InFocus India 2020 by Diplomacy&Commerce magazine

India - 2020 -

INDIA INNOVATES

T HE OLDEST CITY

Author Mark Twain wrote that Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend. It is a major religious hub and the holiest of the seven sacred cities.

THE HIGHEST CRICKET GROUND

India is a cricket-loving nation. It's only natural for it to also feature the highest cricket ground in the world. It is situated at a level of 2,144 metres above sea level in Chail, Himachal Pradesh.

INDIA’S “WATER MAN”

Rajendra Singh has brought water back to some 1,000 villages, with the fast disappearing traditional technology. He was awarded the 2015 Stockholm Water Prize.

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PIPLANTRI VILLAGE

This amazing village in India plants 111 trees every time a little girl is born. Amazing custom was started by former leader to honor his daughter who passed away when she was young.

GOLDEN TEMPLE IN AMRITSAR

The Darbār Sahib, also known as Golden Temple, which is built in 1604, feeds 100,000 people every day. Free kitchen produces 200,000 flat breads and 1.5 tonnes of lentil soup daily.

THE LARGEST FILM INDUSTRY The Indian film industry produces more than 1,000 films on an average each year – much more than Hollywood does in the same period. Most of the films aren’t produced in Bollywood but in regional Telugu and Tamil languages.

VEGETARIAN NATION

CHENAB BRIDGE

India has more vegetarians than the rest of the world put together. the world's second most populous country, has over 500 million vegetarians.

About 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower, the arch-shaped Chenab bridge in Jammu and Kashmir is the world's tallest rail bridge. It stands at the height of 1,178 feet over the river Chenab.

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INTERVIEW

TRADITIONALLY WARM, CLOSE AND FRIENDLY RELATIONS H.E. SUBRATA BHATTACHARJEE Ambassador of India

Friendly relations between India and Serbia strengthened considerably in past one year, and all planed future activities will naturally restart after global situation of COVID-19 normalizes

n the second half of 2019, there were two important high-level exchanges. Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha (House of People of Indian Parliament) visited Belgrade in October

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2019 for participating in 141st Assembly of Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), while Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Belgrade in November 2019. There are a plenty of room for improving our economic

and bilateral cooperation., such as agriculture, pharmaceutical industry, torusim, film industry. ..I hope to see more progress in this field in the coming days”, said H.E. Subrata Bhattacharjee, Indian ambassador to Serbia, for

the special issue dedicated to Indian-Serbian relations. India and Serbia traditionally have very close relations. Many developments took place in past one year. What are your plans for future? Traditionally warm, close and friendly relations between India and Serbia strengthened considerably in past one year. In the second half of 2019, we had two important high-level exchanges. Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha (House of People of Indian Parliament) visited Belgrade in October 2019 for participating in 141st Assembly of Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU). This was a major multilateral event held in Belgrade after a long time. The visit of Hon’ble Speaker was also an important Parliamentary visit after a long gap. He led a large Parliamentary delegation from India and had meetings with Serbian dignitaries and Speakers of other countries on the sidelines of IPU Assembly. In another landmark development, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Belgrade in November 2019. This being a Foreign Minister-level visit from India after many years, the visit generated much interest. A Defence Cooperation Agreement was signed by the two countries during the visit. Because of Corona virus problem and the restrictions on travel, no visit could be organized during the first half of 2020. Still there were exchanges between the two countries when Hon’ble First Dy. PM & Foreign Minister of Serbia spoke to Minister of External Affairs of India in March. There were also plans for large Indian participation in International Agriculture Fair in Novi Sad in May 2020, but the Trade Fair was postponed because of COVID-19 pandemic. There were more plans for visits of Indian business delegation and Indian participation in Serbian Trade Fairs. Because of the postponement of the Trade Fairs, the plans are being revised. Activities will naturally restart after global situation of COVID-19 normalizes. Pharmaceuticals play an important role in any country’s economy. This

has become more evident as the world is facing COVID-19 pandemic. What is India’s strength in pharmaceutical sector? India possesses natural strength in knowledge-based industries like pharmaceuticals. India, which began initially as an exporter of bulk drugs or Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), subsequently started producing finished pharmaceutical formulations more. In the last financial year, India exported pharmaceuticals world over US $ 20 billion. It is no wonder that India is now called “Pharmacy of the World” because India is the world’s 4th largest pharmaceuticals formulation exporter by volume besides being the largest exclusive generic drug exporter by value.

SERUM INSTITUTE OF INDIA IS GEARING UP TO PRODUCE ONE BILLION DOSES OF OXFORD UNIVERSITY VACCINE India has 8 of its generic drug manufacturers among the top 20 global drug manufacturers. Finished pharmaceutical formulations now account for 70% of India’s pharma exports. India is exporting pharmaceuticals to many highly regulated markets like USA, South Africa, United Kingdom and Brazil among others. Most of India’s generic drug exports (almost 65-70%) indeed go to highly regulated market. Vaccine is another segment in which India’s contribution is outstanding. WHO sources over 65% of its essential immunization vaccine requirements from India. Serum Institute of India, a major global producer of vaccines, says “65% of children in the world receive at least one vaccine of their manufacture.” At a time when the global economy is heading for a long recession because of COVID-19 pandemic, the crisis has opened new doors for the pharmaceutical sector. Naturally,

Indian pharma companies that have saved the lives of millions throughout the world by supplying quality life-saving drugs at affordable prices are not lagging behind to join the fight against pandemic. India supplied Hydroxychloroquine tablets to 112 nations as well as Paracetamol to 23 countries and reinforced its image as “Pharmacy of the World”. Indian companies are at the forefront in bulk manufacturing and supply of potential medicines such as Remdesivir, Favipiravir, Tocilizumab approved for COVID-19 treatment for the global population. Seven Indian companies – Cipla Ltd., Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., Hetero Ltd. Jubilant Life Sciences, Syngene, Zydus Cadila Healthcare Ltd. and Mylan – had signed license with Gilead for manufacturing and export of Remdesivir to 127 countries. Several Indian firms are currently working on development of COVID-19 vaccine. India’s indigenous vaccine ‘COVAXIN” have entered clinical trials. Serum Institute of India is gearing up to produce one billion doses of Oxford University vaccine. Against this backdrop, India and Serbia can gain a lot by cooperating in pharmaceutical sector. How can it be mutually beneficial for India and Serbia? Serbia’s epidemiological profile is the same as that of other European countries where India is supplying pharmaceuticals. Serbian pharmaceuticals market worth US$ 1.27 billion includes a large component of generic drugs (around 63% or US $ 800 million), where Indian pharma companies have natural strength. Thus, India can certainly be a supplier of quality medicines to Serbia at affordable prices. Another area of cooperation in pharma sector could be Ayurveda and Herbal medicines as Ayurveda, Homeopathy etc. are recognized in Serbian law as Complementary medicines. Since Serbian laws permit practice of different complementary medicines including Ayurveda, the use of Ayurveda can certainly promote healthy living and well-being of Serbians. Serbian Ayurveda experts are already in discus-

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sions with their Indian counterparts on this issue and I hope to see more progress in this field in the coming days. Do you think agriculture could be a promising area for bilateral cooperation? A three-trillion-dollar economy and the 5th largest in the world, India had set a GDP target of US $ 5 trillion. India is also a major global importer. In 2019, India’s annual import was US $ 514 billion. Agricultural products accounting for import worth US $ 17 billion have a significant place in India’s import basket. Since agriculture plays a major role in Serbian economy, Serbia can naturally benefit from it. India imports fresh fruits worth US $ 500 million in a year, out of which apple constitutes over US $ 200 million. Serbian apple growers have taken due note of it. Serbia participated in World Food India 2017, a major agriculture promotional event in India on food and food processing. Subsequently, there were few exchanges of visits from both sides to finalize apple export from Serbia to India. What could be specific achievements?

At the moment, few Serbian companies are ready to send their apple consignment to India. Other items of India’s agricultural imports that can be of Serbia’s interest are edible oil, paper and paper pulp, wood etc. Since agriculture is the mainstay of Serbian economy, this offers a great opportunity to Indian manufactures for supplying agricultural machinery to Serbia. Serbians also acknowledge India as a supplier of quality agricultural machinery at affordable prices. Two years back, the Indian company TAFE that had a long association with Serbia acquired a leading tractor brand of Serbia and its factory for manufacturing TAFE tractors in Serbia under IMT brand name. In fact, two other leading tractor companies of India, namely Mahindra and Sonalika have their assembly lines in Serbia with Serbian partners. There are similar opportunities for various other types of agricultural machineries. Keeping this in mind, India companies participat-

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WHILE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS TEMPORARILY HALTED ACTIVITIES IN TOURISM AND MOVIE SHOOTING, I AM SURE, TRAFFIC WILL RESTART WITH RENEWED VIGOR ONCE THE SITUATION NORMALIZES ed in International Agriculture Fair in Novi Sad in May 2019. India was planning to have a bigger participation at the same trade fair in May 2020, but the Fair was postponed due to COVID-19. As the situation normalizes and the trade fair resumes, Indian companies will certainly come to future Serbian Agriculture Fairs. Tourism and film industry can add further momentum to bilateral economic cooperation. Do you think that Serbia can be a new location for Indian film producers?

Indian tourists are the new global trotters. With growing prosperity and the increasing size of the affluent class in India, Indians are now travelling abroad more and more for leisure and recreation. Annually 26 million Indians travel abroad for tourism and leisure, thus spending US $ 23 billion for such activities abroad. While the traditional destinations of Indian tourists used to be some well-known European countries, America, South East Asia etc, Serbia with its beautiful landscape, vibrant culture and appealing cuisine can be a new source of attraction for Indian tourists. With the introduction of visa free entry for short visits by Indians to Serbia, tourist arrival from India to Serbia has gone up significantly. Over 37,000 Indians visited Serbia during 2018-2019. With greater focus on group tourism, tourism/conference packages for senior management/dealers of corporate houses, Serbian tourism industry will certainly be able to attract more Indian tourists in the coming years. In India, movie and tourism go hand in hand. Bollywood, the acronym for Hindi film industry, produces largest number of movies in the world (2960

movies in a year) and has an annual turnover of US $ 2 billion. Additionally, there is a thriving film industry in many regional languages producing 1600 movies annually. With such a gigantic production base, Bollywood and other regional Indian film industries often go abroad for shooting some of the scenes. In the past few years, Serbia has been able to attract a number of movie producers of India. 4- 5 movies from South India were earlier shot in Serbia. Among Hindi Bollywood movies, ‘Soorma’ had a number of scenes shot in Serbia. ‘Uri The Surgical Strike’, the first Bollywood blockbuster of 2019 was primarily shot in Serbia. This was followed by ‘Baghi-3’ by one of the big movie production houses of India who had a movie shooting schedule in Serbia. Overall, this is welcome development and can cement stronger economic ties. This is because shooting of Indian movies in Serbia not only generates revenue for Serbia but also popularizes Serbia as a tourist spot among Indian tourists. This will in turn attract more Indian tourists to Serbia. While the COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily halted activities in tourism and movie shooting, I am sure, traffic will restart with renewed vigor once the situation normalizes. Climate change challenges faced by the world underline the need for clean energy. In this connection, what are India’s plan in the field of renewable energy sector? As the humankind makes progress in the field of Science & Technology, climate change has become a new global challenge. The challenge is truly global in nature as the ill effects of cli-

SERBIA WITH ITS BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE, VIBRANT CULTURE AND APPEALING CUISINE CAN BE A NEW SOURCE OF ATTRACTION FOR INDIAN TOURISTS mate pollution is never restricted to the polluting country alone. Global warming caused by greenhouse gas emission is affecting even the Polar

region and the people living in coastal areas throughout the world. Against this backdrop, Renewable Energy (RE) has become one of the most important factors and hope for the world to preserve the pristine environment and the planet’s resources for future generations. India has been leading the world on this front showing the developing nations of the world a way forward for socio-economic growth without degradation of the environment. To meet its ambitious targets and commitment to the entire world in the fight against climate change, India has been rolling out multiple initiatives, programs, policies and incentives to accelerate the development of the RE sector. 

REDUCING ITS GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS India has committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity per unit GDP by 33 to 35 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) through additional tree cover. To keep up with its economic growth plan, without compromising its commitment to greenhouse gas emission, India set a target of 175 gigawatt (GW) cumulative renewable power capacity by the year 2022. Out of this, a capacity of 85.90 GW has already been established by December 2019. This includes Wind Power capacity of 37.5 GW

and Solar Power capacity of 33.7 GW, thus making India the 4th and 5th largest global producers in wind and solar power capacity respectively. India’s another RE promotion initiative was creation of International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015 at the 21 Session of UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP-21) in Paris and since then 86 countries have joined ISA. All member countries of ISA can access funds meant for promoting use of solar power. Even countries outside the tropical region, like Serbia, can benefit from the initiative.

