CONTENTS 12
12
MAy 2015
08
THE CZECH FACTOR
08
Interview with the Czech Republic ambassador in India
CARIBBEAN STAR Interview with Winston Dookeran, Foreign Minister, Trinidad and Tobago
16
20
16
FDI Review for Overseas Indians
40
NEW USIBC BOARD Committed to grow Indo-US business
20
AZAMGARH TO POTOMAC AND BACK The investment story of Frank Islam
22
41
41 TESTING WATERS Bobby Jindal likely for 2016 US Presidential run
22 PM WOOS CANADIANS Indians excited after Narendra Modi’s visit
DIASPORA QUOTES
WHAT THEY SAY “USBIC and its board remain committed to advancing commercial relationship between the US and India.” —Ajay Banga, USIBC Chairman and President and CEO, MasterCard
“If I run, my candidacy will be based on the idea that the American people are ready to try a dramatically different direction.” —Bobby Jindal, Louisiana Governor and probable American presidency candidate 2016
“I am investing in education in India and the US because it is key to opportunity and the bridge to future success for those from all strata of society.” —Frank Islam, Indian immigrant to US who sold his QSS Group for USD 300 million
“For someone like me, an immigrant who comes from India, I’m beyond grateful, I told the mayor this is not only my American Dream, but it shows that for another girl from a far away country this is possible.” —Raja Rajeswari, newly appointed criminal court judge, New York City
“Wow.” —Richard R Verma, US Ambassador to India after stepping into his ancestral house in Jalandhar
“Modi has already done a lot to boost trade with foreign countries. At one time, we were bogged by filling 16 separate forms. Now, we only have to fill six forms.” —Ramesh Patel, NRI settled in Toronto
“As the world’s fastest growing economy, India is firing on all cylinders and has become attractive to foreign investors.” —Bhim D. Asdhir, President and CEO, Excel Fund
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“Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s presence in the European Parliament has been a true inspiration for European leaders to strongly engage in more inter-cultural dialogue that would lead towards non-violent societies.” —European People’s Party, largest political group in the European Parliament
“Combined with the crucial support for fighting Ebola included in the bill to fund our Government next year, Vivek’s confirmation makes us better positioned to save lives around the world and protect the American people here at home.” —Barack Obama, President of USA, on US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Hallegere Murthy
Ministerial interview
MR WInSTOn DOOkERAn MInISTER Of fOREIgn AffAIRS, TRInIDAD AnD TObAgO
“Contribution of Indian community in TnT significant” Minister Winston Dookeran, Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister, has donned many hats. A profound intellectual, he has taught economics at the University of West Indies for 15 years, been a visiting scholar at the Centre for International Affairs at the Harvard University, functioned as Governor at Central Bank, been a trustee at The Foundation for Politics and Leadership. Back in the early 1990s when he was acting Prime Minister of his country he had to intelligently stave off a coup by a bunch of armed insurgents who held several leaders hostage inside Parliament. One of the insurgents holding a gun to his head inquired about his portfolio to which Mr Dookeran replied that he was the Minister of Planning. The masked insurgent replied, “I sure you did not plan for this one…” Mr Dookeran successfully took charge of negotiations and after six very difficult days managed to restore democracy back in his country. In 2006 he formed the Congress of The People, a political party that is part of the ruling coalition in Trinidad and Tobago. He responds to India Empire’s Editor Sayantan Chakravarty in what is our cover story this issue Kindly comment on the measure of economic and social progress which the present Government of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has accomplished…. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was able to shift the priorities of her expenditure to provide a better deal for the disposes and the lower income groups in the society. She has also been able to give greater emphasis to the issues affecting children, mothers and health. One example of this can be seen through the Children’s Life Fund which was launched in August 2010 to provide funding and critical support specifically for children needing lifesaving, tertiary-level health care services in addition to other health services in the public health system that can now be accessed.These efforts were taken in order to improvehealthcare in Trinidad and Tobago. How does this level of achievement exceed or miss the intended targets? Her achievements in this regard, have exceeded the intended targets in areas such as improvement in water supply, nutrition and access to school at an earlier age.For example, this government embarked on the establishment of standards for Early Childhood Services that have been identified worldwide as a fundamental step towards a cohesive high quality national agenda for early childhood development, thus, a significant number of Early Childhood Centres were built in keeping with this mandate to provide free Early Childhood education to the nation’s children. How much of that has been adapted to circumstances and conditions in Trinidad and Tobago, re8
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gionally and globally? The programme and activity of the government was in response to the circumstances of Trinidad and Tobago where income disparity was growing. It was a challenge for her government to find its rightful place in the regional and global economy, partly as a result of the exposure of Trinidad and Tobago to the external oil market, but also being the leader in the Caribbean region which was under serious stress of a fiscal nature in the aftermath of the 2008/09 global recession. Was the collaboration of your party Congress of the People (COP) and PM Kamla Persad Bissessar party (UNC), the kind of success you envisioned, exceeded or less than expected and reasons for that? The collaboration between the COP and the UNC did not succeed as I had originally envisioned, as the politics of coalition was new to Trinidad and Tobago, the political systems was unable to accommodate the coalition demands. Are you content with the decision making process and your role in the coalition? One of the weaknesses of the coalition of parties was indeed the decision making process, but in the governance of the country, there was a satisfactory achievement in collective decision making process, in other words, while there were challenges in the politics, this did not necessarily reflect itself in the running of the country. My personal role in the coalition was relegated to the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs. I was pleased to have embarked in major changes of those two (2) areas. However, my role in the politics of the coalition was somewhat diminished.
ARTICULATE SPEAKER: Minister Dookeran at the ECLAC in Santiago, Chile may 2015 | india empire
9
Ministerial interview
How has the past few years as a very prominent governing official affected you personally and professionally? During the last few years, I continued my work in the field of academia, having been successful in publishing two (2) major books, namely: Power, Politics and Performance: A Partnership Approach to the Development of Small States and Crisis and Promise in the Caribbean. In addition, I have been engaged in building a new diplomacy for Trinidad and Tobago, and was able to successfully establish a Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean. As I speak today, we are about to have a ground breaking forum on the future of the Caribbean, that would support my interpretation of the Caribbean region which must now embrace the process of convergence, going beyond the borders of CARICOM, which seeks to address the new framework for the political and economic life of the region, given the significant changes occurring in the global political economy that have severe implications for the people of this region.As the Minister of Finance, I was able to stabilize the financial concerns and settle the issues arising out of the collapse of the single most financial institution that threatened our pubic viability and confidence in the banking centre. At the same time, my professional pursuits were demanding, challenging and very satisfactory. Do you miss the classroom? Is the Government boardroom more exciting than being the Professor of economics, a position from where you came in to politics? I do consider myself a teacher and I am always comfortable in the classroom but the government boardroom, as you call it, is a much more exciting place for it is there that we change directions of societies and make a difference to the peoples of our communities. Yes, I did enter politics via scholarship, but for one, politics is the most engaging profession, and should I ever return to the classroom, it would be as a different professor, linking economic logic and political logic and understanding the complexities of how societies change and are shaped for the future. How would you judge your contributions as a political leader to the progress in Trinidad and Tobago and to the people of Trinidad and Tobago? As a political leader in Trinidad and Tobago, my most seminal contribution has been in the establishment of the political party called the Congress of The People (COP). It was an intervention in the politics that placed the issues of good governance above political ethnic loyalties that have bedevilled our polity. The fact that this party promoted fundamental changes in our political institutions and new perspectives on public policy has altered the conversations at all levels of the society. It is in this context that I believe the leadership afforded me, with the permission of the people, would allow for a new enlightenment in the future. This is expressed in the publication of “Political Space: Reflections� the Foundation for Politics and Leadership. How does Trinidad and Tobago lead the Caribbean region in economic, political and social transformations? Trinidad and Tobago continues to be the pivotal coun10 india empire | may 2015
Minister Dookeran seated alongside Prime Minister Kamala Persad-Bissessar
try in the English speaking Caribbean. Its economy is the strongest and always has been called upon to play leading roles. It is done this through the United Nations, in forging diplomatic alliances, and currently leading the debate on the wider convergence in the Caribbean Sea. (Please see my article:A New Frontier for Caribbean Convergence) Has Trinidad and Tobago made much progress in handling ethnic racial problems and how much more remains to be done? I am afraid the ethnic racial problems have not improved in the world of politics, but the society itself is not racially polarized and there are high levels of tolerance and acceptability in the society by all groups that have come from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. There is much more to be done and the level of consciousness to deal with this issue will have to be enhanced. It remains a challenging task. Has the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora contributed to progress in Trinidad and Tobago? The Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago has significantly contributed to the progress of this nation in the field of economics, politics and education. Searching for a Caribbean identity, has been a recurring call but today the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago feel a sense of accomplishment and identity with the emergence of our new history. Is there a big brain drain of educated, skilled and trained Trinidad and Tobago persons to other countries and what is being done to retain their services in Trinidad and Tobago? Strangely, the direction of the brain drain has changed, while there is a cadre of educated skilled and trained Trinidad and Tobago nationals abroad, there has been a change in direction as several of our citizens are returning to Trinidad and Tobago. The introduction of dual citizenship has facilitated that progress, but more so, the rising income levels of our society and real opportunities for professionals to work both here and abroad at â?? the same time.
