India Empire Dec 2014 by India Empire

CONTENTS

december 2014

06 reTUrN OF ANerOOd JUGNAUTH Mauritius’ most enduring politician returns as PM

10 INdIAN OrIGIN eNVOY

Richard Verma will be the first Indian origin US ambassador to New Delhi

16 deWANI’S HOUSe VANdALIZed Freed by a South African court, Shrien Dewani’s house in UK was damaged

HINdUJA’S OWN cHUrcHILL’S OFFIce Another symbol of the British Raj is now a possession of Indians

15 HISTOrIc FIrST Vivek Hallegere Murthy is the youngest US Surgeon General, and the first of Indian descent

28 KHAdI GOeS cHIc Khadi now makes cash registers ring in India

30 WINe IS FINe More Indian women are now settling for good wine

cover story

ElEctions in Mauritius

anErooD JuGnautH

sWEEPs to

PoWEr By Sayantan Chakravarty

Even as he takes up his role as Prime Minister for the 6th time, Mr Aneerod Jugnauth is already the longest serving PM in the history of independent Mauritius. During his last term he went past the record of 14 years (as PM) set by Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, also hailed as the Father of the Nation. Mr Jugnauth has been PM for 16 years in the past, starting 1982 and until 2003. Add to this his 9 years as President of Mauritius (between 2003 and 2012), and you have one of modern dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most enduring political figures, a giant leader that the people and voters of Mauritius have accepted for well over three decades. Mr Jugnauth was appointed PM on December 15 by President Rajkeswur Purryag, having swept the polls a week earlier when the Alliance Lepep that he led won 47 of 62 contested seats. The coalition of Mr Ramgoolamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Labour Party and Mr Paul Berengerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mauritian Militant Movement that went to the polls seeking more powers for the president, managed to secure 13 seats. The Alliance Lepep is a coalition led by the Mouvement Socialiste Militant (MSM) of Mr Jugnauth. Other parties include Parti Mauricien Social Democrate (PMSD) and the Muvman Liberater (ML). Labour, led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and its ally the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) had called for power to be apportioned between the president, now a largely ceremonial post, and the premier, who currently holds sway. "The population has rejected the plan of our opponents to amend the constitution," said Mr Jugnauth, 84, adding that "had this materialized, it would have been a catastrophe for the country." The MSM-PMSD said the changes would have unsettled the Indian Ocean island nation, one of Africa's most stable democracies since gaining independence from Britain in 1968. Labour's coalition had maintained that the change would make the nation of 1.3 million people more democratic because power would not be concentrated in

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BACK AS PM: Sir Anerood Jugnauth

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cover story

Supporters of Anerood Jugnauth march through the streets of Mauritius celebrating his victory at the December polls

one person. Mauritius has expanded its offshore financial center, spurring construction of tower blocks in Port Louis, in recent years. But workers in the tourism, sugar and textile industries, the other economic mainstays, say they have been left behind. "We will realize a second economic miracle where citizens will reap the fruits of developments and prosperity," said Mr Jugnauth, seeking to address economic concerns among voters. In addition to 62 contested seats, the commission will allocate eight more to ensure adequate representation. In voting that took place on December 10, 74 percent of the eligible 936,975 voters cast ballots. Mauritius' opposition celebrated victory the very next day with the outgoing PM accepting defeat after voters rejected his pro8

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Mr Navinchandra Ramgoolam casts his vote

posals to boost presidential powers. Counting still continued as Mr Ramgoolam announced he was stepping down. In a victory speech broadcast on national television, standing alongside other smiling leaders of his centre-right Alliance Lepep coalition, Mr Jugnauth said, "As promised, I will do everything so that there is a second economic miracle in the country." Debate over constitutional reform -- notably over a divisive proposal to strengthen presidential powers -- made the polls one of the most crucial since the country gained independence from Britain in 1968. Mr Jugnauth said he had won as voters had "felt the danger" of the change. Mr Ramgoolam who had wanted to run for the presidency had he won, lost even his own parliamentary seat he had held since 1991. He bowed to the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mandate saying that

the elections were carried out with respect to democracy. "The electorate has made its choice, I humbly accept its decision,â&#x20AC;? Mr Ramgoolam said on national radio, speaking in Mauritius' Creole language. â?? december 2014 | india empire

INDo-Us reLAtIoNs

“Partnership poised for next level” By Arun Kumar

ichard Rahul Verma, the first Indian-American to be nominated as the US Ambassador to India, believes there is renewed enthusiasm on both sides to take a reenergized India-US partnership to the next level. "There is no question that this is a defining and exciting time in the US-India relationship," he told the Senate Foreign Relations committee in December at his confirmation hearing. Verma, 45, a former key aide to then secretary of state Hillary Clinton, noted that President Barack Obama "will make a historic visit to India in January, becoming the first US head of state to attend India's Republic Day and the only sitting US president to visit India twice." "His trip will build on Prime Minister Modi's highly successful visit to the United States this past September," he said. "There's little doubt the relationship has been reenergized, with renewed enthusiasm to take our partnership to the next level," said Verma, named as the US envoy to India just ahead of Modi's visit to the USA. If, as widely expected, Verma is confirmed by the full Senate, two Indian-Americans will be dealing with matters relating to India in both Washington and New Delhi. Nisha Desai Biswal, hailing from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat, became the first Indian American to head State Department's South Asia bureau last November. Recalling his past association with the panel, Verma said "If confirmed, I am committed to partnering with you again in shaping our relationship to India—a country so important that President Obama called it the defining relationship for the United States in the 21st Century." "The US and India share a wide-range of critical national interests," he said. "Our partnership is deep, it touches nearly every endeavor of human pursuit, and it has produced important gains for each of our countries." "Across Asia, US and Indian interests are converging. India has been called the lynchpin of our Asia rebalance," Verma said. "With India's Look East, and now Act East policies, our two countries can play a critically important role together in bolstering peace and security and promoting a rules-based, liberal, democratic order in the Indo-Pacific region," he said "The ripple effects of our partnership need not be limited to Asia," Verma said.

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He cited Modi as noting, "the true power and potential in this relationship is that when the oldest and largest democracies come together, the world will benefit." Verma acknowledged that India and US "will have our differences from time to time - close friends often do - but when we do have differences, it is imperative that we maintain a healthy dialogue." Expressing deep appreciation of all those who have worked so hard on cultivating this relationship over many decades," he also acknowledged the contribution of immigrants from the Indian subcontinent. They "took a chance like my parents, who worked hard, who continue to pursue their dreams, and along the way have helped ensure India and the United States become the closest of friends and partners," Verma said vowing to "strive to live up to the high standards they have set." The New Delhi post has been vacant since the previous ambassador Nancy Powell quit in May after India-US ties hit a low following a major diplomatic spat over the December arrest and strip search of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade in New York. Kathleen Stephens, a career foreign service official has served as chargĂŠ d'affaires in New Delhi since July. â??

