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16<br />
th<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
Indian<br />
THE INTERNATIONAL<br />
Est 1992: The Region’s Oldest, Author<strong>it</strong>ative<br />
2009 • ISSUE 5 • VOL. 16.5<br />
Magaz<strong>in</strong>e of <strong>Gulf</strong> Society & His<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
November / December 2009<br />
FABULOUS PEARLS<br />
FOR SUBSCRIBERS!<br />
Jewellery<br />
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Chairman, Liali Jewellery<br />
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<strong>Rensil</strong> D’Silva: <strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>Make</strong> <strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Bollywood</strong><br />
<strong>Education</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong><br />
‘Desi’ vs International<br />
Indians <strong>in</strong> South Africa<br />
London Then & Now<br />
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th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
100 The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 101
FROM THE EDITOR<br />
IS INDIA A BATTLEFIELD<br />
IN THE ‘GREAT GAME?’<br />
“Turkestan, Afghanistan, Transcapia, Persia – <strong>to</strong> many <strong>the</strong>se words brea<strong>the</strong><br />
only a sense of utter remoteness, or a memory of strange viciss<strong>it</strong>udes and of<br />
moribund romance. To me I confess <strong>the</strong>y are pieces on a chessboard upon<br />
which is be<strong>in</strong>g played out a game for <strong>the</strong> dom<strong>in</strong>ation of <strong>the</strong> world.”<br />
-Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, 1898<br />
George W. Bush, former US President <strong>in</strong> a reversal of his earlier th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
has declared he is <strong>in</strong> favor of a UN Secur<strong>it</strong>y Council seat for India.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> recent H<strong>in</strong>dusthan Times 2009 summ<strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong> New Delhi, Bush<br />
stated, “India has arrived as a strong democratic country <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
It is a <strong>to</strong>lerant, peaceful and multi-religious democracy.” The US needs<br />
India’s help <strong>to</strong> w<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> war on terror, but for decades <strong>the</strong> Un<strong>it</strong>ed States ignored a<br />
democratic India, preferr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> support some of Asia’s worst dicta<strong>to</strong>rs merely for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
anti-Communist rhe<strong>to</strong>ric. Will America heed Sir Olaf Caroe, pol<strong>it</strong>ical strategist of <strong>the</strong><br />
Br<strong>it</strong>ish Raj and a key player <strong>in</strong> America’s early Middle East strategy, who after Indian<br />
<strong>in</strong>dependence had warned, “<strong>it</strong> is impossible <strong>to</strong> see <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong>’s problems <strong>in</strong> correct<br />
perspective unless <strong>the</strong> view <strong>in</strong>cludes an India which, desp<strong>it</strong>e part<strong>it</strong>ion still stands at<br />
<strong>the</strong> centre of <strong>the</strong> ocean that bears <strong>it</strong>s name.” Does India need <strong>the</strong> US as much as <strong>the</strong><br />
US needs India <strong>to</strong>day?<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Cold War, <strong>the</strong> US armed and streng<strong>the</strong>ned Ch<strong>in</strong>a <strong>to</strong> obstruct <strong>the</strong><br />
Soviet Union. In turn Ch<strong>in</strong>a armed and streng<strong>the</strong>ned Pakistan <strong>to</strong> p<strong>in</strong> India down<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> subcont<strong>in</strong>ent. “This second phase was never explic<strong>it</strong> US strategy, but <strong>the</strong><br />
powerful <strong>in</strong>terest that <strong>the</strong> US and Ch<strong>in</strong>a had developed <strong>in</strong> sub-cont<strong>in</strong>ental affairs,<br />
reflected <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir heavy <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong> Pakistan,” observed Sunanda K. Datta Ray, <strong>in</strong><br />
his book Wa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g For America, (Harper Coll<strong>in</strong>s 2002): N<strong>in</strong>e years ago Ray, former<br />
edi<strong>to</strong>r of The Statesman was blunt when he wrote, “Bush will have <strong>to</strong> reth<strong>in</strong>k his<br />
South Asian imperatives if he wants <strong>to</strong> engage a strong, secure, confident India that<br />
promises <strong>to</strong> develop <strong>the</strong> world’s biggest market and could provide Americans w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
both strategic and commercial support. He must end <strong>the</strong> farce of genuflect<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong><br />
altar of democracy while contriv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> prop up a mil<strong>it</strong>ary dicta<strong>to</strong>rship that opposes<br />
<strong>the</strong> world’s biggest democracy.” Pakistan’s dicta<strong>to</strong>rs maybe out of <strong>the</strong> picture for now<br />
but <strong>the</strong> US still does not display a proper understand<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> balance of power <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> subcont<strong>in</strong>ent.<br />
R. Jagannathan wr<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> DNA, notes, “We have never been <strong>in</strong> this s<strong>it</strong>uation<br />
before. Just a couple of years back, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last years of <strong>the</strong> Bush regime, <strong>it</strong> seemed as<br />
if an Indo-US geopol<strong>it</strong>ical alliance was all we needed <strong>to</strong> move up <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> big league.<br />
But enter Obama and all bets are off. The US embrace is no longer as warm as we<br />
imag<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>it</strong> <strong>to</strong> be. Meanwhile, <strong>the</strong> India-Ch<strong>in</strong>a relationship is fray<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> edges;<br />
Pakistan is gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> a Talibanesque mess; Nepal is ambivalent, and <strong>the</strong> Maoists<br />
pos<strong>it</strong>ively hostile <strong>to</strong> us; Sri Lanka is cocky after subdu<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong>s Tamil Tigers; and<br />
Bangladesh is unlikely <strong>to</strong> do anyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> keep <strong>it</strong>s people from spill<strong>in</strong>g over <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> India<br />
or turn overtly jihadi. In short we have no real friends anywhere -- ne<strong>it</strong>her <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
neighbourhood nor <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> wider world of power blocs. <strong>How</strong> <strong>the</strong>n are we go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />
protect our national <strong>in</strong>terests?”<br />
It was Rudyard Kipl<strong>in</strong>g who popularized <strong>the</strong> term ‘<strong>the</strong> Great Game,’ <strong>in</strong> his novel<br />
Kim, describ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> 19 th century contest for mastery <strong>in</strong> Asia. More recently a book<br />
called The Future of <strong>the</strong> Great Game, by Peter John Brobst (Akron 2005) expands on<br />
Kipl<strong>in</strong>g’s concept. At this moment<br />
<strong>in</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ry what are <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong><br />
issues for India that significantly<br />
impact <strong>the</strong> country <strong>in</strong>ternally<br />
and externally? The blood and<br />
gore of pol<strong>it</strong>ics <strong>in</strong> Pakistan and<br />
Afghanistan aside, <strong>the</strong> fact is<br />
India <strong>to</strong>o is a battlefield, dormant<br />
for now perhaps, <strong>in</strong> a game where<br />
<strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>ations of <strong>the</strong> power<br />
hungry <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region employ<br />
strategic chessboard moves.<br />
Pol<strong>it</strong>ical paradigms are shift<strong>in</strong>g<br />
as India calibrates <strong>the</strong> balance of<br />
power <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region, <strong>to</strong> gradually<br />
outmaneuver compet<strong>in</strong>g powers<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>s grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>fluence.<br />
Externally, India is one of<br />
three possible flashpo<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
world – <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
Middle East, and North Korea.<br />
The greater danger could be on<br />
India’s turf because <strong>the</strong> common<br />
denom<strong>in</strong>a<strong>to</strong>r for all is operat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> our backyard. America <strong>the</strong><br />
common foe <strong>in</strong> all three regions<br />
has roped <strong>in</strong> unwill<strong>in</strong>g partners,<br />
India be<strong>in</strong>g one of <strong>the</strong>m. In<br />
realpol<strong>it</strong>ik <strong>the</strong> guid<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>ciple<br />
of every country is Lord<br />
Palmers<strong>to</strong>n’s famous dictum that<br />
every nation has “permanent<br />
<strong>in</strong>terests, not permanent friends.”<br />
Strategy is <strong>the</strong> name of <strong>the</strong> Great<br />
Game, <strong>the</strong>re are no friendly<br />
matches w<strong>it</strong>h any country –<br />
so is America play<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h or<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st India? Ray po<strong>in</strong>ts out that<br />
his<strong>to</strong>rically US State Department<br />
strategy has favored Pakistan<br />
because India was seen as hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
“negligible pos<strong>it</strong>ive strategic importance,” while Pakistan was considered, “one<br />
of <strong>the</strong> most strategic areas <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world.” It could provide, “a stag<strong>in</strong>g area for<br />
forces engaged <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> defence or recapture of Middle East oil areas.” That is<br />
obviously still an important consideration for <strong>the</strong> US, evident <strong>in</strong> <strong>it</strong>s ongo<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sizable <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong> Pakistan.<br />
<strong>How</strong> does all this affect us as concerned Indian c<strong>it</strong>izens? Outside India is <strong>it</strong><br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g of mere academic <strong>in</strong>terest unless one decides <strong>to</strong> relocate back home?<br />
Too many people adopt rabid “anti” pos<strong>it</strong>ions w<strong>it</strong>hout adequate <strong>in</strong>formation –<br />
anti-America, anti- Pakistan, anti-Ch<strong>in</strong>a etc. Ray categorically makes <strong>the</strong> po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
that, “India’s need for <strong>the</strong> US transcends oil, strategy and power pol<strong>it</strong>ics. First,<br />
<strong>the</strong> great adventure of tak<strong>in</strong>g a billion people <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> economic prosper<strong>it</strong>y of<br />
<strong>the</strong> twenty-first century calls for American technology and <strong>in</strong>vestment and <strong>the</strong><br />
US market. Second, America alone can help India defend <strong>it</strong>self. It is not only a<br />
question of sophisticated arms. No o<strong>the</strong>r power can pressure <strong>the</strong> forces of evil that<br />
are attack<strong>in</strong>g India from w<strong>it</strong>hout and w<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong>.”<br />
The Diaspora offers some choices, life is relatively un<strong>to</strong>uched by pol<strong>it</strong>ical<br />
or religious ideology unless one chooses <strong>to</strong> get <strong>in</strong>volved or happens <strong>to</strong> be <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
wrong place at <strong>the</strong> wrong time. But <strong>in</strong> India many ideologies operate and impact<br />
people’s lives w<strong>it</strong>hout giv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m a choice. Not everyone is comfortable <strong>in</strong> an<br />
environment where qu<strong>it</strong>e often ‘mobocracy’ better def<strong>in</strong>es how India functions.<br />
If <strong>it</strong>’s <strong>the</strong> Maoists and Naxal<strong>it</strong>es <strong>to</strong>day, <strong>it</strong> will be someone else <strong>to</strong>morrow. Internal<br />
dissent is not <strong>the</strong> focus of this column, but Arundhati Roy’s comment <strong>in</strong> Outlook<br />
is worth not<strong>in</strong>g. In her article on, ‘Mr. Chidambaram’s War,’ she asks <strong>the</strong> Home<br />
M<strong>in</strong>ister, “A math question: <strong>How</strong> many soldiers will <strong>it</strong> take <strong>to</strong> conta<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
mount<strong>in</strong>g rage of hundreds of millions of people?”<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
Amartya Sen <strong>in</strong> his book Ident<strong>it</strong>y<br />
and Violence warns us that, “The<br />
neglect of <strong>the</strong> plural<strong>it</strong>y of our<br />
affiliations and of <strong>the</strong> need for choice<br />
and reason<strong>in</strong>g obscures <strong>the</strong> world <strong>in</strong><br />
which we live. It pushes us <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
direction of <strong>the</strong> terrify<strong>in</strong>g prospects<br />
portrayed by Ma<strong>the</strong>w Arnold <strong>in</strong><br />
‘Dover Beach.’<br />
And we are here as on a<br />
darkl<strong>in</strong>g pla<strong>in</strong><br />
Swept w<strong>it</strong>h confused alarms<br />
of struggle and flight,<br />
Where ignorant armies clash<br />
by night.<br />
The future could turn out <strong>to</strong> be<br />
very different from what we imag<strong>in</strong>e<br />
as <strong>the</strong> Great Game is played out.<br />
Frank Raj<br />
Founder Edi<strong>to</strong>r & Publisher<br />
frankraj@eim.ae<br />
2<br />
The International Indian
THE INTERNATIONAL<br />
ndian<br />
EST: 1992 The Region’s Oldest, Author<strong>it</strong>ative<br />
Magaz<strong>in</strong>e of <strong>Gulf</strong> Indian Society & His<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
FEATURES<br />
14 facebook<br />
phenomenon...<br />
of reun<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
people!<br />
by: Sar<strong>in</strong>a Menezes<br />
Social network<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
Facebook have become <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>to</strong>pic of discussion at social<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>the</strong>se days.<br />
20 westerners head<br />
east - for <strong>the</strong> moment<br />
by: Benjam<strong>in</strong> Parker<br />
To <strong>the</strong> West, India has long been known<br />
as a place that people are<br />
leav<strong>in</strong>g, as Indians make up<br />
one of <strong>the</strong> largest segments<br />
of immigrants of many<br />
Western nations, particularly<br />
Commonwealth nations like<br />
<strong>the</strong> UK, Canada, and Australia.<br />
24 rensil d’silva:<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dian<br />
c<strong>in</strong>ema global<br />
& contemporary<br />
by: Sar<strong>in</strong>a<br />
Menezes<br />
In an exclusive<br />
<strong>in</strong>terview w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
TII he shares<br />
his journey and<br />
<strong>the</strong> challenges of<br />
<strong>Bollywood</strong>.<br />
4<br />
The International Indian<br />
30<br />
puravangara<br />
unnikrishnan<br />
by: Hemu Gorde<br />
rul<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> air waves <strong>in</strong><br />
bahra<strong>in</strong><br />
44 relocat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> new delhi<br />
by: Archisman D<strong>in</strong>da<br />
The International Indian looks<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y which can be easily<br />
termed as <strong>the</strong> most cosmopol<strong>it</strong>an c<strong>it</strong>y of<br />
India.<br />
52 ‘desi’ vs<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational:<br />
Akshay Kulkarni<br />
what’s <strong>the</strong><br />
difference?<br />
by: Frank Raj<br />
It is fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />
observe how countries<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h wide exposure <strong>to</strong> foreign<br />
cultures still develop ultra- national<br />
m<strong>in</strong>dsets. But life is different <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Diaspora melt<strong>in</strong>g pot, some change is<br />
<strong>in</strong>ev<strong>it</strong>able even for <strong>the</strong> most conf<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
m<strong>in</strong>ds.<br />
58 london<br />
<strong>the</strong>n and now<br />
by: Shamlal Puri<br />
Today c<strong>it</strong>ies like London are a home<br />
away from home. TII exam<strong>in</strong>es <strong>the</strong><br />
changes that have transformed <strong>the</strong> lives<br />
of Indians settled <strong>the</strong>re.<br />
36<br />
anuraag<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ha:<br />
success is<br />
do<strong>in</strong>g only one<br />
th<strong>in</strong>g<br />
by: Frank Raj<br />
CONTENTS<br />
62 <strong>the</strong> flavors<br />
of<br />
mumbai<br />
by: Golden<br />
Reejs<strong>in</strong>ghani<br />
Food sold <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
streets of <strong>the</strong><br />
great metropol<strong>it</strong>an c<strong>it</strong>y of Mumbai<br />
has ga<strong>in</strong>ed more popular<strong>it</strong>y than some<br />
of <strong>the</strong> swanky restaurants dott<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
c<strong>it</strong>y because <strong>the</strong> street food is not only<br />
irresistibly delicious but also affordable.<br />
70 what’s <strong>it</strong><br />
like <strong>to</strong> be an<br />
<strong>in</strong>dian <strong>in</strong><br />
south<br />
africa<br />
<strong>to</strong>day?<br />
by: Jacquel<strong>in</strong>e<br />
van Staden<br />
Various<br />
<strong>in</strong>struments of legislation<br />
have enabled South Africans of Indian<br />
orig<strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong> be considered as Black people<br />
and as African people.<br />
80 fast<strong>in</strong>gfeast<strong>in</strong>g<br />
by: Debasree S<br />
Fast<strong>in</strong>g and feast<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong>ok on a special<br />
mean<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> holy month of<br />
Ramadan as Muslims<br />
as well as non-Muslims got <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> a<br />
renewed bond of friendship and goodwill.<br />
82 s<strong>to</strong>p, vote & go<br />
by: Gaurav Karir<br />
Here <strong>in</strong> 2009, I see <strong>the</strong> television<br />
savvy Priyanka stand<strong>in</strong>g beside her<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r Rahul after <strong>the</strong> Congress<br />
vic<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>in</strong> this year’s<br />
General elections.<br />
83 <strong>in</strong>dia<br />
<strong>the</strong>se days<br />
by: Ashiok Dongre<br />
Celebr<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>in</strong>ducted<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> new<br />
Government are<br />
slowly learn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
lessons <strong>the</strong> hard way!<br />
87 masala dosas<br />
for mahatir<br />
by: Peter Souri Raj<br />
TII’s ‘My Celebr<strong>it</strong>y<br />
Encounter’ tells<br />
of <strong>the</strong> occasion<br />
when MGR hosted<br />
former Malaysian<br />
PM Mahatir for<br />
breakfast.<br />
COLUMNs<br />
66 rich or poor<br />
<strong>in</strong>dians: who cares<br />
about democracy?<br />
by: Prabhu Guptara<br />
Indians who vote show <strong>the</strong>ir concern<br />
for India. But mostly poor Indians vote,<br />
<strong>the</strong> rich seem <strong>to</strong> hardly care.<br />
84<br />
what<br />
makes<br />
nations<br />
great?<br />
by: Major<br />
General Mr<strong>in</strong>al Suman<br />
India maybe <strong>the</strong> only country that is<br />
so apa<strong>the</strong>tic <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> memory of <strong>the</strong><br />
thousands of soldiers who have laid<br />
down <strong>the</strong>ir lives for <strong>it</strong>s secur<strong>it</strong>y. ‘<br />
Soldiers’ is a new column <strong>in</strong> TII.<br />
EDUCATION<br />
34 education <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> gulf - <strong>the</strong> uowd<br />
perspective<br />
by: Professor John Whelan<br />
Development and divers<strong>it</strong>y are <strong>the</strong><br />
words that come <strong>to</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d when<br />
Univers<strong>it</strong>y of Wollongong <strong>in</strong> Dubai’s<br />
president muses about higher<br />
education <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE.<br />
<strong>in</strong> every issue...<br />
2 edi<strong>to</strong>rial<br />
6 letters<br />
57 TII hall of fame<br />
68 sex, lies & truth<br />
78 her<strong>it</strong>age<br />
88 buy<strong>in</strong>g IT<br />
90 TII fashion<br />
95 TII central<br />
96 futurequest<br />
8<br />
BuZz WoRd<br />
92 • Kenya Tourist<br />
Board and Air Arabia<br />
<strong>to</strong> boost promotions <strong>in</strong><br />
GCC<br />
• Samson<strong>it</strong>e launches<br />
Cosmol<strong>it</strong>e – <strong>it</strong>s<br />
strongest yet lightest<br />
luggage ever<br />
93 • State Bank<br />
of India Launches<br />
Corporate Bank<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Services from DIFC<br />
• Top UAE<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>esswoman<br />
receives global award<br />
maldives underwater<br />
restaurant<br />
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The International Indian 5
THE INTERNATIONAL<br />
Indian<br />
EST: 1992 The Region’s Oldest, Author<strong>it</strong>ative<br />
Magaz<strong>in</strong>e of <strong>Gulf</strong> Indian Society & His<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
PUBLISHERS<br />
Prof. Prabhu Guptara<br />
San<strong>to</strong>sh Shetty<br />
FOUNDER EDITOR<br />
Frank Raj<br />
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS<br />
Erik Raj Hadden<br />
Prem Souri Kishore<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> H. Parker<br />
Vishal Mangalwadi<br />
TRAVEL EDITOR<br />
Shana Raj Parker<br />
MANAGER PR<br />
Christ<strong>in</strong>e DeSouza<br />
CREATIVE DIRECTOR<br />
Balan Iyer<br />
GRAPHIC ARTIST<br />
Melany Cagu<strong>in</strong>dagan<br />
PHOTOGRAPHER<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> H. Parker<br />
INTERNATIONAL<br />
CORRESPONDENTS<br />
CANADA Rub<strong>in</strong>a Jacob<br />
SINGAPORE Am<strong>it</strong>a Sarwal<br />
UK<br />
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USA<br />
Prem Souri Kishore<br />
BAHRAIN Hemu Gorde<br />
OMAN<br />
Rahul Dev<br />
QATAR<br />
Ada Pillai<br />
INDIA<br />
DELHI<br />
Vishal Arora<br />
CHENNAI Aruna Sr<strong>in</strong>ivasan<br />
HYDERABAD Shyamola Khanna<br />
MUMBAI Nav<strong>in</strong> Tauro<br />
KOLKATA Archisman D<strong>in</strong>da<br />
DIRECTOR<br />
Ra<strong>in</strong>a Raj Hadden<br />
GENERAL MANAGER ME & AFRICA<br />
Peter Souri Raj<br />
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TII MIDDLE EAST OFFICES<br />
BAHRAIN<br />
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Mob: +973-388 96790<br />
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Mob: +965 999 65762<br />
OMAN<br />
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Mob: +968 963 57464<br />
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Mob: +974-603 4082<br />
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Mob: +97150 457 3836<br />
Circulation 30,000 copies<br />
(Publisher’s figure)<br />
BPA Worldwide Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Publication Aud<strong>it</strong><br />
Membership applied for February 2008<br />
BPA Worldwide Accepted Application<br />
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR<br />
THAROOR & CATTLE CLASS<br />
Reference <strong>the</strong> controversy concern<strong>in</strong>g Mr<br />
Shashi Tharoor, Indian M<strong>in</strong>ister of State<br />
for External Affairs, referr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> economy<br />
classes as “cattle class”, on railways/flights.<br />
It is believed that he has hurt <strong>the</strong> sentiments<br />
of economy class travellers <strong>in</strong> India and he<br />
should resign. This is preposterous. Mr.<br />
Tharoor is a bright, articulate and <strong>in</strong>telligent<br />
professional w<strong>it</strong>h an excellent track record<br />
at Un<strong>it</strong>ed Nations where he was <strong>the</strong> Deputy<br />
Secretary General. India should be thrilled<br />
that a professional calibre has jo<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong><br />
Cab<strong>in</strong>et and will help <strong>to</strong> upgrade <strong>the</strong> petty<br />
level of pol<strong>it</strong>ics <strong>in</strong> India. We need more<br />
men like him <strong>in</strong> pol<strong>it</strong>ics.<br />
In many countries, <strong>the</strong> economy class is<br />
referred <strong>to</strong> as <strong>the</strong> “cattle class” purely<br />
LET MY COUNTRY AWAKE<br />
Tagore’s Vision for an Educated India’ made<br />
a very good read. I would like <strong>to</strong> draw your<br />
attention <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> first l<strong>in</strong>e of <strong>the</strong> poem quoted<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> article. If I remember right, <strong>the</strong> second<br />
part of <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e should read as ‘and <strong>the</strong> head<br />
is held high’ and not as mentioned. Please<br />
correct me if I am wrong. As far as <strong>the</strong> article<br />
is concerned, a good attempt has been made<br />
<strong>to</strong> analyse <strong>the</strong> poem <strong>in</strong> a clear manner. M<strong>in</strong>d<br />
is <strong>the</strong> cradle from which an <strong>in</strong>dividual’s<br />
growth and development takes place. A<br />
SAIF ON THE COVER<br />
Us<strong>in</strong>g Saif Ali Khan (TII 16.4) <strong>to</strong> launch<br />
your new series on Indian commun<strong>it</strong>ies was<br />
a great idea. It is high time you gave equal<br />
coverage <strong>to</strong> all our Indian commun<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong>. Besides play<strong>in</strong>g fair <strong>to</strong> all, which<br />
I th<strong>in</strong>k is your magaz<strong>in</strong>e’s policy, <strong>it</strong> will<br />
also add more credibil<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong> TII’s claim that<br />
you are document<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ry of <strong>Gulf</strong><br />
Indians. Keep up <strong>the</strong> good work.<br />
Gopi Balakrishnan, Abu Dhabi<br />
colloquially, s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>it</strong> is crowded and <strong>the</strong><br />
service is average. I heard this phrase<br />
for <strong>the</strong> first time <strong>in</strong> 1984 <strong>in</strong> UK. Hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
said this, Mr Tharoor’s comments,<br />
about <strong>the</strong> economy classes <strong>in</strong> India <strong>in</strong><br />
railways and many airl<strong>in</strong>es, are l<strong>it</strong>erally<br />
and absolutely correct.<br />
Particularly <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> tra<strong>in</strong>s of India, <strong>the</strong><br />
economy compartments are a gross <strong>in</strong>sult<br />
<strong>to</strong> passengers. Most of <strong>the</strong> seats are made<br />
of wood, w<strong>it</strong>hout any cushion<strong>in</strong>g. The<br />
<strong>to</strong>ilets <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy carriages <strong>in</strong> Indian<br />
railways, are not even f<strong>it</strong> for cattle. They<br />
st<strong>in</strong>k and so do <strong>the</strong> platforms at stations.<br />
Indians should not be unnecessarily smug<br />
and should accept cr<strong>it</strong>icism and contrary<br />
op<strong>in</strong>ions.<br />
Rajendra K. Aneja, Dubai<br />
The best letters <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> edi<strong>to</strong>r<br />
will w<strong>in</strong> exquis<strong>it</strong>e gifts from<br />
Liali Jewellery.<br />
Email your letter <strong>to</strong>:<br />
frankraj@eim.ae<br />
Edi<strong>to</strong>r: The International Indian<br />
m<strong>in</strong>d devoid of fear can reach p<strong>in</strong>nacles of<br />
glory. Mistakes lead <strong>to</strong> perfection and <strong>the</strong><br />
freedom <strong>to</strong> make mistakes comes only when<br />
<strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d is devoid of fear. Your analysis of<br />
<strong>the</strong> poem, has made me realise <strong>the</strong> fact that<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is a serious need <strong>to</strong> have a relook at our<br />
current educational system. While <strong>the</strong>re has<br />
been a shift from Tagore days, we still have a<br />
long way <strong>to</strong> go before our children can walk<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong>ir heads really held high.<br />
C Sunil Roy, Dubai<br />
INDIANS & DOMESTIC LABOR<br />
I enjoyed <strong>the</strong> article on domestic labor <strong>in</strong><br />
your previous issue (TII 16.4). It is very<br />
important <strong>to</strong> change m<strong>in</strong>dsets on this issue.<br />
We Indians have deplorable att<strong>it</strong>udes when<br />
<strong>it</strong> comes <strong>to</strong> treat<strong>in</strong>g our servants w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong><br />
care and respect that every human be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
deserves. I am rem<strong>in</strong>ded of <strong>the</strong> Indian<br />
millionaire couple <strong>in</strong> New York recently<br />
jailed for keep<strong>in</strong>g domestic help as slaves.<br />
Ruxana Chandbasha, Dubai<br />
152 Aircraft.<br />
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TRAVEL<br />
Maldives<br />
Melt Away All Malaise<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
MALE, REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES -- <strong>How</strong> many times can you say “It’s so beautiful”?<br />
<strong>How</strong> about 1,197, or once for each island <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Maldives (pronounced “maul-deeves”)?<br />
by: Kathy M. Newbern and J.S. Fletcher<br />
Fly<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> over some<br />
of <strong>the</strong> palm-fr<strong>in</strong>ged<br />
specks that make up<br />
<strong>the</strong> 26 a<strong>to</strong>lls, <strong>it</strong>’s as<br />
if precious s<strong>to</strong>nes <strong>in</strong><br />
Maldives: mouth-gap<strong>in</strong>g bands of Indian Ocean<br />
every shade of blue were <strong>to</strong>ssed<br />
from <strong>the</strong> heavens. R<strong>in</strong>g-like coral<br />
formations encircle lagoons.<br />
The Maldives quickly melt<br />
away every malaise, deliver<strong>in</strong>g<br />
not only mouth-gap<strong>in</strong>g bands of<br />
Indian Ocean but an extraord<strong>in</strong>ary<br />
vacation for honeymooners,<br />
romantics, luxe travelers, spa<br />
connoisseurs, families, and<br />
especially divers. Still, a lot of<br />
travelers have not heard of <strong>the</strong><br />
tropical, exotic islands.<br />
Dive Direc<strong>to</strong>r Alexis V<strong>in</strong>cent of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island<br />
says, “I get that a lot: Mal-what? What’s that?” The “what” is blissful<br />
isolation <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly luxury market.<br />
Only about 200 islands are <strong>in</strong>hab<strong>it</strong>ed by natives, and ano<strong>the</strong>r 87<br />
currently hold resorts, most of <strong>the</strong>m five- and even<br />
six-stars.<br />
Anantara resort’s general manager Dom<strong>in</strong>ick<br />
Ruhl comments: “I like <strong>to</strong> say <strong>it</strong>’s a thousand stars.”<br />
Straddl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> equa<strong>to</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> Maldives are an<br />
85-mile-wide and 475-mile-long swath of a<strong>to</strong>lls<br />
south of India about 300 miles southwest of Sri<br />
Lanka. The Maldives are 99 percent water, w<strong>it</strong>h a<br />
<strong>to</strong>tal land mass of 115 square miles. A third of <strong>the</strong><br />
population, 89,000, live on Male, <strong>the</strong> cap<strong>it</strong>al, mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong> world’s densest cap<strong>it</strong>al.<br />
These islands, largely undiscovered by Americans,<br />
are popular w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> Br<strong>it</strong>ish, Germans, Japanese,<br />
Koreans and Russians. Italians, <strong>in</strong> 1972, are attributed<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> start of <strong>to</strong>urism, and <strong>the</strong>re are still a couple of<br />
predom<strong>in</strong>antly “Italian” islands.<br />
Vacation<strong>in</strong>g here requires two decisions: First, your travel<strong>in</strong>g<br />
companion. Mostly couples and families come here. Second is choos<strong>in</strong>g<br />
your resort, especially important here, as <strong>the</strong>re’s l<strong>it</strong>tle <strong>in</strong>teraction w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong><br />
native islanders. In fact, vis<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g a local island, as <strong>the</strong>y’re called, requires<br />
an <strong>in</strong>v<strong>it</strong>ation, though nearly any resort will be able <strong>to</strong> offer you a <strong>to</strong>ur.<br />
If you vis<strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong> Maldives, get under <strong>the</strong> water; o<strong>the</strong>rwise, you’ll<br />
miss what attracts many, <strong>the</strong> amaz<strong>in</strong>g sea life. Some proclaim <strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
best div<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world. Conrad’s dive direc<strong>to</strong>r put <strong>it</strong> this way: “For<br />
div<strong>in</strong>g worldwide, I would say, <strong>it</strong>’s <strong>the</strong> most consistently good div<strong>in</strong>g<br />
especially <strong>in</strong> regards <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> variety and abundance.”<br />
At any of <strong>the</strong> five-star resorts - and <strong>the</strong>re are loads - offer<strong>in</strong>gs will<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude div<strong>in</strong>g, sunset and dolph<strong>in</strong> cruises, trad<strong>it</strong>ional Maldivian hand-<br />
Cradsouba: If you vis<strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong> Maldives, get under <strong>the</strong> water;<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rwise, you’ll miss what attracts many, <strong>the</strong> amaz<strong>in</strong>g sea life.<br />
8 The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 9
TRAVEL<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
l<strong>in</strong>e fish<strong>in</strong>g, stunn<strong>in</strong>g beaches<br />
and fish-laden “house” reefs,<br />
gourmet cuis<strong>in</strong>e, eye-popp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
stunn<strong>in</strong>g overwaters. Beach House boasts <strong>the</strong> Maldives’ only golf<br />
simula<strong>to</strong>r and offers martial arts <strong>in</strong>struction. The Shui Spa’s standout is<br />
<strong>the</strong> Indian Marma Massage - <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>rapist balances himself hold<strong>in</strong>g two<br />
A seaplane ride away is Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa<br />
Giraavaru, where about <strong>the</strong> same number of rooms awa<strong>it</strong> on an island<br />
four times Kuda Huraa’s size.<br />
Anantara is actually is three<br />
island resorts <strong>in</strong> one - Anantara,<br />
Anantara Veli and Naladhu - and<br />
spas, <strong>in</strong>f<strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>y pools, and modern<br />
conveniences like wireless<br />
Internet (even at sea w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong><br />
Four Seasons Explorer yacht).<br />
Similar<strong>it</strong>ies aside, each<br />
resort’s unique. Here’s a<br />
