ments of each country. ly in science and technology. They could also consider establishing Japan Centers to facilitate such collaboration. The states, such as Gujarat, which annually organise global investors meet- AFTAB SETH WITH HIS WIFE ings, and which aim to emerge as glob- he iconic face of India in Japan is in Vietnam and other Universities have al business hubs, would particularly former Indian Ambassador to Japan been given responsibility for other territo- benefit by initiatives to also invite Mr Aftab Seth who is playing the role ries. Japanese universities and research in- Tof a catalyst to bridge the gap be- As part of this work we helped the G30 stitutions to such meetings. These could tween unexplored land of opportunity for in January 2011 to invite students from top be utilised to link similar institutions in the Indian Gen-Next. Mr Seth highlights the schools in Delhi and other cities to attend Gujarat with their counterparts from tremendous depth of Japanese core a seminar addressed by the representa- Japan; and to facilitate establishment of strength that is yet to be tapped in India - tives of leading Japanese universities. I in- research labs of Japanese corporations Higher education. augurated this seminar. The purpose is to in India. attract young talent to study in Japan. The Deeper engagement in tertiary edu- Japanese universities as a general rule benefit Indian students would derive from cation and in innovations will provide offer high class education at a price which such study are explained at such semi- greater substance to India-Japan strate- is less than private universities in the USA. nars. To make it easier some universities gic partnership, and enhance economic State universities in Japan tend to be rea- like Keio have started English medium space and strategic leverage for both sonable compared to top private ones like classes at the Fujisawa campus which countries. India should also consider Keio or Waseda founded by Okuma teaches all high tech subjects such as IT, entering into totalisation agreement Shigenobu in 1888. Energy, environmental science and others. with Japan, recognising social security The G-30 initiative by PM Fukuda in Keio has a separate initiative GIGA which arrangements of each country. Similarly, 2008 is aimed at increasing the number of aims to attract bright youth to study at the an agreement to facilitate Indian work- foreign students in Japan from the present undergraduate level. Post graduate ers to fill specific needs in Japan could 130000 to 300000 by 2012. The schools in many leading universities have also be considered. Ritsumeikan office established in October been conducting their classes in English (Writer is is professor, Lee Kuan Yew 2010 at the Japan Foundation building is for some years now. This is a trend that is School of Public Policy, National part of this initiative. Waseda has an office growing.

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 39 SPORT

TENDULKAR BEING SHOULDERED BY TEAM INDIA INDIA ON TOP INDIA DOMINATE CRICKET AREANA AFTER WORLD CUP VICTORY Prakhar Mishra India's talent has long been Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan and, of course, Sachin Tendulkar all proving them- huge six to long on by Captain apparent, with stars such as selves world-class. But there was always Mahendra Dhoni completed vic- Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan the fear that they lack the mentality to tory for India in the 2011 Cricket Singh, Zaheer Khan and, of build upon their obvious talent and World Cup in style and brought to achieve success at the World Cup. A course, Sachin Tendulkar all This year though they showed such a satisfying conclusion what has been a truly entertaining World Cup.India without proving themselves world- doubts to be wrong, displaying an assured doubt played the best cricket over the last toughness in victories over Australia, six weeks and the final against Sri Lanka class. But there was always Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the knock-out proved a worthy contest, with tension, dra- the fear that they lack the stages. ma and superb individual performances mentality to build upon their That they defeated these three teams plentiful. (arguably the three strongest teams after India's talent has long been apparent, obvious talent and achieve India themselves) too proves them worthy with stars such as Virender Sehwag, success at the World Cup winners.

