India Empire January 2014

CONTENTS

January 2014

Newsmakers .................................................. 16 Interview with Minister Ravi .......................... 08 Interview with Secretary MoIa ..................... 12 Interview with Secretary General, fIccI ....... 20

16

Interview with GopIo chairman .................. 28 Interview with aapI president ....................... 24 Interview with Jonita Gandhi .......................... 34 Meeting at Sandy Hooks ................................. 38 The Gadar centenary .................................... 32 Realty check ................................................. 44

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PBD 2014 As India gears up for its 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, we bring you key interviews with Mr Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs and Mr Prem Narain, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. There is also a curtain-raiser

january 2014 | india empire

7

IntervIew—Government of IndIa

IntervIew wIth Mr vayalar ravI MInIster for overseas InDIan affaIrs

“The diaspora feels they have someone to look after them” Mr Vayalar Ravi has been in charge of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs since January 2006. Apart from the Prime Minister, he probably has had the longest stint among those in the Union Cabinet in any single Ministry run by the UPA Government.

Vastly travelled and widely known, Mr Ravi’s forte has been his ability to make friends among both the newer generation of immigrants such as those in the Gulf, North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific as well as those who are from the older diaspora, such as the ones in Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, the French West Indies, Malaysia, South Africa and Singapore. He’s presided over a Ministry that is still quite new and has the task of engaging with 25 million overseas Indians, scattered across over 140 countries. The job is tough as this heterogenous and diverse group has different aspirations from India. Mr Ravi has built several legacies that will serve the Ministry well in times to come. He spoke to Sayantan Chakravarty, India Empire’s Editor and Publisher, at his office on January 1, 2014.

You have completed more than eight years in this Ministry. It is a record for any cabinet minister in the UPA Government to hold any single Ministry for this long…

(Smiles…) Oh, that is quite interesting but I really do not make such calculations. But let me tell you that I’ve been given additional charge of other ministries. That is a fact.

What is that one single achievement that you’d like to highlight…

In one sentence, I’ve made the diaspora feel that there is a ministry to look after them. They now have faith in the Government of India. That is why they are regularly in touch with me. They feel the ministry is truly for overseas Indians.

Another one is that I gave them a sense of Indian identity by introducing the OCI cards. That you could say is one of the major initiatives, to give them an Indian identity. It is a success, the numbers would testify. Whenever OCI card holders need help, no matter which part of the world they 8

india empire | january 2014

are in, the ministry responds within 24 hours.

You’ve overseen a record number of PBDs. What are the significant takeaways from the event?

It provides overseas Indians an opportunity to get together. They can talk together. They can talk to the Government. They can discuss their aspirations, their expectations, ventilate their problems. One of the issues that I’ve been able to deal with strongly is that of unscrupulous agents who have cheated many people by luring them away to foreign lands, especially the Gulf. We first started our campaign against them by issuing advertisements. Personally I would warn people against the misleading agents at every meeting I attended, every platform I spoke, whether in India or overseas. I even threatened to prosecute them. Today I can safely say that the problem has come down drastically from a few years ago.

How about the issue of voting rights for NRIs? Let me tell you that one day at a get-together, one man

Mr Vayalar Ravi Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs

january 2014 | india empire

9

IntervIew—Government of IndIa

told me that even though he has an Indian passport, he is not an Indian. When I asked him why, he said that he couldn’t vote in India, and that in itself made him feel like an outsider. That sentence provoked me. I took a decision to resolve the issue. I moved cabinet, got the matter of voting rights passed. Amendments were made to the law. You could say that it is another significant achievement. Now when in India, NRIs or Indian passport holders can vote.

We cannot turn it into a postal ballot, because thousands of cases will land up in courtrooms. Now the voting rights accorded to NRIs have made them feel confident about our Ministry. This has been a big helping hand.

What about the recent issues in Saudi Arabia?

The relations between India and Saudi Arabia remain cordial. Indians who were made to return carried wrong documents. But we dealt with the issue in a way that now the Saudi Arabian Government knows that agents can cheat and our expatriates can be stranded without proper papers.

The onus is also on them to check this mischief by unscrupulous agents. It is no longer a major issue.

You have signed a large number of social security agreements…

Yes, these are to help our workers who go overseas.

10 india empire | january 2014

They should be aware of the social security measures that have been agreed upon. Their employment terms must fall under the framework of such agreements. If there is a violation and a complaint is made before us, we’ll move through proper channels to ensure that the employer goes by the rules.

One of the issues that was majorly stirred up two years ago related to Indian students in Australia. How is the situation today?

Things are now back to normal. Students are going back to Australian colleges and universities and enrolling for different programmes. Now we have ways and means to protect their interest. At the same time we’ve told the Australian Government that they must check agents who are exploiting the students. Issues related to students are always sensitive, and must be handled carefully.

What is your message for the diaspora?

The message is that they should feel close to India.

Here’s a Government, here’s a Ministry that wants them to feel close. At the same time they should go along with the system in the country of their domicile and stay within legal frameworks. When you are legal, you are protected. ❐

IntervIew—Government of IndIa

IntervIew wIth Mr PreM naraIn secretary, MInIstry of overseas InDIan affaIrs

“We want our bonds with Overseas Indians to strengthen” Mr Prem Narain joined as Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in November 2013. He speaks to Sayantan Chakravarty, Editor and Publisher, India Empire on enhancing and enriching the engagement with the Indian Diaspora in the coming months Please take us through your vision for the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs…

This Ministry is a relatively new one that was created out of the Ministry of External Affairs and some part of the Ministry of Labour. It is playing a very important role insofar as overseas Indians are concerned. There are areas of concern like labour issues, law and order, harassment of Indians for no fault of theirs. This Ministry is there to create confidence so that these people overseas who need us do not feel that they are being left out in the cold by the Indian Government. The Ministry should be able to make them take more interested in partnering in the development process of the country. We hope that with all the different schemes that we have, plus celebrations such as the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and regional PBDs, we are able to provide a good platform for engagement with India to the overseas Indians.

At the diplomatic levels we need to be more proactive, and our Ministry can do some more work in that area. We already have funds in place that may be required for any emergency operations to support overseas Indians. We have delegated powers to heads of missions. We are thinking of making the fund bigger, and more effective, and are working in that direction.

I think this ministry would have a very important role in future for engagement with the nation’s own people stationed overseas in the development process in India. I think there is a lot of scope in that. Some of the Indians, for instance, have won Nobel Prizes but we have not been able to engage much with them, or take from their rich pool of knowledge and skills.

Institutions that can build links with them are yet to evolve and come into place. I’d like to work in this area, it is like a personal agenda for me. We would not want the efforts of eminent Indians overseas go waste in this country. In a sense we need to benefit India from the efforts they have put in.

12 india empire | january 2014

Mr Prem Narain Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs

The numbers seeking the OCI cards are growing at a rapid pace. This could be a sign that there is a greater interest in the diaspora to engage with India. How does the MOIA plan to

capitalize on this?

You are right. There are about 15 lakh OCI card holders at this point in time. The largest numbers have been issued in London (about 2.5 lakh), New York (about 1.8 lakh), San Francisco (about 1.3 lakh), Birmingham and Houston (about 1 lakh each). OCI cards have been issued by about 148 countries. The number of card holders is increasing at a great pace, nearly 1,000 cards are being issued each day. This gives us the confidence that those Indian brothers and sisters who are staying outside also want to have link with the home country. That link could be economic, cultural and social in nature. We have to take advantage of that interest. For that we have a number of programmes so that the interest is maintained. For the interest to be fruitful and for getting tangible benefits, we need to keep on pumping our efforts into sustaining these activities, and into growing them. We have the confidence based on the OCI cards that our engagements can accelerate in science and technology, finance, banking, economics. These are a few fields we’d like to concentrate upon. It has to be a two-way affair because India is a big market. If international organizations can take such great interest in our markets, why should our brethren be left behind? We want that our own men must come forward first, they are welcome to use our markets such that we benefit from their knowledge, technical expertise, and new products.

How critical is the role of the OIFC—that you chair—going to be in the coming months and years in the engagement process?

OIFC was originally set up as a partnership between the CII and the Ministry. It is a platform that can create more entrepreneurial interest in India, a kind of a one-stop-shop that provides handholding services.

The OIFC is an e-platform that has taken various initiatives. There are already 10 lakh visitors to the site.

About 50,000 subscribers receive e-newsletters. There are 11 state partners who are taking the help of OIFC to coordinate with their own people abroad. It serves a definite purpose of attracting investments and is helping overseas Indians in engaging with states. There are experts available for online help and chats.

The Global Ink and the India Development Foundation are two institutions created by the MOIA and launched by the Prime Minister. How far have they been able to fulfil their mandate?

The Global Ink is an initiative of the OIFC. It aims to build a network of knowledge and bring in outstanding innovations in healthcare, education and science to India. There are 151 registered users, among them the Cardiology Society of India, the Shankar Ne-

“

There are about 15 lakh OCI card holders at this point in time. The number of card holders is increasing at a great pace, nearly 1,000 cards are being issued each day. This gives us the confidence that those Indian brothers and sisters who are staying outside India also want to have link with the home country. That link could be economic, cultural and social in nature. We have to take advantage of that interest. For that we have a number of programmes so that the interest is maintained

”

tralaya and the Neurological Society of India.

