Wednesday, June 30, 2010

No more begging bowls

Chennai launches drive to rehabilitate beggars

Chennai has unrolled a visionary programme for the rehabilitation of beggars. From June 6, those begging in common places in the city will be caught and sent to rehabilitation and protection centres with the help of NGOS. Last month Chennai corporation identified some 451 beggars. Out of them 179 persons were mentally challenged. Then they were admitted in hospitals for treatments. Chennai Mayor M. Subramanian is spearheading the campaign.

Commissioner of Chennai corporation Rajesh Lakhoni told TSI that they are identifying beggars in main places of Chennai. “Till now we have identified thousand beggars. They have been categorised into five groups: old aged, physically challenged, mentally challenged, healthy but socially deprived women and mothers begging with children. They will be rehabilitated soon.” According to the drive, old-age persons will be admitted in government homes for old aged and will be given food and medical help. Those who are healthy will be given employment opportunities. There are plans to give education to children also. The homes run by social welfare department will be used for this purpose.

Some eighteen NGOs are girding up to take part in this programme. Also, Lakhoni said the corporation will rope in police to stop beggary in the city. Of late the city has been swarmed with beggars. Begging rackets were also busted. Cases have been reported of women administering sleeping pills to children. That is why the government this time is serious to address the issue.

Kakkum Karangal, an NGO, that supports the drive of Chennai corporation is ready to help the old aged and women. “We told the corporation that we will provide food, medicine and housing to old aged and women,” said Gnanaraj, founder of Karangal. John Milton, co-ordinator of Karunalaya, another NGO told TSI that they are also willing to assist the corporation in their drive by giving children education free of cost.

But some members of the civil society are not happy with the corporation’s move. A Chennai-based writer and social sceintist, A. Marx, is opposing the move. Marx, who was part of a fact-finding team that studied the conditions of beggars in the city, criticised the corporation for its drive against beggars. “First, Chennai corporation Mayor talked about a beggar-free city. Then he said that mentally challenged beggars will be rehabilitated. But only professionals can handle them. Is the corporation prepared for it?” he asked.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Poor sporting spirit!

Sporting events come heavily on the marginalised population

The upcoming FIFA World cup 2010 in South Africa is seen as a major breakthrough in sporting history. Not only because it’s after a long struggle that an African nation succeeded in grabbing the opportunity of hosting such a mega sporting event, but also as it is expected to refurbish South Africa’s economy. Amidst South Africa’s preparation to make this event a major success, the poorest citizens of the country are being largely neglected. In order to bring up world standard stadiums, the government has ordered massive eviction. In simple words, to make space for stadium and games infrastructure, the South African government has evicted low income housing areas and informal traders. More than 70,000 workers employed on World Cup projects have raised their voices for better wages and conditions. In contrast to 500,000 jobs promises, only 22,000 jobs have been created with occupational health and safety survey giving negative rating to 52 per cent of World Cup construction sites.

The construction of N2 Gateway housing project (construction of rental housing for the 2010 World Cup) led to the removal of over 20,000 residents from the Joe Slovo settlement. The government has also came up with the Elimination & Prevention of Re-Emergence of Slums Act to eliminate slums and put homeless shack dwellers in transit camps during the games. Without any apprehension, this mega sporting event would not only will help the country to upgrade their infrastructure but would also help them tap economic gains. But then, the major pie of the profit will eventually go to big business houses and to FIFA.

