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COVER STORY WAKE UP CALL FOR NATIONAL PARTIES

RNI UP-ENG70032/92, Vol 20, No 4 Akhilesh EDITOR PRASHANT TEWARI ASSOSIATE EDITOR Dr RAHUL MISRA task cut out POLITICAL EDITOR PRAKHAR MISRA hough it early days to judge Akhilesh wave BUREAU CHIEF that swept UP recently, the architect of GOPAL CHOPRA (), VEELAAS TSamajwadi Party's outstanding win, KENJALE (MUMBAI), SOUMEN ACHARYA as Chief Minister of Uttar (KOLKATA), DIVYASH BAJPAI (USA), KAPIL DUDAKIA (U.K.) RAJIV AGNIHOTRI Pradesh has a tough task on hand in tackling (MAURITIUS), ROMIL RAJ (DUBAI), HER- lawlessness and fulfilling promises made in his MAN SILOCHAN (CANADA), YASHWANT party manifesto. AMIN [AUS/NZ] His skill would be under test in dealing with CONTENT PARTNER the issue given the background of the militant image of SP Pratham Pravakta LEGAL ADVISOR workers,he has an uphill task of dispelling 's image of ASHOKA KUMAR THAKUR,GAURAV being lax in tackling lawlessness. But within days of assuming office, BHATIA Akhilesh Yadav has disappointed many people by giving the impression MARKETING DIRECTOR that these pressing concerns may be beyond his ability to deal with. DIWAKAR SHETTY ADMINITRATION DIRECTOR A disproportionately large number of ministers inducted into his gov- BAL MUKUND GAUR ernment have long histories of crime, serious attacks on political oppo- CORPORATE COMMUNICATION nents of the ruling party, and on dalits, have taken place. QUEENIE SINGH If crime persists and “goonda raj” — which many thought characterised GRAPHICS & DESIGN GREY CELLS the SP’s previous tenure — returns, an environment hospitable to industry, ONLINE PRESENTATION social cohesiveness and political stability will prove elusive. We hope the AMIT SONI CM can rise above the constraints imposed by the core social base that PHOTOGRAPHER brought him to office. K P SINGH OVERSEAS MARKETING Another uphill task for him would be in his dealings with the party sen- OEMCL(Mauritius), OEHCL (DUBAI) iors who may be upset at the sudden transition taking place in it. and Shivpal Yadav initially relented the idea by putting Mulayam ADVERTISEMENT / PR / CIRCULATION Singh’s candidature to head the UP government but Mulayam Singh was VINAY GOYAL DHRUV JANAK & CO. R -51 BASEMENT, firm in putting Akhilesh on the driving seat hence trounce was made RAMESH PARK,LAXMI NAGAR,DELHI-92 between them. Despite being aware of the power he wields in SP, Akhilesh TELE: +919871232631FAX: 011-22056817 always presented himself as amodest young man. His challenges also include ways to fulfil his poll manifesto of providing VIJAY KALANTRI - ADVISOR NEW EXCELSIOR BUILDING, 6TH FLOOR, tablets and laptops to high school and intermediate pass outs, doling out A.K. NAYAK MARG, un-employment allowance which would cause excessive burden on the FORT, MUMBAI - 400 001 (). stateexchequer. Dispelling the common perception that the Samajwadi PHONE : 91 - 22 - 2201 9265 / 2201 9160 Party led by his father had an old school mindset, FAX : 91-22- 2201 9764 / 2201 9760 Akhilesh as the party's chief campaigner emerged as its modern face in the assembly elections. The magazine is published and printed by Rajiv Agnihotri for Opinion Express Forging ahead against personal attacks from rivals, the civil environ- Communications & Entertainments Pvt ment engineer talked about development shedding SP's image of being Ltd, from 2 Ashok Nagar, And anti-computers and anti-English. The architect of Samajwadi Party's out- printed at Kumpu Graphic Press. standing win was also firm in denying election tickets to candidates with criminal antecedents. EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICE OPINION EXPRESS HOUSE Though to Akhilesh Yadav credit, he is growing in a mature mass leader 24 - A Clyde Road, Lucknow-226001 (India) Ph: 91-522-4045728/4060880 with huge fan following amongst youth in the state. He is perceived to be Fax: 91-522-2208242 the bridge between conventional ideology of samajwad and modern out- 24x7 mobility +91 9984437000x Email: [email protected] look in the party fold. Fortunately for him, he has tasted power in the past hence the present post will not make him berserk. Akhilesh remains a level headed young leader even after the coronation as Chief Minister of All content published may be subject to copyright, seek written permission to re-produce. Opinion countries largest state. Now the serious business of governance will test Express is trade mark brand of Opinion the character of rising star of Indian politics. Express Communications & Entertainment Private Limited. Prashant Tewari

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 03 APRIL 2012 COVER STORY Wake up call for national parties

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04 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S Genral's Letter Bomb fter age row, it's the letter bomb. There is no dearth of controversy Afor the Army chief Gen VK Singh. Although, he has reiterated that some "rogue elements" were trying to project a "schism" between him and defence minister A K Antony, the damage has already been done to the one of the world's biggest forces. Facing flak and demands for his removal over some of his comments and moves, Gen Singh issued a state- ment trying to clear the air saying that projections of schism between him and Antony was "untrue and needed to be guarded against". He said for the media to constantly project every issue as a battle between the government and the army chief is "misleading". The Army chief's attempt to further cool tempers comes a day after Antony expressed government's confidence in the service chiefs. Antony also vowed to give maximum punishment to those behind the leak of Gen Singh's letter to the Prime Minister in which he had spoken about lack of defence preparedness. Gen Singh had also issued a state- ment calling the leak a high treason and its source should be treated ruth- lessly. The Army chief, who had lost his bat- tle with the government over the age row, had recently raised the hackles of the government by giving an interview claiming he was offered Rs 14 crores in bribes to swing a sub-standard deal. The leak of the letter to the Prime Minister raised tensions between the two sides. "There have been a string of leaks culminating in the public airing of letter extension the Chief of Army Staff waters. to hon'ble ," Gen (COAS) are also a part of the govern- Referring to the recent controversy Singh said. ment. over his statement on bribe, he said the He said "we are duty bound to serve "There are rogue elements in our timing pertaining to the bribe issue has our country and to protect the institu- society which have played an active role drawn considerable attention. "It is tional integrity of the army at all costs in trying to project a schism between pointed out that after the matter was even if we sometimes have to look with- the Defence Minister and the COAS. brought to the honourable Raksha in. "He said that institutional corrective This is untrue and needs to guarded Mantri's notice, certain steps had been steps were taken earlier after his talks against," he said. taken institutionally to keep a wary eye with AK Antony. Meanwhile, the govern- Gen Singh said "we have to identify on the retired officer who had offered ment today said the defence minister within the confines of the system and of the bribe. has ordered a CBI probe into a case the law and expose these (rogue) ele- "18 months later, the person resur- relating to public sector undertaking ments." faced in the beginning of March this BEML even as inquiry was on into a He said freedom of speech and indi- year and launched a smear campaign complaint about an alleged scam in vidual opinions need to be respected under the veil of anonymity alleging that purchase of Tatra trucks. but frivolous and uninformed com- the army was snooping on the Defence Gen Singh said the army and by ments on these issue only muddy the Minister of India.

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 05 COVER STORY 2012 ASSEMBLY POLLS: WAKE UP CALL FOR NATIONAL PARTIES

he people have delivered their verdict and before the 2014 General elections, the message is loud and clear - a wake up call for the national parties. TSeveral factors have contributed to the SP's kitty, anti-incumbency being just one of them. The Upper Caste or Brahmin vote which had aligned with the enabling it to form a Government of its own, failed to work this time. The 'Social Engineering' flopped though Chief Minister rehabil- itated the party's Brahmin face Satish Mishra and gave tickets to large num- ber of Brahmins as the community felt that the development, if any, was con- fined to Ambedkar villages and per- ceived as provocative and wasteful the lavish spending on statues of Dalit icons. Added to that was the Dalit leader's total disconnect with the masses, com- munication gap with the media and growing dependence on a motley crowd of bureaucrats and sycophants. On the other hand, the Congress concentrated solely on the Muslim card and this last minute rhetoric and aggressive wooing only proved counter- productive. The party, which till date, never took cognizance of the Sachar

06 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S Committee Report or implemented the Rangnath Mishra Commission report The BJP, on its part, was a deeply divided house, seeking to was suddenly concerned about their cash in on the popularity of an 'imported leader' even as it plight. Statements about UPA Chairperson Sonia weeping ignored its own charismatic state leaders such as Varun over the Batla House encounter victims, Gandhi. The party's poster boy avoided the though later clarified, only served to dis- tance the community further besides state altogether exposing the chinks in its armour. The alienating the majority Hindus as well. Kushwaha episode also did not add to its credibility. The BJP, on its part, was a deeply divided house, seeking to cash in on Apart from restoring its credibility large number of young voters, who saw the popularity of an 'imported leader' among Muslims, who had divorced in him a fresh breeze and a future even as it ignored its own charismatic Mulayam after his 'unholy' alliance with leader. state leaders such as . , the credit for SP's per- Of course, the promises of unem- The party's poster boy Narendra formance also goes to the emergence ployment and health doles, computers Modi avoided the state altogether of Akhilesh Yadav as a leader to reckon and other sops also contributed exposing the chinks in its armour. The with, one of the major highlights of this immensely in adding to the SP's kitty Kushwaha episode also did not add to election. With his earthy wit and style, and if the party falters on these, the its credibility. Mulayam junior was able to charm the same voters would show it the door in

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 07 the 2014 general elections. An over estimation of Manpreet An over estimation of Manpreet Badal's ability to divide the Badal's ability to divide the Akalis, inability to woo Dera Sacha Sauda vot- Akalis, inability to woo Dera Sacha Sauda voters and ers and Captain Amarinder Singh's fail- Captain Amarinder Singh's failure to match up to Badal ure to match up to Badal senior's senior's stature and appeal proved to be the Congress' stature and appeal proved to be the Congress' undoing in Punjab while in undoing in Punjab while in , incumbent B.C. Uttarakhand, incumbent B.C. Khanduri's image appears to have saved the day for BJP. Khanduri's image appears to have Much would also depend on how BSP would play its cards in saved the day for BJP. Much would also depend on how BSP would play its the state. cards in the state. Absence of a credible opposition launched by them also hurt the The results in electorally crucial Uttar and the entry of Naga People's Front Congress across the country. Congress Pradesh shows it has miles to go before helped the consolidation in favour of would certainly be on the backfoot, par- the elections in 2014. There the ruling Congress in Manipur while ticularly ahead of the Rajya Sabha and is no credible national leadership that the massive corruption seems to have Presidential elections later this year. guides BJP today and the state leader- queered the pitch for the party in Goa. The BJP too would do well not to rest ship are fighting to build supremacy Of course, the civil society activists on laurels if it retains Uttarakhand and over each other rather than going to the or the anti-corruption movement Punjab and wrests Goa from Congress. masses. The every decision made

08 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S A section of the party contends that the 4.5 per cent reservation for minorities decided by the Congress-led coalition at the Centre just a few days before the announcement of the election schedule did more harm than good for the party.

port from Muslims in the 2009 elec- tions had ensured the Congress to win as many as 22 Lok Sabha seats giving the first signs of the revival of the organisation in its one-time bastion. But the Muslims may have shifted away this time, they feel. Congress has been in political wilderness in UP for the past 22 years in the wake of the Mandal and Mandir upsurge. In almost all of these 22 Lok Sabha seats, Muslim vote was crucial ranging from two to three lakh and in con- stituencies like Moradabad it was upto six lakh. At that time, a sizable section of Muslims was having second thoughts in backing Mulayam Singh Yadav as the SP supremo had tied up with Kalyan Singh who was the BJP chief minister during demolition of Babri Masjid in December 1992. The statements by some leaders of likely imposition of President's rule in UP if the Congress failed to get majority created an atmosphere of instability and sent the signal that the party was not confident to form government on its lacks proper planning and the account- schedule did more harm than good for own. ability factor is drastically missing with the party. This section says that detrac- Congress in UP, a section feels, the party leadership. RSS is an obsolete tors of the party were quick to project failed to present a united picture in the organization trying to bring wild ideas in the move as one detrimental to inter- campaign as leaders started making a old country but having young popula- ests of backward Muslims in UP. one upmanship to project themselves tion. The statements of Union Minister as the chief ministerial candidates. As for Congress, it is time for serious Salman Khurshid on the Muslim sub- As against this, Yadav went method- introspection. Otherwise they would quota issue added fuel to fire, while, at ically to correct his mistakes and win end up the 'India Shining' way. the same time, antagonising the back the Muslim support that had The talk in the party is that Rahul's Election Commission. earned him the sobriquet of Maulana 'Mission UP 2012' collapsed due to off The statements of Union ministers Mulayam for the way he protected the cuff remarks, controversial com- and Sriprakash minorities after the demolition of Babri ments and raking up of sentimental Jaiswal did not help matters. The raking Masjid.Mulayam brought in his son issues by senior party leaders including up of the Batla encounter issue by Akhilesh Yadav as the SP Union ministers. Congress General Secretary Digvijay chief giving unmistakable signals that A section of the party contends that Singh also appeared to have not gone the younger Yadav will battle it out with the 4.5 per cent reservation for minori- down well with the Muslims. Such state- Gandhi for the UP turf. ties decided by the Congress-led coali- ments appeared to have helped the BJP tion at the Centre just a few days before to polarise the voter to a certain extent. Inputs PTI & Courtesy K.G. Suresh the announcement of the election Party leaders insist that sizable sup- is a Delhi-bbased senior journalist .

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 09 THE ROYAL BATTLE OF POLITICAL DYNASTIES Metropolitan arrogance would have compared a Rahul triumph over Akhilesh as natural - akin to, say, India beating Zimbabwe in cricket

here were many battles that were simultaneously being fought in Uttar Pradesh over the Tpast three months. The first was in the constituencies between candi- dates for the privilege of becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly. The second was between political par- ties over the right to form a government in Lucknow. The third was a battle between different claimants to the post of chief minister. Yet, for a large part of the outside world, it was the fourth con- test that caught the imagination: an unstated battle royal between the heirs of two political dynasties. On Tuesday, as the Samajwadi Party (SP) coasted to a convincing victory, recording the best performance by any political party since 1985, the unani- mous verdict was that Akhilesh Yadav, son of Mulayam Singh Yadav, had easi- ly trounced the heir apparent of the Nehru-Gandhi family. An impression- able (and, often, craftily gullible) media that had been detecting pro-Congress undercurrents in chai shop talks were quick to change their tune and proclaim Akhilesh as the more authentic repre- sentative of the emerging young India. , whose energetic campaigning had mesmerised the babalogs, and who was confidently pre- dicted to secure at least 100 seats for the Congress was, for the moment, dis- carded in embarrassment. Sundry

Rahul Gandhi, whose energetic campaigning had mesmerised the babalogs, and who was confidently predicted to secure at least 100 seats for the Congress was, for the moment, discarded in embarrassment.

