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Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology<br />
Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Management Studies<br />
PSP Area, Plot No. 1, Sector-22, Rohini, Delhi-110041.<br />
STAND APART JOIN TODAY FOR BRIGHT TOMORROW<br />
Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology (MAIT) and Maharaja Agrasen Institute of<br />
Management Studies (MAIMS), the two ambitious initiatives of Maharaja Agrasen Technical<br />
Education Society (MATES), have carved out a niche<br />
for themselves in Delhi in Engineering and Management<br />
Education. Both these intuitions are affiliated to GGSIP<br />
University. Both the institutions are ISO 9001: 2000<br />
certified. MAIT is also accredited by NBA. The institutes<br />
are located in state-of-the art campus and have excellent<br />
infrastructure and modern facilities. The institutes have a<br />
committed faculty. MAIT and MAIMS have separate<br />
placement cells, which have helped students to get<br />
placement in reputed companies like INFOSYS, HCL<br />
Technologies, SATYAM Computers, TCIL, ICICI<br />
Prudential Life and BPL, etc., In the All India Survey of<br />
Technical Institutes conducted by DATA QUEST<br />
magazine has placed MAIT at the top amongst the Self<br />
rd<br />
financing Technical Institutes in Delhi and placed it at 43<br />
position amongst all technical Institutes in the country.<br />
Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology provides<br />
quality education in B.Tech. Courses in the following<br />
disciplines:-Electronics & Communication Engg.(120<br />
seats); Computer Science & Engg.(120 seats);<br />
Mechanical & Automation Engg. (120 seats);<br />
Information Technology (60 seats); Electrical &<br />
Electronics Engg. (60 seats) and MBA (60 seats). Lateral<br />
Entry Scheme in all disciplines is also permissible. The<br />
students desirous of getting admission under this quota<br />
should have scored a minimum of 60% marks in P.C.M.<br />
nd rd<br />
Few seats are available in 2 Year (3 Semester) in all<br />
branches for migration from other Institutes/University.<br />
Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Management Studies<br />
is running the following two programmes with an intake indicated against each:-<br />
BBA (120 seats) and BBA (Banking & Insurance-60 seats). It is proposed to start Bachelor of<br />
Journalism (Mass Communication) and PGDBM Programmes.<br />
Combined Entrance Test (CET) by GGS Indraprastha University, Delhi is mandatory for all<br />
admissions.<br />
15 % seats can be filled on Supernumerary basis from amongst Foreign National / Persons of Indian<br />
Origin / Foreign Students over and above the approved intake in each programme.<br />
Contact Director, MAIT/MAIMS for further details on the following numbers.<br />
MAIT: 011-2489491, 65162001,<br />
65153363 Tele/ Fax 011-25489494<br />
MAIMS: 011-65195341,<br />
Tele/ Fax 011-25489493
Efforts<br />
PATRONS<br />
Dr. Satyendra Srivastava<br />
Dr. Ashok Chakradhar<br />
ADVISORS<br />
Anil Joshi, Santosh Taneja,<br />
Anil Pota, Ram Bhatt,<br />
Sudershan Bhatia<br />
Editor<br />
Dr. Padmesh Gupta<br />
Resident Editor<br />
Pankaj Dubey<br />
Editorial Board<br />
Naresh Bharatiya<br />
Vijay Rana<br />
Titiksha Shah<br />
Managing Editor<br />
Divya Mathur<br />
R. C. Agarwal<br />
Coordinator, Overseas<br />
Neerav Pradhan<br />
Creative Director<br />
Naresh Shandilya<br />
Sub-Editor<br />
Amendra Pokharel<br />
Manager, Productions<br />
Rajeev Vats<br />
Layout Designer<br />
Manishankar<br />
Publisher<br />
Saroj Sharma<br />
Managing Director<br />
Dial D Sharma<br />
General Manager Marketing<br />
N.K. Srivastava<br />
Executive Marketing<br />
R. B. Sharma,<br />
Prem Praksah<br />
Representatives<br />
Ved Mohla, Shelly Smith,<br />
Jai Verma, Shail Agarwal,<br />
Nikhil Kaushik,<br />
Gajender Solanki<br />
EDITORIAL<br />
Atithi Devo Bhava<br />
Dr. Padmesh Gupta<br />
There was a time when Romans were so highly proud of Rome that the saying<br />
went that 'all roads lead to Rome'. The remnants of the Roman Empire and the<br />
early Christendom made Italy a favourite destination for tourists around the world.<br />
But India ,a country which is a melting pot of diverse cultures with 28 states<br />
endowed with mountains to rivers, beaches and forests, heritage and historic sites<br />
to temples and shrines has far more to offer a tourist than Italy.<br />
Bounded by the Himalayan range in the north and surrounded by the Arabian<br />
Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean on the remaining three sides, diverse<br />
cultures and languages, its changing landscapes, mouth watering cuisines,<br />
enchanting music, exotic costumes, monuments and heritage of 28 States to pick<br />
and choose from India is truly a one stop destination with hospitality second to<br />
none. The phrase “Atithi Devo Bhava” is ingrained and lived in day to day life.<br />
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, India is the second fastest<br />
growing travel and tourism economy in the world. The graph of tourist arrivals in<br />
India every year is increasing and currently more than 4 million tourists are visiting<br />
India per year. Its rising economy and trade investment links has put India in the<br />
global market place. Cities like Goa often called the 'pearl of the east' with its 80<br />
mile long coastline , colourful rustic yet vibrant Rajasthan- with its forts, havelis,<br />
palaces and sand dunes, Kashmir often dubbed as the 'paradise on earth' where<br />
nature has lavished distinctive favours which hardly find a parallel in the alpine<br />
land of the world and Kerala where lush plantations rise from the sea and sweep the<br />
entire state in verdant glory of rubber plantations, cashew, cardamom and variety<br />
of spices with the only interruption of the crystal blue backwaters along which<br />
coconut palms soar to the skies are some of the tourist hotspots of the country.<br />
Other than foreign travellers a large number of Non Resident Indians go to<br />
India every year and perhaps spend more money than all the foreigners put together.<br />
Most of the shopping for clothes and jewellery by NRIs are done in India. The NRIs<br />
from America and Britain specially travel to their motherland for their siblings<br />
wedding trousseaus. Apart from the four metropolitan cities of India- Delhi,<br />
Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkatta which are a shopping paradise of NRIs, the states<br />
of Gujarat, Punjab and Kerala are the most popular destinations of NRIs for their<br />
family visits. Visit to India is the foremost way for NRIs to educate and imbibe in<br />
their children Indian culture and values.<br />
Last year approximately 200,000 foreigners chose to undergo medical and<br />
dental treatments in India. With modern diagnostic and treatment facilities,<br />
experienced surgeons and alternative medicines India provides world class<br />
healthcare facilities at a fraction of the price compared to the western world. This<br />
has opened a new avenue aptly named the medical tourism in the country.<br />
Secular India is home to Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism,<br />
Sikhism and other innumerable religious traditions each having its heroes, legends<br />
and own pilgrim sites which encourage and lure yet again another sect of travellers<br />
to the mystic India. Be it cultural, medical or religious -I feel a combination of these<br />
composite mixes has resulted in a one stop special destination that we can so<br />
proudly name Incredible India! ■<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong>: 51, 2nd Floor, Rani Jhansi Road, Jhandewalan, Pahar Ganj,<br />
New Delhi-110055 Ph. 011-24504648, Fax. 011-23612752 Mob. 9899552099<br />
E-mail: pravasitoday@gmail.com, Website: www.pravasitoday.com
CONTENTS<br />
06 Letter to Editor<br />
10 News Diary<br />
14 Business News<br />
38 NRI Achievers<br />
50 Book Review<br />
58 Cookery<br />
60 Vrat Tyohar<br />
61 Jyotish<br />
73 Vividha<br />
ckj&ckj ns[kks]<br />
❒������������<br />
gtkj ckj ns[kks--- ns[kks---<br />
27<br />
Indian Tourist<br />
Destinations<br />
❒ Pankaj Dubey<br />
16<br />
Bobby Jindal<br />
set to become first<br />
Indian-American Governor<br />
– P.T. Bureau<br />
49<br />
Proprietor, Publisher and Printer : Saroj Sharma, 51, IInd floor, Rani Jhansi Road, Jhandewalan, Paharganj, New Delhi-110055<br />
Printed at : Delhi Press, E-3, Jhandewalan Estate, New Delhi 110055<br />
Contact Overseas: UK - Dr. Padmesh Gupta, 130, Pavalion Way, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 9JP, UK<br />
CANADA - Shyam Tripathi, 6 Larksmere Court, Markham, ON L3R 3RI, Canada<br />
USA - Dr. Sudha Om Dhingra, 101, Cuymon Court, Morrisville NC-27560, USA<br />
HOLLAND - Dr. Pushpita Awasthi, P.O. Box 1080, 1810 KB, The Netherlands, Holland<br />
DISTRIBUTOR IN CANADA : Far Eastern Books, 250 Cochrane Drive, Suite 14, Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 8E5, Tel: 800-291-8886<br />
DISCLAIMER The articles published in <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> carry the personal views of writers. The publisher and the editor is not<br />
responsible incase of any debate. Matters related to the magazine can be brought in courts within the jurisdiction of Delhi.
6<br />
LETTER<br />
TO<br />
EDITOR<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> is a window for me to look into the cross-culture domain of Indians, NRIs and the PIOs. It holds<br />
true when it comes to the positioning of the magazine. It is, indeed, a bridge. The issue on 'Changing Values of<br />
NRIs' was a wonderful read. It reflected the true nature of culture synthesis undergoing within the Indian<br />
Diaspora community. The article by V Radhakrishnan depicting NRIs as the torchbearers of true cosmopolitan<br />
culture was quite interesting.<br />
Kumar Saurabh<br />
London Metropolitan University,<br />
London<br />
Anil Joshi came up with an exciting article on the latest version of International Cricket, Twenty 20 in the<br />
previous issue. It has rightly been mentioned in his article that gone are the days for the complacent senior<br />
players of team India. Ring in the new trend of young monarchs. Kudos for winning the world cup.<br />
Namita Prakash<br />
New York, USA<br />
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<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong>
fcz<br />
fczVsu esa fgUnh ds iz.ksrk%<br />
Lo- MkW- y{eheYy fla?koh<br />
iq.; Lej.k<br />
Vsu esa fgUnh dk Lof.kZe ;qx vkjEHk gqvk 1992 esas] tc MkW- y{eheYy fla?koh th Hkkjr ds mPpk;qDr cu dj<br />
yanu vk,A eq>s vkt Hkh ;kn gS og igj tc fla?koh th ds yanu fuokl] 9 dsaflXVu iSysl xkMZu esa Hkkjr<br />
ds lqfo[;kr dfo Jh vftr dqekj ds lEeku esa xks"Bh gqbZ vkSj Jherh deyk fla?koh ds vfrF; esa gesa fczVsu esa<br />
fgUnh dk ?kj feykA<br />
1990 esa eSaus ;w-ds- fgUnh dh LFkkiuk dh Fkh vkSj dqN ifjokjksa ds lkFk fey dj ge t+ehu ryk'k jgs FksA fla?koh<br />
th us fgUnh lfefr ds flj ij gkFk j[kk vkSj ge fgUnh ds flikfg;ksa dks tSls fldUnj dk usr`Ro fey x;kA fgUnh<br />
ds bl dne us fQj ihNs eqM+ dj ugha ns[kkA fnu izfrfnu fczVsu fgUnhe; gksrk pyk x;kA<br />
'kk[k&'kk[k ij fgUnh ds iq"i f[kyus yxs vkSj uxj&uxj fgUnh dh laLFkk,Wa cuus yxhaA Hkkjr ds fnXxt<br />
lfgR;dkjksa dk yanu vkuk 'kq: gks x;kA 1993 esa eSupsLVj esa bafM;u ,lksfl,'ku }kjk fla?koh nEifRr ds laj{k.k<br />
esa izFke varjkZ"Vªh; fgUnh lEesyu ds vk;kstu ds lkFk vfgale Hkkjrh; dh LFkkiuk gqbZ vkSj 1994 ls yanu ,oa<br />
eSupsLVj esa fojkV varjkZ"Vªh; fgUnh dfo lEesyuksa us fczVsu ds tuekul dks fgUnh ls tksM+uk vkjEHk dj fn;kA<br />
vkbZ- lh- lh- vkj- ds lg;ksx ls jekukFk voLFkh] uhjt] f'ko eaxy flag lqeu] dUgS;k yky uanu ls ysdj v'kksd<br />
pØ/kj] cky dfo cSjkxh] jke nj'k feJ] dqavj cSpsu tSls fgUnh ds 'kh"kZ dfo;ksa ds vkxeu ls fczVsu esa fgUnh<br />
Qyus&Qwyus yxhA<br />
fla?koh th ds fuokl ij Jh vVy fcgkjh oktis;h vkSj yrk eaxs'dj tSlh foHkwfr;ksa ds lkFk fgUnh dh<br />
laxksf"B;ka gksus yxhA fgUnh ds gj dk;ZdrkZ dks fla?koh nEifRr dk izse] Lusg ,oa izksRlkgu feyus yxkA fgUnh dk<br />
dksbZ Hkh NksVk&cM+k vk;kstu gksrk] fla?koh th ,oa deyk th iwjh lfdz;rk ds lkFk Hkkx ysrsA ;gka rd fd vk;kstu<br />
dh O;oLFkk ls tqM+h NksVh&NksVh ckrksa esa deyk th gekjk ekxZ n'kZu djrhaA<br />
yanu ds Hkkjrh; mPpk;ksx esa tgka fgUnh dk ,d VwVk&QwVk iqjkuk VkbZijkbZVj Fkk] fla?koh th ds yanu vkrs<br />
gh og VkbZijkbZVj dEI;wVj esa fgUnh lkWQ~Vos;j ds lkFk rCnhy gks x;kA Hkkjrh; mPpk;ksx ls i= fgUnh esa<br />
vkus&tkus yxsA<br />
Mk- fla?koh th dh igy ls yanu esa usg: dsUnz dh LFkkiuk us Hkkjrh; Hkk"kkvksa vkSj laLd`fr dks ,d ubZ fn'kk<br />
nhA 1997 esa Hkkjr dh Lora=rk dh Lo.kZ t;Urh ds miy{; esasa geus fla?koh th ds laj{k.k esa nwljk varjkZ"Vªh;<br />
lEesyu vk;ksftr fd;kA bl lqvolj ij fczVsu esa igyh fgUnh dh lkfgfR;d if=dk ^iqjokbZ* dk tUe gqvkA<br />
1997 esa fla?koh th Hkkjr pys x, ijUrq mudh cukbZ fgUnh dh lsuk muds fn[kk, ekxZ ij pyrh jghA fczVsu esa<br />
Hkkjrh; mPpk;qDr ds in~ ij vius O;Lr thou ls le; fudky dj fgUnh dh NksVh ls NksVh xfrfof/k dks xfr ns<br />
dj fla?koh th ml vk;kstu dks cM+k cuk nsrsA Hkkjr tkus ds ckn Hkh mUgksaus fczVsu ds fgUnh dfeZ;ksa ds lkFk viuk<br />
laidZ cuk, j[kkA<br />
1992 esaa fla?koh th ds vkus ij tgka fczVsu esa fgUnh dh ,dek= lfdz; laLFkk ;w-ds- fgUnh lfefr Fkh vkt <strong>2007</strong><br />
esa fczVsu ds gj cM+s 'kgj esa ,d ugha vusd laLFkk,a lfdz; gSaA vkt fczVsu esa fgUnh dk ,slk okrkoj.k cu x;k gS fd<br />
djhc&djhc gj o"kZ ;gka ,d ubZ laLFkk dk uke mHkj dj lkeus vk tkrk gSA<br />
vkt fczVsu fo'o esa fgUnh dk eq[; dsUnz cu x;k gSA cPpksa ls ysdj cM+ksa rd ds jaxfcjaxs fgUnh ds dk;Zdzeksa ls<br />
fczVsu txexk jgk gSA izoklh fgUnh ys[ku Hkh fo'o fgUnh txr esa LFkkfir gksrk tk jgk gSA<br />
eSa ekurk gwa fd MkW- y{eheYy fla?koh ,oa deyk fla?koh th us fczVsu dks fgUnh dk tks Lof.kZe ;qx fn;k og<br />
fo'o esa fgUnh txr ds bfrgkl dks lcls egRoiw.kZ HksaV gSA<br />
tc rd fczVsu esa fgUnh cksyh tkrh jgsxh] MkW- y{eheYy fla?koh th dk uke ;kn fd;k tk,xkA<br />
& MkW- in~es'k xqIr<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
7
iq.; Lej.k<br />
fla?koh th<br />
dk fgUnh<br />
lkfgR; esa<br />
^D;k*<br />
;ksxnku<br />
gS\<br />
,sls Louke/kU; yksx tks<br />
viuh Hkk"kk vkSj lkfgR;<br />
ls dVs gSa] ftUgsa viuh<br />
Hkk"kk dk dksbZ LokfHkeku<br />
ugha gS muds fy, rks og<br />
dSfj;j gS ogh yksx gh iwN<br />
ldrs gSa fd thou dk<br />
,d&,d {k.k fgUnh Hkk"kk<br />
vkSj lkfgR; ds fy,<br />
lefiZr djus okys fla?koh<br />
th dk fgUnh lkfgR; esa<br />
D;k ;ksxnku gS\<br />
❒������������<br />
8<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
fo<br />
”o fgUnh lEesyu ds i”pkr<br />
lEesyu dh izk;ksftr leh{kk ds<br />
nkSj py jgs FksA rHkh ,d ofj"B dfo dk<br />
ch-ch-lh- dh osclkbV ij ,d ys[k i eq>s ;g crkrh gS fd bu lEesyuksa<br />
ls tqM+s jktusrkvksa esa ls dksbZ ,slk ugha<br />
Fkk tks fgUnh Hkk’kk vkSj lkfgR; dh og<br />
le> j[krk gks ftruh fla?koh th dh<br />
Fkh] ftldh Hkk’kk vkSj lkfgR; ds izfr og<br />
izfrc)rk Fkh tks fla?koh th dh FkhA<br />
fgUnh Hkk’kk vkjS lkfgR; ftldh /kefu;k as<br />
e as jDr dh rjg cgrk gk]s ftldk eu<br />
fgUnh d s mRFkku dh ;kts uk, a cuq rk jgrk<br />
gk]s Hkkjr dk lkfgR; vkjS lLa df` r ftldk<br />
ikz .k gk]s tk s fny d s db Z vkiW j”s kuk as d s ckn<br />
Hkh lEeys u dh NkVs h&cMh+ pht dh fpUrk<br />
djrk gk]s ftl s fo”o e as QyS s g,q fgUnh Hkk’kh<br />
lekt l s bl rjg yxko gks fd mUgksaus<br />
fo”o fgUnh lEesyu esa viuh Oghy ps;j<br />
Hkkstu LFky ls ckgj Myok yh rkfd<br />
lcls feyus dk ekSdk fey lds] ml<br />
O;fDr ds fo"k; esa dgk tk, fd mldk<br />
lkfgR; esa D;k ;ksxnku gS\<br />
deyk th vkSj muds lg;ksfx;ksa<br />
dks muds LokLF; dh fpUrk Fkh ij mUgsa<br />
fgUnh ds oSf”od Lrj ij mRFkku dhA<br />
fla?koh th mlh ijia jk d s jkturs k Fk s ftl<br />
ijia jk e as egkRek xk/a kh] i#q ’kkÙs ke nkl VMa u<br />
lBs xkfs oUn nkl] HkkjrUs n q gfj'pUn z tlS s
O;fDrRo vkr s gAaS mUgkuas s vgfu'Z k Hkkjrh;<br />
lkfgR; vkjS lLa df` r dh los k dhA muds<br />
laikndh;ksa esa Hkkjr dh vfLerk] Hkk"kk]<br />
dyk] lkfgR;] n'kZu] ewY;ksa vkSj lH;rk<br />
ds ckjs esa fpark FkhA vius vfLrRo vkSj<br />
fojklr dh vogsyuk vkSj vuns[kh ds<br />
izfr Hkkjh {kksHk FkkA<br />
izoklh Hkkjrh;ksa ds fy, mUgksaus tks<br />
dqN fd;k mldk dksbZ lkuh ugha gSA<br />
fczVsu esa tc eSa fgUnh vkSj laLd`fr<br />
vf/kdkjh ds in ij x;k rc rd fla?koh<br />
th ds ckn nks&rhu mPpk;qDr vk pqds<br />
FksA ijUrq vke Hkkjrh; vkSj fczfV'kj<br />
dsoy mUgsa tkurs FksA muds Hkk"k.k] muls<br />
lHkh i[z ;kr dfo ogk a x,A fgUnh d s ftu<br />
ofj"B lkfgR;dkjk as l s Hkkjrh; fon's k los k<br />
d s dfu"B vf/kdkjh feyu s l s Hkh cpr s Fk s<br />
mUgh a lkfgR;dkjk as dk s fl?a koh th viu s ?kj<br />
Bgjkr s FkAs dey's oj tlS s lkfgR;dkjksa dh<br />
uaxs ikao vxokuh djrs FksA fczVsu ds<br />
ys[kd&ysf[kdkvksa dh izdkf'kr izkjafHkd<br />
iqLrdsa mBk ysa vkidks lcesa mudh<br />
Hkwfedk vkSj vk'khoZpu feysxkA m"kk<br />
jkts] in~es'k xqIr] xkSre lpnso] fnO;k<br />
ekFkqj lcds ys[ku dks mudh Lusfgy<br />
xksn feyhA Hkkjrh; Mk;liksjk ls muds<br />
Lusg&laca/k ;gka lekIr ugha gq, cfYd<br />
bu vuqHkoksa ds vk/kkj ij Hkkjrh;<br />
iq.; Lej.k<br />
u gks rks Hkkjr vkdj mUgksaus fgUnh dh<br />
lkfgR; if=dk lkfgR; ve`r dk laiknu<br />
dj viuh lkfgfR;d n`f"V vkSj xgjkbZ<br />
dk Hkh ifjp; fn;kA vle esa fgUnh<br />
Hkkf"k;ksa dh gR;k gks jgh gSA fgUnh Hkkf"k;ksa<br />
dh gh D;ksa\ D;k bldk laca/k vKs; }kjk<br />
izfrikfnr bl ckr ls gS fd [kM+h cksyh<br />
fgUnh {ks= ls gh jk"Vªh;rk dh vo/kkj.kk<br />
fodflr gqbZ gS\ mUgsa jke/kkjh flag<br />
fnudj dh tUe 'krkCnh vkSj muds<br />
;ksxnku dks tu&tu rd igqapkus dh<br />
fpUrk FkhA ijUrq fgUnh ds cM+s lekpkj<br />
i= lkfgR;dkjksa dh xqVcanh ds [ksy [ksy<br />
jgs Fks] ;gka ,d lrr~ uwjk dq'rh pyrh<br />
v{kje~ ds vUrjjk"Vªh; fgUnh mRlo&<strong>2007</strong> esas Oghy ps;j ij cSBs cksyrs gq, MkW- y{eheYy fla?kohA lkFk esa mudh iRuh Jherh deyk fla?koh<br />
eqykdkr] mudh Le`fr;kaA dgha mudh<br />
yxkbZ ewfrZ] dgha mudk yxk;k ikS/kkA<br />
fczVsu ds izoklh Hkkjrh; lekt ds<br />
js'ks&js'ks esa mudh Le`fr;ka gSaA 'kk;n gh<br />
dksbZ ,slk fgUnh lsoh ;k fgUnh ys[kd<br />
gksxk ftlds ?kj mudk tkuk u gqvk gksA<br />
fdlh d s ;gk a 'kknh] eMaq u] fdlh d s ;gk a<br />
dkbs Z dk;ØZ e] o s ykxs k as d s viu s gkb Z<br />
dfe'uj FkAs mud s dk;dZ ky e as gh fcVz us e as<br />
dfo lEeys uk as dh ijia jk ikz jHa k gbq AZ fQj rk s<br />
fgUnh dk dkbs Z i[z ;kr dfo gkxs k tk s ogk a u<br />
x;k gkAs xkis ky nkl uhjt] f'koexa y flga<br />
leq u] dUg;S k yky una u] dns kjukFk flga ]<br />
doaq j cps uS ] jkenj'k feJ] v'kkds pØ/kj<br />
Mk;liksjk dks tksM+us ds fy, Hkkjr<br />
ljdkj us ftl lfefr dk xBu fd;k os<br />
mlds v/;{k FksA mUgksaus gh izoklh<br />
Hkkjrh; fnol dh ladYiuk nh tks<br />
izoklh Hkkjrh;ksa dks Hkkjr ls tksM+us dk<br />
lsrq cukA<br />
ij vki dg ldrs gSa fd loky rks<br />
ogha ij jg x;k fd mudk fgUnh lkfgR;<br />
esa D;k ;ksxnku gS\ tSlk eSaus igys dgk<br />
fd Hkk"kk vkSj lkfgR; dks bl rjg ckaV<br />
dj ns[kus okys ek;ksfid fotu ds<br />
f'kdkj gksrs gSaA ;wa rks izoklh lkfgR; dks<br />
iqf"ir&iYyfor djus esa mudk<br />
egRoiw.kZ ;ksxnku gSA ij ckr ;gha Fkerh<br />
jgrh gSA bUgsa Hkk"kk vkSj lkfgR; ls<br />
eu&opu&izk.k ls tqM+s yksx ew[kZ yxrs<br />
gSaA budh utj esa ogh lkfgR;dkj gSa tks<br />
vdkneh iqjLdkjksa dh nkSM+ esa gSa tks<br />
fo'ks"kkad blfy, fudky jgk gS fd<br />
mlls fu.kkZ;dksa dks [kq'k fd;k tk<br />
ldrk gSA ,sls Louke/kU; yksx tks<br />
viuh Hkk"kk vkSj lkfgR; ls dVs gSa ftUgsa<br />
viuh Hkk"kk dk dksbZ LokfHkeku ugha gS<br />
muds fy, rks og dSfj;j gS ogh yksx gh<br />
iwN ldrs gSa fd thou dk ,d&,d {k.k<br />
fgUnh Hkk"kk vkSj lkfgR; ds fy, lefiZr<br />
djus okys fla?koh th dk fgUnh lkfgR;<br />
esa D;k ;ksxnku gS\<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
9
NEWS DIARY<br />
NRI to head International Recycling Bureau<br />
Leading NRI, R S Baxi has been unanimously<br />
elected the President of the Brussels-based<br />
Paper Division of Bureau of International<br />
Recycling. It is for the first time an Asian has<br />
been elected to head the division in its 59year-old<br />
history, a spokesman of the BIR said.<br />
London-based Baxi, Chief of J & H<br />
International, a company exporting secondary<br />
fibres (waste paper) to Asia, said, "I am<br />
overwhelmed by the huge honour and I will<br />
strive to live up to the expectation of the<br />
international community." Bureau of<br />
International Recycling has offices in 65<br />
countries, with its headquarters in Brussels.<br />
Baxi, a champion of the environmental issues, said, "Our Planet Earth is<br />
undergoing rapid and sustained destruction of its eco-systems. This is giving<br />
rise to unacceptable levels of pollution increasing worldwide population<br />
disruption and leading to higher levels of carbon emissions."<br />
"Climate change is the most pressing environmental, social and economic<br />
problem facing the planet. The consequences of climate change are global,<br />
long-term and in some cases, irreversible. Some of the recent extreme<br />
weather events are caused by Climate Change," he added.<br />
;wjksi dk lcls cM+k fgUnw eafnj cfyZu esa cusxk<br />
;wjksi dk nwljk lcls cM+k fgUnw eafnj<br />
cfyZu 'kgj ds ,d ikdZ esa cusxkA teZu<br />
jkt/kkuh cfyZu esa bl vk'k; dh ,d<br />
vge ?kks"k.kk dh x;h gSA ;g eafnj<br />
yksdfiz; fgUnw nsork x.ks'k th dk gksxkA<br />
x.ks'k eafnj dk fuekZ.k 28 vDVwcj ls<br />
cfyZu dh miuxjh U;wdks,yu ds<br />
gslsugkbM bykds esa 'kq: gksxkA LFkkuh;<br />
es;j ghat cq'kdksoLdh us Jh x.ks'k fgUnw<br />
VsEiy desVh dks bl eafnj ds fuekZ.k ds<br />
fy, ,d ikdZ dh tehu 73 o"kks± ds yht ij lkSai nh gSA cfyZu esa jgus okys djhc<br />
6 gtkj fgUnqvksa ds fy, ;g 'kh"kZ /kkfeZd dsUnz gksxkA bls fgUnqvksa dk 'kh"kZ<br />
lkaLÑfrd dsUnz Hkh ekuk tk,xkA bl eafnj ifjlj ds izos'k }kj ij 17 ehVj dk<br />
,d lqlfTtr fo'kky Vkoj cuk;k tk,xkA bl ifjlj esa ,d fo'kky eafnj gksxk<br />
ftlds bnZ&fxnZ pkj vkSj NksVs eafnj Hkh gksaxsA lcls cM+s eafnj esa 300 ls vf/kd<br />
HkDrksa ds cSBus dh O;oLFkk gksxhA<br />
bl eafnj ds fuekZ.k ij 11-2 yk[k jde [kpZ gksxhA eafnj ds U;kfl;ksa ds eqrkfcd<br />
eafnj ds fuekZ.k ds fy, jde pans ls tqVkbZ tk,xhA bl eafnj dk bLrseky<br />
'kkfn;ksa vkSj tUefnolksa ds fy, Hkh fd;k tk,xkA bl eafnj esa ;ksx ,oa /;ku<br />
f'kfoj Hkh yxk, tk,axsA vc rd ;wjksi dk lcls cM+k fgUnw eafnj Jh osadVs'oj gSA<br />
;g eafnj vxLr] 2006 esa cfe±?ke ds ikl cudj rS;kj gqvkA<br />
10<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
Indian led taxi<br />
strike in New York<br />
The second strike in two months<br />
by New York taxi drivers led by an<br />
Indian origin union leader to<br />
protest installation of global<br />
positioning devices (GPS) and<br />
credit card readers had a lukewarm<br />
response on Monday.<br />
Bhairavi Desai, the executive<br />
director of the New York Taxi<br />
Wo r k e r s A l l i a n c e ( T WA ) ,<br />
estimated the number of striking<br />
drivers to be 60 percent, but the<br />
local news media put the number<br />
at no more than five percent.<br />
About 60 percent of the over<br />
40,000 licensed taxi drivers in the<br />
city are known to be of South<br />
Asian origin. TWA's membership<br />
is around 7,000.<br />
The main issue in the two strikes<br />
has been the new city regulations<br />
for taxis effective from January<br />
next. The city says the navigation<br />
system will let passengers know<br />
where they are. The drivers feel it<br />
is an invasion of their privacy.<br />
The city says credit card payments<br />
will be a convenience for riders.<br />
The drivers argue they have to pay<br />
a five percent fee for every<br />
transaction and they stand to lose<br />
the fare if the credit card<br />
processing malfunctions. Besides,<br />
the devices cost over $5,000 to<br />
install.