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PARTNERSHIP

INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP IN THE WORLD Despite its own resource constraints, India has been sharing its developmental experiences and technical expertise with other countries in the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” he Government of India’s approach to Development Partnership has been shaped by India’s struggle for independence and solidarity with other colonized and developing countries and the inspiring leadership of Mahatma Gandhi who said “I do want to think in terms of the whole world.

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My patriotism includes the good of mankind in general. Therefore, my service to India includes the service of humanity”. India’s approach to development is mainly human-centric and is marked by Respect, Diversity, Care for the future, and Sustainable development. For India, the most fundamental prin-

ciple in cooperation is respecting development partners and be guided by their development priorities. India’s development cooperation does not come with any conditions, as stated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in his address at the Parliament of Uganda in July 2018, “Our development partnership will be guided by your pri-

orities. It will be on terms that will be comfortable for you, that will liberate your potential and not constrain your future… We will build as much local capacity and create as many local opportunities as possible”. Indian model of developmental cooperation is comprehensive and involves multiple instruments including grant-in-aid, line of credit and capacity building and technical assistance. Depending on the priorities of partner countries, India’s development cooperation ranges from commerce to culture, energy to engineering, health to housing, IT to infrastructure, sports to science, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance to restoration and preservation of cultural and heritage assets.

LINES OF CREDIT Development assistance in the form of concessional Lines of Credit (LOCs) is extended by the Government of India under the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS) through the Exim Bank of India. More than 300 LOCs worth US$ 30.66 billion have been extended to 64 countries. The projects under the LOCs cover critical infrastructure sectors such as transport connectivity through railways, roads and ports; power generation and distribution; agriculture and irrigation; manufacturing industries, healthcare,

education and capacity building. So far about 300 LoC projects have been completed while more than 260 projects are under implementation. Out of the total LOCs of US$ 30.66 billion, US$ 15.90 billion have been extended to Asian countries, with the largest value of commitments having been made in India’s immediate neighbourhood. LOCs worth US$ 7.862 billion have been extended to Bangladesh, US$ 2.02 billion to Sri Lanka, US$ 1.65 billion to Nepal, US$ 964.80 to Mauritius, US$ 840 million to Maldives, US$ 538.90 million to Myanmar and US$

A NUMBER OF GRANTIN-AID PROJECTS, AGGREGATING AROUND US$ 4 BILLION, COVERING VARIOUS SECTORS SUCH AS INFRASTRUCTURE, HYDROELECTRICITY, POWER TRANSMISSION, AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH, INDUSTRY ETC

128 million to Seychelles. There is a special focus on regional connectivity initiatives in the neighbourhood under Government of India (GoI) LOCs as these can act as force multipliers to accelerate regional growth & development, promote people-to-people contact and encourage trade and commerce. A total of 97 connectivity projects for USD 6.93 billion have been taken up under LOCs in 4 countries in our neighbourhood, out of which 44 projects have already been completed. These include: (i) Bangladesh: 31 projects (13 already completed); (ii) Nepal: 43 Road projects (17 already completed). (iii) Sri Lanka: 19 projects (11 already completed); (iv) Myanmar: 4 projects (3 already completed). India has completed numerous iconic infrastructure projects in partner countries under the Lines of Credit. Some of these iconic projects include the Parliament Building of Gambia, the Presidential Palace in Ghana, the Kosti Power project in Sudan which provides 1/3rd of the country’s power, the Nyaborongo Power Project in Rwanda which provides 1/4th of the country’s power, Railway Bridges and Signalling Systems in Bangladesh, the post-war rebuilding of the Sri Lankan Railways etc. India is building the first Oil Refinery of Mongolia under LOC at a cost of USD 1.24 billion which will provide critical energy security to this landlocked

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ernment of India grant assistance include construction of Afghan-India Friendship Dam in Afghanistan, Construction of Afghan Parliament Building in Kabul, construction of new ENT hospital project in Mauritius, Metro Express Project in Mauritius, Jaffna Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka, Supreme Court building in Mauritius etc.

country. India has set up the first ever industrial units in many countries like the first Cement Plant of Djibouti, the first Milk Processing Plant of Mauritania, the first Sugar Factory of Ghana etc. The Upper Ruvu Water Treatment Plant in Tanzania provides clean drinking water to more than 2 million people in the Dar es Salaam area. LoCs have also been extended in many new sectors like defence and solar energy.

SERBIA IS ONE OF THE ITEC PARTNER COUNTRIES AND SINCE 2008, 165 SERBIAN MID-LEVEL CAREER PROFESSIONALS HAVE UNDERGONE COURSES

GRANT-IN-AID PROJECTS A number of grant-in-aid projects, aggregating around US$ 4 Billion, covering various sectors such as infrastructure, hydroelectricity, power transmission, agriculture, education, health, Industry etc, as prioritized by the host governments, are under implementation in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Maldives, Ne-

pal Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Seychelles and other countries. Beyond India’s neighbourhood in South East Asia, Central Asia, Africa and Latin America, bilateral projects in Information and Computer Technology (lCT), Small & Medium enterprises and archaeological conservation have been undertaken. Iconic projects completed with Gov-

CAPACITY BUILDING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Capacity building assistance is an important strand of India's development partnership programme. The Government of India provides capacity building support to other friendly countries in various forms such as civilian and military training programmes in India, training on-site abroad, deputation of Indian experts, establishment of centres of excellence in IT and vocational training centres. Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, instituted in 1964, now covers around 160 partner countries from Asia, Africa, East Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean as well as Pacific and Small Island countries. The ITEC Programme comprises mostly of short term training courses organised annually across Indian public institutions in various streams for govt. officials and working professionals. The Programme has grown organically from about 4000 training slots in 2006-07 to around 14000 slots (including defence training) in 2019-20. During 2019-20, civilian training slots were offered under ITEC in over 383 courses across 98 institutions in a wide and diverse range areas. These include disciplines such as Engineering and Technology; Government Functions; Envi-

COOPERATION IN CULTURAL AND HERITAGE PROJECTS

With Government of India’s assistance programme more than 50 cultural and heritage projects have been completed, including restoration of Ananda Temple; Shwedagon Pagoda (Myanmar), restoration of Thiruketheeswaram temple; installation of Replica of Sarnath Buddha; Indian Gallery at Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, Kandy (Srilanka), reconstruction of various Dzongs; Tango Buddhist College (Bhutan), renovation of Bala Tiripura Sundari Temple; construction of Dharamshalas-Pashupathinath temple (Nepal), conserving Girish Chandra Sen’s Residence as Museum; Manipuri Cultural complex at Maulvibazar (Bangladesh), restoration of

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Mosques (Maldives), restoration of stor Palance; Blue Mosque (Afghanistan), setting up of National Archives and Library (Mauritius), built National War Memorial (Tribute to Indian Soldiers in World War I) (France), borobudur and Prambanan temples (Indonesia), gifting statue of Lord Buddha to Gandan Monastery (Mongolia), conservation of My Son Group of Temples (Vietnam), conservation of Vat Phou Shiva temple (Laos), conservation of Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, Preah Vihar temples (Cambodia), Torana gate (Malaysia). Currently around 25 cultural and heritage projects are under implementation in various countries.

ronment and Climate Change; Agriculture; Banking, Finance, Accounts and Audit; English Language; Health and Yoga; Petroleum; ICT; Journalism; Management and Leadership; Power, renewable & Alternate Energy, including solar; Rural Development; Women Empowerment etc. Serbia is one of the ITEC partner countries and since 2008, 165 Serbian mid-level career professionals have undergone courses on a wide and diverse range of skills and disciplines, including in ICT, Expenditure Management, Entrepreneurship, WTO, Banking & Finance, Renewable Energy, Climate Change, Legislative Drafting, Yoga, English proficiency, etc. As such, India has been contributing to capacity building in both public services and private sector in Serbia. Embassy of India in Belgrade celebrate every year the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day where ITEC alumni participate and share their learning experience in India. Last ITEC Day was celebrated on 11 September 2019.

IN THE CURRENT CORONA CRISIS, INDIA HAS EXTENDED COVID-RELATED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE INCLUDING TESTING KITS, PROTECTIVE GEAR AND HYDORXYCHLOROQUINE AND OTHER MEDICINES TO AROUND 90 PLUS COUNTRIES ACROSS THE GLOBE INDIA FOR HUMANITY In October 2018, the ‘India for Humanity’ initiative was launched to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and honour his service to humanity. In collab-

oration with the NGO Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), popularly known as “Jaipur Foot,” the programme features year-long series of artificial limb fitment camps in a number of countries. A number of artificial limb fitment camps have already been organized in several countries in Asia and Africa. In the current Corona crisis, India has extended COVID-related medical assistance including testing kits, protective gear and Hydorxychloroquine and other medicines to around 90 plus countries across the globe and its role as a reliable supplier of pharmaceauticals and medicines is globally recognised and appreciated. Apart from supply of medical relief, India also extended technical assistance by way of despatching rapid response teams to Kuwait and Maldives. Several e-ITEC webinars on handling the Corona pandemic have also been hosted for sharing experience and best practices with experts from other countries. 

Positive Group Investments Ltd marks its 20th anniversary this year proving its success within the agrochemical industry Positive is always wide open to the new business oportunitites, also with companies from India, improving cooperation and promotion of the India – Serbia relations. We are operating with herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. Some of our Indian partners are: Gharda Chemicals Limited, Tagros Chemicals India Ltd, Bharat Chemicals and Hemani Industries Limited. We have very good, long-term business relations with companies from India, sharing loyalty, mutual respect and professional care among us.

Positive is always Positive

www.pgilchemicals.com

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ECONOMY

TOWARDS A HIGHER GROWTH TRAJECTORY Focus

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Renowned economist and Prime Minister Narendra Modiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economic Advisory Council chairman Bibek Debroy explains how India is on the right path to become a USD 5-trillion economy

ver the past few years, India has often been tagged as one of the fastest growing world economies, a scenario that looks even brighter when pitted against the global economic slowdown. The Indian government has announced an aspirational target of making India a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024-25. While some have been calling this unachievable, most ignore the massive size of the Indian economy while making predictions. Even if it grows at a slower pace, India’s contribution to the world economy will be larger due to its volumes. A GDP growth rate of eight per cent is required to meet the USD 5 trillion target and the government’s initiatives of efficient public expenditure, efficient land, labor and capital markets and stimulating productivity and entrepreneurship are meant to trigger this. Needless to say that there is enough slack in Indian states to deliver an eight per cent growth. A higher GDP is not just a number. It translates into higher incomes, more employment, better living conditions, lower poverty and improved socioeconomic indicators. While a slowdown has been witnessed in the last quarter, India’s monetary and fiscal stimulus has already

INDIA HAS ALREADY EMBRACED NEW PARADIGMS SUCH AS THE SHARING ECONOMY WITH AGGREGATOR PLATFORMS DISPLACING CONVENTIONAL BUSINESSES. GOVERNMENT HAS HARNESSED NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO ENABLE DIRECT BENEFIT TRANSFERS AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION ON A SCALE NEVER IMAGINED BEFORE.” NIRMALA SITHARAMAN, Minister of Finance of India

begun to kick in and will show soon. Looking at the status, one can assume that in the financial year 2019-20, India will have a real GDP growth of around

five per cent. Next year, in 2020-21, the growth rate will increase to at least six per cent and inch towards another half percent more. One of the successes of macroeconomic management since 2014 has been control of inflation. Inflation is a regressive tax. It hurts the poor relatively more than it hurts the relatively rich. Six per cent real growth and four per cent inflation yield 10 per cent nominal growth, while six per cent real growth and nine per cent inflation yield 15 per cent nominal growth. While 15 per cent nominal growth may make one feel better than a 10 per cent nominal growth, but the latter, with lower inflation, is preferable. However, the aim is to move India to a higher growth trajectory. Since 2014, and the policies of the second Narendra Modi government are a logical continuation of the first, the building blocks are being put in place to ensure precisely that. First, the external environment is unkind, global uncertainty affects India’s export and growth prospects too. Not too many countries are likely to grow at six per cent. Second, there is plenty of internal slack in the system and endogenous sources of growth. Historically, India’s governance has been excessively centralized. Since 2014, there has been institution-

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, arrives at the Parliament House to present the General Budget 2020-21, in New Delhi on February 1, with Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs

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Rural economy constitutes 46% of national income and it is imperative that widespread growth and development are inclusive of rural and small scale economy

al change, making governance more decentralized. An example of this is the way GST (Goods and Services Tax) Council functions. Decentralized governance is more than mere fiscal devolution, though this too has occurred through recommendations of 14th Finance Commission. (Recommendations of 15th Finance Commission are expected in 2020.) Third, inclusion has to be interpreted in the sense of public provisioning of physical and social in-

I THINK WHILE WE HAVE SEEN TEMPORARY PAINS, WITH THE LEADERSHIP THAT THE FINANCE MINISTER PROVIDED, WE’RE JUST GOING TO GET OUT OF IT. EXTERNAL TURBULENCE (HAS) HIT US, BUT I AM VERY OPTIMISTIC. MUKESH AMBANI

Chairman and Mg. Director, Reliance Industries

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frastructure. Dashboards, available in the public domain, illustrate improvements in availability of roads (and other forms of transport), electricity, gas connections, toilets, sanitation, housing, schools (and higher education), skills, medical treatment, insurance, pensions, bank accounts and credit. The veracity of what dashboards show has been confirmed through third party validation. This improvement is especially evident in rural India. That is

the reason the UNDP’s recent Human Development Report highlights sharp drop in multi-dimensional poverty. Inclusion is also about subsidizing the deprived. This is now done through decentralized identification (a census, not a survey), using what is known as SECC (Socio- Economic Caste Census). This survey is used to identify beneficiaries, both for Union and state-level schemes, eliminating leakage and multiplicity. Subsidies are now channeled into bank accounts and linked to Aadhaar (Aadhaar is an identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India to every resident of the country). Productivity gains from such inclusion initiatives and empowerment cannot be immediately quantified in economic terms. However, they are palpable (and confirmed anecdotally, such as in the switch from firewood to LPG, or provision of toilets, or Mudra loans) and will enable India to reap the demographic dividend contribution to growth. Fourth, that inclusion and economic empowerment agenda is against the background of improving both the citizen’s ease of living and the entrepreneur’s ease of doing business. An entrepreneur is not necessarily a corporate entrepreneur. Nor is ease of doing business only about World Bank’s ease of doing business indicators, where too, India’s rank has im-

proved. The ease of doing business initiative under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) or the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has improved the business and investment climate in all states. Modernization of land records and cleaner titles is also work in progress. Investment figures (including FDI) show improvements. Fifth, the institutional cleaning up is bound to have adverse consequences for growth in the short run. Examples of such institutional cleansing are the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, scrutiny of illegal financial transactions, clamping down on shell companies, an insolvency and bankruptcy code and improved tax compliance.

