The Jacky`s Electronics Story Life And Times Of Students In USA

Transcription

Indian
THE INTERNATIONAL
Est 1992: The Region’s Oldest, Authoritative
Magazine of Gulf Indian Society & History
2010 • ISSUE 5 • VOL. 17.5
FABULOUS PEARLS
FOR SUBSCRIBERS!
Jewellery
www.theinternationalindian.com
Oct. 01 / Nov. 30, 2010
The Jacky's Electronics Story
Life And Times Of Students In USA
Its
India's Old Scooters Club
shes A
i
W
I
s
r
TI
e
Read Diwali!
py
Hunting For A Mate
Hap
Hong Kong Indians
Jacky and Ashish Panjabi
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TII 17_5 layout.indd 1
10/6/2010 3:17:46 PM
FROM THE EDITOR
Who Will Change India?
A 'Pseudo-Religious' Parivar
or a 'Pseudo-Secular' Parivar?
onsider how India has changed in some important ways: The
media has teeth today and the country has dumped socialism.
The question that remains is what about religious ideology? Has
the country really moved on since the horrors of 1992?
The ideological battle rages between the ‘pseudo-religious’ Sangh
Parivar and what the saffronwallahs counter as the ‘pseudo-secular’
Gandhi Parivar. Not that the latter’s credibility is unquestionable going by
some past Congress policies, but the naked power-seeking Sangh Parivar
are dangerous frauds. Home Minister P. Chidambaram’s warning at the
45th meet of India’s chiefs of state police and central paramilitary forces
pointedly referred to “saffron terrorism.” Chidambaram declared, “I wish
to caution you that there is no let up in the attempts to radicalise young
men and women in India.” His speech timed with Frontline magazine’s
August 13, 2010 cover story headlined: “Shortcut to the Hindu Rashtra,”
with ‘cover girl’ Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, the woman accused in
Mumbai’s Malegaon blast. With the BJP acquiring new respectability after
the Allahabad High Court’s verdict on the Babri Masjid, one is naturally
inclined to ask - who do you think will change India?
It’s the media’s role in the country that has made politics more
interesting and accountable. India’s media is also in the hands of vested
interests, with the recent “paid news” scandal exposing how a corrupt
media can undermine the democratic process. But there is no denying the
power of the media today to expose business and government shenanigans.
Like every editor I wonder from time to time if my editorials make
any difference to readers or is this page the one that is promptly ignored to
move on to more visually supported content? I wish I could say I get scores
of letters reassuring me to the contrary but the fact is even in this day of
easy emails, thinking is hard work and only the attentive send feedback.
Research indicates that public speaking is the No. 1 fear in the world,
greater than death, but magazine editors must wonder if there is a similar
malady attached to letter writing! Thankfully there is enough response for
us to get an understanding of what people think.
Feedback apart, I will readily admit that writing this column for nearly
two decades has made a big difference in my own thinking. Regular readers
have probably discerned I’ve gained some new perspectives over the years.
Rather than merely summarise what’s in the magazine, I use this page to
discuss issues about India and Diaspora to keep my finger on the pulse. The
Internet is steadily creating a level playing field and TII is re-strategising
its digital edition, for a bigger slice of the action. From our niche in the
Diaspora, we will keep tugging at NRI and resident Indian hearts to open
people’s minds with our unique brand of magazine journalism.
For who is changing India, some might include the judiciary but
C
2
The International Indian
after former law minister Shanti
Bhushan recently accused eight
former Chief Justices of India
of corruption, the media (minus
dissipated Bollywood) gets my
vote. Much is altering in the country
as India enters its sixty fourth
year and the media has acquired
a significant role, while Indian
politics is as venal as ever. Instead
of conflicting religious ideologies if
only satyamev jayate was truly our
standard, India might better reflect
all the great religions she plays host
to; still Indians have never been as
open to new ideas as they are today
and I am hopeful about Generation
Next. How to match their attitude
of inquiry is something I think long
and hard about to make TII more
meaningful for them. Is there a
lifestyle magazine that connects
India and Diaspora like we do? Or
presents worthwhile aspirations?
Or weaves the personal spiritual
odyssey with ‘feet on the ground’
magazine writing as deftly as
TII? I’d really like to know. I’m
often urged to switch to a glossy
with more popular content to give
people what they want. But I figure
everybody’s doing that; we’d
rather stay focused on interesting
issues relevant to Indians at home
and abroad.
How do you think TII has
changed over two decades? Our
goal is to move the discussion
from what I call “LCD” (lowest
common denominator) journalism
to more thought provoking content,
relevant to Desis and NRIs. What
do you think we do that is different from other magazines? Does it
stimulate fresh thinking when you go through TII’s pages? If not, tell us
what other meaningful content can we include?
Consider also why you should trust what we publish in TII. A magazine,
like everything else, is entitled to be judged by its track record. TII has an
18 year history – evaluate what we’ve written in the past. Have the opinions
we expressed stood the test of time? Do we stand for all Indians or are we
partial to some? Are we somebody’s mouthpiece or do we call a spade of
any political hue a spade? I think more than newspapers, magazines create
and enhance community. Globalization has shrunk the globe but made it
much more complex; people need overview and useful information. Since
we all exist in community, TII is basically linking networks, telling stories
and keeping you in the loop. In the process we are also documenting
history. No other Indian magazine can make this claim in the Middle East.
TII’s focus on personal faith is not something usually seen in lifestyle
magazines but religious prejudice will not find its way into our pages only genuine convictions anyone wants to share. Let me reiterate that TII
is keen to receive stories of individuals searching for the Truth from any
religious persuasion on one condition - they must be interesting and well
written! Notice when we interview people in TII we often include their
unique statement of faith. Sceptics might want to visit my new website
www.no2christianity.com to better understand my own position. Much of
my thinking has changed radically over these two decades. To me every
individual’s spiritual quest is significant in the universal longing for the
Truth. If I am ever critical about anybody, most often my diatribes are
reserved for what American authors George Barna and Frank Viola call
‘Pagan Christianity,’ (Tyndale
House, 2008), which is rocking
complacent Christians.
Hinduism and Hindutva are two
different beliefs, just like militant
Islamism is a far cry from a true
Muslim’s genuine submission to
the will of God. Religious pride
and tradition vs. an individual
relationship with God is also not the
same thing. Gandhiji, long before
anyone else, bluntly made it known
he clearly recognized the difference
between Christ and Christianity.
Going by recent books like Barna
and Viola’s, Christians are just
waking up to the discrepancy but
many refuse to change.
Frank Raj
Founder Editor & Publisher
frankraj08@gmail.com
3
8jacky's
electronics
by: Reena Amos Dyes
THE INTERNATIONAL
Indian
EST: 1992 The Region’s Oldest, Authoritative
FEATURES
28 roti's served hot
by: Peter Souri Raj
Four years ago he launched ‘Our
Native Village,’ India’s first 100%
eco-resort on a
3 1/2 acre plot,
adjacent to which he
has developed a 7
acre organic farm just
outside Bangalore.
32 orissa’s
olive ridley
turtles thrill your heart
by: Murlidhar C. Bhandare
Thrilling is the way the mother turtle
camouflages the nest after nesting.
36 life and
times of
students in us
by: Prem Souri Kishore
How do Indian students
transition from India
to the urban sprawl of
Los Angeles and a radically new study
environment?
42 bangalore classic
scooter club
by: Marianne de Nazareth
The idea behind starting this club is to
create awareness about these scooters
and rather than scrap them, do them up
and enjoy them.
4
CONTENTS
46 nri marriages:
hunt for a mate
by: Deepa Ballal
Only NRIs. Sorry only Indians. No
NRIs please. It all begins with the
search. Where can one find the
so called extinct species called
the perfect life partner?
64 science,
technology and
globalization
by: M.M. Rajendran. Former
Governor of Orissa
Thinking of globalization as a
gift of the west would be far
from the full truth.
52 indians
66 hong kong
indians: global outlook,
by: Asma Ayob
“Where do I come
from? What is Indianness?” For Diaspora
Indians across the
globe, the affiliation
with modern art
forms is sometimes
problematic.
by: Deepak Mahtani
Indians are one of the earliest
immigrant communities in
Hong Kong, with historical
records indicating small Parsee
settlements existed since the 7th
and 8th centuries during the Tang
Dynasty.
and the pyramid of
modern art
indian heart
74 sevathon 2010:
a community
walkathon
by: Asha Sharma
More than 2,000 Indians from the
San Francisco Bay area gathered
together to celebrate a unique
community event - a ‘Sevathon,’ an
Indian version of the popular western
walkathon.
79 are the games
commonwealth?
by: Mani Shankar Aiyar
The only good that will come out of
the Commonwealth Games would be
a decision to never again bid for such
games until every Indian child gets
a minimum to eat, an assured basic
education and a playground with trained
coaches to discover the sportsperson
in himself or herself.
FOOD
86 diwali
how sweet it is!
by: Golden Reejsinghani
Diwali time is festival time it is celebrated
with much pomp and joy. It is a festival of
lights, fun, merry making eating loads of
sweets and bursting crackers.
TRAVEL
still considered
bollywood, then i’m a
big fan
by: Frank Raj
Writer-director Patricia Gruben,
a contemporary arts associate
professor, directs
the Praxis Centre
for Screenwriters
and the Field School
in Art & Culture of
Contemporary India
at Simon Fraser
University in Canada.
18 las vegas
71 the blind
can play cricket!
by: Shyamola Khanna
What becomes a heart throbbing
moment of joy and a true celebration
of mind over matter, becomes
especially poignant when you realise
they can only feel the excitement, they
can’t see it because they are blind!
82 education
and indian
chutzpah go
together
by: Prabhu Guptara
How come Indians do so well in the USA
while they don’t do so well in continental
Europe, in the Middle East or in India itself?
IN EVERY ISSUE...
BuZz WoRd
90 • Giordano’s Lion
Polo Roars in Stores!
• Etihad Launches
Indiaconnect With
Katrina Kaif
91 • Gold Sales To
Shine On Back Of
Demand Growth
2 editorial
6 letters
7 editor's resort pick • Customising financial
products for NRIs
50 pakistani view
57 motormamla
92 • American Tourister
81 TII hall of fame
backpacks offer style,
95 TII central
comfort and convenience
96 futurequest
TII
Com Photo
See petition
page
34
• Micromax, an Indian
domestic mobile handset
company launches its
Dubai operations
93 • A Bundle Of Joy
58 patricia
gruben: if that’s
COLUMNS
by: Kathy Newbern & J.S. Fletcher
Traditionally, Vegas-bound travelers
had their hearts set on casinos and
gambling (legalized in 1931), but this
sizzling destination has carved out a
new reputation as a hot-spot for luxury.
To Rejoice… Amarja
Hills, Across Lonavala…
• Rak Airways Launches
Two New Routes
THE INTERNATIONAL INDIAN is owned by Global Indian Travellers Association (GITA) a private limited company incorporated in England and Wales
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5
Indian
THE INTERNATIONAL
EST: 1992 The Region’s Oldest, Authoritative
PUBLISHERS
Prof. Prabhu Guptara
Santosh Shetty
FOUNDER EDITOR
Frank Raj
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Erik R. Hadden
Prem Souri Kishore
Benjamin H. Parker
Vishal Mangalwadi
TRAVEL EDITOR
Shana Raj Parker
MANAGER PR
Christine DeSouza
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Balan Iyer
GRAPHIC ARTIST
Melany Caguindagan
PHOTOGRAPHER
Benjamin H. Parker
INTERNATIONAL
CORRESPONDENTS
CANADA
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SINGAPORE
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UK
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USA
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OMAN
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QATAR
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INDIA
DELHI
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CHENNAI
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HYDERABAD
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MUMBAI
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DIRECTOR
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GENERAL MANAGER
M.E. & AFRICA
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Audited Circulation
23,978 copies
April 2009
www.bpaww.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Mr. Raj,
Warm greetings to you. First
of all, let me commend you on
the success of the International
Indian. I find the publication as
a very useful tool for the Asian
community to keep up to date
on news and trends that strongly
reflect upon the Indian community.
You and your team do a great job!
Thank you and Regards,
Fouzia
Dear Sir,
I have been a regular reader of
many magazines but after reading
your magazine today for the first
time I really consider myself
unlucky not to have read it earlier.
All the articles are very special
but the article by Major General
Suman (TII 17.3) on the problem
faced by the soldiers on the
Siachin glacier was really touching
as it highlights the problem faced
by our brave soldiers.
We should not just read such
articles and show sympathy with
our soldiers, we should all try to
make a sincere effort to maintain
peace in the country, o not to waste
their efforts...
Himanshu Tripathi
Delhi
9873835056
land in Ayodhya, in 3 sections.
Hopefully all groups viz. the
Muslims, Hindus and the Akhara
Group will be pleased.
This is also the time for
Indians to ponder: why was so
much tension in the country prior
to the judgement? The entire
country was mesmerised by the
decision of the 2.7 acres of land
in Ayodhya. 200,000 security
forces were deployed in just one
state, in case of any violence!
Offices across the country shut
at 2 pm, as a precaution against
possible violence.
The rest of the world is
moving on! Dubai has the tallest
building in the world, the Burj
Khalifa, China is producing
the world’s fastest train, which
will travel at 500 kms per hour,
doctors across the world are
battling to find remedies for
AIDS and cancer!
We should keep religion
in our private lives, and get
on with the task of building
and
modernising
India.
India’s
infrastructure
is
pathetic, as underscored by
the wretched organising of the
Commonwealth games in Delhi.
So, India should stop being
obsessed with temples, mosques
and churches. We should focus on
building bridges, roads, highways,
new
towns,
universities,
modernising villages, etc.
Yours sincerely,
Dear Sirs,
The Supreme Court of India
has given a mature decision,
in looking after the interests of
all fraternities, by dividing the
Rajendra K. Aneja
Post Box No: 29016
Dubai
UAE
Tele: 00971 50 624 1083
The best letters to the editor
will win exquisite gifts from
Liali Jewellery.
Email your letters to:
frankraj08@gmail.com
Editor ' s RESORT PICK
By: Frank Raj
Pool high
Villa, Pool & Lagoon
Getting there
www.lemeridien.com/fujairah
•The resort is a 90 minute drive
from Dubai International Airport.
Fujairah City is just 45 km from the
resort and scheduled shuttle services
operate regularly.
T: 971 9 244 9000
LE MERIDIEN AL AQAH
BEACH RESORT
N
inety minutes from Dubai, the magnificent Le Méridien Al
Aqah Beach Resort is chiselled on a 230m stretch of unspoilt
golden beach, that is caressed by the Indian Ocean in the shelter
of the majestic Hajar Mountains. The resort boasts 218 guest
rooms and suites offering a panoramic view of the beautifully landscaped
gardens, pool and miles of endless ocean. There are nine food and
beverage outlets, including Thai, Indian and a sumptuous seafood buffet.
A guest entertainment team, nine conference and meeting options, Kids
Club with a covered swimming pool, a fitness centre with steam bath and
sauna, Professional dive centre, Spa al Aqah offering Thai, Balinese and
traditional Ayurvedic therapy are all available to refresh and rejuvenate.
The 48 square metre rooms are spacious with families in mind,
equipped with a host of amenities including a walk-in wardrobe, DVD
player, computer port, international direct line telephone, 24-hour inroom dining, hairdryer and an electronic safety box. A complimentary
daily newspaper, tea coffee making facilities and bottled mineral water
is replenished daily. Completing
the room is a spacious bath room
with separate bath and shower and
exclusive amenities.
Royal Club rooms and suites
have upgraded services.
The Penguin Club has ample
activities for children over four
years and less than twelve. The
Club’s fully qualified professionals
lead the entertainment, so parents
can truly relax, knowing their
children are safe and busy making
memories of their own.
Natural attractions reveal
ancient fjords, spectacular dive
sites, palm groves, picturesque
waterfalls, hot springs and an
abundance of historical landmarks.
The coral reefs off the coast of
Fujairah hold many exotic species
of fish, offering an opportunity to
enjoy great snorkeling, diving and
deep sea fishing. The adventurous
can go for mountain trekking,
wadi walks, or a desert safari.
Frank Raj is TII's founding
editor and publisher
7
COVER STORY
Jacky's
Electronics:
In 1985 when Jacky’s opened in the UAE, Dubai was in the
midst of a recession. A lot of businesses were moving away
from here and people were shocked Jacky’s was entering
the Dubai market at that time. But, the Panjabi’s were not
fazed and went with their gut
feeling that Dubai was the future,
established themselves here.
By: Reena Amos Dyes
J
er and Group Managing
Jacky Panjabi, Co-foundof Companies with his wife
Director, Jacky’s Group
Asha Panjabi
8
acky’s. A name we all know and which has touched
our lives one time or the other. When we enter a
Jacky’s store, all we see are the bright shining lights,
the glitzy displays and the electronics with up-to-the
minute technology. But how many people know the story
of the sweat and toil behind this success?
Jacky Panjabi, the co-founder and Group Managing
Director, Jacky’s Group of Companies, joined his father’s
business at the age of 17 when he moved from New Delhi
to Singapore. Subsequently he moved to Hong Kong in
1969 where he set up the first Jacky’s office in 1970 with
his elder brother and group president, the late Ishwardas
Panjabi. Jacky has since established offices in Dubai,
China, Singapore, Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan and Uganda,
completing 40 years of global operations recently.
From humble beginnings as a mail order business to
its current status as one of the leading international traders
in electronics and general merchandise, the company has
indeed come a long way. A factor that has contributed to its
success is its ability to adapt itself to the needs of the times.
9
COVER STORY
Ashish Panjabi with his
wife Vinita
In an exclusive interview, TII
met Jacky Panjabi and Ashish
Panjabi, Chief Operating Officer,
who took time off to tell the story
of Jacky’s, and how the company
is handling Generation M in an
increasingly competitive market.
Jacky Panjabi’s tryst with the
UAE began in February 1985
when he came to Dubai for the first
time. “It all began when I came
to the UAE for two days while I
was on my way from London to
Hong Kong. As a businessman
I smelt the opportunity that this
county offered and the first trip
was basically an exploratory one
made to check things out.” Many
more trips followed.
“Finally, with the blessings
of my brother Ishwardas, we
set up a mini office in Dubai
in September 1985 in Al Nasr
Square, which is still operational
and we also opened our first
10
showroom there.”
Even though they came to Dubai to set themselves up as a
mail order company, fate had other plans.
Jacky recalls: “When we went to get our company registered,
the Economic Department did not approve of the name Jacky’s
International and asked us to call ourselves Jacky’s Electronics
instead, as electronics constituted a large part of our mail
order business. From that day on we began to focus more on
electronics and the rest, as they say is history. Today Jacky’s is
a household name in the UAE.”
Looking back at the Dubai of yesteryears, Jacky reminisces:
“When I came here 25 years ago, it was not very developed
and the desert still reigned supreme. There were a few hotels,
the Intercontinental was one, Hyatt Regency was another and
hardly any of the buildings were more than three floors high.
It was all heat and dust. We would polish our shoes till they
shone, but the moment we got out of the office or the hotel,
they would become coated with sand,” he remembers.
Knowing how to extract value for money he reveals, “In
those days there were no metered taxis and every morning we
would argue with the taxi drivers over the fare. They would
charge us anything between three or seven dirhams for a trip
at will and we would
have long discussions over
the proper fare for a certain
distance till a compromise
was reached.”
“In those days the abra
ride cost just 25 fils and
there were none of these
fancy air-conditioned water
buses and wonder buses
you see at the creek these
days. “Sometimes we even
walked from Dubai to Bur
Dubai as the distances were
not that great. At that time
going to Jebel Ali was like
going to another emirate,
now I go there everyday.
The UAE sure has come a
long way since then.”
Talking about the
early days before they
established themselves
in Dubai, Jacky said:
“While our first office
was in Nasr Square, Ashis
h Panjabi and his father
Jacky Panjabi
our first home in Dubai was
the Sheraton Hotel where we
stayed for a month till we found
an apartment and a sponsor.
The apartment we chose was
close to our office, called Al
Mansoor Tower, later changed
to Dubai Towers. Till 1988,
we continued to run our mail
order business supplying
goods to diplomats in Africa
from Dubai. Through that we
understood the local, GCC
and regional market better and
finally we ended up opening
our operations in Africa.”
The group has come a long
way since then and has now
(L-R) Ashish Panjabi,
diversified into many other Su
Ar
dhi Panjabi, Manohar pit Panjabi (nephew, son of Manoj Panjabi), Jac
Punjabi, Manoj Panjabi,
businesses including FMCG Manohr ar
Munish Punjabi (nepheky Panjabi,
Punjabi)
w, son of
and retail.
After three years of operating
in the UAE Jacky’s Electronics leasing. As you know, retail is all about location and my brother Ishwar
decided to enter the retail market decided that since the location was quite good it was time to enter the retail
which was a first for them. “It all segment. Soni Tolani, my nephew, who had come to the UAE with me in
came about when a real estate broker 1985 set up the business along with me.”
Today Jacky’s has retail outlets in nearly every major mall in Dubai,
told us that the huge showroom
Sharjah
and Ajman.
space underneath our office in
Explaining
their business strategy Jacky’s eldest son Ashish
Nasr Square was available for
Panjabi said: “We don’t plan years
in advance. We take it one day at a
time. This is because now one can’t
predict what is going to happen in the
future. However, that said, I would
like to reveal that right now we are
seriously looking at Abu Dhabi as
the next stop for an outlet as it is a
booming market and we don’t have
a store there. “We are already in the
most desirable locations in Dubai so
no plans for expansion here but we
are looking at other emirates.
Jacky’s is not looking to expand
in the region, preferring to focus on
their business interests in Africa.
Despite all the success he has
tasted in the UAE and the fact
that his son and nephew Soni
Sheila
nohar Punjabi (cousin), bi
Ma
bi,
nja
Pa
ita
help
run the business, Jacky still
Vin
bi,
nja
(L-R) Ashish Panja
usin's wife), Manoj Pa
Pinky Punjabi (co
Punjabi (cousin's wife), bi (brother's wife), Sudhir Panjabi (brother)
nja
Pa
ma
shi
Ra
(cousin),
11
COVER STORY
plays an active role in the business, working from 9 am to 6 pm each
day. His typical work day is spent hopping from one office in the
UAE to another. However, despite his busy schedule the 58 year-old
businessman still finds time to play golf and swim, going to the gym
every day. He has lived out of India for the most of his life but he loves
listening to songs from old Indian movies and watches Hindi movies.
