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India’s Toilet Shortage Costs More than $50 billion, World bank Study Says
By Jason Gale MUMBAI (Bloomberg): A lack of toilets costs India more than $50 billion a year, mostly through premature deaths and hygienerelated diseases, a study found. Illness, lost productivity and other consequences of fouled water and inadequate sewage treatment trimmed 6.4 percent from India’s gross domestic product in 2006, or the equivalent of $53.8 billion, according to the study by the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Program. The finding suggests India bears a higher cost than other Asian countries from inadequate collection of human excreta: $48 per person,
compared with $9.30 per person in Vietnam, $16.80 in the Philippines, $28.60 in Indonesia and $32.40 in Cambodia, the study’s authors found. More than three-quarters of the premature mortality-related economic losses are due to deaths and diseases in children younger than 5, according to the report. “For decades we have been aware of the significant health impacts of inadequate sanitation in India,” Christopher Juan Costain, the program’s team leader for South Asia, said in a statement yesterday.
“This report quantifies the economic losses to India, and shows that children and poor households bear the brunt of poor sanitation.” Inadequate Sanitation Diarrhea among children younger than 5 years accounts for more than 47 percent of the total healthrelated economic impacts, the study found. Premature mortality and other health- related impacts of inadequate sanitation
were the most costly at $38.5 billion, 72 percent of the total economic burden, followed by productive time lost to access sanitation facilities or sites for defecation at $10.7 billion, or 20 percent, and drinking waterrelated impacts at $4.2 billion, or 7.8 percent. “The cost is more than I expected,” Clarissa Brocklehurst, water, sanitation and hygiene chief at the United Nations Children’s Fund, said in a telephone interview from New York. “Yet, with the scale of open defecation in India, it’s not all that surprising.” More than half of India’s 1.17 billion people were mobile- phone
subscribers, yet only 366 million people had access to proper sanitation in 2008, a study published in April by the United Nations University, a UN research organ, found. Eighteen percent of India’s urban population and 69 percent of rural dwellers defecated daily in fields, bushes, beaches and open spaces, according to a March report by the World Health Organization and Unicef. “It’s a long hard slog to change social norms around open defecation, to create an enabling environment where everybody can buy a toilet,” said Brocklehurst, who has lived and worked in New Delhi. “There is no glitzy solution.”
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India Still World’s No. 1 Destination for Offshore Outsourcing
BANGALORE (ET): India is still the Gartner study. It scored well “political and economic environment” the world’s favorite destination for across all 10 criteria. While its cost- from “good” to “very good”, and offshore outsourcing , but attractive competitiveness is being challenged “culture compatibility” from “fair” cost structures in the Philippines, due to the rising rupee, this is to “good”. Vietnam and Indonesia and the compensated by its strength in other Contributing to the increased rating rapid growth of the business in areas, as per Gartner’s study. for China is its rising global political China are posing tough competition, “Clients continue to seek a portfolio and economic leverage, especially in according to a the wake of the recent new study by global economic Gartner Inc. crisis. In the study, China experienced the IT research a steady positive and advisory growth rate, spurred firm identified by a USD 583.9 billion the Top 30 stimulus package, in countries 2009. The Shanghai around the 2010 World Expo world for has helped increase globally cultural awareness sourced within China, which activities has helped the growth in 2010-11, of the business in the rating them on country, according to the basis of 10 the study. criteria. Gartner’s scores for M a n y the Philippines remain organizations Asian countries are the go to place for outsourcing - India is largely unchanged, that choose on top of the list because it is in the forefront of technology, although its rating to move IT education, and advancement in real estate development. The for “global and legal services to government is also relaxing its rules for investment and job maturity” fell from l o w e r - c o s t creation opportunities making India a primary spot for creative “good” to “fair”. countries are business deals and profitable returns for investors Gartner continues to daunted by the see foreign companies task of determining which country, of offshore countries and with India being attracted to the Philippine’s or countries, would best suit their again experiencing increasing labour young, experienced labour pool requirement. Gartner conducted an costs and attrition, this is creating specialising in contact centres and analysis of these countries to assess opportunities for other offshore finance and accounting (F&A) their capabilities and potential as locations to target the services needs business process outsourcing (BPO), offshore services locations, it said. of more-mature Asian clients,” said complemented by its good language India retained its position as the Gartner Research Vice-President Ian and cultural compatibility with most successful country among Marriott. western economies. global offshore locations, as per China improved its scores for
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India, Russia Plan Economic Pact
NEW DELHI (Deccan Herald): India and Russia, agreed to consider a free trade and investment agreement and enhance bilateral commerce to $20 billion by next five years. In a joint statement issued here both sides said they had agreed to continue their efforts to “achieve the strategic target of bilateral trade volume of
