Som Patidar

PM's Address at India Today Enclave

2011-03-18T13:17:00.001+05:30

If there is one defining characteristic of the changes that we see in India and the world, it is the shift in power towards the ordinary citizen.

In India, we have seen rapid economic change and growth since 1991. What is less evident but equally significant is the fundamental deepening of our democracy that has been brought about through the empowerment of local institutions, broadened civil society action and a policy of inclusive social and economic growth. This has led to a shift in power from the institutions of state to the citizens of our country.

In 1991, we unleashed the entrepreneurial energies of our people by dismantling the license-permit raj. This released individual creative energies to produce the wealth that we need for fulfilling our responsibility of offering a life of equal opportunity and dignity to our citizens.

The policies of the Government in recent times have sought to remake the democratic state of India, to make processes of social and economic change more inclusive and thereby empowering over a billion people, one sixth of humanity. It is in fact a mandate that derives from our Constitution.

We have sought to make political democracy meaningful through social democracy by addressing the specific needs of excluded or marginalized sections of our society like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities and women. We are committed to providing reservation to women to the extent of 50% in local bodies and up to a third in the state legislatures and in our Parliament.

We have sought to bridge several divides in our country simultaneously: the infrastructural divide through Bharat Nirman, the educational divide through the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the Right to Education, the health divide through the National Rural Health Mission and exclusion through targeted affirmative action programmes for minorities, Scheduled Castes and by restoration of the rights of indigenous people or Scheduled Tribes over forests and forest produce. We are moving towards providing broadband connectivity to all our 2,50,000 panchayats so that modern technology is harnessed for the empowerment of our citizens.

We have introduced landmark legislations that provide citizens the Right to Information, the Right to Education and the Right to Work through the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

We have intensified our efforts for the emancipation of our women. Our efforts to create equal educational opportunities through targeted programmes for girls’ education and specific economic programmes focused on women particularly through self-help groups are all gradually bearing fruit. Our major challenge going forward is to give our women political voice and to work out and implement effective strategies for gender equality.

We have sought to capitalize on the opportunities that come in the way of decentralization of power. It is heartening to see that the modern sectors of our economy are also beginning to understand the value of operating at the bottom of the pyramid and combining public welfare with the pursuit of profit.

The focus is to create a skilling revolution in our country that touches every nook and corner. This needs everyone to collaborate – the Central and State Governments, the private sector, developers of technology, NGOs and others. Through the Prime Minister’s National Council on Skill Development we have been working on this and now that the recession is behind us, and we are coming out with a blueprint for the skill revolution in the next two months.

We have in our country not yet evolved a fully satisfactory system for reconciling harmoniously the demands of growth and environment. We need to move away from seeing the environment-development debate as a zero-sum game and instead devise win-win combinations. A lot of intellectual effort is needed to operationalize the concept of sustainable development. This should challenge the imagination of our environment and development planners. The tragic nuclear incidents in Japan in the aftermath of the recent earthquake and tsunami should make us revisit strategies for nuclear safety, learning lessons from these experiences. I have already ordered a thorough review by the Department of Atomic Energy.

We live today in an age when science and technology and the growth of human knowledge are becoming major determinants of the power and wealth of nations. India’s ability to carve out a place for itself in the evolving comity of nations will be determined by our ability to use science and technology in accelerating the processes of social and economic change.

What we have attempted in India is, of course, specific to Indian conditions. But the human desire for more freedom and for citizens to decide their own future is universal. The shift of power to citizens is today a global phenomenon.

As a democracy we are happy to see our brothers in West Asia and North Africa taking an increasing role in determining their own future. These are decisions for countries and their citizens to take for themselves, free of outside interference or coercion. India will do what it can to support the decisions that the people and countries of the region take about their own future. As close neighbours and historical friends, we have a major stake in their peaceful, orderly evolution. Over 6 millions of our citizens live and work in this area.

India’s trade, economic and human ties with the countries of South Asia, East Asia and West Asia are deep and historical. We have to find new pathways of cooperation with these countries to create new opportunities for growth and development.

The balance is also shifting between states in the global system. The old order is clearly changing. A new order however is yet to be born. No country has a greater interest and stake than India in a rule-based and predictable international system within which we can grow and develop.

Our existing institutions of global governance need to change to reflect today’s shift in balance. To some extent, this is already happening in regard to the global economy. India, today participates fully and meaningfully in international economic institutions, particularly the G-20 which has emerged in the aftermath of the global financial crisis of 2008 as the preferred and primary forum for global economic issues. We seek a similar evolution in the international handling of political, security and other issues and a democratization of institutions like the United Nations Security Council to bring them in line with present day realities.

It is important that all major powers work together to address the major economic and political challenges that face us, including those involving non-state actors. Cooperation to deal with cross border terrorism is very important.

Problems such as piracy require cooperative solutions by several states, acting together both to prevent piracy on the high seas and to eliminate the causes which make these possible. India has a strong interest in the security of the sea lanes. Our Navy has done a commendable task in foiling attempts at piracy in the Arabian Sea and it is working with international navies of the Horn of Africa.

The shifts in the balance of power and its implications suggest that we need to adapt ourselves. In many ways, India is well placed to take advantage of the changes in the balance of international forces. We can contribute to the world’s recovery from the recent financial and economic crisis. We can become a pole of political stability in an uncertain world. But for all this we will need to show innovation and flexibility in our approaches. Some inadequacies have become apparent in our systems of functioning. We have to deal squarely with the malaise of corruption. We need to reform and improve governance at all levels.

I am sure that your deliberations in this conclave will contribute to a more informed debate on all the issues that this important topic raises.

With these few words, I wish your conclave every success.”

PM's statement in the Lok Sabha

2011-02-22T13:41:00.001+05:30

On account of the controversy relating to the allocation of 2G spectrum, the precious Winter Session of Parliament was lost. Our country can ill-afford a situation where Parliament is paralyzed and important legislative business is not allowed to be considered. In paralyzing Parliament, I believe, we all do disservice to those who have elected us.

Our Government is committed to root out corruption and has acted expeditiously and transparently in this direction. A CBI investigation into the allocation of 2G spectrum is being supervised by the Supreme Court. Also, the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament is seized of the matter and the Government is fully cooperating with it. We also have the report of the Independent Inquiry Committee set up under the Chairmanship of Justice Shivraj Patil, which is in the public domain. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has also acted with expedition.

Our Government believed that as all effective steps were being taken, we might have been able to persuade the Opposition not to insist on a JPC. We could not succeed inspite of our sincere efforts. We can ill-afford a situation where Parliament is not allowed to function during the crucial Budget Session. It is in these special circumstances that our Government agrees to the setting up of a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

We are a functioning democracy and must strive to resolve our differences in a spirit of accommodation and collaboration not confrontation. This, I hope, will renew our confidence in India's forward march. I am, therefore, requesting the Honourable Speaker to proceed with the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee. A formal motion in this regard will be moved soon.

Address by The Hon'ble President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, to Parliament

2011-02-21T17:43:00.002+05:30

Hon'ble Members,

I welcome you to the first session of the new decade. I hope this will be a very productive and useful session.

Hon'ble Members,

2. Our heart goes out to the people of Ladakh, who suffered the consequences of a severe cloud-burst, leading to an unprecedented loss of life and property. My government has taken effective measures for the immediate relief and rehabilitation of the affected people and it stands committed to completing the remaining tasks with the utmost urgency.

3. Recently, we suffered a national loss in the death of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. The void left by his death in the cultural life of our country will be difficult to fill.

Hon'ble Members,

4. The Commonwealth Games in October last were a great success. Our sports persons secured an unprecedented medal tally. The citizens of Delhi displayed exemplary discipline and courtesy. We are proud of these achievements.

Hon'ble Members,

5. We have gone through a difficult year for our country. Inflation has been a problem in the past year. Certain parts of the country have suffered from unacceptably high levels of violence, especially areas affected by left-wing extremism and the Kashmir valley. There has been a grievance in some quarters that the benefits intended for the poor through anti-poverty programmes have not reached them in full measure.

6. My government's foremost priorities in 2011-2012 will be :

(i) to combat inflation and, in particular, to protect the common man from the impact of rising food prices;

(ii) to address frontally the concern regarding the lack of probity and integrity in public life;

(iii) to sustain the momentum of economic growth, while ensuring that the poor, the weak and the disadvantaged get a fair share in the fruits of growth;

(iv) to maintain an uncompromising vigil on the internal and external security fronts; and

(v) to pursue a foreign policy which will ensure that our voice is heard and our interests are protected in global fora.

7. The Indian economy continues to be on a trajectory of high growth despite an adverse global environment. The policies we followed to handle the global financial meltdown stand vindicated. However, there is no room for complacency. We have to strive to make the domestic environment more conducive to investment, encouraging public as well as private investment, and domestic as well as foreign investment, particularly foreign direct investment. We have to maintain the momentum for reforms on a wide front.

8. My government is deeply concerned over the adverse impact of inflation on the aam aadmi and the threat it poses to the growth momentum. It has taken a number of pro-active measures to counteract the ill-effects of inflation. The import regime has been liberalized to ease supply constraints of critical items. Exports of commodities like edible oils and pulses have been banned. Pulses are being supplied at subsidized prices through the public distribution system. Public sector units have been directed to open more retail outlets for selling vegetables to individual consumers. The issue prices for rice and wheat for the public distribution system have not been changed for the last eight years. These steps have shown results. Cereal prices, a dominant cause of concern last year, have been in check. In fact, inflation was declining until November last when unseasonal rains in some states, led to a spurt in vegetable prices. These prices have come down again following the arrival of the fresh crop.

9. The long term solution lies in increasing productivity and production. My government has provided huge incentives to our farmers to produce more. The minimum support price for paddy has been raised from ` 550 to ` 1000 per quintal and that for wheat from ` 630 to ` 1100 per quintal over a six year period. The support price for sugarcane has been increased by more than 50% over the past two years. We have continued to give incentives through the supply of fertilizers at subsidized prices. The new nutrient based system is likely to enhance the rational use of fertilisers. The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, has pumped in investment of around ` 35,000 crore in agriculture. The National Food Security Mission has taken the green revolution to Eastern India. Credit flows to agriculture have reached record levels. Nearly one crore hectares have been brought under assured irrigation since 2005-06. Water conservation measures have been taken up on a war footing under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

Hon'ble Members,

10. My government stands committed to ensuring that farmers get remunerative prices for their produce. They should be able to sell to the consumer without impediments being placed on them. Measures necessary to ensure this fall largely in the domain of states. Concrete steps will be taken to augment investment and provide suitable incentives to the states in this direction.

11. I had announced earlier my government's commitment to bring forward a Food Security Law that will entitle statutorily every family, below the poverty line, to foodgrains at highly subsidized prices. Important inputs in this regard have been received from the National Advisory Council. The states are being consulted as the success of the programme hinges critically on their commitment to reforms in the public distribution system.

Hon'ble Members,

12. Our citizens deserve good governance; it is their entitlement and our obligation. My government stands committed to improving the quality of governance and enhancing transparency, probity and integrity in public life. A Group of Ministers is considering all measures, including legislative and administrative, to tackle corruption and improve transparency. The Group will consider issues relating to the formulation of a public procurement policy and enunciation of public procurement standards, review and abolition of discretionary powers enjoyed by Ministers, introduction of an open and competitive system of exploiting natural resources, fast tracking of cases against public servants charged with corruption, and amendments to the relevant laws to facilitate quicker action against public servants. It will also consider issues relating to the state funding of elections. The report of the Group of Ministers is expected soon. A bill to give protection to whistleblowers has been introduced in Parliament. My government has also decided to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

13. The subject of electoral reforms has been debated over the years. I am sure that all parties across the political spectrum support the need for bringing about such reforms. I am happy to share with the Hon'ble Members that my government has constituted a committee on electoral reforms to fast track the process. The committee has held regional conferences with the concerned stakeholders. This will culminate in a national conference in April this year. It is expected that this process of consultation would lead to a consensus on an acceptable agenda of reforms.

14. My government attaches high priority to improving the delivery of justice and reducing delays in the disposal of cases. The details of the National Mission for Delivery of Justice and Legal Reforms are expected to be finalized soon. This should result in re-engineering of procedures, improving of human resources in this sector and leveraging of information technology. The Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, already introduced in Parliament, is intended to enhance the accountability of the judiciary, thereby improving its image and efficiency.

Hon'ble Members,

15. The issue of black money has attracted a lot of attention in the recent past, especially that allegedly stashed away in foreign banks. Government fully shares the concern about the ill-effects of black money whether generated by evasion of taxes on income earned legitimately or through illegal activities. My government stands committed to tackling the menace frontally. It requires diligent, sustained effort by all law enforcement agencies, including those of state governments.

16. My government has taken many steps to strengthen the legal framework, build new institutions, and improve capacity to tackle this problem. A multidisciplinary study has been commissioned to study its ramifications for national security and recommend a suitable framework to tackle it. Government is also working closely with the international community, especially through the G-20, to expedite the process of identification and recovery of such money. India is now a member of the Financial Action Task Force in recognition of its anti-money laundering and anti-tax evasion measures. India has also gained membership of the Eurasian Group and the Task Force on Financial Integrity and Economic Development. My government has taken steps to facilitate exchange of information for tax purposes with such countries and entities where Indian citizens may have parked their money. The early results have been encouraging. These steps have led to additional collection of taxes of ` 34,601 crore and detection of additional income of ` 48,784 crore. My government will spare no effort in bringing back to India what belongs to it and to bring the guilty to book.

Hon'ble Members,

17. Infrastructure is critical for development. My government has accorded the highest priority to improving infrastructure. The investment of over ` 20 lakh crore in the Eleventh Plan is more than twice the investment in the Tenth Plan. This is proposed to be doubled in the Twelfth Plan.

18. This huge quantum of investment cannot be funded by government alone. It needs to be supplemented by private participation. My government has put in place the required framework for a transparent public-private partnership. The contribution of the private sector has reached 34% of the total investment in infrastructure last year.

19. The Indian telecom network has expanded to almost 800 million connections. The wireless network is the second largest in the world. My government is now making concerted efforts to take mobile and broadband services to the rural areas.

20. My government proposes to extend the coverage of private FM radio services to all cities with a population of one lakh and above. A total of 806 new FM radio channels in 283 cities are proposed to be set up. It is also proposed to give incentives to future FM radio operations in Jammu & Kashmir, the North Eastern States and island territories.

21. Electricity is vital for our rapidly growing and increasingly inclusive economy. Although the programme to add power generation capacity shows improvement, energy shortages continue. My government is committed to enhancing the per capita consumption of electricity, especially in rural areas. Total electrification of all villages is being accorded priority. Supply of quality power at reasonable prices to all, including farmers, will be possible if there is greater efficiency in the power sector. This requires concerted action on reforms in the power sector, particularly in improving the financial and technical capabilities of the electricity distribution companies in the states.

22. My government is committed to making the coal sector more efficient, productive, environment friendly and consumer oriented. Steps are underway to augment the growth in coal production from the mines in the public sector as well as captive mines in order to meet the growing demands mainly of the power sector.

23. The National Solar Mission has been operationalised. The programme for adding 20,000 MW of solar capacity by 2020 has taken off.

24. My government considers the mineral wealth of the country as a vital national resource which has to be harnessed towards rapid industrial development and inclusive growth. The Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act is proposed to be replaced with a new piece of legislation, which will, among other measures, ensure that local communities benefit adequately from the development process.

25. An efficient, reliable and safe transport system is vital for fostering rapid economic growth. My government has set up a High Level National Transport Development Policy Committee for evolving a policy framework to provide an integrated and sustainable transport system.

26. Airport development is proceeding well. A state-of-the-art, integrated terminal has been operationalised in Delhi last year, making a new beginning in setting up world class infrastructure in this sector with public-private participation.

27. The tonnage under Indian flag crossed the 10 million mark for the first time in October, 2010. The capacity of Indian ports crossed one billion tonnes per annum in January, 2011.

28. The Indian Railways have prepared a roadmap for high growth, rapid expansion of their network, augmentation of capacity and modernization. Work on the Eastern & Western Dedicated Freight Corridors has commenced.

29. The development of highways is receiving priority attention. Almost 16,000 kms of road construction works is in progress. My government has approved a scheme for the development of over 1,100 km of national highways and 4,300 km of state roads in left- wing extremism affected areas as a special project. The Arunachal Pradesh package for road & highways, involving development of about 2300 km length of roads, including the trans-Arunachal Highway, is expected to be completed by June, 2015.

30. There has been a massive growth in foreign tourist arrivals despite the global meltdown. Considering the immense potential of employment generation offered by the tourism sector, my government proposes to provide training to at least ten thousand unemployed youth in this field.

31. To enhance the country's energy security, my government is encouraging the national oil companies to aggressively pursue equity oil and gas opportunities overseas. The ninth round of the New Exploration Licensing Policy has been launched to harness the hydrocarbon potential of the country. Identification and exploitation of shale gas potential are being given priority.

32. Special Economic Zones have provided the requisite facilities to support production for export, with exports from such zones more than doubling last year to exceed ` 2 lakh crore. The Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor, which is under implementation, will provide world class infrastructure for manufacturing.

33. The micro, small and medium enterprises sector continues to retain its dynamism in terms of production, employment generation and contribution to exports. New initiatives will be launched shortly based on the report of the Task Force on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

34. The khadi sector is a very large employer, with khadi and village units giving employment to over one crore persons. A comprehensive Khadi Reform Programme has been launched.

35. My government is steadfast in the pursuit of inclusive growth and empowerment of the weaker sections of our society. More than 10 lakh titles have been distributed so far under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act. The Scheduled Caste Sub Plan and the Tribal Sub Plan guidelines have been reviewed to ensure effective fulfillment of their objectives. Works under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, designed to improve productivity, can now be taken up on private land belonging to members of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other disadvantaged sections. Scholarship rates have been revised which will benefit 45 lakh students belonging to the Scheduled castes. More than 38 lakh students belonging to minority communities have benefitted from various scholarship schemes designed to assist them. Hon'ble Members would be glad to know that close to half of these beneficiaries are girl students. The number of scholarships under the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste students has been increased.

36. In 2004, my government unveiled an innovative programme of Bharat Nirman. It was designed to improve the quality of life in our villages and small towns by addressing gaps in rural infrastructure. The second phase began in 2009.

37. Nearly 90,000 villages have been electrified and free electricity connections have been provided to about 1.40 crore households below the poverty line. There has been impressive progress in bringing additional area under assured irrigation and connecting rural areas with all weather roads. The target of 40% rural teledensity by 2014 is likely to be exceeded. All panchayats will be provided with broad band connectivity in the next three years.

38. The original target of providing safe drinking water to more than 55,000 uncovered habitations has been nearly achieved; only 103 habitations now remain uncovered. Nearly 70 lakh houses were constructed in the first phase of Bharat Nirman. My government now has an ambitious target of constructing 120 lakh houses during 2009-14 and 45 lakh houses have been constructed already.

39. My government had introduced a constitutional amendment bill to provide reservation for women in Parliament and State legislatures. This has been passed by the Rajya Sabha and I hope sincerely that it will be considered by the Lok Sabha at the earliest.

40. The Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill has also been introduced in Parliament. My government also proposes to introduce a bill regarding protection of children from sexual offences.

41. To address the needs of the old and the needy, my government has launched `Swavalamban', an old age pension scheme for workers in the unorganized sectors of the economy .

42. I am happy to inform you that my government has taken a series of steps to commemorate the 150th birth anniversaries of Rabindra Nath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda in a befitting manner.

Hon'ble Members,

43. A strong and prosperous nation needs healthy and educated citizens. During the last seven years, my government has endeavoured to ensure that our future generations are healthy, well educated and equipped to compete in the global market place. India is among the few countries with a legally guaranteed Right to Work. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has provided an effective social security net for the poor who are assured employment for 100 days and a wage rate of ` 100 per day, adjusted with the cost of living index. Under this programme, employment was provided to around 5.25 crore households in 2009-10. Nearly 10 crore accounts have been opened to ensure transparency, convenience and financial inclusion.

44. The Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act is another step in my government's approach to right-based governance. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan has been aligned to the implementation of this Act. It has been scaled up to universalize elementary education with a universal mid-day meal programme to improve both enrolment and retention.

45. My government is committed to universalizing secondary education through the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan. A girls' hostel is being set up in each of the 3,500 educationally backward blocks in the country to bring secondary education within the reach of girls. The Saakshar Bharat programme is designed to improve adult literacy, especially among the disadvantaged sections of society. By 2012, it will extend to all 365 districts that have poor adult female literacy levels.

46. Our country has a huge advantage in terms of being a young nation. Our young people have to be invested with skills if we are to reap the demographic dividend. To address the skill deficit in various sectors, my government is taking steps to effect changes in the Apprenticeship Act, to introduce a large number of modular training courses, and to make skills training bankable.