10 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S anchors and pundits who till the other found wanting. The implication was day were ready to proclaim that India obvious: Rahul must rule India and the needed a break from the wooden style The point is not that Digvijay Yadav, Badal and Patnaik families of the good suddenly Singh was falling back on a should confine themselves to the discovered a hidden streak of insolence disingenuous argument to states. when interrogating dejected Congress The point is not that Digvijay Singh stalwarts who, in turn, tried to balance firewall Rahul. It is my was falling back on a disingenuous political realities with craven dynastic feeling that he was being argument to firewall Rahul. It is my feel- loyalty. The Establishment of India rev- deadly serious in his ing that he was being deadly serious in elled as the first family squirmed with his assertion. He didn't mean to be embarrassment at the near-zero assertion. He didn't mean to offensive. He sincerely believed that the returns from a high investment scheme. be offensive. He sincerely governance of the nation and the for- It is fair to say that had the shoe tunes of the Gandhi were inextricably been on the other foot, the reactions believed that the governance linked. One couldn't do without the would have been more subdued. of the nation and the other. Metropolitan arrogance would have fortunes of the Gandhi were What was put to test in Uttar compared a Rahul triumph over Pradesh in the just-concluded Assembly Akhilesh as natural and almost pre- inextricably linked. One election was two very different mentali- ordained - akin to, say, India beating couldn't do without the ties. The Congress and, for that matter, Zimbabwe in cricket. a section of the BJP, are puzzled by the Falling back on defensive conde- other. growing clout of the regional parties. scension, the suave Congress general They are unable to comprehend why an secretary Digvijay Singh told a TV chan- as Akhilesh. Each had their place and Uttar Pradesh which, till just 15 years nel in all seriousness that Rahul, having when it came to the nation in its entire- ago, imagined itself to be synonymous a "national perspective" could not be ty, the likes of Akhilesh and for that with the nation has now voluntarily cho- put on par with a "regional leader" such matter Naveen Patnaik were to be sen to be relegated to the level of the

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 11 states. inapplicable. The mega-welfare To believe that India's largest state By this logic India should schemes promoted by Congress presi- has suddenly become narrow minded is dent and the do-gooder to be unmindful of a very different phe- also start behaving National Advisory Council have floun- nomenon: the enlargement of the idea politically more like one dered precisely because they can't fit of India. The past three decades has nation and less like 25 Punjab, Bihar, Gujarat and Uttar witnessed a greater integration of India. Pradesh simultaneously. Yet, this is pre- There is now far greater mobility of pop- different nations under one cisely the point that is insufficiently ulation than at any point in India's his- flag and Constitution. Yet, appreciated by the Planning tory; the insularity of village India has Commission, the pan-Indian cosmopoli- been shattered by better communica- and this is the paradox, the tan elite and, most important, the tions, access to the media and the political behaviour of the Congress' first family refuse to compre- emergence of a national market. Delhi nation was far more hend. They are still stuck in the cen- may still be a long way from the district tralised legacy of the Nehru order. headquarters but it is less distant than composite when Indira More to the point, this political pan- it was 30 years ago. From Bollywood Gandhi was at the helm than Indianism is convenient and an alterna- and cricket to terrorism, there are many tive to activism that is rooted in the more national concerns to the 25-year- when Rahul Gandhi is trying regional ethos. old youth than confronted his grandfa- to find his feet. Today's There was a time when federalism ther. political India speaks in a was resisted because it was believed to By this logic India should also start compromise the "unity and integrity" of behaving politically more like one multitude of voices. India. Today, an India more secure in its nation and less like 25 different nations nationhood seeks governance that is under one flag and Constitution. Yet, India speaks in a multitude of voices. less remote and more accountable. and this is the paradox, the political The explanation for this phenome- These impulses have implicitly chal- behaviour of the nation was far more non is best left to the scholars. In lenged the assumptions that necessi- composite when was at understanding politics, however, what tated a national political dynasty. Rahul the helm than when Rahul Gandhi is is important is the recognition that the may be a victim of the impersonal trying to find his feet. Today's political one-size-fits-all approach is no longer forces of history.

12 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S AKHILESH YADAV: SP'S POSTER BOY IS THE RIGHTWING SOCIALIST

hough it is early to predict the national impact of emer- gence of Akhilesh Yadav but surely with his influence over 80 odd parliamentary seats courtesy UP 2012 massive Tvictory of Uttar Pradesh has turned the equation upside down in Delhi. Uttar Pradesh is India's most populous and politically key state where Gandhi had hoped to stage a revival for Congress as it prepares to contest national elections in 2014 but Akhilesh has uprooted that plan at least for the time being . The young leader, Akhilesh Yadav, is only 38. For the minefield of Indian pol- itics, any age below 40 could be termed a gawky position to start an electoral race. This is the heart of India, where six prime ministers have sharpened their political grammar skills and pol- ished their realpolitik positions. In the spring of 2012, Akhilesh nim- ble-foots the bicycle pedal of Indian socialism. The young warhorse talks softly and walks briskly. Any punctua- tion in conversation is dotted with solemn, quick-witted humour and a big smile. One only has to see him in the midst of a mammoth public rally to appreciate how his strong personal charm lifts the spirit of the crowds. Modern in his approach, when he rides his cycle, he shuffles his Blackberry between his right and left hands like a trapeze artist, shooting messages to socialist cadre through Facebook statuses and tweets. His sta- tuses on Facebook are mission state- ments. Facebook and Twitter are his gravy train. Akhilesh considers the Internet as a strong force of democracy. The tech-socialist is an adventurer in

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 13 his own rights. Undoubtedly, he is the stalwarts. Albert Einstein intrigues him So, what violent gust of wind politician who takes risk. as much as Sigmund Freud and Karl So, what violent gust of wind has Marx. In his view, Einstein was one of has propelled a shy, simple propelled a shy, simple and smooth the towering socialists. Behind the red and smooth talking young talking young socialist politician into the curtain, he was learning about the socialist politician into the centre of national and international levers of social security, social attention? Six months ago when he Darwinism, social hierarchy, social psy- centre of national and was bracing for the big battle on a chology, social distortion and social international attention? Six snazzy red motor chariot of revolution health wellness while he was compar- (Kraanti Rath), Indian media was guard- ing communism, capitalism and social- months ago when he was ed in its judgment. Far from being a ism. However, Akhilesh believes in com- bracing for the big battle on toast of cocktail discourses in neon-lit mand system where both socialism and a snazzy red motor chariot of salons of New Delhi and Bombay, he communism mingles to set the stage was dismissed by a heavy list of opinion where government owns all property revolution (Kraanti Rath), makers and mediaratti as 'son of his rights and also makes all the decisions. Indian media was guarded in father's socialist palace which was In a way, he wants the government to its judgment. Far from being pockmarked with un-sophistication and own all of the business firms and pro- complex legacy'. duce what the government deemed a toast of cocktail Post Farrukhabad debacle, the chal- necessary, especially where peasantry discourses in neon-lit salons lenges before the young socialist were welfare is concerned. And, India is an herculean. He was hoisted in the office agricultural country and the socialists of New Delhi and Bombay, he of state presidency by his father and draw maximum support from the farm- was dismissed by a heavy list told in no uncertain terms to reverse lands. There are skeptics who argue of opinion makers and the setback. Debacle, actually, was a equal opportunity society is not con- blessing in disguise for Akhilesh. ceivable under socialistic umbrella mediaratti as 'son of his Akhilesh is not a demonstrative because there are not enough tax rev- father's socialist palace politician. He is a well-read politician. enue to pay for the large number of For the past few years he has been social programmes, especially pro- which was pockmarked with reading about Bolshevism, Fabianism, young men and women policies. un-sophistication and Leninism, Maoism, Marxism, collective When Akhilesh began his most cov- complex legacy'. ownership, collectivism, communism, eted political journey six months ago, state ownership and a host of socialist his , Samajwadi Party,

14 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S was an antiquated and archaic organi- moment was more than successful in sation. He was determined not to let the "Akhilesh Yadav queered decimating the BSP and take advan- party stay in the closet. With the onset tage of the anti-incumbency factor. of the spring, he has achieved a turn- Rahul Gandhi's pitch, by "Akhilesh Yadav queered Rahul around even his bitterest baiters didn't projecting a youthful Gandhi's pitch, by projecting a youthful conceive. The environmental engineer modernist face, but with the modernist face, but with the added has astutely revived the socialist cam- advantages of being seemingly rooted paign in India's most populous added advantages of being in local social circumstance," wrote province, which is reputed for paving seemingly rooted in local analyst Pratap Bhanu Mehta in the the way for coronation in New Delhi. Indian Express. "He talked the language The man has engineered the u-turn social circumstance," wrote of aspiration." in the fortune of the Socialist party. He analyst Pratap Bhanu Mehta He also managed to change his is the original heir apparent of the in . "He party's image of being peopled by Socialist bandwagon and radiates the strongmen and thugs. promise and potential to rule not only a talked the language of In one landmark decision, Yadav province but the country in future. aspiration." insisted that an alleged criminal be Akhilesh is the daredevil socialist. refused a party ticket to contest the Samajwadi ended up with 224 out protests, Gandhi and the Congress election, reportedly against the wishes of the state's 403 seats, enabling it to party got just 28 seats. The results of some party stalwarts. The young form the state government without any show that Rahul and the Congress were man's view prevailed. need for a coalition. Despite an ener- hardly a challenge for the SP. Akhilesh's "People don't want old style politics getic campaign that saw him sleep in fight was always with the BSP and Dalit- and this is something that Akhilesh the huts of villagers and join farmers' ki-beti Mayawati. And the man of the understands, which his father Mulayam

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 15 At a press conference on election day in Lucknow, Yadav said law and order was the party's top priority. Akhilesh Yadav said that the SP was committed to implement its promises to the Muslim community and the party would press for implementation of Sachar and Rangnath Mishra Commission reports, besides promoting Urdu language. He said that the statues of Mayawati and elephants at various memorials built during the BSP regime would not be touched.

Singh didn't," said political analyst Amulya Ganguli. Akhilesh is more in sync with the new evolving world of an open economy and that is his appeal." At a press conference on election day in Lucknow, Yadav said law and order was the party's top priority. Akhilesh Yadav said that the SP was committed to implement its promises to the Muslim community and the party would press for implementation of Sachar and Rangnath Mishra Commission reports, besides promot- ing Urdu language. He said that the statues of Mayawati and elephants at various memorials built during the BSP regime would not be touched. "Akhilesh has definitely become a phenomenon," said political analyst Kuldip Nayar. "The perception of the party as being a party of goons has def- initely changed." Football and Laptops A former wrestler, Mulayam Singh Yadav first became chief minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1989, relying on the votes of farmers from his Yadav caste and Muslims. His party has a colourful history. "Bandit Queen" , an outlaw who rampaged through Uttar Pradesh in the 1980s, joined the Samajwadi Party and was elected to parliament before she was gunned down. But to many, the Samajwadi Party had become a tired brand that jarred with India's rise as a tech-savvy,

16 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S English-speaking, emerging economic giant. It used to campaign against com- puters on the grounds that they destroyed jobs, and against teaching English in schools. Akhilesh Yadav appears to have changed that. Although born in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav finished his education in Sydney, Australia, and speaks fluent English, although he is still careful to answer media questions in . In cricket-mad India, he loves foot- ball and supports the English club Manchester United. In the run-up to the 2012 campaign, he admitted to mistakes the party had made in the past and commissioned a series of surveys on how the party was viewed in the state. "Akhilesh Yadav was the poster boy for the Samajwadi Party in this cam- paign and he was the face that helped people to put behind them the unpleas- ant memories they had of the previous SP rule," said Siddharth Varadarajan, editor of newspaper. Instead of attacking technology, he promised free laptops to students. The party now has its own Facebook page. Based on this result he does seem the more politically astute of the two. But Yadav does not necessarily see it that way. After the results, he said of Gandhi: "Politics is like that. We lost last time but won this time. We may lose again. Similarly Rahul lost this time but may win tomorrow." The UP elections has thrown up the first genuine rival who possesses the talent and independent base - in a state like UP, no less - to mount a national challenge in the long run. rather it must start building credible Delhi to the various meetings and van- So will Rahul remain the Congress state level leadership to consolidate ished to Delhi. There was hardly any heir apparent despite the UP debacle? eroding base. It is a fact that in states communication between Rahul and the Yes. Will he be saved from the facing where Congress party has done badly media in the entire campaign. Son of the extent of his electoral humiliation by namely Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar soil and easy accessibility proved turn- a Samajwadi Party alliance? Most likely. and now UP, the party is missing credi- ing points in favour of Akhilesh over But all the spin in the world will not save ble leadership. On the contrary, Rahul wherein people voted for him to Rahul from the one great catastrophe Congress performed well in Delhi, replace Mayawati. . birthed by the UP elections: the rise of , Andhra Pradesh, Kerela pri- He also went all out to charm the Akhilesh Yadav. marily because all the states had young voters. It is apparent from the Irrespective of what happens in the dependable leadership face. People in youth which thronged to his rallies that aftermath of the results, Akhilesh is a UP went for Akhilesh solely because he was successful in his attempt. nightmare that will not go away - not Rahul was never in contention of state Ironically, Mulayam had spoken against unless his party fails to deliver once in leadership race. Secondly, Akhilesh computers and the English language in power. The more successful he is in UP, seems to be accessible to everybody 2009 inviting severe criticism but the the more he will be favourably com- including media. He obliged every Samajwadi Party has profiles and com- pared to Rahul. The UP elections may member of the fourth estate. He munity pages on Facebook and also an be over, but the battle of the scions patiently gave interviews to all channels account on Twitter. This amalgamation goes on. and journalists, answering all questions of socialism with technology is the real And for Congress party, it is a lesson with a refreshing candidness and did story of UP2012 elections.. to learn rather than throwing another not squirm when difficult ones were By Prakar Prakash Mishra with In cover up. Congress must stop depend- directed at him, Contrary to him, Rahul puts from Reuters, & Frank Huzur is ing on the charisma of Ganghi family, remained elusive. He just landed from biographer of Imran Khan