THE INDIAN ECONOMY HAS BEEN GOING THROUGH A PROCESS OF DETOXIFICATION.THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF DISRUPTIONS IS NOW OVER AND THE ECONOMY IS EXPECTED TO SEE AN UPSIDE IN FY21. ANAND MAHINDRA,

Executive Chairman, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd

These will lead to immediate growth costs, traded off against efficiency gains in the future. Broadly, India is in the process of making land (and natural resources), labor and capital markets more competitive and efficient, with not just entry, but exit as well. Union government finances have been managed well, with no deviations from the goal of fiscal consolidation. Tax reform is a work in progress and the corporate tax rate has already been reduced. For both direct and indirect taxes, the agenda is simplification and elimination of exemptions, leading to lower compliance costs. Thus, the broad message is that a five per cent GDP in 2019-20 should not lead to gloom and doom; there is a higher growth trajectory in the offing. ď&#x201A;Ł

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EXPORT OF INDIA

Confederation of Indian Industries (CII)

RELIABLE AND STABLE PARTNER FOR SOURCING HIGH QUALITY GOODS AND SERVICES The Coronavirus pandemic has significantly altered the global trading environment, including for India. However, as major countries in the world are looking at realigning their trading strategies, along with diversifying their import sources, the present situation makes India a reliable and stable partner country for sourcing goods of high quality as well as services CLICK TO SEE THIS ON WEB

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ndia enjoys a range of beneficial factors. The Government of India has accorded highest priority to enhancing competitiveness of Indian goods and services. In the last several years, infrastructure construction has accelerated and a new department has been established for faster logistics movement. With a strong and diverse export profile reaching out to all geographies, India is well placed as a potential import source for many large trading partners.

SECTORS OF OPPORTUNITIES India is a largely diversified economy and has immense capacity in a range of sectors. Known for its quality and standards, Indian exports reach many advanced and emerging economies and with a growing market, a facilitative business environment and multiple sectors for investments, other countries would benefit from

sourcing products from India. Some Indian sectors with significant export potential and investments are highlighted below.

THE TOP DESTINATION FOR INDIA’S EXPORTS DURING 2019-20 WAS THE UNITED STATES, FOLLOWED UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, CHINA, HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE AUTOMOBILES The Automobiles Industry in India has played a key role in driving India into the global economy. The Indian automobile industry is the fourth largest in the world, with the country being

the fourth largest manufacturer of cars and the seventh largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles as of 2018. India’s vehicle component industry has emerged as a robust and high-quality sector, with more firms winning the prestigious Deming Prize for Quality than any other country. The Government encourages foreign investment in the sector by allowing 100% FDI under the automatic route. Since 2000, the country’s the industry has attracted FDI worth US$ 24 billion since 2000 and is the 6th largest sector for FDI. Exports of the sector stand at around US$ 15 billion. The industry has several advantages globally as well. Industry analysis has shown India to be an attractive base for exporting cars to third country markets. Also, exporting cars from India is also cheaper than some of the major economies, such as Europe. Further, the evolving Indian automotive electronic space provides a

ADVANTAGE INDIA Many notable reforms in the recent past, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), other taxation reforms and the continued liberalization of the FDI policy, has positioned India as major sourcing and investment destination. Ease of Doing Business reforms have been taken up in mission mode by both Central and State Governments through various incentives for faster and simpler procedures to provide a facilitative business environment. The Government’s Make in India initiative to boost the country’s manufacturing industry would further

boost demand, while the Digital India campaign with a focus on creation of digital infrastructure, digital delivery of services and increasing digital literacy provides an impetus to India’s exports through improved digital connectivity. India’s focus on innovation and R&D across sectors, with skill upgradation and development along with a young, entrepreneurial and a talented workforce are also some of the major factors that place it as an ideal destination for investments and sourcing of exports.

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massive opportunity for innovation and investment.

ELECTRONICS India has one of the largest Electronics markets in the world and the industry is expected to grow by US$ 400 billion by 2025. Further, the consumer electronics and appliances industry in India is expected to become the fifth largest in the world by 2025, while the electronics market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17% during 2014-20. With the sector open to 100% FDI, it is

expected to expand further with greater incoming investments. India’s digital revolution and the Government’s focus on using technology to improve the delivery of services, has opened up further opportunities for the sector and has boosted the manufacturing of innovative products.

CHEMICALS India’s chemicals sector is highly diversified, producing around 80,000 commercial products. The chemical industry in India stands at $163 billion

as of 2018, contributing to 3.4% to the global chemical industry.The industry is also a major employment provider, providing employment to more than 2 million people. The sector ranks at the 6th position in the world and 4th in Asia in terms of size. In terms of world exports, India ranks 17th in the world exports of chemicals. Total exports of the sector stood at US$ 19.09 billion during 2018-19 and US$ 15.67 billion during January 2020. The sector is expected to grow to US$ 300 billion by 2025, registering an annual growth rate of 15-20%.

THE AUTOMOBILES INDUSTRY IN INDIA HAS PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN DRIVING INDIA INTO THE GLOBAL ECONOMY PHARMACEUTICALS India is the third largest producer of drugs in the world, in terms of volume. The industry registered double-digit growth in the last few years and is expected to reach US$ 55 billion by 2020 from US$ 36.7 billion in 2017. The medi-

INDIA’S EXPORTS: LAST DECADE Indian exports went up from around US$ 250 billion during 2010-11 to US$ 313 billion in 2019-20. The dip in exports was largely due to implementation of lockdowns and closing of many sectors by various countries on account of the Covid-19 outbreak.

INDIA’S EXPORTS TRAJECTORY: LAST 10 YEARS

The upward trend in exports is expected to continue with the pick-up in economic activity and easing of logistical issues. Source: Export Import Bank of India, Ministry of Commerce

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cal devices sector, a fast-growing market in India is expected to grow by US$ 25 billion by 2025. The sector is home to the largest number of USFDA approved facilities outside of the US. India effectively demonstrated its strengths across various healthcare segments and supplied medicines to many countries during the Covid-19 pandemic. Further, being the largest producer of vaccines in the world, India has also engaged in vaccine development, Low costs, high production quality and regulatory conformity are some of the key growth drivers for the sector. Indian pharmaceutical exports stood at US$ 20.7 billion during FY 2020. The sector also attracts significant investments and registered FDI inflows worth US$ 16.50 billion between April 2000 and March 2020, as per estimates of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

TEXTILES AND GARMENTS The Indian textiles sector has a formidable presence both domestically and internationally and is extremely diverse, with hand-spun and hand-woven textile at one end and high-end

WITH SEVERAL GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES IN PLACE, PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR HAS HUGE POTENTIAL TO BOOST INDIA’S EXPORTS capital-intensive products, on the other end. The sector contributed around 15% of India’s total export earnings during 2019. The textiles and apparel industry India have strengths across the entire value chain in products such as fibre, yarn and fabric to apparel. With a wide range of products and a talented workforce, the sector has immense potential globally. With textile exports at US$ 20.5 billion, apparel exports at US$16.1 billion and handlooms at US$ 3.8 billion, India has become the second largest manufacturer and exporter in the world, after China, with a share of 5% of global trade in textiles and apparel. With 100% FDI allowed in the sector

and several policy initiatives undertaken by the Government, competitiveness of the sector is swiftly rising.

IT SERVICES With over 1000 global delivery centres, spread across 80 countries of the world, Indian India is one of the leading destinations for Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Management (BPM) services in the world. India’s IT & BPM industry is a booming sector, that registered a year on year growth rate of 7.7% during FY 2020. The revenue of the industry was estimated at US$ 191 billion and is estimated to reach US$ 350 billion by 2025. India has made significant strides in the digital space and innovations, and has now diversified its offerings using latest technology and leading ideas in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning and blockchain. The sector has a large pool of digitally skilled talent and the revenue from the digital segment is expected to form 38% of the industry revenue by 2025. With expanding demand for exports across new verticals, particularly the digital space, the sector is expected to expand further in the coming years. 

INDIA’S TOP EXPORT ITEMS During 2019-20, India’s top exports were in the categories of mineral fuels, mineral oils and products; gems and jewellery; machinery and mechanical appliances; organic chemicals and vehicles and parts other than railways or tramways. With manufactured goods as a significant proportion of its exports, India is a leading supplier in these products. Other top export items during the same period, were in the categories of pharmaceutical products; electrical machinery and equipment; and articles of apparel and clothing accessories, among others. The top destination for India’s exports during 2019-20 was the United States, followed United Arab Emirates, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. Other top countries included UK, Netherlands, Germany, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

TABLE 1: INDIA’S TOP 10 EXPORTS IN 2019-20, US$ BILLION HS CODE 27 71 84 29 87 30 85 72 62 61

COMMODITY

INDIA'S EXPORTS

Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes. Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semiprecious stones, precious metals, clad with precious metal and articles thereof; imitation. jewellery; coin. Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof. Organic chemicals Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. Pharmaceutical products Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts. Iron and steel Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted. Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted.

42.67 36.08 20.83 17.49 16.70 16.29 15.18 9.28 7.99 7.51

Source: Export Import Data Bank, India

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INDIAN PHARMA INDUSTRY

CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL HEALTH

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Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council Of India (Pharmexcil)

The Indian pharmaceutical industry has made a significant presence in the global market by the turn of the century after becoming self-sufficient in the previous one

wing to a robust quality management system and being sensitive to provide medicines at affordable prices, the Indian pharmaceutical industry has acquired reputation as the provider of standard, safe and efficacious medicines across the globe and evolved as “Pharmacy of the World” which meets health care needs of over 220 different markets, primarily for generics. India has the distinction of saving hundreds of millions of people from the dreaded diseases like HIV, malaria and tuberculosis. India is the world’s fourth largest formulations exporter by volume and tenth largest by value, besides being the largest exclusive generic exporter by value. India has eight of its generic manufacturers among the top 20 global manufacturers. The Indian industry complies with the regulations of developed countries like the United States of America’s Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (UKMHRA), the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) and others due to its exceptional pharmaceutical chemistry skills. India also has world class managerial skills, which in combination with technical skills, can deliver

the final product at most affordable prices. Thus, India’s industry presents in its products the best of both — Quality and Price. Being a knowledge-based industry, the Indian pharma plays an important role not only in the Indian economy, but also helps other economies in saving their health costs by supply of quality generics at affordable prices. The industry has been an excellent export performer over the years. Among the pharma exports, formulations constitute over 70% of the total,

INDIA’S INDUSTRY HAS THE LARGEST GENERIC AUTHORISATIONS GRANTED BY THE BEST OF REGULATORY AGENCIES. THESE PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS CAN HELP MANAGE SERBIA’S EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE AT HIGH COSTEFFICIENCY

followed by bulk drugs to an extent of 20% and the rest is made up of traditional medicines, herbals and surgicals. The industry currently meets India’s demand for bulk drugs and nearly all its demand for formulations, with the exception of patented products. India’s entrepreneurs work with a motive of defining progress as to “how one can make a difference in life of others by meaningful contributions and thereby aiding their own.” India is a major exporting partner of generic formulations of many highly regulated markets like the USA, South Africa, the UK, Brazil and some others. Almost 65-70% of its generic exports go to highly regulated markets. India is also the major supplier of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and 90% of WHO Prequalified APIs are sourced from India. Vaccine manufacturing is another segment in which India’s contribution is outstanding. The WHO sources over 65% of its essential immunization vaccine requirements from India. Serum Institute of India, a major global producer of vaccines, says “65% of children in the world receive at least one vaccine of their manufacture.” India has other enterprises in this segment with significant contributions to the global vaccine requirement.