This is not for the first time that a mega sporting event would create major hurdles for the underprivileged population of the nation. During 1988 Olympic Games, more than 15 per cent of the population of Seoul, Republic of Korea, was evicted and 48,000 buildings were reduced to ruins to accommodate game’s infrastructure. Similarly in 1996 Olympic, around 1,500 social housing units for the poor were destroyed in Atlanta, in 1992 in Barcelona, 200 families were evicted, in Beijing mass evictions were executed, 6000 were made homeless in Sydney in the run-up to the Olympics and similar eviction is predicted to happen in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Besides direct impact such as mass eviction and trade bans, indirect displacement due to gentrification and escalating housing costs can also be led to social crisis. After Olympics, prices of houses rose by 28 per cent in Seoul, by 131 per cent in Barcelona, by 500 per cent in Sydney — to name a few incidents. Many governments went to an extent of criminalising the homeless and marginalised pockets of populations. In Seoul, local authorities created a list of places where homeless people were banned and in Atlanta, homelessness was made illegal. Recently, to address such inhuman issue and rush to the rescue of marganised people, the UN has asked the games organiser to properly scrutinise the host cities and introduce housing provisions in hosting agreements. These nations and host countries should learn from their counterparts like Los Angeles, who uplifted the local economy and permanent housing and an Olympic village.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Saturday, June 19, 2010

CBI’s credibility under scanner

The HC wants the Rizwanur case to be probed afresh

The latest Kolkata High Court’s order in the Rizwanur Rehaman murder case has justified the necessity to think beyond the prevailing system of delivering justice. The May 18 order of the Division Bench, comprising Justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya and Prasenjit Mondal, has not only cancelled the CBI’s charge-sheet against seven persons, including a few top police officials, but the case as a whole.

Besides, the court has indicted the West Bengal government for its “indecisive and vacillating” attitude. The court has further ordered a fresh CBI probe as “the case is fit for CBI investigation due to the gravity of the situation”. After this verdict, the credibility of the agency is being questioned.

Several advocates of the High Court, including Kalyan Banerjee and Idris Ali, have hailed the judgement as ‘historic.’

Computer graphics teacher Rizwanur’s body was found from railway tracks on September 21, 2007. Prior to that, he was allegedly being harassed by top police officers for marrying a Hindu girl Priyanka Todi, the daughter of Ashok Todi, owner of big hosiery company. He was being pressurised to snap nuptial ties. His murder united the state’s intellectuals, students and Muslims. After being severely criticised by them, the state Chief Minister ordered a CID probe into the whole affair by cancelling a three-day probe by the state-controlled Railway Police. Besides, a judicial enquiry was also announced. Later, the CID handed over all its findings to the CBI, which was asked by Judge Soumitra Pal to monitor the investigation as ‘Special Officer’ and report back to the High Court. The agency had submitted charge-sheet against seven persons, including Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee, DC (Detective Department) Ajoy Kumar, Sukanti Chakraborty and Krishnendu Das of Anti-Terrorist Squad under Section 306 (Abatement to Suicide) of IPC.

The Division Bench observed that Justice Pal has not asked the CBI for a full-fledged investigation, but the Central agency did so. On the other hand, the CID stopped its investigation without any reason and handed over all documents to the CBI. It was after this that the Bench observed that the state has failed to understand the ‘gravity’ of the case. The latest order also pulls up the CBI officials for ignoring the FIR lodged by Rizwanur’s elder brother Rukbanur at Kareya Road police station.

Now, the court has asked the Central investigative agency to file a case under Article 302 against the culprits based on Rukbanur’s FIR and investigate the matter. The CBI has been given only four months time to place its findings in the court. Although the government is upset with the judges’ remarks, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said: “We are not going to challenge the order in higher court”. But the Todis are likely to knock the doors of the Supreme Court.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Has consumerism overtaken creativity in new-age Kolkata?!

A special report from Monojit Lahiri in Kolkata

Once upon a time – maybe up till the end seventies, even early eighties – Kolkata and creativity were the made-for-each-other blend! More than any other city, it loved, admired, respected, revered, fostered, nurtured, protected and celebrated its creative community as no other. This was an accepted and acknowledged fact. Kolkata may not have had Delhi’s power or Mumbai’s glamour but the magic and mystique, clout and charisma of its creative quotient invariably worked as a magnet to anyone, anywhere, blessed by the spirit of creativity. In Kolkata 2010, does the creative person still enjoy the same kind of recognition and respect?