sampl<strong>in</strong>g: The Beach House at<br />
Manafaru Maldives is a reall<br />
head-turner and <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rnmost<br />
resort. Only 11 percent of <strong>it</strong>s 35<br />
lush acres were developed w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
68 designer villas <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Emirates Holidays Packages<br />
Country Property Room type Duration<br />
Nights<br />
Maldives<br />
Maldives<br />
Anatara Resort<br />
Taj Exotica Resort<br />
& Spa<br />
robes while deliver<strong>in</strong>g a ballet-like, strong massage us<strong>in</strong>g his feet. To<br />
get here requires a 40-m<strong>in</strong>ute flight and 35-m<strong>in</strong>ute speedboat transfer<br />
from Male (www.BeachHouseCollection.com; 960-332-0705).<br />
The 96-room, 12-acre Four Seasons Kuda Huraa means “small<br />
village,” but none of <strong>the</strong> Four Seasons world-famous luxury and service<br />
are sacrificed just because you’re off <strong>the</strong> radar. The pool is classic Four<br />
Seasons. The Island Spa lives up <strong>to</strong> <strong>it</strong>s name, reached by qua<strong>in</strong>t, small<br />
dhoni (a trad<strong>it</strong>ional native, wooden boat). Overwater treatment rooms<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude a view of <strong>the</strong> tropical fish from <strong>the</strong> massage table head cradles.<br />
The signature treatment is <strong>the</strong> 2 1/2-hour Sea Escape. For sunset d<strong>in</strong>ner<br />
at The Reef, keep an eye out for <strong>the</strong> baby sharks and <strong>the</strong> resident fru<strong>it</strong><br />
bats. The Indian restaurant is a standout.<br />
5 Star Deluxe<br />
Sunrise beach<br />
front Villa<br />
5 Star lagoon<br />
Villa<br />
Dubai<br />
AED<br />
5 8,023<br />
5 11,545<br />
Maldives Taj Coral Reef 4 Star Beach Villa 5 8,095<br />
Remarks<br />
Valid until 19<br />
Dec 09<br />
Valid until 23<br />
Dec 09<br />
Valid until 23<br />
Dec 09<br />
Includes: Economy class airfare Dubai/Maldives/Dubai, 5 night’ accommodation w<strong>it</strong>h American<br />
breakfast, transfers airport/hotel/airport by speed boat, room tax and service charges.<br />
Said one vacationer: “I th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>the</strong> service and spa at Kuda Huraa and<br />
Landaa are both exceptional...and everywhere we were, <strong>the</strong>y knew us<br />
(from before).” Guests at both properties often add on a three-, four- or<br />
seven-night stay on <strong>the</strong> well-appo<strong>in</strong>ted 128-foot Four Seasons Explorer<br />
yacht, perfect for avid divers and<br />
snorkelers. A mar<strong>in</strong>e biologist offers<br />
lectures and guided underwater <strong>to</strong>urs<br />
while <strong>the</strong> friendly staff meet every<br />
need from welcome-back-aboard<br />
dr<strong>in</strong>ks <strong>to</strong> nightly footage by<br />
Scubazoo of <strong>the</strong> day’s dive/<br />
snorkel/beach highlights. Guided<br />
swims w<strong>it</strong>h massive whale sharks<br />
and manta rays are worth <strong>the</strong> book<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>mselves. The three-deck<br />
catamaran has 11 cab<strong>in</strong>s, one a su<strong>it</strong>e, each featur<strong>in</strong>g k<strong>in</strong>g beds (or two<br />
tw<strong>in</strong>s), picture w<strong>in</strong>dow, luxurious l<strong>in</strong>ens, and twice-daily service w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
turn-down.<br />
Once on board, lose <strong>the</strong> shoes. Cruise Direc<strong>to</strong>r Jim Hancock<br />
expla<strong>in</strong>s, “It’s a very casual ship. You won’t need <strong>the</strong>m.” Explorer even<br />
offers spa-at-sea treatments on <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>p deck beh<strong>in</strong>d a batik drape that<br />
flutters <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> ocean breeze. Simple-yet-elegant meals are served e<strong>it</strong>her<br />
on deck, overlook<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> turquoise sea, or <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g room, just off<br />
<strong>the</strong> well-appo<strong>in</strong>ted salon that also functions as movie <strong>the</strong>ater, lecture<br />
room and cocktail lounge.<br />
The affable capta<strong>in</strong> loves <strong>to</strong> jo<strong>in</strong> guests for d<strong>in</strong>ner, as does <strong>the</strong> cruise<br />
direc<strong>to</strong>r, but you have <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>v<strong>it</strong>e <strong>the</strong>m -- <strong>the</strong> exact oppos<strong>it</strong>e of largeship<br />
pro<strong>to</strong>col. And you’ll be d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a tropical sett<strong>in</strong>g that rivals Fiji<br />
and Tah<strong>it</strong>i. (For all three, vis<strong>it</strong> www.fourseasons.com, or call 800-819-<br />
5053.)<br />
excels <strong>in</strong> d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g options. “D<strong>in</strong>e<br />
by Design” lets you pick where<br />
and when for a romantic meal,<br />
such as a beachfront d<strong>in</strong>ner w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
The Maldives quickly melt away every malaise,<br />
deliver<strong>in</strong>g not only mouth-gap<strong>in</strong>g bands of<br />
Indian Ocean but an extraord<strong>in</strong>ary vacation for<br />
honeymooners, romantics, luxe travelers, spa<br />
connoisseurs, families, and especially divers.<br />
heart-shaped palm fronds and<br />
candlelight. The d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g variety<br />
- Italian, fusion, Thai - becomes<br />
important on longer stays, which<br />
is <strong>the</strong> norm here. There’s even<br />
a “disappear<strong>in</strong>g” d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g venue:<br />
when <strong>the</strong> tide rises <strong>the</strong> lagoon<br />
lunch sand sp<strong>it</strong> is covered <strong>in</strong><br />
water. The Thai cook<strong>in</strong>g class is<br />
a blast. There’s a w<strong>in</strong>e guru and<br />
<strong>the</strong> world’s first salt sommelier,<br />
who offers a delightful tableside<br />
presentation of salts, chutneys<br />
and mustards. The breakfast dhoni<br />
picnic and snorkel resulted <strong>in</strong> great<br />
underwater footage swimm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
[<br />
10 The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 11
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ANNI V ERSARY<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h a green turtle. There’s even<br />
surf<strong>in</strong>g lessons (offered by <strong>the</strong><br />
same company, Tropic Surf, at<br />
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa). The<br />
overwater spa is ano<strong>the</strong>r jawdropper<br />
(www.maldives.anantara.<br />
com, 960-664-4100).<br />
Naladhu, mean<strong>in</strong>g “pretty l<strong>it</strong>tle<br />
island,” is across <strong>the</strong> lagoon and<br />
part of <strong>the</strong> d<strong>in</strong>e-around program.<br />
Here 19 colonial-style houses offer<br />
Maldives is like no o<strong>the</strong>r holiday experience<br />
nearly every amen<strong>it</strong>y imag<strong>in</strong>able,<br />
from private swimm<strong>in</strong>g pool <strong>to</strong> a<br />
massive deck w<strong>it</strong>h palm trees, a<br />
daybed, a sw<strong>in</strong>g bed, and adjacent<br />
bathroom w<strong>it</strong>h outdoor shower,<br />
steam room, and chaise lounge,<br />
plus see-through tub.<br />
The mot<strong>to</strong> for this six-star resort<br />
is, “whatever, whenever.” Breakfast<br />
at 5 p.m.? No problem.” Nor is<br />
arrang<strong>in</strong>g impromptu excursions<br />
like a quest <strong>to</strong> view sp<strong>in</strong>ner dolph<strong>in</strong>,<br />
which we saw en mass. On <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r hand, a lot of guests never<br />
leave <strong>the</strong>ir rooms (www.naladhu.<br />
com, 960-664-1888).<br />
Cocoa Island is a true, small-island getaway but still upscale.<br />
Focus<strong>in</strong>g on healthy eat<strong>in</strong>g and spa <strong>the</strong>rapies at <strong>it</strong>s COMO Shambhala<br />
Retreat, Cocoa strives <strong>to</strong> provide a peaceful, harmonious sanctuary<br />
(<strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of shambhala). Spa treatments are complemented by a<br />
state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art hydro<strong>the</strong>rapy pool and free yoga classes. Vegetarian<br />
dishes w<strong>it</strong>h organic <strong>in</strong>gredients are a specialty. All of <strong>it</strong>s 33 villas<br />
are overwater, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al dhoni-shaped ones. (www.<br />
cocoaisland.como.bz, 960-664-1818).<br />
The 150-room Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, one of <strong>the</strong> Maldives’<br />
largest resorts, is actually two islands connected by a walk<strong>in</strong>g bridge.<br />
Arrival is by seaplane. The quiet side, Rangali Island, is usually<br />
preferred by honeymooners<br />
(50 villas), while <strong>the</strong> more<br />
populated Rangali F<strong>in</strong>ohlu has<br />
<strong>the</strong> pool, watersports and <strong>the</strong><br />
must-see Ithaa Restaurant, <strong>the</strong><br />
world’s first, all-glass undersea<br />
restaurant.<br />
Ithaa, which means “pearl,”<br />
seats 14, and cost $2.5 million<br />
<strong>to</strong> construct. Couples can even<br />
have <strong>the</strong>ir wedd<strong>in</strong>g ceremony<br />
here (non-b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g). The 21<br />
overwater spa villas, each<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>s own treatment room,<br />
are part of The Spa Retreat, a<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation spa set on stilts over<br />
<strong>the</strong> ocean off <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> island,<br />
while The Over-Water Spa<br />
offers glass-floored treatment<br />
rooms above a coral reef <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
resort’s lagoon. The property also has 10 d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g options, from <strong>in</strong>-<strong>the</strong>sand<br />
Japanese cook<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> outstand<strong>in</strong>g spa restaurant <strong>to</strong> a popular,<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational buffet. The 10,000-bottle w<strong>in</strong>e list is impressive as is <strong>the</strong><br />
w<strong>in</strong>e-and-cheese bar w<strong>it</strong>h black-sand floor and w<strong>in</strong>e cellar for special<br />
tast<strong>in</strong>gs and d<strong>in</strong>ners w<strong>it</strong>h table<strong>to</strong>p, pop-up TV screens for presentation<br />
(www.conradhotels.com; 960-668-0629).<br />
If You’re Go<strong>in</strong>g Emirates airl<strong>in</strong>es, www.emirates.com, flies from<br />
Dubai <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Maldives cap<strong>it</strong>al of Male.<br />
For more on <strong>the</strong> dest<strong>in</strong>ation, log on<strong>to</strong> www.vis<strong>it</strong>maldives.com.<br />
U.S. based, award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g travel wr<strong>it</strong>ers Kathy M. Newbern<br />
and J.S. Fletcher wr<strong>it</strong>e about luxury, spas, cruis<strong>in</strong>g and romantic<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ations worldwide when not operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir personalized<br />
romance novel company, YourNovel.com, where <strong>the</strong>y put you <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
middle of <strong>the</strong> romance and adventure by starr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> your own book.<br />
12 The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 13
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FACEBOOK PHENOMENON...<br />
It’s reun<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g people!<br />
Social network<strong>in</strong>g and Facebook have become <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>pic of discussion at social<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>the</strong>se days. And if you have no clue what I am talk<strong>in</strong>g about, you<br />
may have <strong>to</strong> catch up w<strong>it</strong>h this new wave on cyber space.<br />
by: Sar<strong>in</strong>a Menezes<br />
Like many o<strong>the</strong>rs, after<br />
ignor<strong>in</strong>g a number of<br />
Facebook <strong>in</strong>v<strong>it</strong>ations<br />
<strong>to</strong> my <strong>in</strong>box, a close<br />
friend <strong>in</strong> Dubl<strong>in</strong> edged<br />
me <strong>to</strong> consider sign<strong>in</strong>g up. 250<br />
million people are on Facebook<br />
<strong>to</strong>day, want<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> stay updated<br />
on <strong>the</strong> happen<strong>in</strong>gs around<br />
<strong>the</strong>m and eager <strong>to</strong> share<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> people <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
lives affirm<strong>in</strong>g that people<br />
are realiz<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> power of<br />
stay<strong>in</strong>g connected.<br />
They say <strong>the</strong> world is<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g smaller day by<br />
day. True, because before<br />
<strong>the</strong> Internet revolution,<br />
gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong>uch w<strong>it</strong>h loved<br />
ones or bus<strong>in</strong>ess associates<br />
across <strong>the</strong> seven seas was<br />
a task that required hours<br />
and hours of wa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g on<br />
<strong>the</strong> telephone opera<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
For <strong>the</strong> Indian diaspora,<br />
<strong>it</strong> was no different. Receiv<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
letter was a big deal and <strong>it</strong>s arrival<br />
was announced <strong>to</strong> every o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
member of <strong>the</strong> household. Most<br />
people actually ended up sav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong>se specimens of antiquated<br />
communication.<br />
Believe <strong>it</strong> or not, but not so long ago, most of us lived <strong>in</strong> nearpredictable<br />
social lives -- friends were <strong>the</strong> people who you met and<br />
bonded w<strong>it</strong>h at school, college, neighbourhood -- your work stayed at<br />
work and you spent hours catch<strong>in</strong>g up w<strong>it</strong>h your cous<strong>in</strong> who vis<strong>it</strong>ed<br />
after what seemed like a million years. That is, till <strong>the</strong> Internet came <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>to</strong>wn and made <strong>it</strong>self available <strong>to</strong> all and sundry. Today, one can talk <strong>to</strong><br />
people all around <strong>the</strong> world and quench that thirst for ‘communicat<strong>in</strong>g’<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h like-m<strong>in</strong>ded people mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Internet a playground of choices<br />
and opportun<strong>it</strong>ies. All of<br />
a sudden <strong>the</strong>re was no<br />
need <strong>to</strong> crowd around<br />
<strong>the</strong> phone <strong>to</strong> hang on <strong>to</strong><br />
every s<strong>in</strong>gle word that<br />
was be<strong>in</strong>g exchanged<br />
thousands of miles away<br />
– one had <strong>to</strong> just click <strong>the</strong><br />
email but<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
I’ve been on Facebook<br />
for about a year now, and<br />
over <strong>the</strong> past six months<br />
old classmates from school,<br />
college, earlier work places<br />
Ajay Nambiar at <strong>the</strong> management school reunion <strong>in</strong><br />
Bangalore<br />
have been add<strong>in</strong>g me as<br />
a friend and vice versa.<br />
Instantly, I know where<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are <strong>in</strong> life: married, s<strong>in</strong>gle, expect<strong>in</strong>g baby, whatever, but <strong>it</strong><br />
goes a step fur<strong>the</strong>r: I have a mirror <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir day-<strong>to</strong>day lives. Who is<br />
feel<strong>in</strong>g overwhelmed? Whose newborn didn’t sleep last night? Who is<br />
obsessed w<strong>it</strong>h what? Who is stuck at <strong>the</strong> airport? It’s all <strong>the</strong>re, <strong>in</strong> liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
color, for me <strong>to</strong> see everyday. I’ve also heard from classmates, some of<br />
whom barely spoke <strong>in</strong> high school, connect<strong>in</strong>g over Facebook!<br />
I honestly wondered if I was <strong>the</strong> only one go<strong>in</strong>g through this euphoria<br />
My school girls reunion 1986 batch<br />
of connect<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
people, walk<strong>in</strong>g down<br />
memory lane and<br />
even experienc<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
blast from <strong>the</strong> past<br />
rem<strong>in</strong>isc<strong>in</strong>g old times.<br />
Apparently not!<br />
The Lost and Found<br />
Arun Rao left <strong>the</strong><br />
shores of India <strong>in</strong><br />
1995 <strong>to</strong> pursue an<br />
MS <strong>in</strong> Technology (Pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g Management) <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> US after which<br />
he worked <strong>in</strong> Milwaukee, Dallas and now <strong>in</strong> Tampa, Florida where he<br />
is based w<strong>it</strong>h his family. “The busyness of life and <strong>the</strong> distance from<br />
India meant that by this time I had pretty much lost contact w<strong>it</strong>h most<br />
of my classmates and friends barr<strong>in</strong>g a few. On one of my trips <strong>to</strong> India<br />
<strong>in</strong> Feb 2008, I decided <strong>to</strong> set up a school group on Facebook and <strong>in</strong>v<strong>it</strong>e<br />
all who we were <strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong>uch w<strong>it</strong>h. From just <strong>the</strong> three of us, we grew <strong>to</strong><br />
about 36. The experience was simply great as we dug out old school<br />
pictures and posted recent ones on Facebook for all <strong>to</strong> see.”<br />
“But <strong>the</strong> highlight was be<strong>in</strong>g reun<strong>it</strong>ed w<strong>it</strong>h a lost friend. Dur<strong>in</strong>g my<br />
childhood days, we lived <strong>in</strong> Pune and I had a couple of friends who I<br />
still kept <strong>in</strong> contact w<strong>it</strong>h even after we moved (those<br />
were <strong>the</strong> days of <strong>in</strong>land letters). Recently, I got an<br />
<strong>in</strong>v<strong>it</strong>e from a Dr. Prabhu Desai <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK who asked<br />
me if I was <strong>the</strong> same Arun from Loyola High school.<br />
Incredibly, <strong>it</strong> was my old friend and we got back <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>to</strong>uch after 28 years! I now look forward <strong>to</strong> catch<strong>in</strong>g<br />
up w<strong>it</strong>h him on my next trip <strong>to</strong> India via London.”<br />
Women can easily identify w<strong>it</strong>h Rupali Mehra<br />
who is based <strong>in</strong> Mumbai but has friends and family<br />
dotted around <strong>the</strong> globe. Simply because <strong>it</strong> is typical<br />
of how life takes over for most women after school<br />
and college, juggl<strong>in</strong>g between family life and<br />
sometimes careers <strong>to</strong>o. Rupali shares, “My fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
had a lot of friends so as children we had some<br />
amaz<strong>in</strong>g memories of gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> celebrate<br />
festivals, stay<strong>in</strong>g up all night, pyjama parties w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
friends. I passed out from school <strong>in</strong> 1985 and<br />
married <strong>in</strong> 1989 which meant I lost <strong>to</strong>uch w<strong>it</strong>h ALL my school friends<br />
as I got busy and settled down w<strong>it</strong>h my new family.”<br />
But Facebook has changed all that for Rupali <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last one<br />
year. “I jo<strong>in</strong>ed Facebook for a lark but as I started look<strong>in</strong>g for old<br />
colleagues, relatives, friends and cous<strong>in</strong>s settled overseas who I hadn’t<br />
met for years, a strange k<strong>in</strong>d of joy <strong>to</strong>ok over. It was wonderful and<br />
nostalgic. I could now connect w<strong>it</strong>h pictures, anecdotes, old jokes,<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ries from my childhood; <strong>it</strong><br />
was like an au<strong>to</strong>biography that<br />
opened a new page each day as<br />
new episodes unfolded. I was<br />
addicted for sure.”<br />
A Peek <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> People’s lives<br />
Indians by nature are curious,<br />
<strong>in</strong>quis<strong>it</strong>ive and relational, which<br />
is obviously why we form strong<br />
relationships and commun<strong>it</strong>ies.<br />
For those of us who are miles<br />
away from India, have Facebook<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r such social network<strong>in</strong>g<br />
webs<strong>it</strong>es facil<strong>it</strong>ated our connect<strong>in</strong>g<br />
global Indians <strong>to</strong> India?<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> fantastic th<strong>in</strong>gs of<br />
such webs<strong>it</strong>es is <strong>the</strong> opportun<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of hav<strong>in</strong>g a glimpse <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> people’s<br />
lives and <strong>the</strong> happen<strong>in</strong>gs on <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r side of <strong>the</strong> globe. You can leaf<br />
through pho<strong>to</strong>graphs of friends and<br />
family, f<strong>in</strong>d out what old college<br />
Rupali Mehra’s recent school reunion - 1985 batch<br />
friends are up <strong>to</strong>, congratulate<br />
folks on <strong>the</strong>ir latest promotions,<br />
graduations, birthdays, post l<strong>in</strong>ks<br />
and articles you f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and <strong>the</strong>n engage <strong>in</strong> discussions<br />
about <strong>the</strong>m w<strong>it</strong>h your friends and<br />
acqua<strong>in</strong>tances.<br />
14 The International Indian<br />
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For most of us <strong>it</strong>’s like a daily dose as Rupali adm<strong>it</strong>s, “Facebook<br />
now keeps me connected <strong>to</strong> my family and friends on a daily basis. My<br />
65 year old mo<strong>the</strong>r who spends time between India and my bro<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong><br />
Vietnam and my uncle <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> US are now <strong>in</strong> regular <strong>to</strong>uch w<strong>it</strong>h me and<br />
my children. They know how I feel and how my day has gone by. They<br />
offer cheerful advice, give a patient hear<strong>in</strong>g or sometimes just chat <strong>to</strong><br />
cheer me up. It’s as good<br />
as liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same c<strong>it</strong>y<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> distance <strong>to</strong>tally<br />
wiped out.”<br />
Arun adds, “The<br />
“status” feature on<br />
Facebook allows one<br />
<strong>to</strong> type <strong>in</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gs one<br />
is do<strong>in</strong>g or feel<strong>in</strong>g at<br />
<strong>the</strong> time of logg<strong>in</strong>g on.<br />
Because I am so many<br />
miles away from India,<br />
I don’t even know when<br />
Asheesh Dewan of Dubl<strong>in</strong> says, “I went <strong>to</strong> this reunion <strong>in</strong><br />
Chennai because of two special people who impacted my<br />
life. Facebook has more social connectiv<strong>it</strong>y w<strong>it</strong>h people and<br />
<strong>the</strong>reby has led <strong>to</strong> a whole spate of reunions.”<br />
festivals come and go,<br />
so when family and<br />
friends from India put<br />
up comments about <strong>the</strong><br />
festivals I feel nostalgic<br />
and can re-live those<br />
days through <strong>the</strong>m.”<br />
The sheer availabil<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of <strong>in</strong>stant <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
due <strong>to</strong> technology<br />
has suddenly made<br />
everyth<strong>in</strong>g here and<br />
now provid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stant<br />
gratification and hold<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r a whole lot of<br />
home sick Indians across<br />
<strong>the</strong> globe.<br />
Akshay Kulkarni<br />
who has <strong>to</strong> engage <strong>in</strong><br />
frequent overseas travel<br />
remembers an <strong>in</strong>cident,<br />
“I was <strong>in</strong> S<strong>in</strong>gapore w<strong>it</strong>h my wife Kalyani on our anniversary. On<br />
a previous trip I had spent a fabulous even<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h a dear friend but<br />
just could not remember <strong>the</strong> place. Meanwhile, ano<strong>the</strong>r friend called<br />
<strong>to</strong> wish us and I was expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g this disappo<strong>in</strong>tment <strong>to</strong> her. Lo and<br />
behold <strong>in</strong> about 30 m<strong>in</strong>utes I get an email from my dear friend w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
<strong>the</strong> address of <strong>the</strong> place. This was <strong>the</strong> result of a post<strong>in</strong>g on Facebook<br />
and he had responded.”<br />
Arun Rao - <strong>the</strong> pho<strong>to</strong> that started <strong>the</strong> reunion effort and<br />
<strong>the</strong>n facebook<br />
Reunions and Get <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
Because people are on <strong>in</strong>stant<br />
and constant <strong>to</strong>uch w<strong>it</strong>h each<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r on cyber space some are of<br />
<strong>the</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ion that social network<strong>in</strong>g<br />
is mak<strong>in</strong>g reunions obsolete but<br />
most th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>the</strong>se connections are<br />
lead<strong>in</strong>g and mobiliz<strong>in</strong>g people<br />
<strong>to</strong> organize more school/college/<br />
workplace reunions.<br />
This summer one of <strong>the</strong><br />
highlights of my vis<strong>it</strong> <strong>to</strong> India<br />
was <strong>the</strong> school girls’ reunion that<br />
we organised through Facebook.<br />
Most of us are scattered around<br />
<strong>the</strong> globe but those of us who<br />
connected were ever so eager<br />
<strong>to</strong> meet as we anticipated this<br />
special even<strong>in</strong>g after 23 years.<br />
That even<strong>in</strong>g will always be<br />
etched <strong>in</strong> my m<strong>in</strong>d as we chatted<br />
non s<strong>to</strong>p, laughed heartily and<br />
shared our journeys. Although,<br />
reunions carry w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong>m a<br />
natural anxiety or worry about<br />
how you will be perceived by<br />
your old school friends, what<br />
held us <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r were memories<br />
of school days, those girlie years<br />
and that until two years ago<br />
this get <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r would have<br />
been unth<strong>in</strong>kable if <strong>it</strong> wasn’t for<br />
Facebook connect<strong>in</strong>g us.<br />
For Arun <strong>it</strong> was an unexpected<br />
turnout, “As a result of my<br />
Facebook group of Class 6-10,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g response<br />
and happ<strong>in</strong>ess felt by everyone,<br />
we did organize a reunion <strong>in</strong><br />
Manipal <strong>in</strong> Nov 2008. We went<br />
back <strong>to</strong> our school and organized<br />
a lunch for our teachers (most of<br />
whom were retired but attended<br />
<strong>the</strong> function). We honored<br />
<strong>the</strong>m w<strong>it</strong>h memen<strong>to</strong>s, had <strong>the</strong>m<br />
speak <strong>to</strong> us and also sat <strong>in</strong> our<br />
classrooms ….. <strong>it</strong> was a great<br />
experience. Of course we <strong>the</strong>n<br />
went on <strong>to</strong> party <strong>the</strong> night away.<br />
It cont<strong>in</strong>ued until <strong>the</strong> next day<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h a picnic on <strong>the</strong> beach. S<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
<strong>the</strong>n we have had more friends<br />
jo<strong>in</strong> and now look forward <strong>to</strong> our<br />
next reunion <strong>in</strong> 2011.”<br />
Ajay Nambiar is ever so<br />
grateful <strong>to</strong> Facebook. Hav<strong>in</strong>g been<br />
raised <strong>in</strong> an army<br />
family, he studied and<br />
grew up <strong>in</strong> various<br />
parts of India and<br />
Facebook helped him<br />
contact people from<br />
<strong>the</strong> various stages of<br />
his life. He eagerly<br />
looks forward <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
25 th management<br />
school year celebrations<br />
<strong>in</strong> 2011 now that<br />
contacts have been<br />
made. Although <strong>the</strong><br />
first reunion was not<br />
<strong>the</strong> easiest for him as an<br />
organizer, accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />
him <strong>the</strong> common feel<strong>in</strong>g<br />
everyone had was that of<br />
anticipation, “<strong>it</strong> was more<br />
curios<strong>it</strong>y and <strong>the</strong> sheer<br />
joy of see<strong>in</strong>g each o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
after all <strong>the</strong>se years and reliv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
our memories of firsts - how <strong>the</strong><br />
college started, first fresher party,<br />
first tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g session, first patta<br />
party, first beach vis<strong>it</strong>, first holiday<br />
<strong>to</strong> Kerala, first farewell which no<br />
one else would know if not present<br />
<strong>the</strong>n. Ours was <strong>the</strong> first batch.”<br />
Rupali was exhilarated when<br />
she was <strong>in</strong>troduced <strong>to</strong> her school<br />
group on Facebook. “There was<br />
no s<strong>to</strong>pp<strong>in</strong>g me as I found my<br />
old school friends and added<br />
<strong>the</strong>m left right and centre. I slept<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h my cell phone under my<br />
pillow and would sometimes<br />
wake up <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong> night <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d emails from my friends<br />
liv<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r side of <strong>the</strong> globe. We <strong>the</strong>n set a date for a school<br />
re union w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> school uniform colour as <strong>the</strong> dress code – BLUE!<br />
We had about 30 girls come <strong>in</strong> from various parts of India and one<br />
each from North America and New Zealand. The joy of meet<strong>in</strong>g after<br />
25 years was enough as we exchanged notes about spouses, families,<br />
careers, education. We all p<strong>it</strong>ched <strong>in</strong> w<strong>it</strong>h various tasks - a clever<br />
l<strong>it</strong>tle memen<strong>to</strong> of a small teddy bear wear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> school uniform<br />
was made. We played a quiz <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g school teachers, classmate’s<br />
k<strong>in</strong>ks, sang <strong>the</strong> school an<strong>the</strong>m and<br />
played all <strong>the</strong> games we used <strong>to</strong> as<br />
pigtailed pixies.<br />
The Next Big Th<strong>in</strong>g<br />
What I now speculate and<br />
often contemplate about is what<br />
technology and <strong>the</strong> Internet will<br />
throw at us next? Arun th<strong>in</strong>ks, “<br />
<strong>the</strong> next immediate technology<br />
will be video streams -- currently<br />
most computers still needs one <strong>to</strong><br />
hook up <strong>to</strong> a web cam but soon we<br />
might be able <strong>to</strong> track locations<br />
of friends on a map through<br />
REAL TIME. For example, if I<br />
am en route <strong>to</strong> India via <strong>the</strong> UK,<br />
and log on<strong>to</strong> my Facebook s<strong>it</strong>e<br />
<strong>in</strong> UK - all my UK buddies will<br />
know that I am <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir vic<strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>y.<br />
Scary, isn’t <strong>it</strong>?”<br />
Enthusiastic Rupali is eagerly<br />
awa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g such a breakthrough <strong>in</strong> technology as she smiles and shares,<br />
“I guess via realtime group video, we might be able <strong>to</strong> celebrate family<br />
d<strong>in</strong>ners, birthdays, festivals <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r. Earlier on we would go home <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> family but soon we’ll be w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> family all day long communicat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
just as we would at <strong>the</strong> d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g table.”<br />
This makes me realize, that man truly cannot live alone! We<br />
belong <strong>to</strong> a society <strong>the</strong> moment we are born and spend years build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
relationships that def<strong>in</strong>e us and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> our sense of ident<strong>it</strong>y. What<br />
b<strong>in</strong>ds people anywhere around <strong>the</strong> globe is this sense of belong<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> a commun<strong>it</strong>y. No wonder research suggests that social isolation is<br />
one of <strong>the</strong> largest contribut<strong>in</strong>g fac<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong>wards cl<strong>in</strong>ical depression <strong>in</strong><br />
people. And if technology and <strong>the</strong> Internet can be used as a <strong>to</strong>ol <strong>to</strong><br />
connect, ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> and fur<strong>the</strong>r this much needed bond<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> people,<br />
why not?<br />
Rupali Mehra w<strong>it</strong>h her classmates after 24 years<br />
Sar<strong>in</strong>a Menezes is a freelance wr<strong>it</strong>er based <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK<br />
18 The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 19
20<br />
TURNING EAST<br />
Westerners Head East<br />
- for <strong>the</strong> Moment<br />
To <strong>the</strong> West, India has long been known as a place that people are leav<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
as Indians make up one of <strong>the</strong> largest segments of immigrants of many Western<br />
nations, particularly Commonwealth nations like <strong>the</strong> UK, Canada, and Australia.<br />
The ever-<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g number of Indians mov<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> places abroad has made some<br />
Western c<strong>it</strong>ies significantly Indian - like my home<strong>to</strong>wn of Vancouver, Canada,<br />
where Indo-Canadians make up about one-fifth of <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>tal population.<br />
But recently, more and more Westerners are turn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir eyes east <strong>to</strong> India.<br />
And as <strong>the</strong> global play<strong>in</strong>g-field f<strong>in</strong>ds <strong>it</strong>self more and more levelled, India has been<br />
among <strong>the</strong> first develop<strong>in</strong>g nations <strong>to</strong> emerge as a place <strong>to</strong> be <strong>in</strong>, and not just a place<br />
<strong>to</strong> be from. Why are Westerners head<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> India? What do <strong>the</strong>y f<strong>in</strong>d when <strong>the</strong>y get<br />
<strong>the</strong>re? And are <strong>the</strong>y <strong>the</strong>re <strong>to</strong> stay?<br />
by: Benjam<strong>in</strong> Parker<br />
WEIGHING THE CHOICES<br />
COMING TO INDIA<br />
The first real<strong>it</strong>y: The choice<br />
Anthony Apodaca<br />
is usually made through a<br />