40 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS SPORT

MAGIC MOMENTS: CAPTAIN DHONI CUP-WINNING SIX Much attention is placed on the incom- balls deserved to be a match-winning parable Sachin Tendulkar, who did have an And in the final, it was two knock. His elegant batting style was beau- exemplary tournament, ending it the sec- players who had so far had tiful to watch, and came very quickly too ond highest run scorer (behind Tillakaratne a quieter tournament, thanks to a lethal acceleration in the last Dilshan). But their success has been a real 10 overs. He even ended Sri Lanka's in- team effort, with match-winning contribu- Gautam Gambhir and nings not out, and, despite ending on the tions being made throughout the squad. Dhoni, who put in star losing side, probably deserved to be man Sehwag's 175 in the opening match was of the match. the tournament's highest score; Zaheer showings. When Gambhir The wickets of Tendulkar and Sehwag at Kahn took the joint highest number of wick- came to the crease India the hands of the dangerous Lasith Malinga ets, at a devastating rate of 16.66 runs per- put Sri Lanka in a very strong position and wicket; and, most noticeably, Yuvraj Singh were in crisis, with stunned the home crowd into silence. But batted and bowled superbly throughout, Tendulkar out for 18 and Gambhir and Dhoni's composed and excel- ending with four man of the match awards. lent performances slowly put India back And in the final, it was two players who India at a perilous 31-2. But into pole position, before Dhoni's on-drive had so far had a quieter tournament, the 29-year-old kept a calm six saw them over the line. Such a great Gautam Gambhir and Dhoni, who put in game was a welcome relief from the trilogy star showings. When Gambhir came to the head and scored a brilliant of thrashings Australia have dished out in crease India were in crisis, with Tendulkar 97, most of them coming the previous three world cups. out for 18 and India at a perilous 31-2. But during his 109 run match- The semi-finals too proved entertaining the 29-year-old kept a calm head and contests. First Tuesday saw Sri Lanka com- scored a brilliant 97, most of them coming winning stand with Dhoni. plete what looked halfway through the sec- during his 109 run match-winning stand mained in the balance, as Sri Lanka batted ond innings - with Sri Lanka 160-1 chasing with Dhoni. their way to 183-5 and looked set to make 217 - to be a routine victory, but what Dhoni had surprisingly elevated himself a competitive score in the region of 250. proved, thanks largely to intimidating cap- up to bat at five, ahead of the on-form But inspired hitting at the end of their in- taincy by Daniel Vettori, to be a tense finale Yuvraj Singh, but his decision was justified nings led them to score 91 off the last 10 as New Zealand took three quick wickets. as he made 91 not out of 79 to calmly bring overs, and set an imposing total of 274. But with Thilan Samaraweera and Angelo home victory for India. The cornerstone of their innings was Matthews at the crease Sri Lanka ultimate- For a long while beforehand the game re- Mahela Jayawardene, whose 103 off 88 ly steadied themselves and booked their

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 41 SPORT finale as New Zealand took three quick wickets. But with Thilan Samaraweera and Angelo Matthews at the crease Sri Lanka ultimately steadied themselves and booked their place in the final. Then the India v Pakistan took place, the tournament's most hotly anticipated match. The contest did not disappoint, as the first innings saw batting fireworks from Sehwag and Tendulkar (the latter despite being dropped multiple times) only for young Wahab Riaz to strike back with the ball with a five-for. Pakistan needed a difficult-but-obtain- Looking back, the tourna- ment was a far more excit- ing affair than predicted. It still had structural prob- lems, specifically the seem- ingly never-ending length of the group stages...

able 261 runs to win but fell short, failing to accelerate sufficiently at the end of their innings. The inexplicably defensive Misbah-ul-Haq the main culprit and they were bowled out for 231, with all five of India's bowlers taking two wickets each - further evidence of their strength as a col- lective whole. Looking back, the tournament was a far more exciting affair than predicted. It still had structural problems, specifically the seemingly never-ending length of the group stages; but despite the inevitable one-sided affairs at the early stages, we have England's unpredictable showings to thank for keeping the early stages inter- esting. The most memorable words of the night came from Sangakara, the Sri Lankan skipper, who spoke like a great ambassador for his country, speaking words worthy of his reputation, giving un- conditional praise to his opponents, and making every Sri Lankan proud by accept- ing defeat with graciousness and extend- ing no excuse, the sign of a truly great cricketer. The quality of cricket, the close- ness of matches in the knockout stages and India proving to be worthy champions ensured this World Cup to be the best in re- cent years. The grand success of the World Cup plus the IPL success saga has assured that India will remain the power house of the world cricket, a strategic shift from the mecca of cricket - England. All the interna- tional players are rushing to India to asso- ciate themselves with Indian cricket to reap both practical and monetary benefits.