DiploMatic interview
H.E. Mr Miloslav Stasek Ambassador of the Czech Republic to India
12 india empire | may 2015
H.E. MR MIlOSlAv STASEk AMbASSADOR Of THE CzECH REPUblIC TO InDIA
“We are closely looking at Make in India and Clean India” His Excellency, Mr Miloslav Stasek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to India speaks on a range of issues with India Empire’s Assistant Editor, Misha Singh at his Embassy office in Chanakyapuri What kind of opportunities do you see for Czech companies in the Indian economy today? We see a lot of changes with the new Government which took over last year in May. There are areas of cooperation with India that are the traditional ones coming from the late 60’s and 70’s through the participation of Czechoslovakia in the industrialization of India. We have continued to collaborate in various industries like engineering, technology and defence. With the changes that have happened, there are some new openings which are appearing for Czech companies and investors in India. We would definitely like to follow the major initiatives of the Government like ‘Make in India’, ‘Clean India’, and more focus on enhancing India’s infrastructure. There are opportunities in the civil aviation sector as well. Czech companies are already bidding in concessional airports, and aircraft such as Let L - 410 for local and domestic operation. We are offering small training planes as well. We are quite strong in radar—one of the Czech companies has already sold about 14 radars to India. We are also participating in tenders in the railway industry which is booming in India. The new Government has a separate budget for the industry which is a clear sign that railways is one of the major priorities for the Indian Government, very important both socially and economically. I believe that is because on one side it is one of the major connecting links for the movement of the people, services and goods. On the other, Indian railways are employing a large number of people. So the social aspect of creating new working opportunities is definitely there and we are the first country to sign the strategic partnership in the railway sector with the new Government in August last year. We recently had a visit by the railway delegation and we have a business meeting back in the Czech Republic to discuss projects that Czech companies could participate in. Food and Agriculture sectors are also very interesting for our country because we are offering machineries like tractors for which we are focusing mainly on Punjab and the North East Region. We are also focusing more on the pharmaceutical industry, this is the area where more Indian companies are active in the Czech Republic and searching for some investment and business opportunities. I would also like to talk about IT because this is what India is famous for and our companies are also trying to sync with India to outsource the brands and work for us in Europe.
The Skoda cars are doing an excellent job in India and I would like to consider them as our second ambassador in the country. On the economic front, India is one of the ninth largest investors in the Czech Republic and its ranking is definitely improving. It makes me really glad to see how the volume of Indian investment in the Czech Republic is growing every year. India has become the second major trade partner of the Czech Republic. This is very significant, talk us through the same. India is definitely one of the most important partners for us and is also the second major trade business partner in Asia. Our Government has formulated priorities for economical progression for the period 2012 – 2020. Twelve priority countries have been shortlisted, India, of course, is one of them. Our trade target is set to reach USD 2 billion with India by 2016, which I think is achievable. Please tell us about major Czech investors in India… The major investor is Skoda Auto, we have investment in a factory in Aurangabad. The second biggest is the financial group, PPF, their company Home Credit is in micro financing. Their main operations are in Delhi but they are extending the platform further and by next year they will be employing almost 15,000 people in India. Another project that has completed is Bonatrans Company, they are producers of wheels for trains and metros. This is also an investment that we allocated in Aurangabad. Generally, our companies like Maharashtra as their location which is why the main investments we have made in India are targeting certain communities in Aurangabad, Pune and, of course, Mumbai. Similarly, please talk us through the major Indian investors in the Czech Republic… They are many of them, we are so glad that the Czech Republic has attracted the biggest groups and conglomerates of India to invest there. From the eastern bloc in the central European countries, we are the most successful one in terms of per capita investments. In IT Sector, Infosys created a hub in Brno, the second biggest city in the Czech Republic, and have employed over 500 people. They are opening another one in Prague. They have also opened an operation in London and may 2015 | india empire 13
DiploMatic interview
are able to cover entire Europe from there. We also have companies like Ashok Leyland and Tata Tea, basically all the big groups from India are building a presence in the Czech Republic. On the cultural and academic front. The Oriental Institute has a long history of engagement in language, literature, history and politics. We are approaching nearly 100 years of establishment of that institute. Do you have any plans to have greater cultural or academic exchange between India and the Czech Republic devising the run up of institute’s 100th Anniversary? We already have started, we campaigned last year. Besides 2014 was the year of Czech-India cultural relations. For this project, the main focus was on the promotion of tourism in which we organised exhibition on Czech castles. We toured all over India and the response has been good as we are receiving hundreds of visa applications every day. This campaign was also encouraged by the collaboration between Bollywood and the Czech Republic because of which there is at least one big budget Bollywood movie being shot there. The last one was ‘Bang Bang’, before that ‘Rockstar’ was shot in Prague. This has helped in encouraging people to visit the Czech Republic. With the PVR Cinemas, we also run a project for the honeymooners, in this we have framed special packages for newlyweds and families to travel. There were also a lot of musical and cultural activities in which various groups performed. Of course, the exchange of languages is very important; we have a faculty teaching the Czech language at the Delhi University for which the response is quite good.
Is the Czech Republic looking keenly at India’s mining sector? Yes, of course, mining is a big area for collaboration. We are mining black and brown coal in the Czech Republic. We are having open cast mines. Also deep mining is something new for India and that is what Indian Ministry of Coal would like to go for. We were so pleased to have the Coal Minister of India visit the Czech Republic. We also have several delegations coming here to present on the new technologies, we also have our delegation participating at IMME. I can count 13-14 companies that are already active in India.
What is your personal vision for India-Czech bilateral trade relations? We would, of course, want to see the volume getting much bigger than it is right now. We were very ambitious 5 years ago when I arrived, we saw several prospects from the opportunities that were lying here. But in the meantime there was an economic and financial crisis in Europe. The crisis was further followed by a slowdown of economic growth in India. During this period there have been problems on both the sides due to which there was certain stagnation in growth mainly in 2012 and 2013. Over the last 2 years, the trade volume has grown and I hope it will be much better. Also, many Czech companies are in the final stages of closing tenders with big companies and we hope that this will also add up in figures.
What role is the Czech Republic likely to play in the Indian Railway Industry? As I have mentioned, there are several fields that we are focusing in the railways. One, of course, we were invited to participate in building of the corridors and we are already providing wheels and brakes to the Indian Railway industry but we undoubtedly want to do more. We are offering railway coaches, metro coaches and are discussing possibilities to do joint ventures in double deckers, construction and enhancing the capacity of transportation. We are talking with some organizations for providing coaches, and enhance on rail security. We are offering few new technologies in signaling and crossing system, and security system as well. We can also offer assistance in increasing the speed of the trains from 130 kmph up to 160 kmph.