went <strong>to</strong> India for<br />
consideration of personal<br />
one year as a liaison<br />
advantage. In o<strong>the</strong>r words, <strong>the</strong><br />
for an electronic<br />
path of least resistance for most<br />
book publish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of us is <strong>the</strong> path of greatest<br />
company called Logos Research<br />
personal ga<strong>in</strong>. When <strong>it</strong> comes <strong>to</strong><br />
Systems, Inc. Summ<strong>in</strong>g up his<br />
relocat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> India, Westerners<br />
reasons for tak<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> one-year<br />
weigh <strong>the</strong> advantages (often<br />
assignment, he said “I was liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial) of go<strong>in</strong>g versus<br />
<strong>in</strong> Bell<strong>in</strong>gham, Wash<strong>in</strong>g<strong>to</strong>n and<br />
stay<strong>in</strong>g. Indian companies, as<br />
was simultaneously offered two<br />
well as foreign companies w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
jobs <strong>in</strong> electronic publish<strong>in</strong>g, one<br />
branches based <strong>in</strong> India, attract<br />
<strong>in</strong> Manhattan and one <strong>in</strong> Chennai.<br />
specialized employees w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
I <strong>to</strong>ok <strong>the</strong> job <strong>in</strong> Chennai because<br />
packages comparable <strong>to</strong> what<br />
I thought <strong>it</strong> would be <strong>the</strong> most<br />
may be found <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />
unique experience and <strong>the</strong> salaries<br />
countries. There is noth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
were more or less equal.” His<br />
surpris<strong>in</strong>g about this practice,<br />
views reflect those of many o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
who choose India. Anthony Apodaca found many th<strong>in</strong>gs that of course - except that <strong>it</strong> has<br />
The International Indian<br />
he appreciated about Indian culture.<br />
become someth<strong>in</strong>g that more and<br />
more Indian companies are both<br />
will<strong>in</strong>g and able <strong>to</strong> do.<br />
INDIA ON THE MOVE/<br />
LACK OF OPPORTUNITY<br />
BACK HOME<br />
But <strong>in</strong> add<strong>it</strong>ion <strong>to</strong> what may<br />
be called <strong>the</strong> no-lose scenario<br />
of f<strong>in</strong>ancial compensation, India<br />
has <strong>it</strong>’s share of o<strong>the</strong>r th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>to</strong><br />
offer. One of <strong>the</strong>se is that India<br />
is go<strong>in</strong>g places. Employees<br />
do not usually like dead-end<br />
jobs, and India, w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>s rate of<br />
growth, both economically as<br />
well as <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> number of k<strong>in</strong>ds<br />
of opportun<strong>it</strong>ies available, is<br />
a place where Westerners can<br />
realistically expect <strong>the</strong>ir careers<br />
<strong>to</strong> go somewhere. And not just <strong>in</strong><br />
India. Indian experience on <strong>the</strong><br />
CV is now respected worldwide.<br />
The o<strong>the</strong>r side <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ry of <strong>the</strong><br />
change <strong>in</strong> economic fortunes is <strong>the</strong><br />
saturation of <strong>the</strong> market <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> West.<br />
As unemployment <strong>in</strong>creases <strong>in</strong><br />
much of <strong>the</strong> world, <strong>the</strong> will<strong>in</strong>gness<br />
(or need) <strong>to</strong> look away from home<br />
also <strong>in</strong>creases. Job<br />
hunters brows<strong>in</strong>g<br />
s<strong>it</strong>es like monster.<br />
com just might f<strong>in</strong>d<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves look<strong>in</strong>g<br />
at monster<strong>in</strong>dia.com.<br />
THE EXPAT<br />
EXPERIENCE<br />
But one th<strong>in</strong>g<br />
must be kept <strong>in</strong><br />
m<strong>in</strong>d. There is still<br />
a big difference<br />
between <strong>the</strong> Indian<br />
who goes west<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Westerner<br />
‘<br />
“Westerners<br />
compla<strong>in</strong> about<br />
everyth<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Indians<br />
compla<strong>in</strong> about<br />
noth<strong>in</strong>g.” He<br />
also has respect<br />
for Indians’<br />
prior<strong>it</strong>iz<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
relationships,<br />
especially<br />
family.<br />
‘<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
who comes east. The Indian<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> West is an immigrant.<br />
The Westerner <strong>in</strong> India is an<br />
expatriate. And <strong>the</strong>re are very<br />
few exceptions <strong>to</strong> this rule.<br />
The difference between<br />
<strong>the</strong> Indian and <strong>the</strong> Westerner<br />
results from both <strong>the</strong> nature of<br />
<strong>the</strong> people and <strong>the</strong> respective<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ations. His<strong>to</strong>rically and<br />
culturally, many Western nations<br />
are nations of immigrants. And<br />
<strong>it</strong> is <strong>the</strong>refore expected (by one<br />
and all) that foreigners <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
West are mak<strong>in</strong>g a new home for<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves. This is played out<br />
<strong>in</strong> daily conversation between<br />
<strong>the</strong> two cultures. When I meet<br />
an Indian overseas (or someone<br />
from many o<strong>the</strong>r countries,<br />
for that matter), <strong>it</strong> is very<br />
common for me <strong>to</strong> be asked<br />
questions regard<strong>in</strong>g Canadian<br />
immigration. (By <strong>the</strong> way, this is not always a good l<strong>in</strong>e of <strong>in</strong>quiry<br />
<strong>to</strong> Canadians. Most of us, be<strong>in</strong>g born <strong>in</strong> Canada, have no idea how<br />
one would go about becom<strong>in</strong>g an immigrant <strong>to</strong> Canada.) When I meet<br />
Indians <strong>in</strong> Canada, a common question that I ask <strong>the</strong>m is when <strong>the</strong>y<br />
will become a c<strong>it</strong>izen.<br />
But no one asks a foreigner <strong>in</strong> India about when <strong>the</strong>y will<br />
become a c<strong>it</strong>izen - at least not yet. The fact is that Westerners are<br />
not <strong>in</strong> India <strong>to</strong> stay - nor<br />
does India usually want<br />
<strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong>. They are <strong>the</strong>re<br />
for <strong>the</strong> experience of <strong>it</strong>,<br />
that is all. And as for <strong>the</strong><br />
prospects for Westerners<br />
who might want <strong>to</strong> make<br />
India <strong>the</strong>ir home? For now<br />
few prospects and few<br />
takers exist.<br />
Anthony buy<strong>in</strong>g a car <strong>in</strong> India. After a small religious r<strong>it</strong>ual,<br />
he was handed <strong>the</strong> keys, which he <strong>the</strong>n gave <strong>to</strong> Rama,<br />
his driver (far left).<br />
THE MYSTIQUE OF<br />
INDIA<br />
And one must not forget<br />
one simple fact: India is<br />
India. There is someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
The International Indian 21
TURNING EAST<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
22<br />
- many th<strong>in</strong>gs - about<br />
<strong>the</strong> country that make <strong>it</strong><br />
unique among <strong>the</strong> nations<br />
of <strong>the</strong> world. Throughout<br />
<strong>it</strong>s long his<strong>to</strong>ry, India has<br />
drawn people <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>it</strong>self.<br />
The Indian exodus is<br />
actually a relatively recent<br />
phenomenon. And so for<br />
people <strong>to</strong> seek entry <strong>to</strong><br />
India is not really a reversal<br />
of <strong>the</strong> normal trend. It is<br />
a return <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> way th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
have usually been.<br />
‘<br />
ON THE GROUND<br />
THE INDIAN WAYOF LIFE<br />
When a Westerner arrives <strong>in</strong> India, <strong>the</strong>re are a number of th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
<strong>the</strong>y f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>to</strong> be different from <strong>the</strong>ir way of life back home. For<br />
example, many western expats<br />
express <strong>the</strong>ir surprise at <strong>the</strong><br />
India is India.<br />
There is<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g - many<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs - about<br />
<strong>the</strong> country that<br />
make <strong>it</strong> unique<br />
among <strong>the</strong> nations<br />
of <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Throughout <strong>it</strong>s<br />
long his<strong>to</strong>ry, India<br />
has drawn people<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>it</strong>self.<br />
The International Indian<br />
The ancient c<strong>it</strong>y of Mamallapuram, a mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle ride from<br />
Chennai. One of <strong>the</strong> places vis<strong>it</strong>ed dur<strong>in</strong>g Anthony’s time <strong>in</strong> India.<br />
‘<br />
extent that religion permeates<br />
<strong>the</strong> culture. This is found not<br />
only <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> omnipresence of<br />
religious symbols <strong>in</strong> India, but<br />
also <strong>in</strong> conversation - even w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
strangers. In <strong>the</strong> West, religion<br />
has largely been abandoned<br />
(unless one considers agnosticism<br />
a religion) and <strong>it</strong> is generally not<br />
considered pol<strong>it</strong>e <strong>to</strong> ask about<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r’s spir<strong>it</strong>ual beliefs.<br />
Not so <strong>in</strong> India. One blogger<br />
on an expat s<strong>it</strong>e med<strong>it</strong>ates on<br />
<strong>the</strong> directness of Indians w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
respect <strong>to</strong> religion. “But what<br />
are South Asians, <strong>in</strong> this case<br />
Indians, really ask<strong>in</strong>g me when<br />
<strong>the</strong>y <strong>in</strong>quire about my religion as<br />
an open<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> conversation?<br />
I th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>it</strong>’s an easy way <strong>to</strong> place<br />
me, <strong>to</strong> understand who I am and<br />
where I come from.”<br />
But though differences require<br />
some adjustment, <strong>the</strong>y are often<br />
appreciated. I, for one,<br />
don’t m<strong>in</strong>d gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong><br />
a spir<strong>it</strong>ual conversation<br />
from <strong>the</strong> first sentence.<br />
And Anthony Apodaca<br />
found many th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
that he appreciated<br />
about Indian culture.<br />
Regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se, he<br />
stated simply that<br />
“Westerners compla<strong>in</strong><br />
about everyth<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Indians compla<strong>in</strong><br />
about noth<strong>in</strong>g.” He also has<br />
respect for Indians’ prior<strong>it</strong>iz<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
relationships, especially family.<br />
COMMUNICATION<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> real<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>to</strong><br />
face is <strong>the</strong> difficulty found<br />
<strong>in</strong> communicat<strong>in</strong>g. This is<br />
not unexpected, but <strong>it</strong> can be<br />
frustrat<strong>in</strong>g. Westerners f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>it</strong><br />
helpful that large numbers of<br />
Indians speak English, especially<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> South as well as <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
companies that Westerners f<strong>in</strong>d<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>. But<br />
sometimes a common language<br />
misleads people <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r understands what<br />
is be<strong>in</strong>g said. Though I have<br />
never worked <strong>in</strong> India myself, I<br />
have been <strong>the</strong>re often enough <strong>to</strong><br />
know that I need <strong>to</strong> change <strong>the</strong><br />
way I speak English <strong>in</strong> an Indian<br />
context. It is now natural for me<br />
<strong>to</strong> subconsciously adopt an Indian<br />
accent, especially when speak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on <strong>the</strong> phone. My usual accent,<br />
which some might consider a<br />
mono<strong>to</strong>ne mumble, just doesn’t<br />
get me very far at times.<br />
Anthony found <strong>the</strong> same w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
respect <strong>to</strong> sentence structure as<br />
well. “I also found <strong>it</strong> difficult <strong>to</strong><br />
speak <strong>in</strong> a way that <strong>the</strong>y could<br />
understand me,” he says. “If I<br />
said, ‘bottle of water’, a wa<strong>it</strong>er<br />
would look at me like I was<br />
speak<strong>in</strong>g French. If, however, I<br />
said, ‘water bottle’, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
brought <strong>it</strong> immediately.<br />
This was annoy<strong>in</strong>g.”<br />
Though no one is <strong>to</strong><br />
blame for this difficulty, <strong>it</strong><br />
can be an adjustment that<br />
many Westerners have<br />
trouble mak<strong>in</strong>g. It’s just<br />
part of <strong>the</strong> consequence<br />
of speak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> global<br />
language. English is<br />
found everywhere, but<br />
each part of <strong>the</strong> world<br />
has <strong>it</strong>s own way of<br />
speak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong>.<br />
THE WORK<br />
ENVIRONMENT<br />
There are also differences <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
work environment as well. Anthony<br />
relates <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
“When I first arrived at <strong>the</strong><br />
office <strong>in</strong> Chennai, I was <strong>to</strong>ld that<br />
I needed <strong>to</strong> go get passport-sized<br />
pho<strong>to</strong>graphs <strong>in</strong> order <strong>to</strong> have<br />
an ID badge. I went and faced<br />
<strong>the</strong> blister<strong>in</strong>g sun and extreme<br />
wea<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> go get <strong>the</strong> pictures<br />
and promptly delivered <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> office. Five months later, I<br />
got my ID badge. I asked several<br />
times <strong>in</strong> those five months if I<br />
was go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> get my ID badge<br />
soon and always got <strong>the</strong> same<br />
reply, ‘Tomorrow com<strong>in</strong>g, sir’.<br />
“This illustrates both<br />
pos<strong>it</strong>ive and negative sides<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Indian culture. On <strong>the</strong><br />
one hand, <strong>the</strong> office manager<br />
valued my relationship so he<br />
didn’t tell me that he didn’t<br />
know or that <strong>it</strong> would be ano<strong>the</strong>r month or whatever. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
hand, com<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> States, I expect an accurate answer. Fur<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
I would consider that anyone who actually valued my relationship,<br />
would give me a straight answer or at least tell me when <strong>the</strong>y do<br />
not know. The name badge was a small and <strong>in</strong>significant event, but<br />
<strong>the</strong>re were much bigger and<br />
more frustrat<strong>in</strong>g events,<br />
especially relat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />
workloads and deadl<strong>in</strong>es.”<br />
Anthony’s s<strong>to</strong>ry illustrates<br />
one of <strong>the</strong> challenges faced by<br />
Westerners <strong>in</strong> India. Indians<br />
(especially subord<strong>in</strong>ates)<br />
will often tell people what<br />
<strong>the</strong>y feel <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r person<br />
wants <strong>to</strong> hear, not necessarily<br />
what <strong>the</strong> facts really are. Of<br />
course, <strong>the</strong>y are encouraged<br />
<strong>to</strong> do this: many Indian bosses<br />
are not comfortable w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
anyth<strong>in</strong>g else, which is why<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir employees tell <strong>the</strong>m what<br />
<strong>the</strong>y want. In <strong>the</strong> West, bosses<br />
and employees have a different dynamic, usually focus<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> task<br />
at hand <strong>in</strong> a more objective way. A subord<strong>in</strong>ate can usually speak<br />
freely about <strong>the</strong> task, even giv<strong>in</strong>g bad news or disagree<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong><br />
boss about how someth<strong>in</strong>g should be accomplished, and <strong>it</strong> isn’t taken<br />
personally. It doesn’t often work this way <strong>in</strong> India, where <strong>the</strong> personal<br />
is often <strong>the</strong> largest element <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> workplace.<br />
Outdoor adventure. Anthony earned <strong>the</strong> nickname<br />
“Au<strong>to</strong>”, as <strong>in</strong> “au<strong>to</strong> rickshaw” because many of his<br />
fellow-adventurers could not swim, so he carried <strong>the</strong>m<br />
across <strong>the</strong> water on his back.<br />
GOING HOME<br />
Like most Westerners <strong>in</strong> India, Anthony completed his contract and<br />
decided <strong>it</strong> was time <strong>to</strong> leave. He still hasn’t made <strong>it</strong> all <strong>the</strong> way home,<br />
though he has gone back <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> West: He’s <strong>in</strong> Oxford, work<strong>in</strong>g on his Ph.D.<br />
One last question before he goes: Would he stay <strong>in</strong> India if he had<br />
<strong>the</strong> chance? “I th<strong>in</strong>k I could stay <strong>in</strong> Chennai for one more year, but I am<br />
ultimately not happy here. For one, I love <strong>to</strong> be outside and <strong>in</strong> nature,<br />
Chennai is a huge c<strong>it</strong>y, densely populated and terribly polluted.”<br />
So for now <strong>the</strong> attraction of India for most Westerners rema<strong>in</strong>s<br />
essentially that of an expat experience. But <strong>it</strong>’s safe <strong>to</strong> say that <strong>the</strong><br />
attraction is grow<strong>in</strong>g and both Indians and Westerners will soon have<br />
<strong>to</strong> decide how much fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y want <strong>to</strong> take <strong>the</strong> relationship.<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> Parker is contribut<strong>in</strong>g edi<strong>to</strong>r of TII<br />
The International Indian 23
BOLLYWOOD<br />
<strong>Rensil</strong> D’Silva: Mak<strong>in</strong>g Indian<br />
C<strong>in</strong>ema Global & Contemporary<br />
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The much awa<strong>it</strong>ed Saif-Kareena starrer, KURBAAN – a romantic thriller set<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> backdrop of global terrorism make <strong>it</strong>s way <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> screens worldwide<br />
this November. Debutante direc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>Rensil</strong> D’Silva is an ad man w<strong>it</strong>h 18 years<br />
experience who has scripted films like <strong>the</strong> path break<strong>in</strong>g Rang De Basanti, Aks<br />
and Mani Ratnam’s upcom<strong>in</strong>g film Raavan. In an exclusive <strong>in</strong>terview w<strong>it</strong>h TII he<br />
shares his journey and <strong>the</strong> challenges of <strong>Bollywood</strong>.<br />
by: Sar<strong>in</strong>a Menezes<br />
A<br />
clear <strong>in</strong>dication of<br />
an Indian ident<strong>it</strong>y<br />
across <strong>the</strong> globe is<br />
<strong>Bollywood</strong>. In <strong>the</strong><br />
his<strong>to</strong>ry of world<br />
c<strong>in</strong>ema, noth<strong>in</strong>g even comes close<br />
<strong>Rensil</strong> w<strong>it</strong>h Saif Ali Khan & Kareena Kapoor<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> meteoric rise <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> number<br />
of movies produced <strong>in</strong> <strong>Bollywood</strong><br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong> a fundamental part of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Indian Diaspora experience.<br />
Be <strong>it</strong> American, African, Middle<br />
Eastern or Br<strong>it</strong>ish Indians, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
have all managed <strong>to</strong> keep up w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
<strong>the</strong> latest films and songs com<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from Mumbai. The Indian film<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>to</strong>day is known and appreciated – right from America <strong>to</strong><br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>a. While expatriate Indians love <strong>the</strong>m, o<strong>the</strong>rs are not un<strong>to</strong>uched<br />
by <strong>the</strong>ir magic e<strong>it</strong>her.<br />
H<strong>in</strong>di films employ a surpris<strong>in</strong>g mix of facts woven <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
fiction and colourful songs and dances <strong>to</strong> keep <strong>the</strong> viewer captivated <strong>in</strong><br />
a memorable trance! While earlier this dist<strong>in</strong>ctive style was domestic<br />
and sought <strong>to</strong> showcase <strong>it</strong>s Indian-ness, <strong>to</strong>day,<br />
<strong>it</strong> has become very <strong>in</strong>ternational, appeal<strong>in</strong>g<br />
extensively <strong>to</strong> Indians settled abroad and<br />
foreigners alike. The typical tearjerker<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ries have given way, <strong>to</strong> a large extent, <strong>to</strong><br />
contemporary issues. This change is be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
accepted and <strong>in</strong> some cases, even demanded,<br />
on <strong>the</strong> domestic front. Where, merely a decade<br />
ago, films like Hum Aapke Ha<strong>in</strong> Kaun and<br />
Dilwale Dulhaniya le Jayenge were madly<br />
accepted and Rajshri productions bagged<br />
box office success every time w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
family dramas. Today multiplex audiences<br />
are enjoy<strong>in</strong>g and are receptive <strong>to</strong> films<br />
which present real<strong>it</strong>y <strong>the</strong>y can identify w<strong>it</strong>h.<br />
This November, <strong>the</strong> much awa<strong>it</strong>ed Saif-<br />
Kareena starrer, KURBAAN – a romantic<br />
thriller set aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> backdrop of global<br />
terrorism will make <strong>it</strong>s way <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> screens worldwide. The man beh<strong>in</strong>d<br />
<strong>the</strong> film is <strong>Rensil</strong> D’Silva mak<strong>in</strong>g his entry as a debutante direc<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
And although this is his first direc<strong>to</strong>rial venture, <strong>Rensil</strong> is not new <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> media <strong>in</strong>dustry. An ad man w<strong>it</strong>h 18 years experience, <strong>Rensil</strong> has<br />
also scripted films like Aks, Rang De Basanti and Mani Ratnam’s<br />
upcom<strong>in</strong>g film Raavan.<br />
In 2006, <strong>the</strong> path break<strong>in</strong>g film Rang De Basanti scripted by <strong>Rensil</strong><br />
made a noticeable impact on Indian society. This was a film that evoked<br />
a great social reaction from <strong>the</strong> youth <strong>in</strong> India and <strong>the</strong>re was a great<br />
24<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 17
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ANNI V ERSARY<br />
stir <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> public <strong>to</strong>wards government and pol<strong>it</strong>icians for constantly<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g mired <strong>in</strong> corruption and bureaucracy and <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>in</strong>efficiency <strong>in</strong><br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g c<strong>it</strong>izens w<strong>it</strong>h basic amen<strong>it</strong>ies. This was a film that <strong>in</strong>stigated<br />
pol<strong>it</strong>ical thought and discussions on how c<strong>it</strong>izens should support and<br />
contribute <strong>to</strong> non-governmental organizations, exercise simple c<strong>it</strong>izen<br />
duties of pay<strong>in</strong>g taxes and vot<strong>in</strong>g, while <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs contemplated on<br />
how <strong>to</strong> become more responsible <strong>to</strong>wards <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
For <strong>Rensil</strong> D’Silva, wr<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g, script<strong>in</strong>g and now direct<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>to</strong>ries<br />
on real, contemporary and global issues was never a risk but a path<br />
break<strong>in</strong>g opportun<strong>it</strong>y<br />
<strong>to</strong> quench his passion<br />
and burn<strong>in</strong>g desire<br />
for expression. The<br />
tim<strong>in</strong>g could not have<br />
been more perfect.<br />
And <strong>the</strong> audiences <strong>in</strong><br />
India and overseas are<br />
welcom<strong>in</strong>g this change<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Bollywood</strong>. Insp<strong>it</strong>e<br />
of be<strong>in</strong>g busy up <strong>to</strong> his<br />
eyeballs, <strong>Rensil</strong> spared<br />
a few m<strong>in</strong>utes <strong>to</strong> tell<br />
TII about his journey<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>Bollywood</strong> and<br />
<strong>the</strong> exhilarat<strong>in</strong>g but<br />
satisfy<strong>in</strong>g experience<br />
<strong>it</strong> has been so far.<br />
<strong>Rensil</strong> D’silva: My ident<strong>it</strong>y, my terms<br />
Please give us a brief profile/background of yourself.<br />
I’ve spent <strong>the</strong> last 17 yrs do<strong>in</strong>g a comb<strong>in</strong>ation of documentaries,<br />
ad films, music videos and feature films. My effort was always <strong>to</strong><br />
test myself <strong>in</strong> various genres of wr<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g and direction. For <strong>the</strong> last 10<br />
years, while I have been a Creative Direc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>in</strong> advertis<strong>in</strong>g agencies as<br />
varied as Rediffusion, Mudra and Ogilvy & Ma<strong>the</strong>r, I’ve also wr<strong>it</strong>ten<br />
scripts for movies like Aks, Rang De Basanti, Mani Ratnam’s Ravana<br />
and Shooj<strong>it</strong> Sircar’s Shoeb<strong>it</strong>e. Currently I am <strong>the</strong> Executive Creative<br />
Direc<strong>to</strong>r of Meridian, a sister agency of O&M.<br />
Did you face any prejudice because of your name when you entered<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Bollywood</strong> film <strong>in</strong>dustry?<br />
In<strong>it</strong>ially, people found <strong>it</strong> strange <strong>to</strong> have a Christian wr<strong>it</strong>e for a<br />
H<strong>in</strong>di film. It was just not a done th<strong>in</strong>g. Some of <strong>the</strong>m even asked me<br />
<strong>to</strong> change my name or leave <strong>it</strong> out. But I was <strong>in</strong>sistent on <strong>the</strong> fact that I<br />
would not change my ident<strong>it</strong>y and that if I had <strong>to</strong> make <strong>it</strong>, <strong>it</strong> would be<br />
on my terms.<br />
Tell us a b<strong>it</strong> about your journey<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> wr<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g and now direct<strong>in</strong>g<br />
films.<br />
As a boy, I’ve always been<br />
an avid film buff. My <strong>in</strong>fluences<br />
have been Guru Dutt, Ridley Scott,<br />
Ramesh Sippy, George Lucas and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Coen Bro<strong>the</strong>rs. After wr<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
for many years <strong>the</strong><br />
floodgates opened after<br />
Rang De Basanti. I<br />
was offered many films<br />
and over two years,<br />
wrote 14 screenplays<br />
that are now <strong>in</strong> various<br />
stages of completion. In<br />
2006, Karan offered me<br />
Kurbaan <strong>to</strong> wr<strong>it</strong>e and<br />
direct based on a s<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
he had.<br />
What were <strong>the</strong> ups<br />
and downs you had <strong>to</strong><br />
face as a newcomer<br />
from advertis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> fiercely compet<strong>it</strong>ive and<br />
guarded <strong>Bollywood</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry?<br />
What drew you <strong>to</strong> <strong>Bollywood</strong>?<br />
Was <strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong> challenge, want<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />
change th<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>the</strong> money? <strong>How</strong><br />
did you manage <strong>the</strong> risks?<br />
I knew I wanted <strong>to</strong> tell s<strong>to</strong>ries<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h a difference which would<br />
engage <strong>the</strong> heart and head. In<br />
1997, when I started, we didn’t<br />
have multiplexes and <strong>the</strong> mature<br />
audiences of <strong>to</strong>day. But I did not<br />
want <strong>to</strong> sell out and wr<strong>it</strong>e what<br />
was considered enterta<strong>in</strong>ment and<br />
so though work came slowly and<br />
steadily, I pushed for mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
films that I would be <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong><br />
where <strong>the</strong> screenplays and s<strong>to</strong>ries<br />
would be <strong>the</strong> highlight. For <strong>the</strong><br />
last 10 yrs, I have worked from 9<br />
am <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> morn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> 9 pm <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> an ad agency and 11 pm<br />
<strong>to</strong> 3 am wr<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g screenplays of my films. It’s been a schizophrenic life<br />
but <strong>the</strong> only way possibly where passion and commerce could marry.<br />
From Rang De Basanti <strong>to</strong> Kurbaan, <strong>it</strong> is evident that your s<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
wr<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g is upbeat, relevant and contemporary which is pretty<br />
unusual for <strong>Bollywood</strong>! Why did you choose <strong>to</strong> take this path?<br />
I have always believed that form and content should move hand<br />
<strong>in</strong> hand. And that if you add layers of social relevance and emotional<br />
connect <strong>to</strong> this s<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>the</strong>re is no way you can lose.<br />
I am usually <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ries where big events<br />
that affect our times whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>it</strong> be terrorism or<br />
apathy <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world around us are played out on a<br />
more human and <strong>in</strong>timate level. I am <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong><br />
real<strong>it</strong>y not melodrama. So this is pretty unusual for<br />
<strong>Bollywood</strong>. I guess I chose <strong>it</strong> because this is how<br />
my m<strong>in</strong>d works and how I believe that younger<br />
audiences of <strong>to</strong>day like <strong>the</strong>ir enterta<strong>in</strong>ment – less<br />
fluff more real<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
But Rang De Basanti worked like magic. And<br />
most people attribute <strong>it</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ry. What do you<br />
personally th<strong>in</strong>k? What is <strong>the</strong> one <strong>in</strong>gredient<br />
that made <strong>it</strong> happen or work?<br />
A non-l<strong>in</strong>ear s<strong>to</strong>rytell<strong>in</strong>g was just a form that<br />
aided <strong>the</strong> idea. It was <strong>the</strong> sentiment and <strong>the</strong> idea at <strong>the</strong><br />
heart of <strong>the</strong> film that made <strong>it</strong> work. Form is just an aide <strong>to</strong> content. The<br />
emotional core connected w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> audience and so <strong>the</strong> film was a h<strong>it</strong>.<br />
And now w<strong>it</strong>h Kurbaan, an issue that is global. Has <strong>Bollywood</strong><br />
emerged <strong>to</strong> a po<strong>in</strong>t where realistic films will appeal? Why? Is this<br />
still a risk, a bus<strong>in</strong>ess strategy <strong>to</strong> move away from <strong>the</strong> run-of-<strong>the</strong>mill<br />
or has <strong>the</strong> audience matured?<br />
I th<strong>in</strong>k f<strong>in</strong>ally Indian filmmakers have got an audience <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
always dreamed about. A young audience w<strong>it</strong>h purchas<strong>in</strong>g power and<br />
global exposure. An audience that th<strong>in</strong>ks <strong>in</strong> 2 idioms – Western &<br />
Indian. Most importantly, an audience whose real<strong>it</strong>y is no longer bleak<br />
but upbeat and confident. It is this real<strong>it</strong>y that propels filmmakers like<br />
me <strong>to</strong> make real films. Films about <strong>to</strong>day and <strong>to</strong>day’s concerns.<br />
It is now up <strong>to</strong> us <strong>to</strong> respect <strong>the</strong> audience and not <strong>in</strong>sult <strong>it</strong>s <strong>in</strong>telligence<br />
by mak<strong>in</strong>g substandard products.<br />
What is your advice <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> younger and upcom<strong>in</strong>g wr<strong>it</strong>ers and<br />
aspir<strong>in</strong>g direc<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Bollywood</strong>?<br />
I th<strong>in</strong>k when you start out <strong>the</strong>re<br />
is a constant tug of war <strong>in</strong> your<br />
head between do<strong>in</strong>g run of <strong>the</strong><br />
mill stuff that gets you money than<br />
do<strong>in</strong>g new forms of s<strong>to</strong>rytell<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that meet w<strong>it</strong>h resistance. I th<strong>in</strong>k<br />
<strong>it</strong> is very important <strong>to</strong> persist<br />
<strong>in</strong> some form whatever your<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual capac<strong>it</strong>y may be w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
<strong>the</strong> latter. May be <strong>it</strong>s impractical<br />
<strong>Rensil</strong>: Mak<strong>in</strong>g films w<strong>it</strong>h a dist<strong>in</strong>ct voice of <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />
<strong>to</strong> completely disregard monetary<br />
consideration. I th<strong>in</strong>k one should<br />
have a healthy respect for money<br />
but not be subservient <strong>to</strong> <strong>it</strong> and lose<br />
your own voice. It is only when<br />
you make a film that has a dist<strong>in</strong>ct<br />
voice of <strong>it</strong>s own that you will be<br />
recognized and appreciated and<br />
hence have a career for yourself.<br />
So I guess <strong>the</strong> simple answer is <strong>to</strong><br />
be true <strong>to</strong> your heart.<br />
Is <strong>the</strong>re anyth<strong>in</strong>g that you would<br />
never do aga<strong>in</strong>?<br />
No.<br />
Sar<strong>in</strong>a Menezes is a freelance<br />
wr<strong>it</strong>er based <strong>in</strong> UK<br />
26 The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 27