His favourite singers are Kishore Kumar, Mukesh and Rafi and he finds
their kind of music particularly soothing and meaningful.
Apart from Ashish, Jacky has another son Sudhir and a daughter
Anisha. However, in a major departure from family tradition of helping
run the business, Sudhir
os)
ika (4) and Ashwina (3m
wife Vinita and kids Vansh
Ashish Panjabi with his
is involved in the financial world and
Anisha wants to open a bakery. He says indulgently: “My younger son is
a financial controller at a firm while my daughter wants to open a bakery
where she plans to bake and sell cupcakes. I want them to follow their
dreams and do what they want to till we are around. Maybe they will
tire of this later and join the family business eventually, but at least they
would have done what they want and not be frustrated because we held
them back.”
However he has a word of advice for entrepreneurs like his
daughter who are setting up business in such a challenging economic
environment. “Don’t think twice, think ten times before investing
your money right now as cash is king. Hold on to it. Also, nothing can
replace hard work and honesty. If you have set up a business of your
own already then get out there and meet people. You have to invest in
people by spending time with them and building relationships and that
is the only way you will really know what is happening on the ground.”
12
But is Jacky’s itself keeping
its ears to the ground and moving
with the times? In these days
of Generation M which wants
information at their fingertips
and changes gadgets like one
changes clothes is Jacky’s up to
the challenge?
Ashish Panjabi answered:
“The challenge in taking the retail
business forward is evolving the
retail brand. That is something
that we have done in the last
few years. Part of it was moving
to where our customers were
moving. Traditionally in Dubai,
we were a souk player as we had
set ourselves up in Nasr Square
when we started and now we are
moving to those places that our
customers frequent - shopping
malls. It is also about developing
the retail business as such. Retail
is not just a matter of having
a product on the shelf these
days. You have to invest in the
various aspects of the business
like manpower, HR, training, IT,
logistics, marketing, store design
and layout, and fit outs.”
Training in particular is key
in the retail business and the
company spends a lot of time and
effort on training staff. Ashish
believes, “In today’s world to
succeed on the shop floor is all
about having a dialogue with
the customer. There is no such
thing as brand loyalty any more
as the markets have developed,
brand choices are many and the
attention span of consumers has
reduced over the years. It takes
a lot to influence a person these
days. Companies can’t say this is
my brand and I stand for the best,
because people don’t believe
that anymore. For the customer,
COVER STORY
it is all about peer to
myself, I like to read up on
peer
comparisons,
current events and the latest
sharing experiences and
technology as I am a technology
social networking. The
enthusiast and watch sports on
only way to retain the
the TV, usually football.”
customer is to join the
Jacky’s have been using
conversation,
whether
Facebook and Twitter in order
it’s reading what they
to listen to their customer base
are saying about you on
and interact with them actively.
the internet or interacting
“We use them to talk with our
with them on the shop
customers about what they
floor. It’s also about
want and we have learnt that
knowing the product, the
if we have made a mistake
industry, the market and
it is better to admit it and try
what’s new, when a new
to rectify it. People really
product is going to come
appreciate that and also the
out.”
fact that you made an effort
While
the
senior
to listen to them. We also use
Panjabi is a bit of a jet setter
mystery shoppers each month
Ashish, on the other hand
and through that we grade the
is a bit of a homebody who,
stores to learn from mistakes
despite a very long day at
and rectify them,” he said.
the office likes to be home
Asked how the business
in time to tuck into bed his
is weathering the economic
two children, four year old
meltdown Jacky observes:
a
Vanshika and three and a
“Well
the times are tough and
ish
An
er
ght
ky Panjabi with dau
half month old Ashwina and Jac
in order to survive something as huge as
spend time with them over the this global economic meltdown we have had to adjust, restructure and
weekend.
rework our business plans. We have been in business for 40 years now
He said: “I am usually in the and all over the world in these 40 years we have seen recessions. This
office at 8:30 in the morning and is nothing new and this is a temporary phase that will get over sooner
my day does not end before 6:30- or later. The only thing is that you have to be ready to make the changes
7:00pm. However, more often to your business plans in order to survive. As our businesses are all
than not, I like to be home before over the world, they are suffering in some places and doing well in
my children go off to sleep as I others so it offsets the damage for us. But I feel the worst is over.”
like to spend a little time with
“In fact, in 1985 when we came here Dubai was in the midst of a
them. It’s a very special time of recession. A lot of businesses were moving away from here and they
the day for both me and the kids. were shocked that we were entering the Dubai market at a time like
I also try to make up for the lack that. But, we were not fazed by that and we went with our gut feeling
of time with them over the week that Dubai was the future and we established ourselves here.”
by dropping Vanshika to school
“And we are glad we took that decision, because look where the
in the morning. It gives us a little UAE, especially Dubai has come in the last 20-odd years. Dubai has
bit of time together. However, as a magic of its own. Dubai dreams big and makes it happen. Dubai is
far as possible I try to be home a place where dreams come true. Look at the Palms, the Burj Khalifa,
with my wife Vinita and kids on the metro etc. Ten years ago they were all dreams but now they are a
the weekend.
reality. The Dubai magic will never wear off.”
“Apart from the family,
whenever I have free time to
Reena Amos Dyes is a freelance writer based in Dubai.
14
TRAVEL
Las Vegas
Traditionally, Vegas-bound travelers had their hearts set on
casinos and gambling (legalized in 1931), but this sizzling
destination has carved out a new reputation as a hot-spot for
luxury. Several new properties, as well as the tony Four Seasons
Las Vegas, are non-gaming, in fact, meaning they have no casinos.
By: Kathy Newbern & J.S. Fletcher
W
hat happens when you join one of the big names in
Vegas wow-factor – MGM – with a subsidiary of Dubai
World? You get an even bigger, better, more glamorous
Las Vegas.
That’s exactly what’s been unfolding for the past year as MGM
Resorts International teamed with Infinity World Development Corp.
to unveil, piece-by-piece, the stunning new CityCenter.
Among the choices are world-renowned, ultra-luxe high-rise
residences, plus now, several newly opened eye-popping hotel
properties, including the Mandarin Oriental brand.
Las Vegas - photo by: Four
18
Seasons Las Vegas
Traditionally,
Vegas-bound
travelers had their hearts set on
casinos and gambling (legalized
in 1931), but this sizzling
destination has carved out a
new reputation as a hot-spot for
luxury. Several new properties, as
well as the tony Four Seasons Las
Vegas, are non-gaming, in fact,
meaning they have no casinos.
Today’s Vegas luxury vacations
are complete with opulent spas,
incredible restaurants - many
headed by celebrity chefs - and
big-name entertainment.
The spectacular CityCenter
opened “with an ambition to
refine and redefine Las Vegas,”
said a spokesperson.
This resort/retail/residences
collection is doing just that on
what’s called “The Strip,” the
heartbeat of the neon city.
At its core are ARIA Resort
& Casino, Crystals retail and
entertainment district, Mandarin
Oriental Las Vegas, Vdara Hotel
& Spa, plus private residences
at the angled, matching Veer
Towers.
Le Reve at Wynn Las Vegas
Beam of Light
Photo by TomaszRossa
TRAVEL
incredible amenities,” said Bobby
Baldwin, president and CEO of
CityCenter. “It is an evolutionary
destination that aims to transform
Las Vegas as a new symbol at
its core, like the Guggenheim in
Bilbao, the Pompidou in Paris or
the SONY Center in Berlin.”
A STAY AT ENCORE
Steve Wynn’s Encore is the
all-suite sister property and nextdoor neighbor to his namesake
beauty, Wynn Las Vegas.
Entrepreneur Wynn is the Las
Vegas equivalent of Walt Disney,
“the man who put the glitz in the
Las Vegas strip,” according to
a)
one TV report.
Ross
asz
Tom
by
as, Tango (Photo
Le Reve at Wynn Las Veg
With 2,034 suites, five signature restaurants
While Vegas has long been and 3,500 employees, Encore has been garnered rave reviews. Red
home to beautiful hotels — like dominates the décor, even on the seductive casino chandeliers, said to
the famed Bellagio, Venetian, replicate a lady’s flared skirt.
Some suites have views of the Strip. Features include a 360-degreeWynn Las Vegas and Encore —
this new 67-acre, $8.5 billion swivel plasma TV, and oversized bathroom with separate soaking tub
CityCenter has added a new level and marble shower.
Even by Vegas standards, The Spa here is opulent and large: 61,000
of environmental consciousness
to the Strip. The U.S. Green square feet. The vaulted, glass-enclosed Grand Spa Court is decidedly
Building Council has awarded Moroccan with plush Oriental carpet, low-hanging chandeliers, and
Gold LEED certification to the shimmering light fixtures.
Encore’s general manager came from Dubai’s Burj Al Arab to help
complex components, marking
the highest LEED achievement open Encore. Like the Burj, service here is stellar.
Encore’s five signature restaurants include the mind-blowing Switch,
by any hotel, retail district
or
residential
development where the walls literally change four times during dinner. The show
in Las Vegas. LEED stands next-door at The Wynn is in the tradition of Cirque du Soleil, called
for Leadership in Energy and “Le Reve.” The twist is it’s a theater-in-the-round water extravaganza.
Encore’s XS provides an after-dark, outdoor pool environment with
Environmental Design – a multicategory “green” rating system steamy club atmosphere that was inspired by the sexy curves of the
human body. There’s an island bar plus a pulsating dance floor under a
for new or existing buildings.
“CityCenter
bridges
the 10-foot rotating chandelier.
For shopping, The Esplanade at Encore has 11 boutiques including
vitality of Las Vegas with the
experiences travelers seek when Rock & Republic, Hermès and CHANEL. We spotted a pair of shoes
they visit great cities around priced at $7,000 at In Step.
For casino novices, there are free classes, including one on Baccarat
the world, whether London,
Hong Kong or San Francisco to get your James Bond on. Just add a martini “shaken, not stirred.”
–
spectacular
architecture, Players will find plenty of action.
culturally significant art, great
public spaces, sophisticated A SAMPLING OF NEW, PLUS TRIED & TRUE
• ARIA Resort & Casino, a 61-story gaming resort with a whopping
hotels, unique restaurants and
20
TRAVEL
4,004 rooms, is considered
CityCenter’s centerpiece with
striking architecture, sustainable
design, high-end service and
spectacular amenities. ARIA has
dramatically altered the skyline
of the Strip and will forever
City Center
change the expectations of future
development.
ARIA boasts the most
technologically
advance
guestrooms in America. Guests
entering their rooms are “greeted”
by curtains opening, lights
turning on and the TV displaying
a menu of preferences. One touch
of the “good night” button turns
everything off – TV, music, lights
– and the privacy notification on.
Cirque du Soleil’s Viva
ELVIS, celebrating the music
and life of Elvis Presley, is
performed here. Also notable is
the 80,000-square-foot, two-level
spa, with Las Vegas’ first co-ed
spa balcony, featuring an outdoor
infinity-edge pool and views of
ARIA’s pools cape.
• Vdara Hotel & Spa,
physically connected to Bellagio
22
and directly adjacent to ARIA, is a non-gaming, all-suite, non-smoking,
boutique hotel – the first to open in CityCenter. Numerous suites offer
views of the Bellagio Fountains.
• Vdara Health & Beauty, an 18,000-square-foot, two-level spa,
salon and fitness facility, spotlights holistic health in an intimate
environment of 11 treatment rooms and three relaxation lounges. It’s
Las Vegas’ first spa to be a member of the Green Spa Network.
• Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, at 47
stories, is a sophisticated sanctuary of modern
elegance in the heart of the Strip. The nongaming hotel has 392 rooms and suites and
227 residences; three-star Michelin Chef Pierre
Gagnaire’s first U.S. restaurant; a two-level,
27,000-square-foot spa; and the legendary the
brand’s known for.
• The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas is a
serene oasis in this glitzy gaming town. The sign
in the elevator sums it up: “Serenity in this city
does exist; you just have to know where to find
it.”
Actually a hotel within a hotel, Four Seasons
occupies floors 35 to 39 of the Mandalay
Bay tower. With only 424 rooms and suites
and a delightful 12,000-square-foot spa, it’s a
“boutique” hotel by Vegas standards, which adds
to the intimacy.
• Bellagio's lobby is dominated by the ceiling creation of 2,000
hand-blown glass flowers by artist Dale Chihuly. Its elaborate, outdoor
fountain water show is a Vegas icon. Hotel guests can tune their TVs to
accompanying music while watching.
The theme here is an Italian village, albeit a very upscale village.
Exquisite touches are everywhere, and Spa Bellagio meets all
expectations of this AAA Five-Diamond property.
Among Spa Bellagio’s international treatments, called “world
therapies,” are Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, Watsu water massage
and Thai yoga massage, plus the Head Massage that originated in
India. The Raindrop Therapy features nine essential oils dripped along
the spine.
• Within Mandalay Bay Resort is the hotel with the hippest spa in
town, Bathhouse. Urban sparse, the look is contemporary but chic gray stone floors, slate walls (some textured), gray attendant uniforms.
Extraordinary spa hush rules here, just the tinkling of a waterfall
behind frosted glass. Within the spa’s 15,000 square feet, patrons are
transported by water whether soaking privately in a large tub beneath
23-foot ceilings or passing over the tiny bridge past a narrow waterfall
to reach the “quiet lounge.” A low pool reflects against the dark walls
23
TRAVEL
Chef Bartolotta (Photo by Kathy Newbern)
and is lit so it seems to float in the air.
• The Venetian is known for its Italian motif, gondola rides,
80-boutiques Grand Canal Shops and Canyon Ranch SpaClub.
This 69,000 square-foot, Mobil Four-Star spa has the largest
workout facility on the Strip, a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, the
Aquavana, Experiential Rain Shower, Crystal Steam Room, and Herbal
Laconium, Co-Ed Conservatory that includes a Wave Room and Salt
Grotto. We just missed getting a spray-on tan because of tickets to
the Venetian’s “Jersey Boys” show based on the Four Seasons singing
group. Blue Man Group also has a show here.
Nineteen restaurants include an unprecedented six James Beard
Award-winning chefs.
DINING
Top-name chefs have recreated the Vegas dining scene from allyou-can-eat cheap buffets to world-renowned cuisine. Unforgettable
dining awaits at Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand, and at L’Atelier
de Joël Robuchon.
The short list: Emeril Lagasse of New Orleans has Emeril’s at the
MGM Grand; Thomas Keller of California’s French Laundry opened
Bouchon at The Venetian; Nobu Matsuhisa of Nobu offers his cuisine
at Hard Rock Hotel; Paul Bartolotta with his Italian Restaurant is at the
Wynn. The long list can be studied online.
ENTERTAINMENT
Vegas entertainment will always be qualified by the Rat Pack: Frank
Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. Others like pianist/singer
Liberace and countless comedy greats have graced showrooms as well.
Mr. Las Vegas Wayne Newton marked 50 years of Vegas performances
in 2009. And, of course the King himself, Mr. Elvis Presley, immortalized
the town with his song and 1964 film “Viva Las Vegas.”
24
Today’s performers have
massive sets, multiple costume
changes and leagues of dancers
and musicians. To see a show like
Celine Dion (returning to Caesars
Palace in March), Cher, Donny
& Marie Osmond, Disney’s The
Lion King and Blue Man Group
is reason enough to visit, but there
are also over-the-top magicians
and illusionists like David
Copperfield, Penn and Teller,
and Criss Angel; plus resident
comedy acts like Carrot Top.
Cirque du Soleil fans will find
various shows from the popular
Beatles Love show (a don’t miss
for Beatles fans) at the Mirage, to
the sexy Zumanity at New York
New York, Mystere at Treasure
Island, and KA at MGM Grand.
The slogan is “What happens
in Vegas stays in Vegas,” but first
you have to stay in Vegas, which
definitely will not disappoint.
If You’re Going: For details
on happenings, shows, specials
and accommodations, go to
www.visitlasvegas.com and for
weekly travel deals and tours,
vegas.com. For more on the
newest Las Vegas destination,
visit www.citycenter.com.
J.S. Fletcher and Kathy M.
Newbern are award winning,
freelance travel journalists
based in the U.S. who have
visited every continent. They
often incorporate their travels
into their other business, www.
YourNovel.com, where they
put you and your sweetie in
your own personalized romance
novel “wild” or “mild.” They
are also the creators of the
award-winning travel blog
YourSpaReport.com
CELEBRITY ENCOUNTER
Roti’s Served Hot
But like all the truly famous he was not without his quirks
– his being the need for piping hot Indian food when he
returned from the day’s shooting.
By: Peter Souri Raj
f I remember right, he was the first ‘superstar’ in Bollywood. His
mannerisms, hairstyle and safari suits were all the rage with the
wannabe film star types. And when he got married to the hottest
actress at that time, it was big, big
news. Not the least because she was
around 18, and he much, much older.
Rajesh Khanna, ladies and gentlemen,
undoubtedly the then reigning male
superstar and she, the gorgeous Dimple
Kapadia, the fresh new star of ‘Bobby’.
I read somewhere that he was an
M.A. in English, which I remember
thinking was quite strange for a Hindi
movie type. But when I met him for the
first time and actually spoke to him, I
realized that while he may or may not
have done his M. A. in English, he
certainly conversed like someone who
had. He was a classy guy.
But like all the truly famous he was
not without his quirks – his being the
need for piping hot Indian food when he returned from the day’s shooting.
And it was usually the early hours of the morning. After a few drinks and
somewhere between 0200 and 0300, he would feel the need for some food.
And everything had to be piping hot. Especially the rotis!
This was Banjara Hotel in the 80’s. At 11.45pm, when the tandoori
cook left for the night - after pouring cold water on the coals, getting hot
roti’s was wishful thinking. 24-hour Coffee Shops and 24-hour Room
Service departments didn’t serve you any either. Mr. Khanna obviously
wasn’t aware of this. Or probably didn’t give a damn.
So when VSD, Banjara’s reigning GM at the time decided that a mere
Bollywood superstar was not going to dictate things to HIM, General
Manager of the only five-star hotel in the city, everyone waited to see
what would happen. He really should have known better.
Banjara Hotel’s suites usually had four or five Bollywood stars in
residence. All thanks to a Producer, a very simple gentleman. In front
of whom, a brand new Sri Devi once prostrated herself - but that’s
another story. So when the reigning king of Bollywood opted out of the
I
28
hotel, the others followed. And
suddenly the hotel occupancy
dropped drastically. Enough to
make VSD eat humble pie and
send a message to the Producer
that Mr. K. could have his hot
rotis and eat them too. But Mr.
K was not to be moved.
After what seemed like
months, he condescended to
return. VSD decided he wanted
to meet Mr. K in person and
invited him to a reception for
the West Indian cricketers,
who were in residence at the
time. Mr. K. showed up around
midnight. VSD, who prided
himself on being in bed by 1000
hrs, was impatiently waiting for
an audience. But Mr. K was not
done with him yet and proceeded
to have several drinks with his
cronies, all the while seated a few
feet from VSD, who could have
been on another planet for all he
cared. Finally at around 0200
hours, he agreed to receive him.
A quick handshake and a few
words later, the pecking order was
restored. And VSD could finally go
to bed. Unfortunately not a sadder
and wiser man!
Peter Souri Raj has frequently
hobnobbed with celebrities
during his long stint in the hotel
industry. TII features some of
his more memorable encounters
in this series.
ECO-TRAVEL
Orissa’s Olive
Ridley Turtles
Thrill Your Heart
Thrilling is the way the mother turtle camouflages the nest
after nesting. She fills the pit, rams it with her body to make it
compact and levels the area so that no one can distinguish the
nest area. After egg-laying is complete, she leaves the eggs
behind and returns to the sea. Of the millions of eggs laid, only
about 2 % survive to become adults.
By: Murlidhar C. Bhandare
T
Olive ridley turtle
he world has many wonders, natural as well as man-made.
Several lists have been compiled to catalogue objects of
surpassing beauty and ageless monuments. These include
the celebrated scenes of grandeur and beauty that excite the
admiration of people from all over the world. Besides these, there are
also thousands of little things that charm us and fill our heart with
undiluted joy. To me, nature reveals its endless variety and charm in
32
mountain peaks piercing clouds,
streams gurgling down hillsides,
orchard tufts filled with ripe
fruits, butterflies fluttering over
flower-beds and olive-green,
heart-shaped sea-turtles crawling
ashore in their thousands. These
beauteous forms of nature fill life
with a serene and blessed mood,
in which the burden of workaday
life is lightened and the glory of
nature unfolds.
Recently,
I,
with
my
granddaughters in tow, had an
opportunity to visit Rushikulya
mouth in Orissa’s Ganjam
district, which is one of the
most beautiful landscapes in the
country. At Gokharkuda, where
the river meets the Bay of Bengal,
we watched hatchlings of Olive
Ridley turtles emerging out of
golden sands. This is one of the
three sites in Orissa, which are
visited by turtles every year, the
other two being Gahiramatha
in Kendrapara district and Devi
mouth in Puri district. It is remarkable that of the five major nesting eggs, one by one, is a fascinating
sites in the world three are in Orissa. The other sites of mass nesting sight. But what is more thrilling
are in Costa Rica and Mexico.
is the way she camouflages the
We left Bhubaneswar in the morning and first went to Chilika, the nest after nesting. She fills the
largest and most beautiful brackish water lagoon in Asia. Home to more pit, rams it with her body to make
than a hundred Irrawaddy dolphins, this vast water body spread over an it compact and levels the area
area of about 1100 sq. km is best visited in winter, when about a million so that no one can distinguish
migratory birds from far-flung Siberia, Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan the nest area. After egg-laying
and the Himalayas is complete, she leaves the eggs
visit the picturesque behind and returns to the sea. Of
Nalabana islands. the millions of eggs laid, only
Of course, there about 2 % survive to become
were no birds for adults.
us to see for it was
Watching hatchlings come
already summer then out of sand, 40-50 days after
and they had left the nesting, thrills one’s heart. The
place. However, its baby turtles go to the water to
colour changing in ‘meet their mother.’ Ananya, my
kaleidoscopic glory granddaughter, told me that the
with passing clouds mother-turtle would not even
and the moving sun, recognize her hatchlings. I tried
Chilika still wore a to persuade her to believe that
beautiful
look. After the hatchlings do know their
Turtles playing on the sea
boating, swimming mother; she would not agree
and having a quick dinner, we left for Rushikulya mouth, which with me though. So her sister
was only an hour’s drive from Barkul. The road was excellent but Teesta suggested instead that
the approach road to the mouth was almost a stretch of sand. On the the hatchlings would go to their
semi-dark, moonlit night, we could hardly see things distinctly, but we ‘foster mothers.’ Adithi agreed.
guessed we were in a wonderland. Lulled by the gentle breeze wafting This movement of hatchlings to
from the Bay of Bengal we finally arrived at the river
mouth, but it was almost midnight by then.