DHONI HITS MIGHTY BLOW

42 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS SPORT

Foreign Press sings Mahi tune rom the Guardian to the Sydney Mahendra Singh Dhoni has nation, on and off the field". Morning Herald, captain cool The Guardian said, "It seems inconceiv- FMahender Singh Dhoni's captaincy is got perhaps his biggest able that anyone but India should have tak- being praised across the cricket playing compliment: Sachin en the trophy." world. His decision to promote himself up Even Pakistan media, grudgingly, had to the order and bat under pressure, his cap- Tendulkar, the man every- give it to the Indians. The Dawn wrote, tain's innings 91 of 79 balls in the World one has been rushing to "India's batting superiority in home condi- Cup final against Sri Lanka in Mumbai have tions proved decisive. But more impressive all come in for praise in the world media. dedicate the World Cup was their ability to win the battle of nerves The Telegraph summed it up saying, 'the victory to, has described in Mohali and Mumbai. And it was their cap- prolific Tendulkar may be India's national tain M.S. Dhoni, who epitomised that com- treasure, but Dhoni is their modern icon'. Dhoni as the best captain posure under duress. The World Cup be- The Sunday Times wrote, "India's captain he has ever had. "In all the longs to India but the victory belongs to Mr and his team take pressure in their stride Dhoni." on way to a famous triumph." years that I have been Mahendra Singh Dhoni has got perhaps Heaping praise on the Men in Blue, The playing, Dhoni is the best his biggest compliment: Sachin Tendulkar, Australian wrote: "It was about two great captain I have played un- the man everyone has been rushing to ded- South Asian teams giving fans a thrilling, icate the World Cup victory to, has de- edge-of-the-seat One-day final and a de- der," Tendulkar said today. scribed Dhoni as the best captain he has served triumph for a cricketing nation which "I think he is a fabulous ever had. felt its time had come." "In all the years that I have been playing, Here's what The New York Times had to captain Dhoni is the best captain I have played un- say: "The six-wicket victory on Saturday in der," Tendulkar said today. "I think he is a the World Cup final confirmed that India, in- fabulous captain. He stayed calm, patient contestably, has become cricket's dominant and at the same time very clever and alert."

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 43 SPORT

hat Mahendra Singh Dhoni as CEO of the Indian cricket team did to ensure the coun- Management lessons Wtry won the World Cup will be etched as learnings for leaders across all walks of life. Captains of India Inc, lead- from CEO Dhoni ing business schools and HR leaders have taken note of Dhoni's style of man- Group, on the other hand, lauded Dhoni said Deepti Bhatnagar, faculty, agement. for being experimentative-that is innova- Organisational Behaviour, IIM- Experimentative, innovative and risk- tive and, at the same time, prepared to Ahmedabad. What's more, the captain taking are some of the characteristics be- face the consequences. "He's inclusive, succeeded in building a team where ing attributed to him. So what really is but at the same time when the moment young people can come up with their Dhoni's management style? "He sets of truth comes, he doesn't hesitate to opinions. "In a situation where a much stretch goals and works determinedly to take decisions." younger player like Virat Kohli can give his achieve them by getting the best out of And what does one learn from Dhoni's opinion towards a senior player like his team," says Adi Godrej, chairman, leadership skills? "Take measured risks Sachin without inhibitions itself speaks Godrej Group, who has also taken on a and back your team to deliver," said Gunit volumes about the team culture," said new role as chairman of The Indian Chadha, CEO, Deutsche Bank India. "A Bhatnagar. School of Business. leader should maintain his calm. He Nehra's comeback against Pakistan is Dhoni is being described as 'a true should know his business well and take another good example of how Dhoni's leader' who did not hesitate to push him- appropriate decisions in changing con- faith in him paid off. As co-authors Bill self up the batting order in the final, when texts," said Misra. Conaty and Ram Charan have said in the team needed him the most. "He led One could see how these characteris- their book, 'The Talent Masters - Why the attack from the front and was not tics came to the fore when, in a crisis sit- smart leaders put people before num- afraid to make this change. He knew well uation during the World Cup (India had bers': "You can liberate your capacity and that had he failed, he would have been lost two crucial wickets of Sachin courage as a leader if you continually severely criticized but yet he fearlessly Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag in the plumb the depth of your inner core. Only took up the challenge at a critical time in early overs), Dhoni kept his cool and led by doing this can you understand the role the Indian innings," says Harsh Goenka, India to victory. "Dhoni has been consis- it plays in the changing complexities of chairman, RPG Group. tent match after match. He has stuck his your job." Dhoni has proved to be a smart Santrupt Misra, HR head, Aditya Birla neck out and accepted his mistakes," leader.