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 17 UP - 2012 ELECTIONS UP'S DEMOGRAPHIC TIME BOMB Uttar Pradesh is now home to a people with dangerously wide gaps in skills, income and caste Prashant Tewari

f Uttar Pradesh was to be declared a separate country today, it would be the sixth-largest nation. With a total population at par with Brazil, popu- lation density comparable to that of Ithe UK and per-capita income similar to Kenya's, it indicates the paradox of its citizen occupying the same space as his Latin and UK counterparts, yet living in conditions similar to those in Africa. Setting this hypothesis aside, let us visit a few demographic facts. Uttar Pradesh has nearly 80% rural popula- tion, and its 76% population comprises scheduled castes (SC) and backward classes. A quick analysis shows that by 2016, more than 95% of the 8.5 crore population in the 25-60 age group would be looking for earning opportuni- ties with neither sufficient education nor skills. "( 80% Rural population & 76% SC/OBC population has given birth to state level parties namely BSP and SP led by Ms Mayawati and Mulayam Singh Yadav respectively, tactically national parties namely Congress and BJP are lacking in appeal in rural and SC/OBC constituencies ) Even in the best-case scenario, we cannot expect more than 5-7 lakh grad- uates along with another 10 lakh sec- ondary-educated in that age group. The remaining would have attended only pri- mary or middle school, or no education at all. The picture becomes more alarm- ing when we see that the quality of edu- cation at lower levels is poor and com- pletely disconnected from increasing employability. Statisticians might argue that the unemployment rate in UP at 2-3% is quite low, and it may be true; but when

18 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S we view this through the lens of nature Gorakhpur and others. of employment, a different picture Now, let us look at west UP (The East West divide of UP in terms emerges. About 96% of the economic of development is huge, it has impacted activity in Uttar Pradesh is in the infor- that has nearly 32% Muslim the social demography of the popula- mal sector with low productivity and low population in 10 high-growth tion at large hence the voting patterns income. This mostly includes daily districts compared to an are different ) wagers working as agriculture labour- Now, let us look at west UP that has ers, construction workers, drivers, average of 17% in all of UP, nearly 32% Muslim population in 10 cleaners, carpenters, cooks, waiters, yet the benefits of growth high-growth districts compared to an kirana owners and so on. With very low average of 17% in all of UP, yet the ben- monthly per-capita expenditure (MPCE) seem to elude them. The efits of growth seem to elude them. The - about. 828 rural and 1,365 urban - we MPCE of Muslims in west UP MPCE of Muslims in west UP is 49% see a grave danger of incomes not is 49% lower than that of lower than that of Hindus whereas in matching expenditure. The low educa- east UP, the difference is only 16%. tion levels and work skills along with Hindus whereas in east UP, Another alarming figure is that west UP poor socioeconomic bargaining power the difference is only 16%. has the highest urban population of further dampen productivity, thereby 35%, indicating a strong case where the affecting income levels and making UP are spread over 27 districts of east two religious groups are strongly con- people more vulnerable. This vulnera- UP who live in despair with a MPCE of. centrated near each other with wide bility would be significantly high in the 838 compared to . 1,124 of west UP disparities in income, creating a situa- age group of 25-34 years, which would that comprises Noida, Ghaziabad and tion that could be easily exploited by see the highest rise in population to a richer districts of upper Gangetic Plain. religious forces. whopping 3.5 crore in 2016, almost a With more than a third of the state pop- ( Muslims votes are key in 128 con- 25% rise over the present population of ulation at the lowest MPCE, 90% rural stituencies specially in 10 districts of 2.8 crore. The aggregate position may and a burgeoning youth population, West UP and six districts of East UP . be alarming, but a region and religion- east UP is one of the most vulnerable Congress-RLD combine tie up in West wise dissection is starker. As in 2011, regions in India. No wonder we have UP is build on attracting Muslim votes nearly 8 crore of the 20 crore people in hotbeds of crime like , And SP is focused on Muslims votes on

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 19 A lot of debate today revolves around India's demographic dividend, drawing comparisons with China. However, India fail to analyse that China in the 1980s made some radical reforms in education and employment apart from industrial and investment policies which led to its phenomenal growth over the last two decades. the East UP But emergence of Peace Party may challenge SP position in 2012 elections) Though the state has witnessed sensitive situations between religious groups in the past, the last two decades have seen sharper divisions along caste and class lines. The state's 51% OBCs are divided in over 230 groups and its 25% SCs are now more sensitive around caste and class than religion. The OBCs in west UP have become stronger and are 23% more prosperous than their counterparts in east UP. ( 51% OBC population has thrown leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav ( SP ), Ajit Singh ( RLD ), Beni Prasad Verma ( Now with Congress ), Kalyan Singh ( Former BJP poster boy ), Vinay Katiyar / ( BJP ) And political parties like Apna Dal, Mahan Dal ETC ) Similarly, SCs in east UP have become the poorest in the country with an MPCE of. 699 while their counter- parts in west UP are located much above the state average at. 948. Such disparities have been consistently exploited by political parties, leading to inequity at the time of distribution of wealth, justice and services. Uttar drawing comparisons with China. labour markets have to be organised. Pradesh, which represents nearly a fifth However, India fail to analyse that China India cannot politicise the issue as of India, is reckoned as the biggest con- in the 1980s made some radical the danger cuts across party, religious tributor to the demographic and eco- reforms in education and employment and caste lines. Over the next decade, nomic paradigm in the country. With apart from industrial and investment the large pool of uneducated and rapidly-changing demographic trends, policies which led to its phenomenal unskilled youth mostly engaged in the the state would soon have a very large growth over the last two decades. informal sector with low productivity uneducated, unskilled and lowincome Learning from what China did 30 may become a 'liability' instead of 'divi- workforce that is vulnerable to crime, years ago, the government and policy- dend', unless acted upon now. anti-social activity and an easy target makers in our country and states have (The national planning authorities for radical groups. to put together an integrated approach must act, irrespective of which party that (Consolidation of Poor SC popula- to manage this looming danger. rules UP, state government has limited tion under the banner of BSP has made Industrial, investment, education and budget and vision hence the national Ms Mayawati strong in UP politics ) employment policies have to be government must take responsibility of A lot of debate today revolves aligned, parallel systems of skill bridging the gap between "have & have around India's demographic dividend, enhancement have to be set up and not's" in UP to avoid national disaster )

20 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S As a brand, Rahul Gandhi hasn't taken off' ood brands are all about clari- ty consistency and credibility. How does Rahul Gandhi score Gon these fronts as he wades into his biggest test yet? The verdict is not very flattering, despite his recent speech in Phulpur that surprised many for its stridency. Those in the business of brand-mak- ing say the Congress heir-apparent has miles to go before he can be considered a solid brand in the business of Indian politics. "Rahul is a product which peo- ple are trying to make into a brand," says Mithileshwar Jha, professor o f marketing, IIM-Bangalore . "A brand should have a clear franchise. We don't know enough about Rahul. Who is his audience ? Is he a socialist or a market friendly person? Does he want to take India into the 22nd century? His guerilla tactics of hit- ting out at opponents and then occupy- ing some other space won't work in pol- itics," he says. Moreover, a brand should be consis- tent, which some say Rahul isn't. His 'empathy' for the Kalavatis of India doesn't seem genuine as he hasn't done anything really substantial for them, says Jha. "His angry young man image in Phulpur isn't consistent with his personality which is not that of a street fighter." Rahul also needs to get a pan- Indian identity, stresses Prathap Suthan, chief creative officer of iYogi,a global consumer services brand. His "localized attempts" at attacking Mayawati over "mafia raj" and land parent and Narendra Modi investment- positive side, he's young, good-looking , acquisition aren't enough, says Suthan. friendly . educated and untainted - in short, "He could easily have taken the thunder What of Rahul Gandhi? So far it's refreshingly different. He seems to have out of 's crusade by sitting mainly the name, says Suthan. "Just the same value systems as us,"says on a fast along with him. He would have like a strong brand such as Nike stands Kakkar. gained public sympathy and been seen for a shoe and not soap, the Gandhi Whether those "value systems" will as serious about fighting corruption." name connotes statesmanship and fetch votes in the dustbowls of UP A brand is built over time and power. Rahul has to capitalize on that." remains to be seen. For Prasoon Joshi, requires assiduous planning. In that If he hasn't been able to do that yet,it's chairman and CEO of McCann sense, Rahul still has time on his side. partly because he is encumbered by Worldgroup India, Rahul is a brand wait- Ad film director Prahlad Kakkar says, the numerous scams that have tumbled ing to be launched. "Sometime he'll "You don't have to be macho or good- out of the Congress closet. It's also have to bite the bullet and UP could be looking for that. It's about decency, sen- because of his "lack of voice" , as Priti the testing ground." Both his friends sitivity and the capacity to push an Nair, director of Curry Nation, an ad and detractors are waiting for the ver- agenda." , he adds, was agency, puts it. dict - from the people. seen as a leader taking India into the "We hardly hear him talk. Even a Inputs - TOI article of Mithileshwar 21st century; Nitish Kumar is perceived spoof can't be done on him as he has Jha, professor of marketing, IIM- to be "modern", Oommen Chandy trans- no inimitable style," she says. On the Bangalore

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 21 Swamy in full support of SC process on 2G Subramanian Swamy: Where will he strike next? e is accused of being a destroyer, the one who changes parties frequently, one who strikes at will, a megalomaniac, unpre- Hdictable and a Nehru-Gandhi family baiter. Economist-turned politician, Dr Subramanian Swamy fields the volley of accusations in his inimitable style and shares his views and plan of action in an exclusive interview with K Ramachandra Murthy Dr Subramanian Swamy, the Harvard-educated economist-turned- politician, has been a fighter through- out his political career. Coming from a family with leftist ideology, his right winged fundamentalism faced much derision. He calls Rajiv Gandhi a close friend, but has been a crusader against the Nehru-Gandhi family; his ardent Hindutva doesn't seem to impress the BJP who are wary of inviting him into the party. The intelligentsia around the world respects him for his knowledge and the young Indians of the day vouch for him for his anti-corruption stand, that he showcases through his incessant tweets. He and his wife, Roxna Swamy, a Supreme Court advocate, have been campaigning against the 2G scam and have ruffled many a feather in the process. He had a crucial role to play in the legal campaign and has won two cases - getting a time-frame to sanction pros- ecution against public servants and the judgement to scrap the 122 telecom licences. He however, lost one - to make Home Minister Chidambaram the co- accused. He has not given up yet. In an exclusive interview with SUNDAY HANS, he adds, "Chidambaram is unsuited for the post of Home Minister. Excerpts:

What is going on in New Delhi with five Chief Ministers taking on Home Minister Chidambaram? It was an ill-advised move. All the Chief Ministers are not Congress party appointees. They are the people inde-

22 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S ple…He has and he went back on his Chidambaram. Unfortunately that The Home Minister is trying word. He sent a list to Pakistan of peo- shows the judges have been working ple who are in their country asking their too much within the CRPC and the IPC. to have a DGPs' conference government to send them back to India. Actually, in the Prevention of bypassing Chief It turned out that two of them were in Corruption Act, a special provision was Ministers.It's actually Indian jail and three of them were dead. enacted only to free it from this concept He writes a letter saying that LET is of criminal intentions. Therefore, in the immaturity on the part of responsible for Samjhoutha express Prevention of Corruption Act, it says, if Chidambaram. He is and later on writes a letter saying it was you are holding a public office and you unsuited for the post of a Hindu terrorist. What is this? benefit somebody to get extra money, and that is not in public interest, then it Home Minister What happened to Chidambaram is corruption. So the judge should have in 2G spectrum case? Is it a reprieve applied that. It is not difficult for me to pendently elected on their own for him? go to the Supreme Court and get it strength. And, therefore, to suggest a Well, these things happen in our done. Chidambaram has not gone to measure which will de-value the state country where one court says 'no', then the jail yet, but he will soon go. police in having the Central Police to another court says 'yes'. When I had So, it is not yet finished. You have conduct investigations is derogatory for gone to the Delhi High court for cancel- not given up.Obviously, I have already the federalism of the country. lation of licences it had rejected my filed Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Therefore, they have protested against plea. And then we went to Supreme Supreme Court, and the date has been it and the government didn't stand up Court and it had accepted it. given as March 16.You seem to have for Chidambaram. We are all human beings. Judges some problems with Tamil Nadu politi- The Home Minister is trying to have also are human and they make mis- cians. Even Mani Shanker has said that a DGPs' conference bypassing Chief takes in law. In the case of justice Saini, you did not speak to him for two Ministers.It's actually immaturity on the he has agreed with everything that I decades... part of Chidambaram. He is unsuited said, that the decision making was (Laughs) I have not spoken with him for the post of Home Minister. jointly done by Chidambaram and Raja for decades.There is no point in talking But as a Home Minister he has com- etc., but then he says that I have not to a man who is not serious. Any time mitted statehood for Telangana peo- shown any criminal intention of and every time he makes silly remarks

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 23 and tells lies to please Sonia Gandhi. So, how can I respect a man who is a If there are no Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the chamcha? Congress will stand in the fourth position. It will not get more than 25 seats. Probably Mulayam Singh's party will be You are now friendly with Jayalalithaa… number one. Mulayam may also be close to the majority, he Now I am friendly with Jayalalithaa. I may not need any other party. like her intelligence. She came to my house, and she said that she had acted with inexperience. I accepted… but I ers, particularly the BJP, their party didn't withdraw the cases that I filed workers are disheartened. In fact some It also means no Jaitley, Sushma against her. people suggested that I should align and all the second rung leaders? with NDA and I have said I am ready. They can be the ministers. But to be What according to you will happen But I wonder what we shall say to peo- the Prime Minister, it has to be a new in UP? ple. Congress says development and face. It could be Modi. The problem with If there are no Electronic Voting secularism. Are we going to say the him is that, he will not get the majority Machines (EVMs), the Congress will same thing? Then people may not give and other allies will not come with him. stand in the fourth position. It will not us much chance. I think we have a bet- get more than 25 seats. Probably ter chance if we say we will unite the The killings of Muslims in Gujarat Mulayam Singh's party will be number country on the basis of Hindutva. will also go against him. Do you think one. Mulayam may also be close to the Because today there is a feeling in people in South India would vote for majority, he may not need any other Hindus that nobody is talking about Modi? party. But the consequence is that in them. So that sentiment needs to be (laughs) That's what I mean. He can the Presidential elections opposition captured. If there is an honest projec- deliver Gujarat but whether he can President will be elected. Then I think tion with a new set of faces, there may deliver in other places, we don't know. mid-term poll will be held very soon for be a chance. That's why even BJP also is hesitat- the Lok Sabha. ing to project him as prime ministerial It means no Advani? candidate May be. But they don't have If there must be mid-term poll who It means none of them. All those anyone else. do you think will gain - NDA or UPA? who were there in NDA government. He can at least get Gujarat. (laughs) NDA has to enthuse its party work- People will not believe them. That's right.