'Sound case'<br />
against Indian<br />
killer doctor<br />
Police chief of the Australian state<br />
of Queensland has said the<br />
extradition process of rogue Indian<br />
surgeon Jayant Patel from the US<br />
was on course and there was a "very<br />
sound case" against him.<br />
"It's a big thing to endeavour to<br />
convict a doctor for manslaughter<br />
of the doctor's own patients,"<br />
Commissioner Bob Atkinson said,<br />
adding the federal attorneygeneral's<br />
office was liaising with<br />
US justice department authorities<br />
in the case.<br />
"We think we've got a very sound<br />
case," he said. Patel, who worked as<br />
director of surgery at Bundaberg<br />
Base Hospital in southeast<br />
Queensland from 2003, fled to the<br />
US in April 2005 after being linked<br />
to the deaths of 17 former patients.<br />
Australian authorities last week<br />
ruled out any attempt to prosecute<br />
Darren Keating, who was the<br />
director of medical services at<br />
Bundaberg Hospital at the time<br />
Patel worked there, because the<br />
time limit for such action had run<br />
out, according to 'The Australian"<br />
newspaper today.<br />
This was despite a 2005 inquiry<br />
finding Keating had allegedly<br />
provided false or misleading<br />
information to the Medical Board<br />
of Queensland about Patel's<br />
registration.<br />
NEWS DIARY<br />
Over 200 Indian workers claim they are being abused<br />
More than 200 Indian nationals working in a<br />
Malaysian factory have alleged that they were being<br />
abused by their employment agent and are desperate<br />
to return home after three of their colleagues were<br />
brutally beaten up. The 264 Indian workers,<br />
employed at a factory in Senai in Johor state, claimed<br />
their agent started abusing them when they arrived in Malaysia two years<br />
ago. The workers claimed that three of their colleagues were abducted and<br />
beaten up for putting up a notice stating that workers no longer wanted 2.50<br />
(25 Rupees), the cost of hostel canteen food, to be deducted from their daily<br />
wages. The Indian workers, part of the 1,500-strong foreign workforce at the<br />
plastic-moulding factory, staged a picket to demand the release of the three,<br />
local media reports said. The trio, with bruises all over their bodies, has since<br />
returned to the hostel, the report said one of the workers, Thangaraju, 39, said<br />
he could have ended up dead if not for the strike staged by his co-workers.<br />
U;wthySaM dk QS'ku lEeku feyk ,d Hkkjrh; Nk= dks<br />
,u-ih- t;jkt ds fy, ;g ,d [kq'kh dk fnu FkkA<br />
fMtkbu fo"k; dh i
NEWS DIARY<br />
Hkkjrh; oSKkfud dks :lh foKku vdsMeh dh lnL;rk<br />
:lh foKku vdsMeh us Hkkjrh; foKku laLFkku]<br />
caxykSj ds funs'kd xkso/kZu esgrk dks viuh<br />
vdsMeh ds ekun izksQslj dh lnL;rk nh gSA<br />
lkekU; rkSj ij :lh foKku vdsMeh us fdlh<br />
fons'kh dks ,slh lnL;rk ;k lEeku ugha fn;k<br />
tkrk gSA xkso/kZu dks ;g lEeku vIyk;M<br />
jlk;u foKku esa egRoiw.kZ miyfC/k gkfly<br />
djus ds fy, fn;k x;k gSA :lh foKku vdsMeh<br />
ds vè;{k us esgrk dks ,d fo'ks"k fMIyksek vkSj<br />
laLFkku esa jgus ds fy, izek.k i= fn;kA fiNys lIrkg ekLdks esa vk;ksftr 18osa<br />
esaMsY;w dkaxzsl ds nkSjku ,d lekjksg esa esgrk dks ;g lEeku fn;k x;kA ;gka ij<br />
esgrk us eksysD;wyj flaFksfll dks ysdj vius 'kks/k i= izLrqr fd;kA esgrk ds lkFk<br />
8 Hkkjrh; oSKkfudksa us vkxsZfud dsesLVªh ohd ij vk;ksftr Hkkjrh; :lh<br />
flEiksft;e esa fgLlk fy;kA izfl) isfjvksfMd Vscy dh LFkkiuk djus okys<br />
jlk;u oSKkfud MhfeVªh esaMsyho ds 175osa tUefnu ds ekSds ij bl flEiksft;e<br />
dks vk;ksftr fd;k x;k FkkA vxys lky fQj ls bldk vk;kstu fd;k tk,xkA<br />
The Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson visited<br />
the Sikh Temple on Acton Road on Sunday,<br />
October 7th for the second time in four years.<br />
The Mayor was accompanied by the City's Faith-<br />
Based Coordinator, Ms. Marquisha Bridgeman.<br />
In a stunning surprise, the Mayor had brought a<br />
special Proclamation for one of our own, a<br />
beloved long-time tireless sevaks, Avtar Singh.<br />
The Proclamation read by the Mayor himself<br />
highlighted Avtar's many services to the Hoosier<br />
Sikh Community and dedication to many worthy projects in and out side the<br />
Sikh American community over the last 37 years. The Honorable Mayor also<br />
participated in presenting a special and the First SEWA AWARD on behalf of<br />
the Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis to Avtar Singh for his distinguished service<br />
to the Sikh Satsang and growing Hoosier Sikh community.<br />
Avtar Singh, the humble and unassuming sevak and a community elder was<br />
deeply moved by this unexpected outpouring of love by the Sikh community<br />
and Satsang leadership. Avtar was especially touched by the extraordinary<br />
honor in the Mayor's Proclamation declaring October 7, <strong>2007</strong> as Avtar Singh<br />
Day in Indianapolis.<br />
Mayor Bart Peterson was presented with an inscribed copy of the elegant<br />
book, “The Illustrated History of the Sikhs” by Khushwant Singh, by<br />
Satsang President, Harpreet Sandhu and Satsang Trustee, Maninder Walia.<br />
Giani Pritam Singh, Head Priest of The Sikh Temple on Acton Road,<br />
presented The Honorable Mayor an Indian Shawl on behalf of the Sangat and<br />
during the Ardas (prayer and supplication) prayed for honored guest's health<br />
and success in discharging his duties and awesome responsibility as our<br />
Mayor. http://www.nriinternet.com/NRIsikhs/USA/ARTICLES/K<br />
Psingh/<strong>2007</strong>/61_AVTAR_SINGH_HONORED/index.htm<br />
12<br />
Avtar Singh Honored By Indianapolis<br />
Mayor & Sikh Community<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
India second largest<br />
investor in UK<br />
Making a quantum jump, India has<br />
emerged this year as the second<br />
largest investor in the UK, next<br />
only to the US. This was stated by<br />
India's Acting High Commissioner<br />
Asoke Mukherji at a reception<br />
organised to celebrate the Silver<br />
Jubilee of the Friends Circle<br />
International organisation at Hilton<br />
Waldorf here. He said hardly three<br />
years ago India was the sixth<br />
investor in the UK. "The increase<br />
and intensity of economic activity<br />
reflected the buoyant Indian<br />
economy."<br />
Mukherji thanked the 1.5 million<br />
NRI community in Britain for its<br />
role in bringing the two countries<br />
together. He said on an average half<br />
a million people from Britain<br />
visited India every year and an<br />
equal number of Indians travelled<br />
to the UK. Lord Swraj Paul,<br />
founder member of the Friends<br />
Circle International, who has just<br />
returned after a fortnight long visit<br />
to India, said "India has changed a<br />
lot in the last five years." He was all<br />
praise for the way the 53rd<br />
Commonwealth Parliamentary<br />
Conference was held in New Delhi<br />
last month which he attended,<br />
saying the arrangements made for<br />
the 1400 people at the meet could<br />
be compared to the best anywhere<br />
in the world and complimented Lok<br />
Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee<br />
and his team for organising it in<br />
such a grand scale.
xka/kh th dh izfrek ds fy,<br />
pyk, tk jgs vfHk;ku dks<br />
lkaln dk leFkZu<br />
feMySaM~l ds iwohZ {ks= esa fLFkr ,d<br />
cM+k 'kgj fylsLVj esa 'kgj dh<br />
cgqlaLÑfrokn ds izrhd ds :i esa<br />
egkRek xka/kh dh izfrek dks LFkkfir<br />
djkus dks ysdj pyk, tk jgs vfHk;ku<br />
dks tcnZLr leFkZu feyk gSA bl 'kgj<br />
esa xqtjkrh ewy ds yksxksa dh la[;k<br />
dkQh vf/kd gSA<br />
izfrek ds fy, csyxzso jksM ds ikl dh<br />
txg dks lq>k;k x;k gSA ;g txg<br />
,f'k;kbZ O;kikj vkSj lkaLÑfrd<br />
xfrfof/k;ksa dk lcls egRoiw.kZ dsUnz<br />
gSA dbZ Hkkjrh; cSadksa ds dk;kZy; blh<br />
lM+d ij fLFkr gSaA lkFk gh lkFk<br />
Hkkjrh; jsLVksjsaV] lkM+h dh nqdkusa]<br />
xgus dh nqdkusa vkSj ckWyhoqM laxhr<br />
dh nqdkusa Hkh blh lM+d ij fLFkr gSaA<br />
egkRek xka/kh dh izfrek LFkkfir djus<br />
dk fopkj ,d LFkkuh; dY;k.kdkjh<br />
laLFkk leUo; ifjokj dk gSA bl<br />
laLFkk dks xka/kh dh izfrek LFkkfir<br />
djkus ds fy, fylsLVj iwoZ ds lkaln<br />
dhFk okt vkSj ukxfjdksa us Hkh leFkZu<br />
fn;k gSA vuqeku yxk;k tk jgk gS fd<br />
;gka ij yxus okyh egkRek xka/kh dh<br />
izfrek 7 ls 9 QqV Åaph gksxh vkSj og<br />
rkacs dh cuh gksxhA<br />
Bush congratulates Bobby Jindal<br />
US President George W Bush has<br />
congratulated Indian-American Bobby<br />
Jindal for having won the Governor's<br />
election in Louisiana, with the White House<br />
saying it was an "incredible honour".<br />
"The President spoke to Bobby Jindal on<br />
Monday, congratulated him. It was really an<br />
excellent win for Bobby. I think the race<br />
was a little bit tougher than the numbers showed. I think something that we<br />
were all encouraged about was the strength of Republicans down on the<br />
ticket who also performed very well," White House Deputy Spokesman<br />
Tony Fratto said. Jindal, a conservative Republican, broke racial barriers<br />
when he soundly and decisively defeated 11 candidates to become the<br />
youngest Governor of the once racially segregated state. "... first generation<br />
Americans -- speaking as a first generation American, having the<br />
opportunity to serve your country or your state or your city is an incredible<br />
honour, and we're obviously very happy for Bobby Jindal," Fratto said.<br />
fgUnh ds izfr tcnZLr >qdko gS iksySaM esa<br />
NEWS DIARY<br />
No Indian injured in California fire<br />
No Indian national is reported to have<br />
been injured in the fires in Southern<br />
California so far, the External Affairs<br />
Ministry said on Wednesday. The MEA<br />
said that the Government of India regrets<br />
the loss of life and damage to property in<br />
the fires. "It is hoped that the blaze will<br />
soon be contained and the affected people enabled to resume their normal<br />
life," the Ministry said in a press statement. "Our Consulate General in San<br />
Francisco has been in touch with members of the Indian community, many of<br />
whom have had to evacuate their properties. There has, so far, been no report<br />
of injury to any Indian national," it added. The Consulate General of India is<br />
monitoring developments there and has advised the Indian community that<br />
the Consulate stands ready to help them in any way.<br />
iksySaM ds fo'ofo|ky;ksa esa dkQh lkjs Nk= fgUnh ds<br />
ikB~;Øeksa esa nkf[kyk ys jgs gSaA iksySaM esa Hkkjr ds u,<br />
jktnwr pUnzeksgu HkaMkjh fgUnh ds izfr ;gka ds yksxksa esa<br />
c dks foLrkj nsus ds fy, vf/kd iqLrdksa vkSj Qsyksf'ki dh<br />
t:jr ij cy fn;kA<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
13
BUSINESS NEWS<br />
HSBC Opens New NRI Rep<br />
Office in Fremont, California<br />
HSBC has opened a Non-Resident Indian<br />
(NRI)* representative office in Fremont,<br />
California. The objective is to make banking<br />
transactions more convenient for the NRI<br />
community based in California. This new<br />
location, headquartered at 39410 Fremont<br />
Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538, is a<br />
representative office of the Hong Kong and<br />
Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited in<br />
India (HSBC India). The dedicated NRI<br />
office will facilitate personal financial<br />
services including remittances between<br />
India and USA, servicing HSBC India's NRI<br />
customers and serving as a conduit between<br />
NRIs and HSBC India to facilitate banking requirements.<br />
A new banking solution for NRIs has also been announced by the HSBC Bank<br />
USA, N.A. (HSBC USA). This comprehensive solution allows the NRI<br />
community to conduct cross-border banking transactions and to choose from a<br />
variety of tailored deposit, mortgage and investment products. In addition to<br />
helping NRIs better facilitate their banking transactions in the US and India,<br />
the solution also offers the following benefits.<br />
Hkkjroa'kh pkgsa rks gkFk u QSykuk iM+s<br />
vxj fons'kksa esa tk cls nks djksM+<br />
Hkkjroa'kh pkgsa rks Hkkjr dks dHkh<br />
fdlh ds lkeus gkFk ugha QSykuk<br />
iM+sxkA oYMZ cSad dh rktk fjiksVZ<br />
crkrh gS fd Hkkjroaf'k;ksa dh lkykuk<br />
vk; gekjs ns'k ds ldy ?kjsyw mRikn<br />
ls FkksM+h gh de gSA ;fn Hkkjr ljdkj<br />
bUgsa cqfu;knh
fuos'kdksa dks vkdf"kZr djsaxs<br />
vkbZ-vkbZ-,e- ds Nk=<br />
bankSj esa 'kqØokj ls fuos'kdksa ds nks<br />
fnolh; f'k[kj lEesyu esa Hkkjrh;<br />
izca/ku laLFkku ¼vkbZ-vkbZ-,e-½] bankSj ds<br />
fo|kFkhZ fuos'kdrkZvksa dks e/; izns'k dh<br />
[kwfc;k as dh tkudkjh nxas As bld s fy,<br />
Nk=k as dk s fo'k"s k ifz 'k{k.k Hkh fn;k x;k gAS<br />
nks fnolh; lEesyu esa vkbZ-vkbZ-,e-<br />
lfgr izfrf"Br fctusl Ldwyksa o<br />
laLFkkuksa ds 150 fo|kFkhZ Hkkx ysaxsA<br />
Hkkjrh; izca/ku laLFkku ¼bankSj½ ds<br />
funs'kd th-ih- ijk'kj us vkbZ-,-,u-,l-<br />
dks crk;k fd p;fur fo|kfFkZ;ksa dks<br />
fo'ks"k izf'k{k.k fn;k x;k gSA izR;sd Nk=<br />
dks eè; izns'k ds reke vk;keksa ds laca/k<br />
esa fuos'kdrkZvksa dks tkx:d djuk<br />
gksxkA mUgsa izns'k ds ldkjkRed igyqvksa<br />
ls m|ksxifr;ksa vkSj O;olkf;;ksa dks<br />
voxr djkuk gksxk ftlls fd jkT; esa<br />
os vf/kd ls vf/kd fuos'k dj ldsaxsA<br />
lEesyu ls tqM+s vf/kdkfj;ksa us crk;k<br />
fd gky gh esa bankSj esa ,d dk;Z'kkyk Hkh<br />
vk;ksftr dh xbZ FkhA dk;Z'kkyk esa yksd<br />
fØ;kUo;u ekeyk as d s e=a h dyS k'k<br />
fot;oxh;Z u s Hkh Nk=k as dk s bl lEeys u e as<br />
c
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travelling to the most<br />
part of the globe enthralls<br />
people to the core and they are spell<br />
bound by the serene ecstasy of the<br />
nature. Here we are ready for a<br />
journey to the most sought after<br />
places in India-liked by many for<br />
diverse reasons. Let's be nostalgic<br />
about the places we have already<br />
ventured and plan for the ones that are<br />
still left out.<br />
Let us start from the place that<br />
has the recently voted WONDER OF<br />
THE WORLD-the Taj Mahal. Let's<br />
visit Agra!<br />
AGRA<br />
The land of Taj<br />
Agra is believed to be the most<br />
romantic city in India and the only<br />
reason behind this recognition is the<br />
TAJ MAHAL! It is the epitome of<br />
love and the pinnacle of what a lover<br />
could do to keep their love alive for<br />
centuries to come.<br />
Agra is the most important center<br />
of tourism in Uttar Pradesh, India and<br />
is famous all over the world for the<br />
lovely Taj Mahal, a monument that<br />
was constructed by the Mughal<br />
Emperor Shah Jahan. In fact Taj<br />
Mahal qualifies as one of the Seven<br />
Wonders of the World and this<br />
monument alone attracts people from<br />
far and wide to Agra in Uttar Pradesh,<br />
India.<br />
The Taj Mahal is considered as<br />
the finest example of Mughal<br />
architecture, a style that combines<br />
elements from Persian, Turkish,<br />
16<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
Indian and Islamic architectural<br />
styles. In 1983, Taj Mahal became a<br />
UNESCO World Heritage Site and<br />
was cited as "the jewel of medieval art<br />
in India and one of the universally<br />
admired masterpieces of the world's<br />
heritage." Ustad Ahmad Lahauri is<br />
generally considered as the principal<br />
designer of Taj Mahal.<br />
Sometime during the 1500's Agra<br />
in Uttar Pradesh, India became the<br />
capital city of the Lodhi ruler<br />
Sikander Lodhi. Later Agra passed<br />
into the hands of the Mughal rulers<br />
and it was during this time that Agra<br />
was turned into a ground for the most<br />
stunning monuments that were<br />
constructed in the history of India.<br />
The notable tourist attractions<br />
besides the Taj Mahal that you can<br />
visit during your tours to Agra in Uttar<br />
Pradesh, India are the Jehangir<br />
Palace, the deserted ruins of the<br />
Fatehpur Sikri close to Agra and the<br />
massive Agra Fort.<br />
RAJASTHAN<br />
The desert state<br />
From the land of Taj let's move to<br />
the desert state in northern India that<br />
flings the most unexpected surprises<br />
during the tours and travel. While<br />
touring the region of splendid and<br />
remarkable forts and palaces, vast<br />
stretches of sands dotted with the<br />
most marvelous architectural<br />
wonders, one can relive the glorious<br />
past of Rajasthan, India.<br />
Rajasthan offers an unusual<br />
variety and diversity in architecture,<br />
cultural heritage, customs, cuisine,<br />
arts, folk dance forms and music. The<br />
first choicest place would be Udaipur,<br />
the city of lakes. The Shekhavati<br />
region is popularly known as<br />
Rajasthan's open art gallery that<br />
exhibits the splendor and royalty of<br />
royal Rajasthan. A camel safari in<br />
Jaisalmer and a tour to Ajmer Sharief<br />
in Ajmer opens up the most<br />
interesting travel vistas in Rajasthan,
India.<br />
Jaipur is perhaps the ideal city<br />
that one can choose for this rustic city<br />
has plenty of forts and monuments<br />
that remind you of the ancient<br />
glamour, glory and charm of Rajput<br />
rulers. Most popular historical<br />
monuments here are the Jantar<br />
Mantar, the Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort,<br />
Nahargarh Fort, Hawa Mahal,<br />
Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Govind<br />
Devji Temple, Sisodia Rani Palace,<br />
Royal Cenotaphs and Jal Mahal are<br />
other attractions.<br />
The Jantar Mantar is an<br />
astronomical observatory located at<br />
Jaipur was constructed by Maharaja<br />
Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1716.<br />
There is a huge masonry instruments<br />
of extraordinary precision located<br />
inside the Jantar Mantar. The<br />
astronomical instruments at the Jantar<br />
Mantar were meant to determine the<br />
exact position of longitudes, the<br />
equator and the latitudes. The main<br />
astronomical instruments set up at<br />
this royal observatory are the<br />
Jaiprakash Yantra, Ram Yantra and<br />
the Samrat Yantra.<br />
The Hawa Mahal is one of the<br />
most popular monuments that you can<br />
visit during your tours to Jaipur in<br />
Rajasthan. This historical monument<br />
is a multi-layered palace that has a<br />
beehive structure and is an<br />
architectural marvel. The Hawa<br />
Mahal was constructed for the women<br />
of the royal court. Maharaja Sawai<br />
Pratap Singh of Jaipur, Rajasthan,<br />
built the Hawa Mahal in the year<br />
COVER STORY<br />
1799. This architectural wonder was<br />
built with pink and red sandstone and<br />
the walls of this monument are<br />
decorated with artistic motifs.<br />
The Amber Fort located at a<br />
distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur,<br />
Rajasthan, India. The Amber Fort<br />
complex is located atop a hill<br />
overlooking the tiny Maota Lake and<br />
the Jaipur-Delhi highway. This<br />
massive and imposing architectural<br />
wonder is a must visit during your<br />
tours to historical monuments in<br />
Jaipur, India. There are quite a few<br />
monuments within the fortress such<br />
as the Diwan-e-Khas, Sukh Niwas,<br />
the Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal and the<br />
Temple of Victory.<br />
The Jaigarh Fort is located on top<br />
of a hill. This massive fort is flanked<br />
by tall and huge gateways and<br />
watchtowers and makes a great place<br />
to visit during your historical tours to<br />
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The<br />
Nahargarh Fort located in Jaipur,<br />
India is also situated on top of a hill.<br />
This fantastic historical monument<br />
was constructed in the year 1734.<br />
The ancient Jain Temples at<br />
Dilwara and the Temple dedicated to<br />
the Hindu deity Lord Brahma in<br />
Pushkar and a hundred other temples<br />
that are scattered all over Rajasthan<br />
are quite famous.<br />
KERALA<br />
God's own country<br />
The land of Kerala is believed to<br />
be a gift of the Arabian Sea. Owing to<br />
its favourable location this land<br />
fostered trade and established<br />
contacts with Egypt, Assyria, Greeks,<br />
Romans and the Chinese.<br />
Kerala, the land with its<br />
incredible natural beauty is a small<br />
coastline state of India. It is a homely<br />
state which respects the mythological<br />
concept of 'Athithi Devo Bhava'<br />
(guest is god). As coconut trees<br />
dominate the landscape, Kerala is<br />
also known as 'the land of coconuts'.<br />
Kerala, the land with its<br />
incredible natural beauty is a homely<br />
state which has natural beauty in<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
17