44 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS BIZ TIME

RIL to enter homeland security business Veelaas Kenjale ment to pursue opportunities in the home- There is also a major demand for home- land security space is synergistic with the land security solutions from the private ukesh Ambani-controlled Reliance group's plans for broadband wireless ac- sector -- RIL itself is among the biggest Industries Ltd (RIL) may be looking cess services. The group is expected to roll consumers of security solutions in the Mat major forays into homeland se- out the next generation technology servic- country. curity and aerospace sectors. In the first es soon. RIL is looking to develop safe and RIL's entry into homeland and aero- firm indication of the group's intention, it secure smart cities as well as systems for space security could have a far bigger im- has hired Vivek Lall, a former NASA scien- disaster management preparedness. pact than the entry of Indian groups such tist who aggressively led Boeing's military When Lall headed the Boeing commer- as Tata, L&T and Mahindra. and commercial division in India for sever- cial arm it won over $25 billion worth of Lall is among the new breed of profes- al years. commercial aircraft business in three sionals to join RIL from other companies. A Lall is joining RIL as president for a new years, and during the past four years when few years ago, the group had hired R venture which would be focused on home- he headed defence, space and security Ravimohan as executive to transform busi- land security and aerospace, sources said. the company scooped up almost $10 bil- ness processes from Standard & Poor's. A A RIL spokesperson declined to comment. lion worth of business in India. few months into his new assignment, According to market sources, Lall could into the security sector could have sig- Ravimohan had died of a heart attack. be leading the new RIL venture with cut- nificant impact on the entire industry, giv- Other professionals who have joined the ting-edge homeland security solutions. en the over-dependence of India on foreign group in the recent past include ex- There is also speculation that the group suppliers for security solutions. Homeland Citibanker V Srikanth and Gwyn Sundagul could go further down and enter aero- security is a major growth sector, with na- from Tesco Thailand. Srikanth was ap- space arena at an appropriate time, one tional security agencies and state police pointed as deputy CFO in July 2010 while source said. forces on an unprecedented moderniza- Sundagul heads the Reliance Value retail Reliance sources said Lall's appoint- tion drive. format since December 2009.

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 45 VROOM

EVERYBODY’S BLUE-EYED BABY VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS THE ALL NEW PASSAT WITH BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGIES IN INDIA olkswagen, Europe's leading car The all-new Passat will be the introduction of the Passat in 2007, and manufacturer unveiled the all-new three successful years later it gives us Passat with the highly innovative exclusively available with great pleasure to bring the latest genera- VBlueMotion Technologies for India BlueMotion Technologies in tion to the market. today. The all-new Passat will be exclusively The all-new Passat will be available to India and the distinctive in- available with BlueMotion Technologies in customers in the diesel variant in both au- novations will work together India and the distinctive innovations will tomatic and manual transmissions, start- to achieve good fuel efficien- work together to achieve good fuel effi- ing at 20.80 lakhs ex showroom Delhi from ciency and reduced emissions without de- 8 April, 2011. It will be available in all three cy and reduced emissions priving customers from the fun of driving. trim levels - Highline, Comfortline and without depriving customers It is a design into the future with up- Trendline. graded comfort, convenience, quality and Speaking about this new launch, Mr. from the fun of driving. It is a safety, and more importantly cleaner and Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and design into the future with extremely fuel efficient." Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, upgraded comfort, conven- Mr. Lutz Kothe, Head of Marketing and Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd. PR Volkswagen Group Sales Pvt. Ltd. said, "We started our journey in India with ience, quality and safety... added by saying, "The Volkswagen Brand's