24 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S There are predictions that if the Congress gets about 100 seats in Uttar Pradesh, Rahul will take over from Manmohan Singh and if the Congress gets around 50 seats, Rahul will remain as an MP, Manmohan will continue. What do you have to say? (Laughs) They say a lot of new changes are going to take place in the Congress. Sonia Gandhi has terminal cancer. Rahul is not a very intelligent person, neither is Sonia Gandhi. But Sonia has the backing of Vatican.

That's what Morarji said of Rajiv Gandhi, that he is not burdened by brains. Yes, that's true. But he (Rajiv) was a nationalist.

You were close to him and you liked him. He was basically a strong national- ist. That is what I liked about him. People made a fool of him; lot of people took advantage of him, especially Sonia, and Arun Singh.

From the day you appeared in the Rajya Sabha during Emergency and created a sensation and then disap- peared, till now, you have fought many a battle. What do you think of yourself and your position in Indian history when you look back? When I came into politics, I said India needs three or four things to be done. Number one - It must give up socialism. When I said this, everyone was shocked. Ultimately, as a Minister, I got it done. Then, I said that we must have good and strong relations with Israel, which I ensured and it has since happened. The third thing was that we must improve relations with China, and we should not be so dependent on the Soviet Union. When Morarji Desai became Prime Minister I had got Kailash Manasa sarovar opened. The fourth thing is that India can become a united country if you have a renais- sance in Hinduism. I would like people But Sardar Patel was considered that you are a megalomaniac and to think of themselves more as Hindus the modern Bismark of India? unpredictable and that you are a Nehru- than as Brahmins, Kshatriyas, North Yes, but those are after words. Gandhi family baiter forever. Indians or South Indians. I think that in During his time nobody said so, as peo- All that is wrong. First of all I have contemporary history maybe things will ple were afraid that it might displease never changed the party. I joined the not be so kind to me, because journal- . Jan Sangh and it merged with the ists get influenced by business houses. You have a very peculiar image. , I continue to be in Janata But when history gets recorded, it will Maybe, it is because of the bias on the Party. I have had steady friends like be something like the improvement of part of the journalists as you put it, but Morarji Desai, , and I am the image of Sardar Patel - when he you are seen as a destroyer and one not a Nehru family baiter because I had was alive nobody gave him much credit. who changes parties frequently. One a great friendship with Rajiv Gandhi. doesn't know where you will strike next,

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 25 Nehru-Gandhi dynasty minus that you are not fighting against every Rajiv? First of all I have never corrupt leader. (Laughs) That's a big minus. I did not I agree, that is because I am an indi- know Jawaharlal Nehru. But as a histo- changed the party. I joined vidual, I have no CBI with me, I have no rian, I think he was a bad Prime the Jan Sangh and it merged money with me to throw around and I Minister. But to Indira Gandhi I was don't have a staff. I have to do every- opposed because she was a socialist, with the Janata Party, I thing myself. My wife is a lawyer and pro-Soviet Union and then the continue to be in Janata she takes most of the burden. So, I Emergency. So, I had every reason to Party. I have had steady have to pick and choose. I can't catch oppose her, and Sonia Gandhi naturally everybody. you know she had done a lot of harm to friends like Morarji Desai, our country. Charan Singh, and I am not a What do you think about Anna Hazare's movement or his fight Don't you think the slowdown in Nehru family baiter because against corruption? the economy that affected a vast part I had a great friendship with Anna Hazare said corruption will be of the globe did not affect India too Rajiv Gandhi eliminated only if Jan Lokpal Bill is much because of the Nehruvian eco- passed. I did not agree with that. nomic policy? Chidambaram. No. All the countries that were Do you think Jan Lok pal will affected by the collapse in America had Now, can I say that your target is come? weak banks. We have always had Sonia Gandhi? No, How can congress commit sui- strong banks, that's because of the She is the root cause of all prob- cide? Reserve Bank. lems. People blame Manmohan Singh, but it is Sonia Gandhi who prevented BJP also was not ready for that... Credit to the Reserve Bank of him from stopping Raja. And she got the I cannot defend BJP, they have to India, recently headed by two Telugus. biggest share of the bribe amount - of defend themselves. That's right. They both did a good about Rs 36,000 crore. job. Y V Reddy did much more. The cur- You were close to PV Narasimha rent man (D Subba Rao) is not so good. Even in your battle against corrup- Rao. Do you think that he was treated If he was, he would have incriminated tion, people say you are selective and properly by the Congress? Actually PV

26 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S he economic reforms blue print was prepared by me and he gave political support. Manmohan Singh only implemented it. But everybody gives Manmohan Singh the credit. I think Sonia Gandhi was unhappy with PV because he wouldn't give up party presidentship for her. She wanted him to remain as Prime Minister and give her the party presidentship.

about cutting the state out. Nowadays governance has become important. Every chief minister must be able to go and meet people of his state. In these large states, in the five years of regime chief minister is not able to go to every district. I don't think any state should be bigger than, say about 10 to 15 dis- tricts.

What do you expect the people of India to do now? We are a very young population with over 70 percent below the age of 35. People have to take more risks. I want the people not to think of money as the final goal. You can't sacrifice your whole life for making money. The desire for more money is the reason for increased corruption. I will say don't imitate the once told me that he had asked the bad characters if you don't help them. West. Learn from our tradition and have ministers to do whatever Sonia's sec- More over, I don't think he met him the correct view of the history. Don't retary (George) asks them to... But more than a couple of times in a month. learn the British version of our history. I what went wrong? Why had they want people to take interest in poli- become enemies? But he used to enjoy unlimited tics...clean it up…don't complain! He should have got Bharatratna for access to PM's residence. what he did. The economic reforms Yes. That is because he was a Where will India be 20 years from blue print was prepared by me and he Swamiji. PV gave all Sawmijis the liber- now? gave political support. Manmohan ty to meet him directly. Newspapers India will overtake China in ten years Singh only implemented it. But every- only mentioned Chandra Swami. of time. China is going to have very big body gives Manmohan Singh the credit. financial crisis. We will have a budget- I think Sonia Gandhi was unhappy with But journalists also say that the ary crisis but we are a democratic coun- PV because he wouldn't give up party Father of Indian economic reforms is try so we can improve ourselves. When presidentship for her. She wanted him Manmohan Singh. there is food crisis we had Green to remain as Prime Minister and give That's wrong. If he could do all those Revolution and when there was foreign her the party presidentship. He told her big economic reforms then as a exchange crisis we had economic that it has been the Congress tradition Finance Minister, what stops him now? reforms and so when we have a budg- to have the Party President as the So obviously it means that they have etary crisis we will have a more efficient Prime Minister. been Narasimha Rao's reforms. government.

Don't you think it was wrong on his What is your take on small states? How do you like Dr. Swamy to be part to associate with people like I am totally in favour of small states. remembered? Chandra Swamy? First of all let us remember, no state is As a man who said what he believed What is wrong in associating with going to leave India, we are not talking in and did what he liked.

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 27 U.S. Sees Iran Attacks as Likely if Israel Strikes WASHINGTON - American officials who have assessed the likely Iranian responses to any attack by Israel on its nuclear programbelieve that Iran would retaliate by launching missiles on Israel and terrorist-style attacks on United States civilian and military personnel overseas. While a missile retaliation against Israel would be virtually certain, accord- ing to these assessments, Iran would also be likely to try to calibrate its response against American targets so as not to give the United States a ration- ale for taking military action that could permanently cripple Tehran's nuclear program. "The Iranians have been pret- ty good masters of escalation control," said Gen. James E. Cartwright, now retired, who as the top officer at Strategic Command and as vice chair- man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff partici- pated in war games involving both deterrence and retaliation on potential adversaries like Iran. The Iranian targets, General Cartwright and other American analysts believe, would include petroleum infra- structure in the Persian Gulf, and American troops in Afghanistan, where Iran has been accused of shipping explosives to local insurgent forces. Both American and Israeli officials who discussed current thinking on the potential ramifications of an Israeli attack believe that the last thing Iran would want is a full-scale war on its ter- ritory. Their analysis, however, also includes the broad caveat that it is impossible to know the internal thinking of the senior leadership in Tehran, and is informed by the awareness that even Both American and Israeli officials who discussed current the most detailed war games cannot predict how nations and their leaders thinking on the potential ramifications of an Israeli attack will react in the heat of conflict. Yet believe that the last thing Iran would want is a full-scale war such assessments are not just intellec- on its territory. Their analysis, however, also includes the tual exercises. Any conclusions on how the Iranians will react to an attack will broad caveat that it is impossible to know the internal help determine whether the Israelis thinking of the senior leadership in Tehran, and is informed launch a strike - and what the American position will be if they do. by the awareness that even the most detailed war games While evidence suggests that Iran cannot predict how nations and their leaders will react in continues to make progress toward a the heat of conflict. Yet such assessments are not just nuclear weaponsprogram, American intelligence officials believe that there intellectual exercises. is no hard evidence that Iran has decid-

28 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S ed to build a nuclear bomb. But the pos- sibility that Israel will launch a pre-emp- In November, Israel's defense minister, Ehud Barak, said tive strike has become a focus of American policy makers and is expect- any Iranian retaliation for an Israeli attack would be ed to be a primary topic when Prime "bearable," and his government's estimate that Iran is Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel meets with President Obama at the engaging in a bluff has been a key element in the White House on Monday. heightened expectations that Israel is considering a strike. In November, Israel's defense minis- But Iran's highly compartmentalized security services, ter, Ehud Barak, said any Iranian retali- ation for an Israeli attack would be analysts caution, may operate in semi-rogue fashion, "bearable," and his government's esti- following goals that seem irrational to planners in mate that Iran is engaging in a bluff has Washington been a key element in the heightened expectations that Israel is considering a strike. But Iran's highly compartmental- back," said Ray Takeyh, a former missiles at American bases on the terri- ized security services, analysts caution, Obama administration national security tory of Persian Gulf allies. "The balance may operate in semi-rogue fashion, fol- official who is now at the Council on the Iranians will try to strike is doing lowing goals that seem irrational to Foreign Relations. "And when on the damage that is sufficiently significant, planners in Washington. American tiger's back, you cannot always pick the but just short of what it would take for experts, for example, are still puzzled by place to dismount." America to invade," said General a suspected Iranian plot last year to If Israel did attack, officials said, Cartwright, now at the Center for assassinate the Saudi ambassador in Iran would be foolhardy, even suicidal, Strategic and International Studies. Washington. to invite an overpowering retaliation by A former Israeli official said the best "Once military strikes and counter- directly attacking United States military way to think about retaliation against strikes begin, you are on the tiger's targets - by, for example, unleashing its Israel was through a formula he called

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 29 "1991 plus 2006 plus Buenos Aires evacuated from their homes to bomb times 3 or 5." The reference was to "If Iran is struck surgically, shelters or further south during the three instances in the last two decades it will react - no doubt," said 2006 war. when Israel came under attack: the the former Israeli official, But there is a broad Israeli assess- Scud missiles sent by Saddam Hussein ment that Iran's response to an attack into Israel in 1991 during the first gulf echoing Mr. Barak's would be limited. war; the 3,000 rockets fired at Israel by comments last year. "But "If Iran is struck surgically, it will Hezbollah during their 2006 war; and react - no doubt," said the former Israeli the attacks on the Israeli Embassy and that reaction will be official, echoing Mr. Barak's comments a Jewish center in Argentina in the early calculated and in proportion last year. "But that reaction will be cal- 1990s. Those attacks each killed 100 to its capabilities. Iran will culated and in proportion to its capabil- to 200 people, wounded scores more ities. Iran will not set the Middle East on and caused several billion dollars of not set the Middle East on fire." property damage. Hundreds of thou- fire." "Is 40 missiles on Tel Aviv nice?" the sands of Israelis in the north had to be official asked, summing up the Israeli

30 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S American, Israeli and Iranian officials. In 2009, the Brookings Institution held a simulation to Karim Sadjadpour, of the Carnegie assess Day 2 of an Israeli attack on Iran, casting former Endowment for International Peace, played Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah government officials, diplomats and regional experts in the Ali Khamenei. The faux Iranian leader- roles of American, Israeli and Iranian officials. ship had to "calibrate their response with great precision," he said. "If they respond too little, they could lose face, calculus. "No. But it's better than a rebuilding - and probably accelerating - and if they respond too much, they nuclear Iran." its nuclear program, and thus, accord- could lose their heads." By contrast, administration, military ing to these assessments, it would be During the simulation, Iran also fired and intelligence officials say Iran would likely to try to avoid inviting a punishing missiles at Israeli military and nuclear most likely choose anonymous, indirect second wave of attacks by the United targets, and unleashed Hezbollah, attacks against nations it views as sup- States. Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants to porting Israeli policy, in the hope of Vali Nasr, a professor of interna- fire rockets at population centers in offering Tehran at least public deniabil- tional politics at the Fletcher School of Israel, with a goal to create an atmos- ity. Iran also might try to block, even Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, phere of terror among Israelis. In the temporarily, the Strait of Hormuz to fur- said Iran would "have to retaliate visi- simulation, Iran also activated terrorist ther unsettle oil markets. bly against Israel to protect its image cells in Europe, which bombed public An increase in car bombs set off at home and in the region." Along a transportation and killed civilians. against civilian targets in world capitals second line of reprisals, Iran also Mr. Sadjadpour said that one thing would also be possible. And Iran would "would try and keep the United States the exercise demonstrated was how almost certainly smuggle high-powered busy by escalating tensions in quickly things would deteriorate, adding explosives across its border into Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Iraq and that "as for long-term consequences, Afghanistan, where they could be plant- Afghanistan," he said. it's way too murky to say anything but ed along roadways and set off by surro- In 2009, the Brookings Institution this: It will be ugly." gate forces to kill and maim American held a simulation to assess Day 2 of an Thom Shanker and Helene Cooper and NATO troops - much as it did in Iraq Israeli attack on Iran, casting former reported from Washington, and Ethan during the peak of violence there. But government officials, diplomats and Bronner from Jerusalem. Eric Schmitt Iran's primary goal would be quickly regional experts in the roles of contributed reporting from Washington.