Mr Richard Rahul Verma

NEW US AMBASSADOR The US Senate has confirmed Richard Rahul Verma, President Barack Obama's nominee to be the next American ambassador to India, making him the first Indian-American envoy in New Delhi. Verma, 45, a former key aide to then secretary of state Hillary Clinton, was approved by the Senate by a unanimous voice vote, signifying the bipartisan support for better India-US relations. He is expected to take up his position in New Delhi before Obama's visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day, the first US president to get the honour. At his confirmation hearing last week, Verma told the Senate Foreign Relations committee that Obama's "historic visit to India in January" will build on "Modi's highly successful visit to the United States this past September." "There is no question that this is a defining and exciting time in the US-India relationship,"

he said. "There's little doubt the relationship has been reenergized, with renewed enthusiasm to take our partnership to the next level." Verma, whose parents emigrated from India in the sixties, also acknowledged the contribution of immigrants from the Indian subcontinent and vowed to "strive to live up to the high standards they have set." They "took a chance like my parents, who worked hard, who continue to pursue their dreams, and along the way have helped ensure India and the United States become the closest of friends and partners," he told the panel. Currently Verma is a senior counsellor at Steptoe and Johnson law firm and the Albright Stonebridge Group, a business advisory company, led by former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. He served as assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs at the State Department in the Obama administration from 2009 to 2011.

december 2014 | india empire

INDIANs IN Us

ROBBERS STRIKE FEAR IN NJ A series of robberies in the homes of Indian-Americans in New Jersey since the start of Diwali festive season in October has stoked fears in the community, according to a media report. As many as five Indian-American families in Middlesex County have been robbed in their homes since October 20 with the latest coming in mid December in Old Bridge, according to the New York Times. In each case, the gunmen pointed their weapons at the victims' heads, tied the victims up and ransacked the houses, apparently looking for gold, it said. All but one of the robberies took place in late October, during and just after the festival of Diwali, when families often have gold jewellery on hand as part of their celebration, according to the Times. The police and prosecutors have not publicly linked the five home invasions, which occurred in Edison, Old Bridge and South Plainfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an area of New Jersey that is home to large communities of Indian-Americans. The Times said a spokesman for the Middlesex County prosecutor's office, James O'Neill, declined to explain why the office had not released descriptions of suspects or why it would not discuss the similarities in the crimes. But Peter Kothari, a community activist, told the newspaper the crimes were most certainly aimed at Indian-Amer-

Peter Kothari speaks at a meeting with police, politicians and community leaders to discuss the ongoing home invasion problem

icans and needed to be treated as such. "They are coming after Indian-Americans because they think they are passive people, they are not going to fight back - and most of them are well-to-do people," he was quoted as saying. "We will fight back."

MAJUMDAR IS SCIENCE ENVOY Dr. Arun Majumdar, an Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay alumni is among four eminent scientists chosen to serve as US Science Envoys beginning January 2015. Majumdar, a professor at Stanford University and an expert in energy, climate change, and innovation was named by the State Department along with Dr. Peter Hotez, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, and Dr. Geri Richmond. Majumdar, who graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the IIT, Bombay in 1985, is a member of the US delegation for the USIndia Track II dialogue on climate change and energy. In October 2009, President Barack Obama named him as the Founding Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E), where he served till June 2012. Announced by Obama in Cairo in June 2009, the US Science Envoy programme demonstrates the US' commitment to science, technology, and innovation as tools of diplomacy and economic growth, the State Department said. "Like their nine predecessors, these distinguished scientists will engage internationally at the citizen and Government and advise the White House, the State Department and the scientific community about potential opportunities for cooperation," it said. Currently Majumdar is the Jay Precourt Professor at Stanford University where he serves on the faculty of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and is a Senior Fellow of the Precourt Institute for Energy. Prior to joining Stanford, he was the Vice President for Energy at Google, 12 india empire | december 2014

Dr Arun Majumdar

where he created several energy technology initiatives and advised the company on its broader energy strategy. He continues to be a consultant to Google on energy. Between March 2011 and June 2012, Majumdar also served as the Acting Under Secretary of Energy, and a Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Energy. He received his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley in 1989.

INDIANs IN Us

DISMAY OVER PROFILING Sikh, Muslim and South Asian Communities have expressed dismay over new guidelines that ban racial profiling by federal law enforcement officers but do not apply to screeners at airports or border check points. The new guidelines announced by Attorney General Eric Holder replace the 2003 Bush administration rules. They prohibit profiling based on race, ethnicity, national origin, Eric Holder gender, religion or sexual orientation. But the new rules apply only to federal officers, such as the FBI and Secret Service and any local law enforcement that work with them on task forces. "We are particularly troubled by a critical exemption for several key federal law enforcement agencies that allows these agencies to explicitly continue profiling, mapping, and surveilling communities in the name of national security investigations," said The South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT). It joined the National Network of Arab American Communities, the Sikh Coalition, One America, Rights Working Group, the Southern Border Communities Coalition, and the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans in expressing deep concerns over the new rules. The exemption given to several key agencies "essentially allows the profiling of broad swaths of individuals, and many communities as a whole, including South Asian, Muslim, Arab, Middle Eastern, Latino, and border communities," it said. "Justice and civil rights protections cannot be dispensed on a sliding scale," SAALT said. "Immigrants and communities of colour risk continuing to be treated as second-class citizens by the very law enforcement officials tasked to protect them." Condemning the use of profiling by all law en14 india empire | december 2014

forcement agencies against any individual or community, SAALT said it "joins Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern, Black, Latino, and border communities to continue our work to seek a more fair, just, and inclusive society where all individuals can live free from discrimination." Rejecting the "flawed and misleading" guidelines, the Sikh Coalition, the largest Sikh advocacy organisation in the US, moved to petition the White House and Congress, and sent protest letters to justice and homeland security departments. "The guidance is like a used car with new paint. The car looks better, but once you look underneath the hood, you realize it's unsafe to drive," said Rajdeep Singh, Director of Law and Policy at the Sikh Coalition. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also expressed concerns over the new guidelines retaining what it called "Muslim carve-outs on profiling by government agencies at airports and borders." "CAIR is dismayed that at a time when our nation is struggling to come to terms with a series of highprofile police killings of unarmed African-Americans, the DOJ (Department of Justice) would release revised profiling guidelines that include loopholes for â?? targeting US Muslims and Hispanics," it said.

AmerIcA’s Doctor

Murthy is US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Hallegere Murthy

ivek Hallegere Murthy has made history as the youngest US Surgeon General and the first of Indian descent with his Senate confirmation in the teeth of strong opposition of powerful gun lobby. The Democratic controlled Senate voted 51-43 to confirm Murthy, 37 as 'America's doctor' more than a year after his nomination with the Republicans dead set against him because of his support for gun control and President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law. Born in England, Murthy moved with his Indian parents to Miami when he was three. He would become the leading US spokesperson on matters of public health. He will also be the operational head of the 6,500-strong US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, one of the seven uniformed services including army, navy, air force and marines. Murthy, a bachelor, has said he will focus on preventing chronic diseases, efforts to curb smoking, and programmes to improve diets and combat obesity. Applauding the Senate for confirming Murthy, Obama said "as 'America's Doctor,' Vivek will hit the ground running to make sure every American has the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe." "He'll bring his lifetime of experience promoting public health to bear on priorities ranging from stopping new diseases to helping our kids grow up healthy and strong," he said in a statement." "Vivek will also help us build on the progress we've made combating Ebola, both in our country and at its source," Obama said "Combined with the crucial support for fighting Ebola included in the bill to fund our Government next year, Vivek's confirmation makes us better positioned to save lives around the world and protect the American people here at home," he added. A physician with the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and an instructor at Harvard Medical School,