46 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS VROOM BlueMotion Technologies

BlueMotion Technologies is a range of innovations and refinements that repre- sent the cleanest, most energy efficient cars in the Volkswagen range. These are technologies that work together to achieve fuel efficiency and reduce emis- sions without taking the fun out of driv- ing.

The all-new Passat comes to India with a range of BlueMotion Technologies:

TDI Engine: A 2.0L CR TDI engine with an output of 170PS and torque of 350 NM @ 1750-2500 rpm offers abundant torque, outstanding power output while assuring low fuel consumption Auto Start-Stop System: The efficient Start-Stop technology cuts emissions Excerpt from an interview with CTO VW India with our technology correspon- and saves fuel by automatically switch- dent CAPT VINAY GOYAL.. ing off the engine when waiting in traffic, and starts automatically when the driver 1. New Passat is promoting bluemotion technology, what is blue technology & wishes to resume elaborate VW strategy behind this specific initiative? Brake Energy Recuperation: BlueMotion Technologies are a whole range of innovations and refinements Recovers and recycles energy normally that help to save fuel and money, without taking the fun out of driving. They are lost during braking, thereby saving fuel the efficient technologies in our cars, which reduce CO2 emissions significantly and cutting emissions and are one of the contributions of Volkswagen to the protection of the environ- DSG Dual Clutch Gearbox: Combines ment. the comfort and convenience of an au- tomatic transmission with the efficiency 2. New Passat is priced with Merc C series and BMW 3 series, how VW is con- and performance of a manual gearbox. fident of overcoming the stiff challenge? Rapid and precise gear changes are the We would not like to compare models, however we know that we have an ex- key advantages of this gearbox over au- cellent product for the market and the all-new Passat will be well accepted by our tomatic ones, besides ensuring higher customers. In fact, the all-new Passat offers good value thanks to its optimized fuel efficiency and reduction of carbon features, whereas the same features are offered in cars in the segment above emissions. For those who still wish to and available at a much higher price. change gears manually the tiptronic shift function makes it possible too. 3. The current slow-ddown of Japan car industry due to recent earthquake has Gear Shift Indicator: An intelligent gear provided an opportunity for major players like VW to increase its market share in shift prompt that is available in the man- India, any specific short term strategy to expand VW brand in India? ual transmission that leads to significant We will continue to focus on our current strategy to further establish the Brand reduction in fuel consumption in the market.

Ltd. added by saying, "The Volkswagen lar bay on its own. gives the all new Passat an even more Brand's commitment to sustainability is The new Attention Assist detects driver dominant, high-class look which is rein- translated through the innovations of the fatigue and warns him/her with an forced by the bi-xenon headlamps, along BlueMotion Technologies. These efficient acoustic signal and a visual message on with rounded in-set headlamps and LED technologies have been implemented in the instrument cluster recommending a daytime running lights. Straight lines and a range of Volkswagen cars and are break from driving cleanly sculpted surface is enhanced by among the cleanest and most fuel effi- The Acoustic Sound Lamination in the a strong prominent C Pillar. cient in the world. The introduction of the front and rear windshields substantially Interior: The all-new Passat is an epito- all-new Passat further emphasizes dampens the traffic noise from outside me of luxury and comfort with the finest Volkswagen Brand's commitment to for a calm and pleasant cabin quality material, perfectly colour-coordi- India." Climate Seats with active ventilation nated panels and distinctively designed and massage function for the driver and instrumentation that is effortless to read. Best in Class Technologies: front passenger to enhance driving com- Now available with electronic parking The Park Assist takes over during the fort break, keyless entry and start options, parking process and maneuvers the car Vehicle Outline the all new Passat emits a pure sense of into any suitable parallel or perpendicu- Exterior: The new front-end design luxury.