Russia, as major energy producing country and India as big consumer, viewed energy cooperation “as an important pillar of strategic partnership”. Both sides signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for boosting cooperation not only at bilateral level but also for setting up projects in third countries. The agreement is expected to provide an administrative framework for joint undertaking of projects in the oil and gas sector in India, Russia and third countries Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma talks by oil and gas with Russian Federation’s Deputy Prime Minister Sergei companies Ivanov during the India- Russia Forum on Trade and from both Investments in New Delhi on December 20, 2010. countries. O N G C $20 billion by 2015”. Indo-Russia Videsh Limited (OVL) — overseas bilateral trade in 2009-10 stood at investment arm of ONGC — $4.54 billion. signed an agreement with JSFC Significantly both sides agreed Sistema of Russia for joint to consider the possibility of projects in hydrocarbon sector. C o m p r e h e n s i v e E c o n o m i c An MoU envisaging enhanced C o o p e r a t i o n A g r e e m e n t cooperation in the area of IT and (CECA) taking into account the IT-Enabled Services, cooperation implementation of the agreements in the area of pharmaceuticals on constituting the customs union and bio-pharmaceuticals through between Russia, Kazakhastan and establishment of joint ventures, Belarus. joint research and exchange of Both sides signed as many as 30 know-how was also signed. To agreements envisaging bilateral facilitate smoother flow of trade business deals in wide range of and investment both sides finalised economic activities. The most sensitive agreement on simplification significant related to enhanced of visa procedures in a bid to help bilateral cooperation in the field of enhance contacts between the energy including power and oil and business communities of the two natural gas. countries.
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Indo American News • Friday, December 24, 2010
U.S. Wanted Bollywood Stars to Tour and Help in the ‘Reconstruction’ of Afghanistan, Claims WikiLeaks
By Jason Burke (Hindu)U.S. diplomats suggested that India send Bollywood stars to tour Afghanistan to aid international efforts to stabilise the country. In a confidential March 2007 cable responding to a request from Washington for “specific, concrete ideas for opportunities for India to use soft power in helping Afghanistan’s reconstruction”, officials said Bollywood was an area that “seems ripe”. “We understand Bollywood movies are wildly popular in Afghanistan, so willing Indian celebrities could be asked to travel to Afghanistan to help bring attention to social issues there,” the cable said. The unlikely idea which never came to fruition reveals the constant efforts of diplomats at the large embassy in New Delhi to exploit Indian resources and goodwill to bolster the international effort in Afghanistan. “India has significant aid to offer,” the cable notes, adding that a key challenge would be “to overcome Pakistani objection[s] ... if India is to expand its role”. India’s attempts to build its influence in Kabul and among Afghans through indirect aid and reconstruction assistance have often been seen by Pakistan as evidence of a strategy of encirclement by its historic enemy. One cable refers to “India’s lingering zero-sum suspicion of U.S. policies
This file photo shows U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (left) along with Bollywood star Amir Khan during a program on ‘Education: Serving to Change the World’ in Mumbai. File Photo: AP
towards Pakistan”. One key concern for India — apparent in several cables — is that the U.S. and its western allies will prematurely withdraw from Afghanistan having negotiated some kind of settlement with the Taliban. The Indian position has been that any attempt to reconcile with militants is doomed to failure and risks plunging Afghanistan into anarchy and fanaticism from which Pakistan stands to benefit. Cables describe the Indian national security adviser, Shiv Shankar Menon, telling a visiting senator, Claire McCaskill, that if the Pakistani establishment felt U.S. commitment was flagging it would “sit it out and use the Indian threat as an excuse for not doing what was needed [to tackle militants inside Pakistan]”. Menon said he may be a “minority of one,” but he thought there was
some potential for success in Afghanistan. “The British were convinced the coalition would lose because they lost three wars there, but others had been able to tame the country,” Mr. Menon told McCaskill in February. Two days previously, Y.K. Sinha, India’s top diplomat for Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, expressed scepticism over the reintegration and reconciliation efforts that had become a centrepiece of the Nato strategy in Afghanistan and told U.S. diplomats “a precipitate U.S. exit would embolden ‘fanatics’ to feel they had defeated both the USSR and the U.S ... and the result will be very bad for the region”. Indian officials told their U.S. counterparts in 2007 that “there were also signs of increasing ties between the Taliban and al-Qaida elements on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, a fact which is of major significance for stability in both countries”. “From the debriefings of Dr. Mohammed Hanif, a key Taliban spokesman arrested on January 15, [a senior intelligence officer] stated that “we now know that Mullah Omar is under Pakistani protection,” one cable reported. “India had also learned that the former chief of Pakistan’s ISI was directly involved in assistance to the Taliban,” the cable said. IndoAmerican News is in the business of promoting your enterprise. We reach all over Houston to 120 locations. Our record is like no other publication, we stand by the numbers we give, we do give you value for your advertising and help you maximize your investment.
