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Want to become a Millionaire?Stock market investing tips

Sikhs in Latin AmericaAssimilation and fortune

Anglo-Indians: We had servants, you know!

Bollywood in Ireland: Great location for Hindi movies

India: Once upon a time Fort Jadhav Gadh: Citadel of a

Maratha strongman

Indians in ZanzibarThe legendary Indian Ocean island

HIGHER EDUCATION: How good are the

options in the Gulf?

Indianwww.theinternationalindian.com Mar 1, 2012 - Apr 30, 2012

THE INTERNATIONALEst 1992: The Region’s Oldest, AuthoritativeMagazine of Gulf Indian Society & History

2012 • ISSUE 2 • VOL. 19.2

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The International Indian The International Indian 32

Every once in a while it’s good to move away from what’s happening in India and focus on other interesting aspects of life away from the Subcontinent. One of the things TII hasn’t done in

these pages is to examine dissimilarities between the key sectors of the Indian Diaspora – the Middle East, USA and Africa for example, home to the largest concentrations of Indians abroad.

Until recently, in the Gulf countries especially, rich Indians preferred to keep a low profile, rarely disclosing their wealth to the media, but that seems to be changing. Perhaps more than any other country in the Gulf, the United Arab Emirates actively fosters business opportunities for its expatriate communities, something very obvious in a global city like Dubai where notably almost half of its 2 million population is Indian. Business rules have been significantly relaxed by the UAE government and foreigners are allowed to own businesses, without Arab sponsors.

For the first time, arabianbusiness.com (28 Feb 2012 Updated) has compiled a list

of the 30 most affluent Indians in the UAE– and if the magazine’s homework is accurate, it reveals an impressive $20bn worth of Indian entrepreneurial wealth. Micky Jagtiani, Chairman of the Landmark Group tops the list – his wealth estimated at $3.2 billion. EMKE Group’s Yusuffali MA with $1.75bn is in the second place and New Medical Centre Group CEO, BR Shetty with $1.72bn. (4) The Chhabria family: $1.3bn; (5) PNC Menon, Sobha Developers: $1.2m; (6) Sunny Varkey, GEMS Education: $950m; (7) Rajen Kilachand, Dodsal Group: $900m; (8) Tony Jashanmal, Jashanmals: $900m; (9) LT Pagarani, Choithrams: $820m; (10) Dr Mohamed Ali, Galfar Engg. & Contracting (Oman): $725m; (11) Paras Shahdadpuri, Nikai Group: $650m; (12) Hilesh Bodani, Bond Investment Group Holdings: $630m; (13) Petrochem Middle East, Yogesh Mehta: $623m; (14) Jayant Ganwani, Lal’s Group: $530m; (15) Nilesh Ved, Apparel Group: $480m; (16) Khimji Ramdas LLC (Oman): $390m; (17) Santosh Joseph, Dubai

Pearl: $360m; (18) Faisal Kottikollon, KEF Holdings: 300m (19) Mohan Valrani, Al Shirawi Group: $285m; (20) Cheril Krishna Menon, Behzad Corporation, (Qatar): $250m; (21) Ram Buxani, Cosmos-ITL Group: $235m; (22) Joy Alukkas, Joy Alukkas Group: $230m; (23) Rizwan Sajan, Danube Bldg Materials: $230m; (24) Vasu Shroff, Regal Group: $220m; (25) Dr. Azad Moopen, DM Group: $215m; (26) Ajay Bhatia, Bhatia Brothers Group: $205m; (27) Ramesh Ramakrishnan, Transworld: $205m; (28) GB Choithram Jethwani, Geebee Group: $190m; (29) S. Kumar Wadhawan, Samara Group (Kuwait): $180m; (30) Maghanmal Pancholia, Arabian Trading Agency: $170m.

There are five billionaires on the list from different backgrounds, aptly indicating the breadth of Indian entrepreneurship. A casual study of the list indicates that the Sindhi and Keralite communities take the lead in the Gulf business arena. Business revelations like this suggest how, despite the fact that Indians in the UAE and GCC can obtain only a restricted residence visa that must be renewed every three years in the UAE for instance, the Indian business community is confidently thriving in the region.

For Gulf NRIs, India is just a short two and a half hour flight away, and for many despite the recession, the Gulf is still a dream home away from home. Places like Dubai are in fact just like being in India with family and friends around, servants available and as much of an Indian feel as one prefers in terms of shopping, clubbing, eating out, entertainment and travel. The big difference is that Gulf cities are safe, spic and span, with all the creature comforts you desire, no vicious politics or widespread corruption, and an international lifestyle that can be far more sophisticated than even parts of Europe and America.

Some insecurity issues should probably be mentioned – whether you own a business or belong to the 9 to 5 segment – you can stay in the Gulf only as long as you have a job or a running business, unlike North America, Australia etc., where immigrants can plant permanent roots. But there is no question that Indian professionals in the Gulf are thriving

and much in demand and many Indian entrepreneurs have been here for generations.

The Gulf Arab community is as conservative about social interaction as Indians from traditional communities, so that is not a drawback for Indians to do business. Social interaction is mostly kept confined in the male bastion with families rarely socialising, something quite suited to most Indian sensibilities.

What is perhaps most striking about Indian success in the Gulf is the bond that commerce has created with Arab nationals. Relationships between Indian businessmen and professionals – who are more affordable to employ and more inclined to a long term commitment than their western counterparts, have instilled the kind of confidence that has resulted in some brilliant partnerships.

Indians are the most successful migrants in recent human history after the Chinese, whose Diaspora is calculated at over 40 million people

mostly concentrated in South East Asia. India’s overseas population spans the world’s oceans and every continent, including Antarctica, which has a permanent Indian research station. An estimated 25-30 million people of

Indian origin have made permanent homes in a hundred or more countries around the globe.

In fact, most Indians are probably not aware that Indian Arrival Day is a holiday celebrated in several Caribbean countries and in Mauritius, to commemorate the arrival of Indians. There are similar celebrations in UK, USA, Canada and Australia; however other countries home to large Indian-origin populations like Fiji, South Africa and Kenya pointedly disregard such a commemoration.

The reason is probably because Indians are generally unwilling to blend, especially when it comes to marriage and community. This is a highly selective trait that is not appreciated everywhere, Africa being the most glaring example. Besides the rule of a lunatic like Idi Amin, it is probably the reason why Indians were booted out of Uganda. Such a mindset is one of the most obvious characteristics of the Indian diasporic community – possibly coming from a serious concern to safeguard and maintain a sense of connection with their religion, caste and

What’s So Unique About Indians In The Diaspora?

Editorial

Indians are the most

successful migrants in recent hu-

man history after the Chinese,

whose Diaspora is calculated at over 40

million peo-ple mostly

concentrat-ed in South

East Asia

‘‘‘‘Had I stayed in India, I would probably live my entire existence within a five-mile radius of where I was born. I would undoubtedly have married a woman of my identical caste and religious and socioeconomic background. I would have faced relentless pressure to become an engineer, like my father, or a doctor, like my grandfather. Because I came to America, though, I have seen my life break free of these traditional confines.

– Dinesh D’souza, author, ‘What’s So Great About America’

On the 10th anniversary of the Gujarat riots, TII joins all grieving families in prayer for justice and peace.

The International Indian4

kind, that persists even long after physical links with India may be terminated.

Chitra Bannerjee Divakaruni, articulates the idea in her novel, The Mistress of Spices (1997). “It seems right that I should have been here always, that I should understand without words their longing for the ways they chose to leave behind when they chose America. Their shame for that longing, like the bitter-slight aftertaste in the mouth when one has chewed amlaki to freshen the breath.”

Durban in South Africa is reported to have the highest concentration of people of Indian origin. Indentured labour was taken there as servants, cooks, and watchmen who were initially employed in the agriculture and to build South Africa’s Natal-Transvaal railway. Indian businessmen are enormously wealthy in East Africa, but the Africa experience for Indians to this day is not a very harmonious one as the Indian outlook has not really changed about integrating in Black African society. When you meet Indians in Kenya who declare they are Kenyan–Indians, having been born and raised there, their hyphenated nomenclature doesn’t seem to have the same conviction of Indians

in America, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Mauritius etc.

Realising the financial and political benefits of India’s thriving diasporic community, the Indian government has been trying to keep the Diaspora under its purview. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (‘Non-Resident Indian Day,’ which is commemorated on 9 January every year) was first held in 2003. Such initiatives came long after our magazine The International Indian started in 1992, first launching the term ‘Indian Diaspora,’ which has become generic today.

When a British parliamentarian once remarked that the sun never sets on the British Empire, to India’s former Defence Minister, V.K. Krishna Menon, he is said to have retorted, “That’s because not even God trusts the British in the dark.”

Today, it is the Indian Diaspora on which the sun never sets.

Frank RajFounder-Editor & Publisher

[email protected]

The International Indian @frankraj08

Frank Raj

TII started in 1992, first launch-ing the term ‘Indian Diaspora,’ which has become generic today.

‘‘

‘‘

Editorial

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The International Indian6 The International Indian 7

What’s InsideMar 01 - Apr 30

to attract more Indian tourists to Ireland.

74 Sikhs In Latin Americaby: Amita SarwalThe global Sikh migration started initially with Sikh men being recruited in the armies of various countries – the valour of their martial race being recognised as early as during the Indian (Sepoy) Mutiny of 1857.

78 The Honeybee Networkby: Shyamola KhannaPadmashri Prof. Anil Gupta from IIM Ahmedabad writes about his 27th “Shodh Yatra”

food...84 Kerala... As You Like It by: Sarina MenezesThe cuisine of Kerala has a wide variety of vegetarian as well as non vegetarian dishes thanks to its diverse culture.

investment62 Want To Become A MILLIONAIRE?Tips On Investing In The Stock Marketsby: Debajyoti Ray ChaudhuriReal estate in India is generally a winning proposition provided one gets the location right and the legal issues are properly addressed.

columns60 GUPTARA GARMAGARAMFighting Corruption And HateSpeech? by: Prabhu GuptaraThe average Indian is less influenced by the Internet than by sources such as the BJP, the RSS, the Shiv Sena, some madrasaas of Islam, and indeed by the Congress Party itself.

66 EAST MEETS WEST PARENTINGGetting Your Child To Love Readingby: Cynthia LimI knew that it was good for children to read every day, but unlike my parents, I didn’t have the will to force anything on Maia.

70 INDIA JOURNALIndia’s New Youth Mantra by: Ranjani Iyer MohantyWhy is this song so immensely popular? There are several reasons that all contribute to the phenomenon.

92 SOLDIERSArmy Chief Seeks Legal Recourse by: Major General Mrinal Suman, AVSM, VSM, PhDThe Constitution of India empowers every citizen to seek justice from the courts when he feels wronged.

96 FUTUREQUEST Did Whitney Houston know ‘The Greatest Love Of All?’ by: Frank Raj

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privileges to the royalty.

42 India Travel Buzz

44 Gulf Hotel Happenings 44 World Traveller

48 Indians In Zanzibar by: Frank RajTII introduces the first of a three part series on Indians in East Africa and Zanzibar, the legendary Indian Ocean island that is always associated with mystery and swashbuckling stories of fortunes made and lost.

features34 The Fourth Passenger: A Story About Woman Empowermentby: Bandana JainAs a part of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature’s Open Door series, HE Consul General of India, Sanjay Verma had an informal discussion with Mini Nair, Author of ‘The Fourth Passenger’ in Dubai.

54 Dr. Vijayan R. Nambiar: A Dream Come True by: A staff writerDr. Vijayan Ramachandran Nambiar is a perfect example of an outstanding performer whose leadership talent was spotted and groomed early on, and eventually got him elevated to his current role as the COO of NMC Trading.

56 We Had Servants You Know!by: Rudy OtterLife for many first-generation Anglo-Indian migrants to Britain in the 1940s/50s, after India’s Independence, was not as rosy as they’d expected.

64 Bollywood Boost For Ireland tourismby: Annique LabuschagneEk Tha Tiger has considerable potential

THE INTERNATIONAL

EST: 1992 The Region’s Oldest, AuthoritativeMagazine of Gulf Indian Society & History

Indian

THE INTERNATIONAL INDIAN is owned by Global Indian Travellers Association (GITA) a private limited company incorporated in England and Wales under the Companies Act 1985 on 14 January 1998 (Company No: 3492445) 50 Grove Rd., Sutton, Surrey SM1 1 BT, UK. Tel: +44-208-770 9717;Fax: +44-208-770 9747; E-mail: [email protected]; INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES: MIDDLE EAST: EXPAT GROUP, PO Box 181681, Dubai UAE. Tel: (9714) 297 3932; Fax: (9714) 297 4345; E-mail: [email protected] INDIA: MUMBAI: 611-A, Kohinoor Mall, Kohinoor City, Kirol Road, Off. L.B.S. Road, Kurla (W) Tel: (+91 22) 6119 7777; PUNE: 32 Bandal Dhankude Plaza, 2nd floor, Paud Rd, Busari Colony, Kothrud, Pune 411 038. Tel: (+91 20) 4444 7777; Fax: (+91 20) 2528 5615; BENGALURU: 2nd Floor, Sobha Pearl, No. 1 Commissariat Road, Bengaluru 560 025 Tel: (+9180) 4444 7777; Fax: (+9180) 4444 7788 CHENNAI: No. 201, 2nd floor Capitol Towers No. 180, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034 Tel: (+9144) 4444 7777; Fax: (+9144) 4444 7788; UNITED KINGDOM Deepak Mahtani, South Asian Development Partnership, 118 Boundary Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM1 1 BT UK. Tel: +44-208-770 9717; Fax: +44-208-770 9747; E-mail: [email protected] All material in The International Indian is copyrighted. www.theinternationalindian.com

contents

in every issue...

2 Editorial8 Letters9 Editor’s Pick72 TII Hall of Fame

TII Amateur PhotoCompetitionSee page 53

education18 The Next Step by: Rema MenonIn the past, a career was a lifetime obligation.

20 Indian Education: Grand Plan Or Mission Impossible? by: Frank Raj Dr. Philip G. Altbach is Director of the Center for International Higher Education at Boston College, USA.

24 How Do You Change Organizational Culture? by: Michael HyattTII introduces the Michael Hyatt column on Intentional Leadership: “How to Change Organizational Culture,” is something every leader eventually faces.

travel26 I Love London by: Sarina MenezesLondon is one city where no matter how many times you visit your expe-riences are never the same.

28 Berlin & Leipzig With An Indian Slant! by: Marianne de NazarethOnce we were done with traipsing around Berlin we decided to go to Leipzig by train.

38 Fort Jadhav Gadh: Home Of A Great Maratha General by: Frank RajIn 1947, the Government of India abolished royal titles and the concept of feudal lords and feudal ownership of lands in the princely states and withdrew the Privy Purse and special

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on the cover...10 Higher Education In The UAE by: Reena Amos DyesTII evaluates some of the opportunities available in the UAE.Photo courtesy: UOWD

The International Indian 9The International Indian8

IndianTHE INTERNATIONAL

EST: 1992 The Region’s Oldest, AuthoritativeMagazine of Gulf Indian Society & History

The best letters to the editorwill win exquisite gifts from Liali Jewellery.Email your letters to:

[email protected] Circulation26,865 copiesNov/Dec 2009www.bpaww.com

One-upmanship in SingaporeThis is an amalgamation of what a friend and I think.Briefly, how do different races get along in Singapore?

Harmoniously and tolerantly, which is what cant be said for many other countries. However, I dont think there is much appreciation for one another’s ways, as seen in a recent “curry” case where one community objected strongly to the smell of curry their new Indian neighbours were cooking. However, the public outcry AGAINST those who objected to the curry smell shows how society is in favour of tolerating differences - the majority of the local people - be it Chinese, Malay, Indian - or other races / religions - believes in mutual tolerance for integration. The attitude of minority of the people still continues to be: if you dont tread on my patch (space, silence, air...) I’ll let you do your own peculiar thing... But if you do, I’ll object.

Is there any kind of one-upmanship and any community that acts as if its preferred? Yes, the Chinese being the majority by far do feel this. But there is a big diference between the old, Singaporean Chinese and the new ones coming in from mainland China,and taking on citizenship. This to a large extent is done for the freedom Singapore offers and for families who want to have more than one child. The local Singaporean Chinese do tend to look down upon the new immigrants as opportunistic, flushed with ‘new’ money - and dont really integrate with them.

How do the Brits behave? Like they do in all once-colonised nations: “we are royalty”. They, like most Cauasians (Ang Moh (literally red-haired) as they are called here), socially keep to themselves. Amita SarwalSingapore

Keep It UpI wrote an email applauding your magazine and it bounced back.

Just to say keep up the good work, that magazine is really amazing. Read it while on work in Dubai.Sheena DesaiBerkeley, California

Simple “non finance” LanguageI am an avid reader of your magazine, in particular the

“Investment” column, which is explained in a simple“non finance” language. In today’s world of numerous investment options, it definitely gives a good understanding of the various economic and market criteria, one should consider. Please include more on this subject in every edition of TII.

Topics like “What determines Rupee/Gold depreciation/appreciation.”, “Real Estate”, “Political influence on market conditions”, etc. are of great knowledge and help.Robert Farro Dubai, UAE

Letters to the Editor

ISSN 0964 8437

PUBLISHERSProf. Prabhu Guptara

Santosh ShettyFOUNDER EDITOR

Frank RajCONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Erik R. HaddenPrem Souri KishoreBenjamin H. ParkerVishal Mangalwadi

TRAVEL EDITORShana Raj ParkerMANAGER PRChristine DeSouza

CREATIVE DIRECTORBalan Iyer

GRAPHIC ARTISTMelany Caguindagan Besa

PHOTOGRAPHERBenjamin H. Parker

INTERNATIONALCORRESPONDENTS

CANADA Rubina Jacob SINGAPORE Amita Sarwal UK Anjali Guptara Khera Rudy Otter Shamlal Puri USA Prem Souri Kishore BAHRAIN Hemu Gorde OMAN Rahul Dev QATAR Ada Pillai

INDIA DELHI Vishal Arora CHENNAI Aruna Srinivasan HYDERABAD Shyamola Khanna MUMBAI Sarina Menezes KOLKATA Archisman Dinda

DIRECTORRaina Raj Hadden

GENERAL MANAGERPeter Souri Raj

TII MIDDLE EAST & INDIA OFFICES:BAHRAINLloyd Rebello | [email protected]: +973-3910 6690QATARMerwyn Ferrao | [email protected]: +974-611 5525UAEPeter Souri Raj | [email protected]: +97150 457 3836INDIARahul George | [email protected]: +91934 321 3411

Editor s PICK'

As the sun sets across the rusting roofs of Stone Town, the cry of the local muezzin merges with the chimes from a Hindu temple that lifts skyward. The brilliant-hued

canopy above me flaps in the evening breeze that blows in from the Indian Ocean. We’re dining in the roofless rooftop restaurant of the 236 Hurumzi Hotel in Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous island off Tanzania, one of the most romantic spots on the planet. Once the opulent palace of a wealthy Swahili trader, the hotel has 24 rooms, and each is exquisite: the North Room features a large stone bath built into an open-air verandah with views across the city: the Crystal Room houses two antique beds and a hand blown glass chandelier. But the crowning attraction is the restaurant.

The fixed price dinner typically comprises local seafood, meat and vegetables infused with the spices that thrive in Zanzibar’s hot, humid climate: cloves, nutmeg, turmeric, and cinnamon. Seated on sumptuous Arabian cushions, filled with good wine and fine food, it feels like being on a five-star magic carpet.

In the heart of Zanzibar’s old Stone Town is a beautifully restored palace, once the home of one of the richest men in the Swahili Empire. 236 Hurumzi Hotel recreates the wondrous atmosphere and grandeur of the past by providing traditionally elegant accommodation. Spacious airy rooms, original stucco decor, ornately carved doors, antique furnishings, ceiling fans, and unique stone baths are featured throughout the hotel.

236 HurumziZanzibar’s Period Luxury Hotel

www.236hurumzi.com

By: Frank Raj

Frank Raj is TII’s founder-editor and publisher

CONTACT:Phone: 255-(0)24-

2232784, 255-(0)777-423266• Fax: 255-(0)24-

2232327, 255-(0)777-429266

• Email: 236hurumzibooking@

zanlink.com• Inquiries: anything@

236hurumzi.com236 Hurumzi Street,

P.O. Box 3417, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Book a room in Zanzibar’s 236 Hurumzi Hotel-you won’t want to check out.

236 Hurumzi Hotel entrance

Ballroom Suite: the grandest hotel room in Zanzibar


Higher Education in the UAEOver the last decade the UAE has made significant strides in education, attracting major universities from India and western countries to tap the growing need for college education and vocational training in the region. TII evaluates some of the opportunities available in the UAE.

By: Reena Amos Dyes

Time was when UAE residents, nationals and expatriates alike, sent their children outside the country for higher studies as good universities and colleges were unheard of in

the region. Then shortly after the nation was born 40 years ago, the first university, the UAE University was opened in Al Ain. As the government realised the importance of providing quality higher education facilities within the country itself, the floodgates were opened and universities of international repute

started flocking to the UAE. In 2003, Dubai set up the Dubai Knowledge Village and in 2007 it launched the Dubai International Academic City. Both these education zones house globally recognised universities, training centres and e-learning institutions. Not surprisingly, the overall literacy rate in the UAE is 91% and more and more youngsters passing out of High School opt to study in the UAE. The International Indian now brings you a ready reckoner of the higher education options that are available for your child in Dubai.

Education

University: Skyline University CollegeTop three courses: BBA in International Business, 3.5 to 4 years.BBA in Marketing and Finance, 3.5 to 4 years and MBACost: While the BBAs will cost you Dhs 141,500 for the entire programme, MBA programs are offered at Dhs 81,500.Who qualifies?: A school graduate has to have a minimum 60%. TOEFL with a score of 500 or IELTS with a band of 5 or more. SAT score of 500 or Skyline Math qualifying exam has to be cleared.Recognition: The University degree is acceptable anywhere in the world

because it is officially attested and accredited by MOHESR.Why should you attend?: “The courses and programs are well received by the government and private sectors of the UAE. 90 per cent of our graduates are either placed or establish their own enterprise. Being accredited by the MOHESR, being a member of the AACSB, USA and ACBSP, USA assures students that they will have quality driven development. Students who pass out from Skyline stand out in a competitive work environment and progress towards their personal and professional goals and aspiration in life.”

University: Manipal University, DubaiTop three courses: Undergraduate Degree in Engineering, 4 years.Bachelors in Business Administration, 3 years.Bachelors in Media &

Communication, 3 years.Cost: Undergraduate Degree in Engineering will cost you Dhs 37,000 per year while a BBA and a BA in Media & Communication will cost you Dhs 35,700 per year.Who qualifies?: Admission to the above programs are open to students who have passed the qualifying 10+2 examination or its equivalent from a recognized board with at least 50% aggregate marks.Recognition: Manipal University, Dubai is a branch campus of Manipal University, India. Degrees are awarded from Manipal University, India and have acceptability across the world and in the Middle East.Why should you attend?: “Manipal University has a track record of excellence in the Middle East spanning over a decade. Beyond the state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms and extensive sports facilities that are offered in our newly-constructed 750,000 sq ft. campus at Manipal University, Dubai, I would recommend this university for the most comprehensive and holistic undergraduate experience offered to students at an affordable cost. Manipal University’s reputation in higher education has been well documented for over five decades and students at Manipal University, Dubai have the same opportunity to be a part of a globally reputed higher education brand.”

University: SP JainTop three courses: Global MBA, 1 year. Residential across 3 cities, Dubai, Singapore and Sydney.Executive MBA, 2 years.Global BBA, 4 years. Residential across 3 cities, Singapore, Dubai, Sydney. Cost: The Global MBA will cost you approximately Dhs 150,000 for the entire course, while the Executive MBA is approximately Dhs 63,000 and the BBA Global is Dhs 283,000.Who qualifies?: Students must complete Grade 12 and meet the minimum evaluation criteria for each program. For the Global BBA you need 75% in grade 12, while for the Global MBA and Executive MBA you need 65%.Recognition: SP Jain is licensed by the KHDA, accredited by the Department of Education and Training, New South Wales, Australia, registered by the Council for Private Education, Singapore and the degree is recognised globally. S P Jain’s MBA programs are recognised and accredited by The Association of MBAs, UK.Why should you attend?: “We are a visionary global business school with a number of pioneering initiatives, to our credit. We provide our students with exposure to an exclusive multi-campus, business environment. Our programs are taught by an internationally renowned faculty. We have a unique pedagogy which blends academic rigour with experiential focus. We believe in the holistic development of students, blending soft and hard skills to create managers and leaders. Plus, we have 100 % placement success across the globe.”

Professor Christopher Abraham, Head, Dubai

Campus, Senior VP Institutional Development

Dr. B. Ramjee, Director

Nitin Anand, Director

The International Indian12 LAMCY PLAZA 04-3583624, REEF MALL 04-2247475, DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY 055-2136300

University: MurdochTop three courses: Bachelor of Commerce, 3 years.Media Communication and Culture, 3 years.MBA, 16 months.Cost: For MCC and Bachelor of Commerce it’s Dhs 46,000-60,000 per year, while an MBA will cost you Dhs 86,000 per year. Who qualifies?: Students needs to have an average of 65% in at least four subjects. IELTS or TOEFL is required for students following the Indian curriculum.Recognition: Murdoch provides internationally recognized degrees.

Why should you attend?: “Our sole aim is to ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams and achieve success in this ever-changing world. At Murdoch, students benefit from gaining a prestigious Australian degree while still retaining the comfort and support of their friends and families in the UAE. Our student-focused ethos, our insistence on maintaining the highest international teaching standards and our state-of-the-art facilities have allowed us to establish an international reputation for exceeding graduate expectations.”

University: American University in DubaiTop three courses: Bachelor of Architecture, 5-year program.Bachelor of Business Administration, 4-year program.Bachelor of Communication and

Information Studies, 4-year program.Cost: Dhs 34,500 per semester.Who qualifies?: 60% and above average in the Senior Board Examination (10+2) is required for admission. Recognition: The AUD is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, (MOHESR). AUD is approved to operate by the State of Georgia Non-public Post-secondary Education Commission. It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education located in Olathe, Kansas and the International Advertising Association in New York.Why should you attend?: “It is widely believed that American education is synonymous with “quality” as it follows a curriculum that imparts general knowledge but also allows for significant specialization. Its teaching methods develop in students strong skills in critical reasoning and accurate and persuasive self-expression and instill in students an appreciation for life-long learning. AUD seeks to duplicate this American recipe for success. Syllabi and textbooks are often the same as those used in similar courses taught in the US. AUD’s curricula across its degree-granting disciplines are skill-directed and career-oriented, which is the need of the hour.”

University: SAE Institute.Top three courses: Bachelor of Audio Production, 2 years.Bachelor of Film Production, 2 years.BA/BSc (Hons)

Web Development, 2 years.

Cost: Fees for the Bachelor degree programmes start at Dhs 131,100 for the entire course.Who qualifies?: Students need passing grades in A Levels. Alternatively, students with a passing grade in O Levels can apply to our degree programmes by taking our initial foundation course.Recognition: Our courses are internationally accredited and recognised.Why should you attend?: “SAE Institute Dubai offers state-of-the-art facilities, industry experienced lecturers, practical classes, accelerated learning with recognised qualifications and extensive opportunities within the digital media industry in this region. Our quality is not only assured by the KHDA but NSW Department of Education and Training in Australia and Middlesex University in the UK. We believe in nurturing and helping to develop creative talent in the region by offering hands-on, practical academic programmes.”

Dubai’s Academic City has created a unique college campus environ-ment that matches any fine college campus in the West

‘‘ Tala K. Makhlouf, Director of Admissions

Predrag Toncev, Campus Manager

Professor John Grainger, Pro-Vice Chancellor/

Executive Vice President

Education

‘‘

The International Indian14 The International Indian 15P. O. Box: 4184, Ajman, United Arab Emirates, Tel: +9716- 7431333, Fax: +9716 -7431222E-mail: [email protected], Web:www.gmu.ac.ae

The ‘Care & Share’, Sponsor A Medical Professional Program, provides a global platform for corporates, philanthropists, service organizations, non-governmental organizations and agencies of the State to contribute their mite in resolving the dearth of medical professionals all over the world. It is an opportunity to develop a global partnership for health development. By helping emergence of a medical professional, you are in turn saving thousands of lives in the decades to come. The idea is to promote universal health care through intervention into the education system by sponsoring a student, and having studies, sponsored by various corporates and others, into different aspects of health care across geographies and sectors, through the beneficiary students. The main objective of the model is to identify the health workforce bottlenecks and resolve them to deliver essential and quality health services. This model will ensure that there is a continuous supply of experienced and quality medical professionals across societies.

Learn from the world

Corporates, philanthropists, service organizations, NGOs & agencies of the State:• Encourage research and higher studies in medical education• Take a new step toward a welfare state • Improve your Social Accountability • Advocate and Support the change • Build your reputation through merchandising • Name/logo on all promotional media for the program • Company/Government spokesperson can speak at academic events• Differentiate yourself from the competitors by joining this human

cause with global and national • visibility – spread the good will of the company/country. • Have vision for legacy • Improve your relation with the stake holders• Improve international/foreign relations• Increase your business prospects• Amplify your CSR initiatives

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Education

University: Heriot-Watt Top three courses: Business Administration, 3-4 years.Engineering, 3-4 years. Foundation (Degree Entry Programme), 1 year.Cost: While the Business Administration degree will cost you Dhs 39,500 per year, undergraduate programmes in Engineering will cost you Dhs 45,000 per year. The Foundation (Degree Entry Programme) will cost you Dhs 27,000.Who qualifies?: Students with 60% in CBSE Grade 12 examination or equivalent, qualify. Students who don’t qualify directly can pursue the foundation programme and upon successful completion of the foundation can progress to their chosen undergraduate programme.Recognition: Degree certificate issued at the Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus is identical to the one issued at our Edinburgh campus. The university is accredited and approved by the Royal Charter, UK. Additionally, the Dubai Campus is also approved by the KHDA, Dubai and is

recognised in India too. Why should you attend?: “We are committed to continuous improvement and development in all our activity. Our focus is on responding to the changing needs of business, industry and society and finding solutions to the global challenges of the 21st century. Building on established expertise in key, specialist areas, our aim is to produce the next generation of leaders and thinkers who make a difference in the world.”

University: Amity.Top three courses: • B.Sc. Forensic Science, 3 years.• B. Tech. Nanotechnology, 4 years.

• B. Tech. Solar and Alternate Energy, 4 years.

Cost: The fee structure varies between Dhs 35,000 to Dhs 50,000 per annum.Who qualifies?: Students applying for the undergraduate course require a minimum aggregate of 50 per cent in class 10 and 12. In addition, an aggregate of 60 per cent in Physics, Chemistry and Maths or Physics, Chemistry and Biology is required depending on the programme that they opt for along with a proficiency in English.Recognition: All these courses are recognized internationally.Why should you attend?: “A top ranked educational institution in India, Amity University is envisioned to empower students with the ability to become critical thinkers, industry leaders and global frontrunners. Towards this direction, the Dubai campus offers 22 industry-specific courses that meet the demands of the UAE market. Coupled with best in-class faculty that encourages a well-rounded academic and personal development experience, the curriculum prepares students for the competitive global environment.”

University: EsmodTop three courses: French Higher Diploma Fashion Design and Pattern Making, 3 years.Fashion Design Foundation, 1 year.Perfume Discovery, Creations and Expertise Training, 1 to 6 months.Cost: While the French Higher Diploma Fashion Design costs Dhs 60 000 per year, the Fashion Design Foundation costs Dhs 50,000 and the Perfume Discovery, Creations and Expertise Training course costs anything between Dhs 7000 to Dhs 37,000.Who qualifies?: Anyone who has passed high school from a recognised school anywhere in the world. Recognition: Recognition and equivalence of certification vary from country to country.Why should you attend?: “Esmod is the only institution in the Middle East that is fully dedicated to professional fashion education as per French couture skills and standards. Esmod graduates receive training from internationally recognized professionals. Once they graduate, students can join the Esmod Fashion Designer Incubator Pool which is a retail fashion store where they can launch their brands by selling their collection there. This is a unique initiative available only at Esmod Dubai.”

Dr. T. R. Venkatesh, Academic Head

Tamara Hostal, Founder & Managing Director

Professor Ammar Kaka, Vice Principal, Executive Dean and Head of the

Dubai Campus

“Go West Young Man!”

does not necessa-rily apply anymore

- there are good

options in the

UAE for graduate and post-graduate studies.

‘‘

‘‘


University: University of Wollongong in DubaiTop three courses: Bachelor of Business Administration, 4 years.Bachelor of Commerce, 4 years.Bachelor of Computer Science, 4 years.Cost: Fee for the entire course is Dhs 173,400.Who qualifies?: Students with 55% in Grade 12 with CBSE and ICSE

curricula and 65% from an Indian State Board.Recognition: The university is recognised internationally and all it

programs are accredited by the MOHESR.Why should you attend?“Overwhelmingly, and in the simplest terms, quality. UOWD represents the very best in

education quality, and when a student is going through their selection process, quality must be the most important factor. At UOWD, we combine quality with an excellent international and multicultural environment that is a bonus to any student’s learning experience.”

Raymi van der Spek, Executive Director,

UOWD

Education

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Reena Amos Dyes is a freelance writerbased in Dubai, UAE

ICAI MembersIf you are a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) with

two or more years’ of ICAI full membership and two or more years’ (http://www.icaew.com/en/join-us/members-of-other-bodies/icai-members-join-icaew/india/)appropriate work experience, you may be eligible for exam exemptions for 14 of the 15 Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) exam modules. This would mean you have to complete one ICAEW exam and the online ethics training and assessment programme to become an ICAEW chartered accountant and gain the ACA qualification.

For further details of your route to membership, please visit www.icaew.com/icai or email [email protected]


The Next StepIn the past, a career was a lifetime obligation. Today, the scenario is totally different; people switch jobs and change professions with no qualms. In one’s lifetime, one takes on multiple careers and numerous jobs. Self awareness is key in the process of career exploration and planning.

By: Rema Menon

Is your child in grade twelve? Is he or she spending more time worrying about what to do next rather than preparing for the boards? Is he or she anxious about leaving home? Do you feel like helping

out to fast track them to university after their O levels? Are you confused about whether to remain in UAE, go to your home country, US, Canada, UK, or elsewhere? You are not alone.

A plethora of possibilities await you and your child. Most youngsters are daunted by the dizzying array of options available to them. Although the Internet is filled with information on careers in every available field, ranging from actuarial sciences to zoology, we fear that we will be trapped in that field. If you feel that way, breathe easy and understand that people go through changes all the time, mostly because they had no idea what they were really getting into. When I was in high school, applying for colleges and choosing what to study seemed like the most intimidating decision I had to make in my entire life! So I know what you are going through.

In the past, a career was a lifetime obligation; my father for example worked in the same field and the same office for thirty six years. Today, the scenario is totally different; people switch jobs and change professions with no qualms. In one’s lifetime, one takes on multiple careers and numerous jobs. Self awareness is key in the process of career exploration and planning. While it is foolhardy not to consider the market situation and the emerging careers, it is imperative that one selects the field of study based on our likes, capabilities, values, personality, aptitude,

inherent aspirations and goals. If one is totally confused and unsure of what to select, psychometric tests can be administered that are strong indicators of personality traits, values, working style, aptitude and career preference.

Career Fairs hosted by schools are a good starting point to understand the courses on offer and the pre-requisites for entry. Educational exhibitions like the Gulf Education and Training Exhibition are also important to understand what is available out there not only within the UAE but in various countries overseas. Initially, the exhibitions and fairs can be rather overwhelming but as you begin to explore, understand and assimilate facts, you start refining your search and become more discerning.

Another useful tool would be recording one’s dreams, aspirations, experiences, academic strengths and hobbies in a journal form. As we become increasingly aware of ourselves, we are able to identify what motivates us and gives us joy. Getting involved, be it in community service projects, leadership initiatives, sports or cultural events makes one aware of our capabilities and helps hone skills. Finding the right career is a journey, not a destination. We need to be lifelong learners and constantly upgrade our skills to remain in the profession or move on to diversify our skill sets. We need to constantly introspect and look within ourselves to understand our innate abilities, hopes and desires. If you need to re-qualify to get into another field of interest, look upon it as an investment. We need to invest in ourselves, we owe this to ourselves but a lot depends on the situation of the individual and the family.

Another opportunity to understand various vocations is to work as a volunteer or intern in a company in your field of interest. This will give a peek into the world of work in that area of specialization. The experience can strengthen your resolve or make you understand the challenges in the field and perhaps change direction.

For most students, choosing a university is the first important decision they will make as adults, and it is one that shapes and influences that student’s life and impacts the family. There are substantial benefits to attending university in another country. This is true whether a student chooses to go abroad to university, or a family living abroad decides

that their child should attend university in their home country. A student from abroad is thrust into an environment that may be

very different from one they already know, and if they are open to new experiences there is an extraordinary amount for them to learn. As an international student one will meet and make friends with other students from all over the world. The young person will experience culture shock; learn how to deal with challenges like language barriers, style of teaching, being far from home etc. Lifetime friendships and careers are born from these experiences. However, if the student is immature and not ready for the transition, the experience can be extremely difficult, both for the individual as well as the family.

While parents have a say in where their child attends university – whether in a country you are living in as a family or abroad, this critical choice is ultimately about what will make your child happy – not only during the university years but also as an independent individual later in life. Does your child actually want to go abroad, or is that something that you want for him or her? You can definitely guide your child in the right direction while they choose a university and a field of study but in the end all you can really do is make sure your child is well-informed and that they make the best decision for themselves.

The next step is filled with possibilities; make the best of it!

RIGHT:Indian High School, Dubai students discussing optionsPhoto by: Santhosh Harry

Rema Menon (middle), Director of Counselling Point at an exhibition with parents and students

Rema Menon V is the Director of Counselling Point Educational & Social Services in Dubai

www.counsellingpoint.com

Education

Another useful tool

would be recording

one’s dreams, aspira-

tions, expe-

riences, academic strengths

and hobbies in

a journal form.

‘‘

‘‘


Q: What is your interest in India?

PA: I did my doctoral dissertation research in India 40 years ago and have kept up an interest—and admiration—for India since then.

Q: How can a country like India change with its 400 odd universities and

20,000 undergraduate colleges steeped in bureaucracy and outmoded teaching methods?PA: There is of course a certain amount of corruption, but that should not prevent reforming higher education. Bureaucracy is a more serious problem, and so is the lack of practical proposals and especially the willingness to implement change.

Q: What do you see as the impact of a mediocre higher education system for

decades on a country like India?PA: As N. Jayaram and I wrote in The Hindu some time ago, India will not be able to take advantage of its “demographic dividend” – its large population of young people—if those people are not well educated. As the Indian economy gets more sophisticated, it needs well trained professionals, and these are in very short supply. India has, in fact, done very well given its educational deficits.

Q: How would you compare the progress of India’s main competitors with India

over the last decade?PA: India gets very poor marks when compared to China and East Asia. Compared to its South Asian neighbors, it is not bad.

Q: What are your views on India’s foreign education providers bill?

PA: I am not in favor of it mainly because India does not have the capacity now to supervise the possible influx of foreign initiatives. But I do not think it will have a major impact anyway because of the conditions placed on foreign entry into the India higher education market.

Q: You have observed that a state like Kerala has universal literacy, a lack of

visible poverty, in striking contrast to much of the rest of India, and a higher education

access rate of about 18 per cent - double the national average. PA: Yes, Kerala because of forward-looking

government policy over time, has made these achievements. What Kerala lacks are a few really top-class universities and it does not seem to have a vibrant entrepreneurial environment. If it could combine its educational advantage with entrepreneurialism, it would have a powerful combination.

Q: Why hasn’t this happened so far?

PA: Kerala, has been ruled by mild-mannered Communists who have had power off and on for the past half century. It is less market-oriented and commercialised than up north.

Q: What was the reaction to education reform being discussed by the

government?PA: The conference was unsurprisingly critical of most of the measures. The overriding criticisms involved the underlying commitment to align Indian higher education with the global trend towards commercialising higher education and the uncritical linking of India to the global knowledge economy.

Q: What is the government proposing that was opposed?

PA: The spearhead of internationalisation is the plan to open India’s higher education system

Q: You have called India a scientific

backwater, do you think India will succeed in overhauling its education system?PA: India is a very complex country—there are a few pinnacles of excellence, such as the IITs, Institute of Science, and some others. But overall it is has mediocre higher education. There is no way this will change unless the 20,000 plus undergraduate colleges are reformed and the 400 or so mainstream universities are also

changed—and I see no plan to do this!

Q: What has changed since you wrote your

article, “Grand plan or mission impossible?” PA: There are some good ideas coming from government about changing higher education through the Knowledge Commission and others, but little concrete action. One of the problems is that India simply spends too little on postsecondary education. So on balance, the situation has not changed.

Dr. Philip G. Altbach is Director of the ‘Center for International Higher Education’ at Boston College, USA; TII interviewed him after his visit to Kerala for an education conference on reform policies and parliamentary discussions on India’s plans for educational reform.

Indian Education: Grand plan or mission impossible? “Overall India Has Mediocre Higher Education.”

By: Frank Raj

Dr. Altbach: Will India be able to take advantage of its “demographic dividend”?

Indian students in the Gulf have good options to study overseas rather than return to India

India’s IITs face seri-

ous staffing problems as

many of their academics

are reaching retirement

age. Further, the amounts

of funding being made available for

these initiatives is completely inadequate.‘‘

‘‘

Education


to foreign institutions. The proposals were condemned for their uncritical acceptance of

yet-to-be-determined foreign institutions and initiatives, and for their unrealistic expectation that foreign institutions would provide significant access to new ideas for India’s admittedly moribund academic system. Some saw the proposals as a kind of “new neocolonialism”.

Q: Is there a north – south divide in education policy?

PA: There was wide criticism of “dictation from Delhi” and the “regulation raj” of too much centralisation of a higher education system that has traditionally given a great deal of autonomy to the states - as stipulated in India’s Constitution.

Q: How is the government proposing to go ahead with its plans?

PA: A proposal to set up a powerful panel to rule on a range of higher education issues faced criticisms, as did a bill that would set up tribunals to adjudicate problems in the system. The critics pointed to problem after problem in the legislation: unclear wording, incomplete plans for specific agencies, unrealistic expectations for committees, and other lapses.Additional proposals, not tied to the legislation, also seem rather unrealistic.

Q: Kapil Sibal, the Minister of Human Resource Development seems to have

some good ideas, what do you think? PA: He has by fiat set up at least one central government university in each of India’s states and proposed expanding the number of Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institutes of Management, promising a dozen or more “world-class research universities” in a short period of time. The problems involving all of the proposals are manifold - perhaps the most significant issue is personnel, since there are simply not enough high-quality academics to take up jobs in these new institutions. Indeed, the existing IITs face serious staffing problems as many of their academics are reaching retirement age. Further, the amounts of funding being made available for these initiatives is completely inadequate.

Q: Viewed from down south, the flaws in India’s grand plans seem rather clear.

PA: Perhaps the Delhi power elite believes that change can come on the cheap with half-baked plans. Perhaps they just want to get the country’s higher education system out of its lethargy. The current plans, like many of

the ill-fated reform proposals of the past, do little to change India’s 20,000 undergraduate colleges - currently steeped in bureaucracy and outmoded teaching methods - and little to reform the country’s 400-plus universities. Without grappling with the existing universities, reform will be very incomplete. It is all daunting - perhaps a “mission impossible”.


Ill-fated reform plans, will do little to change India’s 20,000 under-graduate colleges 400-plus univer-sities steeped in bureau-cracy and outmoded teaching methods.

‘‘

‘‘Manipal University students in Dubai Photo courtesy Manipal University

Indian students in Dubai Photo by: Santhosh Harry

Education


At Thomas Nelson we had a performance culture that focused on profitability. I wanted to keep that. We had to succeed financially in order to resource our mission.

• What should go? Write down the aspects of your culture that must die if you are going to go forward.

At Thomas Nelson, we had a “closed book” operating philosophy. The only people who knew how the company was performing were those in top management.

I believed that if we practiced an “open book” philosophy and everyone knew how the company was doing, we could all work together to improve results.

• What is missing? Write down aspects of the culture that seem to be missing or weak.At Thomas Nelson, individual accountability was weak. People were afraid to take personal responsibility and this created a lot of blame-shifting.

3. Envision a new culture. This is the fun part. Rather than simply complain about what is, begin to imagine what could be.

Imagine you are working with a blank sheet of paper and anything is possible. What would the ideal culture look like? Write it down in as much detail as possible.

I wrote down five pages of notes and then distilled it down to ten attributes. I then met with my leadership team, and we fine-tuned it. This became a blueprint for what we wanted to create.

4. Share the vision with everyone. Culture will not change unless you cast a vision for something new. You have to articulate in a way that is compelling and specific.

And you can’t just do this once. One of my mentors said to me, “Mike, you must keep casting the vision. When you start getting sick of hearing yourself talk about it, you’re only half done. Keep speaking it!”

Why? Because, as Andy Stanley has noted,

vision leaks (see his book, Making Vision Stick). Initially, the only existence vision has is in your words. You have to keep speaking it until it takes root and begins to grow.

5. Get alignment from your leadership team. I’m talking about more than agreement. You need alignment. This is something altogether different.

You want a team that buys the vision, understands what is at stake, and is willing to take a stand to make it happen.

Think of it as a conspiracy. Not in the negative sense, but in the positive. You and your team are conspiring together to make a positive change that will transform your organization.

6. Model the culture you want to create. The culture of a company is the behavior of its leaders. If you change their attitudes, their values, their beliefs, their behaviors, you will change your culture. If you don’t, you will fail.

This is why you must have alignment with your leadership team. If they are not willing to change their behavior and model what you are trying to create, you must replace them. That may sound harsh, but it’s true. If you don’t, nothing will change in the organization.

As Gandhi famously said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

And by the way, even if the people above you won’t change, you can change the culture of your department, division, or operating unit. In fact, that’s usually how it works.

That is exactly how I did it at Thomas Nelson. I started implementing what I am sharing here five years before I became the president of the company. Frankly, I think it had a great deal to do with why I kept getting promoted.

Is it possible to change the culture of your organization? Absolutely. But like everything else in leadership, you must be intentional.

On a panel discussion led by media consultant Phil Cooke, our topic was “How to Change Organizational Culture.” This is something every leader eventually faces.

Phil began the session by stating, “culture triumphs vision.” I agree completely.

Leaders often wonder why they can’t get traction in making the changes they know are necessary. They articulate a new vision. They change a few policies. They might even replace a few key people.

But nothing substantive changes.The problem is that culture is largely invisible

to those inside of it. It’s like water to a fish or air to a bird. It’s simply the environment we live in.

I faced this when I came to Thomas Nelson in the late 1990’s. As an outsider, I was immediately aware of the culture. There were many aspects of it I loved, but others I knew I had to change in order to improve the operating results.

The changes in my area of responsibility happened quickly—within the first eighteen months. The operating results also improved dramatically. Changes to the broader company took longer, but, as my responsibilities grew, they eventually took root as well.

Based on my experience, here are six steps you can take to change the culture of your organization:

1. Become aware of the culture. Begin to notice its characteristics. Pay attention to shared values, the way people express themselves (particularly their language), and the stories they tell about their success and failures.2. Assess your current culture. Start by creating three lists:

• What should stay? Write down the aspects of your culture that you like and want to preserve.

TII introduces the Michael Hyatt column on Intentional Leadership: “How to Change Organizational Culture,” is something every leader eventually faces.

How do you change Organizational Culture?

By: Michael Hyatt

Leadership

Michael Hyatt is the Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers

www.michaelhyatt.com

The problem

is that culture

is largely invisible to those inside of

it. It’s like water to a fish or air to a

bird. It’s simply

the environ-

ment we live in.

‘‘‘‘

WHO: Sarina Menezes, Hotelier, Writer, Mum to two lovely munchkins and based now in Mumbai, India since 2010.WHAT: London and England was our home for a good 7 years. We explored every part of this beautiful country with lush countrysides, its erratic weather yet its beautiful seasons. London was always on our list because of its attractions, culture and the diverse experience. WHEN: Welcome Spring (March – May), Shop in Summer (June – September), Watch the colors in Autumn (October – November), Cuddle up in Winter (December to February). Although it almost never snows in London, in the last couple of years the city has experienced a maximum of 2 inches of snow on an odd day. But my favourite season is SPRING!WHY: The buzzing mecca of Europe, London after Paris is the heart of Europe for its fashion, food, culture, shopping and attractions.WHERE: London is big and is divided into North London, South London, East and West London. Grab a map immediately – it’s your best guide!HOW: London is very well connected with direct flights. London is best seen by the

Underground Tube (its very easy with the map) and the ‘Hop On & Off’ London busesHOTELS: Top hotels to simple, affordable and homely bed & breakfast accommodation. SHOPPING: Oxford Street is a must! Harrods and the Chocolate Bar are places to die for. CAUTION: Umbrella necessary, avoid peak hour traffic. Don’t carry cash and don’t travel late night in the subways.