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 31 KEEP THE CULTURE ALIVE THROUGH ART e is the spirit what I called Media Exchange, he was a ded- icated sports man with HAcademica background but still he is an artist. Decorates the street of Abu dhabi with his golden fingers, his graphic designs what makes him espe- cial? This interview will reveal the truth behind the reality of the artist Ahmed Al Sadik, that is the way he wants to be named. The truly Ahmed, his real name is Ahmed Al Sadik Aldrawy born in Alshaqea in Eqypt. He is a sportsman and a coach, a boxer and a teacher, he left his career and found his potential contribution in art in his humble way of doing, pointing to us his work Arabic decorated calligraphy, he gives an Calligraphy is art, originally I paint always did, I have to thank my father who taught me this, we have to keep this alive because this is our Arabic identity, for instances Emirates Diyar is using my logos, restaurants, hotel very often, identity cards, and profiles gives identity, calligraphy and arabic writing is my identity.

Arabic identity to the city of Abu Dhabi? logo like the one for Emirates Diyar, like few kilometers but no ones knows My arts is not only calligraphy but also would you please explain us, he loves, who you are humble as he is, he making figures in calligraphy likes my skills has no boarders, as an athlet- answers, one day everybody will know. shapes of stars and flowers, the falcon ic man creating is also a physical talent, Calligraphy is art, originally I paint of UAE symbol of power is also many he loves again but my opportunities has always did, I have to thank my father used in my creations, of course com- to be fond to the media of course are who taught me this, we have to keep puters offer a lot more opportunities used the computers and the illustrat- this alive because this is our Arabic but the basic still my pen and my cre- ing, can i first go on a personal matter, identity, for instances Emirates Diyar is ative mind. You could have earned a lot so you are leading a simple life, but I using my logos, restaurants, hotel very of money in football but after your aca- also notice you are a very proud person, often, identity cards, and profiles gives demic degree in body sports science, what is the secret. Every Artist must identity, calligraphy and arabic writing is yes true but art is my thing to, money is have a proud and must be proud, what my identity. If you see the Quran is also not so important to me? Very often you is your message to the world. I saw your one book of art change many lives do work for royalties without your knowl- creations they are stunning and beauti- where is context, I hope people can edge who you are. Do you mind, no its ful, creating logos for companies are appreciate and enjoy my work, and the an honor to me, but my art to me is creating identities. People are mostly history books will recognize my existing most important, my only hope and wish- proud of my work makes me happy, but as recognize artist. es that the history will once recognize I wish one day everybody knows me as Signed by: Ahmed Al Sadik inter- my art? an artists. I saw recently beautiful work viewed for Opinion Express by Mohiba You spent hours creating a form or a of calligraphy Arabic hanging on a wall Khalil in Abu Dhabi

32 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S BSNL announces the launch of Penta TPADs series of Tablets

Nishant Mishra

New Delhi : Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has entered into a strategic alliance with, Pantel Technologies Private Limited, having its Corporate Office at Noida, India, to jointly address the data & ICT needs of Indian con- sumers by launching attractive data plans bundled with a range of Internet tablets named Penta TPADs. This bundling arrangement with the tablet PCs were launched today at the Corporate Office of BSNL(Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.) in Delhi by Mr R K Upadhyay, Chairman & Managing Director in the presence of an august Launched by Shri R.K. Upadhyay, CMD, BSNL and Shri Vijender Singh, MD, gathering of the press fraternity and the Pantel Technologies Pvt. Ltd. at New Delhi management of BSNL and Pantel Technologies Private Ltd. devices will come will BSNL data plan of “I am very proud to share my 5 GB for 60 days included in the MRP. Mr. R K Upadhyay, the CMD of BSNL, This special offer of BSNL plan will be said, "Towards the goal of a digitally vision with the leadership of available till May 31st 2012. inclusive Indian society - BSNL and Mr R K Upadhyay, the While Pantel Technologies Private Pantel Technologies have come together Limited is dedicatedly working for provid- to offer an attractive data plan with the Chairman of BSNL. We have ing an indigenous feature rich Tablets exciting and feature-rich range of together decided to offer a through its advanced engineering and Tablets. With BSNL's world-class telecom Penta tablet (Model: IS701R R&D investments and strategic tie ups infrastructure across the entire country, with content providers; BSNL will provide the power of information technology can bundled with a BSNL 3G a robust and reliable carrier service in be harnessed at very affordable prices data plan) at a price of Rs order to ensure that lack of infrastruc- today. He also highlighted the following ture does not become a hindrance in key elements which are central to this 3499/- only. With the realizing the dream of a digitally inclusive alliance: students using the bundled Indian society. The business interest of BSNL to data download on BSNL 'Our aim is to make the Tablet(s) expand its 3G customer base. available in India at the most competitive Affordable and quality hardware - with network (using the special and affordable global prices with the the latest and best technologies. BSNL data plan) every latest technologies without compromis- Interactive and easily understood con- ing on quality and features' said Joint tent and applications." month, he will recover his MD, Mr Dinesh Pandey, of Pantel Mr Vijender Singh, the MD of Pantel investment of the tablet Technologies. He further added 'Our Technologies Pvt. Ltd., said, "With my within one and half year, association with BSNL would help cus- experience in the education sector - I tomers get the services of 3G enabled always wanted to do something special thereby making the tablet with these tablets at most affordable for the Indian student community FREE for the student". prices and have a pan India connectivity'. through ICT. I am very proud to share my We are working closely with specific ver- vision with the leadership of Mr R K ticals like Education, Healthcare, Upadhyay, the Chairman of BSNL. We year, thereby making the tablet FREE for Information Management Systems, etc. have together decided to offer a Penta the student". to provide accessibility of enterprise level tablet (Model: IS701R bundled with a BSNL and PTPL have also launched data for consumption on Penta TPADs. BSNL 3G data plan) at a price of Rs two higher range products with two dif- These TPADs would be made available 3499/- only. With the students using the ferent screen sizes (7" and 8"). Both the through conventional and innovative bundled data download on BSNL net- devices have capacitive touch screen channels like: work (using the special BSNL data plan) with inbuilt 3G module. The seven inch BSNL's network of customer service every month, he will recover his invest- device will cost Rs 10,999/- and the 8" centres, franchisees and distribution ment of the tablet within one and half device will cost Rs 13,500/-. These partners;

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 33 Modern Electronics trade Traditional telecom products retailers Over 1 Lakh BSNL Tablets and distributors. Online, Mobile and Television com- merce channels Booked in just Three Days! MR Upadhyay also mentioned that, Pantel technologies has managed to get more than 1 lakh pre-booking "We have Penta TPAD solutions (Tablets) orders in just 3 days! This is even more than the pre-booking status of Aakash that come with 3G SIM card bundled 2 tablet when it was opened for pre-orders. BSNL has hit a jackpot with a with attractive data plans which enables device which is yet to be released publicly. Internet access to remote and inaccessi- Since it's announcement on 23rd February 2012, we have been updating ble areas of the country.TPads thus shall about Pantel tablets inch by inch. The attention these tablets have got is ensure connectivity for the users across remarkable, given that there was very less publicity regarding the tablet in the cities, semi-urban areas and the hinter- news. But the internet and mouth-to-mouth communication gave the spark the land. The Internet has evolved over the wind it needed and then the words about tablets, with the name BSNL tablets, years and the usage of Internet based spread like a jungle fire. And before one could realize, people stated hitting the applications has grown exponentially as 'pre-book now' button. With so many bookings now already done, we are just it makes it convenient to carry out daily waiting rather impatiently for the actual product to start being shipped and get business tasks like banking and other our hungry hands on it to give a total review of the device. BSNL should grow cautious of the outcome of this kind of hype their part- Pantel Technologies is a nership with Pantel has got with people and keep up with the number of demands. Since, turning back from here will be very difficult and even malign "young" Information their name of trust people have on them. They surely can't repeat the saga of Technology and Aakash 2 and it's disastrous fate of never seeing the light of the day and peo- Communication devices ple's hands. We wish BSNL congratulations for reaching this feat in just three hardware company - selling days. And also, good luck. innovative ICT products BSNL Rs 3200 Tablet Penta T-Pad IS701R under the brand name of Among the three, IS701R is the PENTA in the India market. entry level and also the cheapest one Following are the specifi- The company has a global at Rs 3,200.The Penta T-Pad IS701R cation of the tablet is a powerful tablet solution at an very CPU: IMAP210 1GHz presence through its offices affordable price. The tablet is better OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread in London, Hong Kong, than Aakash tablets in many ways as Mauritius, Singapore and discussed previously. It also comes RAM: 256MB DDR2 with the reliability of BSNL. Internal memory: 2GB; expandable Seoul - apart from a network upto 32GB via microSD card of offices across India. Following are the features of the tablet: Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n LCD type and resolution:7-inch TFT, authorizations and the Penta Tablet PCs The tablet comes with Android 2.3 16:9 wide-screen, 800 x 600 pixels, are a perfect solution for the same." (Gingerbread) with a 7-inch resistive resistive Pantel Technologies is a "young" touch screen (800 x 600 pixels). Information Technology and The processor inside is ARM11 Camera: Front facing, 0.3 MP Communication devices hardware compa- IMAP201 running at a clock speed of Video: Upto 720p video support of ny - selling innovative ICT products under 1GHz and 256MB DDR2 RAM. various formats the brand name of PENTA in the India mar- There are three physical buttons at Flash support: Adobe Flash 10.3 ket. The company has a global presence the front for 'Home', 'Options' and Audio: MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, AAC, through its offices in London, Hong Kong, 'Back'. OGG, WAV Mauritius, Singapore and Seoul - apart All the ports are at the bottom of from a network of offices across India. the tablet which consists of a Miscellaneous: G-sensor, for screen Pantel Technologies has worked for over microSD card slot, miniHDMI port, rotation and motion gaming two years and pioneered the technology of 3.5mm audio jack, miniUSB port and manufacturing these tablets at the most a hard reset button. competitive rates and has the widest The device also has support for range available today in the global market- Android Market, so that you can place. Penta T-Pad's (Tablets) would be download apps on the device like all available in multiple sizes of 7", 8" and the other Android phones. 10"; will be WI-FI enabled, and will come The HDMI port can be used to plug bundled with digital content/ applications the device to LCD/LED HDTV and dis- for various kinds of users. To complete the play the contents. offering, attractive data plans of BSNL 3G Plays all the popular audio video will be bundled with the Penta T-Pad's, formats, even including 720p HD making the range the most competitive in movies. the market-place.

34 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S Compare Aakash 2 and BSNL Tablet Since you already saw the Penta T-Pad IS 701R, Lets compare the specifications of it with both the Aakash tablets. As there are three BSNL tablet, the only tablet that come close to Aakash tablet is BSNL Penta T-Pad IS 701R. The following table is showing the comparison between Aakash, Ubislate 7 and Penta T-Pad IS 701R.

Penta T-Pad IS 701R Tablet Askash 1 Aakash 2 (Ubislate7) ARM11 IMAP210, 1GHZ Processor ARM11 366MHz ARM Cortex-A8,700MHz 256MB DDR2 RAM 256MB DDR2 256MB DDR2 3000mAh Battery 2100mAh 3200mAh Android 2.3 Gingerbread Operating System Android 2.2 FroYo Android 2.3 Gingerbread Wi-Fi only Network Wi-Fi only Wi-Fi+GPRS via SIM card No Phone Call No Yes 7-inch, Resistive Touch Screen 7-inch, Resistive 7-inch, Resistive 800×600 px Screen Resolution 800×480 800×480 3.5mm Audio jack 3.5mm 3.5mm Yes HDMI No No Yes Support for Office files Yes Yes 1 No.of USB ports 1 2 Rs. 3,200 Price Rs. 2,499 Rs. 2,999 Android Market booming Over IPad! In a latest research conducted it was found that the tablets that are powered by Google's Android software are getting more and more popular as time is passing, but still Apple's ipad dominates the category. Strategy Analytics said Android tablets increased their share of the market to 39 percent in the fourth quarter of the year from 29 percent a year earlier, whereas the Ipad which was earlier accounted for 68% of the tablet market in the quarter has gone down to 58%.

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 35 According to the strategy analytics director Peter King, global tablets shipments hit a record 26.8 mil units in the fourth quarter which is almost 150% up from the same period an year ago. Apple sold 15.4 million iPads in the fourth quarter while there were 10.5 million Android tablets shipped. "Apple shrugged off the much- hyped threat from entry- level Android models this quarter," King said

Also Tablets powered by Microsoft's Percentage of Product Researchers who Cross Researched Windows software grabbed only 1.5 per- cent of the tablet market in the fourth quarter. "The upcoming release of Windows 8 this year cannot come quickly enough for Microsoft, so its hardware partners can start competing more effectively in the tablet space," said the strategy analytics report. Global tablet shipments hit 66.9 mil- lion units last year, up 260 percent from 18.6 million in 2010, according to Strategy Analytics. Strategy Analytics executive director Neil Mawston said Android is "so far prov- ing relatively popular with tablet manufac- turers despite nagging concerns about fragmentation of Android's operating sys- tem, user-interface and app store ecosys- tem. Consumers are increasingly buying tablets in preference to netbooks and even entry-level notebooks or desktops," All of these changes show that the tablet market is turning over faster than we want to admit. The tablet computer market grew 260 percent last year to 66.9 million units as consumers are increasing- ly buying tablets in preference to netbooks and even entry-level notebooks or desk- tops. "Dozens of Android models distributed across multiple countries by numerous brands such as Amazon, Samsung, Asus and others have been driving volumes," analyst Neil Mawston said in a statement.