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South Asia News of the Diaspora
India is New Top Stop for World Leaders Seeking business Deals
By Krittivas MuKherJee NEW DELHI (The Star): A host of world leaders trooped into India over the last few months, including Russia’s president on Tuesday, to strengthen relations with Asia’s third-largest economy, attracted by its booming market and growing diplomatic heft. Like a revolving door, India has hosted every major world leader in the past six months. All United Nations Security Council permanent members or BRIC countries of emerging economies have had their leaders visit India, the world’s second fastest-growing economy after China. Britain, the United States, France and China have together secured around $50 billion in deals ranging from defence, energy to telecoms. Once Moscow’s agreements with New Delhi are counted, this figure will double, including nuclear reactors and supersonic fighter aircraft. When Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the 21st century belonged to Asia during his visit to India’s capital last week, he did not refer to just China.
“It’s very simple. We’re the new seen as a logical outgrowth of some has come political endorsement,” kid on the block,” a senior Indian of the world’s biggest challenges -- said Lalit Mansingh, former Indian diplomat told Reuters. the global financial crisis, regional foreign secretary. Analysts say it is Massive Market the ability of India Potential to bring some British Prime Minister substance to the David Cameron pointedly table, partly because made his first official visit of its growing to India and U.S. President confidence on a Barack Obama spent the global stage, which longest time abroad as has put it in focus. president in India. B e i n g Ta k e n While its raucous Seriously democracy and sometimes But while such unpredictable regulatory issues underscore climate hamper investor India’s growing sentiments, the economy’s r e l e v a n c e , t h e India’s become a revolving door for world leaders as potential is staggering. country’s long-term Manmohan Singh stands with BRIC nations, Russia’s For instance, India’s goal is to find a place Dmitry Medvedev, China’s Hu Jintao, and Brazil’s Luiz retail sector is worth $450 at the high table of Inacio Lula da Silva billion; its nuclear power global powers and market is estimated at be taken as seriously as China. stability and growing fight for natural $150 billion over the next decade and “Everybody wants business resources, and India’s ability to help India needs to spend $1.5 trillion on deals and a degree of political and resolve those problems with a $1.3 improving its infrastructure, which is strategic cooperation with India, and trillion dollar economy growing holding back economic growth by 2 especially for the Americans, India’s annually at about 9 percent. percent a year. possible role as a counterweight to “India and China are the two fastest India is forecast to be one of the five China is very important,” said Praful growing markets and we have just largest economies in the world by Bidwai, political columnist. seen that they can be the locomotives 2020, along with China and Japan. But the country’s emergence as that can pull us out of recession. And Three years ago Prime Minister a factor in the global economy is along with this economic might Manmohan Singh returned from a
G8 summit in Germany complaining that India was a sideshow and attending such meetings as an invitee was a waste of time. Last month, in New Delhi U.S. President Barack Obama said: “I don’t think India is emerging. It has emerged. India is a key actor on the world stage.” While the global slowdown spurred a shift towards economic inclusion, a landmark civilian nuclear deal with Washington last year also helped India’s entry into the global order for a bigger say in international policymaking. “The world considers India’s rise as something that doesn’t threaten them, unlike the apprehension surrounding China’s rise, and I think that’s a big factor in the increased global interest in India,” Siddharth Varadarajan, Strategic Affairs Editor at the Hindu newspaper told Reuters. But key issues still need to be addressed as India takes on a global role. Most prominent among these are the current corruption challenges facing Singh’s government and the changing regulatory environment -- all showing that doing business in India remains difficult.
