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STOCKS • FINANCE • SOUTH ASIAN MARKETS • TECHNOLOGY
ONGC Beats China’s CNOOC to Become Asia’s No.1 E&P Firm
SINGAPORE (ET): India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has beaten Chinese rival CNOOC to become Asia’s top oil and gas exploration and production company. Under the stewardship of R S Sharma , ONGC climbed three places to take the top slot in the 2010 rankings released by Platts, one of the most respected global provider of energy and metals information, yesterday evening. China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) this year slipped to No.2 slot. In the overall Platts Top 250 Global Energy Company Rankings, that rated world’s leading
With revenues of $22 billion, ONGC reported a profit of $4.24 billion in 2009-10 fiscal, which forms the basis for the Platts rankings. It had assets worth $33.37 billion. Under Sharma, ONGC has been able to arrest decline in output from its ageing fields through innovative use of technology and has set the Under the stewardship of R S Sharma , floor for reversing the declinONGC climbed three places to take the top ing trend of the past by fasttrack development of new and slot in the 2010 rankings. marginal fields. Sharma will oil and gas, power and coal firms, retire as Chairman and Managing DiONGC claimed to 18th slot from 26th rector of ONGC on January 31, 2011, position in 2009 rankings. but the initiatives taken under him
will see the company’s oil production rise to 28 million tons in 2013-14 from current currently over 25 million tons. Natural gas production is slated to rise to over 100 million standard cubic meters per day by 2014-15 from current 58.86 mmscmd. Platts also ranked ONGC as the fastest growth company in Asia in the E&P sector. The global list headed by ExxonMobil Corp of the US, had billionaire Mukesh Ambani-run Reliance Industries at the 13th position, Platts said. Reliance had assets of $55.94 billion and revenues of $43.63 billion. It had a profit of $5.24 billion. Embattled British energy giant
BP Plc was placed second ahead of Gazprom OAO of Russia, Petrobras Brasileiro of Brazil, Total SA of France E.On AG of Germany, Petrochina Co, China Petroleum, Chevron Corp of US and Royal Dutch Shell. Platts ranked Reliance Industries as the top oil refining and marketing company in Asia while state-owned GAIL India was ranked No.1 company among gas utilities. State-owned NTPC was ranked No 2 power utility in Asia behind Constellation Energy Group. Indian Oil Corp (IOC) was placed third as Asia’s refining and marketing company ranking, Bharat Petroleum on fifth and Hindustan Petroleum at 19th position.
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Indo American News • Friday, November 05, 2010
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Ram Leela Captivates With Enthralling Performances
Made possible with the tremendous joint efforts of the Indian Houston Community Shri Sita Ram Foundation USA, Kusum Sharma’s Shri Natraj School of Dance, Hindu Worship Society, Radha Krishna Temple, Arya Samaj, Hindus of Greater Houston, Mandap Creations, GuruItsolution.com, Keemat Grocers & Individual/Corporate Sponsors Media support by Music of India, Music Masala, Sanatan Hindu Radio, Indo American News, Voice of Asia & India Herald.
The Ram Leela 2010 Team wishes everyone a very Happy and Prosperous Diwali and hopes to see you at Ram Leela 2011. INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 05, 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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B U S I N E S S in d ia
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U.S. President Obama’s Namaste to India as a Global Leader WASHINGTON D.C. (Outlook): It isn’t every year that the president of the most powerful country comes calling on India. In fact, till a decade ago, most presidents of the United States of America didn’t think India even deserved a stopover on their forays intoAsia. Then, in 2000, Bill Clinton landed in New Delhi to charm the Indians and create a new mould for Indo-US relations, followed six years later by George W. Bush, who was rated as the best American president for India. In case you think the media should have become accustomed to the visit of American leaders, and are surprised at the buzz over Barack Obama’s forthcoming visit to this land of Mahatma Gandhi (whom the American president considers an exemplary leader), then you have quite obviously missed the point: he is the first US president to visit this country in the first half of his first term in office. That by itself is a testimony to the importance of India in the global arena, its gradual rise as a power, its relevance to the superpower that’s said to be on a possible decline. This also explains why Obama’s visit has been pitched as a defining moment in Indo-US relations. Forget those trite catchwords—Pakistan, Kashmir et al. Do not search for an idea comparable to the civil nuclear deal, crafted under the Bush administration, before you declare Obama’s visit to India a success or otherwise. It’s time to think big, sources say, and it can’t get bigger than what Obama plans to unfold during his November 6-9 visit: project India as a power with a sinew impressive enough to partner the US not only in Asia but in the entire world, including an emerging Africa partnership. Two major developments have prompted Obama to try and script a grand leap for India. One, the economic crisis which has cast most western economies into a tailspin. Two, the anxiety among many Asian countries engendered by the rise of an aggressive China. Agrees a senior official in the prime minister’s office, “China’s rise is the biggest thing that is happening around us.” And when such a big change is under way, the Americans have to wake up and take stock. Obama did this exactly a year ago, embarking on his first trip to Asia
Eastern Manoeuvres: Obama with the Indian premier at the White House.