47. The National Rural Health Mission was introduced to address the need for comprehensive health care in rural areas. So far, more than ` 53,000 crore has been provided to the states for augmenting the health infrastructure. During the last five years, my government has also approved the appointment of more than 53,500 health workers in the health sub- centres in 235 districts considered extremely deficient in respect of health services. The coverage of beneficiaries of Janani Suraksha Yojana has increased from around six lakh in 2005-06 to nearly one crore in 2009-10. The benefits are already getting reflected in a decline in infant mortality rates.

48. My government has initiated a new national programme for the prevention and control of cancer, diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases and stroke. It is expected that more than 15 crore people over the age of 30 and pregnant women of all age groups would be screened under this programme.

Hon'ble Members,

49. Scientific and technological competence of a high order is essential for sustained economic growth. A significant milestone was achieved in the three-stage indigenous nuclear programme with the commissioning of the second Power Reactor Processing Plant in Tarapur. An Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research is being established to promote inter-disciplinary research and impart instruction in the frontier areas of science and technology. A Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council will be set up to augment efforts on food security, promote industrial research and development and facilitate innovation in biotechnology. A national programme for Crop Genetic Enhancement Network will be launched to develop improved varieties. A Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill is proposed to be introduced in this session. A National Science & Engineering Research Board has been notified to provide impetus for promoting basic research in the country.

50. Management of water resources of our country poses a major challenge. Emphasis will be given to increasing public awareness and ensuring participation of stakeholders in water management. Further, an integrated river basin approach, combining both surface and ground water, using advanced technological tools, would be adopted for water management and conservation.

51. My government attaches the highest importance to the implementation of all laws relating to the protection of the environment and forests. The rapid pace of economic growth is imposing new challenges. A developing country like ours must find ways to strike an appropriate balance between environmental imperatives and developmental needs. My government has constituted a Group of Ministers to look into all issues relating to the reconciliation of environmental concerns arising out of different kinds of developmental activities, without in any way diluting our pursuit of ecologically sustainable growth paths.

52. Conservation of rivers is an ongoing and collective effort of the central and state governments. Several measures have been initiated by my government under the National Ganga River Basin Authority. A consortium of seven IITs is preparing a Basin Management Plan for the river Ganga.

53. My government has established a National Green Tribunal to ensure effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.

54. The maintenance of law and order is the primary responsibility of State governments with the support of the Central government. Terrorism, fundamentalism, ethnic violence and left wing extremism continue to pose major challenges. My government initiated a major revamp in the security apparatus following the terrorist attack on Mumbai. A Multi-Agency Centre and Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centres have been operationalised; the National Investigation Agency has been constituted. Regional hubs of National Security Guards have been established. Nearly a hundred new battalions of Central para-military forces have been sanctioned and many have been raised in the last two years. Coastal security has been strengthened. My government is also committed to provide grants-in-aid of more than ` 2,000 crore to the states, over the next five years, to fill the gaps in training and infrastructure. Except for two incidents of terror in Pune and Varanasi, the internal security scenario has largely been under control.

55. The increase in police forces, with emphasis on recruitment from areas affected by left-wing extremism, has begun to show results. My government has recently approved an Integrated Action Plan for 60 selected tribal and backward districts, in nine states, in order to address the felt needs of the local population.

56. The situation in Jammu & Kashmir has improved. A number of pro-active measures have been taken by the Central and State governments. An all party delegation visited the State. The interlocutors have also been engaged fruitfully in their endeavours. Intensive engagement with various groups in the North-East has largely reduced violence in those states.

Hon'ble Members,

57. I take this opportunity to salute the brave men and women of our armed forces. My government will continue to ensure the welfare of servicemen and ex-servicemen and insist on the highest levels of probity and professionalism in the armed forces.

58. My government is taking all necessary steps to transform our armed forces into a modern force that is equipped to meet the security challenges of the twenty first century. Special attention is being paid to the indigenous development of defence technologies, the expansion of defence production capabilities, and the creation of an environment for private industry to contribute to defence production. The indigenous multi-role light combat aircraft, Tejas, is being inducted into the Indian Air Force.

Hon'ble Members,

59. My government's foreign policy priority remains the promotion and creation of an environment that is conducive to the socio-economic transformation of India. The pursuit of peace, shared prosperity and regional cooperation within the Indian sub-continent and in our extended neighbourbood will continue to guide my government's efforts. High-level visits by the Heads of States and Governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka to India during the last year have led to a qualitatively new level of understanding with our neighbours. We will continue to work for the return of stability and peace in Afghanistan and to help the Afghan people's reconstruction efforts. With Pakistan we seek a peaceful resolution of issues through a meaningful dialogue so long as Pakistan does not allow its soil to be used for terrorist activities against India.

60. My government has also broadened India's economic and political relations with the countries of the Gulf, West Asia, Central Asia and East Asia. My visits to China, our neighbour, and to Laos and Cambodia, promoted our links with an area which is increasingly important to India. The President of Indonesia was the Chief Guest at our Republic Day, and our relations with Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan, which were visited by the Prime Minister, continue to develop steadily.

61. Millions of our fellow citizens today work in the Gulf and West Asia. Indians overseas make valuable contributions to the countries of their residence and they do us proud. We will continue to work for the welfare of our diaspora, whose contributions to India we appreciate and whose links we will foster.

62. We have an abiding interest in peace, stability and development of countries in our extended neighbourhood. Egypt has recently seen momentous developments. As a democracy ourselves, we welcome the dawn of democracy elsewhere. My visits to the UAE and Syria significantly consolidated our relations, as did the Prime Minister's historic visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

63. In Central Asia, India is now a party to the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Pipeline Project which could potentially transform the energy scenario in this sub-region.

64. My government intends to hold the second India-Africa Forum Summit in Ethiopia later this year. As the first such initiative in Africa by India, it is a measure of the special place that Africa enjoys in the hearts of the people of India.

65. Our relations with the major powers also continue to develop satisfactorily. The leaders of all five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council - China, France, Russia, the UK and the United States of America - visited India during 2010. My government will continue to work to realize the full potential of these relationships in the pursuit of India's interests.

66. The international economic situation continues to remain complicated by the after effects of the global financial crisis. We have worked with our international partners in the G-20, the BRIC, and the IBSA groupings to promote an open and inclusive international trading order, resisting protectionist impulses. The Vice-President represented India at the last Asia-Europe (ASEM) Summit in Belgium. We have participated in global climate change negotiations to fulfil our responsibilities as global citizens, the demands of global equity, and the imperatives of India's rapid economic transformation. As a member of the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term starting in January this year my government will advance the cause of peace, development and security, and uphold the values of multilateralism.

Hon'ble Members,

67. We are blessed with the benefits of democracy. Our founding fathers gave us institutions, conventions and practices that have stood us in good stead. We owe it to ourselves and to the coming generations to strengthen these institutions, conventions and practices so that our future as a strong, free, prosperous and democratic nation is assured. I offer my best wishes to all of you in this endeavour.

Jai Hind.

Vice President Hamid Ansari on India's Education

2011-01-18T12:54:00.004+05:30

It gives me great pleasure to be present here today to release the Annual Status of Education Report for the year 2010.

For the past five years, Pratham has undertaken this annual exercise of assessing and evaluating the outcomes of education of our children across the length and breadth of the country. As a huge non governmental citizen-focused effort involving over 25,000 volunteers and covering over 700,000 children in 15,000 villages each year, it demonstrates that the well being of our children is not just the government's responsibility, and that citizens can and should do more to initiate, propel and direct public policy towards public good.

These annual reports remind us that that the first requirement for good public policy is inculcation of scientific temper among the Executive, the Legislature, civil society and citizenry. While the imperative for ensuring access to elementary education to citizens is well understood and is enshrined as a fundamental right, the 'quality agenda' is still not accorded the same priority.

ASER's simple, reliable and scientific methods of sampling and assessment on a nation-wide scale are important for highlighting the 'quality agenda' in education. This is more glaring in the context of our public policy because we neither have an inbuilt evaluation culture nor adequate trained human resources with both technical knowledge and field experience to check and monitor outcomes.

Ladies and Gentlemen

A few questions do come to mind:

* Why is quality central to all education?

* What is its role in the classroom or in any other learning environment?

* If we do not tolerate a large gap between 'expectation' and 'delivery' in domains of economy, society and polity, how should we approach a significant 'performance gap' in education?

I would like to draw the attention of this distinguished gathering to the first and most important event in education at the dawn of the new century. It was in April 2000 that the World Education Forum at Dakar adopted the Dakar Framework for Action. It recognized that education is a fundamental human right, is the key to sustainable development and peace and stability within and among countries, and thus an indispensable means for effective participation in the societies and economies of the twenty-first century, which are affected by rapid globalization.

The international community committed itself at Dakar to achieving free and compulsory universal primary education of good quality by 2015, and eliminating gender disparities in education. It specifically decided to improve all aspects of the quality of education so that recognized and measurable learning outcomes are achieved by all, especially in literacy, numeracy and essential life skills.

Quality indeed lies at the heart of the goal of 'Education for All'. What happens in classrooms and other learning environments is vitally important to the future of our citizens, and indeed to the future of our Republic. Education of acceptable quality must address basic learning needs, enrich the lives of learners and their overall experience of living and well being.

Evidence from around the world demonstrates that 'efforts to expand enrolment must be accompanied by attempts to enhance educational quality if children are to be attracted to school, stay there and achieve meaningful learning outcomes'. Public policy can address this challenge with a sharp focus on two issues - quality improvement in teacher training and curricular materials development. It is also essential that what students are meant to learn ought to be clearly defined, well-taught and accurately assessed. Ideally, this should not be limited to knowledge alone but also cover skills, attitudes and values.

There is one other aspect of the matter. Education governance and management at the grass roots and institutional level should be participatory and engage with local communities and cultures. We have made a positive beginning with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009. It mandates the constitution of School Management Committees consisting of parents, elected representatives of the local authority, teachers and local educationists, and tasked, inter alia, with monitoring the working of the school and maintenance of prescribed norms and standards.

I do hope this statutory initiative would be utilized for enabling parents and the local community a greater say in the monitoring of educational outcomes. Civil Society organisations such as ASER and Pratham have an important role in building technical capacity of the members of the School Management Committees.

I once again applaud ASER for their Report for the year 2010 and thank Dr. Rukmini Banerji for inviting me to this function.

This is a speech delivered by Hon'ble Vice President of India Shri Hamid Ansari Ji on the release of Pratham's Education report for 2010.

Freedom Fighters Pay Tribute to Chaudhary Ranbir Singh

2010-02-01T14:18:00.001+05:30

All India Freedom Fighters Organisations (AIFFO) and All India Freedom Fighter’s Successors Organisation (AIFFSO) pay tribute to eminent freedom fighter late Chaudhary Ranbir Singh on his first death anniversary today.

All India Freedom Fighter’s Successors Organisation (AIFFSO)’s chief and chief minister of Haryana Shri Bhupendra Singh Hooda, All India Freedom Fighters Organisations (AIFFO)’s General Secretary Satyanand Yajee and several freedom fighters paid tribute to Chaudhary Ranbir Singh at Samvidhan Sthal in Rohtak.

“He fought for India’s freedom and after freedom he fought for poors and farmers. He was a true fighter,” says Satyanand Yajee.

“His principles keep on guiding our organisations,” he adds.

Also, Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak will organize the First Ch. Ranbir Singh Memorial Lecture on Feb. 4. Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will deliver this memorial lecture

Chaudhary Ranbir Singh: A Brief Profile

Born on November 26, 1914, in Sanghi village of Rohtak district in the family of noted Arya Samajist Ch Matu Ram, Ranbir Singh got his initial education at his village school where he was admitted in 1920 and Gurukul Bhainswal Kalan near Gohana, Sonepat, run by the great Arya Samajist activist and social reformer, Bhagat Phool Singh.

After passing his primary examination, Ranbir Singh joined Vaish High School, Rohtak. He passed his matriculation examination from there in 1933. He joined Government College, Rohtak, for higher studies and passed his FA examination from there in 1935. Later, he moved to Delhi and graduated from Ramjas College in 1937. With a dream to do something for the country, he joined the Gandhian army.

He actively took part in the Indian freedom struggle and was arrested eight times and jailed for three years and six months. He was detained twice for two years and was imprisoned for his participation in the freedom struggle.

Ranbir Singh had a rare distinction of being a member of seven different constitutional bodies. He was the member of the Constituent Assembly from 1947and 1950. He had been a member of the Constituent Assembly (legislative) from 1948-50.

He also remained the member of Provisional Parliament from 1950-52 and a member of the first Lok Sabha from 1952-57. He represented the second Lok Sabha from 1957-62 and became a member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly from 1962-66.

He also became an elected member of the Haryana Legislative Assembly from 1966-72 and was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1972-88.

He served as Irrigation and Power Minister of Punjab from 1962-66 and as minister (PWD and Health) of Haryana between 1966 and 1967.

He remained the deputy leader of the Congress in Rajya Sabha from 1976-77. Ranbir Singh was the founder general secretary of the Bharat Krishak Samaj and the All-India Backward Classes Federation. He remained the working president of the All-India Freedom Fighter's Organisation till his demise.

A graduate from Ramjas College (University of Delhi), Ranbir Singh was conferred with an honorary degree of DLitt by Kurukshetra University in 2007.

He is survived by his wife Har Devi and sons - Bhupinder Singh, Inder Singh and Dharmender Singh. Two of his sons - Pratap Singh and Joginder Singh -had expired earlier.

UN Report Puts Critique of ‘Garibi Hatao’

2010-01-29T14:01:00.003+05:30

A new United Nation report says that ‘targeting’ poor for poverty reduction is often expensive and politically unstable.

India aggressively followed the ‘Garibi Hatao’ (Eradicate Poverty) policy during Indira Gandhi’s second government. This policy was based on notion of targeting poor as way of eradicating poverty.

Noted scholar Jayanti Ghosh says Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards too part of ‘targeting poor’ approach. It’s not suitable.

The study named, “Report on World Social Situation 2010: Rethinking Poverty”, there are 1.4 billion people living in poverty around the world. This estimates come on the basis of World Bank’s $1.25 a day international poverty line.

Putting heart breaking figures, the report said absolute number of people living under poverty in South Asia increased from 548.9 million to 595.6 million between 1981 and 2005.

However poverty is decline from 59 percent of population in 1981 to 40 percent in 2005 in relative term.

In Indian case, the percentage of poor people declined from 59.8 percent in 1981 to 41.6 percent.

Further focusing on urban and rural India, the report said that rural poverty down from 62.5 percent in 1981 to 43.8 percent in 2005 and urban poverty down from 51 percent (1981) to 36.2 percent (2005).

The figure also gave a significant indication that opening of economy in 1991 helped rural poor more than urban poor.

60 Years of Election Commission of India: Retrospect and Prospect

2010-01-25T14:30:00.006+05:30

By Dr. S.Y.Quraishi* , Election Commissioner of India

ECI: The Institutional Design

Free and fair elections were considered so important that at some point of time the Constituent Assembly even considered the idea of treating the independence of elections as a Fundamental Right of the citizens. Ultimately ‘a matter of Fundamental Importance’.
No other constitution deals with elections in such details, devoting a separate Part.
Founding fathers’ had great wisdom to provide an institutional design and framework to ECI to be fiercely independent body.
The Constitution Assembly’s concern that interests of linguistic and cultural minorities should not allowed to be compromised while preparing the electoral rolls and conduct of elections. Hence a single EC for the whole country.
“If we were to have a perfect electoral roll… I am sure we must have an independent Commission”… Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Federalist concerns vs. credibility of the electoral system of the plural India.

The Constitutional Provisions

• Part XV of the Constitution deals with “Elections”
Ø Article 324 (1) vests in the EC the superintendence, direction and control of all elections to Parliament and Vidhan Sabhas, office of President and Vice President.
Ø Article 324 (6) provides that the President or the Governor of a State, shall, when so requested by the EC, make available to the EC such staff as may be necessary for the discharge of the functions conferred on the EC by clause (1).
Ø Article 329 (b) stipulates that no election shall be called in question except by an election petition.
• Multi-member Commission -
Ø From 16th October 1989 to 1st January 1990
Ø Continuously since 1st October 1993
• The Chief Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his office except like a judge of the Supreme Court. (Art.324 (5))
• No Election Commissioner shall be removed from office except on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner. (Art,324 (5))

Judicial Support

“Where the existing laws are absent and yet a situation has to be tackled, the Chief Election Commissioner has not to fold his hands and pray to God for divine inspiration to enable him to exercise his functions and perform his duties or to look for any external authority for the grant of powers to deal with situation. He must lawfully exercise his power independently, and see that the election process is completed properly in a free and fair manner.”
- Supreme Court of India, in M.S.Gill and Anor V Chief Election Commissioner and Ors, AID 1978 SC 851

Special Features of Indian Electoral System

Universal Adult Franchise – from day one.
Ø A giant leap forward, a defining moment in the socio-political history of India.
Ø Other democracies in the world took long and arduous path.
EC a powerful neutral umpire.
In many democracies election schedule decided by the Government. In India EC decides the date.
Disciplinary Control Over the Election Machinery
Ø Apart from its Secretariat at New Delhi, the EC has no independent electoral machinery in the field.
Ø Temporary seconding of state/central government staff.
Ø Deemed deputation to EC (R.P.Act as amended in 1988).
• Many governments thrown out through verdict of voters. The transfer of power has always been smooth. There has never been a problem of succession.
• Acceptance of people’s verdict by all political formations. No one dares to defy or question the wisdom of the electorate.
• Model Code of Conduct
• a unique document, evolved with the consensus of political parties, a singular contribution by them to the cause of democracy and to strengthen its roots in the political system.
• Model Code has since emerged as the Moral Code.
• It has no statutory backing and many of its provisions are not legally enforceable.
• At some point EC wanted legal backing to the MCC but later changed mind
- The Model Code far more efficacious for quick decisions which would not be possible if it becomes part of statute book.

Process Improvements

1. Electoral Rolls
Computerization of Electoral Rolls since mid 90s is a major technological leap forward.
Photo Electoral Rolls (82%).
Fidelity of rolls is the current focus.
Ø Phenomena of SAD Voters.
Compulsory identification and EPIC a major initiative at curbing impersonations.

2. From Ballot to Button
• 1952 - separate ballot boxes for candidates during first General Elections.
• 1962 - Marking system of voting. It worked fairly well
Ø If the invalid votes outnumber the winning margin, legitimacy of representation becomes questionable on moral grounds.
• In 1982, EVMs used on experimental basis, at 50 out of 84 PSs in Parur in Kerala.
• In many other constituencies on an experimental basis later.
• Law had to be amended to enable use of EVMs in elections
• Use of EVM was challenged in the Courts of Law.
• There was popular demand for use of EVMs from different parts of the country.
• Universal use of EVMs at a general elections in 2004.
• EVMs were used at 6,87,402 polling stations.

On the Dot Delivery

Periodic and credible elections are the lifeline of democracy.
ECI has delivered all elections, promptly, as per schedule and on dot even in most trying circumstances.
Conduct of elections under extraordinary circumstances:

Ø Assam - 1982-83
Ø J&K - 1987-89, 1996, 2002 and in 2008
Ø Punjab - 1992
Dissolutions of Legislative Assemblies following General Elections to Parliament in 1971 and in 1977 broke the cycle of simultaneous elections.

Recent Initiatives

Booth Level Officers (BLO) System
Booth Level Agents
Vulnerability Mapping
ComET: Communication for Election Tracking
Micro Observers
Video as a Weapon
Use of State of Art Technology
GIS for constituency maps, route for movement of polling staff and security personnel and for deciding phasing options for multi-phase elections.
Google Earth used for locating polling stations on the map with geo co-ordinates.
Sat phones in shadow areas esp. Maoist
Live web-casting directly from polling station was experimented in Arunachal during GE 2009 and subsequently used in Jharkhand and in recent bye election in Tamil Nadu.
Voter Assistance
Voter Assistance Booths in places where there are more than one polling booth in one campus
Alphabetical Voters’ lists for easier search
Voters’ lists on the CEOs websites
Provision of ramps for disabled voters
Provision of Braille strip and Braille ballot paper for visually disabled voters

Issues of Concern

Role of Money Power in electoral politics
Ø Expenditure monitoring will be more complex and tough
Ø “Paid News” and surrogate advertisements
• Criminalization of electoral landscape
Ø Crying need for reforms
• Dependence on Central Police Force
Ø Lack of faith in State Police
• Urban Apathy
Ø Measures to ensure enhanced participation (IEC Divn.)
• Blaming the Pitch and the Umpire
Ø Rumors about “Russian Ink” in 1971
Ø Blame it on EVM

Issues of Concern : “Paid News”!