he co-founded an advocacy group in 2008 called Doctors for Obama, a national organization of 16,000 doctors and medical students. It later became Doctors for America and promoted the Affordable Care Act nicknamed Obamacare. Murthy has also founded two other organizations. Visions Worldwide focuses on rural health in India and on HIV/AIDS education in India and the US, while TrialNetworks is a software company focused on making drug development and clinical trials more efficient. Murthy's confirmation was largely along party lines. Just one Republican voted for him, while three Democrats voted against his confirmation. Democrat party leaders had delayed a vote on Murthy's confirmation until the lame duck session fearing some party members running for re-election from conservative states may not vote for him. Several members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) welcomed Murthy's confirmation. The lone Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera, CAPAC Health Care Task Force Co-Chair, called Murthy "an excellent choice for this role" saying "his appointment is historic for the Indian American community." CAPAC Chair Judy Chu said Murthy's confirmation "is a testament to both his own distinguished career and the great strides made by the Asian American and Pacific Islander community." Joseph Crowley, Democratic Co-Chair of Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans said "the confirmation of the first surgeon general of Indian descent is a victory for the entire Indian-American community, whose young children will grow up knowing that anything is within their reach." Congresswoman Grace Meng said Murthy's confirmation just a week after that of Richard Verma as the first Indian-American ambassador to India illustrated "the continued growth and influence of Indian-American community, and highlights the exceptional contributions that In❐ dian-Americans make to our nation.” december 2014 | india empire 15

INDIANs IN UK

DEWaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ProPErtY

VanDaliZED

The house of British Indian businessman Shrien Dewani, who was acquitted by a South African court of charges of ordering his wife's murder, was vandalized after his return to Britain, according to media reports. White paint was thrown over the driveway of the businessman's gated property in Bristol's Westbury on Trym, Mirror Online reported. It is not known if Dewani was home at the time of the attack, the report said. Dewani, 33, was accused of ordering the murder of his wife, 28-year-old Anni Dewani, who was shot on the outskirts of Cape Town in November 2010 during the course of their honeymoon. Deputy Judge President Jeanette Traverso of the Western Cape High Court dismissed the case against him, after describing evidence from prosecution witnesses as "riddled with contradictions". He was extradited to South Africa to face trial in April this year. FREED OF CHARGE A judge in South Africa cleared him of arranging the murder of his wife on their honeymoon. Anni's family said they were heartbroken that the case was dismissed before Dewani testified. "We feel as a family that the justice system has failed us and we are deeply disappointed," Anni's sister Ami Denborg said. "We came here looking for answers and we came here looking for the truth, and all we got was more questions." "We would have preferred to have known about his secret sex life with male prostitutes and the activities he engaged in before he married Anni," Denborg said referring to Dewani's admission in court that he was bi-sexual. Judge Traverso said claims by the chief prosecution witness, cab driver Zola Tongo, about the murder were "riddled with contradictions", "highly debatable" and the evidence from the prosecution was "far below" the required threshold. Three men - Tongo, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and gunman Xolile Mngeni - have already been convicted for their part in the murder, which happened during a late-night tour of a township when their chauffeur-driven car was hijacked. Dewani was in South Africa as he was extradited from Britain in April to stand trial for Anni's murder. He faced five counts, including kidnapping, murder, 16 india empire | december 2014

Shrien Dewani

and defeating the ends of justice, and has pleaded not guilty to all of them. He has maintained that he and his wife were the victims of a hijacking in November 2010. Dewani was thrown out of the car later that night and Anni's body was found the next day with a single gunshot wound on her neck. â??

INDIANs IN UK

HARASSED FOR TEACHING “BRITISH VALUES” A Sikh teacher has claimed that he was forced out of a school in Britain for "giving children British values", a media report has said. Balwant Bains, who ran Saltley School in Birmingham which is at the centre of an alleged plot by extremists to impose an "intolerant and aggressive Islamic ethos" on pupils, decided to quit after opposing plans by Muslim governors, Mail Online reported. "I suppose I was a threat, giving these children more British values, for them to be integrated into society. "It made me value education more, and because it is free in this country. I lifted myself out of poverty because of education. If I could do it, if I could break the cycle, other children could, too," Bains was quoted as saying. He said he opposed the plans to scrap sex education lessons and introduce only halal meat, from animals killed in line with the Koran's teachings, for school meals. The head teacher was also accused of Islamophobia and racism after he tried to discipline a Muslim pupil who

Balwant Bains

threatened other students with a knife. Earlier in July, an official probe into the allegations that Islamist extremists were trying to infiltrate a number of Birmingham schools showed "disturbing" evidence of attempts to introduce "intolerant and aggressive Islamic ethos", according to Britain's department for education.

HINDUJAS OWN CHURCHILL’S OFFICE The Hinduja Group has acquired a significant chunk of world history—the Old War Office Building in London, once the hub of British war time prime minister Winston Churchill, the group has announced. The acquisition of the heritage structure was made by Hinduja Group chairman S.P. Hinduja and co-chairman G.P. Hinduja, in partnership with Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarrollos (OHLD), a Spanish industrial company. The landmark building, at 57 Whitehall in central London, will now be restored and redeveloped into a five-star hotel, residential apartments with several private function rooms, a spa and fitness facility. The new buyers have made a commitment to grant access to the building with an outdoor public space as part of the redevelopment plans. Hinduja Group said the British defence ministry had confirmed the deal, in partnership with OHLD. The property, spread across 580,000 square feet, has been sold on a 250-year lease to Hinduja Group-OHLD for an undisclosed amount following a competitive bidding process, the ministry said. “We will make every effort to honour the heritage and 18 india empire | december 2014

Hinduja brothers

restoration of this national monument, elevate its status and reconnect it with the public,” S.P. Hinduja and his brother G.P. Hinduja said of the prestigious deal. “We will forge a new future for the site, creating a vibrant and sustainable destination that retains and enhances the historical importance of the building," they said. "We are proud to be playing such a crucial role in this new chapter for the Old War Office."