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Films to Showcase Kashmir Tourism Potential Every Citizen Should Help Calm JAMMU (Kashmir Observer): Secretary Tourism&Culture, The Government is contemplating Mr. Atal Dullu, Special Secretary to launch a tourism promotional Tourism&Culture, campaign to showcase Mr. Altaf Hussain, the potential tourist Director Tourism, spots of the state Jammu, Mr. to attract the world R.K.Verma, Financial tourists. Advisor Tourism A comprehensive and other senior policy would be officers attended the framed for producing meeting. promotional films. To make the policy The decision to this more effective and effect was taken at a innovative, the high level meeting of Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister directed Tourism department Minister of Tourism and the authorities to chaired by the Minister Culture, Kashmir is set consult the agencies for Tourism and to revitalize tourism in the of the country like Culture, Mr Nawang state in 2011. Incredible India and Rigzin Jora. Leading other companies who advertisement have a niche in the promotion of companies will also be contacted. tourism. Consultations are to be
held with the Tourism Department of H.P and M.P who have launched a massive campaign for promoting the tourism of their states. The Minister said that the state is blessed with abundant natural splendor which the government is tapping in the right perspective by developing new destinations, and creating latest tourism infrastructural conveniences for the domestic and foreign visitors. “The adventure, pilgrim and sports tourism is also being focused upon by the government as these have tremendous scope in the state”, he added. The Minister asked to ensure quality formulation of the calendar for 2011 depicting the enchanted grandeur of tourism spots, especially religious and adventurous, as publicity tool to promote tourism.
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Tensions in Kashmir: Minister
NEW DELHI (ET): Till a few weeks ago, hotels were booked up as were the famed houseboats and the stars were back being filmed against the mountains. But spiralling strife in Jammu and Kashmir has busted the boom, says a “hurt and disappointed” Tourism Minister Ambika Soni asking each individual to contribute to calming “pent up tensions”. The ongoing violence in the state - that has seen curfew, shutdowns and violent street protests leading to about 40 people being killed since May 26 -- has hit not just tourism in the valley but also development, said the minister. “I am hurt and disappointed that the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir has been hit by the unrest in the state. “I feel so bad that tourism, which is the mainstay of the Kashmir valley, has been cut off totally. This year the valley saw a fabulous season, which also meant a lot of employment for the people.
Every citizen should do his or her bit to calm the pent up tension,” said Soni. Peace for Kashmir, she said, meant tourists were heading for the state and movies were being shot there once again. The state had borne the brunt of almost two decades of militancy but industrial development had recently picked up with tourism being the key engine of change. While 6.9 million tourists - both domestic and foreigners - visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2004, the number went up to 7.6 million in 2006, according to India Tourism Statistics, a report compiled by the tourism ministry. According to Soni, “It is frustrating that political parties are taking advantage of such situations. The agitation is being fanned by vested interests. I don’t want to name any party.”
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Rajan’s Kathai Film to Premiere at 8th Chennai International Film Festival
CHENNAI: Kathai a movie released January 2010 is of specific interest to the Houston community because it is an Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Abhishek Shankar. Produced by Rajan Radhakrishnan, owner of Madras Pavilion Restaurants in Houston, the Sugarland and Rice locations, and distributed through Madhurai by noted director M. Sasikumar, the film stars newcomers Shaan Kumar, Nivedhitha and Abhinay do well in the lead roles. The film was released on 29 January 2010. Narain (Shaan), an acclaimed writer. While he dedicates the honor to his wife Kavya (Niveditha), a flashback reveals some secrets in the couple’s life. Narain and Kavya, who is a renowned vi-
olinist, love each other and get married. After the wedding Kavya comes to know Narain is a psychotic and that the world outside is not aware of it, he is now a celebrated writer. Coming to the present, the husband and wife are now in the United States, where they meet Bujji (Abhinay), a childhood friend of Kavya. How Kavya comes out of all difficulties is the remaining part of Kathai. Music is by Paul Jacap. Lyricist is Ravi Solomon. Others in the cast are Deepa Venkat, Nalini, ‘Kanja’ Karuppu and ‘Crazy’ Kumar. Talking about the movie, Rajan Radhakrishnan said “I am so glad to give Houston film lovers a movie that I enjoyed making.” Produced under the banner of his sons Akash Akshay Cine International, Having worked on Super star Surya Starrers with
Aparajith Films as partners, Rajan has been successful in Nandha, and Mounam Pesiyathe. “I love good plot movies and this movie is five years ahead of its time. That is the feedback the audience gave me.” he said. Kathai is set to be featured in the Denmark Film Festival and also become available on Netflix soon.