Kunal Basu is first off the block. The Oxford-based academician (who leads an exciting double life by teaching management while continuing to pursue writing as a calling and presently winning kudos for his short story, "The Japanese Wife," made into an awesome film by Aparna Sen), says that for a long time he proudly boasted to his friends in the West that Kolkata was one city that still had her heart in the right place. He elaborates, “During an adda with pals, if a millionaire friend or a Fortune 500 CEO buddy dropped in, he would be greeted with nothing more than a casual 'Hi'. However, if it was a poet, painter or musician, there would be general and genuine excitement. It’s simple. There was a huge premium to be in the arts! That has mostly disappeared. The city’s vibrant, exciting, intellectual spirit of enquiry is under siege. However, Basu confesses all is not lost. “My personal book-reading experience in Burdwan, for example, was a startling and heartwarming eye-opener!”

Distinguished and respected social scientist and commentator Ashish Nandy refuses to believe that Kolkata has either abdicated or disowned its umbilical connect with creativity. “The Kolkata Book Fair is the best proof. Until two years ago – when it played in the maidan – it attracted an audience (over three lakhs everyday) that was a hundred times more than the ones at either Frankfurt or Paris! It was difficult to enter some of the stalls! I have seen over a hundred fans follow Tasleema Nasreen because she was perceived as a literary star. Would that happen in Delhi or Mumbai?”

Up next is Bengal’s iconic film maker Aparna Sen. “Let’s face it. We live in a totally media-driven era. Having worked closely with both, a publication house and a TV channel, I can tell you that media is in constant need of fodder to survive and therefore does something which would have been considered both shocking and vulgar in an earlier era … manufacture its own band of celebrities!

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Nepal Conundrum

The Maoists are mounting pressure on the PM to resign

The red colour draped around the bodies of 1.25 lakh men and women on the streets of Kathmandu is nothing new. The Maoists, under the leadership of Prachanda, have begun their indefinite strike but this time it is not going to be a simple event as stakes are high for both, the Maoists and the ruling parties.

Since 1996, activities initiated by Maoists, including strike and complete closure have regularly added to the woes of this beleaguered nation where the per annum income is not more than $400. But then, this bandh is at a juncture where politics in Nepal has turned a full circle. What began with the ceasefire of 2006 and the consequent government under the leadership of Prachanda shifted into the hands of Madhav Nepal. Maoists are yet again determined for a change and are demanding for the resignation of Prime Minister Madhav Nepal has been put forth.

Nepal has a support of 22 parties out of 25 which in effect has 350 Members of Parliament with them in the House of 601. But the truth is that even today the government remains limited to the towns and zonal centres. This also means that development is just a word which might sound alien to more than half the population that has been ravaged with blood and gory murders. The poor common man is finding himself at the crossroads.

With the ceasefire, the cadre of Maoists were sent into barracks at seven division headquaters and the reign of the government was handed over to Prachanda. But then, nothing was done on the part of returning the property which was captured by the Maoists and they did not finalise the rehabilitation of the Maoists cadre into various security, paramilitary and police forces. People are scared that they may get embroiled into violence yet again which had claimed about 13000 lives and a displacement of around 1.5 lakh. What about the constitution which was supposed to be completed by May 28, 2010 ? Here lies the faultline.