that saw him hop from one country to another: Japan, Singapore, China and South Korea. In his Asia Security speech in Tokyo, Obama did not even mention India, not even in passing. This omission, even as he named other Asian powers, was not missed in New Delhi nor among its friends in Washington. Wasn’t it terrible diplomacy to ignore India, askedAmerican officials there. As a remedy, he chose Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the first state guest of his presidency in November last year. And though Obama, sources say, showed great appreciation of Manmohan’s views in their many subsequent meetings on the sidelines of multilateral events, there were many who remained sceptical whether the Indo-US strategic relationship would be elevated to a higher level under his presidency, as had been promised. Former foreign secretary K. Natwar Singh remains doubtful even today. “Borrowing the titles of two famous Charles Dickens novels, I can only describe his visit as ‘Great Expectations’ which will end up in ‘Hard Times’.” A Look At The Presidential To-Do
Nov 6, Mumbai Lands in Mumbai early on Nov 6 on Air Force One (left). Two other planes ferry 126 journalists and over 250 captains of industry. 18 US military aircraft bring in dismantled choppers, armoured vehicles, communication equipment and security personnel (below left) Stays at the Taj Mahal Palace (bottom left), Mumbai, one of the sites of the 26/11 attacks. Almost the entire 604-room hotel booked for his entourage; 70 per cent of the staff to be packed off on compulsory leave. To read out a statement against terror at a small function where he interacts with 26/11 victims Visit the Gandhi Museum. The Father of the Nation was an inspiration for Obama. Also celebrate Diwali at a school. Speak at a summit of the Indian-US business communities Nov 7, Mumbai Address a town hall-type meeting at St Xavier’s College Attend a round-table conference on agricultural cooperation and food security
After lunch, leave for Delhi Nov 7, Delhi Humayun’s Tomb to be first port of call in Delhi. Then drive down to Roosevelt House for US ambassador event. Will stay at Maurya Sheraton. All three wings booked for the Americans. An entire floor reserved for Obama and Michelle. The Maurya to serve an Obama platter, a mix of special meat, chicken and seafood dishes Attend a private dinner at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s residence Nov 8, Delhi After guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan (below), drives down to Rajghat (bottom) to pay homage to the Mahatma One-to-one meeting with Manmohan at Hyderabad House, followed by delegation-level talks Obama and team to attend lunch hosted by PM. After signing agreements, to hold joint press meet. Address joint special session of Parliament Attend presidential banquet hosted by Pratibha Patil in the evening. A 20-minute cultural capsule on “essence of India” likely to precede dinner. Nov 9, Depart Leaves for Indonesia In some ways, such scepticism is understandable, considering that Obama zeroed in on India for global partnership as a second choice. He had initially looked upon China as a natural partner with whom America could combine to manage the world. This choice couldn’t be faulted. China is crucial to the US, holding as it does over a trillion dollars worth of American treasury bonds and being a partner in a bilateral trade totalling a whopping $330 billion. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China’s help is needed to roll back Iran’s controversial nuclear programme and deal with a recalcitrant nuclear-armed North Korea. But then China began flexing its muscle, exploiting the economic crisis to surpass Japan as the world’s second-largest economy and then staking unilateral claims over South China Sea and other islands in East and Southeast Asia. The other countries of the region, mostly close allies
of the US, were not only alarmed but wondered whether the US was deliberately forsaking its role of a stabiliser in the Asia-Pacific and allowing China to carve its sphere of influence there. Stung, the US began to cast its net for other options. India suited the American plan well, boasting as it does a large army and a blue-water navy that could ensure China didn’t become the sole power to dominate the region, a veritable cradle of growing economies. And so when Obama lands in India, after visiting Rajghat in New Delhi, he and Manmohan will conduct a substantial dialogue on the implications of China’s rise for Asia and the world at large. This dialogue, however, doesn’t tantamount to forging an alliance against China. Says a senior Indian diplomat, “There’s an element of competitiveness in both India and US’s relations vis-a-vis China. But this should not be construed as attempts to gang up against China.” Never mind that, as a US official points out, “India and the US have together held 50 defence exercises in the past few years, and this is just the beginning.” The general wisdom is that instead of talking about containing China, Manmohan and Obama will discuss ways of enhancing their engagement with China. From Obama’s perspective, the second-most important item on his agenda will be to deepen economic cooperation with India. Unable to pull his country out from the economic mire and likely to face reversals in the mid-term elections in November before he flies out for Asia, there are many who feel he will be under pressure to bag lucrative business contracts in India. And though mid-term electoral losses are quite normal for American presidents, the alarmists point to his many statements in which he cited outsourcing of American jobs to India as among the principal causes of unemployment. Officials, therefore, say he will try to gain greater access to the Indian market not only for American behemoths but also for small- and medium-scale enterprises, taking advantage of the buying capacity of the expanding middle class here. This could help Obama to convince people back home that relations with India are crucial to create jobs for continued from page
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EcoNomy
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Obama’s Namaste to India as a Global Leader