Shaan Kumar, Niveditha pose for the movie Kathai (Story) produced by Rajan Radhakrishnan, an owner of Madras Pavilion
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Rajan Radhakrishnan
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sports
Innings Loss, But 50th Century for Sachin By Sidharth Monga
tentially earn him a one-match suspension. “Another area of worry SUPER SPORTS is the over-rate because PARK, South Africa we were five-and-a(Cricinfo): MS Dhoni half overs down at one has come down hard stage,” he said. “That’s on his bowlers afa lot. That’s a big worry. ter India started yet We need to step that up. another tour with a We need to bowl our demoralising defeat. quota in the time allot“One of the things was ted.” we still couldn’t get Dhoni is looking forthem all out,” Dhoni ward to Zaheer’s return, said. “Although we not just for what he all said the wicket was does with the ball, but different to first day, how he leads the attack. but you have bowled “It’s not just that when on flatter tracks and Zaheer plays he always you’re still expected gets wickets,” he said to get the sides out, so when asked if the attack that’s an area of conwas not even half as efcern because to win a fective in Zaheer’s abTest you have to get 20 sence. “But what is good wickets.” with him is the amount It was not just the of experience he has failure to bowl South got, the way he comes Africa out that ought up with new plans and to concern India. They changes his plans durconceded 225 runs ing the course of the in one session on the game. What we need to third day, which hassee is if he can be there tened the declaration in the next Test, whether from South Africa. we can make something The extra time South happen on the field.” Africa gained proved Dhoni seemed reto be a big factor in Insigned to India’s tendia’s fight for a draw. dency to start Test series “You’re supposed to poorly. “That’s one qualeither take wickets or ity we have,” he said. not let the opposition “It’s not only in India. score at five runs an Most of the Test series, over in a Test match,” the first Test has often Dhoni said. “The congone bad, but after that ditions are difficult out we have come back rehere, it’s not like in Inally well. Again we are dia where it’s turning back to a start that we and the ball doesn’t are quite used to now, come on. So you can hopefully we will cope tie the batsmen down with that in the coming and not let them score Sachin Tendulkar scored his 50th century in a losing two games.” at a brisk pace. But cause. That said, he had a over here scoring is few positives to draw quite easy, in the sense They don’t generally bowl over on. “Apart from the first once you’re set, the ball comes on 140-plus. They have to be very day I think we batted really well,” nicely and you can score on both precise with their line and length. he said. “In the second innings, if sides of the wicket. So that’s also We tried different fields. We tried you have to achieve 400 or 400an area of concern. Even our scor- to work around their bowling asplus score you are under pressure. ing-rate, despite us losing wickets, pects, which, more often than not, It may be a flat track, but handling was quite good. So that means, the will work with a set batsman. We that pressure is very difficult. That only way out is to take wickets. tried to contain them but it was not [India handled it] is definitely a “It was difficult because there successful for a period of time.” big positive.” was not much help from the wicket. Dhoni was also worried about Sidharth Monga is an assistant Our bowlers are not express quick. the over-rates, which could poeditor at Cricinfo.
