International Events.qxd

YATRA (The Journey)
Vol. 3, Issue 1
January - February, 2011
Bimonthly Journal of the
High Commission of India,
Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago.
Editor-in-Chief
Malay Mishra
Editor
Sunita Pahuja
Support team
P.K. Sharma
Jayashree Suresh
Contributors
Sayantan Chakravarty
Sunita Pahuja
Abid Hussain
Prof. Tsuyoshi Nara
Ashook Ramsaran
Tasha Kavita Ramnarine
Shreyasi Singh
Joydeep Gupta
Tony Musai
Sumati Kareem
Cover Design & Layout
INDIA EMPIRE Publication
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INDIA EMPIRE Publication
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New Delhi 110048, India
M: +91.9899117477
Yatra is a bi-monthly journal published
by the information Wing of the High
Commission of India, Port of Spain,
Trinidad & Tobago. It is also available
Online on the Mission’s Website.
The views expressed are those of the
author and not necessarily of the High
Commission of India, Port of Spain.
Reproduction in any manner without
prior permission of the High
Commission is prohibited.
2 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
From the High
Commissioner’s desk
Dear Reader,
One more year has surfaced on the global calendar, a year of optimism and resurgence,
of addressing the hopes of the multitudes on both sides of the Caribbean.
As we assembled to pay homage to the noble soul who had perceived all humanity
through the tribulations of the human being, we were humbled. At the feet of the austere,
simple, walking stick holding slender persona to whom revolting against an unjust repressive
system had come easy with the shibboleths of peace and non-violence, the currencies of
struggle over the broad canvas of India as also any place in the world yearning for freedom,
it was a moment of questioning. Questioning the very basis of survival and the values that
entails, rationalizing at great cost the inhuman manner in which the flow of civilization has
deluged all ethics into the cauldron of globalization.
Yet we are children of destiny, determined to forge our way forward in this maudlin
world of materialistic pursuits and reveling in our high growth success. The luminate which
pervaded the Gandhi Peace Park could not have been more bedazzling. Standing tall was
Makandal Daaga, more Chief Servant than His Excellency, the Cultural Ambassador to
CARICOM, in the likeness of great leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King
Jr., drawing perennial inspiration from the Mahatma, having brought about seminal changes
to their respective societies.
Recalling the assassin’s bullets and the faint murmur of ‘Hey Ram’ when the light had
gone out of a nation’s midst, the decibels of “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram…” played out in
the environs of Port of Spain and San Fernando and we paid homage to the memory of the
scores of freedom fighters, those martyrs who had fallen so that we get up free and stand tall
in the society.
Just a few weeks back, Delhi had reverberated to the strings of the well heeled diaspora,
commemorating the return of India’s most venerated Pravasi, Mohandas Karamchand
Gandhi to her shores on the 9th of January, 1915. The 9th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas had been celebrated with vigour and on the sidelines, the Port of Kolkata, from where
the story of modern day diasporic emigration had begun, commemorated the installation of
the site and inscription paying yet another homage to those indentured workers who had left
Indian shores to be part of the diaspora forever. It was indeed a heart rending sight to see
scores of present day pravasis, their descendants assembled from all over the world to be part
of that historic moment, feel and sense the agonies of history gone by and find their echoes
in the present to drive themselves towards a better future.
And in between came India’s 62nd Republic Day, consummation of an enduring
democracy, the world’s largest and the most boisterous, leapfrogging into one of the most
exciting decades. And thereby will come about a major realignment of forces that would
define global politics for the foreseeable future, driven by emerging economies, notably India.
The High Commission amidst all this excitement has played its role in bridging relations
with Trinidad & Tobago as also neighbouring islands in the Caribbean in a multitude of ways.
Many events are to shape destinies of our peoples over this year and beyond as we consolidate
our strengths getting to know each other better, drawing sheafs from each other’s lives
and the myriad experiences therein.
Happy New Year,
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

Contents
Bilateral .................................................................................................................................................... Page 04
Culture ..................................................................................................................................................... Page 07
Feature ..................................................................................................................................................... Page 13
Economy .................................................................................................................................................. Page 15
Renewable Energy ................................................................................................................................. Page 17
Science ...................................................................................................................................................... Page 18
Biography ................................................................................................................................................ Page 19
Diaspora ................................................................................................................................................. Page 23
Know India Program ............................................................................................................................ Page 26
Culture ..................................................................................................................................................... Page 28
Hindi Section ........................................................................................................................................... Page 29
Photo Gallery .......................................................................................................................................... Page 31
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2011
04 07 09
13 23 28
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 3

BILATERAL
HIGH COMMISSIONER’S VISIT TO MONTSERRAT
High Commissioner seated with Minister of
Culture & Sports and an aide
H
igh Commissioner visited
Montserrat, a self-governing
UK overseas territory in the
Caribbean under the Mission’s concurrent
jurisdiction, from 5-8 December
2010. The most important part of the
visit was signing of the Letter of
Intent between the two governments
conveying their mutual intention to
augment bilateral cooperation through
signing of a MoU at a future date in
4 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
HE and Mrs. Mishra and members of the
Media following the Press Conference
the areas of Technical Cooperation,
Culture, Agriculture, Small Business
Development, IT, Healthcare,
Seismology, Sports etc. CM himself
drove HC around upcoming project
sites in the island, particularly those in
the future capital township of Little
Bay. HC also met separately with
Minister of Education, Health, Youth
and Sports, Mr. Colin Riley and
Minister of Agriculture, Land,
Chief Minister of Montserrat Reuben T. Meade
signing the Letter of Intent
Housing and Environment, Mr. Joseph
Taylor-Farrel. Govt. of Montserrat
(GOM) is extremely keen on engaging
with India bilaterally and there is significant
scope for India’s engagement
in the development of the island, particularly
in the areas of SMEs, viz.
small manufacturing, agriculture, viz.
Green House farming, not to mention
the areas of IT, healthcare, culture and
sports. ❖
FARMERS’ MEET AT SANGRE GRANDE
High Commissioner addressing the farmers at the Toco community Centre
(on the right, Minister of Tourism, Rupert Griffith)
A
Farmers’ Meet was organized
on 4 December 2010 at Sangre
Grande, in eastern Trinidad, by
the T&T Tourism Minister, Hon’ble
Rupert Griffith, who is also a Member of
Parliament from the area. The High
Commission had earlier been requested
by the Minister to address and advise a
group of farmers in the area who would
like to know what India could offer in
terms of expertise in agriculture, and
agri-business. The Meet was organized at
the Sangre Grande Government
Secondary School premises where
approx. 100 farmers, members of agricultural
associations and officials from
the T&T Ministries of Agriculture and
Tourism had assembled. The Minister of
Tourism himself conducted the programme.
He welcomed the High
Commissioner and appreciated his support
for the agricultural community in his
View of the Gathering at the Toco Community Centre
constituency. High Commissioner in his
address talked of the big strides India has
made in the agricultural sector – from a
food-importing country at the time of
independence in 1947 to becoming not
only self-sufficient in food-grains but
also exporting food-grains and other
agricultural produce to a number of
needy countries in the world. He also
spelt out the possibilities of sharing
India’s vast expertise with the farmers in
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

Trinidad & Tobago not only in agricultural
production but also in agri-processing
and agri-business in order to develop
all these sub-sectors together.
On the occasion, the High
Commission showed a short film from
the National Small Industries
Corporation (NSIC) on Incubator
DR. V. KUMAR, HORTICULTURE EXPERT’S
VISIT TO DOMINICA AND T&T
Under the bilateral cooperation
programme between the
Governments of Commonwealth
Dominica and India, Dr. Vadivel
Kumar, Senior Scientist with specialization
in canopy management, nutrient,
water & weed management, high density
planting, growth regulators, was
deputed to the Govt. of Dominica for
one month from 22 December 2010.
The Horticulture Expert from the
National Research Centre,
Tiruchirapalli visited all the major agricultural
extension regions in the country
and studied the field situation, problems
and prospects of the horticulture industry,
particularly banana and plantain
industry. He also interacted with farmers
to ascertain the situation and problems
being faced by them and gave his
technical suggestions to improve cultivation
practices. The Commonwealth
of Dominica is blessed with plenty of
water resources and the country has
ideal climatic conditions that favours
excellent growth of many crop species.
Dr. Kumar assured that with the timely
supply of farm inputs and technical
guidance, excellent growth in agriculture
sector could be achieved.
Dr. Kumar thereafter paid a short
visit to Trinidad & Tobago from 21-
25, January 2011 on his way back to
India from Dominica. While in
Trinidad & Tobago, Dr. Kumar
accompanied the High Commissioner
to a meeting with Mr. Vasanth Bharat,
Minister for Food Production, Land
and Marine Affairs and senior officials
in his Ministry. He also met representatives
of the Caribbean
Agricultural Research and
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
Systems which included some projects
on agri-processing as well. This was
followed by a presentation on
‘Agriculture in India’ by Second
Secretary Mahavir P. Bhardwaj. In the
ensuing question-answer session, the
farmers showed good amount of interest
in India’s achievements in agricul-
Development Institute (CARDI),
Inter-American Institute for
Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA),
University of the West Indies (UWI)
and the India-T&T Chamber of
Industry and Commerce. CARDI and
IICA organized a seminar for him on
24 January at the IICA premises
which was attended by a number of
experts farmers and media-persons.
In the seminar, High Commissioner
spoke of the long and rich experience
India has earned in the field of agriculture
and the high quality of
research that ICAR and other Indian
institutions have achieved. He also
talked about how T&T could avail
India’s expertise and the possibilities
for cooperation that existed between
India and Trinidad & Tobago not only
in agricultural production but also in
agri-processing and agri-business.
Dr. Kumar made a long and effective
presentation on research facilities
at the National Research Centre for
Banana, Tiruchirapalli and how this
BILATERAL
tural production and agri-processing.
Ms. Dhana Sookoo, President of the
Agricultural Association of Trinidad &
Tobago while saying that the agricultural
sector in Trinidad & Tobago faced a
lot of challenges, expressed the hope
for higher cooperation between India
and Trinidad & Tobago. ❖
had benefitted the banana-growers in
Tamilnadu and other states in India.
He compared the banana-plantation
scenario in Trinidad & Tobago with
India and offered a number of suggestions
to the local scientists and farmers
for better plantation and higher yields.
He also spoke on how the banana fruit
and tree, in its various forms, was
being utilized in India to produce a
number of household items. Given
the local soil-pattern, plenty of rains
and sunlight, there exists a huge scope
for banana plantation in Trinidad &
Tobago, Dr. Kumar opined. He also
advised the local people on how other
fruits could be grown alongside
banana to get maximum land-area utilization.
Later, he was invited to visit
the UWI St. Augustine campus to have
detailed discussions on horticulture
and banana. Both CARDI and IICA
have expressed their desire to find
more avenues for cooperation with the
Indian Council of Agricultural
Research. ❖
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 5