UttAr PrADesH

CM Yadav speaks at the UP NRI event at his house

First nri carDs

Mr Akhilesh Yadav, Chief Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh, handed the very first NRI UP card to Dr Nandini Tandon and the second one to her sister, Ms Priya Tandon at a function at the CM’s residence on November 30. Over 200 persons, including several UP ministers and members of the Press were in attendance. Both recipients are residents of California. Dr Nandini Tandon is the Founding Partner and the Group CEO of the Tenacity Group. She is presently en-

gaged in investing in healthcare and healthcare / IT in USA, UAE and India. She is also Vice Chairman of the Board of El Camino Hospital in Silicon Valley, California. Ms Priya Tandon is also the Founding Partner of the Tenacity Group. She is a board member of TeleVital, a real time telemedicine company. She is a board member of San Francisco Bengaluru Sister City Initiative in Silicon Valley, and an advisor to the Bay Area Economic Council in Silicon Valley. ❐

Mr Yadav hands over the very first NRI UP card to Dr Nandini Tandon. By her side is Ms Priya Tandon

Dr Nandini Tandon addresses the gathering at UP CM’s residence

20 india empire | december 2014

bUsINess

FROM RUSSIA,

WITH LOVE

In a bid to create alternative import sources of rough diamonds for the Indian cutting and polishing industry, Russia’s state-led Alrosa mining group has entered into direct selling agreements with 12 diamond firms for supplies worth $2.1 billion over three years. Some of the top Indian exporters of cut and polished diamonds will benefit from the deal that is expected to create an alternative source of roughs for India, which is the world’s largest hub for this industry, accounting for nearly 80 percent of volume, officials said. Russia is the top producer of roughs and Alrosa controls around 27 percent of global trade. The agreements were signed coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit here for the 15th India-Russia Annual Summit, during which he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the World Diamond Conference. “We are looking at steady supply of rough diamonds to India. Alrosa has decided to have 12 direct sales agreements with Indian companies,” said Siddharth, director general of supplies and disposals, the nodal government agency for procurements. “This deal is worth $700 million per year for three years,” said Siddharth, who uses one name. Modi, in his address at the conference, said: “I want major diamond mining companies to sell directly to the Indian diamond industry. It will be good for them and for India.” The conference was organised by Gems and

22 india empire | december 2014

Jewellery Export Promotion Council; the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; and the World Diamond Mark. Normally, the way deals in the global rough diamonds industry work is once a definite contract is signed, the buyers have to lift the specified value of consignment each year, irrespective of the fluctuations in prices, demand and supply. India imported 163.11 million carats of rough diamonds worth $16.34 billion in 2013 and exported 36.46 million carats of polished diamonds valued at $20.23 billion. The bulk of the supplies came from the Antwerp-based De Beers, which is said to control some 40 percent of global roughs trade. The companies that will benefit from the latest deal are Rosy Blue, Diamond India, Hari Krishna Exports, Dimexon Diamonds, Jasani Group, Asian Star, Kiran Gems, KGK Diamonds, Shri Ramkrishna Exports, Venus Jewel, Karp Group, and Sheetal Group. Andrey Polyakov, vice president of Alrosa, said: “Diamond business is sensitive. The main thing is to raise consumption in India and China.” It is estimated that by the end of this decade India and China together will consume 40 percent of global diamond market and will become at par with the US, which is now leading the market. The total amount of gems and jewellery exported from India in 2013-14 was worth $39 billion, of which $24 billion were diamonds. ❐

PhotograPhs ÂŠ siPra Das

The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi with the President of the Russian Federation, Mr Vladimir Putin, in New Delhi on December 11, 2014

december 2014 | india empire 23

AWArDs AND recoGNItIoNs

FAMILY LIFE IN TOP 10 Delhi born Indian-American author Akhil Sharma's second novel "Family Life" has been selected by The New York Times Book Review as one of the ten Best Books of 2014. Published by W. W. Norton and Company, the Times describes Sharma's novel as a "deeply unnerving and gorgeously tender" book. "Sharma's austere but moving novel tells the semi-autobiographical story of a family that immigrates from India to Queens, and has just begun to build a new life when the elder son suffers severe brain damage in a swimming pool accident," it said. The novel, the Times noted, "chronicles how grief renders the parents unable to cherish and raise their other son; love, it suggests, becomes warped and jagged and even seemingly vanishes in the midst of mourning." Sharma who immigrated to the US when he was eight, and grew up in Edison, New Jersey is also the author of "An Obedient Father", for which he won the 2001

DPS Chairman in riyaDh honoureD

Akhil Sharma

PEN/Hemingway Award and the 2001 Whiting Writers' Award.

BritisH siKH HonourED

Nadeem Tarin

Expatriate Indians in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh have honoured prominent educationist and philanthropist Nadeem Tarin, chairman of the Riyadh-based Delhi Public School (DPS) and Dunes International School-Dammam. He has been honoured for his valuable contributions to the society, according to an Arab News report. Tarin, a prominent educator and social worker who has lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for the last 34 years, was conferred an honorary doctorate by the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in October. Speaking on the occasion, Tarin stressed on the importance of education for progressive growth within the community. Tarin was presented a decorative shawl and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bishtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by Mir Muzaffar Ali, CEO of Jahan Jewellers. Shahid Siddiqui, another prominent member of the organising committee, presented a memento to Tarin. 24 india empire | december 2014

The Rt. Hon. Dr. Theresa May MP presenting the Sikh Jewel Award to Mr Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai, UAE and Chairman of the Al-Dowobi Group, UAE

Mr Surender Singh Kandhari in his acceptance speech said that he was deeply honoured and humbled in receiving the prestigious award from the British Sikh Association and thanked the Sikh and Sindhi community in the UAE for their hard work, prayers and support in the blessed opening of the Gurudwara which was 11 years in the making through educating the rulers of the UAE of the history and spirit of the Sikh faith.

APPoINtmeNts

BarVe To Chair maryLanD houSe PaneL After serving as Maryland's House majority leader for over a decade, Kumar P. Barve, the first Indian-American to be elected to a US state legislature, is set to lead a new House panel. Democrat Barve, 56, elected to his 7th four-year term in November, has been named chairman of the newly designated Environment and Transportation Committee by Speaker Michael E. Busch, according to Gazette.net. "Delegate Barve has demonstrated time and time again his command of complex issues and he is a natural choice of someone to guide State environment and transportation policy," Busch said in a press release. Barve, who has been a delegate since 1991, will leave his seat on the Ways and Means Committee to assume his new post. The lawmaker said he felt great about the appointment and is excited to get started. "I think it's a good fit for me in terms of issues that I've worked on before," he was quoted as saying. "I'm just fortunate that I was in the position to be able to step up and take it." The committee, which was formerly the Environmental Matters Committee, will tackle both environmental and transportation issues. Barve said he believes the decision to bring together both subjects under one committee is a smart and sensible

Kumar P. Barve

move. Son of immigrant parents from India, Barve's legislative work has focused largely on health care and the promotion of the high-tech industry in Maryland. He sponsored both the 1995 Health Access Act that placed limits on Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) for the first time and legislation that created the Technology Development Corporation of Maryland.

ami Bera neW Co-Chair oF inDia CauCuS Ami Bera, the lone Indian-American US House member, a Democrat, and Republican George Holding will serve as the new co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans in the new Congress. Their appointment was announced Thursday by the outgoing co-chairs Democrat Joseph Crowley and Republican Peter Roskam, ahead of the first session of the Congress starting January 6. Bera's "passion for the issues is impressive, and there is no question the Caucus will be in excellent hands," Crowley said. "The Indian-American community has a wonderful partner in Ami Bera, and I look forward to working with him, and the entire India Caucus, as we continue our efforts to strengthen relations between the US and India," he said. "As the only Indian American serving in Congress," Bera said he was "excited to take on this new role at a critical time for the partnership between the US and India." Building on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in September and President Barack Obama's upcoming trip to India, he looked forward to working with the Caucus members "to continue to grow the economic and strategic relationship be-

