CONTENTS
february 2015 16
16 WeLL aTTeNDeD The PBD 2015 had the largest number of overseas Indian registrants, ever
10 NeW frIeNDSHIP
10
Hugs by PM Modi and President Obama define new Indo-US relationships
14 COMbaT TerrOrISM US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard wants India and the USA to step up action to combat terrorism on the ground
14
34 buSy year aHeaD Indian space stations will launch five foreign satellites in 2015
30 Lure Of fOreIGN DeGreeS Thousands of students are wooed each year by foreign universities
34
30
business
states woo Diaspora
The Union Home Minister, Mr Rajnath Singh at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on January 09, 2015. The Chief Minister of Haryana, Mr Manohar Lal Khattar, the Chief Minister of Goa, Mr Laxmi Kant Parsekar, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Ms Anandiben Patel, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr Parkash Singh Badal and the Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr Oommen Chandy are also seen
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india empire | february 2015
The Union Home Minister, Mr Rajnath Singh addressing at the CMs Session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on January 09, 2015
s
everal chief ministers wooed the Indian diaspora at the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to come and invest in their states and promised several incentives, while Kerala urged that the diaspora be given online voting rights. Among the chief ministers who attended the session and called Investment Opportunities in States, were Andhra Pradesh’s N. Chandrababu Naidu, Madhya Pradesh’s Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Punjab’s Parkash Singh Badal, Kerala’s Oommen Chandy, Maharashtra’s Devendra Fadnavis, Haryana’s Manohar Lal Khattar, Jharkhand’s Raghubar Das and Goa’s Laxmikant Parsekar. Earlier, chairing the session at the PBD, the world’s largest annual gathering of people of Indian origin, union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the country is “moving towards an era of cooperative federalism, giving voice to states in shaping the economic destiny of the nation”. He said that the new Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already taken a series of measures to reignite the economy.
“We have reasons to be optimistic as we are constantly making course corrections to gain investor confidence,” he said. Singh said the ‘Make in India’ initiative is a “mission to transform this country from an importer of manufactured items to an exporter of manufactured products”. The objective is to increase the share of manufacturing in the GDP from the current level of 14 percent to 25 percent. Andhra Pradesh’s, Chandrababu Naidu said his state after the bifurcation is a new state and facing some troubles. “There is a crisis but there are opportunities too. By 2022 when India reaches 75 years after independence, we want our state to be the top three in the country. By 2029, we want to be top in the happiness index and by 2050 we want to be the best global destination,” he said. Haryana’s Khattar spoke about the soil health card programme launched by his Government for farmers and to boost productivity. He said his state wants to produce fruits and vegetables for the international market. He also said that his state produces the largest number of medal winning sportspersons. “We want to make the state a sports hub and also in trade.” Chouhan invited the diaspora to “Come and make in Madhya Pradesha in the line of Modi’s ‘Make in India’”, promising an investor-friendly climate and 24x7 electricity and a special NRI cell to tackle different projects. Chandy spoke in favour of granting the diaspora online voting rights. “We must think of providing the diaspora online voting facilities and make suitable changes in electoral laws.” He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to bring back the Kerala nurses stranded in Iraq and in Libya and said the Government should bring out a rehabilitation package for them. He said that employment opportunities in the Gulf sector may diminish following reforms like ‘Nitaqat’ that could force Indians to return home. “We must think about how we can rehabilitate those who come back to India and in what way we can make use of their expertise,” Chandy said. He also said there is need to channelise the remittances sent by Indians for the development of the country. “If properly channelised, NRI remittances can make a significant impact on the states,” Chandy said. The states held separate concurrent sessions with the diaspora to highlight investment opportunities and discuss any queries. The event was held in Gandhinagar from January 7 to 9, 2015 to mark the centenary of the return to the country of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa. It was attended by 4,000 delegates are attending the three-day session. ❐
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7
inFRAsTRuCTuRe
GOVERNMENT
SETTING BASE
t
he said. Also, out of the remaining Rs he central Govern1 lakh crore-worth projects, the conment is creating tractors wanted golden handshake for 500 ready-to-bid Rs.50,000 crore-worth projects, he said. projects worth Rs “Not only is a mechanism to solve 3 lakh crore to all discrepancies in place but a justified augment the counmodel concession agreement will be in try’s infrastructural place soon,” he said. growth, union Gadkari added that the central govRoad Transport and Highways Minister ernment has already notified cost efNitin Gadkari said in December. fective usage of iron ore slags in road He also said that his ministry has Mr Nitin Gadkari construction and the ministry will created a section to prepare detailed achieve 30-km a day road building tarproject reports (DPR) to supervise get and would contribute two per cent to the GDP in progress of all ongoing projects. “We are going to have 500 projects worth more than coming years. Further, electronic toll systems are also planned which Rs 3 lakh crore ready with processes like land acquisition, forest clearance and other clearances,” he said at the In- is expected to save Rs 86,000 crore annually including Rs frastructure Summit, organised by Indo-American Cham- 60,000 crore due to fuel loss as a result of delays. The Government is also prioritising waterways in their ber of Commerce (IACC). This is in addition to the roll-out of Rs 1.8 lakh crore developmental agenda and a new legislation is underway worth of projects out of Rs 2.8 lakh crore stuck projects. which will give powers to the Shipping Ministry for conBlaming the erstwhile United Progressive Alliance verting any river into waterway. “We want to encourage the production of sea planes (UPA) Government for the poor development of the infrastructural sector in India, Gadkari said the industry has and hovercrafts. Already, I have discussed the proposal been suffering since the last decade owing to faulty poli- with a British company. They have a joint venture with defence and our Goa Shipyard. They are making 70 hovcies of the UPA. “Corrective measures are on, resulting in launch of Rs ercrafts,” he said. Gadkari also added that his department 1.8 lakh crore of projects out of Rs 2.8 lakh crore stuck has taken a decision to build two dry ports—in Audue to regulatory hurdles and delays in land acquisition,” rangabad and Vidarbha in Maharashtra. ❐
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india empire | february 2015
inDO-us ReLATiOns
a New DawN Indo-US relations hit a new high after President Barack Obama was invited as chief guest to India’s Republic Day on January 26, 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As India replaced its top diplomat with the nation’s ambassador in the US, a day after President Barack Obama’s visit to India, Washington put it in no uncertain terms. “As you know, we have an important and growing relationship with India, as evidenced by the fact that the Secretary of State (John Kerry) and the President of the United States were both there in the last couple of weeks,” State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters. She added, “We appreciate the productive relationship we had with Foreign Secretary Singh and look forward to further advancing the US-India relationship with the new foreign secretary, who, as you know, we have worked quite closely with.” PhotograPh © SiPra DaS
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The US President Mr Barack Obama inspecting the Guard of Honour, at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 25, 2015
President Obama & First Lady Michelle Obama being warmly welcomed by PM Modi in New Delhi
President Obama paying floral tributes at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, Delhi
President Obama planting a sapling, at Rajghat
PM Modi having ‘Walk the Talk’ with President Obama at Hyderabad House
february 2015 | india empire
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inDO-us ReLATiOns
PM Modi and President Obama at a delegation level talks at Hyderabad House, New Delhi on January 25, 2015
The President Mr Pranab Mukherjee, the Chief Guest US President Mr Barack Obama, the First Lady Michelle Obama, the Vice President Mr Mohd. Hamid Ansari, the Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Defence, Mr Manohar Parrikar at the saluting dais, on the occasion of the 66th Republic Day Parade 2015
The President Mr Pranab Mukherjee hosts a banquet in the honour of the US President Mr Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, at Rashtrapati Bhavan 12 india empire | february 2015
PM Modi addressing the India-US Business Summit in New Delhi on January 26, 2015. The US President, Mr Barack Obama is also seen
inDO-us ReLATiOns