The IDF has a noble aim of attracting overseas Indian philanthropy. It is exempted from the provisions of the FCRA. We have received some funds from three or four corners which are being utilized in Assam and Rajasthan through NGOs. But plenty needs to be done.

One of the requirements that is coming in the way is that the IDF can deal with only those NGOs that have FCRA exemption. This exemption is something most NGOs don’t go for, not at least in the initial stages, so that limits the scope of engagement. The process of exemption is long, we have taken up the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Philanthropy should be hassle-free, otherwise people will walk away. We are looking at bottlenecks and impediments and are trying to find ways of quickly getting them out of the way.

The Know India Programmes have made a steady impression on the minds of young overseas Indians about an India that is changing and growing rapidly. In that direction the Youth Pravasi is a january 2014 | india empire 13

IntervIew—Government of IndIa

Mr Prem Narain had earlier served as the Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development. Here is seen during a Press Conference

commendable move. Your comments please…

We are into the 27th KIP. Each KIP is on an average attended by 40 young overseas Indians. It is an effective tool to familiarize them about India. They meet constitutional authorities, they ride the metro. They get a physical idea of what India is like. They get impressed, and then they want to continue their connection with India. This has been our endeavour, to get them interested in India. Now we are getting into the 3rd and 4th generation of overseas Indians, and even beyond, so it is important that the younger generation engages with India. We do not want their bonds to be lost, and their interest to wane. There is another aspect to this engagement. As per the 11th census, about 50 per cent of Indians are below 25 years of age.

There is also a strong need for the youth in India to engage with youth from overseas. This year we have taken a conscious decision to hold a youth PBD on January 7. Two batches of the KIP youth will be there, as will be those who are part of the Study India Programme (SIP). We are trying to give them a feeling that we care. We want social and cultural bonds to flourish in years to come.

The diaspora is diverse. The older diaspora and newer emigrants have vastly different expectations from their engagement with India. How do you plan to address their different issues in months to come?

Yes, that is true. The expectations of different generations of the diaspora are different, that is the basic premise. That is why the Ministry has different schemes that 14 india empire | january 2014

cater to different sections of the diaspora. Like we have the KIP for youth, we have tracing the root programme, we have insurance and emigration schemes, social security agreements. We realize the differences within the diaspora and have come up with different programmes. Also, platforms such as the PBD are one of the most potent ones that allow for discussions and dialogues, expectations and aspirations to be voiced and recorded. There is another very important platform—the Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council for Overseas Indians (PMGAC-OI)—that is made up of eminent overseas Indians. It is encouraging that most of them find the time to come every year to attend their meetings. They have become the brain behind some of the new engagement, for instance the FDI in multi-brand retail has emerged out of the recommendation of the PMGAC. Similarly, Doordarshan is now present in Africa, it is a result of another recommendation made by this high-powered Council.

Anything special this PBD that you’d like to highlight?

The Youth PBD on January 7 is, of course, important, because as mentioned, half of our population is below 25 years of age. We want to engage the overseas Indian youth, and this platform will provide a good opportunity to engage in a better way. This time the exhibition will be held on a grand scale, we’ve had huge demand for exhibit space. We also will surpass previous registration records at this PBD. ❐

moIa feature

PBD 2014

CURTAIN RAISER Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated of India under the chairmanship of L. M. Singhvi. on January 9 every year to mark the contribution The Prime Minister, receiving the report of the of Overseas Indian community in the develop- Committee at a public function at Vigyan Bhavan ment of India. January 9 was chosen as the day to in New Delhi on January 8 2003 announced the celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in "Pravasi Bharatiya Divas" on January 9 that year.

1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, The 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas would be returned to India from held during January 7–9, South Africa. He subse2014 at Vigyan Bhawan, quently went on to lead New Delhi. The Theme THE 12 PBD EVENTS India’s freedom struggle for this year is Engaging and changed the lives of Diaspora: Connecting ● 2003 1st PBD New Delhi Indians forever.

Across Generations.

PBD conventions are According to Mr Prem ● 2004 2nd PBD New Delhi being held every year since Narain, Secretary, Ministry ● 2005 3rd PBD Mumbai 2003 (see box). These conof Overseas Indian Affairs ventions provide a platform (see interview on page 12), ● 2006 4th PBD Hyderabad to the overseas Indian comthis year a conscious deci● 2007 5th PBD New Delhi munity to engage with the sion has been taken to Government and people of hold the Youth PBD on ● 2008 6th PBD New Delhi the land of their ancestors January 7. Two batches of ● 2009 7th PBD Chennai for mutually beneficial acthe KIP youth will there, tivities. These conventions as will be those who are ● 2010 8th PBD New Delhi are also very useful in netpart of the Study India ● 2011 9th PBD New Delhi working among the overProgramme (SIP). “We are seas Indian community trying to give them a feel● 2012 10th PBD Jaipur residing in various parts of ing that we care. We want ● 2013 11th PBD Kochi the world and enable them social and cultural bonds to share their experiences in to flourish in years to ● 2014 12th PBD New Delhi various fields. come,” Mr Narain has said.

During the event, indiHe added that the viduals of exceptional merit are honoured with the Youth PBD is also important because half of our prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to own population (as per 11th Census of India) is appreciate their role in India’s growth. The event below 25 years of age. “We want to engage the overalso provides a forum for discussing key issues seas Indian youth, and this platform will provide a concerning the Indian Diaspora. good opportunity to engage in a better way. This The decision to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya time the exhibition will be held on a grand Divas was taken in accordance with the recom- scale, we’ve had huge demand for exhibit mendations of the High Level Committee (HLC) space. We also will surpass previous registra❐ on the Indian Diaspora set up by the Government tion records at this PBD.”

january 2014 | india empire 15

Cover Story—newSmakerS

OVERSEAS INDIANS

newsmakers

2013 To make a selection of impactful overseas Indians from a community that throws up champions time and again is never an easy task, and always a tough ask for editorial desks. Overseas Indian newsmakers in our list come from Malaysia, U.K., U.S.A., Canada, and the tiny French Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe. Each one selected is an outstanding individual, and has made highly impactful contributions to their communities and economies. In some ways, their life itself becomes a message to the rest of the world, a message that excellence is a state of mind. By their unwavering attention to what they pursue, through their relentless drive to be the change they wish to see in the world, these overseas Indians make us all believe that the sun truly does not set on the Indian Empire, in the broadest sense of the term. —Sayantan Chakravarty

16 india empire | january 2014

Tan Sri Datuk Dr Mohan Swami Chairman, Board of Governors, Perdana University Together with Johns Hopkins, he established the Johns Hopkins Dr. Mohan Swami Institute of International Medical Education (SIIME), which promotes medical education globally. PUGSOM (Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine) is Malaysia’s first American-style, graduate entry medical school, founded in 2010 in collaboration with the world renowned Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHUSOM). The school features Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s innovative 4-year “Genes to Society” curriculum. Graduates of this programme are awarded the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Perdana University in collaboration with JHUSOM. PUGSOM students benefit from a world-class faculty supplemented by visiting adjunct faculty from Johns Hopkins and other prestigious universities. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Mohan Swami’s philosophy in life is to “live in this world and yet be above it.”

Dr Renu Khator President, University of Houston Dr Renu Khator, a member of the Indian Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council on Overseas Indians, has taken UH to greater heights since she became president five years ago. In 2013, total lab space on campus has grown to almost 1 million square feet. The number of undergraduate chemistry and biology lab sections has doubled. Number of students in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering and math—has increased by 26 per cent at the undergraduate level and 35 per cent at the graduate level. More than 11,000 students are enrolled in degrees that serve and shape the healthcare industry and 40 per cent of sponsored research from basic and allied sciences, to social sciences and humanities, is in the area of health.

Dr Rami Ranger, MBE, FRSA Chairman, Sun Mark Limited Dr Rami Ranger, MBE, FRSA is a British Indian businessman who has set an outstanding record that will be difficult to emulate. In the capacity of Chairman, Sun Mark Ltd., he has been conferred the Queens Award for Enterprise for five years in a row. No other firm in Britain has ever achieved this, let alone a firm owned by an NRI. Overall, the honours and recognition by the Queen that he’s received number 7. Over the past nearly one decade his firm has grown in double digits, which taking into account recession in Europe and Britain, is highly commendable. The company today markets a variety of products in over 110 countries.

More recently, he has been recognized as the Director of the Year (2012) by the Institute of Directors, U.K. It is a prestigious professional recognition by fellow directors in Britain.

Considering that he started out from a shed with two pound as capital, his achievements are quite staggering.

Dr Jayesh Shah President, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Dr Jayesh Shah became the youngest ever president of this prestigious organization in 2013 (see interview on page 24). He has worked with AAPI for more than 15 years, initially getting involved with the institution’s local chapter in Texas, his home state. AAPI represents 100,000 physicians of Indian origin in the USA. It also represents 20 per cent of students in US medical schools that are of Indian origin.

It is the largest ethnic medical organization of a diaspora, globally, influencing important issues such as graduate medical education, physician work force and shaping healthcare delivery in the US. The 165 alumni, subspecialty and regional organizations are the backbone of the AAPI. His vision is to work together with all Indian physicians all over the world with a common goal—to bring accessible and innovative health care. january 2014 | india empire 17

Cover Story—newSmakerS

Ms Jonita Gandhi Singer Jonita Gandhi is a Canadian resident and an NRI. She moved to Canada with her parents, when just nine months old (see interview on page 34). She grew up in Toronto. It is her great passion for Indian music that has brought the youthful and pretty singer to India. She made her Bollywood debut with one of the highest grossing movies— Chennai Express—in 2013. She has a complete western accent and is trained in English classical music at the Ontario Conservatory of Music. But it was her candlelight cover of Bollywood songs that turned a rage on YouTube, recording over 2 million views in less than a year. Her passion for Bollywood music is what makes Jonita one of the few singers from outside India to have made it on their own in the Indian film and music industry.