Ami Bera

tween our countries and to advocate for the Indian American community." "As Republican Chair of the India Caucus, George will focus in on growing the relationship between our two democracies, emphasizing our nations' shared interests from global security to trade and international prosperity," said Roskam. december 2014 | india empire 25

cHIcAGo

Hindus hail “Yoga Room” at Chicago Midway Airport Hindus have applauded launching of “Yoga Room” at Chicago Midway International Airport, calling it a “step in the positive direction”. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Burlington International Airport Vermont—all in USA, and Helsinki Airport in Finland, already offer yoga facilities. Recently opened “Yoga Room” at Concourse C of Chicago Midway International Airport “provides a space for yoga practice, relaxation and meditation”, according to an Airport release. It features a sustainable bamboo wood floor, floor to ceiling mirrors, exercise mats, frosted windows, video monitor, and the audio plays soothing sounds. Sustainable elements were claimed to be incorporated in the design and construction of this room. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) urged other top world airports—Singapore Changi, Incheon (South Korea) International, Amsterdam Schiphol, Hong Kong International, Beijing Capital International, Munich, Zurich, Vancouver International, Tokyo (Haneda) International, London Heathrow—to provide yoga facilities for the passengers if they wanted to help reduce their stress levels and be “world-class” airports. Welcoming gesture of Chicago (O'Hare & Midway), Dallas, San Francisco and Burlington airports for availability of yoga for passengers, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, yoga was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. Rajan Zed further said that yoga, referred as “a living fossil” whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization, was a mental and physical disci-

pline handed down from one guru to next, for everybody to share and benefit from. According to Patanjali who codiRajan Zed fied it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical, Zed added. Zed also praised the existence of “Meditation Room” at Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico and Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina, and “Interfaith Airport Chapel” at Chicago Midway International Airport—all in USA. Meditation, prayer, reflection and contemplation bring positive results, Zed adds. According to USA’s National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. According to an estimate, about 21 million Americans, including many celebrities, now practice yoga.

TAMIL NEWSPAPER LAUNCHED Daily Thanthi, the first Tamil newspaper in the United Arab Emirates, was launched Tuesday. Tamil actors Prasanna and his wife Sneha Prasanna were among those who launched the daily, the Khaleej Times reported. Bala Aditya, director of Dina Thanthi, opened the event. "I am glad to bring Daily Thanthi to the UAE. I have have been raised here. Hence the introduction of this daily to the country is very close to my heart,” said Sneha Prasanna. "The Tamil population in the UAE has definitely grown over the years. It is evident with the rise of Tamil radio stations. So I think it a good idea to present a newspaper too,” she said. The 12-page launch edition was distributed among the guests. 26 india empire | december 2014

Daily Thanthi Managing Director Balasubramaniam Adithan launching the newspaper's UAE edition

LIfestyLe

KhADi

goes

chic K

hadi, once the dowdy sartorial symbol of India's independence movement, is now trendy and makes the cash registers ring. Designers are rocking the ramp with khadi collections and brands are seeing profit by selling their range made from hand-woven cotton fabric. The khadi collection by Fabindia, a brand that retails handcrafted clothing and home furnishings, sells like hot cakes. "We have witnessed growth in khadi business in terms of the offering as well as the customer base. In addition, the business has grown almost three times in the last five years. The market is definitely growing faster than the production capacities," says Anuradha Kumar, creative head, Women's Wear, Fabindia. She said that its classic khadi kurtas for men and women have always been one of the fast sellers. Many designers are endorsing the fabric. Designer Gaurang Shah, 28 india empire | december 2014

who showed his khadi line at the Berlin Fashion Week and the New York Fashion Week in 2012, says that people's perception towards the humble fabric has changed. "When I started working with weavers about 9-10 years back, they used to do simple bootis, very small border, which was not very appealing. It was those kinds of saris which 60 or 70 years old ladies used to wear. But now with the help of designers, weavers are trying new technique, designs and colours," Shah said. And there is a lot of variety too. "We did a lot of fusion in khadi with various contemporary designs. People's mindset towards khadi has changed, especially when they get varieties in terms of western designs and cuts," said the designer. If the fabric has become popular, Prime Minister Narendra Modi batting for khadi too has helped. "I was told that khadi sales increased by almost 125 percent. I urged people to purchase khadi last time. I never said become khadiwadi, but I said buy some khadi. There

was increase in khadi (sales)," he said October 3 on the "Mann Ki Baat" programme on All India Radio. Shreya Bhattacharya, deputy Manager, Handlooms & Handicrafts, National Skills Foundation of India, says: "With the hopes of the nation resting on the current government, it is a very welcome statement. Promotion of home industries like khadi shall ensure a robust economy and ensure development of the remotest corners of the country." "Khadi and village industries are the major employers in the country, with khadi exports alone having reached the mark of Rs.770 million (Rs 77 crore)," she added. The fabric is attracting youngsters and Shah says the fabric is an alternative for georgette, chiffon and net. "One can not only make anarkali, ghagras, but also gowns. From tie-and-dye to embroidery, block printing, aztec, and indigo prints -- anything is possible on khadi. It is much cheaper and longer lasting compared to other fabrics," he added.

Other popular designers who are using handspun fabric are Wendell Rodricks, Ritu Kumar, Sabyasaachi Mukherjee, Rahul Mishra and Anand Kabra. Mishra says he showcased his "khadi collection in various forms like jumpsuits, skirts, tunics and trousers and, trust me, I can easily make lingerie and bustiers in khadi fabrics; so the designs are aplenty". Khadi is not restricted to clothing; it has found space in other sectors too, like footwear. Designer Swati Mehrotra of the brand Swati Modo makes shoes with khadi. "We create textures on plain khadi-like weave. And then use in boots especially in menswear," she said. Archana Shah, founder of Bandhej, known for using handcrafted fabric, says: "Khadi is ecofriendly and can offer a sustainable livelihood to a large number of weavers." A simple cotton khadi fabric is available between the price range of Rs.34 and Rs.82 per metre, but for a designer scarf one may have to shell out about Rs.4,000. â?? december 2014 | india empire 29

APerItIfs

Wine and Krithika Iyer, 32, lives in Bangalore and is a human resource consultant with a multinational. She comes from a conservative family, well versed in Carnatic music and other spiritual and cultural facets that come with her upbringing. But that doesn't hold Iyer back from stepping out of her plush Brigade Gateway apartment on a lazy Saturday noon and head for the Orion Mall within the gated complex to pick her choice of wine - her chats with the sommeliers at restaurants come in handy! A Sunday brunch with her husband with some wine to pair is a ritual the couple has been following for the past couple of years and helps them unwind and catch up with matters which their busy schedules otherwise prevent them from doing so during weekdays. Krithika's story is not an isolated one today. More Indian women are now getting inclined towards wine. Three reasons stand out: Societal acceptability, its perceived healthier attribute and the mushrooming of swanky retail outlets where a woman does not have to feel uncomfortable going in. "People in India today, women included, are passionate about wine," said Radhika Bahl, founding member of the Delhi Wine Club. "Even at parties nowadays we see more wine being served, not just as courtesy to women but as a healthier drink option than spirits," Bahl says. "The predominant reason for women having wine is: it is not a hard liquor. It is a better option for social drinking. It is healthy. And a glass or two of red wine has medicinal impact too, and wine is definitely an experience they like to talk about and share," Bahl added.