Is the Czech Republic likely to play a significant role in India Defence Industry in ‘Make in India’ program? Yes, as a mission this is one the most important sectors that we are focusing on. There are mainly 3-4 areas that we look forward to in defence. One, the modernization of the current equipments coming mainly from Russia, like Tank T - 72. The second area is offering some new technologies to the Indian Army for which our companies are currently bidding. Third is in the field of better education because we are offering the special courses for the Indian soldiers to study in the Czech Military Academy and this is something which is working very well for the last 4 years. The last area is research and development where we have a very close collaboration with the DRDO.
Please talk us through India Central Europe Business Forum. This is very good initiative launched by India. We definitely are an active player in the forum as this is something we missed in the past. India was earlier pushing more on the relations with the big players, and forgetting the little countries in Central Europe. This is definitely an initiative to return the focus back. The main emphasis is put on the economic and industrial collaboration. There was a first round of the initiative that took place last year in March where the Czech Republic was the partner country. We are very supportive towards this initiative and continue to do so in the future as well. I am so glad the Minister of External Affairs of India has also been supporting ❐ this initiative.
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Ambassador Stasek in conversation with Misha Singh
investMent in inDia
STEPS of a ViSionary
The Prime Minister launched ‘Make in india’ on 25 September 2014 to provide a boost to manufacturing sector in the country. Subsequently, Government embarked upon a number of initiatives on ease of doing business
FDI REVIEW FOR
NRIs and OCIs
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi, has given its approval to review the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy on investments by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). Following are the amendments approved by the Cabinet to incorporated in FDI policy: ✓ By amending relevant para, definition of NRI will be as under: ‘Non-Resident Indian’ (NRI) means an individual resident outside India who is citizen of India or is an ‘Overseas Citizen of India’ cardholder within the 16 india empire | may 2015
meaning of section 7 (A) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. ‘Persons of Indian Origin’ cardholders registered as such under Notification No. 26011/4/98 F.I. dated 19.8.2002 issued by the Central Government are deemed to be “Overseas Citizen of India’ cardholders”. ✓ To provide that investment by NRIs on non-repatriable basis is domestic. Following new para is approved to be added: ‘Investment by NRIs under Schedule 4 of FEMA (Transfer or Issue of Security by Persons Resident Outside India) Regulations will be deemed to be do-
90%
It is not surprising that more than 90% of the FDI received in the country comes under automatic route
WHAT IT IS
mestic investment at par with the investment made by residents.’ The decision that NRI includes OCI cardholders as well as PIO cardholders is meant to align the FDI policy with the stated policy of the Government to provide PIOs and OCIs parity with Non Resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields. Further the decision that NRIs investment under Schedule 4 of FEMA (Transfer or Issue of Security by Persons Resident Outside India) Regulations will be deemed to be domestic investment made by residents, is meant to provide clarity in the FDI policy as such investment is not included in the category of foreign investment. The measure is expected to result in increased investments across sectors and greater inflow of foreign exchange remittance leading to economic growth of the country.
on fDi policy, measures taken by the Government are historic and far reaching. To begin with, the Government first reviewed the fDi policy in defence and railways sectors. Entire range of rail infrastructure was opened to 100% fDi under automatic route, and in defence, sectoral cap was raised to 49%
Background In the last one year, the Government has taken a number of reform measures ranging from policy corrections to bold economic reforms. On FDI policy, measures taken by the Government are historic and far reaching. To begin with, the Government first reviewed the FDI policy in defence and railways sectors. Entire range of rail infrastructure was opened to 100% FDI under automatic route, and in defence, sectoral cap was raised to 49%. To boost infrastructure creation and to bring pragmatism in the policy, the Government reviewed FDI policy in construction development sector also by creating easy exit norms, rationalizing area restrictions and providing due emphasis to affordable housing. To give impetus to medical devices sector, a carve out was created in FDI policy on pharmaceutical sector and now 100% FDI under automatic route is permitted. Bold reforms were needed in the services sector also. The Government, in order to expand insurance cover to its large population and to provide required capital to insurance companies, raised the FDI limit in the sector to 49%. Pension sector has also been opened to foreign direct investment up to the same limit. India has a large available skilled and unskilled workforce. However unless the manufacturing sector grows we will not be able to take advantage of this demographic dividend. The Prime Minister launched ‘Make in India’ on 25 September 2014 to provide boost to manufacturing sector in the country. Subsequently, Government embarked upon a number of initiatives on ease of doing business. A number of regulations and procedures were either done away with or eased. Foreign investors have now shown unprecedented interest for investment in the manufacturing sector. Measures taken on this front have shown highly encouraging results and foreign investment on a series of manufacturmay 2015 | india empire 17
investMent in inDia
ing sectors has shown increased growth from October onwards. Above are some of the main measures which have been taken by the government in the first year of its term. These measures are historic and will have highly positive impact on the economy. Though gestation period of any reform ranges from 12 to 18 months, the results of these reforms are visible even in a short period of time. Foreign direct investment has shown substantial increase across the sectors. During the period October, 2014 to March, 2015, FDI inflow recorded a growth of 38% from US $ 18.13 billion in US $ 24.95 billion. More than 50 percent of the FDI was received from October, 2014 to March 2015. FDI equity inflows also increased from US $ 11.7 billion to US $ 16.24 billion, recording an increase of 39 percent. Cardinal principle of the FDI policy of the country has been to keep maximum of the sectors under automatic rule and regulating only those sectors which are strategic in nature or have security concerns. It is not surprising that more than 90% of the FDI received in the country comes under automatic route. However the last year saw significant jump in the approval route though no new sector was placed under the government approval. In fact more sectors were liberalised during this period. As against US$ 1.19 billion received under the approval route in financial year 2013-14, during the financial year 2014-15 recorded FDI inflow of US $ 2.22 billion with a growth of 87%. This is a result of fast pace of approvals being accorded by the government and confidence of investors in the foreign investment climate of the country. The Government of India has the stated policy to provide Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)/ Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) parity 18 india empire | may 2015
with Non Resident Indians (NRIs). NRIs can make investment under schedules 1, 3 and 4 of FEMA 20/2000 issued by the Reserve Bank of India. Under Schedule 4 of FEMA, NRI investments are made on non-repatriation basis though it has not been provided that these are domestic investments. As per the FDI policy, definition of NRIs includes PIOs, and OCIs are not specifically mentioned. Facility of investment on non-repatriable basis under Schedule 4 of FEMA 20/2000 was introduced primarily with the intention of providing NRIs an investment option for utilization of their domestic resources, which were not freely repatriable. The scheme was intended to provide NRIs
The Government of india has the stated policy to provide overseas Citizens of india (oCis)/ Persons of indian origin (Pios) parity with non resident indians (nris) an incentive to bring funds into India without repatriation rights, at a time when foreign exchange reserves were limited and capital inflows were modest. The provision should continue to incentivise investments by NRIs, including OCIs and PIOs, resulting in increased investments in the country. Since the investment made under Schedule 4 are on non-repatriable basis, it needs to be clearly provided that such investments, for the purposes of FDI policy, are domestic investments. This will enable investments by NRIs, OCI cardholders and PIO cardholders under Schedule 4 on non-repatriation basis, across sectors without being subjected to any of the conditions asâ?? sociated to foreign investment.