BAHRAIN<br />
Puravangara<br />
Unnikrishnan<br />
Rul<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Air Waves <strong>in</strong> Bahra<strong>in</strong><br />
“In <strong>the</strong> first place you have <strong>to</strong> be a very good listener. O<strong>the</strong>rwise you<br />
cannot reach anywhere and you also have <strong>to</strong> be open <strong>to</strong> cr<strong>it</strong>icism.”<br />
Puravangara Unnikrishnan of Radio Voice <strong>in</strong> Bahra<strong>in</strong> shares his<br />
philosophical approach <strong>to</strong> broadcast<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
by: Hemu Gorde<br />
Puravangara Unnikrishnan could possibly be <strong>the</strong> first Indian<br />
or even an expat <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> GCC countries <strong>to</strong> have launched<br />
<strong>the</strong> region’s maiden private FM Radio channel, but he<br />
certa<strong>in</strong>ly is <strong>the</strong> first and <strong>the</strong> only one <strong>to</strong> have that dist<strong>in</strong>ction<br />
<strong>in</strong> Bahra<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Voice FM 104.2, that<br />
went on air on November<br />
1, 2006 is undoubtedly one<br />
channel that b<strong>in</strong>ds <strong>the</strong> people<br />
of <strong>the</strong> sub-cont<strong>in</strong>ent, Pakistan,<br />
Bangladesh and even Sri<br />
Lanka <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> Bahra<strong>in</strong> as<br />
well as <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> neighbour<strong>in</strong>g<br />
countries.<br />
Three years down <strong>the</strong> lane,<br />
Unnikrishnan, Chairman and<br />
Manag<strong>in</strong>g Direc<strong>to</strong>r of Voice<br />
FM 104.2, says that <strong>the</strong> station<br />
is very popular and “enjoys<br />
<strong>the</strong> patronage of thousands of<br />
listeners from Bahra<strong>in</strong>, Qatar,<br />
Kuwa<strong>it</strong> and <strong>the</strong> Eastern Prov<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
of Saudi Arabia.” But what he is<br />
also equally happy about is that<br />
<strong>the</strong> unprecedented participation<br />
and patronage of <strong>the</strong> listeners,<br />
“which has given us <strong>the</strong> pos<strong>it</strong>ion<br />
of a station that receives <strong>the</strong> highest SMS feedback from listeners<br />
Puravangara Unnikrishnan Chairman and<br />
Manag<strong>in</strong>g Direc<strong>to</strong>r of Voice FM 104.2<br />
across <strong>the</strong> entire GCC states.”<br />
While <strong>the</strong>re are many first<br />
generation highly-successful<br />
entrepreneurs <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region, <strong>it</strong><br />
was Unnikrishnan who ventured<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> a bus<strong>in</strong>ess untried by his<br />
compatriots <strong>in</strong> Bahra<strong>in</strong>.<br />
He could well have started an<br />
advertis<strong>in</strong>g agency or a trad<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and market<strong>in</strong>g firm as a holder of<br />
an MBA degree <strong>in</strong> Advertis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and Market<strong>in</strong>g; but that is not<br />
<strong>the</strong> way Unnikrishnan looks at<br />
life as he wanted <strong>to</strong> give back <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> people by br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g a smile<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir faces and b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m<br />
<strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
At 41, he recalls <strong>the</strong> year<br />
1993 when he reached Bahra<strong>in</strong><br />
w<strong>it</strong>h dreams of becom<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a copywr<strong>it</strong>er and achiev<strong>in</strong>g<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial secur<strong>it</strong>y. His route <strong>to</strong><br />
Bahra<strong>in</strong> was typical as he came<br />
hop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d his dream job, but<br />
for survival, work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ially<br />
<strong>in</strong> a construction company <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> accounts section at a junior<br />
level.<br />
The salary was mere BD70,<br />
<strong>the</strong> liv<strong>in</strong>g cond<strong>it</strong>ions were not<br />
good and <strong>the</strong> prospects were not<br />
bright but he cont<strong>in</strong>ued work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
hop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> get a su<strong>it</strong>able job <strong>in</strong><br />
an Ad agency or a market<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and trad<strong>in</strong>g company. His hopes<br />
were squashed when he had <strong>to</strong><br />
choose <strong>to</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ue work<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
<strong>the</strong> company or become jobless,<br />
and probably leave Bahra<strong>in</strong><br />
due <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> labour m<strong>in</strong>istry<br />
requirements at that time.<br />
No option left, he chose <strong>to</strong><br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ue w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> company.<br />
Honest and hardwork<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Unnikrishnan earned <strong>the</strong><br />
respect and trust of <strong>the</strong><br />
owners as he became<br />
a pivotal fac<strong>to</strong>r <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
establishment’s growth.<br />
He was <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>in</strong><br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> construction<br />
company <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> a group of<br />
companies w<strong>it</strong>h associates<br />
and bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>terests <strong>in</strong><br />
a number of o<strong>the</strong>r GCC<br />
States. And when he left<br />
<strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong> 1998, w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> good<br />
wishes of <strong>the</strong> bosses<br />
and every s<strong>in</strong>gle worker <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
organisation, his job pos<strong>it</strong>ion was<br />
Group Manager.<br />
“The bosses promised my<br />
job was available if I wanted <strong>it</strong><br />
back and kept <strong>the</strong> door open for<br />
me. But as good human be<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
<strong>the</strong>y allowed me <strong>to</strong> do someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
new <strong>in</strong> my life that exc<strong>it</strong>ed<br />
me.” The hundreds of workers<br />
still admire and love him for<br />
when <strong>the</strong>y came <strong>to</strong> Bahra<strong>in</strong><br />
under his adm<strong>in</strong>istration <strong>the</strong>y<br />
did not have <strong>to</strong> pay any agent<br />
or middleman’s fees.<br />
“This is one of <strong>the</strong> biggest<br />
assets that I have earned <strong>in</strong> life,”<br />
he says.<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
Look<strong>in</strong>g back Unnikrishnan believes that strength comes from<br />
manag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> “ups and downs opf life” and a burn<strong>in</strong>g desire <strong>to</strong> excel.<br />
His illustrious grandfa<strong>the</strong>r, P. Kurchiraman Nair, was one of Kerala’s<br />
f<strong>in</strong>est modern era poets and was known as Mahakavi P. Mahakavi (The<br />
Great Poet) a t<strong>it</strong>le that is rare. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, his fa<strong>the</strong>r was a<br />
freedom fighter who later became active <strong>in</strong> pol<strong>it</strong>ics and was <strong>the</strong> Kerala<br />
State President of <strong>the</strong> Janata Party.<br />
It was his mo<strong>the</strong>r who raised <strong>the</strong> family after his fa<strong>the</strong>r’s untimely<br />
death when he was only 10. At times th<strong>in</strong>gs were bad. “But my mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>in</strong>stilled <strong>the</strong> good qual<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>in</strong> me and my o<strong>the</strong>r sibl<strong>in</strong>gs, and I know<br />
how important that<br />
is <strong>in</strong> life when <strong>it</strong><br />
comes <strong>to</strong> deal<strong>in</strong>g<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h people,” he<br />
says.<br />
Unnikrishnan seen receiv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Media Excellence Award<br />
from Her Highness Shaikha Sabika b<strong>in</strong>t Ibrahim Al Khalifa,<br />
Chairperson of <strong>the</strong> Supreme Council for Women and wife of<br />
His Majesty <strong>the</strong> K<strong>in</strong>g Hamad b<strong>in</strong> Isa Al Khalifa<br />
Leav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
construction group,<br />
Unnikrishnan jo<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
Asianet TV <strong>to</strong><br />
become <strong>the</strong> head of<br />
<strong>it</strong>s team produc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> regular episodes<br />
on Bahra<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> 1998.<br />
“Most people <strong>in</strong><br />
Kerala knew only<br />
Dubai and Saudi<br />
Arabia <strong>the</strong>n and had<br />
not heard of Bahra<strong>in</strong>.<br />
The Asianet coverage<br />
<strong>in</strong>troduced Bahra<strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> people <strong>in</strong> Kerala <strong>in</strong> a big way. It also gave me <strong>the</strong> opportun<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong><br />
highlight <strong>the</strong> culture, her<strong>it</strong>age and <strong>the</strong> rich past of Bahra<strong>in</strong>—which has<br />
a his<strong>to</strong>ry of nearly 8,000 years. Add<strong>it</strong>ionally, people also learnt about<br />
local people, <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess and commerce potential and job opportun<strong>it</strong>ies.<br />
I am very glad <strong>to</strong> have become a part of Asianet which helped <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
Bahra<strong>in</strong>’s <strong>to</strong>urism sec<strong>to</strong>r <strong>in</strong> <strong>it</strong>s own way,” says <strong>the</strong> man who produced<br />
more than 1,500 weekly episodes for <strong>the</strong> channel before sett<strong>in</strong>g up his<br />
own radio station <strong>in</strong> Bahra<strong>in</strong>.<br />
The mere mention of Voice FM, and Unnikrishnan becomes<br />
enthused, expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> tag l<strong>in</strong>e of <strong>the</strong> station: “Pos<strong>it</strong>ive Sound”.<br />
The idea is that we are “<strong>in</strong>undated w<strong>it</strong>h negative news all over on<br />
a daily basis, be <strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong> newspapers or <strong>the</strong> TV, and my objective is <strong>to</strong><br />
br<strong>in</strong>g happ<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> people, <strong>in</strong> this case through music. The regular<br />
programmes <strong>in</strong>clude, songs <strong>in</strong> different languages, live <strong>in</strong>teractive<br />
<strong>in</strong>terviews of doc<strong>to</strong>rs, <strong>the</strong> labour author<strong>it</strong>ies, legal experts among o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
so people can ask questions and get answers. Vis<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g film and music<br />
celebr<strong>it</strong>ies are also <strong>in</strong>terviewed. This makes people happy as well as<br />
educates <strong>the</strong>m, thus creat<strong>in</strong>g a different world <strong>in</strong> <strong>it</strong>self. Add<strong>it</strong>ionally, we<br />
30 The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 31
BAHRAIN<br />
are <strong>the</strong> only media partner of <strong>the</strong> Labour Market Regula<strong>to</strong>ry Author<strong>it</strong>y<br />
(LMRA), which gives us tremendous credibil<strong>it</strong>y,” he expla<strong>in</strong>s.<br />
The station is very transparent and “is <strong>the</strong> only radio station, <strong>to</strong> my<br />
knowledge, that carries live cr<strong>it</strong>icisms of listeners w<strong>it</strong>h no ed<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g at<br />
all. We allow people <strong>to</strong> speak so that we can grow and deliver what<br />
<strong>the</strong>y want by improv<strong>in</strong>g ourselves,” he emphasises.<br />
And how does he look at <strong>the</strong> cr<strong>it</strong>icism? In a very pos<strong>it</strong>ive way.<br />
When someone says someth<strong>in</strong>g was “nuisance” about a programme<br />
or coverage, I take <strong>it</strong> as “New Sense.” he smiles.<br />
”What I have unders<strong>to</strong>od <strong>in</strong> this bus<strong>in</strong>ess which deals w<strong>it</strong>h mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
people listen, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> first place you yourself have <strong>to</strong> be a very good<br />
listener. O<strong>the</strong>rwise you cannot reach anywhere. You also have <strong>to</strong> be<br />
open <strong>to</strong> cr<strong>it</strong>icism,” he shares his philosophical approach add<strong>in</strong>g that all<br />
his staff are confident that <strong>the</strong>y can share everyth<strong>in</strong>g openly w<strong>it</strong>h him<br />
and express <strong>the</strong>ir views regardless of <strong>the</strong>ir role <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> company.<br />
“Come November 1, we are go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> change our station‘s<br />
Puravangara Unnikrishnan w<strong>it</strong>h Ali Radhi, CEO of LMRA after sign<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir media partnership<br />
name <strong>to</strong> Radio Voice <strong>to</strong> become more closer <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> people’s heart,”he<br />
revealed exclusively <strong>to</strong> TII ahead of any official announcement<br />
elsewhere, and as he speaks fur<strong>the</strong>r he radiates confidence that <strong>the</strong>re<br />
will not be any problem <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> trans<strong>it</strong>ion because he has “listened <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> listeners.”<br />
The station is now runn<strong>in</strong>g smoothly, and does not require my day<strong>to</strong>-day<br />
presence. The system is <strong>in</strong> place and, hav<strong>in</strong>g been blessed w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
dedicated and qual<strong>it</strong>y staff, I can relax a l<strong>it</strong>tle, quips Unnikrishnan w<strong>it</strong>hout<br />
highlight<strong>in</strong>g that he still does several major <strong>in</strong>terviews and is a primary<br />
force <strong>in</strong> overall management, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g design<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> programmes.<br />
“My wife and my son and daughter now get more time w<strong>it</strong>h me and<br />
I try <strong>to</strong> pass on <strong>the</strong> qual<strong>it</strong>ies my mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>stilled <strong>in</strong> me. I make <strong>the</strong>m<br />
stay w<strong>it</strong>h my mo<strong>the</strong>r as often as possible,” he discloses.<br />
“A decade from now, our bus<strong>in</strong>ess profile will be different from<br />
now and will hopefully be qu<strong>it</strong>e diversified. We are currently look<strong>in</strong>g<br />
at <strong>the</strong> prospects of enter<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> IT <strong>in</strong>dustry and are<br />
negotiat<strong>in</strong>g possibil<strong>it</strong>ies w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
some reputed players.<br />
He does not rush <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g<br />
deals <strong>to</strong>o quickly. This is <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h Unnikrishnan’s th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g<br />
before f<strong>in</strong>alis<strong>in</strong>g any deal, and he<br />
<strong>in</strong>ev<strong>it</strong>ably <strong>in</strong>v<strong>it</strong>es <strong>the</strong> prospective<br />
partner <strong>to</strong> vis<strong>it</strong> Bahra<strong>in</strong> and<br />
see his bus<strong>in</strong>ess set up dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> negotiations. The idea is <strong>to</strong><br />
slow down and take time before<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g any important decision.<br />
It is also <strong>the</strong> same w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> new<br />
employees. If selected from<br />
outside Bahra<strong>in</strong>, <strong>the</strong> candidate<br />
is sent a vis<strong>it</strong> visa first <strong>to</strong><br />
experience <strong>the</strong> company’s work<br />
ethics and environment, meet<br />
and talk <strong>to</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r staff, before<br />
tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> decision <strong>to</strong> jo<strong>in</strong>.<br />
“That is because we are<br />
serious about our relationships<br />
and our transparency, and we<br />
value people,” is Unnikrishnan’s<br />
explanation.<br />
Puravangara works closely<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h Bahra<strong>in</strong> Radio and<br />
Television Corporation (BRTC),<br />
from where he broadcasts his<br />
programmes. He acknowledges<br />
BRTV’s role <strong>in</strong> his success.<br />
“The government’s decision<br />
<strong>in</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g Bahra<strong>in</strong>’s TV Radio<br />
set up <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> a bus<strong>in</strong>ess corporation<br />
and allow<strong>in</strong>g us <strong>to</strong> run our<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess privately makes <strong>it</strong> a<br />
w<strong>in</strong>-w<strong>in</strong> s<strong>it</strong>uation for both. I am<br />
very happy <strong>to</strong> be <strong>in</strong> Bahra<strong>in</strong> and I<br />
don’t forget that this country has<br />
given me much more than my<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ial dreams,” he says look<strong>in</strong>g<br />
back at his 16 year sojourn on<br />
<strong>the</strong> island.<br />
Hemu Gorde is a freelance<br />
wr<strong>it</strong>er based <strong>in</strong> Bahra<strong>in</strong><br />
32<br />
The International Indian
EDUCATION<br />
<strong>Education</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> UOWD perspective<br />
Development and divers<strong>it</strong>y are <strong>the</strong> words that come <strong>to</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d<br />
when Univers<strong>it</strong>y of Wollongong <strong>in</strong> Dubai’s president muses<br />
about higher education <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE.<br />
by: Professor John Whelan<br />
UOWD at Dubai’s Knowledge Village<br />
I<br />
came <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE a l<strong>it</strong>tle over a year ago, <strong>to</strong> take up <strong>the</strong> pos<strong>it</strong>ion of<br />
President at <strong>the</strong> Univers<strong>it</strong>y of Wollongong <strong>in</strong> Dubai. As <strong>the</strong> ‘new<br />
boy <strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn’ I had a lot <strong>to</strong> learn, both about <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ry of my<br />
own Univers<strong>it</strong>y and about <strong>the</strong> rapidly evolv<strong>in</strong>g higher education<br />
environment <strong>in</strong> Dubai, and <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE more generally.<br />
The first th<strong>in</strong>g that strikes you <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE higher education environment<br />
is divers<strong>it</strong>y. There is a wonderful divers<strong>it</strong>y of univers<strong>it</strong>y students study<strong>in</strong>g<br />
here – over 100 countries of orig<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> UOWD alone! Indian students are a<br />
feature of many univers<strong>it</strong>y campuses <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE. There is a wide divers<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of staff <strong>to</strong>o – w<strong>it</strong>h 35 national<strong>it</strong>ies at UOWD. This divers<strong>it</strong>y adds <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
exc<strong>it</strong>ement and reward of liv<strong>in</strong>g and work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Dubai.<br />
Although many UAE Nationals choose one of <strong>the</strong> public <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utions,<br />
many attend private Univers<strong>it</strong>ies – <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g UOWD. In add<strong>it</strong>ion, many<br />
foreign students <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE are expats liv<strong>in</strong>g here; some families have<br />
been here for several generations. Among <strong>the</strong> students com<strong>in</strong>g here <strong>to</strong><br />
study from o<strong>the</strong>r countries, India,<br />
<strong>the</strong> GCC and non-GCC Arab<br />
countries dom<strong>in</strong>ate. <strong>How</strong>ever,<br />
we also have <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
students from places as far afield<br />
as Australia, <strong>the</strong> West Indies,<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>a, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan.<br />
This divers<strong>it</strong>y is evidence of<br />
<strong>the</strong> great progress be<strong>in</strong>g made <strong>in</strong><br />
establish<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> UAE of as a ‘hub’<br />
for world class higher education<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Middle East region. This is<br />
undoubtedly an objective <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
UAE. The Abu Dhabi <strong>Education</strong><br />
Council, for example, has a<br />
vision of be<strong>in</strong>g “recognized as a<br />
world class education system that<br />
supports all learners <strong>in</strong> reach<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir full potential <strong>to</strong> compete <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> global market”. To this end,<br />
this Emirate has <strong>in</strong>v<strong>it</strong>ed some<br />
prestigious overseas Univers<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>to</strong><br />
establish campuses <strong>in</strong> that Emirate.<br />
Earlier this year, UOWD<br />
hosted a research symposium on<br />
“Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Clusters: a Source of<br />
Innovation and Knowledge for<br />
Compet<strong>it</strong>ive Advantage”. At this<br />
symposium, Dubai’s aspirations of<br />
becom<strong>in</strong>g a world class education<br />
hub were presented by <strong>the</strong><br />
Direc<strong>to</strong>r of Dubai’s ‘Knowledge<br />
Village’ Ibrahim Jamel. Dubai’s<br />
strategy differs from Abu Dhabi’s<br />
Professor Robert John Whelan, President of <strong>the</strong> Univers<strong>it</strong>y of Wollongong <strong>in</strong> Dubai.<br />
‘‘Divers<strong>it</strong>y adds <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> exc<strong>it</strong>ement and reward of liv<strong>in</strong>g and work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong>.’’<br />
<strong>in</strong> that <strong>the</strong>y are encourag<strong>in</strong>g many univers<strong>it</strong>ies from overseas <strong>to</strong> establish<br />
branch campuses <strong>in</strong> education Free Zones, such as ‘Academic C<strong>it</strong>y’ – <strong>to</strong><br />
co-locate many higher education <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utions <strong>in</strong> a cluster.<br />
You might say that <strong>the</strong> UAE’s range of higher education options<br />
is as diverse as <strong>the</strong> potential student population. There can be no ‘one<br />
size f<strong>it</strong>s all’ market<strong>in</strong>g approach <strong>in</strong> this heterogenous society. There<br />
is no one size f<strong>it</strong>s all teach<strong>in</strong>g approach e<strong>it</strong>her. Some students are<br />
already <strong>in</strong> full-time work and want classes after hours, some commute<br />
<strong>to</strong> us from as far away as Oman and Abu Dhabi and <strong>the</strong>y would prefer<br />
weekend classes, o<strong>the</strong>rs are more trad<strong>it</strong>ional full-time day-time<br />
students. Also, students <strong>in</strong> Dubai come from a bewilder<strong>in</strong>g array of<br />
high school backgrounds – CBSE, ISC and a myriad of Indian State<br />
Board curricula, Pakistani Year 12, GCE ‘O’ ‘AS’ and ‘A’ Levels,<br />
International Baccalaureate, American High School, Australian Year<br />
12, Arab High School.<br />
Some higher education <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utions <strong>in</strong> this<br />
region see <strong>the</strong>ir place as simply deliver<strong>in</strong>g a niche<br />
‘product’ – say a bus<strong>in</strong>ess diploma – and no more.<br />
This gives <strong>the</strong>ir graduates a qualification that may<br />
have <strong>in</strong>ternational ‘currency’, but not a campus<br />
experience nor o<strong>the</strong>r less tangible benef<strong>it</strong>s of<br />
study<strong>in</strong>g at a trad<strong>it</strong>ional univers<strong>it</strong>y, such as be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
taught by staff who are actively <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> research,<br />
and engag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> activ<strong>it</strong>ies that engage and benef<strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
local commun<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
The first big issue I had <strong>to</strong> deal w<strong>it</strong>h, as <strong>the</strong> new<br />
President of UOWD, was brought <strong>to</strong> me by <strong>the</strong><br />
Manager of our Market<strong>in</strong>g Department. He wanted<br />
<strong>to</strong> know: “Why are our degrees not recognised <strong>in</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r GCC countries?” “Are <strong>the</strong>y not?” was my<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ial response. His reply was: “Well, <strong>the</strong>y are <strong>in</strong><br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
some countries <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region, but<br />
not all.”<br />
I was surprised, because<br />
UOWD has been operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
Dubai for 16 years. Moreover,<br />
<strong>it</strong> is an <strong>in</strong>dependent, private<br />
<strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>ution licensed by <strong>the</strong> UAE<br />
M<strong>in</strong>istry for Higher <strong>Education</strong><br />
and Scientific Research, along<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h 57 o<strong>the</strong>r private <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utions<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE and <strong>the</strong> three national<br />
tertiary <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utions: Un<strong>it</strong>ed Arab<br />
Emirates Univers<strong>it</strong>y, Zayed<br />
Univers<strong>it</strong>y, and <strong>the</strong> Higher<br />
Colleges of Technology. Our<br />
21 degree programs are among<br />
<strong>the</strong> 454 programs accred<strong>it</strong>ed by<br />
<strong>the</strong> M<strong>in</strong>istry’s Commission for<br />
Academic Accred<strong>it</strong>ation (<strong>the</strong><br />
‘CAA’).<br />
I soon found out that this<br />
national accred<strong>it</strong>ation process<br />
creates a clear dist<strong>in</strong>ction<br />
between branches of foreign<br />
Univers<strong>it</strong>ies that have set up <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Emirates, <strong>the</strong> major<strong>it</strong>y of <strong>the</strong>m<br />
<strong>in</strong> education Free Zones, mostly<br />
<strong>in</strong> Dubai. The Knowledge and<br />
UAE’s range of higher education options is as diverse as <strong>the</strong><br />
potential student population.<br />
34 The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 35
EDUCATION<br />
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ANNI V ERSARY<br />
In <strong>the</strong> UAE, as w<strong>it</strong>h most o<strong>the</strong>r countries, few high<br />
school leavers seem <strong>to</strong> research <strong>the</strong> implications of <strong>the</strong><br />
choice of <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>ution for <strong>the</strong>ir future studies or careers<br />
Human Development Author<strong>it</strong>y,<br />
for example, records 52 higher<br />
education <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utions operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
Dubai. Of <strong>the</strong>se, 29 do not have<br />
UAE national accred<strong>it</strong>ation, but<br />
operate as shopfronts or branch<br />
campuses for overseas <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utions.<br />
Why do univers<strong>it</strong>ies and<br />
governments place such emphasis<br />
on accred<strong>it</strong>ation and on qual<strong>it</strong>y<br />
assurance? What does accred<strong>it</strong>ation<br />
tell us about a univers<strong>it</strong>y or<br />
about a specific degree program?<br />
What opportun<strong>it</strong>ies do different<br />
qualifications open up for<br />
graduates? These are important<br />
questions for anyone embark<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
a univers<strong>it</strong>y degree, <strong>in</strong> any country.<br />
Qual<strong>it</strong>y aud<strong>it</strong> of univers<strong>it</strong>ies is<br />
designed <strong>to</strong> evaluate <strong>the</strong> qual<strong>it</strong>y of<br />
<strong>the</strong> academic outcomes, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> atta<strong>in</strong>ment of certa<strong>in</strong> threshold<br />
standards of performance and <strong>the</strong><br />
effectiveness of <strong>the</strong> processes a univers<strong>it</strong>y has <strong>in</strong> place <strong>to</strong> ensure <strong>the</strong><br />
delivery of <strong>the</strong>se outcomes. Most qual<strong>it</strong>y aud<strong>it</strong> agencies worldwide<br />
also see an important part of <strong>the</strong>ir role as <strong>in</strong>form<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> public and<br />
higher education policy-makers of <strong>the</strong> relative academic standards of<br />
univers<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>in</strong> a particular country or region.<br />
Accred<strong>it</strong>ation is one way <strong>to</strong> advertise <strong>the</strong> pos<strong>it</strong>ive outcome<br />
of a qual<strong>it</strong>y aud<strong>it</strong>. An accred<strong>it</strong>ed <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>ution has demonstrated that<br />
<strong>it</strong>s <strong>in</strong>ternal structures and processes do <strong>in</strong>deed deliver educational<br />
outcomes that meet or exceed standards, and prospective students<br />
can be confident of this w<strong>it</strong>hout need<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> exam<strong>in</strong>e for <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />
every aspect of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>ution and <strong>it</strong>s programs.<br />
The Commission for Academic Accred<strong>it</strong>ation (<strong>the</strong> ‘CAA’) was<br />
established <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE M<strong>in</strong>istry for Higher <strong>Education</strong> and Scientific<br />
Research <strong>to</strong> ensure that univers<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Emirates operate at<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational standards of qual<strong>it</strong>y. To achieve this, <strong>the</strong> CAA conducts<br />
a program of licensure of univers<strong>it</strong>ies and also accred<strong>it</strong>ation of each<br />
of <strong>the</strong>ir academic programs.<br />
The CAA makes public <strong>it</strong>s Standards for Licensure and<br />
Accred<strong>it</strong>ation (see www.caa.ae/caa/images/standards2007.pdf).<br />
The CAA has <strong>it</strong>s own Commissioners, who have both <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
experience and also deep knowledge of local cond<strong>it</strong>ions, workforce<br />
needs, and potential<br />
student demand. It also<br />
engages <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
consultants <strong>to</strong> help evaluate<br />
applications for licensure<br />
and program accred<strong>it</strong>ation.<br />
The Standards, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> CAA’s tests of a<br />
univers<strong>it</strong>y’s performance<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong>se standards,<br />
<strong>the</strong>refore reflect <strong>the</strong> unique<br />
national circumstances<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE and also<br />
ensure that <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
comparabil<strong>it</strong>y is achieved.<br />
The CAA’s membership<br />
of <strong>the</strong> International<br />
Network for Qual<strong>it</strong>y<br />
Assurance Agencies <strong>in</strong><br />
Higher <strong>Education</strong>, gives<br />
confidence that <strong>the</strong> qual<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of accred<strong>it</strong>ed degree<br />
programs from licensed<br />
univers<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE is<br />
at <strong>in</strong>ternational standard.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> UAE, as w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
UOWD has a large number of students form <strong>the</strong><br />
sub-cont<strong>in</strong>ent.<br />
most o<strong>the</strong>r countries, few high school leavers seem <strong>to</strong> research <strong>the</strong><br />
implications of <strong>the</strong> choice of <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>ution for <strong>the</strong>ir future studies or<br />
careers. In order <strong>to</strong> assure a high standard of higher education, <strong>the</strong><br />
CAA requires that students are proficient <strong>in</strong> English, that <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
a good school academic performance (for undergraduate entry) or,<br />
for entry <strong>to</strong> Masters programs, a good first degree<br />
GPA from a nationally accred<strong>it</strong>ed Univers<strong>it</strong>y<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE or an <strong>in</strong>ternationally recognized<br />
overseas <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>ution.<br />
These entry regulations exist <strong>to</strong> ensure that<br />
students are well prepared for <strong>the</strong> demands of <strong>the</strong><br />
high qual<strong>it</strong>y education which <strong>the</strong> M<strong>in</strong>istry requires<br />
of <strong>it</strong>s licensed <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utions. So, if a student anticipates<br />
a future career <strong>in</strong> a government agency <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE,<br />
a degree from a nationally licensed <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>ution is<br />
likely <strong>to</strong> be required. If a graduate from a UAEbased<br />
univers<strong>it</strong>y plans <strong>to</strong> enter a Masters program<br />
at a licensed <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>ution, this will be possible only<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h good performance <strong>in</strong> an undergraduate degree<br />
from <strong>the</strong> right univers<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
In a recent <strong>in</strong>terview, I was asked: “Has<br />
education been reduced <strong>to</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g primarily a<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess?” My personal view is that <strong>it</strong> is very<br />
important <strong>to</strong> separate bus<strong>in</strong>ess from education because, <strong>in</strong> any country,<br />
<strong>the</strong> education of young people determ<strong>in</strong>es <strong>the</strong> future of <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
A significant reason for a staff member want<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> teach and research<br />
<strong>in</strong> a private univers<strong>it</strong>y should be <strong>to</strong> contribute <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> good of <strong>the</strong> local<br />
environment, commun<strong>it</strong>y, society and economy.<br />
This is because a univers<strong>it</strong>y should be about provid<strong>in</strong>g education<br />
and promot<strong>in</strong>g research. It should contribute <strong>to</strong> national goals and help<br />
<strong>the</strong> country <strong>to</strong> a knowledge-based economy. But above all, education<br />
should be about improv<strong>in</strong>g society. In a sense <strong>it</strong>’s a call<strong>in</strong>g, ra<strong>the</strong>r than<br />
just a job, <strong>to</strong> provide high qual<strong>it</strong>y education.<br />
This is not <strong>to</strong> say that univers<strong>it</strong>ies should not engage w<strong>it</strong>h bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
or <strong>in</strong>dustry. They should, and <strong>the</strong> best univers<strong>it</strong>ies do this very well.<br />
Feedback from <strong>in</strong>dustry helps univers<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>to</strong> improve <strong>the</strong>ir academic<br />
offer<strong>in</strong>gs and make <strong>the</strong>m more relevant <strong>to</strong> society. Fur<strong>the</strong>r, collaboration<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h univers<strong>it</strong>y staff on research projects can provide a significant<br />
compet<strong>it</strong>ive advantage <strong>to</strong> commercial and <strong>in</strong>dustrial partners.<br />
Research is not particularly well developed <strong>in</strong> UAE tertiary<br />
<strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utions. Although <strong>the</strong>re are excellent researchers w<strong>it</strong>h strong track<br />
records at many of UAE’s univers<strong>it</strong>ies, <strong>it</strong> was not until 2008 that <strong>the</strong>re<br />
was a national research fund<strong>in</strong>g program. His Excellency Sheikh<br />
Nahayan Mabarek b<strong>in</strong> Nahayan, <strong>the</strong> M<strong>in</strong>ister for Higher <strong>Education</strong><br />
and Scientific Research, established <strong>the</strong> National Research Foundation<br />
(NRF) and <strong>the</strong> first compet<strong>it</strong>ion for research project grants is currently<br />
under way – <strong>the</strong> outcomes are expected early <strong>in</strong> November.<br />
The NRF will change <strong>the</strong><br />
landscape for research <strong>in</strong><br />
univers<strong>it</strong>ies by provid<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
fund<strong>in</strong>g stream for excellent<br />
researchers <strong>to</strong> conduct projects<br />
The education of young people determ<strong>in</strong>es <strong>the</strong> future of <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
that address problems of<br />
national significance. It will<br />
also encourage univers<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>to</strong><br />
reward staff for good research<br />
performance as well as be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
good teachers. This is one of <strong>the</strong><br />
most cr<strong>it</strong>ical parts of a higher<br />
education system – ensur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that <strong>the</strong> leaders of <strong>to</strong>morrow, our<br />
current students, are learn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from people who are <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />
actively engaged <strong>in</strong> learn<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
W<strong>it</strong>h a comb<strong>in</strong>ation of a<br />
national univers<strong>it</strong>y system<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g both public and private<br />
univers<strong>it</strong>ies, a very strong<br />
accred<strong>it</strong>ation process, and a<br />
National Research Foundation –<br />
<strong>the</strong> UAE is on <strong>the</strong> way <strong>to</strong> achiev<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>it</strong>s aspiration of becom<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
world-class education hub.<br />
Professor John Whelan is<br />
President of <strong>the</strong> Univers<strong>it</strong>y of<br />
Wollongong <strong>in</strong> Dubai<br />
36 The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 37
COVER STORY<br />
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ANNI V ERSARY<br />
ANURAAG SINHA:<br />
Success Is Do<strong>in</strong>g Only One Th<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Anuraag S<strong>in</strong>ha, Manag<strong>in</strong>g Direc<strong>to</strong>r of Liali Jewellery a decade old<br />
company <strong>in</strong> Dubai, is proof that an idea for a bus<strong>in</strong>ess can transcend<br />
age and national<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong> forge a viable, last<strong>in</strong>g partnership.<br />
by: Frank Raj<br />
Anuraag S<strong>in</strong>ha w<strong>it</strong>h his wife Arti and <strong>the</strong>ir two sons, Ank<strong>it</strong> (15) and Anshul (11)<br />
Are entrepreneurs<br />
born or made?<br />
Theories diverge on<br />
this issue but <strong>the</strong> fact<br />
rema<strong>in</strong>s <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
people who choose not <strong>to</strong> run w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
<strong>the</strong> pack, <strong>the</strong>y march <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> beat of<br />
a different drummer. Millions of<br />
Indians come <strong>to</strong> work <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong><br />
but very few overcome real or<br />
self imposed barriers <strong>to</strong> create<br />
successful bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
relationships. One<br />
exception is 49<br />
year old Anuraag S<strong>in</strong>ha, Manag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Direc<strong>to</strong>r of Liali Jewellery whose<br />
decade old company is proof that an idea for a<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess can transcend age and national<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong><br />
forge a viable, last<strong>in</strong>g partnership. He easily<br />
validates what personal productiv<strong>it</strong>y gurus<br />
often po<strong>in</strong>t out - ‘Ideas have consequences.’<br />
That is an axiom w<strong>it</strong>h broad life applications<br />
<strong>to</strong>o, but <strong>it</strong> is highly relevant <strong>to</strong> launch<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g any bus<strong>in</strong>ess where creativ<strong>it</strong>y and<br />
<strong>in</strong>novation is <strong>the</strong> key <strong>to</strong> success.<br />
Anuraag’s experience though is not a<br />
common one – many s<strong>to</strong>ries circulate <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong> expatriate commun<strong>it</strong>y of different<br />
national<strong>it</strong>ies not gett<strong>in</strong>g along, and <strong>it</strong> is <strong>the</strong><br />
rare entrepreneur who succeeds because<br />
he <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>iated and nurtured <strong>the</strong> right bus<strong>in</strong>ess connection. Ten years<br />
ago Anuraag conv<strong>in</strong>ced Raed Ahmad Baker, scion of <strong>the</strong> prom<strong>in</strong>ent<br />
Emirati Baker family <strong>to</strong> launch Liali Jewellery under <strong>the</strong> umbrella of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Dutco group, one of <strong>the</strong> UAE’s <strong>to</strong>p bus<strong>in</strong>ess houses. What began<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h one showroom <strong>in</strong> Dubai’s Jumeirah Centre Mall is <strong>to</strong>day a cha<strong>in</strong><br />
of 20 s<strong>to</strong>res <strong>in</strong> Europe and <strong>the</strong> Middle East.<br />
“My roots are <strong>in</strong> Uttar Pradesh but I grew up and studied <strong>in</strong><br />
Mumbai,” says Anuraag, which is possibly an <strong>in</strong>dication of how he<br />
acquired his entrepreneurial <strong>in</strong>st<strong>in</strong>cts. Liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> big c<strong>it</strong>y many an<br />
Indian entrepreneur has tested and honed his mettle before ventur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
out <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong> and beyond . Be<strong>in</strong>g a product of St Xavier’s School and<br />
graduat<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h economics and statistics from KC College also gave<br />
Anuraag <strong>the</strong> foundation and confidence he needed <strong>to</strong> take his share<br />
of risks. “From <strong>the</strong> very beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g I was never <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
long term for anybody else,” he confesses. Do<strong>in</strong>g qu<strong>it</strong>e well on his<br />
own, Anuraag had already turned down a management tra<strong>in</strong>ee job w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
Ceat Tyres soon after college so <strong>the</strong> entrepreneur <strong>in</strong> him was evident<br />
qu<strong>it</strong>e early.<br />
But <strong>the</strong> jeweler-bus<strong>in</strong>essman’s tryst w<strong>it</strong>h dest<strong>in</strong>y could have taken<br />
him <strong>in</strong> different directions, and one of <strong>the</strong>m was a readymade career <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Bollywood</strong>. Anuraag’s fa<strong>the</strong>r and his uncles were filmmakers <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 60s<br />
and grow<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>in</strong> that heady atmosphere, his life could have taken a<br />
very different turn. But <strong>it</strong> was not meant <strong>to</strong> be, for after work<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h his<br />
fa<strong>the</strong>r for three years <strong>in</strong> show bus<strong>in</strong>ess he decided he was not <strong>in</strong>terested<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> film <strong>in</strong>dustry. Many a <strong>Bollywood</strong> aspirant would be surprised<br />
at his decision especially because<br />
some of <strong>the</strong> films <strong>the</strong> S<strong>in</strong>has made<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 60s and 70s, are popular<br />
h<strong>it</strong>s of yesteryear.<br />
Anuraag was only 19 at <strong>the</strong><br />
time, and he is qu<strong>it</strong>e detached<br />
when he recalls <strong>the</strong><br />
experience, “Our family<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess was H<strong>in</strong>di<br />
films – we made movies<br />
like Saaz Aur Awaz,<br />
Sharafat (w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
Dharmendra) and<br />
Zahrila Insaan,<br />
<strong>the</strong> second Rishi<br />
Kapoor starrer,<br />
Dushman starr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Rajesh Khanna and<br />
Mumtaz, and many<br />
more films. My<br />
fa<strong>the</strong>r’s older bro<strong>the</strong>r was<br />
one of <strong>the</strong> first importers of<br />
English movies like Django<br />
Anuraag S<strong>in</strong>ha, MD of Liali Jewellery and<br />
Raed Ahmad Baker: Chairman, Liali Jewellery<br />
etc., and my Dad’s youngest<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r Virender S<strong>in</strong>ha who<br />
wrote <strong>the</strong> screenplay for Kal<br />
Aaj Aur Kal is alive and still <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>Bollywood</strong>.” <strong>How</strong>ever nobody<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> second generation, ne<strong>it</strong>her Anuraag nor his two younger bro<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
and one sister were <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>to</strong> follow <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir footsteps, although his<br />
sister Seema S<strong>in</strong>ha is a prom<strong>in</strong>ent <strong>Bollywood</strong> wr<strong>it</strong>er <strong>to</strong>day. “My fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
himself was a misf<strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess, he knew that ethics <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
was zero, <strong>it</strong> was not organized, and what one had <strong>to</strong> do <strong>to</strong> be successful<br />
was not what he liked <strong>to</strong> do.” He was not disappo<strong>in</strong>ted when Anuraag<br />
decided filmmak<strong>in</strong>g would not be his choice of a future.<br />
Anuraag’s entrepreneurial <strong>in</strong>st<strong>in</strong>cts led him elsewhere, and <strong>in</strong> his<br />
early 20s aim<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> cash <strong>in</strong> on <strong>the</strong> export boom <strong>in</strong> India, he started a<br />
lea<strong>the</strong>r bus<strong>in</strong>ess w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
a fac<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>in</strong> Agra<br />
manufactur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
ladies shoes<br />
for export.<br />
“The bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
only went so<br />
far and we had<br />
<strong>to</strong> shut <strong>it</strong> down. At<br />
<strong>the</strong> time we felt we<br />
were undercap<strong>it</strong>alized, but<br />
look<strong>in</strong>g back now I th<strong>in</strong>k we<br />
lacked <strong>the</strong> experience <strong>to</strong><br />
make <strong>it</strong> work - <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
acumen and skills were<br />
miss<strong>in</strong>g,” is Anuraag’s<br />
retrospective analysis.<br />
Possibly realiz<strong>in</strong>g this and<br />
<strong>the</strong> lessons learned from<br />
his early work experiences<br />
led him <strong>to</strong> explore what<br />
opportun<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong><br />
could offer. W<strong>it</strong>h a specific<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial goal <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d, he<br />
moved <strong>to</strong> Kuwa<strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong> 1985<br />
for a job <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> plastics<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry. There he utilized<br />
his skills and qualifications,<br />
ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g valuable experience<br />
<strong>in</strong> production cost<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
<strong>in</strong>ven<strong>to</strong>ry management. His<br />
modest sav<strong>in</strong>gs target was<br />
five lakh rupees at <strong>the</strong> time,<br />
and once that was achieved<br />
he left Kuwa<strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong> 1989, after<br />
only four years. Ano<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Gulf</strong><br />
assignment awa<strong>it</strong>ed him w<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong><br />
a week of his return<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Mumbai.<br />
As luck would have <strong>it</strong> his new<br />
employer was Dubai’s biggest<br />
jewellery firm, <strong>in</strong> fact still <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry leader <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Middle East.<br />
Anuraag had landed on <strong>the</strong> right<br />
track for <strong>the</strong> future of his choice,<br />
but <strong>it</strong> would be nearly ten long<br />
years before his entrepreneurial<br />
dreams would come true.<br />
38<br />
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Start<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>in</strong> sales and market<strong>in</strong>g Anuraag quickly realized how<br />
essential <strong>it</strong> was <strong>to</strong> understand every aspect of <strong>the</strong> jewellery bus<strong>in</strong>ess. A<br />
one hundred day tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g program followed under <strong>the</strong> direct supervision<br />
of one of <strong>the</strong> owners after which he was promoted <strong>to</strong> manage a s<strong>to</strong>re,<br />
ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g more knowledge and expertise of retail<strong>in</strong>g and manufactur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
high fashion gold and diamond jewellery.<br />
Anuraag had only one objective throughout that long decade <strong>in</strong><br />
harness – how <strong>to</strong> break<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> jewellery bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
<strong>in</strong>dependently. After<br />
<strong>the</strong> seventh year his<br />
determ<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>in</strong>tensified.<br />
He did not th<strong>in</strong>k of<br />
do<strong>in</strong>g any o<strong>the</strong>r bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
because he liked <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry so much. “I<br />
was determ<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>to</strong> learn<br />
every aspect of <strong>it</strong>,” he<br />
remembers, reveal<strong>in</strong>g<br />
how s<strong>in</strong>gle-m<strong>in</strong>ded he<br />
was even <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> early<br />
days when he was just<br />
dream<strong>in</strong>g about start<strong>in</strong>g<br />
his own bus<strong>in</strong>ess. He<br />
was <strong>to</strong>tally <strong>in</strong>volved<br />
Liali’s new s<strong>to</strong>re at <strong>the</strong> Mall of <strong>the</strong> Emirates <strong>in</strong> Dubai.<br />
<strong>in</strong> retail sales, manag<strong>in</strong>g shops, bus<strong>in</strong>ess development, overseas<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess opportun<strong>it</strong>ies, product development, brand build<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
recru<strong>it</strong>ment, tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g etc. – basically acquir<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>-depth<br />
knowledge of <strong>the</strong> trade. When you talk <strong>to</strong> him, <strong>it</strong> is obvious<br />
he is <strong>in</strong> love w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> jewellery bus<strong>in</strong>ess. “I am simply<br />
fasc<strong>in</strong>ated by <strong>the</strong> creativ<strong>it</strong>y and beauty of <strong>the</strong> products we sell<br />
and <strong>the</strong> retail bus<strong>in</strong>ess. We th<strong>in</strong>k and create beauty and that’s<br />
what we sell <strong>in</strong> our l<strong>in</strong>e of work. Whatever <strong>the</strong> cus<strong>to</strong>mer wants<br />
can be designed <strong>to</strong> specification,” he says.<br />
From <strong>the</strong> seventh year onwards, Anuraag was ready w<strong>it</strong>h a bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
plan and kept f<strong>in</strong>e tun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong>, look<strong>in</strong>g for an <strong>in</strong>ves<strong>to</strong>r. “You’ve got <strong>to</strong> do<br />
what you’ve got <strong>to</strong> do and move on,” he urges. Still, while determ<strong>in</strong>ation,<br />
skill and experience are important, what about so many people who are<br />
equally determ<strong>in</strong>ed and qualified but don’t see <strong>the</strong>ir dreams come true?<br />
“Yes I know, so many people try, I’m sure I was blessed,” Anuraag<br />
agrees that may be <strong>the</strong> primary reason he succeeded. “But <strong>the</strong>re’s more<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>it</strong>,” he po<strong>in</strong>ts out . “I am <strong>to</strong>tally focused. So many opportun<strong>it</strong>ies come<br />
up all <strong>the</strong> time, people keep tell<strong>in</strong>g you <strong>to</strong> do this or do that, like Dubai’s<br />
recent real estate boom for <strong>in</strong>stance. But we have never wavered <strong>in</strong> our<br />
comm<strong>it</strong>ment <strong>to</strong> our core bus<strong>in</strong>ess - 24/7, 365, we eat, live, brea<strong>the</strong> and<br />
love our work. That’s <strong>the</strong> way <strong>it</strong>’s been at Liali Jewellery ever s<strong>in</strong>ce we<br />
started. I had <strong>the</strong> same m<strong>in</strong>dset when I was employed -if you truly enjoy<br />
your work you don’t th<strong>in</strong>k you’re work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong>o much, <strong>it</strong> just becomes a<br />
way of life.”<br />
<strong>How</strong>ever be<strong>in</strong>g focused<br />
and prepared doesn’t always<br />
guarantee results, how did he<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> money he needed <strong>to</strong> start<br />
and what happened when Anuraag<br />
presented <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess plan <strong>to</strong><br />
his potential Emirati<br />
<strong>in</strong>ves<strong>to</strong>r Raed Ahmad<br />
Baker? “We had a<br />
mutual friend who<br />
<strong>in</strong>troduced us because<br />
Raed wanted <strong>to</strong> do<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g of his own<br />
and I had <strong>the</strong> expertise.<br />
He and his fa<strong>the</strong>r liked<br />
<strong>the</strong> idea…I believe we<br />
all liked each o<strong>the</strong>r …<br />
and <strong>it</strong> just got started. It<br />
was a completely new<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess for <strong>the</strong> Bakers<br />
and Raed <strong>to</strong>ok seven<br />
months <strong>to</strong> complete <strong>the</strong><br />
due diligence,” Anuraag<br />
recalls, “which meant<br />
seven months of follow up from<br />
my side! But once he grasped <strong>the</strong><br />
concept and <strong>the</strong> potential, <strong>it</strong> <strong>to</strong>ok<br />
just one meet<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h Raed’s<br />
fa<strong>the</strong>r Mr Ahmad Baker and<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir f<strong>in</strong>ancial advisor and <strong>in</strong> half<br />
an hour <strong>the</strong> decision was made.<br />
There’s been no look<strong>in</strong>g back.<br />
But what gave Anuraag <strong>the</strong><br />
courage <strong>to</strong> approach <strong>the</strong> Baker<br />
family <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>vest <strong>in</strong> his project?<br />
“I <strong>to</strong>tally believed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> viabil<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of my project and my abil<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong><br />
make <strong>it</strong> a success. I already had<br />
ten years of experience <strong>in</strong> all <strong>the</strong><br />
different fields of jewellery retail<br />
as well as jewellery purchase, plus<br />
office management, recru<strong>it</strong>ment<br />
etc., hence I had <strong>the</strong> courage <strong>to</strong><br />
approach <strong>the</strong>m.”<br />
What was Anuraag’s <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ial<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess plan like? Was <strong>it</strong> bold?<br />
Was <strong>it</strong> conservative? Did he play<br />
<strong>it</strong> safe? “As a person I am not <strong>the</strong><br />
type who makes huge<br />
plans,” he adm<strong>it</strong>s.<br />
“You should<br />
always have a<br />
bigger picture<br />
<strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d but make realistic plans,<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k and move forward,” is his<br />
advice. “Don’t try <strong>to</strong> eat your<br />
entire meal <strong>in</strong> one go.<br />
Small meals are healthy,<br />
I prefer <strong>to</strong> have th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
under control and run a<br />
well managed bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
We didn’t th<strong>in</strong>k of start<strong>in</strong>g<br />
out w<strong>it</strong>h 20 s<strong>to</strong>res, we<br />
started w<strong>it</strong>h only one outlet<br />
<strong>in</strong> Jumeirah <strong>in</strong> June 1999<br />
and decided <strong>to</strong> take <strong>it</strong> from<br />
<strong>the</strong>re.” The name ‘Al Liali’<br />
was chosen by his partner<br />
Raed. It means ‘Romantic<br />
Nights’ from <strong>the</strong> book ‘1001<br />
Arabian Nights,’ and <strong>to</strong><br />
give <strong>it</strong> a more <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
feel, <strong>the</strong>y now use only <strong>the</strong><br />
short name ‘Liali.’ In<strong>it</strong>ially<br />
<strong>the</strong> game plan was <strong>to</strong> open <strong>the</strong><br />
s<strong>to</strong>re and start retail<strong>in</strong>g no matter<br />
where <strong>the</strong>y got <strong>the</strong> products from<br />
as long as <strong>the</strong>y were <strong>to</strong>p qual<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
“We figured once we established<br />
our niche and unders<strong>to</strong>od what<br />
<strong>the</strong> cus<strong>to</strong>mer wanted we could<br />
move ahead. We soon realized we<br />
would have <strong>to</strong> enter supportive<br />
manufactur<strong>in</strong>g not for <strong>the</strong> mass<br />
market but just by creat<strong>in</strong>g a small<br />
un<strong>it</strong> <strong>to</strong> support <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>re.”<br />
It was hard work, for <strong>the</strong> first<br />
four years. Anuraag was present <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>re morn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> night pay<strong>in</strong>g<br />
attention <strong>to</strong> client service, th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g<br />
about product development,<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> relationship build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and just physically be<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong><br />
s<strong>to</strong>re. In <strong>the</strong> very first year of<br />
operations Liali Jewellery opened<br />
<strong>it</strong>s second s<strong>to</strong>re <strong>in</strong> November 1999 and at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> year Anuraag<br />
was gratified that <strong>the</strong> balance sheet was pos<strong>it</strong>ive. “We had a team of just<br />
five people, I would pick <strong>the</strong>m up and drop <strong>the</strong>m personally from and <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir homes. That’s how we worked for nearly two years till we decided<br />
<strong>to</strong> have a van and a driver,” says Anuraag, obviously nobody could have<br />
doubted his comm<strong>it</strong>ment from <strong>the</strong> very beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g. “We didn’t have an<br />
accountant for <strong>the</strong> first eight months, we somehow managed <strong>in</strong>-house.<br />
It was <strong>the</strong> typical small startup - money was not really an issue but we<br />
chose <strong>to</strong> build <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess brick by brick.”<br />
In <strong>the</strong> first 1,000<br />
days that experienced<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>essmen say is<br />
required for a bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
<strong>to</strong> succeed did he have<br />
any doubts? “When I<br />
first began we had a new<br />
born son and a 4 yearold.<br />
Had I thought will<br />
this bus<strong>in</strong>ess succeed<br />
or not and what is<br />
go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> happen <strong>to</strong> my<br />
family, I may not have<br />
taken <strong>the</strong> risk. I was so<br />
Anuraag shares Raed’s vic<strong>to</strong>ry when he was awarded <strong>the</strong> Sheikh<br />
Saeed Golden Sword Award for w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> 1000 Dunes <strong>in</strong> 2003.<br />
obsessed w<strong>it</strong>h gett<strong>in</strong>g<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs go<strong>in</strong>g that I<br />
did not s<strong>to</strong>p <strong>to</strong> th<strong>in</strong>k<br />
what would happen if <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess did not take off,” he says. Today<br />
his wife Arti and <strong>the</strong>ir two sons, Ank<strong>it</strong> (15) and Anshul (11) can affirm<br />
<strong>the</strong> wisdom of Anuraag’s bold decision. Anuraag readily acknowledges<br />
Arti’s role <strong>in</strong> his success, “My wife has been a true support <strong>to</strong> me all<br />
<strong>the</strong>se years,” he says, “In <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ial 5-6 years of Liali, not only<br />
did she manage <strong>the</strong> household s<strong>in</strong>gle handedly (I was out<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g 25 hours a day!) but she also provided me w<strong>it</strong>h all<br />
<strong>the</strong> back office support, handled all my correspondence,<br />
answered all my calls, did all <strong>the</strong> follow up.” To<br />
this day Anuraag prefers <strong>to</strong> work w<strong>it</strong>hout a<br />
personal secretary – Arti runs <strong>the</strong> office from<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir home provid<strong>in</strong>g all <strong>the</strong> support he needs for<br />
his operational decisions.<br />
Back <strong>in</strong> Kuwa<strong>it</strong> he had set a five lakh rupee target as an employee<br />
so does he have ano<strong>the</strong>r target as a bus<strong>in</strong>essman <strong>in</strong> Dubai? “No! Once I<br />
achieved that first goal I s<strong>to</strong>pped th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g that way because when you set<br />
such targets you tend <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p at that,” says a more experienced Anuraag.<br />
He unassum<strong>in</strong>gly describes himself as a normal work<strong>in</strong>g man dismiss<strong>in</strong>g<br />
any notions of hav<strong>in</strong>g made <strong>it</strong> big. “I realize <strong>the</strong>re are people far more<br />
successful than myself who still keep on work<strong>in</strong>g like anyone else. Ours<br />
is not a mega success as yet, <strong>the</strong>re are people who have gone from zero<br />
<strong>to</strong> hero <strong>in</strong> a very short time w<strong>it</strong>h far more achieved. I am happy w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
40<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 41
COVER STORY<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
42<br />
what we have<br />
accomplished,<br />
but Liali is still<br />
among <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>p ten jewelers<br />
<strong>in</strong> Dubai, so <strong>the</strong>re is a lot more<br />
<strong>to</strong> achieve,” is his realistic<br />
assessment. “Includ<strong>in</strong>g retail,<br />
office and skilled craftsmen we<br />
have about 150 personnel now<br />
and we have been open<strong>in</strong>g about<br />
2-3 s<strong>to</strong>res a year <strong>in</strong> viable<br />
locations. We could have<br />
grown much faster but we<br />
deliberately curtailed our<br />
expansion preferr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />
move ahead w<strong>it</strong>h restra<strong>in</strong>t.”<br />
Desp<strong>it</strong>e his cautious<br />
approach <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is an adventurous<br />
streak <strong>in</strong> Anuraag’s<br />
strategic plann<strong>in</strong>g. It is<br />
evident <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> company<br />
ventur<strong>in</strong>g outside Dubai<br />
and open<strong>in</strong>g two s<strong>to</strong>res <strong>in</strong><br />
Spa<strong>in</strong> and one <strong>in</strong> Bahra<strong>in</strong><br />
w<strong>it</strong>h ano<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> nearby<br />
emirate of Al A<strong>in</strong>. But why Spa<strong>in</strong>?<br />
Anuraag says, “Everybody asks<br />
me why Spa<strong>in</strong>? It was just an<br />
adventure, actually on one of our<br />
trips <strong>to</strong> London, Raed and I found<br />
a great s<strong>to</strong>re location just oppos<strong>it</strong>e<br />
Harrods. We sat <strong>in</strong> a coffee shop<br />
nearby for one whole day just <strong>to</strong><br />
observe what <strong>the</strong> traffic was like.<br />
The location was fabulous, but<br />
<strong>the</strong> cost was enormous and as<br />
we studied <strong>the</strong> people com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
and out of Harrods we realized<br />
<strong>the</strong>y would not walk across <strong>to</strong> our<br />
s<strong>to</strong>re, so we dropped <strong>the</strong> idea.”<br />
Then <strong>the</strong>y thought why not try<br />
a small experiment <strong>in</strong> Europe?<br />
Look<strong>in</strong>g at various options <strong>the</strong>y<br />
decided that Spa<strong>in</strong>, which has<br />
a population of 30 million and<br />
attracts ano<strong>the</strong>r 52 million <strong>to</strong>urists<br />
The International Indian<br />
every year was <strong>the</strong> ideal choice. The wea<strong>the</strong>r is also moderate <strong>the</strong>re and<br />
people dress <strong>in</strong> clo<strong>the</strong>s that allow <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> wear jewellery compared<br />
<strong>to</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r parts of Europe that require warm cloth<strong>in</strong>g, which hides<br />
jewellery. They found a mall s<strong>to</strong>re <strong>in</strong> Barcelona w<strong>it</strong>h sensible<br />
economics and decided <strong>to</strong> go for <strong>it</strong>, open<strong>in</strong>g a second high street<br />
s<strong>to</strong>re and gallery soon after <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same c<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
“We do a lot of <strong>in</strong>novat<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h our product l<strong>in</strong>e,” says Anuraag,<br />
reveal<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong> is one area where he constantly likes <strong>to</strong> experiment. “You have<br />
<strong>to</strong> explore all possibil<strong>it</strong>ies when you are deal<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h a multi-cultural,<br />
diversified cus<strong>to</strong>mer base, especially <strong>in</strong> a place like Dubai, which is a<br />
melt<strong>in</strong>g pot of national<strong>it</strong>ies,”<br />
he notes. Compared <strong>to</strong> any<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r mega c<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world<br />
<strong>the</strong> divers<strong>it</strong>y of Dubai is qu<strong>it</strong>e<br />
shock<strong>in</strong>g – <strong>in</strong> a population<br />
of less than two million<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>come groups range<br />
from ord<strong>in</strong>ary people <strong>to</strong><br />
dollar millionaires. Liali’s<br />
products are designed <strong>to</strong><br />
reach <strong>the</strong> widest, most<br />
appropriate audience<br />
possible keep<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir various s<strong>to</strong>re locations<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y that are designed<br />
<strong>to</strong> attract different segments.<br />
In Dubai <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong> high end <strong>to</strong>urist segment, <strong>the</strong> affluent Arab and<br />
Asian cluster, <strong>the</strong> western expat group<strong>in</strong>g and so on, all requir<strong>in</strong>g a range<br />
of products that will particularly satisfy <strong>the</strong>ir tastes. “To serve all <strong>the</strong>se<br />
segments,” says Anuraag, “a range of jewellery is required that cannot<br />
be bought from people who do not understand such diverse cus<strong>to</strong>mer<br />
tastes. I am doomed if I only try <strong>to</strong> sell mass manufactured products<br />
from a fac<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>in</strong> Spa<strong>in</strong> or Italy, Hong Kong or Thailand <strong>to</strong> my cus<strong>to</strong>mers<br />
<strong>in</strong> Dubai. So we experiment w<strong>it</strong>h small cus<strong>to</strong>mized manufacturers <strong>in</strong><br />
various ways <strong>to</strong> offer a unique product range that is always new and<br />
fresh. My team is very product-centric , I am also a product person,<br />
<strong>it</strong> is one of our big strengths,” <strong>in</strong>sists Anuraag. “That’s what keeps our<br />
<strong>in</strong>ven<strong>to</strong>ry lean and ensures that cus<strong>to</strong>mers keep com<strong>in</strong>g back.”<br />
Anuraag ascribes much of <strong>the</strong>ir success <strong>to</strong> his personal <strong>in</strong>volvement<br />
<strong>in</strong> every aspect of <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess, “I’m a very hands-on person and I<br />
work w<strong>it</strong>h all my teams – market<strong>in</strong>g, f<strong>in</strong>ance, production, cus<strong>to</strong>mer<br />
service etc. I am <strong>in</strong> my s<strong>to</strong>res qu<strong>it</strong>e regularly, I just love my bus<strong>in</strong>ess!”<br />