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Americans. Agrees Arvind Subramanian, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, Washington, “This is a serious issue. The overall climate for openness in the US is not great, especially for issues such as outsourcing. The fact that Indian companies contribute to the US economy helps but it does not fundamentally alter whether or not the US is inclined to take protectionist action.” No wonder, accompanying Obama is a huge business delegation comprising over 250 CEOs. The main focus of the Business Summit in Mumbai will be to contemplate steps for augmenting economic and trade cooperation that remains below $50 billion currently. In addition, the American suppliers will eye the lucrative defence market of India and cash in on New Delhi’s drive to acquire sophisticated weaponry. Some arms deals are likely to be finalised during Obama’s visit. Having pushed hard for lifting the nuclear apartheid against India, the US will naturally aim to grab a substantial share of the civil nuclear energy market in India, now that the last hurdle in implementing the nuclear deal has been swept aside. Amidst fervent attempts to woo business in Mumbai, American sources say Obama will be provided a glimpse of India’s progress in egovernance and panchayati raj. He’s likely to be hooked live to a chaupal in session. Why isn’t the media abuzz with speculation about a big-ticket deal? Partly, officials say, this is deliberate, aimed at lowering expectations to avoid disappointment. But the more significant reason is that a bigticket idea can’t be floated every time
Indian and American leaders meet, that the nuclear deal was a gamechanger and the gains have to be now consolidated, and that the thrust now is to have India and the US enter into global partnership. To seed this global partnership, there are many Indian proposals on the table. To begin with, there is a desire to get univocal support from the US on India’s candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, for inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, an India-specific review to remove hurdles in the way of high-tech transfers and taking off Indian organisations like ISRO and DRDO from the Entities List that hobbles them from accessing dual techonology. In addition, there will be an attempt to get the US seriously engaged in India’s quest in fields as diverse as civil nuclear energy, green technology, agriculture, weather prediction for enhancing crop production and education. Obama is expected to carve out a much bigger role for India in the immediate region, and more impor importantly, across the globe. The two sides are now contemplating to work together for poverty alleviation not only in India but also in the countries of Africa. A substantial role is likely to be defined for India in Afghanistan, testifying to Obama’s acceptance that peace and stability there have a direct bearing on India’s security. Obama’s presence on Indian soil, more so in Mumbai, which was rocked by terror attacks in 2008, will inevitably drag terrorism into highlevel talks. The US president will undertake powerful symbolic acts during his stay here, such as reading out a statement against terrorism and meeting the victims of 26/11. And though serious cooperation on
counter-terrorism between India and the US is already under way, it is a moot point whether Washington can really stop Pakistan from supporting anti-India terror groups. The Americans desperately need Islamabad to stabilise Afghanistan, they can’t just dump the Pakistanis. Says former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal, “I don’t think Obama’s in a position to control Pakistan and prevent it from being selective in its fight against terrorist groups.” Adds for former ambassador Naresh Chandra, “Gestures like the recent military aid package to Pakistan only boost the morale of its military establishment. Extract as much from the US on technology, but don’t expect much on the Pakistan
front.” Ultimately, as the US plans to create space for India to play a global role, New Delhi shouldn’t forget that it can’t expect others to hold its hand to glory. India will have to understand
America’s compulsions in Afghanistan, and seize upon other opportunities to raise its profile as a great nation that’s devoid of hunger and believes in progress for all.
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INdIA
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An Interview with Former Ambassador to U.S. Ronen Sen
“Apprehension of Obama, Nostaligia for Bush is Ironic”
By Pranay Sharma NEW DELHI (Outlook): Former Indian ambassador Ronen Sen played a crucial role in India clinching the civilian nuclear deal with the United States. During his stint in Washington, he not only established a personal equation with former American president George W. Bush but also came to know Barack Obama long before he stepped into the White House. In an interview with Pranay Sharma, Sen talks about the personalities of the two American leaders, the growing Indo-US relations and the expectations from President Obama’s visit to India. Excerpts: Why is President Barack Obama coming to India? As the president of the world’s oldest and most powerful democracy, he’s making it a point to visit the world’s largest and fastest growing democracy in the first half of his first term of presidency. What do you think India is expect expecting from this visit? Our primary objective would be the reaffirmation at the highest level of our strategic partnership with the US, for our mutual benefit and for promoting shared global goals. Obama is meticulous in approach and has an amazing grasp of detail. Bush tended to look at the big picture, didn’t delve in detail. You have known both Obama and his predecessor, George W. Bush. How different are they as persons? Obama is a highly charismatic and inspirational public speaker. Anyone who has read his books also realises that he’s as compassionate as cerebral. In private meetings, he comes across as very courteous, soft-spoken, and a very attentive listener. He appears deliberative and meticulous in his approach and has an amazing grasp of complex details. According to his close associates, he listens to a number of people, but decisions are very much his own. He has repeatedly demonstrated his vision, decisiveness and leadership. George W. Bush, on the other hand, tended to look only at the large picture, and didn’t delve into details. His directives were broad in terms of objectives. Once he made up his mind, he was firm about implementation; his decisions were based on what he thought was the right thing to do.
Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Ronen Sen, suggests Indians need to look at the big picture and not have unnecessary expectations of President Obama.
He tended to rely as much on his gut instincts as on objective analyses. You knew Obama before he became the US president. What was your first impression about him? Did you think then that he could become the president? I first met Obama in 2005, soon after he was elected as US Senator, at his office at the US Senate. He was such an attentive and patient listener that I unwittingly deviated from my usual practice and spoke longer than I should have. His responses were lucid, precise. I was very impressed by the clarity of his vision. But, frankly, I had no inkling then that I’d within a short time be present during his inauguration as president. Many believe Bush has been the best American president for India. Do you think Obama can match or surpass him? Each US president leaves the distinctive stamp of his personality on his administration. You will recall that some of us ridiculed Bush for not remembering the name of our then prime minister during his first presidential campaign. Even after all that he did for India, a number of politicians, not just our leftist comrades, showed scant respect not only for Bush but our own traditions of hospitality during his visit to India.
Obama’s election campaign was followed more closely in India than any previous US elections, and his victory was widely hailed here. Therefore, it is ironic that there is nostalgia for the Bush years and apprehensions about the Obama administration. It’s true that Bush had a deep personal fascination and an abiding admiration for India, well before he became president. He did more for India than any of his predecessors. We should honour his legacy. We’re interested not just in a multipolar world but a multipolar Asia. It is neither ours nor America’s intention to contain China What does this imply for Obama? This certainly doesn’t imply that we should not show due appreciation and respect for Obama’s commitment and contributions to our partnership. For instance, within days of my taking over as ambassador in August 2004, I received a report from our consul-general in Chicago about Obama joining our Independence Day parade for about 90 minutes. I don’t recall any other US president or other world leader with such a track record. I also recall presidentelect Obama’s telephone call to me within a few hours of 26/11 and his strong sense of solidarity and support for India.
There were some mis-steps in the first few months of the Obama administration, when his team wasn’t fully in place. But we must remember the several special gestures he made thereafter, to underline his recognition and respect for our country and prime minister. There is now no doubt about the priority accorded by Obama to what he has referred to as one of the defining relationships of the 21st century. What can the two countries achieve under Obama that can match the nuke deal signed under Bush? The nuclear deal was unprecedented—there’s no historical precedence of a single-country exemption from an international regime. Its final approval also marked the first time ever that the US Congress deviated from its own prescribed procedures to adopt the deal in 2008. The Obama administration and our government have now just completed steps to enable the implementation of this initiative. It is unrealistic to expect the replication of such a far-reaching global game-changer. Can we expect any other such big idea from Obama? We should focus now on the big picture rather than a new big idea. The nuclear deal was unprecedented: it is unrealistic to expect the replication of such a far-reaching global game-changer. What does this big picture consti constitute? The big picture would cover the global challenges posed by religious extremism and terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, climate change and inequitable development between and within countries, energy and water scarcity, food security, natural disasters and pandemics, cyber security, freedom of movement in the global commons, unilateral assertions of ter territorial claims and so on. We need closer, more sustained consultations on global and Asian security frame-
works. Does the big picture also include meeting the challenges posed by a rising China? We are not only interested in a multipolar world but a multipolar Asia. Discussions on China will be natural. But it’s not our intention, nor, to the best of my knowledge, America’s intention to contain or encircle China. It’s legitimate for us to expect China to reciprocate this approach in full measure. There is growing recognition of India’s stabilising and balancing role in Asia. Can India and the US play a bigger role together in Afghanistan? Yes, most certainly. There is no doubt about our concerns. The US has shown increasing recognition of India’s positive role in Afghanistan, despite protestations to the contrary by Pakistan. We will have to engage in confidential and constructive consultations with the US and other regional players as well. What can Obama take from India that will convince the American public that strong ties with India help them too? Fortunately, he will not have to rely on any spin but focus only on facts to send the right message to the American people. Since 2004, trade, investments and job creation have truly become a two-way street, benefiting the US as much as India. Obama may seek greater access to the growing Indian market to help him contain growing protectionist sentiments in the US Congress. We should be open to constructive discussions resulting in decisions that will benefit both countries. To describe President Obama’s visit to India a success, what is the one thing we should look for? Look at the big picture. And in the bilateral context, the extent to which we can move forward in giving more economic content to our partnership.