• Commission is consulting with Press Council on this issue.
• Commission is also consulting with Editors Guild, Political Parties and other stakeholders.

Wish List for Future

• Criminal free
• No money power
• Foolproof ER
• Full voter participation

Proposed Electoral Reforms

• Debar candidates charged with Offences punishable with 5 years imprisonment or more (sent on15-7-1998)
• Amend section 127-A of RP Act to make it mandatory for the advertiser’s name to be published in advertisements (Sent on 5-07-2004)
• Amend Rule 22 and Rule 29-B of Conduct of Election Rules 1961 to include “None of the Above” button on the EVM (Sent on 10-12-2001)
• Compulsory audit of Political Parties by agencies specified by CAG (sent on 5-07-2004)
• Government sponsored advertisements should be prohibited for six months before the expiry of the term of the House (Sent on 5-07-2004)
• Removal procedure of Election Commissioners to be the same as CEC (Sent on 15-07-1998)
• EC expenditure to be charges and not voted (Sent on 15-07-1998) – A bill was introduced in 1996 but lapsed
• Use of Common electoral rolls by ECI and SECs (Written to all CMs on 22-11-199)
• False declaration in connection with an election to be an offence by amending RP Act (Sent on 15-07-1998) – (False statement for ER enrollment is already an offence)
• Rule making authority to be vested in the Election Commission in consultation with Law Ministry (Sent on 15-07-1998)
• Power to deregister a Political Party (Sent on 15-07-1998)

Plans for Future

1. Greater use of Technology
• A National Electoral Database for –
Ø Better Citizen services and accessibility
Ø Avoidance of duplicates in the database
Ø Better data safety and security
Ø Better Election management
• Use of biometric identification technology for voter identification.

2. Expenditure Monitoring

• The Commission has already directed that Expenditure Statement summary of all winning candidates be put on the CEO’s websites for easy access by public.
• Commission is planning to create an Expenditure Monitoring Division.
• Expenditure details and affidavits of candidates will be made available to CDBT for follow up.

3. Voter Awareness Campaign

• Voting is not compulsory but, no doubt a healthy voter turnout is a visible sign of a vibrant democracy.
• Some States like West Bengal, Kerala and North Eastern States are known for higher voter turnout. But, the urban apathy in general is appalling.
• When voters in the Naxal affected areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand defy the boycott call and make a beeline to polling stations many elite Indians of leading metropolis stay at home or go for picnic on the poll day.
• The ECI launched voter awareness campaign to encourage better voter turnout
• Pappu Campaign in Delhi

The above content is part of a presentation and lecture delivered by Dr SY Quraishi, Election Commissioner on India, at ICC recently.

Freedom Fighters Pay Tribute to Netaji

2010-01-25T14:18:00.003+05:30

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s close aide and member of Indian National Army (INA) Capt. S. S. Yadav today remembered contribution of Netaji in freedom movement while paying floral tribute to Netaji on his 113th birth anniversary at Freedom Fighters Enclave in New Delhi.

Along with S.S. Yadav, Veteran freedom fighter Rati Ram, General Secretary of All India Freedom Fighters Organisation (AIFFO) Satyanand Yajee and several freedom fighters paid tribute to Netaji.

“Netaji not also inspired his generation but his values and ideas still inspire us and keep on inspiring future generation,” Capt. S.S.Yadav, who is also President of INA Association and General Secertary of All India Freedom Fighter Organization (AIFFO) said.

“I’m worried over lack of inclination of today’s younger generation on the values and principles of our freedom movement,” veteran freedom fighter Rati Ram said.

Freedom Fighters present on the occasion raised concern over the decline of moral standards of polity, the rising economic gap and trapping of younger generation by corporate media.

Meanwhile, they also expressed optimism about future and believed that today’s generation is well-quipped to take country forward.

All India Freedom Fighter Organization (AIFFO)’s general secretary Satyanand Yajee said that AIFFO is working hard to take the message of freedom movement among youths so that they can understand the vision of founding fathers of nation.

“We are using every possible platform, tools to spread the message of freedom movement among youth,” said Satyanand Yajee.

Netaji was born on Jan 23, 1897, in Cuttack the then capital of Orissa. His child life was highly influenced by Swami Vivekanand’s philosophy. He left a luxurious civil service career for freedom movement. At the beginning he followed the path of Mahatma Gandhi but later he deviated from Gandhi's path of non-violence and took the revolutionary route for freedom achievement as he took command of Indian National Army in 1943.

Indian Budget 2009-10

2009-07-11T15:44:00.002+05:30

Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented the country's annual budget for 2009-10 fiscal year in Parliament today, which focused on inclusive development and didn't initiate any significant economic reforms.

Foreign investors and Indian businesses expected major economic reforms in with regard to disinvestment, insurance, banking, retail, energy and defense.

Investors reacted sharply to the budget with a 5% fall in the BSE-benchmark Sensex.

Rural Employment and Rice Subsidy

The budget emphasized 'inclusive development' with focus on rural areas. It increased the spending of the government's flagship rural employment scheme, up 144 % from last year. The scheme, NREGA, received $8 billion in this fiscal year. The budget also called for a direct transfer of subsidies to farmers rather than providing a subsidy to producers.

Mukherjee also announced the enactment of the National Food Security Act to ensure entitlement of 25 kilo of rice or wheat per month at Rs.3 per kilo to every family living below the poverty line in rural or urban areas.

Budget Goals 2009-10

Mukherjee set a target of 9% growth. Last year India recorded 6.7 % growth down, from nine percent a year earlier and and the lowest since 2003. The economy had an average growth of 8.8% in the previous five years. Last week, a government-sponsored economic survey predicted 7.75 % growth this year.

The budget also reports 16-year high fiscal deficit - 6.8 % of GDP for the fiscal year to March 2009. Total spending in the 2009/10 budget will rise to 214 billion, up 36 % from 2008-09 year.

This article published in Canadian online magazine Orato.

Invisible Children & Indian Slums

2009-06-14T15:47:00.006+05:30

Early this year, Indian government has released- first of it’s kind- the Urban Poverty Report 2009, which estimates over 25 percent of urban population i.e. above 80 million lives in slums on poverty level. Among these 80 million, the worst sufferers are children.

US-based writer Shelley Seale has come up with her own experience with Indian slum children with a difference. Her book The Weight of Silence: Invisible Children of India, is aim to create awareness for these invisible children.

“Amidst the growing prosperity of India, there is an entire generation of parentless children growing up. They are everywhere. They fill the streets, the railway stations, the shanty villages. Some scrounge through trash for newspapers, rags or anything they can sell at traffic intersections. Others, often as young as two or three years old, beg. Many are homeless, overflowing orphanages and other institutional homes to live on the streets where they are extremely vulnerable to being trafficked into child labor if they’re lucky, brothels if they’re not. They are invisible children; their plight goes virtually unnoticed, their voices silenced,” Shelley wrote.

In Indian capital of Delhi, around three million people live in 1,500 slums. In these children hundred of thousand children daily survive the hardship of their life. Despite of their tough life, many of them has succeeded in showing ray of hope to others. Some of the examples from Delhi’s slums are

Community Newspapers
Slum children of Lal Quan and Haiderpur are engage in community publishing for spreading awareness. They publish wallpapers ‘Haiderpur Darpan’ and ‘Lal Quan Darpan’ respectively.

Children’s Bank
Bal Vikas Bank (Children Development Bank) is a bank for street children. It is owned and managed by children as a cooperative.

Slumdog Guides
Like Jamaal Malik, Slumdog Millionaire’s key character who rose from slums to become a millionaire despite all odds, there are an informal group of street children in Delhi who turned up as guide for foreign tourist for showcasing life in Delhi’s Slums.

Children Puppeteers
Child puppeteers belonging to low-income artist families keep alive their artistic traditions despite economic hardship. Kalakar Vikas School, an NGO, is training nearly four hundred children into their traditional arts.

Even Shelley inspired from spirit of Indian slum children as she puts: “Little did I know how much they would change my life. Their hope and resilience amazed me time and time again; the ability of their spirits to overcome crippling challenges inspired me. Even in the most deprived circumstances they are still kids – they laugh and play, perhaps far less frequently than others; they develop strong bonds and relationships to create family where none exists; and most of all they have an enormous amount of love to give.”

In her book, shelley combines hardships of vulenerable Indian children with her feelings. This book is a moral reponse of a concern human being.

Hungry Bharat Vs Fatty India

2009-06-13T01:17:00.004+05:30

Five year old Rajju never forget to take her severely malnourished younger brother, 2, to village’s nutrition Center, locally known as Aaganwadi, for taking afternoon food.

Feebleness, pale-colour, dull-eyes and light yellow hairs are some features of Rajju’s brother, who is facing severe malnutrition.

He is one among the more than hundred malnourished children of Dagarkot village in Madhya Pradesh, located in Central India.

Madhya Pradesh, known as heart of India, has ‘extremely alarming’ level of hunger comparable to Chad and Ethiopia.

In larger picture, the world’s second largest growing economy’s ranking on Global Hunger Index is worse than two-dozens Sub-Saharan countries.

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), which scales Global Hunger Index, estimates forty percent of world’s malnourished children live in India.

Meanwhile, Indian government’s response to crises looks malnourished.

Government is running nutrition centers all over the country under world’s largest supplementary nutrition programme for children. But, situation on the ground is becoming bad to worse day by day.

A child right activist Razia Ismail declares this programme as ‘failure’.

“Eight out of ten children are underfed. Children deserve more attention from policy makers,” Ismail said during a function on Child Right last week.

A recent United Nations World Food Program (UNWFP)’s report reveals that most rural Indians are victims of malnutrition. It indicates a rural child is facing more risk of life than urban child.

“Even Slumdog Millionaire’s Zamal Malik is luckier than his counterpart in village,” rural development expert Rahat Hasan says while pointing towards more challenge face by rural India, which account for 76 percent of India’s total population.

Instead of taking more concrete steps, government is reducing spending on food security as it put 1.12 percent of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in 2008-09, significantly less than 1.35 percent of GDP in 2006-07.

“Ruling alliance has to face elections in coming months therefore it is more focussing on schemes with political potential,” says Nitin Singh, a political researcher in Indian Parliament while explaining reason behind reduction in government spending on food security despite chronic picture.

Mohan Katara, who works in severely hunger-affected district of Madhya Pradesh, says, “See this village (Dagarkot) has full mobile network and road connectivity but forty percent of villagers are still facing hunger.

“Government needs to focus on food security and health first,” he further explains.

“These children can’t vote therefore they are dieing,” says social worker Prakash Michael while criticising vote-hungry political class for lacking social commitment.

Jai Ho!

2009-06-13T01:04:00.002+05:30

Policemen on Saturday put barricades on a road passing through 24, Akbar Road in New Delhi, Indian capital, in order to manage crowd of political workers and media persons.

This address again becomes powerhouse of India after the announcement of election results. It is head office of country’s grand old Congress party, which has ruled South Asian giant over four decades in post-independent period.

Congress emerged as single largest party with 201 seats in 543-seated Lok Sabha or Lower House of Parliament. It is a best performance by an Indian political party in last two decades.

It got 56 more seats than 2004, in an indication of people’s clear mandate to party-led alliance, which beat anti-incumbency. Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) got 260 plus seats, slightly away from magic figure of 272.

The alliance is likely to muster support of some small parties and independents to achieve half-way mark. Congress is likely to stake claim on Monday.

“We got this mandate due to leadership of party chief Sonia Gandhi, work done by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and effective election campaign by Rahul Gandhi,” Janardhan Dwivedi, a senior Congress leader, said.

Congress’s splendid victory is significant in two ways. One is it indicates drift in India politics again towards national parties. In last two decades, India witnessed rise in regional parties, which used their small numbers for seeking larger share in power.

The other significance of verdict is rejection of divisive politics of right-wing Bhartiya Janta Party.

Opposition Bhartiya Janta Party (Indian People’s Party) or BJP, a Hindu nationalist party, got 121 seats, 16 less than it’s 2004 tally, and accepted defeat. Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 160 seats.

NDA’s Prime Ministerial candidate Lal Krishna Advani, who ran a Presidential-type campaign, offered to quit as leader of opposition and likely to retire from active politics.

“The results are on expected lines. Congress is more acceptable to people than Bhartiya Janta Party, which has nothing to offer to people except riots,” says Raghuveer Chandel, a Congress worker from neighboring district of Faridabad.

Thirty two year old law graduate Pawan Kumar, who joined over a hundred party workers at Congress head office for celebrating victory, said: “Youth across the country posed faith on Rahul Gandhi. In last election Sonia Gandhi led party to victory and in this election all credit goes to Rahul Gandhi.”

Thirty eight year old Rahul Gandhi, a scion of Nehru-Gandhi family, is expected to take an important assignment in new government. Even, there is possibility of him becoming Prime Minister after two-three year of new government.

“Today is Diwali for me. I’ll lit lamps at home tonight and distribute sweets in my locality,” said Ganga Bai, an overjoyed member of party’s women wing.

In her forties, Ganga Bai is typical Indian women political worker. She lived in a Delhi’s slum with her husband and three children.

“I’m proud to be associated with a party led by a woman,” she hurriedly replied when asked about her strong dedication towards party.

When asked about their opinion on party’s splendid victory, a group of youth Congress worker from Uttar Pradesh state responded in one tone: Jai Ho!

Congress party had taken right of Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire’s song for election campaign. Verdict proved that Congress’s decision wasn’t wrong.

Salient Points of Verdict

01. Congress-led UPA gets 261 seats, while opposition BJP-led NDA gets 160 seats.
02. Congress’s tally of 201 seats is a best performance by an Indian political party in last two decades.
03. BJP’s 121 is worst performance since 1991, a year when saffron party witnessed a remarkable rise from it’s tally of only two seats in 1984.
04. Manmohan Singh, a globally respected economist who led Congress to victory, becomes only Indian Prime Minister since Jawahar Lal Nehru, first Prime Minister, in 1961 to be voted back after completing five year term.
05. Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM, India’s biggest left party, gave it’s worst performance by winning just 16 seats. In 2004, CPM-led Left Front won astonishing 59 seats giving it’s best ever performance. Now, Left Front won only 24 seats.
06. In political important state of Uttar Pradesh, which send largest chunk of MPs in parliament, low-caste leader and one of aspirant for the post of Prime Minister Mayawati failed to perform on expected lines and got only 20 seats while Congress has put it’s best performance in state, winning 21 seats, after 1984.
07. Congress-led alliance put almost sweep in metro cities including Delhi and Mumbai
08. Some of the big losers of this election are former Union Ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav, Ram Vilas Paswan, Mani Shankar Aiyer, AR Antulay and Renuka Choudhary.

From Research Store: 16 May, 2009

V Prabhakaran

2009-06-13T00:49:00.008+05:30

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam was formed in 1975 with the motto of achieving separate Tamil Eelam state, consisting Tamil-dominated north and east of Sri Lanka.

It’s leader Velupillai Prabhakaran was inspired by Chola King, which ruled South India between 9th-13th century, because they fought with Sinhalese rulers. He borrowed the Chola King’s symbol i.e. tiger for his rebel outfit.

Interpol charged him with crimes against life and health, organised crime, terrorism and terrorism conspiracy. He has arrest warrant against him in Sri Lanka and India.

‘Very alert’ and ‘stout build’, as per Interpol, Prabhakaran had lived as a military dictator and wanted to achieve his goal of ‘Tamil Ealam’ by using military power.

“I wanted to achieve something through action rather than waste time in idle fancies,” Prabhakaran was quoted as saying in his biography, Inside an Elusive Mind.

Born on November 26, 1954 to a middle-class Tamil family in Jaffna, he took arms in his teen age against the official security forces to take revenge of exploitation done to Tamilians in the Jaffna.

His first victim was mayor of Jaffna. It was first assassination carried out by LTTE. Since than, Tamil Tigers were involved in assassination of many leaders of Sri Lanka, including President Ranasinghe Premadasa (1993) and Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar(2005) and former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi(1991).

He had made LTTE a conventional military force having all three wings. He had enforced a strict code of discipline among his cadres, banning smoking and drinking.

He had directed his cadres to commit suicide rather getting into hands of security forces. Therefore, all rebel guerrillas carry cyanide capsule with them.

His used of ‘suicide bombers’, especially those of ‘bra bombers’ and ‘child soldiers’, put him among the world’s most ruthless guerrilla leaders.

From News Store: 19 May, 2009

Bangla Burma Oil Row

2009-06-12T22:17:00.002+05:30

Myanmar removed its two naval warships Thursday from ‘disputed’ oil exploration site in hydrocarbon rich Bay of Bengal after Bangladesh sought help of China for defusing tension.

Myanmar’s decision came after four-days of standoff with Bangladesh over its exploration adventure in territory, claimed by Bangladesh also.

Citing security concerns, South Korean company Daewoo on Wednesday suspended 200-man exploration project, employing Indians, Americans and Australians and withdrew three ships. Earlier, Dhaka urged Seoul to ask Daewoo to withdraw its vessels from territory, claimed by both countries.

“We came to know Korean company Daewoo had suspended exploration in view of security problem and, maybe, the Myanmar authorities had accepted the suspension of exploration,” a top Bangladesh official quoted by New Age newspaper as saying.

Tensions between Rangoon and Dhaka began after Yangon sent an oil-exploration vessel escorted by two naval warships for drilling in undecided territory, located some 30 miles south of Bangladesh’s Saint Martin Island in Bay of Bengal.

In response, Bangladesh immediately deployed four naval warships in region and later sent a three member delegation to Myanmar for solving crises diplomatically.

Some media reports claimed that United States was behind the tension between military-ruled countries. Meanwhile, US Embassy in Dhaka denied American hand into crises.

Both improvised nations have been in talks for many years for demarcating their boundaries in Bay of Bengal but talks were failed so far.

Experts from both countries are scheduled to meet on November 16 and 17 on this issue.

From News Store: 09 November 2008

Nepal's Maoist Rulers and Their Belief

2009-06-12T22:13:00.001+05:30

Nepal’s ruling Maoists retains the centuries-old religious ritual of Kumari or Living Goddess by appointing Kumaris for two cities of Kathmandu Valley. President Ram Baran Yadav appointed three-year-old Matina Shakya as Kumari of Kathmandu on Tuesday and six-year-old Shreeya Bajracharya as Kumari of Bhaktapur last week.

USA-based Nepalese columnist Bhumika Ghimire feels appointment of Devkumaris by government is against the secular nature of newly-crafted republic.

“The tradition of Kumari is very dear to all Nepalese, especially to those in the Kathmandu. I am all for community effort to preserve our traditions, but government-backed Kumari tradition is not the right thing,” she says.

Last month, Maoists have burned their fingures by cutting down state-funding for religious activities in much-publicised ‘secular budget’. Conservative Hindus, constituting major population of country, forced government to change it’s decision.

Maoists, who fought against Hindu Kingdom and Hindu religious institutions for more than a decade, are seem to fill the vacuum created in religious sphere after transformation of Nepal from a Hindu Kingdom to Secular Republic.

The unexpected shifting of Maoists from their strict secular ideology to King-like religion regulator indicates that former guerillas learning art of ruling.

Seems inspire from Mao’s cultural revolution, several untra-leftist outfits have started moral cleansing drive in country. Recently, Miss Nepal contest has been put off indefinetely due to protest of women wing of Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).

Protestors feel that such event promotes use of women as commercial tool, which is completely against the Nepalese culture.

Maoist-led coalition is also cracking down against massage parlours, dance bars and casino located in Nepalese capital of Kathmandu.

“Home Minister Bam Dev Gautam has declared a ‘War on Sex & Liquor’ in Kathmandu,” blogs Jude West, a University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service student carrying research in Nepal.

Recently, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, popularly known as Prachanda, said that political transformation could not be sustainable without cultural transformation. His remarks are indication of Maoists long-term game plan on cultural transformation of Nepal.

From News Store: 08 October, 2008

Indian Cricket League

2009-06-12T22:09:00.002+05:30

The ‘rebel’ Indian twenty20 tournament, Indian Cricket League (ICL), got major relief on Tuesday when Indian Cricket Board agreed to meet with its representatives.

Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) chief Shashank Manohar gave commitment to ICC Board for holding talks with ICL officials.

World Cricket body is under pressure to prove its power as strong Indian Cricket body has threatened its legitimacy in global cricket order.

Recently Sri Lanka Board has decided to not go ahead with a test tour to England and committed it’s international players for IPL in return of a ‘bailout’ package offered by Indian Cricket Board. Sri Lanka’s decision shows growing clout of Indian Cricket body.

Experts consider BCCI’s acceptation of talks with ‘unofficial’ league is first step towards official recognition of ICL.

The battle of recognition of ICL gained momentum last month when its official met with ICC chief David Morgan last month in London. It was first meeting between rebel league and world body.