He has enhanced his Bachelor’s degree <strong>in</strong> Economics and Statistics<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h a Diamond Grad<strong>in</strong>g course through <strong>the</strong> International Gemological<br />
Inst<strong>it</strong>ute (IGI), but w<strong>it</strong>h 20 years <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> jewellery field most of his<br />
learn<strong>in</strong>g has been hands-on. Anuraag’s favor<strong>it</strong>e char<strong>it</strong>y on a personal<br />
level is CRY <strong>in</strong> India, but Liali supports <strong>the</strong> Al Noor Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Centre<br />
Anuraag S<strong>in</strong>ha and Oofrish Contrac<strong>to</strong>r, Market<strong>in</strong>g Manager<br />
of Liali present<strong>in</strong>g a cheque <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Al Noor Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
Centre for Children w<strong>it</strong>h Special Needs <strong>in</strong> Dubai<br />
for Children w<strong>it</strong>h Special Needs <strong>in</strong> Dubai and has helped various<br />
char<strong>it</strong>y organizations raise funds through auctions of <strong>the</strong>ir jewellery.<br />
As someone who has succeeded <strong>in</strong> do<strong>in</strong>g what so many NRIs would<br />
like <strong>to</strong> do, how does Anuraag work <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r w<strong>it</strong>h his Arab partner?<br />
After a decade <strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>the</strong>y have a very clear understand<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
each o<strong>the</strong>r’s role says<br />
Anuraag. “First of all<br />
let me tell you that Mr<br />
Raed Ahmad Baker<br />
comes from a very, very<br />
affluent UAE national<br />
family and his social and<br />
economic cond<strong>it</strong>ions<br />
are very different from<br />
m<strong>in</strong>e. I was raised <strong>in</strong><br />
Mumbai and he grew<br />
up <strong>in</strong> Dubai and <strong>the</strong><br />
West, which is like<br />
north and south. He is<br />
also 15 years younger<br />
than I am, yet desp<strong>it</strong>e<br />
Raed Ahmad Baker beat many seasoned drivers and claimed six<br />
category w<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dunes championships s<strong>in</strong>ce his participation<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1996. Raed represented <strong>the</strong> UAE at <strong>the</strong> Race of Champions<br />
held <strong>in</strong> Jeddah <strong>in</strong> 2001 and 2002. He won <strong>the</strong> most valuable team<br />
award <strong>in</strong> 1997, 1998 and 2004 and received <strong>the</strong> Sheikh Saeed<br />
Golden Sword award <strong>in</strong> 2003 for w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> 1000 Dunes race.<br />
<strong>the</strong> generational<br />
differences, we<br />
complement<br />
each o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>in</strong> our strengths, which is ideal for <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess.” Raed and<br />
Anuraag decided <strong>it</strong> was important <strong>to</strong> cap<strong>it</strong>alize on each<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r’s unique understand<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> jewellery bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
“There are certa<strong>in</strong> products I might not even look at <strong>to</strong><br />
buy for <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>re. But Raed knows what will attract high net<br />
worth cus<strong>to</strong>mers and what we must <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>in</strong> our product range,<br />
which is su<strong>it</strong>able <strong>to</strong> a particular s<strong>to</strong>re. Liali doesn’t participate <strong>in</strong> many<br />
trade fairs but we do go <strong>to</strong> all of <strong>the</strong>m and Raed comes <strong>to</strong> almost all <strong>the</strong><br />
shows we attend <strong>in</strong> various countries. Between him and me we know<br />
how <strong>to</strong> cover <strong>the</strong> market bandw<strong>it</strong>h and reach <strong>the</strong> target audiences we<br />
want <strong>to</strong> reach, that’s how we span our socio-economic and generational<br />
differences - by putt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> product!”<br />
But what is <strong>the</strong> reason for such a successful relationship between two<br />
very diverse <strong>in</strong>dividuals? “We have a very transparent relationship w<strong>it</strong>h a<br />
clear focus on what we should do <strong>to</strong> make <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess successful –<strong>it</strong>’s not<br />
about us, <strong>it</strong>’s about Liali - we look at Liali as an ent<strong>it</strong>y that needs <strong>to</strong> move<br />
ahead, <strong>it</strong>’s an idea we have also <strong>in</strong>stilled <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> our team,” says Anuraag,<br />
expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g that his goal is <strong>to</strong> create and build Liali as a professional,<br />
cohesive bus<strong>in</strong>ess w<strong>it</strong>hout fragmented <strong>in</strong>dividual th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g. “We focus on<br />
our strengths not on <strong>the</strong> weaknesses that we all have,” he says. “But <strong>the</strong> most<br />
important th<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a partnership I have realized is that one must be ready<br />
<strong>to</strong> give more ra<strong>the</strong>r than expect more, and as a partner one should not be<br />
overly concerned about <strong>the</strong> slice of<br />
<strong>the</strong> pie. That’s how our relationship<br />
has worked <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last ten years.”<br />
Budd<strong>in</strong>g entrepreneurs can no<br />
doubt glean valuable <strong>in</strong>sights from<br />
such a transnational<br />
partnership if <strong>the</strong>y want<br />
<strong>to</strong> do bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Middle East. Anuraag’s<br />
<strong>the</strong>ory is that if you have<br />
a good bus<strong>in</strong>ess plan <strong>it</strong><br />
will au<strong>to</strong>matically attract<br />
<strong>in</strong>ves<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />
What seems <strong>to</strong> set<br />
apart people like Anuraag<br />
is an abil<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong> look beyond<br />
obstacles common <strong>to</strong> all<br />
but overcome only by a<br />
few, and <strong>the</strong> will<strong>in</strong>gness<br />
<strong>to</strong> forego immediate<br />
gratification. Does<br />
Anuraag function purely as<br />
an <strong>in</strong>st<strong>in</strong>ctive entrepreneur<br />
or is <strong>the</strong>re a process <strong>to</strong><br />
his th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g? Go<strong>in</strong>g by<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>sights he has gleaned, he is<br />
qu<strong>it</strong>e decisive after everyth<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
considered and planned.<br />
There is an old adage, which<br />
says success is about do<strong>in</strong>g only<br />
one th<strong>in</strong>g – Anuraag S<strong>in</strong>ha is<br />
one person who cannot be easily<br />
distracted from his bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
because he has judiciously tapped<br />
<strong>the</strong> power of that concept and <strong>it</strong>s<br />
upshot. In do<strong>in</strong>g<br />
so Anuraag has<br />
found his labor<br />
of love and <strong>it</strong><br />
has brought<br />
him a long<br />
way from<br />
his fortune<br />
hunt<strong>in</strong>g days <strong>in</strong> Mumbai.<br />
Frank Raj is <strong>the</strong> founder edi<strong>to</strong>r<br />
of The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 43
INDIA CITY SCAN<br />
Relocat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />
New Delhi<br />
As <strong>the</strong> Indian cap<strong>it</strong>al gets ready <strong>to</strong> host <strong>the</strong> 2010 Common Wealth<br />
games w<strong>it</strong>h much fanfare, The International Indian looks at <strong>the</strong><br />
c<strong>it</strong>y which can be easily termed <strong>the</strong> most cosmopol<strong>it</strong>an c<strong>it</strong>y of<br />
India. <strong>How</strong> well equipped is New Delhi <strong>to</strong> host Indians return<strong>in</strong>g<br />
by <strong>the</strong> lure of new jobs and brighter prospects and how well is <strong>it</strong><br />
geared for <strong>the</strong> hordes of foreigners expected for <strong>the</strong> games?<br />
by: Archisman D<strong>in</strong>da<br />
Welcome <strong>to</strong> New Delhi! An enthusiastic air-hostess<br />
declared over <strong>the</strong> public announcement system. It<br />
was a long journey home, for your correspondent.<br />
Though technically not from Delhi as <strong>it</strong> <strong>it</strong> is mostly<br />
referred <strong>to</strong> m<strong>in</strong>us <strong>the</strong> ‘New’, I was certa<strong>in</strong>ly head<strong>in</strong>g<br />
back home after a trip abroad. So was <strong>it</strong> for my co-passengers, who were<br />
also return<strong>in</strong>g home after sojourn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Un<strong>it</strong>ed States. So amidst our<br />
ch<strong>it</strong> chats I found,<br />
one was return<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> Noida, one<br />
<strong>to</strong> Gurgaon and<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir respective<br />
workplaces were<br />
<strong>in</strong> Ghaziabad<br />
and Dwarka. But<br />
strangely all said<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were return<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> New Delhi!<br />
So where or<br />
ra<strong>the</strong>r what makes<br />
New Delhi? To<br />
apprise my readers, New Delhi or Luyten’s Delhi is what <strong>the</strong> world<br />
knows as <strong>the</strong> India’s cap<strong>it</strong>al, <strong>the</strong> power centre from where this country<br />
is governed. But w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> passage of time, Delhi has grown beyond <strong>the</strong><br />
dreams of <strong>it</strong>s arch<strong>it</strong>ects and <strong>to</strong> accommodate <strong>the</strong>se aspir<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dividuals<br />
Bahai Lotus Temple<br />
<strong>the</strong> government of India<br />
formulated <strong>the</strong> National Cap<strong>it</strong>al<br />
Region, commonly known as<br />
NCR. This comprises New Delhi,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> satell<strong>it</strong>e <strong>to</strong>wnships of<br />
Gurgaon, Dwarka, Noida and<br />
Ghaziabad. But <strong>to</strong> make th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
look simple, we call all this New<br />
Delhi.<br />
<strong>How</strong>ever, navigat<strong>in</strong>g Delhi<br />
can be a tricky bus<strong>in</strong>ess, even for<br />
people who have stayed <strong>the</strong>re for<br />
a number of years. Not only due<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> massive geographical area<br />
this c<strong>it</strong>y poses, but also due <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
fact that <strong>the</strong> feel of <strong>the</strong> various<br />
areas change as you travel<br />
through <strong>the</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y. Delhi‘s growth<br />
started <strong>in</strong> 1947, especially after<br />
<strong>the</strong> part<strong>it</strong>ion, and <strong>to</strong> provide<br />
shelter, <strong>the</strong> government of <strong>the</strong><br />
day had <strong>to</strong> build colonies for<br />
respective groups of people. So<br />
when you reach Rajori Garden or<br />
Punjabi Bagh, you will feel as if<br />
you are <strong>in</strong> Punjab. The same happens when you reach Ch<strong>it</strong>taranjan<br />
Park, which is an area demarcated for Bengalis. Not that people of<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r commun<strong>it</strong>ies can’t live <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>se areas, <strong>in</strong> fact <strong>the</strong>y do and are<br />
qu<strong>it</strong>e happy about <strong>it</strong>. But such demarcations are clearly visible.<br />
HOUSING<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> primary concerns for any <strong>in</strong>dividual shift<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> a new<br />
c<strong>it</strong>y is f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> accommodation of <strong>the</strong>ir choice. Though f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g<br />
accommodation is not a big issue <strong>in</strong> Delhi, one should give due<br />
consideration <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> location. “Delhi is a huge c<strong>it</strong>y. It is almost double<br />
<strong>the</strong> size of any o<strong>the</strong>r Indian metropolis and one could end up travell<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a lot if you don’t choose <strong>the</strong> location of your house carefully,” says<br />
Sanjeev Tiwari, whose company helps people relocate. “While decid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on <strong>the</strong> house, people<br />
look <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> creature<br />
comforts that <strong>the</strong><br />
build<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>the</strong><br />
local<strong>it</strong>y provide.<br />
But <strong>in</strong> Delhi, one<br />
should first f<strong>in</strong>d out<br />
how far <strong>it</strong> is from<br />
your work place<br />
and how far is your<br />
kids school,” adds<br />
Sanjeev. Radhika<br />
Sen, who recently<br />
shifted <strong>to</strong> Delhi<br />
from Qatar, f<strong>in</strong>ds <strong>it</strong><br />
difficult <strong>to</strong> believe<br />
Old Delhi<br />
that her 5-year-old daughter has <strong>to</strong> commute fifteen kilometres <strong>to</strong> reach<br />
school every morn<strong>in</strong>g. “We made a strategic mistake. When we bought<br />
this flat three months ago we never <strong>to</strong>ok this <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> consideration and our<br />
daughter is suffer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> most. Now <strong>it</strong>’s difficult <strong>to</strong> change <strong>the</strong> school<br />
or <strong>the</strong> flat,” says Radhika.<br />
When <strong>it</strong> comes <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> outright purchas<strong>in</strong>g of property, Luyten’s<br />
Delhi provides very few options, not only <strong>in</strong> terms of cost, but also<br />
<strong>in</strong> terms of availabil<strong>it</strong>y. A three-bedroom apartment can cost more<br />
than one crore <strong>in</strong> South Delhi. “Property prices have soared <strong>in</strong> Delhi<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last five years and are all set <strong>to</strong> go even higher w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g<br />
demand. <strong>How</strong>ever, <strong>the</strong> satell<strong>it</strong>e <strong>to</strong>wnships are offer<strong>in</strong>g a lot of options<br />
<strong>in</strong> terms of affordable hous<strong>in</strong>g. “Not only are <strong>the</strong> satell<strong>it</strong>e <strong>to</strong>wnships<br />
offer<strong>in</strong>g lot of options <strong>in</strong> terms of price, but also <strong>in</strong> terms of choice.<br />
A duplex <strong>in</strong> South Delhi will cost you around three crores where as <strong>it</strong><br />
will be a crore <strong>in</strong> Noida,” says Rajesh S<strong>in</strong>gania a lead<strong>in</strong>g real estate<br />
dealer <strong>in</strong> NCR. “The biggest hurdle fac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> real estate market <strong>in</strong><br />
Delhi is <strong>the</strong> fact that builders demand a major portion of <strong>the</strong> price <strong>in</strong><br />
cash, which makes <strong>it</strong> difficult for <strong>the</strong> new buyers,” he added.<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
TRANSPORTATION<br />
Delhi is a rapidly expand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
megac<strong>it</strong>y. Population and vehicle<br />
use cont<strong>in</strong>ue <strong>to</strong> expand, and<br />
vehicles are <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>cipal source<br />
of severe air pollution. Yet vehicle<br />
ownership is still a fraction of<br />
that <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustrialized countries.<br />
The complex<strong>it</strong>ies of Delhi’s<br />
transport sec<strong>to</strong>r are exam<strong>in</strong>ed,<br />
along w<strong>it</strong>h what k<strong>in</strong>d of a future<br />
is likely and how <strong>it</strong> might be<br />
altered. Indian transportation<br />
experts and pol<strong>it</strong>ical leaders<br />
were <strong>in</strong>terviewed, his<strong>to</strong>rical<br />
data analyzed, and various<br />
policy options and strategies<br />
reviewed. Because of large<br />
<strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utional, pol<strong>it</strong>ical, economic,<br />
and technological uncerta<strong>in</strong>ties<br />
as well as lim<strong>it</strong>ed knowledge of<br />
travel behaviour and preferences,<br />
two scenarios were created <strong>to</strong><br />
characterize what is likely and<br />
what is possible. The “bus<strong>in</strong>essas-usual”<br />
scenario extrapolates<br />
from present trends <strong>in</strong> Delhi,<br />
modified <strong>to</strong> reflect exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />
policies and comm<strong>it</strong>ments. It<br />
results <strong>in</strong> dramatic <strong>in</strong>creases <strong>in</strong><br />
vehicle use, translat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> about<br />
a fourfold <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> transportrelated<br />
greenhouse gas (GHG)<br />
emissions between 2000 and<br />
2020. The second scenario is<br />
premised on strong pol<strong>it</strong>ical<br />
and <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utional leadership <strong>to</strong><br />
enhance <strong>the</strong> economic, social,<br />
and environmental performance<br />
of Delhi’s transportation system<br />
<strong>in</strong> which car use decreases and<br />
trans<strong>it</strong> and bicycle use <strong>in</strong>crease.<br />
Even w<strong>it</strong>h this aggressive shift<br />
<strong>to</strong>ward more environmentally<br />
benign transportation, GHG<br />
emissions more than doubled<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> 20-year period. Under<br />
44<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 45
INDIA CITY SCAN<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
New<br />
Delhi<br />
any plausible scenario, GHG<br />
emissions will soar, but <strong>the</strong> lower<br />
GHG path leads <strong>to</strong> far fewer<br />
emissions and much lower<br />
transport and energy costs.<br />
Seriously, pollution<br />
is <strong>the</strong> biggest enemy for<br />
anyone commut<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
Delhi. Though th<strong>in</strong>gs have<br />
lessened <strong>to</strong> a considerable<br />
extent, w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>troduction<br />
of CNG buses and scooters,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Delhi Metro is<br />
help<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> calm th<strong>in</strong>gs down,<br />
but certa<strong>in</strong>ly <strong>it</strong> not up <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> mark. “We expect <strong>the</strong><br />
pollution <strong>to</strong> go down after <strong>the</strong><br />
entire Delhi metro project is<br />
complete. People will f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>it</strong><br />
more economical <strong>to</strong> use <strong>the</strong> metro<br />
ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>to</strong> drive <strong>to</strong> work,”<br />
believes lead<strong>in</strong>g environmentalist<br />
Sunidhi Sen. <strong>How</strong>ever, all is not<br />
that optimistic. Delhi, be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
cap<strong>it</strong>al has a high ‘Babu’ culture,<br />
where people will th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
status <strong>in</strong> society will go down<br />
if <strong>the</strong>y use public transport.<br />
There has been significant<br />
development <strong>in</strong> Delhi buses<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last ten years, but still<br />
people prefer <strong>to</strong> drive.<br />
COMMUTING TIME<br />
Though road cond<strong>it</strong>ions <strong>in</strong><br />
Delhi are much better off, compared <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Indian<br />
metros, w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> higher availabil<strong>it</strong>y of car rental and luxury<br />
taxis, and <strong>the</strong> ubiqui<strong>to</strong>us au<strong>to</strong> rickshaw known as scooter <strong>in</strong><br />
local parlance, <strong>the</strong> sheer distance can take a <strong>to</strong>ll on <strong>the</strong> rider.<br />
<strong>How</strong> long will <strong>it</strong> take you <strong>to</strong> reach here?” If you are not a<br />
frequent traveller on <strong>the</strong> route, <strong>it</strong> is usually difficult <strong>to</strong> answer<br />
<strong>the</strong> question. After travell<strong>in</strong>g on Delhi’s roads, I’ve noticed<br />
a relation between <strong>the</strong> distance, <strong>the</strong> time of <strong>the</strong> day and <strong>the</strong><br />
time <strong>it</strong> takes <strong>to</strong> reach from po<strong>in</strong>t A <strong>to</strong> po<strong>in</strong>t B. I have devised<br />
a simple formula. Let us take <strong>the</strong> first variable, distance. If<br />
you know <strong>the</strong> distance, good. If not, <strong>the</strong>re’s Google Maps.<br />
Just type <strong>the</strong> “location” <strong>to</strong> “dest<strong>in</strong>ation” on <strong>the</strong> search box<br />
a n d h<strong>it</strong> enter (eg. Connaught Place <strong>to</strong> Noida). It’ll display <strong>the</strong><br />
suggested routes along w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> distance <strong>in</strong> kilometres (Google<br />
Maps also tells you <strong>the</strong> commut<strong>in</strong>g time, but that doesn’t seem <strong>to</strong><br />
be <strong>in</strong> sync w<strong>it</strong>h Delhi’s traffic<br />
cond<strong>it</strong>ions). Now that you<br />
know <strong>the</strong> distance, let me<br />
expla<strong>in</strong> my (not-so-magic)<br />
formula. Heavy traffic<br />
(peak hours) (8:30 AM <strong>to</strong><br />
10:30 AM and 5:30 PM <strong>to</strong><br />
8:00 PM) Distance <strong>in</strong> km<br />
x 3 (If your dest<strong>in</strong>ation is<br />
15 kilometres away, <strong>it</strong>’ll<br />
take you approximately<br />
45 m<strong>in</strong>utes <strong>to</strong> reach <strong>the</strong>re)<br />
Medium traffic (10:30 AM<br />
<strong>to</strong> 5:30 PM; 8:00 PM <strong>to</strong><br />
9:30 PM) Distance <strong>in</strong> km x<br />
2 (30 m<strong>in</strong>utes for 15 kilometres) Low traffic (9:30 PM <strong>to</strong><br />
8:30 AM) Distance <strong>in</strong> km x 1 (If you aren’t one of those who zoom<br />
past at 120 kmph at 2:00 AM).<br />
Metro Station at<br />
Rajori garden<br />
EDUCATION<br />
W<strong>it</strong>h India ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g popular<strong>it</strong>y<br />
globally, Delhi, <strong>the</strong> cap<strong>it</strong>al, stands<br />
<strong>to</strong> ga<strong>in</strong> a lot and this fact is clearly<br />
reflected <strong>in</strong> terms of education.<br />
Delhi, <strong>to</strong>day, is considered a<br />
desirable dest<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>to</strong> pursue<br />
education and is a favoured<br />
educational dest<strong>in</strong>ation among<br />
many national<strong>it</strong>ies. The<br />
schools and o<strong>the</strong>r educational<br />
<strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utions <strong>in</strong> Delhi are e<strong>it</strong>her<br />
run by <strong>the</strong> NCT government<br />
Noida<br />
or by private organizations. The<br />
medium of learn<strong>in</strong>g is usually<br />
English or H<strong>in</strong>di and <strong>the</strong>se<br />
schools are affiliated <strong>to</strong> e<strong>it</strong>her <strong>the</strong><br />
Indian Certificate of Secondary<br />
<strong>Education</strong> (ICSE) or <strong>the</strong> Central<br />
Board for Secondary <strong>Education</strong><br />
(CBSE). In 2001, <strong>the</strong> educational<br />
statistics of Delhi showed <strong>the</strong>re<br />
were a <strong>to</strong>tal of 2,416 primary,<br />
715 middle and 1,576 secondary<br />
schools and 131 colleges<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g 5 medical colleges and<br />
8 eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g colleges. Delhi is<br />
also home <strong>to</strong> four univers<strong>it</strong>ies,<br />
seven deemed univers<strong>it</strong>ies and<br />
one Open Univers<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
PRESTIGIOUS COLLEGES<br />
AND INSTITUTES<br />
Delhi holds an excellent<br />
reputation as far as many<br />
univers<strong>it</strong>ies and colleges are<br />
concerned. The <strong>to</strong>p 5 univers<strong>it</strong>ies<br />
<strong>in</strong> Delhi are Delhi Univers<strong>it</strong>y,<br />
Jawaharlal Nehru Univers<strong>it</strong>y,<br />
Guru Gob<strong>in</strong>d S<strong>in</strong>gh Indraprastha<br />
Univers<strong>it</strong>y, Jamia Millia Islamia<br />
and Indira Gandhi National Open<br />
Univers<strong>it</strong>y. The All India Inst<strong>it</strong>ute<br />
of Medical Sciences ranks among<br />
<strong>the</strong> best medical <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utions <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> world. O<strong>the</strong>r educational<br />
and research <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utes that<br />
are recognized worldwide as<br />
excellent <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utions <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
Indian Inst<strong>it</strong>ute of Technology<br />
Delhi, Delhi School of<br />
Economics, Shri Ram College<br />
of Commerce, Lady Shri Ram<br />
College for Women, Netaji<br />
Subhas Inst<strong>it</strong>ute of Technology,<br />
Delhi College of Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
St Stephen’s College.<br />
Mentioned below are <strong>the</strong><br />
various educational categories for<br />
Delhi that we have covered.<br />
SOME OF THE EMINENT DELHI SCHOOLS ARE:<br />
• Adarsh Shiksha Niketan<br />
• Air Force Bal Bharti School<br />
• American Embassy School<br />
• Am<strong>it</strong>y International School<br />
• Bal Bharti School<br />
• Delhi Army Public School<br />
• Delhi Kendriya Vidyalay<br />
• Delhi Public Schools<br />
• Modern School<br />
• New Delhi Air Force School<br />
• Shamrock Preschools<br />
• St. Columba’s High School<br />
For pursu<strong>in</strong>g higher studies, Delhi Colleges offer degree courses <strong>in</strong><br />
various subjects <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field of art, science and commerce. Some of<br />
<strong>the</strong> em<strong>in</strong>ent Delhi colleges are:<br />
• Delhi College of Arts &<br />
Commerce<br />
• Gargi College<br />
• Hansraj College<br />
• H<strong>in</strong>du College<br />
• Kirori Mal College<br />
• Lady Shri Ram College<br />
for Women<br />
• Miranda House<br />
• Maulana AzadMedical College<br />
• Ramjas College<br />
• Shri Ram College of Commerce<br />
• St. Stephen’s College<br />
For fur<strong>the</strong>r studies and research purposes, students go <strong>to</strong> Delhi<br />
Univers<strong>it</strong>ies. The Univers<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>in</strong> Delhi are:<br />
• Delhi Univers<strong>it</strong>y<br />
Open Univers<strong>it</strong>y<br />
• Indraprastha Univers<strong>it</strong>y • Jammia Millia Islamia<br />
• Indira Gandhi National • Jawaharlal Nehru Univers<strong>it</strong>y<br />
Apart from <strong>the</strong> general academics, Delhi houses some of <strong>the</strong> best<br />
educational <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utions impart<strong>in</strong>g qual<strong>it</strong>y education <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> technical<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r professional fields. They are:<br />
• Delhi FMS<br />
• Delhi IIT<br />
• Delhi School of Economics<br />
• Indian Inst<strong>it</strong>ute of Mass<br />
Communication<br />
• IMI Delhi<br />
• Indian Inst<strong>it</strong>ute of Medical<br />
Sciences<br />
• Inst<strong>it</strong>ute of Chartered<br />
Accountants of India<br />
• Netaji Subhas Inst<strong>it</strong>ute of<br />
Technology<br />
SOCIAL LIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT<br />
All through <strong>it</strong>s seven rebirths from <strong>the</strong> Pandavas’ Indraprastha <strong>to</strong><br />
Edw<strong>in</strong> Lutyens’ New Delhi, <strong>the</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y was <strong>the</strong> nerve centre of pol<strong>it</strong>ical<br />
power, never a commercial hub. In <strong>it</strong>s eighth rebirth currently<br />
underway, Delhi promises <strong>to</strong> emerge as just that. Indians are and have<br />
been <strong>in</strong>vad<strong>in</strong>g Delhi at a pace unlike ever before, and unlike any o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
c<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country. Each immigrant, whe<strong>the</strong>r from a big c<strong>it</strong>y or a small<br />
<strong>to</strong>wn, is burst<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h amb<strong>it</strong>ion. Each harbours a plan for a better life.<br />
“More by default than by design, Delhi is emerg<strong>in</strong>g as <strong>the</strong> Dream C<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of India. Delhi’s population has swelled by 43 per cent - faster than any<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r c<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country - and is now close <strong>to</strong> 14 million. That’s twice<br />
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<strong>the</strong> population of Sw<strong>it</strong>zerland, a<br />
country about 30 times <strong>the</strong> size<br />
of Delhi. Ano<strong>the</strong>r million people<br />
come <strong>to</strong> Delhi every day from <strong>the</strong><br />
satell<strong>it</strong>e <strong>to</strong>wns. A stark statistical<br />
evidence of <strong>the</strong> immigrant tide is<br />
that over 60 per cent of Delhi<strong>it</strong>es<br />
are not Delhi-born. That has<br />
changed <strong>the</strong> beat, tenor and<br />
Gurgaon<br />
character of <strong>the</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
From a s<strong>to</strong>dgy government c<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of <strong>the</strong> past, <strong>the</strong> cap<strong>it</strong>al has turned<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> a thriv<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess centre<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h both startups and MNCs<br />
throng<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>. The “overgrown<br />
village” of <strong>the</strong> ‘60s and ‘70s,<br />
is <strong>to</strong>day <strong>the</strong> most “hep and<br />
happen<strong>in</strong>g” c<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
As for <strong>the</strong> growth of arts, Delhi<br />
has reached a po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last few<br />
years where only a transplanted<br />
Mumbaikar would rema<strong>in</strong><br />
unimpressed. The c<strong>it</strong>y has over<br />
100 art galleries, out of which 25<br />
are active throughout <strong>the</strong> year; <strong>it</strong>s<br />
c<strong>in</strong>ema halls attract over 90 lakh<br />
film buffs a year, and along w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
<strong>it</strong>s suburbs, Delhi has n<strong>in</strong>e golf<br />
courses, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> country’s<br />
first night golf course. One of <strong>the</strong><br />
tell<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dica<strong>to</strong>rs of Delhi’s lead<br />
over o<strong>the</strong>r c<strong>it</strong>ies was <strong>the</strong> recent release of a book on Am<strong>it</strong>abh Bachchan<br />
<strong>in</strong> Delhi three days before <strong>it</strong>s release <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Bollywood</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y of Mumbai.<br />
Though even <strong>the</strong> unabashed Delhi fans adm<strong>it</strong> that “Mumbai eats better<br />
than Delhi”, <strong>the</strong>y are quick <strong>to</strong> po<strong>in</strong>t out <strong>the</strong> mushroom<strong>in</strong>g of tier-II (a<br />
level below 5-star) eat<strong>in</strong>g jo<strong>in</strong>ts that have dotted Delhi’s landscape <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
last decade. The c<strong>it</strong>y’s clubs and restaurants pull <strong>in</strong> about 50,000 people<br />
every Saturday. If slick super-clubs like Dj<strong>in</strong>ns <strong>in</strong> Hyatt do not appeal,<br />
<strong>the</strong> sheer variety <strong>in</strong> Delhi promises that someth<strong>in</strong>g will - whe<strong>the</strong>r 32nd<br />
Miles<strong>to</strong>ne <strong>in</strong> Gurgaon or Daniells’ Tavern <strong>in</strong> Imperial Hotel.<br />
For classical dancers, Delhi’s draw<br />
now extends beyond government<br />
patronage <strong>to</strong> genu<strong>in</strong>e appreciative<br />
audience. Bharatnatyam dancer Yam<strong>in</strong>i<br />
Krishnamurthy has been perform<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
Delhi s<strong>in</strong>ce 1975 though she lived <strong>in</strong><br />
Chennai. By 1992 she was conv<strong>in</strong>ced<br />
that she had <strong>to</strong> move <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y for better<br />
prospects. Kuchipudi dancer Raja Reddy<br />
shifted <strong>to</strong> Delhi for <strong>the</strong> same reason. Says<br />
he: “Delhi is <strong>the</strong> base from which <strong>to</strong> get<br />
national and <strong>in</strong>ternational fame.” Delhi’s<br />
social life has both followed and is be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
followed by <strong>it</strong>s chang<strong>in</strong>g professional<br />
Lutyens’ New Delhi<br />
and bus<strong>in</strong>ess life. A lot that is good about life <strong>in</strong> Delhi is due <strong>to</strong> <strong>it</strong>s<br />
cosmopol<strong>it</strong>an nature. It welcomes nobody, but accepts everybody. For<br />
newcomers <strong>the</strong>re is no ethnic or cultural barrier. The predom<strong>in</strong>ance of<br />
Punjabi culture <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> cap<strong>it</strong>al is under threat from <strong>the</strong> teem<strong>in</strong>g national<br />
and <strong>in</strong>ternational immigrants. Though no formal study has been done <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> effect, <strong>in</strong>dividual estimates suggest that Punjabis account for only<br />
a fourth of Delhi now, down from one-third <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> ‘60s. “Everybody is<br />
a m<strong>in</strong>or<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong> Delhi. The c<strong>it</strong>y is truly a melt<strong>in</strong>g pot of ethnic ident<strong>it</strong>ies,”<br />
remarked notes prom<strong>in</strong>ent wr<strong>it</strong>er<br />
Khuswant S<strong>in</strong>gh.<br />
COST OF LIVING<br />
<strong>How</strong> much does <strong>it</strong> cost <strong>to</strong> live<br />
<strong>in</strong> Delhi? Well this becomes an<br />
important question for all those<br />
people who are plann<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
shift<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Delhi for any reason.<br />
Delhi, be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> cap<strong>it</strong>al, boasts of<br />
a good <strong>in</strong>frastructure as compared<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r c<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>in</strong> India. W<strong>it</strong>h<br />
<strong>the</strong> world class metro tra<strong>in</strong><br />
runn<strong>in</strong>g through Delhi,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Delhi Transport<br />
Corporation (DTC)<br />
add<strong>in</strong>g new buses,<br />
New flyovers com<strong>in</strong>g<br />
up everyday and wide<br />
roads, <strong>it</strong> is a good c<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong><br />
live <strong>in</strong> especially w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
<strong>the</strong> Common Wealth<br />
games com<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>in</strong><br />
2010. Except for <strong>the</strong><br />
extreme temperature<br />
cond<strong>it</strong>ions (<strong>to</strong>o hot <strong>in</strong><br />