India, US must come together to combat terrorism: Tulsi Gabbard US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu member of the US House of Representatives, feels the relationship between India and the US has been energised after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit and wants the two Governments to work closely in countering terrorism, including cyber terrorism. “Terrorism is an enemy and a threat that doesn’t wear one country’s uniform or owe allegiance to one country’s flag, but rather exists in many different parts of the world. In order to defeat this threat, we (India and the US) will have to work together,” Gabbard, the first Hindu member of the US House of Representative said. “..And that includes the Government and leadership of Pakistan taking a stronger stand and action against these terrorists,” Gabbard added. She hoped that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama, during his visit here for the Jan 26 Republic Day celebrations, would discuss the urgency to press upon Pakistan the need to take the terror threat more seriously. “Both our countries are focussed on security. Both are focussed on countering terrorism dealing with the growing threat of Islamic extremism. We must focus on seeing how we can collaborate to better defend ourselves against the cyber attacks that are increasingly becoming a threat,” said the 33-year old, who is a combat veteran and also an ardent follower of the Bhagavad Gita. Noting that Modi’s maiden visit to the US in September “energized the relationship between the two countries”, Gabbard said he had come with “a very clear vision and a plan to achieve his objective of where he would like to take India”. She said Modi’s vision struck a chord not just with the Indian diaspora but generated interest “from people involved with politics, in the private sector and those who are looking to participate in what appears to be a very exciting time here in India”. Gabbard, who was in India between Dec 16, 2014, and Jan 3, 2015, and met with Modi, Defence Minster
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Manohar Parrikar and Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar among a host of other leaders, said she always nurtured a special place for the land of Lord Krishna’s birth and hoped for greater understanding and respect for each others’ culture, traditions, and distinct style of doing business. Gabbard was born into a multi-cultural and multireligious family of parents with Samoan and European roots. Fourth among five siblings, Gabbard embraced Hinduism as a teenager and became a student of the Bhagavad Gita. Drawing upon the relevance of the Gita in international politics, she said the teachings in the scripture “about karma yoga and bhakti yoga have great relevance in the world today for each of us individually as well as in tackling the great challenges that we face around the world. “His (Lord Krishna’s) teachings are relevant today as they were before and they always will be,” Gabbard said. Reflecting on her 18-day-long stay in India, Gabbard said she enjoyed the trip and found it “very productive on many fronts”. While touring seven cities across India, this devotee of Lord Krishna said her visit to Vrindavan, Krishna’s birthplace, was more like spiritual rejuvenation. Goa was one state that attracted her for its immense potential in a tourism-centric economy just like her own home state of Hawaii. She is working with state officials to “establish a sister-state partnership between Hawaii and Goa” in an attempt to “create a unique bridge between our countries by creating this partnership between the two states that have much in common.” “I have always had a fancy for India as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. And I have also spent a lot of time with Indian Americans back home who come from many different parts of India. When I came to India, it felt like I had already been there. There is a lot more to see and I look forward to visiting again in the near fu❐ ture,” Gabbard said.
Ms Tulsi Gabbard
february 2015 | india empire 15
COVeR sTORY—PbD 2015 GAnDHinAGAR
(Top) The Vice President, Mr Mohd. Hamid Ansari with the awardees at the Valedictory Session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on January 09, 2015. The Governor of Gujarat, Mr O.P. Kohli, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Ms Anandiben Patel, the Union Minister for External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs, Ms Sushma Swaraj and the Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation (I/C), External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs, General (Retd.) V.K. Singh and other dignitaries are also seen
pravasis The list of 15 diaspora members honoured with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman on January 9, 2015 includes a president, politicians, prominent businesspersons and scientists who have all worked for the Indian diaspora community in their respective countries. Vice President Hamid Ansari gave away the Samman, the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians, aduring the valedictory function of the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 9, 2015 at the Mahatma Mandir convention centre. Those recipients of the Samman, the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians, were Guyanese President Donald Rabindernauth Ramaotar; Mala Mehta from
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Australia; Kamaljeet Bakshi from New Zealand; Ashraf Palarakunnummal and Bharatkumar Jayantilal Shah from UAE; Essop Esoop Goolam from South Africa; Rajmal M. Parakh from Oman; Justice Doraikannu Karunakaran from Seychelles; Sanjaya Rajaram from Mexico; Lord Raj Loomba and Nathu Ram Puri from Britain; Mahendra Nanji Mehta from Uganda and Nandini Tandon and Kamlesh Lulla from the US. Mala Mehta from Australia was given the Samman for her contribution to Hindi language. She established an ‘Indo-Australian Bal Bharatiya Vidyalaya’ in Thornleigh suburb in Sydney and since then has been pursuing the growth of Hindi in Australia.
HoNoureD Donald Rabindernauth Ramaotar, the president of Guyana was awarded for his work for the Indian diaspora in Guyana. Rajaram Sanjaya, an India-born Mexico scientist won the ‘2014 World Food Prize’ for developing 480 wheat varieties that have been released in 51 countries. Kanwaljit Singh Bakhshi, an MP from New Zealand, is also known for his work for the Indian diaspora. Essop Goolam Pahad, a South African politician, was minister in the Presidency from 1999 to September 2008 in South Africa. Mahendra Nanji Mehta, a Uganda-based businessman of Indian roots, and Nathuram Puri of Purico Group of Britain were chosen for their contribution to Indian diaspora. Lord Raj Loomba, a philanthropist and founder of clothing company, Rinku Group and a Liberal Democrat member of the House of Lords was also named for the honour. Kamlesh Lulla, chief scientist for Earth observation in
the Human Exploration Science Office at the Johnson Space Centre at NASA, was named for the award for his exceptional service to space science. Nandini Tandon was given the award for her work in life sciences and healthcare and IT in USA and India. Satyanarayana Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, was also named for the honour. Bharatkumar Jayantilal Shah is a Dubai-based businessman and philanthropist; Rajmal M. Parakh is from Oman while Justice Doraikannu Karunakaran from Seychelles and Ashraf Palarakunnummal from UAE. Lisa Singh from Australia, who could not receive the award last year, received the Samman, while A. Satyanarayana Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, who was named for the award was not present. Ansari congratulated the awardees and said India is grateful for their contributions to society. february 2015 | india empire 17
COVeR sTORY—PbD 2015 GAnDHinAGAR
Terming then “deserving recipients of this recognition”, he said: “Through their exemplary work, they have also proved to be outstanding envoys of peace, friendship and cooperation between India and countries of their residence.” Ansari said that overseas Indians are “in virtually every country and region of the world”, and recited an Urdu phrase to describe their ubiquitous presence: “Jidhar dekhta hoon faqat tu hi tu hai (wherever I look I see only you)”. He said the overseas Indians, ranging from blue collars workers to doctors, engineers, IT professionals and business persons, have multiple identities but “a common denominator is their emotional bond to India, and to its cultural legacy. “They cherish it, individually and collectively, and so do
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we here. The institution of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an occasion of bonding,” he said. Ansari said that the NRI remittances comprise an important element in India’s balance of payments and the “continuing liberalisation of the Indian economy, and the most recent policy initiatives taken or proposed by the Government are expected to galvanise the involvement of the overseas Indians in the many fields of economic activity”. Noting that relationships “are not a one-way street”, the vice president said that “the Overseas Indians have expectations aimed at facilitating and intensifying their involvement with India”. “The Government of India, and the state Governments,
have acknowledged the validity of these sentiments and taken or initiated steps to attract, assist and promote a deeper and multifaceted relationship, which is mutually beneficial and long lasting. We in India attach highest importance to issues of interest and concern to the overseas Indians,” he said. He said that the diaspora can play an important role in the development of India with their knowledge and resources and their experience of other lands where similar efforts were pursued successfully. Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Sushma Swaraj, in her speech, said that the Narendra Modi Government “has been especially proactive in nurturing the bonds” with the diaspora.