Dr Kunal Saha President, People for Better Treatment Columbus, Ohio-based Dr Kunal Saha tirelessly pursued the case of his wife, Anuradha, who died due to reckless medical practices at Kolkata’s AMRI. During a 15-year-period of litigation through various levels, culminating in a landmark judgment of the Supreme Court in 2013, Dr Saha maintained that the doctors used wrong drugs, prescribed excessive doses and did not provide minimal supportive therapy. Additional tests could have prevented her death. He also said doctors in India are generally reluctant to discuss the drugs they use, their side-effects and the treatment protocol with the family or the patient, even though they are legally and morally bound to provide a complete picture to the patient and duty bound to obtain “informed consent”. The AMRI was asked to pay Rs 5.9 crore to Dr Saha. Three doctors were asked to pay Rs 25 lakh. With interest, the overall amount is about Rs 11 crore.

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Mr Inder Singh Chairman, GOPIO International His initiative and relentless pursuit for the centennial commemoration of the Gadar Movement resulted in the release of a commemorative stamp by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi in 2013. It also led to the announcement on the upgradation of the Gadar Memorial Hall in San Francisco to a functional library and museum. Mr. Singh has co-authored The Gadar Heroics, a book on the Gadar Movement and Gadarites that was published in June 2013, and writes regularly about the Indian diaspora and, in particular, the Indian-American diaspora. Mr. Singh has built several Indian community organizations over the last 40 years and has served the Indian-American community at the local, national (US-wide) and international levels.

Mr Michel Narayninsamy President, GOPIO, Guadeloupe In 2013, Mr Michel Narayninsamy, President of GOPIO Guadeloupe successfully led a campaign to have a memorial installed in favour of 34 Indian men and one Indian woman who had been left to die inside the prisons in Ilet A Cabraits in the 19th century. The prison area was called a House for Correction. Today, the area has been declared a conserved territory, and it receives very few visitors. This story was kept a carefully-guarded secret for well over a hundred years

by French authorities in the Caribbean Island. The Indians were sent to the Ilet A Cabraits because they had wanted to return home, and did not wish to remain indentured and work under severely testing conditions in Guadeloupe. Most of the Indians who were taken by the French to work the sugarcane economy of the Caribbean islands hailed from Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, Yanam and Chandernagore.

They helped prosper France’s economy.

IntervIew—BuSIneSS

IntervIew wIth Mr K K ananD, DIrector, InDIa overseas consultants Pvt. ltD.

“We need ease of investment” Mr K K Anand’s company is a Lead Partner for the Global Indian Business Conference being held on January 10, 2014 at the Federation House, New Delhi (www.gibc2014.com) He speaks to India Empire on the role his company wishes to play

On the firm’s role at the GIBC… India Overseas Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. has been involved with the first Global Indian Business Conference (www.gibc2014.com) organized by Invest India, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the India Empire Group on January 10, 2014 in New Delhi.

Through a range of consultancy services and with the help of sector experts, it is able to provide Investment Solutions to those seeking Investment Opportunities in India and Overseas.

On growth opportunities in India…

This is a critical time in Indian history.

We are witnessing a period when India is on the doorsteps of becoming a giant economy. It is already challenging the likes of USA, China, Japan and Europe.

But to go forward we need to create a climate of ease of investment. Investors cannot be in fear of rule books and red tapism. We are here to build investor confidence, and ensure that their projects get implemented smoothly without having to run into bureaucratic bottlenecks. We also have a law firm called Anand Law Practice that will aid investors.

On the sectors that services are provided…

Our portfolio has power, oil and gas, SEZ, e-Commerce, Entertainment and Media, Retail, Inland Waterways, Infrastructure Finance, Mining, Ports, Civil Aviation, Highways, Education, Healthcare, Tourism and Hospitality and ❐ Urban Infrastructure.

Mr K K Anand, Director, India Overseas Consultants Pvt. Ltd. january 2014 | india empire 19

IntervIew—BuSIneSS ChamBer

IntervIew wIth Dr a. DIDar sIngh, secretary general, feDeratIon of InDIan chaMBer of coMMerce anD InDustry

“Despite global slowdown, the India story remains strong” Dr A. Didar Singh has completed over a year as Secretary General, FICCI, an organization that will be partnering the Government for the second year in a row to host the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. As someone who served as Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Dr Singh mixes his experience and background with the Indian Diaspora with deep insights in policy making within the Government. In his leadership role in FICCI, he is able to throw light on how Indian industry can benefit through an intensified engagement with global investors. He speaks to Sayantan Chakravarty, Editor and Publisher, India Empire You have completed one year at FICCI. This will be the second PBD that FICCI will be involved in since you joined. What are the value-adds you think that are being brought in to this PBD? PBD as you are all aware is the flagship event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. It is already an established brand. It is no more an event, it is actually a continuous movement. It is a movement that basically connects and enhances the engagement of diaspora with India. That engagement has various parts to it—it can be political, social, economic, and, therefore, related to finance and investment. FICCI as an organization works at all levels internationally, including with diaspora bodies, and is, therefore, able to bring in that extra connect to the event. FICCI has good organizational capabilities—it organizes over 300 events each year. The PBD is one more event where we are able to showcase and bring forth the very best of FICCI in terms of organization skills, and to ensure that the event passes extremely smoothly. We did the Kochi event last year and it went very well.

Invest India, a partnership between FICCI and Government, is involved in the organization of the first Global Indian Business Conference. What is the message that can go out to Global Investors at this point …

The message to global investors is that India is an ongoing and important story. Despite the slowdown of the economy first at the global level, then at the Asian level and 20 india empire | january 2014

South Asian level, the India story remains very strong. And why does it remain strong?—firstly, we are one of the largest markets in the world, you cannot ignore a 1.2 billion strong market. Secondly, our fundamentals remain extremely strong as a country, our policies are in place and have been that way for several years. The opportunity, therefore, in this kind of a market is very high and as I say to investors, when you come in on the downswing your benefits during the upswing are that much higher.

What are those core sectors in India, according to you, that need plenty of collaboration for growth in India?

The most important requirement of India really is manufacturing. Yes we have done extremely well in the services sector in the last few years with IT leading the charge. But we have to become strong in the manufacturing sector because that is where the jobs will come from. Being the youngest nation in the world, with a huge population of youth and a requirement of providing almost 100 million jobs in the next 5-10 years, we must be able to bring in more manufacturing into the country. That is the sector that will provide the jobs. It is the most important sector where we need investment, where we need the upsurge. But to be able to have that upsurge, we need the infrastructure. We must be able to improve in that area. There is a huge opportunity in infrastructure, simply because there is so much of requirement. Also, we look at this potential for investment because of the ease of doing business in India. It is a very

Dr A. Didar Singh Secretary General FICCI

“

The message to global investors is that India is an ongoing and important story.

Despite the slowdown of the economy first at the global level, then at the Asian level and South Asian level, the India story remains very strong

important feature which FICCI works at with several state Governments and Central Government.

What is the role of the SME sector in the growth process of the country?

SME sector for India is in many ways like the blood that flows through the veins of the economy. It is most important, it provides the most important connect, and is there for every part of the body, for every part of the economy.

It is there from north to south, east to west. There are two parts to the SME story, the formal and informal sectors.

Both are equally important, they are the ones that provide jobs and business at small and local levels. When the SME sector does well for the country, it enhances the productiv-

”

ity of the country as a whole. The single most important area where we need this to happen within the SME sector is the Exports Sector. It will enable the country to benefit from the downswing that is presently there, enable the country to address issues related to current account deficit and address the import-export balance issue.

Is FICCI getting involved in the exports sector?

FICCI has always been involved in the export sector. Incidentally, FICCI has just established the FICCI Confederation of Medium and Small Industries. For the first time we’ve decided that we should have such a body, given FICCI’s strong network and strong branding. We would leverage this confederation to promote the SME sector. Though we’ve had january 2014 | india empire 21

IntervIew—BuSIneSS ChamBer

Dr. A Didar Singh speaks at the Regional PBD at Toronto in the year 2011

an SME cell for many years, here we’ve actually established a new organization that can be national in nature and is right up there at the highest level to bring in the best policy changes and services for the SME sector as a whole. This is a significant push that we at FICCI have given to the SME sector, and we hope that many will join it. And as that sector grows, the whole export base will grow. Also on the export front, FICCI’s various committees are at work in the services and goods areas and exports continue to remain a very important factor in them. Various committees are trying to improve productivity and competitiveness. The moment you improve competitiveness in your manufacturing and your services, you’ll have a better export market.

Historically, FICCI has contributed to the growth process by encouraging debate, articulating the private sector’s views and influencing policy. How do you plan to take these areas forward in 2014?

The greatest contribution that an organization like FICCI can make to the economy is really the platform that it offers. It is both a network and a platform. It is a place where you network to get more connectivity and engagement in different issues, whether it is manufacturing, services or any other aspect of it. And the second important aspect of that networking is that here is a high level platform. When you speak from that platform, your voice is heard. FICCI, with the kind of reputation it has at national and international levels, is a voice that is heard.