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INDIA’S ROLE IN GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST PANDEMIC India is among the biggest manufacturers of generic medicines and vaccines and the Indian pharma industry is playing a pivotal role by quickly ramping up its production capacities of potential, repurposed medicines for COVID-19 treatment. India supplied Hydroxychloroquine tablets to 112 nations as well as Paracetamol to 23 countries and reinforced its image as “Pharmacy of the World”. Indian companies are

INDIAN PHARMA INDUSTRY IS AN ASSET NOT JUST FOR INDIA BUT FOR THE ENTIRE WORLD NARENDRA MODI Prime Minister

at the forefront in bulk manufacturing and supply of potential medicines such as Remdesivir, Favipiravir, Tocilizumab approved for COVID-19 treatment for the global population. Seven Indian companies—Cipla Ltd, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, Hetero Ltd, Jubilant Life Sciences, Syngene, Zydus Cadila Healthcare Ltd and Mylan—had signed royalty-free voluntary license with Gilead for manufacturing and export of Remdesivir to 127 countries, consisting of nearly all low-income and lower-middle-income countries, as well as several upper-middle- and high-income countries that face significant obstacles to healthcare access. Indian companies are leading in development and manufacturing of a vaccine against COVID-19. Seven Indian firms are actively working on developing the COVID-19 vaccine, three of them—Serum Institute of India, Bharath Biotech and Zydus Cadila Healthcare—are in the front line to initiate clinical trials. Serum Institute of India (SII) has a licensing pact with AstraZeneca to supply one billion doses of the Oxford University vaccine candidate against COVID-19 to low- and middle-income countries, including India, and is going to start Phase II/III human trails. Covaxin developed by Bharath Biotech and ZyCoV-D developed by Zydus Cadila have entered Phase-I clinical trials. Being the “powerhouse of vaccine manufacturing” with its quality and

INDIAN EXPORT India exported pharmaceuticals worth USD 20.58 billion, registering a growth of 7.57% in the fiscal 2019-20. It grew at 9.46% in the first quarter of the fiscal 2020-21, as such the pharma is one of the few sectors in India that have consistently showed a growth rate despite the COVID-19-caused global economic slowdown.

INDIA'S TOTAL PHARMA EXPORTS BY CATEGORY (IN USD MILLION) Category

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

CAGR

Bulk drugs and drug intermediates

3597.28

3383.52

3525.65

3895.38

3867.11

1.82%

Drug formulations and biologicals

11886.38

11966.08

12203.83

13648.76

14933.20

5.87%

111.18

123.67

144.38

147.23

147.17

7.26%

252.81

278.02

311.74

300.85

280.92

2.67%

Traditional medicines Herbal products Surgicals

324.50

354.43

399.77

425.26

478.84

10.22%

Vaccines

739.86

679.29

696.45

719.89

878.64

4.39%

Total

16912.01

16785.00

17281.81

19137.36

20585.89

5.04%

Source: Government of India’s Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics

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INDIAN PHARMA INDUSTRY CAN PRODUCE COVID-19 VACCINES FOR ENTIRE WORLD BILL GATES

Microsoft, CEO

scale to bulk produce and roll out a COVID-19 vaccine globally, India will play a lead role in overcoming the ongoing pandemic.

HOW SERBIA AND INDIA CAN COOPERATE TO MANAGE HEALTH CARE COSTS Serbia’s pharmaceutical expenditure at the rate of USD 182 per capita constitutes 29.5% of the total health care expenditure. Serbia’s pharma market is worth USD 1.27 billion, and the generic market makes up 63 % or USD 800 million. Serbia’s epidemiological profile is the same as that of other developed European countries, which means that non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular conditions, cancer and neu-

rological conditions account for the majority of morbidity. The Indian pharmaceutical industry’s core competency is in the sector of manufacturing products employed in the management of the disease pro-

files of Serbia. India’s industry has the largest generic authorisations granted by the best of regulatory agencies. These pharmaceutical products can help manage Serbia’s epidemiological profile at high cost-efficiency. 

CREDENTIALS OF INDIAN COMPANIES India has the maximum number of USFDA-approved manufacturing sites outside the USA and over 17.5% of the units the USFDA inspects outside of the USA are in India. India supplies 33% of the total exports to the USA. In the last five years, India’s industry has been awarded with more than 30% of the USFDA’s market authorizations. Almost 33% of certificates of suitability (CEPs) granted by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) are to Indian companies.

AUTHORITY USA

EUROPE

WHO GMP Ethiopia Tanzania

NAME OF REGULATORY AGENCY

NOS.

Number of sites (bulk drugs + formulations) registered with USFDA (as on June 2020) Total number of DMFs (Type II Active) filed by Indian companies (as on 30 September 2019) Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) Market Authorizations (as on April 2020) Formulation companies with USFDA approvals Number of CEPs received (as on April 2020) Number of companies with CEPs (as on April 2020) Number of sites registered with EU GMP UK MHRA, Market Authorizations Number of CEPs with Irish Medicines Board Number of Indian companies registered with Irish Medicines Board Number of Authorizations with Swedish Medical Products Agency Number of companies having Market Authorizations with Swedish Medical Products Agency WHO GMP Certified Plants (as per Drug Controller General of India) Number of Indian companies registered with Drug Administration and Control Authority of Ethiopia Number of Indian companies registered with Tanzanian Food and Drugs Authority

664 4500 5029 58 1744 220 697 1943 300 19 209 14 2050 50 1373

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

INDIA INNOVATES

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As the world scrambles to fight the CO VID-19 pandemic, Indian scientists and researchers are coming together to offer unique solutions. It is also seeing a rise in private-government partnerships

he Government of India’s citizen engagement platform MyGov is suddenly buzzing with action. It is inviting citizens to participate in a challenge to find solutions to stop the spread of the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 and aid its treatment. “Participate and win INR 1 lakh” says the banner on the site. This is just one of the many steps the government of India is taking to encourage indigenous scientific solutions to fight the deadly disease. Given the recent advances towards producing high-quality goods within the country and the widespread success of the Make in India initiative, the manufacturing sector in the country shows immense potential and promise; be it through the public or private partnerships. India’s history is filled with events where the country’s diverse mix of entities has come together to present a united front whenever the nation has faced a crises. It seems another chapter is being written today as we fight the global pandemic.

BEING PREPARED Several ministries across the government went into action at war footing, to ensure that the country was

THE WORK PLACE IS GETTING DIGITAL FIRST. AND, WHY NOT? IT IS TECHNOLOGY THAT DEMOLISHES BUREAUCRATIC HIERARCHIES, ELIMINATES MIDDLEMEN AND ACCELERATES WELFARE MEASURES” NARENDRA MODI, Indian PM

prepared to tackle a critical situation of such magnitude. The private sector also joined the fight against the rapidly spreading disease with many companies, regardless of their size, voluntarily proposing interventions. A major step was the identification of areas of concern with regard to the spread of COVID-19. As the world’s second-highest populated country, it was also imperative to prepare for a large number of cases which would require

specialised equipment for protection and treatment like N95 masks, protective gear and most of all, ventilators.

APPROPRIATE RESPONSE On March 20, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), had invited India’s rapidly evolving industrial and start-up ecosystem for support with regard to developing technologically innovative solutions towards fighting COVID-19. An astounding 300 companies responded favorably to the call with almost 140 formal proposals being submitted to the TDB (Technology Development Board), a government entity that provides financial support to Indian companies for commercialisation of indigenous technology or adaptation of imported technology. The initial responses that were received offered an innovative approach towards manufacturing diagnostic kits aimed at minimizing the time taken to receive results. Others included proposals for vaccine development, thermal screening equipment, largescale production of PPE (personal protective equipment) as well as innovative solutions using Information Technology for monitoring of essential supplies in quarantine zones etc.

Members of Team Drone Masters carry their drones after spraying disinfectants in densely populated areas of Ahmedabad, Gujarat

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It is important to note that with the diverse entities in India’s corporate and business ecosystem, it is necessary that we move towards combating COVID-19 with renewed vigour. “Every step taken in this direction will have a multiplier effect,” says Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

A foodtruck by Mahindra Automotive North America, bringing food to healthcare professionals in Oakland, California

A motorist rides through an innovative and quick disinfection tunnel as a preventive measure in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Medical staff with robot ‘Zafi’ (C) in Chennai. The interactive robot by Propeller Technologies will be deployed at COVID-19 isolation wards to lower risks of infections to healthcare professionals

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At its most lethal stages, the Coronavirus is known to impact the lungs drastically reducing pulmonary capabilities, at this stage ventilators are a must if the condition is to be treated. One of the first areas identified for development was the production of ventilators to manage treatment of infected individuals. Several large-scale organisation across the country have risen to the occasion forming associations that transcend industrial differences. An apt example is of auto industry heavyweight, Maruti-Suzuki India’s tie-up with a New Delhi-based ventilator manufacturer, AgVa Healthcare. The joint venture is aimed towards dramatically ramping up the manufacture of the highly specialised machine

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT WITH THE DIVERSE ENTITIES IN INDIA’S CORPORATE AND BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM, IT IS NECESSARY THAT WE MOVE TOWARDS COMBATING COVID-19 WITH RENEWED VIGOUR to 10,000 pieces a month from the existing capacity of 400 units per month. The venture, facilitated by Invest India has been aided by BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited) with the supply of electrical components. Similarly, another industrial giant, Mahindra & Mahindra, has teamed up with SkanRay (international healthcare technology

company), BHEL and Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) to manufacture a modified version of the ventilator, which would be best suited for current requirements and would be easy to transport. Infact, Anand Mahindra (Chairman) and Pawan Goenka (MD) of Mahindra & Mahindra, had even tweeted videos of these prototypes mentioning that the aim was to bring down costs to INR 7,500. The company, has also moved to start production of a lowcost indigenously developed sanitisers that would be available for as low as INR 400/litre.

LITTLE POOLS OF WATER TEND TO BECOME STAGNANT AND USELESS, BUT IF THEY ARE JOINED TOGETHER TO FORM A BIG LAKE THE ATMOSPHERE IS COOLED AND THERE IS UNIVERSAL BENEFIT SARDAR PATEL, Visionary

That not all, state-run organisations such as the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) are also partnering up with local entrepreneurs and small-scale manufacturing units to produce N95 masks on a mass scale. Another venture with BEL, the state-run electronic giant, production of ventilators has also been established. Several prestigious companies like JCB India, Hyundai Motors and Tata Motors are soon expected to join the massive efforts aimed towards tackling the global pandemic.

Workers of AgVa healthcare make portable ventilators. In a partnership with industrial giant Maruti-Suzuki, AgVa has dramatically ramped up its production for ventilators

month, are poised to increase production to almost 50,000 units each month through partnership ventures. Testing kits and PPE, apart from being imported in large numbers are being produced indigenously as well. Meanwhile, several staterun and private organisations have come forward with donations and contributions to national funds that are fuelling the fight against the spread and treatment of the Coronavirus. The brightest minds from top-educational institutions across India have volunteered to join the race to make critical healthcare widely available at affordable prices. Members of the Indian diaspora

across the world have also pitched in with inputs to manage production and solve manufacturing woes for many start-ups that are now preparing to battle one of the largest challenges the nation has ever faced. Several committees set up to monitor and combat the spread of COVID-19 under the Disaster Management Act, along with cooperation across the private sector have surely adhered to the words of visionary Sardar Patel “Little pools of water tend to become stagnant and useless, but if they are joined together to form a big lake the atmosphere is cooled and there is universal benefit.” 

BREATHING EASY The current efforts, by government agencies along with the much needed push from the private sector are aimed to boost production of such critical equipment. For example, companies producing ventilators had a joint capacity of about 5,500 units every

A drone used by police to monitor activities of people and spread awareness announcements during a governmentimposed nationwide lockdown

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INNOVATION

A JOURNEY OF LIGHT

In the age of start-ups, societal issues directly affecting development in rural India are now being tackled with clean-tech startups from around the country

CLICK TO SEE THIS ON WEB

Young innovators attending a workshop on solar lamps conducted by LEDsafari

n a small school tucked away in Bihar, the ringing of a bell announces the beginning of classes. As students scramble to the classroom, you can see them carrying used tin cans, cracked glass jars, wires of all sorts and a motley of reusable. At the teacher’s call for silence, they squeeze against each other and excitedly set to work, expertly assembling their reusable materials, like Lego blocks, to make solar lamps. This scene, set in a far-flung, unelectrified village in the state of Bihar, is hard to believe. Yet, the children proudly present their lamps to the pedagogue, thrilled that they get to take it home. “This is what we aim to do at LEDsafari Innovation – decentralize solar energy and make technology accessible to all corners of the world by innovatively breaking it down to the simplest

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INDIA 2020

form of tin cans and wires, which can be assembled even by children,” explains Govinda Upadhyay, Founder & CEO of the clean-tech social start-up. “The name has been borrowed from Swahili language (spoken in East Afri-

GOVINDA UPADHYAY HAS BEEN MERITED ASIA 21 YOUNG LEADERS 2016, ASIA-PACIFIC’S FOREMOST NETWORK OF DIVERSE CHANGE-MAKERS WHO ARE DEDICATED TO MAKING THE WORLD BETTER

ca) and means a journey of light. We teach people how to create their own source of light, and then they teach it to others - this way, the whole world gets illuminated and empowered.” Lighting dark corners hailing from Madanpur, a small village in Arah district of Bihar, that was unelectrified at the time he was growing up, Upadhyay realised the importance of energy early on. “It was clear to me that, if we want to bring clean energy, it has to be a bottom-up approach where technology needs to be democratised. This way, we can bring a change at the village level,” says the sustainable energy expert, who featured in the Forbes 30 under 30 in 2016. “With this goal, I started LEDsafari Innovation, with multi-level missions of training the locals in the usage of clean energy, thereby generating employment and using technology to fight climate change,” adds Upadhyay.