summer and <strong>to</strong>o cold<br />
<strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter) that plague<br />
<strong>the</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> year <strong>it</strong>’s still worthwhile.<br />
1. Rent<strong>in</strong>g an Apartment:<br />
Rent<strong>in</strong>g an apartment <strong>in</strong> Delhi is a<br />
difficult task <strong>in</strong> <strong>it</strong>self, but <strong>the</strong> costs<br />
for a 2 BHK can range between<br />
INR 5,000 <strong>to</strong> INR 50,000/-<br />
depend<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> location. The<br />
NCR seems <strong>to</strong> be <strong>the</strong> hotspot<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h a lot of developments <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>se areas and a lot of expats<br />
liv<strong>in</strong>g here. South Delhi has some<br />
very posh locations and a lot of<br />
companies have <strong>the</strong>ir offices <strong>in</strong> and<br />
around South Delhi and <strong>the</strong> cost<br />
of rent<strong>in</strong>g an apartment <strong>in</strong> South<br />
Delhi can range from 15,000 INR<br />
<strong>to</strong> 25,000 INR. Apart from <strong>the</strong> rent<br />
usually <strong>the</strong> landlords prefer <strong>to</strong> take<br />
a secur<strong>it</strong>y depos<strong>it</strong> equivalent <strong>to</strong> 3<br />
months rent, which is returnable once you leave <strong>the</strong> apartment.<br />
2. Groceries: The cost of groceries per month can be between INR<br />
12,000 <strong>to</strong> INR 16,000 for a couple, w<strong>it</strong>h plenty of new retail s<strong>to</strong>res<br />
open<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>in</strong> Delhi every day, <strong>it</strong>’s very convenient and fru<strong>it</strong>s and<br />
vegetables available <strong>in</strong> Delhi are usually qu<strong>it</strong>e fresh.<br />
3. Eat<strong>in</strong>g Out: For a couple on an average, <strong>the</strong> cost of eat<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>in</strong> a<br />
good restaurant can be between INR 1,500 <strong>to</strong> INR 2,000, and add ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
INR 1,000 if you <strong>in</strong>clude dr<strong>in</strong>ks. Generally a beer <strong>in</strong> a restaurant can<br />
cost between INR 150 <strong>to</strong> INR 250. Food is generally on every Delhi<strong>it</strong>e’s<br />
m<strong>in</strong>d be<strong>in</strong>g ma<strong>in</strong>ly Punjabi populated, There are plenty of good small<br />
restaurants available and street food is also generally very good. The cost<br />
of eat<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>in</strong> a small restaurant or street side is about INR 250 <strong>to</strong> INR<br />
500 for a couple.<br />
4. Petrol Prices: As<br />
is <strong>the</strong> case around <strong>the</strong><br />
world petrol prices are<br />
very volatile and bound<br />
<strong>to</strong> change soon but at<br />
present <strong>the</strong> price of petrol<br />
is around INR 45 <strong>to</strong> 48 per<br />
l<strong>it</strong>re.<br />
5. Rent<strong>in</strong>g a cab/taxi:<br />
There are plenty of call<br />
cabs/taxi services available<br />
and usually charge<br />
Karims<br />
anywhere between INR 15<br />
<strong>to</strong> INR 50 per kilometer of<br />
travel. You can also hire a<br />
cab on a “4 hours/80 km basis” whichever is first for INR 800 <strong>to</strong> INR<br />
1,500. W<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> Metro service available <strong>it</strong>s gett<strong>in</strong>g very convenient <strong>to</strong><br />
travel.<br />
6. Communications: Mobile calls maybe <strong>the</strong> cheapest <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h local calls as low as INR 0.50. There are two k<strong>in</strong>ds of services<br />
available GSM and CDMA w<strong>it</strong>h multiple opera<strong>to</strong>rs for both k<strong>in</strong>ds of<br />
services. Handsets can start from INR 500 and can go up <strong>to</strong> any amount.<br />
You have all k<strong>in</strong>ds of value added services from mobile opera<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
available like <strong>in</strong>ternet, GPS, text messag<strong>in</strong>g, Multimedia Messag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
etc.<br />
7. Cost of <strong>Education</strong> for Kids: Some <strong>to</strong>p end private schools charge<br />
anywhere between INR 25,000 <strong>to</strong> INR 45,000 as a quarterly fees. Good<br />
private schools charge between INR 12,000 <strong>to</strong> INR 15,000 quarterly<br />
fees. For admission schools also charge some development charges<br />
which range from between INR 40,000 <strong>to</strong> INR 150,000.<br />
8. Shopp<strong>in</strong>g: Shopp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Delhi is not generally a very costly<br />
affair unless you have <strong>to</strong>p designer brands <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d for which <strong>the</strong> cost<br />
would be <strong>the</strong> same as everywhere else. Clo<strong>the</strong>s and shoes are generally<br />
available across all malls and shopp<strong>in</strong>g centres (Scores of <strong>the</strong>m across<br />
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Old Delhi sweet shop<br />
Delhi). Branded and unbranded<br />
stuff is available. The cost of<br />
unbranded jeans starts from INR<br />
900 and shoes start at INR 1,500.<br />
A branded su<strong>it</strong> can be anywhere<br />
between <strong>the</strong> range of INR<br />
5,000 <strong>to</strong> INR 10,000. You<br />
can also vis<strong>it</strong> retailers<br />
webs<strong>it</strong>es w<strong>it</strong>h major s<strong>to</strong>res<br />
<strong>in</strong> and around Delhi and all<br />
over India <strong>to</strong> get an idea of<br />
prices.<br />
HEALTH CARE<br />
The Delhi Health<br />
Care System contributes<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> well be<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong><br />
residents of <strong>the</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y. Both<br />
government and non<br />
government healthcare<br />
facil<strong>it</strong>ies are available.<br />
Health is a primary concern for all<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals and well developed<br />
The International Indian<br />
health care systems of Delhi provide useful guidance for<br />
people of all ages. There are different k<strong>in</strong>ds of health care<br />
facil<strong>it</strong>ies available <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y. Some of <strong>the</strong>se health care<br />
amen<strong>it</strong>ies, for example, are diagnostics centers, nurs<strong>in</strong>g<br />
homes, hosp<strong>it</strong>als, blood banks, health clubs, mobile health<br />
cl<strong>in</strong>ics, health centers, dispensaries and 24 hour chemists.<br />
Delhi Government’s Direc<strong>to</strong>rate of Health Services provides<br />
<strong>the</strong> above health care amen<strong>it</strong>ies at both secondary and<br />
primary levels. The health services are regulated by Delhi’s<br />
Direc<strong>to</strong>rate of Health Services that are offered by private<br />
nurs<strong>in</strong>g homes registered under <strong>the</strong> government. There are<br />
many hosp<strong>it</strong>als <strong>in</strong> Delhi which provide comprehensive health<br />
care opportun<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>to</strong> all <strong>in</strong>dividuals resid<strong>in</strong>g far and wide.<br />
Some of <strong>the</strong>se hosp<strong>it</strong>als are listed below:<br />
• Aruna Asaf Ali Hosp<strong>it</strong>al - 5, Rajpur Road, Delhi<br />
• Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hosp<strong>it</strong>al- sec<strong>to</strong>r- VI, Roh<strong>in</strong>i,<br />
Delhi-110085<br />
• Central Jail Hosp<strong>it</strong>al- Hari Nagar, New Delhi<br />
• Lok Nayak Hosp<strong>it</strong>al, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, near Delhi<br />
Gate, ND-2<br />
• Rao Tula Ram Memorial Hos<strong>it</strong>al- Jaffar pur Village,<br />
New Delhi 110073<br />
• Sanjay Gandhi Memorial hosp<strong>it</strong>al<br />
• Apollo hosp<strong>it</strong>al, Delhi<br />
• All India Inst<strong>it</strong>ute of Medical Sciences<br />
Blood Banks <strong>in</strong> Delhi provide blood <strong>to</strong> every patient requir<strong>in</strong>g<br />
immediate blood. The location of <strong>the</strong> blood banks of Delhi are: State<br />
Blood Transfusion Council, Government of NCT of Delhi, Inderprastha<br />
Sachivalya, 8th floor, I.P<br />
Estate, New Delhi.<br />
Dwarka Sec<strong>to</strong>r 4<br />
IMPORTANT WEBSITES<br />
• http://delhigovt.nic.<strong>in</strong>/<br />
<strong>in</strong>dex. asp Delhi government<br />
• http://www.mcdonl<strong>in</strong>e.gov.<br />
<strong>in</strong>/ Delhi Municipal<strong>it</strong>y<br />
• http://www.delhilive.com/<br />
Delhi Live<br />
http://www.delhi.oh.us/<br />
Delhi Township s<strong>it</strong>e<br />
Archisman D<strong>in</strong>da is a freelance wr<strong>it</strong>er based <strong>in</strong> Delhi & Calcutta<br />
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DESI vs<br />
INTERNATIONAL:<br />
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?<br />
It is fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> observe how countries w<strong>it</strong>h wide exposure <strong>to</strong> foreign cultures still<br />
develop ultra- national m<strong>in</strong>dsets. But life is different <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Diaspora melt<strong>in</strong>g pot, some<br />
change is <strong>in</strong>ev<strong>it</strong>able even for <strong>the</strong> most conf<strong>in</strong>ed m<strong>in</strong>ds.<br />
by: Frank Raj<br />
As a desi who has lived abroad for nearly four decades <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> US and <strong>the</strong> Middle East, I often reflect on how life<br />
overseas changes our th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> days when we<br />
lived <strong>in</strong> India. In what areas do NRIs adapt and become<br />
open <strong>to</strong> fresh th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g? What is <strong>the</strong> difference between<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational vs <strong>the</strong> desi experience? W<strong>it</strong>h India now open<strong>in</strong>g up<br />
like never before, is <strong>it</strong> just a matter of time before <strong>the</strong> onslaught of<br />
satell<strong>it</strong>e TV and globalization turns Indian values upside down? In<br />
food, fashion, family,<br />
feudal<strong>it</strong>y, fa<strong>it</strong>h and<br />
fortune is change<br />
seriously happen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> Indian society ?<br />
India has constantly<br />
experienced foreign<br />
<strong>in</strong>fluences throughout<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ry so how do so<br />
many Indians become<br />
so hidebound and<br />
why does <strong>the</strong> notion<br />
of desi have mostly<br />
narrow implications?<br />
It is fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> observe how countries<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h wide exposure <strong>to</strong> foreign cultures still develop ultra- national<br />
m<strong>in</strong>dsets. But life is different <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Diaspora melt<strong>in</strong>g pot, some change<br />
is <strong>in</strong>ev<strong>it</strong>able even for <strong>the</strong> most conf<strong>in</strong>ed m<strong>in</strong>ds.<br />
For someone born <strong>in</strong> Beirut, Lebanon and raised <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands,<br />
Malaysia and Kuwa<strong>it</strong>, does Indian parentage make much of a difference<br />
Prakash Savarirayan w<strong>it</strong>h his wife Asha & son Shaan<br />
or does <strong>the</strong> lack of grow<strong>in</strong>g desi<br />
roots make a greater impact?<br />
Anne-Marie Vadassery is <strong>the</strong><br />
youngest of three children who<br />
knew life abroad before <strong>the</strong>y<br />
knew India. Her parents lived<br />
outside India for almost all <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
married life s<strong>in</strong>ce her fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
worked <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> airl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>dustry.<br />
Aside from occasional holidays<br />
vis<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g relatives and friends<br />
<strong>in</strong> India, she only truly got <strong>to</strong><br />
know India when she was sent <strong>to</strong><br />
board<strong>in</strong>g school <strong>the</strong>re at <strong>the</strong> age<br />
of 13. Her parents moved back <strong>to</strong><br />
India a year later, when her Dad<br />
retired. Anne-Marie left India<br />
aga<strong>in</strong> when she got married 10<br />
years after that and her family has<br />
lived <strong>in</strong> Dubai ever s<strong>in</strong>ce.<br />
Is Indian parentage and<br />
upbr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g all pervasive?<br />
“I can’t honestly say I have a<br />
predom<strong>in</strong>ant culture operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
me, as my parents exposed us <strong>to</strong><br />
a smorgasbord of cultures right<br />
from <strong>the</strong> very beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g,” adm<strong>it</strong>s<br />
Anne-Marie. “The three of us<br />
never did latch on<strong>to</strong> our Indian<br />
her<strong>it</strong>age even as our <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
ident<strong>it</strong>ies emerged. While our<br />
parents made sure we knew our<br />
roots, primarily through all those<br />
holidays <strong>to</strong> India, our home<br />
was never particularly oriented<br />
<strong>to</strong>wards a s<strong>in</strong>gle <strong>in</strong>fluence. Be <strong>it</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> people we called friends,<br />
or <strong>the</strong> type of food we ate, or <strong>the</strong><br />
different schools we<br />
went <strong>to</strong>, or our parents’<br />
outlook on life, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
truly was noth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
ethnocentric about life<br />
<strong>in</strong> our family.” Does<br />
she feel that’s harmed<br />
her? “Not at all. I’m<br />
truly grateful <strong>to</strong> have<br />
had <strong>the</strong> parents I did<br />
for I much prefer<br />
<strong>the</strong> kaleidoscope <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> monochrome, or<br />
even <strong>the</strong> duo<strong>to</strong>ne,” is<br />
Anne-Marie’s frank<br />
analysis.<br />
Indian parentage<br />
and upbr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
not all pervasive, <strong>the</strong> environment<br />
<strong>in</strong> which one is raised clearly<br />
has a significant impact, perhaps<br />
more than we realize. So what<br />
really gives us our ident<strong>it</strong>y if <strong>it</strong>’s<br />
not Bharat Mata for every Indian<br />
who leaves <strong>it</strong>s crowded shores?<br />
Prakash Savarirayan who has<br />
lived <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> US s<strong>in</strong>ce 1985 gives<br />
us an important clue. “In <strong>the</strong> long<br />
run I realized, and I can speak<br />
for my wife Asha as well, that <strong>it</strong><br />
is really what we believe <strong>in</strong> that<br />
def<strong>in</strong>es us and gives us ident<strong>it</strong>y<br />
- start<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h our fa<strong>it</strong>h. For <strong>the</strong><br />
rest of <strong>it</strong>, <strong>the</strong> feel<strong>in</strong>g of be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
‘global’ c<strong>it</strong>izens, ra<strong>the</strong>r than only<br />
Indian and or American, prevails,” is how Prakash sees <strong>it</strong>.<br />
For Prakash <strong>the</strong> biggest difference when <strong>it</strong> comes <strong>to</strong> worldview<br />
is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> areas of spir<strong>it</strong>ual<strong>it</strong>y and awareness of our cultural roots. He<br />
feels grow<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>in</strong> India people take <strong>the</strong>ir (good) circumstances<br />
for granted. Life <strong>in</strong> India meant <strong>the</strong> secur<strong>it</strong>y and support of parents,<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h an extensive network of family and friends. It’s not qu<strong>it</strong>e <strong>the</strong><br />
same overseas Prakash po<strong>in</strong>ts out. “In spend<strong>in</strong>g (almost) <strong>the</strong> second<br />
half of our lives abroad (mostly <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> US) and away from our roots,<br />
although relatively comfortable <strong>in</strong> our day <strong>to</strong> day liv<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h family<br />
life, spir<strong>it</strong>ual life, careers, and friends, we became more acutely aware<br />
of <strong>the</strong> need for God’s presence <strong>in</strong> our lives and His bless<strong>in</strong>gs. We<br />
also feel a greater appreciation for our Indian culture, although a<br />
lot of this is also driven<br />
by nostalgia. The only<br />
aspect of family life that<br />
constantly pulls hard at<br />
our emotions everyday is<br />
not hav<strong>in</strong>g our parents <strong>in</strong><br />
close proxim<strong>it</strong>y.”<br />
India: So near yet so far<br />
India however is very<br />
real for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong> NRI,<br />
much more than <strong>the</strong><br />
faraway NRIs <strong>in</strong> America.<br />
Sushil Samtani has been<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong> almost twenty<br />
years and look<strong>in</strong>g back he<br />
feels like he’s been <strong>in</strong> a<br />
time warp. “My UAE stay…I can almost call <strong>it</strong> a sojourn…19 years,<br />
on a fragile employment visa prevents any ‘I-am-grow<strong>in</strong>g-rootshere’<br />
k<strong>in</strong>d of notion! Hence India is all pervasive and loom<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Gulf</strong> NRI’s m<strong>in</strong>d most of <strong>the</strong> time.” Sushil reflects <strong>the</strong> dilemma faced<br />
by many Indians <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong>, “UAE has been ‘home’ for almost half<br />
my life and <strong>the</strong> only home my two girls have known.” He th<strong>in</strong>ks<br />
most if not all Indians will say <strong>the</strong>y miss India a lot and want <strong>to</strong> go<br />
back - India be<strong>in</strong>g so near yet so far because go<strong>in</strong>g back is not an<br />
easy decision. “That for me is <strong>the</strong> essence of India for us <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
Indians,” Sushil observes.<br />
Sushil’s overseas experience has made him more discern<strong>in</strong>g about<br />
how Indians overseas must learn <strong>to</strong> face <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>d of discrim<strong>in</strong>ation that is<br />
qu<strong>it</strong>e common <strong>in</strong> India. “As an expatriate I have perceived <strong>the</strong> different<br />
part<strong>it</strong>ions <strong>in</strong> society says Sushil. “In India <strong>it</strong> is caste and profession<br />
based, abroad, <strong>it</strong> takes on color. Back home considerations based on such<br />
divisions were almost de rigueur but <strong>the</strong>y never set <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g…<br />
out of India <strong>it</strong> h<strong>it</strong>s hard and has a sober<strong>in</strong>g effect. I for one, dread<br />
Anee-Marie w<strong>it</strong>h husband Ptrem and sons Jonathan & Joshua<br />
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s<strong>it</strong>uations w<strong>it</strong>h such connotations,<br />
for I am loath <strong>to</strong> steer away by my<br />
sense of right and wrong.”<br />
“As an Indian <strong>in</strong> India,” says<br />
Esl<strong>in</strong>da Ribeiro, “one generally<br />
lives w<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> conf<strong>in</strong>es of<br />
one’s commun<strong>it</strong>y, <strong>in</strong> my case<br />
Goan Catholic, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> cond<strong>it</strong>ion<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
programm<strong>in</strong>g that one is<br />
fed from birth. One goes<br />
around w<strong>it</strong>h bl<strong>in</strong>kers, as<br />
<strong>it</strong> were, <strong>in</strong> a very <strong>in</strong>sular<br />
world, stay<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h what is<br />
familiar, be<strong>in</strong>g very often<br />
cr<strong>it</strong>ical and judgmental of<br />
those who do not f<strong>it</strong> our<br />
worldview.”<br />
She feels that mov<strong>in</strong>g<br />
away from one’s country <strong>to</strong><br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r and especially <strong>to</strong> a<br />
place like Dubai you get<br />
out of your comfort zone<br />
and <strong>in</strong>teract w<strong>it</strong>h many<br />
different national<strong>it</strong>ies.<br />
“We experience change <strong>in</strong><br />
every area of life - at work,<br />
through our children at<br />
school, church, recreational<br />
activ<strong>it</strong>ies, etc. We also meet<br />
and <strong>in</strong>teract more w<strong>it</strong>h o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Indian commun<strong>it</strong>ies: Malayalees,<br />
S<strong>in</strong>dhis, Gujaratis, etc. which<br />
would not necessarily have been<br />
<strong>the</strong> case when liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> India.<br />
Gradually <strong>the</strong> realization dawns<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are <strong>in</strong>deed many different<br />
ways of liv<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>it</strong> is all good!”<br />
Perhaps <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> end, as Anne-<br />
Marie also speculates, “Maybe<br />
<strong>the</strong>se differences work <strong>to</strong> our<br />
advantage, as we watch our<br />
similar<strong>it</strong>ies separate <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> divers<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of att<strong>it</strong>ude, perception, thought<br />
and deed, and <strong>the</strong>n blend <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> a nation rich <strong>in</strong> those very<br />
same components.”<br />
Changes on a professional and personal level<br />
Sonali Bhattacharya, a senior magaz<strong>in</strong>e wr<strong>it</strong>er <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE adm<strong>it</strong>s<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h candor that, “I’ve seen a lot of changes <strong>in</strong> my personal<strong>it</strong>y ever<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce I became an NRI, both on a professional and personal level.”<br />
Sonali worked <strong>in</strong> senior pos<strong>it</strong>ions as a journalist <strong>in</strong> New Delhi but f<strong>in</strong>ds<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational exposure <strong>in</strong> Dubai, a big advantage. “Professionally<br />
I have learnt <strong>to</strong> deal w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
Maya Ribeiro w<strong>it</strong>h her bro<strong>the</strong>r Sam<br />
different national<strong>it</strong>ies,<br />
which is someth<strong>in</strong>g that I<br />
was not exposed <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong> India.<br />
For <strong>in</strong>stance when I am<br />
<strong>in</strong>terview<strong>in</strong>g people from <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Gulf</strong> region or from Europe<br />
whose native language is<br />
not English, I have <strong>to</strong> slow<br />
down while ask<strong>in</strong>g my<br />
questions and use really<br />
simple words <strong>in</strong> order <strong>to</strong><br />
get my mean<strong>in</strong>g across.<br />
Often I must pose <strong>the</strong> same<br />
question <strong>in</strong> different ways<br />
before <strong>the</strong>y understand<br />
what I am say<strong>in</strong>g,” she<br />
expla<strong>in</strong>s.<br />
“On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand,<br />
when I am deal<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
native English speakers<br />
<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>y have <strong>to</strong> slow<br />
down a l<strong>it</strong>tle b<strong>it</strong> for me as <strong>the</strong>y have very pronounced accents which<br />
I sometimes f<strong>in</strong>d difficult <strong>to</strong> follow. It’s very <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g, thrill<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
challeng<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> deal w<strong>it</strong>h different national<strong>it</strong>ies on a daily basis,” she<br />
says.<br />
Her style of dress<strong>in</strong>g for work has also changed ever s<strong>in</strong>ce she came<br />
here. Whereas <strong>in</strong> India she would wear casuals or trad<strong>it</strong>ional clo<strong>the</strong>s <strong>to</strong><br />
work, here she is <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>to</strong> more corporate western outf<strong>it</strong>s. “I have<br />
also got used <strong>to</strong> easy access <strong>to</strong> better technology, amen<strong>it</strong>ies and plush<br />
offices, which is not someth<strong>in</strong>g that can be said of <strong>the</strong> newspaper<br />
offices back home,” she po<strong>in</strong>ts out. “I have also become more patriotic<br />
now, more <strong>in</strong>dependent as a woman and more money conscious,” she<br />
says <strong>in</strong> a quiet, <strong>in</strong>trospective <strong>to</strong>ne.<br />
Differences Between Resident And Non-Resident Indians<br />
We are all desis <strong>in</strong> one sense, but what are <strong>the</strong> differences between<br />
resident and non-resident Indians? Anne-Marie’s op<strong>in</strong>ion is that while<br />
lifestyle, class, status and wealth would be <strong>the</strong> simplistic explanations<br />
of a couple of decades ago, <strong>the</strong>se are no longer valid <strong>in</strong>dica<strong>to</strong>rs of <strong>the</strong><br />
contrast between those liv<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong> India and those liv<strong>in</strong>g outside <strong>it</strong>.<br />
“Instead, resident Indians now show greater pride <strong>in</strong> actually choos<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> India <strong>to</strong> ‘make <strong>it</strong> big’, compared <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> earlier yen for<br />
employment ‘abroad’. As for <strong>the</strong> non-resident, retir<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> India just may<br />
be <strong>the</strong> salve for years spent<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g a fifth wheel <strong>in</strong> a country<br />
that you can never truly call<br />
home.” The o<strong>the</strong>r difference<br />
she has noticed is, “<strong>How</strong><br />
children <strong>in</strong> India are streetsmart<br />
<strong>in</strong> cours<strong>in</strong>g through <strong>the</strong><br />
demands of life, while <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
non-resident counterparts are<br />
more naive about <strong>the</strong> same<br />
demands, often need<strong>in</strong>g adult<br />
assistance <strong>to</strong> identify and<br />
handle any crisis. Resilience<br />
seems <strong>to</strong> be <strong>the</strong> forte of <strong>the</strong><br />
resident Indian’s decisions,<br />
<strong>to</strong>o,” is her assessment. The<br />
NRI’s decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
<strong>in</strong>stead often governed by<br />
nostalgia and an overarch<strong>in</strong>g<br />
need for commun<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
Sonali’s thoughts might<br />
seem <strong>to</strong> contradict Anne-<br />
Marie but both views are<br />
relevant <strong>in</strong> different contexts.<br />
“On a personal level,” says<br />
Sonali, “I have become more <strong>in</strong>dependent as I can’t afford <strong>the</strong> army<br />
of servants I used <strong>to</strong> have <strong>in</strong> India. Out here I do all <strong>the</strong> housework<br />
myself. In<strong>it</strong>ially I found <strong>it</strong> very <strong>to</strong>ugh <strong>to</strong> strike <strong>the</strong> work-life balance,<br />
but now I have got used <strong>to</strong> <strong>it</strong> and have organized my schedule <strong>in</strong> such<br />
a manner that everyth<strong>in</strong>g runs like clockwork <strong>in</strong> my house. So now if<br />
I were <strong>to</strong> move <strong>to</strong> London or New York I would be able <strong>to</strong> get on w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
my life <strong>the</strong>re w<strong>it</strong>hout a h<strong>it</strong>ch. And <strong>the</strong> best part is, that my family also<br />
participates <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> housework and we have divided chores so that each<br />
one does <strong>the</strong>ir b<strong>it</strong>. This is someth<strong>in</strong>g that never used <strong>to</strong> happen <strong>in</strong> India.<br />
They would not even lift <strong>the</strong>ir own plates <strong>the</strong>re,” she says w<strong>it</strong>h a laugh.<br />
Challenges on <strong>the</strong> homefront<br />
Sushil Samtani w<strong>it</strong>h his wife Karishma & daughters<br />
Himani (3) & Sonali (7)<br />
The biggest challenges <strong>to</strong> life overseas are probably on <strong>the</strong><br />
homefront, especially w<strong>it</strong>h rais<strong>in</strong>g children. Today’s kids <strong>in</strong> India <strong>it</strong>self<br />
are very different from pre-satell<strong>it</strong>e TV days when <strong>the</strong> impact of <strong>the</strong><br />
western juggernaut was not as strong as <strong>it</strong> is <strong>to</strong>day, so how do NRI<br />
parents cope w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> challenges<br />
of rais<strong>in</strong>g children abroad? Sushil<br />
is qu<strong>it</strong>e concerned, “I have seen<br />
most of us generally unsuccessful<br />
<strong>in</strong> pass<strong>in</strong>g on cultural values <strong>to</strong><br />
our children. Blame <strong>it</strong><br />
on lack of time w<strong>it</strong>h a set<br />
of work<strong>in</strong>g parents and<br />
no grandparents around<br />
<strong>to</strong> do <strong>the</strong> ‘Amar Ch<strong>it</strong>ra<br />
Katha’ b<strong>it</strong> or lack of<br />
adequate pride <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> face<br />
of aggressive and popular<br />
western mores and icons.<br />
This rankles and needs<br />
more expat commun<strong>it</strong>y<br />
effort <strong>to</strong> tackle on a macro<br />
level,” he feels.<br />
Prakash emphasizes<br />
<strong>the</strong> need for, “A sense of<br />
ident<strong>it</strong>y, based on fa<strong>it</strong>h,<br />
family, and her<strong>it</strong>age. Our<br />
childhood memories are<br />
based on life <strong>in</strong> India, but<br />
our children are grow<strong>in</strong>g up<br />
overseas. In our son’s case,<br />
Shaan has had <strong>the</strong> privilege<br />
of experienc<strong>in</strong>g much<br />
more than I ever did while<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g up. He has first-hand<br />
experience of India, Dubai, most<br />
countries <strong>in</strong> Europe especially<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g our stay <strong>in</strong> Europe, and of<br />
course US and Mexico. He has<br />
<strong>the</strong> feel of be<strong>in</strong>g a global c<strong>it</strong>izen<br />
at <strong>the</strong> age of 13!”<br />
Esl<strong>in</strong>da notes a shift <strong>in</strong><br />
perception w<strong>it</strong>h expand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
awareness as one absorbs<br />
different cultures, almost by<br />
osmosis when people beg<strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>corporate different food hab<strong>it</strong>s,<br />
leisure activ<strong>it</strong>ies, even celebrat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
common festivals. “This <strong>the</strong>n<br />
is reflected <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> way we br<strong>in</strong>g<br />
up our children teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m a<br />
more <strong>to</strong>lerant, understand<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
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Tom Mat<strong>the</strong>w w<strong>it</strong>h his daughter Reya & son Jehaan<br />
compassionate way of <strong>in</strong>teract<strong>in</strong>g<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> various races and social<br />
groups we meet. We become<br />
‘<strong>in</strong>ternational/global’ easily able<br />
<strong>to</strong> set up home and work <strong>in</strong> any<br />
country after hav<strong>in</strong>g experienced<br />
life overseas <strong>in</strong> a multi-cultural<br />
sett<strong>in</strong>g like Dubai.”<br />
Her daughter Maya believes<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Dubai has made a<br />
significant difference <strong>to</strong> her<br />
professional life, “It has given<br />
me opportun<strong>it</strong>ies for accelerated<br />
career growth that I probably<br />
would never have had <strong>in</strong> India<br />
and <strong>in</strong>teract<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h different<br />
national<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> work place<br />
has broadened my perspective.”<br />
She does not compartmentalize<br />
or judge people as much as she<br />
may have done if she was liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> India. “<strong>How</strong>ever, no matter<br />
where <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world I live, I will<br />
always be Indian at <strong>the</strong> core...my<br />
Indianness is an <strong>in</strong>tegral part of<br />
who I am!” she declares.<br />
Tom Ma<strong>the</strong>w is one person<br />
who experienced <strong>the</strong> Indiaoverseas<br />
change <strong>in</strong> two steps –<br />
com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Dubai first and <strong>the</strong>n<br />
mov<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> US specifically <strong>to</strong><br />
California. “ India three decades<br />
ago was a closed country <strong>in</strong> many ways and I felt <strong>the</strong><br />
world opened up for me when I left. I have a Bachelors<br />
<strong>in</strong> Chemical Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h a Masters <strong>in</strong> Bus<strong>in</strong>ess, and<br />
<strong>in</strong> India people tend <strong>to</strong> get slotted <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> pos<strong>it</strong>ions. I was <strong>in</strong><br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g though I felt my strengths were <strong>in</strong> market<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and bus<strong>in</strong>ess. I made <strong>the</strong> sw<strong>it</strong>ch <strong>in</strong> Dubai where I found <strong>the</strong><br />
opportun<strong>it</strong>ies were much greater and I was able <strong>to</strong> advance<br />
my career significantly. Culturally <strong>the</strong>re was not much of<br />
a shift between India and Dubai, but go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> US was<br />
a different experience. American society is very liberal<br />
compared <strong>to</strong> Dubai or India so that was a big adjustment.<br />
“I was fortunate <strong>to</strong> be based <strong>in</strong> San Jose <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Silicon<br />
Vally, which from a technology perspective is <strong>the</strong> nerve<br />
centre of <strong>the</strong> world. I was able <strong>to</strong> access <strong>in</strong>formation and<br />
meet people who spurred my th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g and developed my worldview<br />
and <strong>the</strong>y were like a whets<strong>to</strong>ne for my appet<strong>it</strong>es,” he enthuses. Although<br />
<strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess all went well <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>ially, and <strong>the</strong> opportun<strong>it</strong>ies and resources<br />
were <strong>the</strong>re, th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>to</strong>ok a turn for <strong>the</strong> worse when a family and spir<strong>it</strong>ual<br />
s<strong>it</strong>uation arose, which he had not anticipated, that subsequently led <strong>to</strong> his<br />
gett<strong>in</strong>g divorced. “Sett<strong>in</strong>g that aside,” says Tom, “I had a general sense<br />
that <strong>the</strong>re was almost noth<strong>in</strong>g I could not do <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Un<strong>it</strong>ed States, I had<br />