In that context it is an important feature of the work that we do and continue to do.

Also because we have been a strong organization for so 22 india empire | january 2014

many years with such strong international connect, we receive a lot of requests to engage with incoming delegations and VIPs that come from overseas. They also usually accompany heads of states. We also have infrastructure of our own, from a large auditorium, to a large number of conference rooms to breakout rooms. It is an obvious choice for organizations to interact with Indian Industry and overseas visitors.

Please take us through your expansion and growth in membership since your inception in 1927…

FICCI is one of the largest of the old organizations. It was established in 1927 at the behest of Mahatma Gandhi who appealed to Indian businesses and to Indian industry at that time to also support the freedom movement. That is the background of FICCI, we are always very close to the requirements of the nation and the economy in that sense. That has been our strong tradition. FICCI also has always been a federation.

Other chambers and associations have joined FICCI, currently we’ve over 300 such chambers and federations as members and through them over a quarter million corporate and company memberships around the country. We have a direct membership of 1,700 of large corporates, and that really makes FICCI a very strong platform across states, and covering the country as a whole. That is one reason why our voice has been strong over many years. Also we have a direct relation and partnership with 140 organizations around the world, and that has made our international connect such a strong one. ❐ —Dr A. Didar Singh will be moderating the inaugural session at the first Global Indian Business Conference being held on January 10, 2014 at the Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi. For details log on to www.gibc2014.com

north aMerIca Indians in North America have emerged as the single largest as well as fastest growing component of the Indian Diaspora. Their achievements and status have earned them the respect of the other communities in North America. After all, the term “brain drain” was coined because of the migration of highly qualified professionals to the United States. Dr. Hargovind Khurana’s Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1968 and Dr. S. Chandrashekhar’s Noble Prize for Astrophysics in 1983 are outstanding examples of their kind for a first generation of the Asian Diaspora.

The achievements of PIOs and NRIs in North America are not confined to the United States. Indo-Canadians have also come to be highly respected for their professional skills in medicine, academia, and engineering. They have made noteworthy achievements in public life. Ujjal Dosanjh’s election as Premier of British Columbia was a landmark not only for Indo-Canadians but also for the North American Asian Diaspora.

—Excerpts from the Report of the High Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora

january 2014 | india empire 23

heaLthCare enGaGement

IntervIew wIth Dr Jayesh shah, PresIDent, aMerIcan assocIatIon of PhysIcIans of InDIan orIgIn

“One in seven patients in USA is seen by an Indian physician” AAPI represents 100,000 physicians of Indian origin in the USA. It also represents 20 per cent of student in US medical schools that are of Indian origin. It is the largest ethnic medical organization of a diaspora, globally, influencing important issues such as graduate medical education, physician work force and shaping healthcare delivery in the US. The 165 alumni, subspecialty and regional organizations are the backbone of the AAPI. Dr Jayesh Shah, President, AAPI, speaks to India Empire’s Editor and Publisher Sayantan Chakravarty

You’ve had a phenomenal rise to the top of the AAPI echelons, becoming the youngest ever president of this prestigious organization. It speaks well of the democratic processes within the AAPI… I had started leadership in various organizations at an young age, but I have worked in AAPI for more than 15 years before reaching where I am today. I started early by getting involved with the local chapter in Texas and I have served in every capacity on that ladder. Yes, it surely speaks well of the democratic processes within AAPI. What is your larger vision, and mission for AAPI? One in seven patients in USA is seen by an Indian physician. With this statistic in mind, I see a much larger vision for AAPI. AAPI physicians should actively take part in health care reform and improve the health care in USA. AAPI has already taken a lead and formed AAPI global leadership council to connect with leaders from all over the country. Our vision is to work together with all Indian physicians all over the world with a common goal—to bring accessible and innovative health care.

What is your greater vision for yourself as an individual, and how would that vision blend in with AAPI’s objectives?

I want to continue to serve organized medicine in United States. I want to continue to work on health care issues nationally. AAPI with its strength in membership should be at 24 india empire | january 2014

the forefront for any health care reform, and personally I would like to merge AAPI’s vision into the broader vision of improving American health care system. Globally, AAPI should advocate for accessible, affordable and quality health care to every patient.

By and large the Indian medical community has built up a formidable reputation. We’ve all heard stories of Indian doctors being the preferred choice. According to you what has contributed to this remarkable branding?

US educated doctors respect Indian colleagues for their compassion, knowledge and work ethics. Indian physicians are a guide and philosopher to their patients in every community of United States. Their work at grass root level has contributed immensely to this remarkable branding.

Who are your greatest inspiration, and why? Please name one person living, and any other from history....

Mahatma Gandhi is one of my inspirations. He was a living example of selfless work to improve lives of people all over the world. He lived by his principles of truth and nonviolence.

I was impressed by his quote, “My message is my life.” He was brought up in a Bania family from Gujarat, just like me. His book “The story of my experiments with truth” gives the message that any great person like Gandhi can have similar weaknesses that every human being has, but still he can overcome them and achieve his goals.

I derive great inspiration from Mr. Abdul Kalam. I was fas-

Dr Jayesh Shah President, AAPI

january 2014 | india empire 25

heaLthCare enGaGement

Dr.Shah with Neha at a AAPI convention (left), and Dr. Shah with Senator and Ambassador Meera Shankar at Washington AAPI convention (top)

cinated by his book “Wings of Fire” and Vision 2020. He also was born into an ordinary family and became an innovator, nuclear scientist, and then the President of India who continues to spread his message to bring about social change in the community even after his term. His message to bring harmony at home, community, society can bring peace all over the world.

AAPI has been at the forefront of bringing in good healthcare practices to India. Please tell us about your India vision…

AAPI has done extensive work since last several years trying to bring affordable, accessible and quality care to every individual in India. AAPI, in partnership with multiple global leaders along with Indian experts in various specialties are meeting together to develop best health care practices and guidelines for various diseases.

You have a conference scheduled in Ahmedabad in January 2014. What is the main agenda of that conference?

To be attended by nearly 1,000 delegates from around the world, Global Health Summit 2014 is a forum for exploring the most innovative, efficient, cost-effective healthcare solutions for India. It aims at advancing the accessibility, affordability and quality of world-class healthcare to the people of India. While seeking to identify ways for greater collaboration and cooperation between the physicians and health care providers in India with those of Indian origin and major healthcare providers abroad, the Summit will focus on prevention, diagnosis, treatment options and share ways to truly improve healthcare transcending global boundaries.

What are the principal challenges before the Indian 26 india empire | january 2014

healthcare sector?

Access to quality health care ✢ Emergency medical treatment ✢ Biomedical waste disposal ✢ Guidelines for appropriate clinical trials ✢ Linking primary and community health care to academic health centers to provide quality health care ✢ Need for fellowship programs in Infectious diseases, emergency medicine and trauma ✢ Prevention of hospital acquired infections by providing good infection control practices. ✢ Shortage of health care providers ✢

Medical Value Travel or Medical Tourism is a growing area in India. What your tips for success to the Healthcare Industry in India?

India is pioneer in providing best health care at cheaper rate. India has very talented physicians and with growth of corporate hospitals, medical tourism will continue to increase.

What are some of the fundamentals that have made healthcare system in the USA accomplished and sound? ✢ Standardization of acceptable practice of medicine and treatment guidelines, ✢ Accreditation of hospitals by regulatory agencies, ✢ Mandatory Continued licensing /Continuing ME requirement ✢ Support of trained allied health professionals, nurses to the physicians. ❐ —Dr Jayesh Shah is a speaker at the first Global Indian Business Conference being held on January 10, 2014 at the Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi. For details log on to www.gibc2014.com

IntervIew—dIaSpora Body

IntervIew wIth Mr InDer sIngh, chaIrMan, goPIo InternatIonal

“GOPIO has been at the forefront of networking the global Indian community” Mr Inder Singh wears many hats but the one that has been seen wearing the most over the last three decades is the hat of a community entrepreneur. He’s well respected and much feted in this role world over. Leadership comes naturally to him. As current chairman of GOPIO International—one of the most respected overseas Indian organizations across the globe—he’s been a persuasive livewire when it comes to galvanizing opinion and taking up causes dear to overseas Indians. One such cause he’s pioneered is the Gadar movement’s centennial celebrations in USA and Canada in 2013. He determinedly pushed the Government of India into holding a Gadar oration at the PBD 2013. Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan singh released a commemorative stamp on Gadar at the same event.

He speaks with Sayantan Chakravarty, India Empire’s Editor and Publisher You have been part of the Pravasi movement in a big way. Please talk us through the initial years…

For the first time in the history of overseas Indians, a successful attempt was made in 1989 to bring the global Indian community together on one platform. The National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), a national body of people of Indian origin in the USA, which was headed by Inder Singh, organized the First Global Convention of People of Indian Origin (PIO) with Dr. Thomas Abraham as the convention convener.

At the conclusion of the five-day convention, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) was formed. Fourteen years later in 2003, Government of India organized a convention of overseas Indians, called Pravasi Bhartiya Divas which is now a highly-promoted annual event.

How much has the Diaspora gained from it?