“The diaspora is close to Prime Minister Modi’s heart. Wherever he has gone, he has made a passionate appeal to NRIs and PIOs to be partners in India’s ongoing journey of development and national resurgence. We believe in infusing a new energy and vitality into this lasting relationship between India and its diaspora,” she said. She said that the Modi Government “has only one mission: to re-make India into a great nation, a mission in which every Indian and equally every overseas Indian has a vital stake. It will be a perfect fit, a confluence of dreams and interests, and I have no doubt that with such interlinking and intermeshing, both India and the adopted countries of overseas Indians will benefit enormously”. ❐
february 2015 | india empire 19
COVeR sTORY
Diaspora’s strength can be driving force for India: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 8, 2015 said that every NRI is like a “shakti” and if the strength of the entire diaspora can be consolidated, it could become a driving force for India’s progress. Addressing the inauguration of the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here, the world’s largest annual gathering of people of Indian origin, Modi also said that he has fulfilled his promise to the diaspora of merging the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards. He exhorted the diaspora to come and contribute to India’s success in any way possible, including knowledge, expertise or skills. He mentioned in particular, the Namaami Gange project to clean River Ganga, and said 40 percent of India lived by and survived on the river. He said he was sure all NRIs would be inspired to contribute to this cause. Modi said the world is ready to “embrace India” and cited as an example the fact that his proposal at the UN to institute an international yoga day was supported by a record 177 nations and in just 100 days. “We have a lot to give to the world, we only lack the confidence,” he said, calling upon NRIs across the world to forge and take pride in a common identity and heritage, and to use this strength collectively. He said even if a solitary NRI is present anywhere in the world, India is alive and present in that corner of the world through him or her. Modi said he had met representatives of 50 countries since assuming office in May last year, and he could say with confidence that all nations rich or poor across the world today feel that their goals and objectives can be met in partnership with India. He said then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had proposed the idea of starting a PBD and it was begun in 2003. Referring to the apparent slackening in enthusiasm dur20 india empire | february 2015
ing the past few years to the annual gala, Modi said that “in between, little little, people did not feel like coming. Few would come and a few came because they had to come; but I would come regularly,” to laughter among the crowd. “We are extremely proud of our diaspora. They have made India global and their strong values have endeared them wherever they have gone,” he tweeted later. Earlier, Modi welcomed Guyana President Donald Ramotar, South African Foreign Minister Maite NkoanaMashabane and Mauritius Vice Prime Minister Showkutally Soodhun who were on the dais with him. He later held bilateral meetings with them. He recalled how Indian festivals such as Holi and Diwali are enthusiastically celebrated in Guyana, that Jan 8 also happens to be the founding day of the African National Congress in South Africa and Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary Oct 2 is observed in Mauritius with even greater vigour than in India. A PBD Kendra is also coming up in New Delhi and would be inaugurated soon for the benefit of pravasis, he said. Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the Government is determined to work closely with its huge diaspora to “leverage each other’s strengths for mutual benefits and urged professionals from the diaspora to join in efforts to develop India and “restore it to its past glory”. “A successful, prosperous and politically influential diaspora is an asset to India, much as a strong and self-reliant India would be a source of strength and inspiration for the diaspora. This synergy acts as a vibrant bridge between us and sustains our relationship,” she said. Guyanese President Ramotar, chief guest at the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, January 8, 2015 urged India to play a more active role on the global stage and be the voice of the developing world. South African Foreign Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said that she was happy to join in the celebrations of the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa. She described India as her second home having spent six years as a high commissioner. The Government also announced a list of 15 NRIs who would be conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards for 2015. The list includes Ramotar and Satyanarayana Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. The event was held in Gandhinagar Jan 7-9 to mark the centenary of the return to the country of India’s “sarva sreshtha pravasi Bharatiya” or foremost Indian diaspora member, Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa. Earlier, Modi inaugurated the ‘Dandi Kutir’ museum located opposite the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. The three-storey exhibition, housed in a dome shaped Salt Mountain structure, traces the life and times of Gandhi. Nearly 4,000 delagates from 44 countries attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015. A mega exhibition spread over 1.1 million sq ft was also organized as part of the programme. ❐
ReAL esTATe ADVeRTORiAL
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The Forest Spa, Surajkund Where: Surajkund Road, Surajkund (Haryana) What: Luxurious apartments and penthouses ranging from 2520 sq. ft. to 7450 sq. ft. in 4BR+Servant room and 5BR + servant room USP: Surrounded by 5000 acres of greens, the stunning architecture and dazzling interiors have exclusive personal health club in Master Bedroom with Jacuzzi, Sauna and Steam in each apartment; gym, state-of-the-art club, swimming pool, Squash court, basketball court and multi-cuisine restaurant etc. Cost: Rs 2 crore onwards Omaxe Royal Residency, Omaxe City Centre, Faridabad Where: Sector 79, Faridabad (Haryana) What: 1685 sq. ft. in 3BHK Smart Residences USP: Smart City with Smart Residences!!! Omaxe City Centre is part of 430 acres Central Business District. Uniquely conceived to enable an environment that is rejuvenating, serene and world-class, Omaxe Royal Residency is conveniently located and offers all modern amenities like Club, walking & jogging track etc. Cost: Rs 60 lakh onwards Omaxe Riyaasat, Noida Where: Sector 93B, Noida What: Royal themed 3BHK & 3BHK+ servant luxury apartments 22 india empire | february 2015
Omaxe Royal Residency
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USP: Designed to give you a feeling of a Maharaja, it is Noida’s first Royal themed luxury apartment on Noida Expressway in the most sought after Sector 93 B. World-class Club with the most modern, exquisite and lifestyle facilities, jogging track, kids area, badminton and squash courts, manicured greens etc. adding to its desirability. Cost: Rs 1.25 crore onwards
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ADVeRTORiAL
february 2015 | india empire 25
inDiA AnD iTs DiAsPORA
indian aid for
uCLa school. I look forward to the lab makAn Indian-American has gifted ing great advances and cementing USD 2.5 million to the University of UCLA’s role as a premier research inCalifornia, Los Angeles (UCLA), for a stitution.” new state-of-the-art engineering lab After graduating from UCLA, Paddedicated to integrated microsystems, manabhan joined the IBM Thomas J. the university said. Watson Research Center in Yorktown The donation by UCLA alumnus Heights, New York. Currently he is emMukund Padmanabhan, the founder of ployed by Renaissance Technologies, a nonprofit Guru Krupa Foundation, will New York-based hedge fund managebe used to support the construction of ment firm. Padmanabhan’s Guru new research facility in the UCLA Krupa Foundation provides educaHenry Samueli School of Engineering Mukund Padmanabhan tional opportunities to those who could and Applied Science. Padmanabhan had earlier made three donations of USD 500,000 each. not otherwise afford it, assistance to impoverished famThe new USD 2.5 million contribution will create the ilies and support for cultural and religious organisations Mukund Padmanabhan Systems Scaling Technology in the US and India. “Thanks to the generosity and vision of Mukund Laboratory in Engineering VI. “I see the quality of the work being done by the stu- Padmanabhan and others, Engineering VI will be a hub dents who benefit from the Guru Krupa Foundation of advanced engineering research, education and entrefellowships, and I feel very satisfied that research is pro- preneurial activity,” said Vijay K. Dhir, UCLA engigressing full speed ahead at UCLA,” said Padmanabhan, neering dean. “His gift will help to accelerate advances who studied electrical engineering at UCLA, earning his in the semiconductor technology that drives industry master’s degree in 1989 and Ph.D. in 1992. “When I and innovation throughout the world. We are grateful learned that UCLA wanted to advance the frontiers of for this vital support for our school, faculty and stu3-D integrated circuit design, I felt that this was the dents.” The USD 130 million research facility will be right project to further extend my commitment to the completed in 2017, the university has said. ❐
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uKiBC opeNs New CeNtre Lord Mayor of London, Alan Yarrow in December inaugurated the UK-India Business Council’s new Business Centre in Mumbai, its third in India. The centre in Mumbai after Gurgaon and Bangalore - is part of an expansion strategy to support British companies in doing more business with India and reaffirm Britain’s position as the largest investor in India, officials said. The Mumbai Business Centre will provide a home away from home and endto-end in-country support for British businesses looking to setup or expand their operations in western India, exploiting its unique position in the country’s financial capital. To mark the occasion, the UKIBC and TheCityUK, the representative body for Britain-based financial and related professional services, announced a new strategic partnership to provide aligned and business-focussed approach to key issues facing British financial and related professional services firms operating in India. In view of the leading role played by British finan-
cial and related professional services firms in India for FII and FDI flows, the new partnership would work to ensure that these fir ms continue to build on this leading position and remain relevant to India’s agenda, they said. The Mumbai Business Centre will work closely with UKTI in western India, British business groups in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Goa and Pune to build trade and investment between the two countries.