COVER STORY<br />
abundance. Owing to its favourable<br />
location this land fostered trade and<br />
established contacts with Egypt,<br />
Assyria, Greeks, Romans and the<br />
Chinese.<br />
Watered by an astounding<br />
number of 44 rivers, Kerala has<br />
unique geographical features that<br />
made it one of the most sought after<br />
tourist destinations in India. The<br />
state is gifted with greenery, hill<br />
s t a t i o n s , b e a c h e s , w i l d l i f e<br />
backwaters, historic monuments,<br />
spices, cultural diversity and many<br />
more. Besides all these, the state<br />
thrills visitors with its magical<br />
festivals, enchanting art forms and<br />
more over her unique exotic cuisine.<br />
The tourist places here are<br />
countless and so the state has a variety<br />
of holiday options to offer. Besides<br />
well known destinations including<br />
Munnar, Kovalam, Fort Kochi,<br />
Thekkady, Athirappilly - Vazhachal,<br />
Kumarakom etc, there also several<br />
lesser known beautiful places as well.<br />
The state also has some of the best and<br />
most picturesque beaches in India -<br />
Kovalam and Varkala, a little south of<br />
the Capital Thiruvnanathapuram. The<br />
palm - fringed backwaters along the<br />
coastline are a special attraction.<br />
The Silent Valley National Park<br />
and the Periyar National Park are<br />
most famous places. Popular temples<br />
and religious places are Guruvayur<br />
Srikrishna, Sabrimala, Dakhina<br />
Mookambika, Cheraman Juma<br />
Masjid and Amrithapuri.<br />
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<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
BODHGAYA<br />
The way of enlightenment!<br />
"Bodh Gaya is the place where<br />
G a u t a m a B u d d h a a t t a i n e d<br />
u n s u r p a s s e d , s u p r e m e<br />
Enlightenment. It is a place which<br />
should be visited or seen by a person<br />
of devotion and which would cause<br />
awareness and apprehension of the<br />
nature of impermanence".<br />
The historical place at which the<br />
Enlightenment of Gautama took<br />
Travelling is world's<br />
most popular hobby.<br />
And travelling to the<br />
most beautiful part of<br />
the globe enthralls<br />
people to the core and<br />
they are spell bound by<br />
the serene ecstasy of the<br />
nature. We are ready<br />
for a journey to the<br />
most sought after places<br />
in India-liked by many<br />
for diverse reasons.<br />
place became a place of pilgrimage.<br />
A b o u t 2 5 0 y e a r s a f t e r t h e<br />
Enlightenment, the Buddhist<br />
Emperor, Ashoka visited the site and<br />
is considered the founder of the<br />
Mahabodhi Temple. According to the<br />
tradition, Ashoka establishing a<br />
monastery, erected a diamond throne<br />
shrine at this spot with a canopy<br />
supported by four pillars over a stone<br />
representation of the Vajrasana, the<br />
Seat of Enlightenment.<br />
Animesh Lochan Chaitya: It is<br />
believed that the Buddha spent one<br />
week here looking towards the great<br />
Bodhi tree out of gratitude, without<br />
twinkling his eyes. The present Bodhi<br />
Tree is probably the fifth succession<br />
of the original tree under which the<br />
Buddha had attained enlightenment.<br />
The Buddha spent one week in<br />
Ratnagarh where it is believed that<br />
five colors came out of his body.<br />
Barabar Caves is an important<br />
archaeological site. The caves carved<br />
out from solid rocks bear details of the<br />
life of the Buddha. The interior of<br />
these caves is chiseled to a wonderful<br />
polish. The carvings in the caves<br />
reflect the skill with which these<br />
caves were carved out. These caves<br />
were built in the 3rd century and are<br />
fine examples of the skill which the<br />
Indian mansion had attained at that<br />
time. These caves of Mauryan period<br />
are rightly considered to be the origin<br />
of Indian cave architecture. It was<br />
here in these caves where the Buddha<br />
had meditated for some time and<br />
concluded that the ultimate<br />
knowledge can not be attained<br />
through mortification of the flesh.<br />
Sun Temple is a famous temple<br />
of the Sun God at Deo and has a<br />
beautiful architecture similar to the<br />
Konark Temple in Orissa. This place<br />
is famous for the 'Chhat' festival<br />
which is held in the month of<br />
October-November.<br />
Pretshila Hill adds to the beauty<br />
of Gaya. It is about 10 kms from the<br />
Ramshila hill. Just below the hill is<br />
the Brahma Kund. After taking bath<br />
in this pond people go for the 'Pind<br />
Dan' which involves performance of<br />
religious rites and offering donations<br />
and charity for the peace of souls of<br />
one's parents and ancestors. On top of<br />
the hill the Queen of Indore, Ahilya<br />
Bai, built a temple in 1787popularly<br />
known as Ahilya Bai Temple. This
temple has always been an attraction<br />
for the tourists due to its unique<br />
architecture and magnificent<br />
sculptures.<br />
The other notable place of travel<br />
for religious or recreational purposes<br />
is Dungeshwari (12 km), Muchalinda<br />
Lake (3 km), Gaya (12 km), Rajgir<br />
(80 km), Nalanda (96 km), Pawapuri<br />
(114 km). Since 1953, Bodh Gaya has<br />
been developed as an international<br />
place of pilgrimage. Buddhists from<br />
Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Tibet,<br />
Bhutan and Japan have established<br />
monasteries and temples within easy<br />
walking distance of the Mahabodhi<br />
compound. The site of the<br />
enlightenment now attracts Buddhists<br />
and tourists from all over the world.<br />
HAMPI<br />
The charismatic city!<br />
Hampi, as it is popularly known<br />
today was the medieval capital of the<br />
Hindu empire Vijayanagara (the City<br />
of Victory). Hampi in the Karnataka<br />
state of India is listed as one of the<br />
UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is<br />
identified with the mythological<br />
Kishkindha kingdom of Ramayana.<br />
Hampi formed one of the cores of<br />
the capital of the Vijayanagara<br />
Empire from 1336 to 1565. It was<br />
destroyed by Muslim emperors.<br />
Hampi was chosen because of its<br />
strategic location, bounded by the<br />
torrential Tungabhadra River on one<br />
side and surrounded by defensible<br />
hills on the other three sides.<br />
Hampi is charismatic even in its<br />
ruined state. It attracts thousands of<br />
tourists and pilgrims every year. Vast<br />
stretches of boulder-strewn hills<br />
make the backdrop of Hampi unique.<br />
otted around the hills and valleys are<br />
500 plus monuments. Among them<br />
are beautiful temples, basement of<br />
palaces, remains of aquatic<br />
structures, ancient market streets,<br />
royal pavilions, bastions, royal<br />
platforms, treasury buildings.., the<br />
list is practically endless. Hampi is a<br />
backpackers' paradise, the same way<br />
the pilgrims' delight.<br />
In Hampi at every turn there is a<br />
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surprise. Every monument hides<br />
more than what they reveal. As an<br />
open museum, Hampi has numerous<br />
popular (100 plus!) locations visitors<br />
throng. The site is of great importance<br />
in terms of architecture and Historical<br />
significance. The demography is<br />
abundant with large stones which<br />
have been utilized to make larger than<br />
life statues of god. One can see a<br />
structure of historic importance every<br />
quarter of a mile.<br />
GOA<br />
Pearl of the Orient!<br />
Variously known as "Pearl of the<br />
Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the<br />
state of Goa is located on the western<br />
coast of India in the coastal belt<br />
known as Konkan. The magnificent<br />
scenic beauty and the architectural<br />
splendours of its temples, churches<br />
and old houses have made Goa a firm<br />
favourite with travellers around the<br />
world.<br />
The historic city of Margao still<br />
exhibits the influence of Portuguese<br />
culture. Portuguese merchants first<br />
landed in Goa in the 15th century, and<br />
annexed it soon after. The Portuguese<br />
colony existed for about 450 years,<br />
the longest held colonial possessions<br />
in the world, until it was taken over by<br />
India in 1961.<br />
Renowned for its beaches, Goa is<br />
visited by hundreds of thousands of<br />
international and domestic tourists<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
19
COVER STORY<br />
each year. Goa is also known for its<br />
temples and world heritage<br />
architecture including the Basilica of<br />
Bom Jesus in Old Goa<br />
Goa was liberated by the Indian<br />
Army from Portuguese colonisation<br />
on December 19, 1961 and became an<br />
Union Territory along with the<br />
enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May<br />
30, 1987 Goa was conferred<br />
statehood and became the 25th state<br />
of the Indian Republic.<br />
Having been the meeting point of<br />
races, religions and cultures of East<br />
and West over the centuries, Goa has a<br />
multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle<br />
quite different from the rest of India.<br />
Hindu and Catholic communities<br />
make up almost the entire population<br />
with minority representation of<br />
Muslims and other religions.<br />
Panaji (Panjim) is the state<br />
capital located on the banks of the<br />
Mandovi river and Vasco, Margao,<br />
Mapusa and Ponda are the other<br />
major towns. Goa is serviced by an<br />
international/national airport located<br />
at Dabolim near Vasco. An intra-state<br />
and inter-state bus network also plays<br />
an important role in getting locals and<br />
visitors alike in and around Goa.<br />
The vast green expanse of the<br />
Sahyadri mountain range ensures that<br />
Goa has an abundance of water. The<br />
sea and rivers abound in seafood -<br />
prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs<br />
20<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
and lobsters are the most popular with<br />
the locals and the visitors. Since the<br />
arrival of the Hippies in the sixties,<br />
Goa has been a major destination on<br />
the itinerary of international and<br />
domestic tourists.<br />
Besides the natural beauty, the<br />
fabulous beaches and sunshine,<br />
travellers to Goa love the laid-back,<br />
peaceful, warm and friendly nature of<br />
the Goan people. After all, more than<br />
anywhere else on planet earth, this is a<br />
place where people really know how<br />
to relax.<br />
UTTARAKHAND<br />
The land of Celestial Beauty<br />
Blessed with magnificent<br />
glaciers, majestic snow-clad<br />
mountains, gigantic and ecstatic<br />
peaks, valley of flowers, skiing slopes<br />
and dense forests, this Abode of Gods<br />
includes many shrines and places of<br />
pilgrimage. Char-dhams, the four<br />
most sacred and revered Hindu<br />
temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath,<br />
Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in<br />
the Mighty Mountains.<br />
A picturesque state, with a<br />
breathtaking panoramic view of<br />
Himalayas, Uttarakhand promises its<br />
tourists a visit full of fun and<br />
unforgettable moments. The unique<br />
Himalayan ecosystem plays host to a<br />
large number of animals, plants and<br />
rare herbs. The mighty rivers Ganga<br />
and Yamuna takes birth in the glaciers<br />
of Uttarakhand, and are fed by myriad<br />
lakes, glacial melts and streams in the<br />
region.<br />
The National Parks situated in<br />
this state are numerous. The Jim<br />
Corbett National Park (the oldest<br />
national park of India), Valley of<br />
Flowers National Park and Nanda<br />
Devi National Park, Rajaji National<br />
Park, Govind Pashu Vihar National
Park and Gangotri National Park. The<br />
tiny, pristine hill stations of Ukhimath<br />
and Khirsu provides with a<br />
spectacular views of the Himalayan<br />
peaks.<br />
GANGTOK<br />
The Himalayan spectrum!<br />
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim<br />
with a population of approximately<br />
50,000 has emerged into the<br />
mainstream of the Tourism Industry,<br />
with more and more tourist visiting<br />
this little Himalayan state every year.<br />
Gangtok has developed into a<br />
cosmopolitan flavour where oldworld<br />
charm and hospitality exist<br />
along with the Internet Age.<br />
With different cultures and<br />
religion existing in perfect harmony,<br />
Gangtok has shown that "Unity in<br />
Diversity" exists in Sikkim.<br />
Sikkimese have strong bonding with<br />
their age-old traditions and customs.<br />
One imposing manmade landmark of<br />
the town is the 200 ft-high TV tower<br />
which overlooks the town and is<br />
situated near the Enchey Monastry.<br />
Be there to experience the magic. The<br />
Enchey monastery is the city's oldest<br />
monastery<br />
The places to visit in and around<br />
Gangtok are Tashi Point View,<br />
Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Sikkim<br />
Research Institute of Tibetology,<br />
Saramsa Garden, Water Garden,<br />
Nathula Pass, and Jawaharlal Nehru<br />
B o t a n i c a l G a r d e n . T h e<br />
Kanchenjunga, the world's third<br />
tallest peak, viewed from "Hanuman<br />
Tok," near Gangtok.<br />
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MANIPUR<br />
The jewel of northeast!<br />
India was once a golden bird<br />
before foreign intruders broke her<br />
heart and pirated long fostered<br />
emotions. But still, if you respond to<br />
nature's call, you will find emeralds<br />
and rubys strewn all over her<br />
picturesque demeanour. Spend a few<br />
days of your pleasure holiday amidst<br />
myriad jewels on the hills of Manipur,<br />
the 'Jewel of Northeast'.<br />
Imphal - Memoirs of The World<br />
War: Located almost in the middle of<br />
the state and perfectly in the hearts of<br />
the tourists, Imphal, the capital of<br />
Mizoram bustles with cultural and<br />
commercial revelry. Tucked in the<br />
middle of a oval-shaped scenic valley<br />
amidst picturesque surroundings,<br />
Imphal makes an excellent base to<br />
explore the attractions of this<br />
beautiful state. Lose yourself in the<br />
vibrant colours of Khwairamband<br />
Bazaar (Mother's Market). You can<br />
also elevate your spirits with the<br />
eternal valour of WW II martyrs<br />
caressed at the serene war cementary<br />
maintained by the Commonwealth<br />
War Graves Commission. If you still<br />
miss Mother Nature's womb, trace<br />
y o u r s t e p s t o K o n g h a m p a t<br />
Orchidarium. The one of its kind in<br />
these pristine hills, a walk through the<br />
greens will include a rendezvous with<br />
over 120 species of exotic orchids and<br />
many rare plants. To dive deep into<br />
the rich cultural heritage of Manipur,<br />
spend a day at the Manipur State<br />
Museum.<br />
For a different taste of<br />
adrenaline, go for some hot-blooded<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
21
COVER STORY<br />
action package on the high hills of<br />
Manipur. The tourism department is<br />
taking initiatives in establishing<br />
nodal agencies to promote different<br />
adventure sports as well as to impart<br />
training to novices. Register yourself<br />
for holidays on high air with<br />
paragliding above picturesque gorges<br />
and shimmering ribbons of rivulets<br />
that chase the finale of their fate unto<br />
the sea. The tranquil ambience that<br />
floats with the mist on the virgin hills<br />
of Manipur often echoes the euphony<br />
of drums and chimbals.<br />
Keibul Lamjao National Park<br />
Manipur is the world's only 'floating<br />
sanctuary' that comprises 40 sq km of<br />
wetland overgrown with 1.5 m. deep<br />
floating vegetation (called phumdi).<br />
The park has several distinguishing<br />
features. Besides the vegetation and<br />
terrain, an important highlight of the<br />
park is the Loktak Lake (6,475 ha), the<br />
largest freshwater lake in India; a large<br />
portion of which falls within the park.<br />
KASHMIR<br />
The Paradise on earth!<br />
The misty morning sprawls over<br />
the vivacious valleys, the flushing<br />
meadows wrap the hillsides like a<br />
cloak. The sunlight softly caresses the<br />
leaves; the dew drops sparkle like<br />
diamonds to welcome the new day.<br />
The rustle of the fallen leaves adds to<br />
the music of the place and the sweet<br />
fragrance of flowers lingers on...<br />
The official website starts from<br />
the above stated description of the<br />
22<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
part that is known as the Paradise on<br />
Earth! Infact tourism forms an<br />
integral part of the Kashmiri<br />
economy. Kashmir's mountainous<br />
landscape has attracted tourists for<br />
centuries.<br />
One longs to visit the pilgrimage<br />
centers in the state and the scenic<br />
beauty that enthralls the heart. There<br />
are many mosques serving the largely<br />
Muslim population, such as the<br />
Hazratbal Mosque, situated on the<br />
banks of the Dal Lake. The sacred hair<br />
of the Prophet Muhammad is said to<br />
have been brought to this part of the<br />
world by the Aurangzeb and this relic<br />
lies in the Hazratbal shrine. The<br />
shrine was built in white marble in<br />
contemporary times and bears a close<br />
resemblance to the holy shrine of<br />
Medina in Saudi Arabia where the<br />
prophet rests.<br />
The Vaishno Devi cave shrine is<br />
nestled in the Trikuta mountain at a<br />
height of 5,200 feet (1,580 m) above<br />
the sea level in Indian Kashmir. In<br />
2004, more than 6 million Hindu<br />
piligrims visited Vaishno Devi,<br />
making it one of the most visited<br />
religious sites in the world. The other<br />
prominent Hindu shrine in Kashmir is<br />
the Amarnath cave shrine devoted to<br />
Lord Shiva.<br />
Nature has lavishly endowed<br />
Kashmir with certain distinctive<br />
favours which hardly find a parallel in<br />
any alpine land of the world. A spell<br />
on a houseboat on Dal Lake has<br />
always been one of the real treats, and<br />
Kashmir also offers some delightful<br />
t r e k k i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d<br />
unsurpassed scenery.<br />
Srinagar is the capital of Jammu<br />
& Kashmir. This city is centred on Dal<br />
Lake, a huge lake with house boats<br />
and shikaras that is heaven for tourists<br />
from all around. A drive along the<br />
Boulevard (the road along the banks<br />
of the lake) has been a favourite with<br />
locals and tourists alike mainly<br />
because of the scenic beauty of the<br />
boulevard. Srinagar City also has a lot<br />
of gardens along the banks of Dal<br />
Lake. Nishat, Cheshma-i-Shahi,<br />
Shalimar and Harven gardens all were<br />
built by the Mughals and are<br />
absolutely breathtaking in view all<br />
through the year. These gardens have<br />
the famed Chinar trees. These<br />
majestic trees resemble Maples but<br />
are much bigger and more graceful.<br />
Pahalgam is at the junction of the<br />
streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake<br />
and the Lidder River.<br />
Long ago, Dal Lake was<br />
renowned for its vastness, which<br />
stretched for more than 50 square<br />
miles (130 km²). Unfortunately,<br />
today, due partly to unabated tourist<br />
influx that largely has been<br />
unorganized for some years now, this<br />
lake has shrunk to less than 10 square<br />
kilometres largely due to the<br />
abundance of residential and tourist<br />
sectors along its banks. Government<br />
mismanagement and apathy have also<br />
been contributing factors to the<br />
shrinking of the lake.<br />
(With inputs from the State and<br />
national tourism official websites) ■
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COVER STORY<br />
ity life is maddening at<br />
times. Grappling with the<br />
Csapping.<br />
daily chores itself is energy<br />
Criss-crossing this vast city<br />
amidst a rainbow of traffic to attend to<br />
various commitments often takes its<br />
toll. And when an opportunity comes<br />
your way to escape from the drudgery<br />
of routine, who would say no. It was<br />
one such offer I could not put aside.<br />
Blessed are those who have<br />
committed friends. It was one such<br />
friend with the spirit of a Marco Polo<br />
who invited me to Kerala. I had been<br />
to Kerala about ten years ago. But<br />
then it was just another state – a<br />
24<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
distant sounding state of South India,<br />
far away from being God’s Own<br />