GivinG BacK to inDia
AzAMgARH TO POTOMAC AnD bACk He was born in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, shifted to the US when he was just 15 and now lives in a 40,000-square-foot mansion that has a five-bedroom guest house and a backyard tea house along with reflecting pools on nine acres in Potomac, Maryland, a house that took six years to build. After realising the American dream, Mr Frank Islam, an India-born entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist who is said to be worth USD 300 million, is now ‘investing’ in the education sector in both the land of his birth and his adopted home By Arun Kumar
T
“
he investment is in the future of America and the American dream and in India as well,” said Ms Frank Islam, who came from India as a 15-year old kid, set up the QSS Group, an information technology firm, in 1994, and sold it in 2007 after raising its revenues to over USD 300 million. Today Azamgarh born Islam, 63, and his wife Ms Debbie Driesman, 61, live in a 40,000square-foot residence in Potomac. His contributions in India include a USD 2 million donation to the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to build the Frank and Debbie Islam School of Management with an endowed chair and building a technical college for girls in Azamgarh in memory of his mother Qumran Nisan. “As a businessperson I do not make these contributions as charity but as investments for renewing and replenishing the American dream and to building strong futures for the citizens of America and India,” Mr Islam said in an interview. “I was investing in education in India and the US because it’s the key to opportunity and the bridge to future success for those from all strata of society. The greatest gift all of us can give is the gift of education,” he said explaining his support for numerous scholarships at higher education institutions in the US. “While education is important in America, the needs are even greater in India and that is why I am supporting initiatives in my native land,” Mr Islam added. 20 india empire | may 2015
As minorities, females and those in rural areas in India are socially, educationally and economically disadvantaged, he was targeting his philanthropic investments to reach those populations. “My intent is to use education as a tool and force to improve the socio-economic status of the underprivileged in India,” Mr Islam said. “My desire is that those who benefit will in turn contribute towards social, political and economic development throughout India.” An alumnus of AMU, Mr Islam said: “AMU helped shape the lives of many generations. Its leaders have shaped India’s history and its destiny. I would not be the person I am if it were not for AMU education. My giving back to this great institution is a way of beginning to repay the University for what it helped me to become. I owe a sense of gratitude to AMU.” The new school of management at AMU will be focused on innovation, entrepreneurship and ethical business leadership, while the endowed chair will focus on international collaboration. This will include faculty and students exchange programme with some universities and business schools in
Mr Frank Islam with wife Ms Debbie Driesman
North America and other international universities. Mr Islam said, “I was naming the technical college for girls in Azamgarh after my mother who always stressed the need for education and getting advanced degrees - even though she did not have one herself. She could not be called a member of the women’s liberation movement but she was a liberator of the human potential.” As women in India still lag in the educational area beyond high school, Mr Islam said: “They need to develop 21st century skills in order to be successful and to make their fullest contribution to their families and India in the 21st century.” The Qumran Nisan College will provide technical, vocational and professional education at the post-secondary level and help women develop those 21st century compe-
tencies. Mr Islam said he was still awaiting approval from the Indian Home Ministry under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to allow him to send funds to India for the building. “I am hoping we can secure that soon to bring this important initiative to fruition.” Islam said he had also made a significant contribution to the US Institute of Peace (USIP) because President John Kennedy is his role model as he was a man of peace who called upon us all to get involved and to make a positive difference in our country and the world. “Another reason for being involved with USIP is my faith. Being a Muslim has taught me many things - but the most important is that the whole purpose of religion is to provide justice and a path to justice for all of us,” he said. ❐ may 2015 | india empire 21
pM’s visit to canaDa
Reaching out to Canada By Kul Bhushan in New Delhi and Sultan Jessa in Ottawa
A
PM Modi addressing a huge gathering at an Indian diaspora event at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto
lot of excitement has been generated in Canada by the visit of the Indian Prime Minister Modi, said Zul Dhanji, a financial adviser in Montreal. “India is poised to become a super power in the next few years and may possibly overtake China,” he said, “This will require India to open up to the world. This is going to be a mammoth task. But, it is evident the new prime minister is determined to do this.” “Modi has already done a lot to boost trade with foreign countries,” said Ramesh Patel, who works for a large and rapidly-growing industry in Toronto. “At one time, we were bogged by filling 16 separate forms. Now, we only have to fill six forms.” An accountant, Mehboob Karmali, whose parents were born in India, attended the Toronto rally with
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PM Modi at a tete-a-tete with the Prime Minister of Canada Mr Stephen Harper at Parliament Hill in Ottawa
PM Modi and the Prime Minister of Canada Mr Stephen Harper being presented Siropa (Robe of Honour) and Sword at the Gurudwara Khalsa Diwan at Ross Street, Vancouver
Warm welcome to the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi on his arrival, in Toronto, Canada on April 15, 2015
an estimated 10,000 people. He was surprised by the huge turnout. “I have never seen a foreign leader being greeted so warmly,” Karmali said, “This is a good sign showing that Canada and India are serious about doing business, creating jobs and helping develop tourism.” Modi met and talked business with Canada’s political, business and academic leadership, and interacted with the Indian Diaspora which now exceeds 1.2 million. No wonder, Canadians have come to regard Modi as a businessfriendly politician since he interacted with Canadian businessmen and investors. Currently, the value of trade between India and Canada is around $6 billion a year; it is poised to double in the coming five years. Canada has agreed to supply uranium to India over the next five years. Altogether 16 commercial agreements—worth more than $ 1 billion—were signed during Modi’s visit to Canada. This will help create jobs in both countries. Canadians see India as an opportunity with Asia’s rising superpower. Robert Brown, an industrialist who makes regular visits to India, said the Asian giant has woken up and ready to grow and expand by leaps and bound. “India is a rising power in infancy,” he said. Brown added that India needs a lot of help from other highly developed countries to achieve progress it so badly needs since poverty is endemic. Surjeet Singh, a chartered accountant, said Modi is probusiness, pro-foreign investment and has a successful track record of remarkable progress he achieved in India’s Gujarat state which he headed prior to his election as India’s national leader. “There is a lot of optimism in India today,” he said. “After decades of decay, uncontrollable corruption and crumbling infrastructure, India is finally on the right path to becoming a super power and a bigger trading and investment partner with many western and Asian nations.” India’s globe-trotting Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his successful three-day visit to Canada to boost economic development and strengthen ties between the two countries. It was obvious, Modi, the shrewd and charismatic Indian leader, was not bothered by protests in Toronto and Vancouver, home to a large number of Sikhs. He visited Sikh temples and was honoured by local Sikh leaders and he commended the community for their contribution to Canada. Nahmoud Gillani, an Ismaili Muslim optometrist in Vancouver, British Columbia, said thousands turned out to welcome the Indian leader. Gillani said that his spiritual leader, the Aga Khan, maintains close relations with India and is involved in numerous educational and cultural projects. “The Aga Khan was recently honoured by the Indian Government,” he said. “He also met with all Government leaders, including Modi.” As expected the ‘rock star’ prime minister got a huge welcome and was warmly received in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. Commenting on this, Gilani said, “Despite some allegations against him, the Indian and Canadian masses turned out to greet him. You don’t normally see this.” ❐ may 2015 | india empire 23
pM’s visit to canaDa
PM a hit in
Canada By Gurmukh Singh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit will give a huge boost to Canadian investment in India, says Excel Funds, which is the largest Canadian Mutual Fund geared towards India. Indian-origin Mr Bhim D. Asdhir, who is the president and CEO of Excel Fund, says the visit of the Indian prime minister will set a new milestone in India-Canada investment relations. “As the world’s fastest growing economy, India is firing on all cylinders and has become attractive to foreign investors,” says Mr Asdhir who has just returned from a business trip to India. “Since assuming office last May, Modi has been instrumental in influencing significant investments from several major countries, among them the US, Japan, China and France. Canada is expected
to follow suit,” he said. He further said that the new institutional and regulatory reforms coupled with a strong currency will spell boon for India in the coming years. Pointing to the huge success of Excel India Fund as an indication of Canadian investors’ huge interest in India, he said, “We anticipate that Prime Minister Modi’s visit will raise awareness of India as one of the best investment destinations.” According to Asdhir, India’s large highly educated labor force, and a growing, upwardly mobile middle class increase “its desirability as an investment destination”. The Excel India Fund is managed by Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company Limited in India. ❐
PM Modi addressing the gathering at the Laxmi Narayan Temple, in Vancouver, Canada
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Atmosphere of Trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last leg of 3-nation tour, addressed the Indian Diaspora in Toronto’s Ricoh Coliseum on April 15, and said “There is one solution to all the problems and that is development”. During his speech at Ricoh Coliseum, Prime Minister Modi said, India is a large country and it will take time to clean. “There is a new atmosphere of trust in our nation. India is a large country and it will take time to clean” adding that the problem is old and it will take time but you can see there is a change in the people. “In times of crisis we do not see the colour of anyone’s passport. We do everything possible for people,” he said. He stressed on “Skill India” and said that skill development can lead any country towards development. “We want our youth to be job creators not job seekers. Skill development is very important. I can tell you, India has the strength, what is needed is opportunity,” Mr Modi said. While highlighting the India’s successful mission mars, he said the mis-
sion was an example of Indian talent; as India reached mars on price less than making of a Hollywood film. “Our Mars mission cost less than what it takes to make a Hollywood film... Our cost worked out to less than an auto rickshaw ride in any Indian city at Rs. 7 per km.” Prime Minister while wooing the Ricoh Coliseum crowd said, earlier our identity was “Scam India” we have to change the notion around the world now to “Skill India”. “Earlier India was known as ‘Scam India’, we want it should be known for ‘Skill India’” Mr Modi said. Earlier, Mr Narendra Modi arrived at the Toronto Pearson International Airport, traveling from Ottawa with his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper, along with the latter’s wife Laureen on the same aircraft. Mr Modi was greeted by a large number of the Indian community here, who clicked photos, before shaking hands with the Indian Prime Minister. ❐
Air India Memorial Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 16, 2015 visited the memorial in Toronto for the victims of Air India Flight 182 that was bombed in 1985. Mr Modi was accompanied by his Canadian counterpart Mr Stephen Harper during the visit. “PM @narendramodi and @pmharper at the Air India memorial,” Mr Syed Akbaruddin, spokesperson of the external affairs ministry, tweeted. Air India Flight 182, a Boeing 747 named “Kanishka”, flying on the Montreal-London-New Delhi route on June 23, 1985, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean after being bombed while in Irish airspace. All 329 passengers and crew on board were killed in the tragedy. Of them, 268 were Canadian citizens, mostly of Indian descent. There were 24 Indian and 27 Britons as well. Mr Modi, along with Mr Harper, interacted with the relatives of the victims who had gathered at the memorial. Earlier on April 16, Mr Modi met leading Canadian CEOs here
PM Modi at the Air India Memorial site in Toronto with Prime Minister of Canada Mr Stephen Harper
after meeting Canadian bankers and pension fund managers as part of his push for attracting investments to India. Canada is the last leg of Modi’s three-nation tour, during which he has pushed the ambitious “Make in India” initiative and signed several agreements, including a
deal on the supply of uranium to power India’s civilian nuclear programme. Mr Modi arrived in Toronto from Ottawa on April 15 and addressed a 10,000-strong crowd of Indo-Canadians. Later on April 16, he travelled to Vancouver, from where he flew back to India.
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relieF eFForts BY Diaspora
NRIs help Nepal
T
By Anil Giri
wo billionaire NRIs have offered to build 1,200 earthquake-resistant houses in quake-affected villages of Nepal immediately, said Nepal’s embassy in London. Mr Mukesh Kumar Sehgal, Managing Director of Britainbased SISMO Company that is well known for its building technology, met Nepal’s Acting Ambassador to Britain, Mr Tej Bahadur Chettri and offered to build 1,000 quake-resistant houses in Nepal, according to the embassy. Mr Sehgal told Mr Chettri that his company is experienced in building houses with new technology and if the Nepal Government accepted the offer, he would start construction of houses in remote areas of Nepal that have been severely hit by the April 25 earthquake in the Himalayan nation. He told Mr Chettri, “Initially we will construct temporary houses so that affected people can be relocated. Later once debris is cleared, we will build the new settle-
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ment.” Sehgal mentioned that his company was not promoting itself but is just willing to help Nepal in this moment of crisis. Similarly, another billionaire NRI, Mr Sri Prakash Lohia has also offered to build 200 houses in quake-ravaged villages of Nepal through his Lohia Foundation. He also met Mr Chettri in London and made the offer, said the embassy. Experts in building quake-resistant buildings would construct the houses in 90 days, he told Mr Chettri, adding that if Nepal gave the green signal his foundation would start working from May 30. Mr Chettri has told Lohia that he would consult the authorities in Nepal and revert back to him, said the statement. Before migrating from India to Britain, Lohia’s father ran Ashok Textile in Biratnagar in Nepal. Mr Lohia, 62, now has businesses in 24 nations. With a personal worth of USD 4.4 billion, Mr Lohia is Founder and Chairman of Indorama Corporation, a diversified petrochemical and tex❐ tile company.
new report
Sikh Identity By Arun Kumar
S
ikhs have to explain to American people what the turban means because that is the immediate source of their identification, according to the author of a new report on Sikhs in America presented to US lawmakers. “Sikhs have to explain what it symbolizes and what values it represents,” said Mr Geoff Garin, former political strategist for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton presenting the key findings of the report at a briefing arranged by the National Sikh Campaign (NSC). “This will have a very powerful impact on the broader American public,” he said. “The study shows that when people see Sikhs on the streets anywhere, people are very confused about what Sikh faith is and that confusion leads to tragic consequences,” said Mr Garin. “They also feel that they will not have very much in common with Sikhs.” Mr Garin, whose current clients include the World Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Harvard University, heads the Hart Research Associates, one of the leading survey firms in the US. The firm conducted a six-month long nationwide polling and focus group study to understand how Sikhs are perceived in America and what strategies would be helpful to change perceptions. The report lists specific messaging techniques which Sikhs could use in their media strategies resonating with American public. Mr Garin said “the survey showed that 6 out 10 Americans ac-
knowledge that they know nothing at all about Sikhs and Sikhism. Better educated Americans are likely to come in contact with Sikhs,” he said. “Younger Americans are likely to have some information about Sikhs.” Ms Judy Chu, founder and vice chair of the Congressional American Sikh Caucus, called it “a very significant report about the American perceptions of the Sikh community.” Mr John Garamendi, co-chair of the Sikh Caucus, said, “It’s extremely important that the people of the United States and beyond learn and understand the multiple cultures that we have in the United States.” Dr. Rajwant Singh, Senior Advisor to NSC, said the NSC plans to start a media ad campaign based specifically on this study and the various intricate details ❐ input collected from common Americans.
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snippets FroM Usa
‘American dream’ come true Chennai born Ms Raja Rajeswari, who came to America when she was 16, has become the first person of Indian descent to be named as a criminal court judge in New York City. Ms Rajeswari, 43, an assistant district attorney at the Richmond County District Attorney’s office, who was nominated to the bench by Mayor Bill de Blasio, formally assumed her new office on April 14, 2015. “It’s like a dream. It’s way beyond what I imagined,” she was quoted as saying by silive.com, a Staten Island news website. “For someone like me, an immigrant who comes from India, I’m beyond grateful, I told the mayor this is not only my American Dream, but it shows another girl from a far away country that this is possible.” Ms Rajeswari, who has worked at the district attorney’s office for 16 years, has been the deputy chief of the Special Victims Unit for more than four years. She hopes to use her new position to improve the judicial system by encouraging interpreters to have more access to aid immigrants, the news site said. Ms Rajeswari told ethnic Desi Talk she had observed gender inequality even before coming to the US when some of her “brilliant” girlfriends in India were married off at the age of 14 and 15. “That has always stayed with me.” As a prosecuting attorney in New York, she has come across numerous cases of spousal and child abuse within the South Asian community in New York, Ms Rajeswari
Ms Raja Rajeswari
said. “Many of the domestic violence victims have been South Asians, Sri Lankans.” Currently, there are two male judges of Indian descent in civil court settings - Mr Jaya Madhavan on the New York City Housing Court in Bronx County, and Mr Anil C. Singh of New York County Supreme Court, 1st District, according to ethnic New India Times. Besides her legal acumen Ms Rajeswari is an accomplished Bharat Natyam and Kucchipudi dancer who continues to perform at Indian events and temples with her troupe from the Padmalaya Dance Academy, named after her mother, Padma Ramanathan.