Last year, BCCI has opened its lucrative twenty20 tournament, Indian Premier League, following the launch of ICL. It banned cricketers associated with ICL for playing all form of official matches and impressed upon other cricket boards to follow.

Indian Cricket League is getting reasonable response from fans in subcontinent due to presence of international players from several countries, including Australia. Daniel Martyn, Staurt Law and Jason Gillespie are among the Australians cricketers associated with it.

It has nine teams. It added Dhaka Worriers, compromising almost ex-national team of Bangladesh, as ninth team this year. More than 100 million people from around the world (expect South America) will enjoy this ICL 20s tournament.

From News Store : October 15 2008

Congress-SP Alignment: ‘Time Pass Mechanism’, in which SP will pass But Congress Will Fail

2008-07-06T14:42:00.006+05:30

Logic behind the alignment between Indian National Congress (I) and Samajwadi Party (Socialist Party) is very clear and visible. Both parties desperately looking to avoid election as their principle enemies i.e. BJP (for Congress) and BSP (for SP) are having upper hand over them.

Samajwadi Party’s support will help Congress-run United Progressive Alliance (UPA) to go ahead with Indo-US Civilian Nuclear Energy Deal and save lose of face globally.

Meanwhile, the arrangement will help Samajwadi Party more as compare to Congress as Mulayam Singh will able to use power for benefits of his party in order to make strong ground before upcoming Lok Sabha Election and compete with powerful Mayawati.

On the other hand, Congress has to be accept junior partner’s position in UP and have to pay for all this mess.

Political Theory

There is a new theory circulating in political circles of New Delhi. According to this theory, Left parties has pushed Samajwadi Party towards Congress in order to avoid early election and save their own face as they can’t support government, which is firm to go ahead with Indo-US deal.

If this is right, than it turns all things into ‘Two Party Zero Sum Game’, clearly the gain of Left-Samajwadi combine is exact lose of Congress.

“If Left wants to withdrawn support, then they can do it on the basis of inflation, their favorite issue. This helps them to gain lost ground among people. But, they have some other plans,” a senior Lawyer, who worked with Indira Gandhi, said during an informal discussion on the issue.

Congress's Efforts To Build 'Consensus' On Women Reservation Bill Fails

2008-06-17T23:50:00.002+05:30

New Delhi, India - Congress Party's efforts to build consensus on women reservation bill failed as it's key ally in ruling United Progress Alliance made it cleared that they would not follow their's big brother's line.

The Statesman Reports:

The Congress is negotiating a possible compromise formula on the issue viz scaling down the quantum of reservation from the proposed 33 per cent to 20-25 per cent without any provision for an OBC sub-quota.

“We are in favour of sub-quota for minorities, OBCs, SC/STs and there cannot be any compromise on this vital issue,” RJD Parliamentary Party leader Mr Devendra Prasad Yadav said.

Mr Yadav, a known opponent of the reservation bill in its present form, said his party would agree to nothing short of a sub-quota.The RJD leader claimed that several parties like Samajwadi Party and the JD(U) were with his party on the issue.

While reports had it that the new formula had the backing of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Congress president Mrs Sonia Gandhi, Congress sources suggested that the consultations were part of “track two” efforts to arrive at a consensus on the vexed issue.Sources said the Congress has communicated its stand to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Bill, making it clear that there has been no change in its position with regard to the proposed legislation that envisages 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

On the other hand, CPI and CPI-M leaders today dismissed as “kite-flying” the reports that the Congress was trying to negotiate a political consensus on the controversial Bill by suggesting a cut in the proposed 33 per cent quota. As far as the Left parties were concerned, they are sticking to their demand for the 33 per cent quota, the leaders said.

A senior CPI leader said “We maintain our old stand. We don’t accept any dilution of the quota.”

Indian Hindu Nationalist Captures Power In Himachal Pradesh

2007-12-29T15:04:00.000+05:30

Shimla, India (December 28, 2007): Prem Kumar Dhumal-led Himachal Pradesh Bhartiya Janta Party is all set to form next government after gaining simple majority. BJP secured 35 seats out of 59 in 68-seated state legislature.

Dhumal, Virbhadra Win

Incumbent Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh won the Rohru seat with 15,000 margin, while Dhumal defeated Congress candidate with margin of 26,000 votes in Bamsan assembly seat.

Countdown Began

Looking in upbeat mood, Bhartiya Janta Party’s spokesperson Sushma Swaraj said Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh verdicts showed that countdown started for Congress and UPA. BJP-led alliance NDA would form next government at Union level. “The victory is not limited to Himachal and Gujarat. It is a trailer of Lok Sabha elections," Swaraj told media persons in New Delhi.

No Linkage

Refusing any link between Gujarat and HP election verdicts, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said that there was no communal polarization in the Himachal Pradesh which was witnessed in the Gujarat.

Gujarat In Modi ‘Mood’

2007-12-23T15:02:00.000+05:30

Varodara, Gujarat (December 23, 2007) – Indian Hindu Nationalist Party Bhartiya Janta Party gets decisive majority Sunday in Gujarat Assembly election.

According to media reports, BJP has won 103 seats, clear cut majority in 182 seated State Assembly and leading in 13 constituencies. While Congress has won 53 seats and is leading in 8 constituencies.

Turning Point

Bhartiya Janta Party senior leader and Prime Ministerial candidate of party, L.K. Advani hailed the impressive victory saying that people’s verdict in Gujarat become ‘turning point’ for national politics.

Party’s national general secretary Arun Jaitely says that it is a rare election where a party gets verdict on ‘development and good governance’.

Congress Concedes Defeat

The Congress Party, lead opposition in Gujarat, concedes defeat. “It is a great victory for him, it is a remarkable victory,” Congress Spokesman was quoted as saying.

Sworn-In On 27

Narendra Modi, who is credited for BJP’s impressive show in western Indian state, will be sworn-in as Chief Minister for a third term on December 27, 2007.

Leading A Movement: Boycott Olympic In China And Save Tibet

2007-08-06T10:09:00.000+05:30

Mahatama Gandhi Tibet Freedom Movement's Founder and convener Dr. Mahesh Yadav and G. Sec. S. Sukhvinder Singh appeal to World community and Politicians and Olympic Players to Boycott 2008's Olympics due to Beijing. And the Dr. Mehash Yadav and .Sukhvinder Singh are distributing written material and aware of thousands of Indian people for Tibet cause.

Olympics is a symbol of World Peace, hourmeny & Brotherhood, but China is a Country where Democracy does not exist and Freedom too. Therefor China does not deserve Olympic Games because it is a Dictator, Killer of Tibetans, Killer of Freedom, Killer of Democracy,Kidnapper of Panchan Lama, killer of International Law, Killer of Human Rights, Killer of Environment, Killer of World Peace, Killer of Humanity and Killer of Indian Faith.

The Organization appeal to everyone to read the attachment poster and send appeal to International Olympic Committee to Cancel the Beijing Olympic in 2008.

Mission 2007 extends period, sets new targets

2007-08-04T15:14:00.000+05:30

Noted Indian scientist and visionary Prof. M.S. Swaminathan has put forward new targets and goalpost for his Mission: Every Village A Knowledge Centre during fourth convocation of Mission 2007.

Swaminathan Research Foundation (SRF) making its all efforts to develop knowledge based rural society. The Mission 2007’s efforts and initiatives are really motivational for other organizations, which are working for rural development.

The three days event was really excellent. The distinguished panelists gave new dimensions to Mr. Swaminathan’s idea.

Meanwhile, there is a big demerit of Mission 2007. Obviously, it’s my personal view. That is many big companies working in ICT like Microsoft, Intel, Wipro, TCS etc are the partners of the mission. No doubt, they are fulfilling their ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ (CSR), but, they are willing to use the village knowledge center as their customer care center or product selling points as they are much aware of unexposed potential market of India.

Even, during the convocation, representatives of their companies invited to give presentation or lecture on ‘Social Inclusion In Access To The Benefits Of Digital Technology’. But, some of them did what can be expected from a business organization.

Above all, the Mission 2007 has initiated a unique project to bring change in rural Indian society therefore they deserve appreciation in this regards.

It’s my first installment on Mission 2007’s convocation. I will write some more items on it. You can visit mission’s portal http://www.mission2007.in/ for more info.

Mahatma Gandhi's Assassination F.I.R

2007-07-15T15:07:00.000+05:30

First Information of a Cognizable Crime Reported under Section 154, C.P.C.
Police Station : Tughlak Road
District : Central
No. : 68
Date and hour of occurence : 30.1.1948 / 5:45 P.M.

1
Date and hour when reported

2
Name and residence of informant /complainant
Shri Nand Lal Mehta, son of Shri Natha Lal Mehta, Indian, Building Lala Suraj Prasad M Block, Connaught Circus
3
Brief description of offence (with section) and of property carried off, if any
302 I.P.C.
4
Place of occurence and distance/ direction from Police Station
Birla House, distance 2 furlongs
5
Name and address of the criminal

6
Steps taken regarding investigation/ explanation of delay in recording information

Statement of Shri Nand Lal Mehta, son of Shri Natha Lal Mehta, Indian, resident of Connaught Circus Building Lala Sarju Prasad Today I was present at Birla House. Around ten minutes past five in the evening, Mahatma Gandhi left his room in Birla House for the Prayer Ground. Sister Abha Gandhi and sister Sanno Gandhi were accompanying him. Mahatma was walking with his hands on the shoulders of the two sisters. Two more girls were there in the group. I alongwith Lala Brij Kishan, a silver merchant, resident of No. 1, Narendra Place, Parliament Street and Sardar Gurbachan Singh, resident of Timar Pur, Delhi were also there. Apart from us, women from the Birla household and two-three members of the staff were also present. Having crossed the garden, Mahatma climbed the concrete steps towards the prayer place. People were standing on both the sides and approximately three feet of vacant space was left for the Mahatma to pass through. As per the custom the Mahatma greeted the people with folded hands. He had barely covered six or seven steps when a person whose name I learnt later as Narayan Vinayak Godse, resident of Poona, stepped closer and fired three shots from a pistol at the Mahatma from barely 2 / 3 feet distance which hit the Mahatma in his stomach and chest and blood started flowing. Mahatma ji fell backwards, uttering "Raam - Raam". The assailant was apprehended on the spot with the weapon. The Mahatma was carried away in an unconscious state towards the residential unit of the Birla House where he passed away instantly and the police took away the assailant.

Sd/-N.L. Mehta/30.1.1948.

Having received the information I rushed to the Birla House to find the dead body of the Mahatma at room No. 3. Met Shri Nand Lal Mehta, his statement recorded and got confirmed after reading it out to him. Copy of the statement handed over to him. Came to know that the assailant was whisked away by the Assistant Sub-Inspector. It was a case of Section 302 Indian Penal Code. All the case papers were sent to the Police Station Tughlak Road and I got engaged in conducting investigations. A special report may be forwarded through the police station.

Sd. in English/30 January

Courtsy: http://www.kiranbedi.com/ ( Official website of Kiran Bedi, First and highest ranking woman of Indian Police Service )

Worldwide Non-cooperation Movement Against China

2007-06-27T14:01:00.000+05:30

New Delhi, India: Noted social worker and internationally recognized blood campaigner Dr. Mahesh Yadav has organized three days worldwide non-cooperation movement against China just after conclusion of his month-long Europe visit. The movement organized from June 19 to 23 for mobilizing support for Tibetan cause.

Further information about recently concluded non-cooperation movement, Dr. Yadav says that he has presented five point memorandum to Indian President, Prime Minister and ambassadors from 101 countries in New Delhi under the three day movement.

The Five point memorandum for the sake of "Save Tibet-Save Humanity" is:

(A) Creating of Tibet into a Place for Heaven of Peace on Earth

To push China to turn Tibet which is under its capture, into a place for "Heaven of peace" on Earth as like that of the holy Vatican city and go for unconditional dialogues with H.H. Dalai Lama to bring about a peaceful solution to Tibet's issue so that brutally snatched away human rights of Tibetans can be restored and moreover H.H. Dalai Lama, a noble laureate and the paramount religious leader of Tibetans, who is the follower of the Gandhian path of peace, truth , non-violence and compassion is dedicatingly committed to create Tibet into a non-violent, peaceful and hatred free place on Earth as and when it gets freed by China.

(B) Immediate Release of H.H. Panchen Lama

To push china to immediately release H.H. Panchen Lama, a 18 years old prisoner in China, who was imprisoned by China when he was only 6 years old on 14/5/1995, as and when H.H. Dalai Lama declared him as "Panchen Lama".

His release is immensely necessary for the sake of the dignity of the humanity as a whole and also as he is the youngest most and most innocent political prisoner not meant for to be in prison but rather he is meant for spiritual and humanism upliftment in the world and moreover such a young, innocent and philanthropist person well how can be in any way a threat to China, as hypothetically considered by China and at the top crores 'n' crores of humans on Earth along with all the Tibetans in the world are emotionally attached to him.

China must also in category be pushed to produce H.H. Panchen Lama before the world if he is still alive, immediately.The act of putting an innocent child into life imprisonment by China is such a blot on the humanity that nothing can be so brutal to humanity, hence China must be pressurized to immediately release him.

(C) Cancellation of 2008 Olympic Games in China

The Olympic games of 2008 going to held in China, must be immediately cancelled because these games are a symbol of universal brotherhood, peace, amity, friendship and integrity and China is entirely against all this and moreover China is grossly acting and disseminating against all this and too China is a violent, repressive, draconian, cruel and anti - peace country, as also since last 48 years Tibet had been under its forcible and brutal capture moreover, its hand is stained with blood of lakhs of innocent and peace loving Tibetans.

Amazingly, were almost all the countries had enacted laws to curb child labour and bonded labou, China had have forcibly employed child labours, bonded labours and prisoners for constructing infrastructure like stadium, grounds, etc. for the forthcoming olympics games and is brutally exploiting them, this act of China is staright way making jokes and hardly kicking away the emotions of the countries who had enacted these laws, which in order is also a very henious blot on the humanity.

Hence, restrain your country from participating in these games and support in its cancellation.

(D) Saving of the Earth's environment and not letting the China to make life on Earth hear the death knell

Tibet which is situated as a "Roof of the World" used to be wonderfully environmentally balanced and enriched with natural resources but China after brutally capturing it had turned it into a graveyard of the innocent Tibetans and nuclear weapons & military zone which is day by day making the world approach to hear the death knell.

Due to the fact that China conducting regular nuclear tests on Tibet plateau, dumping nuclear harmful waste on it, rapidly destroying the green virgin forests & other natural resources and diverting the route of the rivers originating from Tibet have deadly endangered the life on Earth and it is imminent that one day life on earth will hear the death knell.

Hence, China must be pressurized to immediately stop all this to sustain and nurture life on Earth.

(E) Pressuring China to Stop Sponsoring Terrorism

If we minutely observe and analysis the ever increasing Terrorism and Violence in the world we will be definate that China is mainly behind all this and which is quite evident from the fact that Pakistan the originator of the Terrorism is being aided with the nuclear power by China and too the weapons seized during the arrest of terrorists are China made and also the recent thereat to the life of H.H. Dalai Lama by the terrorist organization ' Lashkar-E-Toyabba' palpably through the role of China in upholding the Terrorism.

It is evident that in the coming time if China is not forced to stop sponsoring terrorism it will come strongly as a chief villain of the world.

Hence, for the sake of Peace and Harmony on the Earth, China must be forced to stop sponsoring the terrorism and aiding Pakistan.

Dr. Yadav also working on a documentary “My Ideal H.H. Dalai Lama” says that the documentary film of Tibetan issue will be release on eve of birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi ( October 2 ).

In a telephonic interview, Dr. Yadav says that he has selected eve of Gandhi Jayanti for releasing of documentary because United Nation decided to observe October 2 as ‘International Non-Violence Day’.

2006-11-10T10:23:00.000+05:30

FOR MAHAK KOTHARI, an eight-year old student of class 3, Tuesday was a big day as he was able to fulfil his dream of becoming a police officer.

Suffering from a life-threatening illness, Mahak expressed his desire to become a police inspector. His desire was fulfilled by an NGO called Make-A-Wish with the help of the Andhra Pradesh Police by giving him an opportunity to act as police inspector for one hour.

On Tuesday, a delighted Mahak with a confident face assumed charge as inspector of the Jubilee Hills Police Station at 4:30 pm (7 am EST) for an hour in the presence of Inspector M Srinivas Rao.

“I am very happy. I will protect the people and I will tackle the bad guys,” an elated Mahak said, after he sat on the inspector’s chair. During his one-hour duty, he inspected weapons and interacted with the police officials and also directed them in their assignments.

Mahak’s parents witnessed this in the station with tears in their eyes. His mother said, “He has limited time. We are thankful to the NGO and the police department for fulfilling his wish. I wish he could have grown up to become a police officer.”

“We made the boy live his dream role of a police officer on humanitarian grounds. He was confidence personified and extremely happy while interacting with our men and we too had a sense of satisfaction watching the boy do his job,” Amit Garg, Deputy Commissioner of Police, told The Hindu newspaper.

Not only has the police done a great deed in this, the incident also reflects on the bettering police standards. Kudos to the cops!

Working For A Cause

2006-10-30T19:25:00.000+05:30

Former US President Jimmy Carter builds a house as part of the 23rd Jimmy Carter project in Patan Village, south east of Mumbai, India, Monday, Oct. 30, 2006. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Rajesh Nirgude

INDIA's Proud : Kiran Desai

2006-10-12T11:08:00.000+05:30

Kiran Desaion won the Man Booker Prize on her "The Inheritance Of Loss".

Another Iraq!

2006-10-03T15:49:00.000+05:30

Photo Courtsy :: Reuters News Agency

George W. Bush Compared With Hitlar

2006-09-24T19:49:00.000+05:30

US President George W. Bush's photograph potraying him like Fasicst Hitlar after his failure in policies on 'War On Terror'. Photo Courtys from www.mixeye.com

Gandhi Giri- Reviving The Truth

2006-09-15T20:34:00.000+05:30

Satyagrah - To Find Divine Sparks Inside The Evil-Doers

Literally it means holding fast for the truth. It is based on truth and non-violence, while former is end and later is mean.It was a new political weapon introduced by him in INDIA after its sucessful application in South Africa.

According to Gandhiji, a true Satyagrahi is fearless and follow the cause of concious self-suffering. While struggling against evil-doers, he do not developed hatred for evil-doers, that is hatred, word, is not get place in Gandhiji's dictionary. It can be practice by strong people. It is the courage of deing without the killing. It is not a symptom of weakness and cowardish. He would prefer violence in place of cowardish.

According to Gandhiji, Satyagrahi gives fair chance to evil-doers for change of heart. He would appeal to the divine spark of the evil-doer for the innovation of the truth. Nobody knows absolute truth, but, use non-violence if feciliated the emergence of the truth.

He used fasting, a volunteery give up of food and water in Satyagrah. But he favoured fast as a last resolt after other techniques of Satyagrah got failed.

to be continue....

Gandhi Giri – Reviving the Truth

2006-09-13T20:19:00.000+05:30

Photo Courtsy :: www.enchantedlearning.com
Why Gandhi Giri attracts mass towards theater?

It proved the relevancy and acceptability of Gandhian ideology among the India youth, which blamed to be dieing after some institution or universities, claimed, to be not get student’s proper participation in Gandhian studies courses.

It’s time to revive the thoughts of Gandhi Ji, the father of nation, who once time titled with ‘Kesher-E-Hind’ by the British government after his support in First World War.

Gandhi Ji’s Means And Ends

Gandhiji attached the purity of both means and end. According to him, non-violence is a mean to attain the truth-which is end. He also stated that impure means could pollute the end just like a bad seed resulting into a bad plant. His concept of means and ends, have totally religious, ideologically, influence as he gave “Ramrajya”—based on them.

Gandhi Ji On Non-violence

According to him, non-violence is not merely avoidance of physical injuries. He also gave wider meaning to his concept of non-violence by giving positive dimension to it. If a person and an animal are suffering from incurable disease, then he/it will be act of non-violence to take his/its life. He further broadens non-violence by adding harass-speech and bad thinking as violence.

to be continue.....

Pt. Nehru's Views On Reservation In India

2006-07-01T21:48:00.000+05:30

Please forward or send link to every INDIAN you know, so everyone could come to know the reality.

2006-05-02T01:52:00.000+05:30

Maharashtra government banned the dance bars in Mumbai, Indian commercial capital last year, due to which thousands of bar dancer, who are not much qualified, educated and most of them from economic weak families became un-employed. Unfortunately most of them adopted the prostitution for their livelihood. But again bar dancers return to their original profession as Mumbai high court lifted the ban over bars.

When I met with a call girl, previously a bar dancer in police custody, as she captured red handed for doing prostitution. She told me truth and miseries of a bar dancers, than I have understand the problems of bar dancers, and now happy to hear the Mumbai court decision.