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Purchase Discount Zoo Tickets at any of the 33 Fiesta Mart stores. Visit the courtesy booth of Any Fiesta Mart to purchase an adult zoo admission for $9 and a child zoo admission for $6. - IA News
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News of the Diaspora Indo American News Congress Accuses RSS of Terror Activities, Skirts Scams
South Asia
NEW DELHI (TOI): Congress on Tuesday went full blast in attacking the RSS and its sister organizations, accusing them of being involved in terrorism and held that the Allahabad High Court verdict does not condone the demolition of Babri Masjid but skirted the raging issue of housing scam in Mumbai. The day-long session of AICC, to ratify re-election of Sonia Gandhi as party president, saw over 1,000 delegates authorising her to nominate members to the Congress Working Committee, the highest policy-making body of the party. In her inaugural speech, Gandhi said Congress and the governments led by her party will “forcefully” resist attempts by anyone to abuse religion for political gains. Talking about the September 30 Allahabad High Court verdict on Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit, she said it in “no way condones” the demolition of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992. The demolition was a “shameful, criminal act” and “all those responsible must be brought to justice,” she said.
While addressing the AICC meet, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the RSS and its sister organizzations are linked to terrorist activities and these revelations ought to be brought out.
Taking the attack a notch further, finance minister Pranab Mukherjee piloted an AICC statement that said “recent revelations through detailed investigations have exposed the true
character of RSS and its sister organizations. “The investigations indicate the involvement of its members in terrorist activities.”
Justifying the inclusion of refer references to the RSS, Mukherjee said, “RSS organisation is to be exposed. Their links with the terrorist activities which have been recently highlighted through the revelations are to be brought in.” Earlier in the day, an AICC statement circulated to members at the AICC session in New Delhi said, “Recent revelations through detailed investigations have exposed the true character of the RSS and its sister or organisations. The investigations indicate the involvement of its members in terrorist activities.” It said the party would fight “at any cost” communal and terrorist elements, whichever source they originate from that aim at destroying the national fabric. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday hailed the role of Sonia Gandhi as the “longest serving” party President for the last 12 years and her
efforts in bringing the party to power at the Centre for a second continuous term. He expressed confidence that under her leadership the party would continue to be in power for a long time. In all the speeches, there was no reference to the raging scam relating to Mumbai’s Adarsh housing society in which the Congress leaders of Maharashtra are facing allegations of irregularities. Chief minister Ashok Chavan has already offered his resignation. There was also no reference to the Commonwealth Games scams. Both Chavan and Suresh Kalmadi, who was the butt of criticism in or organising the mega sports event and corruption allegations, were present at the AICC meeting on Tuesday which authorised Gandhi to nominate members of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), party’s highest policy making body.
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• You can tell how long a couple has been married by whether they are on their first, second or third bot bottle of Tobasco. ~Bruce Bye • An onion can make people cry, but there has never been a vegetable invented to make them laugh. ~Will Rogers • There is nothing better on a cold wintry day than a properly made pot pie. ~Craig Claiborne
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Strikers Win TCC Fall Twenty20, Beat Cougars by 6 Wickets, 5 Ov.
Surya Saladi, President TCC, handing over plaque to Herman Geddes.
Strikers team with winning championship trophies. Strikers team with winning championship trophies.
HOUSTON: Strikers won the TCC Fall 2010 Taped Ball Cricket Twenty20 Tournament. Strikers beat Cougars by 6 wickets with around 5 overs remaining in an exciting match. Strikers won the deserving championship in the well fought out tournament that had 12 participant teams. Cougars put into bat by Strikers scored 92 in 20 overs. They got off to a slow start scoring 36 in 10 overs. This was mainly due to tight bowling by Gopala giving only one run in 3 overs and two wickets by Amit. Satish from Cougars played a brilliant innings of 30 to accelerate the innings in the last 5 overs. Wickets kept falling at the other end with the final score being 92/8. Amit ended up with four wickets. Strikers had a slow start being restricted to 19/1 in 5 overs. Rajesh from cougars took a great catch to pick up the first wicket. Chandra (29 in 30 balls) and Gaurav (23 of 18 balls) took over from there and scored 29 runs in two overs for the score to be at 62/2 in 10 overs. Saikumar the captain and Anoop got the remaining runs with continued aggression to finish the match within 15 overs. Another highlight of the finals was high quality umpiring by Natraj and Prabhakar. The game was followed by a well organized prize distribution ceremony arranged by TCC. The presentation party had Surya
Saladi president of TCC, Nanda Kumar Vice President of HCL and chief guest Herman Geddes, a senior member of HCL and ex officio. Mr. Geddes was honored with a memento by TCC after an introduction by Nanda Kumar for his great work in HCL which includes helping organize various cricket events and establishing the Katy grounds for Houston cricket. Jagadish Biradar, organizer for TCC Taped Ball tournament coordinated the presentation ceremony. SaiKumar, the captain of Strikers was handed over the winners trophy and Ashwin the captain of Cougars was handed over the runners up trophy. The players of the winners and runners up received individual trophies. Man of the match for the finals was Chandra from Strikers. Gaurav from Strikers won the Best Batsman trophy, Sumit from Panthers won the Best Bowler trophy. Sumit also won the Best All Rounder trophy. Trophies were also given to the man of the match for Semi Finals. Rajesh from Cougars and Rajesh from Strikers won the man of the match trophy for the Semi Finals. Jagadish Biradar announced TCC winter taped ball tournament starting Nov 6th with participation from 13 teams.