Key post for Shamina Singh President Barack Obama has and Member of the Global Agenda named yet another Indian-American Council on India with the World as member of the Board of DirecEconomic Forum, a Henry Crown tors of the Corporation for National Fellow with the Aspen Institute and and Community Service for a term served on the Presidential Advisory expiring in October 2019. The nomCommission on Military Leadership ination of Ms Shamina Singh, execDiversity. utive director of the MasterCard Ms Shamina has a graduate deCentre for Inclusive Growth since gree in public policy from the LynDecember 2013, has been sent to the don B. Johnson School for Public Senate, according to a White House Affairs at the University of Texas, announcement. She joined MasterAustin, and has completed executive Card in 2013 as the global director programmes at Harvard’s Kennedy for government services and soluSchool of Government, Yale’s JackMs Shamina Singh tions where she expanded Masterson Institute for Diplomacy and the Card’s business capabilities to India School of Business. In 2003, digitise social subsidy programmes in over 40 countries. she served as a senior advisor to US House Democratic Prior to joining MasterCard, Ms Shamina led Govern- Leader Nancy Pelosi and in 2002 was the deputy campaign ment and public affairs for Nike and spent five years with manager for the Ron Kirk for US Senate campaign. Ms Citigroup’s Global Community Development Group. Over Shamina Singh was executive director for the President’s the course of 15 years in the public sector, she held senior Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Ispositions within the Clinton Administration and the US landers and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans House of Representatives. She is a Young Global Leader and Pacific Islanders from 1999 to 2001. 28 india empire | may 2015
inDian arrival DaY—GUYana
BEyonD ThE hESpERuS AnD ThE WhITBy Excerpts from a presentation by AShook RAmSARAn on Indian Arrival Day Commemoration in Guyana on may 5
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T
wo years ago, I vividly recall that on this date, and on this very stage when it was inaugurated and the special feeling it evoked among so many – a truly historic milestone of cultural preservation in the Indian Diaspora. Today, I want to talk about “Beyond the Hesperus and the Whitby” – from whence we have come but more so where and how we traveled together since landing here, where we are going and prospects for that tomorrow - as the lessons of journeys past have taught us to use wisely and effectively.
Homage That journey in 1838 from Kolkata to Highbury followed the journeys of so many others from Africa and elsewhere but was the beginning of wholesale Indian labor as a commodity for profit and led to a new era in Guyana and the Caribbean region. We have come to pay homage and commemorate an historic event which took place 177 years ago and recognize the journeys, hardships, travails and perseverance of a people – while looking at today and tomorrow which can take lessons from that history of not so long ago. While acknowledging that past, we can triumph by bold leaps and decisions same as those who came to this land with just a promise and with lots of hope and determination. Our ancestors came here partially by choice, many forced but resolved and persevered under very difficult and harrowing conditions. That shared experience, that saga of shared history, fostered an unusual kindred spirit of resolve, togetherness and kinship – a triumph over obstacles and difficulties with dreams and aspirations of a destiny intertwined by history and fate. We pay homage to those who came before us – from Kolkata, Madras, Madeira, Macao, Gambia and Congo. We have roots in India, Africa, China, Portugal and the Americas, yet we have nurtured stronger roots here, molded in this land, from whence the descendants have gone to other lands and established themselves with remarkable successes. Such is the special nature of a Guyanese – making it better with each journey, looking for opportunities and excelling in pursuits. Roots I trace my own roots to my great grand father Pooriya who arrived here in 1853 and settled in Tuschen De Vrinden, and my great grandmother Radhah who arrived here in 1860. They married and raised a family which went on to settle in Berbice, with now many in USA, Canada and UK. We are all product of this land of many waters and opportunities – that we shall never forget.
History In Guyana, we were thrown together while being used as labor for profit yet managed to establish a nation born of necessity, born of diversity yet unified in the continuing quest with determination for prosperity and progress in a national agenda of shared destiny -- a single nation with diverse ethnic origin but common national spirit and singular national agenda. Messy at times, traumatic and heart wrenching – yet the larger goal of national loyalty takes precedence for the common good, common future and mutual benefits as a people of a nation knitted together in unison with shared dreams, aspirations and hopes for a better day each and every day. It is the totality of a people and we must take pride and courage in that fact. It is a work in progress for nation building, Guyana being a relatively young nation with a unique history. Significance History has thrown us together and history would
We pay homage to those who came before us–from kolkata, madras, madeira, macao, Gambia and Congo. We have roots in India, Africa, China, portugal and the Americas, yet we have nurtured stronger roots here, molded in this land, from whence the descendants have gone to other lands and established themselves with remarkable successes look kindly on the success of the human spirit that is triumphant in a shared destiny. Our paths met – actually we were thrown together - we stayed put, remained intact and we have forged a new path for our shared destiny. By the way, some in several countries of the colonial past have taken that word in the literal sense, unfortunately. Together, we have weathered the storms of slavery, indenturedship and colonialism to emerge with common and shared aspirations and energy to mold a new nation. We are of the salt and sugar of Guyana. National loyalty Molded by common aspirations of survival and success, a shared experience and shared purpose are the ingredients for a common destiny. Each of us adds to the fabric and successes of the nation, not take away from it - to form a special mosaic and envy of so many other countries. We are a special people thrown together by the winds and whims of history but with a unique experience which can guide us better than the winds of the Atlantic which flapped the sails of our journeys. ❐ may 2015 | india empire 31
YoGic pHilosopHY spreaDs oUt
The Art of Living Founder and global humanitarian, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addressing the decision makers at the European Parliament on ‘The Yoga Way’
Europe’s Tryst withYoga 32 india empire | may 2015
I
ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call at the UN for an International Day of Yoga reverberated in the European Parliament, the world’s largest legislative body, on April 21, 2015, with internationally known Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar leading a major yoga event. The event titled “The Yoga Way” was organised by the Indian embassy in Brussels in cooperation with the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with India. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s discourse, the interactive question and answer session and the relaxing meditation exercises created a unique buzz among the large audience comprising members of the European Parliament, European Union (EU) officials and ambassadors from various countries. As a curtain raiser event to celebrate the International Day of Yoga on June 21, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was invited to speak on yoga and conduct a meditation session. At the instance of Mr Manjeev Singh Puri, Indian Ambassador to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg, the event was supported by members of all political groups in the European Parliament. This was perhaps for the first time that any event had found resonance among members of all the political groups in the European Parliament. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was received at the European Parliament by Puri and Members of European Parliament (MEPs) Mr Geoffrey Van Orden, Mr Nirj Deva, Ms Neena Gill, Mr Jo Leinen and Mr Alojz Peterle. A video of Prime Minister Modi’s exhortation at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) for declaration of the International Day of Yoga by the UN started the event. Mr Van Orden, Chairperson of the Delegation for Relations with India, welcomed the guests and said that
the delegation was happy to organise yoga in the European Parliament. Mr Puri said that yoga was important for a holistic approach to health and well-being and was one of the many Indian contributions to the world. Mr Deva, a British MEP of Sri Lankan origin, and a close associate of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, delivered the vote of thanks. The European People’s Party, the largest political group in the European Parliament, issued a statement saying, “Sri Sri’s presence in the European Parliament has been a true inspiration for European leaders to strongly engage in more inter-cultural dialogue that would lead towards ❐ non-violent societies.”