An Indian bar dancer coming out from Mumbai High Court, after the hearing of case registered by Bar Girls Association, as court has lifted the ban on dance bars imposed by the Maharashtra Government.

What is her mistak ?

2006-04-22T04:38:00.000+05:30

Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, a sexually abused woman considered her self a "Hijra"(eunuch), gives dance training to school children.

Laxmi Narayan Tripathi was sexually abused from the age of seven to fourteen by men. This, he says, shaped and defined his being and sexuality. He considers herself a hijra (an eunuch) and says "I have the soul of a hijara".

An Indian man divorces wife over a vote

2006-04-21T11:27:00.000+05:30

Talaq,Talaq,Talaq (3 times uttering of divorce word), that’s all it took for a 25 year old marriage to end. In an yet another case of mindless use of the word “Talaq” (divorce), Biki Biwi, a 47-year-old woman is Salipur, Orissa was divorced by her husbands just because she voted against his candidate in a village election.

In a voting held to award a village road construction contract, Biki Biwi voted in favour of her brother while her husband wanted her to vote for his friend. “Over such a trivial matter I was divorced by my husband. How will I survive now”, cried Biki.

Soon after the divorce, a clash broke out between the respective families. But since the word talaq had already been uttered thrice, the community leaders have accepted the divorce and police intervention has not solved the problem.

Ajay Kumar, a South Indian dwarf superstar !

2006-04-09T00:20:00.000+05:30

Ajay Kumar gives an outstanding performance in the hit movie “Atbhutha Dweep”, a Hindi word meaning “wonder island” in English. Kumar lives in the southern region of India.

This dwarf sized actor, fills the leading role in this movie. Kumar has received outstanding reviews for this role in Indian cinema. Even more impressive is that Kumar performs his own stunts like many normal sized actors.

Kumar is 28 years of age, and measures 2 feet, 5 inches in height. He weighs only 28 kg. Ajay Kumar has previously acted in 18 movies filmed in the southern regions of India, and is looking forward to working in Hollywood in the near future.

In the movie "Atbhutha Dweep", the hero falls in love with a tall princess and marries her. In real life Ajay Kumar is married to a woman of normal height, and they look forward to a normal and enjoyable married life.

Ajay Kumar formed an association in Kerala called “The Kerala Small Men Association”, which works for the welfare of dwarfs in the state of Kerala. Kerala, a state located in southern region of India, ranks in the top percentage of the well educated in India. The association of dwarfs has about 300 members. Ajay Kumar doesn't claim to be an actor of heroic proportions. "I think the image of a hero has changed. I am not glamorous like other superstars, but viewers like the talented character of the artist they see in me.”

edited by Patrice

End of her suffering………….

2006-03-28T12:50:00.000+05:30

In first picture Sunder was lifted by a crane, in second her sorrowful eyes just before leaving her body and in third “Mahaout”, weeping and sharing some moment with Sunder, as he called “Sunder her daughter”.

Yesterday, Hindu women of Karod aread of Bhopal City busy in praying a female elephant in very sorrowful and emotional atmosphere. On other side forest officials trying their best to lift injured elephant by a crane, some of them weeping while working. Some local resident busy in raising fund for injured female elephant, and above all a man “Giri Majaraj,” who was not touched food since last four days, sit silent very closely to Sunder, He is the “Mahawout” or “Sunder’s handler”. From where this scene picked up, have a look on its history

A female elephant called by lovely name “Sunder” (it means beautiful), died after undergoing severe pain and suffering. Four days before Sunder was hit and injured by an unidentified truck, at High Way near Bhopal, state capital of Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Forest official and local resident tried their best to save her innocent life, but their all attempted failed, because Sunder lost her walking capacity after accident.

I have nothing to tell much about “Sunder”, but one thing I want to share that, about four thousand people gathered for funeral of Sunder and I have seen tear in every eyes…….

Does she have not right of living like normal children?

2006-03-26T12:46:00.000+05:30

In India the groups of Eunuchs dance on the birth of child in every Home, and while dancing they checked the sex of child, if the child, would be sexually incomplete (some male or some female character), then they take the child with them and add in their group. They teach and trained the children as a complete Eunuch, by a typical process that called “Vilma”, under which the children have to live in a room, upto 18 year age, in the dress of woman.

And After this 18 year What the future of that child, ……….an eunuch……..who dance and sing on celebration…….who has no respect in society………never live alone………only could survive in a group…….or…….What could be disappointing then it.

Here one thing arise that, why the parents give their child to eunuch group? Do they fear of social dignity? But what will be the future of that child. If he or she has some incomplete sexual character i.e. neither he/she is a male nor a female.

I have met with Neelam in a temple, she is very beautiful and innocent girl, but she is not getting proper upbringing that she deserve, here I mean for specially love of mothers. Pittrah, who is taking care of Neelam and indirectly she is her guardian, has find herself very lucky, as she got a chance to pour affection on a child like a mother. But does she could give those entire things which Neelam deserve from her parents side, who gave birth to her.

INDIA has given the right meaning of Sex to world by “KAMA SUTRA”, a guide of sacred sexuality

2006-03-23T21:58:00.000+05:30

India’s Indus Valley Civilisation, was one of oldest civilization of World, which considered most developed civilization of world history, and it is also believe the people of this civilization have more knowleged about the sex than other civilization, because of Hindu’s epics “Ramayana” and “Mahabarta”, considered to written around the time of this civilization.

After some time nearly in 1st and 4th Centuries AD, Maharishi Vatsyayana, who lived in ancient Hindu pilgrimage Banaras, now Vanarsi, had written “Kamasutra”, for extreme sexual pleasure, which considered a guide of sacred sexuality. “Kamasutra” is unique in world literature and it’s the first comprehensive guide to living an eroticized life. The Kama Sutra, which means Sex Science, is the earliest surviving example of a written Hindu love-manual.

Coming on word “Kamsutra i.e. Kama + Sutra, Kama is the name of Hindu’s “God of Love”, whose wife is Rati. Kama is always depicted as a handsome youth, shooting arrows of love that produce love. And Sutra means “Formulae”, after combing both we found Kamsutra means “Kama’s formulae for Love and Sex”.

The Kama Sutra contains a total of 64 sexual Kama Sutra Positions, which also called “64 arts”. The aim of the Sixty Four Arts of the Kama Sutra is not merely to be a good wife, but to be a skillful, playful, understanding, refined, sexual, beautiful and intelligent woman. The Kama Sutra also expresses cultivation of the male, his understanding of female nature and the importance of cultivating sensual moods and intimacy.

There are 10 methods and 40 ways of kissing in the Kama Sutra (including) - the nominal kiss, the probing kiss, the touching kiss, the straight kiss, the bent kiss, the turned kiss, the pressed kiss and the greatly pressed kiss - and four ways to administer the kiss.

The Kama Sutra included encryption as an art a woman should study, presumably to help her make secret meetings with her lovers. According to Kama Sutra a man becomes irresistable to women if he ties the bone of a peacock or hyena which has been covered in gold to his right hand.
In Kama Sutra high standard cleanliness preferred. It states: "The qualities of good nails are that they should be bright, well set, clean, entire, convex, soft, and glossy in appearance. The defects of teeth on the other hand are that they are blunt, protruding from the gums, rough, soft, large, or loosely set." The Kama Sutra also gives tips on the best ways to arrange a house. It suggests that people will be happiest if they have a pot for spitting in, a lute hanging from an elephant's tooth, a soft bed and pots of flowers.

It is only a short knowledge about Kamasutra, which I know, but I have very huge range on Sex and Love and In ancient time most of Kings and rural, have sex, accourding to the Kamasutra’s 64 art, and I find this is reason for their pleasure sexual and successful life.

EXTRA ORDINARY:: A school in India, whose all students can write two different language with their both hands simultaneously......well done boys

2006-03-22T18:00:00.000+05:30

Veena Vadini, (Veena Vadini means Goddess Sawaswati, the goddess of knowledge according to Hindu mythology), is looks like a general Indian school by its building, teaching pattern and examination. But for some days these schools become famous in Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, due to the extraordinary act performed by the students of school.

This School started some five year before by a group of local teachers, now this school has 72 students between the age group of four to eight i.e. a primary level school, but all 72 students can write two language with their both hands simultaneously.

More amazing thing is that for this skill, the little children, practicing hard daily in classroom and fluent in many language also. What extra efforts they made for getting this skill is really extraordinary. And they all must deserve award for their skilled act in too little age.

The word of a student, Kamla, during a little chat with a journalist of a multimedia news agency, who bring Veena Vadini School firstly in light. “I know six languages—Hindi, Urdu, English, Roman, Sanskrit and Arabic. I can write two languages at one time,” said Kamla, a student at the school Commonly termed as ambidexterity, the ability to use both hands with equal ease is a rare and amazing feat.

An Indian folk singer killed, as he was not singing in tune

2006-03-18T13:12:00.000+05:30

A very strange case occurred in Panna district of Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, in which a folk singer was killed by two persons, as the accused blame singer for not singing in tune.

Pooran, a 40-year-old, folk singer was performing “Fag-Geet”, or “the song of February month” (Fagun in traditional Hindi Language), in the celebration of Holi, the festival of colour, in Mohar Majra village of Panna district, on yesterday night. During the function, two tribal men Babulal Gorh and Mihirpoora Gor blamed on Pooran for not singing in tune.

And finally in anger these two tribal men attacked on singing team of Pooran with “Laththa” or “an oily bamboo stick”. Pooran and his four companions hospitalized later by district authorities, and during treatment Pooran died.

In my personal experience, tribal of that particular region are not violent. Even after drunken lot they look normal, and they are very supporting and friendly. But this case really unfortunate and strange for me…………..

Bhagoria, an Indian eloping festival

2006-03-17T23:30:00.000+05:30

A week long fair that is called Bhagoria-Haat (eloper’s fair), organized in several tribal dominated areas of Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, as a part of Holi or the festival of colour celebration. In this fair young tribal choose their life partner and elope.

In this fair, a young tribal man is allowed to propose marriage to a girl of his liking by giving her a gift. If the girl accepts it, they can marry with or without the consent of their parents.

Among those who enjoy the most are the Bheel youth, who tease young girls for seven days till Holi and try to run away with them.At the age-old Bhagoria fair or festival, young men and women will eat, drink, dance and runaway with each other -- the latter a precondition for marriage.

Kamal Singh, a tribal young boy , who is looking for a lifepartner in fair has talked to a media person, “We eat sweets like Gulab jamun... bring Paan to propose to the girl for marriage and if she agrees, we elope...we also sing and dance,”.
This is our year-long tradition and most important thing is that our new generations do not hesitate to adopt this tradition of elopement,”said Mangilal an elderly Bheel tribal man from Jhabua.

‘Little Buddha’ or ‘reincarnated Buddha’, missing in Nepal

2006-03-15T02:11:00.000+05:30

A 15-year-old boy whose followers believe he is the reincarnation of Buddha has disappeared after 10 months of meditation in the jungles of Nepal.

Till Sunday afternoon, searchers in Bara district had found no signs of Ram Bahadur Bomjan, the boy from Ratanpuri who made global headlines last year after he was reported to have begun meditation, like the Buddha, under a peepul tree, living without food and water for over 10 months. Believers claimed the school dropout was either the reincarnation of the Buddha or a holy Buddhist monk and had supernatural powers, including surviving snakebites twice. As scores of volunteers and policemen began searching the dense forest of Char Koshe Jadi in southern Nepal to locate their enigmatic ‘Little Buddha’.

An Indian man has made 57 failed attempts for passing high school exam, and still continue….

2006-03-15T02:08:00.000+05:30

72-year-old, Radhakishan Gurjar, of Bhodra village, in Madhya Pradesh, India, has swore to not marry until he would not clear high school exam (10th). He has already tried 57 attempted but did not get success, and now going to give exam with the grandson of his brother Heeralal.

Now, this time he is appearing in exam in his 58th attempt, and confident for success. On his preparation of exam his close friend Jamuna Das has said that “This time he worked hard, and prepared well. We all villager praying for his success, and he definitely got success”.

Most interesting this that bring in this story that Radhakishan has strong eagerness for marrying in his age, and already started searching bride of his age, that shows his confident, that this time he will clear the exam.

Best of Luck Radha…………..

Sexy Wafah Dufour, Osama bin Laden's niece to work in US reality show

2006-03-13T00:41:00.000+05:30

Osama bin Laden's niece, an aspiring singer who posed for a sexy photo shoot in a men's magazine last year, has signed up for a reality television show about her life and her as yet unfulfilled "quest for stardom.

"Wafah Dufour Bin Ladin, whose mother was married to the al Qaeda leader's half brother, was born in California but lived in Saudi Arabia from the age of three to 10."I understand that when people hear my last name, they have preconceived notions, but I was born an American and I love my country," Dufour said in a statement from ReganMedia announcing the deal to develop a reality TV series.

Dufour has dropped the "Bin Ladin" — a different spelling of the Arabic name from that used by Osama bin Laden — and now goes by the name Wafah Dufour.ReganMedia announced that she has signed Wafah Dufour, a niece of Osama Bin Laden, to an exclusive agreement for a reality television series based upon Wafah Dufour's life as a pop-rock singer and musician.

Wafah Dufour-whose birth name is Wafah Bin Ladin-is the daughter of Carmen Dufour Bin Ladin (of Switzerland), the New York Times best-selling author of Inside the Kingdom: My Life in Saudi Arabia, and Yeslam Bin Ladin, half-brother to the notorious Osama Bin Laden. Wafah Dufour was born in Santa Monica, California, and is a citizen of both Switzerland and the United States.

Wafah Dufour moved to Saudi Arabia at the age of three and at ten moved to Geneva, Switzerland, with her mother and sisters after her parents separated. In 1999, Wafah Dufour returned to the United States to receive her Master's degree from Columbia Law School in New York City.

Wafah Dufour began singing at three, and her musical influences include U2, Depeche Mode, Sade, John Mayer, The Cure, and The Cranberries. Although she speaks Spanish, French and English, Wafah Dufour prefers to sing in English.

“Wafah is a beautiful and talented singer who - like so many twentysomethings - has a dream to make it in the music business. She is also a young woman who falls in love, has her heart broken, worries about her looks, doesn't always listen to her mother, and hasn't spoken to her father in years.

Her story will bridge the gap that people feel exists between the cultures she has lived in. Her history and her quest for stardom will make for a compelling television series-she is a musician, a young woman, and most important a human being.", said Judith Regan,

credit given to Himalaya Times

MILESTONE :: An Indian HIV-positive woman will contest election in local government election in Eastern Indian state of Assam

2006-03-11T23:53:00.000+05:30

An 29-year-old HIV-positive woman, Jhanavi Goswami, is preparing to contest the Assembly election in Eastern Indian state of Assam.

Jhanavi Goswami, is the first women of country, to publicly come out with her positive status. As she began her struggle after her husband died due to AIDS, and than her in-laws left her in miserable condition when she and her two-year-old daughter tested HIV positive. Unfortunately, she lost her daughter, some month before.

Now Goswami involve in AIDS awareness programmes, as she is an active member of Assam Network of Positive People and started propagating blood tests before marriage rather than matching horoscopes."I feel that the issue of HIV/AIDS and political decisions are very closely linked. The AIDS awareness campaign would benefit with my joining politics. I will devote equal time to the anti-HIV campaign and politics," she said in an interview, which telecast by a leading Indian news channel.

Jhanavi Goswami, have put a milestone in society, and set an example for other HIV positive people, for adopting positive and optimistic attitude.

Rajghat event a national shame: Tushar

2006-03-05T11:25:00.000+05:30

Allowing the US Security personnel to bring in a sniffer dog at Rajghat prior to US President George Bush's visit to the samadhi of the Father of the Nation was a "national shame", Mahatma Gandhi's great grandson Tushar Gandhi has said. "The Americans have insulted all the Indians by this act," Gandhi said addresing a Congress conference here last night.

More than by the security checks at the samadhi, Gandhi said he was hurt by the "light manner" in which the country has reacted to the incident. "Americans generally do not bother about people's feelings. By allowing the American security to conduct security check, the security liasion officer of India has proven himself guilty," Gandhi said.

If a similar incident had taken place at Muhammad Ali Jinnah's tomb in Pakistan, it would have led to a public outcry, he said.

SHAME…. :: US President Bush insulted the priest of non-violence & world Peace Mahatma Gandhi Ji’s soul & hurt the sentiments of all INDIANS.

2006-03-05T11:15:00.000+05:30

US Security personnel sniffer dog, at Rajghat, Samadhi of father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi, become shameful for whole of country, Questions arises in mind of whole Indian’s that

Why sniffer dogs were taken to Rajghat, Gandhi's samadhi, before the visit of U.S. President George Bush ?

Mahatma Gandhi's great grandson Tushar Gandhi said that. “Allowing at Rajghat prior to US President George Bush's visit to the samadhi of the Father of the Nation was a "national shame", The Americans have insulted all the Indians by this act.”

BJP Party’s vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday took strong exception to American security personnel taking their sniffer dogs on the pathway around Mahatma Gandhi’s samadhi saying it had hurt the sentiments of the Indian people.

One thing is arise Why Bush hurt the sentiments of INDIANS?, Does his security is important than INDIA’s respect?

SHAME SHAME SHAME…………. BUSH

INDIAN Railway Budget 2006-07

2006-02-25T03:19:00.000+05:30

Indian Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav today presented the Railway Budget of 2006-07, in parliament.

courtsy Indian Railways
15 points of Speech of Shri Lalu Prasad
Introducing the Railway Budget 2006-07
On 24th February 2006

1. Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise to present the Budget Estimates 2006-07 for the Indian Railways at a point in time when, there has been a historical turn around in the financial situation of the Indian Railways. Our fund balances have grown to Rs. 11,000 cr and our internal generation, before dividend has also reached a historic level of Rs. 11,000 cr. With this unprecedented achievement, we are striding to realize the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s dream of making Indian Railways the premier railway of the world. Sir, this is the same Indian Railways which, in 2001 had deferred dividend payment, whose fund balances had reduced to just Rs. 350 cr and about which experts had started saying that it is enmeshed a terminal debt trap. You might term this a miracle, but I was confident that :

“Mere zunu ka natija zaroor niklega,
isee siaah samandar se noor niklega.”

2. Sir, the whole nation can see today that track is the same, railwaymen are the same but the image of Indian Railways is aglow. This has been the result of the acumen, devotion and determination of lakhs of railwaymen. Sir, the general perception so far has been that Railways’ finances cannot be improved without increasing second class passenger fares. But my approach is entirely different. In my view, improvements can only be brought about by raising the quality of services, reducing unit costs and sharing the resultant gain with customers. Therefore, instead of following the beaten path, we decided to tread a new one.

“Hum bhi dariya hai, apnaa hunar hame maloom hai,
jis taraph bhi chal padenge, rastaa ban jayega.”

Financial turn around of Indian Railways

3. Sir, I take pride in informing this House that in the first nine months of the year 2005-06, the Railways’ output has been record breaking. The growth in freight loading is 10% and in freight revenues it is over 18%. Based on the trends up to now, the freight loading target is being increased from 635 mt to 668 mt and the goods revenues target from Rs. 33,480 cr to Rs. 36,490 cr. Thus, Railways would achieve incremental freight loading of 111 mt in two years itself, which will be 133% higher as compared to the incremental loading of 83 mt of entire Ninth Five Year Plan period. Tenth Plan targets of 624 mt loading and 396 billion tonne kilometers have been surpassed one year in advance. Sir, I not only hope but firmly believe that we would surpass the Tenth Five Year Plan’s incremental target of 63 billion tkm for freight business by over 200%.

4. According to Revised Estimates, Passenger Earnings, Other Coaching earnings and Sundry Other earnings are likely to register growths of 7%, 19% and 56%, respectively. Gross Traffic Revenues are expected to be Rs. 54,600 cr, which are higher as compared to the previous year and Budget Estimates of the current year by 16 % and 7%, respectively.

5. Ordinary Working Expenses are likely to increase by Rs. 1,200 cr, mainly due to post-budgetary increase in fuel prices. Lease charges paid for rolling stock taken on financial lease have till now been shown as operating expenditure, without segregating interest and principal repayment component. As mentioned in my speech last year, to bring in more transparency and better accounting practices, necessary changes in accounting system have been made to reflect expenditure on lease charges accordingly, with necessary approval. These changes in the accounting system have effected a reduction of Rs. 1,616 cr. in the operating expenses. Overall, Revised Estimate of Ordinary Working Expenses has been kept at Rs. 35,184 cr, which is Rs. 416 cr lesser as compared to the Budget Estimates. As a result of these changes in the accounting system, an improvement of around 3% is also reflected in the operating ratio.

6. According to the Revised Estimates of the current year, Indian Railways’ internal resources before dividend, would reach a historic level of Rs. 12,966 cr. Even after setting aside the effect of the accounting changes mentioned earlier, this amount would be Rs. 11,350 cr. Fund balances would be at a record level of Rs. 11,280 cr and the operating ratio is expected to improve to 83.7%.