INDIA-MAURITIUS TAX TREATY Mauritius is still to agree to certain proposals to the revision of the bilateral tax treaty, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in December. “India has made certain proposals for revision of DTAC (Double Taxation Avoidance Convention) to end round-tripping and other aspects. Mauritius is yet to agree to such revision,” Jaitley said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. The Finance Minister said a joint working group had been set up towards the DTAC revision, while ten meetings of the group have taken place, with the last being in November. Negotiations on amending the Indo-Mauritius tax treaty have been pending for long with India concerned that it is being misused to transfer unaccounted money and evade taxes. Uncertainties over its signing have adversely affected investment flows between the two countries. Mauritius is one India’s major sources of foreign direct
Mr Arun Jaitley
investments, with USD 4.85 billion of FDI coming in from there during 2013-14. february 2015 | india empire 27
inDiA AnD iTs DiAsPORA
Two IndIan-amerIcans In key posTs By Arun Kumar
Mr Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri
President Barack Obama has nominated two Indian-Americans to key posts of chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri, son of a native American mother and an Indian immigrant father, is currently the acting chairman of the commission responsible for regulating and ensuring the integrity of the more than 420 Indian gaming facilities. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Chaudhuri earned a law degree from Cornell Law School in 1999. In 2012, Chaudhuri was named senior counselor to the assistant secretary for Indian affairs in the Department of the Interior, where he served for a year before moving to the gaming board. He has also served on Native American courts as an Associate Judge on the Puyallup Tribe of Nations Court from 2011 to 2012, an Appellate Judge on the San Manuel Mission Band of Indians Appeals Court from 2009 to 2012, and an Appellate Judge on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Supreme Court from 2006 to 2012. Prior to becoming a judge, he served as a deputy public defender in the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office from 2010 to 2011. He also ran his own law firm Chaudhuri Law Office, where he was managing attorney from 28 india empire | february 2015
Mr Deven J. Parekh
2006 to 2010. Deven J. Parekh, who has been named to the Board of Overseas Private Investment Corporation, is currently a managing director at Insight Venture Partners, a position he has held since 2001. Parekh held a number of roles at Berenson Minella & Company between 1992 and 2000, including Principal and Vice President. Previously, from 1991 to 1992, he was a financial analyst for the Blackstone Group. He has served as a Member of the Technological Advisory Council of the Federal Communications Commission since 2011. He is a Member of the Board of Publicolor, which he chaired from 2007 to 2012. Parekh is Treasurer and Member of the Board of Governors of the National Academy Museum, a Member of the Board of the Tisch MS Research Center of New York, and a Member of the Greater NY Partnership. He is a Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Economic Club of New York. From 2010 to 2012, he was a Member of the Advisory Board of the ExportImport Bank of the United States. In 2006, he was named a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute. Parekh received a BS from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. â??
PHILANTHROPY AWARD FOR DR CHOPRA
Standing: Dr. Kenneth Saunders; Reverend Dr. Reginald Tuggle; Usha Chopra (Past president – India Association of Long Island); Kailash and Mina Sharma (Past President- Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation); Julius Pierce (President / Founder MLK Birthday Celebration Committee) Dr. Parveen Chopra (Presidential Philanthropy Award Honoree); Honorable Judge Peter Skelos; Honorable Judge Ruth Balkin; Honorable Judge Anthony Paradisio; Henry Holley (Hempstead Housing Authority) Lieutenant Commander Gary Shapiro – Nassau County Police Department; Samir Chopra
Americans are the most generous people in the world and some of the Indian Americans are catching up with that tradition. Dr. Parveen Chopra has been serving as Chairperson of Finance for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Nassau County Inc. for the last decade and he has contributed generously to the worthy cause of awarding scholarship awards to the scholarly and needy high school students who take part in the county wide essay contests each year. Outstanding citizens who have helped to realize
Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream were also honored. This year Dr. Martin Luther King Committee celebrated its thirtieth Awards Luncheon at the Marriott Hotel, Uniondale, New York, which was attended by many distinguished dignitaries like Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, U.S. Senator Al D’amato, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli New York State Attorney General Eric Schniederman, Congressman Steve Israel, Congressman Gregory Meeks among others.
oIFC-MAbA MoU
gopIo book
OIFC signed a MoU with Middlesex Asian Business Association (MABA) on January 9, 2015 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat in the presence of British MemFrom left: Ms Charu Mathur, CEO, OIFC, Ms. Priti Patel, British Member of the ber of the Parliament, Ms Priti Parliament, Mr. Taha Kutay, Chairman, MABA Patel. The MoU outlines the scope for mutual cooperation in relation to information exchange and business opportunities. The highlights are: ● MABA will regularly share a list of potential Overseas Indian investors who are interested in doing business in/with India, with OIFC. ● addressing the queries of its Overseas Indian members relating to doing business in / with India. ● facilitate visits of business delegations. ● conduct joint studies/ surveys/ events in areas of mutual interest. ● Communicate the economic opportunities in India to global Indians.
GOPIO International President Mr Ashook Ramsaran presents a copy of the Global Indian Diaspora book to Mr Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Deputy Consul General of India in New York in January 2015 february 2015 | india empire 29
eDuCATiOn
LURE OF FOREIGN
DEGREES By Shweta Sharma
u
nable to find a course of his choice at Delhi University, Ankit Khullar, 27, decided to pursue his graduation from the US. Armed with a degree in finance, he returned to India for his masters. But after “two wasteful years”, he returned to the US for further studies. “The primary reason (to go back to the US) was the low perceived quality of education offered in India and my interactions with graduates from various universities. The idea was not just to attain a degree, but to learn,” Khullar said. He added that the courses being offered in the MBA programmes lay emphasis on subjects he had either already covered as a part of his bachelor’s degree or were “outdated” as compared to those offered in the US. Like him, many Indian students are opting to study at international varsities owing to better living environment, high-quality teaching and the opportunity to receive world class education. While the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Australia and Singapore are the most favoured destinations, Indian students are now also exploring other countries such as Sweden, Italy and Ireland. Apart from that, smaller countries too are trying to woo Indian students. Among them is Taiwan which at any given time has 500-600 students
30 india empire | february 2015
studying. Despite a high rate of Indian students seeking education abroad, the government does not maintain a record of those studying abroad. Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Ram Shankar Katheria informed parliament that since studies abroad was a matter of individual will and choice, “information regarding the number of Indian students going abroad or the expenditure incurred thereon are not maintained by the ministry.” According to the European Union, India has the second highest number of internationally mobile students, after China, travelling abroad for tertiary level education. Between 2000 and 2009, the count of Indian students in Europe increased from 3,348 to 51,556. The total number of Indian students in the US shot up 28 percent to over 1.3 million, comprising the second largest foreign student body in America after China, according to a new report published last month by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security. As per the recent Assocham study “New overseas destination for Indians students”, more than 85,000 Indians went abroad in 2005 and the count shot up to 290,000 in 2013. This, according to Assocham estimates, costs India a foreign exchange outflow of 15 to 20 billion dollars per annum. According to Richard Everitt, director-education, British Council, Indian students applying for undergraduate courses in the UK continue to grow owing to a “conducive environment” they get to study and live in. “Over 90 percent of postgraduate students in the UK rate the quality of teaching positively and the satisfaction rate for students has hit a 10-year high - with 86 percent saying they are satisfied overall with their course, as per National Student Sur-
vey (NSS),” Everitt said. Madhulika Sen, Principal, Tagore International School, Vasant Vihar, said that students demand education which is “intellectually stimulating”. “Also, look at the percentage needed to get into a good college here. So, is it not better to give Scholastic Assessment Test and other tests and get into top level universities abroad which give preference to a child’s co-curricular as well?” she asked. Another popular destination among students is Australia, which offers “high-quality teaching and support systems”. As of June 2014 there were almost 42,000 Indian student enrollments across Australia’s education and training providers. The most popular courses for Indian students are in the field of management and commerce; food, hospitality and personal services; engineering and related technologies; and information technology. “It is also a significant international education destination for emerging careers in technology, digital, robotics,
media and entertainment, scientific research and health,” an Australian High Commission spokesperson said. Highlighting the benefits of studying in Australia, the spokesperson said Australian education focused on meeting the needs of industry, providing quality training and connecting skills with job outcomes. Students keen on pursuing biotechnology, business and finance, ICT, and medtech related courses also opt for Ireland, which Damien English, Ireland’s minister of state at the departments of education and skills and jobs, enterprise, innovation, describes as “dynamic, lively and modern with a young population and a successful, technologically orientated economy”. He said that most programmes cost in the range of Rs 8 to 12 lakh with the cost of living per annum being a similar amount, adding that from a base of 850 Indian students choosing to study in Ireland in 2012, it has doubled to over 3,000 in the next three years. ❐
VIGNETTES—PBD 2015 PhotograPhS © LiLaDhar j. BharaDia