30 india empire | december 2014

Women By Aparajita Gupta

The Delhi Wine Club has 160 members, out of which 40 percent are women. But data is not available on how much women account for in the annual Indian wine industry sales of 2.5 million cases, with each containing 12 bottles of 750 ml each. Another reason for women taking to wine is the alcohol content. While hard liquor comes with an alcohol content of over 40 percent, and has to be mixed, the strength in wine varies between 11 and 15 percent. Soft drinks, with an overdose of sugar, are passe! "Not for me an aerated drink - nothing but calories. Wine is my choice. If I want fizz, I can always go for a Champagne or a sparkling wine. For a romantic evening a sparkling rose is another option. Unlike a whisky, a glass or two of wine does not make you miss a step," Iyer says. "Wine drinking among upper middle class women has gone up, since many family members feel it is less on alcohol and women will be fine with it," said Subhash Arora, president the Indian Wine Academy and founder-president of the Delhi Wine Club. Bahl and Arora also said those days are gone when women just could not go to a liquor shop, what with a long queue of tipplers jostling to reach the caged selling counters. Upmarket outlets have come up today where buying wine is like shopping for a branded watch or apparel. "The culture of Indian women visiting these well-appointed stores is catching up fast in metros. Overall, too, wine drinking has matured in the past 10 years. Many restaurants now have a good cellar and sommeliers. Overseas travel is also adding to the exposure," Arora says. There is also a rigorous push from various wine-grow-

ing countries like France, Chile and Australia that helped women today not to look at wine as taboo, but a drink they can nurse without evoking raised eyebrows. Rakesh Ahuja, a senior advisor to the government of South Australia who promotes wines and other products from that region in India, says there is a quiet revolution that is taking place in terms of wine drinking in India - notably among women. "We are observing a sea change. In the early 1990s people hardly knew about wine. Today this is changing. It is something amazing! One of the reasons could be the rise of middle class, hence greater disposable income in their hands," Ahuja, an Indo-Australian who was the former Australian deputy high commissioner in India, says. During the British Raj, Ahuja said, people were mostly into drinking gin and whisky. Women would sip on an occasional gin and whisky was looked upon as a men's drink. "So women didn't have much of a choice. Today this is changing, and changing fast." â??

december 2014 | india empire 31

PAINtING

The Curatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art By Shilpa Raina If building trust with contacts and sources defines a journalist's professional prowess, similar qualities contribute in curating Christie's annual sales that acquires coveted and enviable artworks from various traders, sources and personal collectors on the basis of relationships nurtured over several decades. On the surface, the job profile of a curator at times does give an impression of relative ease. Of sitting in a comfort zone and slowly understanding an artist's work, his/her life and times at a painstakingly slow pace. But this ease drops suddenly when the badge carries the weight of a renowned international auction house and, in turn, bestows one with additional responsibility and a penchant for networking and growing into a powerhouse of knowledge. "We have to have knowledge of how many works of an artist are in the market, how many are with private collectors and the like. It is a small world where one has to be passionate about the work one does," Deepanjana Klein, international head of department for modern and contemporary Indian art, has said in an interview. "Most of the time we spend in building relationship with our sources, traders and personal collectors," she added. New York-based Klein was in the capital recently for the preview of Christie's second India sale in Mumbai Dec 11, after its successfully debut last year, when modernist artist Vasudeo Gaitonde's "Untitled" was sold for Rs 23.7 crore - the highest price for a modern work of art in this country. The resounding success has raised expectation levels, which a team of specialists has been taking care of ever since the catalogue of the first India auction was ready. "We start thinking about what is next when we are done 32 india empire | december 2014

Vasudeo Gaitonde's "Untitled"

with one catalogue," pointed out Klein, who handles India, London and New York sales of modern and contemporary art. Systematic and well-planned strategies are building blocks for the grand finale. Looking for "anchor pieces" initiates the process. This stage is important because it provides the basic structure of how the general composition

F.N. Souza's “Untitled”

of the sale will look like. "Suppose we have an auction of 80 lots, we first start chasing for 20-25 works for the anchor pieces. Once we get 10, we start looking at which other artists their contemporaries were," Klein explained. After collating the entire information comes the detailed task of putting estimates to each work. This requires scanning their history, condition, prominence, exhibition details and how "desirable" and "coveted" they have been in their lifespan. In short, their merits should be the highlights of their resume and their incredible journey should reflect in their passport. Giving an example of artist Ram Kumar's "Untitled" painting from 1958 that would go under the hammer at the upcoming auction, Klein explained how "rarity" too plays a pivotal role in putting a price tag to a piece. "This work is a part of his short-lived oeuvre and we kept that in mind as well as its excellent condition," said Klein, adding the oil on canvas painting is estimated at $366,800-$448,300. "Even though it is smaller in size than some others, it has been estimated at a higher price because of its rarity," she added. Apart from this, Tyeb Mehta's "Untitled" - that is lead-

Ram Kumar's “Untitled”

ing this year's sale with an estimated price of $1,385,500$1,956,000 - Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore's handwritten pocket book that carries mundane land transactions, a few poems and songs and 10 works by contemporary artists will be auctioned at the sale. However, Klein admitted that prices should be "real" and "genuine" so that chances of being sold are bright. But one of the most challenging aspect of this grueling exercise is to "convince" personal collectors to let go of their prized possessions. "Emotional sentiments are associated with these works and many collectors refuse to part ways with them. This part is extremely tricky and can be achieved only with persuasion, goodwill, trust and passion," Klein concluded. ❐

TAYEB’S WORK SOLD FOR Rs 15 crore Modernist artist Tayeb Mehta's painting depicting "a bull on a rickshaw", fetched whooping Rs.15 crore at Christie's second India art auction. The work was bought by an online buyer and the amount paid for the work is hammer price and excludes buyer's premium and taxes applicable. A remarkable pocket book belonging to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore was sold for Rs. 1.7 crore, where as F.N. Souza's "Untitled" canvas fetched Rs.7.5 crore. Tagore's pocket book was in Bengali had a rare mixture of poetry, art and introspection. Last year, in its debut auction Christie's had sold a painting of V.S. Gaitonde for a record $3.7 million (Rs.23.7 crore).