REACHING THE REMOTEST With a global shift towards reducing carbon footprints, India is at the forefront, aiming for 175 GW Renewable Energy by 2022, as PM Narendra Modi reminded the world at the 2019 United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York. The likes of Tata Power and Rockerfeller Foundation are investing heavily in this burgeoning space and have announced that they will provide clean power to nearly 5 million house-

LEDSAFARI INNOVATION IS PAVING THE WAY FOR INTEGRATED AND COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS THAT WILL GIVE FUTURE GENERATIONS A FIGHTING CHANCE AGAINST THE DOMINOES OF CLIMATE CHANGE holds, by setting up 10,000 renewable micro-grids. In such a scenario, the role of LEDsafari Innovation becomes instrumental. “The biggest problem with the effectiveness of micro-grids or other solar assets in remote areas is monitoring them, which is very expensive and cumbersome,” says Upadhyay. “There is an immediate need to integrate these grids with solutions powered by Artificial Intelligence and IoT (Internet of

Things), so the lifespan of the solar assets can be increased.” For this purpose, LEDsafari has developed an AI-enabled hardware device, HelioHealth sensor, a costeffective solution that helps monitor solar rooftops and mini/micro-grids responsible for clean energy power supply; tracks output from solar panels; reports remotely to maintenance service providers; analyses the data, and makes recommendations when corrective action is needed, improving the output by 20 per cent.

Govinda Upadhyay giving a training session in Madanpur Village, Bihar, on a DIY solar lamp

GENERATING EMPLOYMENT LEDsafari Innovation, has been actively involved in training local youth to effectively maintain micro grids and solar panels. “Locals are the key users of our technology, who can be trained as micro-entrepreneurs to maintain the electrification process in a sustainable manner.” “Foremost, we identify locations where there is little access to clean energy and lesser jobs. We train people on how technology can be utilised to improve their livelihood. This can range from teaching them how to design a battery system to helping them learn how solar energy can be harnessed and utilised in solar panels, bulbs, lamps, etc. This way we help build up the economic activities of the area.” With an eclectic team of nationals from across the world, all of whom are committed to utilising technology for a greener future, LEDsafari Innovation is paving the way for integrated and comprehensive solutions that will give future generations a fighting chance against the dominoes of climate change. 

Proud children posing with their solar lamps made using discarded everyday materials like bottles and jars

Upadhyay confers prizes to the top students at a training workshop in Bihar

WORKING IN REFUGEE CAMPS

Upadhyay, after a successful training session in Kenya

Upadhyay’s work has taken him to many war-torn and refugee areas in Africa and South America. “At nights, it is quite dangerous for women and children to step out without light. They really need affordable solutions. When you train them to build it themselves, you can see an immediate change. They feel empowered!”

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LEGEND

“MY LIFE IS MY MESSAGE” Focus

INDIA 2020

When one looks at one man’s journey through oppression, perseverance and rigorous imprisonment, it is hard to imagine how it led to millions being empowere

simple man, who believed in the idea of justice and equality, this is his journey from Mohan to how we know him today, the Mahatma means. At the same time, we must realise that Gandhiji’s commitment to truth and nonviolence was more than a philosophical commitment to a set of abstract ideas. He belonged to a family of administrators from the princely state of Rajkot and on account of that affiliation, from an early age, he was wellversed in the necessities of statecraft. Not even once during his illustrious political career did he underrate the centrality of state to the well

being of its citizens. The practices and methods of Gandhian politics, specially those aimed at curbing the var-

NOT EVEN ONCE DURING HIS ILLUSTRIOUS POLITICAL CAREER DID HE UNDERRATE THE CENTRALITY OF STATE TO THE WELL BEING OF ITS CITIZENS

ious forms of violence that we see in the world, create a regime of peace which is truly lasting and sustainable. Reflecting on the question of violent political confrontations of his own times, Gandhiji argued that getting rid of a man who obstructs him will only produce a sense of security that is both false and short-lived. On the other hand, engaging with one’s detractors and studying grounds of disagreement will produce a lasting truce. Gandhiji’s policy of debate and dialogue, when invoked in situations of global terrorism and trade conflicts, will eventually produce international cooperation, and a sustainable and conflict-free world order.

WORDS OF THE MAHATMA “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. It’s the quality of your life that matters not the speed with which you live”. “If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning”. “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. We need not wait to see what others do”.

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Remotely inaugurating the 50-kilowatt Gandhi Solar Park and the Gandhi Peace Garden at the UN Headquarters

SUSTAINABLE ECOLOGY AND INDIAN OUTLOOK Undoubtedly, environmental crisis is one of the gravest of all problems that our generation faces. It is a commonplace wisdom that the present crisis is a result of reckless exploitation of nature. It originates in a mercantile philosophy which misled people into believing that our success at deciphering a few of its laws was a sufficient enough proof of man’s dominance over nature. According to E F Schumacher, modern economies and developmental models have treated nature as an expendable income and that “modern man does not experience himself as a part of nature but as an outside force destined to dominate and conquer it”. Gandhi never subscribed to the idea of men waging war against nature. He held a quasi-religious attitude, which was premised on the theory of both empirical and transcendental continuity between human societies and environment. This quasi-religious worldview is informed by environmental ethics found in texts from ancient India. It is root-

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi addressing the Leadership Matters summit

ed in texts like the Athrvaveda which proclaim that earth is our mother and we are her sons. In Vedic philosophy, our interaction with nature is guided by considerations of balance and man’s inextricable bond with his environment.

IN VEDIC PHILOSOPHY, OUR INTERACTION WITH NATURE IS GUIDED BY CONSIDERATIONS OF BALANCE AND MAN’S INEXTRICABLE BOND WITH HIS ENVIRONMENT The tales of Panchatantra repeatedly remind us that “if one hopes to reach heaven by cutting trees and by hurting animals, what is the way to hell?” In ancient Indian literature, we find an attitude of empathy for each element in man’s environment – man, animals,

plants, rivers, mountains, soil and such. This attitude led to a culture wherein cutting a tree got compared to betraying a friend. This belief system, in which nature is projected as an intimate member of an extended family, precipitated an ethic of consumption which was not exploitative, but recuperative and regenerative. In January 1910, when residents of Paris were stunned by what is described as ‘the flood of the century,’ Gandhiji wrote a piece for Indian Opinion (a newspaper he established) decrying reckless tinkering with nature and its laws. He argued that event though the people of Paris harboured the illusion that they had built the city to last for ever, nature has “given a warning that even whole of Paris may be destroyed.” For Gandhi, the word prakriti implied the original character of an idea or a thing. When men tinker with prakriti, they corrupt both environment and themselves. If we return to Gandhiji’s idea of prakrit, and through him to the ancient Indian environmental ethics, we are sure to find strategies and moral courage to tackle the environmental crisis. 

CORRESPONDANCE WITH MEMORIES To commemorate the life of Mahatma Gandhi, a champion of truth and non violence across the world, almost 300 postage stamps have been released by countries other than India. On January 26, 1961 USA became the first country other than India to release a postage stamp in honour of Gandhiji. In 1969, celebrating 100 years since the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, more than 40 countries released postage stamp as a mark of respect. In India, the first postage stamp on Gandhiji was released by Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru on the occasion of the Independence Day in 1948.

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1888

After enrolling at the Inner Temple, Inns of Court, to study law, he was first called to the Bar in 1891. During his time in England, MKG faced a tough time adapting to the ethos of western society but stuck to his beliefs of vegetarianism. He finally decided to move back to India in 1891.

1869

Mohandas (Karamchand) Gandhi or MKG was born to Putlibai and Karamchand Gandhi in Porbandar. He married Kasturbai in 1882, aged 13 , while he was preparing to pursue law in England.

1893

MKG faced a hard time when he tried to establish himself as a barrister in erstwhile Bombay. After moving to Rajkot to write petitions for a modest income, he promptly took up the offer to move to Natal, South Africa, to assist with a civil litigation.

1914-1919

1920-1947

Over a span of just two years, MKG had become a dominant figure present at the Indian political arena. He reorganised the Indian National Congress into an instrument of nationalism and started his regimen of non-cooperation and civil disobedience. Although a self-imposed restraint and values of non-violence kept him from fanaticism, he underwent several fasts until the Quit India movement in 1942 with the slogan â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Do or Dieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Even after independence he was able to stop communal violence in Calcutta (1947) and Delhi (1948) before his assassination on January 30, 1948.

Gandhiji moved to India in 1914 but remained on the periphery of Indian politics, not aligning himself with any political agitation, not even when he took up the long-standing grievances of the peasantry from Bihar and Gujarat. MKG only launched his satyagraha struggle in 1919 with the passing of the Rowlatt Acts that empowered authorities to imprison without trial, anyone suspected of sedition. However, the massacre at Jallianwalan Bagh and the enactment of Martial law stayed his hand.

1893-1914

During his time in South Africa, Gandhiji was quickly exposed to racial discrimination and it was here, when he was unceremoniously thrown out of a first-class railway compartment on account of his race, that is when MKGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s struggle against social justice began to take shape. In the years that followed, Gandhiji blossomed as a proficient political campaigner and settled down in Natal to practice law. He then organised Indians into an ambulance corps. He was also imprisoned multiple times during his time in South Africa for resisting the oppressive regime in the country.

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SNAPSHOTS

CELEBRATING TRADITION 34

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The vast treasure trove of Indian traditions is often showcased as cultural highlights during local festivals. We travel around the country to experience some of the most popular festivals this season that define our cultural and yet incredibly artistic lineage

Also known as the 100-drum festival, Wangala is a postharvest celebration to thank Misi Saljong, the sun god for blessing the people with a rich harvest. A highlight is the 100-drum performance featuring 10 drummers from each of the 10 tribes at the festival.

PUSHK AR CAMEL FAIR

A POMBLANG K NONGKREM

Started as livestock fair, the Pushkar Mela has grown manifold to become one of the largest and most iconic celebrations of Rajasthan traditions in India and the world. The cultural extravaganza is started off with a camel race that officially opens the various exhibitions for art and crafts, textiles and several cultural events.

gion’s abundant ecological and cultural heritage. The Utsav celebrates the region’s kaleidoscopic magnificence with distinctive folk dances and intricate arts and crafts.

AJASTHAN KABIR R YATRA

Commemorating the start of the winter season, the Khasi tribe from Meghalaya assemble to celebrate the ancient five-day festival. Located just 20kms from Shillong, the Khasi village hosts the Nongkrem festival to appease Goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a bountiful harvest and continued prosperity of the people.

OVELONG POINT SURF C FESTIVAL

Started to introduce surfing to Indian youth, the Cave long point festival has grown to become one of the largest events for surfing and beach enthusiasts in India. Over the years, the festival has absorbed some of the best alternative sporting and cultural events like slacklining, yoga and paddle boarding.

RANN UTSAV Counted amongst India’s most iconic festivals, the Rann Utsav is an annual celebration of traditions, customs and lifestyle of the Great Rann of Kutch. Carefully crafted for visitors of all ages, the festival is organized from October to February every year. The Great Rann of Kutch presents the re-

A modern day cultural fest, the Rajasthan Kabir Yatra is a traveling folk music festival that recreates the artiste’s trail from Jaipur to Jaisalmer with multiple folk musicians and singers. The festivals aims to revive the rich artistic heritage of Rajasthan by dissolving boundaries of caste, class, religion and identity. The Kabir Yatra takes its Inspiration from various community practices, like the Jaagran/Satsang, an all night event where singers from different communities come together to sing and discuss mystic poets.

WANGALA FESTIVAL

HAMPI FESTIVAL

One of the largest celebrations in the region, the Hampi festival offers a variety of adventure sports along with cultural events like puppet shows, pomp processions and vibrant displays of local traditions. There are special events that incorporate rural sports and indigenous crafts. Hampi Festival or Hampi Utsav is also known as the Vijaya Utsav and has been celebrated since the Vijayanagar reign (1336-1614). The entire region comes alive with energy during three-day event.