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Sri Lanka Beats Aussies in a 1-Wicket Thriller MELBOURNE (Cricinfo): Angelo Mathews and Lasith Malinga produced one of the great one-day international fightbacks to clinch an improbable victory for Sri Lanka, extending Australia’s losing streak to six international games since July. The visitors seemed destined for a humiliating loss when they crashed to 8 for 107 chasing 240, but Mathews and Malinga kept fighting, spurred on by noisy support from a crowd dominated by Sri Lankan fans. They compiled the highest ninth-wicket partnership in ODI history, beating a 27-year-old record set by Kapil Dev and Syed Kirmani at the 1983 World Cup, and the 132-run stand left Australia’s confidence in tatters. Malinga belted his way to his first one-day half-century and Mathews played the guiding hand with a wonderful unbeaten 77 as the pair raced towards their target with plenty of time to spare. They had a scare when Malinga was run out with the scores level, trying for the winning single to cover, but Muttiah Muralitharan finished the job with a flick off his pads for four to fine leg off Shane Watson. It will be Muralitharan’s final international act at the MCG, where he was called for throwing 15 years ago, but this time there was nothing but roaring applause. Apart from the debutant left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty, who had a dream start to his international career with 4 for 46, none of Australia’s bowlers looked seriously threatening against Malinga and Mathews. The stand-in captain Michael Clarke had a furrowed brow for most of the final hour, searching for a way to break the stand, but curiously did not employ the aggressive Steven Smith after the 25th over. Malinga was the aggressor and finished with 56 from 48 balls, but Mathews was the architect of the comeback. His 84-ball innings included eight fours and one six, and was defined by a regular pinpointing of gaps in the field. Mathews struck the ball cleanly and almost never looked in danger of losing his wicket. It was a brilliant response after several of Sri Lanka’s recognised batsmen threw their wickets away pursuing what should always have been a gettable chase. Doherty outsmarted the top order and had three wickets from his first two overs, having already effected a brilliant run-out when he hurled himself to his left at mid-on to stop a sting-
ing Kumar Sangakkara drive then throwing from on his knees to remove Upul Tharanga, who had overcommitted to the run. The most important victim in his 4 for 46 was Sangakkara, who was guiding the chase with a stylish innings that ended on 49. Having seen Mahela Jayawardene trapped lbw by a skiddy arm-ball from Doherty’s second delivery in Australian colours, Sangakkara played for a straight one when he tried to deftly paddle over his shoulder, only to see the ball turn past his bat to take his leg stump. The previous ball, Doherty had picked up Chamara Silva, who injudiciously tried to slog over the leg side; his skied top edge was taken by a backpedalling Watson at mid-on. It was a superb spell from Doherty, who in one match has significantly enhanced his chances of making Australia’s squad for the World Cup, which will be played on spin-friendly subcontinental surfaces. By the end of the contest he’d added Nuwan Kulasekara lbw, but his efforts were not enough. Things started well for Australia, when the dangerous Tillakaratne Dilshan top-edged an unwise pull off Peter Siddle and was caught at square leg, but Mathews and Malinga saved the day. They built on the solid work of Thisara Perera, whose 5 for 46 included three quick wickets that gave the visitors an early look at Australia’s lower middle order, until Michael Hussey set up camp to guide Australia to the 50th over. Hussey entered the match fresh from 0 and 3 in a Sheffield Shield game and he was facing questions over his place in the Test side. His limited-overs value has not been in doubt, and he ticked the score along well in a 67-run stand with Shaun Marsh, who batted in the unfamiliar No. 6 position and was caught behind off Suraj Randiv for 31. Hussey’s only boundary came from his 71st delivery and it was the ball that brought up his half-century, a strong pull over square leg off Kulasekara. Haddin finished with 49 and it was a strong return to the opening role, where the Australians are likely to use him alongside Watson in the World Cup. But this day belonged to Mathews and Malinga, and, fittingly, to Muralitharan.