BILATERAL
6 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
HC’S VISIT TO PRAVASI BHAWAN
High Commissioner, during his recent visit to India
to attend Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2011, visited
Pravasi Bhawan set up by the Antar Rashtriya Sahyog
Parishad (ARSP). He was warmly welcomed by Shri
Shashank, former Foreign Secretary and President of
ARSP, Shri J.S. Sapra, former High Commissioner to
T&T and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of
ARSP and several other members. High Commissioner
spoke on a range of topics viz. politics, economic, culture
and Diaspora. He also talked about India-T&T
bilateral relations and some recent events organized by
the High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago which
have made a significant contribution to the growth in
bilateral relations. ❖
The room in Birla House where Mahatma
Gandhi spent the last 5 months of his life
During his recent visit to Delhi,
High Commissioner visited Gandhi
Smriti which is housed in Birla House,
the landmark building where Mahatma
Gandhi spent the last 5 months of his
life until his martyrdom on 30 January
1948. He was warmly welcomed by
Mrs. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice
Chairperson of Gandhi Smriti and
High Commissioner flanked by Shri Shashank, former Foreign Secretary
and President of ARSP and Shri J.S. Sapra, former High Commissioner
to T&T at Pravasi Bhawan
HC’S VISIT TO GANDHI SMRITI
View of the Multimedia Exhibition on Mahatma
Gandhi at Gandhi Smriti
introduced to officials of Gandhi
Smriti. In response to the High
Commission’s request for supply of
books and artefacts on Mahatma’s life,
Gandhi Smriti gave a positive reply.
They also proposed that the multimedia
exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi
put up at Gandhi Smriti commissioned
by the Aditya Birla Group could be
Some previous issues of Yatra-The Journey
High Commissioner speaking to Sangeeta
Dash, Curator of the Exhibition
made available to the High
Commission in its mobile version.
High Commissioner thanked Mrs. Tara
Gandhi for the kind gesture and reiterated
collaboration of the Mission, particularly
in promoting Mahatma
Gandhi’s message and teachings in
T&T and in other countries in the
Caribbean. ❖
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

Mahatma Gandhi spent 144 days
of his life as a guest of his ardent follower
and the great industrialist Shri
G D Birla in his house at
Albuquerque Road, now known as
Tees January Marg. The old Birla
House now houses Gandhi Smriti in
the honour of the site of Martyrdom
of Mahatma Gandhi.
After the political independence of
India on 15 August 1947 from foreign
rule, Mahatma Gandhi was committed
towards the true liberation of the people
of the country. India needed a
social system without exploitation of
man and nature. Gandhi left us with
the challenge of the vision of
Sarvodaya – the re-awakening of the
spirit in harmony with nature and
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
BILATERAL – MAHATMA GANDHI MARTYRDOM DAY
environment for all life.
On 30 January 1948 in the prayer
ground here, the assassin’s bullets
ended the physical existence of this
man and made him immortal.
Representing truth, compassion
and non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi
belongs to the entire humanity.
Millions of people and the world citizens
visit Gandhi Smriti for spiritual
inspiration, and in search of their
own life’s mission.
Homage to the philosophy of
Mahatma Gandhi is homage to the
greatest spiritual and creative flows
of man and nature of the past and
the present that have kept the
spark of eternal love glowing in
each one of us.
EVENTS ORGANIZED BY MGICC
CULTURE
The MGICC in collaboration with the Hindu Prachar Kendra, organized a 4-day workshop from 1-4 December 2010 on
“Dandiya” – folk dance and music of Gujarat. It was a pilot project of the Hindu Prachar Kendra aimed at attracting the
teenagers towards Indian culture and its rich heritage, held at the Kendra premises at Raghunanan Road, Chaguanas. The
MGICC and Hindu Prachar Kendra students trained by Smt. Srimathi Madkholkar, Bharatnatyam Dance Teacher cum – performer
of MGICC, gave a lively performance of Dandiya on 06 December at the concluding ceremony of the Yuva Sanskar
Varg workshop organized for the teenagers.
High Commissioner and Mrs. Mishra welcoming
Swami Prakashnanda Head of Chinmaya
Mission at the Republic Day Reception
GANDHI SMRITI
High Commissioner presenting a cheque to
Ramjas Ramlakhan, President, Gandhi Seva
Sangh (left Shri M.P. Bhardwaj, & at right Mrs.
Sunita Pahuja, Second Secretaries in the Mission)
Foreign Minister Dr. Suruj Rambachan delivering
his address at the Republic Day Reception
In commemoration of the 61st anniversary of India’s Republic Day, the High Commission of India and the MGICC held
an Indian Art Exhibition depicting Madhubani Paintings by visiting National award winning Madhubani Painter Bharati
Dayal and Tribal Art by Mrs. Gargi Kaul Mishra. The Exhibition was inaugurated by Hon. Nela Khan, Parliamentary
Secretary, Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism on Monday, 17 January at Soft Box Studios Gallery, Port of Spain. The
Exhibition remained open for the general public from 18-22 January.
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 7

CULTURE
On the eve of Republic Day of India on 25 January, the MGICC organized a dance and music recital by the artistes of
India Alumni Association at a Reception hosted by High Commissioner, at India House. The event was attended by many
dignitaries and distinguished guests including Hon’ble Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan apart from a
large number of Indian and local community representatives.
Flag hoisting at India House on 26 January High Commissioner Reading out the President’s message on 26 January.
The India Alumni Association presenting a cultural programme Teachers and students of Mahatma Gandhi Centre rendering patriotic songs
On the occasion of India’s Republic Day on 26 January,
after the Flag Hoisting Ceremony, Mr. Ramnarayan Jha, Vocal
Teacher and Dr. M.P. Sharma, Tabla Teacher of MGICC rendered
patriotic songs along with their students at India House
which were appreciated and enjoyed by the audience.
The High Commission in collaboration with National
Library and Information Systems (NALIS) screened the
National Award winning film “Gandhi My Father” at NALIS,
Port of Spain. In her welcome address, Mrs. Annette Wallace,
Executive Director, NALIS, spoke about Mahatma Gandhi’s
simplicity and his message of peace and love. Ambassador
Maakandal Daaga, Cultural Ambassador to Caricom, Chief
Guest on the occasion, gave an impressive talk on the values,
life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Ambassador Daaga
emphasised on the greatness of Mahatma Gandhi which was
due to his striving constantly to improve his ideas as well as to
his self-discipline, moral depth and great regard for the poor
and deprived, that he was the only leader to have practiced the
same values what he taught to humanity.
The film depicting the story of a man (Gandhij’s eldest
8 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
son Harilal) who lived in the enormous shadow of his father
(Mahatma Gandhi), striving to discover his own identity till
his last breath, was very much appreciated and enjoyed by
the audience.
View of the gathering at Gandhi Peace Park on the occasion of Mahatma
Gandhi Martyrdom Day on 30 January
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

Ramjas Ramlakhan welcoming Mayor of San Fernando, Marlene Coudray
and High Commissioner
Odisha representative conveying her greetings on the occasion of Mahatma
Gandhi Martyrdom at San Fernando
In commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of Mahatma
Gandhi’s Martyrdom and in the memory of the martyrs
who laid down their lives in the freedom struggle, a
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
The view of the gathering at the Reception
in Municipal Hall, San Fernando
CULTURE
2-minute silence was observed followed by a floral tribute at
the feet of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Gandhi Peace Park,
Kew Place, Port of Spain, by dignitaries and distinguished
guests including Makandal Daaga, Ambassador
Extraordinary to Caricom, Muslim Community representative
Mr. Nobel Khan, and several representatives of sociocultural
organizations and members of the Indian community
on 30 January.
In the evening at 5.00 pm a similar event was organized
by the Mission and MGICC in collaboration with the
Office of the San Fernando City Council and Gandhi Sewa
Sangh. Mayor of San Fernando, Alderman Marlene
Coudray, President Gandhi Sewa Sangh, Ramjas Ramlakhan
and HC paid floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at
Harris Promenade, San Fernando. The event concluded
with singing of hymns dear to Gandhiji by the teachers of
MGICC, followed by reception hosted by a Gandhi Sewa
Sangh and the Mayor at City Council, San Fernando.
Several religious heads / representatives also paid glowing
tributes to the Mahatma on the occasion. ❖
BILATERAL - CULTURE
Folk Art Exhibition - Madhubani and Tribal Art Paintings
In commemoration of the 61st Republic Day of
India, The High Commission of India and the Mahatma
Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation presented the
first ever Folk Art Exhibition depicting Tribal Art
Paintings by Mrs. Gargi Kaul Mishra, wife of Mr. Malay
Mishra, High Commissioner of India and Madhubani
paintings and works from National Award winning
Madhubani artist, Bharti Dayal at Soft Box Studios
Gallery, Port of Spain from 17 – 22 January 2011. The
Exhibition was inaugurated by Hon. Nela Khan,
Parliamentary Secretary Ministry of Art and
Multiculturalism. Inauguration of the Indian Folk Art Exhibition at Soft Box Gallery, Port of Spain
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 9

BILATERAL - CULTURE
TRIBAL FOLK ART
India has a rich tribal heritage, with about 645 tribes,
big and small. Each tribe has its own history, culture and
art form. The paintings in this section have drawn their
inspiration from the tribal art form of two regions of
India, namely Saura art from Orissa, the eastern part and
Warli from Maharshtra, the western part of India.
The Sauras, residing in Orissa, are one of the oldest
tribes of India. This form of art is mostly found in
Rayagada, Gajapati and Koraput districts of Orissa.
Their traditional paintings originated out of their religious
and ceremonial rituals They are generally painted to
appease the Gods and ancestors The Saura deity contains
various symbols and meanings, and the Saura paintings
primarily revolve around them.. The central theme of
most Saura paintings, called Idital is a house or temple
for the ancestral spirits and gods. The whole panel, the
Idital, consists of several horizontal and vertical sections,
each showing a particular activity related to the religious
ceremony and God being propitiated. Animals also play
an important role. Tigers, monkeys, birds and peacocks
are generally found in the paintings. The paintings are
done on the inner walls of their huts. The Sauras believe
that the ancestral spirits will reside in the walls and provide
protection. Their art is a way of showing their
respect to their Gods and Spirits while invoking their
blessings for welfare and prosperity.
Warli is an ancient tribe found in the foothills of the
Western ghats of Maharashtra, India. These tribal people,
who survive on forest produce and worship nature, have
carved an international
niche for
themselves by
virtue of their
artistry. What
originated as a
domestic ritual of
ceremonial beautification
is now
revered as a folk
art of immense
value. Warli
paintings express
everyday life
using extremely
basic object
forms and just
one colour –
white – on an
austere mud base.
The painting
style is close to
pre-historic cave
p a i n t i n g s .
Traditionally, the
walls were given
a thorough wash
10 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
Eminent Madhubani Painter Bharti Dayal at the inauguration of Folk Art
Exhibition with High Commissioner and Director MGICC
with cow dung and then red mud was smeared on that.
This gave the walls a brownish finish. Women use bamboo
twigs and thin rice paste to draw designs. Harvest
and wedding scenes are the major themes. Other subjects
found in these paintings are fields swaying with healthy
crops, birds flying in the sky, a group dancing around a
person playing the music, dancing peacocks, women
cooking or busy in their other house chores and children
playing. Warli art always contains groups of people.
Both the above arts originally used to decorate the
houses. Over the years they have changed and are found
in all other textures, paper, cloth, textiles etc. Warli paintings
are always monochromatic, while Saura artists at
times use some other colours to brighten the paintings.
Over the years several artists have taken to painting on
white background with black.
The artist, Gargi Kaul Mishra has drawn from both the
art forms, and merged the figures and themes and presented
her own interpretation. The layered paintings
reflect the Saura form where the God or spirit is being
propitiated and given offerings, the animals and the people
protecting the God, giving sacrifice and the spirit in
turn provides sustenance and safety. The group paintings
reflect the Warli form, where various activities of a village
are shown, from harvesting to dance, to child birth
and other daily chores. All the paintings are in acrylic on
paper. Digressing from the traditional colours of reddish
brown background and white figures, she has used the
white and black combination also.
Gargi Kaul Mishra is a self taught artist, having
observed this art form over the years. She started by
painting the walls of her house wherever she was posted
and then moved on to paper.
MADHUBANI PAINTINGS
Madhubani Painting Exhibition was sponsored by the
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an
autonomous organization of the Government of India.
Madhubani painting, also known as Maithili, Chaitra
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