Technological Upgradation and Modernisation

7. The technological upgradation in every field of Railway working will be given the utmost priority so that the reliability of services can be improved to gain customers’ confidence and also bring down the operating and maintenance costs.

8. Wagons are Railways’ revenue earning assets. While the Railways modernized their locomotives and coaches in nineties, wagons presently deployed still use the technology of the eighties. It is not possible to load our covered and open wagons beyond 64 tonnes, except with certain heavy commodities. RDSO is designing new high capacity wagons. Commodities like coal can be loaded up to 70 tonnes in these new wagons. Prototypes of these wagons will be developed in the coming year and trials will be completed. Regular production of the new wagons, with payload to tare weight ratio of even better than 3:1, will start from 2007-08. All possible efforts will be made to start manufacturing aluminum and stainless wagons also in 2006-07 to improve the payload to tare weight ratio.

9. Sir, while this is an important achievement, it is not enough. In the future we have to manufacture 25 tonne axle load wagons which can carry loads up to 80 tonnes and whose payload to tare weight ratio is around 4:1. We need to manufacture special wagons to increase Railways’ share in the transportation of commodities like motor vehicles, petrochemicals, etc. At present this technology is not available in our country. Therefore, transfer of technology will have to be encouraged for developing such wagons for which the Railways will provide the necessary policy framework.

Use of modern Signaling and Telecommunication Technology

10. The advanced railways of the world are extensively using modern signaling and telecommunication technology to enhance safety, streamline train operations and increase line capacity. Using such technologies is cost effective. I, therefore, have decided that modern signaling and telecommunication means will be used for improving safety and enhancing line capacity on trunk and main routes. A multi disciplinary team will be constituted for an in depth study of various advanced signaling and telecommunication alternatives. This team will submit its report within three months. After reviewing the report, a policy will be framed for deciding extensive use of these technologies.

Public Partnership and Public-Private Partnership Schemes

11. Today, when Indian Railways are scaling historic heights in freight and passenger business, we will not allow resource constraints to hamper expansion of rail network. We will encourage public partnerships and public-private partnership schemes for effecting significant improvements in rail services and development and expansion of rail network. To this end, a level playing field under a transparent policy will be provided to investors by further simplifying the policy of public-private partnership. This is the need of the hour :-

“Ek kadam hum badhe, ek kadam tum,
aao milkar naap de, phasle chand tak.”

Year of Passenger Service with a Smile : 2006

12. Sir, we have decided that the year 2006 shall be the year of Passenger Service with a smile

“Mun me bhav seva ka, hotho par muskan,
Behtar seva wazib daam, rail ki hogi yeh pehchan.”

Staff Welfare

13. Sir, with their continuous hard work 14 lakh railwaymen have effected a historic turn around in the financial position of the railways. In my New Year message to railway men I had assured them that to the extent possible their expectations would be met in the current year.

“Kaamgaaro ki lagan se, hai tarakki sabki,
hausla inka badhao, ki yeh kuchh aur baddhe.”

Proposals relating to freight rates & passenger fares.
Dynamic Pricing Policy

14. Sir, generally the public apprehends that fares and freight would increase in the Rail Budget. This apprehension has, however, been proved baseless in every Railway Budget presented by me. In my view the basic “mantra” for success in a competitive market is not increasing tariffs, but reaching the benefits of reduced costs to customers. I would like to express this in the following words :

“Aam admi hee hamara devta hai,
vah jeetega toh hum bhi jeet payenge,
tabhi toh yeh tay karke baithey hain,
faisle ab usi ke hak mein jaayenge.”

Conclusion
15. Sir, the excellent performance of railways has been possible only due to the able guidance provided by Hon’ble Prime Minister. He has always encouraged us and provided constructive assistance. On behalf of the entire railway family, I express my gratitude to him. I also thank all the railwaymen who, working as an excellent team, have completed the given tasks with dedication and devotion. I also profusely thank passengers and other railway users who have continuously cooperated with us and I hope that they would continue to do so in future also. 130. Sir, I consider myself fortunate for having the opportunity to serve the nation through the railway service. I would like to assure the House that we will be continuously striving to meet the expectations of public by constantly improving railway services. During discussions on the Railways, Hon’ble Members have always boosted our morale. While wishing that they continue to harbour these sentiments, I would like to say

‘Yeh inaayat nahin, mera vishwas hai,
daurey mehengai mein rail sasti rahe,
apnaa inaam humko to mill jayega,
rail par aapki sarparasti rahe.”

An Indian couple does not meet for 60 years due to martial obstinacy

2006-02-10T00:53:00.000+05:30

In a strange case of martial obstinacy, a couple in a village of Seopur district of Central INDIAN state of Madhya Pradesh did not meet each other since past 60 years and the husband passed away.

Bachheri village resident Shankar got married to Kudayatha village’s Narayani around 60 years ago. Accourding to the villagers, Shankar had gone to bring his wife from her home after the marriage but the “Vidai” (traditional way of bride’s departure from home) ceremony could not take place. Shankar vowed not go to his “Sasural” (Wife’s parental home called “Sasural”, in Hindi language) again.

On the other hand, Narayani swore not to go to her husband’s house until he himself came to take her. Their martial life passed away in “WAITING”. Shankar died in February, 7 leaving 75-year-old Narayani to live the life of widow.

This case shows rich culture of INDIA, both hunsband and wife passed whole life without meeting each other but did not re-marry.

An INDIAN teacher claimed world record for teaching 78hr 45minutes

2006-02-06T02:47:00.000+05:30

Madan Singh Bhadoriya, a teacher in Central School- Bihari Bal Mandir, in Bhind (Notorious for Bandits), in Central INDIAN state of Madhya Pradesh, claimed world record for teaching 78hr 45minutes. He taught his student continuous for five days and four nights. Now Madan is planning to apply in Guinness Book of world records. In Guinness Book continuous teaching record of 77hr registered, which Madan broke by 78hr 45minutes.

District Education Officer Rajesh Raghuwanshi of Bhind witnessed his record teaching, and formed a Video Cassette of his teaching. Rajesh has said, Madan bring pride for people of our state by setting world record.

Madan colleague Pyarelal Chourasia has said, previously Madan had tried two failed attempt in 2005, which are of 24hours & 18 hours, but this time he get success in setting world record.

After getting success in his third attempt Madan gave credit to his students, for their cooperation as without their cooperation he could not do anything.

WHY ALL RELIGIONS ARE NOT THE SAME? :: Dr. Babu Suseelan

2006-02-05T02:44:00.000+05:30

Recently, I had a discussion with a respected Hindu Swamiji with thousands of followers. When asked about coercive religious conversion of Hindus, Swamiji scornfully replied “Why worry, all religions are essentially the same and there is no significant differences from one religion to another”. My immediate response, of course was to ask why he might not want to distinguish between Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. Swamiji insisted, “The goal of all religions is the same. All religious paths lead to the same destination. We are talking about the same God, only the name is different”. He encouraged me to dismiss coercive religious conversion with out worry.

Where do we get this idea? Although religion is one of the universals of human culture, in a historical view, we are confronted not by spirituality but by a multiplicity of religions. Unlike our all inclusive, tolerant, spiritual Dharma, religions of the book differ in fundamentals. Every religion is different, with its own beliefs, rituals, organization, and belief in afterlife, practices, and theory of birth, death, atonement, art, dress and festivals. The paths prescribed for salvation or self-realization is also different.

Hinduism is one of the oldest of all religions and we believe that our life on earth is part of an eternal cycle of births, deaths, and rebirths. We have no single belief system single sacred text, or priestly hierarchy. There are certain shared beliefs and sacred paths prescribed for every Hindu for God realization. Our Vedas, Upanishads, Darsanas and Puranas have given us clear and definite guidelines for overcoming Samsara and paths to reach Godhead. There are various paths to Moksha and prescription for a transcendent life. We can believe in a personal God or impersonal idea, higher or unseen. Hinduism serves a rational purpose, responding to cognitive as well as emotional and spiritual needs. Hindu Dharma is eternal, it can be studied and practiced and spiritual life can be experienced.

Islam and Christianity are religions of the book with a specific God, messenger, strict rules, prescription to follow, organizational hierarchy and dogmatic belief system. These are closed, dogmatic and fundamentalist and closed belief systems, which divide people between believers and non-believers. Followers are provided restricted guidelines for right belief and practices. Belief in other Gods and interpretation of their scripture is not allowed. Islam is more rigid, dogmatic and imperialistic. For centuries Islam and Christianity destroyed civilization of non-believers, forcefully converted non-believers, fought war in the name of their religion. Christian and Islamic dogmatism led to violent religious conflict, on a scale unknown to followers of other religions. For centuries, Christians and Muslims have persecuted non-believers. Even today, these fundamentalist dogmas have been creatiing tension and conflict around the world. Christianity and Islam do not believe that there is truth in other religions and spirituality, and that the teachings of many different religious leaders are inspired by evil.

The Roman Catholic Church explains in a Vatican declaration Doninus Lesus “Religions other than Christianity are considered to be gravely deficient. Their rituals can constitute an obstacle to salvation for their followers. A very lengthy stay in hell awaits the unsaved. The adverse consequences of individual following another religion other than Catholic religion are severe-perhaps, eternity in hell”. Pope Ratzinger stated, “Only the canonical books of old and new Testaments are inspired by the Holy Spirit and are without error”. The Baptist teaches “ that all things are held together in Christ, Christ only, that all creation will find its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Jesus shall reign for ever and ever”.

The idea “all religions are the same” involves a radical misinterpretation of all religions. Such thinking is barren, diseased, and sterile. Hindus are making a huge mistake by lumping all religions together without critical evaluation or rational analysis. Lack of precision in distinguishing between religions is the natural enemy of clear thought. There is nothing boring, nothing more dreary, than the statement “all religions are the same”. The more passionately and emotionally one is committed to such catch all statement, the cloudier and fuzzier one’s thinking tends to be.

When a person believe in mindless universalism, he becomes a determinist, all events, all motives including Jihadi terrorism are seen through the astigmatic vision of such false ideology. Through these clouded eyes even coercive religious conversion, discrimination of Hindus by Muslims, religious intolerance, and denial of religious rights for Hindus are transmuted into fairy gold of religious purity.

It is typical, characteristic, of such people to think unclearly. The tricks of fallacious argument are endemic among them. The concept “all religions are the same’ is a false plurality. Even though it is not in the best interests of Hindus to do so, the faulty analogy is used as a proof of tolerance. This is an old shabby trick to avoid reality. Those who disagree with this distorted ideology are dumped as intolerant and communal. More importantly, this false ideology becomes unarticulated premise and unchallengeable. More than that, for them, there is no need to think. Such faulty, repugnant idea is dishonest and deplorable. Such habitual jargon never allows us to see other religions more clearly and protect our interests. We need to make a distinction between right and wrong, good and bad. We need to ponder what to do to protect our eternal Dharma and why to do it.

The proposition that “all religions are the same’ is a bizarre self-negating and self-devouring logic. In such logic, there is no choice, no self-determination. It destabilizes religious discourse and forces us to the acceptance of irrational, totalitarian dogmas couched in scholastic terminology as religions. Christianity and Islam are rigid, dogmatic ideologies, tools and closed systems. To treat them as spirituality is immaturity and false consciousness.

Hindus need to counter the growing trend among pseudo secularists and phony liberals to promote the false ideology “all religions are the same”. What we need is an informed mind to rationally conclude that religions of the books and Hindu Dharma are not complementary. Rather than forcing our fellow Hindus to become servants and slaves of any one dogma, we need to protect our freedom to practice our eternal Hindu Dharma.

INDIA celebrates 57th Republic Day

2006-01-26T17:09:00.000+05:30

The military might and the cultural diversity of India were on show as the country on Thursday celebrated the 57th anniversary of the formation of the Indian Republic. The highlight of celebrations was a colourful Republic Day Parade in Delhi with contingents from the armed forces, police, para-military forces and Ex-servicemen marching along on the capital's Rajpath. President A P J Abdul Kalam took the salute. King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia was the chief guest on the occasion.

Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, accompanied by the chiefs of all the defence forces, laid wreath at 'Amar Javan Jyoti' at the India Gate, commemorating all the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. The main features of the parade included mounted and mechanised columns including equipment from the Defence Research and Development organisation. Also on display were 24 tableau from different states, ministries and industries.

Displayed for the first time in this year's parade was some of the new weaponry developed by the Indian Army including 155 mm Soltom Guns, ANTPQ 37 Radar and Mobile communication Node.Also making debut at this year's parade are the IAF's Prithvi-II missile and the Indra radar. The Navy fielded a sole Tableaux-mounted model of the French Scorpene attack submarine, led by a tri-command marching contingent. Param Vir Chakra winners Havildar Joginder Yadav, Havildar Sanjay Singh, Ashok Chakra winners Lt Col (Retd) Jasram Singh, Col C Pithawala and Naik Subedar Tsering Mutuk drove down the Rajpath on mounted columns as part of the Republic Day Pageant. Adding 'colour' to the parade were about 900 children from various schools of Delhi who showcased the cultural diversity of India through their performances.

Despite elaborate security arrangements in and around the capital there were thousands of people who lined up along the route of the parade to watch the magnificent display of India's military might and cultural diversity. The Republic day of the country was celebrated in the Gulf region and Middle East region. The National Flag was unfurled at the embassies by the Ambassadors. Indian Expatriates in large numbers took part in the celebrations.

On the eve of Republic Day INDIAN President A P J Abdul Kalam called for the political parties to orient themselves towards development politics, saying the people have the right and an urge to live in a developed country, in a address to INDIAN citizen. Emphasising the need for transparent life, he said that accepting motivated gifts extinguishes the human dignity.

Everyone has to practice values of honesty, sincerity and tolerance in day-to-day living and this will eventually elevate our politics of statesmanship, Dr Kalam added.''Our 540 million youth, who are below 25 years of age, should see an imprint of great leaders in every action of Parliament members. They can become their role model to bring a dynamic change in politics and the development mssions,'' he observed. The President's comment is considered significant in view of recent corruption cases involving some MPs who were caught on camera accepting money for raising questions in Parliament. Calling for development oriented politics, the President said that immediately after elections all political parties should converge on developmental poltics with a common mission and work with zeal to uplift the 260 million people living below the poverty line and remove illiteracy and unemployment.

''I would like to visualise a situation in which the political parties perform in the environment of developmental politics in our country, competing with each other, in putting forth their focused developmental vision through their manifesto,'' Kalam said. He asked public administrators to look for the last person to be serviced and provide him/her service with a kind heart. ''Similarly, judiciary and law enforcement agencies should look for the marginalised persons, who cannot even reach you because of the multiple gates and layers betweenthe judiciary and the citizens, Kalam noted. The President said progress of the nation, sustaining the development and increasing the earning capacities of individuals are the critical needs of the country.

He also stressed the need for launching an intensive and extensive movement for cherishing our value system as the nation has to provide leadership to 540 million youth who are the most powerful resource for translating our vision of transforming India into a developed nation well before 2020 in an integrated way.Pointing out that any country is as good as its citizens, Kalam said their ethos, values and character is reflected in the country's make up and determine its progress or stagnation. The need of the hour is the disciplined action by all citizens and the education system has to concentrate on cultivating a sense of eternal values and discipline among citizens, the President added.

Advocating compulsory NCC training for minimum 18 months to all youth during senior secondary school or at graduation level, he said this would ensure ''discipline in politics, business, judiciary, bureaucracy, scientific pursuits, sports and games.''Stating that transparency starts from home, Kalam exhorted children to launch a movement from their home against corruption. They should use the ''tool of love'' to bring back their parents who have deviated from transparency and urged parents to abide by the suggestions of children.

Citing his personal experience on how his father rebuked him for accepting a gift on his behalf, Kalam asked youth not to be carried away by motivated gifts at the expense of one's personality and dignity. Mother play a crucial role in giving principles of truth and teachers imbibing vision to students, the President added. ''All of us have to practice the values of honesty, sincerity and tolerance in our day-to-day living. This will elevate our politics of statesmanship. We have to collectively inculcate a positive attitude to what we can do for our country so that we will be able to benefit ourselves.'' Enumerating the developments made in the interlinking of rivers, providing urban amenities in rural areas and spread of education through newly created virtual universities, Kalam said that development and technology has started reaching the rural areas.

However, to strengthen the process, scientists, technologists and healthcare specialists will have to play a crucial role, he said. The President also stressed the need to give the highest priority to HIV/AIDS treatment and developing AIDS vaccines before 2007.

Healthcare personnel should work together coherently towards the mission of providing good health to all citizens and make the country near disease-free, he said.Kalam urged scientists and technologists to immediately undertake national mission for increasing Solar Photo Voltaic Cell efficiency using nano-technology, research in proteomics to identify disease causing mechanism and develop new methods of treatments. He also asked them to improve earthquake and rain forecast and develop products in healthcare, electronics and materials to meet the national requirements using convergence of nano, bio and info technologies.

Special input from INDIAN government’s news agency

Hindu devotees of an INDIAN village worshipped an infant baby for five days

2006-01-26T17:07:00.000+05:30

A child survived for five days without breathing, without taking mother’s milk and above all this child was on siting position after the birth. Do you imagine birth of such child but it happened in a village of India, where Hindu devotees gave him status of God due to his abnormal physic.

On January 19, a resident of Kolan village, located in Central INDIA, Kalawati Wife of Dadoli Kol gave birth to her ninth child who was having abnormal physic. The tribal first scared and after sometime they began to worship him. Gradually, the news spread in whole village and villagers began to come at Kalawati’s home for “Darshan” (a word in Hindi used for having a sight of God). Although the child had died after five days of his birth but people were worshipping him as incarnation of Lord Shiva. The child was having long hair in the shapes of snakes on his back. His hair looked like the hair of Lord Shiva. Head of child was also abnormal, hard and heavy as compare to normal children.

At last the superstition and devotion has been closed, as the abnormal child died on January 24. Block medical officer Dr. Shyam sharma reached the place where he examined the child and told about death of child, but family members and devotees were not agree to bury the body. But the body of abnormal child cemented in presence of police. Even after his bury the devotees are coming continuously and offering coconut and scarf at his tomb.

INDIA's Superstition: An INDIAN child offers tongue to Goddess

2006-01-24T00:31:00.000+05:30

INDIA considers as a master of religion, faith and holy spirit but some wrong beliefs and superstitious activities in religions especially in Hinduism defaming the image of INDIA. Many Hindus had already accepted superstitions as their tradition like sacrifice animals and unfortunately their new generation following this tradition due to illitracy. A recent case of superstition in rural INDIA came into light.

Jagdeesh Pal, a 12-year-old boy, of Chhap village in Umariya district, of Central INDIAN state of Madhya Pradesh, has slashed his tongue by knife and offered to Goddess, as he thought after offering tongue, Goddess would fullfilled his all desires.

On Sunday night many Hindu devotees gathered at Sheramai Temple in Chhap village for offering prayer to Goddess. During prayer Jagdeesh Pal slashed his tongue and offered it to the goddess. After offering his tongue Jagdeesh Pal became unconsious and amazing thing is that instead of taking Jagdeesh to hospital, all devotees continued their prayer without any intruption and chanting Devi's Bhajans ( Devotional songs in mother Goddess praise ).

"I do not think that Jagdeesh has done anything wrong, he is free for showing his devotion for Goddess. He offered his tongue to goddess for showing his devotion and faith, and his way of showing devotion should not consider as superstitions, that may hurt his pios religious feelings", Chandramohan Das Vaishnav Bairagi, priest of Sheramai temple has said.

An INDIAN religious fair converts sex fair

2006-01-20T00:45:00.000+05:30

INDIA's culture and spirituality have a mark in world, which is attracting the foreigners. But a religious fair near Kanjara village, 180km from Central INDIAN city of Bhopal, become black spot on rich INDIAN culture.

A 42 days long ( December 20, 2005 to January 31, 2006) annual religious fair known as "Berihum Mela", going on Berihum Baba's temple, in Betul district. Thousands of Hindu devotees all over the country gather here for offering prayer at Berihum Baba's shrine, and also fulfillment of their wishes. Along with Hindu devotees, thousands of sex devotees also participating in fair for fulfillment of their sexual desires, as this sex lovers easily find their goddesses of sex (dancer girls) in fair.

In morning, fair begins with religious flavour, and in evening after opening of "Tamasha Tents" (show places or dance clubs) the fair dips in Sex and Wine. Hundreds of half naked dancer girls dance in dozens of "Tamasha Tents" on the tunes of hot Bollywood songs, to attracts customers of night.

Taggu, a 65-year-old seasoned tribeman has said "Our anciestors began this fair, in which we are praying for health and wealth of our family every year".