Restaurants: London’s melting pot culture offers the world’s best cuisines. Wembley for south Indian; Southall for Punjabi food. But some of India’s best Chefs like Atul Kochhar, Vineet Bhatia, Vivek Singh, Camelia Punjabi have the best Indian restaurants like BENARES, CINNAMON CLUB, CHUTNEY MARY, TAMARIND TREE, BUDDHA BAR & BOMBAY BRASSERIE!DON’T MISS: Must see

West End performances, great museums (free entry), London Greenwich, the Lords Cricket grounds, London Zoo and a show at Wembley!UNIQUE: Take your family picture as if in the Victorian times. It makes wonderful memorabilia!

iLove LondonBird Safari London Eye

White Christmas in London

Underground Big Ben

TII invites contributions for ‘Reader’s Trip Advice’ a new series to share holiday experiences. Send details on your most recent trip to the Editor: [email protected]

Reader’s Trip Advice

26

What counts is what you do to make your expe-riences memo-rable. London is one city where no matter how many times you visit it is never the same.

‘‘

‘‘


Travel

You have been booked on a flight to Frankfurt today with

an overnight stop. Then onwards to Berlin only tomorrow, said the perky Lufthansa airline assistant to me at the Bangalore airport. This was a traveller’s worst nightmare and besides opening and closing my mouth like a goldfish, I stood there paralyzed making her totally impatient. My flight was meant to take me directly to Berlin with a short stopover at Frankfurt, so I was flummoxed with the bookings done for me. Summarily from being a revered first class passenger – at the invitation of the International Travel Forum 2011, a senior official materialised and I was moved out of

the regular queue, luggage and all to ponder what decision I was going to take. “Take me directly to Berlin if that is possible,” I requested the cold, unhelpful manager and that is how I landed in the Raddisson Blu in Berlin, a whole day earlier than scheduled. I have learnt with experience that a day extra in the west can be handled safely for a woman travelling alone, rather than

an extra day in any of our cities in India.

Dragging my case out of the Berlin airport, it was nice to be greeted with balmy weather as it was my first trip to the erstwhile East Germany and Berlin was a great place to start. Arriving on a Sunday, buses were off the road, but I got a TXL bus which took me to the Central Station or the

Hauptbahnhof, erected as Europe’s largest station. Built by Gerkan one of Germany’s famous sons it’s a marvel of engineering and quite a tourist attraction. Gerkan also has the honour of being the architect of the Tegel Berlin airport.

Arriving in the month of May, spring, fresh flowers, green trees, and blazing sunshine greeted us wherever we went. As we waited for

By: Marianne de Nazareth

Once we were done with traipsing around Berlin we decided to go to Leipzig by train. You must try the sleek white ICE (Inter City Express). It is Germany’s answer to France’s TGV. Plus, if you are from a country like India with laughably outdated, dark, cramped, stuffy, smelly, rumbling train systems, you will be blown away by the ICE train.

Berlin & LeipzigWith An Indian Slant!

The Hauptbahnh - Central Station


our S Bahn train which would take us to the Alexander Platz where our

hotel was, we could not help but look around the spectacular and airy train station. Later we climbed up to the upper floors to have a view of the four layers of trains that criss cross each other and the grand shopping mall on every floor. The shops sold designer and branded stuff only. The ticket to our station cost us just 1, 40E which is amazingly affordable, even coming from India. Forget taxis in Berlin, just use public, affordable transport.

Getting off at Kurzstrecke, I asked a young couple the way to the Marien Kirsche (Marian Church) as the Radisson Blu hotel was just opposite. Out popped a GPS device and in a trice we were told which way to go! No one carries maps anymore except for the older tourists, and most prefer this amazingly accurate device which is much easier to handle! After checking in and dumping our bags we took off to see the Marien Kirsche and the massive Neptunbrunnen. The Neptunbrunnen fountain is a must

see with its massive figure of the god of the sea surrounded by larger than

life mermaids and fish! It’s not a happy feeling

walking literally through history with images of an aggressive Adolph Hitler flashing through our minds as we passed the iconic Reichstag building. We were also taken to the area where his secret bunker was and where he famously committed suicide along with his wife Eva Braun. Of course mention must be made of the Gendarmem Markt which dates back

to the Napoleanic era with two cathedrals which were identical and where the Konzerthaus or Concert Hall which is home to the famous Berlin Symphony Orchestra is situated.

So once we were done with traipsing around Berlin we decided to go to Leipzig by train. You must try the sleek white ICE (Inter City Express). It is Germany’s answer to France’s TGV. Plus, if you are from a country like India with laughably outdated, dark, cramped, stuffy, smelly, rumbling train systems, you will be blown away by the ICE train. Tickets can be had off the Berlin Hauptbahnhof station, keep your

tickets out ready and handy for the snazzy conductor as she comes

A must see Neptunbrunnen fountain with its massive figure of the God of the sea surrounded by larger than life mermaids and fish!

The famous Brandenburg Gate

IN BERLIN...Churches and buildings

in Berlin have been restored after World War II bombing, completed as recently as the 1900’s. Living in the Radisson Blu meant all we had to do was walk about rather than take a tour, but we did take the Insider Tour for a couple of hours handled superbly by a blue eyed Aussie named Mike Stack . Mike brought the whole of sombre Berlin cracklingly alive to us with his motor mouth capacity and his never ending font of knowledge. We started along the Karl Marx Allee which is lined with monument sized buildings built in the style of the Joseph Stalin era. We finally ended up past the famous Brandenburg Gate and the double brick line which is all that is left of the Berlin Wall to the Central Station or the Hauptbahnhof.

For food, hop into any of the restaurants, that Alexander Platz has to offer. You even have a Sushi bar and a Kaiser for those looking for more spicy food. But we suggest, when in Germany try their meats, cheese and sausages and if veggie, their asparagus is to die for! But I’ll let you into a secret – I just lived on strawberries, plums and giant wedges of cheese the whole week through!

Travel


Travel

around to check.We were booked into the

Vivaldi hotel in Leipzig which can

be done online from any country in the world as well. It was clean and comfortable and for 60 Euros a night with a nice breakfast thrown in we enjoyed our week’s stay. The only negative was the Internet which did not work. We are spoilt in Asia with even our airports and cafes, providing free Internet access.

Just behind the hotel there was a Rewe supermarket and lots of little shops and restaurants which made our stay easy. With the day staying bright to way past 10 pm we did not have to rush before darkness fell to shop! Gouda Jung cheese wedges, crunchy Waffelrollchen and a big packet of Feine Eierplatzchen found their way into my suitcase to take home to share in Bangalore with the family, along with a pile of German chocolates! And, for me particularly fond as I am of fresh, organic fruit, a little veggie store brimming with large stawberries, plums and peaches kept me happy and indulged all through the week.

Since we had come to Germany for the International

Transport Forum 2011 we were invited on the last night, for a gala sit down dinner amidst

flowering magnolia trees just behind the conference venue. Delice of smoked salmon, herb crepe with soy caviar, scallop carpaccio with lime and green asparagus was served as entrée while a musician regaled the guests, tinkling away on a stupendous Bluthner Grand piano. I enjoyed the dessert most of all which included fresh

waffles with morello cherries and passion fruit foam, warm chocolate cake with strawberry and basil fruit salad. Of course my favourite indulgence brought a glint to my eye- large tureens of glazed and sliced fresh strawberries which was the only dessert a diabetic like me could eat without guilt!

And of course, while in Germany don’t leave without a Cuckoo clock. Yes they are hand crafted in Bavaria but I tracked down a great little shop in Alexander Platz in Berlin and bargained in typical Asian style for the biggest clock in the store. It’s worth the splurge, you will only get imitation Chinese clocks in other parts of the world.

Marianne de Nazareth is a freelance writer based in Bangalore, India. She visited

Leipzig as a media fellow of the ITF 2011.

One of the many heritage homes which stand inimmaculate condition in Leipzig

Gala sit down dinner hosted by the ITF 2011 for all those who attended the forum in Leipzig

IN LEIPZIG...Leipzig’s musical and cultural

heritage precedes its fame and we were out to experience it. This was where Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, Richard Wagner, Edward Greig, Gustave Mahler lived and worked. We joined the musical tour of the city as Leipzig carrys on its tradition of great musical performances. The Gwendhaus Orchestra is famous and considered to be one of the finest orchestras in the world. And if you are a Bach aficionado, go to the Opera house and enjoy performances including the superlative Thomanerchor (St. Thomas’ Boys Choir). The little boy voices are as clear as bells and far superior to womens soprano. Check out if the Bach, Schumann or Mendelsshon festivals are on when you visit as an open invitation has been made to tourists of the city. We took the ‘Notenspur’ music trail where we walked along a 5 km music trail taking us past the homes of the composers and musicians of Leipzig.

Napolean, Nietzsche, Schiller and Goethe all lived in Leipzig at one time. In fact a scene from Goethe’s Faust was set in Leipzig. But, remember it gained its freedom only in October ’89 so the air of the past still clings strongly to the city and we did feel the difference to the Western part of the country here.


Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

By: Bandana Jain

As a part of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature’s Open Door series, HE Consul General of India, Sanjay Verma had an informal discussion with Mini Nair, Author of ‘The Fourth Passenger’ in Dubai. The heritage charm of the House of Literature in Bastakiya was a perfect setting for this kind of a gathering.

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature (EAFL) is back with a bang in its fourth edition -the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written word. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,

UAE Vice-President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai in partnership with Emirates Airline and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, around 115 authors, writers and speakers from 25 nations will participate in this festival which has become a platform of conviviality and interaction amongst the world of literature lovers. As a part of EAFL’s Open Door series, HE Consul General of India, Sanjay Verma conversed with Mini Nair, Author of ‘The Fourth Passenger’ at the House of Literature in Bastakiya, Dubai.

The heritage charm at House of Literature in Bastakiya was a perfect setting for this kind of a gathering. Adding a dash to it was the strategically placed firewood that added a touch of warmth to the chilly January air. The programme commenced with a welcome speech by Isobel Abulhoul,

The Fourth Passenger:


Director – Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. Indian Consul General Sanjay Verma and Mini Nair shared their opinions and discussed the contents of her book ‘The Fourth Passenger’ in the presence of a huge literature-loving crowd.

“Since women are the worst hit in our Indian society, my book shows how women can empower themselves,” said Nair, who works as Head of Sales and Marketing, Sud Chemie, Mumbai. The genesis of the book ‘The Fourth Passenger’ deals with the change that came about in the character of Mumbai city after the 1992 riots.

Consul General Sanjay Verma who also hails from Mumbai described the book as ‘chaotic and bubbly’. “Mumbai prepared us to be resilient. It is a lot like India. The greatest sociological experiment (because of democracy) goes on in India and Mumbai. India has given birth to five religions. Hence, it is a testament to an entire spectrum of ethnicity,” he added.

The Indian middle class is already aping the West- divorce is on the increase. What Nair finds interesting is the movement of the lower class women oppressed by relationships, unlike the higher or middle –class educated women. “Women have unhappy marriages. The strata of society to which these women belong follows the phenomenon of ‘you are married, you are married forever’ irrespective of the numerous atrocities inflicted on the women by their spouses. The central characters of this book are the most practical people I have ever met, superwomen of sorts, coming home to the ungrateful men in their lives!”

The story revolves around four women with their unhappy marriages and the subsequent growth in their lives and the common element that they share in their lives- rotten, atrocious husbands! The protagonists of the story are very prosaic and simple. The book is a heady mix of interesting elements of life - the first kiss, underworld, Dubai, inter-communal politics, rape, etc. The book is dark and noisy but ultimately optimistic. Like a chaotic video game, it is fast-paced but with oodles of pathos and sorrow in it, which goes on to signify that life is crowded though interestingly; none of the characters reach out to God. “But for humour, there is little of everything in this book,” adds Mini.

Lot of opportunities have struck the common man after India’s liberalization policies of 1991. Nair’s book focuses on the fact that at a modest level, women are driven to a better life if they make use of their entrepreneurial skills. The book also enlightens us about the co-operative movement which brought about empowerment in the lives of these suppressed women, whose eatery is a co-operative movement by itself. This is an answer to many economic problems faced by India today.

The fact that Mumbai is especially kind to people who begin from streets is well portrayed. “If Dhirubhai Ambani can do it, why can’t I?” the protagonists reverberate this feeling throughout the story. People like Akshay Kumar have made it big in this city, they have become idols. It is known that before making it big in this city and owning his dream home Mannat, Shah Rukh Khan slept on the promenade. The kindness of Mumbai attracts

Musings from the author, Mini Nair

• Favourite author - Kiran Nagarkar• Favourite personality - Rahul Gandhi- he represents modern India.• Favourite quote - “Tomorrow is another day!”• Hobbies and interests - travelling, cooking, reading, watching cinema and doing nothing.• Inspiration - The two men in my life- my father and my husband. • Good traits of an author - consistency of language and a provocative inspirational story.• Tips for budding writers - read voraciously and evolve your own style.• EAFL – a very encouraging platform that provides good interaction between readers and writers.• Message for Indian women - They need to come out of the shadow of men and become independent. Women need to be more egalitarian, they need to be assertive in a bad relationship.• Next project - I plan to write a book on Bangladeshi immigration into India.

people towards itself. That is why people come to this city.

One interesting thing to note in the book is that there is no reference to the Government as if Mumbai is a no man’s land, full of energy. The book essentially deals with deprived characters moving towards the centre.

Writing a book can be an ethereal experience by itself. When asked about her experiences of writing ‘The Fourth Passenger’, Nair candidly replies, “I was full of doubts, but I knew I had to write a nice story with powerful characters. At the same time, we also need to understand that the characters are all flawed, they are not perfect and hence, the outcome is in the form of a realistic story.”

How was the experience of getting the book published? “My journey with publishing was terrible. None of the publishers were interested in publishing my book because of its connectivity with the Mumbai riots. Each of them wanted me to change the story, which I was not prepared to do. I firmly believed that my book did not mean ill at all. I rather call it a secular fundamentalist story. Robin, my literary agent helped me a great deal in this respect.”

Nair has made an intelligent observation and subtly incorporated the Mumbai riots in her book. She observes, “We do not like to document tragedies of life. Hardly any literature has been published about the Mumbai riots in 1992. The fact is that if we do not document our tragedies, we are bound to repeat them.

We must draw paintings, write books and create cinema to draw the attention of the masses towards these harsh realities of life so that society in general, gains the wisdom of not repeating it.”

Isobel Abulhoul, Director, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature introduces HE Indian Consul General Sanjay Verma and Author, Mini Nair at House of Literature in Bastakiya

TII interviewed the author, Mini Nair.

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

India is a fast moving economy and a force to reckon with. A stark divide between high class and down-trodden society still exists in India. Time has come when down -trodden should not be forgotten. Therefore, I took it on myself to document this message.

Q: Why did you choose riots as the setting for your story?

The 1992 riots changed the face of Mumbai and the thinking of every Mumbaikar. It is imperative that tragedies are documented, not swept under the carpet.

Q: Why do children and women form the protagonists of your books?

Women and children are the weaker, yet most promising sections of Indian society. They need to be empowered.

Q: Where can Mini Nair be seen in the book ‘The Fourth Passenger’?

I can relate to the character of Farzana in my book. I believe Farzana is a martyr. Flirtatious she may be, but there is a great deal of femininity.

Q: You are a graduate in chemistry, how did you fall in love with writing?

I always loved writing but science made my writing logical and structured. All the characters of my story came in at the right time and exited at right intervals.

Bandana Jain is a freelance writer based in Dubai, UAE

Hardly any lit-erature has been published about the Mumbai riots in 1992. The fact is that if we do not document our trag-edies, we are bound to repeat them.

‘‘

‘‘

Nair’s book

focuses on the

fact that at a mod-est level,

women are driven

to a bet-ter life if they

make use of their

entrepre-neurial

skills. The book also

enlight-ens us

about the co-opera-

tive move-ment.

‘‘‘‘

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature


hotels are a special treat to the visitors, as those who run or maintain these hotels have made sure that the traditional work, carvings, décor and the style of hospitality remains as it was in the olden times in the various princely states. Most of these heritage hotels were home to Rajasthani rulers, with lavish architecture and décor, influenced by Rajput and Mughal architecture, but various other parts of India too have their own fascinating heritage properties.

In the year 1947, the Government of India abolished royal titles and the concept of feudal lords and feudal ownership of lands in the princely states. The government withdrew the Privy Purse and special privileges to the royalty. Consequently, members of most of the royal families found it extremely difficult to maintain these huge buildings, which lay almost abandoned or unattended till a few enterprising people realized that perhaps the only way to maintain these historic homes was to refit them as five star luxury hotels.

One such fascinating heritage property is the 300 year old ‘Fort Jadhav Gadh’ billed as ‘the world’s first museum hotel.’ It is the first in a series of heritage forts being developed in Maharashtra and other locations in India, carefully restored by the Kamat Group. Situated in the beautiful rolling hills 22 km away from Pune on the old Pune – Satara Road at a height of 2,511 feet above sea level, Fort Jadhav Gadh lies in the heart of the

Jadhavwadi – a 25 acre property, which is a fine example of Maratha craftsmanship.

Fort Jadhav Gadh was built in 1710 by Pillaji Jadhavrao a general in the army of Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj, the grandson of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji. Studying the impressive, well preserved fort, one understands Pillaji himself must have been sturdy in mind and body as the stone structure he constructed. Pillaji was a general in the army of Shahu Sambhaji Raje Bhosale Chhatrapati Maharaj (1682–1749), the fourth ruler of the Maratha Empire created by his grandfather, Chhatrapati Shivaji, and was officially the Raja of Satara (now in the state of Maharashtra). He was more popularly known as Chattrapati Shahuji, remarkably favored in captivity by the Mughals, who survived a civil war to gain the throne in 1707.

Shahuji was imprisoned by the Mughals at the age of seven; remarkably, the Mughals raised him as a prince and he spent his entire childhood and youth, from age 7 to age 25 in the custody of the Mughals. With the help of Bahadur Shah, the last Mughal Emperor, Shahuji outmaneuvered his aunt Tarabai in 1714, to become the Chattrapati at the age of 26, making the Maratha empire the largest in India at the time.

Shahuji’s primary accomplishment was in stabilizing the fractured Maratha empire after the defeat of the Mughals. Being an excellent

judge of character, he appointed a select group of men whose loyalty was unquestionable,

In 1947, the Government of India abolished royal titles and the concept of feudal lords and feudal ownership of lands in the princely states and withdrew the Privy Purse and special privileges to the royalty. Consequently, many royal families found it difficult to maintain their huge properties, which lay almost abandoned or unattended till a few enterprising people realized that perhaps the only way to maintain these historic homes was to refit them as five star luxury hotels.

By: Frank Raj

home of a great Maratha general

Scattered all across one-time princely India are hundreds of forts, palaces and estates that were formerly the habitats of the various ruling families that once held dominion over India.

Many of them are amazing, well preserved bastions of Indian history and still reverberate with ancient memories of royal rule, stunning spectacles, and extravagant pageants, a tribute to a time gone by never to return.

Heritage hotels in India are those which at some point of time in history were fortresses and castles that were home to the rulers of the subcontinent. For centuries, the ancient fortress, the defensive castle, or the composite haveli -was the abode of royalty and the nobility, where hospitality was an integral part of life. Today, these heritage

Fort Jadhav Gadh in full view from the surrounding hills Photo by: Frank Raj

Reception area and former jail Photo by: Frank Raj

TOP: Main entrance to the Fort and royal viewing galleryPhoto by: Frank Raj

RIGHT: Swimming pool and Butic Spa on top of the Fort Photo by: Frank Raj

India: Once Upon A Time


two when I was sliding down the hill, so don’t keep your wallet in your rear pocket!

When it comes to food, Fort Jadhav Gadh has excellent chefs and an array of choices to satisfy various culinary preferences in its two restaurants, which offer casual to all day dining, bar-be-cue to ethnic fine dining and al-fresco options to select from. Don’t forget to have one meal from the royal viewing gallery with its unique ambience and great views of the countryside.

Chhajja – The Coffee Shop (Multi Cuisine)At the regally done coffee shop on the

upper-level of the fort, bask in the glorious company of steaming coffee and delectable cuisine.

Payatha – Royal Ethnic CuisinePayatha, the Ethnic Foothill Restaurant,

is located at the base of the fort and serves royal ethnic cuisine, with an open-air kitchen. Authentic Maharashtrian cuisine is a treat, try it if you haven’t before – their Poori Bhaji for breakfast was excellent; for lunch and dinner I had Chapatis, Bhakri Bread, Kofta Curry, Vada-Pav, Stuffed Brinjal, Bhindi Masala Aamti, I enjoyed the Sabudana Khichdi, rounding off my meals with Modak, Puran Poli or Suji Halwa for dessert.

WHAT TO SEE Dive Ghat is a favorite with trekkers as well as nature lovers to get a panoramic view of the exuberant hills as well as the captivating

Mastani Lake in the depth of the valley. Purandar Fort – An ideal trekking destination, some 14 kms south west of the hotel, on the NarayanPur- Saswad Road, perched on a huge mountain. The place really consists of two fortresses with the satellite Fort Vajragarh situated on the east of Purandar on a narrow ridge running out of it. Balaji Temple, Ketkawale – This temple is a magnificent replica of India’s world famous Tirupati Balaji temple, set amidst the most beautiful mountain ranges. Purandar Wada, Saswad – Just a ten minutes drive from Fort Jadhav Gadh is the prehistoric Purandar Wada known to be Maharashtra’s oldest standing structure and grand residence of the ruling

Peshwas . Jejuri – The village of Jejuri, about 20 kms from the hotel, is famous for a beautiful temple on a hill with 200 steps. Pune – Shaniwar Wada, Kelkar Museum, Parvati Hill, the Osho Commune international, Aga Khan Palace, Saras Baug, Katraj Snake Park, Sinhagadh Fort are some sightseeing places in Pune which distinctly portray its cultural heritage.

HOW TO GET THEREDetailed instructions are available online: www.fortjadhavgadh.com

to recruit soldiers and recharge the quiescent emotions of the people. It was this select group of men of honor that Pillaji Jadhavrao was a

part of. He lost no time in gathering able men across the Jadhavgadhi and Saswad area and training them to fight. His stories of valor and the way he could use the sword are still spoken about. Legend has it that this strongman proved his mettle every time someone dared to challenge the supremacy of the Maratha ruler.

It was heroic men like Pillaji Jadhavrao who ensured the rule of Chhatrapati Shahuji who wisely governed with the help of his loyal Peshwas, the de facto hereditary administrators of the Maratha rulers.

Pillaji Jadhvrao died in 1784 after leading a long and fulfilling life of a patriot, serving the Marathas and three generations of Peshwas.

Fort Jadhav Gadh, is a peaceful, out of the ordinary holiday experience, so go there expecting something quite different. This is a fort where the granite stairway leading into it was designed to accommodate war elephants that walked right inside the fort. Jadhvrao had a favorite tusker and a huge stone feeding plate for the beast, which you can see in what is now the hotel’s reception area. If the brooding hills around are still quite deserted 300 years later, you can imagine what it must have been like for a fort of this size to be located in such rugged country and defended against the enemies of Pillaji Jadhavrao who obviously had a need to build such a fortress in his day.

The designer bathrooms and rooms which

have a charming character are called ‘Kholi’ in Marathi, and they are designed seamlessly beside the massive walls of the fort. Tasteful interiors offer a touch of heritage along with ultra-modern luxuries and staff uniforms with typical headgear replicating Maratha history. Room views offer breathtaking sights of the manicured lawns and the surrounding hills of the Western Ghats. There are Maharaja and Museum Suites if luxury is your preference, and majestic air-conditioned tents for a different outdoors experience. With the striking walls of the fort as the backdrop the hotel has the capacity to host 4,000 people – weddings, product launches and theme parties can be majestic affairs.

Fort Jadhav Gadh is surrounded by hills dotted with small villages; you are far from the city and there are no crowds and very few homes around, apart from the splendid dwelling of Pillaji Rao’s descendants, which is close by. If you climb the hills within the hotel perimeter, you can get some superb photographs of the fortification from a distance

– the gradient is quite steep so wear sensible shoes and clothing. My credit card broke in Frank Raj is TII’s founder-editor and publisher

TOP: Babasaheb Jadhav Rao, flagging off the 2011 Heritage Drive at Fort Jadhav Gadh Photo by: Proactive Public Relations

TOP: The granite

stairway to the Fort was built to accomodate war

elephants Photo by: Frank Raj

RIGHT: Pillaji Jadhvrao’s stone dinner plate for his favorite elephant Photo by: Frank Raj

LEFT: Designer rooms blend in

nicely with ancient walls of the Fort

Photo by: Frank Raj

India: Once Upon A Time


TII’s column for India travel keeps you up to date on what’s happening on the tourism front in the country.

VITS Bhubaneshwar

In OrissaVITS Bhubaneshwar

- located 1.5 Km from the city railway station

and 4.5 Km from the city airport is the Khil

Group’s first launch in Odisha. VITS Hotel,

Bhubaneshwar is strategically located on the Cuttack-Puri

main road at Laxmisagar Square which is 4.5 km from

the Airport and just 2 km away from the N.H-5 towards

Cuttack, Orissa’s important commercial centre. Beside the commercial advantages many housing

schemes and apartments have come up in the location making VITS a meeting place for the locals too, situated as it is, close to the main market and commercial centre. VITS Bhubaneshwar has 70 well-designed rooms spread over 5 storeys, with spacious Banqueting facilities to meet every expectation. VITS Bhubaneshwar has two banqueting venues with all modern amenities and facilities, and even an in-house state of art business centre for the business traveller.

VITS Chain of Hotels has to date opened properties in Mumbai, Aurangabad, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik and has ambitious plans to open in Delhi- NCR , Kolhapur, Solapur, and many more locations over the next five years. Email: - [email protected] Website:- www.vitshotels.com

Arogya Spa & Fitness Centre-

Hyatt Regency PuneSix chakras in the

body aligned.From the Sanskrit

term Arogya, which means “complete wellness”,

Arogya Spa & Fitness Centre at Hyatt Regency

Pune is an idyllic sanctuary, for guests to revitalise and de-stress

with local and traditional treatments. The logo draws

from the belief that if the six chakras in the body are aligned, then the seventh chakra is naturally activated and the body is free from every ailment. In tune with this symbolism, Arogya offer treatments to assist in balancing the chakras and bringing wellness. AROGYA SPA has six exquisite treatment rooms, including two couples’ suites and one Ayurvedic therapy room. Guests can indulge in traditional massages or purifying facials. A wide range of Body Polishes and Scrubs concocted from a traditional mixture of Indian spices to promote deep cleansing, relieve muscular soreness and improve blood circulation.

The state-of-the-art gymnasium at the Fitness Centre has the latest cardio and strength training equipment from Technogym, with personal trainers at hand to assist. Arogya Spa & Fitness Centre also houses a Yoga studio with shock-absorbent wooden flooring and a heated swimming pool.

Mystic Valley Resort

Igatpuri MaharashtraMarketed by Prolific Hotels and Resorts

Located 110 km from Mumbai, at Igatpuri

on the Mumbai Nashik highway, Mystic Valley Resort

is a boutique hotel resort, nestled in the picturesque cliff

valley at a height of 1900 feet above sea level. The resort spread out across 7 acres with

five blocks each named after flower species, has great privacy and lush surroundings. 90 rooms under different categories have been recently re-launched and the pent houses on all top floors have incredible views - just right for large families. With generous living and dining area and en-suite bathroom, each suite is designed to comfort and revitalize, combining elegance, luxury and service.

More like a private country club than a typical holiday hotel, Mystic Valley Spa Resort combines high standards of service with the warmth of Indian hospitality and is ideal for corporate retreats, product launches, training programs etc. “Igatpuri is the best hill station this side of the Western Ghats,” says Mr Anil Paranjpe MD and Ceo of Prolific Hotels. “It is a piece of paradise, which is as if time stood still, and this part of the western Ghats will be the queen of hill stations”. For Reservations Contact :- [email protected]

India Travel Buzz


Manas Lifestyle

Resort, Nashik Maharashtra,Newly Renovated

Located 110 km from Mumbai, at

Igatpuri on the Mumbai Nashik highway, Manas

Lifestlye Resort, a 28 rooms boutique resort, nestled in the

picturesque cliff valley, is spread over 15 acres. Located on the

Kasara Ghats of the Sahayadri Range, the resort is mid

way to Shirdi. Imposing hills surround every corner, there are deep

gorges, and stray rivulets still run through, and the air is nature fresh. With more than 5,000 ornamental trees and flowering plants on various levels, the area is home to rare species of butterflies and birds and is a haven for Trekkers and Bird Watchers. For kids there are several play areas with fun slides, swings, a sand pit and see saws.

Check out their Weekend Holiday Package. For 2 nights for a couple, Friday to Sunday, check in 12 noon on Friday and check out 10 am Sunday. The Boutique rooms cost Rs13, 5000/- incl of food plan, and a Spa coupon worth Rs 500/-. Rates are inclusive of taxes and complimentary usage of Indoor Games, Gyms and Swimming Pool. For bookings contact: [email protected]

Park Hyatt Goa

Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa is an award-winning hotel nestled along the pristine Arossim Beach, 15

minutes from Dabolim Airport. Set within 45

acres of landscaped gardens with glimmering

waterways and lagoons, the resort combines elegance with

distinctive regional character, perfectly reflecting the vivacious

heritage of Goa.

Escape to a world of luxury and indulgence at the Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. Treat yourself at this spectacular holiday destination with a well crafted ‘Tropical Escape’.

Tropical Escape promises modern amenities and premium service in intimate surroundings- a perfect blend to satiate all your senses.

Package Includes:• Buffet breakfast• Food & Beverage credit of INR 3000 per night• 20% discount on spa & Laundry• Round trip airport transfers in airconditioned shuttle• Daily yoga classes and complimentary lifestyle

consultation for a couple at Sereno Spa

For terms and conditions please visit http://goa.park.hyatt.com

ITC Maurya, New DelhiSpecial Mauryan Chamber Spa Package Rates starting at Rs. 18500 ++

Enjoy the luxury of the spacious Mauryan

Chambers while you indulge in rejuvenating

experiences along the way. Package includes: One-

way airport transfer, 60 minute Kaya Kalp signature relaxation

ritual (1 guest/room), 30% discount at Salon Di Wills, buffet breakfast, evening luxury club cours from 1800 to

2000 hours with cocktails & hors doeuvres, 20% discount on food and soft beverages at any of the hotel’s signature restaurants, 24 hour butler service, 30 mins internet usage at the business centre, laundry/ironing (4 pieces of garments/stay), boardroom usage for upto 3 hours & 4 pm late check out.

Terms and Conditions 1. Offer valid on all days of the week over weekends. 2. Applicable on the Mauryan Chamber room type only. 3. Inclusions are as mentioned in the offer details 4. 1 night deposit will be collected at the time of booking, amount deposited will be retained incase the booking is not cancelled two days prior to the day of arrival. 5. Conditions apply.


Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach

Dinner with 12 StarsInternational Michelin Starred & Celebrity Chefs brought together at Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach for Stars, Food & Art

Seven international Michelin Starred & Celebrity Chefs will convene on Tuesday, 3rd of April 2012, at Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach for the Stars, Food & Art Gala Event.

Located in front of Jumeirah Beach Residences, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach occupies a prime waterfront site in Dubai Marina. The Sofitel pool area provides the perfect outdoor setting for Stars, Food & Art, a Gala Dinner that will premiere in Dubai – a first for the Middle East region and the largest gathering of Michelin Starred chefs in the UAE.

Armed with this success, the Sofitel brand, in consultation with the acknowledged culinary journalist and author Lise Goeman Borgesius-Timmer, decided to introduce this festival internationally at addresses of the luxury hotel group in Marseille, Lyon, Munich, Vienna and now Dubai.

Luxury room from AED 5500 or two tickets and a Junior Suite from AED 6000.

Private guests and companies can make their reservation by contacting 04 448 4851 or via email [email protected]

Further details and information available at www.starsfoodart.com

The Address Montgomerie Dubai

St. Patrick’s DayCelebrate St. Patrick’s Day in

Bunkers with traditional Irish dishes and drinks.• Saturday, 17th March 2012 from 6pm to 10.30pm

Easter Brunch at NINETEENRevel in culinary decadence this

Easter at The Address Montgomerie Dubai.• AED 325 per person from 12pm to 3.30pm

TANTALISING Theme Nights AT LINKSSunday Roast Every Sunday

Begin the week with Sunday Roast, as you sit back with a pint of your favourite brew and tuck into delicious traditional roast with all the trimmings.• From 6pm to 10.30pm• From AED 55Curry Night Every Monday

Take your taste buds on an exotic culinary adventure, every Monday night at Links restaurant. Add a little spice to life with tantalising dishes that melt in your mouth. Feast on traditional favourites, as well as surprising creations with friends or family, as you enjoy the cosy ambience of the restaurant and lounge.• From 6pm to 10.30pm• From AED 75The Address Montgomerie Dubai+971 4 390 5600

Clients to entertain? Want to make that business trip more interesting? TII keeps you up to date on what’s happening at the region’s best hotels.

Gulf Hotel Happenings

Armani / Spa

Offers the ultimate expression of love this spring

Treat that special lady in your life to an unforgettable ‘Gift for Her’ experience. Her journey at Armani/SPA will begin with a fragrant rose bouquet welcoming her as she alights from the chauffeured Bentley.

125-minutes of personal pampering follows with a Classic Collection treatment, enhanced by complimentary access to the landscaped pool and unique thermal area.• Price: AED 1,500 (per person)

Double the delight with the ‘Couples Indulgence’ package, which begins with the thermal steam, sauna, and sequential shower, before embarking on an 80-minute personalised relaxation journey featuring a Classic Collection body scrub, facial or massage combination using bespoke Armani oils. This experience culminates with a complimentary beverage in the elegant confines of the Armani/Lounge.• Price: AED 1,300 (per couple)• Time: 9am to 9pm

For enquiries and reservations, please call +9714 888 3888 or email [email protected]

*Offer valid from February 1 to March 31, 2012, and is subject to availability. Additional terms and conditions apply.


Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts Dubai

Traders HotelIdeally situated for business or pleasure, the hotel is approximately 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport, making it an excellent value option among hotels in Dubai.Suite Promotion • From AED 800 per night• This offer is available from 16 Jan 2012 through 31 Dec 2012 Enjoy the luxury of staying in a suite at special rates with added privileges.This offer includes:• Accommodation in a Suite• Daily buffet breakfast at Traders Club Lounge• Complimentary Early check-in at 10am and late check-out at 3pmWeekend Package • From AED 480 per night• This offer is available from 5 Jan 2012 through 31 Mar 2012

Enjoy special rates when you stay at Traders Hotel, Dubai during the weekends. This offer includes:• Accommodation in a Superior Room• Daily buffet breakfast• Complimentary Early check-in at 10am and late check-out at 3pm

For more informations and complete terms and conditions please visit www.shangri-la.com and look for Special Offers.Tel: (971 4) 265 9888

Park HyattDubai

The Thai Kitchen - Friday Brunch• 12:30pm to 4:00pm• AED 210 per person including soft beverages. • AED 260 per person including soft beverages, beer and wine, or• AED 320 per person including soft beverages, beer and wine, and standard spirits.Hot Pot

Hot pot is a communal Asian meal where everybody cooks their own food right at the table in an aromatic broth.

Every Saturday, Sunday and Monday, The Thai Kitchen offers Juhm Jihm, or Hot Pot, a dish from Chef Supattra’s home province of Esarn that is offered in addition to the à la carte menu.• AED150 per person (the minimum order is for two people).

Café Arabesque - Friday Family Lunch and Buffet Nights

Discover the flavours of the Levant region – Jordan, Syria and Lebanon – with an array of authentic Arab cuisine created specially for Café Arabesque’s Friday Family Lunch (12:30pm to 4:00pm) and the “Buffet Nights” every Thursday and Friday evening from 6:00pm, priced at AED139 per person including a selection of juices. Children under 12 enjoy a 50% discount.

For reservations, please call 04 317 2222.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

BeachcombersFriday and Saturday Brunch

Choose from a selection of International and Asian buffet with a live band playing during brunch. • 12:30 PM - 04:00 PM • Every Friday and Saturday • AED 525 - Bubbly brunch inclusive of free flowing bubbly, grape beverages, selected bottled lagers, selected alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and juices• AED 360 - Selected sparkling grape beverage, grape beverages, selected bottled lagers, selected alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and juicesPlease contact Restaurant Reservations+971 4 406 [email protected] Al MunaTheme Nights

On Seafood Nights enjoy a sumptuous dinner with seafood delicacies or experience oriental culinary delights on Silk Route evenings with your loved ones.• 07:00 PM - 10:30 PM • Seafood Nights – every Wednesday• AED 285 per person inclusive of water, coffee and tea.• Silk Route Nights - every Thursday • AED 250 per person inclusive of water, coffee and tea.Please contact Restaurant Reservations+971 4 366 [email protected] http://www.jumeirah.com


Heading out on a business trip or taking the family for an exotic holiday? TII brings you the best deals out there.

Bangkok Shopping Packages from Amari Hotels Combining Travel with Retail Therapy

Amari, the hotel and resort brand is offering attractive two-night shopping packages in bustling Bangkok.Amari Watergate Bangkok package includes:• Fresh flowers and a seasonal fruit basket in room on arrival • Complimentary welcome drink • Complimentary Shopping Discount Card for use at selected Shopping Malls • THB 1,000 credit on food and drink throughout the stay • Complimentary late check-out until 14:00 on day of departure • Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi Internet access • Room rates are from USD$260.00 for a two night stay in a Deluxe Room including breakfast. The package is available until 31st March 2012.Amari Boulevard Bangkok

• Complimentary Shopping • Discount Card for use at selected Shopping Malls • Complimentary One-Day Travel Pass for use on the BTS Sky-train • Complimentary unlimited in-room Broadband Internet access • 20% discount on food at the Season Thai Restaurant • Complimentary late check-out until 16:00 on day of departure • Room rates are from USD$147.00 for a two night stay in a Superior Room including breakfast. For reservations or more information, visit www.amari.com

Thailand Launches “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2012”

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2012” which is to be held from 15 June – 15 August 2012. The 2012 Grand Sale will feature Thailand’s largest collection of travel packages, family entertainment, competitions and the most amazing bargains across retail, dining, leisure and hospitality as well as health, beauty and medical treatments.

To promote the summer promotions to visitors from the Middle East, a special seminar sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand was held in Dubai at the Dubai Dusit Thani Hotel on January 23rd 2012 hosted by His Excellency Mr. Chalotorn Phaovibul, Consul-General of Thailand to Dubai. Speaking at the event,

H.E. said: “Thailand is a year-round destination for families, couples and groups from the Middle East. This years’ ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Sale’ will provide even more attractions for residents of the Middle East and a reason to travel to Thailand at this time.”

The “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale” 2012 will be held in Thailand’s leading tourism cities and provinces of Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai in the north and the southern tourist destinations of Koh Samui.

Millenium Resort MussanahThe resort has been meticulously crafted with a blend

of Arabian and Asian themes with panoramic views of the resorts private 54 berth marina off the coast of the Gulf of Oman.

A short 45 minute drive from Muscat International Airport and Oman’s premier PGA championship golf course, the resort’s 234 well-appointed spacious guest rooms and 74 fully furnished luxurious spacious serviced apartments define the best in timeless elegance. Famed for its conference and banqueting state of the art technologies and facilities with breathtaking views from all meeting rooms as well as all the four restaurants that offer both indoor and outdoor terrace seating.

A special accommodation package is available for RO 68 per room, inclusive of taxes and breakfast for two persons.

Friday Brunch & Bubbles is a major draw in the

Mydan Restaurant every Friday until the end of May, available for RO 16++ for adults and RO 8++ for children under 12. Every Friday until the end of May also offers a special Mamma Mia Pizza Pasta night. A day package for a family of four is available for RO 77 including brunch, use of the pools and the beach, and the Italian evening buffet. Visit www.millenniumhotels.com/om/millenniumresortmussanah for more details

TII World Traveller


Kingdom of BahrainBahrain Air Concludes on a High at the Bahrain International Air Show 2012

Bahrain Air’s chalet at the Bahrain International Air Show 2012 was throbbing with activity with local and international media, suppliers, industry personal and well wishers viewing and discussing the airlines new business/premium product and future plans in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.

Bahrain Air Managing Director, Capt. Ibrahim Al Hamer, said “We are glad to participate for the second time in this event and are happy to find such popularity for our airline among the local public. We have received many queries and suggestions from visitors at the show. We have

noted the feedback and will review how we can further enhance our product and service to further improve customer satisfaction going forward”. He concluded “The remarkable success we all saw at the international event has proven that Bahrain Air is on track in its goal to become a favorite airline in the region”.

Elbow Beach, Bermuda Unique Wedding Packages for 12/12/12

12/12/12 will be one of the most coveted wedding dates for 2012 due to the fact that the triple digit date will not occur again for 100 years until December 12, 2112. Elbow Beach, Bermuda in association with onsite wedding planning company Weddings with Panache, is delighted to introduce 12 luxurious and unique wedding packages for those wanting to get married on that day.

Priced from USD 14,200, each three-day package commences on 11 December 2012 and includes a special check in and reception with delicious welcome beverages and canapés. That night, all wedding party guests will be invited to a welcome party in the Deep Lounge and Nightclub where they will ring in 12/12/12 New Year’s Eve style with champagne, chic party favours and a special countdown. All wedding party guests will

come together on the beach at midnight on 12 December for champagne and 12 minutes of spectacular fireworks.

The most extravagant of the 12 wedding packages is the “Night of Our Dreams” which has been tailored for a 12 person bridal party plus 22 guests. Priced at USD 151,000, the package includes a three-night stay for the Bride and Groom in the signature honeymoon cottage the “Bird of Paradise”. plus much, much more.

Mandarin Oriental, New YorkUltimate 24 Hour Detox Spa Package

Take time to rejuvenate with a “new year, new you” inspired Ultimate 24 Hour Detox Spa Package at Mandarin Oriental, New York that includes accommodations. This exclusive 3-hour full-body purification treatment begins with an organic purification tea to inspire the detoxification process. The body is then dry brushed to stimulate the circulatory and lymph systems followed by the application of an oxygen-intensive serum. Next the body is taken through a Thermalism series of cooling and warming while a Prana breathing sequence is performed to enhance the mind-body connection. The lymph system is then stimulated with a cupping massage using silicon cups to drain the toxins. A full-body massage

using heated Himalayan salt crystals that provide a dense concentration of minerals to balance the skin’s pH, remineralize and protect the skin follows, concluding with a soothing facial massage and complimentary oxygen-intensive serum from Oxygen Pür.

Afterward, the guest will retreat to The Spa’s relaxing Oriental Tea Lounge to enjoy a specially prepared healthy spa bento box dinner.

Available through 30 June 2012 USD 1,725 per night.


TII introduces the first of a three part series on Indians in East Africa and Zanzibar, the legendary Indian Ocean island that is always associated with mystery and swashbuckling stories of fortunes made and lost. For centuries Arab and Indian merchants sailed with the Monsoon winds from Oman and India to trade primarily in ivory, slaves and spices. Today, there is a thriving small business community of Indians, mostly in the retail and hospitality sector.

By: Frank Raj

Indians In Zanzibar

Making friends with Indians when you travel is not easy; our befuddled, stratified society with many phony values has created mindsets based on caste, creed

and status and we are a wary tribe of people, who do not easily let down our guard wherever we go.

So meeting genuine, caring folks like Farook Elias, his wife Amina, and 22 year old son Anwar, in Zanzibar, who also have a 20 year old daughter Mariam doing B. Com in Bangalore, was touching to say the least; their kindness and hospitality to us on our brief holiday in the captivating Indian ocean island made our stay memorable and we will always remember them as our special far-flung friends.

If you go to Zanzibar, look them up, better still go do your tourist shopping at their lovely souvenir shop, ‘Zanzibar Secrets,’ in old Stone Town – where the prices are reasonable. If you happen to be looking for something singular, Farook Elias is also in the jewelry business and

Farook Elias (right) with his son Anwar (left) in Stone Town’s shopping district Photo by: Frank Raj

Typical carved Zanzibari door.Painting by: John de Silva

Zanzibari Indians in Stone TownPhoto by: Frank Raj

Diaspora


was conferred the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding for 1974, and the Mahatma Gandhi International Peace Prize for 1995.

“I think compared to the rest of East Africa, the Indians of Zanzibar have mixed the most with the locals,” Farook points out. “A lot of the Indians here actually speak Swahili at home. This is not true in other places like Nairobi, in Mombasa or any other place. The other good thing is there has been quite a bit of inter marriage and Indians have integrated much more in Zanzibar, maybe because it’s a small island,” he speculates.

“I am happy here,” admits Farook, “I would not want to live anywhere else. We went through some difficulties during nationalization, but that has passed, now a whole new generation has come, and government policies have changed. From 1985, we could buy and sell land, and start a business, after our second President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, took the first steps to reverse the socialist policies of Nyerere and relaxed import restrictions to encourage private enterprise in Zanzibar.”

Farook was too young to leave when his father died in that turbulent period, and his

mother was not educated so they did not leave the country. “We had no rent to pay with nationalization, and if you could earn about 20-30 shillings a month, that was enough. There were many people who left, especially those with relatives in other countries. The good thing about Zanzibar is though Islam is the main religion, nobody will call you a Sunni or Shia or Christian or Hindu…you are an Indian or a Zanzibarian. People are happy with that and they do not want to know your religion. I pray it stays that way,” he says.

It is fascinating to see the impact made by Indians in a place like Zanzibar, where many of the nationals speak Hindi and Gujarati. People who are obviously of Indian origin will tell you simply, “we are Zanzibaris.” Not surprising because trade ties between India and East Africa, go back to the 4th century. At one time estimates are that Zanzibar had a population of some 40,000 Indians, but many emigrated when Arab ascendancy came to an end, and only those determined to see through the changes remained.

Today there is a small business community of Indians mainly from Gujarat; many Indian households still bring their daughter-in-laws over from Kutch. Rough estimates put the Indian population at about 10,000 now, of mostly Khojas and Ismailis. There are also a few Punjabis and Goans, - interestingly Zanzibar’s first Attorney General, Justice Wolfango Joseph Dourado, was a Goan.

there are priceless gifts available in his designer jewelry shops, La Opala and Elias Jewellers for

the more discerning tourist.Zanzibar has lured Indian traders to its

shores for centuries. In 1873, Sir Bartle Frere who was once the Governor of Bombay and founder of the modern Indian postal service, was deputed by the British Foreign Office to negotiate a treaty with Zanzibar’s Sultan Barghash Bin Said for the suppression of slave traffic. He made some astute observations about Indian businessmen he found on the island, and probably had people like Farook in mind, when he noted with much admiration: “Arriving at his future scene of business with little beyond the credentials of his fellow caste men, after perhaps a brief apprenticeship in some older firms he [the Indian entrepreneur, G.O.] starts a shop of his own with goods advanced on credit by some large house, and after a few years, when he has made a little money, generally returns home to marry, to make fresh business connections, and then comes back to Africa to repeat, on a large scale.”

Farooq Ahmed Elias is the son of Ahmed Haji Elias from Kutch in Gujarat. His grandfather came to Zanzibar in the 1870’s, on a dhow from

Porbandar when he was only 11 years old. One can imagine the guts and the need that may have motivated that young lad. Single individuals like him would have worked hard and lived very simply, to make enough money to return to India and get married; their families would not join them for many years until they had saved up enough to support them.

Farook’s father was born in Zanzibar in 1904 and he was born in 1955. As was the custom in those days and even largely today, his grandfather married a girl from India, but his father married into an Indian family in Zanzibar, as did Farook; his wife Amina’s grandfather had also settled in Zanzibar. The family had several shops and considerable property, including farms and houses before the revolution that ended Arab rule in Zanzibar in 1964, when the Congress Party was in power in New Delhi. Zanzibar had been under Omani influence from the reign of Imam Sultan bin Seif who conquered the islands from the Portuguese in 1652.

Fortunately with socialist policies in common, India-Tanganyika relations were cordial, and since Indians in Zanzibar supported local aspirations for independence from Omani rule, they were not singled out and harassed when Zanzibar merged with Tanganyika to form the republic of Tanzania. Tanzania’s first President Julius Kambarage Nyerere was an admirer of Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision, and

readily joined the Non Aligned Movement (NAM). Held in high esteem in India, Nyerere

TOP: Bollywood movies are popular in ZanzibarPhoto by: Frank Raj

RIGHT: A view of Stone Town from the sea - the city is much older than it looks Photo by: Frank Raj TOP:

The fish market in Stone TownPhoto by: Frank Raj

LEFT: Prison Island

cells, from where the slaves where

dispatched to lucrative markets

Photo by: Frank Raj

The good thing

about Zanzibar

is though Islam is

the main religion, nobody will call

you a Sunni or

Shia or Christian

or Hindu…you are an

Indian or a Zanzi-barian.

‘‘

‘‘

Diaspora


coast. Slaves were used for the cultivation and harvesting of cloves in European plantations for very low wages, after spices like cinnamon, cumin, ginger, pepper and cardamom were introduced. For the rich fragrance of such cultivation, the Zanzibar archipelago soon became known as the ‘Spice Islands’.

Sultan Barghash was forced in 1873, under the threat of a British naval bombardment, to sign an edict which made Zanzibar’s sea-borne slave trade illegal, and he closed the great slave market in Mkunazini. Today the Cathedral Church of Christ stands erected on the site, and its altar is built on the exact spot where the pitiful slaves used to be whipped. Though slaving was declared illegal on June 6, 1873, thanks to the efforts of men like David Livingstone whose house is open to visitors in Stone Town, slavery existed openly until Britain took over after defeating the Germans in the First World War.