GOPIO’s initial mission was to address the interests and concerns of overseas Indians— people of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). GOPIO, since its inception, has been creating awareness and promoting understanding of issues of concern—social, cultural, educational, economic, and political—of 28 india empire | january 2014

Indian Ambassador to the USA, H.E. Nirupama Rao (second from left) releases the book in Washington in the presence of Mr Inder Singh

Mr Inder Singh presents a copy of the book titled Global Indian Diaspora—GOPIO Making An Impact to Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr Vayalar Ravi, in New Delhi

the NRI/PIO communities around the globe. GOPIO also provides an active and well-recognized platform for dialogue and discussion to the worldwide Indian Diaspora and to further advance that objective, GOPIO has been at the forefront to network the globally spread overseas Indian community by regularly organizing conferences in various parts of the world. GOPIO conferences and conventions have helped bring the Indian Diaspora closer to mother India and have strengthened the inherent bond between India and its Diaspora. After all, the destiny of India's Diaspora, in many ways, is intertwined inextricably with India.

You took over as GOPIO President exactly 10 years ago. Please talk through the contributions made during that decade‌ Yes, in January 2004, I took over as GOPIO president. It was a daunting task for me to revitalize GOPIO by starting chapters in various cities in countries with substantial NRI/PIO population. During the five years of my presidency, I tirelessly worked and succeeded in starting over 50 chapters in various countries. I started several Councils (departments of GOPIO) to serve the diverse interests of the global Indian community. I brought about several organizational changes to accommodate expansion. With the increase january 2014 | india empire 29

IntervIew—dIaSpora Body

(L-R): Tara Jyote (grand daughter), Mollie (daughter), Deepi Singh (wife), Inder Singh, V.J. Singh (son), Simran (daughter-in-law), Sasha Jyote (grand daughter)

in the number of chapters and Councils and their activities and involvement of more volunteers, the new GOPIO widened its outreach and enlarged its activities manifold.

GOPIO chapters and Councils—Cultural, Academic, Philanthropic, Human Rights, Media, Health Services, Youth and Women’s – have several opportunities for continuous involvement of the members of the Indian Diaspora to serve the diverse interests of the global Indian community. GOPIO continues to take up issues of the NRI/PIO Communities and lobbies for their resolution.

Please talk us through the planning and execution of the Gadar programmes held by GOPIO International in 2013…

Our efforts to get recognition for Gadar heroes began in 2003 when GOPIO in collaboration with the National Federation of Indian Associations (NFIA) organized the 90th anniversary of the Gadar movement in Fremont, California. Former president K.R Narayanan made a special trip to the US to be the chief guest for the anniversary event.

In June 2011, we started asking the Government of India to commemorate the centenary of the Gadar movement in a befitting manner. We contacted India’s Consul General in San Francisco, India’s ambassador, some ministers in India and sent a request to the prime minister’s office (PMO).

After relentless pursuit, the PMO agreed to make the Gadar centenary as part of Parvasi Bharatiya Divas in 2013.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh recognized the Gadar movement as part of India’s independence movement at the 2013 Parvasi Bharatiya Divas. In his speech, the prime minister said, “This year, we are celebrating the centenary of the Gadar Movement, which was a luminous spark of support in distant California for the struggle for independence being waged at home in our 30 india empire | january 2014

country. Apart from commemorating it by the issue of a special postage stamp, we will also upgrade the Gadar Memorial in San Francisco into a functional museum and library with a sculpture to honor the Gadari Babas, the heroes of the great movement.”

Please give us a background of the Gadar movement…

The Gadar movement was started by NRIs on the West Coast of America and Canada to throw the British out of India.

In 1913, immigrants from India formed the Hindustan Association of the Pacific Coast in Astoria, Oregon, to liberate India from British colonialism. Its headquarters was established in San Francisco from where a magazine titled Gadar was also launched. Gadar magazine became very popular among Indians in a short period of time and the Hindustan Association of the Pacific Coast itself became known as the Gadar Party under the leadership of Lala Har Dayal and Sohan Singh Bhakna.

As many as 8,000 Indians went back to India from all over the world to throw the British out of India. Their attempt did not succeed and they paid a heavy price for their valiant effort: 46 were given the death sentence, 69 were given life imprisonment, over 125 were given varying terms of imprisonment, 15 were convicted in the Hindu-German Conspiracy Trial in San Francisco and several people from the armed forces were court-martialled in India.

Gadar Centennial Commemoration is a GOPIO initiative in our effort to preserve and promote Indian history and culture. ❐ —Mr Inder Singh will be delivering a special address at the first Global Indian Business Conference being held on January 10, 2014 at the Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi. For details log on to www.gibc2014.com

the Gadar proGrammeS

reMeMBerIng heroes froM a

100 years ago Under the leadership of Mr Inder Singh, Chairman, GOPIO International, a host of events related to the Gadar Centennial Commemoration were held across the United States of America. One event was also held in Canada. Here’s a summary Washington Launch On November 3, 2012, GOPIO held a launch of its GOPIO Gadar Centennial Commemoration at the Indian embassy, in Washington, D.C. in the presence of India’s ambassador Nirupama Rao, Ambassador Bayney Karran of Guyana, Ambassador Neil Parsan of Trinidad and Tobago and Ambassador Subash Mungra of Suriname.

Los Angeles On June 16, 2013, GOPIO International chairman Inder Singh organized Gadar Centenary Commemoration event in Los Angeles at Sheraton Hotel and paid tributes to Gadar heroes. Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee and Consul General of India N. Parthasarathi paid glowing tributes to Gadar heroes. Well known historian Prof. Stanley Wolpert was the keynote speaker, with his references to the movement drawing frequent applause by the audience.

Prior to the evening banquet, a seminar was organized highlighting the importance of the Gadar movement in India’s freedom struggle. Consul General N. Parthasarathi also released a book titled The Gadar Heroics by Inder Singh and Sayantan Chakravarty. The 176-page book gives a brief history of the Gadar Movement and bio-sketches of over 60 Gadarites who were either given the death sentence, or life imprisonment or sentenced in the so-called Hindu German Conspiracy Trial.

Atlanta The Atlanta event was organized on June 29, 2013 by GOPIO Atlanta chapter in collaboration with the Indian American Cultural Association (IACA). Former premier of British Columbia, Ujjal Dosanjh, Consul General Ajit Kumar, GOPIO International Chairman Inder Singh and eminent community leaders of the local Indian American community graced the event.

Hon Ujjal Dosanjh, noted in his keynote speech, “The Gadar Movement was an integral part of the history of India’s independence”.

Consul General, Hon. Ajit Kumar called the Gadar Movement a movement of “progressive, democratic, secular people who represented one religion- that of patriotism.” He said that 32 india empire | january 2014

the movement inspired many leaders such as Subhash Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh.

GOPIO International Chairman Mr Inder Singh presented a brief history of the Gadar Movement and said, “We have roots of over a century in this country.” He added, “We Indian Americans must lay claim to this history and encourage future generations to take pride in our heritage”.

Surinder Pal Singh, Atlanta-based grandson of Gadarite Bhagwan Singh Gyanee, spoke about his grandfather’s efforts, commitment and struggles. He authored several books and articles, and finally returned to India in 1958.

Opening remarks were made by Kaushal Tripathi, president of IACA. GOPIO Atlanta chapter President, Bhairavi Nadgonde introduced Inder Singh and Dr. Paddy Sharma made the closing remarks.

Washington Revisited The Gadar Centennial Celebration held on July 29, 2013 in the Washington, DC marked the occasion with a historical seminar, speeches, poetry, awards, music and dance. The daylong program was arranged by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) of Metropolitan Washington, in collaboration with many international and American Indian organizations.

Pointing out the historical perspective of the Gadar Movement in the US, Professor Harbans Lal from Dallas, Texas, said it started with a small group of people and impacted India thousands of miles away with full force.

The Indian ambassador to the US, Niupama Rao, said it was a significant centennial celebration, because we are meeting here in the US where this movement was formed on its West Coast that heralded the freedom movement in India and we won our ultimate independence.

In March 2013, Jeevan Zutshi of Indo-American Community Federation (IACF) organized the Gadar commemoration seminar in conjunction with the annual Unity dinner at the Newark Fremont Hilton. In September 2013, GOPIO Berlin headed by Barjinder Sodhi, organized Gadar centenary celebration in Berlin. Over one hundred people attended the event.

In December 2013, Goojha organized centenary event in Paris.

India’s ambassador was the chief guest. Over one hundred people attended the event.

LEFT: Renuka Mishra, Inder Singh, Ambassador Rao, Ashook Ramsaran, Piyush Agrawal and Jay Bhandari. RIGHT: GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh, Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee and Consul General of India N. Parthasarathi

India Empire publisher published a Gadar supplement which was distributed at the PBD in Kochi. We collaborated with Munish Gupta of PIOTV.COM to make a 20-minute documentary on the Gadar movement.

The movement started 100 years ago when there were only a few thousands of Indians in the US and Canada. Now there are over 3.2 million in the US alone and about a million in Canada. However, there is little awareness among the Indian immigrants in the US, although Indians in Canada are more aware of the Gadar Movement.

History of Indians in the US or Canada is not taught in schools. So, there is no awareness in the generation of Indians who went to school in this country. If we, Indians in the US and Canada, want others to know about us, then we must first know who we are. We can ignore our heritage at our own peril.

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots,’’ according to Marcus Garvey who is the national hero of Jamaica.

In addition to GOPIO, several other organizations have organized commemorative events in Canada and the US. Some of the events are listed below.