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CUISINE

SPICE UP YOUR IMMUNITY

Since time immemorial, traditional spices and herbs have played a vital role as immuno-boosters in Indian cuisine. Here is a look at how these ingredients make our everyday food not just tasty, but also wholesome

ccording to ancient Indian texts, aushadham ucchyathe sarvam, which means food is the absolute cure and healer. Traditionally, in Indian cuisine, vegetables and spices are used in a dish according to their nutritional benefits and their ability to strengthen our immune system, which in turn, can protect us from ailments and infections. A reason why it is advised to include a balanced mix of spices and herbs in our daily meal plan to provide a regular boost to our immune system. Spices like turmeric, saffron, cloves, cinnamon, carom seeds, ginger and garlic are known to have a plethora of beneficial properties. Herbs like mint, tulsi (Holy Basil), and leaves of neem and moringa trees are said to have several health benefits. In India, with diverse preparations being made from more or less the same ingredi-

ents, spices play a significant role in culinary preparations. For instance, turmeric â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the commonest of all Indian spices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is added in almost all dishes. It not only lends the dish a golden hue but is known for its antiseptic properties and in reducing existing metabolic syndromes. We have often had our mothers urge us to drink warm milk mixed with turmeric to treat dry cough, sore throat and purify the blood of toxins, thereby upping the immunity quotient. Today, this drink is available at many upscale cafes as turmeric latte. Ginger too has similar health benefits. There are many such examples of beneficial herbs and spices being added to dishes to lend a distinct flavour and also to make them healthier. For example, moringa leaves and fruits (drumsticks) are used in curries across north India to help fight bacterial afflictions. Jaggery is a staple in traditional Indian kitchens. It is rich in anti-oxidants, aids digestion and is known to cleanse the liver

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Traditional South Indian meals, served on banana leaves are known to be rich in spices that prevent several ailments. Most Indian kitchens apply the concept of minimal wastage along with many ecofriendly practices

Neem too is used in meals and brewed into a thick concoction called kadha. A special neem leaves chutney is prepared in Maharashtra during the festival of Gudi Padwa. Neem has proven remedy to cure loss of appetite, fever and also boost cardiac strength. Curry leaves, the staple garnish in Indian cooking across states, is a popular natural anti-oxidant. “Almost all parts of a Azadirachta indica or neem tree have beneficial properties – the leaves had raw or cooked, purify blood and aid digestion; the bark extract has been found to cure stomach and intestinal ulcers and neem oil reduces skin blemishes. The oil is also a cure to breathing problems,” says nutritionist Kavita Devgan.

IN INDIA THERE ARE MANY EXAMPLES OF BENEFICIAL HERBS AND SPICES BEING ADDED TO DISHES TO LEND A DISTINCT FLAVOUR AND ALSO TO MAKE THEM HEALTHIER According to Dr Pooja Thacker, Head of Department Dietetics at Bhatia Hospital, Mumbai, “The clinical trials of tulsi on humans have shown it to be a unique combination of antiviral, an-

ti-microbial, anti-fungal, antimalarial. It can reduce hypertension, arthritic pain and depression. It acts as anti-epileptic, anti-inflammatory, hepato protective, anti-ulcer, and anti-asthmatic.” Asafoetida relieves bloating, flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) while fenugreek is known to control long standing ailments like diabetes. Cumin and bishop’s weed, the culinary equivalents of modern indigestion drugs, help digestion and check food-borne disorders. Pepper improves absorption of essential nutrients and promotes gut health. A pepper drink is often the go-to cure in many Indian homes to fight a flu. Asafoetida, fenugreek, black pepper, coriander and cumin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, and are extensively used in Indian cuisine. Quintessential South Indian dishes like sambhar (lentil curry with vegetables), rasam (a clear sour soup) and even curries are flavoured with these spices. Bisibele Bhath of Karnataka is another classic rice and lentil preparation using various spices and nutritious vegetables to avert deficiencies. If dishes like pongal from the South uses crushed pepper and cumin, Gujarat finds its comfort food in khichdi – wholesome rice and lentil dish prepared with minimal spices like cumin and ginger. While restoring digestive enzymes, this one-dish meal builds up energy and resistance levels in the body to fight infections.

A bowl of rabri, a dessert, enjoyed all across the country, is often garnished with stands of saffron

A thepla (flatbread) made with fenugreek leaves, known to absorb sugar and reduce bad cholesterol

A traditional fish curry in mustard sauce.

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Drumsticks in a bowl of sambhar for added health benefits

Azadirachta indica or neem leaves have unbelievable and numerous health benefits

A tea made from fenugreek leaves is known to provide relief from anemia, loss of taste, fever and even dandruff

Khichdi is often the remedy to dietary distress and is used to reset the digestive system with its simple albeit healthy ingredients. Various dried and powdered spices and herbs in traditional Marwari preparations from Rajasthan like ker sangri and pitod ka saag ensure physical strength. These dishes, often heavy in the use of garlic and onion, ensure that the body is prepared against the heat in most parts of the desert state. Maharashtra has its share of wholesome meal in usal/ misal, consisting of multiple sprouts in a spice-rich gravy that has loads of ginger and garlic and ensures essential nutrients like protiens. The liberal use of lemons and citrus fruits, which do not allow for thick gravy preparation, ensure the adequate dosage of Vitamin C and a strong defense against the hot and humid environs around Maharashtra. Punjabi cuisine is hugely popular for the intoxicating aromas of spices and herbs used generously in its reci-

pes. Just as the fragranced waft of garam masala (a rich mix of spices like cardamom, clove, star anise and cinnamon) from North Indian kitchens are simply irresistible they also burst with vigour. Cinnamon and cloves

THE HABIT OF EATING FRESHLY-COOKED MEALS MUST BE FORMED TO DERIVE MORE NUTRIENTS, ENERGY AND TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BODY can be counted as immunitywarriors for their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. These dishes often include or end with a generous portion of fennel, ensuring that there is no acidity. Plenty of star anise, bay leaves

and saffron can be found in the dishes from Kashmir. Dr Thacker throws light on saffron’s benefits. “It helps in curbing asthma by reducing inflammation. Tests have proven that having saffron regularly can reduce Immunoglobin M and Immunoglobin G, which directly reduce asthma.” The star among the Valley’s contribution to India’s spice treasure is the Kashmiri red chilli, full of minerals besides black cumin (shah jeera), black cardamom and white pepper. The signature lamb dish, rogan josh with curd and a variety of spices is a robust low-cholesterol delicacy. Embracing mindfulness while eating and fresh, home-cooked meals can help you kick off stress, discomfort, and depression. Experts say that ingestion of food within four to five hours of cooking is the best. It’s interesting that even today, the ancient concept of a balanced Sattvik meal, cooked fresh with a bouquet of spices, is considered one of the healthiest in the world. 

SATTVIK CUISINE Depending on its character and effect, food can create a balance or imbalance in one’s state of living. Sattvik cuisine, in essence, embraces the nutrients that cultivate a positive outlook in a healthy body to enhance spiritual and physical progress. It is intrinsically good and in total accord with nature. It comprises of pure foods such as vegetables, grains, fruits and dairy products like milk, curd, white butter and ghee (clarified butter). This type of cuisine is free from artificial ingredients and desists from spreading disease. It maintains and focuses on stamina, serenity and mental clarity.

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YOGA

IMMUNITY THE NATURAL WAY

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In contemporary times, with an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle and a modern approach to healing tactics, we unknowingly keep accumulating micro assaults to our immune system without allowing our body to address them. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how the ancient albeit simple practices of yoga can be utilized to boost our immunity, lead a healthier life and so much more

he human body to a great extent is a self-regulating, preserving, repairing and maintaining entity. Nature has designed the human body with an inherent capability to heal and provided the natural laws of healing are allowed to operate, our health is in its entirety, a natural outcome of all the encounters we have in life. This healing capacity that we are endowed with is called vitality or immunity. Our body has a self-reliant system of protecting its tissues against assaults by bacteria, viruses, harmful proteins and oxidative stress through an interplay of nervous, endocrine and immune systems. In today’s world these systems are constantly challenged due to our fast paced lifestyle, stress, unhealthy eating habits and exposure to pathogens. Yoga asanas and pranayama reduce stress and improve the body’s immune response to fight infections and allergies. Yogic practices are well known for improving the immunity.

YOGA AND IMMUNITY Yoga can help to modulate this immune response in an appropriate way. Yoga as a mind-body intervention has been used globally to combat these lifestyle related diseases where stress is believed to play a role. Yoga helps calm down the mind, bring stability and balance the vital energies. Studies have shown yoga to improve immunity in the population during influenza epi-

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi joins thousands in a mass demonstration of yoga on the International Day of Yoga in Chandigarh on June 21, 2016

SHATKRIYAS ARE YOGIC CLEANSING TECHNIQUES USED TO CLEAN THE INTERNAL ORGANS AND SYSTEMS OF THE BODY. THESE KRIYAS CLEANSE, ACTIVATE AND REVITALIZE ORGANS AND DEVELOP DEEP INTERNAL AWARENESS

demics. Yoga is a system of holistic living, having its roots in Indian traditions and culture. It is a discipline to develop one’s inherent power in a balanced manner. Now it is being practiced as a part of healthy lifestyle. Yoga is popular globally because of its spiritual values, therapeutic credentials, its role in the prevention of diseases, promotion of health and management of lifestyle related disorders. One of the most useful and popular mode of yogic exercises which provides the benefits of Asanas, Pranayama and Mudras altogether is the Surya Namaskar. It consists of a series of twelve postures which are performed early in the morning facing the rising Sun. Each step of Surya

NADI SHODHANA PRANAYAMA (ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING) The main characteristic feature of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is alternate breathing through the left and right nostrils without or with retention of breath (kumbhaka). Sit in a comfortable posture. Keep the spine and head straight with eyes closed. Relax the body with a few deep breaths. Keep the left palm on the left knee in Jnana mudra and the right palm should be in Nasagra mudra. Place the ring and small fingers on the left nostril and fold the middle and index finger. Place the right thumb on the right nostril. Open the left nostril, breathe in from the left nostril, close the left nostril with the small and ring fingers and release the thumb from the right nostril; exhale through the right nostril. Next, inhale through the right nostril. At the end of inhalation, close the right nostril, open the left nostril and exhale through it. This completes one round of the Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing). Repeat for another 4 rounds. The duration of inhalation and exhalation should be equal for beginners. Breathing should be slow, steady and controlled. It should not be forced or restricted.

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People meditate in the lotus position on a beach during sunset. Meditating after a busy day helps in releasing stress and achieving clarity for the forthcoming day

Namaskar is accompanied with regulation of breath. Its regular practice energizes all systems of the body and ensures a perfect harmony between them. It makes the body flexible and improves immunity. Our body has its own set of immuno-responses, amongst them, inflammation is the most common. A natural counter which is often helpful when it comes to healing injuries and infections, inflammation often becomes chronic under constant psychological and physical stress, thereby weakening our immune system. Most asanas involve systematic stretching that alleviates inflammation and increases flexibility. The immunity boosting capabilities of even basic yogic practices also find mention in a new research published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine. Today, even West-

ern researchers ouch for yogaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s benefits. The Harvard Medical School Guide to Yoga: 8 Weeks to Strength, Awareness, and Flexibility, says regular practice of yoga can lead to greater muscle and bone strength, improved sleep, better stress management and resilience, strengthened immune system and enriched brain health.

MEDITATION IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF YOGIC PRACTICES AND IS BENEFICIAL FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

CLEANSING WITH KRIYAS Cleansing techniques called kriyas also help in removing excess mucous and restore mucosal immunity. Shatkriyas are yogic cleansing techniques used to purge the internal organs and systems of the body. These are a part of the process of detoxification. These techniques are classified into six divisions as under: Neti (nasal washing); Dhauti (stomach washing); Basti (colon washing); Kapalbhati (purificatory yogic breathing); Nauli (isolation of abdominal recti muscles) and Trataka (yogic visual gaze). These kriyas cleanse, activate and revitalize organs and develop deep internal awareness. The practice of Surya Namaskara, deep breathing exercises, pranayama, meditation and deep relaxation is also highly beneficial. Pranayama

BENEFITS OF PRANAYAMA The main purpose of the Pranayama is to purify the principle channels of carrying energy, thus nourishing the whole body. Induces tranquility and helps to improve concentration. Increases vitality and lowers the level of stress and anxiety. Alleviates cough disorders. It calms the mind, improves focus and concentration and useful in strengthening the immune system.

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One of the postures of the Virbhadrasana or the Warrior pose

is the fourth constituent of Ashtanga yoga, which deals with the regulation of Prana and energy, grossly translated as breath. It is a practice which helps to regulate vital energies through the regulation of breathing. The main purpose of Pranayama is to gain control over the autonomous nervous system and through it to influence the mental functions. Regular practice of Pranayama makes the mind calm and quiet.