This entire scene is the result of primarily two issues. It all started as both sides took strong position on the demand for rehabilitation of Maoists cadre in army and the drafting of the constitution. “The differences cropped up when Maoists demanded for the completion of the drafting of constitution and then rehabilitate its cadre whereas the other parties wanted to finish the rehabilitation of Maoists into the security forces and then complete the drafting of constitution,” says Nihar Nayak, Associate Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Here, the important thing to note is that if the exercise of drafting constitution is not completed by May 28, 2010, then the Assembly may get dissolved and the Maoists will lose thair majority status in case Madhav Kumar Nepal resigns or steps down as Prime Minister in between. "Thus, the entire exercise to adopt pressure tactics is to somehow get some decision in favour (of Maoists) and get to rule the government”, adds Nihar Nayak. The Maoists had claimed to gather about 400,000 cadres in Kathmandu but the reports clearly states the number not more than 130,000. Now, once they have congregated such a huge number they should have prepared for logistics of the cadres which the sources say has not been done and this is causing a lot of trouble for the cadre. The National Congress has also made it clear that the solution could be reached with dialogue instead of using bandh and pressure as tactics. With 22 parties making it clear that they are with Madhav Nepal's government, it is going to be a long drawn tug of war. The Maoists know that if they will not be able to get a decision in their favour, then they may face disenchantment amongst the cadre. The ruling parties are of the view that they will not let Maoists succeed in their tactics, as this will only lead to a situation where Maoists will get everything done for their benefits.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Monday, June 14, 2010

EARTH BEAT

As the world observed the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, TSI’s Anu Gulmohar took stock of the steps taken by the Indian government, companies and citizens towards preservation of Gaia


Like the blue-skinned Na’vis in the Hollywood blockbuster “Avatar”, India has its own tribe of nature loving people, the Dongria Kondh, whose plight too is akin to the Na’vis. Where the Na’vis world was threatened by the desire of humans to mine unobtanium, the Dongria Kondh tribal community has to fight off the company planning on mining for bauxite on their sacred mountain. Mining on the Niyamgiri mountain in Orissa is expected to cause 36 streams and two rivers to dry up, and the dust and pollution from the mining will destroy people’s key food source – mango, pineapple, orange and other fruit plantations. This reclusive and traditional tribe, with a population of nearly 8000, is hoping that if the fictional story of the Na’vis could move so many people around the world, their very real impending tragedy would stir enough people to avert the devastation of their environment. As India joined with the world in celebrating the 40th Earth Day, one wonders if our nation is indeed working towards becoming greener and more ecologically conscious, or if this was just another day with little meaning and infinite brouhaha.

“There are two Indias – one India is the tribals (sic), the peasants, who are way ahead of western conservation. And then you have the rich India, which is only wanting to predate, which has given up the sensibility of the Indian ecological culture and has not adopted the sensibility of the global environmental consciousness either. So, they want to be global in money grab but not global in environmental responsibility. The problem for India’s environment today is the corporations and the rich. And they have a negative consciousness; not just a zero, but a negative consciousness,” says Vandana Shiva, an environmental activist and author. “Environmental clearances are given, with a bribe. For example, why should Vedanta have gotten environmental clearance either for mining bauxite in Niyamgiri or for creating what they call a Vedanta University in the prime agricultural land between Puri and Konark in Orissa? Both clearances are totally fraudulent!” exclaims Shiva.

The picture today isn’t all that bleak though, where several praiseworthy steps are being taken by the Indian government and the corporate houses. For instance, India’s first eco-friendly sports complex, Thyagaraj Stadium, was inaugurated on April 2 in New Delhi. Built with the latest in green building technology and eco-friendly material, it also makes use of solar energy for lighting purposes and will conserve water through water recycling and a rainwater harvesting system in a bid to minimise carbon footprint. Then on April 14, a bio-diesel train was launched in Bilimora, Gujarat, which will use a blend of 10 per cent bio-diesel, and cause a reduction in the emission of carbon-dioxide to a large extent. “I really applaud Jairam Ramesh on the moratorium on the Bt Brinjal plant, which is very significant for bio-diversity and public health,” adds Vandana Shiva. Another initiative is the Green India Mission, which is a part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change. On April 13, Environment & Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh announced that the Mission would aim for the afforestation of six million hectares and expand forest cover from 23 per cent to 33 per cent of India’s territory. But the formulation of the Mission is awaited, as the Minister aims to make the process participative through public consultation. Environmentalists are not overly impressed by the Green India Mission though. Vinuta Gopal of Greenpeace India says, “This has been a plan that India has articulated many times over. It is not new. The Green Mission is merely a new avatar.”