Country. I had no idea when I packed<br />
my bags that I was going to perhaps<br />
one of the most beautiful parts of<br />
India, nee, world. Acres of vivid palm<br />
trees, golden beaches, celestial<br />
backwaters, cascading rapids and<br />
waterfalls …. You name it and it’s<br />
there. Kerala has everything except<br />
snow! The most significant thing<br />
about Kerala holiday is that the<br />
experience is uniquely enjoyable in<br />
the tourist season as well as in the non<br />
tourist season. Kerala is one of the<br />
four states of South India on the<br />
Malabar Coast of southwestern India.<br />
To its east and northeast, Kerala<br />
KERALA<br />
NATURE’S<br />
POT POURRI<br />
��Dr. ��Dr. Maithili Ganjoo Ganjoo Choudhary<br />
Blessed Blessed are are those those who who have have committed committed friends. friends. It It was was one<br />
one<br />
such such friend friend with with the the spirit spirit of of a a Marco Marco Polo Polo who who invited invited me me to<br />
to<br />
Kerala. Kerala. I I had had been been to to Kerala Kerala about about ten ten years years ago. ago. But But then then it<br />
it<br />
was was just just another another state state – – a a distant distant sounding sounding state state of of South<br />
South<br />
India, India, far far away away from from being being God’s God’s Own Own Country. Country. I I had had no<br />
no<br />
idea idea when when I I packed packed my my bags bags that that I I was was going going to to perhaps perhaps one<br />
one<br />
of of the the most most beautiful beautiful parts parts of of India, India, nee, nee, world.<br />
world.<br />
borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka<br />
respectively; to its west and south lie<br />
the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.<br />
First settled in the 10th century<br />
BC by speakers of Proto – South<br />
Dravidian, Kerala was influenced by<br />
the Mauryan empire of the East.<br />
Later, the Cheran kingdom and feudal<br />
Namboodiri Brahaminical city-states<br />
became major powers in the region.<br />
Early contact with overseas lands<br />
culminated in struggles between<br />
colonial and native powers. The<br />
States Reorganisation Act, 1956<br />
elevated Kerala to statehood. Social<br />
reforms enacted in the late 19th<br />
century by Cochin and Travancore<br />
were expanded upon by postindependence<br />
governments, making<br />
Kerala one of the most longest-lived,<br />
healthiest, gender-equitable, and<br />
literate regions of the world. Even
more remarkably a survey conducted<br />
i n 2 0 0 5 b y T r a n s p a r e n c y<br />
International ranked Kerala as the<br />
least corrupt state of India.<br />
Geographically, Kerala can be<br />
divided into three climatically<br />
distinct regions: the eastern<br />
highlands (mountainous terrain), the<br />
central midlands ( hills), and the<br />
western lowlands (coastal plains).<br />
Eastern Kerala lies immediately<br />
west of the Western Ghats's rain<br />
shadow and it consists of high<br />
mountains, gorges and deep-cut<br />
valleys. 41 of Kerala’s west-flowing<br />
rivers, and 3 of its east-flowing ones<br />
originate in this region. Here, the<br />
Western Ghats form a wall of<br />
mountains interrupted only near<br />
Palakkad, where the Palakkad Gap<br />
breaks through to provide access to<br />
the rest of India. The Western Ghats<br />
rise on an average to 4920 ft. above<br />
sea level, while the highest peaks<br />
reach to 8200 ft. Just west of the<br />
mountains lie the midland composing<br />
central Kerala where rolling hills and<br />
valleys dominate. Generally rising to<br />
3300 ft, the eastern portions of the<br />
Nilgiri and Palni Hills include<br />
formations such as Agastyamalai and<br />
Anamalai. Kerala’s western coastal<br />
COVER STORY<br />
belt is relatively flat, and is crissc<br />
r o s s e d b y a n e t w o r k o f<br />
interconnected brackish canals, lakes,<br />
estuaries, and rivers known as the<br />
K e r a l a B a c k w a t e r s . L a k e<br />
Vembanada, Kerala’s largest body of<br />
water dominates the Backwaters. It<br />
lies between Alappuzha and Kochi<br />
and is more than 200 sq.km in area.<br />
With 120 to 140 rainy days per year,<br />
Kerala has a wet and maritime<br />
tropical climate influenced by the<br />
seasonal heavy rains of the southwest<br />
summer monsoon. Kerala is one of<br />
the most popular tourist destinations<br />
in India. Named as one of the "ten<br />
paradises of the world" by the<br />
National Geographic Traveller<br />
<strong>Magazine</strong>, Kerala is especially<br />
known for its ecotourism. The influx<br />
of tourists started from 1995 onwards<br />
when they started coming from the<br />
western countries in droves. Popular<br />
attractions in the state include the<br />
beaches at Kovalam, Cherai and<br />
Varkala; the hill stations of Munnar,<br />
Nelliampa t h i , P o n m u d i a n d<br />
Wayanad; and national parks and<br />
wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar and<br />
Eravikulam. The "backwaters"<br />
which comprises an extensive<br />
network of interlocking rivers, lakes,<br />
and canals that centre on Alleppey,<br />
Kumarakom and Punnamada (where<br />
the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race is<br />
held in August), also see heavy<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
25
COVER STORY<br />
tourist traffic. But if you ask me<br />
about the ‘Must –Dos’ in Kerala, its<br />
got to be Kovalam, Kumarakom and<br />
Munnar. Let me start with Kovalam<br />
as that’s the place closest to<br />
Thiruanatapuram, the capital of<br />
Kerala. Ever since Rupert Croft-<br />
Cooke, the noted travel writer,<br />
brought the sleepy coastal town to the<br />
notice of millions in his book ‘In<br />
Search of Nirvana’, Kovalam has<br />
become almost synonymous with<br />
Kerala. Often compared to Goa the<br />
beaches at this place have a greater<br />
tourist mix. Lighthouse Beach, the<br />
most popular of all in Kovalam, is<br />
dotted with restaurants, souvenir<br />
shops and other trivia outlets.<br />
. During the tourist season from<br />
October to March, the beach is<br />
abuzz with activities like, frying and<br />
selling of fresh Baracuda fishes,<br />
sarongs and shells being bargained<br />
for etc. Off s Some of these hotels<br />
also give breathtaking view of the<br />
sea from the rooms itself. eason<br />
evenings are relatively calm and<br />
clean. And if you happen to be<br />
staying in one of the high-end hotels<br />
the joy of being on the private<br />
beaches can also be refreshing.<br />
Kovalam also has small backwater<br />
lake, for an evening boat ride. But<br />
for the real backwater experience, I<br />
would recommend Kumarakom.<br />
Kumarakom is a small village<br />
26<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
on the east shore of Vembanad Lake,<br />
9 km. west of Kottayam.On the first<br />
look, the winding lanes of the village<br />
that take you into the sea, there is<br />
nothing strikingly unique about this<br />
place but soon the tranquility sinks<br />
in and you are transported to a<br />
different zone altogether. Moored on<br />
the Vembanad lake are several<br />
houseboats which are so very<br />
different from the ones seen in Dal<br />
The most striking feature of<br />
the state is that there are<br />
just two colours to be seen –<br />
blues and greens. Browns of<br />
barren lands are seldom<br />
visible. The people are nice<br />
and warm. The cuisine is<br />
worth exploring and the best<br />
thing about the place is that<br />
it is as beautiful in season as<br />
in so-called off-season.<br />
Lake, Srinagar. Many tourists from<br />
abroad, however, prefer the<br />
luxurious resorts overlooking the<br />
lake. Staying there is a special<br />
experience altogether and those who<br />
can afford must have this. The<br />
cultural presentations, in the<br />
evenings during dinner time are the<br />
chocolate icings for the tired soul.<br />
Stay there and feel the fatigue going<br />
out of you. The big hotels have<br />
special entertainment facilities for<br />
children, boat rides in the lake and<br />
into the sea and special ayurvedic<br />
massage packages for tired bodies<br />
and minds!<br />
The next destination from<br />
Kumarakom is the hill station of<br />
Munnar, situated in the picturesque<br />
district of Iddukki. With mountains<br />
and waterfalls appearing along the<br />
winding road, and dense forests of<br />
vanilla, cocoao, cardimom and other<br />
spices, the highway to Munnar,<br />
through the Iddukki district, is like a<br />
nature walk.<br />
Munnar located at a height of<br />
about 6000 ft. has often been called<br />
the ‘Scotland of India.’ The lush<br />
green tea gardens owned by the Tata<br />
Tea Company evoke similarities<br />
with Darjeeling, another beautiful<br />
hill station in East India. A visit to<br />
the tea processing unit evokes<br />
memories of the ‘Raj’. A casual walk<br />
down the winding lanes of the town<br />
is both refreshing and invigorating.<br />
The balmy air laden with aroma of<br />
unplucked tea leaves reminds gently<br />
of the beautiful country India is.<br />
Around the town is the famous<br />
Eranakullam sanctuary, where the<br />
famous blue Kurrunji flowers bloom<br />
once in every twelve years.<br />
There are many other beautiful<br />
places to visit in Kerala. The most<br />
striking feature of the state is that<br />
there are just two colours to be seen –<br />
blues and greens. Browns of barren<br />
lands are seldom visible. The people<br />
are nice and warm. The cuisine is<br />
worth exploring and the best thing<br />
about the place is that it is as beautiful<br />
in season as in so-called off-season.<br />
It’s one place you would long to visit<br />
again and yet again. At the end of my<br />
visit I resolved to go back again to the<br />
lap of nature once again. And why<br />
not? It’s God’s Own Country and<br />
much more. ■<br />
(The writer is a Delhi based<br />
Communication Specialist.<br />
m_ ganjoo@hotmail.com).
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dkQh cnyh gSA vktknh dh vylHkksj esa<br />
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ftrus fons'kh gj lky Hkkjr Äweus vkrs<br />
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gksrk gS] ftls rhFkkZVu dgrs gSaA bl<br />
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dh la[;k Hkh vis{kkÑr dkQh de gSA<br />
Hkkjr vk;qoZsn vkSj ;ksx dk ns'k gSA ;s<br />
nksuksa i)fr;ka oSdfYid fpfdRlk i)fr<br />
ds :i esa lkjh nqfu;k esa csgn yksdfç;<br />
gks jgh gSaA Hkkjr blds ,dek= loJs"B<br />
dsaæ ds :i esa fodflr gks ldrk gSA<br />
ysfdu fpfdRlk i;ZVu dk fodkl Hkh<br />
ge csgrj
dh Økafr dh tehu cukbZ gSA nqfu;k<br />
vius rukoksa] nckoksa vkSj jksxksa ls eqfä ds<br />
fy, Hkkjr dh vksj ns[kus yxh gSA ;g<br />
cnyko varr% esfMdy VwfjTe dks<br />
çksRlkfgr djus okyh gksxhA Hkkjr<br />
ljdkj us esfMdy ohtk dk çko/kku<br />
'kq: fd;k gS] ftls vkSj vklku cukus dh<br />
t:jr gSA fpfdRlk ds {ks= esa gks jgh<br />
Økafr vius ns'k esa esfMdy VwfjTe c
;k=k o`rkar<br />
okg<br />
yn~nk[k<br />
okg!<br />
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30<br />
fla/kq rV ij<br />
liRuhd iz[;kr<br />
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MkW- jkenj'k feJ<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
29<br />
ebZ 2002 dh jkf=--- ysg ds fy,<br />
5-30 izkr% dk Iysu idM+uk FkkA<br />
rhu cts rd jkr ?kj ij tkx dj<br />
dkVhA 'kqØ Fkk Hkkjr&osLVbaMht dk<br />
,dfnolh; eSp FkkA 2-15 rd lekIr<br />
gqvkA Hkkjr fot;h jgk--- bldk lq[k<br />
lkFk FkkA xyh esa gh ,d Fkzh Oghyj okys<br />
lTtu FksA rhu cts jkf= esa Hkh ikye<br />
,;jiksVZ igqapkus dh mUgksaus Ñik u dh<br />
gksrh rks--- mÙke uxj tSls bykds ls<br />
bruh jkr dksbZ okgu feyuk yxHkx<br />
vlEHko FkkA yxHkx 4 cts ,;j iksVZ<br />
igqapkA cgqr Lokfn"V pk; ih ogkaA Fkh<br />
rks eagxh ij cgqr Lokfn"VA 4-30 cts<br />
tkap oxSjg 'kq: gqbZA ogka MkW- jkenj'k<br />
feJ th dks liRuhd ns[k vPNk yxkA<br />
vkSj Hkh ifjfpr feysA Iysu yxHkx ikSus<br />
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/kqi ds dkj.k lc lkQ&lkQ fn[kykbZ<br />
iM+ jgk FkkA lqcg dh fnYyh bruh<br />
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pfdr gqvkA Iysu esa uk'rs&ikuh dk nkSj<br />
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fn[kykbZ nsus yxsA dqN nsj ckn Iysu ls<br />
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ns[ksaA gjh&Hkjh igkfM+;ksa dk lewg] oks Hkh<br />
bruh ÅapkbZ ls--- cgqr gh euksjeA<br />
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fn[kykbZ iM+us yxsA dgha&dgha :bZ tSls<br />
cknyksa ds >q.M--- vkSj vc rks pkanh&lh<br />
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igqapsaxs] mn~?kksf"kdk us dgkA yxk--- vjs<br />
bruh tYnh igqap tk,axsA vc rd ge<br />
xeZ&xeZ ijkaBs] eVj iuhj] dVysV]
eD[ku & VkseSVks dSpvi--- ehBk cu---<br />
tSe--- pk; vkfn&vkfn dk Lokn Hkh ys<br />
pqds FksA foeku esa 80&90 ;k=h gksaxsA ,d<br />
nks lhVsa gh [kkyh FkhaA ysg vkus dks Fkk---<br />
pepekrs cQZ s Hkkjr<br />
ljdkj ds fla/kq n'kZu dk;ZØe ds cgkus<br />
ysg ¼yn~nk[k½ nks ckj tkus dk lqvolj<br />
izkIr gqvkA esjs fy, ;s ,d fdLe dh<br />
lkfgfR;d ;k=k,a Hkh Fkha D;ksafd bu<br />
;k=kvksa ds nkSjku eq>s vusdkusd iz[;kr<br />
lkfgR;dkjksa&cqf)thfo;ksa&i=dkjksa dk<br />
lkfUu/; Hkh izkIr gqvk ftuesa MkW-<br />
jkenj'k feJ] fp=k eqn~xy] dSyk'k<br />
oktis;h] izHkkdj Jksf=;] in~ek lpnso]<br />
lhrs'k vkyksd] v#.kk lhrs'k] osnizrki<br />
oSfnd] nsosUnz Lo:i] r#.k fot;]<br />
yn~nk[k ds ,d Ldwy esa fo|kFkhZ<br />
izfl) lkfgR;dkj lkfgR;dkj MkW lhrs'k vkyksd vkyksd<br />
ds lkFk fFkDls xqEQk eafnj eafnj esa<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
31
;k=k o`rkar<br />
v'kksd pØ/kj] tokgjyky dkSy]<br />
n;kizdk'k flUgk] equOoj jkuk] dqeqn<br />
'kekZ] e/kqi eksgrk] y{eh'kadj oktis;h]<br />
xxu fxy vkfn izeq[k FksA<br />
leqnz ry ls yxHkx 11 gtkj QhV<br />
dh ÅapkbZ ij fLFkr ysg] yn~nk[k dk<br />
izeq[k uxj gS tks fla/kq unh ds rV ij<br />
clk gSA {ks=Qy dh n`f"V ls yn~nk[k<br />
phu }kjk dCtk, bykds dks fudky dj<br />
Hkh] tEew&d'ehj ?kkVh nksuksa dks feykdj<br />
Hkh] cM+k gSA gka] ;gka dh tula[;k t:j<br />
de gSA vkt Hkh iwjs yn~nk[k dh<br />
tula[;k
geus ^lsaVªy bafLVV~;wV vkWQ cqf)LV<br />
LV~Mht* ns[kk tgka geus ogka ds<br />
xq#ykekvksa ls HksaV dh rFkk iqjkuh<br />
ykbcszjh ns[khA jkLrs esa tkrs gq, fcuk<br />
?kkl dk ,d cM+k lk ^xksYQ xzkmaM* Hkh<br />
ns[kkA ogka ckn esa geus ,d xksYQ eSp<br />
dk Hkh vkuUn fy;kA ge cPpksa ds ,d<br />
Ldwy ^Hkkjrh; fo|k fudsru* Hkh x,A<br />
^dkaX;wj* esa geus cq)opu ¼f=iVd½ Hkh<br />
ns[ks tks frCcrh ikyh vkSj laLÑr esa<br />
fy[ks FksA ^NSfjax okaxMql* esa geus ,d<br />
fp='kkyk ds n'kZu fd, tgka in~eJh<br />
ls lEekfur ,d ckS) fp=dkj ls HksaV<br />
gqbZA geus rkboku }kjk lapkfyr ,d<br />
^egkcksf/k lkslkbVh E;wft;e* ds n'kZu<br />
Hkh fd, tgka cq) ds lSdM+ksa fp=ksa dh<br />
izn'kZuh yxh FkhA fLirqd dh vksj tkrs<br />
gq, geus ^gkWy vkWQ Qse* ns[kk tks<br />
iw.kZr% lsuk }kjk gh lapkfyr gSA<br />
yn~nk[k dk ^'kkafr Lrwi eafnj* rks cgqr<br />
gh lqUnj gSA ;gka ls pkjksa vksj<br />
yn~nk[k ds vR;Ur lqUnj n`';<br />
fn[kykbZ iM+rs gSaA bl eafnj dk<br />
utkjk rks ns[krs gh curk gSA<br />
;gka dk ^fFkDls xqEQk eafnj* vR;Ur<br />
n'kZuh; gS] tgka geus vkd"kZd Lof.kZe<br />
ckS) izfrek ds n'kZu fd,A bl izfrek<br />
dks rks ftruk ns[kks mruh gh vkd"kZd<br />
yxrh gSA cq) dk ^'kkUr Lo:i* ekuks<br />
bl izfrek esa lkdkj gks mBk gksA ,d<br />
'kkafr Lrwi eafnj esa<br />
fnu ge ^LVksd iSysl* Hkh x, ftlds<br />
pkjksa vksj dkQh cM+s ysfdu catj eSnku<br />
gSaA ;g egy cQhZys igkM+ksa ls f?kjk gS<br />
vkSj vf/kdrj ydfM+;ksa ls cuk gSA ogka<br />
geus 77oha ih
SINK into a cane chair on the<br />
lawn and enjoy afternoon tea as a<br />
Iborder.<br />
peacock emerges from the<br />
Through the archway,<br />
exoticlooking horses are returning to<br />
the stables from a day in the country,<br />
and stable boys converse in the local<br />
Marwar.<br />
<strong>Today</strong>, great efforts are being<br />
made to maintain the purity of India's<br />
indigenous horse breeds; none more<br />
so than the Marwari, native to the<br />
state of Rajasthan. The horse has<br />
distinctive pointed ears that curve at<br />
the tips, and was bred for speed,<br />
34<br />
TOURISM<br />
AN EQUINE REVIVAL<br />
TURNS BACK TIME<br />
RUPERT SAGAR-MUSGRAVE travelled to India to unravel<br />
the history of Rajasthan's indigenous Marwari horse,<br />
and met the Rajput nobles leading its revival<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
endurance, bravery, and resilience to<br />
the desert conditions. Its origin is a<br />
keenly debated issue. It is thought to<br />
have evolved in the Marwar region,<br />
south of Jodhpur, but it was not<br />
referred to by this name until the<br />
1850s.<br />
Rajputs are historically a ruling<br />
caste of warriors, dependent on their<br />
cavalry to wage war over territories<br />
and defend their Hindu region from<br />
M u s l i m i n v a s i o n s . H a v i n g<br />
exclusively bred Marwari since the<br />
12th century, only they were<br />
permitted to ride them. As their<br />
patronage declined, so, too, did<br />
numbers, which reached a critically<br />
low level post-Independence. The<br />
present Rajputs are taking up the reins<br />
once again, creating a resurgence of<br />
interest in the breed.<br />
Stories of this powerful union are<br />
recorded in Rajasthani literature, art<br />
and folk song. The most famous<br />
recalls the horse Chetak, who was<br />
fatally wounded in battle, but carried<br />
Maharana Pratap Singh away to<br />
safety, before dying in his master's<br />
arms. Rajputs were so reliant on<br />
Marwari that the horses were elevated
to divine status. The royal family of<br />
Udaipur continue this tradition with<br />
an annual puja ceremony, in which<br />
the Maharana of the time blesses the<br />
heads of his Marwari with tilak paste,<br />
in gratitude for their role in the<br />
monarchy's survival.<br />
Maharaj Narendra Singh, a top<br />
breeder of Marwari since 1972, hosts<br />
the Chetak Horse Show at Haldighati,<br />
which creates a demand for his stud,<br />
promotes equestrian tourism, and<br />
increases international awareness of<br />
the breed. On my arrival at his stud,<br />
negotiations were under way with a<br />
visiting breeder for the Maharaj's<br />
stallion to cover a mare, for which he<br />
pocketed an easy 11,000 rupees<br />
(£130). Later, I joined other guests for<br />
an evening ride through green fields<br />
worked by women in red saris, who<br />
secured their veils with one hand as<br />
they looked up.<br />
A Hindu groom traditionally<br />
arrives at his wedding on horseback.<br />
Marwari can be trained to dance for<br />
ceremonies, but, generally, a groom's<br />
choice depends on colour rather than<br />
breed; an albino stallion is often<br />
considered the most auspicious. Arun<br />
Nayar chose a dark bay Marwari for<br />
his nuptials at the Umaid Bhawan<br />
Palace in Jodhpur, one of 25 hired<br />
from Dr Ajeet Singh, who follows in<br />
his father's footsteps as a breeder. He<br />
told me he wants to increase the<br />
quality of the breed in his area:<br />
'Villagers can't afford cover from<br />
good stallions, so I charge only a<br />
nominal fee (about £6).'<br />
The British recognised the<br />
warlike trait instilled in young Rajput<br />
men, and recruited them for their<br />
colonial army. The last military action<br />
that they and their Marwari horses<br />
participated in was the Battle of<br />
Megiddo at Haifa in 1918, when,<br />
under General Allenby, the Jodhpur<br />
Lancers led a brave charge against<br />
Turkish machine-gun fire.<br />
At his family home at Kotri,<br />
Thakur Mahendra Singh Ghanerao<br />
reminded me how quickly times have<br />
changed. 'My grandfather used to<br />
TOURISM<br />
have 500 horses. He had his own<br />
police and army, so he needed them.'<br />
Every noble family had to keep horses<br />
for battle call-up. Following<br />
independence in 1947, most of their<br />
land was given to the landless, and the<br />
withdrawal of the Privy Purse meant<br />
costs became prohibitive. With no<br />
battles to fight, and changing<br />
transport means, the Marwari became<br />
redundant.<br />
The British in India preferred<br />
their own Thoroughbreds, and also<br />
imported Whalers from Australia.<br />
Durga Singh Mandawa suggests why:<br />
'You need to make friends with the<br />
Marwari first before training it. For<br />
the British, this wasn't in their nature<br />
or will.' The Marwari were shot,<br />
castrated, or given away to farmers. In<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
35
TOURISM<br />
1997, a report by the National<br />