MEDITATE ON WELLNESS The process of keeping one’s attention focused with sustained concentration on an object is commonly known as meditation. It is an integral

YOGA ASANAS AND PRANAYAMA REDUCE STRESS AND IMPROVE BODY’S IMMUNE RESPONSE TO FIGHT INFECTIONS AND ALLERGIES part of all yogic practices and is beneficial for psychological and spiritual growth. Over the years, the stress re-

lieving benefits of regular meditation have been known to achieve a sense of calm which has a positive impact on an individual’s health and promotes a healthy lifestyle. It has been known to be beneficial when it comes to overcoming addictions of tranquilizers, reducing hypertension, insomnia, migraines, depression, anxiety, and other psychosomatic illnesses. It stabilizes the mind, increases awareness, concentration and will power while simultaneously improving memory and alertness. It is an effective tool for rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul, and even helps in coping with the stressful situations of everyday life. 

UNDERSTANDING IMMUNITY Though exposure to pathogens help build adaptive immunity, surviving such an exposure may sometimes become fatal. Research has shown that there is a heterogeneity in susceptibility to infections during a flu epidemic. Psychologic stress, fitness and physical activity, nutrition, sleep, comorbid conditions and lifestyle play a vital role in shaping this immune response. A growing body of evidence identifies stress as a cofactor in infectious disease susceptibility and outcomes. It has been suggested that the effects of stress on the immune system may mediate the relationship between stress and infectious disease. Stress increases stress hormones that dampen immune response and also reduce the ability of the cells to repair the damage caused due to infections.

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AYURVEDA

AYURVEDA HELPS TO LIVE BALANCED, INTEGRATED AND HEALTHY LIFE

The revival of Ayurveda in 20th century, the most ancient Indian traditional system of natural health care, recommended by WHO, has witnessed its integration into the health systems of many countries. Serbia has been no exception CLICK TO SEE THIS ON WEB

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r. Branko Čičić, President, Ayurveda Association of Serbia in conversation with Dr Gordana Marković, MD, PhD, Member of the State Expert Committee on Complementary Medicine of the Ministry of Health RS and the principal professor at the postgraduate program in traditional medicine, at Alma Mater Euoropea University, Maribor, Slovenia.

Dr Marković, could you, please, tell us what is Ayurveda? Ayurveda is an ancient system of Indian medicine, which has been for thousands of years helping the people to live a balanced, integrated life and grow towards the state of perfect health. Literary translated, Ayurveda means the “science of life” or the “science of longevity”. In the 20th century, it has been revived in its original fullness by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who re-introduced the element of consciousness and the practice of Nadi Vigyan (pulse diagnosis), as the central elements and key practices for diagnostics and treatment of imbalances and creation of individual and collective health. What is the ultimate goal of Ayurveda? By following Ayurvedic recommendations, we are harmonizing our being with the Nature and its cycles we are part of, and thus, in a most natural way, easily and simply improving our own health. We gradually learn how to re-connect to ourselves, gain the inner peace and attract bliss into our lives, which is the basis of perfect health. Ayurveda has been used in many of the developed countries around the world, and thanks to the decision of our Ministry of Health, it has been incorporated into the systems of traditional medicines practiced in the Republic of Serbia. The main goal of Ayurveda is not so much the fight against the disease. Rather, it is to improve the defense capacities of our physiology to the level that is enabling us to remain immune to different damaging agencies in our

environment. This is easily achieved by the introduction of different modalities of Ayurveda in our everyday life. Once we begin to use them, they establish the natural, perfect balance between mind, body and the feelings, which is the basis of good health. Ayurvedic knowledge gives every man and woman the knowledge of his or her personal capacities and weak points. On the basis of these, the Ayurvedic doctor prescribes the prevention measures or a therapy. All the recommendations in Ayurvedic medicine are specific in that they are tailored for each of us individually and according to our own, personal needs. This is the secret behind its extraordinary efficiency.

AYURVEDA IS AN ANCIENT SYSTEM OF INDIAN MEDICINE, WHICH HAS BEEN FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS HELPING THE PEOPLE TO LIVE A BALANCED, INTEGRATED LIFE What are the main principals of Ayurveda? According to Ayurveda, all living and non-living world are guided by the three main principals, called Vata Dosha, Pitta Dosha and Kapha Dosha. These three are very essential concepts in Ayurveda, upon which prevention, diagnosis and therapy are based. Vata coordinates the locomotor system in our organism that enables us to move, circulation of blood, movement of lungs while inhaling and exhaling, peristalsis of the intestines, activity of the nervous system, as well as the most subtle process on the level of our genetic material. When Vata is imbalanced, different psychological and neurological diseases may occur, such as chronic pain, flatulence, constipation, insomnia, anxiety, as well

as many other health disorders. Pitta dosha coordinates metabolic processes and the energy exchange, and therefore it is responsible for digestion, regulation of temperature, hormone production and activity of our glands. When Pitta is not in balance, hormonal imbalance, blood and liver diseases, gastritis, ulcer, irritability, anger, etc may occur. Kapha provides for our bodily structure, biological strength, immunity etc. Its imbalance may produce swelling, diabetes, asthma, week immunity etc. When each of the doshas coordinates its functions well, we are healthy, happy, well-meaning and wise. With the occurrence of imbalance in our physiology, natural processes are changing their direction, the functioning of the organs are disturbed and little by little, different diseases develop, depending on the type and the degree of imbalance. Is Ayurveda complementary with the western medicine? Ayurveda comprises of exceptionally complex body of preventive measures and different, widely applicable therapeutic modalities. Application of Ayurveda is completely complementary with western medicine and can significantly improve professional skills of every doctor, irrespective of his or her specialty. The application of this knowledge opens up new horizons in treating patients in both, diagnosing and the selection of individual therapeutic modalities. The doctor creates the treatment considering the mental, bodily and social aspects of the patient’s personality, as well as the environmental and physical conditions he lives in. In this way, the doctor provides the client with the best support in finding his own life-style and balance. And due to very high efficiency in treating patients, preventing the disease and improving individual and collective health, Ayurveda significantly reduces health related costs, both for the patient and the health system. What are the diagnostic procedures in Ayurveda?

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The most important diagnostic method to detect the state of our physiology is pulse diagnosis. This method enables the Ayurvedic doctor get an insight, in the matter of minutes, into the quality of the doshas, subdoshas, bodily tissues, digestive fire, as well as into the other characteristics of the person under examination. Additional directions in creating the treatment plan for the person come from the analysis of his physical, mental and emotional characteristics, based on observation and anamnesis. The pulse diagnosis enables us to detect the imbalance in physiology much sooner before the first manifestation of the disease. Thanks to this, by applying an adequate treatment, we can achieve the reversal of balance and stop the process that would otherwise end in the disease. According to Ayurveda, there are 6 levels of the development of the disease. First four levels are the different degrees of imbalance of the doshas, that the Ayurvedic doctor establishes by his knowledge of the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pulse. However, the western medicine can recognize only the fifth stadium when the diseases has been man-

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ifested into the symptoms, while the sixth stadium is that which we call the chronic disease. As we said earlier, the precise stadiums of the development of the disease are detected by the pulse diagnosis.

AYURVEDA COMPRISES OF EXCEPTIONALLY COMPLEX BODY OF PREVENTIVE MEASURES AND DIFFERENT, WIDELY APPLICABLE THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES In the world of fast changes, is it possible to live according to the principals of Ayurveda? Yes, of course! Ayurvedic recommendations are very easily incorporated into the everyday life, because they are so natural and simple. The main principle is to set the life in accord with the rhythm of nature, i.e. to eat in accord

with our constitution, to get enough of good rest, and in a way that the recommendations we are adopting into our daily routine do not become an additional source of stress. Of course, it is necessary that every individual gradually and willingly correct, with time, his or her habits that are not completely in accord with his or her own nature. It is very important to be connected with ourselves, be aware of our needs and thus always naturally select the choices harmonious with our inner essence, benefiting our health. All the details, simple to follow instructions are given to the client during the Ayurvedic consultation. In most cases, consultation lasts for about 1 hour. The world is overwhelmed with the epidemics of chronic, non-infectious diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, ulcer, headaches, insomnia, anxiety and depression, to mention the few. Can Ayurveda help with these diseases in a really profound way? With the perspective from both, Ayurveda and western medicine, the doctor has the ability to understand

in a much deeper and more detailed way the processes occurring in the patient’s physiology. From this stems the treatment which is much more efficient and completely adjusted to the needs of every person individually. The contribution of Ayurveda is exceptional in the treatment of diseases such as many digestive illnesses (GERB, chronic constipation, diarrhea…), cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, coronary heart disease…), mental disorders (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders..), headaches, respiratory diseases (allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, pharyngitis, chronic bronchitis…), disorders of the reproductive health (menstrual disorders, sterility, menopause…), obesity, endocrine disorders (diabetes, the hyper and hypo thyroiditis…), chronic burnout, muscular and skeletal disorders (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic back-pain…), and many others. You have sub-specialized in the women’s health in Ayurveda, and you are one of the world’s main Ayurvedic experts in reproductive health in the western hemisphere. Could you, please, tell us how does the Ayurveda understand the health of a woman and what it can do for her?. According to Ayurveda, the reproductive health of a woman is the reflection of the functioning of all the physiological processes happening in her organism. It is intimately connected to the mental and emotional aspects of her personality. Modern way of living on a global level contributed to the disintegration from their Self and manifests itself in the constant increase of

THE MEDICAL DOCTORS SHALL BE ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY AND VERY EFFICIENTLY APPLY THE GAINED KNOWLEDGE IN THEIR OWN PRACTICE the number of the diseases such as endometriosis, too early menopause, sterility, hormonal imbalance, carcinoma of the reproductive organs and

many others. Pulse diagnosis enables to precisely define the main cause of the disease. This ancient knowledge gives us also clear instruction how to identify the etiological factors compromising women’s health and also how to create the life-style leading to reestablishment of balance in her physiology, elimination of the disease and the regeneration of the reproductive system. My experience in this regard is significant and more than positive. 

More information about Ayurveda at www.ajurveda.rs or by telephone at +381 63 896 3331

ACCREDITED PROGRAM IN AYURVEDA You are the principal professor at the postgraduate program in traditional medicine at the Alma Mater European University, in Maribor, Slovenia – the first EU university with the accredited program in Ayurveda. When is this program going to start? - It is my great honor to be the part of this important program and have the opportunity to teach the knowledge of Ayurveda and share my practical experience with the doctors from all over the Europe. The program will officially start in

2021 in Maribor and is meant for the medical doctors from Europe and other places. It has been created by the leading experts in Maharishi AyurVeda. It consists of 6 blocks which will take place during the period of a year and a half. Each of the blocks is thematically whole and covers completely and in a very practical way selected topics of Ayurveda. The medical doctors shall be able to immediately and very efficiently apply the gained knowledge in their own practice. While enabling the doctor to be more efficient with his patient, this great knowledge also, provides him personally with the higher quality of everyday life.

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YOGA

SCHOOLED IN YOGA By

DR RAJEEV RASTOGI

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Yoga has established India on the world wellness map and thousands from across the world want to learn more about this ancient science. Here are some traditional institutions in the country that offer training and research facility on yoga

oga, the ancient Indian science of overall wellness, is amongst the six great Indian philosophies. In recent times, yoga has gained immense international popularity, due to its strengths in preventive, promotive and curative health care. A resurgence of interest in yoga, owing to such varied health benefits as increased flexibility, stress relief and overall fitness, is being witnessed across the country, even among the younger generation. Hundreds of enthusiasts travel to India from around the world to learn this ancient science which has evolved from being a Vedic practice of Dhyan or meditation to a holistic discipline aimed toward oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general well-being. While there are various institutions working in the field of yoga within India and abroad, there are some that deservea special mention, who are not only preserving the traditions of yoga, but are also contemporising its philosophies for modern-day relevance.