We came to feel that April has put a spirit of youth in
every living creature. For the Olive Ridley turtles, it is a
month of love, of regeneration, as it marks the time for the
hatching of the eggs. In springtime, usually in FebruaryMarch, mother turtles arrive there for mass nesting, their
arrival known as arribada.. They come to the shore after
nightfall, usually at midnight. The mass nesting resembles
a religious congregation at the temple town, Puri. The
whole pilgrimage takes barely a week and the rituals take
place between midnight and 2 A.M.
The nesting itself is a wonderful spectacle. The mother Nestling turtles
turtle first digs the sand to make a nest to lay eggs. A nest-hole is about the sea teaches us that life is not
20 cm in diameter and 45 cm in depth. She lays 100–120 eggs at a only beautiful but also precious.
We walked more than a mile,
time. The way she lies flat on golden sands and removes the sand with
her flippers presents a unique sight, perhaps a sight more graceful than mainly on the sand, at times
a dancing pose. She achieves the twin objectives of laying eggs and through a cluster of bushes and
finding a place for the successful incubation of the eggs. The dropping of coconut trees and had to cross
33
ECO-TRAVEL
small streams to catch sight of Ridley turtles have been listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List
the baby turtles. As
and declared endangered in
we walked, we could
several countries.
see the hatchlings rush
The anxieties of my
to the sea, may be due
granddaughters
were
to the urge to meet
assuaged when they were
their ‘mother’ or due
told that steps taken to save
to the fear that they
this endangered species
might get killed by
have started yielding
predators such as dogs,
results. The movement
jackals and crows. We
of fishing vessels during
kept watching these
the period of mating and
beautiful
creatures
mass nesting has been
going to see their
restricted. Fisher folk
mother in the sea.
have been instructed
The death of a
to use Turtle Excluder
large number of turtles Tortise Mass
Device in their nets so
worried my granddaughters, who that turtles escape the net if they are caught. We were informed that a
expressed their deep concern at special turtle protection project would be put in place by the year-end.
the threat to our environment. Besides strengthening the security measures, it has been planned to set
We are now living on a scorched up a research station near the Rushikulya river mouth.
earth where streams dry up,
Last year, while visiting Rushikulya Rookery, I had instructed the
forests keep disappearing and wildlife officials to take all possible measures to protect the turtles. In
life is threatened. Several species 2007-08, out of 1, 80,486 mother turtles, 335 perished. In 2008-09, 2,
are almost extinct; several others 60,698 came and the mortality figure was reduced to 94.
are endangered. The endangered
Quite a few villagers including women and children met me at that
species include giant pandas, hour. I thanked them for coming and for doing their bit to save these
tigers, polar bears, endangered wonderful creatures. I was happy that in Orissa every care is taken to
whales and dolphins, rhinos, protect the life of every turtle and every hatchling.
elephants, great apes and of
course
marine turtles. Olive
Murlidhar C. Bhandare, is the former Governor of Orissa
TII AMATEUR PHOTO COMPETITION!
Email ONE Best Photo (hi-res jpeg file) on the theme below to tiicompetitions@gmail.com
and win exciting prizes! (For contest rules please visit www.theinternationalindian.com)
ie Appings
a Photo by: Regg
Houseboat, Keral
e, Photo by:
adra Chickmanglor
River Rafting, Bh
h
Radhika Ramanat
Theme: Fun on Water
34
EDUCATION
Life and Times
of Students in US
How do Indian students transition from India to
the urban sprawl of Los Angeles and a radically
new study environment?
By: Prem Souri Kishore
T
hey are from Andhra
Pradesh,
India,
synonymous for its
culture, food, tradition,
history, and diversity. Meet Gopal
and Gayatri (names changed)
who left India to for a Masters
in engineering at a California
University. Touchingly young,
in their early twenties, unspoilt,
exuding warmth, and vivacity
they recount easily their dramatic
transition from India to the urban
36
sprawl of Los Angeles and a radically new study
environment.
How did they choose California and this
particular university?
Gopal had a number of friends who were already
studying in universities in Southern California and
thought it would be easy to assimilate and avoid the
hassles of going to a new territory and struggling
with all things new. And of course you can’t beat
the weather - almost 365 days of sunshine in Los
Angeles! Not for him the perils of shoveling snow
and fighting blizzards in other parts of the US.
Gayatri finds herself perfectly at home in a new
environment. Homesick? “Not at all,” she breaks
in cheerily.” I was studying for my Bachelor’s in
engineering in Thanjavur city in South India for 4 years and got used
to being on my own. My parents miss me a lot, as I am the only child.
But I call them every day and detail everything I do.”
The dream to study in America was always there for Gayatri. She
studied math and science and knew from the age of 11 she wanted to be
an engineer. “I had no option,”Gopal says, I wanted to do IAS or IFS
but my parents and other members of the family compelled me to study
engineering. Becoming a doctor would take many years, so they chose
engineering for me. I took their advice though I was not happy with the
choice. But here I am completing my studies in another six months. It
did work out, I guess. Their dream, not mine.”
Applying to an American university must have been a tough, frustrating
process. Both Gayatri and Gopal say they were helped by their Andhra
friends who were already in the US and were told how to apply and get
EDUCATION
credits and they were selected. “Of course we had to get good marks in our
Bachelor’s program,” they say proudly. But it was all about networking.
Gayatri lives in a one bedroom apartment near the university,
rooming with two other girls, who are also engineering students from
Andhra. Gopal has two male roommates in an adjoining apartment
complex a stone’s throw from the university. Their apartments are on
a quiet tree lined street close to the post office, pharmacies, grocery
and video stores, an American steak house, Mexican, Italian, Korean
barbecue, Italian, Chinese, restaurants. Both are vegetarians. “We cook
on a rotation basis.” says Gopal. “Rice, curry and dal. The roommates
take turns cooking and cleaning. “We used to rent a large 4 bedroom
house for two thousand dollars and eight of us lived there. But there were
too many of us and the roster for work chores became too complicated.
”
”
In India they are spoon feed,
but here we are taught to
think independently.
It is easier to maintain a small apartment with fewer people. More
structured and there are not too many disputes,” he explained.
How long did it take for them to go through the paperwork and get to
the US? “Hardly six months,” says Gayatri easily. The processing is quite
simple, although we do have to appear for the GRE and TOEFL exams in
India.” Gopal ruefully reflects that ‘the GRE was a real tough exam and
he got minimum marks, but just about managed to qualify for admission.
Who financed them? Their parents or the banks?
“Both” says Gayatri. “Andhra Pradesh is an agricultural society and
people own land and that was the guarantor for the banks.” Gopal adds
that “Andhras always owned land, while other communities invested
in business or led a luxurious life style. We lived simply and saved
money while the land values kept appreciating. So there was enough
collateral to fund our studies abroad. The banks are very cooperative
as they have total faith in their investments-us! They know we will get
good jobs and repay them when we start earning.”
What about extra money, for living expenses, I ask. First they tell
me, whatever they say should not get them into trouble with the law.
They are not supposed to work as they are students. “We can only work
on campus, but there are no jobs, right now,” says Gayatri. So we have
to look elsewhere.”
Gopal tells me that he and his friends would rent bikes and scour the
streets looking for Indian stores. Whenever they spotted a restaurant.
Video .clothing, insurance, or grocery store, they would stop and ask for
work. “Sometimes it works out, sometimes not,” says Gayatri. “I worked
in a new upscale non vegetarian restaurant but did not like it. “Then my
friends suggested a vegetarian Indian store/restaurant. I now work in the
restaurant section of the store.
38
Shankar interrupts to say, “It
was very useful that the bank
gave them American currency a
month before leaving India so we
could get familiar with the notes
and coins.” Gayatri continues.”I
like the job though it requires
many hours of standing. Even if
there are no customers, we have
to busy ourselves doing some
cleaning or some job.” What do
the customers ask first? “Gopal
and Gayatri burst into laughter
and say together.”Is the food
fresh?” And is it? “Oh yes,” they
chime in looking mischievously
at each other,’ but we never eat on
the premises.” I smile but Gopal
clarifies, “If I have long hours
sometimes nine to nine I grab a
meal during my half hour break.”
So many working hours?
Gayatri teases,” Oh, he has saved
so much money. He does not even
give me working hours in the
store. He takes my share.” Gopal
quickly tells me, “Yes I do save
as I am determined to go back to
India after I finish my studies in
Fall I will head for home. I will
never stay here, I want to go back.
I know I will get a very good job
and I want to be with my family.”
Gayatri still has a year to
complete but she tells me; I want
to stay for a couple of years, get
some work experience, save and
then return home. What surprised
them when they first came to the
US? Gopal says he was shocked
that there ‘were no skyscrapers
when I came out of the airport. I
always thought after seeing movies
and postcards, of the Los Angeles
skyline I would see towering
buildings in front of me. I came
to know that such structures were
only located downtown!”
Both students were excited
and happy to find that they had
electricity 24/7. “We had been used
to 2 or 4 hour power outages on a
daily basis without any warning in
the cities where we lived. So, to be
able to use the computer, lights,
water, gas without any problems
was amazing.”
Gayatri was surprised about the
hours of teaching in the university.
“Here in the US we attend nine
hours of lectures a week.
In India we attended
nine hours a day plus
evening classes! Gopal
admits that in India
too much information
is crammed whereas
in the US whatever is
taught is pertinent and
totally related to their
study. In India they
are spoon feed, but
here we are taught to
think
independently.
The
lecturers
are
very friendly and
cooperative and always
ready to meet with you, after an
appointment of course and discuss
your work.”
Is there much interaction with
other students?
“Not at all” is the candid reply
from Gopal. And Gayatri nods
affirmatively.” Somehow, each
community stays together and it
becomes a closed one. We help
each other, choose partners from
our familiar backgrounds, in this
case the Andhra circle and that’s
it. This is evident in the Koreans,
Iranians, Americans, Hispanics or
even Tamilians and North Indians.
Yes, there is a big division between
North and South Indians, so we
Andhras tend to stick together. No
one is interested or eager to make connections though we have such a
diverse number of students from all over the world. On the other hand
there are so many Indians, we feel very comfortable and very much at
home in a foreign land - out of a class of 40 students, and 30 are Indians!”
I am quite baffled at this insularity and wish it could be otherwise. What
a terrible loss of good relationships. Gayatri adds that she is impressed with
the cleanliness of the roads, and how practical people are and organized
in the US. Everyone has a daily routine and whether it is a bank, shop or
transport everything is well organized. Do they own cars? “No, we cannot
afford to,” says Gayatri. ‘I am trying to get a permit, but when I went for
the writing test they sent me back for a special form from the university.”
Gopal says, What we do is rent a car when we need groceries.
Twice a month a few of
us rent a car for thirty
five dollars for the day,
go to Coscos the big
shopping warehouse and
stock up on groceries and
cleaning items and stuff.
Then we take off to the
Malibu or Santa Barbara
beaches for the day. That
is our recreation - cheap
and different.”
Gayatri says she and
her friends listen to a lot
of music and download
the latest movies from the
computer. “We see Telugu,
Tamil, Hindi, and American films and have a good time.” Gopal says
his roommates ramp up the music, sip wine and dance their feet off.” I
do not drink” he says quickly, ” but he cuts loose and let’s go!
Gayatri misses the festivals, people coming together for functions,
family occasions, and when there is a marriage, relatives coming over
and staying over for days and celebrating. Here a marriage is done in
an hour!” During her free time she watches soaps, Pati Patni, and since
she knows Hindi there is a vast number of films to be downloaded.
Are they nervous about crime in Los Angeles one of the most
violent cities in US?
“We are very careful. We were guided by our friends who have
already lived here. We avoid dark parking lots, stay together, and
generally are on the alert and do nothing foolish to attract attention.
“Though,’ Gopal says, he knows someone who worked in a subway
and was knifed by a robber, and someone else who worked in a subway,
and was attacked by the intruder and was hurt and traumatized. His
friend could not go to work for 10 days and the owner of the store, an
Indian did not pay him for those 10 days.”
Prem Souri Kishore is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles
39
In today's
digital world, there
are some who say
are not reading much anymore.
when it comes to
with
outdated
news sources that
minute coverage of
what's
people
That is increasingly true
media that cannot compete
now deliver up
to the
happening around the world at a
click. News does not need paper
anymore.
like TII is about community, not
news.
A niche magazine
EST: 1992 The Region’s Oldest, Authoritative Magazine
of Gulf Indian Society & History
Think niche.
SCOOTERS
Bangalore's Classic
Scooter Club
vehicles. “The Bangalore Classic
Scooter Club has celebrated its
first anniversary in July 2010.
The idea behind starting this club
is to create awareness about these
scooters and rather than scrap
them, do them up and enjoy them.
All of us in the club probably
learnt to ride on our Dads scooter
and we love to restore these old
beauties. I have a 48 cc 1957
Lambretta, and a 1965 Lambretta
The idea behind starting this club is to create awareness
about these scooters and rather than scrap them, do them up
and enjoy them.
By: Marianne de Nazareth
boomed from 25 now
t was an amazing sight,
to almost 50 members.
standing near the Rose
“Basically
it’s
our
garden in Cubbon Park,
common
love
for
vintage
Bangalore,
watching
scooters of the ‘50’s, 60’s
a steady stream of vintage
and ‘70’s that has brought
scooters putter in and park
us together,” he says. “I
alongside
the
colonial
loved Dad’s scooter and
Library building. With forty
did everything on it from
to fifty members, the year old
going to St. Joseph’s
club seems to be booming,
College for my BA
not just with members but
to running marketing
with the camaraderie and the
chores
for
Mum.
joy of a common love – a
The
scooter
gave
me
love for these scooters that
immense
freedom
and
dominated Indian roads in the
I remember we would
‘50’s and ‘60’s.
tune the bike to be able
One of the founder members
to squeeze out that
- 30 year old Siddharth Naidu,
much more mileage out
a tech writer with CDC
of it!” Today Siddharth
Software, reveals that his Dad
un
Ar
,
kul
Go
uses the scooter only on
,
rode a ’71 model Lambretta,
- L-R: Siddharth
nder members of BCSC
Fou
Sundays as he does not
which he much later began to
want
it
to
be damaged if left in a
ride as, “it was natural in those days to progress to a scooter after riding
parking
lot,
when he is at work.
a cycle. I have always been fascinated with scooters and so bought this
Twenty
three
year old Arun
Lambretta LI 150 series model which is the most common in our club.
P
is
a
student
doing
his MBA.
Today my Dad feels proud to see me riding the same model scooter
Having
done
his
Mechanical
that he had as a young man.” Siddharth says that the club first began
last year with four members which grew to six, then eight and suddenly engineering he has a passion for
I
42
Lambretta GP 150
Silver Special. Thank God for
my parents, as it is only with
their support I can enjoy this
hobby of mine.”
TK Gopi, another founder
member first bought a 48 cc
1942 model Lambretta. He also
has a 1966 GP150 model, a
glorious yellow and white two
toned scooter. “When I bought
them the vehicles were literally
scrap. It is difficult to get spares
but look at them now, everyone
wants to ride them. When I go out
with the club on a rally it’s like
the clock has turned back to the
old days. It’s an amazing group
and we get together on the last
Sunday of every month at the
Lambretta
Library in Cubbon Park, Bangalore.”
When the group assembles they
share notes on where to buy spares and
how to maintain their scooters. “It’s an
expensive hobby,” says Gopi, “some
of the spares we have to source all the
way from Italy. Just a handle and a nose
being couriered to me from Italy costs 8
k for the parts and 4k the courier charges!
But it gives us all a lot of joy and we are
happy to share it with enthusiasts who
mbretta LI 150 Series 2
rth on La
L-R: Vathsa and Siddha
3
ies
Ser
Lambretta LI 150
scooters, Sujith on
43
SCOOTERS
come up to us and ask about our
collection.”
A gleaming maroon Bajaj
Super 150 with a fancy side car,
swung into the meeting area with
great style. Ridden by Suri who
is an Art Director, the scooter
is a ’76 model, and one of his
collections of five. “I bought it in
Bangalore for 18,000/- five years
ago and since I am in the business
of restoring antique cars, scooters
too figure high on my list of
antique must-have. Suri has fixed
up a fancy music system to the
side car and had all the members
drooling over his machine. The
scooter too is kept
Scooter line up
impeccably with not a scratch
anywhere on the body.
Srivathsa is another enthusiast
who runs his own real estate
business. “I was always fascinated
by antique vehicles and in the
last three years have the means
to indulge in it. Actually I was
surfing on the net for spare parts
when I stumbled on the website for
the club and that’s how I joined,”
he reveals. “I have a white and
44
28,019 Copies
IS NOT THE TRUTH!
Proud owners exchange not
es
green 1961 dual tone Lambretta of the
LI 150 series and a grey 1960 Vespa. My
favourite is my Lambretta because it is
totally original with imported parts. Even
its paint is original which is rather rare to
have. This is an obsessive hobby which
all of us enjoy for the thrill of it.”
But how did the club start in the
first place? “The reason why the three
of us, Siddarth, Yatish and me started
this club is because we wanted to share
knowledge of where to get spares etc.
So we initially started a Face Book
page which drew a huge response of
interested enthusiasts. That’s how the
idea of a club and meeting up once
a month began. For me personally, I like riding my scooter because
it turns heads on the streets and I get a lot of older people coming
up and talking to me about their scooter which was similar, or they
want to show their grand kids what they rode,” reveals Gokul a Public
Relations practitioner.
The common passion among this group of men ranging from 24
years to 50 plus are the models of scooters popular in India in the 50’s
and 60’s. “ It’s an eccentric passion that drives us,” says Siddarth Naidu
and it is, judging from their exchange of news on their ‘ladies’ and how
to maintain them in spanking, tip-top condition. “It’s like a marriage,”
says Arun, “you look after your scooter like you would look after your
woman, an unconditional love!”
Marianne de Nazareth is a freelance writer based in Bangalore
It's our BPA
Guaranteed
Total Qualified
Circulation
Nov/Dec 2009!
TII's Actual Print
Run is 30k!
But it's not certified. Yet.
It will be soon!
EST: 1992 The Region’s Oldest, Authoritative Magazine of
Gulf Indian Society & History
The International
International Indian
Indian
45
The
45
MARRIAGE
NRI Marriages:
Hunt For A Mate
Love is many a splendored thing, sincerely sought
but not necessarily the main priority in the volatile
marriage market.
By: Deepa Ballal
nly NRIs. Sorry only
Indians. No NRIs
please. It all begins
with the search. Where
can one find the so called extinct
species called the perfect life
partner? Next door, neighbouring
state, neighbouring country or
distant continent?
Welcome to the marriage
market. Like any sabzi mandi
this market too is a highly
dynamic one. The demand for
brides and grooms based on
their nationality, age, profession,
complexion, height, weight,
location, qualification, caste,
creed, and many more fluctuate
with changing market conditions.
Marriage in India is a family
affair. Everyone gets involved in
spreading the word around of the
presence of a prospective bride or
a groom. Social occasions become
hunting grounds for prospective
brides and grooms. While for
many parents it provides the
apt platform to show off their
sons and daughters. Daughters
are encouraged to dress for the
O
46
slowly wearing off. Indian girls now prefer to look for partners in
their own country and seldom overseas. “There is so much uncertainty
about a boy when he is staying abroad,” sums up Poonam Rao. She had
proposals from NRIs flooding at her doorstep. But this young woman
was clear about her preferences. She didn’t want an NRI husband.
“Women, these days, are independent and have promising careers.
They see the need to spend more time with their family and that’s why
eligible Indian women
are themselves not eager
to move abroad,” explains
Gourav Rakshit, Business
Head, Shaadi.com.
Matrimonial sites these
days are witnessing a
huge phenomena of shift
in preferences. “NRI’s
comprise 30% of Shaadi.
com’s
member
base.
Though many Indians still
do opt for NRI marriages,
we have noticed a shift in
preferences. Despite the
slowdown, jobs in India are Dr Nagaswami's book cover
still secure and grooms here are in higher demand than NRI grooms.
This explains the drop in the demand for NRI grooms, once considered
the most-desired prospects on the marriage market,” he adds.
“I would rather marry someone settled here in Dubai than someone
from the US or India. I am not the type to be comfortable with a new
person and a new place at the same time. Here we have a fairly large
community and I am sure there is someone meant for me!,” chuckles
25 year old Swati Kumar. Very sensible young lady.
The emphatic voice of the career oriented NRI woman can be better
described in this interview with Jisha, who has a doctorate in Physics
and is now working as a post doctoral researcher in Taiwan.
Ramya and Guru, Portla
nd , USA
occasion and guys put their social skills to the best use. One wonders if
it is worth the effort. Yes for the genuinely interested ones maybe, but
that’s not the case always.
People marry for various reasons. From the urge for a lifelong
companion to the more practical need for a visa, marriages these days
have come to serve purposes other than what they were actually meant
to. From being a matter of honour to a means of material gain, marriage
is one institution that has seen the maximum exploitation. More NRI
marriages are fraught with controversy than most.
With talk of regular controversy, the NRI attraction seems to be
What kind of a spouse are you looking for - Indian or NRI?
Doesn’t matter, but I prefer to stay abroad for as long as possible? So I
guess an NRI would be better.
Is marriage important?
Well, I don’t want to marry someone just for the sake of marriage
thinking that I am getting old and have to marry. Will marry if and only
if I think this is a good proposal and I don’t have to make adjustments
just for getting married.
What are your priorities - career
vs. family?
Both of them should go side by
side.
However
with
marriage
the question of adjustments is
inevitable. Sadly most of
the time when a woman
marries an NRI, it is the
woman who gives up her
job so that her man climbs
the career ladder. No job
and financial dependence
on the husband indeed
serves as a major setback
to the erstwhile freedom
she enjoyed.
For some of course
moving
abroad
has
indeed been a blessing in
disguise, like in the case
of Preety. “I don’t think I would
have stayed in Germany for long
as I was terribly homesick after
a year of staying alone. Ankur
changed my life completely and
showed it a different direction. I
started a Master’s course after our
marriage with his cooperation and
understanding which helped me
finish it successfully,” says Preety
who met her husband Ankur, an
NRI, during her stay in Germany
and later married him. Today she
is happy to have a successful
career and a caring life partner.