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Aussies Level Ashes at Perth PERTH: Australia wasted no time in levelling the Ashes series with a crushing 267-run victory at the WACA as Ryan Harris tore out the remaining resistance with a Test-best 6 for 47 to humble England. He finished off the visitors in a hurry as they were blown away in 10 overs on the fourth morning to set up a potentially thrilling conclusion to this series over the Christmas and New Year period. Harris collected the rewards that eluded him in Adelaide as he finished with nine in the match, while Mitchell Johnson claimed the other wicket to fall as he, too, picked up nine. Johnson’s revival in this match reflects Australia’s upward curve, leaving England with much to ponder before the MCG Test starts on Boxing Day. This was Australia’s first Test victory in six matches since beating Pakistan at Lord’s. It gave Ricky Ponting, who didn’t take the field due to a broken little finger, the perfect 36th birthday present and will ease the pressure on him for the time being although he faces a race to be fit for Melbourne. Smart Stats England’s total of 123 is the seventh-lowest ever at the WACA, and the second-lowest by England. Their lowest at the ground is 112 in 1998, while they also scored 123 in 1995. Perth remains easily England’s worst Test venue - their win-loss ratio and batting average is the lowest among grounds where they’ve played at least ten Tests. It’s Australia’s fourth-best ground in terms of win-loss ratio. Mitchell Johnson has taken 30 wickets in four Tests at the WACA at an average of 18.13, which is the fourth-best among bowlers who’ve taken at least 15 wickets at this ground. Australia’s 267-run win is their sixth by a margin of 200-plus runs in Perth. Three of those wins have come against England. The match average of 22.17 is the fifth-lowest in a Test in Perth, and the lowest since 1998. Three of the top five have been in Tests involving England. James Anderson was the first to depart when he played back to Harris, lost his off stump and will have left with Australian chirping
ringing in his ears. Ian Bell and Matt Prior were England’s last chance of extending the context, but after a few more elegant cover drives Bell tried to work a straight ball through the leg side and was trapped straight in front. He asked for a review, but it was a hollow gesture. Two deliveries later Harris had his five when Prior could only fend the ball towards gully where Michael Hussey, another who has enjoyed an outstanding Test, dived to his right to hold a sharp chance. The roars of the Australians, both the players and supporters, were deafening as the momentum of this series continued to swing towards the hosts in dramatic fashion. Graeme Swann predictably had a swing but it didn’t last long when he inside-edged a drive at Johnson and the final wicket went to Harris when Steven Finn fended to third slip. It was a clinical conclusion, a reminder of how Australia used to finish off Test matches and they were unrecognisable from the Test thrashed in Adelaide. From being 5 for 69 on the first day this has been one of finest Test turnarounds in recent times and they’ll take a huge surge of confidence into the next clash. However, both teams will remember that a similar momentum-shift occurred in 2009 when Australia won at Headingley before England secured the Ashes at The Oval. Despite the margin of victory in this, and the previous match, these two teams are closely matched and the series could turn into a classic. Ricky Ponting is expected to recover from his broken finger in time to lead Australia at the MCG on Boxing Day, but the selectors have included New South Wales batsman Usman Khawaja in the squad as a precautionary measure. Khawaja, who just turned 24, is uncapped and will join the team in Melbourne on Wednesday. “While the NSP (national selection panel) are confident Ricky Ponting will be available for the Boxing Day Test, through an abundance of caution we have named Usman Khawaja as the standby player,” Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of the panel, said. “Usman richly deserves this opportunity following his excellent form at domestic level.”
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Life Lessons
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28 Dignified Ways to Impress Everyone Around You in business
By Marc Far more often than any of us like to admit, our actions are driven by an inner desire to impress other people. This desire is often reflected in the brand name products we use, the bars and restaurants we frequent, the houses and cars we buy and the careers we choose. But are name brand products, fancy bars, houses and cars really that impressive? What about a person who holds an elite position in a career field they dislike? Tangible possessions are not as impressive as intangible qualities. Consider the following questions: He drives a Porsche, but can he truly afford the car payment? He owns a big house, but is it a loving household? He makes a lot of money, but does he enjoy what he does for a living? Now take a moment and imagine a person who loves what he does for a living, smiles frequently and bleeds passion in every breath he takes. Would he impress you? Would it matter that he wasn’t a millionaire? Here are 28 dignified ways to impress everyone around you. They’ll help you become a better person too. Be authentic. Be true to yourself. – Judy Garland once said, “Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of somebody else.” Live by this statement. Ask yourself this: If you don’t like who you really are, why should I like you? Care about people. – If you don’t genuinely care about people, they won’t care about you. The more you help others, the more they will want to help you. Love and kindness begets love and kindness. Make others feel good. – People will rarely remember what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Be honest and take ownership of your actions. – Nobody likes a liar. In the long-run, the truth always reveals itself anyway. Either you own up to your actions or your actions will ultimately own you. Smile often. – Everyone likes the