Not all Indian traders approved of slavery; there is a fascinating poster at the Anglican cathedral recording that an Indian trader named Jairam Senje, who was dedicated to ending the slave trade, joined hands with one Reverend Arthur West, and both contributed financially to build the cathedral in Zanzibar.

Few places in the world visually reflect Indian architectural influence so clearly; it is quite obvious in the seafaring dhows still made by Indian craftsmen and the carved doors and furniture of houses in Stone Town, unmistakably match those found in Gujarat’s Mandvi coast. The capital of Zanzibar, located on the island of Unguja, is Zanzibar City, and Stone Town its striking historic centre, is a World Heritage site. It will remind many Indians of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, or old cities like Ajmer in Rajasthan or Royapuram in Chennai – with one difference – Zanzabaris remarkably manage to keep their cities a lot cleaner than we do in India.

Stone Town surrounded by the sea, is a place of old buildings, small shops, winding lanes and mostly African people with their typical Zanzabari-Omani caps. Over the centuries, Indian traders bought and refurbished old Omani houses, adding wide verandahs, and homely touches. By the latter half of the 19th century, Zanzibar’s collection

of elaborately decorated houses reminiscent of the Gujarati Haveli had blended nicely into the local landscape. Characteristically the Indian house had a shop on the street front, with living quarters in the rear or above, as affluence

resulted in bigger, two storey houses combined for business and dwelling places.

According to UNESCO, modern urban development in Zanzibar probably began during the reign of Sultan Barghash (1870-88) who was exiled to India by the British in 1860. Indian and European towns had made an impression on him and he implemented various projects after his return. His most notable contributions to old-world Stone Town’s architecture are the (Bait el-Ajaib) ‘House of Wonders’, besides the provision of piped water, public baths, a police force, roads, parks, hospitals and large administrative buildings. He also initiated work on a long distance cable under the ocean bed from Aden to Zanzibar that was completed in 1889.

The Zanzibar chapter in the story of our scattered people is one of the most intriguing in the Indian Diaspora. Trade brought considerable prosperity, as Zanzibar became the most important entrepôt in the western Indian Ocean. Unfortunately it also added an unsavory aspect to the history of Indian dispersion. Ivory, spices and slaves were the mainstay of trade between the port of Mandvi in Gujarat and Zanzibar, and greedy Indian merchants with their Arab counterparts actively exploited the slave trade. “”Most of these merchants belonged to Bopani and Bhimani communities of Kutch,” reveals Shubhlakshmi Shukla, a Gujarati historian.

But the fact is that all the main racial groups were involved in the slave trade in some way or the other. Cloves were introduced in 1818, and flourished in the tropical climate and fertile soil of both Zanzibar and Pemba. By the middle of the century, the Zanzibar archipelago was the world’s largest producer of cloves, and the largest slave trading centre on the East African


TOP: Indian tourists shopping

in Stone TownPhoto by: Frank Raj

BELOW: Freddie Mercury’s restaurant on the beach, is named after the rock star who was born in ZanzibarPhoto by: Frank Raj

RIGHT: Beit Al Ajeeb - the House of

Wonders built bySultan Barghash

Photo by: Frank Raj

Diaspora

TII Amateur Photo Competition!Email ONE best photo (hi-res Jpeg file) on the theme indicated to [email protected]

and win exciting prizes! (For contest rules please visit www.theinternationalindian.com)

Theme: Father & Son

Father and sonPhoto by: Shweta G

Father and sonPhoto by: Preeta Raikar

Next Theme: Mother & Daughter


Dr. Vijayan R. Nambiar:A dream come trueDr. Vijayan Ramachandran Nambiar is a perfect example of an outstanding performer whose leadership talent was spotted and groomed early on, and eventually got him elevated to his current role as the COO of NMC Trading, the distribution arm of NMC Healthcare. Handpicked by Dr. B. R. Shetty for the role of Product Manager of Beiersdorf (Nivea) in 1988, he rose to head NMCT’s entire trading operations.

By: A Staff Writer

There are some people who live in a dream world … and there are some who face reality. Then there are those who turn one into the other! Dr. Vijayan Ramachandran Nambiar chose early in life, not to find

himself bound in the first two. After narrowly missing admission into a medical college, a wish that his parents always had for him, an irresistible urge to achieve something special secretly began sprouting inside him. The dream of reaching the topmost echelons of academics … a dream of continuous learning … a dream to excel to his fullest potential and give back to society … the dream of pursuing the doctoral programme, to be precise.

Dreamers are, in fact, haunted men! Dr. Nambiar relentlessly chased his dream and was awarded the Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in January 2012.

ThesisThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced

National Quality Awards (NQA) based on Business Excellence models in 1989 to enhance local organizations.

Through qualitative research, Dr. Nambiar identified locally relevant criteria for the EFQM award. These four assumed norms are corporate governance, adherence to labour laws, financial reporting, and corporate social responsibility linked to Islamic philosophy.

Early daysNambiar comes from a conservative

Keralite family settled in Mumbai, where he was born, brought up and educated. Having missed admission into medical college by a narrow margin, he chose to graduate in the related field of Pharma and then went on to do his Master’s in Management Studies. His first job was with a reputed pharmaceutical company in India.

Professional career chartNambiar landed in the UAE with a heart

full of dreams and an infectious enthusiasm to achieve something big. He fondly recalls his early days at NMC as feeling at home, thanks to the friendly and positive environment nurtured by Dr. Shetty and the senior management. The UAE market was emerging out of recession in 1988 and the opportunities were many. NMCT was ideally poised for establishing itself as a major player. There were ample opportunities to innovate and experiment, and make major inroads into gaining market share in the retail segment.

From the day he joined NMCT, Nambiar made the fate of the organization his own. As the organization grew, he was given more responsibility and authority. Setting up a superb team to handle NMC’s distribution network in Dubai and Northern Emirates, which needed restoration after the 1990 Gulf war, was a daunting challenge.

Since 2000, NMCT has added an average of ten manufacturers every year, taking it to the leading positions in FMCG, Pharma and Medical Equipment segments. Nambiar’s commitment to business excellence was reflected in the organization winning awards like MRM Business Award and SKEA Appreciation Award. Project Billion is an ambitious goal conceived and initiated by Nambiar. He convinced top management about its achievability and the need of the re-engineering process for the organization. Management responded by giving him charge of the whole project as the COO of the trading

business in the latter half of 2007. PersonalityDown-to-earth, matter-of-fact, friendly,

polite, and considerate, Nambiar is a facilitator who challenges his team to develop and follow through on new ideas to achieve a shared vision.

Looking back, Nambiar has no two thoughts about the fact that from the career perspective, joining NMC was the best decision he made. He believes that he got the right platform to grow, and adequate encouragement to experiment and learn from failures. He thoroughly admits that the more he grew in his career, the more was the opportunity to learn, based on the realization that what he knew was very little, and every day was a new learning experience.”

The futureOne of Nambiar’s greatest desires is to give

back to society. He wishes that his recently conferred Doctorate in Business Administration, would help him later on to share his collective knowledge and acumen with budding business management students and help them achieve their dreams. His wife, Meera (a teacher) and daughter, Neha (a Dental Medicine student) too wholeheartedly subscribe and support this idea.

“I dream, therefore I exist” – the Swedish Novelist August Strindberg once famously said. Dr. Nambiar wishes to continue his odyssey of life weaving new dreams and helping others achieve theirs on the way …

Dr. B R Shetty with VRN

‘‘

‘‘

His beginnings

were humble but he

grew manifold

and came a long way

since his early days

in Dubai.

RIGHT:V.R.Nambiar with wife Meera and daughter Neha

NMC Trading


As an Anglo-Indian, looking back on our early days in England I have to laugh, although things didn’t seem quite so amusing at the time. Far from it.

We first-generation Anglo-Indian migrants, stepping ashore at Tilbury Docks or Southampton in the 1940’s and 1950’s, felt gloriously happy at “Returning Home”. How, you may ask, could one “return home” to a home we had never seen before? Chup! No awkward questions, please!

We proudly regarded the white folk all around us in this strange and freezing land as our people, our blood brothers, our very own kith and kin, We expected them to cross the street and hug us, kiss us, ruffle our hair, grab us by the wrist and exclaim: “Look, no excuses, now! You’re coming over to our place to meet the family! You can stay with us as long as you like! We’ll show you around, help you settle in...”, breathlessly adding: “Welcome home, our dearly beloved cousins! We are now one big happy family - united in our very own country

- and about time too! Down with ruddy India! No more filth, flies, beggars and bullock carts!”

This Anglo-Indian fantasy, stoutly nurtured among us in India during the British Raj, evaporated the moment we arrived in our much-vaunted Mother Country all those years ago.

English people committed the cardinal sin of calling us “Indians”. That infuriated us! Instead of shrugging off what we now know was a genuine lack of awareness on their part (and what did it matter, anyway?) we thought they were being sarcastic.

“We are NOT Indians!” we curtly informed our antagonists. “We are ANGLO-Indians!” We expected them to know what, to us in those bygone days, was an enormous difference, the British having occupied the subcontinent for 300 years and being directly responsible for spawning our khaki-coloured community. But no, the working-class people whom we lived and worked among when we got here genuinely knew nothing about India and only asked one question: “When are you going back

to wherever you came from?”“But we are as British as you!” we cried.

“English has always been our mother tongue. What’s more, we are Christians just like you. We have English names.”

They scrutinised our brown faces, trying to make sense of our pseudo-Welsh-sounding tirades, and once we had vented our spleens in exasperated explanations, they repeated their question: “So when are you going back?”

At that point we could have given up, packed up, and returned to India - as some disillusioned Anglo-Indians did. But most of us were not put off that easily. In our desperation to prove our white ancestry, we rummaged through our big tin trunks and brought out our British passports and faded photographs of our white ancestors, including the tattered, treasured family tree reaching back to our English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish and other European roots.

“See?” we would exclaim triumphantly. “We are as British as you, no?”

Alas, our earnest array of documentary evidence failed to wow them. Instead of examining the monochrome photos of our military-uniformed ancestors and a pile of sello-taped birth certificates composed in blotchy, dip-pen handwriting, they chose instead to look into our dark eyes, pouting their doubts about our shrill ancestral claims.

We tried another ploy. Surely this would do the trick? “In India,” we declared, our chests swelling with importance, “we had servants, you know, to look after our big bungalows with huge compounds. We had a cook, a maid to do the housework, a gardener even.”

We expected them to widen their blue eyes and say: “Good heavens! You must have lived like lords and ladies out there! Welcome, sir and madam! Just sit back and relax in the manner to which you were accustomed. Shall we remove your shoes and place your feet on a foot-stool?”

Their actual response made our mouths fall open. “Well, if you had such a great life in India, why did you bother to come to England?” As we lifted our jaws off the floor, they snapped: “So why don’t you go back to your wonderful country, then?”

Instead of Anglo-Indian migrants getting together and discussing our weird situation, we

decided to sweep the English hostility under the carpet and pretend to one another how marvellous it felt to be “back home, among our own kind” - all the while keeping an ear open for any Anglo-Indian brave enough to voice the widespread misgivings that appalled and confused us. Heated discussions, however, did take place in the privacy of the cramped

flats we managed to rent from other Anglo-Indians who were fortunate enough at the time to afford to buy their own homes. Outwardly, we all wore our traditional smug smiles and waltzed our way through the many Anglo-Indian dances that were held in those days, particularly in the London, Middlesex and Croydon areas.

My first job application in England sparked off howls of laughter from my two sisters. In India, before we left, I had bought an old Victorian letter-writing handbook from a bazaar shop. The battered secondhand book gave examples of how to compose letters for various occasions such as births, marriages and deaths, congratulations for passing exams, job applications and a great deal more.

In my teenaged enthusiasm, I turned to a page that impressed me. It read: “My Dear Sir, I beg to apply for the position of a humble clerk in your esteemed firm. Should you grant me the kind favour of an interview, for which I would be immensely grateful, I trust I shall be able to convince you of my complete suitability for the post. I am well educated, energetic,

Life for many first-generation Anglo-Indian migrants to Britain in the 1940’s/50’s, after India’s Independence, was not as rosy as they’d expected. Their British Raj buddies had somehow forgotten who they were! Here, journalist and first-generation migrant RUDY OTTER recounts some of their experiences in a strange land they’d always regarded as “Home.”

We had you know!

By: Rudy Otter

We first-gene-ration Anglo-Indian

migrants, stepping

ashore at Tilbury

Docks or South-

ampton in the

1940s and 1950s,

felt gloriously happy at

“Returning Home”.

‘‘‘‘

Anglo-Indians


hardworking and anxious to please.”I signed off the carefully penned letter just

as the handbook had recommended: “I beg to remain, Sir, your most humble and obedient servant...”

To my sisters’ surprise, I was summoned for an interview. The manager gave me a funny look. “Your name,” he remarked. “It sounds a bit German.”

“Yes, sir!” I trilled, thankful that here was someone prepared to believe I was not Indian. “Sir,” I proudly declared, “I have German blood,” not realizing that English people could hardly be expected to warm to anyone proclaiming to be German when the Second World War against Germany had ended just seven years earlier.

To make matters worse, I announced with great delight that I had Irish ancestry too, on my mother’s side - not a wise revelation either as Irish people, along with the Jews, were disliked in England at the time.

Instead of gritting his teeth, the manager smiled, possibly trying hard to imagine me as the product of a sunburnt German father and a sunburnt Irish mother who somehow encountered each other in faraway India. He obviously found the task too difficult and gave up. “So you have come all the way from India?”

“Yes sir,” I said, hoping he wouldn’t retort: “So why don’t you go all the way back, eh?”

He pursed his lips. “Tell me, did you wear a dotty in India?”

A dotty? Ah, he meant “dhoti”.Crestfallen, I assured him, as respectfully

as I could, that as an ANGLO-Indian I wore western clothes and only Indians wore “doh-tees”, anglicizing my pronunciation to make me sound more English than Indian. The subtle point I thought I had made was completely lost on him, and after the interview he said he would be in touch, executing a half-hearted handshake that I interpreted as “sorry, chum, no chance!”

To my romping joy I received a letter from him informing me that I had been hired as a junior clerk at a salary of one pound and five shillings a week, a mini fortune in those days which would barely buy you a packet of peanuts now.

Then there was a male cousin of mine, a

stenographer in India, who chose to follow the same shorthand-and-typing profession when he came to England in the mid-1950’s, only to become the object of much smirking and giggling as he sat in a typing pool surrounded

by women. Crimsoning with embarrassment, he left the job at the end of the first day and took a clerical post in another firm, making sure that he would be working among other male employees to avoid any more embarrassing experiences.

One Anglo-Indian, from Bombay, migrated to England but caught the next available ship back to India. Problem was he had arrived in the UK in the thick fog of those bygone days. With visibility down to three feet, he kept bumping into people. Waving England goodbye, he said: “There is no point staying in a country when you can’t see where you’re going...”

Anglo-Indian meals in those days were quite monotonous. Taking the easy way out (because cooking was an alien activity for most of us), we adopted a stodgy diet of beefburgers, eggs, bacon and sausages cooked in artery-clogging lard.

Occasionally we would attempt to jazz up canned meat and vegetable stews or corned beef by tossing in spoonfuls of curry powder along with garlic and onions, only to emit a spicy aroma that upset our English neighbours.

This Anglo-Indian

fantasy, stoutly

nurtured among us

in India during the

British Raj, evap-orated the

moment we arrived

in our much-

vaunted Mother

Country all those

years ago.

‘‘

‘‘

Not wishing to confirm their deepest suspicions about our identity, we would apologise and revert to tasteless boiled beef and carrots, boiled food being the purgatory we had to endure in our desire to be accepted as English. We did not think much of the stench produced by boiling cabbage (like sweat-saturated socks), but had to put up with it because this was England, the land of our dreams...

The acute lack of Indian food meant that the handful of Anglo-Indians who could cook were targeted by the many who could not. I knew a bachelor back in those days who made an in-depth study of the most promising homes. Walking with him on day, he commented: “See that road on the left? The people at No. 12 make good food but you’ve got to visit them precisely at 12 noon.” His technique was to catch them in the act, stuffing their faces with country captain, or vindaloo, or chicken curry and rice, or ball curry and yellow rice. This ensured he would be offered a meal, and after the usual polite two Anglo-Indian protestations, he would reluctantly succumb the third time the “Come on, men! Tuck in!” invitation was extended.

Walking on, he would comment that the road on the right, No. 28, only cooked Indian food on a Wednesday evening and they specialised in dosas. Other families, from Calcutta, liked to cook fried fish on Friday a evenings, and so on. He could have written a “Free Grub Guide for Anglo-Indians” and it would have been a bestseller at the time when Indian restaurants were scarce; nowadays there are more than 8,000 of them all over the country and they are very popular too - especially with the English.

When we told English people in those days that we used to “abuse” our servants, they were horrified. What we actually meant was that we “swore” at them. One mother told a surprised Englishman that her young daughter, standing beside her with downcast eyes, was “backward”. He couldn’t believe it but did not know that “backward” meant “shy” in Anglo-Indian parlance.

Quickly some of us perfected what we regarded as a stylish accent which we thought would endear us to English people. Later, when telephone answering machines made their

debut, one Anglo-Indian man had recorded a message that sounded like this: “Aim sorreh but there’s no one harr to take your cawl. Kind-leh leave a message or tray again late-arr.”

It is amazing to see how Anglo-Indians living in England have changed for the better over the years since we first arrived on these shores way back in the 1940’s and 1950’s. With the help of cookery books we learned to produce an array of mouth watering Indian food, and those old-style grub terriers, who had once preyed on curry-serving Anglo-Indian families, began to cook their own spicy fare. We also got down to doing our own housework such as vacuuming carpets, laundering, painting and decorating our homes, mowing the lawn and a host of other chores in line with our British hosts. Although many Anglo-Indians rented rooms when they first got here, now most own their own homes.

On the work front, back in the old days, Anglo-Indians were content to take jobs as bus conductors, factory workers, postmen, security guards, clerks, doorkeepers. These days in England you will find Anglo-Indian directors, doctors, managers, accountants, lawyers, scientists, university lecturers, journalists, businessmen and women and other top professionals.

No longer do we brandish our ancestral documents and try to bulldoze English people into believing that we are as British as themselves. What’s more, increasingly these days, Anglo-Indian youngsters born in England are taking English partners (with whom they share English attitudes and accents) and producing strikingly attractive children, helping to draw both communities ever closer, thus fulfilling the deeply embedded desire of their Anglo-Indian elders. England-born Indians are also taking English partners and producing beautiful children.

Life is so very different and wonderful from what it was when we first arrived here, around 60 years ago, with our bizarre misconceptions, culture clashes, sensitivities and chips on our shoulders the size of the Taj Mahal. We are now more mature and happier than we have ever been.

So everything turned out for the best, no?

Rudy Otter is a freelance journalist based in the UKHis article first appeared in “Anglos In The Wind”

Anglo-Indian meals in those days were quite mo-notonous. Taking the easy way out (because cook-ing was an alien activity for most of us), we adopted a stodgy diet of beefbur-gers, eggs, bacon and sausages cooked in artery-clogging lard.

‘‘‘‘

Anglo-Indians


By: Prabhu Guptara

The average Indian is less

influenced by the Internet than by sources such as

the BJP, the RSS, the Shiv Sena,

some madrasaas of Islam, and

indeed by political parties like the Congress itself.

The government has taken to court Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, YouTube, and 16 other companies, to force them to develop a mechanism to block “objectionable

material”.What is this “objectionable material”?Of two sorts. First, of a sort that will

“corrupt minds” and, second, of a sort that seeks “to create enmity, hatred, and communal violence”.

Let us take these one by one. On “corrupting” our minds: it cannot be argued that our minds are uncorrupted except where we come across such material on the Internet, so I take it that the argument is that the influence of such material is greater because of its easy availability on the Internet? There is of course some truth to this, but such material is available not only on the Internet and, whether on the Internet or elsewhere, it must be sought out by someone before that person is exposed to it. If one is to take the government’s sort of thinking to its logical conclusion, “sexy” magazines must be banned, and prostitution eliminated. Not only that, temples such as Khajuraho should be closed to public access. Most of our religious gurus should be in jail,

because they practice or tolerate tantra – which should, of course, then be forbidden. If so, the whole of the Shakta and much of the Shaivite and Shramanic branches of Indian religion should be in trouble with the law. And what about worship of the phallus in other Indian traditions? I’m afraid, by the government’s measure, most of Indian religious culture could be argued to be corrupt and corrupting.

Further, on the Internet, there is at least the compensation of lots of useful material being available, though there is also other and even more objectionable material available. For example: presumably, the Indian government is less concerned about the availability on the internet of information regarding the making of bombs, including nuclear bombs? Otherwise, the government would have cited that issue in court as well? Of course, violence does not corrupt in the same sense as sex can, but the issue of violence can be related to sex, since sex, if it is not related to love, must be related to using other human beings as objects, whether for money or by force.

That brings us to the second grounds on which the government has brought action against these web sites: the charge that some material on these internet sites could

Fighting

And Hate

Guptara Garmagaram

Congress Party violence: Sikhs ’84.Opponents, and poor Muslims 1975-77 Emergency. Orissa Christians 2007 & Dec 2011.

‘‘

‘‘be“instigating enmity between different groups of people”.

However, the average Indian, while having access to such material, has been less influenced by these sources than by sources such as the BJP, the RSS, the Shiv Sena, some madrasaas and schools of Islam, and indeed by the Congress Party itself. Let us recall the widespread murder of Sikhs in 1984 that was tolerated, if not sanctioned, by the Congress Party (though it has hid behind various legalities and formalities since then), the use of violence by the Congress Party against intellectuals, political opponents, and poor Muslims during the Emergency. Let us recall the Babri Masjid-related riots in 1992 and the Godhra riots in 2002. Keep in mind the issue of Sharia courts in Kashmir in 2011, and the unconscionable and the miserable case of Kashmir Pandits. Recall the religious equivalent of ethnic cleansing against Christians that went on in Orissa in 2007 (and again to a smaller extent in December 2011). The number of incidents of violence targeting particular communities has been rising over the last few years and, as a result of our “modernity” (which is really a case of historical amnesia) we tend to forget the violence with which Buddhism was eliminated from India around the 9th century AD. And we continue to suffer from blindness when it comes to the caste system which has condemned the majority of Indians to a sub-human existence for hundreds or thousands of years. Indeed, our culture could be said to be as systematically violent as any other in history – and to be the one where the attempt to reduce internal violence is now the most contested.

Why so? Because, even now, 65 years after Independence, and some 300 years after the process started in any substantial way, we have still not removed the structural obstacles for discrimination which exist in our own minds. We still have a culture that would like to keep the poor and excluded from being included in the nation and in development. Tribal people are being hounded and discriminated against in the most deplorable ways. What could be better calculated to turn our tribals into criminals or Maoists?

So any objective observer of our country could say that we seem to be wanting to deflect attention from our own failures by pointing fingers at Facebook, Google and other web sites.

The real perpetrators of hate propaganda in our country whether RSS ideologues such as Keshav Baliram Hedgewar or Salafist-type Muslims, whether presidents of political groupings such as the Janata Party led by people such as Subramaniam Swamy, or Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray, have never been prosecuted in our country. The evidence regarding the last-mentioned is now thoroughly documented by Meera Menon in her recently published book, Riots and After in

Mumbai: Chronicles of Truth and Reconciliation (Sage Publications, UK and India) - and most of us know the truth of the situation anyway.

While capitalism inevitably tends towards oligopoly and a widening gap between rich and poor, it requires determination on the part of political leaders to keep competition at least minimally in play and to ensure that there is a minimum level playing field in society, from which talent and new initiatives can emerge from any group, family and individual.

On both fronts, we have a weak record as a country. A record that needs to be strengthened. Instead, what little progress we have made is now being subjected to organized threats by reactionary forces in our country - and those threats appear now to include the threat against free speech on the Internet, which is a proxy for free speech inside the country itself.

Professor Prabhu Guptara has written the above in an entirely private capacity, and none of the above should

be related in any way to any of the companies or organisations with which he is now, or has in the past,

been connected. His personal website is:www.prabhu.guptara.net

He blogs at: www.prabhuguptara.blogspot.com

Let us recall

the Babri Masjid-related riots in

1992 and the Godhra riots in

2002. Let us keep in mind

the issue of Sharia courts in Kashmir in 2011, and the uncon-

scionable and the

miserable case of

Kashmir Pundits.

Let us recall the religious

equi-valent of

ethnic cleansing.

‘‘‘‘


By: Debajyoti Ray Chaudhuri

Investment

Want To Become A MILLIONAIRE?