february 2015 | india empire 31
JAiPuR LiTeRARY FesTiVAL
Going from strength to strength By Shilpa Raina
Why does society have a biased view about writers dealing with sex or about sexual dualities, what would end if we stop believing in our past and why freedom of expression comes at a cost were among the questions that were thrown open for debate and introspection at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2015. The annual literary fest, which has attained the stature of a “literary pilgrimage” for the bibliophile, was held as usual at the 17th century Diggi Palace. It hosted 234 speakers from all around the globe who initiated stimulating discussions on varied themes ranging from history, politics, cinema, art, travel and poetry across 170 sessions on its five days ending Sunday. As the festival, now in its eighth edition, has grown from strength to strength since its inception 2006, when it began on a small scale as part of the Jaipur Heritage International Festival, the organisers tried to include dynamic topics in several sessions that could lead to engaging and illuminating conversations. This year was no different with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Vijay Seshadri at the very onset raising strong concerns about the freedom of literary imagination. “The issue of the poetic imagination, of its scope and freedom, has become doubly fearsome, and has become problematic because of the way Indian society is developing,” he said in his keynote address on the opening day. Similarly lyricist Prasoon Joshi chose to initiate debate on the Tamil writer Perumal Murugan’s decision to renounce writing following protests from various organizations in the session that was to discuss “”Is the Commerce of Literature Today Killing Good Writing?”. And all the panelists were unamimous that the “burning of the book is act of violence”. Nobel Prize-winning author V.S.Naipul was also present to mark 50 years of the publication of his “A House for Mr. Biswas” that has now acquired the status of a classic. The 82-year-old, now on a wheel-chair, was moved to tears after he received overwhelming response from people as he was brought onto the stage. Other interesting sessions that touched upon the subject of “writing on sex and refiguring masculinity” saw the pan32 india empire | february 2015
elists asking pertinent questions to the audience for “building stereotypes about these topics” and viewing them with a myopic outlook. Adding to the event’s appeal was discussions on contemporary issues like the situation of Pakistan, of the Middle East, the prospects of Israeli-Palstinian peace process, and India’s watershed 2014 elections. For history buffs, there were intriguing facets and episodes like the 19th century Chinese empress who really modernised her country, a diamond necklace scandal that doomed the French monarchy, the legend of Lawrence of Arabia and the audacious kidnapping of a German general from a Greek island in the penultimate year of World War II. Unlike some previous years, the festival managed to stay away from any controversy and distinguished participants like Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who attended several sessions, faced questions only on books politics, not the investigation into the murder of his wife Sunanda Pushkar . As usual, Bollywood made its presence felt at the festival as prominent personalities Naseeruddin Shah, Waheeda Rahman, Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi participated in several sessions. In one memorable session, Shabana, daughter of iconic poet Kaifi Azmi, teamed with Salima Hashmi, daughter of equally iconic Faiz Ahmed Faiz, to discussed their illustrious fathers. Literary luminaries like father of modern travel writing Paul Theroux, 2013 Man Booker Prize winner Eleanor Catton, Samuel Johnson Prize winner and author of “The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher” Kate Summerscale, Pakistani painter, writer and academic Hashmi, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and journalist Kai Bird and the author of “Family Life” Akhil Sharma also attended the festival. The festival as usual drew huge crowds, especially in its last two days, but sometimes this led to swamping of available space - especially where the venue was smaller - and created near chaos. It was a moot point how much some of people thronging the venue attended even one session or were interested in one, given that many walked out midway and the ❐ organisers must give this aspect some thought.
COLumn: YOGi AsHwini
minD AnD bODY
wHo are “You”? By Yogi Ashwini Yogi aShwini
e
very person, each one of you has a corresponding star, from where you have come and where you return to after every birth. Each star is a specific divine energy. What you are is a reflection of that unique star. That is why earlier it was said that when a person dies s/he becomes a star. We have more stars in the creation than our population. So then what are we and where are we? Are we here or are we there? The answer is- we are neither here nor there but there and here simultaneously. How? The sloka Om poornamadah poornamidam poornata poornamudachyate poornasya poornamaadaya poornamevava shishyate Om implies that infinity plus infinity is infinity, infinity minus infinity is infinity, infinity multiplied by infinity is infinity and infinity divided by infinity is also infinity. But infinity has no definition or does it? If two mirrors are kept facing each other and you stand in between the two, then would you be able to count the number of images? No that is infinity. That is why the star, the creation, is called infinity, everything has originated from it and will go back into it and it has no boundaries. Can you explain something which has no boundaries, something which has no limits? Have you thought about this- What is there beyond the boundaries we know? Afterall there has to be a limit to what has been created. This creation should end somewhere. Everything that is created or manifested is limited and so it should have boundaries. We can see the sky and we know after that there is the space. So till where does space exist? How can it be infinite if whatever is created is finite and is always defined by boundaries? Just think about this, you do not even know the basics of your existence - where you are and till where that extends, who you are or why you are where you are. But what you do know with certainty is how big your house is, what car you own and what you would like to have in dinner tonight! This is all you know of ! You say science has developed so much but you do not know the boundary of the ‘place’ where you are staying and what is there after that. You do not know the farthest star, till where does it go and what lies after that. And in comparison to that, think about yourself - what are you and where do you stand in this massive space? There is no clarity at all on these basics. You have created boundaries to
your own self, you have limited yourself. Even those who have been around for 5-10 years, they too are unable go beyond their self-made limits. Because that is the basic problem when you will limit yourself in the physical you will always remain in that physical. Let me discuss another concept. From where has this physically manifested creation emerged? Let me rephrase the question, the creation that we seeso many plants, animals, etc on this planet, from where has it all come? One of the names of sun is Hiranyagarbha (the golden womb), that means sun is the womb of some energy. It has no existence of its own, it is only a womb. Let us understand this in another way, a gynaecologist knows that inside the womb of a mother a lot of heat is present, but that heat is of one mother. If you sum up heat of wombs of all mothers (across species) that equals to heat of the Sun! We all know that the heat of the Sun is reducing constantly. This in turn implies that heat of every womb in the creation is reducing everyday. Earlier a mother could give birth to many children but these days they have one or two children only, and that to through c-section... The sun is called hiranyagarbh because it is the womb of Adishakti - the whole creation emerges and survives because of this heat or shakti. The shakti (energy) takes the form of heat and this creation is simply a manifestation of that heat. A human being is living till the time that heat is present it the body, when the heat diminshes soul departs from this body and goes beyond the physical dimension. Adi shakti is first level of physically manifested creation. There are two things in creation- vyakt (manifest) and avyakt (the unmanifest).The avyakt state is prior to Adi shakti and vyakt is what comes out of that womb. Every aspect of this creation has emerged from that womb only and that is why Adishakti is called the mother. Yet every aspect emerging from that womb while playing its part thinks that ‘I’ alone exist, no one else exists. As the child is born and starts growing up, that heat starts reducing, As the kid grows the body loses heat continuously and in old age heat content becomes minimum and finally it is lost completely ❐ on leaving the body. —The writer Yogi Ashwini Ji is the head of Dhyan Foundation, Delhi. For details contact: ashwiniyogi@yahoo.co.in
february 2015 | india empire 33
sPACe sCienCe
BUSY YEAR AHEAD By Venkatachari Jagannathan
The year 2015 is going to be a busy year for the Indian space agency. It will launch five foreign satellites apart from its own four navigation satellites and a communication satellite. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will also launch—from Sriharikoka in Andhra Pradesh - a heavy communication satellite, GSAT-15, with around 40 transponders-automatic receivers and transmitters for communication and broadcast of signals using the Ariane rocket of Arianespace. “We will be completing the IRNSS (Indian Regional Satellite Navigation System) constellation by launching four more satellites and operationalise the navigation system. The geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) rocket is getting ready to launch GSAT-6 communication satellite,” ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan said in a telephone interview. He said astronomy satellite Astrosat will be launched in 2015. As to the commercial launches, India will launch five foreign satellites next year including three from Britain. India has also signed up contracts to launch two Indonesian satellites. Radhakrishnan said that 2015 will see ISRO enhancing the space applications for the central and state governments. Queried whether ISRO was dispersing its resources looking at human space mission when the focus should be on developing GSLV rockets to carry heavy communication satellites, Radhakrishnan said, “ISRO’s projects are not mutually exclusive. The cryogenic engine for the heavy rocket is under development and will take two years for the rocket to be flight ready.” The Indian space agency will test fly its heaviest rocket GSLV-Mark III designed to carry satellites weighing around four tonnes. While the rocket’s cryogenic engine is under development, ISRO decided to test the atmospheric flight stability of the rocket, with the two engines carrying a giant cup cake alike crew module. The crew module will not carry any living being and is only for learning the atmospheric re-entry characteristics of the module.