and Godhana figure painting is a traditional
rural art form initiated by the
villagers from Madhubani, a village in
Bihar, primarily for decorating their
homes. Exclusively a feminine school
of folk painting, this style was passed
down from generation to generation
in the far reaches of the Mithila
Region, mainly by women. The
exhibits are innate to life – for the
spontaneous expression of joy, for
propitiating the gods and goddesses
and deal with various aspects of
nature as well.
Madhubani is one of the great art
works which boast of humble roots.
From the small homes of Madhuban,
a village in Bihar, in the Mithila
region is the place where these paintings
come from. ‘Madhu’ means
honey and ‘bans’ is forest.
Madhubani is hilly forest terrain in
Bihar state in eastern India. The history
of ethnic paintings in India can
be traced back to the Bhimbhetka
Caves, where some of the earliest
paintings of the neolithic period are
found. Traditionally artists from this
area are engaged in folk art.
Paintings are one of the traditional
skills passed from generation to generation
in the families of the women
of this village. They paint figures
from nature and myth on household
and village walls to mark the seasonal
festivals and other occasions.
Madhubani paintings are the exclusive
monopoly of women artists,
passing down for generations from
mother to daughter. For commercial
reasons, these paintings which were
done on freshly plastered walls are
now being done on paper and cloth.
Themes: Madhubani painting is
an emblematic expression of day to
day experiences and beliefs. As such
symbolism, simplicity and beauty
hold them together in a single school
of traditional art. The symbols that
these Maithili painters use have their
specific meanings as, for instance,
fish symbolise fertility, procreation
and good luck, peacocks are associated
with romantic love and religion
and serpents are the divine protectors.
Madhubani or Maithili paintings
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
are known for their vibrant lines and
striking colours. The main themes of
Madhubani paintings contain images
of Hindu Deities such as Krishna,
Ram a Shiva, Durga, Lakshmi and
Saraswati. Apart from deities, the
women also paint celestial subjects
like sun and moon. The holy tulsi
(basil) plant is also regularly featured
in these paintings. These paintings
also act as a visual record of court
scenes, wedding scenes and social
happenings. Intricate floral, animal
and bird motifs, and symmetrical
geometric designs fill up the gaps.
The main categories in Madhubani
paintings are traditional, monochrome,
tattoo, contemporary, animals
and birds.
Technique: The art of
Madhubani painting requires skill
and implies a certain technique. This
technique requires simple raw materials
that are easily located in villages
such as bamboo sticks and cotton.
Colours: The colours are usually
deep red, green, blue, black, light yellow,
pink and lemon. They create the
mood and hence play an important
role. For instant, energy and passion
find expression through the use of
red and yellow. Concentration of
energy and the binding force is best
reflected in red while green governs
the natural leaves and vegetation. For
the Maithilis, each painting is an act
of creation.
The fame: With years,
BILATERAL - CULTURE
Madhubani paintings have gained
tremendous popularity and have
become a primary source of income
for scores of families. The commercialisation
of Maithili art took place
in 1962 when an artist touring this
village was attracted by the murals.
He persuaded the women to paint in
their traditional way on paper. This
was a great success and a ticket to
trade. Since then the painting medium
has diversified. Wall paintings
were transferred to handmade paper
(which was of poster size) and gradually
it preyed for other medium and
motifs like greeting cards, dress
materials, sunmica etc.
Bharti Dayal, a child from the
heartland of Mithila, belongs to the
School of Madhubani. An artist with
a heart moulded in the original tradition
of Mithila Paintings, from a very
young age, Smt. Dayal has invested
her abundant energies to the cause of
bringing back the past glory of this
brilliant form of human expression.
It is her ardent desire to reach this
school of work across the frontiers of
India. Smt. Dayal’s quest is two fold:
• to assimilate the changing cultural,
needs and tastes into the
very essence of Madhubani
paintings and
• to popularize this folk form and
aid the economic development of
the folk artisans to keep alive the
rich cultural heritage of India.
Bharti Dayal’s works are essentially
an amalgamation of the
ancient Madhubani art form and
modern times, without deviating
from the core features of the Mithila
tradition. ❖
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 11

EXCERPTS OF PRESIDENT OF INDIA’S ADDRESS TO THE
NATION ON THE EVE OF REPUBLIC DAY ON 25 JANUARY, 2011
We are fortunate
that we are the
inheritors of
the ideals and
values of one of the
world’s oldest civilizations,
which has bequeathed to us
a rich treasure of human
experiences and thought.
The concept of the human
race being one, the importance
of living in harmony
with each other and with
nature, the quest for
knowledge and truth, find prominence in our age old
culture. These ideas provided inspiration for our freedom
movement and after our independence found a
ready resonance in our Constitution. As citizens of this
country each one of us, therefore, has a duty and a
responsibility to demonstrate, that these principles
have given to us the motivation and the strength to
build our great nation.
Among our remarkable accomplishments has been an
unwavering adherence to democracy. The people of
India have expressed their confidence by participating
time and again in the electoral process. For us, democracy
is an article of faith, important both as a basic pillar
of our Republic and as a guarantor of our freedoms. Its
sustenance is essential for the identity of India, hailed as
the largest democracy in the world, and one that functions
well even in situations of multiple complexities.
We must not only reinforce democratic institutions and
processes, but also refrain from any action, taken wittingly
or unwittingly, that dilutes or is detrimental to
democracy.
As a nation, our aim is to grow and to create a just society.
Our goal of poverty eradication and of inclusive
growth that embraces the disadvantaged and marginalized
sections of society can be achieved when our actions are
guided by a social conscience and are not devoid of sensitivity.
We are seeking good governance and a people-centric
administration. In this, callous and casual attitudes in
the sphere of public service are unacceptable. Delivery systems
for schemes and programmes that promote the welfare
of the people and spur economic growth should have
inbuilt mechanisms for greater transparency and accountability.
Education, health and skill building efforts will create
productive human resources for the future. Urban and rural
development schemes will make our cities and villages sustainable
habitats. Programmes for women, the youth, the
12 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
girl child, the differentlyabled
and marginalized sections
of society will equip
them to avail of opportunities
and face the future with
confidence. We need to
address the problems of
orphans and street children,
as well as of the old and destitute.
For the success of
welfare schemes, the total
sum of developmental funds
must reach the intended beneficiaries.
Corruption is the
enemy of development and of good governance. Instead
of getting lost in this mire, it is necessary to rise above it
and seriously look at bringing systemic changes to deal
more effectively with corruption. Financial institutions, the
corporate world and civil society - all must uphold high
standards of probity in their working. Only a genuine
partnership between the Government and its people can
bring about positive change to create a just society.
In agriculture as in all other fields we need innovation
more than ever before. This decade has been designated as
the ‘Decade of Innovation’ in India. Our scientists and
researchers have the talent and the capacity to look at highend
technology as also at cost-effective, location-specific
and affordable innovations for wider use in the country.
Access to innovation is an integral part of their practical
use. In a situation of rapidly moving global knowledge
economy, our pace of research must accelerate. Larger
funds should be allocated for science and technology so that
such scientists can undertake in depth research in a wide
range of subjects.
Development and progress require an environment
of stability and security. The work of our police and
internal security agencies is critical in this field, as also
is our cooperation and dialogue with our neighbours for
stability in our region, and with the international community
to create a peaceful world. Terrorism poses the
single most detrimental threat to the progress of
humankind. There is a crucial need for concerted action
by all members of the international community to eradicate
the threat of terrorism. India’s profile in global
affairs is the focus of international attention today. As
India assumes its seat as a non-permanent member of
the UN Security Council, it will intensify efforts to
effect concerted and collective global action against terrorism,
and will also work with a deep sense of responsibility
on all global issues. ❖
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
FEATURE
PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS - 2011
A
part from realizing his dream of installing a
commemorative plaque at the port of Kolkata,
Guyanese official, Ashook Ramsaran was one
of fifteen to receive the prestigious Pravasi
award in India recently. Ramsaran, along with eminent
Diaspora historian and researcher Leela Gujadhar Sarup,
spearheaded the international effort by the Global
Indian Diaspora Heritage Society (GIDHS) for the emigration
memorial and museum/resource center at a
Kolkata site where Indian indentured laborers were
housed prior to assignment to plantations in British
colonies from 1834 to 1920.
Ramsaran who is GOPIO International Executive Vice
President visited Kolkata on January 11, along with
Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) Mr. Vayalar
Ravi and many other invitees from the Diaspora to unveil
the plaque at the port of Kolkata. Former MOIA Joint
Secretary and now Indian High Commissioner to TT, Malay
Mishra was also present for this historic event. Mishra has
been an early proponent of this effort and continues to be
actively supportive.
Ramsaran said, this is a fitting tribute of due recognition
and an effort on behalf of the descendants of the thousands
of Indian indentured laborers to erect an appropriate, long
lasting physical connection in the land of our ancestors. This
is a memorial and museum to physically as well as emotionally
connect the descendants of those indentured workers with
the story of their ancestors and their ancestral homeland.
This will be our tribute to our ancestors and a lasting legacy
to present and future generations".
Mishra said the objective is for the memorial plaque to
reflect the sentiments of the Diaspora to pay "honoured tribute,
with due recognition, gratitude and lasting remembrance
of all those who left these shores from 1834 - 1920 as Indian
indentured labourers to far away lands seeking better livelihoods
for themselves and their descendants; for their pioneering
spirit, determination, resilience, endurance and perseverance
amidst the extremely harsh and demeaning conditions
they encountered; for their preservation of sense of
origin, traditions, culture and religion, and their promotion of
the Indian culture; for their achievements and successes
despite insurmountable odds.
India’s annual convention, the three-day Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas, serving to connect with the 27-million
strong Diaspora in over 150 countries concluded on 9
January with President Pratibha Patil honouring 15 individuals
for their achievements and enhancing India’s
image globally. The awardees included New Zealand
Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand, Canada-based
Bharata Natyam dancer Lata Pada, Professor Veena
Harbhagwan Sahajwalla, Director, sustainable materials
processing research at the University of New South
Wales, Australia, Harindrapal Singh Bangan from Hong
Kong-China, Sheikh Mohammed Munir Hasan Ansari
The Panel of Experts at the Session “Strengthening cultural
bonds with the Global India”
View of the audience, in the foreground is New Zealand’s Governor
General, Sir Anand Satyanand
from Israel, Upjit Singh Sachdev from Liberia, Tan Sri
Dato Ajit Singh from Malaysia, Saleh Wahid from
Netherlands, Nilangshu Dey, Dr. Mohiaddin Syed
Karimuddin from Saudi Arabia, Mano Selvanathan from
Sri Lanka, Mohan Jashanmal from United Arab Emirates,
Baroness Sandip Verma from UK, and Ashook Ramsaran
and Dr Rajiv Shah from the United States.
The 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention
in New Delhi, India, opened with conferences on the topics
of health and education for those who are less fortunate in
India and the Diaspora. The Minister of State for Health of
India, Dinesh Trivedi said that 25 percent of the doctors of
the world were of Indian descent.
“While there has been tremendous development in medicine
and pharmaceuticals in India and the outer world,
through the years health care has not changed in my country,”
he said.
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 13