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YoGic pHilosopHY spreaDs oUt
Yoga on Capit Hill In a curtain-raiser event for the First International Day of Yoga on June 21, the newly founded Congressional Yogi Association organized the first-ever “Yoga on the Hill� at Capitol Hill, the seat of US parliament
By Arun Kumar
34 india empire | may 2015
a tol
Supported by the Embassy of India in Washington, the event was organized to advocate better physical and mental health for US military veterans. The event was led by Keith Mitchell, former National Football League (NFL) pro and a celebrity yogi, who suffered a paralysing spinal injury and recovered through the practice of yoga Prominent guests included Democrat House members Tim Ryan, Charles Rangel and Barbara Lee, Brennan Mullaney from Team Red, White and Blue, a leading veteran non-profit organization and Tom Voss, an Iraq War veteran. Around 60 Congressional officials participated in the yoga and meditation session besides senior embassy officials. The event was focused on practice of yoga as an effective tool for the physiological and physical healing of war veterans who get affected by mental illnesses upon returning from combat. It is estimated
that since the start of the war in Afghanistan in 2001, more than 100,000 combat veterans have sought help for mental illness and yoga is considered to be a form of health care support in such cases of post-traumatic stress disorder. Lawmaker Ryan, who joined the yoga and meditation session, said, “The extremely high levels of stress Americans deal with on a daily basis is an important issue facing our country. Mindfulness and the practice of yoga help to reduce stress, improve concentration, and increase feelings of well-being.” Rangel said “As a Korean War Veteran, Yoga on the Hill’s mission to promote wellness among the veteran community is close to my heart”. Lee, member of House Subcommittee on Veteran Affairs, hoped that “we will continue expanding research and access to health alternatives like yoga that improve the quality of life for our brave veterans.” Counsellor Mohit Yadav from Indian Embassy highlighted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks at the United Nations describing yoga as “an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition” and a holistic approach to health and well-being. A talk was also delivered talk by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on ‘Nurturing Peace through Yoga and Meditation’ on April 29, the Indian Embassy here is organizing a series of events in the run-up to the International Day of Yoga on June 21. The embassy also hosted an event at an open theatre at University of Maryland, in partnership with their student association DESI (Develop, Empower and Synergize India), Life in Yoga organization and the Art of Living Foundation. ❐
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colUMn: YoGi asHwini
MinD anD BoDY
ThE puRITy of TATTVAS By Yogi Ashwini Yogi Ashwini
L
ook at your state today. How pleasurable is it? And then think that with every new birth you take, it is going to get worse and worse...Think of the air, water and land that was thirty years back, think of how Shankaracharya described the scenario 1000 years back and think of the times of Mahabharat 4,500 years back - the kind of environment, body and quality of life people had back then. There are enough modern studies that go on to prove that the capacity and size of human body and brain has diminished over the years. Imagine the glow and attraction of the people who lived 5000 years back. At that time, tattvas were pure. By living and doing for just yourself, you have polluted those elements considerably. It is the same polluted elements that make up your body. And that is why you look the way you do. In fact your present lifestyle is such that you are only polluting these elements further with every pleasure that you indulge in, every time that you collect more for yourself. Just think about it. You have indulged in countless pleasures; you have come all the way from satyug through treta and dwapar to this yug doing just that - living for your own self. Those who thought of others were granted moksha long before, it is the ones who still cannot think beyond themselves who are taking birth now and have to bear the pains of a deteriorating yug. What was pleasure in satyug has now taken form of pain and grief and the term pleasure has lost its meaning... The kids today take pleasure in exposing themselves to radiation and spelling doom for their senses by indulging in television, computers and mobile phones. They have neither the experience nor idea of what clean air, water or earth is. The parks that you visit are sprinkled with sewage water, so the pleasure of walking barefoot—receiving fresh prana through the chakras at the sole of the foot— does not exist. Even in tourist destinations like Singapore, the top hotels are using recycled water. That is, the water that you flush out in the toilet is the same that is made available to you for bathing after treatment. While the bacteria are removed, the prana remains the same. It is said that the waste of a higher shreni is passed on to the one below and so on but here, you are bathing in your own waste... In fact, now we have reached a stage where even drinking water is 20% recycled and this percentage is only going to increase with time. So think of where we have come down to and as
you still enjoy and take some more pleasure even in this ‘hell’, do not forget proportionate amount of pain awaits you because unless you feel the pain, you will not remember the shakti... till you remember the shakti you cannot merge back into it and till you merge into it the new yug will not start. That is why towards the end of kaliyug pain increases manifold so that there is a faster exit for you. If even after bearing so much pain, you still want to come back then you will be the plants, trees and insects of the next yug. Your behaviour is your truth and if your truth is that of an insect who is only concerned about its own food, drink and pleasure, then your next birth will be that of an insect only. When these insects bear pain for many births, then they slowly rise. There can be only two reasons to living in this yug. One is your desire for more pleasure (I mean pain), the other being the compulsion of a task or responsibility entrusted upon on you by your Guru or some higher energy without completing which you cannot get moksha. There are certain energies that are tied to this creation because they have a duty to fulfill, e.g. the sun and the moon. Similarly, there are certain beings on earth who do not get moksha because they have to serve a purpose (karya purti)... these beings become the rishis, munis and devas in the next yug. The devtas are not permanent entities, they are posts which are filled by different beings from time to time depending upon their karmas and desires The people who think and work for others, who are aiding the creation, it is possible that they become devi-devtas of the next yug because that is the nature of a dev and those who are thinking only about just themselves will surely become insects. This is nature. There is only one way to get out of pain and grief and that is karma. Karma is foremost in creation. And karma is not praying well for someone and then resuming whatever pleasures you are busy having, you actually have to make the effort and act it out. Because you are still searching for pleasure—be it food, dance or having babies—you are destroying your positive karmas, even if the pleasure is in feeding animals. Therefore our ancients spoke of vairagya... na paapam na punyam na sukham na dukham... it is then that your swaroop can ❐ be of sat-chit-anand and shivoham, not before that. —The writer Yogi Ashwini Ji is the head of Dhyan Foundation, Delhi. For details contact: ashwiniyogi@yahoo.co.in
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MaKinG HistorY in Usa
Dr Vivek Murthy
38 india empire | may 2015
America’s Doctor By Arun Kumar
D
r Vivek Hallegere Murthy has made history as the youngest US Surgeon General and the first of Indian descent with his Senate confirmation in the teeth of strong opposition of powerful gun lobby. The Democratic controlled Senate voted on December 15, 2014, 51-43 to confirm Dr Murthy, 37 as ‘America’s doctor’ more than a year after his nomination with the Republicans dead set against him because of his support for gun control and President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law. Born in England, Dr Murthy moved with his Indian parents to Miami when he was three. He has become the leading US spokesperson on matters of public health. He is also the operational head of the 6,500-strong US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, one of the seven uniformed services including army, navy, air force and marines. Dr Murthy, a bachelor, has said he will focus on preventing chronic diseases, efforts to curb smoking, and programmes to improve diets and combat obesity. Applauding the Senate for confirming Dr Murthy, President Obama said “as ‘America’s Doctor,’ Vivek will hit the ground running to make sure every American has the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe. He’ll bring his lifetime of experience promoting public health to bear on priorities ranging from stopping new diseases to helping our kids grow up healthy and strong,” he said in a statement. “Vivek will also help us build on the progress we’ve made combatting Ebola, both in our country and at its source,” President Obama said “Combined with the crucial support for fighting Ebola included in the bill to fund our government next year, Vivek’s confirmation makes us better positioned to save lives around the world and protect the American people here at home,” he added. A physician with the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and an instructor at Harvard Medical
School, he co-founded an advocacy group in 2008 called Doctors for Obama, a national organization of 16,000 doctors and medical students. It later became Doctors for America and promoted the Affordable Care Act nicknamed Obamacare. Dr Murthy has also founded two other organizations. Visions Worldwide focuses on rural health in India and on HIV/AIDS education in India and the US, while TrialNetworks is a software company focused on making drug development and clinical trials more efficient. Dr Murthy’s confirmation on December 15, 2014 on a 51-43 vote was largely along party lines. Just one Republican voted for him, while three Democrats voted against his confirmation. Democrat party leaders had delayed a vote on Dr Murthy’s confirmation until the lame duck session fearing some party members running for re-election from conservative states may not vote for him. Several members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) welcomed Dr Murthy’s confirmation. The lone Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera, CAPAC Health Care Task Force Co-Chair, called Dr Murthy “an excellent choice for this role” saying “his appointment is historic for the Indian American community.” CAPAC Chair Ms Judy Chu said Dr Murthy’s confirmation “is a testament to both his own distinguished career and the great strides made by the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.” Mr Joseph Crowley, Democratic Co-Chair of Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans said “the confirmation of the first surgeon general of Indian descent is a victory for the entire Indian-American community, whose young children will grow up knowing that anything is within their reach.” Congresswoman Ms Grace Meng said Ms Murthy’s confirmation just a week after that of Dr Richard Verma as the first IndianAmerican ambassador to India illustrated “the continued growth and influence of Indian-American community, and highlights the exceptional contributions ❐ that Indian-Americans make to our nation.”