Consul General of India, San Francisco Consul General of India, San Francisco, invited about 80 community leaders from states in his jurisdiction and launched Gadar Centenary celebrations. The occasion was India Independence Day celebration on August 15, 2012.

dren participated in the event.

Gadar Memorial Foundation of America, Sacramento Gadar Memorial Foundation of America, Sacramento organised commemorative Conference at the Gadar Memorial Hall, San Francisco on 13 July 2013. Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala, Mr. Sita Ram Yechury, Member Parliament, Dr. Harish K. Puri, retired Professor of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Dr. Mohinder Singh, Director Bhai Vir Singh Sadan New Delhi, Professor Bruce La Brack of the University of Pacific, Stockton, Ms. Johanna Ogden, Dr. Kulwant Singh from UK and GOPIO chairman spoke in the conference.

Federation of Indian Associations, Fremont Gadar Movement was the central theme of the India Independence Day celebrations organized on August 18, 2013,

by Federation of Indo-American (FIA), Fremont, California. An estimated 75 thousand people participated in the celebrations.

Astoria, the birthplace of Gadar Party City of Astoria and Oregon Historical Society sponsored Centenary of Gadar Movement on October 4-5, 2013. A Gadar Centenary Historical Plaque was installed at Maritime Memorial Park, Astoria.

Union City, Indo American Cultural and Sports Association All Day event at Logan High school on October 6, 2013.

Portrait of Kartar Singh Sarabha Indian Consulate in San Francisco is the only Indian government office in the world, which displays portrait of Kartar Singh Sarabha in the lobby of the Consulate. The Consul General unveiled the portrait of Gadar martyr on May 17, 2013 in the presence of community leaders and members of the ethnic media.

University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada The Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies organized Gadar Centennial Conference on October 17, 2013 in Vancouver.

Several well known scholars from Canada and America were invited to speak at the all-day conference. GOPIO chairman spoke on the role of Irish Americans in Gadar movement.

Indian Association in Fresno Indian Association in Fresno organized Gadar Centenary event in March 2013. Speakers from Canada, USA and India were invited to speak. GOPIO chairman was invited to speak. The highlight of the event was that several chil-

Indo-US Heritage Association, Fresno, California Indo-US Heritage Association, Fresno, organized Gadar Mela on October 20, 2013, to celebrate the centenary of Gadar Movement. Over 4,000 people attended the event. GOPIO ❐ chairman was the keynote speaker. january 2014 | india empire 33

muSIC

INTERVIEW WITH JONITA GANDHI, PLAYBACK SINGER, CHENNAI EXPRESS

“I was at the right place at the right time” Being a Canadian resident and an NRI, Jonita Gandhi had spent her entire life in Toronto but it is her great passion for Indian music which brought youthful and pretty singer back to India.

Jonita has a complete western accent and is trained in English classical music but it was her candlelight cover of Bollywood songs that claimed her popularity amongst the Indian folks.

Her candlelight cover music on YouTube have been a rage and recorded over 2 million views in less than a year. Her passion for Bollywood music is what makes Jonita one of the very few singers from outside India to have made it on their own talent in the industry. A Health Sciences graduate and HBA, has made signing her life. After shifting her base to Mumbai recently, she made a Bollywood debut with one of the highest grossing movies “Chennai Express”. She sure is no novice to music, having been a part of a band back in Canada but the young singer undoubtedly started with scratch in Bollywood. In an exclusive interview with India Empire’s Assistant Editor Misha Singh, Jonita talks about her journey so far

You have been brought up in Toronto and have a western accent. How did you manage to get the flawless command over Hindi?

I've been singing Hindi film songs since I was a very young child. Also, my parents speak Hindi around the house. Although we have lived abroad our entire life, we still have a strong connection to our language and culture. My parents helped instill this in me right from the start.

Who do you draw inspiration from?

I can draw inspiration from anything and anyone - I haven't necessarily followed any particular one artist throughout my life. In many ways I draw a lot of inspiration from my father, whose hardworking nature has taught me to keep trying my best.

Your father was a musician and you started singing in his band at a very young age. Was your father the driving force behind your dream to be a singer?

Yes. From a very young age he started to encourage me to learn songs and perform them. I gave my first performance with his band when I was 7 years old at one of his Christmas gigs. From then

34 india empire | january 2014

onwards, he has been instrumental in my success.

You have been a Management student. What led you to realize that you wanted to be a singer?

Growing up, music has always been my passion and my "first love". However I still wanted to complete my higher education and I was a pretty dedicated student. I was interested in sciences and even wrote my MCAT so that I could apply to medical schools. But, realizing that medicine would allow me too little time for my music, I decided to complete a 5-year double degree program instead. I graduated with a BHSc and an HBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. Throughout my studies, my passion for singing only strengthened - to the point where I decided that after completing my degrees, I would pursue it full time and see where it takes me - and here I am!

How has your journey been from Toronto to Mumbai?

I've had a great journey from Toronto to Mumbai thus far. I've been fortunate in that I've met some really great people and have had the opportunity to

Jonita Gandhi

january 2014 | india empire 35

muSIC

work with like-minded individuals with immense passion for their work. I do get homesick from time to time but I'm very focused on my work. I travel back home as often as I can afford it, to be with family and work with my colleagues in Canada... but I believe I am a citizen of the WORLD and I will continue to go where my voice takes me. Overall, I must say, I can't complain!

You have taken training in English classical music from Ontario Conservatory of music. How is it different from India classical music?

Western classical singing is completely different from Indian classical. It is a much more structured form of music and singing western classical often involves much more projection and vibrato. For my recitals, I had to sing in an auditorium full of people and be heard without a microphone. Indian music involves a lot more improvisation. Both styles of music have their own unique challenges.

You made you singing debut with Bollywood’s biggest starrer film ‘Chennai Express’. How difficult was it to find the spot in the same?

Chennai Express being my Bollywood debut was a matter of me being in the right place at the right time.

I recorded it with no expectations of them keeping my part, and I was thrilled when I found out that my vocals would stay in the final song.

What do you have in mind for the near future?

I'm working on some independent songs and collaborations at the moment. There is no limit to what I

36 india empire | january 2014

want to experiment with and I plan to keep trying new things as I continue to develop my voice. Along with original works, I will be coming out with a couple of Bollywood releases in the upcoming year, God-willing.

You are a singing sensation in India with a huge fan following. How does it make you feel?

That's a generous statement! I'm thrilled to have people who believe in me and follow my work. The greater my following gets, the more I feel motivated to work harder and bring out great music. My fans are a blessing to me and I owe it to them to keep practicing and pushing forward!

You are an inspiration for youngsters settled abroad aspiring to be singers. How do you think you are impacting the Indian diaspora around the world with your talent and art?

I haven't given much thought to that! I think the internet has really made the world smaller and living "abroad" is no longer a barrier to musical collaborations/projects. Several of my collaborations with Aakash Gandhi (88keystoeuphoria) were done remotely. We recorded the audio and shot the videos from different ends of the world, and used the internet to edit it all together. I think people who follow my work have seen that you can make great music no matter where you are, and I'd love to encourage aspiring singers to keep at it and not get discouraged by physical distance. Talent doesn't remain hidden for too long. Use the resources you have—the internet, social ❐ media—and get yourself heard!

Sandy hook

canDlelIght

for vIctIMs “The vigil has been organized to show solidarity with American families against senseless violence and to honor the little angels, 6 to 7 year old school children and heroes, the teachers of Sandy Hook Elementary,� said Rajinder Singh Mago. He was speaking as a coordinator at the interfaith prayer and candlelight vigil organised at the Gurmat School of Sikh Religious Society, Palatine for the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. The observance took place on December 14, 2013.

The tragedy of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Connecticut took place on December

38 india empire | january 2014

14, 2012 where 20 first grade children and 6 adults were killed. Twenty-year-old Adam Lanza had forced his way into the elementary school with his assault weapons and started shooting to kill children and teachers. The school principal and psychologist had jumped on the gunman to stop him and sacrificed their own lives for the sake the school kids. Victoria Soto, 27 another heroic teacher gave her life to save the lives of her class children whom she hid in the closets and bathroom.

Other teachers had also shielded the young students by putting their own body in front of the bullets.

Another grave shooting incident at the Wiscon-

sin Sikh temple was also recalled at the vigil. It was a mass shooting incident that took place on August 5, 2012. In the episode, Wade Michael Page had gravely shot six people and wounded four others at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Following the killing, Page took his own life by shooting himself in the head after he was shot by a responding police officer.

Retired Lieutenant Brian Murphy the Hero of Oak Creek Wisconsin Police Department, the first responder to the Oak Creek Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shootings who took 15 bullets was a Special guest speaker.

He was honoured with a public service and bravery award plaque by the SRS president Mr. Sokhi Singh and other SRS board members. He was also given a head wear of honor (SiroPao) by Bhai Gurjant Singh and a gift check by the SRS board on behalf of the community. “It was a beautiful ceremony and it is wonderful what SRS as a community were able to do for Lt. Brian Murphy,” said Megan Nakano President of Japanese American Citizens League and chairperson of Asian American Coalition of Chicago who participated at the vigil.