FEATURE
Also coming out of the convention, is the recurring
suggestion that more investment is needed so that education
can reach those less fortunate and the need to provide
a better education system in the areas where people
cannot afford it. The convention was held at Vigyan
Bhawan, New Delhi.
People of Indian origin, ministers, journalists, dignitaries
from other countries participated in the conferences showcasing
the expectations and aspirations of the overseas Indian
community from the land of their ancestors.
Chief Guest Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand
extolled the role played by the Indian Diaspora saying that
Indians could promote higher levels of bilateral relationship
between New Zealand and India. Speaking at the Inaugural
session of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Vigyan Bhavan in
Delhi on 8 January, he cited the ongoing negotiations for a
Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand as
an example.
India’s President Pratibha Patil agreed, saying that
overseas Indians had shown outstanding capabilities in
professional, academic, social, cultural and political fields
in their respective countries. “They are known for determination
in the face of adversity, fortitude in difficult circumstances
and the spirit of never giving up. They have
thus endeared themselves to their fellow citizens in their
adopted home countries,” she said, speaking at the concluding
session on 9 January. That statement matched the
determination, enterprise and hard work invested by most
people of Indian origin in their adopted countries. Sir
Anand said he was privileged to be at the PBD as a New
Zealander whose four grandparents migrated from India
to make a new life thousands of kilometres away in the
South Pacific.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stressed on attracting
14 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
the young Indian diaspora through joint research projects
while urging Indian scientists to “think big” and “out of
the box” for scientific advancement and innovations in
the country. He announced merging of the Overseas
Citizen of India (OCI) and the Persons of Indian Origin
(PIO) cards into a single facility to simplify visa-free entry
and participation of Indian Diaspora in business and other
activities in New Delhi. Singh also said that the government
had decided to extended the facility of the Indian
Community Welfare Fund to all the Indian Missions from
the current 42.
In a bid to encourage PIOs (Indians who have shifted
migrated permanently to other countries over centuries) to
visit and invest in India, such people were given PIO cards.
A PIO cardholder does not require a visa to visit India and
the card is valid for 15 years. A PIO cardholder enjoys several
economic and educational benefits. On the other
hand, the OCI card is a kind of lifelong visa and any
Indian origin person can apply for it subject to certain conditions
being met.
To improve the conditions for migration, India has signed
Social Security Agreements with 12 countries and finalised
Labour Mobility Partnerships with 2 others, he said, adding a
generic arrangement is also being negotiated with the
European Union. "As a further measure, we have now
extended the facility of the Indian Community Welfare Fund
to all Indian Missions," he said. At present, such funds are
available in 42 Missions. Singh said the government has
decided to establish new Indian cultural centres in the US,
Canada, Saudi Arabia, France and Australia. "I urge the
Indian communities in these countries to support and patronise
these centres so that they become effective instruments
for projecting the diversity and splendour of Indian culture,"
the Prime Minister said. ❖
IMPRESSIONS ON THE 9TH PBD
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) concluded its
9th edition on January 9. Over time, the learning
curves at the PBD for both organizers and other
stakeholders have been many. Thankfully, some of
that is getting implemented.
It was refreshing talking to Dr A. Didar Singh,
Secretary to the Government of India at the Ministry of
Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) soon after the event. He
noted that the media coverage for the event was unprecedented.
There were around 500 registered media delegates,
indicating that the PBD and the presence of overseas
Indians in India is very much in the radar of the media.
The structuring of the event in terms of the sessions and
the content, the level of speakers that presented papers
and orations, the special focus on the North Eastern states
BY SAYANTAN CHAKRAVARTY
of India and the partnership of the MOIA with organizations
within the diaspora that deal with youth, all contributed
towards making the 9th PBD a well-rounded
experience. “Today, the PBD as a brand is huge, it is associated
with Brand India. It is no longer an event, it plays a
large role in multiplying synergy between Government of
India and the various stakeholders. It is one of the best
diaspora events in the world,” says Dr Singh.
The 9th PBD saw for the first time a link seminar with
overseas Indian youth. The lineup of speakers was
impressive, and the event was done in coordination with
the GYIPS (Global Young Indian Professionals and
Students), and the MOIA’s institutional partner, CII
(Confederation of Indian Industry). The young global
Indians attending the Know India Programme (KIP) were
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lights the lamp to inaugurate the 9th
PBD in New Delhi. At left is the chief guest from New Zealand Sir Anand
Satyanand, Governor General, descendant of indentured workers who
went to Fiji. Also seen Ministers Vayalar Ravi and B.K. Handique and
Secretary Didar Singh
also involved. There was also a session dedicated to the
Indian youth of the world at the main PBD, this one was
• India’s exports during November, 2010 were 26.5 per cent
higher in Dollar terms (22.3 per cent higher in Rupee
terms) than November, 2009. Cumulative value of
exports for the period April-November 2010 registered a
growth of 26.7 per cent in Dollar terms and 20.5 per cent
in Rupee terms over the same period last year.
• India’s imports during November, 2010 represented a growth
of 11.2 per cent in Dollar terms (7.5 per cent in Rupee terms)
over the level of imports in November, 2009. Cumulative
value of imports for the period April-November, 2010 registered
a growth of 24.0 per cent in Dollar terms and 18.0 per
cent in Rupee terms over the same period last year.
• Core infrastructure-supportive sectors grew by 7.0 per
cent in October 2010 as compared to the growth of 3.9
per cent in October 2009. During April-October 2010-11,
these sectors grew by 4.5 per cent as compared to 4.8 per
cent during April-October 2009-10.
• Exports, in US dollar terms increased by 21.3 per cent and
imports increased by 6.8 per cent, during October 2010.
• Tax revenue (net to Centre) during April-October, 2010-11
recorded a growth of 27.0 per cent compared with corresponding
period of 2009-10. Non-tax revenue grew by 149.3
per cent in April-October 2010-11 on account of one-off
nature of receipts of proceeds from Spectrum auction.
Global Manufacturing Hub
India is fast emerging as a global manufacturing hub
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
FEATURE
chaired by Canadian MP Ruby Dhalla.
A session on engaging with the PIOs moderated by
High Commissioner Mr Malay Mishra and chaired by Union
Minister of State for External Affairs Ms Preenet Kaur was
very well attended. The panel of speakers included
Malaysian Minister Dr Subramaniam, his mentor Mr Samy
Vellu, a former minister himself, Mr Ashook Ramsaran of
the GOPIO International, Minister Rajeshwar Jeetah of
Mauritius. The PBD Chief Guest Sir Anand Satyanand, the
Governor General of New Zealand, attended the session
that drew a packed audience. HC Mishra has been posted in
Trinidad, and had earlier been with the MOIA’s diaspora
division, and took it upon himself the Government’s sustained
efforts at strengthening ties with the descendants of
the older diaspora, mainly indentured workers. It was good
precursor to what followed on January 11, when Union
Ministers Mr Vayalar Ravi and Ms Mamata Banerjee
unveiled a plaque at the Kolkata port in memory of indentured
workers. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards generated
less controversy as the awardees were selected by an
independent body. ❖
TRADE & ECONOMY
ECONOMY
with a large number of companies shifting their manufacturing
base to the country. Moreover, India has the largest
number of companies, outside of Japan, that have been
recognised for excellence in quality. As many as 21 companies
have received the Deming Excellence awards; 153 companies
have achieved Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
Excellence Award for their total productivity management
practices by the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance
(JIPM) committee.
Nissan Motor Ltd of Japan is looking at a four-fold
increase in sourcing of production components from India
for its global operations. The company would import US$
10 million of components in 2010 from Indian vendors. It
is set to increase this to US$ 40 million by the end of 2012.
Japanese automobile major, Yamaha, is planning to make
India a hub for manufacturing its premium and deluxe bikes for
overseas markets. The company’s Indian unit supplied 66,904
bikes in fiscal 2010 to Yamaha’s global operation compared with
38,639 units in 2008-2009, an increase of 73 per cent.
VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) is investing US$ 61.9
million in its Pithampur plant for the production and final
assembly of Volvo’s new global medium-duty engine platform.
The expanded facility will act as a global manufacturing
hub for Volvo group’s requirements.
Nokia’s manufacturing facility at Sriperumbudur near
Chennai crossed production volumes of 350 million handsets
in April 2010. Nokia is now exporting to North
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 15