Mohan Patil, a shopkeeper in fair has said "I have been doing business in this fair since 1975. Now all things are changed, dancer girls doing prostitution on the name of art i.e. drama and dance."

"Few mean people destroying our culture and also hurt the sentiments of Hindu's for their own benefits, which is very unfortunate" Mohan added.

An INDIAN woman become challenged for Medical Science

2006-01-16T01:17:00.000+05:30

Neehal Bai, a 69-year-old woman of Isaampura village in Ratlam district of Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, become challenge for medical science. Neehal Bai has not been eaten food since 1959. She only taking tea, three times in day for livelihood.

On asking, Why did she leave food, she answered "Before marriage i used to take food regularly but after marriage i felt illness for three consequetive months. Than i began to take tea instead of food. From last 47 year i did not touch food, even on festivals. I feel, if i would take food, than definitely i would fell ill."

Munni Kumar, 40-year-old Neehal's daughter, who lived along with her, said that "One time i forcefully put a piece of sweet in her mouth than she lost her concious. After that incident i have never tried to give her food forcefully."

Dr. Captain V.K. Oak, a retired medical officer has said that "It is impossible in the view of medical science but i accept it as a miracle.Two year before, i gave treatment to Nihaal Bai during a medical camp in Isaampura village, at that time she was suffering from virual fever, than i adviced her light food but she refused."

Dr. B.C. Chaturvedi, a retired medical officer of Civil Hospital in Aalot has said "I have seen Nihaal Bai, and also checked her health condition. I think she is healthy as her body's pulse and blood pressure, both are normal. I think her body get sufficient calory energy from tea, as she use to take tea three times in a day, that may provide about 700 calorie energy to her body, which is normally needed for a woman."

Most interesting fact about Nihaal Bai is that, she have five children and during pregnency she did not take food, and gave birth to healthy and normal children. Which is giving a challenge to medical science.

An INDIAN lesbian attemps suicide due to social boundation

2006-01-14T02:00:00.000+05:30

Seeta, a 19-year-old lesbian girl attemped suicide after her marriage with 18-year-old Vandana, in Kankarkhera of Meerut (Uttar Pradesh). Seeta and Vandna got married one week before in a Hanuman temple near their village. But Seeta and Vandana families did not accept their marriage, due to which Seeta attemped suicide. At present Seeta admit in hospital and her life strugling with death.

On other hand Vandna's family do not allow her to go outside that is they imprison her in home. Seeta,who considers heself husband of Vandna and wants to live with Vandna. But under the family pressure Vandna has denied marriage with Seeta.

But this incident shows bias nature of INDIAN society, where homosexuality consider be illegal. Parents of both girl did not adopt positive approach, that is unfortunate.

An Indian young man bring honour for a sex worker in society by marry with her

2006-01-11T01:48:00.000+05:30

Naveen, a 24 year old sales executive of Indore (Industrial capital of Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh) overcame the oppositions of the society and the family to marry a sex worker.

The young sales executive Navin used to go various parts of Maharastra specially Nagpur regarding his job. He would often while his evenings and nights in the red light areas of various cities.

Few year back he met Neha in the red light area of Nagpur and was charmed by her beauty. They fell in love with each other and Naveen always met her when he visited Nagpur. They decided to get married. The couple got married at an Arya Samaj temple on Sunday.

Neha said that she had proposed to him a year back..She said that she did not like the place where she was living and wanted to lead a normal family life. She said that her mother and sister forced her into prostitution.

Both have decided to live together and face all hardships.They have decided to take the help of Madhya Pradesh Police and various NGO's. A Bhopal based social worker appreciate Naveen and said: "Navin has set an instance by making a sex worker his wife".

Baba Ramdev vs Vrinda Karat writes Babu Suseelan

2006-01-10T00:35:00.000+05:30

Vrinda Karat's oppressed and stifled mindset was at its best when she issuedmeaningless and highly objectionable statements against Swami Ramdev.Indian Communists like Karat have distinguished themselves by the utmost lack of giftedness, by creative impotence and incapacity for thought. Their overt and covert hatred for India and Hindu culture was evident in Karat's pronouncement against Swami Ramdev.

The Communists have entered into an alliance with the multinational corporations and Christian fundamentalist>groups to destroy and malign Hindus and Hindu cultural ethos. While issuing pro-forma condemnation against Swami Ramdev, Vrinda karat and her fellow ilk have nothing to say about Jihadi terrorism, coercive religious conversion, and the economic exploitation of poor Hindus by the multi-national corporations.The more we understand how Communists think and function, the less likely weare to be paralyzed by the shock of their behavior, and the less likely we are to be taken by their ingenious cunning and manipulation.

Communism, Islam and Christianity are closed systems with rigid ideology.They oppose each other. But in India, they have established an unholy nexus to destroy our culture, social stability and spiritual heritage. Lately Communists, aligned with the multinational criminal organizations have been attacking Hindu social institutions and economic interest to please their slave masters. Most Hindus have no idea how ant-Indian the hardcore Communists truly are. The agenda of the unholy alliance has always been directed to attacking all aspects of our culture, tradition, economy, including undermining our military capability.

Vrinda Karat and their fellow travelers are truly a Fifth Column at work in Bharat.Christian-Muslim-Corporate-Communist alliance is designed to wage a battle against Hindutva and Bharat. Vrinda Karat and her fellow hired coolies are counseled to perform their tasks in such a way not to expose the dark hidden hands. These Communist obscurantist desire to hold the masses in darkness.It is also a terrible mistake to think, that the Communist condemnation of Swami Ramdev signifies the condemnation of Jihadi terrorism, deceptive Christian conversion and importation of discarded western Christian values inthe name of Globalization. Anti-Hindutva has become so deeply enmeshed withthe communist radical obsession of anti-Indian phenomenon? It takes lots of different forms.The challenge we face today is daunting. But we must meet them and conquerthem. If we don't, who will?

Padmshri Dr. Sharad Kumar Dikshit : A true Indian

2006-01-04T20:43:00.000+05:30

He can not talk regularly and properly due to Cancer of Lyrics.
He can not walk as his half body is paralyses, after an accident.
He is a heart patient, only 12% of his heart working.
He uses to take oxygen from a machine, regularly.

After all above problems, He had done more than one lack plastic surgery operation (in India & US), he can do operation for 10 hours continuously, without any break. He also got "Padamshri" felicitation in 2001, for his contribution in field of plastic surgery. Dr. SK Dikshit went to United State for medical education in 1958 from Aurangabad. After completion of his education he settled in US. But in 1968 he realized his responsibility for his own country. Than from 1968 he regularly visit India for free plastic surgery of his own countrymen. Every year he stays for seven month (October to April), and serves his own countrymen.

Now, he is on third visit of Bhopal city, capital of Madhya Pradesh. He is busy in doing free plastic surgery of needy people, most of children, with the help of a NGO Prerna Trust. During a Free Plastic Surgery camp in Jai Prakash Hospital, I got chance of talking with this true Indian,

Question : Sir, What is your opinion about current medical facilities in India?
Dr. Dikshit: Still 80% of Indians do not get proper medication, which is very unfortunate.

Question : Sir, Why do not you come back to India?
Dr. Dikshit: It is not possible, as I am doing free plastic surgery operations, which need lot of money and technology. For this I have to earn money in US, that is a right way to serve my own people.

Question : Sir, Do you miss India, when you are in US?
Dr. Dikshit : When I am in US, than definitely my body is there, but my soul always in India.

Padmshri Dr. Sharad Kumar Dikshit has put an example for other NRI’s who forget their own land, by serving his countrymen, with holy spirit.

Bedni's or rural INDIA's bar girl's determination on New Year

2006-01-02T23:11:00.000+05:30

Women of Bedni community, who have bad name in rural society due to their profession, determines for construction of Goddess Temple in Karar village of Vidisha district, which is 50 km away from Central INDIAN city of Bhopal.

Bedni, a community or society, in which women are profession dancers of rural India. They are very much famous in Budelkhand region of Central India. All Bedni women, by their own or force to dance in celebrations like marriage, festivals.Women of this community get this profession in heritage, as a Bedni mother teachs her daughter dance or tradition of their community. As they can continously dance more than 3 hours normally, so many time they become addict of country made liqour for energy.

But, Aunty, a Bedni woman try to bring some positive things in her community, so their next generation girls would not adopt their tradition profession of dance. So she approached to 50 Bedni women of Kirar village, for a new begining in New Year. Then all 50 Bedni women decided to construct a Goddess temple at Hilly area of their village.

Kalli Bai, a village woman, who is a member of a local government body told to a representative of a local daily, "Every women of village would collect 2,000 (45$ ) for construction of temple".
And the determination of 50 Bedni women, give positive impact on their life. And also give a hope to all women of this community, that a liitle initiative can bring change in their life.

Palwinder Kaur- Inderjit Kaur, an INDIAN lesbian couple

2005-12-31T02:10:00.000+05:30

This is a story of a Punjab. Palwinder Kaur, alias Goggi, 23, of Shakri village, has been living with Inderjit Kaur, alias Indu, a resident of Sarhali village, at the former’s house.

Talking about these two, Palwinder Kaur, who will ready to take the responsibility of Inderjit Kaur, after their marriage as a husband and Inderjit Kaur will ready to enjoy a wife life with Palwinder Kaur. But they did not wants to marry and want to live together whole life.

"We met eight year ago first time, at that time we both were studing in Government Girls High School, Sarhali", said Palwinder on phone. "After that first day in school we meet continue, and i left my studies after 10th class but i regularly meet with Indu" She added.

"Our families try to separate us but they would not get any success, as we decided to live whole life together" said Inderjit.

Homosexual relationships are not very rare in INDIA. As rich INDIAN culture do not have any place for homosexual relationship, that is why many lesbian or guy couples hide their reality and forced to live a heretosexual life.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy: A case study (Part-I)

2005-12-28T01:55:00.000+05:30

Introduction

2-3rd December 1984, was black night for the people of Bhopal City, who lived around the Union Carbide India Ltd. (UCIL). If they try to forget that black night, they can not do it.

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy, involving a massive release of 40 tonnes heavier-than-air toxic methylisocyanate (MIC) gas, resulted in the death or injury of many thousands of people in the surrounding residential areas. The Union Carbide India Ltd. (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, which used to manufacture the pesticide Servin (carbaryl) gained world-wide recognition as a result of this tragic chemical disaster on the night of 2-3rd December 1984.

Half a million people were exposed to the gas and 20,000 have died to date as a result of their exposure. More than 120,000 people still suffer from ailments caused by the accident and the subsequent pollution at the plant site. These ailments include blindness, extreme difficulty in breathing, and gynecological disorders.

Moreover, the Bhopal Disaster is claimed as the worst industrial disaster in history.

01. Cause of Bhopal Gas leak

A large volume of water had apparently been introduced into the methylisocyanate (MIC) tank, causing a chemical reaction forcing the pressure release valve to open and allowing the gas to leak.

02. Who owned the Bhopal plant at the time of the incident and who owns it now?

The Bhopal plant was owned and operated by Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL), an Indian company that was owned by Union Carbide Corporation. In 1994, Union Carbide sold its entire interest in UCIL to MacLeod Russell (India) Limited, which renamed the company Eveready Industries India, Limited (EIIL). In 1998, the government of the State of Madhya Pradesh revoked EIIL's lease on and took possession of the facility and publicly assumed all accountability for the site, including the completion of any further remediation.

03. What did Union Carbide do to assist Bhopal victims after the gas leak?

In 1989, Union Carbide and UCIL entered into a $470 million legal settlement with the Indian Government that settled all claims arising from the incident. The settlement was affirmed by the Indian Supreme Court, which described it as "just, equitable and reasonable." The money was promptly paid to the Government of India by Union Carbide and UCIL.

04. What has Madhya Pradesh Government done for Gas Tragedy victims?

The Department of Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation was set up by the Madhya Pradesh Government on August 29, 1985, in view of the long term medical, social, economic and environmental relief and rehabilitation needs of the survivors of the disaster. In the last 16 years the department has spent well over Rs. 400 crores. Of this about Rs. 200 crores have been spent on medical relief, Rs. 60 crores on economic rehabilitation, Rs. 70 crores on social rehabilitation and Rs. 70 crores on environmental rehabilitation.

But above all, the efforts of Madhya Pradesh government did not bring any benefit for Gas victims. 800 crores of rupees spent by state government did not give any positive result that might be due to corruption in Gas relief department or irresponsible attitude of state government.

Continue in Part II

Miss Uma Bharti on Ram Roti Yatra, again misusing religion

2005-12-18T19:53:00.000+05:30

She is worship by INDIAN villagers, not for her political career but they consider her a Sadhvi & Sanyasin (holy women). In childhood Uma Bharti used to give religious discourse, due to it Hindu villagers (They constitute 70% of population of INDIA) consider her a holy women. But after entering in politics ( Bhartiya Janta Party), often she uses the religious sentiments of villages for her benefits.

Again, by the name of "Ram Roti Yatra" she tries to gain the support of Hindu men of Central INDIA. Uma Bharti, was expelled from Bhartiya Janta Party in indicipline, as she tried to get chiefministership of Central INDIAN state, Madhya Pradesh. After being expelled from party she got angry, and began "Ram Roti Yatra", Bhopal (capital of Madhya Pradesh) to Ayodhya (Hindu pilgrimage, or centre of 1993 Hindu- Muslim riots after demoliation of Babri Mosque by the members of an alleged hard Hindu group; Uma Bharti also had contributed for these riot).

No doubt, on the name of religion and little sympathy, she got very good response from villages especially from poor section of rural areas. Really she attracted huge crowd, by wearing saffron dress ( Saffron colour attached with Hindu religion). But villages do not know that she again befool them. After Yatra she would be get benefits, but do these poor villagers get anything?

In Madhya Pradesh Jails, women prisoner not allow to wear Under-Garments

2005-12-10T01:52:00.000+05:30

It sounds or seems very odd and also unbelievable that Madhya Pradesh (Central INDIAN state) Jail department not provides undergarment to women prisoners, only due to a little fear or bias attitute of Jail department officials. Jail department fears that Women prisoners would use the undergarment for making sucide attempt.

This shameful attitude of Jail department come in light after the inspection of many jails in state by State Women Right Commission, which made under the supervision of Rajo Malviya, member of Madhya Pradesh Women Right Commission.

On this regard Rajo Malviya says "Jail department showing discrimination between men and women prisoners, as they do not provide undergarment to women prisoners".

Tommorrow, many protest, demonstration or rally would be organised to mark the World Human Right Day, but do we really saving human right? Do this rallies and demonstration stop the violation of human right? We can not stop violation of Human Right until our society should remove bias attitute. Like in this case Jail department prevent the women prisoners to wear undergarments. Does it not consider the violation of Human Right?

Isabelle Anna of France performs KATHAK in Bhopal

2005-11-17T01:05:00.000+05:30

Isabelle Anna, young French Kathak dancer, was stage a performance at Bharat Bhavan on Tuesday as part of the seven day programme "Rangotasava", organised by Ravindra Amatuer Natya Group.

Isabelle Anna, has been living in INDIA since 2001 as a scholar of the INDIAN Council for Cultural Relations in Delhi. First trained in Bharatnatayam at the age of five as well as Western music, Ballet and Drama, she started to train in Kathak with Sharmila Sharma, a disciple of Pt. Birju Maharaj, in 1998 in Paris at Centre Mandapa (created and directed by her parents).

After completing her Honours Course diploma at Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, under the guidance of Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj, she is now doing her final year in Post diploma. She has performed extensively in France, Italy and INDIA.

She toured seven cities in INDIA under the aegis of Alliance Francaise during 2004, including Bhopal at Bharat Bhavan. Her recitals include the traditional repertoire of Kathak and her own choreographies on Western music.She has just turned back from Europe where she gave numbers of performances in Paris for major dance festivals, and at Nehru Centre in London.

During her Bhopal visit Isabelle Anna said "In Bharatnatyam however, I always felt there was something missing. I was always looking for something diffenent and than Kathak entered in my life". On INDIAN culture she comments " INDIAN culturen is very rich in diversity.There is so much of divergence on a common theme".

SEX & TERROR: Nirbhay Gurjar

2005-11-10T23:54:00.000+05:30

Notorious decoit of Chambal Ravine ( Chambal River flowing in Central Indian states Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh ) Nirbhay Gurjar was shot dead by special task force on November, 07 in Itawah district of Uttar Pradesh. Nirbhay Gurjar, carrying a reward of Rs 2.5 lakh wanted in more than 32 murders and more than 200 kidnapping cases. Nirbhay Gurjar was considered very much high tech decoit of Chambal Ravine, as he used mobile phone and used to administrate his gang by the help of mobile.

Nirbhay Gurjar a symonym of terror in villages of Chambal Ravine had enjoyed a complete SEX-LIFE. Nirbhay had done four marriages, and he was free to had SEX with any women member of his gang, that make him different than other past decoit.

Seema Parihar, bandit queen is busy in shooting of "Wounded" movie making on her life, was first wife of Nirbhay Gurjar. They married in 1987 and after three year Seema Parihar eloped with decoit Lalaram.

Munni Pandey, was second wife of Nirbhay. Munni Pandey eloped with Munna Gurjar ( son of Nirbhay's brother), as Nirbhay gunned her in the age of 19.

Neelam, married with Nirbhay in age of 20 was more beautiful and good looking than his previous wife. But Neelam eloped with Shyam Jatav ( Nirbhay Gurjar's adopted son) and surrendered in July 2004.

Sarla, wife of Shyam Jatav began to lived with Nirbhay as wife (her father-in-law) after her husband eloped with Neelam (third wife of Nirbhay).

In 70's Decoit Life was most liked subject for Bollywood directors. Many film based on life of decoit got tremedreous response from INDIAN audiance as director showed decoits Hero in their movies who helped poor peoples. But Nirbhay's phase showed reality of decoit life.

Religion or Poverty? reason for young terrorist produces by Pakistan

2005-10-17T22:33:00.000+05:30

On October 8, a devastating earthquake hit in Pakistan administrated Kashmir, whose capital is Musafarbad. More than eighty thousands people died in quake. And on one aspect most of terrorist training camp of Pakistan destroyed due to quake. Pakistan, hired the foreign unemployed or needy youth for terrorist activities in Jammu & Kashmir state of INDIA. Along with foreign terrorist, Pakistani youth also adopting this wrong way and involve in terrorist activities.

What are the reason for Pakistani Youth joining the terrorist training camp?
Do they join due to religion or poverty compells them to do so?

Pakistan wastage it's most of annual income in purchasing destructative items, due to which Pakistan public suffer from a serious disease whose name is poverty and specially in Sindh ravine region. So Pakistan government giving an employment facility for it's young generation that is joining terrorist camp. It shows that the young generation or unemployed youth of Pakistan have only option or die due to hunger or to join the terrorist training camp.
After joining the terrorist training camp this youth are taught of "Jehad", and their mind is set by some alleged commonder. They teach them about religion or "Jehad", in so impressive way that the youth adopt the thinking of a terrorist.

What do you think on the youth terrorists produce by Pakistan? How they become? and What are the reason?

INDIA's Aids awareness: Sex Education in NCC camp held in Bhopal

2005-10-15T10:19:00.000+05:30

National Cadet Corp or NCC, is a army wing of students, that train students about the army in country. After joining NCC a cadet enjoy very dicipline life. NCC cadets also shows their usefullness in a any disaster as rescue workers.

In first time sex education being given to girls NCC cadets during a camp, in Regional Institute of Education in Bhopal. In a camp of about 700 girls cadet, the information about the Aids and Hiv also give by experts.

As after South Africa, Hiv positive and Aids affected people found in INDIA. But now the awarness among the people increase day by day by the some good measures by government like above example. It will take some years for rooting up of Aids from country if people shows little bit safty during sex by using condoms. INDIAN government providing free condoms to poor people for controlling the increasing number of Aids patients.

INDIAN Jawans save the life of Pak soldiers

2005-10-13T15:26:00.000+05:30

INDIA and Pakistan are traditional rival due to alleged disputed Kashmir region. But, after the distructive earthquake on Oct, 8 that shook Pakistan worsely, INDIA forgets their past relation with Pakistan and supplies assistance for the earthquake victims.

In a recent incident, which shows the kindness and peaceloving nature of INDIAN armymen can brigde some distance between two neighbours. A Bunker in which Pak soldiers diployed for security of Aman Setu, devasted by earthquake and due to which Pak soldiers trapped there. Moreover they were not getting any releif material or food supplies from Pak side due the disconnection of Supplies lines of Pak army. Than some army officials and soldiers of Pak army asked assistance from INDIAN Jawans. Jawans of INDIAN army shows spirit of kindness and humanity, gave assistance to trapped Pak soldiers and above all they also helped them for rebuilding of bunker.

This shows the true spirit or humanity of Jawan, all INDIAN have proud on them.