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 47 Indian artist can be a global icon: Monika Gaba FASHION

Q. You have a unique exposure of working in Hollywood and Bollywood, what is the basic work difference between the two places? A. Having worked on both Hollywood and Bollywood projects, I've noticed Indian films are made at a much faster pace. The scenes are shot and wrapped up quickly, in comparison, hence the high volume of Bollywood releases every year. The other dif- ference is the content spread. For example, a conventional Hindi movie will have a little bit of all life elements in a single film. Some comedy, drama, romance, music and action, all sewn into one sto- ry. On the other hand, Hollywood tends to stick to one genre throughout a given film. It's either a comedy or action throughout, more or less.

Q. How is an Indian artist taken up in a pure Hollywood envi- ronment? A. Hollywood is currently a fruitful environment to be in for an Indian actor. There are a lot of projects being made with leads and supporting parts for the East Indian ethnicity. And it doesn't stop there. Since we have physical similarities with the Latin American, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and Greek/mediterranean looks, an Indian artist can easily cross over to those parts as well. The in- dustry here takes very well to ethnic actors and is open-minded, and even excited, about the possibility of seeing someone "differ- ent" in a project. Q. Your favorite Hollywood and Bollywood artists? A. My favorite artist in Bollywood is Shahrukh Khan. He is an original and he carries the same magnetism off-screen that he has on-screen. Amongst the Hollywood circle, my favorites are Russell Crowe, Kristen Stewart, Ben Stiller and the new success Jessie Eisenberg. Q. Tell us about your dream project that you would like to do in Bollywood and Hollywood? A. In Bollywood - I would love to see an action film with a female lead, in the vein of "Salt", "Tomb Raider"or "Kill Bill". That would be a dream project for me, and also something I have not seen yet in Indian cinema. In terms of filmmakers, Madhur Bhandarkar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Vidhu Vinod Chopra pop into my mind, immediately. They have very strong female roles without compro- mising the character's femininity. In Hollywood- There are so many fantastic projects and film- makers here. I love pushing my boundaries as an actor. I gear to- wards material that is edgy, but I recently worked on a comedy which was a blast. The next one may be action, maybe a musical. So I can't wait for the next surprise. (Inputs from Arnab Kar, Fashion correspondent based in USA)

Son of Morning, The TELEVISION Spoken Languages: English, VITAL Goddess, Hothead entertain- Untitled Jamie Foxx Comedy Hindi, Urdu ment/Yaniv Raz, Dostana, Sketch, Fashion Model, Fox Musical Instruments: Guitar STATS Anaita Dharma, Karan Johar TV,MTV Video Music Awards, Dance: Belly, Club/Freestyle production, Vale Tudo, Opening Video-Live TeleCast AWARDS Gender: Female Ringo's girlfriend, Devon MTV, South Beach(TV Dulce Art Awards/Theatre Height: 5 feet 8 in Media Group, Infinite, Sara, Series), Runway Model, Institute of South Florida, Weight: 120 lbs 79 Productions, Full Grown Jennnifer Lopez Nominated-Best breakthrough Physique: Slim Men, Neighbor, David production(UPN), Model performance, 2007 Hair Length: Long Munro/Grottofilms, Sushi Season(TV Series), Monika(as Nominated by the Theatre Eyes: Brown Bar, Amelia, Lost Cause herself), Plum TV Institute of South Florida Voice Type: Alto Productions/Thiago Lima The Emmys 2009 (regional- FILMS Production Performance Skills: Singing, suncoast), Nominated Best Dancing entertainment/documentary