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Friday, June 11, 2010

2010 IFFA WHEN INDIA SPARKLED UNDER THE LA SKY

this year’s indian film festival of los angeles was all about films(!!), fun, food and famous stars. from meeting the beautiful-and-stronger-than-ever lisa ray to dancing to the beat of the dhol, neha sarin shares with us her unique cultural experience at the 8th edition of iifla.

There were butterflies in my tummy, as I braced myself for the red carpet experience – one that had always seemed to be a scene in a faraway land. But now that I was here, it seemed too close for comfort. On my way to the venue, the suave ArcLight Cinemas, located at the famous Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, it started drizzling. Within minutes it was pouring heavily. Travelling with one of the organisers of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA), whom I had befriended while desperately trying to register myself last minute, I hoped the rain wouldn't dampen the evening.

A few last minute glitches did crop-up at IFFLA this year, but were handled smoothly by the people behind the scenes, all dressed for the occasion in traditional Indian attire. The red carpet was rolled out in an open courtyard but it had to be dragged indoors, thanks to the untimely rains. As the evening progressed, and expensive perfume filled the air, hordes of known and deserving faces sashayed down the carpet. As they smiled and posed, members from the media hurriedly shot questions at the celluloid heartthrobs even as the furious clicking of the cameras drowned the Indian music in the background. Amongst the first few to show up were Mary Murphy (“So You Think You Can Dance”), Jeff Doucette (“Desperate Housewives”) and Aditya Bhattacharya (“Raakh Redux”). Christina Marouda, IFFLA’s Executive Director and the creator of this magical event, carrying an off-shoulder black gown with absolute finesse, and Arnold Peter, IFFLA’s Chair of Board, in an elegant embroidered black suit, mingled and exchanged pleasantries with their guests.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Doting donor

The 37-year-old Hollywood actor, Ben Affleck credits fatherhood for instilling in him a higher sense of responsibility and sensitivity towards other people’s suffering. The “The Goodwill Hunting” actor, who recently launched the ‘Eastern Congo Initiative’ and travelled to the state for charitable causes, feels motivated because of his two daughters – Violet Anne (four) and Seraphina (15 months) – with his wife Jennifer Garner. Such is the impact of charity causes in Ben’s life that he has also ‘confirmed to participate in the World Series of Poker Ante Up For Africa charity tournament’ with celebrity friend Matt Damon. Well, gambling for a noble cause seems noble enough!

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

In trouble for proactive role

The Governor takes the flak for changing things for good

A court’s negative remark against Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan has generated heated debate in the state. Raising the issue in the Assembly, Congress legislators said that the court’s remark against the governor, government and police could send a wrong message to people. The Governor is hyper active in leading the state administration. Andhra lobbyists and the Telanganites have attacked Narasimhan for his role in the ‘ruthless’ handling of Telangana movement. The cops were given full freedom to silence the protesters. The Governor was also attacked for his ‘unusual silence’ on the communal strife in the twin cities.

In fact, Narasimhan has adopted a different style of functioning. His detractors call him tough and stubborn. In an unprecedented move, he started touring the entire state from Adilabad district. Sources said he visited agency areas and interacted with tribal people in their mother tongue. Besides, he forced the state administration to fork out Rs 36 crore crop compensation that the government had promised to release earlier. Interestingly, after his interference the money was released in half an hour. He got down to business just three hours after being sworn-in as Governor of the state. While interacting with the chief minister, he tossed at him tough questions. Top police officials were also not spared. They were asked about the steps taken to maintain peace after Hyderabad was rocked by riots.

Also, the governor dissolved the executive councils of several state universities in order to ‘reform’ them. This was unprecedented as before him no Governor got himself involved with the universities’ functioning. A few weeks after he took charge, he held a vice-chancellors’ meet where he ordered them to submit a report about the universities’ activities once in every six months. He has asked the department to initiate large-scale infrastructure developments in all universities and technical institutions. The Governor’s enthusiasm drew flak from vice-chancellors. “There are officials who have been dealing with higher education and we have been following their orders. It is strange for a Governor to get involved,” a vice-chancellor told TSI on the condition of anonymity. But, minister Sreedhar Babu has welcomed the Governor’s proactive role.