ECONOMY
America, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia and New
Zealand, according to company statement.
According to a report by RNCOS, "Global Vaccine
Market Forecast to 2012" published in February 2010, the
vaccine market in India is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of
around 23 per cent from 2009-10 to 2011-12. India has
emerged as a new hub for vaccine manufacturers from
across the world.
FDI
India attracted FDI equity inflows of US$ 2.1 billion during
September 2010. The cumulative amount of FDI equity
inflows from August 1991 to September 2010 stood at US$
140 billion, while the amount of FDI inflow into India during
the fiscal year 2010-11 (April-September 2010) stood at
US$ 2 billion, according to the latest data released by the
Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
Services sector attracted the maximum FDI during April-
September 2010 with US$ 2 billion. The country received
maximum FDI from countries like Mauritius, Singapore, and
the US with US$ 3.8 billion, US$ 1.1 billion and US$ 724 million,
respectively, during April-September 2009-10.
FII
The total inflows of foreign institutional investors (FIIs)
have crossed the record US$ 38.76 billion mark so far in
2010, as per a news report published on December 2, 2010.
According to data available with Securities & Exchange
Board of India (SEBI), FIIs have made investments worth
US$ 4.11 billion in equities and invested US$ 667.71 million
into the debt market.
Capital inflows
As per the report, "Macroeconomic and Monetary
Developments Second Quarter Review 2010-11", the net
surplus in the capital account in the first quarter of 2010-11
exceeded the levels of the previous two quarters, as well as
the financing need in the current account. The net capital
flow from October-December 2010 is projected to reach
US$ 14.7 billion, while the figure would touch US$ 16.1 billion
during January-March 2011.
Projections for India’s GDP Growth in 2010-11
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) in its latest Economic Outlook released
in November 2010, has expected India’s real GDP to rise by 9.l
per cent during fiscal 2010-11. This is an upward revision from
its earlier projected growth of 8.3 per cent.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in October,
2010 said that India’s macroeconomic performance has
been vigorous, with industrial production at a two-year high.
Leading indicators like the production manufacturing index
and measures of business and consumer confidence continue
to point upward, it said. For 2010, the IMF place GDP
growth at 9.7 per cent and 8.4 per cent in 2011.The growth
will be led increasingly by domestic demand. Robust corporate
profits and favourable external financing are expected
16 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
to encourage investment, says the IMF.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) revised India’s
GDP growth projection for 2010-11 upward to 8.5 per cent
in September 2010, from 8.2 per cent estimated in the outlook
released in April 2010. For 2011-12, it has maintained
its earlier projected growth of 8.7 per cent. Sustained business
optimism and rebounded corporate earnings in the second
half of 2009-10 are likely to support new investment,
despite a hardening of interest rates in recent months.
The World Bank had released its South Asia Economic
Update in June 2010. In the release the Bank revised India’s
real GDP growth to 8.5 per cent in 2010-11 from 7.5 percent
projected in January 2010. The Bank further said that
risks to the outlook come from volatility in capital inflows,
global recovery and inflation shocks.
The Reserve Bank of India in its second quarter review
of the monetary policy 2010-11 kept the real GDP growth
projection at 8.5 per cent in 2010-11, same as projected in
September 2010. Earlier in April 2010, it had projected eight
per cent growth. This upward revision is primarily based on
better industrial production and its favourable impact on the
services sector, says the RBI.
The Ministry of Finance released Mid-year analysis in
November 2010. It has place India’s real GDP growth for
2010-11 in the range of 8.4-9.1 per cent.
Agriculture
Agriculture is one of the strongholds of the Indian economy
and accounts for 14.6 per cent of the country’s gross
domestic product (GDP) in 2009-10, and 10.23 per cent
(provisional) of the total exports. Furthermore, the sector
provided employment to 55 per cent of the work force.
India’s agriculture and allied sector grew by 3.8 per cent
in the first six months of the current fiscal (2010-11). Capital
investment in agriculture has increased from US$ 1.2 billion
in 2007-08 to US$ 3.26 billion in 2010-11 (inclusive of State
Plan Scheme Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana), as per a
Ministry of Agriculture press release dated August 3, 2010.
How farmers are finding fortune in fruits and raking in crores
Farmer Vishwas Kachare lives in a 40,000 sq ft farm
house in Telangwadi near Solapur, a far cry from the small
hut he and his wife lived in 30 years ago. Over the period,
Kachare borrowed money from friends and bought a few
farmyard animals. In 1985, he purchased 27 acres of barren
land. Using drip irrigation, Kachare cultivated pomegranate,
and his toil has yielded him more than a bounty. Today, his
orchard extends to 300 acres, and he owns, in addition to
the farm house, a cold storage and packaging house worth
crores, a few cars and much more.
Kachare’s transformation is the stuff of textbooks in
Maharashtra’s schools. But more than that, it is representative
of a silent fruit revolution in the state’s drought-prone
areas, and some of the hilly regions in the North. Annual
fruit production is growing by almost 15%. Exports of
Indian fruits have grown to Rs 1,269 crore from 450 crore
in only two financial years. ❖
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
SEEDING GREEN
By 2020, industry experts say that renewable energy
will be a nearly US$10 billion business in India. The
size of the energy efficiency market is said to be many
times that number. At a recent conference, Ajay
Mathur, director-general of the Bureau of Energy
Efficiency, said India's energy efficiency market was
worth about US$15 billion.
These numbers suggest India will be a major player in
green businesses, and Indian companies will have to lead the
eco-brigade. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency says to deliver
a sustained economic growth rate of 8 per cent to 9 per
cent in the next 20 years and to meet lifetime energy needs
of all citizens, India needs to treble, even quadruple, its primary
energy supply and increase its
power generation capacity by six times.
Undoubtedly, India needs careful
planning and creativity to successfully
execute green business projects.
Analysts say the country has definite
leadership potential in greening the
cement, paper, building and renewable
energy sectors. This confidence flows
from the incredible entrepreneurial
buzz in this sector. Clever new ideas
have mushroomed across industries like
clean technology, eco-tourism, green
building materials, recycle/reuse technologies,
sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and water
management. “Every day, we get three to four proposals,”
says Poonam Garg, Assistant General Manager at IFCI
Venture, which launched the Green India Venture Fund in
2008 with a corpus of INR 330 crore (US$ 70 million). “I
have worked with IFCI Ventures for more than 15 years. But,
in the last year that I have been focused on the Green India
Venture Fund, I have seen great, great growth,” adds Garg.
Since its launch, the fund has disbursed nearly INR 180
crore (US$ 38 million) to five companies. In fact, the fund
has already exited from one of its portfolio companies,
Luminous, with an unprecedented 42 per cent return in the
first year. Luminous manufactures power inverters, solar
inverters and several packaged power products.
“In the last two years, both consumers and businesses
have shown awareness of being environmentally conscious,”
says Karan Gupta, Director, Breathe India
Ventures, a new $30 million venture capital fund for seeding
green businesses.
“Workshops, conferences and investor events have dou-
BY SHREYASI SINGH
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Innovation is the buzzword for the new Indian entrepreneur— the driving
force behind the country’s march to greener pastures.
bled and tripled in the last year. We have already processed
150 entrepreneurs,” adds Gupta. He is especially bullish on
small hydro-electric projects and other off-grid energy generation
ideas. “There is a bigger market for proven technologies
rather than new ones. Earlier, these technologies
probably did not manage to mainstream themselves for lack
of support. Now, a strong government push and availability
of commercial capital have ensured there is a huge potential
in the off-grid sector.”
Niche areas are emerging, too, like fuel cell technologies,
off-petrol products and eco-tourism. But investors believe
the sun has just risen. The Green India Venture Fund says
entrepreneurs were earlier cautious about inviting investments,
but in the last six months specifically,
there has been a great thrust.
“For example, the solar sector has
received a lot of attention. Probably in
two more years, this field will mature
and show profitability. Similarly, things
are moving well in wind energy. The
success of these industries also shows
there is much more scope in industries
that manufacture and supply to them.
Backward integration is taking significant
steps ahead,” explains Garg. She
adds that the government can help
growth by initiatives like instituting a
body similar to the Technology Development Board, dedicated
to nurturing green technologies.
Other industry observers agree, saying that the money
coming into India is at the deployment stage. They believe
the huge untapped R&D potential will move after the new
technologies start getting traction with consumers.
“What’s also great is that from a clean tech perspective,
this entrepreneurial energy is a pan-India movement,
though each industry does have its clusters. For instance,
there are more hydro projects in the north, and more innovations
in bio gas in central India,” continues Gupta.
Investors face another big challenge - to justly capture good
ideas. There is a lot of innovativeness in the rural areas,
especially in off grid sectors, but reaching these is not
always easy.
But, with the grit and ingenuity many of our green
entrepreneurs have shown, it’ll be wise to expect even more
phenomenal growth in this powerful, emerging field. We
look at a few companies who symbolise this spirit. ❖
—Source IBEF
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 17

SCIENCE
India uses the sun to battle climate change
India is turning its fight against global warming into a
win-win proposition. While making it clear that it
neither would nor should accept legally binding targets
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the country
has now unveiled the world's most ambitious plan to harness
solar energy.
Coupled with the anticipated surge in nuclear power,
the plan can be expected to supply dependable electricity
to a billion-plus population without further endangering
the world through a massive increase in these emissions.
"I'd like to make it clear and categorical that we are
simply not in a position to take on legal binding on emission
reduction targets," Minister of State for Environment
and Forests Jairam Ramesh said from the same podium
where US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke while
on a visit to India last month.
But, speaking inside an energy-efficient building in
nearby Gurgaon, Ramesh made clear
how India was going to turn the combat
against climate change into a winwin
proposition.
"It is not true to say that India is
running away from mitigation of greenhouse
gas emissions," the Minister said.
"India has been saying that its primary
focus will be adaptation (to climate
change), but there are specific areas
where we are already in a policy framework
that envisages mitigation which
means actual reduction of emissions."
India has an ambitious National Action Plan on climate
change, which outlines eight missions through which the
country will combat what UN Secretary General Ban
Kimoon has described as the "defining challenge of our age".
The first of these missions, giving a massive boost to
solar electricity generation, is now almost final. The 40-year
plan has clearly demarcated milestones that will not only
improve India's energy security and make cheap power
available to millions but also drastically reduce India's
greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy generated.
The objectives of the National Solar Mission are to
establish India as a global leader in solar energy through:
• 20,000 MW of installed solar generation capacity by
2020; 100,000 MW by 2030; and
• 200,000 MW by 2050;
• Solar power cost reduction to achieve grid tariff parity
by 2020;
• Achieve parity with coal-based thermal power generation
by 2030; and 4-5 GW of installed solar manufacturing
capacity by 2017. This will save 1.05 billion litres of
diesel, a billion litres of kerosene and 350 million litres
of fuel oil per year by 2020.
18 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
BY JOYDEEP GUPTA
This is to be supplemented by large private initiatives,
like the one in the famous Shirdi temple complex in
Maharashtra. It turned to solar power last month for all
energy requirements for its vast kitchen feeding over
20,000 people a day. Temple officials have said it is the
world's largest solar-powered steam generation system.
Indian policymakers are now acutely aware that the
country is at the forefront of those bearing the brunt of
climate change. According to the government's last Annual
Economic Survey, the country is now being forced to spend
about 2.6 percent of its gross domestic product to deal
with falling farm output, more frequent and more severe
droughts, floods and storms, and a rise in the sea level.
Greenhouse gas emissions have raised the level of carbon
dioxide in the world's atmosphere to over 375 parts
per million (ppm) from about 250 ppm at the start of the
Industrial Age. The result is a rise in temperature that has
been estimated at half a degree Celsius
over the last 100 years in the case of
India, and a sea-level rise of 1.3 mm
that are already having their effects.
The largest single source of greenhouse
gas emissions is the coal-based
thermal power plant. This puts India
in a quandary, because the country
clearly needs to drastically increase its
power generation - over 600 million of
its people are still outside the electricity
grid, and the rest get undependable
supplies. Coal is the one traditional
energy source that India has in abundance, and can also be
the bulwark of the country's energy security, reducing its
dependence on oil imports.
India is going ahead with its massive thermal power expansion
plans while making sure the new plants are of the "supercritical"
category that emit less carbon dioxide, the main
greenhouse gas. At the same time, it is promoting the sun - the
other abundant energy source in the country - in a big way.
Apart from solar energy, "energy efficiency is a very fundamental
driver of our economic strategy," Ramesh pointed
out recently. He has also expressed pique because India has
not got enough credit in international forums "for the enormous
work it is doing on forestry". It is one of the few tropical
and sub-tropical countries where the forest cover is not
only being maintained but is actually going up.
While the international community is prepared to pay
countries to combat deforestation, there is no fiscal incentive
for countries that are increasing their forest cover, as
India has been pointing out at least since the December
2007 Bali summit of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change.
While pressing hard for the industrialised world to pay
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