The program at the Gurdwara congregation hall was conducted by Amrith Kaur Aakre, Assistant State’s Attorney Cook County Illinois. The speakers who paid tributes to the victims included Kulwant Singh Hundal, Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra, Laddi Kaur Singh, Matt Flamm, Marty Castro, Chairman Illinois Human Rights Commission, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's office, Tom Choi, Illinois Comptroller Judi Baar Topinka's Public Affairs Manager, Pastor Jeffrey, Church of Christ, Dr. Mary Nelson, Executive Director, Council for a Parliament of World's Religions and Retired Lieutenant Brian Murphy, Oak Creek Wisconsin Police Department, and SRS President Sokhi Singh.

Steve Kim, Candidate for Illinois Lieutenant Governor was also a part of the observance.

Despite snow and bitter cold weather over three hundred community members, neighbours, interfaith leaders and government officials congregated in the Palatine Gurdwara. Keertan was performed by children from Wheaton Gurdwara and Palatine Gurdwara and Mrs. Kanchan Lal, Bhai Mohinder Singh and Bhai Gurjant Singh’s Raagi Jathas were among the performers.

A special prayer "Ardaas" was done by Bhai Gurjant Singh, head granthi of Palatine Gurdwara to pray for the departed souls and their families to seek peace, harmony and love in this world which is burning with anger and hate.

After the prayers and tributes the whole congregation and guests assembled in the langar hall where candlelight vigil ceremony was held indoors due to snow and cold weather outside.

Maneshwar Singh, a community youth and Loyola University student conducted the proceedings. A moment of silence was held after which twenty six Gurmat School children walked in one by one, announcing the names of one of the twenty six kids killed in the shootings at Sandy Hook last year. All the twenty six children lit one candle each for the deceased. The pictures of each of the twenty six children were projected on two large screens while the candles were being lit for them. Everyone present in the assembly also lit candles in the memorial of 26 lives lost in futile violence creating a solemn ambiance. All the attendees’ hearts were weighed down with sorrow.

The vigil was carried forward by langar, organised for the all the attendees. Everyone indulged in fellowship with conversations about what could be done to avoid such tragedies in the future. Gun control, background checks, mental issues and violent video games were the talking points of groups in the langar hall.

The event was coordinated by Rajinder Singh, Mago Sarwan Singh Raju, Amardev Singh, Jasvir Kaur, Birender Singh, teachers and volunteers of the SRS ❐ Sunday School. january 2014 | india empire 39

IndIa empIre puBLICatIonS

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40 india empire | january 2014

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THE TULIP INFRATECH

BLOSSOMS The big brand name, which has arrived successfully and has made its towering presence felt in the Real Estate World, is none other than Tulip Infratech Pvt Ltd. Tulip is a Real Estate Development Organization with its corporate office in Gurgaon. Tulip is mainly into Group Housing and Commercial Projects which have spread at a very fast pace in Gurgaon and NCR. It is the brainchild of the Chairman and Managing Director Mr. Parveen Jain, who is also the Vice President of NAREDCO (National Real Estate Development Council). He started Tulip Infratech in 2005 and within a very short span of time, has made it a major force to reckon with in the Real Estate world.

Tulip’s six main group housing projects are concentrated at Sohna Road, Badshahpur, Gurgaon which stand tall on whopping 75 acres of land. There are

around 4,800 condominiums in these projects. The nomenclature of these Tulip projects is pleasantly done based on the hues of Tulip flower which goes like Tulip Orange, Tulip Ivory Villas, Tulip Ivory Towers, Tulip White, Tulip Purple and Tulip Violet.

Tulip Ace and Tulip Petals are other major group housing projects, which are located at Pataudi road, Gurgaon. Tulip Grand, yet another Group Housing project is in Kundli, Sonepat. To name a few paradigms of the successful possession of Tulip’s projects – Tulip Grand, Tulip Petals, Tulip Orange come into the picture. Tulip Ivory and Tulip White are also complete. Besides completed projects, around 5 million square feet of residential built-up area is under construction and around 3 million square feet residential and 2 million square feet commercial area is in the pipeline.

january 2014 | india empire 41

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TULIP VIOLET Tulip Violet is the Group Housing Residential project which is one of the most prestigious proffers by Tulip. These multistoried apartments have been designed in consonance with the high-end contemporary lifestyle. The main emphasis of this project is to provide a pollution free natural green environment to its residents so that they can experience and enjoy a peaceful countryside living, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city life of today’s world. Tulip Violet is a Green Building in the making and going for Green Building certification from Indian Green Building Council.

It is spread across over an extensive land area of around thirty nine acres at Sohna Road, Badshahpur in sector-69, Gurgaon. Although Tulip Violet is cocooned inside the tranquil green natural habitat away from the noise, pollution and congestion of the metro city, yet it enjoys all the location advantages which are easily accessible from all the necessities and advantages provided by the metro city. Tulip Violet is located on the 60 meter wide proposed sector road, it is at a distance of

42 india empire | january 2014

only about half a kilometer from the proposed metro and southern peripheral road. Two minutes drive from NH-8 (National Highway) and twenty minutes drive from International and domestic airport.

Tulip Violet will be well equipped with the state of the art facilities like 24x7 three tier security, fully fenced boundaries, dedicated car parking, earthquake resistant RCC framed structures, fire safety compliant, high speed elevators, swimming pools, club, community centre, shopping arcade, kids play area, golf range with putting greens, lawn tennis and badminton courts, jogging track, tree lined roads and walkways, exotic landscaped green lawns with beautiful bollards and lighting poles, ergonomic street furniture and other desired paraphernalia. Vast green Golf course has been delineated in the site where people can enjoy playing golf in sunny winters. Tulip Violet has huge double level and single level interconnected basements, which have been designed to give ample space for car parking along with surface car parking on ground level. All the desired amenities and sports facilities will be provided with in

the complex. Tulip Violet is surrounded by five other Tulip projects and shopping malls, commercial hub, schools, health facilities and temples are in the vicinity of the project.

Undergoing construction in full swing, Tulip Violet being one of the biggest housing projects has two types of towers 3BHK–1578 square feet built up area and 4BHK-2010 square feet built up area. These towers are ground plus fourteen storied. A few towers will have penthouses. Also some towers will be air-conditioned.

The tallest D-type tower will be thirty six-storeyed, more than twice the height of its surrounding towers and will skyrocket into the azure. This Tulip skyscraper will be around hundred and fifteen meters in height.

The small scale versions of the above mentioned Tulip Violet and surrounding Tulip projects can be seen in the beautifully well crafted model kept in Tulip’s office in Gurgaon. The principle architect of Tulip Violet project is Design Cosmos and the landscape architect is UK based Strata RMJM. In Violet, interior material specifications are world class like modular kitchens, granite, marble, wooden flooring, vitrified tiles, anti-skid ceramic tiles, as far as flooring is concerned. For walls acrylic emulsions, permanent texture and paint finishes, ceramic tiles in digital printing will be used. Hardwood door frames with molded raised high density fiber panel doors and UPVC

windows shall be used for doors and windows. Ground floor entrance lobbies will be air-conditioned with exquisite lounges. Facilities like video door phone connected with ground floor lobby, apartment to apartment intercom facility, access control, and guard less entry to each tower will be provided.

Tulip Violet is the best deal for buyers and investors due to above described factors which throw light upon the plethora of advantages which Tulip Violet is proffering. Countryside pollution free green environment away from tensions of hectic life and yet easy accessibility from all important destinations, equipped with all the amenities and sports facilities and what not; has made Tulip Violet the number one choice of buyers and investors. Tulip Violet is creating a micro green environment in the macro environment of the Gurgaon and it is unique and advantageous in every aspect. If one is looking for a dream home, he must go for Tulip Violet.

The end users, investors or clients are the ones for whom Tulip Infratech stands for and works round the clock to convert their dreams into reality, successfully on time. This has been the main goal of Tulip and this organization fulfills its commitments. This is the key to success of Tulip and the main reason for the enviable position of Tulip Infratech where it stands today in the Real Estate World. ❐

january 2014 | india empire 43

empIre feature

IntervIew wIth Dr anIl sharMa cMD, aMraPalI grouP anD PresIDent, creDaI—ncr

“Real estate investment in India is safe for NRIs” Dr. Anil Sharma, CMD, Amrapali Group and President of CREDAI-NCR (an apex body of Real Estate Developers of India), hails from Patna, Bihar. With over 2 decades of experience in Strategic Planning, Budgeting, Project Management, Construction Management and an excellence in executing large-scale projects, he has grown Amrapali Group into a home brand with more than 50 projects in 24 cities across India.

He received a B-Tech degree with distinction from NIT, Calicut and then an M-Tech in structural engineering from IIT, Kharagpur. He followed up his engineering degrees with an LLB and MBA from Patna. Thereafter he started and nourished a technocrat’s career by joining the Government and semi-Government services as Class-I officer.

In 2001, he left his job to accomplish his childhood passion to build tallest buildings and fulfill his dreams. Today the Amrapali Group is the destination to one of the largest home producers in Noida and Greater Noida. Apart from Delhi-NCR, the group has a strong presence in cities such as Bhilai, Lucknow, Bareilly, Vrindavan, Muzaffarpur, Purnia, Gaya, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Raipur, Kochi and Indore, consisting of residential condominiums, commercial plaza, hospitality, multiplexes and residential townships. Amrapali Group has become one of the leading names in quality housing, commercial spaces and township development. On the way to creating milestones, Amrapali Group has entered into many segments like FMCG, Hospital, Education, Hospitality and Entertainment.

Dr. Sharma who is a Guest speaker at IIM Ahmedabad and SIBM Pune has been an expert member in Indian delegations to China, Taiwan, Dubai, Spain, UK and Mauritius.