Impressed by him, he says: “The Governor has been making suggestions to improve higher education as the chancellor of the state universities and it must be welcomed.” Narasimhan, known for his simplicity, is planning to hold a ‘Praja Darshan’ in the Raj Bhavan once a week to interact with people and solve their problems.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Monday, June 07, 2010

Gimme Mori!

Its Barbara Mori's very first venture in Indian cinema, and she’s already the talk of the town. In a tête-à-tête with Spriha Srivastava, the lissome Latino lass shares the anxiety and excitement of her foray into Bollywood…

The Mexican damsel was preening herself in front of the mirror as I entered the room. She greeted me with her stunning smile and a hearty “Hello”, took a quick approval from the stylist about her tresses and offered me a seat. A pink dress flowed over her curvaceous figure, made complete with towering heels and minimal make-up; Barbara Mori looked as glamorous as she looks in the rushes of “Kites”. Without keeping her guest waiting, she propped up a couple of pillows behind her on the bed to make herself comfortable, her light eyes signaling me to shoot…

Was your foray into Hindi cinema a planned one?

“No, never! You know, in Mexico, you can imagine Hollywood and all, but Bollywood, never. It’s been such a huge and exciting experience.”

New to Bollywood as well as the language, Barbara chose her words carefully – perhaps wary of the controversies shadowing her – and when articulated in that Latino accent, exuberated a delightful charm and an innocent honesty. Barbara Mori is a popular TV soap actress in Mexico and has showcased her talent in many local movies too. When talking about her first reaction to being offered a role in Bollywood, Barbara threw her head backwards, seeming to relive that moment. “Ah! I was surprised. I never imagined myself here. My career was only limited to Mexico. I never imagined that a producer from Bollywood would want me in his movie. So, I’m really fortunate…Yeah, very fortunate to have got this opportunity.

And what impression did you have of Hindi cinema?

“I did know about India and the film industry, but I knew about no one from Bollywood. I knew no Hrithik… nobody from the industry. I never watched any Hindi film also. After “Kites” was offered, for the first time I heard about Hrithik, Rakesh and Anurag.”

She shrugged and laughed apologetically at her embarrassing ignorance of the famous names of Mumbai marquee.

So was it the glitz and glamour of the industry that pushed you to grab the offer?

“Oh no, no! I really fell in love with the script. The love story touched my heart. You know, I always want something like this. When I read through scripts, I feel that the story should make me feel something about it, make me cry…or…should just touch me. This story was something like that. That is why I decided to do this movie.”

Anurag Basu, the director of “Kites” had mentioned that the narration of the script to Barbara was extremely exhausting, for Barbara had to struggle with his Indian accent to comprehend the story. On being reminded, she laughed, nodded in affirmation and reminisced those rough patches while shooting. “At times I did not understand what the scene demanded! Before I started shooting, I was very nervous and scared about how it would turn out to be. Yeah I’d thought that Indian director, talking in Indian accent, will be very hard to understand. But then when I got into it, I realised that it was turning out to be good. Sometimes these guys would get talking and I would not understand anything so I would just say, ‘Hey! Speak in English’. And then Anurag would say ‘I am talking in English!’ I didn’t understand because he would talk very fast and I would find it difficult to grasp. But since the first day Hrithik was always there saying, ‘Don’t worry; I would explain it to you’.”

With all new people – Hrithik, Rakesh Roshan and Anurag - what was the first day at the shoot like?