Tips On Investing In The Stock Markets

Investing is about maximizing one’s wealth. While the boom in the stock markets has benefited many small investors, there are also instances of investors losing wealth on winding down of inflated markets. The

risk-averse investors may opt for safe instruments like bank deposits, however in that case there is gradual erosion of one’s wealth as the yield on such instruments is often less than the inflation rate.

It is generally said that investment in good stocks/shares provide the best returns over the long term. It also does not involve commitment of large sums of money and online investing make payment and delivery very simple.

Here are some simple and effective tools to make the most out of one’s investment in the stock markets.

The first aspect of investing in stocks is to decide the

timing of investment. One should avoid entering the market when the valuations are very high. Generally the state of the stock markets is splashed all over the newspapers and we hear of phrases like ‘bull run’ and ‘bearish sentiment’. Even then deciding the right time to buy a stock is not easy as one can never predict when the peaks are reached or the depths are being tested. An investor should only avoid investing when there is apparent overheating and take a medium term view and not be too concerned over short term

fluctuations.An effective way

to invest in the stock markets is to do so in a steady manner over a period of time irrespective of the state of valuation of the market. In this way the gyrations of the market get evened out over a period of time.

The third aspect of investing in stock markets is to have both a profit target

100 shares invested in the Infosys IPO of 1994 at Rs 9500 has become 12800 shares at Rs 4.15 crores (as on 31st March 2011) an annual compounded growth of 59%, a total gain of 464422%

An analysis of average BSE Sensex historical data over the period 1991 and 2011 shows a return of around 20%.

100 shares invested in the First Source Solutions Limited (a profit making company promoted by ICICI bank and others) IPO in 2007 at Rs 6400 became below its face value of Rs 1000 in 2009, now valued at Rs1400 or a loss of 88% of initial value of investment.

and a loss target when one is buying a stock, over the medium term. Stocks earn dividend for the shareholders, however as dividends are on the face value, and the investment is rarely at the face value we cannot rely on dividends to give us a yield on investment. Some companies also undertake buying back of stocks ie returning money to shareholders or issue bonus shares: that is issue of new shares free of cost . However, yields on stocks are generally realized only when they are sold. Therefore one should not hesitate to book one profits once the target price is reached. The failure to do so could be a missed opportunity, as the same price may not be reached again. Similarly one should also have a loss target, below which one should sell the stock which would prevent us from sustaining further losses.

Fourthly, Stock valuations are often determined by demand/supply and investor interest. Stock prices can go up either to movement of the broader market or due to stock specific issues like announcement of results, launch of new products etc. It is however difficult to make a judgment as to what is the fair value of a stock, that is, the price at which one can buy with the expectation that there would be appreciation of price. If one were to enter the market that is, buy a stock when valuations are very high then subsequent correction could see depreciation in one’s investment. One can form a broad idea from comparing peer group ratios like P/E which measures the market value of a stock relative to its earnings or historical price movements like 52 week High/Low.

Fifthly one has to constantly keep track of developments which could have an effect on an invested company’s stock valuation. This could be financial - for example the release of periodic financial data regarding the performance of the company. Other developments which could have effect on valuation are change in management or business model, availability of new operating licenses, expansion into new

markets, launch of new products, regulatory issues like tax probes, etc.

Sixthly an investor should avoid excessive leverage especially against one’s portfolio of stocks. This is because stock market valuations are often based on sentiment. There also tends to be a herd mentality wherein a sudden devaluation causes panic selling leading to further devaluation. In case one is unduly leveraged, one will have to meet margin calls from one’s bankers by depositing money in the bank to meet the depreciation in the value of stock. If one is unable to meet such margin calls bankers have the right to do distress sales of the stocks to liquidate the loan, leading to substantial losses to the investor.

Lastly one should have a diversified portfolio of stocks. Macro economic events often affect different industries in different manner. The recent devaluation of the rupee affected the profits of various companies which were dependant on imports but was an opportunity for export oriented units. Certain industries are less prone to recession and provide

steady return like FMCG’s. Companies which are well managed and have good corporate governance command good valuation, but there may be less scope for future appreciation. To balance out such variables one should have a basket of stocks so that adverse impact on any one stock may be compensated by other stocks in the portfolio.

Stock market investments require investment in time and expertise in analyzing management quality, future prospects and current valuation. An effective way to initiate one’s investment is to invest in Exchange Traded Funds which are a basket of stocks that reflects the composition of an Index, like S&P CNX Nifty or BSE Sensex. Accordingly one’s returns closely track the return of the respective index.

Debajyoti Ray Chaudhuri is CEO SBI, DIFC, Dubai.He has written the above in his private capacity, and the

views expressed in this article are his own.

‘‘‘‘

While the boom in

the stock markets

has benefited

many small

investors, there

are also instances

of investors

loosing wealth on

winding down of inflated

markets.

HERE’S HOW TO DO IT:• Invest in small amounts consistently over a period of time.• Avoid investing when markets are overheated• Be wary of stocks whose valuation is very high• Have price targets for booking profits and losses• Keep track of developments• Diversify one’s portfolio• Avoid excessive leverage


Dublin is providing the backdrop for a brand new Bollywood blockbuster called Ek Tha Tiger (meaning ‘Once There

Was A Tiger’) which is being shot in the city this month. Filming kicked off here in early September and the film will ultimately be released in 24 countries worldwide, reaching a massive audience of over 100 million people.

This is the first time that a major Bollywood production – featuring two of India’s most celebrated actors, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif – has been shot in Ireland. Tourism Ireland is confident that it will help to significantly boost awareness of the island of Ireland among India’s growing middle classes who have the potential to come here on holidays. Dublin will be portrayed as a modern and vibrant city, rich in history and culture; scenes are being shot in Trinity College, Temple Bar and other locations around the city.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar said: “It’s a genuine pleasure

to see a major Bollywood film being shot in Ireland, but it’s also great news from a tourism point of view. This film will be watched by millions of people in India and around the world, providing a global platform for Ireland as a visitor destination. The Indian film industry is the largest in the world after Hollywood but this is the first film of its type to be made in Ireland. I want to make the actors and crew welcome in the hope that others will follow in

Bollywood Boostfor Ireland tourismGiven that countries like Switzerland, Britain and New Zealand have all reported a significant, positive knock-on effect on tourism from India following the shooting of Bollywood films in their regions, Ek Tha Tiger has considerable potential to attract more Indian tourists to Ireland.

By: Annique Labuschagne

Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, and Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland.

their footsteps.”Given that countries like Switzerland,

Britain and New Zealand have all reported a significant, positive knock-on effect on tourism from India following the shooting of Bollywood films in their regions, Ek Tha Tiger has considerable potential to attract more Indian tourists to Ireland. Niall Gibbons, Tourism Ireland’s Chief Executive, said “Bollywood is deep-rooted in the psyche of most Indians and the films have a considerable influence on Indian travellers when they are deciding on their holiday destination. We are confident that the footage shot here will help whet appetites and create a curiosity among Indians to come and visit the places where the colourful ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ was shot. We are delighted to have co-operated with the Irish Film Board in securing this important film for Ireland which was also made possible through strong support at government level.”

TV and film are recognised as strong influencers on prospective visitors to Ireland; while around half of our visitors from overseas say that word of mouth influenced their decision to come here, another 20% say they were influenced by film and a further 14% by travel programmes on TV and radio (source: Visitor Attitude Survey 2010 – Fáilte Ireland). Tourism Ireland has been liaising closely with the Irish Film Board and Northern Ireland Screen in recent years, to attract and

facilitate film-making in Ireland and to further exploit the marketing potential of TV and film productions locating here.

Tourism Ireland also works closely with TV and production companies to facilitate the making of films and programmes on the island of Ireland. A number of programmes have been made here in recent years as well as reality TV shows, and a number of European TV and feature films have also been shot here. All have aired to millions of potential visitors around the world in prime time slots and, in addition to helping to secure the film or programme for the island of Ireland in the first place, Tourism Ireland also dovetails its marketing activity to the viewing schedule to maximise benefits for tourism to the island. In general, promotional tie-ins with film and TV productions offer a cost-effective way to reach mass audiences, particularly in emerging markets like India where raising awareness of the island of Ireland as a holiday destination is the first step in a longer-term campaign to attract more visitors.

This is the first time that a major Bollywood pro-duction – featuring two of India’s most cele-brated actors, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif – has been shot in Ireland.

‘‘‘‘

Katrina Kaif on the sets of ‘Ek Tha Tiger’

Katrina Kaif on location in Ireland for ‘Ek Tha Tiger’

Annique Labuschagne is an Account Manager with Gulf Reps in Dubai

Tourism

65

The International Indian The International Indian 6766 The International Indian

By: Cynthia Lim

Way back when Maia was still in the early years of elementary school, I remember my mother-in-law commenting on how Maia

was always studying. By this, she meant that Maia was always reading. She was puzzled that a child would chose to read instead of watch television. She didn’t understand why Maia read all the time – even during the summer when school was out, and there wasn’t homework. It didn’t matter if Maia was reading the award-winning Number the Stars, Lois Lowry’s novel set in Nazi Germany, or the trashy, never-ending, always-the-same-plot series The Babysitter’s Club by Ann Martin. To

my mother-in-law, whenever Maia had a book in her hand, she was studying.

Maia is a voracious reader. She has a love of reading that started when she was a tiny tot. She’s basically addicted to reading, and I take full credit – I was the one who planted the seed of addiction, and wholeheartedly encouraged its growth.

Did I start reading to her while she was still in the womb? No, I was too busy reading my own books about parenting. Did I read to her while she was a baby? No, I can’t read and cook at the same time, so I talked to her instead. Incessantly. Did she learn her ABC’s before kindergarten? No, but I bought her those ubiquitous alphabet blocks, and we used

East Meets West Parenting

Getting Your Child To Love Reading

I knew that it was good for children to read every day, but unlike my parents, I didn’t have the will to force anything on Maia.

them to build castles and skyscrapers.Maia learned how to read in kindergarten

with Ms Whitelaw at the United Nations International School (UNIS) in New York. Ms Whitelaw introduced her to the world of Billy Blue Hat and Roger Red Hat. Maia learned to read by choosing words from these books, copying them onto little slips of paper, and sticking them in her very own Ziploc “word bag” so she could pick them out later one by one and sound them out on her own.

But even before kindergarten, Maia knew what reading was all about. After all, Daddy spent a large portion of his weekends in Lagos reading a week’s worth of The Herald Tribune in English, and the Yomiuri Shimbun in Japanese. And I multi-tasked when I had playground duty. While watching Maia and the other children play in the sandbox, I kept up with the world outside the four walls of the compound we lived in by reading The Economist and Time Magazine.

I started reading to Maia at Ms Whitelaw’s behest. This calm, soft-spoken Scottish woman had a way of making her suggestions seem like orders – which I knew I had to follow at all costs. When I asked for ways to help Maia with her reading, she gave me a list of recommended picture books.

Unlike most parents, I didn’t read to Maia at bedtime. She was too busy brushing her teeth, and going to the bathroom, and cuddling and chatting with Mommy. Instead, I read to her picture books we borrowed from the library, when she came home from school, after she had eaten her snack, and we were comfortably sitting together in the living room couch.

I read to her at the nearby Barnes and Noble bookstore when the weather was too cold, or too hot to go to the playground. And to ensure that our favorite hangout would be able to stay in business (back before ebooks and the Kindle), I always let Maia choose a book to take home.

I knew that it was good for children to read

every day, but unlike my parents, I didn’t have the will to force anything on Maia. Instead of dictating the number of minutes she had to sit and read, I decided on a strategy of “surround and conquer”.

Whenever we had to spend time waiting, at the dentist’s, at the doctor’s, in airports,

on planes and trains, I never failed to bring a magazine for myself, and a book for Maia. Books were my baby sitters when I had to take Maia with me on my daily errands to the bank or the post office, or when I had to get my hair cut.

I physically surrounded Maia with books I thought she would like. Before the long summer vacations, I would borrow as many books as I could from several libraries, and I would put the books in Maia’s room, by her bed, in the living room, by the couch, even in the bathroom, on a small table by the toilet bowl.

As a child, I was also a voracious reader, and I shared my passion for books with Maia by

Instead of dictat-ing the number of minutes she had to sit and read, I de-cided on a strategy of “sur-round and conquer”.

‘‘‘‘


giving her my faded paperback copy of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. She was very excited to read a book that Mommy had read when she was little. I was careful, though, not to impose my childhood favorites on her.

While I read every book in the Nancy Drew series twice, Maia stopped with the first book. She claimed it was boring, and reading it again after more than two decades, I have to say – I agree. Nancy’s adventures were a little too tame compared to the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends.

Maia did not receive a real allowance until she was in middle school, but as soon as she could read, I gave her a “book allowance” of one book a week. In addition, Christmas and birthday presents never failed to include books, from a guide to a forthcoming trip to Disney World, to an autographed copy of A Pizza The Size Of The Sun by the children’s poet Jack Prelutsky.

It didn’t matter to me what Maia was reading. As long as she was reading, was my thinking. She went through a period of reading nothing but books from The Babysitter’s Club series. Two to three books a day during the weekends.

We once came home from a school used book sale with several bags full of Babysitter paperbacks that Maia chose. I suggested other titles but she had no interest. I said nothing, convinced that at some point, she would feel like she had too much candy. Sure enough, halfway through her stash, she commented on how the plots never changed. The same paperbacks were donated to the next book sale.

All of Maia’s teachers encouraged her to read a different variety of books, and her third-grade teacher at the American School in Japan (ASIJ), Ms Crane, had a wonderfully creative way of pushing Maia to explore beyond her favorite genre of “realistic fiction”.

In Ms Crane’s class, all the students made their very own “Reading Wheel,” which was divided into sections representing the different book genres they read, such as “biography” and “science”. The children earned a colorful sticker for every book they read, and by counting the number of stickers they earned in each section, they were able to tell if they were reading a wide variety of books.

Until Maia began reading at an all-too-voracious pace – she devoured all the Harry Potter books in a day each – I read every book she read. It was my way of bonding with her. By reading the same books, I kept the communication between us flowing. We never ran out of things to talk about, and she developed the habit of sharing information with me. When Maia read the second Harry Potter installment in a matter of hours, I realized I couldn’t keep up, and settled for periodic literary summaries and reviews.

With Maia spending huge chunks of her summer vacation reading, I knew without a doubt that she had acquired the excellent habit of reading for pleasure. The next step was to ensure that she also knew how to read to acquire information, and I took every opportunity to help her sharpen that skill.

I was never one to cook with my instincts, adding a dash of pepper and a pinch of salt here and there. I never eyeballed – I strictly followed recipes using my measuring cups and spoons at all times. When Maia joined me in the kitchen, I would ask her to read out the ingredients, and tell me what to do next.

When she asked me for the time and channel of her favorite cartoon shows, I taught her how to use the monthly TV Guide. When we wanted to watch a movie, I gave her the Movie Section of the newspaper, and she found where the movie was being shown and checked the time. When we made out-of-town trips, I gave her the guidebooks, and asked her to decide on a few attractions she would like to visit.

Cynthia Lim has lived, studied, worked and parented in more than a dozen cities in four continents. Born in the Philippines, she is of Chinese heritage - although she has

never been to China, unless you count a few stopovers in Hong Kong - and is now a Japanese citizen living in New York City. Read more ‘East Meets West Parenting’

in The Washington Times Communities. http://communities.washingtontimes.com/

With Maia spend-ing huge chunks of her summer vacation reading, I knew without a doubt that she had acquired the excel-lent habit of read-ing for pleasure.

‘‘‘‘

Maia still loves reading, and that is what has made her into a lifelong learner. In hindsight, my mother-in-law was right – when Maia had a book in her hand, she was studying. She was learning, acquiring information, and stretching the limits of her imagination.

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Since its release on November 16, the song ‘Kolaveri Di,’ has gone viral on the Internet and been reported in all the Indian newspapers. Why is this song so immensely popular? There are several reasons that all contribute to the phenomenon.

India’s

Mantra

If you still haven’t heard of the song Why this kolaveri di?, all I can say is, “Aiyo, yena da” (loosest translation: ‘Oh Brother!’). Since its release on November 16, this song has gone viral on the Internet and

been reported in all the Indian newspapers. Why is this song so immensely popular? There are several reasons that all contribute to the phenomenon.

Kolaveri means killing rage, so the name of the song figuratively translates into something like ‘Why are you so damn angry with me, girl?’ And that remains a mystery throughout the song. One can only guess that it may be because of the guy’s alcoholic tendencies (guessing from his slurred voice) or the girl has

serious anger management issues. The song is part of a movie called 3 so all may be revealed when the movie is released in January. But until then, the song has a broad relevancy that can apply to any of us who have been confused in love and wondering what the hell we did to piss off the other person so much.

It’s supposed to be a sad love song, a song about love gone wrong, or as the singer refers to it, a ‘soup’ song. And you’ll be happy to learn that it’s appropriately dedicated to ‘soup boys’, meaning all the guys out there undergoing heartache, breakup, and the sorry side of love in general. There’s instant and universal empathy with a love song, and calling it a soup song gives it a dash of quirkiness and

By: Ranjani Iyer Mohanty

India Journal

humour, making it distinctive.Some say the song is in Tanglish – a

combination of Tamil and English – but you could also call it Engmil. Actually though, not much of the song is in Tamil; just the last sound of each word is extended to simulate an exaggerated Tamil accent. Lyrics such as “Moon-u color-u white-u” and “Night-u color-u black-u” are cute but it also shows something else. Since the key players on this song are all South Indians, it shows an ability to laugh at themselves – something rare in Indian songs.

Because the song is essentially in English, it cuts across state borders and has national appeal. And because the song is in very simple English, it cuts across language barriers too, such that even those not fluent in English can understand it.

Another allure of this song is its simplicity and therefore its appeal to the common person. It’s not simple in the way of the Police song De-Do-Do-Do De-Da-Da-Da which projects a veneer of simplicity but is quite profound underneath. It’s simple in the way of Cindy Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and even closer to Bobby McFerrin’s Don’t Worry, Be Happy. There is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get transparency. Not only is the meaning simple, so are the tune and the words. The tune was composed by Anirudh Ravichander (21) and lyrics were written by Dhanush (28). Dhanush himself admits that the words are largely nonsense, but they are also simple and memorable. The beat is catchy, the tune is easily hummable, and instrumentation is reminiscent of rustic street musicians. As Sting said, “…the simple can be so powerful.

But it’s not just the audio impact of the song; it’s the video too. It shows a recording session in a studio with a group of 20-somethings, looking urban, artistic, and cosmopolitan. There is a very relaxed casual atmosphere, with no sense of hierarchy or rules. Everyone is doing their own thing, in their own way. People are having fun but they’re also focused on the task at hand. The song is not

being lip-synced by a slick and buff movie star, but half sung and half spoken by a guy who looks like the boy next door or your college classmate. Watching him, people think not only, “Hey, I could do that”, but “Hey, I want to be part of that”.

Most importantly though, it’s a soft protest song for today’s Indian youth – protesting

against the establishment, rules, hierarchy, practicality, and idol of intellectualism. Everyone is striving to be class-topper and exam-topper, striving to get into IITs and IIMs, and striving to get into Microsoft and Google. These are youth who for years have been told “Always listen to your parents and teachers”, “Keep your nose to the grindstone”, and “Stay away from all vices”. They are tired of being so good, so clean, so responsible, and studying so hard. However, they’re not the kind to rampage in the streets; father would disapprove and mother would be most disappointed. Then along comes this simple, funny, and easy-to-understand song about girls, love, and alcohol, sung by a guy who looks like a college buddy who doesn’t study too hard and sounds like he’s had one too many himself. What a release! What’s not to like? This song is their soft rebellion. And their enthusiasm for this song is their reaction against normal Indian life which is highly and largely regulated by the values and likes of elders.

This song is the opposite of everything

There’s instant

and universal empathy

with a love song,

and calling

it a soup song

gives it a dash of

quirkiness and

humour, making it

distinc-tive.

‘‘‘‘


I lost my husband when I was 15. He was running a small shop

in Hooghly. I didn’t have any children and continued to live there for 46 years until I decided to come here. My

relatives are still there but I don’t think of them anymore. It’s here and now, the joy of being in Vrindavan, the prayers and the devotional songs, that occupies my mind. If my relative come here, they search for me for darshan

(visitation), sometimes they succeed and sometimes they don’t.

I don’t have any problem at all except I need a pair of spectacles. I like reading old books – Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagvad Gita, Sister Nivedita, Swami Paramhamsa… I’m sorry, I’m a sad old woman and I apologize if you wanted to hear something else.

Maya Mukherjee, abandoned widow, born Hooghly, West Bengal, 1923

They search for me for darshan, sometimes they succeed, and sometimes they don’t

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

TII Hall Of Fame

“Ranjani Iyer Mohanty is a writer and business/academic editor, based in Delhi.

Her articles have been published in several newspapers and magazines, including the

IHT/NYT, the WSJ, and the Atlantic. http://in.linkedin.com/in ranjaniiyermohanty”

they’ve been told, which is “Study hard for 16+ years and you will succeed”. This song has not been carefully composed, respectfully nurtured, and long practiced. The tune and the lyrics were all done in under thirty minutes. It’s impromptu and off the cuff. And it works.

Some are calling the song the Indian’s youth’s new anthem. If so, the phrase “Why this kolaveri di?” could become its new mantra.

On a minor note, in liking this song the young are in essence saying they don’t always want a fully orchestrated, carefully choreographed product that comes out of a complex, hierarchical entertainment machinery. They want something that’s simple, informal, and represents them: a song by youth, for youth. In liking this song, they are voting for the regular guy, and therefore for themselves. On a major note, in liking this song, they are asserting their independence by disagreeing

with their elders, by going against society’s standards and choosing their own, and by stepping out of the frenzied rat race … even if just for four minutes to listen to this song on YouTube.

Now to those of you just itching to send in angry comments vehemently disagreeing with this article, clamouring how wrong I am in my analysis, and demanding how on earth could I not think this is the best song ever …. all I have to say is, “Yen indha kolaveri da?” (loosest translation: ‘Why are you so damn angry with me dude?’)

India Journal

2 / 3 B H K a p a r t m e n t s o v e r l o o k i n g y o u r o w n p r i v a t e fo re s t

Av a i l b e n e f i t s f ro m m e m b e r s h i p t o a w o r l d - c l a s s c l u b

A p a r t m e n t s d e s i g n e d w i t h y o u r c o n v e n i e n c e i n m i n d

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This book is obviously a labour of love by Swarn Singh Kahlon who spent almost two years in

travelling and researching the migration of the Sikh diaspora in Latin American countries. These are perhaps the farthest Sikh settlements from their original home in Punjab.

What makes the 360+ page book highly readable is the author’s direct simple style. Transcription of interviews where he retains the original wording of each immigrant, results in a range of narrative styles.

Logically, Kahlon includes

excerpts from his travel diary which puts a time and place and identifies the people he met. Travel nuggets come in as his personal experiences. As a comparative study, he briefly includes facts and figures about Indian migrants from across the country and where they went to. This is helpful information.

The global Sikh migration started initially with these men being recruited in the armies of various countries – the valour of this martial race being recognised as early as during the Indian (Sepoy) Mutiny of 1857. Subsequently

Diaspora

The global Sikh migration started initially with Sikh men being recruited in the armies of various countries – the valour of their martial race being recognised as early as during the Indian (Sepoy) Mutiny of 1857. Today, even in Latin American countries the Sikh community can proudly boast of professionals and entrepreneurs – as well as someone like Chief Justice George Singh (1998) in Belize, Central America.

Sikhs in Latin America

By: Amita Sarwal

they went as farm labour, construction workers, then moved into transport services and further into owning stores, minimarts or supermarts.

Today, even in Latin American countries the Sikh community can proudly boast of professionals and entrepreneurs – as well as someone like Chief Justice George Singh (1998) in Belize, Central America.

Argentina, as compared to its neighbouring countries, attracted the largest number of immigrants because of its prosperity in the early 20th century. Interestingly, the Sikh diaspora in these countries rarely married Sikh women from India. Perhaps due to logistics, as South America is one of the furthest continents from their homes in Punjab. Subsequent generations have taken on local first names while retaining the Singh surname – Dante, Carmen, Esther, Leander and Maria. This perhaps has made assimilation into the local environment easier. It has also helped retain a sense of cohesiveness and communal ties in a strange land. The majority of the 2nd and 3rd generation Singhs are fluent in Spanish, but speak neither English nor Punjabi. The translation of the Guru Granth Sahib into Spanish has in a way helped keep it alive with the younger generation.

As is an obvious precedent, here too Gurdwaras have sprung up in towns and cities where a sizable Sikh population settled, with these temples becoming the contact and networking point for the community and new settlers.

Another interesting revelation is the Singh Family Burial Tombs as cremation for the dead was not permitted in these countries earlier but is now allowed.