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Sun Co-Founder Uses Capitalism to Help Poor By Vikas Bajaj wealth. a commercial company in 2006. It MUMBAI (NYT): Vinod Khosla, India’s torrid growth over the last now has 6.8 million customers and the billionaire venture capitalist and decade has helped enrich many here a loan portfolio of 43 billion rupees co-founder of Sun Microsystems, — Forbes estimates that India now ($940 million). was already among the world’s richest has 69 billionaires, up from seven By contrast, CashPor, a nonprofit men when he invested a few years ago in 2000 — but only a few have set Indian lender to which Mr. Khosla in SKS Microfinance, a lender to poor up large charities, endowments or has also given money, has 417,000 women in India. ven“It surprises me that in India borrowers and a portfolio of 2.7 bilBut the roaring success of SKS’s there is not a tradition of large-scale lion rupees ($58 million) even though recent initial public stock offering giving and helping to solve social it started operations in 1996. in Mumbai has made him richer by problems and set a social model,” Besides growing faster, SKS, Inabout $117 million — money he says Mr. Khosla said. dia’s largest microfinance company, he plans to plow back into other venMr. Khosla is not alone in worry- has become a stock market darling. tures that aim to fight poverty while ing about the state of Indian philan- The company floated its shares on Inalso trying to turn a profit. thropy. Bill Gates, the Microsoft co- dia’s stock exchanges in mid-August, And he says he wants to challenge founder, who was in China last week and they have risen 40 percent since other rich Indians to do more to help with the billionaire investor Warren then. their country’s poor. E. Buffett, said Thursday that he and At current prices, Mr. Khosla’s 6 An Indian transplant to Silicon Val- Mr. Buffett might go to India as part percent stake in SKS is worth about ley, Khosla plans to start a venture of their campaign to get the very rich $120 million, about 37 times what capital fund to invest in companies to give away half their wealth. he invested in the firm in 2006 and that focus on the poor in India, Africa Charitable activities and venture 2007. (Shares of SKS fell 7 percent and elsewhere by providing services capital investing have been a main- on Monday after the company said it like health, energy and education. stay for some Indian business fami- had fired its chief executive, Suresh By backing businesses that provide lies like the Tatas and for technology Gurumani. An SKS spokesman, Atul education loans or distribute solar entrepreneurs like Aziz Premji of Takle, declined to answer questions.) panels in villages, he says, he wants to Wipro, the Bangalore outsourcing Khosla said it might take at least a show that commercial entities can bet- firm. But many others have given year to set up his new venture fund. ter help people in poverty than most very little. He intends to finance it from his SKS nonprofit charitable profits and then return organizations. to the fund any profits “There needs to from subsequent venbe more experitures it backs. ments in building Khosla has already sustainable busibeen investing in comnesses going after panies that he says fit the market for the his model of profitable poor,” he said in a poverty alleviation. telephone interview One is MokshaYug from his office in Access, which sets up Menlo Park, Calif. milk collection and “It has to be done in chilling plants in India a sustainable way. to help dairy farmers. There is not enough The company says it money to be given helps farmers reduce away in the world to transportation costs make the poor well and get higher prices off.” for their milk than they Khosla’s advocacan with local distribucy of the bootstrap Vinod Khosla, a billionaire venture capitalist, promotes com- tors. powers of capital- panies that profit the poor, and still turn a profit themselves. Philanthropy experts ism is part of an insay commercial comcreasingly popular panies play an impor imporschool of thought: tant role in combating businesses, not governments or nonA recent Bain & Company study poverty by creating jobs. But they say profit groups, should lead the effort to estimated that Indians give much less these “social enterprises,” as they are eradicate global poverty. as a percentage of the country’s gross sometimes known, cannot be solely Some nonprofit experts say com- domestic product than Americans. relied upon to address the many enmercial social enterprises have sig- Moreover, individual and corporate trenched causes of poverty. nificant limitations and pose conflicts donations account for just 10 percent Moreover, as the fallout from the of interest. But proponents like Mr. of the charitable giving in India, com- global financial crisis has made clear, Khosla draw inspiration from the pared with 75 percent in the United the profit-maximizing tendencies of astounding global growth of micro- States and 34 percent in Britain. The businesses can hurt society, said Phil finance — the business of giving balance comes from the government Buchanan, president for the Center small loans to poor entrepreneurs, of and foreign organizations. for Effective Philanthropy, a research which SKS Microfinance is a notable Rich Indians “are more into temple organization based in Cambridge, practitioner. building and things like that,” said Mass. Nonprofits are effective beAdvocates also find intellectual Samit Ghosh, the chief executive cause they can “take issue with the unsupport for the idea from the work of Ujjivan Financial, a microlender bridled pursuit of profit at the expense of business management professors based in Bangalore, “rather than put- of people’s lives,” Mr. Buchanan said. like the late C. K. Prahalad, who ting their money into real programs, “I think some of that gets lost in all of have argued that large corporations which will have real impact on pov- the hype around social enterprise.” can do well and do good by aiming erty alleviation.” Khosla says that he is not comat people at the so-called bottom of Khosla said his experience with pletely opposed to charities — that the pyramid. microfinance had helped shape his his fund may even donate to some Besides Khosla, entrepreneurs like views on the best way to tackle nonprofit entities. But he says he is Pierre Omidyar, a co-founder of eBay, poverty. He has invested in com- generally skeptical that nongovernand Stephen M. Case, a co-founder of mercial microfinance lenders and mental organizations can accomplish America Online, have started funds has donated to nonprofit ones, and much because they tend to drift away with similar aims. he said that moneymaking versions from what their donors wanted them But Khosla, 55, who moved to the had grown much faster and reached to do. United States from India as a graduate many more needy borrowers. “I am relatively negative on most student in 1976, has another motive, He said he wanted to help cre- N.G.O.’s and their effectiveness,” too. He wants to goad other rich In- ate a new generation of companies he said. “I am not negative on their dians into giving away more of their like SKS, which started lending as intentions.”