“Oh! I had to start with an action sequence. I was very excited. It was fun.” And then resting her face on her palm, said, “You know, I found the song and dance thing in Hindi movies little weird. It’s very funny actually. And I had to do the same thing! In Mexican cinema, there is nothing like this. I found it weird because Hrithik, at one moment, is killing someone and has blood all over his arm and then suddenly he starts dancing and smiling. So I always laughed about it.” That’s the innocent honesty I was talking about.
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Friday, June 04, 2010

Split wide open

Chandrasekhar Bhattacharjee looks at the possible permutations and combinations as 81 civic bodies go to polls in West Bengal.

The Left Front had scored a landslide victory in the 2006 Assembly elections, bagging 235 out of the 294 seats in West Bengal. Data shows the Front secured 50.18 per cent of the total votes polled. In this the leading constituent, Communist Party of India's (Marxist) [CPI(M)’s] share was 37.13 per cent, Forward Bloc got 5.66 per cent, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) secured 3.71 per cent and the Communist Party of India (CPI) managed only 1.91 per cent of the votes. The rest of the votes were divided among smaller partners such as DSP, WBSP and MFB.

The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Indian National Congress (INC) fought separately to bag 35 and 30 seats respectively. Their vote share was 28.77 per cent and 15.41 per cent respectively. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fought alone and got only 1.93 per cent of the vote share. Besides, the Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) won two seats. Polls to 81 civic bodies were held in 2005, just a year before the last Assembly elections. The Left Front had secured 51 per cent of the votes, the TMC bagged 21 per cent while the Congress got 26 per cent of the votes. Of the 81 civic bodies, the Left Front won 55 municipalities and municipal corporations. The TMC, INC and others bagged 36 — in some cases as a combine.

In other words, if the TMC and the INC had fought the elections together, their vote share could not have been less than 47 per cent. Figures also show that despite bagging 235 seats in the 2006 Assembly elections, the CPI (M)’s vote share dipped from 43 per cent in 2005 to 37.13 per cent in 2006.

Things started changing since the Singur-Nandigram days. The spontaneous movements launched by people and the TMC leadership’s calculated association with them translated into a rich harvest for the TMC in the Lok Sabha elections of 2009. This time around, the TMC-INC alliance pushed the CPI (M)’s vote down to 33.09 per cent — a 10 per cent decline compared to the 2006 Assembly polls.

The Left Front as a whole got 43.29 per cent of the polled votes, while the Trinamool Congress secured 31.19 per cent and the INC got 13.46 per cent (together they got 44.65 per cent). The SUCI, too, as a partner of the coalition, got a sizeable chunk of the votes.
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Food and fuel is hard to find even at five times the actual cost

The minister said it would not be possible to ferry goods like oxygen canisters and petroleum products on cargo planes. But the government airlifted 3.5 metric tonnes of medicine and 3.5 metric tonnes of rice from Guwahati on Monday. The Food Corporation of India airlifted 35 quintals of rice to Imphal on Monday on an SOS from the Manipur government. “Another 35 quintals will be lifted tomorrow from Guwahati along with life-saving medicines in a 50-quintal-capacity IAF aircraft because of the ongoing crisis in that state. Every family will get 5 kg rice at Rs 15 a kg on producing ration cards,” M.K. Gogoi, general manager, Northeast, FCI, told TSI. Trucks were on their way to Imphal from Guwahati through NH-150, which links Imphal and Guwahati via Mizoram.

As Muivah is seen as a divider of communities, a threat to the unity of Manipur and responsible for several criminal acts and human rights violations by the people and the state government, people are angry. Muivah should not be shocked if he can recall what NSCN (I-M) under his leadership has done to Manipur and her people. “Kukis can not forget their ethnic cleansing and suffering at the hands of NSCN (I-M) in the 1990s,” says Dhanabir Laishram, a lecturer. Unlike Nagaland or any other region of the world, Manipur is like a mini-India with various communities living together with no restriction of people coming to or going out of the state. It’s been home to Meiteis, Muslims, Nagas and Kuki-chin people with close socio-cultural, economic, political and emotional ties.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) says impending visit of Muivah to Manipur has created a state of confusion among the people. The special treatment fitting for a head of the state accorded to him by GOI is all the more unsettling for the people of the North East. “His supporters call him the champion of peace but he is responsible for killing over 900 Kukis, destroying 350 Kuki villages and rendering over 1,00,000 Kukis refugees in their own land during the 1990s.”