Kahlon in many cases has unwittingly provided the impetus to the younger generation of immigrants wanting to meet more of their kind and learn about their parents and grandparents roots and country of origin. This alone is a feather in his cap!

One such family is the mother-son duo, Carmen and Leandra Singh from Cordoba. Almost unbelievably so, Carmen had not seen an Indian for nearly 60 years since the death of her father Muncha Singh in 1943 – till she met the author!

There is an interview with Subagh Kaur Khalsa, a convert to Sikhism who runs the

Gurdwara in Brazil but her regret is that there aren’t too many followers of the faith in that country. The lady also teaches yoga. rious people.

Kahlon acknowledges all the help he

received from various people. “I was lucky to meet in Chandigarh an exchange student from Argentina. I requested her to visit the Sikh community in Salta on return to Argentina as my advance party. She provided useful information which is incorporated in the book. A young friend of mine from London, Arvinder Singh Garcha (met through my website www.sikhglobalvillage.com) with interests similar to mine helped with more contacts. An Argentinean scholar Dr. Lia helped me set up my travel itinerary and even offered her apartment for my stay in Buenos Aires. Mit Kahlon (with whom I share a surname) in Sao Paulo helped me locate a 3rd generation Sikh immigrant in Brazil. In Mexico, Satinder Pal Singh working with Shell Oil and in Belize, Sabbi, working at Tutt Farm introduced me to several people.”

In Mexico too there were more encounters with Sikh converts. While in Panama the author spotted Sikhs in a mural depicting those involved in the construction of the Panama Canal.

An eye-opener in Ecuador was the discovery of the erstwhile Khalistan Embassy which opened there in 1985 and issued passports of the Government of the Khalistan Government in Exile!

Anecdotes pepper the text such as a meal with a family where the parents were eating dal and roti while the teenage son enjoyed beef steak! In Sao Paulo, Brazil he encountered

The re-search of

the migra-tion of

the Sikh diaspora in Latin

American countries,

studies perhaps the far-

thest Sikh set-tlements

from their original home in Punjab.

‘‘

‘‘Author Swarn Singh Kahlon (2nd from right) seen with the mother-son duo,

Carmen (left) and Leandra Singh (right) from Cordoba in Argentina (photo in Carlos Plaz). Her niece Gabriela is seen 2nd from left. Almost

unbelievably so, Carmen had not seen an Indian for nearly 60 years since the death of her father Muncha Singh in 1943 – till she met the author!


Mit Mohan Singh Kahlon who just happened to share the same surname – and has since become a friend.

To further substantiate and verify his research, Kahlon did his homework on the home front too. He visited villages in Punjab to find out about those who left home and went overseas.

A treasure trove of information for anyone interested in the Sikh community – or for that matter the pattern of migration of one of the most respected communities in India,

Kahlon, with this book, salutes the brave first generation immigrants who faced the hardships of reaching and settling in far flung unfamiliar territory. Their children and grandchildren continue to proudly carry their race and religion further in a foreign land which is now their home.

Sikhs in Latin AmericaTravels among the Sikh Diaspora© Swarn Singh Kahlon, 2012Manohar Publishers & Distributors, New DelhiA Sikh Global Village Initiative, Chandigarh www.sikhglobalvillage.com [email protected]@gmail.com

TII interviewed the author who admitswhat was finally most rewarding about his book was when someone met him and remarked, “We now have two cultures – South American and Sikh/Punjabi and we feel richer now.”

TII: What inspired you to research and write about the Sikh Diaspora?

Before the 20th century ended, I had moved to Chandigarh (Punjab) after about four decades of living in Kolkata and Mumbai, and prior to that in USA and Bihar. Both my wife Livleen and I are avid global travellers – I am presently on my 23rd passport – and soon it was becoming a bit of ‘I have seen it before’. So the travel had to be anchored with a purpose. Working with the British multinational ICI meant frequent overseas travel. On these trips I often met Sikh migrants; we did not interact much but their ‘images’ lingered in my mind.

I wondered what motivated them to move to strange locales especially with turbans which made them stand out as strangers. They were in some ways heroes for me. I had to know more about them. A hobby-interest started developing and in early 2000 I ventured on a round-the-world trip to meet scholars and people researching Sikh immigrants. It was easy to cover Sikh immigrants in Canada, USA and UK. I had to do something different and original. Sikhs, like many other communities, claim they are present everywhere. I decided to prove these claims.

Why Latin American countries first?In line with the spirit of some migrants –

“The Farther the Better”, I decided to start with Argentina, a country farthest away from Punjab and in the wrong (upside down) hemisphere. I had read about Giani Zail Singh, President of India’s, visit to Argentina and some mention of Sikhs in Mexico. The downside was that hardly any information was available. I was looking for a challenge – here it was. So like an adventurous Sikh, I just jumped in.

TII: Tell us about some memorable meetings.As I was wearing a turban, unlike many

of the second or third generation Sikh immigrants, it was very exciting for them to meet me. Their love and affection was very heart warming.

Some encounters stand out: Satguru Singh with his ‘patka’-wearing sons, in an area where there are no other Sikhs, several hundred miles from Mexico City. The entry of Sham Kaur in my hotel in La Paz. Donned in her white regalia including turban with a ‘khanda’ emblem on

A home retail shop in Santa Cruz in Bolivia, owned by Satwant Singh Sandhu family

I won-dered what

motivated them to move to strange locales

especial-ly with

turbans which made them stand out as

strangers. They

were in some

ways he-roes for

me.

‘‘‘‘

Students from SaIT

the forehead, I captioned her interview ‘An Angel Walks In’. Others are in the book.

TII: Face any challenges?Challenges included getting tourist visas

(no embassy believed I was going to those countries just for sightseeing) and making air bookings (travel agents are not familiar with that part of the world; and the Custom Department’s unwelcome reception upon landing in Cuba. My luggage was thoroughly searched because of the NAM Meeting which our President was attending. Then I was told that even prostitutes had been detained and searched! Not a very complimentary comparison!

My lack of knowledge of Spanish and Portuguese was a negative, as was travelling alone into unfamiliar territory. Embassies, both of Latin American countries in India and the Indian Embassies in Latin American countries were either unhelpful or evasive at best. Exceptions have been mentioned in the book. Irritated by their questioning on the purpose of my visit, I had perforce to say: “To spend money”. That got me the visa. Or the Brazil Embassy’s query about why I was travelling alone. My response: “Man, you are crazy! Who goes to Copacabana Beach with his wife?” Visa promptly issued!

Persistence, my conviction and logic paid dividends in Cuba and Ecuador, while the

British Library in London unearthed much needed information on Sikh migration to Brazil. Logistics, which look so frivolous or even funny in retrospect, were a nightmare. At times I

almost aborted the trip.Is the older generation still in a time warp?

The countries where Sikh immigrants are present in small numbers and especially in countries which are far away from Punjab, the process of assimilation is very pronounced. There was literally and practically no other

way for their survival. Most of the immigrants married locally which combined with the absence of Gurdwaras in earlier days meant the second and third generation are Singhs but they cannot relate to being Sikhs. The comparatively fewer immigrants who married Sikh women from Punjab have retained the Punjabi ethos and customs more strongly. Most immigrants did not/could not visit their hometowns in Punjab, or take their families to connect with families there. Gurdwaras, besides religion, are also exposing the younger generation to Sikh and Punjabi culture. I found younger Sikh women wearing salwar kameez on Graduation Day, probably more as a fashion statement. A wedding photo termed ‘Bridegroom sans Bride’ is very telling where the turbaned Sikh bridegroom is in the Gurdwara without his Argentinian bride. The marriage ceremony was held at the church followed by a reception (langar) at the Gurdwara.

“To sum up, I hope I have achieved the main point of this book – to highlight that Sikh migration to Latin America was almost as old as that of Sikh migration to North America,” a content Kahlon concludes as he prepares for his next two books.

Dashmeshpita Norte Supermercados - a supermarket in Rosario, in Argentina which is owned by Tara and Jiwa

Singh families

Bridegroom sans Bride - at the Rosario Gurdwara in Argentina. The Bride did not pay obeisance at the Gurdwara

but joined in the festivities preceded by the church wedding which both bridegroom and bride participated in

Embas-sies, both of Latin American countries in India and the Indian Embas-sies in Latin American countries were ei-ther un-helpful or evasive at best.

‘‘‘‘

Amita Sarwal is a freelance writer based in Singapore

Diaspora

The International Indian 79The International Indian78

The HoneybeeNetwork

Padmashri Prof. Anil Gupta from IIM Ahmedabad writes about his 27th “Shodh Yatra” which he had undertaken just a few weeks ago“….As we walked along, we met a group of labourers who asked us about the purpose of the Shodh Yatra. We explained that we look for innovators and traditional knowledge holders and honour them at their doorstep. We also looked for creative children and women who have extraordinary imagination. While taking leave, we gave a copy of Soojhbhooj, the

Hindi version of the Honey Bee newsletter to each one of them. They returned all the copies except one saying that they would share one copy, we could give the rest to others. Such are the sanskars of frugality. Not often, people refuse gifts which are unasked for….”

By: Shyamola Khanna

Anil Gupta is the mastermind who started Honeybee Network in 1989. The movement has snowballed into 75 countries with China taking the lead. I am quite sure even he could

not have dreamt that it would turn so big!Honey Bee Network is a network of

volunteers engaged in the development of a sustainable knowledge eco-system. In lay terms it means that indigenous knowledge which

is used by an individual or groups to save labour and add to the efficiency of their work and output, especially in the rural areas, is brought out of its home environment, patented and then the information is sent out to others who can make use of the same. In essence, if a farmer in Punjab has benefited by preserving his seeds in a certain manner, surely a farmer in Andhra can try out the same and help protect his seeds from rot.

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“Honeybee works as a catalyst, multiplying and disseminating rural knowledge and traditional wisdom after validating and protecting the ownership rights of that knowledge. Any rewards and benefits go back to the owners,” says Brigadier (retd) P Ganesham who heads Honeybee Andhra Pradesh (AP)

Honeybee is a virtual organization of volunteers with no registration. No money exchanges hands and anyone can be a volunteer. After five years of the formation of this network, the number of volunteers has grown to nearly a hundred with ages ranging from 16 to 80. They go out into the villages, talk to the locals, earn their trust and then once they have managed to convince them that their intentions are genuine, SRISTI (Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions) steps in. SRISTI was set-up to help in the documentation of innovations and traditional knowledge practices discovered by the Honey Bee Network. Both Honeybee and SRISTI are initiatives of Dr Gupta and they work in tandem.

From these two smaller organizations came the National Innovations

Foundations (NIF) in the year 2000, a registered national body which monitors innovations across the country. The core principles of the National Innovation Foundation come from the Honey Bee Network and SRISTI.

THE SHODH YATRATwice a year, a shodh yatra (journey

of exploration) is undertaken in remote regions in the hope of discovering hidden creative genius in the people. The above extract is from Prof Gupta’s latest newsletter on the recent shodh yatra.

From his words one can understand how one man’s passion can have such a snowball effect . With a group of volunteers he walks for miles together

into the remote parts of the country and connects with people who have minimal contact with the world as we know it—they have no internet, the very basic telephone connectivity, very limited medical facilities but still they live on, happy to share their indigenous knowledge when the good professor asks them.

“We met a 99 year old motadada (Gujarat for an elder) who had deep knowledge of climate change, older varieties of rice and the uncultivated vegetables. In several villages, while farmers had taken to chemical pesticides, the knowledge about plants which could help in controlling pests was not completely lost, even if the practice was. We shared an insight we learnt in Kutchch Shodh Yatra when a

TOP: Centurians

BELOW RIGHT: Tuladevi_honoured

He walks for miles together into the remote parts of the coun-try and connects with peo-ple who have mini-mal con-tact with the world

‘‘

‘‘TOP: Inspecting

crops. Brig P Ganesham of

Honeybee AP is on Gupta’s right

LEFT: The village women

and children listening to Dr Gupta

farmer had summed up our concern by saying, “what you are saying is that all those plants which are not eaten by cattle because of toxicity are potential source of pesticide”. Such a simple summary depicts the wisdom, which many communities still have, in abundance.’

He talks about Dinanath Koeri “an extraordinary herbal bonesetter whose reputation in joining fractures was much respected in the region. His approach was quite different in many respects from the modern orthopedic.”

He talks about Tula Devi in Hazam village who is “a midwife who was extremely angry over the practices of modern gynaecologists for child delivery. She made three forceful points which have already triggered a discussion in the medical fraternity:

[a] the umbilical cord should be cut after around ten minutes when it stops pulsating,

[b] the child should be delivered in dark, dimly lit environment to prevent shock

[c] the squatting position should be preferred for delivery instead of lying position.

She claimed that low eyesight of many children and fearful nature could be because of neglect of time tested practices. Some of the western scholars have already accepted

the logic of these practices. May be Indian practitioners will pay attention when it comes as a western advice!”

THE RECOGNITIONAs a result of persistent tracking, Honeybee

AP has been able to bring out many interesting

and unique labor saving devices like the “jyothi chulha” and the “asu machine”. These two unique concepts have been patented and their

owners recognized and felicitated. In fact, for the last two years, President Pratibha Patil held a special forum to facilitate the Grassroots Innovators and Mallesham Chintakindi the young school dropout who made the ‘ Lakshmi asu machine’ (named after his mother) which is a labor saving device for weavers--- was given his due recognition. When he spoke at the

gathering, many people were seen wiping their eyes.

TV9, a local Telegu channel has a program called ‘Innovators’ and Mallesham’s machine was featured on it. Forbes magazine picked it up and recognized Mallesham Chintakindi as one of the “Seven most powerful entrepreneurs in India”

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil felicitated him at the Fifth National Award Function of National Innovations Foundation (NIF), New Delhi on November 18, 2009. The NIF chose the ‘ Lakshmi Asu Machine’ for

its annual Award for Grassroots Unaided Technological Innovations and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge.

HONEYBEE NATIONWIDEOver the last twenty years Gupta’s Honey

Bee Network, has documented more than

Tula Devi is a mid-

wife extremely

angry over the

practices of modern gynaeco-

logists

‘‘‘‘


Environment

THE PROFILE OF A HONEYBEE VOLUNTEER

Brigadier (Retd) P Ganesham“After retirement when I came

back to Hyderabad, I was all set to carry forward the theme of Honeybee Network because there were innovations coming in from different states but nothing from AP. I had been curious as to why that was the case? Were there no intelligent or thinking people in the backwoods of AP? Or was it there was no one to go in there and find out? So within six months of my retirement, I set up Honeybee Network AP and started in earnest.

I walked for miles in the villages on roads which were sometimes there and sometimes not. I spoke to the old and the young and discovered many innovations which have made people sit up and take notice. When I spoke to the kids, I asked them to treat their grandparents with a lot more reverence than they were doing. A rude dismissal of the elderly was a dismissal of all their experience

and cumulative wisdom of so many years. When I asked the girls at a rural college to give me all that they could gather on health care from their grandparents, and other elders of the village, I got an amazing response. Within 30 days, I got nearly 300 hand written papers with all kinds of health care tips and ideas which they had got from the elders. Right from how they treated skin lesions to pain in the ears or knees to stomach ailments of all kinds. It was quite an amazing collection and with some vetting and validation, we documented it all!

I have seen and known the arrogance educated people have against the illiterate and humble farmer. We forget that he has eons of traditional knowledge behind him which given his milieu, weather conditions and traditional upbringing, will support him and provide help when he needs it. He is a weatherman, he is a soil specialist, he is a manager of water resources and he knows all that

he needs to know about animal husbandry. He will work things out on the basis of this knowledge. He uses local resources in the best possible way. I have heard in rapt attention, a farmer telling me that he asks the plant what is wrong with it if it is not growing or is not bearing fruit. To him and others of his ilk, the answers come from nature itself. Honeybee seeks this knowledge so that it can be disseminated to other rural societies.”

(An excerpt from Harmony Celebrate Age, June 2011)

Read more about it at www.get3000asumachines.in

Prof Anil Gupta can be contacted at [email protected], [email protected]

Read more at : www.sristi.orgwww.nifindia.orgwww.techpedia.in

1,00,000 ideas, innovations and traditional knowledge practices. It has also had the onerous task of preparing an immense database of all the traditional knowledge and grass roots innovations identified so far.

The most recent addition to the offspring of Honeybee Network is the Grassroots

Innovations Augmentation Network (GIAN) which links entrepreneurs to the formal systems of technical, financial and marketing services so that a viable economic model can be worked out of the rural innovation. In lay terms it means to make money out of it so that the innovator can get some money for his idea. GIAN has offices in almost all the remotest areas of India in all directions.

The Honeybee newsletter is published in almost all the recognized Indian languages and is sent out to the various state level volunteers so that the word spreads.

Although protecting intellectual property rights still remains difficult, 29 technologies have been licensed since GIAN was launched

“Incidentally,” says Gupta, “all technologies we licensed out have gone to small entrepreneurs; not one single large corporation has put in a request for a technology”

Shyamola Khanna is a freelance writer based in Hyderabad, India

LEFT: Mallesham’s mother with

the original asu machine

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THORENServes 4 - Ingredients: Cabbage, carrots, beans (cut into small dices) & green peas 3 cups, turmeric a pinch, split moong dal ¼ cup, oil 1 tbsp., salt to taste, curry leaves 1 sprig, mustard ¼ tsp., grated coconut 3 tbsp., green chillies 2, jeera 2 tsp., small onions (whole) 2.Method: Blanch the vegetables with turmeric & salt. Drain and keep aside. Cook Moong Dal till done and keep aside. Crush lightly the coconut, green chillies, jeera & small onions. Heat oil in a kadhai, crackle the mustard, add the curry leaves and then the other prepared ingredients. Stir fry for a minute & serve hot.

By: Sarina Menezes

The cuisine of Kerala has a wide variety of vegetarian as well as non vegetarian dishes thanks to its diverse culture. The Hindu homes in Kerala serve vegetarian food, while the Syrian Christians and the Moplahs (Muslims) follow a non vegetarian diet. To showcase the state’s rich food culture, Chef KK of ‘The Club’ in Mumbai presents his easy to cook dishes that will waft aromas of fragrant spices and tempered coconut oil. Try your hand at these simple dishes from the Malabar coast and explore its delectable treasures.

Kerala... as you like it

AVIYALServes 4 - Ingredients: Fresh Vegetables (beans, carrots, drumstick, yam, raw banana) ¼ kg., turmeric powder ¼ tsp., salt (as required), coconut ½ grated, jeera ¼ tsp., small onions 4, green chillies 8, curry leaves 1 sprig.Method: Coarsely grind coconut, jeera, small onions & green chillies. Cut the vegetables 2 inches long and a thickness to that of French beans. Boil the vegetables with turmeric powder & salt, drain. Whisk well the curd, add to the cooked vegetables along with the ground ingredients & curry leaves and simmer for a few minutes and finish off with a few drops coconut oil (optional).

Food

ERUSSERYServes 4 - Ingredients: Yellow pumpkin ¼ kg., dried chowli ½ cup, turmeric powder ¼ tsp., chilli powder 1 ½ tsp., salt (as required), grated coconut 3 tbsp. For Paste: Grated coconut 1 cup, jeera ¼ tsp. Tempering: Mustard seeds ½ tsp., curry leaves 1 sprig.Method: Peel and cut the pumpkin into cubes of medium size. Boil them with turmeric, chilli powder & salt. Drain most of the water. Boil dried chowli till done. Grind coconut & jeera to a fine paste. Mix together all the above items and simmer for 5 minutes. Temper with mustard and curry leaves. Toast 3 tbsp. grated coconut till golden and add to erussery.

MEEN POLLICHADHU Serves 4 - Ingredients: Pomfret 4 (200 gms. each), small onions 4, garlic 5, dried red chillies 4, ginger 2 inch piece, curry leaves 5 sprig, black pepper corn 8, whole coriander 10, turmeric powder 1 level tsp., lime juice from 3 lime, coconut oil 2 tbsp., salt (as required), banana leaves (as required). Method: Clean the fish and make gashes on either side. In a kadhai broil small onions, garlic, dried red chillies, ginger, curry leaves, black pepper corns and coriander. Then grind them to a fine paste with turmeric powder. Add lime juice & coconut oil. Mix well. Marinate the fish with the ground masala and keep for 30 minutes. Wrap each fish in wilted banana leaf and cook over charcoal or on a griddle. Serve hot.

KOZHI MALI PERALLENServes 4 - Ingredients: Chicken 1 kg., small onions 8 sliced, garlic 3 pcs. sliced, chopped ginger ½ tbsp., s (salt as required) curry leaves 2 sprigs, coriander leaves ¼ cup (chopped). Masala: coriander powder 2 tbsp., chilli powder 1 tbsp., turmeric powder ½ tsp., pepper powder ½ tsp., jeera ¼ tsp., cinnamon stick 2 inch pieces, cardamom 4, cloves 4, sonf ¼ tsp. TEMPERING: Oil 2 tbsp., mustard ½ tsp., small onions 5 pcs. sliced.Method: Clean, remove skin & cut the chicken into 12 pieces. Grind to a fine paste all the masala ingredients. Mix the chicken, the ground masala and the remaining ingredients except the coriander leaves. Cook the chicken with water if necessary to adjust the consistency. Remove when meat is cooked & gravy is thick. Temper with mustard and small onion. Add coriander leaves and mix well.

Sarina Menezes is a freelance writer based in Mumbai, India


Al-Futtaim Watches & Jewellery Adds Sparkle To More Winners As Weekly

DSF Draws End

Al-Futtaim Watches & Jewellery today announced the winners of the fourth and the final weekly draws who

will each receive gift vouchers of AED 10,000. As part of the celebrations during the Dubai Shopping Festival, Al-Futtaim Watches & Jewellery held exciting weekly draws for customers to win shopping vouchers worth AED 250,000.

The winners of the draw held on January 30 are Mohammad Aljamal – Jordanian, Dalia Farahat –

Egyptian, Tom Guzowski – Canadian, Ana Marilou – Filipino and Jocelyn Maquilling – Filipino.

The winners for the final draw held on February 6 are Chu Mengce – Chinese, Azmat A Khan – Pakistani, Nazar M. – Indian, Pradeep Gopinathan Nair – Indian and Mahira Asad – Pakistani.

Al-Futtaim Watches & Jewellery gave 25 lucky winners an opportunity to win shopping vouchers of AED 10,000/- each with 5 winners picked every week all through DSF. With no set minimum purchase criteria, all customers shopping at any Al-Futtaim Watches & Jewellery, The Watch House or Time Zone store were eligible to participate in the draw.

For more information, customers can call Al-Futtaim Watches & Jewellery store’s at Dubai Festival City (04 206 6970 / 04 206 6980), Deira City Centre (04 295 2906), Al Maktoum Street (04 228 9593), Burjuman Center (04 352 8699 / 04 351 1275), Lamcy Plaza (04 334 8073), Mall of the Emirates (04 341 0354 / 04 341 4499), Arabian Center (04 284 5901), Oasis Center (04 346 7489) or Time Zone outlet’s in Dubai.

Stores are open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to midnight on weekends.

Promotion Winner - Tom Guzowski

Promotion Winner - Pradeep Gopinathan Nair

Promotion Winner - Ana Marilou

Dune Unveils The Spring Summer 2012 Collection…

Dune is the leading retailer of affordable luxury footwear and

accessories.Founded in 1993 on

London’s Kings Road, Dune has established a strong reputation for selling exciting and distinctive shoes and bags.

Be seduced by the old-fashion glamour of the Hollywood Hills. Think 50s movie stars and iconic Palm Springs mansions; their graphic modern lines set in magnificently vibrant gardens. Silhouettes this season are simplistic and elegant with exquisite heels, fabulous wedges and statement platforms. The true focal point are the

luxurious colours and fabrics; with a palette of rich primary colours in sumptuous suedes sitting

perfectly alongside a rich palette of natural nude patents.

Discover your inner bohemian self with Botanical Brights. Oversized floral prints

sit perfectly alongside striking and vibrant brights in luxurious

suede, raffia and satin. Pointed courts, dazzling peeps and

delicate sandals perfectly embody a nostalgic femininity whilst the fusion of colour and radiant prints add vital intensity. Bows, embroidery and ankle strap details all add to the opulent glamour of this lavish trend.

Go tribal this season with lavish tropical colours and exotic materials. In Tribal Mischief natural elements are technically enhanced to create a modern aesthetic. Snakeskin, cork, wood beading and rich leathers are all intertwined resulting in a striking 3D effect. Ethnic influences create interest against splashes of unexpected bright hues and neutral accents. Flat sandals, wedges and stunning platforms are accompanied by gorgeous totes and clutches to create a sophisticated allure.