He has bagged over 140 national and international honours / awards. His consecutive row of success speaks about his dedication towards his professional commitments.

Besides that he is actively associated with many social organizations and works selflessly for upliftment of needy and poor people of the country. He took over a school for girl education in rural areas of Bihar where Amrapali Group imparts value and quality education to more than 1,000 poor children.

Being President, CREDAI-NCR, providing buyers and developers with friendly environment is his foremost priority. With a vision to create transparency, he is listing out his priorities such as focus on consumer awareness and consumer redressal. Not only this, affordability is also a quite noticeable concern for developers who fall under CREDAI-NCR. Through collective and undeterred efforts, he has a broad vision to provide homes to all by joining hands with the Government. He is leaving no stone unturned in this regard.

It is all about his vision, which escalates Amrapali Group to one of the largest home producers in NCR region. Proud to have M.S. Dhoni as their brand ambassador, the group goes the extra mile to ensure timely completion and delivery of projects. He speaks to Consulting Editor Yogesh Sood

44 india empire | january 2014

Dr Anil Sharma

january 2014 | india empire 45

tItLe of the Story

Please talk us through innovative technology being adopted by builders…

Some developers in Delhi-NCR have adopted Form Technology. It is a revolutionary innovation in construction. It allows for speedy, accurate and highly consistent casting of all internal and external walls, columns, beams, floor slabs, stairs and other parts of a concrete building.

As a Group, we also have a vision to bring in pre-cast technology and advancement in our architectural and building development so that we can reduce the cost of our projects to provide affordable home along with luxurious facilities. Moreover, the possession time of dwelling units will also be reduced.

What about your own precast factory at Greater Noida?

The factory is spread across 25 acres of land and is going to have the largest production capacity in India amongst the precast factories existing till date. The factory is getting operational this month (January 2014).

This technology consists of custom–designed precast concrete components like roof slabs, beams, columns, wall panels which offer flexibility in shape and size with a variety of surface finishes and colors. This technology promises us a world of creative possibilities in application and design. The technology / system is very versatile and is equally efficient/ suitable for all types of construction may it be high-rise, low-rise villas, commercial, and parking lots.

Please tell us about the rupee’s sharp dip against the US dollar in the year 2013. Did it tempt NRIs to buy property in India?

The dip has been a major concern for both Government and the people of this country over the last few months. Depreciation in rupee usually leads NRIs into investing in their country. It is their motherland, it is a safe zone investment and they get more value out of the purchase when paying in foreign currency. They do invest in buying homes.

What is the investment like at times like these?

They drive business by about 12-18 per cent. The business stems from their desire to own a second home in India. The business is quite huge, and it emanates from countries like the UAE, Singapore, United Kingdom, USA and Thailand. Also, remember, Indian real estate sector has both quality and potential to provide long-term, secure and high-value returns. It is third largest employer in the Indian economy after agriculture and railways and contributes close to 7 per cent to India’s GDP. What does the future hold in store?

Amrapali Group will continue to expand its efforts to grow by meeting customer needs today and in the future by continuing to build partnerships based on trust, and also by establishing direct relationships with the customers. They accomplish this by responding to changing market conditions, building a performance driven culture that continues to provide value-added construction services to the customers, by improving job-site productivity through effective job controls, maintaining a safe workplace, and utilising the latest technology and by creating an environment that ❐ fosters growth and development of the people.

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Most Promising Projects of Amrapali Group Project Name: Amrapali Sapphire Type of the Project: Residential Location: Sector 45, Noida Specification: 2-BHK/3-BHK & 4 BHK apartments, Pent Houses Price (in sq.ft.): Rs 7000 Possession time: Ready to move in

Project Name: Eden Park Type of the Project: Residential Location: Sector 50, Noida Specification: 2-BHK/3-BHK Price (in sq.ft.): Rs 7600 Possession time: Ready to move in

Project Name: Amrapali Zodiac Type of the Project: Residential Location: Sector 120, Noida Specification: 2-BHK/3-BHK & 4 BHK apartments, Pent Houses, Ground Floor with Lawn Areas Price (in sq.ft.): Rs 5300 Possession time: Ready to move in

Project Name: Amrapali Silicon City Type of the Project: Residential Location: Sector 76, Noida Specification: 2-BHK/3-BHK & 4 BHK apartments, Pent Houses, Ground Floor with Lawn Areas Price (in sq.ft.): Rs 5800 Possession time: Within 6 months, expected date is June 2014

Project Name: Amrapali Leisure Valley Villas Type of the Project: Luxurious Independent Villas Location: Greater Noida West (Noida Extention) Specification: 3, 4 & 5 Bhk independent and duplex villas Price (in sq.ft.): Rs 7000 Possession time: March 2015

prIme reaL eState

IntervIew wIth Mr tarun shIenh, cMD, PreMIa grouP

“Premia is built on transparency and trust” Tarun Shienh, CMD, Premia Group whose hoardings dot the skyline is an iconic figure today. He possesses rich experience in Finance, Investment and Real estate Services Management. He has been instrumental in establishing 3 real estate brands in a short span of just 5 years, a remarkable achievement. Mr. Shienh has headed a sales team of 2,00,000 plus employees at a leading financial firm. It would be no exaggeration to say that he is a brand name in himself and has inspired the youth with his extraordinary vision and sound business acumen. India Empire’s Consulting Editor Yogesh Sood caught up with Tarun Shienh How do you perceive the trend in demand of real estate in Delhi-NCR region at present?

The real estate market in NCR has developed at a very fast pace during the past few years. Today, the market offers tremendous opportunities to developers, buyers and investors.

Currently there is a huge demand in the region, which will be there till 2018. There are a number of factors contributing to this trend, the primary factor being the development of the Yamuna Expressway. It has changed the way Noida and Greater Noida is viewed by investors and given a host of opportunities for developers to fulfill the demands. Though large scale construction activities are going on in the area, these projects will not be able to meet the entire demand. We need many more new projects and concepts to come into the market. In keeping up with the soaring demands, we at Premia Group are also buckled up for the task. At this juncture, we are not only looking at a demanding market, but an intelligent one as well. This has kept us on our toes and inspired us to be at our creative best. Today, the dispensable income for households has risen considerably, enabling people to look for investment options. Travelling abroad is becoming cheaper. In fact it is more affordable to travel to Bangkok or Singapore as compared to Goa. This has got people in direct contact with the western standards of living and hence they have started to demand the same kind of amenities. By 2018, we plan to be widely known, not just across NCR but across the country for our projects and expertise. We strive to be known for our innovative capabilities and are currently directing all our energies towards the achievement of this goal.

Moreover, I, as a professional, have earned a lot of faith over my long career and there are lots of influential and capable people who have confidence in my abilities. Throughout my stint in the financial sector, I have always been involved with a lot of HNI clients. It is during this tenure that I cultivated relationships that are helping me now. All my previous organizations like HDFC, Bajaj Allianz and Max New York are organizations excelling in managing portfolios of high-end clientele. Over the years, I have developed strong bonds with my clients across these organizations and still continue to do so. These clients are now some of the major investors in Premia group’s growth. They have seen me grow over the years and understand that when I am putting myself behind something so religiously, it has got to reap rewards. It is this trust that becomes the source of part of our funding. Besides this, a lot of our clients and existing investors recognize the future of Premia as a bright one. Seeing the positive face of Premia, they have joined hands with us and are investing in the World Class Projects we are developing. The investors are putting their money with us because they know they will grow with Premia’s success. In addition to this, there are several other sources like Debt funding, Banks, Real Estate Venture Capitals and REITs and Customer advances through which we are able to raise funds to sustain our multiple projects. Most importantly, we have repeat customers which primarily mean that our existing customers are repeatedly investing with us which also reflects the level of customer satisfaction that we have been able to provide. We are amongst the very few players.

Managing such a big show in real estate - What are the sources of investment and how do you handle them?

Premia is an organization built on transparency and trust.

Yes, I admit, we are currently operating on a large scale and moving ahead at a feverish pace and that requires massive funding. The sources of these funds are multiple. We are an organization that thrives on the trust people have put in us.

What have you brought to Premia Group that makes it stand proudly where it is today?

The day I joined the organization, I was very clear in my thought process. We had to deliver with trust, transparency and quality and had to add value to our customers’ portfolio. Today whatever we have done or delivered in the market has been very well appreciated. We have faced quite a few challenges but

48 india empire | january 2014

Mr Tarun Shienh

have very successfully overcome them. We have gone through good and bad times and have today emerged as a leading real estate company delivering outstanding projects to its customers. While keeping our creative instincts to be the prime focus, we have added some aspects that are held important by clients such as being straight forward and honest. Another thing I have inculcated in the Premia work culture is respect for deadlines. If we don’t honor timelines, we will never be able to achieve the success we desire and deserve. Customer handling has been my forte for as long as I can remember and this is another major thing I have laid stress on here too.

What is the key to Premia Group achieving such phenomenal success in such a short span?

The key to Premia’s success lies in the way things are handled here. We have a culture of complete transparency, whether it is in the case of customers or our own personnel. We also bank largely on the professionalism we exhibit whilst carrying a business transaction. Our basic intent is to add value to the customer’s portfolio and make them visualize their investment growing. The same is the case with the projects we undertake.

We, at Premia Group, are not ones to shy away from responsibility and that remains one of our major strengths. ❐ january 2014 | india empire 49