36 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S DECISION MAKERS GATHER AT INDIALLIA THE INTERNATIONAL B2B FORUM

World Trade Centre Mumbai: Top deci- costs. sion makers will gather in Mumbai in INDIALLIA is based on the One forum and many oppor- April 2012 to forge Strategic Alliances internationally - recognized tunities: at INDIALLIA, the International Multi sector B2B forum. business to business Advertising, Printing, Publishing, World Trade Centre, Mumbai and matchmaking forum called Broadcasting & Entertainment All India Association of Industries Agribusiness & Food Processing (AIAI) present ' INDIALLIA 2012', an 'Futurallia', which has Auto & Auto Components international business development successfully brought Business Services and Hospitality forum for the first time in India. This thousands of businesses Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals event gives participants an opportu- Construction & Infrastructure nity to meet potential business part- together since its founding Defence & Civil Aviation ners through a series of personalized in 1990. Education & Vocational Training B2B meetings. Electrical & Electronics INDIALLIA is based on the interna- Energy & Environment tionally - recognized business to busi- meetings with companies that are Gems, Jewellery & Handicrafts ness matchmaking forum called presented in the catalogue; Information & Communications 'Futurallia', which has successfully A special software Futurallia Technology / Media brought thousands of businesses Match-Making creates individual Life Sciences & Biotechnology together since its founding in 1990. meeting schedule for each partici- Mechanical & Metallurgical INDIALLIA 2012 promises to open pant; Textile & Leather ....and more doors for international business part- Every company is offered upto 12 Alongside the Forum there is an nerships. INDIALLIA facilitates upto prescheduled one-to-one meetings opportunity to participate in the Expo. 12 personalized meetings with poten- per participants of 30 minutes each; Choose the field that interests you to tial trade partners over 2 days for par- Every participating company participate. The Expo acts as a cata- ticipating enterprises. A series of pre receives a list of all companies that lyst for reinforcing your business programmed one to one meetings cul- wishes to meet with them creating through the minate into commercial strategic, additional opportunities to encounter Experts Village showcasing finan- technological and financial alliances. potential partners; cial advisors, bankers, lawyers, It is an International Meeting place Interpreters are prepared to assist research/ educational institutions, for leaders from Corporate Houses, participants during meetings; trade promotion agencies, legal advi- SMEs, Entrepreneurs, Exporters, International trade specialists, sors, tax experts and insurers. Importers, Service Providers, legal and financial experts and advis- International village comprises of Professionals, Financiers, ers are present to answer partici- Delegation leaders, World Trade Technocrats, Government Officials, pants` questions Centre's, State Agencies, International Education and Research Institutions Overseas investment opportunities clusters, Embassies and Consulates, and Trade Promotion Organizations. showcased SEZs and FTZs of region/provinces. Between the annual editions of Partners Village comprises of the EFFECTIVENESS OF THE Futurallia, the website www.futurallia- Government / Agencies, State FORUM online.com is a productive way of con- Governments, Public Sector Units, tinuing to seek partners online. This Airlines Transportation & Logistics The structure of the Futurallia internet-based business partnership Companies, Ports & allied services Forum has been proven as highly network enables the past and future and Tourism Promotion Agencies effective during the previous editions participants to advertise their busi- The Forum and the Expo between and guarantees the satisfaction of nesses by outlining spheres of compe- them offer an opportunity for any com- participants: tence and products, and thus search mercial activity " While registering, each company and propose partnerships to other Prior registration is required to lists its scope of activities and part- businesses. maximize your business meeting nership demands; The effectiveness of this unique opportunities. An electronic catalogue with the formula has been established with For registration and more informa- offers of all participants is published over 90% of participants claiming that tion please visit the website : 4 weeks before the Forum; the Forum has enabled them to www.indiallia.com or contact o Each participant requests up to 20 achieve maximum effects at minimum [email protected]

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 37 Diet & Nutrition is key to Healthy Living

Dr Vivek Dubey

ndian tends to ignore the importance of diet & nutrition in their daily life. IThe problem is acute at the primary stage of life wherein Indian parents are obsessed with education priority ignor- ing health aspect. Indian women are largely ignorant on dietary issues mak- ing themselves victim of lifestyle dis- eases. Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealis- tically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you. Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”—it’s not just what you eat, but how you eat. Your food choices can reduce your risk of illness- es such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as defend against depression. Additionally, learning the habits of healthy eating can boost your energy, sharpen your memory and sta- bilize your mood. You can expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and main- tain a satisfying, healthy diet. Healthy eating tip 1: Set yourself up for success To set yourself up for success, think Focus on finding foods you love and easy recipes that about planning a healthy diet as a num- ber of small, manageable steps rather incorporate a few fresh ingredients. Gradually, your diet will than one big drastic change. If you become healthier and more delicious. Start slow and make approach the changes gradually and changes to your eating habits over time. with commitment, you will have a healthy diet sooner than you think. Simplify. Instead of being overly con- Trying to make your diet healthy Every change you make to improve cerned with counting calories or meas- overnight isn’t realistic or smart. your diet matters. You don’t have to be uring portion sizes, think of your diet in Changing everything at once usually perfect and you don’t have to complete- terms of color, variety, and freshness. leads to cheating or giving up on your ly eliminate foods you enjoy to have a This way it should be easier to make new eating plan. Make small steps, like healthy diet. The long term goal is to healthy choices. Focus on finding foods adding a salad (full of different color feel good, have more energy, and you love and easy recipes that incorpo- vegetables) to your diet once a day or reduce the risk of cancer and disease. rate a few fresh ingredients. Gradually, switching from butter to olive oil when Don’t let your missteps derail you— your diet will become healthier and cooking. As your small changes become every healthy food choice you make more delicious. Start slow and make habit, you can continue to add more counts. Think of water and exercise as changes to your eating habits over time. healthy choices to your diet. food groups in your diet.

38 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S Try not to think of certain foods as “off-limits.” When you ban certain foods or food groups, it is natural to want those foods more, and then feel like a failure if you give in to temptation. If you are drawn towards sweet, salty, or unhealthy foods, start by reducing portion sizes and not eating them as often.

think about serving sizes in realistic terms, and start small. Visual cues can help with portion sizes—your serving of meat, fish, or chicken should be the size of a deck of cards. A teaspoon of oil or salad dressing is about the size of a matchbook and your slice of bread should be the size of a CD case. Healthy eating tip 3: It's not just what you eat, it's how you eat Healthy eating is about more than the food on your plate—it is also about how you think aboutfood. Healthy eating habits can be learned and it is impor- tant to slow down and think about food as nourishment rather than just some- thing to gulp down in between meetings or on the way to pick up the kids. Eat with others whenever possible. Eating with other people has numerous social and emotional benefits—particu- larly for children—and allows you to model healthy eating habits.Eating in Water: Water helps flush our sys- moderation. Despite what certain fad front of the TV or computer often leads tems of waste products and toxins, yet diets would have you believe, we all to mindless overeating. Take time to many people go through life dehydrat- need a balance of carbohydrates, pro- chew your food and enjoy mealtimes. ed—causing tiredness, low energy, and tein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to Chew your food slowly, savoring every headaches. It’s common to mistake sustain a healthy body. bite. We tend to rush though our meals, thirst for hunger, so staying well hydrat- Try not to think of certain foods as forgetting to actually taste the flavors ed will also help you make healthier “off-limits.” When you ban certain foods and feel the textures of our food. food choices. or food groups, it is natural to want Reconnect with the joy of eating. Listen Exercise: Find something active those foods more, and then feel like a to your body. Ask yourself if you are real- that you like to do and add it to your failure if you give in to temptation. If you ly hungry, or have a glass of water to day, just like you would add healthy are drawn towards sweet, salty, or see if you are thirsty instead of hungry. greens, blueberries, or salmon. The unhealthy foods, start by reducing por- During a meal, stop eating before you benefits of lifelong exercise are abun- tion sizes and not eating them as often. feel full. It actually takes a few minutes dant and regular exercise may even Later you may find yourself craving for your brain to tell your body that it motivate you to make healthy food them less or thinking of them as only has had enough food, so eat slowly. Eat choices a habit. occasional indulgences. Think smaller breakfast, and eat smaller meals Healthy eating tip 2: portions. Serving sizes have ballooned throughout the day. A healthy breakfast Moderation is key recently, particularly in restaurants. can jumpstart your metabolism, and When dining out, choose a starter eating small, healthy meals throughout People often think of healthy eating instead of an entrée, split a dish with a the day (rather thanthe standard three as an all or nothing proposition, but a friend, and don’t order supersized any- large meals) keeps your energy up and key foundation for any healthy diet is thing. At home, use smaller plates, your metabolism going.

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 39 Healthy eating tip 4: Fill up their parts or replicated in pill form. on colorful fruits and The health benefits of fruits Healthy eating tip 5: Eat vegetables and vegetables come from more healthy carbs and whole grains Fruits and vegetables are the foun- numerous vitamins, dation of a healthy diet. They are low in minerals, and Choose healthy carbohydrates and calories and nutrient dense,which fiber sources, especially whole grains, means they are packed with vitamins, phytochemicals working for long lasting energy. In addition to minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. together synergistically. They being delicious and satisfying, whole Try to eat a rainbow of fruits and can’t be broken down into grains are rich in phytochemicals and vegetables every day and with every antioxidants, which help to protect meal—the brighter the better. Colorful, the sum of their parts or against coronary heart disease, certain deeply colored fruits and vegetables replicated in pill form. cancers, and diabetes. Studies have contain higher concentrations of vita- shown people who eat more whole mins, minerals, and antioxidants—and The importance of getting vitamins grains tend to have a healthier heart. different colors provide different bene- from food—not pills A quick definition of healthy carbs fits, so eat a variety. Aim for a minimum The antioxidants and other nutrients and unhealthy carbs of five portions each day. in fruits and vegetables help protect Healthy carbs (sometimes known Some great choices include: against certain types of cancer and as good carbs) include whole grains, Greens: Branch out beyond bright other diseases. And while advertise- beans, fruits, and vegetables. and dark green lettuce. Kale, mustard ments abound for supplements promis- Healthy carbs are digested slowly, greens, broccoli,and Chinese cabbage ing to deliver the nutritional benefits of helping you feel full longer and keeping are just a few of the options—all packed fruits and vegetables in pill or powder blood sugar and insulinlevels stable. with calcium, magnesium, iron, potassi- form, research suggests that it’s just Unhealthy carbs (or bad carbs) are um, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. not the same. foods such as white flour, refined sugar, Sweet vegetables: Naturally sweet A daily regimen of nutritional sup- and white rice that have been stripped vegetables—such as corn, carrots, plements is not going to have the same of all bran, fiber, and nutrients. beets, sweet potatoes, yams, onions, impact of eating right.That’s because Unhealthy carbs digest quickly and and squash—add healthy sweetness to the benefits of fruits and vegetables cause spikes in blood sugar levels and your meals and reduce yourcravings for don’t come from a single vitamin or an energy. other sweets. isolated antioxidant. Tips for eating more healthy carbs Fruit: Fruit is a tasty, satisfying way The health benefits of fruits and Include a variety of whole grains in to fill up on fiber, vitamins, and antioxi- vegetables come from numerous vita- your healthy diet, including whole dants. Berries are cancer-fighting, mins, minerals, and phytochemicals wheat, brownrice, millet, quinoa, and apples provide fiber, oranges and man- working together synergistically. They barley. Experiment with different grains gos offer vitamin C, and so on. can’t be broken down into the sum of to find your favorites.

40 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S impact of eating right.That’s because the benefits of fruits and vegetables don’t come from a single vitamin or an isolated antioxidant. The health benefits of fruits and vegetables come from numerous vita- mins, minerals, and phytochemicals working together synergistically. They can’t be broken down into the sum of their parts or replicated in pill form. Healthy eating tip 5: Eat more healthy carbs and whole grains Choose healthy carbohydrates and fiber sources, especially whole grains, for long lasting energy. In addition to being delicious and satisfying, whole grains are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which help to protect against coronary heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. Studies have shown people who eat more whole grains tend to have a healthier heart. A quick definition of healthy carbs and unhealthy carbs Healthy carbs (sometimes known as good carbs) include whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Healthy carbs are digested slowly, helping you feel full longer and keeping blood sugar and insulinlevels stable. Unhealthy carbs (or bad carbs) are foods such as white flour, refined sugar, and white rice that have been stripped of all bran, fiber, and nutrients. Unhealthy carbs digest quickly and cause spikes in blood sugar levels and energy. Tips for eating more healthy carbs Healthy eating tip 4: Fill up Include a variety of whole grains in on colorful fruits and Sweet vegetables: Naturally sweet your healthy diet, including whole vegetables vegetables—such as corn, carrots, wheat, brownrice, millet, quinoa, and beets, sweet potatoes, yams, onions, barley. Experiment with different grains Fruits and vegetables are the foun- and squash—add healthy sweetness to to find your favorites. dation of a healthy diet. They are low in your meals and reduce yourcravings for Make sure you're really getting calories and nutrient dense,which other sweets. whole grains. Be aware that the words means they are packed with vitamins, Fruit: Fruit is a tasty, satisfying way stone-ground,multi-grain, 100% wheat, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. to fill up on fiber, vitamins, and antioxi- or bran can be deceptive. Look for the Try to eat a rainbow of fruits and dants. Berries are cancer-fighting, words “whole grain” or “100% whole vegetables every day and with every apples provide fiber, oranges and man- wheat” at the beginning of the ingredi- meal—the brighter the better. Colorful, gos offer vitamin C, and so on. ent list. In the U.S., check for the Whole deeply colored fruits and vegetables The importance of getting vitamins Grain Stamps that distinguish between contain higher concentrations of vita- from food—not pills partial whole grain and 100% whole mins, minerals, and antioxidants—and The antioxidants and other nutrients grain. different colors provide different bene- in fruits and vegetables help protect Try mixing grains as a first step to fits, so eat a variety. Aim for a minimum against certain types of cancer and switching to whole grains. If whole of five portions each day. other diseases. And while advertise- grains like brown rice and whole wheat Some great choices include: ments abound for supplements promis- pasta don’t sound good at first, start by Greens: Branch out beyond bright ing to deliver the nutritional benefits of mixing what you normallyuse with the and dark green lettuce. Kale, mustard fruits and vegetables in pill or powder whole grains. You can gradually greens, broccoli,and Chinese cabbage form, research suggests that it’s just increase the whole grain to 100%. are just a few of the options—all packed not the same. Avoid: Refined foods such as with calcium, magnesium, iron, potassi- A daily regimen of nutritional sup- breads, pastas, and breakfast cereals um, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. plements is not going to have the same that are not whole grain.