EAST AND NORTHEAST Sri Ramakrishna Mission, Kolkata (West Bengal): Swami Vivekananda established the mission in 1897. The mission conducts extensive work in health care, disaster relief, rural management, tribal welfare, elementary and higher

FROM KASHMIR TO KANYAKUMARI AND FROM DONG TO DWARKA, THE SPIRITUAL SCIENCE OF YOGA IS PRACTICED WITH IMMENSE FAITH AS AN IDEOLOGY. YOGA IS NOT MERELY A PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN INDIA, BUT A WAY OF LIFE

education and cultural development in India. The mission has several campuses across India, with an important one being in Belur in Hooghly district, near Kolkata. Bihar School of Yoga, Munger (Bihar): Established in 1963 by Swami Satyananda Saraswati for promoting yoga and Indian culture, the Bihar School of Yoga is a reputed centre for yogic studies today. It conducts health management courses, sanyasa training courses, advanced yoga sadhana courses and offers a ashram-style (very basic) lifestyle. Umachal Yogashram, Guwahati (Assam): It was founded by Swami Shivananda Saraswati Maharaj in 1929. The institution has been conducting scientifically accepted research in the field of yoga. Its yoga publications are very popular and also includes Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Yoga

HOSPITAL AND COLLEGE. - At the Ramakrishna Mission in Kolkata, yoga is taught every morning on a day-to-day basis and short-

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in a mass yoga session along with other practitioners to mark International Yoga Day in New Delhi

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term courses (mostly for 3-6 months) are also conducted - The Ashram Lifestyle and Yoga Satsang Week are highlights at the Bihar School of Yoga. It also conducts academic courses. Munger is around 190 km from the state capital Patna - Several institutions affiliated to the Umachal Yogashram offer diploma course in yoga that are very popular among local residents and international students

WEST Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune (Maharashtra): Established in 1975 by yoga guru BKS Iyengar, the institute is considered to be at the heart of the popular Iyengar style of yoga. The institute conducts courses on yoga and Iyengar-certified yoga teachers are propagating yoga across the world. The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai (Maharashtra): The oldest yoga centre in India, it was founded by Shri Yogendraji in 1918 to propagate the vision of yoga. Running several yoga courses for both learners and trainers, the institute is recognised by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. The courses are taught in both Hindi and English. Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla, Pune (Maharashtra): Founded by Swami Kuvalayananda in 1924, this institute focusses on amalgamating the tradi-

Swami Niranjan (center in cap) with other swamis from Australia and around the world

tions of yoga with modern science with a scientific understanding and approach. It includes a government-recognised yoga college that offers shortterm and long-term diploma and degree courses. It also offers teachers’ refresher courses. - Short and long courses are offered at the Iyengar Memorial institute. The teachers’ training courses are very popular. Pune is around 150 km from state capital Mumbai bksiyengar.com - The institute in Santacruz conducts teachers training courses for yoga apart from regular therapy classes for the masses theyogainstitute.org - Regular yoga sessions are held for the masses by the Kaivalyadhama in Lonavla kdham.com

THE FIRST KNOWN APPEARANCE OF THE WORD “YOGA”, WITH THE SAME MEANING AS THE MODERN TERM, IS IN THE KATHA UPANISHAD, COMPOSED IN FOURTH TO THIRD CENTURY BCE SOUT H Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry (Tamil Nadu): Founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo, a freedom fighter, philosopher, yogi, guru and poet, the ashram conducts regular yoga sessions for residents of Auroville; has a yoga practicing centre called Auromode and offers sessions in various forms of yoga. NORTH

A teacher or Aachrya instructing a Yoga class on the Varkala beach at sunset

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Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar (Uttarakhand): Founded by Baba Ramdev in the year 2006, Patanjali Yogpeeth is one of the largest yoga institutes in India. Named after the Maharishi Patanjali, the institute’s purpose is to practise and research in the field of yoga and Ayurveda. Sadhana Mandir Trust, Dehradun (Uttarakhand): Swami Rama estab-

lished Sadhana Mandir Trust and the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy in 1966. Trained in the tradition of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas, he taught the Upanishads and Buddhist scriptures and had also studied Tibetan philosophies. The Trust offers specialised retreats where one can learn yoga. Divine Life Society (Sivananda Ashram), Rishikesh (Uttarakhand): It was founded in 1936 by Swami Shivananda, who was a student of medicine and joined the sanyasashrama under the guidance of Swami Vishwananda Saraswati. He established the Divine Life Society and Yoga-Vedanta Academy. Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai (Tamil Nadu): This was established in the name of T Krishnamacharya, an Indian yoga teacher, Ayurvedic healer and scholar, in 1976 by TKV Desikachar. The institute propagates yoga as a holistic science. The other great personalities under this parampara are BKS Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois. In the past decade, yoga has morphed from being a once-in-aweek exercise to a healthy lifestyle. These yoga institutes are striving to offer the best courses in that are specially crafted to generate interest in pupils of all ages. - The Patanjali Yogpeeth offers graduate and post graduate courses in Yoga and Ayurveda. divyayoga.com - The Sandhna Mandrir Trust offers

A view of the meditation centre at Auroville. Puducherry was the residence of Sri Aurobindo and is now the operational base of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram

The Vipassana International Academy, also known as Dhamma Giri,

short and long retreats. Its 5-day Yoga Retreat is very popular. sadhanamandir.org - The Divine Life Society conducts sessions everyday in the forenoon and in the afternoon. Dicussions are also held on yoga.

sivanandaonline.org - The Yoga Mandiram in Chennai offers customised Yoga therapy interventions for adults and children. Several teacher training programmes are also conducted. kym.org ď&#x201A;Ł

meditation courses throughout the year. The institute also has a long-term course centre, Dhamma Tapovana, offering advanced long courses. vridhamma.org

adhama, it now is a deemed university of yoga, offering graduation and postgraduation courses in yoga, spirituality and medicine. svyasa.edu.in

IMPARTING WISDOM INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR YOGA EDUCATION AND RESEARCH, PUDUCHERRY: Swami Gitananda Giri founded the centre in 1967. The institute conducts regular yoga teachers training courses and has affiliated centres all over the world. icyer.com VIPASSANA YOGA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, IGATPURI (MAHARASHTRA): Established in 1985 by SN Goenka. Vipassana Research Institute is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest centres for the practice of Vipassana, offering 10-day

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA YOGA ANUSANDHANA SAMSTHANA, BENGALURU (KARNATAKA): Established in 2002 by Dr HR Nagendra, it is the leading research institute of yoga. The aim behind establishment of the institute is to understand and document the scientific evidence behind yoga practices. Started initially as VK Yogas nearly 25 years ago with Arogy-

MORARJI DESAI NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF YOGA, NEW DELHI: Established by the Ministry of AYUSH in 1970, this institute is one of the most reputed yoga education and research centres in India. The institute promotes yoga philosophy and offers training and advanced research on the subject. It offers foundation, advanced courses and both diplomas and degrees in yoga education. yogamdniy.nic.in

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SNAPSHOTS

CALL OF THE WILD

Home to many large and small charismatic species, Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biodiversity is amongst the richest in the world

here are about 400 species of mammals, 1,250 species of birds, 460 species of reptiles, 240 species of amphibians and 2,550 species of fish in India. We bring to you some of the lesser-known conservation areas across the country which are known

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not just for the wildlife they protect, but, also for the bewildering mix of habitats they present

ORANG NATIONAL PARK, ASSAM The Orang (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park (ONP) is situated on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra river in the

Udalguri district of Assam. Constituted as a National Park in 1999, the ONP is often called Mini Kaziranga owing to the population of the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros that call the area its home. Spread across an area of 78.8 sq km, the park attracts tourists for its captivating natural beauty and

numerous migratory birds that travel here from as far as America (milkywhite pelicans). Highlights: one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, migratory birds and Elephant safaris How to reach: The nearest airport is Saloni, 10 km from Tezpur (32 km from the park) in Sonitpur district, around 140 km from Guwahati.

HEMIS NATIONAL PARK, JAMMU & KASHMIR Founded in 1981, and after two subsequent expansions in 1988 and 1990, Hemis National Park, with a total area of almost 4,400 sq km is the largest of its kind in South Asia. Situated across the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh, the park boasts almost 200 snow leopards, the apex predator of the Central Asian highlands. The park is also home to a population of 1600 locals and the 400-yearold Hemis Monastery. An interesting feature of the national park is that it lies in a rain-shadow area which results in high-altitude arid fauna like dry forests of juniper, populus and birch that are both rare and a delight for nature enthusiasts. Highlights: Snow leopards, Asiatic ibex and great Tibetan sheep. The Hemis Tsechu festival. How to reach: The easiest way is by air as the Leh Airport is a mere 5 km from the park. KEIBUL LAMJAO NATIONAL PARK, MANIPUR Manipur is a delight when it comes to the flora and fauna around the region. It is also home to the world’s only floating national park! Situated on the iconic Loktak Lake, the Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), spread over an area of 40 sq km, consists of large floating masses of soil that are filled with diverse, beautiful and unique wildlife. The national park is home to the rare and endangered Manipur brow-antlered deer, popularly known as the state’s dancing deer, the Sangai. The lake has been shortlisted as a tentative addition to UNESCO’s list of world heritage centers. Highlights: Floating land meadows

called phumdis, Sangai deer and the Loktak Lake. How to reach: The KLNP is located 54 km by road from the state capital, Imphal.

JAWAI LEOPARD RESERVE, RAJASTHAN Nestled between the tourist hotspots of Udaipur and Jodhpur lies the not-so-well known Jawai Dam, close to the village of Bera and the site for the Jawai or Bera Leopard Conservation Reserve. With its arid surroundings, a large reservoir and cave-filled hillocks, the area is home to the iconic cave dwelling leopards. An interesting aspect of this conservation area is that the local population has adapted to the wildlife and have petitioned the government for a ‘community status’ for the area, meaning that the protection of wildlife would jointly be the responsibility of the local community along with the Forest deptt. It is believed that the chances of spotting a leopard are as great as 90 percent on every visit! Highlights: Cave-dwelling leopards and an experience of Rajasthan’s rural life. How to reach: Jawai Dam is located just over two hours from the Jodhpur Airport (148 km) and three hours from the Udaipur Airport (170 km). KEOLADEO GHANA NATION AL PARK, RAJASTHAN Formerly known as the Bharatpur

Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park is situated in the Bharatpur district on the state’s eastern periphery. Constituted in 1982, the park was added to list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 1985 owing to the 370 species of birds and animals that the reserve protects. Originally established as a game reserve for maharajas in the 1850s, the park is now a breeding ground for the rare and elusive Siberian crane and is considered to be one of the most important feeding and breeding grounds for avian species in the world. Due to its largely harmless wildlife population, there are numerous self guided and demarcated trails that can be easily traversed Highlights: Rare bird sightings and safaris on foot, bicycle or rickshaws around the park How to reach: The nearest airport is Agra (56 km away). The park is just three hours from Jaipur (182 km away) by road.

PIN VALLEY NATION AL PARK, HIMACHAL PRADESH The only high-altitude, cold-desert national park in the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh, the Pin Valley National Park is located in the Spiti sub district of Lahaul and Spiti. The park was first started in 1980s and now covers a total area of 675 sq km as the core zone and 1,150 km as a buffer zone. With its headquarters in the nearby village of Kaza, the park is home to as

The Orang (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park (ONP) is situated on the northern bank of the Brhamaputra river in the Udalguri district of Assam

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Hemis National Park

many as 1,600 people during the summers in the 17 villages called dogharies (summer settlements). The park is home to snow leopards and several other endangered species, including ibex, bharal, bearded vultures etc. An interesting feature is the approximately 400species of flora with high medicinal properties which grow in the region despite the harsh climatic conditions. Highlights: Kungri Monastery, summer settlements, Snow leopards and Himalayan ibex. How to reach: The Park can be reached by road via Manali in sum-

Jawai Leopard Reserve, Rajasthan

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Manipur is a delight when it comes to the flora and fauna around the region

mers through the Kunzum Pass and via Shimla in the winters through Reckong Peo.

MAHATMA GANDHI MARINE NATION AL PARK, ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS One of the few marine conservation reserves in the country, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (MGMNP) was established in 1983 in order to protect the rare ecosystem of coral reefs, mangroves and vegetated islands. The reserve covers an area of 281.5 sq km, of which almost 220.5 sq km, is the protected area over ter-

Keoladeo Ghana National Park

ritorial waters around Wandor, 29 km west of Port Blair. The park is home to over 300 species of marine fauna and dolphins, turtles, sharks are regular visitors along with the critically-endangered dugong (sea cow). The MGMNP encompasses a total of 15 islands that are surrounded by fringing coral reefs with almost 120 different species of corals recorded so far. Highlights: Rare marine ecosystems, snorkeling and boating How to reach: The park is accessible by road from Port Blair, capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Pin Valley National Park

SILENT VALLEY NATION AL PARK, KERALA Conserving one of the last remaining rain forest of Kerala, the Silent Valley National Park was formally inaugurated in 1985. The forests of the Silent Valley National Park harbor some of the most pristine, unique and highly-productive ecosystems in the world. The area is also home to the critically endangered lion tailed macaques, which also is the flagship species of the park. The administration is actively involved in promoting eco-tourism through sustainable resorts and river huts along with guided camping ac-

Silent Valley National Park

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

tivities around the area. Highlights: Green tourism, lion tailed macaques and almost 164 species of butterflies. How to reach: The park is accessible through road via Kochi (5hr, 200 km) or Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu (2hr, 65 km).

TADOBA ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE, MAHARASHTRA The Tadoba National Park and the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary together form the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) covering an area of 625.40 sq km. Named after the local deity Taru and the Andhari river that flows through

the reserve, the TATR, officially amalgamated in 1995, is home to a sizeable population of tigers, which are a major tourist attraction. The reserve also protects large herds of chital, the stately sambar, the elusive barking deer and herds of wild boars. The area is surrounded by forests of teak and several species of trees indigenous to the region including ain, shisham etc. Highlights: TATR is one of 50 tiger reserves in India. Sloth bears and eco-friendly accommodation. How to reach: The reserve is situated just three hours from Nagpur (145 km) by road. ď&#x201A;Ł

Tadoba National Park and the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary

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India

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INDIA 2020