Apart from promising careers
for many Indian girls the thought
of staying abroad away from their
parents does leave them high
and dry. Sushma always wanted
to be closer to her parents and
terms her marriage to an NRI as
an unexpected event. “What I
dreamt is different than my real
life. Staying closer to my parents
is now only in my dreams. I get
47
MARRIAGE
to see them once in a year or so,” she says with a deep sigh. Shilpa
Deshpande, a techie, too feels the same way. She moved to the US
for higher studies and later married an NRI. She found her stay in the
initial years very difficult. “You suddenly leave everything back home
and come away so far. It is a big
culture shock.”
For some the distance from
home has resulted in more bonding
with the spouse. “It’s just you
two. Other than that what I have
with my husband, things don’t
really change much anywhere
you live,” says Ramya Bhat from
Portland, USA.
Hence to cut a long story short
NRI marriages are no different
from any other marriages. Both
need constant nurturing and
attention. As Ramya rightly puts
it, “Marriage is sharing the good,
bad and ugly, with someone you
love.”
The hunt for that “someone”
is what makes the whole story
interesting. Indians mostly fish for
spouses within the geographical
limits of their mother country
and hardly seek alliances from Prashanth Paniyadi
abroad. While NRIs mostly fly
down to India or prefer to find alliances in their country of residence.
Hence more often one hears about NRI grooms coming to India for a
doctor’s visit, meeting the girl shortlisted by loving parents, zeroing in
on one and getting married. So with arranged marriages when one has
to not only marry the groom but also a bundle of compromises, more
and more NRI grooms are facing problems in finding “the suitable
Indian bride,” as she has become very selective.
“Yes, girls have become very choosy. Their normal requirement
is - husband to be highly educated and in a white collar IT job,
(Advocates, businessman, agriculturist, small hoteliers, are out of
preference) and no staying with in-laws after marriage,” says Sharath
Chandra, Ex Secretary, Ananda Balaga (a Bangalore based sociocultural organisation engaged in many human welfare activities. It
also has a matrimonial Bureau providing assistance to Brahmins of
South Kanara District).
Not only educational qualifications but geographical location
of the NRI groom has become one of the key elements in the great
elimination round. That has been the experience of UAE based NRI,
Prashanth Paniyadi. “It is really very difficult to find a bride for an
48
NRI from the Gulf region. My
parents usually say most of the
proposals get rejected because
of this reason alone,” he says.
The apprehensions in the bride’s
parents can be best described
with this anecdote. Prashant
was bombarded with questions
from the father of the bride. “He
wanted to know more about me
and my work place, at last he
asked, “aren’t the rents very high
in Dubai? And, “will my daughter
have to work after marriage?”
I guess the girl was interested
but her father refused,” says
Prashanth.
Matrimonial sites like Shaadi.
com too have documented this
phenomenon in other regions.
“The demand for US spouses
hasn’t seen much of a drop
as compared to the demand
for UK spouses which shows
that people are still hesitant to
choose UK based grooms. Post
the pink slip period, parents in
India have undergone a “shift
in preferences”. Stability over
uncertain riches, that’s what
Indian women are seeking in their
future partners,” observes Gaurav
Rakshit.
What about NRI women?
Who are they looking for?
Indians or NRIs? Most often the
NRI groom stands to win. What
could be the reason? “I’d imagine
that NRI women prefer NRI men
because they believe that such a
man may be more in tune with her
non-traditional thought processes
and may want to continue being
an NRI rather than returning to
India,” explains eminent Chennai
based marriage counsellor, Dr
Vijay Nagaswami. However he is
quick to add that neither of these
Sharath Chandra
beliefs could be hundred percent
accurate.
Matrimonial sites like Shaadi.
com have seen a reverse trend.
“People are now looking to marry
Indians for various reasons,
security of job being the prime
point. Though the recession has
impacted various industries in
its own way and measure on
the whole, a search on Shaadi.
com for professionals from
volatile industries like IT &
Telecom, Finance and Investment
Banking has on the contrary
increased considerably,” he says
emphatically.
Many a times the notion
exists that NRI grooms are more
broad minded unlike their Indian
counterparts. But Dr Nagaswami
and Kripa (NRI residing in
Germany) don’t seem to agree
with this. “I knew Nithin for
quite some time before we got
married and also before he went
to Germany. But I guess thinking
and outlook depend on the
individual. You can be quite broad
minded living in India as well
as very orthodox even if living
abroad,” argues Kripa. While Dr
Nagaswami says that the very
reason why NRI men prefer
Indian brides is because NRI men
are often even more conservative
than urban resident Indian men. “Which is why he prefers a bride from
home in the hope that she will not threaten him and be understanding
of his need for traditional rituals and practices. Unfortunately many
urban Indian women who are willing to relocate overseas may not fall
within this profile either,” he further elaborates.
Amidst all this hullaballoo one can’t help but marvel at this
institution called marriage. From the search to the solemnization it is
one that not only makes a big hole in one’s pocket but also acts as a
moral boost to one’s self esteem. Despite numerous factors degrading
this communion, it has indeed stood the test of time. “I don’t think
the ongoing recession will make
anyone change their mind and
postpone their decision to get
married. The effects of slowdown
will be negligible on the people
who want to get married, maybe
the overall spend for a wedding
will come down,” says an
optimistic Gaurav.
“Compatibility”. Yes Shaadi
.com has seen its members select
compatibility as a parameter
rather than nationality or
profession. “Indians who have
moved abroad prefer an Indian Gourav Rakshit
partner because of common backgrounds.
Therefore, the chances of non-compatibility issues arising are far
lesser,” he adds.
Marriages are so much like our Hindi movies. There is love, sex,
violence, drama, comedy, tragedy and yet there is no formula for a
hit. Film makers spend crores of rupees thinking of blockbusters, but
something does go wrong somewhere. Too much of an ingredient,
a little less of masala or an overdose of tragedy. What did really go
wrong? The post analysis of these movies by Rajeev Masand or other
caustic tongued critics doesn’t ensure that the directors learn anything
from it. Films continue to be made, formulas continue to be rewritten.
Just because something failed doesn’t mean new attempts cease. The
quest for a good movie never ends and so to the search for that someone
whom we call a partner for life – hopefully a good friend also.
“There is an emerging widening fringe of the NRI population
who are willing to consider marriage on an equal partnership basis.
Hopefully this fringe will continue to grow in the years to come,” says
Dr Nagaswami. One sees the shift from nationality to compatibility and
equality slowly creeping into the NRI psyche. After all, at the end of the
day when you close your eyes and curl up in your spouses’ arms what
matters is not from where he or she comes, but does he or she really care
about your feelings.
Deepa Ballal is a freelance writer based in Dubai, UAE
49
PAKISTANI VIEW
Only Noah
Was Missing
The general perception in Pakistan – all perceptions
in Pakistan seem to be general, since they have ruled
us for so long, is that the Pakistani politicians in terms
of venality leave their Indian counterparts far behind.
This could well be yet another erroneous conclusion
because many Pakistanis also believe that Indian
politicians are 75% corrupt whereas Pakistanis are
100% corrupt.
By: Masood Hasan
s the recent floods on a scale unprecedented in Pakistan
have literally swept away the infrastructure, ramshackle
and creaky as it was, rendered at last count over 13 million
homeless, killed thousands and destroyed farmlands and
livestock on an unimaginable scale, the response from the government is
astonishingly shameful. A cabinet meeting called ‘hurriedly’ to review
the situation, disbanded after coffee and goodies without reaching
any conclusion whatsoever. Someone forgot to call the Minister for
Finance! Another meeting was called after the President got back from
his tour of Europe. Its conclusions are foregone because no one really
is in a position to actually comprehend the scale of the disaster which
is larger than the 2005 Earthquake, the Tsunami or even the Chinese or
Indonesian earthquakes.
The Arabian Sea, for all that it mattered was no longer separated
from mainland Pakistan, the five rivers and chiefly the Indus brought
a deathly watery uniformity to all that lay between its path and that of
the great ocean beyond. There are no crops, no roads and no bridges.
All has been washed away. Only Noah was missing. Food grain prices
are up 25% and expected to rise at least to twice more. Petrol was
unavailable with the refineries under eight feet of water and there are
no roads between the South and the North. You would think that the
A
50
entire government would drop
everything, execute a massive
reduction in non-developmental
activities and funnel everything
to the hapless and wretched
people of this land.
Banish the thought. The
President, the supposed beacon of
light for the nation, returned from
a junket where everyone on his
entourage including himself lied
through their teeth or dentures in
case they were toothless. The visit
was a ‘resounding success,’ which
is alright since there never has been
a visit that was not that, the image
of Pakistan has risen high (it’s
now resting in the gutter) and the
world suddenly understands what
we are doing to combat terrorism,
fight floods and maintain our regal
sovereignty. So much hogwash
has not been fed even to the
world’s largest pig farm. But it’s
been delivered with a straight face
and the flunkies applauded till
their fingers fell off. The banality
of this is mind boggling.
Are we the ones who are crazy
to expect anything better from these
leaders who on their own wouldn’t
even get a peon’s job in any good
office? How did they become our
leaders? The people don’t put
them there, a pernicious and evil
system does. Once the vampires
are in, they do what vampires do
best. Suck. Democracy may be
the answer here or in India but
my God the kind of vermin it
throws up can cause heart failure
in a trice. I used to maintain that it
didn’t matter what scum floated to
the top because in due course the
scum would disappear but I have
seriously begun to question my
wisdom, not that I ever had it in
adequate quantities. It is not enough
that the process is all that matters
because the same scum appear
again and again and like hardened
criminals they become more and
more ruthless and conniving.
Our Pakistani legislators cost
an arm and a leg. Their perks,
for a country that is never
without a begging bowl handy,
are legendary and for basically
taking catnaps and thumping
desks to the shouts of ‘Here,
Here,’ or ‘Shame, Shame,’
achieve literally nothing year in
year out. They are perhaps the
only ones whose allowances
show miraculous advancement
day by day, their bulletproof
limos and 4x4s, their perks,
travel, stay and clout likewise
and yet nothing of any substance
ever comes out of those bulbous eyes and elephantine torsos. Jabba
the Hut lives claim many. In this latest tragedy to hit Pakistan not a
single MNA,MPA, Ministers or Advisors both Federal or Provincial,
have stepped forward and donated even a day’s salary. Why should
they? As for the fund, called the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, aid
and donations are trickling in very slow motion. No one trusts the
Prime Minister or his Fund and all who can and wish to help know
that their hard earned money will never reach the victims but further
shore up the parasites. And it is not that this nation of very poor
people does not believe in charity. The charity pie is astonishingly
huge, beyond belief but people give to those whom they trust and
politicians of any color or caste are the most untrustworthy. There is
not much to do except reach for the nearest sick bag.
Masood Hasan is a Lahore-based columnist
51
DIASPORA
Indians And The
Pyramid of Modern Art
“Where do I come from? What is Indian-ness?” For Diaspora
Indians across the globe, the affiliation with modern art forms
is sometimes problematic. They grapple to place themselves
within the contexts of the narratives dictated by “western”
ideologies. Even though many Indians have no link whatsoever
to India itself, and new generations of Indians are born
outside of India, at some stage in their lives, they become
aware of the need to question their “real identity”.
By: Asma Ayob
W
hat is art? How
does it affect
us? And does
it at all have a
bearing on our daily lives?
From a conventional frame of
reference, when one mentions
art, images of sculptures and
paintings immediately spring
to mind. But in the fast-paced
world in which we live, with the
increase of technology and the
plethora of gadgets that enable
tasks to be accomplished with
the click of a button, ‘art’ as we
know it, has been re-defined.
The idea of visiting a museum
or a gallery is becoming a pastime
reserved for the culturallyelite. Many people in today’s
generation would ask, “Mona
ureate,
Lisa who?” It almost seems as Anita Desai and Irish Nobelel La
)
by: Ang Luis Gonzalez
oto
(Ph
y
ane
He
s
if the consumption of art has been Seamu
52
being reduced to popcorn
and a movie. But can visual
mediums of entertainment
even remotely be considered
‘works of art’? On a simplistic
level, we know that millions
of women all over the world
are glued to their TV screens
when their favourite soap
operas are aired. People place
their names on waiting lists
to attend premiers of films
all over the world. And if one
frequents Times Square or
the West End, seats for wellknown performances are
sold out for weeks!
Through the progression
of time, we become
increasingly aware that the
concept of art is not limited
to the creation of aesthetic
objects. Contemporary art
Jhumpa Lahiri (Photo by: Elen
a Seibert)
today, not only encompasses the
worlds of film and theatre, but
extends a friendly hand to the
literary novel as well-silently
creating a pyramid that speaks
volumes. This pyramid of
modern art often compels people
to re-examine themselves through
the use of processes which
include reflection, analysis and
imitation. Authors, playwrights
and directors weave tales about
people from all walks of life and
their works trigger reactions that
tease and play upon the entire
spectrum of human emotions.
With the increase of adaptations
from best-selling novels, both
theatre-goers and movie-buffs
are able to “literally” witness the
literary word jump off of the page
and onto the big-screen and stage.
On a lighter note, these
modern art forms provide us
with a refreshing getaway from
our sometimes mundane lives
and allow us to take a peek at
ourselves in a relaxed atmosphere.
By transporting us to different eras and situations, we are
able to abandon convention and feel freely. We can laugh
at ourselves unashamedly and question our shortcomings.
Colorful characters force us to step back and re-evaluate
ourselves. There is a plethora of implicit reality being created
by writers that is translated through the mediums of theatre,
film and the literary novel.
However, for diaspora Indians across the globe, this
affiliation with modern art is sometimes problematic. When
attempting to use the pyramid of modern art as a mirror,
they grapple to place themselves within the contexts of the
narratives dictated by “western” ideologies. Even though
many Indians have no link whatsoever to the nation itself, and
new generations of Indians are born outside of India, at some
stage in their lives, they become aware of the need to question
their “real identity”.
“Where do I come from? What is Indian-ness?” The
search for identity is universal and when developing character
and personality, assimilation with one’s ‘real’ identity is of
paramount importance. Mediums like cinema, theatre and
literary fiction have the power to cut through sensitive barriers and
address cultural and political impediments tactfully. These vehicles
of self-expression, if selected carefully, can be used to understand
societies and individual behavioural patterns.
Hollywood has been a major point of reference for many societies,
and in the narratives of these films, people see their lives interpreted
and questioned. It is
rare, however, to find
the exploration of the
intricate lives of Indians
in Hollywood narratives.
One might, at this point
shout, “Bollywood to the
rescue!” But the truth is,
much of the Indian diaspora
cannot identify with the
themes that are canvassed
through many Bollywood
films, because they do not
share a lineage with India
and are therefore oblivious
a)
to its customs. Very often,
it: www.randomstruik.co.z
Imraan Coodavia (Photo cred
Bollywood offers stories
that are either too far-removed from the Indian culture that has evolved
or are completely embedded in Indian ideologies of the past.
It is the emergence of a new trend in Indian diaspora literature that sheds
a pristine light on this subject. Writers like Anita Desai, Imraan Coovadia
and Jhumpa Lahiri are just a few authors who write texts that resonate
53
DIASPORA
shions.com)
it: www.urfa
Shahrukh Khan (Photo cred
with the ‘real’ lives of the Indian
diaspora. These authors provide
rich, vibrant scenarios that navigate
from the notion of the nostalgic
homeland to the ‘modern’ world
that has become home to so many
Indians. Indian English writing, as
it has come to be known is taking
on a life of its own and is gaining
popularity worldwide.
These writers are aware
that Indians are often caught
between two worlds, and must constantly juggle culture in an
attempt to find peace within themselves and the reality of the
worlds in which they live. While it is not essential to evaluate
diaspora Indian writing against any specific rubric, it is crucial
to encourage Indian writers to share their experiences and tales
of the true dilemmas that are faced by Indians when trying to
assert individuality. Concepts like “national identity”, the “self”,
“patriotism” and relationships between diaspora and homelands
are deftly handled by new writers.
Well-known authors V.S Naipaul and Salman Rushdie both
write candidly about their diasporic bodies: always traumatized
and wrecked by self-doubt. When it comes to finding meaning,
Bharati Mukherjee, an American writer of Indian origin writes
in her text Jasmine, “We murder who we were so we can
rebirth ourselves in the image of dreams.” As diaspora studies
increase, the world is being re-introduced to a new version of the
Indian identity. Indian scholars are analysing texts and scripts from
an academic perspective
and are breathing new
life into diaspora literature.
Inadvertently,
they
are
preventing this topic from
becoming antiquated.
For decades, the identity
of the Indian has been
marginalized - almost placed
in a paradigm of belowaverage intelligentsia. With
an increase in celebrity status
of stars like Shah Rukh
Khan, Aishwarya RaiBachan, and Amitabh
Bachan, the world has Amitabh Bachchan (Photo credit: www.hiren.info.com)
stood up and taken notice of the Indian.
More so, there is a demand for more information surrounding the
personal lives of these celebrities. The very same habits that were
considered to be ‘oddly peculiar’ in the past are now considered
intriguing and worthy of mimicking. “Kaali dhal and roghni naan”
are as much sought after delicacy by residents of the ‘western
world’. The sari has been re-born as an elegant evening outfit and is
being worn by women from all walks of life as a fashion statement.
These subtle but important bits of information have been canvassed
and glorified by the artists who write the texts, thereby enabling the
world at large entry into the nuances of Indian living. Hence, the
pyramid of modern art becomes circular, allowing the diaspora
Indian more space for exploration.
In the words of Bharati Mukherjee, “Instead of seeing
my Indianness as a fragile identity to be preserved against
obliteration, I see it now as a set of fluid identities to be
celebrated. Indianness is now a metaphor, a particular way of
comprehending the world.” This type of analogy is useful for Indians
who are groping to make peace with the societies in which they live.
Over the years, literature has been used as a source of emotional
history, political struggle, and a voice that has attempted to emancipate
both societies and individuals. For the Indian, all these issues have
become fluid, because of a lack of patriotism to their ancestral land. Even
though new generations of
Indians today have been
born and raised outside of
India, their genealogy still
beckons, forcing them to be
constantly embroiled in a
quest for meaning. A silent
cry for belonging echoes
through the atmosphere and
reliance on Bollywood’s
‘fantastical’ narratives and
visual representations does
not appease the culturally
elite. It takes a real “desi”
to understand and identify
it: www.kapanlagi.com)
Bride & Prejudice (Photo cred
with the challenges faced by
Indians across the globe, no matter how “westernized” they may seem
on the surface.
The new diaspora writer must attempt to provide answers for the
Indian who in this day and age has been reduced to a transitional being.
In “The Post-colonial space: Writing the self and the nation”, Nandini
Sahu claims that “Indian writing in English with its life of about 200
years, has already acquired an individual character of its own in the
multicultural Indian scene, moving out of the accusations of being the
bastard sibling between two opposing cultures”.
Without becoming muddled in an exhaustive argument about a
definition of the ‘Indian identity’, the relationship between the Indian
and pyramid of modern art must be saluted and embraced. Art as a
mirror is a concept that is highly underrated, for not only is art deliberate,
but it provides a platform for uninhibited expression that allows for
reflection and analysis. Propitiously, the English language itself stands
firmly as a conglomerate that allows for the fusion of identities. But the
human being is a strange animal, and ‘art’, as subjective as it is, invites
a multitude of mixed responses.
As a Professor of English literature Vijay Mishra points out, nations
are not fixed entities, and national cultures are not absolute cultures
because they are not governed, like religion, by perennial, universal
values. As the world continues to evolve, value-systems, traditions and
cultures are constantly being re-defined. We are treading on unchartered
territory and the future is uncertain. On this note, a famed axiom comes
to mind, “The pen is mightier than the sword.”- coined by English
author Edward Bulwer-Lytton
for his play, “Richelieu; Or the
Conspiracy”. The play opened at
London’s Covent Garden Theatre
in 1939. This adage, albeit ancient,
is used as a reference to this day.
Literary texts from as far back
as the year 1815 are being
tweaked and adapted into
screenplays.
Both Hollywood and
Bollywood draw stories
from this rich medium.
Clearly, the text has
stood the test of time.
While diaspora Indians
still struggle to identify
with many Hollywood
adaptations, Bollywood
courageously leaps into
contemporary adaptations
of western novels of note
with an innovative twist.
Recently, Jane Austin’s novel
“Emma’ was adapted into a
Bollywood screenplay entitled,
“Aisha”. This is a noticeable
trend that is growing.
In the media savvy world
in which we live, to ignore the
pyramid of modern art, especially
films, with their colossal
marketing campaigns, translates as
an arduous task. As Aristotle said,
“Imitation, then, is one instinct
of our nature.” Today, cinema is
one of the most powerful forms of
art because it is both economical
and convenient. For diaspora
Indians, the search for identity
continues, and as they immerse
themselves into new worlds, their
notion of ‘the self’ becomes a
mere symptom of various cultural
processes and issues.
The bond between individuals
and the pyramid of modern art
is almost interchangeable and
Aishwarya Rai- Bachan
54
55
DIASPORA
amounts to more than just a causal
relationship. Still, a process of sifting
must take place – a view reinforced
by Freud, “Sometimes a cigar is just
a cigar, and a film is just a film and
not necessarily a manifestation of
some cultural anxiety.” While both
literary novels and theatre should
be included and located as similar
sorts of cultural interventions in the
quest for meaning, it must be borne
in mind that meaning can only be
found if there is identification. At
the same time, as Freud points out,
every text does not necessarily have Chadha
(Photo credit: www.123nons
top.com)
to be used as a mirror. Some texts are
merely eye-candy or light-hearted prose and should be treated
as such. Simultaneously, there is a need for a wider circle of Indian
writers who through their own subjectivities can reach out and connect
with a diverse audience.
As more Indians venture into academic circles and attain status as
scholars of note, it becomes clear
that “Indian-ness’ is not a fragile
entity anymore. Instead, it forms
part of an unexplored world
filled with rich textures, exotic
tastes and new experiences. To
be able to glimpse a piece of
yourself in a literary work of art
is a privilege. It takes an English
director of Indian origin to pen
a script that encompasses the
challenges of Indians all over
the world.
“Bend it like Beckam”
by Gurinder Chadha and the
“Namesake” by Mira Nair not
only allow Indians a peek at
themselves, they introduced
a new format of film which
has come to be known as
the cross-over film. In 2004,
Gurinder Chadha directed
m)
ds.co
awar
.imp
oto credit: www
Bend It Like Beckham (Ph
“Bride and Prejudice”, based
on Jane Austen’s famous novel “Pride and Prejudice”. On the political
front, there is the Bollywood offering “Tere bin Laden”, a wicked look
at a controversial topic that has defamed Muslim Indians. Promising a
laugh-a-minute, this film makes light of a seriously sinister situation that
56
MOTORMAMLA
the world is experiencing today.
With the growth of these
types of films, parameters of
Indian-ness are becoming more
blurred. With the increase of
Indian diaspora writers comes the
unanticipated consolation that
the history of the Indian culture
will not be wiped out altogether.
There will always be a writer who
will want to capture the origin of
Indian culture on paper and these
texts will speak volumes in the
future. At the end of the day, it is
essential to embrace one’s identity
and be at peace with its origin. As
Indians and other cultural societies
from all over the world immerse
themselves into the huge melting
pot that will be the home of future
generations, they should be aware
of the importance of preserving the
pyramid of modern art as a point
of reference, for this little triangle
will allow Indian diaspora writers
the luxury of travelling through
uncultivated territory. And then,
from within the melting pot, fresh
identities will be formed and
society as we know it today will
take on a new life. As the literary
word continues to jump off the
page, theatre and film will claim
their places as instrumental and
persuasive tools that will serve as
mirrors for societies.
“The ultimate quest for identity
can only be found within... but one
must step outside and indulge in
moments of contemplation before
making peace with oneself”Modern art as a pyramid assists
in underpinning this journey.
Asma Ayob is an author and
playwright based in South
Africa. She is currently doing a
PhD on Bollywood Cinema and
will be launching a new play soon
Galadari Automobiles
Galadari Automobiles Launches
Globally Acclaimed 2011 MAZDA2;
Mazda Enters the UAE Subcompact Car Market Segment
aladari Automobiles, sole distributors of Mazda vehicles
in the UAE, announced launch of the 2011 MAZDA2,
marking the Japanese auto maker’s entry into the UAE’s
sub-compact car segment. With the new MAZDA2, merging
superior design aesthetics with outstanding driving performance.
Dubbed as Zoom-Zoom in its most concentrated form, the latest
addition to Mazda’s stellar line-up incorporates the truly beneficial
values of a global compact car, identified after a thorough research
of global trends. As a result, the 2011 MAZDA2 adds Mazda’s
unique brand values such as exhilarating driving performance and
eye-catching design to the segment, without sacrificing the basic
requirements for sub-compact cars: superior fuel efficiency, high crash
safety performance and ample passenger space. Contrary to the trend
of upsizing the small car, Mazda’s focus on analyzing and defining
the optimal size of a sub-compact vehicle while engineering the 2011
MAZDA2, is well reflected in its very efficient body that successfully
G
retains and adds to the attractive
features that consumers desire.
Commenting on the launch Mr.
Kenji Sato, Sales & Marketing
Manager, Mazda Middle East,
said: “The launch of the 2011
Mazda2 in the UAE represents
a strategically important step for
Mazda, signalling the brand’s
entry into the small car segment.
The UAE market continues to
remain a core focus in our regional
expansion strategy. The economic
downturn has further validated
our commitment to this market,
as the country along with the
Middle East at large, has emerged
as one of the more resilient
regional markets for automobile
manufacturers as compared with
North America and Europe.”
57
BOLLYWOOD
Patricia Gruben:
If that’s still considered
Bollywood, then I’m a big fan.
Writer-director Patricia Gruben, a contemporary arts
associate professor, directs the Praxis Centre for
Screenwriters and the Field School in Art & Culture of
Contemporary India at Simon Fraser University in Canada.
Best known for her 1990 thriller Deep Sleep, Gruben has
written and directed several films; she teaches screenwriting,
directing and acting for film, and film studies at SFU’s School
for the Contemporary Arts in Vancouver B.C.
By: Frank Raj
‘Bollywood’ is getting
harder to define. There
are now so many popular
Hindi films that have
stars and dance items, but
address serious themes
I first went to India in 2001
– films like Yuva, Guru,
to do research on a screenplay
Delhi 6. If that’s still
about Madame Blavatsky, a
considered Bollywood,
controversial occultist and
then I’m a big fan. I
spiritual leader who set up
wouldn’t rate Hollywood
her Theosophical Society in
as a ‘10’ because I don’t
Madras in the 1880’s. On that
see
much
creative
trip I met some filmmakers and
evolution going on
critics, and started watching
there these days. In the
popular contemporary Indian
90’s the big American
r'
films. They just knocked me out
ava
akD
Patricia Gruben with Shiam
studios had little ‘boutique’
because they were so spectacular
companies that made interesting films, but almost all of those have shut
and emotionally intense.
down and the studios are now just churning out formulaic romantic
TII: What is your opinion of comedies, comic book adaptations and re-makes. Every so often
Bollywood? How would you rate there’s something great like The Dark Knight, but I think Hollywood
is in a crisis now.
it against Hollywood?
TII: You have been writing
about Indian cinema since
2001, how did you develop
an interest in Bollywood?
58
TII: Who do you consider as competent South
Asian filmmakers in North America?
If you’re asking about South Asian
filmmakers who work in North America: it’s
interesting that the three most popular diasporic
Indian filmmakers are all women (Gurinder
Chadha, Mira Nair and Deepa Mehta), yet there
are so few well-known women directors in the
subcontinent itself. I met a couple of young male
New York-based directors with impressive first
features at the Mumbai Film Festival last year,
both comedies about the immigrant experience.
These kinds of hybrid films are showing up
more and more on the festival circuit; they’re an
interesting blend of western and Indian styles.
TII: Which are your favorite India themed or Diaspora themed films?
I love Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding and Rakeysh Omprakash
Mehra’s Rang de Basanti. They both fit into the kind of hybrid
style that comes from filmmakers who have a great knowledge of
international cinema but turn that into their own distinctive approach.
I’m knocked out by the work of Mani Ratnam and Vishal Bhardwaj.
Both are incredibly talented visual filmmakers and also have something
important to say about culture, families and the individual.
TII: I understand you have written screenplays for Bollywood - what
is their status and why venture into Bollywood?
SFU India Field School
I’ve written three South
Asian screenplays, all are
still in development. The first
is The Secret Doctrine, an
historical drama about Madame
Blavatsky. She was a charismatic,
controversial Russian mystic
who was seen as a political threat
to the colonial government and
was investigated for fraud over
her psychic phenomena. My
script was optioned by an IndoCanadian producer in Toronto but
it’s a fairly ambitious project and
is taking time to realize.
The second is The Yab Yum
of Panitanki, a romantic comedy/
road movie. I’m just finishing the
first draft. It’s about an IndoCanadian art curator who goes
on a wild goose chase through
northern Bengal, searching for
a precious ancient bronze Shiva
with magical powers.
Unravelled reading
My third project is an
adaptation of Bapsi Sidhwa’s
The Bride. This is the story of a
teenage girl who flees from an
abusive marriage on an arduous
journey through the mountains of
Kohistan, and a young American
59
BOLLYWOOD
woman who helps to save her life. I’ve been commissioned to write
the script by a producer based in New York. I’m just completing the
first draft, and he is meeting with investors.
TII: Why do good Indian films rarely find theatrical distribution
outside beyond the diasporic cinemas of North America and Europe?
A lot of Indian filmmakers are discussing this question of western
audiences for their
films. It seems the
classic
Bollywood
films don’t really need
western
filmgoers
beyond the diaspora
to break even, and
big
companies
like YashRaj don’t
want to change
the formula that
works for the mass
audience in India.
So they continue to
make some films
that satisfy this large
group but don’t appeal to the average
firangi because of their length, their
subtitles, and their different approach to
narrative. Then they make other films
like Chak de! India that are clearly
influenced by Hollywood genres and
make some headway in the West.
Finally there are the smaller art-house
films that go to festivals and do need
international audiences to be successful
– films like Rang de Basanti or Oye
Lucky! Lucky Oye!
In Vancouver Bollywood films are
shown mostly in suburban multiplexes in neighbourhoods with a large
Indo-Canadian population but not many Anglo-Canadian cinephiles
would go to see an Indian film just for something different. These
films get reviewed in our daily papers, usually by Indo-Canadian
critics, but they are almost always panned.
The question is more critical for the festival films, which don’t get
into the suburban theatres or the art-house cinemas downtown. They
haven’t yet gained the cult status of films from Taiwan, Korea or Hong
Kong. I’m not sure why that is, but there seems to be more of a crossover
60
audience in the UK than in North
America. Here there’s clearly a
distribution problem, not only in
theatres but in the video stores
as well. In the independent video
shops of Vancouver, the tiny
“Indian” section has mainly older
Bengali art films, and a few odds
and ends that don’t
express a distinctive
national style in the
way that the Hong
Kong films do, so
people don’t quite
know what to make
of them.
TII: Tell us about
your involvement in
the Field School in
Art & Culture of
Contemporary India.
Every two years
I run a field school in India for
Simon Fraser University, where
I teach in the film program. We
take about twelve Canadian
students to Delhi, Varanasi and
Mumbai to study contemporary
visual art, film, music, theatre
and dance; but of course in
India, contemporary work must
be seen in a dialogue with the
glorious past. I started the field
school as an excuse to spend
more time in India, and to learn
more about its culture myself. We
have classes at Jawaharlal Nehru
University in Delhi and Xavier
Institute of Communication
in Mumbai, where we arrange
talks with film directors and
writers. My university is very
enthusiastic about connections
with South Asia because of the
large immigrant population in
Vancouver, so they’ll continue to
support this. What we’d like to
do now is set up an exchange so
students can come to our school
from India.
TII: You have written about
scriptwriting frustrations in
India, what would you advise
budding Indian filmmakers and
scriptwriters?
Whistling Woods Institute and the two national film schools. In
North America many universities have filmmaking programs, but
I think it’s not considered intellectual enough for South Asian
universities. The American screenwriting ‘gurus’ with their
expensive travelling shows are starting to nose around India, but
they have a formula that doesn’t allow for cultural differences. As
Canadians, we’re naturally more sensitive to those issues because
we’ve been oppressed by them ourselves!
TII: What is your view of filmmakers like Satyajit Ray and
Mrinal Sen?
There seems to be a debate
going on among filmmakers and
critics about what is distinctively
Indian in Indian cinema and
how that identity should evolve.
Meanwhile there are filmmakers
out there just doing it, and
developing their own style. A
few years ago I started seeing the
American how-to screenwriting
books everywhere in Mumbai
and Delhi, and my heart sank Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
thinking that Indian cinema might
lose its distinctive look and feel.
But I should have known better –
Indian artists always seem to be
able to take what they want from
other cultures and turn it into
something uniquely their own.
Mira Nair
TII: Are you involved in any
initiative to train screenwriters
in India?
Through Praxis Centre for
Screenwriters (www.praxisfilm.
com), we’ve done workshops
at the Kerala Film Festival, the
Satyajit Ray Film & Television
Institute in Kolkata, and Xavier
Institute of Communication
in Mumbai. In January I’ll do
a week-long session at IITMadras. There’s a great hunger
for screenwriting training in
South Asia, and not many places
yet where it’s done beyond the
Salman Rushdie
Mani Ratnam
Ray, Sen and the other Bengali auteurs are still the Indian filmmakers
best known in the west. They fit into the international post-war film
scene that has so influenced our thinking about film history, and a lot
of westerners don’t understand that theirs is both an international and
also a regionally specific style, very reflective of Bengali culture, that
doesn’t represent all the artistic trends in contemporary India. Ray in
particular is a filmmaker of international stature and it’s a transcendent
experience to watch his films. At the same time, I think much of
the North American interest in his work is sociological more than
61
BOLLYWOOD
aesthetic. Reading some writing
about the Apu Trilogy recently
I’m struck by how much it
focuses on ‘poverty in India’ with
little appreciation of Ray’s subtle
visual artistry.
TII: Why do you think Slumdog
Millionaire succeeded where
so many India themed films
have failed?
I was in Mumbai at a film
conference right around the
time that Slumdog won all those
Oscars, and there was a lot of
debate about whether it was an
Indian film or not. Most people
said India might as well take the
credit for it, which I thought was
very pragmatic – why not? But
it doesn’t really seem to have
an Indian sensibility although
it’s based on an Indian novel.
The film threw out all the social
critique from the novel and
turned it into a romantic fairytale
combined with what some people
call poverty-porn. So you get
to have an escapist fantasy with
62
BANKING
gorgeous actors and terrific music, and yet you feel you’re seeing
something gritty and down-to-earth that somehow makes you a better
person who understands other people’s pain. This is how many North
Americans like to feel, so I think the formula was perfect for them.
TII: Why do you think films have not been
made of novels by Anita and Kiran Desai,
Arundhati Roy, Salman Rushdie, Amitabh
Ghosh?
I believe that Deepa Mehta is working
with Salman Rushdie to adapt Midnight’s
Children, and Mira Nair made a very
interesting film based on Jumpa Lahiri’s
The Namesake (which is mostly set in the
U.S.). Serious Indian novels have rarely
been made into films, at least outside
Bengal. I’m sure this is partly due to the
problem of getting any art-house films
made these days. But it does surprise
me. I met a filmmaker in Kolkata who
had optioned Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide,
which would make a fantastic movie
– it has action, love, scenery, tigers and
porpoises, a typhoon and is also a beautifully written character study.
But he couldn’t raise the money.
TII: Which is your favorite Indian film? Your favorite Indian actor male and female?
I can’t answer these questions!
TII: Has the Praxis Centre for Screenwriters attracted any Indian
filmmaking talent?
Praxis works with screenwriters and writer/directors to develop
their projects creatively. Some years ago, we developed Srinivas
Krishna’s film Masala, and I’m proud that the advisor we gave him
loved the script so much that he helped Krishna raise the money to
make it. More recently we brought an American writer named Matthew
Robbins, who works frequently with Vishal Bhardwaj. We screened
Omkara and he talked about the film. I’m also involved with a South
Asian film society that collaborates with Praxis to hold screenings and
talks by filmmakers and critics in Vancouver. We’ve just hosted Sara
Singh, a young NY filmmaker who’s made a beautiful documentary
about Partition, The Sky Below. And we earlier had a lec-dem with the
wonderful Bollywood choreographer Shiamak Davar.
Frank Raj is TII's founding editor and publisher
"UAE IS BOUNCING BACK"
SAYS SBI CHIEF
UAE has already started recovering from recession. Trading
and manufacturing sectors are already showing signs of
recovery says A.J. Vidyasagar, CEO State Bank of India, Dubai.
By: A staff writer
tate Bank of India’s CEO in
the region, A.J. Vidyasagar
commenting on the economic
situation said that, “UAE has
already started recovering from recession.
Trading and manufacturing sectors are
already showing signs of recovery, “ he
pointed out. “Similarly the tourism sector
has also improved. In due course of time
things should be back to near normal.”
Sharing his opinion of the banking
sector in the region and how Indian
banks compare, Vidyasagar noted that,
“UAE has a sound and robust banking
sector. It is fully backed by the Central
Bank of UAE. However due to the global recession and the crisis
caused by the restructuring of the loans of Dubai World, some banks
have suffered an erosion in profitability. On the positive side, no bank
has failed. With the passage of time, the current slow -down can be
expected to change for the better,” he felt.
He is of the opinion that, “Local Banks can definitely learn a bit
of conservatism from the Indian banking sector. Having a more
modest Credit Deposit Ratio, insisting on a more substantial stake of
the borrower in any project, doing away with name lending, having
a rigorous Income Recognition, Asset Classification and provisioning
norms etc are some of the areas where the local banks could learn a
thing or two from the Indian banking sector. Similarly the rigorous
regulatory regime administered by the Reserve Bank of India also
needs to be emulated.”
Assessing the role of the banking sector in India to keep India
largely unharmed by the recession, Vidyasagar said that Indian banks
follow conservative and prudent banking practices. They are not as
highly leveraged as the western banks. Further they don’t dabble in
S
risky products like CDOs and
they don’t help in the creation
of real estate bubbles the way
the US banks did. “The model of
Indian banking is mainly based
on retention of the assets rather
than securitizing them and selling
off. More over the Indian banks
are well regulated by the Reserve
Bank of India. A combination
of all these factors resulted in
Indian banking sector and India
being relatively unharmed by the
recession.”
State Bank of India is not
a Representative Office in
Dubai but a branch in the Dubai
International Financial Centre
(DIFC). SBI’s licence allows
them to offer the following
services.
1. Accepting Deposits
2. Providing Credit
3. Advising on Financial
Products or Credit
4. Arranging Deals in
Investment or Credit.
However SBI can offer these
services only to professional
clients, as no retail operations
are allowed and operations in
Dirhams is not permitted.
63
GLOBALIZATION
Science, Technology
and Globalization
Thinking of globalization as a gift of the west
would be far from the full truth.
By: M.M. Rajendran. Former Governor of Orissa
lobalization has been
defined in different
ways, but I would
prefer to think of
it as the impact of changing
technology
on
countries,
societies and individuals over
time. The breakthroughs in the
last few decades in transportation
efficiency, underpinned by the
Internet and communications
revolution that allows for instant
a change inevitable. At this stage, the question is not whether we need
globalization or not, but how to get a fair deal for all.
Western Mathematics and Science have been directly linked to
contributions from Eastern thinkers. The decimal system evolved in
India in the early centuries of the first millennium. Over a thousand
years ago, there had been globalization of technical knowledge through
the movement of ideas across the Old World. Besides the decimal
system, the mathematical results of Indian mathematicians Aryabhata,
Varahamihira and Brahmagupta found in Sanskrit treatises written
in the 5th and 7th centuries A.D. reached Europe through translations
from Sanskrit to Arabic and then to Latin. Muslim intellectuals in
Arab countries translated and ensured the survival of Greek classics
to Arabic and later to Latin, much before
the Renaissance. The 9th century Persian
Western Mathematics and Science Mathematician al-Khwarizmi contributed
to the development of Algorithm, a word
have been directly linked to
derived from his name.
Thinking of
contributions from Eastern thinkers. globalization as a gift of the west would be
far from the full truth.
Technological transformations are pushing forward the frontiers of
processing
of
information,
messaging and transfer of data all every branch of science, be it medicine, communication, agriculture,
over the world has made it possible energy, information or biotechnology. Any major breakthrough in
to have the tight knit globalization one country can be used around the world. Human genome mapped
of today. Undoubtedly the by researchers in UK/USA is equally valuable for biotechnological
opening up of economies, more advances in other countries. But many technologies meet only the
liberal government policies needs of developed countries. Due to institutional constraints and
and
active
multinational inadequate resources, developing countries are not able to adopt them.
corporations have accelerated Global initiatives for public funding and changes in public policy are
the process, but technological necessary to overcome these constraints.
With a weak technological base, developing countries are unable to
transformations have made such
G
”
64
”
take advantage of technology from the global market place. Building a
technological base with adequate Research and Development (R & D)
capacity is central for long term solutions for adapting freely available
global technologies for their needs and to develop an R & D agenda
for their new innovations. Some of these initiatives could be, creating
innovative partnerships and new incentives for R & D, managing
Intellectual Property Rights so as to protect the rights of traditional
knowledge available in developing countries such as benefits of Neem
and Turmeric from the greedy patent seekers trying to take them into
the private domain and investments in technologies for development,
with a suitable mechanism for global transfers for research on the
needs of the poor. Small and marginal landholders dependent on rain
fed cultivation, were earlier bypassed
in the Green Revolution of the 60’s.
Attention has to be focused on them
through increased use of biotechnology
for improvement in plant architecture
for more efficient conversion of solar
energy to food, more effective pesticides
leaving low residues and transgenic
crops. This can usher in a Second Green Revolution.
SOME SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE TECHNOLOGY WORK
BEST IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD:
• Promoting the use of appropriate technology at the village level by
empowering women, who do not have a say in decision making either
in the family or in the community, as they are not considered income
earners, ignoring their valuable contribution as home makers. The
success of the Self Help Group movement modelled on the Grameen
Bank concept has made a visible change in the status of women in rural
communities and in their empowerment.
• Fresh thinking on technology development and training of
policymakers in developing countries to get the best technologies
relevant to their country situations will be helpful.
• Fair Rules of Game: Institutions governing technology issues
are founded and led by countries or groups already advanced in these
technologies and have a bias against latecomers to the game. The Civil
Society Groups at global and national levels have been bringing pressure
to ensure fairness in dealing with such issues. Their role in sensitizing
global players to make available HIV/AIDS drugs at reasonable prices
and in making available generic drugs by pharmaceutical companies
to the poor countries at differential prices has been commendable, but
more needs to be done. The ultimate test of public policy in the new
technology era is whether the innovations in Science and Technology
are matched by innovations in policy to make them available to the poor.
• International trade rules work against economic interests of
developing countries. On average, industrial country tariffs on imports
from developing countries are four times those on imports from other
industrial countries. Developed countries provide about $ 1 billion a day in
”
domestic agricultural subsidies—
more than 6 times what they spend
on official development assistance.
• With global interaction
moving at a fast pace, need
has arisen for establishing new
international institutions which
are more democratic (than the IMF
and World Bank), for regulation of
Global Environment, Bankruptcy
and Taxation. Creating such
new institutions would require
”
many technologies meet
only the needs of developed
countries.
tremendous political will from
powerful states, which has
not been evident so far in the
governance of World Bank and
IMF. The United Nations General
Assembly
has
democratic
representation but the real power
lies with the Security Council,
World Bank, IMF and WTO
which are not truly democratic
in their governance. The newly
proposed institutions have to be
governed in a democratic manner
enhancing the voice of developing
countries within the institutions
to make them more accountable
for their actions for the people
affected by their decisions.
International institutions which
profess to promote democracy in
developing countries should have
greater democracy, transparency
and accountability in the
institutions themselves.
M.M. Rajendran
former Governor of Orissa
is based in Chennai
65
DIASPORA
Hong Kong Indians:
Global Outlook, Indian Heart
Indians are one of the earliest immigrant communities in
Hong Kong, with historical records indicating small Parsee
settlements existed since the 7th and 8th centuries during
the Tang Dynasty.
By: Deepak Mahtani
Ashok Sakhrani Family
ndians in Hong Kong
are a vibrant immigrant
community, and it could be
argued that those who have
been there for 40 or more years are
some of the most well settled and
mature of all Indian communities
outside of India. Historical links
between India and China from the
I
66
days of Marco Polo still remain strong to
this day. As the world focuses on China
and India as the super powers of the 21st
Century, there is perhaps no better time to
look at the pivotal role that Hong Kong
plays in this relationship and why this
is a good time to be an Indian in Hong
Kong. As I write this article, Indian
President Pratibha Patil is visiting China
(May 26-31, 2010). But let us consider
the past before we consider the present
and future.
Indians are one of the earliest
immigrant communities in Hong Kong,
with historical records indicating
small Parsee settlements existed
since the 7th and 8th centuries during
the Tang Dynasty. When the East
India Company’s monopoly eased, Parsee
merchants were actively trading with companies like
Cowasjee Pallanjee & Co establishing warehouses as early as 1794.
Other notable Parsees included Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy and Pestonjee
Cowasjee Sethna. A shipping fleet of over 30 ships was owned by the
Banaji family in 1840. Records show that ever since 1841, when Hong
Kong was declared a British territory, Indians played a key role with
a Sikh raising the flag at the ceremony itself. In the first 25 years of
Hong Kong’s history, over a quarter of foreign firms were owned by
Parsees.
Since then, Indians from different states, religious backgrounds,
and traditions have made a significant contribution to Hong Kong.
The majority of Indians today
are from Zoroastrian Parsee,
Sikh Panjabi, Hindu Sindhi and
Marwari backgrounds. Some
of the earliest policemen were
Sikhs, who have also been
involved in government. Some
of the iconic names in Hong Kong
today have been influenced and
inspired by Indians including
the Star Ferry which was
founded by Darobji Naorojee,
a Parsi, the Ruttonjee Hospital,
and at least 3 roads, Kotewall
Road, Bisney Road and Mody
Road, are named after Indians.
Sir Mody was also one of the
principal founders of the Hong
Kong University and Kowloon
Cricket Club. This heritage has
continued throughout Hong
Kong’s history.
Hong Kong’s culture of
entrepreneurship and free
economy attracted the first
immigrants and still continues
to attract Indians today.
Being natural traders and
shop-keepers gave Indians
a very fertile land in which to
excel in the skills they brought
with them from their homeland.
Some of the most successful
companies have been founded by
Indians here which today have
global recognition and reach in
industry, trade, commerce and
the hotel industry.
There are broadly four
categories of Indians in Hong
Kong. The first two categories
are the “long-settlers”, those who
came in the mid 1900s after the
war and Partition, most of who
have well established businesses,
and those who came for manual
labour and decided to stay once
they had families. The other two
categories are the “newcomers” who have come in the last 10-12 years
either as professionals and work in the banking, insurance, finance or
IT sectors. Many of these people are here for as long as their contracts
allow and then intend to go back. The final categories are the young
people in their 20s and 30s who have come to seek their fortunes here
by “going East”, rather than “going West”.
Estimates of HK Indians range from 35,000-40,000 with the
majority (70%) being Sindhis.
Most of them have HK identity
cards which provide equal
benefits for health, education
and housing as the local Chinese.
Most of the Indians have either
kept their Indian passports or
have obtained British passports.
While the established Indians
have stayed in business, many
of the youngsters have branched
into different fields, most notably,
individuals like Vivek Mahbubani,
a stand-up comedian, who was
acknowledged as HK’s funniest
person in 2007 and Michael
Chugani who writes for HK’s
major daily South China Morning
Post.
While some Indians were
Vivek Mahbubani : “Hong
nervous
about the handover of
Kong is
a working city’’
Hong Kong over to China in 1997,
most of the long-termers had no intention of moving out, knowing that
Hong Kong had such an important a role in the international arena that
China would not alter its systems too much. In fact, what has been
seen since 1997 is that many Chinese cities have modelled themselves
on Hong Kong.
Viveck Bansal, Managing Director of VB Studio, is typical of the
Indian “newcomers” and came to HK from Delhi 5 years ago. Viveck
is a compositing artist who felt that the industry in India was becoming
too competitive and has since started a post-production media house
here in HK. The reasons he came here include the fact that “law and
order is respected here, the payment system is convenient, it is easy to
set up a company, and there is good savings potential to send money
back to India. There is also the lack of bureaucracy he faced in India
which makes doing business a pleasure. You don’t have to chase clients
for payments.”
These advantages tend to attract many Indians to Hong Kong. HK
has one of the best records of being “business friendly” and it only
takes 6-8 days to start register a company from scratch.
Viveck, like many Indians who have come here in the last 5 years or so
67
DIASPORA
does see some disadvantages here. There are too many people, it is very
stressful and socially people seem to be “one-dimensional”. He would not
choose to retire here. In his words, “Hong Kong is a working city”.
Mickey Mehta, Assistant General Manager at China Construction
Bank, has been here for over 40 years since he was eight months old.
His father left Bombay to find a job in HK and started a business in
trading. Mickey states: “HK is a multicultural society that welcomes
entrepreneurial Indians, there is freedom of faith and the distance to
India makes it attractive to visit family.” He finds the pace of HK very
attractive with an efficient
and convenient transport
system and growing as a
“hub to do business with
China and the rest of the
world, you can’t find a
better match”.
Socially, HK has much
to offer which is attractive
to Indians. There is an
active social life, with
social activities including
nightlife, entertainment,
and gambling in Macau,
only an hour away.
HK offers a vibrant
religious
experience
for Indians.
Some
other
characteristics
Viveck Bansal: Everythi
ng
can be found or achieved you want
of Indians here are that
in HK
they are philanthropic.
“Doing good and karma are still important as part of one’s duty. Some
companies have been allocating 10% for charity every month in their
P&L statements for the past 40 years.” says Mickey Mehta.
The future of HK Indians seems very stable, and most Indians who
have been here for more than 10 years say this is their home and they
will stay. Mickey Mehta says: “I have yet to come across a person
who said they hated living in HK. Once you have lived here, you can’t
get Hong Kong out of your heart”.
Vivek Mahbubani (27) is a free lance web designer, drummer for
a metal band and a very popular stand up comedian with TakeOut
Comedy Club, the first fulltime comedy club in Asia founded in 2007
by Jami Gong, a leading Chinese-American stand-up comedian. Now
who has heard of a Sindhi stand-up comedian? But that is exactly the
type of opportunity that HK provides. His father came from India as a
youngster to join his own father who was in the trading business. Vivek
was born in HK and considers himself a “local”, speaking the language
so well that his stand up comedy in Cantonese is more popular than his
English shows! Vivek loves the fast pace that HK offers, and adds “if
68
you are an impatient person, you
will love it. Impatience is a virtue
in HK. Everything you want can
be found or achieved in HK. It is
an ‘extreme work-hard, play-hard
place’. Overtime is normal time
here and HK will suck you in like
a vacuum cleaner”.
Vivek adds: “You will never
really be 100% accepted. You
are a Hong Kong-ite, a local
foreigner. You may be born,
raised, live, eat like a local
but…. And some Indians never
integrate with the Chinese, but
for me speaking Cantonese has
broken all the barriers.”
One of the oldest, respected
and well-known HK Indian
families is the Harilela family,
or dynasty, who have been here
since the 1920s.
Naroomal
Harilela came to Shanghai and
started his own business in
Canton, subsequently bringing
his family from Hyderabad in
the 1930s. The Harilela success
story has featured in many
magazines and publications the
world over including Fortune
and CNBC and is the result of
some of the advantages that HK
has to offer. One of the brothers,
Gary, claims that “low taxation,
less government interference,
the free movement of currencies,
no foreign exchange controls,
a reliable workforce, and a free
hand to businesses – and of course
hard work” have contributed to
their phenomenal success. The
Harilela empire which started
with trading has grown and
now includes hotels, banks, and
property portfolios globally. The
Harilelas are known for their
community work which includes
the Harilela Foundation.
Gary goes on to say that “social
life is very good, it’s a small
enough place but there is enough
to do and get involved in. There is
a large Indian community which
helps and Indians tend to mix
well so there is a good feeling
between the Parsis, Panjabis,
Sindhis, and others. Most of the
socialising now takes place in
clubs and restaurants, rather than
in homes. Most of the younger
family members are educated
abroad in the US and then come
back to HK and take up a career of
their choice, whether it is with the
family or outside.” The Harilelas
Po Lin Monastery (Photo
)
by: Vincent Vanderveken
can be found in the media, arts, accounting,
consulting and legal professions.
Ashok K. Sakhrani’s grandfather came to
HK in the 1930s and then brought his sons
from Hyderabad Sind after WW II to work
at the family clothing store which sold goods
to American and British naval personnel
who came off the military ships. His siblings
were born in Hong Kong but he came from
Bombay. Ashok is a practising Barristerat-Law at Bernacchi Chambers and serves
as the National Chairman of Sathya Sai
Organisation.
Ashok finds HK attractive in so many
ways. “Sindhis, Marwaris, Sikhs are pretty
distinct communities socially but together
Big Buddah and the 268
steps leading all the way
(Photo by: Vincent Van
they form a significant ethnic community
up
to
him
derveken)
locally.” He adds: “Historically the Sindhis
are very religious and have a 120 in Hong Kong are a trading and business community and therefore they
seat temple in their home, the have a very commercial outlook to many things. Money influences so
Harilela Mansion. They have much, although that is true of Hong Kong generally.”
successfully maintained their
“Before WW II there were some really notable Indians who had
Indian values of hard work and an impact on the wider community. Unfortunately, the prominence
strong family unity throughout and contribution of the Indian business community has been
their time in Hong Kong. Gary increasingly less significant in the last 40 years. In that time there
definitely intends to stay and hasn’t been an Indian in Legco (the legislative council) and that’s a
retire in Hong Kong.
shame. As such, Indians as a community do not have the platform I
But Indians are not only think they deserve. They are happy as a self-contained community
involved in business here, they but don’t exercise their influence locally as well as they could or
69
DIASPORA
Chinese community.”
Actively involved in the Sathya Sai Organisation, Ashok feels
that there is a tremendous opportunity to be involved in a spiritual
organisation and focus on one’s spiritual growth. Perhaps linked to the
high adrenaline and stress levels common in Hong Kong, yoga and
meditation has become very popular not only amongst the Indians but
for others who live here, and many Indians have developed this into
extremely lucrative businesses.
If not in tailoring, retail shops, import-export, electronics, or
property, many Indians are English teachers. There is a strong need
for tutoring in every subject, and Indians fit this niche very well.
Sunil Punjabi, Director of Sunny’s Kool
Kidz has been in HK since 1974 and is a
teacher at a Christian school, although he
is a Hindu. “You can make good money
in Hong Kong. It’s a nice place to live
because you are exposed to many different
cultures in a small place, so it is easy to
mingle. It is convenient to travel and
things happen very fast. However, there
are challenges. Pollution has become
very bad since the past 15 years and it
is easy to get sick with flu a few times
a year. Sometimes communicating with
the local Chinese can be challenging and
one needs to exercise a lot of patience.
Customer service is in need of much
improvement.”
M. Rajaram of the Indian Chamber
of Commerce of Hong Kong
)
(ICCHK), formed in 1952, says at
rk (Photo by: Vincent Vanderveken
Hongkong Botanical Pa
least 10 percent of all commerce was
Court judges, which is really a controlled by the Indians for a long time throughout the late 1900s, so
it is in the best interests of China to keep Indians in Hong Kong. While
great thing.”
Ashok is not sure how Indians do not control that much of the business today, it points to the
different the younger generation significant role Indians have played here. There are a number of Indian
will be. “For the moment, they business associations in Hong Kong, apart from the ICCHK including
seem to have the same priorities The Progressive Group and The Executive Group.
While the experience of Indians in HK has been very positive, there
and values as their fathers, even
though they are much more are some negative experiences. Most Indians in Hong Kong say they
westernised and less exposed to experience some form of discrimination from the Chinese. On a bus,
Indian traditions. Culturally and the Chinese will not sit near Indians until all other seats are filled, and
in terms of our values Indians sometimes they hold their noses when sitting close. These feelings
actually share more with the may be more prevalent in the older Chinese generation but the younger
Chinese but we seem to want are more at ease with Hong Kong’s Indians. Despite this, he says while
to be westernised. I would have most Sikhs would rather stay in Hong Kong, returning to India isn’t out
thought we would do more to of the question for others.
nurture the ties that bind us to the
Deepak Mahtani is a freelance writer based in the UK
should. For example, while
there are Japanese, Australian,
French,
and
American
international schools, there is
no Indian international school.
However, the plus side is that the
last 15-20 years has seen a large
growth in the number of Indian
professionals,
predominantly
in Banking and the Law. There
are presently two Sindhi High
70
CRICKET
The Blind
Can Play Cricket!
Visualize if you can the fanfare, the excitement, the thrill
from the perspective of the three boys who have come
this far on the wings of a dream. What becomes a heart
throbbing moment of joy and a true celebration of mind over
matter, becomes especially poignant when you realise they
can only feel the excitement, they can’t see it because they
are blind!
By: Shyamola Khanna
handrasekhar (45) is
a registered certified
umpire and scorer
with the BCCI (Board
of Cricket Control of India).
A Commerce graduate, he has
now grown into a freelance TV
commentator and Cricket analyst
with some Telugu channels.
Having been involved with the
willow from a very young age, he
knew that he did not have what it
takes to be a part of the national
team. But he always loved the
game and did not want to move
away from it. Having said that, he
was mentally not really prepared
to teach visually handicapped
kids how to play the game.
Nevertheless when Dr Saibaba
Goud, a Padmashri decorated
C
Mahinder, Chandru (coach), Pushpara
j and Ajay
ophthalmologist in Hyderabad, asked him to come to the Devnar
school for the Blind and teach the older boys the game, he accepted the
challenge in 1998, but for days he mulled it over, studied modules on
71
CRICKET
the net and finally plunged
in with great fervour.
After all these years
of training blind cricket
players, he has brought
a few of them to the
level where they have
been selected to be a
part of the India team
and participate in the
World Cup Cricket for
the Visually Challenged
that was held in London
recently. He is amazed
at himself - he never
felt that he could hang
on for so long. “The love and
affection of these boys has bound
me to them in an irrevocable kind
of way,” he admits.
That such an opportunity for
Mahinder Vaishnav (24), Ajay
Kumar Reddy (20) and Pushparaj
(29) is actually “a dream come true”
is a very plebian way of putting it
in perspective. Visualize if you can
the fanfare, the excitement, the thrill
from the perspective of the three
boys who have come this far on
the wings of a dream that the doctor
and Chandrasekhar have given the
impetus to - the two together
have been the wind beneath
their wings! What becomes
a heart throbbing moment of
joy and a true celebration of
mind over matter, becomes
especially poignant when
you realise they can only
feel the excitement, they
can’t see it because they are
blind!
Attitude
makes
a
difference
India has a very large
number of blind people-12
million at the last count
72
The blind boys who are
a part
India cricket team boys of the
and the numbers are growing due
to various factors: malnutrition,
ignorance of illiterate parents,
consanguineous marriages etc.,
are some of the major factors.
When we talk about parental
ignorance, both Ajay and
Mahinder’s cases are very
important, because both these
boys had normal eyesight at birth.
Mahinder Vaishnav belongs
to a high caste Brahmin clan
living in a village near Pali in
Rajasthan. When he was seven,
he developed a rash in his eyes.
Some local medications were
tried out, nothing really
worked. By the age of ten,
he had completely lost his
sight. He says ‘cultural
barriers’ did not allow
his parents to come out
of the family fold and
seek medical intervention
outside the village.
After the damage was
done, the family moved
to Hyderabad because
they had heard of the LV
Prasad eye institute and
the great work being done
there. The doctors at LV
declared there was nothing
they could do - he had a rare
illness where the complete lack
of moisture in the eyes leads to
blindness at a later stage. It seems
the eyes lose their ability to create
the moisture required to keep the
eyes comfortable. He uses artificial
tears every half an hour.
Mahinder joined the Devnar
School and after his interaction
with Chandrasekhar, his life is
back on track. His high spirits
and his attitude to life is awe
inspiring, not just for the visually
handicapped but for those who
have eyesight. He has done a
Masters degree in social
gone. Although vision in his
other eye was also dropping
work from the Tata
sharply, further damage
Institute of Social Scienecs
was arrested and therefore
(TISS) Mumbai and now
he falls into category B3.
holds a very prestigious
job with GE. He is the
Ajay acts as the ‘seeing
first visually handicapped
eye’ for the other two boys
employee of the firm and is
and was able to help them
working in the department
navigate around my house.
of
Corporate
Social
A cheerful youngster who
Responsibility (CSR).
was born and brought up
, Ajay
Watching
Mahinder Mahinder , Pushparaj, Chandru(coach)
in Guntur, he did not have
handling the computer like (partially sighted)
the advantage of going to
a professional put a techthe Devnar School in Hyderabad, which is why he still hesitates to
challenged person like me to speak in English. He was picked up to learn the game when he was in
shame when he knew exactly Class VII and made it to the India team this year. From his pictures one
what keys to press to open the can make out that he is a stylish batsman who promises to leave his
‘narrator’ software so that he mark in the tournament.
could follow instructions and
Pushparaj Simson (29) is the vice captain of the team. A very gentle
download pictures from his pen quiet man who is also a teacher of English in a government school.
drive to my hard disk. He had it Pushparaj comes across as a very serious young man but when he
all done before I could get him a smiles his face lights up. He is the opening batsman for the India team
glass of water - I was zapped!
and knows all about his team mates-who comes from where and what
“I don’t feel any different from category he falls in.
any other young person in my
Of the three of them, Pushparaj was the only one born blind. In
office,” says Mahinder, “I do not spite of six operations performed over a period of time, the retinal
have eyesight but that does not detachment could not be arrested and he is officially in the B1 category.
mean that my brain has stopped Not that it has stopped him from achieving a post graduate degree and
functioning!”
getting into a government job in a district school.
And all this is said with a
The Bottom Line
cheerful grin and a happy wave
of his hand.
As a visually handicapped person, Pushparaj is entitled
Incidentally he is the strike
to some benefits from the government. So in his salary
bowler of the Indian team, I do
not know if this puts him in the
slip he gets an additional eleven hundred rupees for some
same category as Zaheer Khan or
special allowances. He gets upset that his colleagues
RP Singh!
envy him but ignores their snide remarks “Lucky chap”
Ajay Kumar Reddy (20) is
the youngest in the team and has
etc. Mahinder is more gung ho about it- his retort to the
the onus of being an opening
person who said something similar to him was, ‘Fine, why
batsmen. When he was seven
years old he rammed into a door
don’t you poke yourself in the eyes and join my category?”
bolt and hurt his eye. He kept
And all is said with that cheerful grin on his face- with
quiet about it because he felt his
parents would get angry. When
an attitude like that life can only get better!
he started complaining of not
being able to see very clearly from
one eye, the damage was too far
Shyamola Khanna is a freelance writer based in Hyderabad
73
COMMUNITY
Sevathon 2010:
A Community Walkathon
More than 2,000 Indians from the San Francisco Bay
area gathered together to celebrate a unique community
event - a ‘Sevathon,’ an Indian version of the popular
western walkathon.
By: Asha Sharma
e
d crafted gold torch. Th
with the lighting of a han
ged
ng
bei
flag
s
rk
wa
wo
0
the
201
ht
on
Sevath
to highlig
to five centersin the area
torch had earlier traveled
s.
done by various non-profit
D
erived from the Hindi word ‘Seva’ meaning service and
drawing inspiration from Gandhi’s famous Salt March to
Dandi in 1930, Sevathon 2010 had a distinct Indian flavor
and brought together more than 40 non-profits with an
unprecedented 1,500 people running a half-marathon, or walking 10K
74
or 5K for causes they supported.
Starting at 6:30 in the
morning the Sevathon held
at the local Baylands Park in
Sunnyvale turned out to be
an astounding success. The
walkers presented a unique
sight - people of different
ages, different backgrounds,
wearing different clothes and
speaking different languages.
Children walked with their
parents or grandparents, young
couples walked with babies in
strollers, the disabled moved
in wheel chairs and graying
grand-mothers in sarees walked
wearing sneakers and perky hats.
While the majority of walkers
were Indian, many mainstream
Americans also participated.
The event was flagged off
with the carrying of a lighted
torch to the walking track amid
the chanting of ‘Ram-dhun,’
(Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram.....)
putting many in a soulful mood.
Mahatma Gandhi was clearly ICC Board of Directors.
the inspiration for the event. His
The first Sevathon was held in 2009 with 14 participating partners.
image with the walking stick in “The term ‘Sevathon’ was selected after a great deal of thought and
hand could be seen everywhere, brain-storming, “ said Roy da Silva, Co-chair of the ICC Community
even on T-shirts with the powerful Partner Program (CPP) “The inspiration was drawn from Gandhi’s life
words, “He walked for freedom. and the first Sevathon was held on Oct. 4 close to Gandhi’s birthday
What are you walking for?”
which falls on Oct. 2.”
The event was organized by
While Sevathon 2009 was a small event the 158 spirited walkers
the India Community Center who participated in it did indeed leave their mark as a ground-breaking
(ICC)
of
Milpitas,
event sowing the seeds for
California together with
future triumphs. The 2010
the support of several
Sevathon was a quantum
Bay area non-profits.
leap from last year, with
With its mission “Unite,
the Gandhi logo added,
Serve,
Celebrate,”
which caught the attention
the ICC which has
of the community.
become a leader for the
Vishnu Sharma, former
community in many
Associate
Executive
ways, has brought
Director of ICC and
together people from
architect of the ICC
all regions of India
Community
Partner
following
different
program, which has greatly
traditions and religions
helped to bring the Bay Area
and speaking different
Indian community together,
languages.
The
was thrilled to see the success
Sevathon was a dream
of the Sevathon. “This is
come true for ICC
the change we have been
founders Anil and
waiting for, the involvement
Gautam Godhwani
of a large number of Indians
who
generously
from different parts of India,
donated both their
committed to various causes
Sevathon 2010 - Gandh
i
time and money to
working together under one
start the Center in
umbrella,” he said.
2002. Having a community walkDevelopment Director of ICC and coordinator of the event, Kabir
a-thon had been a top priority for Kumar, described Sevathon 2010 as a great achievement saying. “Last
the Godwanis.
year we proved the concept, this year we proved the scalability.” Kabir
“In the eight years that I praised the tireless efforts of the 200 volunteers who helped to make
have seen the ICC grow from a the event the success it was.
fragile little non-profit to a great
Raju Reddy thinks they, “made history by bringing together
institution as what it is currently, the largest gathering of its kind here in North America, all devoted
today is a momentous day of to the Gandhian message of Seva.” Reddy described the Sevathon
deep inner fulfilment for all of us. as the beginning of a journey and visualised it growing into a
This event really lived up to our national event. Re-iterating the need to focus on Seva above
mission of Uniting our community everything else Raju hoped that in future the community would
in Service and Celebration. .” said pledge thousands of volunteer hours - not only for Indian but also
Bala Joshi, Co-President of the for mainstream causes.
75
COMMUNITY
SEVATHON AND THE INDIAN DIASPORA
As the diaspora becomes more affluent the attention of many is
turning to their roots. What can I give back to my home-land is a
question that arises in the minds of people and the answer for many
is supporting charitable works in India, something that people now
One of the runners
Embrace, Narika, Akshaya Patra,
Maitri, Bay Area Tamil Manram,
Bay Area Telugu Association,
Kannada Koota of Northern
California, Malayalee Association
of Northern California, Janyaa,
Indian Institute of Technology
Kanpur, Upakriti etc.
While the concerns of the
majority of organizations were
educating and feeding school
children in India there were
others like Jeena which is
dedicated to helping children
with developmental disorders and
also their families.
Founder of Jeena, Rajni Madan
and the driving force behind it
was happy that the children of
organization faces Rajni pointed out that for Jeena they do not need
money or time, they need ‘both.’
“The Sevathon is a wonderful opportunity to build awareness about
developmental disabilities here in the South Asian Community in the
Bay Area.” she said. “It has helped Jeena come one step closer to building
awareness.” Jeena has also now started working with children in India.
INVOLVEMENT OF THE YOUNG
A striking feature of the Sevathon was involvement of second
generation Indians in community projects. It was apparent that the
Sevathon had huge support from youth. The presence of the younger
generation of Indians was visible at the booths. Many of these were
High School students whose parents were involved with one of the
participating non-profits.
The booth for community non-profit organization, the Asian
American Donor Program (AADP) was manned by 16 year old
Abhishek Thakar and his two friends Shivam and Prashant. A student
of grade eleven Abhishek became interested in organ donations after
studying the critical need of stem cells in curing disease. He became
A striking feature of the
generation Indians in comSevathon was involvement of second
munity projects.
realize can be easily done with the help of events like Sevathon.
Built on the concept of Seva or service, Sevathon is a unique
initiative looking to build awareness about non-profit causes and
help local non-profits raise money through a common infrastructure.
Basically it is not much different to a Walk-a-thon, a popular concept
in the West for raising awareness and money for a cause.
Typically Walk-a thons raise money to meet the expense of the
event from sponsorships and from part of the registration fees charged
from those participating in the walk. Food and other commercial
booths bring in additional money. Individual organizations benefit in
terms of awareness and sometimes raise funds from pledges made for
individual walkers by their supporters.
While the total funds collected may not be much considering the
monumental work some of the organizations are doing and the kind of
money that is needed in order to do the work the Sevathon certainly
brought about a greater awareness of the worthy causes of different
Indian non-profits.
“These organizations, some of them very small, are doing amazing
work but few know about them,” said Kailash Joshi, Trustee, Foundation
for Excellence and co-founder and former President of TiE.
“The Sevathon has given them the kind of exposure which they could
have never had otherwise. Besides, the great advantage of an event of this
kind is that people know about the work that is being done in different
fields in different parts of India. So duplication can be avoided and funds
76
and energy are saved.”
Some Indian organizations
like Sankara Eye Foundation and
India Literacy Project have held
walk-a-thons of their own in the
past but for most of the other
organizations the Sevathon was
the first experience of walking for
a cause.
What made Sevathon 2010
so special was that it was a
community event which focused
on several non-profits and
thereby increased awareness of
the amazing social work being
carried out in different areas by
Bay Area residents and others.
The participating organizations
were vast and varied and included
among others India Community
Center, One School at a Time,
Sankara
Eye
Foundation,
Pratham USA, JEENA, Home of
Hope, South Asian Heart Center,
Silicon Andhra, Cancer Institute
Foundation, Planet Read, Indians
for Collective Action, Climate
Healers, India Literacy Project,
Foundation
for
Excellence,
No age limit on this eve
nt
her organization could participate
in the Sevathon and enjoy the
event but she is conscious how
far the organization has yet to
go. “We need to build awareness
about development disabilities,
what they are, what challenges
the child faces and what are his
emotional needs. We also need to
address the needs of the families,”
she said.
Speaking
about
the
complexities of the problems her
ed
The youngsters get involv
an Organ Donor himself as soon as he got his Driver’s license a few
months ago.
The three young boys at the simple and un-embellished AADP booth
spoke earnestly to visitors who stopped by about the desperate need
for bone-marrow donations to save the lives of individuals of multiethnic descent, including Indians. “In the first hour there were only
two registrations,” said an excited Abhishek, “but finally there were
nine which is wonderful.” As one of the Donate Life Ambassadors it is
Abhishek’s effort to try to raise awareness about organ donation in the
Indian community.
The emphasis on health was clear from the number of health-related
organization present at the event - a total of eight. Prominent among these
was the South Asian Heart Center a wing of the El Camino Hospital,
77
COMMUNITY
enthusiastically what supporting FFE could mean for thousands of
deserving students who could never fulfill their dream of completing a
technical course without some kind of assured financial aid.
Started by Prabhu Goel 14 years ago FFE has offered scholarships
to more than 10,000 deserving students so far. “We do not have many
scholars from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and are actively looking
for volunteers who can spread the word about scholarships in these
States” said Venk Shukla, President of FFE.
In the field of nutrition Akshya Patra’s amazing feat of providing
midday meals to over one million children daily at a cost of $28/(roughly Rs. 1400) per child for the entire school year is indeed mind
blowing. The additional average
government subsidy of 50% reduces
the cost to half which means two
children are fed at the same cost for
the whole year!
Started in 2000 by Infosys
founder N. R. Narayana Murthy
and his wife Sudha Murthy Akshay
Patra which means “endless vessel”
is today the world’s largest NGO-run
midday meal program exemplifying
that a cost effective, scalable solution
with high quality service delivery can
indeed be accomplished when the
public sector, private sector and civic
society collaborate. Akshay Patra
Padmaja and Raj Kuma
is now opening chapters in major
r two award winners of
half marathon
American cities with Desh Deshpande
as Chair. “The aim is to build
and education and other services awareness,” said Bay Area Chair Vish Mishra, who is also President
to all those who visited their of TIE. Mishra is delighted with the support Akshay Patra is getting as
was evident at a Gala Fund-raiser last fall, he said.
booth.
While most organizations were working with projects back in
There were other interesting
vignettes.
The
booth
for India, some like Maitri, Narika and Dildisha are concerned with
Foundation for Excellence, a issues effecting women nearer home in California - domestic violence,
non-profit which supports higher emotional abuse, cultural alienation, human trafficking or family
technical education for talented conflict. By providing the effected women support and counseling they
but economically underprivileged help them stand on their own feet and live with respect and dignity.
While there were beautiful cultural presentations, kite flying and
young men and women in India
was manned by none other than competitions for children and a food fair, at the end of the day the
an FFE scholar himself. Poised Sevathon was not about fun and food or trivia but it was all about the
and confident in a red T-shirt, human spirit, a showcase of what people can do for those less fortunate
Vidya Sagar who completed his than themselves provided they have their hearts in the right place. It
engineering degree in India with was evident that the message is going home and the Indian community
the help of an FFE scholarship is indeed ready to move in a new direction in this distant land.
now works for a prestigious
Asha Sharma author of ‘An American in Gandhi’s India,’
Silicon Valley firm, explained
is based in California.
which has done pioneering work
on heart-related needs of the Asian
community. The Center is helping
South Asians prevent and fight heart
disease by encouraging healthy
life-styles and early detection of
problems.
A Sevathon partner, the Center
provided free cholesterol/glucose
testing, blood pressure and
physical exams, stroke screening
78
INDIA
Are The Games
Commonwealth?
The only good that will come out of the Commonwealth Games
would be a decision to never again bid for such games until
every Indian child gets a minimum to eat, an assured basic
education and a playground with trained coaches to discover the
sportsperson in himself or herself. That, alas, is no part of our
self-satisfied middle class dream for India — which is why the
Maoist is knocking at our gates.
H
By: Mani Shankar Aiyar
olding the 10-day, Rs 20,000 crore-jamboree reflects a
misplaced sense of pride and distortion of national priorities.
If not on development of a chronically poor nation, the
money could have been well spent on bringing basic sports
to every mohalla and panchayat.
Justice A P Shah, the best judge the Supreme Court never had,
released a few days ago a sober, deeply researched, fact-based
indictment of the Commonwealth Games by the Housing and Land
Rights Network — devastating precisely because it is so understated.
The report has been met with thundering silence by the same media that
is driving itself ballistic over the Bhopal gas tragedy verdict although
the Rs 20,000 plus crore being spent on the Commonwealth Games
extravaganza would have been more than adequate to compensate the
victims of Bhopal beyond their wildest dreams.
My fundamental objection to the Games is the distortion it has introduced
in national priorities and our sense of social justice, that privileges a
“spectacular Games”, as the Prime Minister has assured the nation, over
a spectacular reduction in child malnutrition — running at 47 per cent of
children under five. Is it fair that thousands of the poorest families entering
the national capital — migrant workers fleeing desperate poverty in the
rural hinterland — should suffer their shanty town on the right bank of
the Yamuna being destroyed overnight in the environmental interests of
protecting the unimpeded flow of the sewer we call Delhi’s principal river
while promoting the Akshardham temple and now the Commonwealth
Games Village on the left bank of the same river, ironically almost exactly
opposite the demolished slum of Yamuna Pushta? In Gandhi’s India, does
anything go in the name of God and Mammon?
And why, in the name of that same God and Mammon, the
Commonwealth Games for the most prosperous part of the most prosperous
city in India — the posh heart of
New Delhi? The Commonwealth
Games in Manchester were
leveraged to rejuvenate the utterly
rundown eastern section of the city
where every family had undergone
unemployment for at least a
generation and some for two or
three. Now, Walmart has its largest
global store, employing 18,000
boys and girls, and Microsoft its
European headquarters, in East
Manchester thanks to the fillip given
by the Games. Consequently, the
2012 Olympic Games are designed
for the “spectacular development”
of the 10 most underdeveloped
counties of the Lea Valley on the
far fringes of London.
Why then was the spectacular
development of Bawana on the
poverty-ridden edges of the
capital not picked up, as originally
proposed, for our Commonwealth
Games? Indeed, why not the
Games in Dantewada — which
could well do with Rs 20,000
crore-bonanza to cock a snook
at the Maoists? Only because the
79
INDIA
party hopping glitterati of the
Organising Committee would not
know poverty from plum pudding.
They rate the Games as a party for
themselves and their ilk — not
the dirty, filthy, evil smelling aam
admi of the real Bharat.
Let me enter a declaration
of interest. As an officer of the
Indian Foreign Service, I paid Rs.3
lakh for a flat in the Mayur Vihar
complex. The Commonwealth
Metro has increased its market
value to over a crore while
smashing to smithereens over
40 slum colonies, several in the
immediate vicinity of Mayur Vihar,
and driving the most wretched of
the wretched — our beggars —
off the streets so that no foreign
visitor to the Games goes away
with the “wrong” impression that
836 million Indians live on under
Rs 20 a day, and 239 million of
them on less than even a tenner
(reference: the Arjun Sengupta
Committee report). Whom are we
trying to kid: the videshi mleccha
or ourselves?
And what kind of an
impression of our degradation
will that same foreign visitor
whose delicate eyes have been
shielded from the gross reality of
our poverty carry when he finds
himself solicited at every Games
corner by escort agency pimps
offering desi maal at cut rates?
This national shame began
when the Indian Olympics
Committee hoodwinked Atal
Bihari Vajpayee in May 2003
into authorising an Indian bid
on the solemn assurance that the
Organising Committee would
require no more than a “loan” of
Rs 150 crore of public money —
all of which would be reimbursed
to the exchequer from ticket
80
sale proceeds, sponsorships and advertisements. In the event, for the
opening and closing ceremonies alone, the sanction has soared to nearly
Rs 400 crore, and the total advance to upward of Rs 1,600 core — a
cost escalation of a thousand per cent, and still counting! Meanwhile,
ticket sales on the opening day, announced in screaming headlines
next morning, have crossed Rs 20 lakh. At this dramatic rate, it will be
close to the 22nd century before the
Organising Committee even begins
to discharge its debt to the country.
And, of course, the innocent
Vajpayee did not care to ask what the
infrastructure expense would be. So
sanction was given without a khota
paisa being set aside for Games
venues, flyovers and underpasses,
shiny new airports, metro lines from
nowhere to nowhere, and what not.
No one knows — or, at any rate,
tells — what that infrastructure
expenditure might amount to: the
most modest estimate is upwards
of Rs 20,000 crore and the wildest
printed estimate suggests Rs
60,000 crore.
And for the privilege of
spending this humungous sum
(on, inter alia, relaying pavements
on the best pavemented roads of
Lutyens’ Delhi!), Vajpayee, on the telephone, in the middle of the
Indian night, agreed to the Indian delegation at Montego Bay offering
an “incentive” of $100,000 to every Commonwealth country —
Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand included — to “train”
their participants. Would I be inviting defamation charges in calling
this sweetener a “bribe”?
When the government changed, we could — and should — have
revised our offer to host the Games, or at least put a lid on what
government would spend. Instead, the same finance ministry and
Planning Commission which solemnly reminded us that we are a “poor”
country when Rs 600 crore was sought to finance gram nyayalayas
to bring justice to the doorstep of the poor became completely openhanded in meeting every demand of the Organising Committee and
every estimate of the infrastructure implementation agencies. Why?
Why are we like this, only?
Just one reason: false prestige, a belief that we can earn standing in the
international community by financing a 10-day sports circus while retaining
the position we have held on the UN Human Development Index for the
last 15 years — position no. 134 (almost the same as we would have held in
medal tallies if the number of Commonwealth countries was 134).
Poor, poor Mahatma Gandhi, who said the “India of my dreams” is
an India in which the poor of India will be the focus of public attention
and every Indian, however poor, will feel he is a participant in the
building of new India. Go, tell that to the tribals of Abujmarh — and
perhaps they will tell their Naxal cousins.
Our middle class and our political class are so committed to these
false values, this loot of the moral legacy of our Freedom Movement,
that not even the ticking of the adding machine could stop the relentless
forward movement of the expenditure clock.
As minister of sports, I tried to stop it — and found myself in a
minority of one. I was soon out on my ear. The Planning Commission,
which was not even squinting at the Organising Committee’s demand for
Rs 6,000 crore for a 10-day tamasha, found itself unable to agree to the
same sum being spent over 10 years on bringing basic sports facilities to
every panchayat and every mohalla of this viciously poor nation.
China not only hosted the Olympics, it also picked up the highest
number of medals because their sports authorities first ensured that every
Chinese child plays sports and games — and thus widens to the full the net
which catches the top-rung talent. We do next to nothing about bringing
our children in the sporting net — and, therefore, show up our comic side
when medals are announced.
The only good that will
come out of the Commonwealth
Games would be a decision to
never again bid for such games
until every Indian child gets a
minimum to eat, an assured basic
education and a playground with
trained coaches to discover the
sportsperson in himself or herself.
That, alas, is no part of our selfsatisfied middle class dream for
India — which is why the Maoist
is knocking at our gates.
Mani Shankar Aiyar is a
member of the Indian National
Congress party and a former
Union Cabinet Minister.
TII HALL OF FAME
Old Age Is Not About Death
But A Cycle Of Sharing Humanness
M
y father was in this
profession and I
followed him after
studying at Calcutta’s Royal
Dental School. My son and
nephew have followed me
in this line of work. There
have been a lot of changes,
good and bad, from my early
days but as far as dentistry
goes, things have only
improved. Making dentures
used to be a long drawn out
process, we used rubber to make
a cast, but now we used acrylic
and special powder. All the
setting, production and finishing
technology have changed for the
better. Earlier, members of the
Chinese community, with their traditional skills,
dominated in this field but that has changed with
today’s joint entrance exam in modern dentistry and
the difficulties in getting a practicing certificate.
Business is much better now. In 1948, we used
to make a set of dentures for just Rs. 2 but now we
charge Rs. 150. A lot of my relatives are into this line
of work and there is certainly no stigma attached to
it. I do less of dental work now because you need a
lot of strength in your hands. I have people coming
to me all the way from Delhi. These sunglasses are
just a side business that we started. I am not thinking
of retirement. That will happen when I die.
Dr. B.N. Das, practicing dentist, born Kolkata, 1928
TII’s Hall of Fame features India’s elderly, great, interesting and
unusual men and women. Excerpted from the book 'Ageless Mind
and Spirit’ by Samar and Vijay Jodha
www.agelessmindandspirit.com
81
GUPTARA GARMAGARAM
Education and Indian
Chutzpah Go Together
How come Indians do so well in the USA while
they don’t do so well in continental Europe, in
the Middle East or in India itself?
By: Prabhu Guptara
T
he answer lies not
among us Indians, but
in the different contexts
in which we are placed.
The more “open” the country, the
better we do.
The difference between an
“open” country and a “closed”
country used to be whether or not
it was part of the Soviet empire
after World War II.
Closed countries usually did
not freely permit all or most of
the following: movement within
the country, choice of occupation,
immigration, emigration, inward
investment, outward investment,
a market economy.
By some measures, even
Germany was a closed country
for a long time: as a foreigner, you
might be able to go there to work,
but your time there was hedged
with all sorts of conditions, and it
was difficult to become a citizen.
This wasn’t surprising: Germans
were afraid of the sort of thing
that turned the heartland of Serbia
82
into Kosovo. But Germany has overcome that fear now, and it has
become easier for non-Germans to become Germans. Not only that,
it has even become possible for people of non-German origin to run
for political office. People of Scottish and Turkish origin are now in
positions of prominence, even if they are few in number at present.
By contrast with the entirely closed countries of the Soviet empire,
and the less-closed countries of “old Europe”, we have the most open
country in the world, the USA.
There, more than a dozen Indian Americans serve in senior positions
in the Obama administration, including USAID chief Rajiv Shah, and
US Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra. Nisha Desai Biswal has
just been nominated to the post of Assistant Administrator for Asia
in the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID). The first
Chief Technology Officer is Aneesh Chopra, Farah Pandith is Special
Representative to Muslim communities, Richard Verma is Assistant
Secretary for Legislative Affairs at the State Department, and Preet
Bharara is U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. The
first Indian American to be governor of a state, Louisiana Governor
Bobby Jindal, even made it in 2008 to the Republican short list of
candidates for Vice- President of the USA! There has been a spate of
Indian Americans becoming city and town mayors, the latest being
Mohammed Hameeduddin of Teaneck in New Jersey.
This year, Indian Americans running for public office include Nikki
‘Randhawa’ Haley, the Republican gubernatorial candidate in South
Carolina. Reshma Saujani, a Democratic fundraiser, who claims to be
the first Indian American woman to run for Congress. Manan Trivedi, a
doctor, Iraq war veteran, and healthcare adviser to the Obama campaign,
has won the Democratic primary in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional
District. Raj Goyle, having served in the Kansas legislature for three frustrate the aspirations of such
years, is running in the Democratic primary in the 4th Congressional well-meaning but naive leaders,
we must attack and demonise the
District.
But Americans of Indian origin are not merely active in politics, possibility of foreign universities
they are rising up every social and economic ladder. Dr. Sunil Kumar coming in without controls, as
has just been appointed the Dean
of the Chicago Booth School of
Business, and Dr. Nitin Nohria
is the Dean of Harvard Business
School, while Dr. Dipak Jain was
appointed Dean of the Kellogg
School of Management as long
ago as 2001, if I recollect aright.
We could look at the world of
IT, Engineering, Medicine, or
indeed any other area of activity
and find Indian Americans overrepresented.
In fact, the three million or
so Indian Americans have more
or less the highest per-capita
income, and are one of the
most highly educated, of all the
ethnic groups in the US.
That
isn’t
surprising.
Education, freedom, and a good
income are highly correlated.
Since the start of the modern world in the sixteenth century Protestant well as the possibility of privately
Northern Europe, education has been the principal means to move up owned educational institutions.
If such institutions were in
in society – and, in turn, for the society as a whole to prosper.
In other words, whatever else they may do, traditional elites who do fact to become widespread in the
not wish their societies to modernise and grow have to keep education country, it would soon become
(like the United States) rich, free,
out of the reach of the mass of their population.
We in India have managed that very well. While the ruling classes and quite inclusive of anyone
continue to line their pockets, world-class education is actually with at least some intelligence
available, but almost exclusively only to those from the ruling and and a willingness to work hard.
middle classes. Of course, nowadays we have also made it possible
for some of them to go abroad for education.
Professor Prabhu Guptara has
As we have the misfortune of being a democracy, it is possible
written the above in an
that a new class of leaders may arise who actually reject our love of
entirely private capacity, and
corruption, our lust for power, our belief in our own superiority and
none of the above should be
related in any way to any of the
our belief that the majority of Indians are stupid. It is possible that
companies or organisations
such leaders will really want modernisation, progress and the good of
with
which he is now, or has
the people.
in
the
past, been connected.
If so, their first task will be to make good quality education
His
personal website is:
accessible to the mass of our people. As we have made sure that our
www.prabhu.guptara.net
government does not have much money, they will find it difficult to
He blogs at:
do that from the government’s own resources. Therefore, in order to www.prabhuguptara.blogspot.com
83
!
GULF
Dubai
Nelson: +97156 1078184 Dominic: +97156 6041086
Bahrain
Eustace: +973 3910 6690
Qatar
Merwyn: +974 6611 5525
INDIA
Mumbai: +9122 6119 7775
Bangalore: +9180 4444 7777
Pune:
+9120 2528 5611/12/13
Email: theinternationalindian@expat-group.com
FOOD
DIWALI
How Sweet It Is!
essence, add biscuit powder. Pack nicely into a
greased thali and keep in the fridge till firm. Mix
together cream, chocolate and sugar. Melt over
a slow fire. Put over the mithai decorate with
cashew nuts cool. Cut into pieces and serve.
Kheema and Cheese Paratha
Diwali time is festival time it is celebrated with much pomp and joy. It
is a festival of lights, fun, merry making eating loads of sweets and
bursting crackers.
Besides marking the traditional Hindu New Year, it brings about the
message that virtue always triumphs over evil.
So go ahead and enjoy this Diwali by making some of the delicious
traditional dishes given below for your family and friends.
By: Golden Reejsinghani
Bharwaan Aande
Biscuit Burfi
Ingredients
1 big packet sweet plain biscuits powdered
100 grams clarified butter
1 cup condensed milk
2 tablespoons cocoa powder dissolved in 4
tablespoons milk
1 tablespoons essence of almonds
Ingredients
4 hard boiled eggs, 1 big onion, finely sliced
¼ coconut, 3 cloves, ¼ inch piece cinnamon
¼ teaspoon pepper corns, Salt and chili powder to taste
Method
Grind to a fine paste all the above ingredients with
the exception of the eggs and the onions. Cut the
eggs into halves. Smear each half liberally with the
ground paste. Put in two halves of each egg together
and tie with a piece of thread. Heat 2 tablespoons of
cooking oil and fry the onions for 5 minutes, stirring
continuously. Add 2 tablespoons of hot water. Cover
and simmer for 5 minutes serve hot.
86
For sauce take
50 grams grated chocolate.
100 grams fresh cream
2 tablespoons castor sugar
100 grams roasted cashew nuts
Method
Mix together milk, butter, cocoa powder and the
Ingredients
250 grams whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon clarified butter
Salt and chili powder to taste.
For the filling
1 cup boiled kheema or minced mutton
100 grams grated cheese
1 medium onion sliced
1 teaspoon ginger and garlic paste
1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
1 teaspoon each of garam masala and dhania jeera
powder
1 green chili finely sliced
Salt and chili powder to taste
Method
Mix flour with salt, chili powder and clarified
butter. Add enough water to form stiff dough.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil and add ginger, garlic and
onion, fry till soft. Mix in all the spices salt and
kheema and cook for 5 minutes over a slow fire.
Remove from fire and mix in the cheese. Divide
the dough into big lime-sized balls. Roll out each
ball into a round disc. Make a cup of the disc
with your hand fill with the portion of the filling.
Seal the edges nicely and form into a ball shape.
Flatten the ball roll in dry flour and roll out slowly
into a round thick paratha and shallow fry on a non
– stick pan to a golden brown color. Serve hot with
butter and pickle of your choice.
Masaledar Mutton
Ingredients
500 grams gherkins silted half way through
500 grams. lambs’ mutton, cut into serving
portions
250 grams. Well –beaten yoghurt.
1teaspoon grated. ginger
1teaspoon grated garlic
250 grams. tomatoes blanched and sliced
250 grams onions sliced.
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric powder.
1 teaspoon ground cumin seeds
50 grams clarified butter.
Method
Grind together ginger and garlic and mix it into the
yoghurt. Put inside the mutton and let it marinate
in it for 5 to 6 hours. Mince the onions and fry
them in clarified butter till golden in color. Add
the tomatoes. When the fat oozes out, put in the
mutton along with its marinade. Cover and cook
until the mixture turns completely dry and the
clarified butter starts separating. Put in two cups
of hot water. Cook over a medium fire till the meat
turns tender and dry, and then keep on stirring till
you see the fat coming out. Serve immediately.
87
FOOD
Nawabi Murg ki Biryani
Ingredients
500 grams. Basmati rice
500 grams chicken cut into serving pieces
250 grams grated onions
1 tablespoon ginger and garlic paste
125 grams yoghurt
125 grams grated tomatoes
2 tablespoons each of chopped coriander leaves,
mint leaves and green chilies.
30 grams mixed big black cardamoms, bay
leaves and cinnamon
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 tablespoon dhania jeera powder
60 grams oil
For decoration
2 hard boiled eggs cut into slices
Chili sauce
Method
Mix chicken with yoghurt, ginger and garlic paste,
salt and all the ground spices and keep aside for 2-3
hours. Heat oil add all the whole spices and onions
and fry till soft. Mix in the marinated mutton along
with tomatoes, coriander, mint and chilies and cook
the mutton till the oil comes on top. Mix in the
rice. Add enough hot water to stand 1 – inch above
the level of the rice, continue cooking till the rice
is tender and dry. Put in a serving dish and decorate
88
with slices of egg and put a drop of chili sauce on
the yolk and serve hot.
Mughlai Paneer
Ingredients
250 grams paneer cubed
100 grams mushrooms sliced
50 grams grated onions
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
powder
2 tomatoes pureed
4 tablespoons clarified butter
2 tablespoons ready made tomato puree
100 grams almonds paste
1 cup cream
Method
Heat 4 tablespoons clarified butter add onions,
ginger and garlic and fry till soft. Mix in the
mushrooms, all the spices and salt along with
tomato and tomato puree. Mix in the paneer and
almond paste and continue cooking till the paneer
is well coated with the mixture. Mix in cream and
decorate with coriander leaves serve hot.
Papad Kebabs
Ingredients
8 papads
250 grams shredded chicken
1 medium onion minced
1 small potato boiled peeled and chopped
100 grams boiled green peas
Tikki Shahjahani
Ingredients
450 grams boiled, peeled and mashed potatoes
Salt to taste
4 tablespoons corn flour
For the filling
100 grams crumbled cottage cheese
1 tablespoon coriander leaves
25 grams finely chopped onions
25 grams chopped almonds, pistachios and
cashew nuts
½ teaspoon each of roasted and pounded cumin
seeds, chaat masala.
powder
Method
Heat 2 tablespoons clarified butter and fry onion,
ginger and garlic till soft. Add the remaining
ingredients and cook till well mixed together.
Soak the papads one by one in a bowl of water for
a few seconds and put on a wet cloth. Put filling
into the center of each papad and roll up into a
tight roll. Seal the edges and set aside to dry for 5
minutes, deep fry to a golden color and serve hot
with ketchup or green garlic chutney.
Method
Mix all the filling ingredients together and keep
aside. Mix together potatoes, corn flour and
salt form into smooth dough. Divide the potato
mixture into big balls. Form the balls into cups;
fill with a portion of the filling. Form the cups
into round cutlets and shallow fry to a golden
color. Serve hot with onion and tomato slices and
chutney of your choice.
Golden Reejsinghani is a
freelance writer based in Mumbai
89
BUZZ WORD
Giordano’s Lion Polo Roars in Stores!
G
iordano’s new range
of Lion Polo t-shirts
is proving to be a real
hit with the region’s fashion
conscious consumers. Made
of 95 per cent cotton and 5 per
cent lycra to give a richer look
and feel, the polos emblazoned
with a bold rampant lion logo
have been grabbing attention since they hit the stores in early summer.
Giordano’s Lion Polo is available in a variety of colours for both
men and women. Available in a slim fit with sizes ranging from small
to double extra large, these t-shirts are flying off the shelves across all
Giordano stores worldwide.
Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director, Giordano ME, says: “We
knew the Lion Polo was going to be big, but we didn’t realise quite
how big – you could say it’s been a roaring success!“
As the temperatures continue to remain warm, Giordano’s casual
range of linen and cotton shirts are a must for the season - designed for
flexibility they provide 101 easy
mix-and-match dressing options.
Also newly arrived in stores
is Giordano’s latest line in
seasonal graphic tees, with
designs inspired by artistic,
musical and sporty slogans. Fun
and witty, they are perfect for
those customers who really want
to make a statement with their
outfit. The t-shirts are available
for men and for women with a
special slim-fit, cut to flatter.
And of course, Giordano
is still the go-to place for your
everyday clothing essentials
including a wide variety of 100
per cent cotton shirts and t-shirts,
innerwear, khakis, and jeans.
ETIHAD LAUNCHES INDIACONNECT
WITH KATRINA KAIF
E
Katrina Kaif, multi-award winning
actress from India
tihad Guest, the awardwinning loyalty program
of Etihad Airways, has
launched a new program called
IndiaConnect, an exclusive club
designed to offer a wide range of
benefits to Etihad Guest members
travelling to and from India.
Once registered at www.etihadindiaconnect.com, Etihad Guest
members will be able to access a number of exclusive benefits, including:
· travel offers on Etihad Airways Indian routes; and
· discounts and special deals with a variety of partners in India and
relevant partners abroad, including hotels, restaurants, retail outlets,
entertainment outlets, and community associations, with more options
soon to be added.
The program was launched by Etihad Airways’ new brand
ambassador, Katrina Kaif, the multi-award winning actress from India
who was also named as the founding member of India Connect.
Etihad recently filmed an internet video with Katrina Kaif dancing
in the airline’s First class lounge in Abu Dhabi, under the direction of
Indian film director and choreographer, Farah Khan.
The video will be used to promote the partnership between Katrina
90
and Etihad Airways throughout
the campaign.
Miss
Kaif
said:
“For
people like me who are always
travelling to and from India,
IndiaConnect is a perfect travel
solution, making it even easier to
fly home.”
Katrina also featured in a
stylish new advertising campaign
launched Wednesday in major
newspaper and magazines. In the
video, Katrina is seen enjoying
the comfort and world-class
facilities of each cabin on an
Etihad aircraft.
Neerja
Bhatia,
Etihad
Airways’ Country Manager
in India, said: “India is one of
our most important markets,
generating major traffic on Etihad
destinations across the globe.
Gold Sales To Shine On Back Of Demand Growth
Mideast watch & jewellery fair to boost jewellery buying during festive season
obust demand for gold
jewellery is set to spur
sales at the recent MidEast
Watch and Jewellery Show at
Expo Centre Sharjah. Investment
demand was the strongest
performing
segment
during
the second quarter of this year,
posting a rise of 118 per cent to
534.4 tonnes compared to 245.4
tonnes in Q2 2009, according to
the World Gold Council.
“We are expecting strong
demand for gold this season with
2010 consumption looking to
surpass levels to reach a five-year
high as gold is the world’s strongest
tangible investment,” said Saif
Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-
R
General of Expo Centre Sharjah,
ahead of the Mideast Watch and
Jewellery Show.
The 29th edition of the
show was held at Expo Centre
Sharjah from September 28 to
October 2.
Gold sales at the MidEast
Watch and Jewellery Show
will be seen as an indicator for
the entire sector since the fair Twilight view from Poolside
is held ahead of the festival season that begins with the Indian festival
of Diwali, which is followed by Christmas and New Year. The show
attracted more than 450 master jewellers and jewellery houses from all
over the world at nearly 16,000 square metres of floor space.
Indian demand for jewellery, bars and coins in the first half of
2010 grew by 94 per cent from a year ago to 365 tones even though
the average price increased by 22 per cent year-on-year, according to
World Gold Council figures.
Customising financial products for NRIs
ndia at this point of time can comfortably boast that it has been
able to rein in the flight of capital – financial and intellectual
- which at one stage in the 80s looked unthinkable. The
Indian economy is on a robust growth trajectory and boasts of a
stable annual growth rate, with rising foreign exchange reserves
and flourishing capital markets among other factors. World Bank
estimates the Indian economy to be amongst the top 3 economies
in the world by 2050. One community whose contribution in this
change stands out is the NRIs / PIOs who has migrated to all nooks
and corners of the world, starting 1960s. Over the last decade NRIs Virat Diwanji
have aggressively started looking at India as one of the safest and Executive Vice President & Head –
viable places for their investments, along with their existing needs, Branch Banking, Kotak Mahindra Bank
and product suites to meet these
to support the financial requirements of their loved ones back home.
Over the years GCC countries have turned into an extended changing demands. Today the
neighborhood for India. With about 6 million Indians residing in GCC products offered to NRIs broadly
countries no bank can afford to ignore the size and capacity of the consists of:
• Basic Banking
Indian Diaspora. Here again migration of Indians have evolved over
• Investment Advisory
years. What started as migration of blue collar labour class has evolved
• Secure & Speedy Funds
to skilled manpower to managerial talent to entrepreneurs. This has
also resulted in the shift in demand for banking requirements where Transfer with multi currency
every Public, Private and Multinational bank has upgraded its presence options
I
91
BUZZ WORD
American Tourister backpacks offer
style, comfort and convenience
merican
Tourister,
the
provider of durable family
travel solutions, has unveiled
its latest range of backpacks to suit
the tastes of customers in the Middle
East. The new line of backpacks from
American Tourister offers the unique
mix of style, comfort and robustness to
respond to the demands of travellers,
college students and businessmen.
The backpacks provide durable
travel solutions for family travellers
and also offer outdoor and reliable
business solutions for its discerning
American Tourister Backpacks
customers. Equipped with added
features to provide the perfect blend of functionality and strength, the new
backpacks encompass an attractive range of sizes and designs.
While the Professional range offer a unique mix of premium fabric,
laptop compartment, side pockets, back padding, secret packet and multiutility pouch, the Achievers range cater to the varied needs of the younger
clientele, with stylish earphone access and key holders.
A
The third range – Strivers – has
been designed keeping in mind
the demands of the adventurous
community, with slotted packets
for organizer in the front and
multiple
compartments
for
packing convenience.
“In line with its strategy to
offer the most convenient and
effective travel solutions, American
Tourister’s new backpacks address
the different needs of the today’s
traveller – be it the businessman,
student or an adventure enthusiast.
The new line not only offers a
unique experience to our customers
but the latest innovative range are
both strong and affordable and come
with 18 months’ warranty,” said, Mr.
Subrata Dutta, Managing Director
South Asia, at American Tourister.
Micromax, an Indian domestic mobile handset
company launches its Dubai operations
The range of dual SIM mobile phones will offer a greater variety
of choices to Dubai consumers
M
icromax
Informatics
Limited (“Micromax”),
which is the largest
Indian mobile handset company,
in terms of units shipped during
Mr. Vikas Jain, Business Director,
Micromax Informatics Limited
the quarter ended March 31, 2010
and the third largest mobile handset seller as at March 31, 2010
(Source: IDC’s India Quarterly Mobile Handsets Tracker, 1Q 2010,
June 2010 release) announced its foray into United Arab Emirates,
Sultanate Of Oman, Kuwait and Qatar today, through its wholly
owned subsidiary, Micromax Informatics FZE. Micromax handsets
will be aimed at consumers across all segments with special focus on
the youth in the age group of less than 30 years. Product innovation has
been a key factor in driving Micromax growth in India and it plans to
bring an innovative product lineage to the consumers in Middle East
too. Micromax will offer a wide variety of phones that range from
gaming specific phones to social messenger that are in also line with
its brand essence “Nothing like anything” and are targeted at the youth
population of the city.
92
With phone features rending
from 30 day long battery life
(standby mode), Dual SIM,
QWERTY phones for youth,
Multimedia mobile phones, and
utility phones the Company
believes it captured the entire value
chain of handsets. The company
has entered into a distribution
arrangement with 2020 Mobile
UAE LLC in the region who will
distribute Micromax products in
UAE. For distribution in Oman,
Molecules Group of Companies
has been shortlisted whereas
Jumbo Electronics has won the
distribution contract for Qatar
and Kuwait
A BUNDLE OF JOY TO REJOICE…
AMARJA HILLS, across LONAVALA…
“Somehow I had an inkling that I would love to settle in a country far from my India. Striving for the same
I have reached a stage where I enjoy an enviable position in my field here. However, whenever I think of
India, the spilling over of the nature’s bounty in the ranges of Sahyadris in the Western ghats always take
me to a nostalgic state.
Contrary to the belief carried usually, every Indian settled
anywhere in the world has very affectionate vibrations when it
of the necessities of life
From unedited notes of an
around the property.
NRI diary…
Another prominent
thought has to be centered on
hile traversing the
the bounty bestowed by the
World everyday for
nature and greener pasture
your business or work,
round the year so that one can
you must have always had a
revive the ambiance of mind Twilight view from Poolside
dream of a signature abode in
and soul with real green environment, whenever he returns to the land
your own country…India…
he belongs.
Many a times it so happens
Within the precincts of the rich Sahyadris, at a stone’s throw away
that the properties you are
from Mumbai with the Expressway in place and with the greens that
looking for do not suit your
you would be proud of, AMARJA HILLS near LONAVALA provide
requirements and aspirations in
you a location worthy of your enviable position.
terms of accessibility and most
In search of a true release of tension, one has to move slightly
importantly abundant availability
away from Lonavala, where the scenic beauty of the Pavna Dam still
W
RAK AIRWAYS LAUNCHES TWO NEW ROUTES
Innovative Video Solutions Make Real-Time Collaboration More Accessible and More Effective for
Enterprises and End-Users
AK Airways, a national carrier of the UAE, has announced
today that it will resume services, starting two new routes
next month with four weekly flights to Calicut (Kozhikode)
and Jeddah.
RAK Airways’ Chairman, Sheikh Omar Bin Saqr Al Qassimi
told delegates at a press conference in Ras Al Khaimah that the rebirth of the airline would play a pivotal role in the promotion of the
emirate as a destination in its own right, “The time is now right to
play our part in the ambitious vision of H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr
Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah,
for boosting tourism in the emirate,” he explained.
“Ras Al Khaimah presents a very compelling business opportunity Sheikh Omar Bin Saqr Al Qassimi Chairman of RAK Airways
with its healthy economy and stable political environment.
The cost of living and doing business in Ras Al Khaimah is
Chief Executive Officer Omar
extremely competitive and we are perfectly positioned at the cross- Jahameh explained that the two
roads of Europe and Asia. Just last year the emirate received the destinations had been carefully
Financial Times Business Group’s award for ‘Most Attractive Place chosen. “Jeddah, of course, is the
in the Middle East for Foreign Direct Investment’,” Sheikh Omar gateway to Saudi Arabia’s holiest
concluded.
sites,” he said; “Calicut in turn is
R
93
FUTUREQUEST
Futurequest... continued from page 96...
someone who claims infinity, besides being non-denominational and
neutral to anyone from any religion! After learning the Maker’s name,
the decision to pursue a relationship with him is a matter of free will,
not subservience to any religion.
Let’s briefly forget about manmade divisions called Hindu,
Muslim, Christian, Sikh etc., and let’s just focus on the “BIG IF” as
a mind opening exercise. Somebody has observed, the walls we have
constructed to “keep ideas out” are the same walls that “keep us in.”
Archaeologists and historians have found ancient walls dating
back thousands of years that are still standing, built mostly for
self-preservation and defence of property.
Globalsecurity.org
has a detailed description of the protective cordon around the
Green Zone, the 10-square-kilometer area in Central Baghdad,
which is the hub of the Coalition Provisional Authority.
Similarly many people build
impenetrable
walls
and
defences around themselves,
I have discovered that life beyond our
they cannot be seen, but
walls is much more fulfilling outside the
neither can they be easily
dismantled. These walls can
constraints I put on myself or allowed
hide personality traits but often
they just keep people’s minds
others to. Only in freedom did I begin to
walled in from differences and
ideas. Many of us have lived
experience the true beauty and diversity
within our protective ramparts
God has created in every human being.
for so long we are accustomed
to them and quite comfortable
residing behind them.
all creation acquires its meaning.
I have discovered that life beyond our walls is much more fulfilling
So where do we start - how outside the constraints I put on myself or allowed others to. Only in
about at the very beginning freedom did I begin to experience the true beauty and diversity God
who is God? To know someone has created in every human being. At some point I started exploring the
you begin with a name and all character of this one, true God most people believe exists and from my
the scriptures tell us God has search of all the scriptures I found some fascinating insights. He seems
many names but curiously he to have left clues all over the place, probably because he is all over the
first chose to introduce himself place! He demands our attention in Isaiah 45:22-2 saying, “Look unto
saying, “I Am who I Am... This me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there
is my name forever, the name by is none else.”
which I Am to be remembered
Must we remain satisfied just imagining what faith is or can we find
from generation to generation.” some helpful clues in the scriptures? What would you do if you wanted
(Exodus 3:14-15) Sounds a bit to find the answers? I can only speak for myself - my journey started
weird but when you think about when I began questioning everything I took for granted all my life. The
it, makes complete sense. IF he answers are in the scriptures that belong to everybody. They contain
is God infinite – the beginning universal truth they cannot be labelled and made proprietary no matter
and the end, he couldn’t possibly who says so.
be, “I Was” or “I Will Be” etc.,
he has to be “I Am.” That is
Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end,
Futurequest is a search for the truth in our times.
the appropriate grammar for
Frank Raj is the founding editor and publisher of TII.
n Islam, Allah is supreme;
in
Hinduism
Brahma
is the creator, Sikhism
acknowledges “Ik Onkar”
(one God). Historically the GrecoRomans believed Zeus was the
god who held all things together.
Similarly, many Jews thought of
the Logos, (Divine Reason) as the
One who embodies the fullness
of God. The New Testament
ascribes all these attributes to the
resurrected Christ and his death
on the cross, as the One by whom
I
”
94
”
C
entral
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FUTUREQUEST
Ishwar, Allah Tero Naam,
Who Can Build A
House for Bhagwan’?
By: Frank Raj
Isaiah 66:1
This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be?
The vast majority of people have not figured out that religion is more about manmade
institutions gaining power to control people’s lives, and less about personal faith. In
the recent Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi situation since the Sunni Waqf Board has
decided to appeal against the verdict, it is now up to the Supreme Court to seize the
high ground once and for all and let Indians know that politics and religion will never
be muddled again.
I think India’s finest hour will be to declare that not only is our nation one, but that we
acknowledge God is one. The fact is most people believe in one God today. He has
infinite facets for Hindus, he is one deity according to Muslims and Sikhs and he is
triune according to Christians. By the Indian Parliament’s decision in 1993 Ayodhya is
the final case of its kind hence it is the last chance to show that no greater tribute can
be made to Hinduism and Islam, apart from a genuine ruling for peace and harmony
that respects individual faith and worship in the country.
Referring to the scriptures, if heaven is God’s throne and earth his footstool, is anyone
authorised to build an abode for him? And where does God want to reside? The
scriptures give a clear answer: “For we are the temple of the living God; even as God
said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among
them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people,” (2 Cor 6:16).
CONSIDER THE BIG ‘IF’
1. IF there is one God of the whole earth
2. IF all the nations stand to be judged under his wrath and judgment
3. IF it is nevertheless God’s will that all nations should know and worship him
4. IF he had chosen any one nation as the means of blessing all the nations
5. IF he sent a Messiah to embody and fulfil that mission
6. IF that truth can set us free isn’t it time for the nations to understand why?
7. IF the Messiah is any of the prophets or avatars or gurus - Mohammed or Ram, Krishna or Buddha
or Jesus of Nazareth why should anyone’s passion for the truth be any less?
continued to page 94...
96

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