34 india empire | february 2015
Mr K. Radhakrishnan, Chairman, ISRO
The main objective of the crew module is to demonstrate its re-entry flight and aero braking; end-to-end parachute system validation. The 630-tonne rocket will go up to 126 km. The crew capsule got detached and fell into the Bay of Bengal 20 minutes after blast off. The descent speed of the crew module will be controlled by three parachutes. According to an ISRO official, it will be in the size of a small bedroom and can accommodate two-three people. On infrastructure development, Radhakrishnan said the second rocket assembly building at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh will increase the number of launches from the second launch pad. “Study is under progress on the construction of a third launch pad. We have to take into consideration the kind of launch vehicles - GSLV-Mark III - and other future rockets to be developed while building the third launch pad,” Rad❐ hakrishnan said.
business AnD inVesTmenT
USD 500 MILLON IN AP The State Investment Promotion units in Kuppam, Palamaner, Board (SIPB) of Andhra Pradesh Hindupur and Chittoor with an incleared investment proposals of Rs 3, vestment of about Rs 150 crore. 000 crore in December. These units will create employment to The proposals include one paint 11,000 people. Naidu directed the ofmanufacturing facility in Visakhapatficials to set up an Economic Develnam by Asian Paints, India’s largest opment Board (EDB) to oversee and Asia’s third largest paint company industrial clearances and for developwith an investment of Rs 1,818 crore. ment of various sectors. The ECB will It will produce four lakh kilo litre of give industrial clearances through a paints per year and create employment single desk. for 700 people. The Gujarat Ambuja The chief minister asked them to Exports Limited (GAEL), a leading give faster clearances for land, offer manufacture-cum-exporter of agro tax incentives and other benefits to inproducts, will set-up a maize processdustries. He suggested the officials to Mr N Chandrababu Naidu ing unit in Kurnool district with an inalso set up an Escort Executive Comvestment of Rs 240 crore. mittee that will supervise, monitor The SIPB meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chan- and track the progress of environmental clearances of indrababu Naidu also cleared a proposal of Universal Coke dustries, said an official statement. and Power Limited promoted by Shri Ram Ventures LimNaidu asked officials to implement the decisions taken ited, a part of USD 11 billion Shri Ram Group. The com- during his visits to Japan and Singapore. These include setpany proposes to set up non-recovery coke oven plant along ting up Japan Desk and also working on introducing Japanwith 35 MW Cogen power plant in Nellore district near Kr- ese language in the state’s universities. ishnapatnam port with an investment of Rs 725 crore. This The chief minister laid out a plan to develop a four-lane will create employment for 1,525 people. road along the coast between Visakhapatnam and Kakinada. The SIPB cleared four proposals of Shahi Exports Pvt He also said that a canal linking Godavari River be created Ltd, which is one of the largest garments export house in alongside this four-lane road in order to channelize the India. The company proposes to set up four garmenting water to Visakhapatnam.
LULU’S FoRAY INTo TELANgANA LULU Group, a leading retail chain in the Middle East, plans to invest Rs.2, 500 crore in Telangana next year. M. A. Yusuf Ali, the Chairman of Abu Dhabi-based group, shared this information when a delegation led by Telangana Minister for Information and Technology, K. T. Rama Rao called on him in Dubai. The LULU group is the largest retail chain in the MiddleEast which has over 100 hypermarkets and a turnover of over USD 5 billion, an official statement said. Ali is considered to be the wealthiest person of Indianorigin in the Gulf. The LULU group wishes to invest in three projects in Telangana—a fruit and vegetable processing unit, an integrated meat processing unit, and a modern shopping mall in Hyderabad. A team from the group will visit Hyderabad in the first half of January 2015 with detailed project reports. It will seek assistance of the government in identifying suitable land for the three projects along with seek help in obtaining various approvals.
Mr M A Yusuf Ali
february 2015 | india empire 35
business AnD inVesTmenT
ONGC VIDESH IN NZ ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas arm of state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation in December announced that it had won an exploration block in the Taranaki offshore basin in New Zealand. “The exploration permit has been awarded to us by New Zealand Minister for Energy and Resources Simon Bridges at Wellington Tuesday,” ONGC Videsh Ltd said in a statement. ONGC Videsh Ltd’s foray into New Zealand takes its presence to 17 countries for a total of 36 projects. “Our maiden entry into the Taranaki basin provides an opportunity to explore the hydrocarbon potential in the region and act as a foothold for greater participation in the far-east region,” said Narendra K Verma, Chief Executive, ONGC Videsh Ltd. ONGC Videsh Ltd submitted bid for exploring the block in Taranaki basin in October though the competitive bidding round began in April for five offshore and three onshore release areas.
Mr Narendra K Verma
As the country’s largest international oil and gas firm, ONGC Videsh Ltd produces 160,000 barrels of oil and oil equivalent gas per day and has reserves of 637 MMtoe.
LookINg AT THE SUNDERbANS
EXPANSION BY SPENCER’S RETAIL
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in December took a select group of industrialists on a tour to the world’s largest mangrove forests. She urged them to help the Government in developing tourism infrastructure. “I request you to Ms Mamata Banerjee pump in money for promoting tourism and developing infrastructure in our state, particularly the Sunderbans,” Banerjee told the 25 industrialists accompanying her on a two-day infrastructure and tourism development tour. The Chief Minister promised all assistance from the Government saying her regime has a positive approach towards industrialisation. Ambuja Neotia Group’s Chief, Harshavardhan Neotia promised to come up with a Rs 50 crore project involving construction of 50 cottages as part of an eco-tourism project. The project, expected to be completed in two years after the start of construction by mid next year, would create 150 jobs, he said.
Multi-format food-first retailer Spencer’s Retail, part of the Rs 15,000 crore RPSanjiv Goenka Group, will open 10-15 stores annually over the next few years, a top official said in December. The company plans to open nine stores this year as Mr Sanjiv Goenka against the 11 stores it opened in fiscal 2014. “Our plan is to open 10-15 stores every year with stress on the hyper format,” said company’s Sector Head (Retail), Shashwat Goenka on the sidelines of a programme. He said the company would spend between Rs 40 crore to Rs 60 crore a year on the expansion. The organizsation runs about 126 stores, including 33 large format ones, across 40 cities in India employing over 4,500 professionals.
36 india empire | february 2015
ReseARCH AnD DeVeLOPmenT
inDiAns in RussiA
BENZ OPENS VISA ABOLITION PROPOSED SECOND FACILITY
Mr Thomas Merker
German automobile major Mercedes-Benz in December opened its second research and development facility here to expand research and development and information technology activities in India for its parent firm Daimler AG. “The India research and development centre plays a crucial role in our global R and D organisation, with 200 patents filed for innovation in automotive development since our entry into India 18 years ago,” said MercedesBenz R and D India officiating Chairman, Thomas Merker in a statement. Spread over 266,000 square feet, the sprawling facility at Embassy Crest in the city’s eastern suburb, has capacity to house about 2,400 employees, 400 more than its present strength. “As India is a high potential market for us, the centre will ensure that development initiatives are in accordance to customer needs,” Merker said. Being in proximity to its first R and D centre at Whitefield Palms, the new facility has functional collaboration for shorter development cycles and robust growth. “As India’s Silicon Valley, since Bengaluru has strong IT footprint, we are here to take advantage of its bright talent pool for our R and D centre, which is in line with our global IT-strategy to further expand and have diverse skills, know-how and foreign cultures,” Daimler Chief Information Officer, Michael Gorriz said on the occasion. The new facility also has a shared service centre for SAP applications and developments for mobility services, computer simulations and augmented reality. Daimler uses Mercedes-Benz as its brand for luxury automobiles, buses coaches and trucks.