more so that the developing world can cope with the climate
change they did not create, India is also going ahead
with bilateral agreements on various green technologies,
most notably with the US.
At the level of multilateral negotiations in the run-up to
the Copenhagen Climate Summit this December, India has
often found itself at odds with the industrialised world, as
it is one of the leaders of the group of 77 countries (G77)
plus China that negotiate as a bloc. These countries have
Without the idea of Gandhi, the story of India
remains incomplete and soulless. Gandhi lent
unique features to India’s freedom struggle.
He made India’s Independence movement an
epoch making marvel of history. Without him it would
remain bereft of a magnificent brilliance of moral and ethical
significance. He made the broken and frightened people
of his country rise out of dust to hitch their wagon of
life to stars of freedom.
TRANSFORMING POLITICS
Once Gandhi entered India’s political life he changed the
state of politics and its framework. He radically transformed
the political goal of India’s independence to Poorna Swaraj.
He held that independence would not be achieved by the
advocacy of lawyers alone. He knew that well bred and well
educated men could be good advocates of freedom, but
they could never by themselves be a replacement for a people
led movement as such. Without people’s support, their
efforts, however sincerely and well conceived they were,
would remain muted, dumb and ineffective.
Independence, Gandhi held, could not be achieved by
making petitions to government or by designing clever parliamentary
maneuvers. It was the masses in the streets and
people in the villages who were the real source of strength
and change. Once roused and organized, they could
advance the cause of independence. He dragged the politicians
out of their closed door parleys and secluded chambers
to streets and farms where the common man suffered
the slings and arrows of misfortune. He wanted India to
be seen through the eyes of the common man and declared
that those who wish to influence the people must first participate
in their struggle. He wanted political workers and
activists to conceive with their minds what the people perceived
in their hearts. He told Nehru, “you have seen the
majesty of Himalayas, serenity of the Ganges and all the
beauties that God has bestowed on this country, now go to
villages and see the misery and poverty of people of India
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
SCIENCE
BIOGRAPHY
GANDHI: A TIMELESS LIVING LEGEND
BY ABID HUSSAN
pointed out that they are the main sufferers because the
industrialised world has put so much carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gases into the earth's atmosphere.
Developing countries led by India are pressing for
cheap transfer of green technologies from developed
countries, apart from financing. The ongoing economic
slowdown has thrown another spanner into the negotiations,
and the outcome is uncertain. ❖
—Indo-Asian News Service
and think as to how you could bring them out of the
drudgery of every day existence and make them determined
to transform their lives”.
In defining national politics Gandhi became the agent
for promoting high values and gave a moral dimension to
politics. The central power of his convictions was rooted
in his firm faith in the moral power of the people
expressed in the form of non-violent action. Once
unleashed it could not be suppressed by any force of
power expressed through the barrel of a gun.
Those who wished to influence people he said, should
mix with the people and participate in their life of distress.
For there can be no true understanding of people’s concern
without knowing their distress. Thus he turned the
legal pangs of India’s struggle into a saga of the human
story on a moral dimension.
Mass action through peaceful means became the basis
of a popular movement which strengthened Indian people
to withstand government repression and achieve independence,
through sacrifice for the common cause. He
made people action oriented. It is Karma Yoga which was
more important than mere philosophical conceptualization
of ideas or recital of religious hymns or nationals songs.
Indian politics for decades had remained contended with
articulation of ideas through writings, oratorical rhetoric
and passing of resolutions. Gandhi evolved a new technique
of Satyagraha – that is, ‘truth power’ – to resist and
defy the power of a foreign ruler through peaceful nonsubmission
to their unjust laws.
Non-cooperation – civil disobedience
Gandhi’s determination to achieve Poorna Swaraj was
firm and unshakeable. He could not bear the continuation
of a regime which was doing irreparable harm to the country
and its people. The British connection had made India
more helpless than she ever was. Semi-starved masses of
India were slowly sinking into lifelessness. Gandhi strongly
felt that the system of government, which through its
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 19

BIOGRAPHY
laws was condemning people to an indescribable humiliation,
called upon him to lead an agitation against it.
Holding such a belief, he considered it to be a sin to cooperate
with the Raj. To him non-cooperation with evil
was as much a duty as his cooperation with the good. The
cherished goal of independence was to be attained through
Satyagraha. Non-violence and Satyagraha do not come easily.
One has to be more courageous to be non-violent than
to be a man with a rifle in his hand.
Gandhi launched several programmes of Satyagraha to
strengthen men and women living in humble and miserable
surroundings to rise up and break those social and state
laws which were unjust and cruel. The spinning of Khadi,
grinding of grains, and cleaning of lavatories, along with
breaking of laws and non-cooperation with the government,
were all parts of his Satyagraha movement. But he
was not encouraging populism by asking people to organize
protest marches in any in disciplined manner. He knew
it was wrong to believe that people can do no wrong. Break
a law but be not lawless, he believed. He could not allow
misguided freedom to prevail. When he withdrew the civil
disobedience movement heading towards independence he
said, “to me Ahimsa was more important. He could I be a
party to victory drenched in blood”. The civil disobedience
movement enshrined in the doctrine of Satyagraha did not
mean criminal breach of law. The law breakers withdrew
their cooperation from the state by disobeying those laws
whose breach did not constitute moral turpitude. Here lay
the beauty and efficacy of Satyagraha which Gandhi propounded.
He experienced it in person and remolded his
life to become an example for others.
Poverty & Misery
For Gandhi the misery of the poor was not a turn of
phrase or a theme for meditation. His human concern for
the poor and the helpless is evident from a Talisman he
gave which reads, “I will give you a Talisman. Whenever
you are in doubt, or the self becomes too much with you
apply the following tests. Recall the fate of the poorest and
the weakest man whom you may have seen and ask yourself
if the step you are contemplating is going to be of any
use to him. Will he gain anything by it? Will it restore to
him a control over his own life and destiny? In other
words, will it lead to Swaraj for the hungry and spirituality
starving millions? Then you will find your doubts melt
away”. Thus Gandhi laid down the guidelines for those
who believed in working to eradicate poverty. To him an
independence which had nothing to offer to or life the
poor from their miserable plight remained a mirage and an
illusion of little meaning or significance. A heart which
does not melt at the misery and suffering of others was
stone dead for him.
Gandhi & Economy
Gandhi might have lived like a naked fakir but he was
never averse to his men and women striving hard to improve
their economic lot and social status. For Gandhi, a free India
20 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
would be judged by the way in which it served the common
man in matters of food clothing and social services.
The village economy had a fascination for Gandhi
because India lived in villages. For him if villages perished
then India perished. In his scheme of things Satyagraha is
the key for a noble human spirit while Sarvodaya brings all
people together in the silken net of love.
Longing for a third way between capitalism and socialism,
Gandhi developed the idea of trusteeship. As an alternative,
he could see in it the long distance hope of human
welfare. He also tied the idea of Swadeshi to the concept of
trusteeship. This was to regain for people respect for their
every day material world, which they occupied through self
production. He tried to elevate the skills and crafts by
which villagers lived. His adoption of Khadi clothes and
spinning and weaving his own clothes also served as a sample
of self respect unsurpassed by colonialism.
His appeal for the Swadeshi and self producing community
was not to nurture any idea that India should shut
itself out of the benefits of economic progress achieved
by others. On the contrary, he was the one who wanted
outside winds to blow into his cottage but without letting
his feet be blown off.
The supreme consideration for him was man and all the
rest, however important and glamorous, would have to be
subordinated to it. No economic reforms, however
evolved, could lead to desirable changes to individuals and
the society they constituted, unless they were carried
through with sensitivity to the context and by appropriate
means. It is not mass production but production for the
masses which was held to be important. Needs have to be
met but greed has got to be controlled to ensure a well
functioning economy.
He held that the goals of both politics and economics
is to improve the welfare of all and not just of a section of
society. Khadi and village industries programme that he
launched was to reach the humblest and the poorest and
provide them work and some income. He said, “if the government
can provide full employment to our people without
the help of Khadi and village industries I am prepared
to wind up my work in this sphere”. He added that he
would have no hesitation in burning his wooden charkha to
cook one day’s meal.
Religion & politics
While politics remained the main domain of Gandhi’s
activity he brought a certain sense of religion to politics. Yet
his conception of religion had nothing to do with dogma.
Gandhi wrote:”for me there is no politics without religion
– not the religion of superstitions that hates and
fights other religions, but a universal religion of toleration”.
His veneration of other religions was the same as
for his own. Consequently, he thought that conversion
from one religion to other was uncalled for. He said “our
prayers for others ought never to be: ‘God give them the
light thou has given to me’; rather, it should be: ‘give them
all the light and truth they need for their highest develop-
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

ment”. When Radhakrishnan asked him what his concept
of God was, he said “Earlier I believed that God is truth.
Now I hold that truth is God”. He was driven to the Geeta
because he found in it a path to the establishment of moral
superiority through the perpetual contest between Dharma
and Adharma transcending for spoils of victory. Strength
by itself without a right cause remains a victim of history.
The Geeta ends for him on a note of peace and not in
praise of war. To his mind, all religions had a common universal
texture operating within the framework of humanism
and secularism.
He believed in the Geeta where the lord says “what ever
be the form in which each devotee seeks to worship me
with faith, I make their faith firm in that form alone”. His
prayer meetings would start with the hymn, “Eshwar Allah
terah naam sabko sanmati de bhagwan”. To overcome the
estrangement between politics and religion through individual
and collective action was a complex and demanding
project. It was Gandhi’s greatness that he was able to hold
to truth as his guiding principle without being bound to
conventional forms of religious beliefs. Equality of all religions,
or Sarva Dharma Samabhava, was his creed.
He knew that India needed cultural symbolism to awaken
in them a spirit of self-pride which lay slumbering in
them. Once awakened, he knew it would evoke a mass
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
BIOGRAPHY
upsurge and create a larger national identity. The image of
Ramrajya was an effort to put a halo in the freedom movement.
He wanted the ancient spirit of India to be revived
and become a part of India’s will to recapture its past
glory. Immersed in Indian culture and traditions, he found
strength in adhering discreet to people’s beliefs and experiences.
Gandhi’s End
Gandhi died when he had still something to say. Tagore
had audaciously said that Gandhi would not succeed, perhaps
even fail as the Buddha had failed, as Christ had
failed, to wean man away from inequities. But he would
always be remembered as one who made his life a lesson
for all ages to come.
Albert Einstein said that in generations to come, people
would wonder whether such a man as this in flesh and
blood walked on the earth.
The death of Gandhi is in the same class as the crucification
of Jesus – a rupture between evil and goodness,
between religion and politics. “Must then a Christ die in
every age to save those who have no imagination”.
Gandhi died with “Hey Ram” on his lips – the
final cry of an anguished soul anxious to discover the
final truth. ❖
What I have learnt from Mahatma Gandhi
T
He will give me the strength and show me the way.
The greatest weapon is mute prayer. The cause of
peace is therefore in God’s good hands.
—M.K. Gandhi
hrough my 74 years’ experiences in this world I
have become convinced that the ultimate objective
of every human being is to realize eternal
happiness or joy in his/her own life. In order to
realize this ultimate objective there are two prerequisites for
us human beings: freedom or liberty and peace or security.
Without freedom no one can feel happy individually or collectively.
Similarly, lack of security or peace makes anyone
feel uneasy or unhappy. Here ‘peace’ indicates man-made
state of affairs free from any sort of disturbance, confrontation
or war, and ‘security’ is related not only to artificial safe
condition but also to one devoid of natural disasters.
During India’s freedom struggle, political leaders and
revolutionaries sought to achieve political independence or
liberation of their nation from the British colonial rule. In
the case of Sri Aurobindo, as a revolutionary leader he first
tried to attack and drive out the British from Indian soil
through military resistance. But later he retired to a seclud-
BY PROF. TSUYOSHI NARA
The name of Gandhi, even in his lifetime, has passed beyond
the meaning of an individual to the meaning of a way of
living in our troubled modern world.
—Mrs. Pearl S. Buck
ed place in Pondicherry for concentrating on his inner revolution
or spiritual liberation from any sort of bondages.
In the case of Mahatma Gandhi, he made a unique experiment
on his whole life to realize true happiness not only
by achieving nation’s politico-economic independence but
also by securing socio-cultural independence and spiritual
liberation of his fellow countrymen.
I would like to confess here how deeply I was
impressed and enchanted with his firm determination, sincere
efforts and profound compassion to create free and
peaceful conditions in his own country for the benefit of
not only Indian people but also even of the British people.
He never tried to attack and kill the British people. Instead,
he always persuaded them to become aware of their own
injustice and correct their wrong policies towards Indian
people, as he firmly believed in the essential goodness of
human beings. Gandhiji never hated, treated unfairly or
harmed anyone while resisting any injustice with his full
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 21