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 41 Healthy eating tip 6: Enjoy healthy fats & avoid Try different types of protein. as beans, nuts, seeds, peas, tofu, and unhealthy fats soy products—will open up new options Whether or not you are a forhealthy mealtimes. Good sources of healthy fat are vegetarian, trying different Beans: Black beans, navy beans, needed to nourish your brain, heart, garbanzos, and lentils are good and cells, as well as your hair, skin, and protein sources—such as options. nails. Foods rich in certain omega-3 beans, nuts, seeds, peas, Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, fats called EPA and DHA are particular- tofu, and soy products—will and pecans are great choices. ly important and can reduce cardiovas- Soy products: Try tofu, soy milk, cular disease, improve your mood, and open up new options tempeh, and veggie burgers for a help prevent dementia. forhealthy mealtimes. change. Add to your healthy diet: Avoid salted or sugary nuts and Monounsaturated fats, from plant processed foods made with partially refried beans. oils like canola oil, peanut oil, and olive hydrogenated vegetable oils. Downsize your portions of protein. oil, as well as avocados, nuts (like Healthy eating tip 7: Put pro- Many people in the West eat too much almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans), and tein in perspective protein. Try to move away from protein seeds (such as pumpkin, sesame). being the center of your meal. Focus on Polyunsaturated fats, including Protein gives us the energy to get up equal servings of protein, whole grains, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and go—and keep going. Protein in food and vegetables. found in fatty fish such as salmon, her- is broken down into the 20 amino acids Focus on quality sources of protein, ring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, that are the body’s basic building like fresh fish, chicken or turkey, tofu, and some cold water fish oil supple- blocks for growth and energy, and eggs, beans, or nuts.When you are hav- ments. Other sources of polyunsaturat- essential for maintaining cells, tissues, ing meat, chicken, or turkey, buy meat ed fats are unheated sunflower, corn, and organs. A lack of protein in our diet that is free of hormones and antibiotics. soybean, flaxseed oils, and walnuts. can slow growth, reduce muscle mass, Healthy eating tip 8: Add cal- Reduce or eliminate from your lower immunity, and weaken the heart cium for strong bones diet: and respiratory system. Protein is par- Saturated fats, found primarily in ticularly important for children, whose Calcium is one of the key nutrients animal sources including red meat and bodies are growing and changing daily. that your body needs in order to stay whole milk dairy products. Here are some guidelines for strong and healthy. It is an essential Trans fats, found in vegetable short- including protein in your healthy diet: building block for lifelong bone health in enings, some margarines, crackers, Try different types of protein. both men and women, as well as many candies, cookies, snack foods, fried Whether or not you are a vegetarian, other important functions. foods, baked goods, and other trying different protein sources—such You and your bones will benefit from

42 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S juice concentrates, such as apple or pear Honey or molasses: maltodextrin (or dextrin) Brown rice syrup: Dextrose, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, or Sucrose Salt Most of us consume too much salt in our diets. Eating too much salt can cause high blood pressure and lead to other health problems. Try to limit sodi- um intake to 1,500 to 2,300 mg per day, the equivalent of one teaspoon of salt. Avoid processed or pre-packaged foods. Processed foods like canned soups or frozen dinners contain hidden sodium that quickly surpasses the rec- ommended limit. Be careful when eating out. Most restaurant and fast food meals are loaded with sodium. Opt for fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned vegetables. Cut back on salty snacks such as potato chips, nuts, and pretzels. Choose low-salt or reduced-sodium products. Try slowly reducing the salt in your diet to give your taste buds time to adjust. Experts agree the key to healthy eat- eating plenty of calcium-rich foods, lim- whole grains, lean protein,and good ing is the time-tested advice of balance, iting foods that deplete your body’s cal- fats, you may find yourself naturally cut- variety and moderation. In short, that cium stores, and getting your daily dose ting back on foods that can get in the means eating a wide variety of foods of magnesium and vitamins D and K— way of your healthy diet—sugar and salt. without getting too many calories or too nutrients that help calcium do its job. Sugar much of any one nutrient. Recommended calcium levels are Sugar causes energy ups and downs Maintain a healthy weight. The 1000 mg per day, 1200 mg if you are and can add to health and weight prob- weight that's right for you depends on over 50 years old. Take a vitamin D and lems. Unfortunately, reducing the many factors including your sex, height, calcium supplement if you don’t get amount of candy, cakes, and desserts age and heredity. Excess body fat enough of these nutrients from your we eat is only part of the solution. Often increases your chances for high blood diet. you may not even be aware of the pressure, heart disease, stroke, dia- Good sources of calcium include: amount of sugar you’re consuming betes, some types of cancer and other Dairy: Dairy products are rich in cal- each day. Large amounts of added illnesses. But being too thin can cium in a form that is easily digested sugar can be hidden in foods such as increase your risk for osteoporosis, and absorbed by the body. Sources bread, canned soups and vegetables, menstrual irregularities and other include milk, yogurt, and cheese. pasta sauce, margarine, instant health problems. If you're constantly Vegetables and greens: Many veg- mashed potatoes, frozen dinners, fast losing and regaining weight, a regis- etables, especially leafy green ones, food, soy sauce, and ketchup. Here are tered dietitian can help you develop are rich sources of calcium. Try turnip some tips: sensible eating habits for successful greens, mustard greens, collard greens, Avoid sugary drinks: One 12-oz weight management. Regular exercise kale, romaine lettuce, celery, broccoli, soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar is also important to maintaining a fennel, cabbage, summer squash, in it, more than the daily recommended healthy weight. green beans, Brussels sprouts, aspara- limit! Try sparkling water with lemon or Make changes gradually. Just as there gus, and crimini mushrooms. a splash of fruit juice. are no "superfoods" or easy answers to a Beans: For another rich source of Eat naturally sweet food such as healthy diet, don't expect to totally revamp calcium, try black beans, pinto beans, fruit, peppers, or natural peanut butter your eating habits overnight. Changing too kidney beans,white beans, black-eyed to satisfy your sweet tooth. much, too fast can get in the way of suc- peas, or baked beans. How sugar is hidden on food labels cess. Begin to remedy excesses or defi- Healthy eating tip 9: Limit Check food labels carefully. Sugar is ciencies with modest changes that can sugar and salt often disguised using terms such as: add up to positive, lifelong eating habits. Cane sugar or maple syrup: crystal- For instance, if you don't like the taste of If you succeed in planning your diet lized or evaporated cane juice skim milk, try low-fat. Eventually you may around fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, Corn sweetener or corn syrup: fruit find you like skim, too.

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 43 VIDYA BALAN CRACKS THE SUCCESS CODE

Divakar Shetty

Born and brought up in Bombay to a middle class south Indian family, Vidya had a dream: to become an actress. But while other girls with that dream would want to be glamorous heroines, Vidya focused on the acting itself. Each evening she would stare at the mirror and re- enact Shabana Azmi’s dia- logues from Arth. Aparticular favourite was the bit where Shabana tells Smita Patil to leave her man alone. Good middle class south Indian families do not react with delight when their daugh- ters tell them that they want to join Bollywood. So Vidya’s par- ents insisted that she went to St Xavier’s College and stud- ied. She did her BA and then an MA in Sociology. “My father said that I could always become an actress,” she recalls. “But I couldn’t go back to collegelater in life. So I had to first finish my educa- tion and then I could do what I wanted. At the time I was not pleased but now, I can’t thank him enough. My parents were absolutely right.” The education explains why Vidya started off late. But

44 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S nothing explains why things kept going wrong for so long. In a male dominated industry, Vidya Balan has forced her entry in the top league with some stupendous perform- ances in the last few months. She has redefined the structure of Indian enter- tainment industry though she has been subject to serious criticism by conser- vative section of the Indian society. Is it because The Dirty Picture has stormed the box office? Is it because she’s so good in the film? Or is it because she has flouted every rule in the Bollywood book and emerged a winner on her own terms? The obvious point of reference is The Dirty Picture. For two months before the movie released, Vidya was everywhere. Never before in the history of Indian cinema has a star done so much publicity for a film. And The Dirty Picture was not even a big budget spe- cial effects extravaganza like say Ra.One. But Vidya appeared on every television show you could think of (and many that you would never have thought of) and in every print publica- tion. So perhaps India is going crazy over Vidya Balan because she is so ubiquitous today, more omnipresent than even Anna Hazare. Or it could be that they all think that Vidya is terrific in the movie (which she is)? Few actresses could have carried off that role with so much aplomb and managed to hold their own against an actor ofthe calibre of Naseeruddin Shah who gives one of his best ever performances. But if you ask me it’s none of these things. India has fallen in love with Vidya Balan all over again (and we’ve beenhere before after the release of Parineeta and once again after Lage Raho Munnabhai though it’s- never been quite so intense) not because of her current ubiquity or because of any individual film but because we have finally come to terms with who she is. The obvious point of reference is The Dirty Picture. For two months before the movie released, Vidya was everywhere. Never before in the history of Indian cinema has a star done so much publicity for a film.

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 45 In an industry full of size zero figures, dancing bimbettes and self- consciously trendy bejeaned muppets, Vidya comes off as a breath of fresh air. Basically, it’s this simple: she is a real person.

a nervous wreck. Her career had stalled in two different film industries (Malayalam and Tamil) and her reputa- tion for bringing bad luck to projects had spread far and wide. This was real- ly a make or break situation for her. But oddly enough, she says, she was never nervous. She knew what was at stake. She knew it was her last chance. And she knew that the camera was her best friend. (“The camera is my confi- dante,”she says. “I speak directly to it.”). So she gave it everything she had. And the rest is history. It hasn’t exactly been an uphill struggle since the massive success of Parineeta. Lage Raho Munnabhai gave her the stamp of commercial accept- In an industry full of size zero fig- in a legal quagmire and not released. ability and it would have been easy ures, dancing bimbettes and self-con- You tell me: wouldn’t you give up at this enough for her to have joined the sciously trendy bejeaned muppets, stage? Anybody else would.But Vidya Bollywood rat race since success Vidya comes off as a breath of fresh air. wouldn’t. And she didn’t. When asked seemed to come so easily and naturally Basically, it’s this simple: she is a real her about her state of mind during that to her. person. phase. She says that it took every But after some strange films like Everything about her is real: the ounce of will power to keep from giving Heyy Babyy and Kismet Konnection in curves, the little roll of fat that she up. which she tried to pretend tobe what makes no attempt to hide, the clothes She went everywhere for roles: on she is not a Bollywood bimbette Vidya that she chooses herself, the roles that one occasion she walked from Nariman decided that this was not part of her she agonises over before finally select- Point to Bandra, a considerable dis- original dream. ing one that suits her, the hard work tance. At other times, she sat for hours “At some stage my sister and broth- she puts into each performance and at the Saibaba temple praying with er-in-law sat me down and asked me then into the promotion, and most of tearsrunning down her cheeks. (“I am a why I had become anactress,” she all, the guts she demonstrates in find- person with a lot of faith and I have con- remembers. ing her own path against the advice of versations all the time but I am not so nearly everybody in Bollywood.But the religious in the conventional, organised road to success was painful. She had sense,” she says). faced tremendous failure, trying hands Then, slowly, her luck began to in Malyalum, Tamil film industry with change. She was cast in a Bengali film sting of disastrous movies. Desperate and discovered that she was a Bengali to find some work at least, she agreed- at heart and learnt to speak the lan- to act in a Euphoria music video direct- guage fluently. (She even sings Bengali ed by Pradeep Sarkar. This time she songs, one of which she sang on cam- was not replaced and the video was era for me when I seemed somewhat completed but there was a fight dubious about her linguistic abilities). between labels and the release of the Pradeep Sarkar who had kept cast- video was stalled. ing her in ad films and other music So, after three years in the film videos never lost faith. He had planned industry, Vidya Balan had been to make Parineeta for producer Vidhu replaced in twelve Malayalam movies, Vinod Chopra and insisted that Vidya two Tamil films and had made one would make a perfect heroine. music video which had been caught up By all rights, Vidya should have been

46 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S After years of disappointment, rejection and experimentation, Vidya Balan has found her destiny. There is only one answer - Vidya Balan is a true artiste. And when you have someone like her as the protagonist, you can surely expect a mind-blowing two hours in the theatre irrespective of the genre.

“I said it was because I wanted to be ed a huge risk. Hindi cinema no longer to see her movies, it would not make different people, to play different char- requires its heroines to be virginal that much difference to her. acters. And they pointed out what angels of innocence. But I can’t think of After years of disappointment, rejec- should have been obvious to me. If I a single other film where a heroine is tion and experimentation, Vidya Balan was going to do these typical Bollywood shown as seducing a man simply to has found her destiny. There is only one films, then I wasn’t really playing differ- advance her career and is still treated answer - Vidya Balan is a true artiste. ent characters. It wasn’t why I had as a sympathetic character. And when you have someone like her as become an actress at all.” And then there was the terrible visu- the protagonist, you can surely expect a Ask yourself this, if you had only one al deterioration that her character suf- mind-blowing two hours in the theatre dream, if that dream had been dashed fered at the end of the movie. Which irrespective of the genre. This pretty on the rocks by fate through rejection heroine would agree to do all this with- Tamilian already has an awe-inspiring and replacement and if you finally had out wondering about the effect on her share of movies in her kitty. Recently, found some partial fulfillment of that stardom? with Paa, the much acclaimed movie dream, some measure of success at But Vidya took the risk. She liked the which starred Amitabh and Abhishek last, would you really risk it all? role, she said. It offered her a chance to Bachchan, she showed us a completely All because she still believed in that take a character that society looked new side to her diverse persona. From original dream, not in the commercial down on and to invest that person with the proper Bengali girl in Parineeta to fantasy that it had morphed into. dignity and depth. Her character didn’t the bubbly RJ in Lage Raho Munnabhai, The films that have come in the lat- have to be somebody you felt sorry for. she has won the hearts of millions of est phase of Vidya Balan’s career are You just had to accept that she was an us. Cross your heart for you cannot lie, not those that a commercially savvy independent woman making her own my dear friend. actress would have signed. She ago- choices in her own interests. Most importantly, unlike several oth- nised for three months before agreeing “‘Treat her with respect,’ was my ers artists, she has braved the media to do Paa even though it offered her a motto,” she says. and refuses to be stereotyped. The Dirty chance to act with Amitabh Bachchan, Now that the risk has paid off and Picture is no different. Possibly her an early idol since his Yaarana days. the film is such a stupendous success, bravest performance ever, she has fiery (She even liked that silly outfit with the it is easy to say that Vidya was right to dialogues and a character that requires lightbulbs that was stolen from The take the role. But had it gone wrong, it a lot of courage to pull off. My jittery fin- Electric Horseman). could well have been career suicide. gers are crossed, as the movie releases It wasn’t that she minded playing Except I don’t think that Vidya cares today in cinemas all over India. Cheers Amitabh’s mother. It was just that she too much about that any longer. She to my favourite actress, and hope peo- was terrified of screwing up. doesn’t care about image or about body ple love her performance just as much As it turned out, she was brilliant. issues. She’s happy to be a star. But as I did. She was terrific as a deglamourised she’d much rather be an actress. Coming to the movie itself, it talks Sabrina Lal in No One Killed Jessica. At some level, I think all of us recog- about the life of the heroine who, like And she was even better in Ishqiya nise that in Vidya we are dealing with a Silk Smitha, became the ultimate sym- where she played the kind of character real person who is making real choices bol of sensuality and the ups and she developed further in The Dirty and not with some machine-made, downs such a typecasting has in an Picture: a woman who is willing to use image-manipulated Bollywood star. We exploitative industry like Indian cinema. her sexuality in the advancement of her respect her risks. We admire her Full of raunchy dance numbers, red-lip- own interests. resilience. And we know that even if we stick and bold dresses, Vidya is defi- Even so, The Dirty Picture represent- didn’t do all of this, even if we didn’t go nitely at the centre of all this limelight.