Research Centre on Equines<br />
concluded that the population of<br />
purebred Marwari was 'not more than<br />
500', putting it on the verge of<br />
extinction.<br />
Although, in the 1930s, the<br />
concerned Jodhpur government<br />
started buying back selected stallions<br />
from farmers, interbreeding<br />
continued with the Kathiawari and<br />
Sindhi, and the bloodline diluted<br />
further. It was not until the 1980s that<br />
the decline started to reverse, when<br />
the Indigenous Horse Society of India<br />
was formed as the main body<br />
representing the Marwari. After much<br />
consultation, it published the first<br />
Breed Standard, and has invited studs<br />
to maintain records. Recently, the<br />
regional government has started a free<br />
artificial-insemination programme<br />
from its own Marwari stock, but this<br />
scientific approach lacks the quality<br />
stallions needed to interest the top<br />
breeders.<br />
Polo is played in the cooler<br />
months, and although some Marwari<br />
are used for the sport in Rajasthan, it<br />
is mostly Thoroughbreds and cross-<br />
36<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
breds which are employed. Another<br />
use for the horses is tent-pegging, a<br />
cavalry sport which developed from<br />
the ancient practise of a rider<br />
swooping down to ground level at<br />
full gallop to uproot tent pegs in an<br />
enemy camp. It is a skilled sport,<br />
with official championships and<br />
demonstrations.<br />
My visit to the area coincided<br />
with a three-day endurance event,<br />
organized by the Jodhpur Polo and<br />
Equestrian Institute, which is only in<br />
its second yearThe Prince of Wales<br />
and the Duchess of Cornwall<br />
inaugurated it in 2006. Teams of<br />
Marwari from the army and police<br />
force, as well as individuals, compete<br />
over a 50-mile course. As I<br />
approached, a gathering of tents and<br />
vehicles loomed into view. It was day<br />
one, veterinary checks were over, and<br />
groups of stable lads, riders, trainers,<br />
vets, breeders, foreign buyers and<br />
officials were sheltering from the sun<br />
under makeshift awnings. 'If we can<br />
prove the horse is good for endurance,<br />
buyers in other countries will be<br />
interested. Then we will have a<br />
market,' says Mahendra Ghanerao.<br />
Although the government has<br />
recently lifted a ban on their export,<br />
India needs to prove that it is free of<br />
certain diseases and quarantines need<br />
to be set up, in order to meet the strict<br />
import standards of other countries.<br />
One of the biggest stables is in<br />
the Shekhawati region. It is run by<br />
Raghuvendra Singh Dundlod and an<br />
Anglo-American, Francesca Kelly,<br />
who have raised the breed profile both
in India and overseas. They attend<br />
fairs, organize shows, and have<br />
published an inf luential book on the<br />
breed, Marwari: Legend of the Indian<br />
Horse. Most significantly, they<br />
lobbied the government for a change<br />
in export policy, and have<br />
successfully sent six Marwari to the<br />
US and 19 to Sri Lanka. The creation<br />
of an international market is sending<br />
prices up, benefiting everyone from<br />
the top breeders down to the village<br />
farmer. However, not everyone is<br />
optimistic. Thakur Mahendra Singh<br />
Bhati worries that 'all the best horses<br />
will go outside India, and then we'll<br />
be back where we started'. Despite<br />
there being no protocol yet for<br />
imports into Europe, four are destined<br />
for Barcelona, and five for<br />
Daylesford Stud in Gloucestershire.<br />
If successful, it will be the first time<br />
that the breed is seen in the UK.<br />
As tourism to the region<br />
increases, breeders are offering rural<br />
horse-safaris from their luxuriously<br />
restored properties, which operate<br />
under the label of Heritage Hotel.<br />
This brings a significant new source<br />
of income which helps to finance the<br />
horses. I joined one such venture,<br />
Royal Riding Holidays, at the annual<br />
Balotra Fair, where many Marwari<br />
are traded. Resurrecting medieval<br />
royal traditions, the luxury traveling<br />
camp is attended by a retinue of staff.<br />
As I arrive, an assortment of colourful<br />
tents is unfurled to create an enclosed<br />
area around a campfire. Suddenly, a<br />
lookout spots the riders galloping<br />
down the lane, and everybody jumps<br />
to attention as five splendid Marwari<br />
pull up in a cloud of dust. So began<br />
my visit to the Balotra Fair, a biblical<br />
spectacle of traders and nomads that<br />
remains unspoilt due to its<br />
remoteness. The two-week event<br />
culminates in equine competitions<br />
and an endurance race, presided over<br />
by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, which<br />
lends significant weight to the<br />
importance of this key event.<br />
TOURISM<br />
Although the Marwari's revival<br />
is the focal issue, for the Rajputs,<br />
there is much more at stake. Having<br />
lost land and privileges, losing their<br />
lifelong partner would be a<br />
catastrophic blow. The near<br />
extinction of the Marwari set alarm<br />
bells ringing. <strong>Today</strong>'s Rajputs<br />
recognise the need to adapt. After a<br />
painful lapse, they are re-embracing a<br />
deep-rooted equine tradition. In<br />
changing times, and still passionate<br />
about horses, Rajputs are having to<br />
reinvent themselves. History is<br />
repeating itself, now that the Marwari<br />
has become a status symbol once<br />
again. ■<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
37
NRI ACHIEVERS<br />
38<br />
SANJANA JOHN<br />
Designing is such an area where only innovation helps you get on<br />
otherwise people perish. Sanjana John, New York-based fashion designer,<br />
Founder and President of IG International, appeared as an expert in<br />
international marketing on industry panel with Dierdre Bigley, VP of<br />
Worldwide Marketing for IBM during Fordham University's Women in<br />
Business Conference, 2005. Sanjana Jon has masters in psychology and<br />
sociology, as also fashion merchandising, marketing and fashion<br />
photography.<br />
Being awarded an “International Rising Star” award in Vancouver, Canada in 2005, Sanjana is<br />
spearheading the IG International Miss Universe AIDS Awareness Tour to Asia which kicks off on<br />
Halloween at the Central Park Boat House.<br />
Sanjana left for US in 1992, is head off from her celebrity brother designer Anand Jon and is<br />
launching her own product line consisting of bridal trousseaus and a designer collection for working<br />
women and 'pret line'. Sanjana stepped into the limelight when she joined brother Anand Jon with her<br />
designer jewellery and subsequently debuted on Cannes, only to continue designing ensemble for the<br />
royalty.<br />
SURINA NARULA<br />
In disguise and adversity we need blessings and help from the one<br />
already prosperous. Helping the needy is always praiseworthy but if<br />
clubbed with the personal business becomes more meaningful and<br />
charitable.<br />
The Asian of the Year awardee 2005, Surina Narula wife of Harpinder<br />
Singh Narula, has organised over 20 major events in the past 15 years to<br />
raise funds in order to emphasize the needs of street children at local,<br />
national and international levels. She has received several awards for her contribution to causes for street<br />
children. In 2003, she won The Beacon Prize in recognition of her outstanding contribution to charitable<br />
and social causes.<br />
She heads the International Childcare Trust which looks after children of the poor; it has centres in<br />
India, Sri Lanka and Kenya. Surina, who had also chaired Pratham UK's 2005 Charity Ball, raising a<br />
record 400,000 pounds, said at the ceremony that she has been given the Asian of the year award to<br />
remind her of the work yet to be done.<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong>
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TOURISM<br />
Ooty<br />
Ooty<br />
The The Queen Queen of of the the Hills<br />
Hills<br />
ituated at an altitude of<br />
2,240 meters above sea<br />
SUdhagamandalam<br />
level, Ooty also known as<br />
is the "Queen of<br />
hill stations" and the capital of<br />
Nilgiris district. It is one of the most<br />
popular tourist resorts in India.<br />
Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains".<br />
Used to be popular summer and<br />
weekend getaway for the Britishers<br />
during the colonial days. An added<br />
attraction for the tourists to Ooty is<br />
the mountain train journey on a<br />
ratchet and pinion track which<br />
commences from Kallar, near<br />
Mettupalayam and wends its way<br />
through many hair-raising curves and<br />
fearful tunnels and chugs along<br />
beside deep ravines full of verdant<br />
vegetation, gurgling streams and tea<br />
gardens. The construction of this line<br />
was a big challenge as the terrain is<br />
rather tricky. It was in 1854 that the<br />
II<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
first plans were drawn to build a<br />
m o u n t a i n r a i l w a y f r o m<br />
Mettupalayam to the Nilgiri Hills.<br />
But it was a good 45 years later in<br />
1899 that the first train chugged up<br />
this track. This railway is widely<br />
regarded as a marvel of engineering.<br />
The train itself is a charming blue and<br />
cream with wooden coaches and large<br />
windows. It is hauled up hills by<br />
stream engines, designed and built by<br />
the Swiss Locomotive Works. Twelve<br />
of such locomotive engines survive<br />
even today. The train covers the 46<br />
km to Ooty in four and a half hours.<br />
There are five stations between<br />
Mettupalayam and Coonoor - Kallar,<br />
Adderley, Hill Grove, Runnymede<br />
and Kateri and, at one time, there<br />
were five between Coonoor and Ooty<br />
t o o . T h r o u g h We l l i n g t o n ,<br />
Aruvankadul, Ketti, and Lovedale are<br />
still functional, Fren Hill, the last one,<br />
was closed down a few years ago.<br />
Extensive rice fields surround the 7<br />
km stretch between Mettupalayam<br />
and Kallar. Soon after is an<br />
impressive 21km section through<br />
truly rocky terrain. The track passes<br />
over 26 viaducts, and twist and blends<br />
through 13 tunnels. After a steep<br />
climb, the train enters Coonoor, the<br />
little hill station known for its tea<br />
plantations. From here, the track is<br />
uphill till you reach Fern Hill at a<br />
height of 2,218m, the highest point on
the railroad. Shortly before Ooty, the<br />
line dips downhill. If you enjoy taking<br />
pictures, keep your camera ready for a<br />
few shots of the viaduct between<br />
Kallar and Adderley. This ride is sure<br />
to turn the most hardened rail critic<br />
into an avid fan.The train runs across<br />
tall girder bridges, and over green<br />
hills before gently meandering<br />
through rolling tea estates. The<br />
exhaust beat of the loco never falters,<br />
maintaining a deafening staccato<br />
which can be heard for miles around.<br />
One can notice a marvellous<br />
change in vegetation, as one goes<br />
from Kallar to Coonoor. The<br />
establishment of numerous tea estates<br />
made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains,<br />
dense forest, sprawling grasslands<br />
The scenery, as it<br />
unfolds during the<br />
trip, is breathtaking,<br />
awe-inspiring and<br />
fantastic. One can<br />
notice a marvellous<br />
change in vegetation,<br />
as one goes from<br />
Kallar to Coonoor.<br />
and miles and miles of tea gardens<br />
greet the passengers on most routes.<br />
The annual Tea and Tourism Festival<br />
attracts crowds in huge numbers<br />
Ooty still woos people from all<br />
over India as well as foreign countries<br />
right through summer as well as in the<br />
winters The scenery, as it unfolds<br />
during the trip, is breathtaking, aweinspiring<br />
and fantastic. One can<br />
notice a marvellous change in<br />
vegetation, as one goes from Kallar to<br />
Coonoor.<br />
The nearest airport is in<br />
TOURISM<br />
Coimbatore, 100 km away. You can<br />
catch a direct flight to Coimbatore<br />
from Chennai, Kozhikode, Bangalore<br />
and Mumbai. Indian Airlines flies<br />
Delhi-Kochi via Mumbai and<br />
Coimbatore<br />
Nearest broad gauge railway<br />
head is Mettupalayam (46 kms).<br />
Major broadgauge railway junction is<br />
Coimbatore. It is connected with all<br />
major cities. Mettupalayam to Ooty,<br />
is connected by a Mountain Railway<br />
which is 4 hours journey.<br />
Ooty is well connected by good<br />
roads. It is 535 km from Chennai (via<br />
Salem), 89 km from Coimbatore, 18<br />
km from Coonoor (via Gudalur), 155<br />
km from Mysore, 187 km from<br />
Calicut, 290 km from Bangalore, 281<br />
km from Kochi (via Coimbatore and<br />
Palakkad), 236 km from Kodaikanal<br />
(via Coimbatore and Palani)<br />
There is a regular bus service<br />
f r o m B a n g a l o r e , M y s o r e ,<br />
Coimbatore, Calicut, Kanyakumari,<br />
Thanjavur, Tirupathi and Cochin.<br />
Buses ply regularly to Mudhumalai<br />
Wildlife Sanctuary, Kotagiri,<br />
Coonoor and Doddabeta. ■<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
III
why<br />
wait<br />
for<br />
a<br />
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isuflyosfu;k fo'ofo|ky; esa iSu bafM;k dk;ZØe ds funs'kd gSaA isuflyosfu;k fo'ofo|ky; esa<br />
fiNys nks n'kdksa ls nf{k.k ,f'k;kbZ vè;;u foHkkx esa fgUnh vkSj Hkk"kk 'kkL= ds izksQslj gSaA isuflyosfu;k<br />
fo'ofo|ky; esa Hkkjr laca/kh dk;ZØe dks funsZf'kr djrs gSaA lkFk gh Hkkjrh; vè;;u laca/kh vejhdh<br />
laLFkku dh Hkk"kk lfefr ds vè;{k gSaA bUgsa U;w;kdZ esa vk;ksftr vkBosa fo'o fgUnh lEesyu&<strong>2007</strong> esa fo'o<br />
fgUnh lEeku ls lEekfur fd;k x;kA<br />
lwjhuke esa fgUnh ds izpkj&izlkj esa mYys[kuh; ;ksxnku fd;k gSA lwjhuke fgUnh ifj"kn~ ls fudV :i ls<br />
tqM+s jgs gSaA ifj"kn~ esa vius dk;Zdky ds nkSjku lewps lwjhuke esa fgUnh ds vè;;u&vè;kiu ds dk;Z dks vkxs<br />
c
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ifjn`';<br />
fczVsu esa /keZ vkSj LVsV<br />
❒����������������<br />
dh igpku<br />
/k<br />
eZ dk ,d /keZfujis{k jk"Vª esa D;k<br />
LFkku gS] bl ij de ls de nks lkS<br />
o"kks± ls cgl py jgh gSA tc ls vejhdk<br />
Lora= ns'k gqvk vkSj mlus vius lafo/kku<br />
esa Li"V dj fn;k fd jktuhfr vkSj /keZ<br />
,d LVsV esa nks vyx&vyx /kkj.kk,a gSa<br />
vkSj vPNk LVsV ogh gksxk ftlesa bu<br />
nksuksa ds chp la?k"kZ vkSj ruko u gksA<br />
;|fi vejhdk esa /kkfeZd laLFkkvksa dh<br />
cgqrk;r gS vkSj gj iFk ds ekuus okyksa<br />
dks vius jkLrksa ij pyus dh Hkh NwV gS]<br />
fQj Hkh vejhdk us vius iwoZtksa ds<br />
,ykuksa dks fd /keZ vkSj LVsV dks<br />
vyx&vyx dj ns[kuk gh fo'kky<br />
tufgr dh j{kk vkSj Lora=rk dk LoRo<br />
gh egr gS dh uhfr dks iwjh rjg viuk,<br />
j[kk gSA<br />
fczVsu dk LVsV bl vFkZ esa fHkUu gSA<br />
gsujh v"Ve ds le; ls gh baXySaM dk /keZ<br />
izksVsLVUV bZlkbZ /keZ jgk gSA vkSj fczVsu<br />
42<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
ls jkt'kkgh dks [kRe djus dh ekax djus<br />
okys Hkh ;g Li"V ugha djrs fd<br />
iztkrkaf=d fczVsu esa /keZ& bZlkbZ /keZ dk<br />
D;k jksy gksxkA ;gka ds :
Vksuh Cys;j ds mÙkjkf/kdkjh xksMZu<br />
czkmu us vius iz/kkuefU=Ro ds in dks<br />
xzg.k djrs gh ;g ,yku dj fn;k Fkk fd<br />
oks pkgsaxs fd iz/kkuea=h dk ;g gd fd<br />
bl ns'k esa lc bZlkbZ /keZ ds vf/kdkfj;ksa<br />
tSls fc'ki vkfn dk pquko oks ugha djsaxs<br />
vkSj mudk uke egkjkuh ds njckj esa<br />
izsf"kr djsaxsA ;g ,d cM+k egRoiw.kZ<br />
dne gksxkA<br />
;gka ;g mfpr gksxk fd fczfV'k<br />
ikfyZ;kesaV ds mPp lnu gkml vkWQ<br />
ykMZ~l dk uD'kk izLrqr fd;k tk,A ;g<br />
lgh gS fd fczVsu esa 'kklu lgh ekus esa<br />
gkml vkWQ dkeUl ls gksrk gSA ogha<br />
iz/kkuea=h vkSj mudh iwjh Vªstjh ds<br />
lnL; gksrs gSa vkSj foi{kh nyksa ds usrk<br />
vkSj muds lkjs izLrko ofj"B vf/kdkjh<br />
vkSj izoDrk HkhA fdUrq ;gka ^ikl* fd;k<br />
gqvk gj fcy fo/ks;d vUrr% gkml vkWQ<br />
ykM~Zl esa mudh eatwjh ds fy, Hkstk<br />
tkrk gSA pwafd gkml vkWQ ykMZ~l esa<br />
fdrus gh fo'ks"kK cSBrs gSa vr%<br />
dHkh&dHkh mls okil gkml vkWQ<br />
dkeUl esa Hkst fn;k tkrk gSA ;gka rd<br />
fd foÙk laca/kh izLrkvksa dks ykM~Zl<br />
fjtsDV Hkh dj ldrs gSaA<br />
tc vki gkml vkWQ ykM~Zl esa<br />
tk,axs] rks ik,axs fd ogka dsoy ykMZ~l<br />
yksx tks vf/kdka'k ;k rks iSls okys yksx<br />
gksrs gSa ;k ,sls ftUgksaus ikfVZ;ksa ds fy,<br />
ifjn`';<br />
dqN fd;k gksrk gS] ;k iz/kkuea=h ds<br />
Ñikik= gksrs gSaA dHkh&dHkh rks ckr ;gka<br />
rd c
ifjn`';<br />
^gkUlkbZ* ¼fczfV'k ikfyZ;kesaV vkSj iwjs<br />
lkezkT; ds ikfyZ;kesaVªh fjdkMZ~l dh<br />
Qkbyksa½ dks ns[kus ds fy, tkrk Fkk vkSj<br />
vxj Fkdku vk tkrh rks eSa dqN lhf
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fofo/kk<br />
uh<br />
njySaM---A leqnz ls uhph tehu<br />
okyk Qyw k as dk n's kA ukFkZ uhnjySaM<br />
;fn ,d vksj ^V~;wfyi* fo'o izfl) Qyw ksa<br />
dh Qly ds fy, izfl) gS ogha nwljh<br />
vksj ^ pht* ftls Mp esa ^dkl* dgrs gSa]<br />
ds fy, tkuk tkrk gSA [ksr ds [ksr--- nwj<br />
ryd--- tgka rd n`f"V tkrh gS ?kkl ds<br />
lqUnj eSnku gSaA tgka--- xk;--- HksM+--- vkSj<br />
?kksM+s pjrs gSa--- [ksyrs gSa--- ckal csarksa ls<br />
ekfydksa us [ksr ckaV fy, gSa--- [ksrksa ds<br />
pkjksa vksj ikuh ihus ds fy,<br />
ladjh&iryh ugjsa gSa--- tks lhek,a Hkh gSaA<br />
ekfydksa us viuh xk;] HksM+sa vkSj ?kksM+s ;gka<br />
NksM+ j[ks gSaA xzh"e vkSj olUr esa ;g<br />
jkr&fnu ?kkl ds eSnkuksa esa [kkrs&[ksyrs<br />
gSaA vius dku esa uhnjySaM ljdkj }kjk<br />
iznÙk uEcj yxk;s fuHkZ; gksdj ?kkl<br />
pjrs gSaA tkuoj Hkh ;gka ukxfjdksa dh<br />
rjg lqj{kk cksèk ds lkFk ?kwers&pjrs gSaA<br />
;g ns'k ds ukxfjdksa dk iks"k.k djrs gSa<br />
vkSj ukxfjd fcuk fdlh èkkfeZd iwokZxzg<br />
ds tkuojksa dh fofèkor lqj{kk vkSj iks"k.k<br />
djrs gSaA ;s xk; ds [ksr gSa--- ?kksM+s ds [ksr<br />
gSa--- HksM+ksa ds [ksr gSa vkSj ;s gh [ksr ds Qy<br />
vkSj Qly gSaA<br />
ns'k ds vfèkdka'k fgLls esa [kqyh vkSj<br />
f[kys gq, ?kkl ds ckxku ds ckxku gSa<br />
tgka fo'ks"k lkSUn;Z okyh dkyh o`Ùkksa okyh<br />
46<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
lQsn xk;ksa ds lewg gSa ftuds dkuksa ij<br />
ihys jax dh uEcj ifV~Vdk,a yxh jgrh<br />
gSa tks buds ns'k ds gksus dk ikliksVZ gSaA<br />
cxSj fdlh vfrfjDr vkLFkk ds ;gka dh<br />
xk;ksa dks ftl rjg dh lsok feyrh gS<br />
mlls yxrk gS fd izkphu o`Unkou vkSj<br />
eFkqjk dh >kadh ;gha gSaA blds n'kZu dk<br />
lq[k feyrk gSA olUr vkSj xzh"e esa ftl<br />
rjg ls iwjs ;wjksi esa Qlyksa dh dVkbZ<br />
gksrh gS oSls gh 'khrdky ds fy, fdlkuksa<br />
ds }kjk ?kkl dh [ksrh gksrh gSA vkfLVª;k<br />
ds NksVs ioZrh; xkao ^ukmnlZ* esa tks<br />
LohV~tjySaM] bVyh ns'k dh lhekvksa dk<br />
feyu LFky gSA ogka rks cPps ;k euq"; ds<br />
ejus ij ifjokj ds yksxksa dks bruk nq%[k<br />
ugha gksrk gS ftruk xk; ds fuèku ijA<br />
pkj cts xkao Hkj dh xk;sa igkM+ksa dh vksj<br />
pjus pyh tkrh gSaA ioZrh; vkYil dh<br />
p
ds :i esa ml ns'k dk >aMk fizaVsM gSA<br />
lEiw.kZ ;wjksi--- og fQj LdsuMsfo;u<br />
;wjksi gks ;k lkmFk ;wjksi--- pht ;gka ds<br />
ukxfjdksa dk izeq[k [kk| gSA pht dh<br />
vyx ls HkO; nqdkusa gSa--- Lokn vkSj<br />
lajpuk ds brus izdkj gSa fd o"kZ chr<br />
tk;sxk ij vkidks Lokn nqgjkus ds ckn<br />
vUr esa pht VkWyh&Vªs ds lkFk nsus vk<br />
tkrs gSa ftlds lkFk ikWV ,Ydksgy ysus<br />
dk fjokt gS ftlds vlj dk viuk<br />
vyx yqRQ vkSj :rck gSA ij lkFk gh<br />
vUr esa izk;% ikap lkS ;wjks vFkkZr~ lkB<br />
gtkj ds vklikl nks yksxksa ds Mhuj esa<br />
yx tkrk gSA ;gka ds gj HkksT; O;atu esa<br />
fof'k"V dkS'ky ds lkFk pht dk mi;ksx<br />
gksrk gSA jsM okbu ds mcky vkSj ckn esa<br />
xjekgV esa pht dks idk dj [kkus dk Hkh<br />
pyu gS ftlesa xjekus okyk ;a= Hkh<br />
Mhuj Vscy ij j[kk tkrk gSA<br />
vydekj ds flVh lsaVj esa ,d vksj<br />
ppZ gSA mlds lkeus HkO; iqLrdky; gSA<br />
nwljh vksj flVh gkWy vkSj ogha lkS dne<br />
ij dkl E;wft;e] pht laxzgky; gSA<br />
ftldh vk;q pkj lkS o"kZ dh gks x;h gSA<br />
bldk iqu#)kj 1983 esa iqu% gqvk gSA<br />
mÙkjh uhnjySaM dk ;g izeq[k O;kikj<br />
dsUnz gSA 1365 esa pht E;wft;e dh<br />
txg [kqys esa pht dk otu gksrk FkkA<br />
1581 esa blh LFky ij pht ds fy,<br />
ifo= Hkou dk fuekZ.k gqvkA blh Hkou esa<br />
52 ehVj Åapk pht Vkoj 1597 vkSj<br />
1599 ds chp cukA l=goha 'krkCnh esa<br />
pht [kkus ds fy, u;h rjg ds QkeZ<br />
gkml dk fuekZ.k gqvkA laxzgky; esa<br />
izkphu le; esa pht cuk;s tkus ds<br />
midj.k lqjf{kr gSaA ikjEifjd ifjèkkuksa<br />
esa pht cukus okyh efgyk dk;ZdrkZvksa<br />
dh rLohjsa vkSj vkd"kZd fp= gSaA fQYe<br />
vkSj LykbM ns[kus fn[kkus dk izkoèkku<br />
gSA ;wjksi ds gj laxzgky; dh fof'k"Vrk<br />
dh rjg ;gka Hkh pht E;wft;e ds izos'k<br />