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Obama Beckons Indians To Come Visit

In a major economic initiative, President Barack Obama of the USA, unveiled a slew of measures, including

accelerated visa procedures, to make it easier for tourists to visit the USA. The President identified India among other rapidly growing economies that could bump up tourist traffic to America

Outbound travel from the GCC including Nationals and Expats of many origins and particularly Indian, remains high. The Indian traveller is still desirable and Indians are more likely to take advantage of the new flexible visa procedures to USA than any other nationality. And, to supply to this future demand, the Globus family of brands the world’s largest escorted touring company, is ready with a range of over 110 world class vacations to USA and Canada in varied travel styles including budget and premium coach touring, independent travel and more.

Clearly the measures are aimed at boosting the USA economy, but the initiatives are being welcomed by many. “If we go purely by arrival numbers, USA is already the no.1

destination for Indians, so, we are very excited about the opportunity the White House initiatives present for leading Tour Operators like us,” said Gauri Jayaram, Regional Director - South Asia & M. East for the Globus family of brands. The Globus family of brands includes Cosmos, the world leader in budget touring, and the company offers the largest selection of North American vacations to Indians.

Despite the constant fluctuation of the US Dollar in recent months,

Cosmos continues to offer value vacation packages to USA and Canada at prices that dent no travel plans. With a choice of 15 budget vacations priced under US$150* a day, Cosmos gives travellers a chance to explore North America’s flavours at an unbeatable price, without compromising on the must see sights. Cosmos has also launched 35 hassle-free independent vacations in 2012 for travellers who want more flexibility when travelling to North America. These include city breaks, rail journeys and self-drive vacations, so travellers can discover North America in the style that best suits them.

On the other hand, Globus - the leading worldwide brand in premium touring, offers vacations that are characterized with more inclusions and often include stays at hotels such as the Fairmont, the Sheraton etc.

Rivoli Launches Tendence Gulliver Slim Collection

The Tendence Gulliver line brought to you by Rivoli has been expanded with the addition of the new

Tendence Gulliver Slim. Hour Choice carries the entire range of Tendence watches.

Tendence watches are consistent with the Tendence philosophy of each individual being free to express himself. The Gulliver Slim is a watch that pays detailed attention to design and individuality while being slim and stylish. Tendence is available at all leading Hour Choice outlets in the region.

With a fusion of style and design, Tendence watches are unique in being funky yet sophisticated.

Tendence Gulliver Slim is crafted from a 47mm diameter stainless steel case and is available in four versions. Each of these versions feature bold tri-dimensional numerals with plating in stainless steel, gun metal or rose gold which contrasts dramatically against the backdrop of the simple dial, free of any superfluous details. These watches have a strong minimalist appeal, which further enhances individuality of the design.

Founded four years ago, Tendence is currently being distributed in over 80 countries worldwide and continues to expand. The Tendence Team is based in Lugano, Switzerland and serves the worldwide markets from logistic centres in Switzerland and Hong Kong.

Tendence watches are available at all leading Hour Choice outlets throughout the region such as Marina Mall, Khalidiya Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall. In Dubai it is available at Hour Choice stores in Dubai Mall, Mercato Mall, Debenhams, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdiff City Center. It is also available at Rivoli Arcade in Fujairah.

Price RangeAED 810 - AED 1695

Technical specifications:Stainless Steel Case47mm diameter3H Japanese Quartz Movement5 ATMMineral GlassSilicon Strap

Gauri Jayaram, Regional Director - South Asia

& M. East for the Globus family of brands


Cyber Gear

Cyber Gear has been the leading internet solutions provider in the UAE since 1996, developing award

winning and innovative web solutions for some of the leading government, educational and multinational organisations in the region. VoiceMpower specializes in providing end to end CT & CRM Solutions with various options of on-Premise or on-Cloud and SAAS based business models.

According to Sharad Agarwal, CEO of Cyber Gear, “The strategic partnership with VoiceMpower offers a range of complementary solutions in the fields of Computer Telephony (CT) and CRM and Contact Center Solutions, to enhance the company’s propositions in the

MENA region.”Sastry

Oleti, Business Development Director, VoiceMpower said “We propose to leverage our

state-of-the-art Computer Telephony and CRM solutions to Cyber Gear’s impressive clients portfolio in the government and private sector.”

VoiceMpower’s services include:- Contact/Call Center solutions- Computer Telephony (CT) Integrations & Customized Screen POP-UP Solutions- Dialogic/Sangoma Voice/Fax boards/HMP (IP) products, VoIP Gateway & SS7 products- CRM & CRM Integrations- IVR, Speech solutions & Various Dialer solutions- Fax server & Unified communications (like Microsoft Lync Server)- Call recording, Call billing and Voicemail solutions- SMS solutions & Digital dictation solutions

About Cyber Gear (www.cyber-gear.com) Cyber Gear has been a pre-eminent force in the

web design and e-business industry. Positioned as an industry leader, Cyber Gear provides a range of Internet technology solutions to several multinational and local organisations in the Middle East. Cyber Gear clients include Grand Hyatt, GEMS, Dubai Bank, Abu Dhabi National Hotels, Burger King, Burjeel Hospital, Mubadala Healthcare, Mega Mall, Emirates Leisure and Retail etc..

BenQ and Eros Launch New Coopération and

L Series LED TVs

BenQ’s LED TVs provide an exceptional home cinema viewing experience

BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of digital lifestyle innovations, together with their strategic

partner for LED TV’s, Eros, one of the leading suppliers of electronic and digital products, have launched three new models of the new L Series LED TV. Over 150 resellers and key retailers attended the launch event at the Intercontinental hotel at Dubai Festival City.

Manish Bakshi, General Manager of BenQ for the Middle East and Africa, said: “Our strong partnerships with our resellers continue to drive our presence across channels in our target markets in the region. The launch of our new L Series LED TV, complements our strategic expansion plans. We are confident that with Eros as our trusted and strategic partner, we can boost our market presence in the digital lifestyle segment and drive sales across the region.”

BenQ’s new L-Series LED TV (with three new models L23, L32 and L42) comes in a simple yet elegant design with its high-gloss, crystal black display. It is power-packed with industry-leading technologies, including a Reflection Defense Panel that reduces reflections caused by other light sources in the room and Senseye - a BenQ-exclusive lifelike digital image enhancement technology that delivers 28 independent color calibrations. Together these two innovative features provide viewers with high definition visuals that are deeper, richer and truer to life making the viewing experience more comfortable to the eyes.

In addition two new LCD TV models the V32- 6000 and V42-600 , power-packed with innovative features, were also showcased at the launch event.

““This launch event and our partnership with BenQ further consolidates our strength in consumer electronics. We are proud to have BenQ in our brand portfolio and look to reach them to more consumers.” added Eros Group’s Chief Executive, Mr. Deepak J Babani.

For more information, please visit www.BenQ.ae


LG Glasses-Free 3D Smartphone Knocks

Out 3D Cameras

World Renowned Experts Choose LG Optimus 3D As The Best

LG’s 3D technology has once again caught the attention

of global consumers through its collaboration with National Geographic to showcase the world’s first 3D image gallery at this year’s IFA. After shooting, all six artists testified to LG Optimus 3D’s excellent image quality while eliminating the burden of heavy equipment and praised it to be the 3D device of choice. Justin Guariglia, one of the participating photographers, mentioned that the technology is just amazing in such a small device. Every photographer would love to have the power of a great camera in a little phone. This is clearly a step in that direction.

The key deciding factor has become the level of convenience between a 3D smartphone and a 3D digital camera, which one to choose?

1) No Need to Worry about DizzinessIf the degree of convergence is not set correctly, users

may experience dizziness due to the ‘crosstalk effect’. LG has thus succeeded in preventing the ‘crosstalk effect’ through an auto convergence technology. This technology provides maximum level of depth and eliminates possible dizziness.

2) Misalignment Correction TechnologyMist, excessive heat, humidity as well as slight bumps

can cause misalignment of the two cameras, resulting in negative effects on the 3D image quality.

LG’s Optimus 3D sets itself apart from 3D cameras as the only 3D device installed with a self-correcting technology on a real-time basis. It therefore provides its users with optimal 3D image quality without the hassle or inconveniences of other devices.

Image and Video ResolutionFurthermore, the LG Optimus 3D is the only 3D

phone that can take 3D photos with 3.2 megapixel qualities. In comparison, the 3D resolution for HTC’s EVO 3D and Sharp’s Aquos SH-12C is only 2 megapixels.

Buzz Word

Liali Jewellery Unveils Its Amazing New Diamond

Ring Collection, MIRAGE!

Offers stunning pieces flaunting 1, 3 and 5-carat looks at highly tempting price-

friendly options!

LIALI Jewellery, the leading jewellery retailer in UAE unveils its amazing new diamond jewellery collection

titled Mirage including rings, earrings and pendants in round and princess shapes. Showcasing powerful brilliance and designed to present from one upto 5 carat solitaire looks, each of these gorgeous jewels are offered at unbelievably affordable prices that will simply astound

and baffle you! The secret to their stunning

‘wattage’ lies in LIALI’s acclaimed craftsmanship and ability to feature several diamonds of lesser caratage in close composition. LIALI’s new Mirage collection is also superb testimony of the Dubai based jewellery retailer’s

dedication to offer its fans much sought after dream jewels at temptingly affordable prices.

LIALI’s Mirage diamond rings collection is fashioned in 18k white gold settings and offers the wearer inflated luxury at happily deflated rates! Now its lucky wearer can flaunt rings boasting 1, 3 or 5 carat looks while secretly smiling at the affordable price.

Anuraag Sinha, Managing Director of LIALI Jewellery, said: “LIALI’s new Mirage ring collection is aptly named to capture the very essence of the collection. But unlike a mirage which appears under certain conditions and later disappears, these dazzling diamonds rings are for real. And though each of them has the powerful brilliance and look of a 1, 3 or 5 carat ring they come at such highly affordable and tempting prices they will leave you amazed. So I am positive that the new Mirage diamond ring collection will receive a very good response from one and all in the region as they are truly dream jewels sought after by all women.”

Conference on ‘Life Style and Family Health

– towards healthier life style’ organized by Umm Al Moumineen Association in collaboration with Gulf Medical

University, Ajman – U.A.E.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme

Council of U.A.E. and Ruler of Ajman, a conference on ‘Life Style and Family Health-towards healthier life style’ was organized by Umm Al Moumineen Association in collaboration with Gulf Medical University at Kempinski Hotel, Ajman.

Eminent speakers included Dr.Mohammed Raad Al Qaissi, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Preventive Medicine & Imaging, University of London, Dr. Mustafa Al

Izzi, Chairman-Emirates Osteoporosis Society, Prof. Manda Venkataramana, Consultant Surgeon and Dean, College of Medicine, GMU, Ms. Sara Al Marzooqi, National Rehabilitation Centre, Abu Dhabi, Dr. Ali Al Harjan, Consultant Psychiatrist, Sharjah, Ms. Sameera Al Shar, Department of Police, Ajman were among the distinguished speakers from the medical fraternity who attended the conference.

The grand event started with the National Anthem of U.A.E. followed by recital from the Holy Quran. The Congressional address on “Prevention of new lifestyle emerging diseases” was delivered by Dr. Mohammed Raad Al Qaissi, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Preventive Medicine and Imaging, University of London and Senior Research Fellow-Imperial Weight Centre.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Advisor to the Ruler of Ajman in Financial and Administrative Affairs declared the conference open by distributing mementos to the Speakers and Chairpersons. Mr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President, Board of Governors of Gulf Medical University was presented with a memento by Umm Al Moumineen Association in appreciation for his great efforts, support and encouragement in the Conference on Lifestyle and Family Health.

Conference on Family Health

Babyshop’s Spring/Summer 2012

Collection Highlights Season’s Trends

Bright Floral Prints, Nautical Shades and Exciting Character Themes Dominate

Chic Ensemble

Babyshop, the region’s leading children’s retail concept and a one-stop shop for kids’ products, is set

to launch its chic Spring/Summer Collection 2012. The collection comprises cotton yarn dyed shirts,

melange inserts, denim bottoms, cotton spandex hoodies, and convertible capris. Cotton in all its versions - jerseys, cambric, dobbies and plaids - is set to give the super summer clothing an uber comfort feel.

Babyshop’s signature brand ‘Juniors’ leads the trend pack, channeling themes for little girls with bright floral patterns in vibrant yellows, pretty pinks and fresh whites. For boys, hooded shirts, V-necks and sporty polo t-shirts dominate the line. Babyshop’s collection features the essential nautical theme with traditional checks, prints and stripes in the classical hues of red, white and navy.

Lee Cooper and Maui and Sons are the other two brands that retail exclusive lines at Babyshop. Lee Cooper offers an edgy twist to its graphic tees, plaid and combination shirts, hoodies, as well as patterned shorts and denims in different washes. Maui and Sons’ collection includes board shorts, chequered shorts, dip-dye tops, skirts and summer dresses that are inspired by the sun and the sea.

The luxurious Barbie™ line-up continues to draw Babyshop regulars with its host of power pinks, iconic graphics, sparkles and shine. For the adrenalin seeking boy-child, Babyshop has on offer staples that display some of the most awaited movies in 2012 including the Amazing Spiderman, Batman: The Dark Knight Rises, Lion Kind in 3D and Marvel Avengers. The SS/12 collection resonates with Babyshop’s aim to evolve into a fashion destination for young ones. The line will be available at affordable price points.

Spring - Summer Collection 2012


By: Major General Mrinal Suman, AVSM, VSM, PhD

The Constitution of India empowers every citizen to seek justice from the courts when he feels wronged. It is a right without any riders and discrimination whatsoever. By being the Army Chief, he does not forfeit this right. He is not a lesser citizen of this country. If ministers, governors and the CVC can seek relief from the courts, why not a Chief?

General V K Singh had been promoted up to the rank of Major General with 1951 as his year of birth. Very unfairly it was changed to 1950 when

he became due for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General and be in line to be the Chief. He felt cheated by his military superiors and let down by the Government he serves. His exasperation and a feeling of helplessness forced him to seek legal recourse.

TV shows, print media and the Internet were flooded with assorted opinions and comments on the controversy about the Chief’s date of birth. The debate acquired

diverse angles. Two aspects for which the Chief was criticised deserve special mention. One, he was accused of an act of impropriety – a serving Chief approaching the court for the redressal of his grievance. Two, he was censured for questioning the decision taken by the Ministry of Defence and thereby defying the well-established concept of civilian supremacy. Both are highly sensitive and critical issues. It is a unique case and may set precedence for the future. Notwithstanding the disposal of the case by the Supreme Court on 10 February, both the above aspects need to be discussed in an objective, dispassionate and candid manner.

Army Chief Seeks Legal Recourse

Soldiers

Coming to the first issue, it is alleged that the Chief’s act lowered the standing of the august appointment that he holds and brought a bad name to the noble institution. It is suggested that he should have resigned before challenging the Government that he serves. It is an untenable argument for the following reasons:-

The Constitution of India empowers every citizen to seek justice from the courts when he feels wronged. It is a right without any riders and discrimination whatsoever. By being the Chief, he does not forfeit this right. He is not a lesser citizen of this country. If ministers, governors and CVC can seek relief from the courts, why not a Chief?

The Chief followed the correct procedure and exhausted all other avenues before approaching the court.

Appealing against a government decision is not an act of defiance or indiscipline. The government itself has provided for exhaustive arbitration mechanism for officials who feel aggrieved. The Central Administrative Tribunal, Armed Forces Tribunals and many other appellate authorities resolve disputes between the government and its employees. Senior functionaries regularly approach them and the government abides by their decisions. These are not construed to be anti-government steps.

It is unfair to link a personal issue with the prestige of the appointment held or the institution. The Chief has repeatedly stated that it is a personal matter and does not affect the organisation in any way. When ministers and civilian leadership approach courts, their ministries or departments are never targeted. Why should there be a separate yardstick for the top brass of the services?

The second question is more sensitive and critical. Does going to the court on a personal issue amount to challenging civilian supremacy? This is highly unjustified and perverted logic. The Chief has not questioned any operational directive or official instructions. On the contrary, he has reposed immense faith in the law of the land. He has simply asked the court to adjudicate in the matter and deliver a duly considered judicial decision. He has repeatedly reiterated that it is the prerogative of the government to appoint

chiefs and he would abide by its decision. How does the question of threat to civilian supremacy arise?

Compared to the criticism of some veterans, the government deserves credit for a highly mature and sagacious response. When questioned by media, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni stated, “Every human being has a right to seek justice if he feels he has been denied justice and in that sense it is (the) right of every Indian.” Similarly, Defence Minister AK Anthony and the Minister of State for Defence Pallam Raju have been very composed while commenting on the issue, albeit they are ‘sad and sorry’.

Finally, it needs to be stated that most of us have double standards – one for ourselves and the second one for others. It is so very easy to pontificate that a Chief should resign before fighting for his honor and dignity. Most critics of the Chief’s act would never think twice before bending backwards to safeguard their own career prospects.

One is reminded of an address by an Adjutant General (AG) to a Higher Command Course at Mhow a few years ago. The AG spent a considerable part of his speech exhorting officers not to question organisational decisions by submitting non-statutory/statutory complaints or approaching courts. He said it was ‘unofficerlike’ to do that. During the customary social interaction after the lecture, a student officer reminded him that the AG too had obtained promotion after representations. Needless to say, the AG felt embarrassed and replied sheepishly, “You know my case was different. The Promotion Board had been very unfair to me.”

Appeal to the Supreme Court should be seen as a simple case of an officer seeking justice for the perceived wrong done to him. Nothing more should be read into it. It is neither an act of indiscipline nor a challenge to the civilian authority. Seeking redressal of grievances through officially established procedures cannot be construed to be an act of impropriety or insubordination.

The author is a retired General Officer of the Indian Army. He is India’s foremost expert on defence

modernisation procedures and offsets. He has been highlighting issues concerning India and its military.

Does going to the

court on a per-sonal issue

amount to chal-lenging civilian

suprem-acy?

This is highly

unjusti-fied and pervert-ed logic.

‘‘‘‘


Unfortunately, she may have left the genuine for the fake; and her choices cost her dearly.

Despite her own abysmal personal life, with all the money in the world for her daughter to choose any career she wanted, Whitney intended to guide 18-year old Bobbi Kristina into show business, knowing all the inherent risks.

Do the lyrics of her hit song ‘The Greatest Love of All,’ betray her lack of a sense of purpose or understanding of her faith?

Whitney got it wrong – self love is an important psychological trait, but –“Learning to love yourself,” is not “the greatest love of all.” Love is other-centred and acts, like the nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore wrote: “I slept and dreamt that life was Joy. I woke and saw that life was Duty. I acted, and behold, Duty was Joy.”

David F. Wells in his book Above All Earthly Powers, points out: “One hears the belief expressed in different ways that each must create one’s own meaning or that it is morally permissible for everyone to do one’s “own thing,” provided no one gets hurt – a strange proviso which has no moral legs upon which to stand on in an empty universe!”

It appears Houston could not clarify for herself who is sovereign – God or her audience? – what was her authority in real life – Scripture or culture?

And what is important – faithfulness or success? Again when singing, “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,” she seems to have forgotten Psalm 46: 1, God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble, and Jesus’ startling statement in John 15:5: “... for without Me, you can do nothing.”

In reviewing the research done on church life between 1996 and 2002, U.S. researcher George Barna stumbled upon a most disconcerting fact. Why is it, he wondered, that Baby Boomers (persons born during the demographic Post-World War II baby boom between the years 1946 and 1964, according to the U.S. Census Bureau) were initially so opposed to religion but now they make up fully half of the ‘born again’ movement in America? The answer, he concluded, is that they are practiced religious consumers who were offered a deal that they simply could not turn down.

For “a one-time admission of

imperfection and weakness” they received in return “permanent peace with God.”

The result was that “millions of Boomers who said the ‘sinners,’ prayer, asked for forgiveness and went on with their life, with virtually nothing changed.”

And Barna adds that they “saw it as a deal in which they could exploit God and get what they wanted without giving up anything of consequence.”

Until the facts are known we can only speculate about how Houston died, whether the prescription drugs found in her hotel room or the alcohol CNN reported she was seen having a few hours before she died had anything to do with it.

But there had to be a reason she was called away at 48 – for her grieving fan base it will remain a mystery, but in God’s mercy for his wayward offspring there are meaningful spiritual connotations for a premature exit, when three score years and ten is the median.

For Whitney, we can speculate it had more to do with God’s favour rather than his wrath.

Futurequest... continued from page 96...

that took her far away from the Christian convictions she grew up with.

With a voice like hers, she hardly needed the typical sexy showbiz image, but she seemed unconcerned about the impact that diluting her Christian values had on herself and others.

It seems that perhaps for Houston the “gospel” was no longer in the music.

If Christianity is the real thing then Christ has to be counterfeit – like oil and vinegar don’t mix, they can’t either, nor both be true. Much has been made of Whitney’s church upbringing, but often a traditional, churched background is a sure recipe for someone becoming an apostate. Fortunately that did not happen to Whitney, from her media interviews her faith appeared to be authentic.

Much has been made of Whitney’s church upbring-ing, but often a tradi-tional, churched back-ground is a sure recipe for someone becom-ing an apostate.

‘‘

‘‘

Futurequest

This extract from Whitney’s 2009 interview on the Oprah Winfrey show offers sad insights into a life gone awry, even as she struggled to hold on to her convictions.

Oprah: There’s a wonderful quote by the L.A. Times. They said, “The pain, and frankly, disgust that so many pop fans felt during Houston’s decline was caused not so much by her personal distress as by her seemingly careless treatment of the national treasure that happened to reside within her.” ... You were not like any of the others. You really were given the voice. You were given that treasure. And people felt, how could you not know that that was to be treasured?Would you just sit in your room and do drugs? Whitney: Yeah. Talk on the phone. Watch TV. Listen to gospel. I would still read my Bible, amazingly enough. I would still read my Bible. I still had it in me. I knew God was there. I knew the light was there

and I was just trying to get back to it. I just kept trying to get back to that spirituality.

Oprah: How long were you in rehab? Whitney: I did my stint. You do your 30 days. I went to one where I could take my child with me. Everywhere I just had to have her with me. I wanted her to understand. I didn’t lie to her. I couldn’t. Oprah: Really. Did you explain to her about the drugs? Whitney: Yes. Oprah: What did you say? How do you tell your child? Whitney: I kind of associated it with our lifestyle. Our lifestyle. And what could happen. Oprah: You can see yourself in Bobbi Kristina? Whitney: Oh, all over her. She writes creatively all the time. She writes. And she sings. She’s really starting

to sing really well now. Oprah: Is she good? Whitney: Yeah, she is. I want her to take her time. I don’t want anybody to touch her. I want to groom her. Oprah: So if she chooses to be in this business, that’s okay with you? Whitney: Yeah, but I will be there. Like my mom was there with me. When I was just getting in the business, and they came for me when I was 14 and wanted to sign me, my mother said: “No way. Whitney’s got a lot more to learn.”

Oprah: Who do you love? Whitney: The Lord. I do. I’m so humbled and so thankful. By his grace, his goodness. And for never giving up on me. I love my mother. My daughter. My relatives. My sisters. My brothers. I love you. Because I knew somewhere in the background you were there praying too.

Frank Raj is TII’s founder-editor & publisher Frank is author of ‘Desh Aur Diaspora’ and co-author

of the upcoming publication ‘Universal Book of the Scriptures.’ He blogs at www.no2christianity.wordpress.com

Read more of Frank’s work at: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/no-2-religion-yes-2-

faith/ in the Communities at the Washington Times.

Love is other-cen-

tred and acts, like the nobel laureate Rabind-ranath Tagore

wrote: “I slept and

dreamt that life

was Joy. I woke

and saw that life

was Duty. I acted, and be-

hold, Duty was Joy.

‘‘‘‘

The International Indian96continued on page 94...

Did Whitney Houston know ‘The Greatest Love Of All?’O My servants who have transgressed against your souls! Despair not of the grace of God, for God forgives sins, all of them, for He is much forgiving, most merciful. – Sura 39:53

Even if the most sinful person resolves to worship Me with single-minded loving devotion, such a person must be regarded as a saint because of making the right resolution. – Bhagavad Gita: 9.30

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life...indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38

It is hardly a matter of wonder that the country that gave the world instant tea and instant coffee should be the one to give it instant Christianity. And it cannot be denied that it was American Fundamentalism that brought instant Christianity to the gospel churches. – A. W. Tozer

Futurequest

MIDDLE EAST, February 25, 2012— There is no voice like Whitney Houston’s, and even for someone like me who does not constantly tune in

to my favourite music, whenever she comes on the air one cannot help but be still and listen. Whitney is one of those rare individuals, who are God’s gifted musical instruments – very few talents who can give us a glimpse of

heaven.Whitney Houston was extravagantly

blessed to be a blessing, but somewhere she lost her spiritual foothold. She has left behind a legacy of phenomenal worldly achievement many will aspire to – but her success ultimately may have cut short her life. She could have been a role model for millions of desperate young people for many years to come, but she chose a lifestyle of addiction and compromise,

By: Frank Raj

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