BIOGRAPHY
physical, intellectual and spiritual might.
As a Japanese citizen who experienced the atomic
bomb holocaust during the Second World War in 1945, I
have been endeavoring to establish an eternally peaceful
world free from nuclear bombs or any other weapons of
mass destruction. Furthermore as a global citizen who
wishes to promote ideal human life in complete harmony
with great nature, I have been working with many international
voluntary organizations and like-minded individuals
for more than the last three decades. With this background
I now wish to narrate briefly what I have learnt from
Gandhiji and in what way his life experiment is relevant to
my present life.
I never came across Gandhiji or got an opportunity to
see him during his lifetime. For, in 1958 when I first landed
on Indian soil, Gandhiji was no more in this world as
he had fallen to the bullets of a young assassin in 1948. So
if anything I have learnt from Gandhiji, it is through my
indirect experience either by reading his autobiography, or
through books written on him by some other authors, or
by hearing stories from those who really met or worked
with him.
Among the many virtues Gandhiji possessed, what
attracted me most were his honesty, sincerity, simplicity and
compassion. His noble and charming character must be
partly inherited from his parents and ancestors, but I do
believe that they were further developed and intensified by
his own constant efforts. He was greatly influenced and
benefited from his most favorite book, the Bhagavad Gita,
besides many other spiritual books. While constantly reading
this divine book, Gandhiji must have applied his reasoning
faculty to understand the real meaning of the dialogue
between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Then in his actual
life Gandhiji must have practiced all of Krishna’s
instructions that he appreciated and thoroughly believed in.
Lord Krishna, the Supreme Being, told Arjuna, the representative
human being, to practice the following, if he
really wanted to achieve complete liberation and enjoy
eternal happiness:
(1) To detach his mind from sensual objects and to
renounce his sense of possession.
(2) To do everything in the spirit of service, without
expecting any gain in return.
(3) To regard and treat everybody or everything as equal
without prejudice or discrimination.
(4) To recognize Atman, Supreme Soul or Eternal
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in
doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you,
apply the following test.
Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest
man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask
yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of
any use to him. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will
22 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
GANDHIJI’S TALISMAN
Nipponjan Myohoji Temple of Japan celebrates Gandhi’s
birth anniversary every year
Absolute Being, in everybody and everything.
(5) To have firm faith in and submit oneself completely
to the Supreme Being.
You can judge by yourself whether Gandhiji really
practiced all these instructions in his actual life? For that
purpose you may be advised to remember (a) how rigorously
he observed celibacy or ascetic life; (b) how often he
refused to accept any honor, award or money or position
for his contribution to the national independence or
socio-economic development; (c) how warmly he treated
everyone who came in contact with him with the same
respect and affection regardless of his/her caste, age, gender,
position, faith, nationality etc; (d) how bravely he used
to act without fear because of his belief in the imperishability
of his Atman, Soul and (e) how keenly he desired to
submit himself to and be united with God under the slogan
‘Satyagraha’.
By the way, regarding this slogan he is believed to
have said once that every human being should work for
realizing the Almighty God, but later modified this statement
by replacing ‘Almighty God’ by ‘Truth’. The reason
of this change was probably due to his sympathetic consideration
for atheists or such religious followers who
might be indifferent to the existence of ‘Almighty God’.
He must have thought that ‘Satya or Truth’ instead of
‘God’ is more acceptable to everyone because of its universal
connotation. ❖
—Courtesy: India Perspectives
it restore him to a control over his own life and destiny?
In other words, will it lead to Swaraj for the hungry
and spiritually starving millions?
Then you will find your doubts and your self
melt away."
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
DIASPORA
Kolkata Memorial to Restore Historic Legacy of the Past
Minister Vayalar Ravi with Minister of Railways Mamta Banerjee at the
inauguration of the Kolkata Memmorial
I
ndia’s Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi
inaugurated the Kolkata Memorial at Kidderpore
Depot along the Hoogly River in Kolkata on 11
January 2011.
It was attended by hundreds of people from several
countries including Guyana, Trinidad, Surname,
Guadeloupe, USA, Canada, UK, Netherlands, Switzerland,
South Africa, Kenya, Fiji, Mauritius, Reunion Island, New
Zealand, Australia and others countries where Indians and
people of Indian origin reside.
The Kolkata Memorial is inscribed with a memorial
plaque (in English and Hindi) that pays tribute to those
who left India as indentured Indian labourers from 1834
thru’ 1920. It is meant as “recognition and remembrance
of their journeys and as Indian indentured labourers to far
away lands seeking better livelihoods for themselves and
their descendants; for their pioneering spirit, determination,
resilience, endurance and perseverance amidst the
extremely harsh and demeaning conditions they encountered;
for their preservation of sense of origin, traditions,
culture and religion, and their promotion of the Indian
culture; for their achievements and successes despite
insurmountable odds”.
Due to the tremendous efforts and persistence by
Guyanese born Ashook Ramsaran, in his capacity as
Executive Vice- President of the Global Organization of
People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International), he
worked closely and continuously with the Ministry of
Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) to draft the inscription
and design the plaque, the Government of India accepted
the proposal and erected a memorial monument with the
inscription plaque contained within. The inscription on
the plaque was taken from the draft provided by Ashook
Ramsaran, though revised by the Ministry. However, the
spirit behind the project was eminent Diaspora Historian
Leela Gujadhur Sarup, an Indo-Mauritian who has with
her personal initiative done commendable research into
Panel of Speakers at the Seminar organized by the Global Indo Diaspora
Heritage Society in Kolkata
Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Civil Aviation, Shri Vayalar Ravi
with eminent historian-researcher Ms. Leela Gujadhur Sarup with a group
of people from Balia at the GIDHS gathering
High Commissioner in front of the Kolkata Memorial
Diaspora emigration and has moved the idea of setting up
the Global Indo-Diaspora Heritage Society (GIDHS).
The inauguration was preceded by a commemorative
luncheon hosted by GIDHS and attended by Minister Ravi
and MOIA officers at the Oberoi Grand Hotel in Kolkata.
Several remarks were made by those attending from vari-
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 23

DIASPORA
View of the gathering at the Kolkata Memorial
inauguration (extreme left Sayantan
Chakravarty, editor, India Empire)
ous countries, expressing their gratitude for the Kolkata
Memorial as a symbol of their connection and roots in
India. It is a long overdue tribute to those who took the
risks on barely a promise, to their individual and shared
sacrifices and their endurance that made it possible for
their descendants to flourish with the spirit of Indianness
that transcends time, and to their courage which become a
living testament in so many lives.
The inauguration and unveiling was a solemn event
with the expected heartfelt emotions by so many who came
from far off lands to witness this historic event. The delegations
from Mauritius and Reunion Island sang familiar
songs, expressing their gratitude for their presence and
24 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
GOPIO International Executive VP, Ashook
Ramsaran, Historian Leela Gujadhur and High
Commissioner on the bridge linking Kolkata
Memorial with the Jetty from where ships carrying
indentured workers departed
Launch of GIDHS
participation at the inauguration and unveiling with meaningful
significance to all of them.
The Kolkata Memorial project has meaningful significance
to millions of descendants of those who left India
as indentured Indian labourers from 1834 to 1920. The
plan to begin with the installation of the inauguration
plaque on 11 January followed by the memorial museum
and resource centre, has been received with overwhelming
emotional sentiments and enthusiastic support from all
corners of the global Indian Diaspora, in particular from
persons of Indian origin (PIOs) in destination countries
where Indian indentured labourers emigrated. ❖
The Global Indo Diaspora Heritage Society (GIDHS)
The Global Indo Diaspora Heritage Society (GIDHS)
has been established with the primary objective of providing
a single location at a suitable site with physical connection
for the descendants of indentured workers “in recognition
and remembrance of Indian Indentured Labourers of the
19th – 20th centuries”.
GIDHS has planned a two-phase program of meaningful
significance to millions of descendants of those
who left India as indentured Indian labourers from 1834
thru’ 1920. The plan included the installation and unveiling
of the commemoration plaque on 11 January, 2011
followed by setting up of a memorial museum and
resource center in Kolkata.
The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) has
been very supportive of GIDHS’ endeavour to set up the
museum. A major accomplishment was achieved on 7 July
2010 when MOIA Secretary Dr. A. Deedar Singh, GOPIO,
International Ashook Ramsaran and eminent Diaspora
Historian Leela Sarup visited and evaluated the emigration
depots along the Hooghly River and decided on the first
phase of the project – The installation of a commemoration
plaque at the Kidderpore Clock Tower. The first step has
indeed become a reality on 11 January, 2011.
The Global Indo Diaspora Heritage Society (GIDHS)
has been established to:
Design, construct and maintain a museum and resource
centre:
• A library to house books of reference, emigration records,
writings, research materials, films, documentaries, speeches,
articles and news items on Colonial Emigration and
other related publications by PIOs.
• To display models of ships used for transport of Indian
labourers and records of Colonial Emigration during the
19th and 20th centuries from British India.
• A research centre for Indian emigration of that period.
• An art gallery when PIOs will come and exhibit their
works of arts.
• A centre to trace roots of PIOs and development of such
villages as and when found, should the persons concerned
desire to set up schools / hospitals / clinics etc.
• To offer scholarships to deserving students for arts and
cultural activities such as advance courses in Indian classical
dances, songs and other allied subjects.
• Other related activities.
For membership contact: membership@gidhs.org
Visit website: www.gidhs.org
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
DIASPORA
The Kolkata Memorial – Paying Homage
to Indentured Labourers
Demerara
There come certain times in life when we try to
connect with the past in order to understand
those circumstances of history that helped
shape the present. Such yearning persists
unless and until we can connect with those who came
before us, those who paved the way for us and made it
possible for us to stand tall on their shoulders. There is
this belief among most of us — that if we know about
our yesterday, then our today and our tomorrow can be
better understood and shared.
Moments in history are unique and are rarely duplicated
in their entirety. Specifically, for those of us
whose ancestors came from India as indentured laborers,
we bear a unique responsibility to document their special
history – our history, in fact – for ourselves and for posterity.
The fact that we, the descendants of Indian indentured
laborers, are scattered across continents and
oceans apart, speaking various languages and living
among diverse populations and ethnic groups and cultures,
further behoves us to document the realities of
our past. Else, we would have failed in our obligation to
past, present and future generations. Therein lies our
obligation and duty to connect to our past and, in so
doing, connect to ourselves, among ourselves from various
countries globally and to the motherland of India.
BY ASHOOK RAMSARAN
Clock Tower Docks as it was then
We share a common thread, one of the many branches of
a huge tree with deep roots. We are now coming full circle
by preserving the history of our forebearers.
The Kolkata Memorial
The Kolkata Memorial project has meaningful significance
to millions of descendants of those who left India
as indentured Indian laborers from 1834 till 1920. The
plan to begin with the installation of the inauguration
plaque on 11 January 2011 followed by the memorial
museum and resource center, has been received with
overwhelming emotional sentiments and enthusiastic
support from all corners of the global Indian Diaspora,
in particular from persons of Indian origin (PIOs) in
destination countries where Indian indentured laborers
emigrated from 1834 thru’ 1920.
This will be a lasting legacy for present and future
generations. “A noble effort indeed”, said writer and historian
Dr. Anand Mullo of Mauritius; “An extra ordinary
service to the Indian Diaspora”, said Indian emigration
roots researcher Shamshu Deen of Trinidad & Tobago;
“A commemoration tribute whose time is overdue”, said
Prof Mohan Gautam of The Netherlands; “We are all
deeply indebted for the Kolkata Memorial which is a
tremendous achievement”, said prominent Indo-
Caribbean Diaspora icon (Dr.) Yesu Persaud of Guyana.
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 25