Mr Denis Manturov
Russian authorities are discussing abolition of visas for Indian businessmen and tourists, Russian Industry and Trade Minister Mr Denis Manturov said in December. Abolition of visas for entrepreneurs and tourists was discussed, he said after a meeting with the leadership of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. “The next step is abolition of visas for tourists and entrepreneurs. We constantly discuss it, and I think the process to settle it will not be long,” Manturov said. The minister did not say when the visa regime would be abolished, saying it was under the jurisdiction of the foreign ministry and migration services. “We are interested to have progress in this and will provide possible assistance for the colleagues,” he said. Manturov did not say whether India would also abolish visas for Russians, but traditionally such steps are made on a mutual basis. Earlier, India introduced electronic visas for citizens of more than 40 countries, including Russia. A person is not required to apply to the Indian embassy, a consulate or a special centre to receive a visa. A traveller must fill a form on the special website and pay a fee by a bank card no later than four days before the trip. An electronic visa may be granted for up to 30 days no more than twice a year for tourist and business trips, medical treatment or visiting friends and relatives in India. february 2015 | india empire 37
eXPORTs
ODISHA EXPLORING PORTUGUESE MARKET Aiming to enhance its export of seafood products, the Odisha Government has initiated steps to exploit new market linkages in Portugal. The Government has decided to send a business delegation to Portugal where per capita consumption of marine food is highest in the world. The decision was taken Thursday in a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary G.C. Pati and attended by Jitendra Nath Mishra, Ambassador of India to Portugal. Mishra proposed sending a business delegation to Portugal headed by Pati to exploit new market linkages for sea food, tourism, textiles and handicrafts products of Odisha in Portugal. While Odisha has vast potential of seafood products, there is also great demand for these products in other countries and regions like European Union and Japan. “Odisha has the advantage of having naturally grown sea food in Chilika Lake. The aquaculture farmers of Odisha also do not use any anti-biotic chemicals. As such, Odisha can claim to be a naturally grown anti-biotic sea food zone,” said a release of Odisha Government. The Chief Secretary advised fisheries department to examine all the technical details for the purposes of certifying Chilika products as naturally grown seafood.
He also asked the seafood exporters association to set up a marketing promotion cell of seafood for ensuring quality of the products and establishing long-term market linkages. Presently, seafood export from Odisha amounts to Rs 1817 crore, with an annual growth rate of 30 percent. Thirty-one seafood processing units are exporting seafood products from the state, out of which 11 processing units have been approved by the European Union.
Car saLes sHoots up Car-makers’ association, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in December reported that the domestic passenger car sales in November has grown upto 9.52 percent, which stood at 156,445 units. The Indian automobile industry had sold 142,849 units in the corresponding period of 2013. Data furnished by SIAM showed that total passenger vehicle sales, which include cars, utility vehicles and vans, in the month under review, went up by 5.42 percent at 212,438 units from 201,521 units in November 2013. For last month, SIAM reported a 9.05 percent growth in commercial vehicles sales, which is a key indicator of economic activity. The sales stood at 47,686 units, up from 43,730 units in the corresponding month of 2013. The sale of threewheelers rose by 3.14 units at 41,737 units from the 40,468 units sold in the corresponding month of 2013. SIAM said that total two-wheeler sales in the month under review grew by 4.89 percent at 1,301,431 units from 1,240,795 units sold in the corresponding month of 2013. Total scooter sales in the period under review zoomed by 26.49 percent at 386,547 units from 305,586 units sold in the like period of 2013. However, motorcycle sales de38 india empire | february 2015
clined by 3.05 percent at 853,254 units from 880,078 units sold in November 2013. Exports for the month went up by 31.98 percent at 334,410 units from 253,378 units being shipped out. Total vehicle sales in November grew by 5.03 percent at 1,603,292 units from 1,526,514 units sold in the corresponding month of 2013.
bOOKs
TOWERING FIGURE Sat Maharaj: Hindu Civil Rights Leader of Trinidad and Tobago An authorised biography by Kumar Mahabir Book review by Kamille Bachan Price: TT $100/Pages: 264 ISBN: 978-976-8249-70-8
Sat Maharaj: Hindu Civil Rights Leader of Trinidad and Tobago is an exclusive study of the life of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most contentious public figures, Satnarayan (Sat) Maharaj. The author, Kumar Mahabir, is an anthropologist and assistant professor at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). Over the past four decades, Trinidad and Tobago has witnessed the emergence of Sat as a religious and ethnic leader and spokesperson for the majority of Hindus and Indians. As the Secretary General of the major Hindu organisation, the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, he has become a household name for both his achievements and controversial statements - the latter often overshadowing the former, creating a somewhat tainted public reputation. In this book, Mahabir presents readers with the opportunity to look beyond Sat’s negative portrait, and to examine his successes and failures as told by the subject and the people who knew him best. The book is a compelling and substantial work. Mahabir breaks new ground by providing the first comprehensive look at Sat. He heralds Sat as the “champion of Hindus and Indians” and demonstrates this claim by disclosing personal details of his subject. The biography reveals the transformation of Sat from a little boy from humble beginnings in Caroni to a well-known Hindu civil rights leader. The biographical narrative shares the story of Sat in nine ample chapters. The book begins with a young Sat enjoying his childhood and school days. The transition from an aggressive, sporty young boy to a responsible and committed pupil-teacher is richly documented. As a Hindu teaching in a Canadian Presbyterian Mission Indian School, Sat experiences his first form of discrimination. By the age of 22, Sat is married, bringing forth many changes in is life. The second half of the book focuses on Sat as the Secretary General of the Maha Sabha, the organization that
would become synonymous with his name. Mahabir utilized this segment of the biography to address the controversial topics that has plagued Sat throughout the years. The readers are introduced to Sat’s side of the story in dealing with religious and racial prejudice by the former Trinidad government, and non-Indians in the multi-ethnic society. The final section of the book ends with a sample of articles written by and on Sat Maharaj, as well as a transcript of an in-depth interview with a newspaper journalist. The book is certainly a fresh look at a well-known public figure in the context of Trinidad and Tobago’s history. To paint the story of Sat, Mahabir utilised a simple writing style which flowed smoothly into sub-headings in each chapter. The crisp writing makes it an easy read for a versatile audience such as academics, recreational readers and persons with an interest in religion, politics and ethnicity in Trinidad and Tobago. The biography is also made interesting by the author’s subtle use of comparisons between Sat’s past teenage experiences and his present public character. Sat Maharaj: Hindu Civil Rights Leader of Trinidad and Tobago is a biography that will fascinate any open-minded reader. A particular weakness is noted. One may question if the tone of writing contains favouritism towards Sat. Due to the author’s cultural and religious similarities to the subject, a reader may wonder if the book can sometimes appear as justification of the views and actions of Sat, rather than retelling his story. Nevertheless, the book provides a valuable and informative study of a public figure who has made his way into the nation’s history. Mahabir has written a book that Sat’s critics should read in an attempt to understand the man behind the public persona. For copies of the book, contact dmahabir@gmail.com ❐ or vkmaharaj@live.com, Tel: (+1-878 756-4971). february 2015 | india empire 39
inDO-mAuRiTius Ties
“Mauritius keen to become bridge for india to africa” By Ranjana Narayan Mauritius is keen to become a “real The JV terminal would be conbridge” for India to invest and connect structed at an investment of around $130 with the rest of Africa and with Europe,” million to facilitate re-export of petrosaid Showkutally Soodhun, the new vice leum products from Mauritius to Indian prime minister of the Indian Ocean isOcean Islands and mainland Africa, land who is of Indian descent and who is thereby making Mauritius a petroleum proud of his “Hindi roots”. hub while also increasing the oil security “We want that Mauritius be a bridge of Mauritius. Soodhun, who gave a for India, a real bridge for India, and speech in Hindi at the World Hindi Day through Mauritius they can come and incelebrations on January 10, referred to vest and go to Europe and Africa. This is India as “Bharat Ma”. very important,” Soodhun said. The Indo-Mauritian population of Soodhun, who was in India to attend the island nation is an overwhelming 68 the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Gandhinapercent of 1.3 million, all descendants of Mr Showkutally Soodhun gar and later in the capital to attend the indentured Indian labourers who were World Hindi Day celebrations, was full of taken to work in the sugarcane fields in praise for the Government of Prime Minister Narendra the former British colony. Soodhun said Mauritius would Modi. “This is a new Government (in India) and we are also support India at international fora and that India and Maua new Government. It is a very dynamic Government,” he ritius were going to work together in all aspects. said of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Government. The Mauritius minister also said his country would give The Mauritius general elections of December 10, 2014 its full support to India for popularizing Hindi across the brought former Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth back world. “On the world stage, for popularizing Hindi, if there into the saddle. Soodhun is the minister of housing and is a need to support Bharat Ma, then Chhota Bharat (as lands in the Government. According to Soodhun, bilateral Mauritius is known) will lend its support wholeheartedly,” relations between India and Mauritius were getting “even he said in Hindi. Soodhun said he felt great pride in his more cemented, and our economic, social and political links Hindi roots. He confessed that he was an “aashiq” of are getting even closer”. Hindi, along with other languages like English, French, He said though the Mauritius Government was very new, Arabic, Bhojpuri and Swahili. He said Mauritius had “our prime minister has sent me (to India) to go and give a launched a Hindi union in colleges and universities to teach good signal - that we have such high regard for India and Hindi and popularize it. He said Mauritius wanted to are so keen to strengthen our relations”. spread Hindi, which was “as sweet as ganna” (sugarcane Soodhun said Mauritius was planning to purchase all pe- juice), across the world. troleum products from India. “All our petroleum products Soodhun said both Mauritius and India want to give their will come from India, worth $1 billion for three years.” In people “roti, kapda aur makan” (bread, clothes and houses). December, the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd “This is what we are doing.” Soodhun met Modi and Exter(MRPL) entered into a MoU with STC Mauritius and Indian nal Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other ministers dur❐ Oil Corp (IOC) to set up a petroleum terminal at Mauritius. ing his India visit.