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uhnjySaM esa xk;ksa dh<br />
lsok dh iqjkuh ijEijk<br />
jgh gSA l=goha 'krkCnh esa<br />
uhnjySaM us leqnz ls<br />
viuh tehu thr yhA<br />
èkjrh m)kj dh izfØ;k esa<br />
ekVh ls leqnz dks csy dj<br />
ckaèkk vkSj bl rjg nks<br />
ehVj uhph èkjrh ij ?kkl<br />
ds eSnku iSnk fd;sA<br />
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ry Lokxr d{k esa nqdkusa gSaA ftlesa<br />
vusd :iksa esa pht dks vkSj laxzgky; dks<br />
ekWMy cukdj migkj cuk;s x;s gSaA<br />
uhnjySaM esa igys ds le; esa dU;k ds<br />
fookg ij migkj ds rkSj ij ikjEifjd<br />
:i ls mPpLrjh; pht nsus dk pyu<br />
jgk gSA blh ijEijk dk fuokZg djrs gq,<br />
gkjyse ds fdys esa esjs fookg ds volj<br />
ij flVh xouZesaV ds mPp lfpo ^[khl*<br />
dkdeku ikjEifjd 'kSyh esa pht dk<br />
fof'k"V migkj fy, gq, mifLFkr gq, FksA<br />
ckn esa bUgha ds lg;ksx ls pht l= dh<br />
'kq#vkr ds mn~?kkVu lekjksg esa pht<br />
cktkj ns[kkA 1593 ds 15 twu dks pht<br />
dSfj;j ds fy, fxYM uke ls laxBu dk<br />
fuekZ.k gqvkA lu~ 1622 vizSy ds izFke<br />
'kqØokj ls flrEcj ds izFke 'kqØokj rd<br />
izkr% nl cts ls lk
fofo/kk<br />
nl cts fdlh izfl) dykdkj] f[kykM+h]<br />
i=dkj] ys[kd] fof'k"V vfrfFk }kjk<br />
ctok;k tkrk gS vkSj pht cktkj dk<br />
HkO; ikjEifjd mRlo blh èofu ds lkFk<br />
'kq: gks tkrk gSA es;j dh mifLFkfr esa<br />
^pht egksRlo* lEiUu gksrk gSA ftlesa<br />
jktusrk dks dksbZ LFkku ugha gSA ns'k ds<br />
'kqHk dkeksa esa yxs gksus ds dkj.k muds<br />
ikl le; ugha gSA ueh vkSj olk ds<br />
vuqikr ds vkèkkj ij pht dh xq.koÙkk<br />
lqfuf'pr gksrh gSA vkSj mlh ds vkèkkj<br />
ij ewY; lqfuf'pr gksrk gSA rkyh<br />
ctkdj izfr fdyksa ds fglkc ls pht dh<br />
nykyh gksrh gSA vafre rkyh ls fofHkUu<br />
lewg ds pht dk ewY; fuf'pr gks tkrk<br />
gSA ljdkjh vfèkdkjh pht dk otu<br />
djrs gSa os lc ;g ekurs gSa fd xyr<br />
rkSy Hkxoku ns[krk gS vkSj og xyrh<br />
ekQ ugha djrk gSA ydM+h ds fo'ks"k<br />
dSfj;j ds }kjk bls ys tkrs gSaA<br />
pht cktkj pykus ds fy, rhl<br />
48<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
yksxksa dk fo'ks"k laxBu gSA pkj ny<br />
blesa lfØ; gksrs gSaA yky] gjk] uhyk]<br />
ihyk budk jax gS ftldh ;g Vksih igus<br />
jgrs gSaA bl ^fxYM* dk ,d Qknj ^firk*<br />
gksrk gS ftls os izèkku ekurs gSa tks vkjsUt<br />
jax dh gSV igurk gSA bl nkSjku yM+uk]<br />
flxjsV ihuk ;k dqN Hkh ihuk l[r euk<br />
gSA pht cktkj esa xkfM+;ksa ls pht ykus<br />
okys dkyh iSaV vkSj uhyh 'kVZ igurs gSaA<br />
os gh otu ds ckn pht ys tkrs gSaA tkap<br />
vfèkdkjh dej esa ysnj cSx ckaèks jgrs<br />
gSa&dkys jax esaA os gh psdekdZ yxkus ds<br />
vfèkdkjh gSA Qksjeku dk nks o"kZ esa p;u<br />
gksrk gS vkSj os viuh dEiuh ds dyj<br />
jhcu esa flYoj ij viuk cVu yxk;s<br />
jgrs gSaA izksQksLV ek'kZy fdlh rjg dh<br />
vuq'kklughurk gksus ij naM 'kqYd<br />
rRdky olwy djrk gSA pht [kjhnrs<br />
le; yksx pht dh mez Hkh ns[krs gSaA<br />
pht] vksYM pht vkSj ;ax pht ds :i esa<br />
tkuh tkrh gSA blds vfrfjDr foaVj<br />
pht vkSj fLizax pht ds :i esa Hkh pht<br />
dh igpku gSA olUr dh rkth gjh ?kkl<br />
dk vlj xk; dh nwèk ds Lokn vkSj jax<br />
ij iM+rk gSA ftlls pht Hkh izHkkfor<br />
gksrh gSA ,d fdyks xqMk pht nl fdyks<br />
nwèk ls curh gSA ftlesa ipkus okyk<br />
Lokfn"V ihyk pht dk jax Hkh feykrs gSaA<br />
pkj lIrkg esa rkth pht rS;kj gks tkrh<br />
gS vkSj twu ekg esa igyh rkth pht dh<br />
[ksi vkrh gSA uhnjySaM esa 1-5 feyh;u<br />
xk;ksa ls pht dk O;olk; gksrk gSA ;gka<br />
bDdhl pht QSDVjh gSa ftuds vUrxZr<br />
N% lkS ikjEifjd pht QkElZ gSa ftuds<br />
pht dQj uke ls fo'ks"k Hkou gSa ftudh<br />
bdgjh fijkfeM vkdkj dh fo'ks"k Nrsa<br />
gksrh gSaA ;g fdlkuksa dh ifRu;ksa] csfV;ksa<br />
vkSj yM+fd;ksa ds fy, dBksj Je dh<br />
yEch izfØ;k dk dke gSA pht vusd<br />
gkFkksa ds Je dk Qy gSA o`Unkou vkSj<br />
eFkqjk dh xksfi;ksa ds ?kM+s dk eD[ku gh gS<br />
tks ;wjksi dh xksfj;ksa ds gkFkksa cudj<br />
pht [kjhnrs le; yksx pht dh mez Hkh ns[krs gSaA pht] vksYM pht<br />
vkSj ;ax pht ds :i esa tkuh tkrh gSA blds vfrfjDr foaVj pht<br />
vkSj fLizax pht ds :i esa Hkh pht dh igpku gSA olUr dh rkth gjh<br />
?kkl dk vlj xk; dh nwèk ds Lokn vkSj jax ij iM+rk gSA ftlls pht<br />
Hkh izHkkfor gksrh gSA ,d fdyks xqMk pht nl fdyks nwèk ls curh gSA<br />
ftlesa ipkus okyk Lokfn"V ihyk pht dk jax Hkh feykrs gSaA<br />
cPpksa] ;qodksa vkSj cw
DIASPORA<br />
Bobby Jindal set to become<br />
first Indian-American Governor<br />
"I think we're setting the bar too low when we say, 'Look, isn't it great<br />
that we haven't had a statewide elected official go to jail recently?' "<br />
Jindal said in an interview. "The reality is there are a lot of practices<br />
that are accepted ways of doing business in Baton Rouge that are<br />
considered unethical in other parts of the country, that are<br />
considered illegal in other parts of the country," he said.<br />
obby Jindal, 36, will become<br />
the nation's first Indian-<br />
Btakes<br />
American governor when he<br />
office in January. The<br />
American-born son of Indian<br />
immigrants, he was making his<br />
second attempt to become Louisiana's<br />
first nonwhite governor since<br />
Reconstruction.<br />
Louisiana native Bobby Jindal is<br />
proud to represent Louisiana in<br />
Congress. Bobby was first elected to<br />
Congress in 2004, and was re-elected<br />
to a second term in 2006.<br />
Jindal defeated 11 rivals with 54<br />
percent of the vote in Saturday's<br />
election, drawing enough votes to<br />
avoid a runoff election next month.<br />
His nearest competitor in a field of 12<br />
candidates was state Senator Walter J.<br />
Boasso, a Democrat, who had 18<br />
percent.<br />
"I think we're setting the bar too<br />
low when we say, 'Look, isn't it great<br />
that we haven't had a statewide<br />
elected official go to jail recently?' "<br />
Jindal said in an interview. "The<br />
reality is there are a lot of practices<br />
that are accepted ways of doing<br />
business in Baton Rouge that are<br />
considered unethical in other parts<br />
of the country, that are considered<br />
illegal in other parts of the country,"<br />
he said.<br />
Jindal is the only Indian-<br />
American currently serving in<br />
Congress, and the second in<br />
congressional history after Dalip Singh<br />
Sanud, a Democrat who represented<br />
California's 29th District from 1957 to<br />
1963.<br />
There are several achievements to<br />
his credit and therefore he has been<br />
praised and awarded from all quarters.<br />
He was chosen by Scholastic Update<br />
magazine as "one of America's top 10<br />
extraordinary young people for the<br />
next millennium." He was also chosen<br />
India Abroad Person of the Year in<br />
2005. ■<br />
– P.T. Bureau<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
49
BOOK REVIEW<br />
Accepted Notions Challenged<br />
Three hundred million Indians are having a party<br />
while over seven hundred million just only manage to<br />
hold on to life in dire and humiliating poverty.<br />
William Crawley, Pushpinder Chaudhuri and Reginald Massey<br />
Dr Crawley, women's activist Pushpinder Chowdhry, founder of Tongues of<br />
Fire who launched the book, and the author. The reception that followed the<br />
launch was jointly hosted by The Nehru Centre and Hansib Publishing.<br />
n the current euphoria of 'India<br />
Shining' and 'India Rising' 'India<br />
Ioffers<br />
definitions and clarification'<br />
several sobering thoughts. The<br />
u p w a r d l y m o b i l e y o u n g o f<br />
subcontinental origin are perhaps too<br />
b u s y m a k i n g t h e i r w a y u p<br />
professional and corporate ladders to<br />
spend time studying the culture,<br />
history, religious influences and<br />
social conditions that moulded South<br />
Asia, an area of the globe of which<br />
they are the products. We are what our<br />
forefathers were. Hence a knowledge<br />
of the past based on facts, not fictions,<br />
can only serve to give the present<br />
generation an idea of where they<br />
come from. The intelligent will,<br />
hopefully, avoid the errors of the past<br />
50<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
and forge a new future for the entire<br />
subcontinent. It is towards this end<br />
that Reginald Massey's latest book,<br />
I N D I A : D e f i n i t i o n s a n d<br />
Clarifications, addresses itself.<br />
Propagandists and false prophets<br />
posing as historians and political<br />
scientists have been spreading blatant<br />
lies and misrepresentations for many<br />
years. They blame each other. The<br />
truth is that all are blameworthy. If a<br />
man points a finger at his perceived<br />
'enemy', he at the same time points<br />
three fingers at himself. The guilt lies<br />
everywhere. Hence if there is to be a<br />
lasting and meaningful peace on the<br />
subcontinent with some hope for the<br />
majority of our peoples, the toiling<br />
masses, the elites will first have to<br />
accept their responsibilities. The<br />
problem, as Massey sees it, is that the<br />
elites of the subcontinent have sold<br />
their souls to the multinational<br />
corporations. Three hundred million<br />
Indians are having a party while over<br />
seven hundred million just only<br />
manage to hold on to life in dire and<br />
humiliating poverty. The elites of<br />
Pakistan and Bangladesh are sailing<br />
and singing in the same party boat.<br />
Meanwhile, according to Massey, the<br />
fundamentalists, communalists,<br />
Maoists and underprivileged are<br />
gaining support; their main card is the<br />
blatant exploitation of the masses and<br />
the widening chasm between the<br />
super-rich and the frustrated poor.<br />
This wide-ranging book sweeps<br />
away several religious, cultural,<br />
social and historical cobwebs.<br />
Fashionable correctness in all its<br />
forms is firmly rejected. Many<br />
received notions are proved to be<br />
false and famous iconic figures are
shown to have had failings that<br />
affected the country's future.<br />
Encountering this book therefore may<br />
b e s h o c k i n g t o s o m e a n d<br />
u n c o m f o r t a b l e t o o t h e r s .<br />
Nevertheless, all who read this book<br />
will be impressed by its rigorous<br />
research, cogent arguments and lucid<br />
logic. The book expected to provoke<br />
wide debate. Written in engaging and<br />
persuasive prose this book is an<br />
education on India and its<br />
neighbouring countries.<br />
Among the many subjects<br />
analysed are: race and religion, the<br />
Europeans, caste and colour, the<br />
Islamic impact and Hindu reaction,<br />
and the position of women. The<br />
Manu-smriti is fairly and squarely<br />
blamed for the subjugation of Hindu<br />
women. Massey also makes the point<br />
that though in theory the Qur'an gives<br />
women a somewhat better deal, in<br />
practise Muslim women are no better<br />
off than their Hindu sisters. In fact, on<br />
account of them being deprived of the<br />
benefits of education, they are worse<br />
off. He praises Muslim women<br />
activists who risk their lives and are<br />
the target of fatwas. Therefore, it was<br />
appropriate that the book was<br />
launched at the Nehru Centre on<br />
BOOK REVIEW<br />
September 24 by a woman activist.<br />
Moreover, it marked the historic step<br />
that the Indian republic has taken by<br />
electing a woman President for the<br />
first time.<br />
The account of the Jallianwala<br />
Bagh massacre is an eye-opener and<br />
so is the chapter titled 'The Leaders;<br />
Warts and All'. How true that great<br />
men have great faults. Lord Desai<br />
commends this work as does the<br />
leading Pakistani academic Professor<br />
Ishtiaq Ahmed.<br />
William Crawley and Reginald<br />
Massey<br />
Dr William Crawley, Project<br />
Director of the Media South Asia<br />
Project at Sussex University and<br />
former Head of the BBC Eastern<br />
Service, discusses the book with<br />
Reginald Massey. There followed a<br />
lively question-answer session with<br />
members of the audience. ■<br />
(INDIA: Definitions and<br />
Clarifications is published by Hansib,<br />
London. Email: info@hansibbooks.com)<br />
ISBNs: 978-1-870518-<br />
72-7 (paperback) and 978-1-870518-<br />
95-6 (hardback)<br />
– P.T. Bureau<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
51
BOOK REVIEW<br />
Mahatma Gandhi<br />
Images and Ideas<br />
for Non-Violence<br />
Author : Vijay Rana<br />
Price : £ 17.99<br />
Published by NRIfm.com<br />
Available from editor@nrifm.com<br />
www.nrifm.com<br />
"T<br />
he light has gone out of our lives<br />
and there is darkness everywhere."<br />
That is how, on 30 January 1948,<br />
India's first Prime Minister Pt.<br />
Jawaharlal Nehru announced the<br />
assassination of Mahatma Gandhi to a<br />
shocked nation. They are among the<br />
most familiar words of any speech<br />
ever made in India. But in the second<br />
paragraph of the speech, Gandhi's<br />
most favoured disciple made a<br />
prophetic and profound assertion that<br />
we hardly remember today:<br />
"The light has gone out, I said,<br />
and yet I was wrong. The light that has<br />
illumined this country for these many<br />
years will illuminate this country for<br />
52<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
many more years later, that light will<br />
still be seen in this country and the<br />
world will see it and it will give solace<br />
to innumerable hearts."<br />
This book is a testimony to 'that<br />
light' that still brings hope to millions<br />
of lives in many parts of the world<br />
where peace is threatened and<br />
oppression practiced. Almost sixty<br />
years after his death, Gandhi<br />
continues to "give solace to<br />
innumerable hearts".<br />
This book presents a unique<br />
collection of the visuals of Mahatma<br />
Gandhi his statues, murals, graffiti,<br />
wall paintings, puppets and posters by<br />
various photographers. Probably the<br />
first book with colour photographs<br />
relating to Mahatma Gandhi, it has<br />
images from all parts of the world a<br />
Gandhi street in Uruguay, a library<br />
named after him in rural Mexico, a<br />
stencil image in the middle of a street<br />
in Paris, a wall painting in a crime<br />
ridden part of Granada, Spain and a<br />
large poster hanging next to a garbage<br />
dump in Mumbai with the inscription:<br />
"Cleanliness is next to Godliness".<br />
This book aims to record the<br />
noble endeavours of those who resist<br />
authority, oppose injustice and<br />
awaken public opinion around the<br />
world by following the path of<br />
M a h a t m a G a n d h i . T h e s e<br />
photographers provide us valuable<br />
evidence of ordinary people applying<br />
Gandhian methods to confront the<br />
mighty and the powerful in their<br />
regions.<br />
On the fifth anniversary of the<br />
September 11 attacks, a New York<br />
journalist, Sam Meyer, captured the<br />
extraordinary moment of a smiling<br />
portrait of Mahatma Gandhi placed at<br />
Ground Zero a place were thousands<br />
of innocent men and women perished<br />
in the worst terrorist atrocity of recent<br />
times.<br />
In the United States, in almost all<br />
the peace marches against the Iraq
War, Gandhi's puppets, posters and<br />
placards are prominently displayed.<br />
Some of them hardly resemble him,<br />
looking more like a caricature of him.<br />
But what is heartening is the sincerity<br />
of the peace activists placing their<br />
trust in Gandhi's message of nonviolence.<br />
Gandhi not only adds drama<br />
a n d p o i g n a n c y t o t h e s e<br />
demonstrations, he also emerges,<br />
often in the company of Nelson<br />
Mandela and Dr Martin Luther King<br />
population perished during the great<br />
potato famine of 1845-49. In 1994,<br />
the people of the valley put up a<br />
memorial at Doo Lough pass to<br />
commemorate those who suffered<br />
from hunger in Ireland and also to<br />
remember the victims of apartheid in<br />
South Africa. The inscription on the<br />
memorial said: "To commemorate the<br />
hungry poor who walked here in 1849<br />
and walk the Third World today…<br />
'How can men feel themselves<br />
Mahatma Gandhi not only adds drama and poignancy<br />
to these demonstrations, he also emerges, often in the<br />
company of Nelson Mandela and Dr Martin Luther<br />
King Jr., as a symbol of world peace.<br />
Jr., as a symbol of world peace.<br />
In October 1998, Hurricane<br />
Mitch left a trail of unprecedented<br />
destruction in Nicaragua. When the<br />
inhabitants of a destroyed village,<br />
outside the capital Managua, returned<br />
to rebuild their homes, they painted<br />
an inspiring mural of Mahatma<br />
Gandhi on the first wall they erected.<br />
They named their resettlement village<br />
as Nueva Vida or New Life.<br />
Perhaps one of the most poignant<br />
homage to Gandhi was paid by the<br />
people of Black Valley in Ireland. The<br />
valley got its name after most of its<br />
honoured by the humiliation of their<br />
fellow beings?' - Mahatma Gandhi in<br />
South Africa."<br />
This book includes striking<br />
images by two US photographers<br />
Joshua Hough and Gill Granberg<br />
who spent considerable time in the<br />
West Bank. Violence has been<br />
plaguing this land for the past six<br />
decades. Palestinian suicide bombers<br />
and Israeli tanks have destroyed its<br />
civilian life. In a time of despair, as<br />
the photographs show, Gandhi's<br />
message of non-violence raises a<br />
flicker of hope.<br />
BOOK REVIEW<br />
Every Friday, a group of<br />
residents from Bel'in, a small town<br />
northwest of Ramallah, carry out a<br />
peace march. Hough's photograph<br />
captures the Gandhian spirit of these<br />
peace marchers. Far from anger and<br />
hate these protesters demonstrate<br />
with the photographs of Gandhi,<br />
Mandela and Martin Luther King,<br />
declaring to the world: "Non-violence<br />
ends occupations and restores peace."<br />
They go up to the electric fence that<br />
Israel says it had to erect to keep the<br />
Palestinian suicide bombers away.<br />
They do a peaceful sit-in, as shown in<br />
the remarkable photograph of<br />
Granberg. It is a small event, but<br />
raises hope in an environment full of<br />
vengeance and violence.<br />
For years, Gandhi's ideas have<br />
been used to restore sanity in this<br />
troubled world. And now this book<br />
explores a new dimension on how<br />
Gandhi's image is being used to reject<br />
violence, spread peace and promote<br />
multi-faith dialogue. ■<br />
– P.T. Bureau<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
53
O;aX;<br />
fly ls<br />
flyhdkWu rd<br />
lans'kksa ds flyflys<br />
❒�����������������<br />
vk<br />
ids nksuksa gkFkksa esa uUgk lk<br />
eksckby gSA nksuksa vaxwBs vius<br />
vuwBs vankt+ esa æqr xfr ls ,l,e,l<br />
lans'k Vkbi dj jgs gSaA eSlst lSaM dj<br />
yhft,] fQj eSa vkidks ,d n`';<br />
fn[kkrk gwaA<br />
n`'; D;k gksxk vHkh eq>s ekywe ugÈ<br />
gS] ij dqN bl rjg dk gks ldrk gS----tSls]<br />
eku yhft,--- dqaHkd.kZ p'ek yxk<br />
dj lks jgk gSA lkWjh] p'ek ugÈ]<br />
LiSfDVdYl--- vkSj ogka [kjZkVksa dk<br />
egkjkSjo gks jgk gSA vxsu lkWjh]<br />
54<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
LiSfDVdYl Hkh ugÈ] LiSfDVdy'k!<br />
dqEHkd.kZ ds ;qx esa p'ek vkSj<br />
LiSfDVdYl FkksM+s gh gks ldrs gSa!<br />
LiSfDVdy'k gks ldrs gSaA LiSfDVdy'k<br />
;kuh] vka[kksa ij j[ks gq, nks ikjn'kÊ<br />
dy'k! rHkh jko.k dk ;kgw ;kgw ekdkZ<br />
eSlsatj viuh fVax /ofu ls dqEHkd.kZ dks<br />
fMLVfcZr dj nsrk gSA dqEHkd.kZ dh ewaNsa<br />
HkSal dh iwaN dh rjg >Vds ls ihNs vkrh<br />
gSa vkSj LiSfDVdy'k ds nksuksa dy'k QwV<br />
tkrs gSaA dqEHkd.kZ dh vka[kksa dh dksjksa ls<br />
ikuh cgus yxrk gSA ,slk yx ldrk gS<br />
fd dqEHkd.kZ jks jgk gSA<br />
deky gS] dqEHkd.kZ jks jgk gS vkSj<br />
vki gal jgs gSa! vjs! vkids vaxwBs rks<br />
fQj lfØ; gks x,! vc fdls ,l,e,l<br />
dj jgs gSa\ eSa vkidks ,d 'kkunkj n`';<br />
fn[kkus okyk gwa] vkSj vki---A [kSj] og<br />
n`'; bl dqN rjg dk Hkh gks ldrk gS---<br />
tSls] xnk/kkjh Hkhe æqinlqrk dh çrh{kk<br />
esa vR;f/kd mrkoys vkSj yxHkx&<br />
yxHkx ckoys gksrs gq, ckj&ckj vius<br />
mlh gkFk esa ca/kh fjLVokp ns[krs gSa<br />
ftlesa fd xnk gSA lkWjh] fjLVokp ugÈ]<br />
f'k"V≤&okfpdk--- ysfdu fu;fr esa<br />
Hkh tkus D;k cnk gS! æqinlqrk vU;=<br />
O;Lr gSaA xnk/kkjh Hkhe dk gkSVesy<br />
lans'k ugÈ tk ik jgk gSA lkWjh]<br />
gkSV&esy lans'k ugÈ] Å".k&feyu<br />
lans'kA os viuh f'k"V≤&okfpdk<br />
dks dykbZ ls mrkj dj iRFkj ij j[k<br />
nsrs gSa vkSj xnk ds ,d çgkj ls mls<br />
pwj&pwj dj nsrs gSaA<br />
le; pwj&pwj gks x;kA cM+h lqbZ<br />
pksV [kkdj NksVh gks xbZ vkSj NksVh QSy<br />
dj cM+hA dkaVs fc[kj x, vkSj dky<br />
xÏ&eÏ gks x;kA Hkk"kk,a ,d nwljs esa<br />
xqaFk xbZaA 'kCn u,&u, :i vf[r;kj<br />
djus yxsA og iRFkj Hkh pVd x;k<br />
ftl ij f'k"V≤&okfpdk j[kh FkhA<br />
çLrj&laf/k ls vkus yxÈ ,d u, n`';<br />
dh vkokt+saA oks n`'; lqukrk gwa vkidksA<br />
eksckby ,d rjQ j[kdj vki dku ls<br />
nsf[k,A<br />
vc ls ikap gt+kj o"kZ igys dk<br />
viwoZ oSfnd t+ekuk]<br />
ekSle olarkukA<br />
ml ;qx esa ,d ;qxy xy dj jgk<br />
Fkk vkil esaA vHkh vrhr esa pfy, tgka<br />
ls orZeku esa ys vkÅaxk okil eSaA<br />
rks] lÄu vkez&o`{k&dqat]<br />
Åij ,d Mkyh yqat&iqatA<br />
uhps cSBs Fks vk;Z fpjkX;oYd vkSj<br />
mudh iRuh fofp=ys[kk fd vpkud<br />
mUgksaus ns[kk--- D;k ns[kk\ ns[kk fd<br />
gkFk&xkM+h dks Bsyrs gq, iksLVeSukpk;Z<br />
vk jgs gSaA gkFkxkM+h ij iRFkj dh<br />
cM+h&cM+h fly yk jgs gSaA iRFkj dh os
fly oLrqr% ml ;qx dh fpfÎ;ka gSaA<br />
fpjkX;oYd us vkokt+ yxkbZ&<br />
& iksLVeSukpk;Z! Hkars] Hkks rkr! D;k<br />
gekjk dksbZ ySV;Z gS\<br />
& gka gS] vkidk ,d ySV;Z! vk;Z<br />
fpjkX;oYd] vki igqapsa vius lnu ijA<br />
ogÈ d:axk ySV;Z fMyhojk;ekuA<br />
& vk;q"eku] vk;q"eku! D;ksa djrs<br />
d"V] le; u"VA ySV;Z ;gÈ fMyhofjr<br />
djsaA dk;Z Rofjr djsaA<br />
& Hkars! ysfdu] fdUrq] ijUrs! ySV;Z<br />
vkidks gh mBkuk gksxk] Lo;aA<br />
& Lohdk;Ze~\ Lohdk;Ze~\ fdldk<br />
ySV;Z gS irk djsa! vk;kZ fofp=ys[kk!<br />
ySV;Z mBkus esa lgk;rk djsaA<br />
iksLVeSukpk;Z] oSls rks vkidks u djrk<br />
foo'kA ij lnu ij gh NksM+ vk;k gwa<br />
vius LiSfDVdy'kA ySV;Z i
fgUnh ,oa VsDukWykWth<br />
❒��������������������<br />
56<br />
fo[;kr gfLr;¨a d¨ Hkh yxk gS<br />
CykWfxax dk pLdk<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
;wa<br />
r¨ CykWfxax dh v¨j vkdÆ"kr g¨us<br />
ds dà dkj.k gSa ysfdu vf/kdka'k<br />
fo'kq)] xSj&O;kolkf;d CykWxj¨a us vius<br />
fopkj¨a v©j jpukRedrk dh vfHkO;fä<br />
ds fy, gh bl eap d¨ viuk;kA ftu<br />
dj¨M+¨a y¨x¨a ds ikl vkt vius CykWx gSa]<br />
muesa ls fdrus ikjaifjd tulapkj<br />
ek/;e¨a esa LFkku ik ldrs Fks\ LFkku dh<br />
lhek] jpukv¨a ds Lrj] e©fydrk]<br />
jpukRedrk] egRo] lkef;drk vkfn<br />
fdrus gh vuq'kklu¨a esa fuc) tulapkj<br />
ek/;e¨a ls gj O;fä ds fopkj¨a d¨ LFkku<br />
nsus dh vis{kk Hkh ugha dh tk ldrhA<br />
ysfdu CykWfxax dh nqfu;k iwjh rjg<br />
Lora=] vkRefuHkZj v©j eue©th fdLe<br />
dh jpukRed nqfu;k gSA ogka vkidh ^HkÃ<br />
vkt dqN ugha fy[ksaxs^ uked N¨Vh lh<br />
fVIi.kh dk Hkh mruk gh Lokxr gS ftruk<br />
fd thrsUæ p©/kjh dh v¨j ls oMZÁsl ij<br />
Mkyh xà lEiw.kZ jkepfjr ekul dkA<br />
^HkM+kl^ uked lkewfgd CykWx ds lw=<br />
okD; ls ;g ckr Li"V g¨ tkrh gS& d¨Ã<br />
ckr xys esa vVd xà g¨ r¨ mxy<br />
nhft,--- eu gYdk g¨ tk,xk--A<br />
p©iVLokeh uked CykWxj dh fy[kh<br />
;g fVIi.kh if
CykWxj¨a o CykWx ifj;¨tukv¨a d¨<br />
Á¨Rlkfgr djus ds fy, Hkh tkus tkrs gSaA<br />
nqfu;k ds fo[;kr CykWxj¨a esa ,aMª~;w<br />
lyhoku ¼,aMª~;wlyhoku-dkWe½] jkWu<br />
xatcxZj ¼i¨fyfVDl1-dkWe½] Xysu<br />
j¨ukYM ¼bULVkiafMr-dkWe½] Madu CySd]<br />
ihVj j¨tkl] tsuh tkÆMu] csu Vª¨V]<br />
t¨ukFku 'okV~tZ] tslu x¨YMeSu] jkWcVZ<br />
Ld¨cy] eSV Mªt ¼Mªtfji¨VZ-dkWe½ vkfn<br />
'kkfey gSaA iwoZ vesfjdh jk"Vªifr fcy<br />
fDyaVu d¨ egkfHk;¨x dh gn rd ys<br />
tkus okys e¨fudk yqbULdh Ádj.k dk<br />
inkZQk'k eSV Mªt us gh vius CykWx ij<br />
fd;k FkkA phuh vfHkus=h tw ftaxysà dk<br />
CykWx laHkor% nqfu;k dk lokZf/kd<br />
y¨dfÁ; CykWx gS ftls ikap dj¨M+ ls Hkh<br />
vf/kd ckj i
COOKERY<br />
58<br />
Navratna<br />
Korma<br />
INGREDIENTS:<br />
Boiled vegetables (9 varieties-potatoes, carrots, green<br />
peas, french beans, cauliflower, capsicum, cabbage,<br />
bottle gourd, cluster beans) 3 cups, Grated paneer 150<br />
jktek elkyk<br />
fHkxksus dk le; % iwjh jkr<br />
rS;kjh esa yxk dqy le; % 50 feuV<br />
dqy 6 yksxkssa ds fy, fof/k % jktek<br />
lkexzh % 1-5 di d'ehjh yky jktek] 7 di ikuh] 1 vPNh rjg /kksdj<br />
NksVk pEep fcj;kuh elkykA iwjh jkr ikuh esa fHkxks nsaA<br />
djh dk elkyk % 1-5 di I;kt dk isLV ¼dn~nwdl½] 1-5 di fQj mlh ikuh esa eD[ku] ued o<br />
VekVj ¼dn~nwdl½] 3@4 di VkseSVks I;wjh] 1 NksVk pEep fcj;kuh elkyk Mky dj izs'kj dqdj esa idk,aA 1 lhVh vkus<br />
vnjd isLV] 1 NksVk pEep yglqu dk isLV] 2 gjh fepZ ds ckn /kheh vkap ij djhc 20 feuV rd idk,aA jktek ueZ<br />
¼yackbZ esa dVh½] 4&5 cM+s pEep rsy] 2 eksVh byk;ph gks tk, rks vkap can dj nsaA ,d irhys esa rsy xeZ djsaA I;kt<br />
¼njnjh½A Mkysa o lqugjs gksus rd HkwusaA yglqu o vnjd dk isLV Mky<br />
elkys % 2 cM+s pEep jktek elkyk] 1@2 NksVk pEep filh dj Hkh HkwusaA fQj VekVj o VekVj dh I;wjh feyk nsaA elkys<br />
yky fepZ] 1 NksVk pEep xje elkyk] 1@2 NksVk pEep dks ?kh NksM+us rd idk,aA fQj gjh fepZ] eksVh byk;ph o lkjs<br />
thjk] 1@4 NksVk pEep filh dkyh fepZ] 1@4 NksVk pEep elkys feyk nsaA vPNh rjg feyk dj 2&3 feuV Hkwusa o lkjk<br />
filh nkyphuh] ued LoknkuqlkjA feJ.k mcys jktek esa feyk nsaA vPNh rjg pykrs gq, /kheh<br />
ltkoV % rktk /kfu;k iÙkhA vkap ij rjh xk
ASIAN FOUNDATION FOR HELP (LONDON)<br />
Mr. Gopalbhai Popat, acting<br />
as Secretary General, has been<br />
leading AFH, since 1983.Even now<br />
at the age of 83, he works non-stop<br />
for the advancement of AFH. His<br />
vision, motivation, dedication and<br />
hard work is an inspiration and<br />
example to all the trustees,<br />
members and volunteers...<br />
Starting from Sangham Centre<br />
London in 1972, he has been active<br />
as a social and community leader<br />
for almost 35 years.<br />
Mr Gopalbhai Popat is really a<br />
man in a millions of Pounds for<br />
charitable causes. In recognition for<br />
his services to community and<br />
humanity, he has been given many<br />
awards. A few of these are: BEST<br />
GUJARATI OF THE YEAR (1988),<br />
BEST CITIZEN AWARD IN BRENT<br />
(1997), COMMUNITY AWARD<br />
(1998), SON OF THE SOIL IN<br />
INDIA (2002)<br />
Harrow Council Award (2006)<br />
and Hindi Rattan IN INDIA<br />
However for him, the best<br />
award is the satisfaction he gets for<br />
doing this work. He is a very modest<br />
man and avoids being in the lime<br />
light.<br />
For futher information, please contact<br />
Mr. Shantoobhai Ruparell: 020 861 6060<br />
Mr. Gopalbhai Popat : 07977475529<br />
Please send all donations and correspondence to<br />
Admin Chair Mr. Shantoobhai Ruparell,<br />
2 Ambassador House, Wolseley Road,<br />
Harrow,<br />
HA3 5BY. Middx. U.K.<br />
www.asianfoundationforhelp.org.uk<br />
(Regd. Charity No. 289648)<br />
In service for less fortunate brethren<br />
AFH has till date over Two million Pounds, hundreds of tons of new and used<br />
clothing, 4 ambulance vans to various part in India.<br />
ASIAN FOUNDATION FOR HELP<br />
(AFH) charity No. 289648, founded in<br />
1983, is a UK based main Asian<br />
organisation with over two decades of<br />
service to humanity… Run by a dedicated<br />
and devoted board of trustees and<br />
volunteers, AFH has given a new hope<br />
and future to thousands of people all over<br />
the world.<br />
The main aim of AFH is eradication of<br />
blindness, poverty and disease. It has<br />
conducted hundreds of eye camps. It has<br />
funded many projects for AIDS, T.B.,<br />
Cancer and Polio. Its member has<br />
adopted nearly 50 young, poor and needy<br />
children from rural backgrounds for their<br />
education and well being.<br />
AFH raises its revenues by direct<br />
collections, organising fund raising<br />
Kathas, art & music, cultural shows, and<br />
many other similar activities involving<br />
community directly.<br />
We use our funds carefully. Our<br />
administrative costs are even less than<br />
one-quarter per cent. Most of the routine<br />
work is done free bu our volunteers.<br />
Every charity, big or small, needs<br />
funds to distribute amongst the donors. Our<br />
pocket is as deep as donors make it. Hence,<br />
we need all the financial help you can give<br />
us. We have devised many schemes to suit<br />
your interest and circumstances. For<br />
example by just giving only Five Pounds per<br />
month by direct debit, one eye operation<br />
can be done; one T.B. patient can be<br />
treated; by giving Eleven Pounds per<br />
month, Cow Protection, Leprosy, Cancer,<br />
Polio, child adoption and many other similar<br />
projects can be started. With only £ 301/- ,<br />
we can organise 50 eye operations. Your<br />
money goes a long way with us.<br />
YOU WILL RARELY FIND AN ORGANISATION WHICH OPERATES ON<br />
“ZERO” EXPENSES AND WHERE 100% OF ALL DONATIONS AND OTHER<br />
INCOME GO TOWARDS CHARITABLE CAUSES.<br />
ASIAN FOUNDATION FOR HELP IS ONE SUCH ORGANISATION<br />
OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS, THE TRUSTEES HAVE WORKED DAY AND<br />
NIGHT (OFFICE BEING THEIR BRIEF CASES) TO MAKE THIS INSTITUTION ONE<br />
OF THE PREMIER ASIAN FOUNDATION ORGANSATION AND WE MUST GIVE<br />
DUE CREDIT TO THE TRUSTEES.<br />
THE NEED FOR CHARITABLE WORK HAS NOW BECOME GLOBAL. ALL<br />
OVER THE WORLD, WE FIND POOR AND DESPERATE FAMILIES AND<br />
MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR GOING BLIND FOR WANT OF<br />
MEDICAL FACILITIES.<br />
There are various ways that you can help us: -<br />
By Donating £350/- we can organise Eye-camp for you in<br />
which average 40 operations can be performed<br />
By Donating £10/- monthly one operation can be performed<br />
By Donating £50/- monthly one patient of T.B. can be treated.<br />
By Donating £10/- monthly one child can be sponsored for<br />
Education<br />
By Donating £10/- monthly one cow can be saved<br />
By Donating £10/- monthly one Cancer patient can be treated<br />
By Donating £10/- monthly one Leprosy patient can be treated.<br />
- All reports are sended to all donors and also available in<br />
our Newsletter.<br />
DO NOT DONATE BLINDLY BUT DONATE FOR THE BLIND
T;ksfr"k<br />
eaxy] 'kfu] jkgq o dsrq nsrs gSa dSfj;j<br />
T;ks<br />
fr"k esa fo'okl j[kus okys<br />
tulk/kkj.k dks vius thou<br />
esa vk, vkSj vkus okys d"Vksa o la?k"kks± ds<br />
ewy esa tks dkjd rRo fn[kkbZ nsrs gSa] os<br />
gSa& 'kfu] eaxy] jkgq o dsrqA ;s oks pkj<br />
xzg gSa ftls lkekU; tu d"Vdkjh ,oa<br />
nq[k ;k ck/kk nsus okys xzgksa ds :i esa<br />
tkurs gSaA ;gh os pkj xzg gSa ftUgsa<br />
T;ksfr"kh dk :i /kjs cSBs Bx viuk<br />
fo'ks"k vL= ekurs gSa ,oa bUgha dk Hk;<br />
fn[kkdj viuk dkjksckj c
1 fnlacj % JhdkyHkSjok"Veh ¼mTTkSu&dk'kh½]<br />
JhHkSjoukFk t;arh] dkyk"Vehozr] f'ko&'kfä<br />
ozr] ,M tkx:drk fnolA<br />
2 fnlacj % vkrky&ikrkylokjh ¼mTTkSu½] vUo"VdkA<br />
3 fnlacj % dkuthvuykuoeh ¼mM+hlk½] jktsaæ çlkn<br />
t;arh ¼fcgkj½] Jhegkdkylokjh ¼mTTkSu½]<br />
Hkksiky xSl =klnh fnolA<br />
4 fnlacj % Jhegkohj Lokeh nh{kk dY;k.kd ¼tSu½]<br />
ukSlsuk fnolA<br />
5 fnlacj % mRifŸk ¼mRié½ ,dkn'kh ozr] oSrj.kh ozrA<br />
6 fnlacj % çnks"k ozr] Mk- vEcsMdj Le`fr fnolA<br />
7 fnlacj % ekl f'kojkf= ozr] lar KkusÜoj lekf/k mRlo<br />
¼egkjk"Vª½] >.Mk fnolA<br />
8 fnlacj % esyk iqje.My nsfodk&Luku ¼d'ehj½A<br />
9 fnlacj % Luku&nku&Jk)kfn dh vekoL;kA<br />
10 fnlacj % ekrZ.M HkSjo "kMªk=ksRlo çkjaHk ¼egkjk"Vª½]<br />
#æor ¼ihfM;+k½] ekuokf/kdkj fnolA<br />
11 fnlacj % uohu pUæ&n'kZu] vks'kks tUeksRloA<br />
13 fnlacj % ojnfouk;d prqFkÊ ozrA<br />
14 fnlacj % Jhjke&lhrk fookgksRlo] fogkj<br />
iapeh&Jhckads fcgkjhth egkjkt dk<br />
çkdVîksRlo ¼o`ankou½] ukxiapeh ¼nf{k.k<br />
Hkkjr½] véiw.kkZ ozr iw.kZ ¼dk'kh½A<br />
15 fnlacj % LdUn "k"Bh ozr] pEik "k"Bh ¼egkjk"Vª½] HkSjo<br />
"kMªk= lekIr] ewyd :fi.kh "k"Bh ¼caxky½]<br />
ljnkj iVsy Le`fr fnol] [kk.Msjkolokjh]<br />
véiw.kkZth dk /kku dk J`axkj ¼dk'kh½A<br />
16 fnlacj % Hkkuq&lIreh ioZ ¼lw;Zxzg.krqY;½] dkR;k;uh<br />
lIreh ozr&iwtk] fe= lIreh] Hkä ujflag<br />
esgrk t;arh] lw;Z dh /kuq&laØkfUr nksigj 1-<br />
28 cts fo'ks"k iq.;dky lw;kZLr rd]<br />
xksnkojh&Luku] /kuq ¼[kj½ ekl çkjaHk]<br />
"kk.ekfld jfoozrkjaHkA<br />
17 fnlacj % JhnqxkZ"Veh ozr] dkR;k;uh v"Veh ozr iwtk]<br />
visit us at<br />
www.pravasitoday.com<br />
ozr R;ksgkj<br />
f'ko&'kfä ozr] paæk"Veh ozrA<br />
18 fnlacj % egkuUnk uoeh ozr] dkR;k;uh uoeh<br />
ozr&iwtk] tSu fnokdj pkSFk iq.;frfFk ¼LFkk-<br />
tSu½A<br />
19 fnlacj % n'kkfnR; ozrA<br />
20 fnlacj % eks{knk ,dkn'kh ozr] cSdq.B ,dkn'kh ¼nf{k.k<br />
Hkkjr½] ekSuh X;kjl ¼tSu½] xhrk t;arhA<br />
21 fnlacj % v[k.M }kn'kh] O;atu }kn'kh] eRL; }kn'kh]<br />
çnks"k ozr] nku }kn'kh ¼mM+hlk½] ';keckck<br />
}kn'kh&T;ksfr] bZn&my&tqgk ¼cdjhn½A<br />
22 fnlacj % fi'kkp&ekspu Jk)] dinÊÜoj n'kZu ¼dk'kh½]<br />
lw;Z lk;uedj jkf'k esa fnu esa 11-38 cts lkSj<br />
f'kf'kj _rq çkjaHk] yksVk&HkaVk dk esyk<br />
¼okjk.klh½] jksfg.kh ozrA<br />
23 fnlacj % Luku&nku&ozrkfn dh vkxzgk;.kh iwf.kZek]<br />
nŸkk=s; t;arh] véiw.kkZ t;arh] dfjfnu]<br />
iwf.kZek frfFk&{k;] J)kuan cfynku fnol]<br />
Jhgfjgj {ks=&Luku ,oa gfjgjukFk&n'kZu]<br />
f=iqj HkSjoh egkfo|kt;arh] NIiu Hkksx cynso<br />
th ¼eFkqjk½] xksi ekl iw.kZ] fdlku fnolA<br />
24 fnlacj % v#æ n'kZu ¼nf{k.k Hkkjr½] jk"Vªh; miHkksäk<br />
fnol] eqatgjrgj ,oa ekr`dk&iwtk<br />
¼dk'ehj½A<br />
25 fnlacj % cM+k fnuA<br />
26 fnlacj % tksM+ esyk&3 fnu ¼Qrsgx
LIFESTYLE<br />
Laaga Chunari mein Daag<br />
“Y<br />
ou risk flogging a dead horse<br />
in saying that feudalism is<br />
stupid and wrong. But you also feel<br />
for the characters in those films.<br />
They're pathetic, like dinosaurs<br />
who don't realize why they're being<br />
wiped out. There's a quality of<br />
pathos in that which interests me”<br />
said Satyajit Ray once while<br />
justifying the crisis and pathos<br />
depiction in his cinema.<br />
Similarly, Pradeep Sarkar has<br />
outshined in depicting the plight of<br />
the Vyaas family but fails to express<br />
the conflicts and the duality of<br />
emotions. They look very juvenile<br />
and predictable.<br />
Infidelity to immorality is what<br />
defines deviance of director's camera<br />
from Parineeta to Laaga chunri me<br />
daaag. His fascination of women<br />
protagonist trying to ' move out of the<br />
62<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
❒ Mallika<br />
sytem ' gives a strong sniff of Satyajit<br />
ray's Charulata where she struggled<br />
to resolve the problem of infidelity.<br />
Charulata probably felt sympathetic<br />
and was attempting to patch up the<br />
situation. The husband realized too<br />
late that he himself was responsible<br />
for what had happened. Similiarly in<br />
laaga chunri me daag she gets her due<br />
acceptance and credit for her<br />
sacrifices with no complexities and<br />
no climaxes.<br />
From a progressive cinema like<br />
Chak de India to a regressive cinema<br />
like laaga chunri daag, what a<br />
compensating journey for Yash Raj<br />
Films.<br />
The film follows the fortunes of<br />
Badki (Rani Mukherjee) and Chutki<br />
(Konkona Sen Sharma), sisters from a<br />
genteel Benares family with money<br />
problems and predatory relatives.<br />
When Badki leaves to find work in<br />
Bombay (as everyone in the film still<br />
calls the sin city currently known as<br />
Mumbai), “Laaga” really takes off.<br />
There, Badki with no diploma and no<br />
skills becomes Natasha: a highpriced<br />
prostitute. The movie isn't coy<br />
about this. “I've fallen from grace,”<br />
she says. “I can never come back.”<br />
Chutki's story is lighter. M.B.A. in<br />
hand, she joins her sister in the city,<br />
where she gets a job in advertising.<br />
Her first task is to sell Lux soap to the<br />
modern Indian woman. And who is<br />
that creature? As her boss (and future<br />
husband) discovers, Chutki herself<br />
bright, spunky, self-assured fits the<br />
bill.<br />
Fallen women are a Bollywood<br />
staple. But Chutki won't allow her<br />
sister to be shunned. Instead of<br />
keeping the stain a dark secret, Chutki
insists on honesty and that the family<br />
reintegrate badki.<br />
Like laaga chunri me daag,<br />
Paakezah, Aaina, Umrao jaan, Julie,<br />
Chameli, Chandni baar are the<br />
product of virtual domination of male<br />
directors who have repeatedly tried to<br />
represent the oldest trade of this<br />
country' prostitution' . They all have<br />
tried their level best to portray the<br />
dreaded life and the unmasked vulgar<br />
face behind the glamour. Moreover it<br />
is just an obvious formula for winning<br />
national awards like umrao jaan,<br />
Chandni baar and Mausam.<br />
Pradeep sarkar seems to have lost<br />
track from direction to activism. His<br />
cinema antics here has just tried to<br />
glorify use of Hindu symbols like<br />
Hanuman chaleesa, banars ghaats and<br />
gangajal. And mind blowing<br />
promotion campaign coupled with<br />
kyunki saas bhi kabhi bahu thi was<br />
more than enough to promote the<br />
stifled and suffocated thought of<br />
women empowerment to Indian<br />
household (Pradeep Sarkar's<br />
advertising background helps him<br />
here in the right product placement).<br />
Along with K series soaps this film<br />
will do wonders in reinforcing the<br />
moral dogma of a woman. Selling the<br />
concept of puritans to Indian families<br />
who are bothered every night at 10.00<br />
turns into another story of a woman<br />
finding ultimate happiness only in<br />
meeting an ideal man. It is uncanny<br />
how a salute to womanhood ends in<br />
men being the goal of their lives. Not<br />
to mention that men are shown as a<br />
breed who crave sex. So desperate are<br />
they that they pay huge sums to have<br />
sex with the most remorseful,<br />
uninterested women.<br />
The only two things which I<br />
could discover as common in Pradeep<br />
Sarkar's Parineeta and Laaga chunri<br />
"You risk flogging a dead horse in saying that<br />
feudalism is stupid and wrong. But you also feel<br />
for the characters in those films. They're<br />
pathetic, like dinosaurs who don't realize<br />
why they're being wiped out. There's a<br />
quality of pathos in that which interests<br />
me” said Satyajit Ray while justifying<br />
the crisis and pathos depiction<br />
in his cinema.<br />
pm in front of their TV sets to see<br />
Tulsi's struggle to justify the taints on<br />
her 'daaman' proving her purity for<br />
last seven years. Daily! The question<br />
is that how long will we sell the Indian<br />
ness? What could have been a<br />
celebration of the spirit of a woman,<br />
LIFESTYLE<br />
me daag: One, both the films start<br />
with strongly accented colloquial<br />
songs and the second, both the films<br />
end with a premature ejaculation of<br />
conflicts.<br />
After watching the much<br />
anticipated Pradeep Sarkar movie on<br />
a lazy Sunday afternoon, these were<br />
the true feeling which came from me<br />
while coming out of the theatre:<br />
Laaga Sunday me daaag!. ■<br />
(Mallika is a Media<br />
Professional and a freelance writer)<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
63
BOLLYWOOD<br />
Celebrating<br />
Bollywood<br />
fter all the hype and hoopla<br />
around some of the worst<br />
movies from Bollywood, if<br />
Ayou've lost hope, it's time to watch<br />
Johny Gaddar. A refreshing, witty and<br />
engaging film, Johny Gaddar keeps<br />
you on the edge throughout and<br />
exuberantly celebrates the Bombay<br />
film industry.<br />
The film is aptly dedicated to<br />
Vijay Anand, whose “Jewel Thief”<br />
redefined the genre thriller in<br />
Bollywood and novelist James<br />
Hadley Chase. The film draws its<br />
skeleton from the perpetual plot of<br />
Chase novels where the protagonist<br />
attempts to commit a theft that leads<br />
him to commit murders. The talented<br />
director adds flesh and blood to this<br />
plot and the entire movie turns out<br />
into a joyous celebration of<br />
Bollywood.<br />
For all those who suggested<br />
Dharmendra to stay away from the<br />
Industry, after watching him in “Life<br />
In A Metro” will be pleasantly<br />
surprised. He's the only big star in this<br />
64<br />
Bollywood has recently experimented with two exciting themes, Johny Gaddar<br />
and Manorama: Six feet under. Johny Gaddar is a thriller with a sense of humor<br />
whereas Manorama: Six feet under brings in subaltern perspective to otherwise<br />
glitzy Bollywood cinema writes Bikas Mishra, editor www.dearcinema.com.<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
film however the film also marks the<br />
beginning of a budding star Neil<br />
Mukesh. You could mistake him for<br />
Hritik Roshan at times but this starry<br />
eyed boy has a style of his own.<br />
Okay, so Johny Gaddar's plot<br />
revolves around five characters.<br />
Dharmendra plays the mastermind.<br />
They pool in Rs. 50 Lakh each to<br />
make a deal that will make them<br />
richer. While four of them eagerly<br />
wait to see the deal through, one of<br />
them has different plans. We know all<br />
along who the rat is however the<br />
characters on screen pay the price of<br />
this knowledge by their lives, one by<br />
one and that keeps film moving<br />
forward.<br />
The final shot of the film looks<br />
like a tribute to the director Sriram<br />
Raghvan's debut film “Ek Hasina<br />