december 2014 | india empire 33

toUrIsm

Rajasthan eyes MICE market By Anil Sharma

Rajasthan, one of India's top tourism destinations, is now eyeing the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market in a big way, stakeholders say. MICE market is one of the exciting and the fast growing segments and Rajasthan, being one of the favourite tourism destinations, offers everything a business traveler wants, they say. If industry pundits are to be believed, tour operators, travel agents and hotel companies are all eyeing the Rajasthan MICE market as one with great potential for growth. Big conferences and functions like the Jaipur Literature Festival, Stonemart - an international exhibition of dimensional stones, Vastra - an international textile and apparel exhibition and various big doctors' conferences are only some of the events held here in the recent past. Besides this, small exhibitions and conferences are held regularly in the state in cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Ajmer/Pushkar and other cities. If trade experts are to be believed, then two or three small or big conference are held in the state daily. The state offers everything, except beaches andsnow clad mountains. One can choose from wellconnected cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur to historical and even wildlife sanctuaries. "Besides this, the desert state can also arrange for conventionalizing theme conferences," a tourism department official said. "With facilities like convention centers, good and cheap transportation and communication facilities, along with good hotel accommodation, Rajasthan

certainly is good destination for the MICE market," travel agent Karan Singh says. "The desert state is the best place to mix leisure with tourism, so why can't it be developed as a MICE destination," he said, adding: "The state can also arrange for conventionalizing theme conferences. Moreover the state offers good communications facilities like telephones and the Internet, which are a necessary part of business tourism." A senior official of the tourism department said Rajasthan is not only about an aristocratic ambiance, it makes business sense too. The state offers luxury in heritage accommodation and great sightseeing and entertainment along with its famed traditional hospitality. Moreover, thematic shows and mock festivals are readily arranged on choice. Meanwhile, good days are here for tourism in Rajasthan if the increase in the number of arrivals is any indication. As per the latest records, there is distinct increase in the number of domestic tourists from January to September at 266 lakh - an increase of 8 percent - against 246 lakh in the corresponding period last year. "Similarly, there has been an increase in the number of foreign tourist arrivals from January to September this year - 10.20 lakh - an increase of 8.69 percent - from 9.38 lakh in the corresponding period last year," Rajasthan's tourism director, Vikram Singh, says. The new tourism policy, which is under preparation would give a further fillip to tourism in Raâ?? jasthan, he added.

december 2014 | india empire 35

INDIA emPIre booK excerPts

WooLGooLGA

Punjab Down Under Country: Australia

oolgoolga or Woopi as the locals call it, had at one time, the largest Sikh community in Australia. The city is famous for banana cultivation and is also known as the mini Punjab in Australia. About one-half of the people in the city comprise of descendants of Sikh banana plantation workers. The large settlement of Sikhs in Woolgoolga has been the focus of curiosity and attention of journalists, historians, sociologists and others. In 1999, Woolgoolga Neighborhood Council received funding for a project “to put together an account of local Punjabi Sikh community” as part of a celebration of Australia’s Centenary of Federation in 2001. Australian born Punjabi Sikh Rashmere Bhatti and American scholar of Sikh communities in multicultural societies outside India, Verne Dusenbery jointly worked on the project and co-authored a book, A Punjabi Sikh Community in Australia. This book gives a “portrait of a Punjabi Sikh community having weathered the White Australia Policy and coming to terms with evolving Australian multiculturalism.” After the start of the World War II, there was an acute shortage of labor in Australia. Punjabi Sikh migrants who had been working as hawkers, cane cutters or on other jobs, were able to gain regular employment. The banana production around Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbor had become a commercially viable crop and needed more workers. A few Punjabis who mostly have been agriculturalists in India, willingly filled the need for more laborers on the banana farms. They had frugal habits, lived in the sheds on the plantations, worked very hard and acquired considerable farming skills. Over a period of time, they converted their hardships into opportunity and their sacrifices into success. Banana plantation at that time did not require large amount of money for machinery or equipment to set up. Manual labor was all that was mostly needed throughout the

year. Thus, after saving some money, a few Punjabis ventured into leasing or purchasing the banana plantations. In a short period, they established themselves as successful banana growers. The success at banana farming attracted Punjabi immigrants from Queensland and other parts of Australia to Woolgoolga. “From 1966-1980, enterprising Punjabi Sikhs bought 60% of the banana farms in the Coffs Harbor/Woolgoolga area. Today over 95% of banana industry in Woolgoolga and 10% of Coffs Harbor, an adjoining town is owned and operated by Australians of Sikh ancestry”. Banana farming in Woolgoolga-Coffs Harbor areas is virtually synonymous with the Sikh community, and their economic success is largely attributed to their background in farming and constant hard work to improve production. But banana farming for many Sikh farmers was not a consistent money making business. They began to move to farming blueberries, an alternate crop, which is less susceptible to market fluctuations. Also, growing blueberries is comparatively less strenuous work for which the farmers have been able to get help from their women folk. Many

LIttLe INDIA

Punjabi farmers also branched out into other crops such as oranges in Queensland. For Punjabi Sikhs, after they have found means of livelihood and have become a little more established, religious beliefs and practices start becoming an integral part of their lives. In the beginning, they practiced their culture, religion, and traditions privately for fear of being harassed. Then they dared to organize occasional gatherings at people’s homes and celebrated religious festivals. Eventually in 1968 they built the first Sikh temple, and three years later, another one . Now, Woolgoolga has two Sikh temples (Gurdwaras), the Sikh Temple of Woolgoolga and the Guru Nanak Gurdwara which is a major attraction for the tourists. The tour operators driving on the northern route from Sydney, along the coast towards Brisbane, regularly stop tourist buses to see the temple and museum on Sikhism, and to inform tourists about the origin and cultural practices of the local Punjabi Sikh community in Woolgoolga. During the Olympic games of 2000, Mr Harmohan Singh Walia (see profile in the book), dressed in Punjabi attire and turban, carried the Olympic torch as part of the Australian contingent. It was a proud moment for the Sikh

community at Woolgoolga to see the Olympic torch change hands outside their Sikh temple. Banana farming is not the only means for Punjabi Sikhs of the town to make a living. Many descendants of the early settlers went for schooling to earn higher degrees in various professions and are solicitors, teachers, doctors, engineers, town planners, accountants and policemen. Some of them have earned name, fame and riches in their chosen professions. But despite significant population in the town, success in the professions and businesses, Punjabis have not yet entered the political field as their counterparts in England and Canada. Punjabi Sikhs have maintained their culture, religion and heritage and many of them have also retained the distinguishing marks of their faith. They have invariably added to the ethnic and cultural diversity of Australia and have become part of the unique and distinctive multicultural character of their new country. They have contributed to the development of local economy at all levels and reshaped the landscape of the cities and towns where they have their homes. ❐ —Contributed by GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh

scIeNce—NAsA

MARS DISCOVERY BY VASAVADA’S TEAM

NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity has discovered evidence of the existence of a huge lake - once brimming with water and may be life in the Gale Crater at Mount Sharp. The discovery, led by a team that has Indian-American Ashwin Vasavada as deputy project scientist, suggests that ancient Mars maintained a climate that could have produced longlasting lakes at many locations on the planet. The observations indicate that Mars’ Mount Sharp was built by sediments deposited in a large lake bed over tens of millions of years. “If our hypothesis for Mount Sharp holds up, it challenges the notion that warm and wet conditions were transient, local or only underground on Mars,” said Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity’s deputy project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the US. “A more radical explanation is that Mars’ ancient, thicker atmosphere raised temperatures above freezing globally, but so far we do not know how the atmosphere did that,” he added. Why this layered mountain sits in a crater has been a challenging question for researchers. Mount Sharp stands about five km tall, its lower flanks exposing hundreds of rock layers. The rock layers - alternating between lake, river and wind deposits - bear witness to the repeated filling and evaporation of a Martian lake much larger and longer-lasting than any previously examined close-up. “We are making headway in solving the mystery of 38 india empire | december 2014