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inDo-aMerican BUsiness
NEW USIBC BOARD
Mr Ajay Banga Chairman, USIBC
The US-India Business Council (USIBC) comprising more than 300 top-tier US and Indian companies advancing US-India commercial ties has inducted six global business leaders to serve as members of the board. The new appointees are Anurag Bhargava, Chairman, IREO; Marc Allen, President of Boeing International; David M.Cordani, President and CEO, Cigna Corporation; Patrick Dewar, Chairman, Lockheed Martin Global; Kenneth C. Frazier, Chairman and CEO, Merck; and Edward Monser, President and COO, Emerson Electric. USIBC and the board of directors remain committed to advancing the commercial relationship between the US and India, said Ajay Banga, USIBC Chairman and MasterCard President and CEO. “Our members are encouraged by Government of India’s commitment to economic growth, to attracting the investment needed to achieve that growth, and improving the ease of doing business in India,” he said. They “look forward to contributing to India’s growth story through any number of Government of India initiatives, including Smart Cities and Make in India.” The new group of directors is “joining the Council at a time when India is poised for tremendous growth and will undoubtedly provide valuable leadership to USIBC and its members,” said
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Mukesh Aghi, President of USIBC. Anurag Bhargava, Chairman of IREO, the largest FDI investor in the construction development sector in India said, “IREO is committed to delivering world-class homes and supporting efforts to build smart cities and urban infrastructure that enables India’s continued economic growth and middle class expansion.” “Promoting an innovation-based economy supports not only the growth of the life sciences industry, but also helps to expand health care access for its people,” said Kenneth C. Frazier, Chairman and CEO, Merck. “As Cigna works to improve both health and vitality in India, we look forward to increasing our presence in the dynamic Indian market,” said David M. Cordani, President and CEO of Cigna. “India has a lot to offer to the world as a market and US companies have a lot to consider and gain from the opportunity,” said Edward Monser, President and COO of Emerson Electric. “Boeing’s relationship with India dates back several decades, and we look forward to an enduring partnership for decades to come,” said Marc Allen, President of Boeing International. “Lockheed Martin’s commitment to teaming with the Indian Government and enterprise aligns well with the spirit of the Council’s mission to advance the bilateral relations,” said Patrick Dewar, Chairman of Lockheed Martin. As board members, this dynamic group of CEOs along with existing members will help promote the USIBC policy advocacy priorities across critical areas such as health, defence, designing liveable cities, technology, manufacturing and financial services, said the ❐ trade association.
Diaspora politics
JInDAL TESTInG WATERS Louisiana’s Indian-American Governor Bobby Jindal has taken another step towards a possible 2016 presidential run by forming an exploratory committee and launching a national website, www.bobbyjindal.com By Arun Kumar Though Jindal has said he still isn’t an official candidate yet, he is expected to formally enter the race after the Louisiana Legislature adjourns on June 11, according to local Times Picayune newspaper. Forming an exploratory committee allows a potential presidential candidate to “test the waters” for a national campaign, raise money, take outof-state trips or conduct polling for a potential presidential campaign. “For some time now, my wife Supriya and I have been thinking and praying about whether to run for the presidency of our great nation,” Jindal said in a statement. “If I run, my candidacy will be based on the idea that the American people are ready to try a dramatically different direction. Not a course correction, but a dramatically different path.” Jindal has made frequent visits to key early voting states in recent months, testing a message centered on the need to “restore the American Dream,” which he says President Barack Obama’s “weak leadership” has diminished. But despite his experience as Governor and a compelling personal background as the American-born son of Indian immigrants, Jindal has struggled to make an impact in national polls of potential Republican candidates, the Washington Post noted. “Jindal would likely face an uphill battle for the nomination if he decides to run with a Republican field already extremely crowded with six declared candidates and another half-dozen expected to announce in the coming month,” it said. Former Florida governor Jeb Bush and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker have already launched aggressive fundraising efforts, in part with the help of allied super PACs which can raise and spend unlimited sums of money to advocate for or against political candidates. On the Democratic side besides former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, presidential exploratory committee have been formed among others by former senator Jim Webb and Senator Lincoln Chaffee, former Rhode Island Gover-
Mr Bobby Jindal Governor, Louisiana
nor Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has also said he would be seeking Democratic nomination. ❐
MeMorY lane It was a trip down memory lane for US Ambassador Richard R. Verma, whose visit to his maternal grandmother’s house in Punjab turned emotional in May. As he stepped in the house in the narrow lane of Basti Sheikh in Mr Richard R. Verma old Jalandhar, now US Ambassador to India owned by couple Rakesh Gupta and Priya Gupta, his immediate response was: “Wow.” Later, he met the occupants of the house, where Verma’s grandmother Maya Devi grew up. It was purchased by the Guptas three decades ago. “We were really excited when we met the dignitary. He was quite polite and seemed down to earth. He stayed with us for almost 20 minutes,” Priya Gupta, house owner, told reporters. The ambassador interacted with the grocery shop owner Shri Ram, 82, who had helped him in locating his grandmother’s house. Verma had visited the locality once in his childhood also. elebrations were evident through drums and the ambassador was accorded a lively reception by the locals on the second day of his Punjab visit. The ambassador later visited Apara village, some 50 km from the district headquarters, from where his father K.D. Verma hails.
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MUsic anD Dance
WorldDanceDay
HTC presents Sadhya World Dance Day 2015, in association with Kamla Pasand, “No Boundaries” at Kamani Auditorium, on 29thApril. The purpose of the event was not just to celebrate the art, but also to bring the dance exponents and upcoming talent on one stage. This year, Sadhya brought together 130 artists in a unique manner to create a visual treat of different dance styles from traditional to contemporary forms. The dancing extravaganza began with Aayam Dance Company’s beautiful classical performance. They struck the chord with the audience and the momentum was maintained until the very end. Later, one participant from each dancing group came forward and created a colorful canvas of art. Sadhya, presented two performances, while their first performance was inspired by ancient tradition of yoga, where the artists challenged themselves to create difficult poses with much ease; their second performance took inspiration from Mayurbhanj Chhau, where the artists reflected the movement of birds. The crowd went ecstatic when the young girls took over the stage and performed ballet. In their 42 india empire | may 2015
beautiful ballerina costumes and shoes, they mesmerized one and all. After witnessing this modern dance style, we were treated with an Odissi performance, performed by the students of Odissi exponent Guru Ranjana Gauhar. The composition was marked by beautiful poses and neat lines, which were based on Raag – Shabkrabranam. We were treated by two visually appeasing performances, as performed by Danceworx and Banjara School of Dance. The dance school of two exponents, Pt. Birju Maharaj (Kalashram) and Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan’s troupe reaffirmed the status of Kathak and Bharatnatayam, respectively. At the end, the Invincible took everyone by storm with their Michael Jackson move. The finale performance brought the 130 artistes on the stage that created an awe-inspiring and breath-taking visual. Pt. Birju Maharaj said, “One should know how to celebrate music and dance. God has created beats and music for everyone, one need to find it within oneself.” Mr. Santosh Nair, Artistic Director, Sadhya said, “World dance day to me is a day where you rise above the self…there is no you or me...it is only we”. ❐
“One should know how to celebrate music and dance. God has created beats and music for everyone, one need to find it within oneself” —Pt. Birju Maharaj