40 india empire | february 2015
inDiAns in mALAYsiA
MIC seeks to resolve crisis The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), the largest ethnic Indian party in the country, has decided on a moratorium to allow it resolve the internal party crisis over elections for its central working committee, according to media reports. “I and my deputy Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam will stand down. We will have a moratorium. I do not want the party crisis to escalate... This will give us a period of noncrisis to resolve the issues that have come up,” the Malaysin Star quoted MIC president Mr G. Palanivel as saying in a statement. The MIC is a coalition partner in Malaysia’s ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) led by Prime Minister Mr Najib Razak. “We will meet and decide on the next course of action that will satisfy all quarters as soon as possible,” Mr Palanivel added. The MIC has been facing the danger of disintegration after the Registrar of Societies in December last year ordered it to re-elect its 23 CWC members and three vicepresidents. It directed the party to hold the internal elections within 90 days. But Mr Palanivel made new appointments without prior consultation with the existing committee members and his
Mr G. Palanivel
deputy, who called the move arbitrary. The statutory body also held the appointments null and void. The MIC president said the proposal for moratorium would allow the party members to hold discussion with the prime minister. “I agree to a moratorium to allow both sides to discuss with the Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as chairman of BN to find the best way forward to resolve the crisis,” Palanivel said in the statement.
Malaysia keen to contribute to ‘Make in India’ according to a press release by ReMalaysia is keen to invest more in search and Information System for India to contribute to the governDeveloping Countries (RIS) that orment’s ‘Make in India’ campaign, visganized the seminar. iting Malaysian Trade and Industry He said that Malaysians have been Minister Mr Mustapa Bin Mohamed investing abroad and there are many said in New Delhi in January. Malaysian companies in India also. Addressing a seminar on “IndiaMalaysia is set to make more investMalaysia Trade and Economic Coopment in India to contribute to ‘Make eration in the Context of Indian in India’ campaign, he added. Economy Dynamism and India’s Act Malaysian investments in India stand East Policy” here, Mr Mohamed said at $6 billion while Indian investment that India and Malaysia have been in Malaysia is only $1.2 billion. close friends and are important tradMr Ravi Capoor, joint secretary, in ing partners. Their bilateral trade volthe commerce and industry ministry, ume stands at $13.5 billion and is added this is the time for East. He poised to reach much higher levels in said that while there is an Indiafuture. Malaysia CECA in place but its utiliHe also emphasised on IndiaMinister Mustapa Bin Mohamed sation has been only 5 percent. “To ASEAN relations and said that India overcome this, we need to educate has been important in bridging the gap between Association of Southeast Asian Nations mem- our industries to increase our business,” he said. Mr Sachin Chaturvedi, director-general, RIS said that bers. He said that this is a crucial time for Malaysia as it with the change in government, India is undergoing many has assumed the ASEAN chair this year. Mr Mohamed stressed on developing closer partner- policy changes of which four dimensions could be highships to tap the huge unrealised economic potential be- lighted. These include investment, infrastructure, ease of tween India and ASEAN through greater doing business, technology and innovation and labour rebusiness-to-business and people-to-people collaboration, forms. february 2015 | india empire 41
inDiAns in usA
Americans know nothing about Sikhism: Study By Arun Kumar Although more than half a million Sikhs live in the US, a majority of Americans are unaware of what Sikhism is and some admit wariness when seeing their Sikh neighbours, according to a new study. Conducted by Washington-based Hart Research Associates, the study released in January shows that there is enormous potential to increase awareness and enhance positive sentiments toward Sikhism within the broader American public. In particular, greater understanding can be achieved by sharing information that emphasizes Sikhism’s belief in equality regardless of gender, race, or religion, highlighting the strong parallels between Sikh values and American values, and explaining the significance of the turban, it said. The report, “Sikhism in the US: What Americans know and need to know,” was commissioned by the National Sikh Campaign (NSC) to analyse Americans’ current view of Sikhism and identify key messages to increase their acceptance of Sikh Americans. The study was developed to provide Sikhs a foundation for awareness-based initiatives that dispel the misperceptions that have driven the dramatic rise of hate-based violence against Sikhs since 9/11. “This landmark study will help the Sikh community by giving us the ability to educate Americans in a way that is both relatable and effective,” said Gurwin Singh Ahuja, CoFounder of NSC. “We want to make sure that we pave a way for a conducive environment for our future generations so they don’t have to take off their turban to hide or to feel sorry for their identity,” said Rajwant Singh, a co-founder of the NSC. Researchers found that when survey respondents were given information about Sikh history and beliefs, their impressions grew from “neutral” to “warm.” Groups with the most significant change in views included Republicans, Hispanics and Americans ages 65 and older. “When people learn this information, it creates a fundamental change in the way they think about Sikhs and it’s transformative,” said Geoff Garin, president of Hart Research Associates. Conducted in August and September 2014, the study included information from three focus groups consisting of white Americans with mixed levels of education. It also covered a nationwide survey of 1,144 non-Asian Americans conducted in August and September 2014. ❐ 42 india empire | february 2015
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Most Americans have no knowledge of the religion. Many Americans have never heard of the religion and only 11 percent of Americans have a personal acquaintance or friend who is Sikh. The majority of Americans (60 percent) admit to knowing nothing at all about Sikh Americans and knowledge of Sikhism is substantially lower than for other minority religious groups in the US. With unawareness levels so high, many Americans make false assumptions when they see a Sikh. While this lack of knowledge is a challenge, it also represents an enormous opportunity. Without much knowledge to form attitudes, most Americans rate their feelings toward Sikh Americans as generally neutral or non-existent. Sikhs must tell their American story in familiar and positive terms, highlighting the value of equality. For Millennials and other receptive audiences, explaining the significance of the turban is highly welcomed. The turban is most commonly associated with Sikh Americans, however it is also what makes many Americans uneasy around Sikhs.