OPINION EXPRESS MAY 2012 I 49 POST SCRIPT JAY BHANDARI APPOINTED TO FAIR- FAX, VIRGINIA COUNTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Prominent Indian American community activist and GOPIO Northern Virginia President, Jay Bhandari, has been appointed by Fairfax (Virginia) County Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Sharon Bulova, in Citizens Advisory committee on Reapportionment of the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Bhandari will He is also director of Indian Cultural Coordination committee and represent the Asian Pacific Islander community. This committee Chairman Public Relations committee of the Jain Society of Metro will plan and advise the Board on redistricting options. Mr. Washington area. He has also served as President of Jain Society Bhandari is the only person in 19 members committee from the of South Florida (2001-2002). Indian American community. Mr. Bhandari has organized several successful big events in- Jay Bhandari has been a successful community activist and cluding largest Diwali Mela of the decade in 2009, Grand Hindi political leader for the Indian community in numerous capacities. Kavi Sammelan in Metropolitan Washington area in 2010. Other He is the immediate past President of Association of United events organized include: Republic Day, Independence Day, Hindu & Jain Temples of Metro Washington, which is a congre- Diwali celebration, Holi Mela or Community picnic. gation of 15 Temples in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. SHASHI RUIA NAMED GUYANA'S PRESIDENT BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR JAGDEO CONFERRED WITH GOPIO Life Member Shashi Ruia has been named as INDIAN DOCTORATE DEGREE Businessman of the Year at the 29th Business India Award event. Shashi Ruia, Chairman, Essar Group, is a first gen- Guyana's President Bharrat Jagdeo was conferred with the Doctor eration entrepreneur industrialist. He has made invaluable of Literature by the Padmashree Dr. D. Y Patil University in Mumbai contributions toward strengthening the core and infra- at its Annual Convocation ceremony on February 8, 2011. The uni- structure sectors in India and has steered the Essar versity is part of the D. Y Patil Group, one of the largest groups Group to a premier position in global industry. in India in the area of private education with over 100 Mr Ruia has masterminded the group's educational institutions with over 100,000 stu- business strategy and consolidated a dents covering a range of disciplines. Along range of activities through back- with President Jagdeo, there were two other ward and forward integration. This recipients: Professor M. S Swaminathan has enabled the group unleash who lauded the important contribution unique synergies across its Guyana has been making towards sus- businesses. tainable forest management and offer- Today, the Essar Group is a ing lessons that can serve as a global multinational conglomerate example for other forest countries. The and a leading player in the sec- other recipient was Dr. Makarand tors of Steel, Oil & Gas, Power, Jawadekar, former executive of Pfizer Communications, Shipping, global research and development who re- Ports & Logistics, Projects and ceived a Doctor of Science. Minerals. With operations in more than 20 countries across five conti- TWO INDIAN AMERICANS NAMED nents, the Group employs 60,000 people, 2011 FELLOWS BY SKADDEN FOUN- with revenues of USD 15 billion. Mr Ruia is also on DATION several important national bodies and industry associa- tions, including the Federation of Indian Chambers of Two Indian Americans, Sushil Jacob and Devi Rao are among the Commerce and Industry (FICCI) the Indo-US Joint Business 29 candidates named as Fellows by the Skadden Fellowship Council and the Indian National Ship Owners Association Foundation for the year 2011.Jacob is with the East Bay Community (lNSA). Law Center in Berkeley, California and advocates to advance green In 2007, Mr Ruia joined an elite list of achievers who will community economic development by providing free, comprehen- independently fund The Elders, a group of world renowned sive legal services to low-income entrepreneurs. personalities who have joined hands to tackle the world's Rao seeks to improve protection against gender-based bullying most difficult problems. Widely regarded as one of the ar- and preventing and remedying such harassment by seeking en- chitects of modem India, Shashi Ruia has a passion for ed- hanced enforcement of Title IX, in collaboration with school districts ucation and mentoring young talent. and advocacy groups. Rao works with the National Women's Law Center in Washington.

50 I MAY 2012 OPINION EXPRESS

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