DIASPORA
The Global Indian Diaspora Heritage Society
(GIDHS) has been established and registered in Kolkata,
West Bengal. GIDHS is a Kolkata based organization to
plan, coordinate and manage a museum/resource center
to be constructed some time after the installation of the
commemorative plaque as Phase 2 of the project. An
international team of GIDHS is being formulated with
representation from all destination countries where
Indian indentured laborers emigrated from 1834 to 1920.
GIDHS membership will include prominent persons
throughout the global Indian Diaspora as patrons and
benefactors, as well as historians, researchers, planners
and supporters.
I feel so honored and privileged to be actively working
in prominent leadership role to see the Kolkata
Memorial become a reality. I have remarked previously
that, “our ancestors who left those shores truly deserve
DIASPORA — KNOW INDIA PROGRAM
As I entered the international gate at Piarco
International Airport, I realized that a memorable
journey was about to begin. All sorts
of questions ran through my mind as eagerness
and excitement empowered me. My
family and friends wished me all the best and waved in
excitement as I departed to my motherland, India.
I felt privileged because not many of my loved ones
were allowed such an opportunity in life. On my way to
India, I entered into London for the first time as well. Those
few days were remarkable, inclusive of a lot of sightseeing.
Air India was my chosen airline to India from the United
Kingdom. On entry into the aircraft we were greeted by
some lovely air hostesses adorned with beautiful Saris. At
that moment I thought to myself, “The journey now starts.”
This is when I thought of the longs days my ancestors journeyed
to Trinidad and Tobago on the Fatel Razack in the
year 1845. Thank God I had the luxury of a 9 hours flight
on an airplane. As the captain announced that we were
about to land at Delhi International airport, chills entered
my body, with eagerness to step onto the land on which my
identity originated.
As I made my way towards the arrival gate, my heart
wept with joy. My perception of India immediately
changed as I saw the real India for what it was. It was much
different from Bollywood films. The incredible experience
was overwhelming in every way that I could have imagined,
26 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
their place in the annals of Indian history and the journeys
of people of Indian origin. We owe them due
recognition and a lasting remembrance – and that is what
the Kolkata Memorial will be”. The vision of a single,
suitably significant place of emotional and physical connection
for the descendants of indentured workers is
finally becoming a reality.
The significance of the Kolkata Memorial transcends
all boundaries and can become an example for
other groups who emigrated from India during
and/or subsequent to the 1834—1920 period. The
message of the Kolkata Memorial should be disseminated
to as many as possible to inform others as well
as generate support for its museum and resource center
plans. ❖
(Mr. Ashook Ramsaran is the Executive Vice President of
Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin)
THE JOURNEY
BY TASHA KAVITA RAMNARINE
sights, sounds, smells and even emotions that ran wild
when everything around me was so different from what
I’m used to.
As I got to our hotel in Delhi, all participants were there
welcoming each other with heartly hugs and kisses. The
bond of lifetime friendships began at that moment. During
the three weeks, we all came together as one and shared a lot
of fun times filled with laughter and even sad times with
tears. The participants made the trip and experience that are
engraved in our hearts forever. We all became a lot closer to
the land of our ancestors and learnt more about ourselves.
The Programme provided a unique forum for us to
share our views, expectations and to bond closely with contempory
India. We were introduced to India’s vibrant industries,
prestigious universities, outstanding communities, rich
culture and diversity.
The industrialization of India is not really marketed in
today’s society for what it really is. These economic industries
offer a lot to the people of India and the rest of the
world. At Hero Honda, shock absorbers were mass produced
and sold globally. This product could be found on
almost every car produced by recognized companies
worldwide.
The tea gardens were the highlight of our North East
visit. The best tea is produced in Assam. Tea manufacturing
and production employed most of the population in
this region. At the factory we saw how tea was made from
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

the gardens to the tea cup. Assam’s
tea is used internationally by many
trademark companies. The purest of
tea originated from India with the
power to sensitize and calm any
nervous system.
Assam also specializes in textile
production. Almost every woman in
Assam knew how to manually operate
a loom and weave the finest
Assamese saris. I admired the
patience and commitment of each
weaver as we observed their work of
art. I would have never thought on
my trip to India that we would have
been introduced to an energy sector
as well. Yes, Assam also generates oil
from their reserve in Digboi. This oil
supplies most of India and the history
of this industry was very enlightening.
As a Hospitality and Tourism
student I admired the top class service
that was offered to us by the
eight different hotels we stayed during
our visit. Everyone greeted us
warmly and was readily available to
assist us in any possible way. The
tour company that took us through
North East Assam did an absolutely
great job and ensured that we saw it
all and had a memorable experience.
The beautiful elephant waterfalls,
seven sister waterfalls of Meghalaya,
caves, local cuisine, rainforest and
many more. The visit to
Cherrapunjee was amazing at my
many levels and the weather was
perfect. Now I can proudly say I visited
the place that records the highest
rainfall worldwide. The air up
there was divine.
As a young professional I am
forever interested in ways to further
educate myself. I never
thought of India as a place I would
like to be studying. I often see
many young men and women venturing
out of India to seek education.
During my visit, I realized
that India hosted some of the most
prestigious universities such as
Amity, IIT and Guwahati
University. We were given the
opportunity to interact with the
students and I was most proud to
know that education was at such
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
DIASPORA — KNOW INDIA PROGRAM
high level and offered at an affordable
cost.
The most emotional part of the
trip for me was the diversity of culture,
for which I know I lasp. My
ancestors tried to maintain such culture
when they came to Trinidad.
However, it slightly eroded somewhere
along the generational line.
Every single region had their own
culture and traditions and little did I
know of where I belong and originated.
One goal I set for myself is to
discover where in India I belonged.
Even the language was lost, every
other participant knew some Indian
language except for the Trinidadians
and that’s sad. Therefore, I am now
inspired to learn different languages.
The most exciting part of the trip
was learning the Bihu dance of
Assam. We all danced and sang to the
music of Assam and partied with the
Governor of Meghalaya.
Friendships were made to last a
lifetime and it was very sad and
emotional when we all had to
depart. Everyone was attached to
each other in their own way. We
took millions of pictures trying to
capture each moment but they are
instilled in our hearts. The experience
together is what we will share
and laugh about in years to come.
Especially the moments we shared
on the many bus rides. I was
impressed that we were all very
similar and possessed the same values
in life. Thanks to our ancestors
who kept it with them and passed
it on to us. I am definitely missing
the happy faces and warm hugs.
I would like to share my sincere
gratitude to the MOIA, CII,
Government of Assam and
Meghalaya and everyone else who
made this journey possible. It was
well appreciated and I will try my
utmost best to utilize what I learnt
and grasped during the visit in portrayal
of my everyday life. I am now
an ambassador for my motherland,
India. The knowledge imparted to
others and gained by me will definitely
ensure that this journey will never
end……I love India and I’m proud
to be an Indian. ❖
HINDI TYPING
MADE EASY
The High Commission of India is
pleased to announce the
Microsoft Hindi Language Input
Application which helps you type
in Hindi simply using the Roman
Keyboard.
Please go to the following link:
http://specials.msn.co.in/ilit/Hi
ndi.aspx
After this, you shall find the following
text on your screen ……
Microsoft Indic Language
Input Tool
Simply follow the steps indicated
on the screen…..
And here…. You are ready to
type in Hindi using your Roman
Keyboard
No need at all to learn Hindi typing.
Isn’t that Great!!!!!!!
Microsoft Indic Language Input
Tool helps you enter Indian language
text easily into any application
in Microsoft Windows or
on any page on the Web. The primary
input mechanism is transliteration.
Additionally, it provides a visual
keyboard to assist with editing
words that do not transliterate
properly.
Try it now!!!!!!
Start typing in English and his
Space after each word.
Click on a word to see more
options.
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 27

CULTURE
Flying high: International Kite Festival, Gujarat
Brisk breeze lifting colourful kites aloft in the sky, splashing the most vibrant colours possible…
this is the International Kite Festival to enjoy the ‘high-life’ at Gujarat on 14 January, 2011
Celebrated on 14 January every year in the
Kutch region of Gujarat, the International
Kite Festival is organized on the day of
Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan by the State
Tourism Department of Gujarat. This unique
festival is celebrated by kite fighters enthusiastically.
Thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to the
beautiful Kutch region to showcase their kites and skills.
Onlookers, children and adults alike, have some great time
watching the kites and the adrenalin rush during the fights
of those kites. The sky over the Sardar Patel Stadium in
Ahmedabad gives space to unique and intriguing kites from
box kites, high-speed sport kites to windsocs and spinsocs.
According to the Hindu calendar, Uttarayan is the time
of year when the sun moves into the makar rashi or
Capricorn. This marks the onset of a new season, i.e. spring,
as the days become warmer with a soft breeze. This season
is also celebrated as the new harvest season in many parts of
the country by different names and rituals.
The sky is filled with kites of various shapes, sizes and
colours, and competitions on local level are a common
sight. Kites of all shapes and sizes compete to cut strings
of the nearby kites and bring them down. Kite flying and
kite fighting are both skills of high order. Kites with
28 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
resilient structure and body with flexible bamboo frames
with right tension is favoured. The kites are then attached
to a spool (firki) with manja, special strings that are coated
with a mixture of glue and glass are used. This makes
the strings sharp to cut easily strings of rival kites. This is
still a skill of high order!
The making of kites in Patang Bazaar on the streets of
old Ahmedabad is also a great sight. The production starts
way before in the month of November to meet the demand.
For the week prior to the festival, this bazaar is open 24
hours a day. The city of Ahmedabad has been hosting the
International Kite Festival since 1989, as part of the official
celebration of Uttarayan. It has always been an attraction
for master kite makers and flyers from all over the world
who demonstrate their unique kites.
Some of the most interesting creations are the waubalang
kites from Malaysia, llayang-llayanghave from
Indonesia, giant banner kites from the USA, Japanese
rokkaku fighting kites, Italian sculptural kites and Chinese
flying dragons. The latest are the high-tech modern wonders.
One of the most famous master kite makers and kite
flyers is Rasulbhai Rahimbhai of Ahmedabad who trains
up to 500 kites on a single string! ❖
Source: An Indian Journey – A DDP Publication January 2011
The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

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HINDI SECTION
30 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011
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The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2011 | 31