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 47 GOPIO & GUJARAT UNIVERSITY ORGANIZE A SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE ON 'INDIAN DIASPORA IN INTER LINKAGES AND SYNERGY' IN AHMEDABAD

ujarat University's Department of Study Abroad Program (SAP) and GGlobal Organization of People of Indian origin (GOPIO) jointly organized an international conference on 12th and 13th January, 2012 at Gujarat University Convention Center, Ahmedabad, India. Another significant event took place on the eve of the conference with the launch of GOPIO-Ahmedabad Chapter in association with SAP on January 11th. The idea of conference initiated two years earlier by GOPIO's former Academic Council Chairman Dr. Jagat Motwani, who along with SAP Coordinator Dr. Neerja Arun, decided to design the conference which would be based on the concept of impact of Indian Diaspora which has moti- GOPIO International members at GOPIO-Ahmedabad launch. From L. to R: Dr. vated its homeland to map its history and Mohan Gautam, Radha Krishan, Dhiraj Solanki, Sudha Parekh, Dr. Thomas factors for migration. Concerns for eco- Abraham, GOPIO-Ahmedabad Coordinator Dr. Neerja Arun, Nirmal Singh and nomic, political, cultural and social Chandu Patel. engagements of Indian Diaspora have been widely shown in the society. It also GOPIO has been providing a platform and Another session witnessed a discus- brought sociologists and researchers to networking opportunities to the Indian sion over issues related to cultural diver- look into the process of migration and Diaspora communities as to engage them sity and communication. Speakers includ- found themselves into pondering upon with India and in the process mobilize ed Dr. Abraham; Mr Nirmal Sinha, former the trends of Indian Diaspora. Diaspora's professional and financial president of FIA Columbus and former The conference felicitated many com- resources to benefit India. His presenta- director of National Federation of Indian- munity activists who have made their tion further brought out GOPIO's role in American Associations (NFIA); Mr impact and considerable contribution in the Indian Diaspora movement and dis- Chandubhai Patel and Neil Patel, an NRI the field of Indian Diaspora. The following cussed mutual expectations between who is running as a candidate for Ohio personalities who were present at the NRIs/PIOs and India. State Senate. conference were facilitated during the The plenary session was followed two The panel discussion on the theme inaugural session: GOPIO parallel sessions with Session A chaired 'Here and There - Merging Sphere' was Founding Members Dhiraj Solanki, by Prof. Bipin Sagankar of USA and Co- chaired by Mr. J C Sharma with Mr Neil Sudha Parekh, Radha Krishnan and chaired by Mr. S L Wickramasinghe. In Patel as Co-Chair. The participants of this Nirmal Sinha; Chandubhai Patel, this session Mr. Issar G Totlani, Vice Panel Discussion were Dr. Kavita Sharma, Chairman, NFIA Foundation, USA; Dr President of NRI parents Association in Mr. Nirmal Sinha and Dr. Neerja Arun. Kavita Sharma, Director, India Intl. Ctr.; Vadodara spoke on 'Concern of NRI There were two parallel sessions under Mr. Sunil Nayak, USA and Mr. Neil Patel, Parents Association Towards Indian the theme 'Here and There - Merging FIA Columbus, USA. Diaspora'. In this session, Mr Jagat Spheres.' The first session was chaired by The plenary session after the inaugu- Motwani's paper 'Education and Diaspora Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Prof. & Head, ration was on the theme 'Indian Diaspora - Tagore on Hindu Concept of Education' Political Science, Meerut University and Linkages'. The session was chaired by Mr was read by Mr. Paavan Pandit. Dr. co-chaired by Ms. Lalita Joshi of Prasar Chandubhai Patel wherein the speakers Mukesh Bagoria gave his views on 'India's Bharati. In this session Dr. Vijyalaxmi were: Dr. Kavita Sharma, Director Indian Linkages with Its Diaspora: A case study Chari (Professor and Reader, S.D. School International Center in New Delhi and of Indian Diaspora in USA.' The second of Commerce, Gujarat University ) and Dr.Thomas Abraham of GOPIO parallel session was chaired by Mr. Nirmal Ms. Nirali Pandit (Gujarat University) International. Dr. Sharma provided an Sinha. Among the speakers were, Prof. shared their views on 'Diaspora and academic view of the Indian Diaspora Mohan Gautam of The Netherlands who Business Linkages' while Dr. Neerja Arun migration and how Indian can benefit spoke on 'Europe Experience of delivered her views on 'Connecting spiri- from them. Dr. Abraham spoke on how Education. tually.' She reiterated the role of Indian

48 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S Diaspora in spreading spiritual identity of lack of people and funds and expertise in Dr. Swati Kapadia (Bhavan's Sheth India in moreconstructive manner. medical fields. Under this session and R.A. College of Arts and Commerce) The second session was chaired by theme, the last talk was presented was by depicted her views on 'Indian Diaspora Ms. Sudha Parekh, a veteran community Nirmal Sinha, a community leader from and Indian Classical Music'. She said that activist from New York. The first paper in the U.S. He spoke on the efforts of the Indian classical music travelled abroad to this session was, 'Extension of Homeland Indian Diaspora in research initiatives. widen its range of audience with its native Civilization and Flow of Indian Traditions The next session's theme was masters who started performing on the towards Transnational Locations: 'Synergy' and was chaired by Dr. V. Chari. foreign land. Slowly and gradually, some Emerging Sacred Spheres in Mauritius The speakers were Dr. M. K, Pandey, Joint of the masters migrated to foreign lands Indian Diaspora' by Mr Rajeev Ranjan Rai Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian and became a part of the Indian (Asst. Professor of Diaspora Studies at Affairs and Prof. Bipin Sagankar of the Diaspora. She brought out the evolution Mahatma Gandhi Antarrastriya Hindi U.S. Dr. Pandey gave a detailed account of of Indian classical music in the West, Vishwaidyalaya, Wardha, Maharashtra). 's initiatives towards assessed the target audience, i.e. (1) the Dr. Khyati Joshi (Associate professor of the Diaspora. Indian Diaspora and (2) the mainstream Education at Fairleigh Dickinson As per the schedule, two parallel ses- West. Focusing on the increasing taste for University, USA) presented her views on sions were held on this theme, 'Synergy.' Indian classical music, Kapadia spoke on 'Role of Religion in Indian Diaspora' where The session in Hall "A" was chaired by Dr. the role of Indian Diaspora in the devel- as Dr. Arundhati Bhattacharya (Assistant Indira Nityanandam (Principal, S.R. Mehta opment of Indian classical music in the Professor and Head of Political Science Arts College, Ahmedabad). Panelist Dr. West and giving a new shape to Indian Department, Bhairab Ganguly College, Nisheeth Rai spoke on 'Conceptualizing classical music by fusing it with the West. Kolkata) spoke on 'Marriages with Non- and Developing Diasporaism'. According With Indian Diaspora, the Indian classical Resident Indians and Its Repercussions'. to him term 'Diasporaism' (as socio-cul- music has acquired not only a new identi- The Last paper in this session was pre- tural,politico-economic religious networks ty in India as well as in the West; it has sented on 'Indian Cinema; windows of with homeland) describes a condition in entered the canon of globalization with a Nostalgia and adaptation for Diaspora' by which, despite great distances and global appeal. Shailendra Kumar. notwithstanding the presence of interna- The second parallel session in Hall "B" The final session for the first day was tional borders (and all the laws, regula- was chaired by US community and politi- a plenary Session which was chaired by tions and national narratives they repre- cal activist Niranjan Patel and co-chaired Dr. Supriya Agrawal and included guest sent), certain kinds of relationships per- by Mrs. Vaishali Padhiar (Development speaker Mrs. Sandhya Sinha sist towards homeland which have been Officer, Gujarat University). In an interest- (Chairperson, Women's Political Forum, intensified globally in virtual and real ing presentation, Dr. Z. N. Patil (Prof. and India and a Small-Scale Industry world. Head of English Department, English and Entrepreneur) who spoke on the theme The second presentation was on Foreign Language University, Hyderabad) 'Position of Women and Diasporic 'Prevalence of Diabetes in the Indian portrayed his vision on 'Legitimating New Influence'. Diaspora: Successful Community-Based Varieties of English'. According to Dr. Patil, The first day conference concluded Prevention and Management Programs in the global spread of English has generat- with a magnificent performance classical India' by Dr. Thakor G. Patel (Adjunct ed varying perspectives on the nature and Indian music by Saptak School of Music Associate Professor of Medicine at the functions of its acculturated varieties. from Ahmedabad. Uniformed Services of the Health Broadly speaking, the debate has divided Day Two started with Kite Flying at the Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland) who scholars into two camps holding diametri- vast field of the university outside con- had served the U.S. Navy for 23 years and cally opposing views on the multiple ver- vention center. The first Plenary Session is currently in Sevak Project of American sions of English. On the one hand, some for the day started at 9.45 a.m., chaired Association of Physicians of Indian Origin scholars view variations as symptoms of by Dr. Thomas Abraham under the theme (AAPI). He presented detailed data on the linguistic degeneration and deterioration; 'Funders' Agenda-Pitching ideas for devel- global burden of diabetes mellitus which on the other hand, some scholars legit- opment.' In this session Dr. Prabhakar is more pronounced in India and migrant imize them as inevitable manifestations depicted his views on 'SRI project' in Asian Indians as they have high rates of necessitated by the demands of the new Kerala, while Mr. K. Narahari Rao type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and related com- cultural contexts. In this session Dr. (Assistant General Manager of the State plications in the United States. The pres- Sanjeev Sharma presented the paper of Bank of India), spoke on investing oppor- entation further described the higher Ms. Reshmi Ramdhony of Mauritius 'Mere tunities with India and its Banks. Dr. prevalence of T2DM among 1038 ran- Aankhon mein basa sheher: Banaras.' Chirag Shah (Director, Department of domly selected Asian Indian immigrants A concluding session was held where Hematology. Oncology, Stem Cell in the U.S (17.4%), and 1082 Indians in speakers for both sessions 'Funders Transplant, Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad) India (8.4 % and 13.6% in rural and urban Agenda' and 'Transforming Local with spoke on possible funding for medical Indians, respectively). The prevalence of Global' presented outcomes from the ses- temples. He said that each religion talks metabolic syndrome, using the sions.After this last session the interna- of charity and in Indian philosophy we International Diabetes Federation criteria, tional conference ended up with the vale- take body as a temple. was 38.2%, 39.2% and 10.5% among dictory function. Dr. Mukul Shah, the Pro- "Its high time now that people start U.S. Asian Indians, Urban Indians and Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University was donating for medical temples in India and rural Indians respectively. Results provid- the chief guest and keynote speaker. With such initiatives shall bring quality and ed evidence that rural Indians have signif- him the dais was shared by Mr. M K abundance in treatments in cancer treat- icantly lower rate of diabetes, pre-dia- Pandey, Dr Thomas Abraham, Dr Neerja ment," said betes, and obesity as compared to urban Arun and Mr K H Patel. The function Dr. Shah. Dr. Shah also informed how Indians and immigrant Asian Indians in ended with a success reward by all the ill served was the medical field due to the the US. participants present in the function.

O P I N I O N E X P R E S S April 2012 49 INTERNATIONAL BHANGRA QUEEN NINDY KAUR SET TO SHINE WITH NEW SINGLE FEATURING POPULAR CANADIAN PRODUCERS CULTURE SHOCK

nternational music icon and Bollywood Rihanna, Sean Paul and Nicole songstress Nindy Kaur is raising the bar “My fans will notice that Sherzinger for Bollywood and Desi- Iwith the launch of her new single Save inspired official remixes of their tracks. The World, a pure adrenaline, feel-good this is the first time I'm Save The World will also be featured on dance anthem of 2012. The song will be collaborating outside the Nindypendent as a remix version, set available for exclusive download from RDB camp; but the aim is to for release this Summer. iTunes on March 14th, 2012. Appealing In speaking about her solo project, to the masses, Save The World boasts a pursue my own solo career, Nindy: “My fans will notice that this is unique fusion of an up-tempo and addic- which has always been a the first time I'm collaborating outside tive mainstream dance rhythm with the RDB camp; but the aim is to pursue Nindy’s trademark Punjabi kick, making it dream. This is the first of my own solo career, which has always a global dance floor hit. many and I can't wait to been a dream. This is the first of many Famed for her lead vocals on take the stage and shine as and I can't wait to take the stage and Bollywood chart-toppers Kambakkht shine as a solo artist. And yes, with that Ishq, Aloo Chaat, Yamla Pagla Deewana a solo artist”. said, we are working on my own world and Char Din Ki Chandni, with interna- tour which is coming soon. Working with tional music stalwarts RDB, alongside her debut solo album, Nindypendent, Culture Shock on this track has been an her urban smash-hits Akhian, Deewani which entered straight into the number amazing experience. and 2 Seater, Nindy has taken the steps one spot on the Indian music charts. Baba Kahn is a great producer; and to solo stardom and the result is her ris- Now, Save The World marks Nindy’s when you're in the studio with Lomaticc ing status as the one to watch star of first collaboration outside the RDB & Sunny Brown, magic is bound to hap- 2012. camp, collaborating with Culture pen. It didn't feel like we were working Nindy Kaur has successfully Shock, who have previously worked together for the first time; there was released her first two hit singles from with artists such as Lady Gaga, great musical chemistry!”

50 April 2012 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S

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