sight of a genuine smile. Think about how you feel when a complete stranger looks into your eyes and smiles. Suddenly they don’t seem like a stranger anymore, do they? Respect elders. Respect minors. Respect everyone. – There are no boundaries or classes that define a group of people that deserve to be respected. Treat everyone with the same level of re-spect you would give to your grand-father and the same level of patience you would have with your baby brother. People will notice your kindness. Address people by their name. – People love the sight and sound of their own name. So make sure you learn to remember names. Use them courteously in both oral and written communication. Say “Please” and “Thank you.” – These two simple phrases make demands sound like requests, and they inject a friendly tone into serious conversations. Using them can mean the difference between sounding rude and sounding genuinely grateful. Excel at what you do. – I am impressed by great guitarists, writers, bloggers, painters, motivational speakers, internet entrepreneurs, computer engineers, mothers, fathers, athletes, etc. There is only one thing they all have in common: They excel at what they do. Excel at your work and excel at your hobbies. Develop a reputation for yourself, a reputation for consistent excellence. Help others when you’re able. – In life, you get what you put in. When you make a positive impact in someone else’s life, you also make a positive impact in your own life. Do something that’s greater than you – something that helps someone else to be happy or to suffer less. Everyone values the gift of unexpected assistance and
those who supply it. Put a small personal touch on everything you do. – Think of it as branding your work. If you’re funny, add a little humor into it. If you’re an artist, decorate it with illustrations. Whatever you do, customize it with a little personal touch of ‘you.’ Over-deliver on all of your prom-
ises. – Some people habitually make promises they are just barely able to fulfill. They promise perfection and deliver mediocrity. If you want to boost your personal value in the eyes of others, do the exact opposite. Slightly under-sell your capabilities so that you’re always able to over-deliver. Get organized. – How can you get anything accomplished if you aren’t organized? You can’t. Make a regular habit of organizing your living space and working space. For some practical organizational guidance, I recommend David Allen’s Getting Things Done. Do your research and ask clarifying questions. – Don’t be that clueless dude in the room who just nods like he knows what’s going on. Prepare yourself by doing research ahead of time. And if something still doesn’t make sense to you, ask questions. The people involved will respect your desire to understand the material. Share knowledge and information with others. – When you can, be a resource to those around you. If you have access to essential information, Share it openly.
Be positive and focus on what’s right. – Everything that happens in life is neither good nor bad. It just depends on your perspective. Either you succeed or you learn something. So stay positive, appreciate the pleasant outcomes, and learn from the rest. Your positivity will rub off on everyone around you. Listen intently to what others have to say. – Eyes focused, ears tuned, mobile phone off. In a world that can’t move fast enough, someone who can find time to listen to others is always appreciated. Be faithful to your significant other. Sustained fidelity in a longterm intimate relationship is not only impressive, it creates a healthy foundation for everything else you do. Learn to appreciate and love Mother Nature. – Those who truly appreciate and love the natural world surrounding us typically exhibit the same high regard for all humanity. It’s a positive way to live, and it’s something people notice.
Invest time, energy and money in yourself every day. – When you invest in yourself, you can never lose, and over time you will change the trajectory of your life. You are simply the product of what you know. The more time, energy and money you spend acquiring pertinent knowledge, the more control you have over your life and the more valuable you will be to everyone around you. Perform random acts of kindness on a regular basis. – Pay for a stranger’s coffee in line at Starbucks. Buy the office receptionist flowers just to say, “Thank you.” Help an elderly lady with her groceries. There’s nothing more rewarding than putting smiles on the faces around you. Compliment people who deserve it. – Go out of your way to personally acknowledge and complement the people who have gone out of their way to shine. Everybody likes to hear that their efforts are appreciated. Speak clearly and make eye contact. – Most people have a very low tolerance for dealing with people they can’t understand. Mystery does not fuel strong relationships and impressiveness. Also, there’s little doubt that eye contact is one of the most captivating forms of personal communication. Part 2 continued next week. E-mail us at: Letters to the Editor. Indoamericannews@yahoo.com Do let us know how we are doing, your feedback is appreciated.
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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, DECEMbER 24, 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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Indo American News • Friday, December 24 , 2010
online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, December 24, 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM