Prime Minister Narendra

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ritish Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg paid an official visit to India on August 25-27. The Deputy Prime Minister led a 40-mem- ber delegation and apart from New Delhi, he also visited Mumbai and Bengaluru.

During his visit, the Deputy PM called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 25. He said in his meeting with the Prime Minister of India, a lot of attention was paid to economic and commercial matters. “There were also discussions on a future trade agreement.”

He said that Modi and he discussed how the regulation burden can be removed, paving the way for investment. “Huge attention was paid on how the regulation burden can be

removed. This will act as catalyst for increasing the level of investment coming to India.”

“There is a personal passion in Prime Minister Modi who spoke of his

own experiences in ensuring a Green Gujarat. We both agreed that growth cannot come at the cost of nature,”

Clegg further said. “India has a young population. 70 percent of its popula-

tion is young. There are thousands of young people who need skills. UK has world’s top six universities which can help Indian students develop skills.”

Continued on page 2 A Fortnightly publicAtion oF the high commission oF indiA, london

2nd issue of August 2014

Vol. 12 Issue: 16

Sports awards presented

P2

Deccan Odyssey relaunched

P6

Queen of the Hills

P8

Record production of foodgrains

P4

PM launches ‘Jan Dhan Yojana’, record 15 mn bank accounts opened

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28 launched the union government’s flag- ship financial inclusion scheme ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana’ (PMJDY), with the national rollout leading to the opening of an astounding 15 million bank accounts on a single day.

Modi said the project, launched in a mission mode, aims at tackling poverty by ending “financial untouchability”.

Under the project announced by Modi during his Independence Day address, bank accounts and debit cards with an accident insurance cover of

`100,000 will be provided to millions still without access to formal banking facilities. With the government having done extensive homework for the project’s rollout, Modi took pride in the numbers that exceeded the target set for the day. “Never before would insurance companies have issued 15 million accident insurance policies in a single day.

Never before in economic history would 15 million bank accounts have been opened in a single day,” Modi said.

The figure is close to the population of the Netherlands.

“Never before has the government organised a programme of such scale - over 77,000 locations — with the par-

ticipation of so many chief ministers, union ministers and officials. The success is an inspiration for achieving new heights,” Modi added.

“If Mahatma Gandhi worked to remove social untouchability, if we want to get rid of poverty, we have to get rid of financial untouchability. We have to connect every person with the financial system,” he said.

Modi said there would be an additional `30,000 life assurance cover for those opening bank accounts before January

26, 2015. The prime minister said the nationwide success of the enrollment drive would give confidence to government departments about achieving their targets. Modi had written a mail to over seven lakh bank employees exhorting them to help reach the targets set for financial inclusion of the poor.

He said a breakthrough was required to overcome the vicious cycle of poverty and debt and it was achieved Thursday.

Bank officials said the people were provided zero-balance accounts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting the award to Ms. Priya Sharma for design the logo of the

‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)’, in New Delhi on August 28.

British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visits India

UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on August 25.

n 15 million accident insurance policies done on a single day and same number of bank accounts opened n Programme held at around 77,000

locations with the participation of chief ministers, union ministers and bank officials.

n Target to cover 75 million households with at least one account will be achieved by January 26, 2015.

n Universal access to banking facilities for all households through a bank branch

n Coverage of all households with at least one basic banking account with RuPay debit card with accident insurance cover of `100,000.

n Additional `30,000 life assurance cover for those opening bank accounts before Jan 26, 2015.

n An overdraft facility of up to `5,000 after satisfactory operation for six months.

n Full range of banking services would be possible through ordinary mobile phones.

n Financial literacy to be imparted up to village level.

Jan Dhan Yojana:

Highlights

The ambitious plan aims at ensuring financial inclusion and eliminating poverty from society

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[ ]

2

PRESIDENT PRANAB

MUKHERJEE and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 29 greeted the nation on the eve of the 10- day Ganesh Chaturthi festival that starts on August 29. “On the auspi- cious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I convey greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens in India and abroad,” said the President in his message. “May Lord Ganesha, the symbol of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune shower his blessings on this day and remove all obstacles in the path of our development so that we can move ahead as a strong and vibrant nation,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the nation on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

President, PM greet nation on Ganesh

Chaturthi

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resident Pranab Mukherjee on August 29 gave away the National Sports Awards during a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. For the first time since 1994, the awards selection committee head- ed by cricket legend Kapil Dev and including the likes of Anju Bobby George and Kunjarani Devi, two media persons and three government repre- sentatives, including Sports Authority of India Director General Jiji Thomson failed to decide on a name for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the country’s highest sporting honour.

Vice President M. Hamid Ansari and Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal were also present at the ceremony.

Sportspersons Tintu Luka (athletics), Anirban Lahiri (golf), H.N. Girisha

(paralympics), V. Diju (badminton), Geetu Ann Jose (basketball), Jai Bhagwan (boxing), Renubala Chanu (weightlifting), Heena Sidhu (shoot- ing), Sunil Rana (wrestling) and Akhilesh Varma (archery) received the Arjuna Award.

Ravichandran Ashwin was not present at the function as he was away in England for the Test and ODI series.

This is not the first time that a crick- eter has been missing.

The spinner is at present in England touring with the Indian squad.

The Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyan Chand awardees received stat- uettes, citations and cash prize of Rs.5 lakh each while recipients of Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar were presented trophies.

President presents national sports awards

President Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Arjuna Award for 2014 to Tintu Luka for athlet- ics, in a glittering ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on August 29 .

India clinch ODI series, regain No 1 spot

AJINKYA RAHANE’S maiden cen- tury and his century-run stand with Shikhar Dhawan powered India to a comprehensive nine-wicket win over England in the fourth ODI in Birmingham on September 2 and also sealed the series 3-0 with still a match to go. The England batting collapsed yet again as they were bundled out for 206 runs after being put into bat at Edgbaston. India reached the easy target in just 30.3 overs as Rahane struck 106 and Dhawan remained unbeaten on 97. The win will help India ease the pains of the humiliating 1-3 loss in the Test series. The first ODI in Bristol was washed out while India won the second ODI in Cardiff by 133 runs and the third in Nottingham by six wickets.

Meanwhile, India were back as the No.1 ranked ODI side following Zimbabwe’s historic three-wicket win over Australia in a triangular series match in Harare on August 31.

I

convey to the distinguished guests present here greetings of our Independence Day. We can all be proud that our Independence Day is being celebrated with such vigour and enthusiasm here in the UK. I compliment our esteemed members of the Indian community for this com- mendable endeavour. I have been privileged to take part in several Independence Day events throughout this month.

This is an occasion to recall the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, and to look at the vision of our lead- ers who bear the torch which was lit in 1947, in taking India forward today.

London has been closely associated with our freedom struggle. This was, at different points of time, the venue for the inspiring example of Mahatma Gandhi, of Dada Bhai Nauroji and multitudes of other freedom fighters.

And now looking at the present and planning for the future

— Indians living in London can take pride in the way 550 million free Indians voted in peaceful elections, and the orderly transition of power to, a new government, with a new vision. I would also like to take this opportunity to appreciate the work of the Indian Gymkhana Club which has served as the beacon for Indian community since its establishment in 1916, and for many years has been the centre for Independence Day celebrations.”

Now, permit me to quote from

Rashtrapatiji’s

eve of

Independence Day address:

“Freedom is a celebration;

independence is a challenge.

In the 68th year of freedom, we have reaffirmed the power of our individual and collective liber- ties by electing through a remarkably peaceful elec- toral process, a stable govern-

ment with a clear majority for a single party, after three decades. India demands creative thinking in governance that enables fast-track development and ensures social har- mony. The nation has to be placed above partisan impuls- es. The people come first.

A nation is very young at 68. India has the will, energy, intellect, values and unity to claim the 21st century. The vision to win the battle of freedom from poverty is set; the journey will seem formidable only to those without con- viction. As an old saying goes, “Sidhir Bhavati Karamja”, which means, “success is born of action”.

Now is the time for action!”

The Prime Minister of India, Pradhan Mantri Shri Narendra Modiji, in his first Independence Day address made a clarion call to the nation: -

“My dear countrymen, a national festival is an occasion to refine and rebuild the national character. This national festival inspires us to resolve ourselves to lead a life where our character gets refined further, to dedicate ourselves to the nation and our every activity is linked to the interest of the nation and only then this festival of freedom can be a festival of inspiration to take India to newer heights.

Brothers and sisters, the world has undergone a change.

My dear countrymen, the world has changed. Now India cannot decide its future by remaining isolated and sitting alone in a corner. The economics of the world have changed and, therefore, we will have to act accordingly.

Government have taken many decisions recently, made some announcements in the budget and I call upon the world and call upon the Indians spread world over that if we have to provide more and more employment to the youth, we will have to promote manufacturing sector. If we have to develop a balance between imports and exports, we will have to strengthen manufacturing sector.”

High Commissioner’s speech on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations at Indian Gymkhana Club on August 24

Continued from page1

NICK CLEGG also met Finance and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi on August 25.

The British Deputy Prime Minister on August 26 visited the super-special- ity Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai and said that he was highly impressed with the standard of medical services and research provided to the people there.

Speaking at a conference ‘UK-India:

Business is great’ organised by U.K.

Trade and Investment in partnership with Ficci in New Delhi, Clegg said his country was “ready” and “able” to help build India’s “good days” and that bilat- eral trade between the two countries would be boosted.

He unveiled a new tech hub and a joint business centre in Bangalore to facilitate Indo-British businesses to share expertise and boost trade between the two countries.

“India is at a major crossroads in its economic destiny, and Bangalore is a shining example of how technologi- cal expertise can be harnessed to create a powerhouse for growth.”

British Deputy Prime Minister

Nick Clegg visits India

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3 India House Diary

Independence Day celebrations at Consulate General of India, Birmingham.

Independence Day celebrations held at Mansion House, Cardiff, hosted by the Lord Mayor and Honorary Consul of India, Raj Aggarwal.

Eid/Indian Independence Day function organised by the Indian Muslim Federation on August 9.

Shri P.K. Patel, First Secretary, High Commission of India (extreme left), Mayor of the London Borough of Waltham Forest, Cllr Terry Wheeler as the Chief Guest (middle) and President of the Indian Muslim Federation in the UK, Mr. Shamsuddin Agha (extreme right).

Independence Day celebrations at Consulate General of India, Edinburgh.

Independence Day celebrations across the UK

Independence Day celebrations at Indian Gymkhana Club on August 24.

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4 A

sian Development Bank (ADB) on August 27 assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi his development finance institution’s support to help India grow faster and assured some $7-9 billion credit to the country over the next three years.

“India has great potential to grow faster and ADB will be supporting India to reach its potential,” Takehiko Nakao, President of the Manila-based bank, who was on a visit to India, was quoted as having told the Prime Minister during his meeting here. “The population of India is its biggest plus-point and as the cost of manufacturing goes up in other countries, India can capitalize on this for promoting manufacturing,” said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, quoting the visiting dignitary.

Modi said he had a good experience with the ADB in Gujarat, a state of which he was chief minister earlier, in its reconstruction after the devastating earthquake of 2001.

He wanted ADB to be a partner in India’s progress. “He wanted ADB to think differently so that it can make an impact,” the statement added.

The Prime Minister wanted ADB to give priority to regional connectivity projects which will help the whole region. He also said his assistance should be additional to current levels of assistance.

PM Modi wanted ADB to pick up large demonstration projects and demonstrate breakthroughs which then can be rapidly copied, the statement added. The ADB president said they are very keen on partnering in the East Coast Industrial Corridor and supporting Smart Cities. He also wanted India’s reg- ulatory system to be improved to make doing business easier.

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rime Minister Narendra Modi on August 16 commissioned India’s largest indige- nously built warship INS Kolkata into the Indian Navy, describ- ing it as “a symbol of our self-reliance in the field of defence”.

“INS Kolkata, entirely built in India, is a symbol of our self-reliance in the field of defence. It is a worthy example of the country’s technical abilities and will send a strong message around the world,” Modi said at the commissioning ceremony held at the naval base in Mumbai. “Not only are we dedicating the warship, but we are also introducing to the whole world India’s technical prowess and defence capabilities,” Modi asserted at the ceremony attended by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, Maharashtra Governor K.

Sankaranarayanan, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R. K. Dhowan.

Part of the Kolkata Class destroyers of the Indian Navy, INS Kolkata has been designed by the naval Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Docks Ltd

(MDL), Mumbai.

The first in the series which will include INS Kochi and INS Chennai,

the 6,800-tonne INS Kolkata with an operating range of 15,000 kms, was delivered to the navy last month and was commissioned on August 16.

Calling it “a historic day for India and its people,” Modi said his government has taken major steps to boost indigenous defence technology and it has been the country’s dream to achieve self- reliance in all areas.

Now, India has the potential to export defence technology to the rest of the world, which is a matter of pride for the country, he added, lauding the contribution of Indian designers, engineers, technicians and strategists who worked to make the country’s largest ever warship and strengthen the country’s maritime defence capabilities.

Modi recalled the contribution of Maharashtra’s warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji and said he recognised the impor- tance of “securing the seas for increasing trade and security.”

Fitted with the most advanced weapons systems, including anti-sub- marine technology, at 163 m. X 17.4 m.

width, INS Kolkata is the largest stealth

destroyer constructed by the MDL.

It is an advanced version, but signifi- cantly more versatile, of the Delhi Class ships — INS Delhi, INS Mysore and INS Mumbai — which will add con- siderable punch to India’s maritime war- fare capabilities with the first ever all- round capability against enemy sub- marines, surface warships, anti-ship missiles and fighter aircraft.

Most of the weapons and sensors fitted on board are of indigenous make.

These include the state-of-the-art BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles, rocket launchers, torpedo tube launchers, sonar Humsa and AK-630 guns, giv- ing it the capability to counter enemy threats at sea and also air attacks.

Built under the ambitious Project 15- Alpha, these significant features enable it to operate without a supporting fleet of ships making it one of the most formidable warships of this class and cate- gory anywhere in the world.

Presently, the Indian Navy has around 140 ships, with another 44 under construction at different shipyards in the country.

ADB president assures Modi bank’s support for India’s growth

Largest indigenous warship commissioned

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elecommunications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on August 27 unveiled the dot Bharat domain name, an official statement said in New Delhi.

Most of the future expansion of the internet is going to come from Asia, Africa and the developing world. Local languages, content and culture will increasingly become important themes for the future expansion of the internet, the Minister said, adding that mobile devices and applications as well as social media will be important determinants of

this growth. The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and the

Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) have been working for the last two years on the dot Bharat domain name. The dot Bharat ccTLD (country code top-level domain) is shared by other Indian languages such as Boro, Dogri, Konkani, Maithili, Marathi, Nepali and Sindhi-Devanagari and the end user can now get domain names in these languages apart from Hindi, the statement said. This is soon to be followed by launches in regional languages such as Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu, Telugu and Bangla.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the commissioning ceremony of INS Kolkata in to the Indian Navy, at the Naval Dockyard, in Mumbai on August 16.

INDIA’S FOODGRAIN produc- tion for the agricultural year 2013- 14 touched a record 264.77 million tonnes (MT) on the back of a good monsoon last year, as per the government’s revised estimates.

“India has produced 264.77 million tones of food-grain this year as compared to 257.13 million tones in the previous year,” the Agriculture Ministry said releasing its latest estimate of food-grain production for the crop year 2013-14 ended in June.

The Ministry in its latest estimate revised the wheat production to 95.91 MT as against 95.85 MT in the previous estimates released in May. Similarly, rice output has been raised to 106.54 MT from 106.29 MT estimated in May.

“Record production has also been achieved in the case of pulses like tur (3.29 MT) and gram (9.88 MT)”, the ministry said, estimating the overall production of pulses at 19.27 MT. The revised production took into account Kharif crops of the year 2013 and Rabi crops of the year 2013-14.

Telecom Minister unveils dot Bharat domain name

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicates to nation the 6,800-tonne INS Kolkata with an operating range of 15,000 km; first in a series that will include INS Kochi and INS Chennai

Foodgrain output touches record 265

MT in 2013-14

ADB President Takehiko Nakao with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad launching the Bharat Domain Name in Devanagari Script in New Delhi on August 27.

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5 P

resident Pranab Mukherjee on August 25 said the Indian economy has undergone major changes over the years and no policy can be considered rele- vant for all times. Addressing a delegation of Indian Trade Service (ITS) officers, who called on him at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mukherjee said: “That system is dynamic which has the flexibility to change with changing times. Therefore, India’s policies should contribute in helping the flexibility and dynamism of the economy so that it grows.”

The delegation consisted of eight pro- bationers and 20 officers of ITS. He said foreign trade over the years has been

playing an important role in the Indian economy.

“Exports have continued to be the major focus of India’s foreign trade policy. With enhanced e-governance in Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the changing role of DGFT itself, the officers would now have to act as trade facilitators and not only as regulators,” he said.

“Trade facilitation has to be carried out at every stage, from designing a scheme to granting of benefits to exporters through these schemes. As trade facilitators, the ITS officers would be able to give new impetus to our economic requirements,” Mukherjee added.

Indian economy witnessed major changes over years

President Pranab Mukherjee says foreign trade is key for reviving economy

PRESIDENT PRANAB Mukherjee on August 24 said it is

“absolutely necessary” to impart skill training to 500 million India youths by 2020 in order to increase the employability of the work force. “By 2030, India is going to have 20 percent of the whole world’s working population living in the country.

More than 50 percent of India’s population will be below 30 years,”

Mukherjee said while inaugurating the Management Development Institute (MDI) campus in West Bengal. “The vast multitude” of working forces can be transformed into skilled manpower through proper training, and this would enhance their job prospects. “If we convert this vast multitude of working forces into skilled workers, their employability will increase manifold and therefore the target of providing skill to 500 million young persons in India is absolutely necessary,” he said.

FORBES HAS named TCS as

“one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies”, and positioned it 57th among this year’s top 100 global IT service providers, a statement said in Mumbai on August 27. The World’s Most Innovative Companies List is developed annu- ally by Forbes magazine, recognising corporate excellence in fostering innovative and creative business thinking and solutions. “It is an honour and distinction to be recog- nised by Forbes for our industry- leading commitment to innovation,” Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) CEO and Managing Director N. Chandrasekaran said.

“TCS continues to invest in global capabilities to help customers ful- ly leverage today’s disruptive digital technologies in simplifying opera- tions and fundamentally re-imagin- ing their business models, process- es and products,” he added.

The companies are ranked by Forbes for their “innovation premi- um”, or the difference between their market capitalisation and a net present value of cash flows from the existing business. TCS started deliv- ering its innovative solutions by opening its first research and development lab in 1981 when the technology industry in India was just taking shape. The company has established a global network of Innovation Labs spanning industries and services. It provides value to customers across the entire technology and business landscape, forg- ing and nurturing bonds with aca- demic institutions and start-ups.

Forbes names TCS among world’s most innovative companies

S

ignalling a positive shift in investor sentiment in India’s textile industry, the country attracted $198.86 million foreign capital in the sector during April-March 2013-14, up 91.41 percent. The country had attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) of $103.89 million during April 2012-March 2013.

According to the Textiles Ministry, the FDI inflow in the sector so far stood at

$11.70m during April 2014-May 2015.

“The government is implementing various schemes to ensure the maximum utilisation of FDI in textile sector like technology upgradation fund scheme (TUFS), scheme for integrated textile parks (SITP), integrated skill development scheme (ISDS),” the Ministry said.

Signalling a positive shift in India’s textile export, the country shipped $36.69 billion worth during 2013 from $32.88 billion in 2012 — up 11.58 percent.

Major countries contributing to FDI inflows in the country include the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Switzerland, Singapore, Luxembourg,

Japan, Hong Kong, Belgium and Australia.

Meanwhile, the Textiles Ministry on September 1 signed an agreement with online retailer Flipkart to provide an online marketing platform to handloom weavers, an official statement said.

Through this agreement, Flipkart will provide weavers in India an online marketing platform, infrastructural support in data analytics and customer acquisi- tion to help them get remunerative prices for their products. For marketing support, the ministry has from time to time taken many initiatives such as organizations of domestic marketing events, participation in international fairs and buyer-seller meets.

I

ndia has touched the top spot in consumer confidence among the 60 countries measured in Nielsen’s Global Survey of Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions in the second quarter (April-June) of 2014.

The country’s ranking increased seven index points to 128, surpassing the 123 logged by Indonesia, which previ- ously held the top spot for five consec- utive quarters. The Nielsen consumer confidence index measures perceptions of job prospects, personal finances and immediate spending intentions.

Consumer confidence levels above and

below a baseline of 100 indicate degrees of optimism and pessimism, respec- tively. “Consumers in India have indi- cated increased levels of confidence in the second quarter when the country’s

general elections were taking place in the country,” said Piyush Mathur, president, Nielsen India. “This buoyancy is yet to translate into increased con- sumption across sectors. Despite the ongoing inflationary trend and expecta- tions of a poor monsoon, consumers are likely to open their purse strings as we head into the festive season in response to savvy marketing stimulus,” he added.

India’s job sentiment improved 20 per- centage points from the third quarter of 2013, as 83 percent of Indian consumers said they feel optimistic about future prospects, the survey revealed.

FDI in textile sector up 91 percent in 2013-14

India takes top spot in global consumer confidence

Skilling 500 million will increase employability

THE $6.3 bn medical technology industry in India has the potential to expand to $50 billion by 2025 if it receives proper policy guidance, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said recently. The sector deals in medical devices, equipments as well as diagnostics used in healthcare services.

Medical technology can be

$50 bn industry by 2025

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aharashtra’s luxury train, the Deccan Odyssey, was relaunched in Mumbai on August 26 with a private partner to make it commercially viable, an official said.

Launched about a decade ago as the state’s answer to the Palace On Wheels, commercial success eluded it though it became a hit with foreigners. Now, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), which runs it, has appointed Cox & Kings Ltd. (CKL) as an outsourced partner to operate the train from October 4 for a period of five years.

CKL will manage the entire sales, marketing, on-board and off-board services and other operational activities to make it successful, with a scope for another

five-year extension. “We are making efforts to showcase maximum possible destinations in Maharashtra with a long- term perspective and to boost the luxury train business,” said additional chief secretary Sumit Mullick.

CKL director (special projects) Arup

Sen said this “spirit of partnership will benefit Maharashtra and enhance its position in India tourism”.

“Highly complex logistic arrange- ments have enabled us to offer 10 different itineraries for the Deccan Odyssey,” said MTDC managing director Jagdish Patil at the relaunch.

The seven-night ‘Maharashtra Splendour’ package will cover Aurangabad, Ajanta-Ellora, Nashik, Kolhapur, Goa and Mumbai, while

‘Maharashtra Wild Trail’ will journey through Ajanta-Ellora, Nagpur, Pench and Tadoba. The four-night ‘Spiritual Sahyadri’ will cover pilgrim centres of Nashik and Shirdi in Ahmednagar, while the two-night ‘Soul Quest’ will take patrons to Shirdi.

[ ]

6 The affective affinities of Tagore

n

News from The Nehru Centre

ON AUGUST 2, The Nehru Centre (TNC) organised a lecture by Prof.

Rustom Bharucha on ‘Performing Asia: The Affective Affinities of Rabindranath Tagore and Okakura Tenshin’. The lecture explored the idea of ‘Asia’ that provided the meeting ground for Tagore and Japanese curator and art historian Okakura Tenshin during the last century.

of experience and others who are fresh and young talents. They exhibited art works like paintings, prints, photo- graphs and sculptures. The exhibition was appreciated by the audience.

TNC INAUGURATED a group exhibition titled ‘An expedition of Indian Artists’ by Gaurav Mangla on August 4. The group consisted of artists from different parts of India, including some with a great reservoir

ON AUGUST 6, TNC organised a musical concert titled ‘Colours of Music — An ode to Western and Indian musicals on the piano’ by Ankita Kumar. She aimed to unleash the power of music that speaks no language and binds the world to the harmonious tune of life.

ON AUGUST 12, Lord Mereworth and Shatrughan Jiwnani organised a presentation on ‘Baha’i Temples’ at The Nehru Centre. The event featured a presentation of the Indian Baha’i Lotus temple and explained the idea of religion as a civilizational force.

They discussed the cyclic appearance of religions over cen- turies in the context to their contribution to art, culture and education. It opened the Baha’i community as one religious model working towards the unity of humankind.

An ode to Western and Indian musicals

Deccan Odyssey relaunched with private partner

T

elecommunications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on August 26 said the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) project will usher in an e- commerce revolution in the country.

“The NOFN will lead to an empowered India with villages board- ing the Internet superway. It will also lead to an explosion of e-commerce in the country,”

he said at the first meeting of the centre and states on various initiatives under the Digital India programme.

The NOFN aims at providing broadband

connectivity to 2.5 lakh gram pan- chayats in India by March 2017.

Prasad also added that as Internet penetrates into every village and city, the people will go online and avail the e-commerce route to buy things and that will eventually lead to expansion of e-commerce and building eco-system. “This will lead to creation of more jobs and growth in the economy,” he added.

Earlier, Prasad said: “Once the government is able to create an enabling atmosphere, I am sure retailers, service providers, content creators will come on their own.”

Optic fibre network will push e-commerce

revolution: Prasad

Show on Kuchipudi

& Bharatnatyam

Presentation on

‘Baha’i Temples’

of the presentation along with exam- ples of other Sabdams from her Bharatanatyam repertoire. There was a good turnout for the show.

THE NEHRU CENTRE presented a lecture-cum-demonstration on

‘Compilation of repertoire in Kuchipudi & Bharatanatyam with special reference to Sabdams’ by V Soumyasri. V Soumyasri, trained in both the dance forms, explored the sim- ilarities & differences in performance and technique through her lec-dem.

She presented “Ramayana Sabdam” in Kuchipudi and explained the nuances

DR. AMAL CHAUDHURI pre- sented a talk on the topic ‘Michael Madhusudan Dutt (1824-1873): The rebel Indian poet/ Immortal as pioneer of epic in blank verse’ on August 4.

Michael Madhusudan Dutt’s life story

— a mélange of many glowing as well as poignant events and anecdotes — is a fascinating narrative which was high- lighted. This was embellished further by clips from a vintage but now forgot- ten film on Michael Madhusudan, directed by the distinguished filmmak- er Modhu Bose.

An expedition of Indian Artists

Talk on Michael Madhusudan Dutt

T

he draft policy for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector will be ready in three to four months, MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra said on August 26 in Hyderabad. A committee comprising officials from ministries of finance and MSME and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is drafting the policy, he said.

"This committee will address all issues relating to the sector," Mishra said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of an interaction session with entrepre- neurs organized by the Council of Small

and Medium manufacturing Industry in Hyderabad. The panel will chalk out a comprehensive policy after studying the policies of other countries and also the policies of various states within the country.

Mishra said the policy would also revise the definition of an MSME in tune with the changing business envi- ronment. The new definition will revis- it the current levels of capital investment required to be made by various stake- holders and the number of employees for a unit to qualify as a MSME.

Draft policy for MSME sector soon

BRITAIN-BASED Indian indus- trialist G.P. Hinduja has revealed plans to invest up to $10 billion in India to finance and complete the construction of major infrastructure projects. Britain could encourage some of its companies to finance and complete the construction of the hung power and infrastructure projects in India for which Hindujas are willing to invest $10 billion, says the group in a statement.

Hinduja plans to invest

$10 billion in India

(7)

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(8)

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Email: [email protected] Website: www.hcilondon.in

Disclaimer: India Digest gathers its contents from diverse sources and the views expressed in interviews and articles published do not necessarily represent the views of the High Commission or the Government of India.

[ ]

8 P

opularly known as the Queen of Hills, Mussoorie is 34 kms from Dehradun and this charming hill station is situated at an altitude of 2003 meters in the Garhwal hills.

One of the most enchanting hill stations in India and also the most frequently visited, Mussoorie is an ideal destination to unwind throughout the year. In summer, the scorching heat in the neighbouring states provides a welcome break to the tourists and in winter it turns into a sleepy town with many parts witnessing heavy snowfall.

In 1820, Captain Young of the British army was so influenced by the beauty of this quaint place that he made it his residence. The name, Mussoorie is derived from plants of ‘Mussoorie’

which were found in abundance here.

After its discovery, this hill station grad- ually developed as a centre of education, business, tourism and beauty.

Major attractions

Gun Hill

Enjoy a ropeway ride to the second highest peak of Mussoorie. It can also be negotiated by bridles path which forks-off from Mall Road near Kutchery and to reach takes about 20 minutes.

The ropeway distance is only 400 mtrs.

And the sheer thrill of the ride is mem- orable. Gun Hill offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges namely Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri group and a bird’s eye view of Mussoorie town and Doon Valley. During pre-independence

days a gun mounted on this top used to be fired heralding mid-day to enable people to adjust their watches and hence this name.

Kempty Fall

It is the highest Peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba and is about five km from the tourist office and one can go on horse back or on foot. Snow view from this spot is exhilarating. At an altitude of 4500 feet from the sea level, it lies on the Yamoonatri Road and has the distinction of being the biggest and pretti- est waterfall located in a beautiful valley and is surrounded by high mountains.

Camel’s Back Road

It starts from Kulri Bazar near Rink Hall and ends at Library Bazar covering a total distance of about 3 kms. You may go for a horse riding or a leisurely walk

down the road. Sunset view of the Himalayas from the place is amazing.

Nag Devta Temple

An ancient temple situated on Cart Mackenjie Road and is about six km from Mussoorie. You can drive right up to the spot. The temple also provides a charming view of Doon Valley as well as of Mussoorie.

Sir George Everest House

Six km from Mussoorie, the Park estate of sir George Everest, first surveyor general of India, who had his office and residence here. The estate is approachable by road. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, is named after him.

Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill)

It is nine km to the west of Mussoorie and at an altitude of 2104 mtrs. It is situated on the top of the Benog Hill and has an idol of Mata Durga in it. The temple is surrounded by thick forests and it offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon valley and Yamuna valley.

Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti is a beautiful Himalayan town, located amidst thick pine, cedar and rhododendron forest, excellent weather round the year and great view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, at a distance of 25 km from the hill station on the Mussoorie Chamba Road. A qui- eter and less commercialised neigh- bourhood of Mussoorie, Dhanaulti has evolved as one of the top preferred off- beat holiday getaway around Delhi.

One of the most enchanting hill stations in India and the most frequently visited, Mussoorie is an ideal destination to unwind throughout the year

One of the most enchanting hill stations in India, Mussoorie is an ideal destination to unwind throughout the year. In summer, the scorching heat in the neighbouring states provides a welcome break to the tourists and in winter it turns into a sleepy town with many parts witnessing heavy snowfall.

Mussoorie:

the Queen of Hills

AREA: 65 sq km

ALTITUDE: 2005.5 meter

TEMPERATURE IN SUMMER:

31.2°C (max); 7.2°C(min)

TEMPERATURE IN WINTER : 7.2°C(max);1.1°C(min)

LANGUAGES: Hindi and English BEST TIME TO VISIT: April-June and September-October.

all about Mussoorie

BY AIR: There are regular flights from Delhi to Doon Valley (Jolly Grant). From the Jolly Grant airport, taxis and buses ply to Dehradun, from where they go up to Mussoorie.

BY TRAIN: The overnight Mussoorie Express links Delhi to Dehradun, the railhead for Mussoorie.

BU ROAD: Delhi to Mussoorie is 290 km by road and the distance from Dehradun to Mussoorie is 35 km.

There are direct buses from Delhi to Mussoorie, along with private taxis.

Buses ply every half hour from Dehradun to Mussoorie.