Ashwin Vasavada

Mount Sharp. Where there is now a mountain, there may have once been a series of lakes,” said Curiosity project scientist John Grotzinger of the California Institute of Technology. Curiosity currently is investigating the lowest sedimentary layers of Mount Sharp, a section of rock 500-feet high dubbed the Murray formation. Rivers carried sand and silt to the lake, depositing the sediments at the mouth of the river to form deltas similar to those found at river mouths on Earth. This cycle oc❐ curred over and over again.

cINemA

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has seen highs and lows in his journey from being Bollywood's "angry young man” to its "Shahenshah”. The actor says his determination and focus helped him emerge from the brink of bankruptcy

Passion for acting helped me rise from bankruptcy: Big B

or the actor, things didn't turn out as expected with his Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd. (ABCL) landing him into financial mess. “It was a difficult time. ABCL went into debt. I was bankrupt. The people who expressed desire to work with me at the peak of my career came and hurled abuses at me,” Amitabh said at a session of Agenda Aaj Tak. The 72-year-old, who has consistently proved his mettle with films like “Agneepath”, “Don”, “Black”, “Paa” and “Cheeni Kum”, says his focus and passion for acting helped him overcome that phase. “When you are in such a problem, you don't sleep at night. On one such night, I asked myself 'Who I am' and realised that I came here to act and should stick to it,” he said. “Next morning, I went to (late filmmaker) Yash Chopra and explained my problem and told him that I neither have money nor work. It was then he

gave me a role in 'Mohabbatein' and then I started again from that point,” he added. Amitabh played the role of a strict father and professor, who doesn't believe in love, in the musical romantic drama, which released in 2000. At the session, he also recited his late father Harivanshrai Bachchan's poem “Madhushala” and reminisced about his father. The actor says his lessons are his driving force. "My father was in a Government job and he went for another job at night due to which he came home late. When I opened the door for him, I often asked him 'Why is he so late?' and to which he replied 'Paisa badi mushkil se milta hai' (You don't get money easily)." "So, when I entered show business, I used to do two to three shifts and reached home late. Then my father asked me the same question and complained about my late arrival. My answer was the same: 'Paisa badi mushkil se milta hai, babuji'. This is one of the many teachings that helps me in my life," he said. Meanwhile, the actor has wrapped up shooting for "Piku” and is currently busy with “Wazir”. ❐

december 2014 | india empire 39

sPIrItUALIty

HIMALAYAN

RETREAT By Nivedita

Ganga Aarti, lamps floating in the river, streets lined with architectural temples, foreigners dressed in Indian wear - one gets to see all this on the way to the Sanskriti Vedic Retreat, a resort that provides yoga and meditation services to spiritual lovers. The Kairali Ayurvedic Group has brought authentic ayurveda from Kerala to the pious wharfs of Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganga river in the foothills of the Himalayas. A unique feature of the property is the promise of serving the best of ancient Indian traditions ayurveda, yoga, meditation and spirituality - offering a joyful aliveness and spirituality to both locals and foreigners alike. "Yoga and meditation are the processes of inward journey to attain the highest goal of life. The present-day yoga is very popular in its physical form (asanas) but very few follow yoga as the philosophy of mind. That yoga brings the stillness of the mind which is free of conflict inside," yoga teacher Bhola Shankar Dabral says. The resort has six rooms that have been named after famous holy destinations: Rishikesh, Varanasi, Allahabad, Haridwar, Devpraayg and Kolkata, all facing the holy Ganga. Most of the visitors at the property are from countries like the US, Canada and South Africa. For them, the most fascinating thing about the retreat is how it provides age-old Indian services as a modern day utility. The resort scores high on providing comfort and a personal touch to all its guests. From fashioning individual diets to attendants available all day long to take care of their every need, it knows how to make visitors happy. What better way can there be to perform yoga and meditate along with taking a glimpse of the Ganga? Yes, the yoga studio is located in a such a way that it overlooks the river for a soulful rendition of life and humainty. One can learn yoga from qualified and experienced teach-

40 india empire | december 2014

ers. The 28-day course helps in experiencing one's true self and through which one can learn about Indian philosophy, Sanskrit and Vedanta. The retreat also offers weekly yoga and meditation workshops that help discover the mystical secrets of life and creation. The most common practices of yoga that most foreigners try to learn here include Hatha yoga, Astanga yoga, Kundalini yoga, Raja yoga and Mantra yoga. "There are also Gyan (Jaan) yoga, Bhakti yoga, Laya yoga and Swara yoga that have been popular from ancient time," said Dabral. Last but not the least, there is the completely vegetarian food. Alcohol is a strict no no. Among the popular dishes are Indian thali, rice noodles with sesame ginger vegetables, veggie wraps, brown rice pulao, khichdi, pumpkin soup, rainbow herb salad, yogi masala chai, yogi coffee amd cashew and date balls. So, take a dip in the Ganga during your stay at the resort and also visit some of the nearby popular places like Ram Jhula, Geeta Bhawan, Parmarth Niketan and Lakshman Jhula. â??

booK revIeW

Transform Your Life wiTh

TweLve hoLisTic PrinciPLes

Rajiv Parti, M.D.

lways running to catch up! Huffing non-stop to climb up! Over stretched at work. Overloaded with information. Overweight with little or no exercise. Living today takes a heavy toll. If you want to let-go and feel easy, you find practical solutions in a new book Feeling at Ease with Yourself, published as hard copy and eBook by Konark Publishers. This book is written by Rajiv Parti, M.D. who worked as a Chief of Anesthesiology at Bakersfield Heart Hospital in California, USA, for thirty years. He also worked as a pain management specialist and later founded the Pain Management Institute of California. When faced with life-threatening illnesses, Dr. Raj discovered alternate holistic approaches such as yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, among others, to form these twelve principles he expounds in his book. These principles are based on let-go, mindfulness and revival based on Eastern spirituality to tackle stress, chronic pain and depression. In active dialogue with the medical professionals at Harvard, Berkeley and UCSD, Dr. Raj shares his experiences in this book and on the lecture circuits. This book will help you to transform your life with twelve holistic, practical principles to overhaul you: your 42 india empire | december 2014

Feeling at Ease with Yourself Publisher: Konark Publishers Author: Rajiv Parti, MD Price: INR 295/ISBN No: 978-93-220-0843-7

body, mind, heart and spirit. Laced with real life stories of changed lifestyles with easy to practice twelve principles and exercises to enable you to understand and implement them, this book is based on the personal trials and solutions of a highly qualified doctor. The language is so simple that it seems that Dr. Raj is talking to you personally and the examples he has chosen are also real life cases that he encountered. In his preface, he explains how he came to write this book. He always wanted to be a healer. But he became a doctor instead. But fate wanted him to walk his real path and so he became so ill that he gave up his practice when he recovered and delved into spirituality which is claims his real calling. This is the positive result of his suffering and quest. After the introduction, each chapter covers one holistic principle that can easily become a part of any health management program. The true stories inspire confidence that each principle works and can be implemented with simple lifestyle changes. Finally, the exercises help to implement them for all round holistic health. In short, feelâ?? ing at ease with yourself.

An inspiring business autobiography of an award winning businessman

Dr. Rami Ranger MBE, FRSA Chairman, Sun Mark Ltd.

His life story is available online from