Thi”. It looks quite different from the<br />
rest of the film. The final murder also<br />
stands apart for the reason that it<br />
comes from nowhere. It looked<br />
slightly imposed on the script.<br />
The film never gets into the detail<br />
of the deal and it's depicted in a<br />
matter-of-fact style, something that I<br />
admired. The script plays on<br />
unpredictability and each character<br />
gets time to carry the story forward.<br />
This is why the tinge of the film keeps<br />
changing along with the character<br />
who is going to be killed. What binds<br />
all these together is protagonist's<br />
quest for the two and half Corers and<br />
the dreams of a happily married life<br />
with his beloved. How Johny Gaddar<br />
gets his name is hilarious and very
well fits into the scheme of<br />
things.Characters are beautifully<br />
written and all the actors especially<br />
Zakir Hussein and Vinay Pathak<br />
make them memorable.<br />
It's very reassuring to see a<br />
second good film from Sriram<br />
Raghvan. He's a director to look out<br />
for. And Johny Gaddar is a movie to<br />
celebrate our very own Bambaiya<br />
cinema.<br />
Now the next treat to my mind<br />
and eyes was Manorama: Six Feet<br />
Under.<br />
I had already read so much about<br />
the film that I decided to wait<br />
sometime before watching it. And I<br />
think many others did the same as<br />
despite the movie being two weeks<br />
old, the theatre was packed.<br />
It's has been long since I saw<br />
such a layered film from our very own<br />
Bambai film Industry, an intelligent<br />
and daring film that shows you some<br />
nail biting truths and not-sostunningly<br />
beautiful locales.A tribute<br />
to film noir, what we notice from the<br />
beginning is that the “hero” is not so<br />
heroic, the bike he rides is a “gift” and<br />
he's under suspension for accepting<br />
bribe. To add to his glory is the fact<br />
that he is a failed writer.<br />
Not only a tribute to film noir, the<br />
film also pays tribute to famous desi<br />
detective series, at times I could hear<br />
Byomkesh Bakshi speaking through<br />
Abhay Deol's mouth. Not only this,<br />
Manorma also celebrates not so<br />
glamorous Hindi outcast B-grade<br />
detective thriller novels and crime<br />
story magazines.<br />
Seems some sort of coincidence-<br />
Johny Gaddar, another enjoyable and<br />
intelligent film running now pays<br />
tribute to Bollywood. Manorama<br />
takes its central plot from the famous<br />
1974 Roman Polanski film China<br />
Town and pays tribute to it onscreen.<br />
BOLLYWOOD<br />
The high contrast and dimly lit setting<br />
of China Town however gives way to<br />
the arid expanse of desert in<br />
Manorma. The director also plays<br />
around with the inherent enigma<br />
attached to desert. The opening<br />
sequence of the film where Abhay<br />
sees Yana Gupta on the road seems<br />
like a signpost of things to come.<br />
Though I remember having seen<br />
small town India in a couple of<br />
Bollywood movies, Navdeep's<br />
vision looks very promising as it<br />
neither glamorizes it nor demonizes<br />
it.Life goes on here at its own pace<br />
and follows its own rules. The<br />
neighbors, the auto rickshaw, the<br />
Malpuwa everything speaks of the<br />
sound research that has gone into the<br />
film.<br />
I would say that at times film gets<br />
predictable however the end<br />
compensates for all the weak points.<br />
The end is rather epic. The final<br />
encounter of the detective and the<br />
politician and their conversations are<br />
worth an ovation.A fantastic film, a<br />
sumptuous watch. And a very very<br />
promising debut Navdeep, will be<br />
looking forward to your next film. ■<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
65
SPORTS<br />
Cricket or Crack it<br />
❒ K.K. Srivastava<br />
ndia's victory in the 20/20 World<br />
cup in South Africa has been<br />
Ithough<br />
blown out of all proportion. Even<br />
the team comprising mostly of<br />
youngsters performed exceptionally<br />
well to beat all major teams including<br />
Australia, but their ability should not<br />
be measured on the basis of their<br />
success in this tournament. It really<br />
does not amount to much as is proved<br />
by their performance against<br />
Australia in the 50 over games. The<br />
two games are on a totally different<br />
plane. There is no comparison. In 20<br />
over games there is no strategy, skill<br />
or technique. It is pure luck, although<br />
its excitement and entertainment<br />
value can not be ignored. That in my<br />
opinion would be the only reason for<br />
its popularity. We however, should<br />
not let that point stain our opinion<br />
about 50 over games and the Test<br />
matches in particular The Indian<br />
cricket board has gone beyond all the<br />
limits of common sense and reality in<br />
celebrating India's victory and<br />
unashamedly claiming credit for it.<br />
All this has raised the hopes of cricket<br />
fans all over the country and indeed<br />
around the World to fantasy heights<br />
which can only lead to disappointment.<br />
It is also unfair to<br />
criticise the senior players for not<br />
performing well enough against<br />
66<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
Australia. Their tremendous<br />
performance against England has all<br />
too readily been forgotten. One must<br />
remember that Australia are a<br />
formidable team in all forms of<br />
cricket and and our cricketers worth<br />
must not be undermined just because<br />
they lose to Australia. For that matter<br />
our younger players have not<br />
performed that well either. The<br />
selectors have been rather hasty and<br />
premature in picking Dhoni as<br />
Dravid's replacement. Ganguly-<br />
India's most successful captain - is<br />
still playing well and ideally should<br />
have been reinstated to let the<br />
successor learn the tricks of the trade<br />
under his guidance before taking<br />
charge. Dhoni's success in South<br />
Africa is not a great testimonial for his<br />
ability as a captain. Admittedly there<br />
is a fair number of promising<br />
youngsters waiting on the sidelines,<br />
but we are extremely fortunate to<br />
have legends like Ganguly, Dravid,<br />
Tendulkar and Laxman in our midst<br />
and it would amount to gross injustice<br />
to the spectators if they were deprived<br />
of watching these great stalwarts for<br />
as long as they are able to maintain<br />
their form and fitness. Whatever level<br />
of success is achieved by our players<br />
in limited over games, the ultimate<br />
test of their ability has to be based on<br />
their performence in Test matches and<br />
from that point of view it is worrying<br />
to see that the administrators of the<br />
game in the country are organising<br />
disproportionately large number of<br />
limited over matches compared to<br />
Test Matches. Money should not be<br />
the only consideration. It will be a<br />
matter of great shame if the glory and<br />
the charm of Test matches gave way<br />
to the dazzle and razmattazz of<br />
limited over matches. ■
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COVER STORY<br />
Ahistory mired in antiquity,<br />
vivid cultural traditions and<br />
immense geographical<br />
diversity –all these make India a<br />
wonderful tourist destination. Be it<br />
archaeological tourism, cultural or<br />
heritage tourism, religious or spiritual<br />
tourism, wildlife tourism, coastal and<br />
beach tourism, adventure tourism or<br />
ecotourism, by its very nature India<br />
lends herself as a potential site for all<br />
kinds of tourism. From prehistoric<br />
rock shelters of Bhimbetka, the<br />
ancient seats of learning at Nalanda<br />
and Vikramshila, the innumerable<br />
monuments built during different<br />
ages, its numerous temples and<br />
shrines, the sacred rivers, the snow<br />
capped mountains, the deep forests<br />
with their rich wildlife, the<br />
backwaters of Kerala to the beaches<br />
of Goa, India has something<br />
exhilarating to offer to tourists of<br />
varied interests.<br />
Of the various kinds of tourism,<br />
eco-tourism is the latest in vogue. The<br />
concept of eco-tourism has gained<br />
currency primarily because of the<br />
disastrous effects of environmental<br />
degradation seen by man in the form<br />
of Global Warming and Greenhouse<br />
Effects. A combination of two words -<br />
‘Ecosystem’ and ‘Tourism’, the term<br />
‘eco-tourism’ underlines the need to<br />
create a balance between tourism and<br />
68<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
nature. It implies that the practice of<br />
‘travelling for pleasure’ (tourism) be<br />
undertaken in a manner that is<br />
minimally intrusive or destructive to<br />
the environmental surrounding of the<br />
place of visit. The term ecosystem<br />
refers to the complex dynamics<br />
existing between the biological<br />
organisms (plants, animals, and<br />
micro-organisms) and their nonliving<br />
environment. According to The<br />
International Ecotourism Standard<br />
(TIES), ‘ecotourism is responsible<br />
travel to natural areas which conserves<br />
the environment and sustains the<br />
livelihood of local people’.<br />
Ecotourism is a very broad<br />
concept. Seen in its entirety, it<br />
encompasses all kinds of tourism. In<br />
other words, eco-tourism is tourism<br />
with conscience. Whether one travels<br />
to a historical place, a cultural place or<br />
a wildlife sanctuary, one ought to be<br />
careful about the environment and the<br />
culture of that place. It is closely<br />
linked with the idea of Sustainable<br />
Tourism, which according to the<br />
World Tourism Organization (WTO),<br />
refers to tourism development and<br />
management in a manner that creates<br />
a suitable balance between<br />
environmental, economic and sociocultural<br />
aspects of tourism so as to<br />
guarantee its long-term sustainability.<br />
Some of the core principles of<br />
India<br />
as an<br />
Eco-Tourism<br />
Destination<br />
❒ P A K Sinha<br />
ecotourism include directly<br />
experiencing nature in ways that lead<br />
to greater understanding and<br />
appreciation, adopting best practices<br />
for environmental sustainability,<br />
contributing directly to the<br />
conservation of natural areas,<br />
benefiting local communities and<br />
being sensitive to the culture of the<br />
host community.<br />
India truly is an incredible tourist<br />
destination. However, a lot needs to<br />
be done to make it globally<br />
competitive as an industry and use its<br />
potential to the fullest as a source of<br />
foreign exchange earning. The<br />
infrastructure needs to be upgraded to<br />
international standards, the tax<br />
provisions need to be revisited in<br />
consultation with key stakeholders,<br />
the human resources required for the<br />
industry need to be developed and<br />
above all the image of the nation as a<br />
safe tourist destination needs to be<br />
improved. All this requires a lot of<br />
sincere effort on the part of all those<br />
who are in the business of tourism<br />
including the Government. And yes,<br />
all of us who visit a place as tourists<br />
have to be responsible too. While<br />
going around as an eco-tourist, we<br />
must not degrade the environment<br />
and if at all we leave some impact on<br />
the ecology and culture of the place, it<br />
must be positive. ■
s a mother of two young<br />
children I am always on the<br />
hunt for interesting books<br />
Afor my kids. And as an Indian living<br />
overseas finding good Indian story<br />
books is always a challenge. Either<br />
the grammar is not good or the<br />
illustrations are not appealing. Either<br />
the prose is too verbose or there is too<br />
much crammed in a page. Mostly the<br />
books do not withstand rough<br />
handling and are in tatters after a few<br />
reading sessions. Books provide a<br />
link to our culture, our values and give<br />
children a sense of identity from very<br />
early on. Gone are the days when<br />
grandparents would narrate stories to<br />
children (since most of us now live in<br />
nuclear families). Books are our<br />
resource in keeping in touch with<br />
what we grew up with and sharing it<br />
with our children.<br />
Retelling the traditional stories<br />
of India in a way that makes it<br />
INDIAN DIASPORA<br />
A Tale of an<br />
Indian Mom's<br />
Search for<br />
Children's Books<br />
❒ Rachna Mathur, London<br />
compelling for children of Indian<br />
ethnicity or NRIs who live outside<br />
India is an ongoing challenge. In the<br />
digital media some great movies like<br />
Hanuman and the excellent Indo-<br />
Japanese Ramayana have been<br />
phenomenal. The Karadi Tales books<br />
and CDs are very popular as well. But<br />
I was pleased to observe that some<br />
great work is being done by small<br />
publishers like Tulika, Tara Press and<br />
Vakils Feffer & Simons. These<br />
publishers are producing very good<br />
quality children's books which are a<br />
delight to read.<br />
A book which tries to connect<br />
with the younger generation of<br />
Indians living abroad is Krishna The<br />
Cowherd Prince (Author : Soumya<br />
Ayer and published by Vakils Feffer<br />
& Simons) is a collection of stories of<br />
Krishna's childhood in rhyme<br />
complemented with paintings in the<br />
traditional Mysore style. The book is<br />
meant to be read to smaller children<br />
(4-6) and by bigger children ( 7+). It<br />
has a collection of childhood feats<br />
like Trinavarta , Aghasura ,Putana,<br />
lifting of Goverdhan etc. The stories<br />
are in verse which makes it easy for a<br />
child to sing along with the mother.<br />
This book is excellent for gifting<br />
because it is of a very high quality.<br />
Another excellent book is Kali<br />
and the Rat Snake (Author: Zai<br />
Whitaker and published by Spark-<br />
Tulika). This book is about a young<br />
boy Kali from the Irula tribe whose<br />
father is a snake catcher. While he<br />
wishes his father had a normal<br />
professional like a bus conductor, the<br />
book is about how the boy gets<br />
acceptance among his friend despite<br />
the fact that he is seen as different.<br />
This is also recommended for reading<br />
or gifting. Tulika has some very<br />
interesting children's books and it is<br />
worth visiting their website.<br />
Tara Press also brings out<br />
wonderful books in handmade paper<br />
and use lot of traditional Indian<br />
tribal art to tell their stories. It is<br />
interesting to observe how these<br />
small publishers are making inroads<br />
and hopefully there will be better<br />
choice of books for our children in<br />
the future. The books mentioned<br />
above (and the websites) are<br />
definitely worth a visit. A few these<br />
books may be available on<br />
amazon.com as well. ■<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
69
CURRENT TRANSFERS<br />
70<br />
March year-end Total NRI deposits outstanding<br />
(US $ Billion)<br />
1991 13.99<br />
1998 20.37<br />
2000 21.68<br />
2003 28.27<br />
2004 33.27<br />
2006 35.13<br />
<strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong> ✦ November <strong>2007</strong><br />
Remitting<br />
Money<br />
Home:<br />
NRIs take<br />
a lead…<br />
RI's (Non resident Indians)<br />
may be lagging behind their<br />
Chinese counterparts in<br />
Nterms of investing in their parent<br />
country, but in terms of remittances<br />
they are ahead of all. The graphic<br />
presented here reveals the list and<br />
positions of several countries in<br />
remitting money home. Take a look.<br />
Let us firstly know that<br />
Remittances are transfers of money<br />
by foreign workers to their home<br />
countries. Remittances (also known<br />
as current transfers) include worker's<br />
remittances and other private<br />
transfers on the current account.<br />
India leads the world in<br />
remittances - With recorded inflows<br />
of $21.7 billion in 2004, India<br />
received the most in terms of<br />
remittances worldwide, according to<br />
a World Bank Global Economic<br />
P r o s p e c t s ( G E P ) r e p o r t o f<br />
November 2005. Remittances sent<br />
to India were by overseas workers<br />
who account to about 20 million. ■<br />
– P.T. Bureau
Dr. Paul Nischal<br />
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Indian journalist in Melbourne<br />
launches magazine for students<br />
An Indian journalist living in Australia has come out with a magazine to help the Indian<br />
students there find jobs, accommodation and information on immigration issues. 'The<br />
magazine deals with education, job search, accommodation and migration issues, and<br />
will help the Indian students who go there for educational purposes,' Thiruvallam<br />
Bhasi, the editor of the magazine called Indian Student told IANS from Melbourne.<br />
'Of late thousands of Indian students come to Australia every year for admissions in<br />
universities here. Our magazine provides in-depth details of the new courses,<br />
universities and campuses. It also provides a forum for the overseas students to<br />
communicate,' said Bhasi who worked as a journalist in Kerala a year ago. Seeing the huge<br />
response from the students at the launch of the first issue in October, Bhasi is now getting ready to<br />
launch the magazine in New Zealand and Britain in January, where a large number of Indian students go.<br />
Bengali techies organise<br />
Durga Pooja in London<br />
VIVIDHA<br />
vrhr esa ugha orZeku esa jgrk gwa eSa<br />
lnkcgkj dgs tkus okys e'kgwj ckWyhoqM vfHkusrk nso vkuUn LohMu vkSj fczVsu<br />
ds ckn viuh thouh ds izpkj ds fy, vejhdk esa gSaA jkseSaflax fon ykbQ uke dh<br />
mudh thouh dk foekspu rks Hkkjr esa gqvk ysfdu vc og nqfu;k Hkj ds dbZ<br />
'kgjksa esa ?kwe&?kwe dj vius thou dh dgkuh lc dks crk jgs gSaA fofHkUu<br />
dk;ZØeksa esa Hkkx ys jgs gSaA os viuh thouh ds ckjs esa ckr rks dj gh jgs gSa<br />
lkFk&lkFk muds pkgusokyksa dks nso vkuan dk nhnkj djus dk ekSdk Hkh fey jgk<br />
gSA muds pkgus okyksa esa flQZ Hkkjrh; ewy ds yksx gh ugha cfYd nf{k.k ,f'k;k ds<br />
lkFk&lkFk dbZ vU; bykdksa ds yksx Hkh ns[kus vk jgs gSaA U;w;kdZ esa viuh thouh<br />
^jkseSaflax fon ykbQ* ds foekspu ds ,d lekjksg esa nso vkuan us bls [kqn gh<br />
fy[kus ds dkj.kksa dk ftØ djrs gq, dgk] ^^eq>s fdlh vkSj ys[kd ij bruk<br />
Hkjkslk ugha Fkk fd og esjs thou ds ckjs esa lgh rjhds ls fy[k ikrkA** pkSjklh<br />
lky ds nso vkuUn vius tks'kks&[kjks'k ds lkFk vc Hkh pqLr utj vk jgs gSaA nso<br />
vkuan us viuh fdrkc esa vius dSfj;j dh 'kq#vkr ds la?k"kZiw.kZ fnuksa ls ysdj djksM+ksa fnyksa dh /kM+du cuus rd vkSj<br />
mlds ckn izksM~;wlj ds rkSj ij dke djus ds lkjs nkSj ds ckjs esa fy[kk gSA<br />
Around 40 years after the first small Durga Puja celebrations in London, a<br />
group of Bengali techies - communication engineers and software specialists<br />
- have banded together to establish London's latest Durga Puja.<br />
The Panchamukhee Durga Utsav - so-called because it was begun by five<br />
friends - was inaugurated only last year but is already turning out to be a hot<br />
favourite among the thousands of Bengalis in London.<br />
It is the newest of London's 20-odd Durga Pujas, and organised entirely by<br />
young Bengali technology professionals who have migrated to Britain<br />
relatively recently, within the last decade.<br />
With a core group of some 70 volunteers - professionals working in London<br />
for companies as diverse as IBM, Carphone Warehouse and Mahendra Tech<br />
- this puja is the spiritual child of globalization and its foot soldiers, those<br />
Indians whose high skills in software engineering are sought after around the world today. This is a puja that is organised<br />
with the help of power point presentations and that entertains with rock bands.<br />
November <strong>2007</strong> ✦ <strong>Pravasi</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />
73
VIVIDHA<br />
/kksuh dk u;k yqd! iz'kald nhfidk<br />
,dfnolh; eSpksa ds fy, Hkkjrh; fØdsV Vhe ds dIrku egsUnz flag /kksuh<br />
ftruh ppkZ vius [ksy dh otg ls cVksjrs gSa yxHkx mruh gh ;k mlls<br />
vf/kd ppkZ vius LVkby ds dkj.k cVksjrs gSaA vkLVªsfy;k ds lkFk lkr eSpksa<br />
dh ,d fnolh; J`a[kyk vkSj ,d V~osaVh&V~osaVh eSp [ksyus ds ckn tc cq/kokj<br />
dks /kksuh vius x`guxj igqaps rks ,d u;k gh vankt ns[kus dks feykA bl ckj<br />
/kksuh ds yacs cM+s cky dV x, Fks vkSj mldh txg djhus ls dVs gq, NksVs cky<br />
fn[k jgs FksA vka[kksa ij /kwi dk p'ek p
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