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Heart in Heritage
Deborah Thiagarajan speaks on making India home, founding DakshinaChitra and her efforts to preserve our rich heritage By kausalya santhanam PHILADELPHIA(Hindu): The 12-year-old loved to sew. She would visit the wholesale market in Philadelphia and scout around for her favourite textiles. Madras checks, to be precise! The American was also sure that one day she would marry “someone, somewhere in the world.” “It was never ‘somewhere in the U.S.’,” laughs Deborah Thiagarajan. Later, the young woman who went to study at the University of Pittsburgh met Indian student Raj Thiagarajan doing his Ph.D. They married and Deborah landed in Madras in 1970. “I immediately keyed in to life in this city.” The proximity of Kalakshetra as well as neighbours and friends helped introduce her to the culture and the arts. “Having lived for so many years here, I have begun to believe in karma or destiny,” adds Deborah, now a graceful grandmother. What else but destiny could have brought her so far away and made her set up a centre to showcase South Indian traditions — architecture, culture, crafts and folk performing arts? Centre for arts DakshinaChitra defines Deborah. A living museum that has become a dream destination for tourists from the country and abroad. The centre set in ten acres on the way to the ancient port city of Mammallapuram reflects a gracious lifestyle where even the simplest homes were enriched by a sense of aesthetics, and where wealth did not mean ostentatious display. But a way of life that is gently fading like the amber shades of a beautiful sunset, with traditional houses speedily coming down, and the rapidly disintegrating connect between rural and urban life. Well-known architects, craft lovers and friends responded spontaneously with their support in the setting up of DakshinaChitra which opened in 1996. It was the main project of the Madras Craft Foundation set up by Deborah in 1984. “Last year we had 1,34,000 visitors ; the first year it was 6,000.” She gives her slow, soft smile. “I fell in love with India the moment I arrived.” It was a love that
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India, South India, returned lavishly. Being the daughter-in-law of a well known industrial family smoothened the path. “And my husband was with me all the way. Raj, (who passed away in 2007), had business acumen allied to a rare artistic temperament.” Working for the Tamil Nadu Government’s noon meal programme in the rural areas made her aware of the wealth of craft traditions that needed support. “I feel sorry for anyone who has not spent two to three years in the Indian villages,” says Deborah. “There is a humanism, a warmth and hospitality despite the poverty, which you can’t get anywhere else.” Heritage conservation It took eight years for it to be recognised that DakshinaChitra is not for the elite and that it was set up for people to understand the value of their own culture and heritage. Only when heritage conservation becomes a people’s movement, Deborah feels, will there be results. The scenario is changing but then (sadly) “most people change when they have lost something”. Which explains why there is so much more enthusiasm about museums now, says this former convenor, and founder of Tamil Nadu chapter of INTACH. The Ministry of Culture has sanctioned 20 new museums as of April this year. But museums, she
agrees, have a rocky journey in India. “That is because they are considered a colonial legacy. The idea works more in the West because here is a divide between what you are and how you live. Here there is very little disjunction as yet.” Deborah is one of a few in the country today with such a strong experience and background in Museology. DakshinaChitra exudes constant energy — craft fairs, education courses, seminars, performing art events. Fresh Government grants are being used to build infrastructural facilities. The young need to be exposed to the past. Life has changed so much. Deborah realised how much when her six-year-old grandson came to a live international theatre performance recently and asked, “Grandma, are all these real people or is this virtual reality?” She chuckles. “There is so much more to accomplish,” she says. “I’ve made 20 trips to get a house each from North Karnataka and Andhra. I have only the weaver’s house in Telangana and the Muslim house from Chikmagalur, Karnataka, refuses to get built…”she frets. “But till now we have 17 heritage houses — of a cross-section of people. ‘You’ve democratised art’, someone said. It is the best compliment we have got,” she smiles.
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