INDIAN Religion Harmony: Hindu man kept "Roja" and Muslim man kept "Upwaas"

2005-10-11T21:39:00.000+05:30

They do not watch any differnce between their religion, in their view both religion are same that is why they interchange the way of praying to God or showing devotion to God. A unique example of religious harmony or brotherhood set by Ramesh Vadhmare and Saiyyad Subir Ali of Betul district of Madhya Pradesh state, can change the thinking of some hardliner groups also those political parties which makes distance between persons by their religion or cast, community only for their political benifits.

Ramesh Vashamare, who belongs to Hindu religion keeps "Roja" (fast called by Muslims) in holy month of Ramajan, for showing his faith and devotion in God. "I believe in one power, who run the whole world either he called as 'Bhagwan' (God in Devnagari) or 'Allah' (God in Urdu)", said Ramesh on phone.

Similarly, Saiyyad Subir Ali, who belong to Muslim religion keeps "Upvas" (fast called by Hindus) and worship Goddess Durga during Navratri festival. He has been installing idols of Goddess Durga for past five year. On asking about his unique work he repeated the same thing said by Ramesh.

This two men in INDIAN society brings a point that new INDIAN generation would bridge the gap between this two religion.

INDIA Religion Harmony: A Muslim family worships of Hindu Goddess from past 12 year

2005-10-11T09:39:00.000+05:30

In holy month of Ramajan Muslim brothers are busy in offering "Namaj" (Prayer) and keeping "Roja"( fast in Ramjan Month). But Ayub Khan, of Chhindwada city of Madhya Pradesh state, offers "Puja" (Prayer) to Hindu Goddess Durga and keeping "Upawas" ( fast in Hindu festivals). Ayub khan prove that if our devotion is pioused so we can cross any barrier of religion which are set by human being.

Ayub Bhai spoke "Some 12 year back i had lost my three children in successive years, and i was very much disappointed. Than on suggestion of my Hindu friend i and my wife walked to Mehar (Temple of Hindu Goddess), for fulfillment of our desire. And we got blessing of Goddess and we has a beautiful daughter".

"This all be possible only due to miracle power of Goddess Durga from that day i become worshipper of Goddess Durga", he said in devotional mood.

Now, one step of Ayub Bhai in past of true devotion become an symbol for other Muslim and Hindu in his locality. And all members of locality install idols of Goddess Durga in tableau under Sarva Dharm Samiti (All religion committee for Navratri celebration), and give a message of religious harmony and brotherhood to society.

INDIA Religion Harmony: A Muslim man give stuff for Hindu festival

2005-10-10T21:36:00.000+05:30

Aalam Israil, of Jabalpur city (Known for Bhedaghat Water Fall) in Madhya Pradeh state, doing some holy work in sacred month of Ramjan. He is spreading message of religious harmony between followers of Hindu and Muslim religion or stream. Aalam, preparing the effigies of Devil King Rawana, for Dussahara celebration, one of most celebrated festival of Hindus.

"My grandfather establised firework business in this beautiful town, and my father continue this work as business but i wants to work for my society so i decided to prepare effigies of Rawana devil, which would used in Dusshara festival of Hindu brothers, along my inheritent business of fireworks", quoted Aalam Bhai.

I have been doing this work for last 30 years, he added.

Many time INDIA had faced riots, but in current time INDIANS are breaking their traditionally backword images, in every field. Along this some alleged Hindu and Muslim hardliner groups try to creat unhealthy atmosphere in country for their own benefits, but they never got success in their aims as INDIAN people are very much aware now.

Definitely, in future every INDIAN would adopt the approach of Aalam Bhai, and become symbol of brotherhood like Aalam Bhai.

Right of Information Act in INDIA

2005-10-07T21:04:00.000+05:30

Right of Information Act (RIA) passed by INDIAN parliament (World largest democracy) in May-2005, under article-19 of constitution, will be operate through the country from October,12.

RIA, will give a dias to ecomomically lower and middle section of INDIAN population for solving their problems, which they feel in slow government system or official administration. If any person wants to take information about any government proccedure or activity than he directly goes to higher athorities. If athorities try to hide or escape form real facts than the official would held under RIA.This act can change the official system which considered to be slow due to which most of foreign investors not want to invest in INDIA. Now aware INDIAN citizen can improve system by having RIA and that give boost or incouragment to oversea's investors in highly resourcefull country.

2005-10-05T22:06:00.000+05:30

Saba and Farah Shakeel: INDIAN Conjoint Twin

2005-10-05T22:00:00.000+05:30

They like to play Carum, they are fan of Bollywood actor Salman Khan and like normal children they do not like to go school, but they are challenge of Medical science again like Laleh and Laden Bijani, conjoint twin of Iran, in their case medical science fails to save their life, and we lost Bijani twin, but not hope.

Saba and Farah, these are the names of 10-year-old twin joint with heads. Doctors of Apollo hospital of INDIA and John Hapkin's Children Centre of America going to operate them for separation, if Saba and Farah's parents give permission. Yesterday, Dr. Benjamin Carson, a neurosurgeon from America, said that Saba and Farah, can be saparated sucessfully, but the final decision of surgery only taken after the satisfaction in all tests.

Facts of Operation: *Operation will be complete in six steps, it would take about nine months, *Saba and Farah have only single artery, which supply blood to brain, *Farah has two kidnis but Saba has none.

Above all only prayer can work for these innocent twin, they are two life but one soul. And finally their operation definitely get success, as they are hope of human beings.

An INDIAN woman puts milestone

2005-09-21T21:53:00.000+05:30

In age of 15 she got married, after marriage she had to work for her husband family in very young age of playing. But as she is an INDIAN woman so she accept the tradition of rural housewife in innocent age. But, in age of 19 her husband died and he left her alone with four daughter.

Her name is Vimalesh, after death of her husband, she left her in-laws home and lived with his poor father in Nagouri town of Rajasthan State. she had the responsibility of her poor family, which has nine members on her young soulder. Vimalesh, fought against the rural barrier for which made by some biased or narrowminded persons and she choosed very typical job of Truck Driver, which considered very much difficult for woman in INDIA. But, Vimalesh became a good driver and now drivering truck between Surat (Gujarat- born state of father of nation Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi or "Bapu" or "Mahatma", who tought the lession of peace and non-violance to the whole world) and Jodhpur (Rajasthan-Most cultural and colourful state of INDIA also has Thar Desert).

Now, Vimalesh in forties of her age and have very stable life or family.She had a respectiful status in society and also have dignity. But her struggle or positive approach makes her different from others. She puts a milestone in rural INDIAN society for women.

An INDIAN Hero

2005-09-20T20:14:00.000+05:30

It was time when everyone in village tried hard to save themself and their families. Nobody bother about other villagers, as there village covered with flooded water. It was the flood situation of TekePaar Village, in a tribal district of Balaghant, located in heart land of INDIA.

Flood water reached in every house of village, and it was kept on rising.Now villagers were shifting towards highty place for saving their lives. It was very difficult task, and for old people and children it seems impossible. But a young man Amarlal Dhamde( In Hindi or Devnagari language name is Amar +Lal, and Amar means, never ending) shifted about 100 villagers of 70 families upto highty place in very critical flood situation. He dedicated for saving the lives of villagers, while saving their life he forgot about his own life and he was drown.

"He was God for us as he gave his life for saving the lives of 100 villagers", said Nandlal, whose family had also saved by Amarlal.

"He was set up an example of courage for youths. His sacrifies was always live in the mind of people now he was Amar (Never ending) ", expressed by Amrit ( Nector means in Hindi)Limhare. Amrit was close friend of Amar who also helped Amar for saving the lives of villagers.

Educated inmates teach their illetrate colleagues in Jail of Central INDIAN state

2005-09-19T18:36:00.000+05:30

One of unique and positive decision taken by Jail department of Central INDIAN state of Madhya Pradesh could change the remaining life of illetrate inmates. After releasing from Jail they can entertain a life of good and responsible citizen, and they can serve their mother or native land.

The Jail department of heart state of INDIA would start it as a literacy campaign. Under this literacy campaign the educated prisoners teach their illetrate friend."Our higher authorities take this step as a part of reforms measures in Jail", said a junior staff member of Bhopal Jail while his duty time near RGPV College of Engineering.

Some inmates are continuing their studies from Jail. Jail department officer's take them time to time for appearing in their Board or University Exams. "I had completed my M.A. (Ma ", said a M.A. previous from Jail" said a Jail inmate.

INDIAN Devotion: INDIAN Female Sex Workers stop their job for ten days

2005-09-14T18:49:00.000+05:30

They all decided that they all stop working for ten days and totally dip in the devotion of God Ganesha as whole INDIA celebrating ten days long Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

Who are they?, They are devotees of God Ganesha, as God Ganesh does not see any different between them and any other divotee, but men makes different by professon. Yes, they are all female sex workers and not doing any work or not attract any client duing Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

In Red Light area of Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, located in centre of INDIA. Members of Bediya Community ( This community involve in sex workers profession, they sells their young girls for becoming sex workers, they are traditionally doing this profession) celebrates Ganesh Festival, as they decorated a tableua of 12 feet long God Ganesha, in red light area of Shivpuri district.

"Hindu is very reach religion in sense of devotion and sacrific, this story of female workers shows that quality of Hindu religion.

INDIAN Women Power: An INDIAN woman saved the lives of 40 bounded labourers

2005-09-14T16:38:00.000+05:30

INDIA, is mother of brave and courageous children, One of her daughter shows extreme bravery and co-operation, by which she saves the life of 40 bounded labourers.

Rajana Dixit, advocate by professon in Bhopal (City of Lake, Taj-Ul-Masajid or capital of heart state of INDIA) Court, helped two labourers Ganesh Singh and Ramavtar Singh, both were run away from a Crashen (It's a workplace where big stones are split into different size of stone, it need heavy machinery and lots of labours), located in Devri, nearby Saagar district (Saagar district, known for Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, whoes Pharmacy department famous in foreign countries only due to its pure standard). Ganesh and Ramavtar were among the 40 bounded labourers working of Crashen in Devri, but they escaped from Crashen and asked help from Ranjana Dixit for saving the lives of other bounded labourers. Than Ranjana, filed a petition against owner of Crashen, in Madhya Pradesh Human Right Commission, and arranged a meeting of these two labourers with assistant Labour Commissior of state. Than Officers took this case seriously and got free all 40 labourers from Crashen.

This success true story only got sucess by the co-operation and wonderful approach of Ranjana Dixit, I proudly say that she represent the power of INDIAN Women.

Sign of INDIAN harmony

2005-09-13T09:41:00.000+05:30

A 200 year old Chuch, which was constructed in 1805, in Hoshangabad town (currently famous for Soyabean crop), 60km from Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh, (Sanchi, Khajurao and Bhimvetka like UN's heritage site sitauted), will be restore by the fund collected from the local people of town.

Hoshangabad town, known for holy river Narmada and temple of Hindu Gods, so most of Hindus are live in this town, and Christian are very less in quantity. But, people of all religion come up with their financial support for restoring this old Church.

The step of collecting fund from people of all religion is an idea of Mr. Kidwai, District Megistrate. "As Hoshangabad is an Hindu pilgrimage, so all people of this town have responsibility, to care all religious place it's doen not any matter from which religion they belong" said Mr. Kidwai.

The Chuch is most old church of Madhya Pradesh state.

INDIAN man use blood for peace appeal to Osama Bin Laden

2005-09-11T19:30:00.000+05:30

Dr. Mahesh Yadav, an activist of Mahatma Gandhi Peace Council sketch a potrait of Al Queda leader Osama Bin Laden and writes an appeal for world peace, by his own blood.In Yadav's bloody appeal to Osama:

The path of violance and terror adopted by you can be a medium to terrorize the world to fulfill your inhuman interests. You can threat the world and you can bring about a destruction in the world, by proceeding on this path, but can it be possible for you to bring about any creation in the world to find a place in the hearts. IF NOT.........!

Then what you will gain out of this destruction?

Allah! had have endowed on theyou abundant strength and energy, whose destructive scenenario in the form of 9/11 tragedy had shaken the humanity as a whole.And, if you will utilize your this energy for the sake of peace and harmony, then surely you will be seen as an angel. Because, it is my wish that you must stop this "Innocents Blood shedding scenario" and adopt the Gandhian way of "Truth and Non-Violence", hence I am writing you this appeal, drenched with my own blood.

This message by Dr. Yadav introduces the INDIAN mind of peace and non-violance.

Should Mercy Killing Be Legalised in INDIA?

2005-09-10T19:14:00.000+05:30

Hope, Love and Faith gives fruitful and dignified life to human being. Everyone in the world has the right of living and dying. Human being and animals both are creation of the same God, but human beings live with dignity and also have right of good and dignified death.

If any person suffers from any incurable disease and want to die, it means that he is demanding a painless and dignified death, than he should be allowed to die or killed by doctor i.e. he should be allowed th commit physically assisted suicide because it is his right. For making this type of death reasonable, mercy killing should be legalised.

Euthanasia i.e. when a patient issuffering from any incurable disease and there is no hope of any recovery, than he can for physically assisted suicide or mercy killing. Euthanasia is legalised in Netherland and Belgium.Due to some disadvantage of mercy killing the hot debate is going in many countries. For overcoming the disadvantageof mercy killing or euthanasia the public of United States suggested legalisation of living will, a statement written by a mentally alert patient in which he seeks the delebrate death with dignity statue. So mercy killing should be legalised in the form of legalisation of living will.

It is doctor's duty to restore the heath of his patients and reducing their sufferings. Now in some typical cases patients have no hope of any recovery and their sufferings are continuously increasing.Now, for ending their suffering they needed "mercy death", now its doctor's duty to reduce their suffering so he should assist his patiets for "seeking suicite" for performing his job honestly and littlebit of kindness. In such cases many doctors are punished indirectly they are punishes for their dutyfullness, this is very wrong message for professionals or human being. So Mercy killing should be legalised.

Positive Aproach: Changing mindset of INDIAN rural society

2005-09-08T20:42:00.000+05:30

Banjara community, calls the one of most backward community in rural Central INDIA. But one dicision taken by the authority (Panchayat) of Bajara community of Laxmanpura village, in Madhya Pradesh state.

Merriage of Prem Singh, son of Nathu Singh, Laxmanpura village sets with Pipalibai daughter, of Babu Singh, Raina village. But Prem Singh refused to marry with Pipalibai, as she has short hight (dwaft). Then Babu Singh took this matter at fron of Village authority (Panchayat). Panchayat took the matter very seriously and fined 13,000 (around $290), at Nathu Singh's family.

It shows the positive and changing approach of rural INDIAN society, which is consider biased of tradition.

An INDIAN physically challenged youth develop world's first Hindi's Internet Explorer work on window 98

2005-08-31T21:51:00.000+05:30

Jagdeep Dangi, a young man from a Ganjbasoda town of Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh, a Soyabean (one type of crop used for producing eating oil) rich state of INDIA make world's first Hindi's Internet Explorer. Jagdeep, son of a farmer (INDIA is agriculture based economy) has little problem in clear vision.

Weakness in english language inspired this software engineer (he have bachlor in engineer from Samrat Ashok Technological Institute (SATI), a government college of Vidisha district) to do some thing for people who are not knowing and also have no interest in learning english language. Than he begin work on developing an Internet Explorer in Hindi. Now he got success in his work and gives some thing to INDIANS to proud on this young man.

He also prepare a English to Hindi (Devenagari) translator and a English to Hindi (devenagari) dictionary which have over 20,000 words.

Unfortunately, Jagdeep Dangi do not get anybody who can purchase his exllent invention in the field Computer.INDIAN Governemt's IT Ministry already refuses to purchase it.
In an interview Dangi said "If this software developed by any internatinal company so INDIAN government purchase on very high cost, but as this exellent invetion done by their own countryman they even not pay attention on it".

Jagdeep Dangi E-Mail ID's are : dangijs@yahoo.com & gjagdeep@sancharnet.in

To Encourage INDIAN Rural Women

2005-08-29T21:42:00.000+05:30

A Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh's highest ruling authority approved a scheme for encouraging the rural women for higher education. "GAON KI BETI", i.e. daughter of village is name of this scheme.

Under this scheme a girl student of each village who is getting first devision (more then 60%), in her higher secondary examination (XIIth), get benefit in this scheme. Government gives free higher education to selected villager girls also provide Rs 500 (about $12), per month.

India is very much energetic country and developing very speedly, but still INDIAN Rural Women are not much aware as compare to women of urban area. Due to their less awareness and illitrateness they all suffer for whole life. So the step of Madhya Pradesh government is very much appreciating.

But, the government only selected 4,000 girls student from whole state, which too less as compare to total population of girls in state.

Aware INDIAN society

2005-08-28T23:10:00.000+05:30

A family is expelled from their caste because they burn their daugher-in-law.
It's a unique case in traditional gripped and superstitious INDIAN villager culture, this shows the awareness amongs the rural INDIANS.

In Ruppura village of Neemach district of central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, ruler authority of villager i.e. PANCHAYAT, expelled family of Kishanlal Jalotiya from their caste because they burnt their daughter-in-law as her poor family unable fulfilled the demands of her in-laws or DOWRY.

It's a positive sign in rural Indian society which is now keep on changing and youths are adopting the broadminded thinkings.

INDIAN TALENT: Engineering student make enviroment friendly AC

2005-08-27T23:49:00.000+05:30

Air Conditioners are expelling Cloro Floro Carbon (CFC), which results whole in OZONE layer. That gives tension on the face of scientist.

Now its good news for those people which are want to use AC and also having enviroment friendly nature. Students of University Institute of Technology (Barkatullah University, Bhopal INDIA) make a AC, which have fifth time less cost than the Air Conditioner available in market.

A five member team of technical students give "UNCONVENTIONAL AIR CONDITIONER", name to their invention, which works on the principle of "Evoparate Cooling". More shoking thing that they are not using Condentioner, Evoparator and Compressior which are use in normal AC, this thing make their convention different.

"We are waiting for any multunational company to hire over project, and give us space for more work on this topic", said Tushar Bhatnagar one of member of invention team of student.

Religion is prefer than LOVE

2005-08-26T23:44:00.000+05:30

A man is burn by the cigrattee by his father-in-law because he loves her wife and they got marry without the permission of their family member clearly its a case of " ELOPS MARRIGE".

Ravi, son of Baburam belonging to Hindu pilgrimage Ujjain, falls in love of a Muslim girl of Bhopal, which is better known place for its Gas tragedy, than they decided to got marry without the permission of their parents, And after one year all situation seems to normal.

Than father of girl bring her back to Bhopal from Ujjain, then in reply Ravi file a complaint against girl's father in Bhopal.Then in punishment of LOVE girl's father burn his son-in-law by cigrattee, but fortunately the boy is not got serious injury.

But injury is not any matter, matter "Is religion is not teaching LOVE or religion is other name of LOVE"

I used fake name for protection of victim boy

Superstition dominated over Science

2005-08-25T23:01:00.000+05:30

In a small but farming rich village of Pipalya the villager women pushing bull cart by them self for pleasing rain God, accourding to Hindu myth "Indra Devta".

It's not happening first time, we were doing this activity from many past year for good rain", reveal a villager women Viashli who is preparing for take pake part in this happening.

Most of women of village gather at a temple and offer prayer at 9:00 o'clock than they are walking towards their field for pushing Bull Cart by their shoulders, and singing some holy songs they performed this thing for one hour and return back to home.

Most of them are believing that Rain God watching their activities and he is definetly feciliates them by giving GOOD RAIN, Is it possible?

LIFE IN TOUCH: Eunuch Procession

2005-08-24T20:05:00.000+05:30

Aishwarya and Priety Zinta both are famous actress of Indian Film Industry, But on August, 21 both's name are easily hear from the mouth of eunuch's lovers on the streets of Bhopal City.

On August 21, eunuchs or incomple mans are gathers from the all over the country for take part in Bhujariya Festival processio which have its own history as it begin from the time of Nawaabs in this ancient City.

Now as time is keep on changing so the way of this festival also changing, during this processon some fans of beutiful eunuchs are organized a dance and modling compitition which give boost to local media photo journalist.The eunuchs are not so much charming as girls but they are looking more sexy than Pamela Anderson.

"We are take part in dance competition and modeling compitition for giving dias to , we work hard for practice", said an Old Eunuch

Voluntary Death

2005-08-24T19:56:00.000+05:30

In Jain religion if any old person who have not any responsibility to fulfill, would ask for voluntary death or can perform "SALLEKHANA".

In recent incident Ratan Bai from Ganjbasoda performs Sallekhana, as she leave taking food from past sex month before she die and only taking the juicy items during performing "Sallekhana".

Now question is that Is such performing official should be allowed to do? or they should intrupped in relious believe? its not good or easy thing to think and do.

But Sallekhana, strongely supports mercy kiling which is illagised in only three countries of world.