Kuki National Organisation (KNO) secretary Lenin H. Kuki in a statement asserted that it is due to Muivah’s Machiavellian and nihilistic designs that Manipur valley witnessed a bloodbath in June 2001 in which 20 lives were lost. The KNO is of the opinion that until justice is meted out to the victimised Kukis in the form of political dialogue to solve their issues, any sort of peace and security initiatives taken by the government in the northeast would be futile.

The United Committee Manipur and various organisations of the valley oppose Muivah’s homecoming. UCM president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar describes Muivah’s proposed visit to Manipur as “provocative”. The UCM has requested the Centre to exercise political wisdom in cancelling the controversial visit of Muivah to Manipur latest by May 20. It also warned that the government does not heed its advice, the people of Manipur would be left with no other choice but to resist the alleged evil designs of the centre, by launching people’s democratic movement with the declaration of public emergency throughout the state from May 21. It also blamed the central leaders of igniting the political time bomb by unnecessary prolonging the issue.

K.Dutta, a social worker, says it is ironical that the Centre is extending a warm welcome to a person who has fought violently against it for decades. But the same powerful rebel leader is not able to visit his birthplace in Ukhrul, Manipur. Former Manipur chief minister W. Nipamacha says Muivah’s attempt to visit his birthplace is not a simple homecoming. It is a calculated political move.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Import of chinese SIMs can compromise national security

Several Chinese and European companies sell SIM cards in India. Other than the Chinese companies, almost every other company has set up its personalisation centre in India. The fact that Chinese companies have not set their personalisation centre in India generates more suspicion. The two main Chinese companies, Watchdata and Eastcompeace, control more than 30 per cent of the Indian SIM card market. Data from Electronic Computer Software Promotion Council, Union ministry of commerce, reveal that during the last year (Between April 2008 and February 2009) around 11,68,17,092 SIM cards have come from China. These companies are selling SIM cards to Indian cellular companies since last three years. As per an estimate, more than 30 crore chinese SIM cards have reached the Indian market. The country head of Eastcompeace, Rajnish Giri told TSI, “We are the largest SIM card and Smart Card manufacturers of Asia. Our personalisation centre is completely safe and is SAS certified.” The SIM secure keys are kept with the Chinese bosses.

When TSI asked why Watchdata does not have its personalisation centre in India, Vijay Parthasarathy, country head, Watchdata Technologies (India), said, “Our personalisation centres are in Singapore and Japan. The whole issue of setting up a personalisation centre in India is ridiculous. I don’t think your question has an answer”.

It is an important question that how safe is our SIM card data in the hands of a country which has been accused of hacking and stealing data of other countries. India and China have a nervy relationship. Apart from the Tibet controversy and Chinese help to Pakistan, India has boundary disputes with China. Stealing important information of countries is part of the Chinese foreign policy. An advisor with the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, Brigadier (retd) Rumel Dahiya says, “Around 30,000 people are supposed to be involved in the task of hacking Cyber and communication networks. Also, a large number of people in China are doing it out of curiosity and nationalism.” There is an unofficial ban in America and European countries on import of mobile phone and communication service equipments from China. If china is viewed with suspicion by not just India but the whole world, there is solid reason behind it. Suvrokamal Dutt, an expert on international affairs, says, “Inquiries into hacking of computers of important organisations around the world has revealed that since the 80s, the source of nearly every hacking was in China. Right from Microsoft and NASA to White House and the British Parliament, all have had their servers and computers accessed by Chinese hackers. As Chinese companies are controlled by the government, they come under suspicion. Union home minister P. Chidambaram’s action is totally correct.”
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)