<strong>the</strong> feel<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> world was at my feet <strong>in</strong> a sense.”<br />
Tom was not comfortable rais<strong>in</strong>g his family <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> US. “I had a purely<br />
Indian upbr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g, and I left India when I was 30 years old - parents<br />
have much less control <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> US because of <strong>the</strong> peer pressure faced by<br />
kids and <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>d of society you live <strong>in</strong>. I would have preferred <strong>to</strong> have<br />
an Indian cultural sett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> an American society, which is difficult<br />
<strong>to</strong> do. I would have wanted my children <strong>to</strong> be more Indian than <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are now. <strong>How</strong>ever on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand <strong>the</strong>y have also had opportun<strong>it</strong>ies<br />
which <strong>the</strong>y might not have had <strong>in</strong> India – so <strong>it</strong>’s a delicate balance. I<br />
was on <strong>the</strong> fr<strong>in</strong>ges of <strong>the</strong> dilemma called ABCDs –American Born<br />
Confused Desis. I wish my children had closer ties w<strong>it</strong>h my family <strong>in</strong><br />
India, <strong>the</strong>y are less sens<strong>it</strong>ive <strong>to</strong> Indian cultural issues. I consider myself<br />
an Indian, I don’t th<strong>in</strong>k my children necessarily consider <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />
Indian, and <strong>the</strong>y have both married Americans.”<br />
The Ugly Indian<br />
Indians overseas perhaps because of cond<strong>it</strong>ions back home, seem <strong>to</strong><br />
mostly change for <strong>the</strong> better wherever <strong>the</strong>y go. “Our work and conduct<br />
rema<strong>in</strong>s our call<strong>in</strong>g card,” says Sushil. In <strong>the</strong> Diaspora we focus hard<br />
on our work and careers as we know we do not make a natural f<strong>it</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arab or <strong>the</strong> Western world. “I have seen <strong>the</strong> ‘argumentative<br />
Indian’ shed his compulsive tendency and be more selective <strong>in</strong> how he<br />
communicates. One can’t help but develop a sense of humor <strong>to</strong> cope<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h life as an expat. The NRI gets more phlegmatic as he is generally<br />
<strong>the</strong> least aggressive of national<strong>it</strong>ies. Not a very good th<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> become,<br />
I can assure you!” laments Sushil.<br />
What about <strong>the</strong> no<strong>to</strong>rious Indian behavior associated w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> phrase,<br />
‘We are like that only,’ <strong>the</strong> disgust<strong>in</strong>g, overbear<strong>in</strong>g, even corrupt Indian<br />
tra<strong>it</strong>s that seem <strong>to</strong> be <strong>in</strong>gra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> national character? Th<strong>in</strong>gs like<br />
delay<strong>in</strong>g flights that might be missed by mak<strong>in</strong>g hoax calls seem <strong>to</strong><br />
be more common <strong>in</strong> India than <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r countries, break<strong>in</strong>g queues,<br />
sp<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> roads etc., W<strong>it</strong>h large Indian expatriate populations<br />
<strong>Gulf</strong> countries have banned <strong>the</strong> import of Betel leaves due <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> paan<br />
chew<strong>in</strong>g and sp<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g hab<strong>it</strong>s of Indians but <strong>the</strong> demand is high and <strong>the</strong><br />
product somehow f<strong>in</strong>ds <strong>it</strong>s way <strong>in</strong>, <strong>it</strong> seems <strong>the</strong>re are certa<strong>in</strong> typical<br />
tra<strong>it</strong>s that some Indians <strong>in</strong>sist on br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g overseas.<br />
“The typical lack of civic sense <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> average Indian is thrown <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong><br />
stark relief out of <strong>the</strong> country,” says Sushil Samtani. Curiously, millions<br />
of NRIs haven’t made a dent on this issue back home! Do we lapse<br />
back <strong>to</strong> default mode after deplan<strong>in</strong>g (w<strong>it</strong>ness <strong>the</strong> ‘paan’ sta<strong>in</strong>s on <strong>the</strong><br />
aerobridge at Mumbai airport when disembark<strong>in</strong>g) or is <strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong> sheer<br />
scale of <strong>the</strong> chaos that thwarts any effort? Could <strong>it</strong> be compulsive <strong>in</strong> our<br />
genetic makeup? Recently, cameras caught a commuter check<strong>in</strong>g left<br />
TII HALL OF FAME<br />
My fa<strong>the</strong>r-<strong>in</strong>-law handed<br />
down <strong>the</strong> responsibil<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of conduct<strong>in</strong>g prayers<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Taj Mahal <strong>to</strong> me over 50<br />
years back. The country had<br />
been part<strong>it</strong>ioned and he was<br />
leav<strong>in</strong>g for Pakistan. Those<br />
days I was conduct<strong>in</strong>g prayers<br />
at Fatehpur Sikri and runn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a small marble bus<strong>in</strong>ess on <strong>the</strong><br />
side. He received a monthly<br />
salary of Rs. 15 from <strong>the</strong><br />
government, which started<br />
com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> me. Although so much<br />
time has gone by and everyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
has become more expensive<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> entry fee <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Taj. I still get only Rs. 15. I have<br />
subm<strong>it</strong>ted numerous applications<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> government for an <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
<strong>in</strong> this meager amount but noth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
has happened.<br />
and right before sp<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g his paan<br />
juice <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> spank<strong>in</strong>g new Dubai<br />
Metro. (No prizes for guess<strong>in</strong>g<br />
where he was from.) Yet we<br />
appreciate and enjoy <strong>the</strong> systems<br />
and <strong>in</strong>frastructure, <strong>it</strong>’s just that<br />
unlearn<strong>in</strong>g our native cond<strong>it</strong>ion<strong>in</strong>g<br />
takes a l<strong>it</strong>tle more time.”<br />
Sushil is conv<strong>in</strong>ced <strong>the</strong>re is<br />
life beyond <strong>the</strong> ‘paratha’ and <strong>the</strong><br />
‘butter chicken’ as one savours <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r side offer<strong>in</strong>g ‘paella’ and <strong>the</strong><br />
‘sushi’ even as we make space on<br />
our table for <strong>the</strong> ‘hummous’ next<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> chutney.<br />
Frank Raj is <strong>the</strong><br />
Founder Edi<strong>to</strong>r of TII<br />
Even after 50 years my monthly salary is Rs. 15<br />
I have cont<strong>in</strong>ued w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> job<br />
none<strong>the</strong>less because of <strong>the</strong> prestige<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved w<strong>it</strong>h conduct<strong>in</strong>g prayers at such<br />
a world famous monument. Now I have<br />
become old and haven’t been keep<strong>in</strong>g well<br />
and for <strong>the</strong> last few years I have asked<br />
my son <strong>to</strong> conduct <strong>the</strong> Friday prayers on<br />
my behalf. I have two daughters, both<br />
are married and one of my sons has a<br />
job as an office peon. People revere me<br />
and have no hes<strong>it</strong>ation <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>in</strong><br />
my time of need. It is only w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> help<br />
of such well-wishers and above all, <strong>the</strong><br />
Grace of God that I am manag<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> l<strong>it</strong>tle that I have.<br />
Maulana Sadiq Ali, Shahi Imam of Taj Mahal,<br />
Born Agra, Uttar Pradesh, c. 1919<br />
TII’s Hall of Fame features India’s elderly, great, <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
unusual men and women. Excerpted from <strong>the</strong> book Ageless M<strong>in</strong>d<br />
and Spir<strong>it</strong>’ by Samar and Vijay Jodha<br />
www.agelessm<strong>in</strong>dandspir<strong>it</strong>.com<br />
56<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 57
58<br />
DIASPORA<br />
LONDON<br />
<strong>the</strong>n and now<br />
When newly-arrived immigrants<br />
landed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Un<strong>it</strong>ed K<strong>in</strong>gdom<br />
overfour decades ago, <strong>the</strong>y were<br />
h<strong>it</strong> by a huge bout of nostalgia.<br />
Today c<strong>it</strong>ies like London are<br />
a home away from home.<br />
SHAMLAL PURI exam<strong>in</strong>es<br />
changes that have transformed<br />
<strong>the</strong> lives of Indians settled <strong>the</strong>re.<br />
by: Shamlal Puri<br />
WHEN I first arrived <strong>in</strong> London some 35 years ago, life<br />
for Indians and Asians from <strong>the</strong> Indian sub-cont<strong>in</strong>ent<br />
settled here was very different.<br />
When <strong>the</strong>y walked <strong>the</strong> streets of London or went<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir work places, everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m was so<br />
Br<strong>it</strong>ish. Super s<strong>to</strong>res s<strong>to</strong>cked everyth<strong>in</strong>g that was Br<strong>it</strong>ish and European.<br />
Indian goods were frowned upon by English shopkeepers.<br />
The earliest wave of Indians had arrived from <strong>the</strong> sub-cont<strong>in</strong>ent<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Br<strong>it</strong>ish rule <strong>the</strong>re. They were largely students who settled<br />
here. At that time migration was difficult and not many Indians could<br />
settle here.<br />
They struck a compromise – outside <strong>the</strong>y lived life as <strong>the</strong> rest of<br />
Bri<strong>to</strong>ns. The only Indian <strong>to</strong>uch <strong>the</strong>y enjoyed was at home. They ate<br />
Indian food cooked <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir k<strong>it</strong>chen, and w<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir four walls, listened<br />
<strong>to</strong> H<strong>in</strong>dustani music w<strong>it</strong>h records and tapes bought while vis<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g India<br />
on holiday. The weekends were spent enjoy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> best of Indian life<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> privacy of <strong>the</strong>ir homes.<br />
Racism was rife <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK <strong>in</strong> those years. The natives of England<br />
looked down upon Indian food and culture and considered Indians a<br />
species from ano<strong>the</strong>r world. W<strong>in</strong>s<strong>to</strong>n Churchill’s famous unchar<strong>it</strong>able<br />
remarks describ<strong>in</strong>g Mahatma Gandhi, as <strong>the</strong> “naked fakir” added fuel <strong>to</strong><br />
The International Indian<br />
London is like home away from home now<br />
fire s<strong>to</strong>ck<strong>in</strong>g racism <strong>to</strong> <strong>it</strong>s zen<strong>it</strong>h.<br />
Even when educated Indians<br />
wore English su<strong>it</strong>s and bowler<br />
hats <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> public, <strong>the</strong>y were put<br />
down as foreigners who had no<br />
right <strong>to</strong> be <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK.<br />
There were fewer c<strong>in</strong>ema<br />
halls offer<strong>in</strong>g a fare of Indian<br />
movies. Those that catered for<br />
H<strong>in</strong>dustani films showed <strong>the</strong>m<br />
on <strong>the</strong> weekends under special<br />
arrangements w<strong>it</strong>h c<strong>in</strong>ema<br />
owners who normally screened<br />
Hollywood films. It was a rare<br />
treat for Indian film fans that<br />
flocked c<strong>in</strong>ema halls not only<br />
<strong>to</strong> watch <strong>Bollywood</strong> films but<br />
also <strong>to</strong> socialise because <strong>the</strong>y<br />
missed India.<br />
We all watched three channels<br />
on Br<strong>it</strong>ish television – BBC 1,<br />
BBC 2 and ITV, mostly on monochrome sets. Colour TV was a rar<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
Indian television was non-existent except for some educational H<strong>in</strong>di<br />
and Urdu programmes such as Nayi Z<strong>in</strong>dagi Naya Jeewan shown by<br />
BBC Television w<strong>it</strong>h erstwhile presenters such as Mahendra Kaul,<br />
Salim Shaheed and Ashok Rampal, among <strong>the</strong> few household name<br />
Indian presenters. The programmes largely reflected issues confront<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Indians and o<strong>the</strong>r Asians and <strong>the</strong>ir lives <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir country of adoption.<br />
The only enterta<strong>in</strong>ment slot was a few m<strong>in</strong>utes of Indian music<br />
and s<strong>in</strong>gers at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> programmes. The programmes, beamed<br />
from Birm<strong>in</strong>gham, used <strong>to</strong> be a treat for Indian households on Sunday<br />
morn<strong>in</strong>gs who would watch <strong>the</strong>se while leisurely tuck<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> paranthas<br />
and puris for breakfast.<br />
When I first arrived here <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1970s, <strong>the</strong>re were few Indian<br />
journalists around. I was among very few Indian journalists settled <strong>in</strong><br />
London. Unless you were <strong>the</strong> London-based correspondent of Indian<br />
newspapers, <strong>it</strong> was very difficult <strong>to</strong> get <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>stream Br<strong>it</strong>ish journalism<br />
because <strong>the</strong> profession<br />
was a closed shop and<br />
jealously guarded by <strong>the</strong><br />
Wh<strong>it</strong>e Br<strong>it</strong>ish el<strong>it</strong>e. You<br />
had <strong>to</strong> be a member of<br />
<strong>the</strong> National Union of<br />
Journalists (NUJ).<br />
Indians were caught<br />
up <strong>in</strong> a catch 22 s<strong>it</strong>uation<br />
– you could not get a job<br />
unless you were a member<br />
of <strong>the</strong> NUJ and you could<br />
not jo<strong>in</strong> NUJ unless you<br />
worked as a professional<br />
journalist. It <strong>to</strong>ok a very<br />
broadm<strong>in</strong>ded wh<strong>it</strong>e edi<strong>to</strong>r<br />
<strong>to</strong> welcome you on his staff.<br />
Africa’s loss was Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong>’s ga<strong>in</strong>. These Indians were well tra<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>essmen who <strong>to</strong>ok over corner shops from English owners.<br />
Pho<strong>to</strong> cred<strong>it</strong>: Nishi Sharma, Interserve & South Asian Concern.<br />
Those Indians who managed <strong>to</strong> get <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> stream journalism<br />
were achievers. The Br<strong>it</strong>ish population landscape was chang<strong>in</strong>g. The<br />
trickle of Indians arriv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK was go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> turn <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> a <strong>to</strong>rrent.<br />
The first h<strong>in</strong>t of th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>to</strong> come was <strong>in</strong> 1968 however when a new<br />
wave of Indians started arriv<strong>in</strong>g from Kenya follow<strong>in</strong>g that country’s<br />
Africanisation policy. Indian bus<strong>in</strong>esses were refused trad<strong>in</strong>g licences<br />
forc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> leave <strong>the</strong> country <strong>in</strong> big numbers.<br />
Plane-loads of Indians started arriv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a cold Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong>. The exodus<br />
is still fresh <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ds of those who arrived here <strong>in</strong> 1968.<br />
Four years later, <strong>the</strong> Ugandan dicta<strong>to</strong>r Idi Am<strong>in</strong>, was upset w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
Indians liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> his country, He was livid that <strong>the</strong>y had monopolised<br />
<strong>the</strong> economy and taken over <strong>the</strong> entire bus<strong>in</strong>ess sec<strong>to</strong>r. To add fuel <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> fire one Sunday afternoon he saw Indians mill<strong>in</strong>g around <strong>in</strong> groups<br />
and walk<strong>in</strong>g leisurely <strong>in</strong> Kampala and he lashed out accus<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m<br />
of treat<strong>in</strong>g his country’s ma<strong>in</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y as if <strong>it</strong> were a suburb of Bombay.<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
His m<strong>in</strong>d was made up <strong>to</strong> expel<br />
all Asians from his country <strong>in</strong><br />
August 1972.<br />
Thousands of Br<strong>it</strong>ish passport<br />
holders packed <strong>the</strong>ir bags and<br />
arrived <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK as refugees.<br />
They started <strong>the</strong>ir life afresh.<br />
W<strong>it</strong>h some 150,000 Indian<br />
families from Kenya and Uganda<br />
settl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong>, There were<br />
panic waves <strong>in</strong> neighbour<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia,<br />
Zimbabwe and South Africa,<br />
from where whoever could prove<br />
Br<strong>it</strong>ish c<strong>it</strong>izenship connections,<br />
arrived <strong>to</strong> settle <strong>in</strong> this country.<br />
It had suddenly<br />
become fashionable<br />
<strong>to</strong> emigrate <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
UK. W<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> settl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of so many Indians,<br />
London suddenly<br />
lacked <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
<strong>to</strong> meet <strong>the</strong> needs<br />
of <strong>the</strong> new-arrivals,<br />
some of whom were<br />
not educated.<br />
Africa’s loss<br />
was Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong>’s ga<strong>in</strong>.<br />
These Indians<br />
were well-tra<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>essmen and<br />
started tak<strong>in</strong>g over<br />
corner shops from <strong>the</strong> English<br />
owners. They s<strong>to</strong>cked groceries<br />
and newspapers, <strong>the</strong> daily needs<br />
of <strong>the</strong>ir local commun<strong>it</strong>ies. They<br />
offered <strong>the</strong>ir cus<strong>to</strong>mers a qual<strong>it</strong>y<br />
service which snooty Br<strong>it</strong>ish<br />
owners had not cared <strong>to</strong> give. Woe<br />
betide if you were <strong>to</strong> go and ask<br />
for a p<strong>in</strong>t of milk at <strong>the</strong>ir clos<strong>in</strong>g<br />
time – <strong>the</strong>y would say ‘we are<br />
closed! Come back <strong>to</strong>morrow’.<br />
Not so w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> Indians, even if<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were about <strong>to</strong> put a padlock<br />
on <strong>the</strong>ir front door and somebody<br />
dropped <strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong> buy bread, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
The International Indian 59
DIASPORA<br />
Indians <strong>in</strong> UK are a common sight, many<br />
reta<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir cus<strong>to</strong>ms and hab<strong>it</strong>s just like<br />
<strong>in</strong> India. Pho<strong>to</strong> cred<strong>it</strong>: Nishi Sharma,<br />
Interserve & South Asian Concern.<br />
would happily open <strong>the</strong>ir s<strong>to</strong>re and<br />
serve <strong>the</strong>m w<strong>it</strong>h a smile.<br />
Indian-owned corner shops were<br />
an <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>ution as <strong>the</strong>y were open all<br />
hours and attracted ma<strong>in</strong>ly Indian<br />
cus<strong>to</strong>mers and also some English.<br />
The major <strong>to</strong>p name super-s<strong>to</strong>res<br />
were watch<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong> awe as<br />
<strong>the</strong>y attracted bus<strong>in</strong>ess. Even <strong>the</strong>y<br />
decided <strong>to</strong> jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> compet<strong>it</strong>ion<br />
by keep<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>irs open all hours.<br />
Pr<strong>in</strong>ce Charles, <strong>the</strong> Pr<strong>in</strong>ce of<br />
Wales, paid a tribute <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Indianowned<br />
corner shops by say<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong>y had revolutionised Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong>’s<br />
shopp<strong>in</strong>g system.<br />
By us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir clout for bulkbuy<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and lower prices <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir cus<strong>to</strong>mers <strong>the</strong> super s<strong>to</strong>res<br />
succeeded <strong>in</strong> rout<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> small<br />
corner shops which have been<br />
clos<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> current economic downturn. But his<strong>to</strong>ry is a<br />
w<strong>it</strong>ness <strong>to</strong> how <strong>the</strong>se small Indian shopkeepers taught <strong>the</strong><br />
giants that qual<strong>it</strong>y service attracts cus<strong>to</strong>mers.<br />
Today Indian shops s<strong>to</strong>ck virtually everyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
produced <strong>in</strong> India complete w<strong>it</strong>h labels <strong>in</strong> H<strong>in</strong>di, Urdu,<br />
Punjabi, Bengali, Gujarati and o<strong>the</strong>r Indian languages.<br />
While shopp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>se s<strong>to</strong>res sometimes one virtually<br />
forgets that <strong>the</strong>y are shopp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a s<strong>to</strong>re on Br<strong>it</strong>ish soil<br />
and not <strong>in</strong> Mumbai. Every summer mangoes imported<br />
from India and Pakistan are <strong>in</strong> popular demand as are<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r fru<strong>it</strong>s and vegetables flown from <strong>the</strong>re.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> commun<strong>it</strong>y settled, <strong>the</strong>ir social needs also<br />
grew. London lacked a radio station offer<strong>in</strong>g Indian<br />
music.<br />
It was a great day when London Broadcast<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Corporation (LBC) teamed up w<strong>it</strong>h Indian broadcasters<br />
<strong>to</strong> launch Geetmala, a weekly enterta<strong>in</strong>ment<br />
programme. It was presented by Chaman Lal Chaman,<br />
a well known Indian broadcaster from Kenya and produced by Suresh<br />
Joshi. LBC’s Ke<strong>it</strong>h Belcher was cred<strong>it</strong>ed w<strong>it</strong>h allow<strong>in</strong>g Geetmala <strong>to</strong><br />
come <strong>to</strong> fru<strong>it</strong>ion. That programme became a firm fixture w<strong>it</strong>h thousands<br />
of Indian listeners.<br />
Geetmala ended <strong>it</strong>s run a few years later, but this proved <strong>the</strong>re was<br />
a need for radio stations offer<strong>in</strong>g Indian programmes. O<strong>the</strong>r radio<br />
stations followed.<br />
There were several pirate radio stations run by various ethnic<br />
commun<strong>it</strong>ies, which were raided and closed down by <strong>the</strong> Home Office,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Government author<strong>it</strong>y. They rose aga<strong>in</strong> until <strong>the</strong> author<strong>it</strong>ies realised<br />
<strong>the</strong>y had <strong>to</strong> cater for Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong>’s<br />
ethnic m<strong>in</strong>or<strong>it</strong>y commun<strong>it</strong>ies and<br />
<strong>the</strong> best way <strong>to</strong> regulate <strong>the</strong>m was<br />
<strong>to</strong> licence <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Sunrise Radio was born out of<br />
such a creation. It has prospered<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> creation of several radio<br />
stations and a small slice of<br />
satell<strong>it</strong>e broadcast<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
It is now very easy <strong>to</strong> set<br />
up a commercial Asian radio<br />
station. All you need is money<br />
and a set of very sound reasons <strong>to</strong><br />
conv<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> Home office <strong>to</strong> grant<br />
a broadcast<strong>in</strong>g licence.<br />
Meanwhile, BBC TV’s<br />
erstwhile Nayi Z<strong>in</strong>dagi Naya<br />
Jeevan was also on <strong>it</strong>s last legs.<br />
It had served <strong>it</strong>s purpose (and<br />
bored <strong>it</strong>s audiences thoroughly).<br />
BBC TV <strong>in</strong> Birm<strong>in</strong>gham started<br />
Indian cus<strong>to</strong>mers are often attracted <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> paan shop<br />
where <strong>the</strong>y not only enjoy this favour<strong>it</strong>e <strong>it</strong>em but also<br />
congegrate socially and exchange gossip.<br />
revamp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong>self and <strong>it</strong>s Asian<br />
Un<strong>it</strong> looked at different ways<br />
<strong>to</strong> develop programmes for <strong>the</strong><br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g Indian, Pakistani and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r Asian commun<strong>it</strong>ies. ITV<br />
also jumped on <strong>the</strong> bandwagon<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>s own programmes for<br />
Asian and Black viewers.<br />
For Asian viewers, Eastern Eye<br />
was broadcast under <strong>the</strong> watch of<br />
Indian broadcaster Samir Shah<br />
and a team that once <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>the</strong><br />
famous Karan Thapar, Narendra<br />
Morar, Ziaudd<strong>in</strong> Sardar, Shyama<br />
Perera and Aziz Kurtha. I worked<br />
for Samir Shah on a series of<br />
programmes.<br />
For Afro-Caribbean viewers,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re was Black on Black under<br />
<strong>the</strong> watchful eye of <strong>the</strong> highly<br />
respected broadcaster, Trevor<br />
Philips, who is <strong>to</strong>day <strong>the</strong> chairman<br />
of Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong>’s Commission for<br />
Racial Equal<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
These programmes ended<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir run after a few years.<br />
While BBC and ITV<br />
controlled <strong>the</strong> terrestrial airwaves<br />
for many years, <strong>the</strong>re was ample<br />
market for cable and satell<strong>it</strong>e TV.<br />
The arrival of Zee TV and<br />
Sony TV revolutionised <strong>the</strong><br />
entire Indian media scene.<br />
Now, viewers <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK enjoy<br />
whatever is be<strong>in</strong>g shown on <strong>the</strong>se<br />
channels <strong>in</strong> India. W<strong>it</strong>h a wide<br />
array of programmes <strong>to</strong> choose<br />
from, <strong>the</strong>se TV networks have<br />
actually brought India <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
liv<strong>in</strong>g rooms of Br<strong>it</strong>ish Asians.<br />
Apart from <strong>the</strong>se two networks,<br />
Star TV, Star Plus, BFU, Zee<br />
Music and a wide array of o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
channels such as Vectrone, Alpha<br />
Punjabi, Zee Gujarati, have set<br />
<strong>the</strong> media scene ablaze <strong>in</strong> Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong>.<br />
In many Asian households,<br />
terrestrial TV channels such as<br />
<strong>the</strong> BBC and ITV have long<br />
been ignored as <strong>the</strong>re is great<br />
enthusiasm <strong>to</strong> watch Indian soaps<br />
and films every day.<br />
Added <strong>to</strong> this is <strong>the</strong><br />
plethora c<strong>in</strong>ema houses such<br />
as C<strong>in</strong>eworld, Himalaya and<br />
various o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>atres offer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
latest Indian film releases.<br />
So, far away from home,<br />
people still feel at home <strong>in</strong> Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong><br />
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w<strong>it</strong>h a wide variety of choice.<br />
Alas, <strong>the</strong> same cannot be said of newspapers for <strong>the</strong> Asian<br />
commun<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
The pr<strong>in</strong>t media, which first started revolutionis<strong>in</strong>g coverage of<br />
Indian events has long been left beh<strong>in</strong>d.<br />
There have been household names, as India Weekly (where I worked<br />
as an assistant edi<strong>to</strong>r <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1970s), Eastern Eye, Asian Voice, Garavi<br />
Gujarat, Gujarat Samachar, Asian Trader, Des Pardes, Nav<strong>in</strong> Weekly<br />
and a variety of o<strong>the</strong>r language newspapers and magaz<strong>in</strong>es offer<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
regular diet of news from back home.<br />
The newspapers and magaz<strong>in</strong>es used <strong>to</strong> have a good readership<br />
base at one time but nowadays, apart from first generation Indians who<br />
enjoyed a good read, a lot of <strong>the</strong>se have now crossed <strong>the</strong> floor <strong>to</strong> Indian<br />
TV and radio channels.<br />
The late Chottu Karadia, edi<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> weekly current affairs<br />
magaz<strong>in</strong>e, Asian Post, once said sardonically: “Asians simply do not<br />
read! Why don’t our Asians read newspapers?”<br />
The magaz<strong>in</strong>e was los<strong>in</strong>g sales and consequently, advertis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
revenue. Asian newspapers have depended very strongly on local<br />
government advertis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and a band of loyal<br />
readers. Both of <strong>the</strong>se<br />
have been dw<strong>in</strong>dl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> recent years, mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
enterpris<strong>in</strong>g Indian<br />
publishers live on<br />
precarious budgets.<br />
The future for <strong>the</strong><br />
Indian owned pr<strong>in</strong>t<br />
media is not very strong.<br />
Radio and TV have a<br />
future here, though,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Chief Executive<br />
of Sunrise Radio once<br />
lamented on air, that<br />
while Indian traders s<strong>to</strong>cked Coca Cola <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir shops and s<strong>to</strong>res, <strong>the</strong><br />
mult<strong>in</strong>ational did not see <strong>it</strong> f<strong>it</strong> <strong>to</strong> advertise <strong>it</strong>s brands on his radio station.<br />
Ugandan Asians head<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> force exile by Idi Am<strong>in</strong><br />
That perhaps, says a lot about <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess of publish<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong><br />
Indian commun<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Un<strong>it</strong>ed K<strong>in</strong>gdom.<br />
Shamlal Puri is a veteran Br<strong>it</strong>ish journalist, broadcaster, author<br />
and press pho<strong>to</strong>grapher. He has worked w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> media <strong>in</strong> Europe,<br />
Africa, Asia and <strong>the</strong> Middle East. His latest novel ‘Salik or No<br />
Salik? Welcome <strong>to</strong> Dubai! Tales of Taxi Drivers’ will be released<br />
around <strong>the</strong> world, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Dubai, <strong>in</strong> 2010.<br />
He has travelled <strong>to</strong> more than 100 countries <strong>in</strong> an illustrious<br />
journalistic career spann<strong>in</strong>g 30 years. His work has been published <strong>in</strong><br />
more than 250 magaz<strong>in</strong>es, newspapers and journals around <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
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The Flavors<br />
of Mumbai<br />
Food sold <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> streets of <strong>the</strong> great metropol<strong>it</strong>an c<strong>it</strong>y of Mumbai<br />
has ga<strong>in</strong>ed more popular<strong>it</strong>y than some of <strong>the</strong> swanky restaurants<br />
dott<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y because <strong>the</strong> street food is not only irresistibly<br />
delicious but also affordable.<br />
that conta<strong>in</strong> a wide variety of<br />
delicious fill<strong>in</strong>gs which <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
spicy mushrooms, fiery paneer,<br />
and cheese. They also sell grilled<br />
sandwiches which are a must<br />
have and are liked by one and all.<br />
jungle sandwich. This huge sandwich is a four layer stacked sandwich<br />
which consists of a mix of corn, cucumbers, p<strong>in</strong>eapple cheese,<br />
capsicum, onions and <strong>it</strong> is <strong>to</strong>pped w<strong>it</strong>h cheese and kairi.<br />
From here you can go down <strong>to</strong> Bade Miyan beh<strong>in</strong>d Taj Mahal hotel<br />
whose kebabs are famous throughout Mumbai. All <strong>the</strong> gl<strong>it</strong>terati of<br />
Mumbai park <strong>the</strong>ir cars outside <strong>the</strong> stall and savor scrumptious kebabs<br />
by: Golden Reejs<strong>in</strong>ghani<br />
The whole of Mumbai is dotted w<strong>it</strong>h people mak<strong>in</strong>g food <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> make-shift stalls dott<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> streets. On reach<strong>in</strong>g hill road<br />
bandra your olfac<strong>to</strong>ry senses take control of your legs and lead<br />
you <strong>in</strong>exorably <strong>to</strong>wards <strong>the</strong> aromatic aromas com<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong><br />
Elko arcade - <strong>the</strong> famous shopp<strong>in</strong>g arcade of Bandra.<br />
Here you can taste <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d-blow<strong>in</strong>g pani puri which is famous<br />
for <strong>it</strong>s tangy taste which just<br />
explodes <strong>in</strong> your mouth<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h all <strong>it</strong>s glory. O<strong>the</strong>r eats<br />
available here are dahi wadas,<br />
ragda patties, samosas, pani<br />
puri w<strong>it</strong>h tikhi m<strong>it</strong>hi chutneys<br />
and tikis which you can wash<br />
Golguppa Chaat<br />
down w<strong>it</strong>h cold and namkeen<br />
lassi, or spiced sugar cane juice<br />
iced <strong>to</strong> perfection.<br />
A l<strong>it</strong>tle ahead is <strong>the</strong> dahi puri<br />
wala who sells out of this world<br />
Fish Koliwada<br />
dahi puri comb<strong>in</strong>ed w<strong>it</strong>h sweet<br />
and sour chutneys and garnished<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h coriander leaves. There are<br />
also pip<strong>in</strong>g hot medu wadas,<br />
dosas and idlis sold here.<br />
These stalls not only get page<br />
3 people vis<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> shopp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
arcades but people from all walks<br />
of life come <strong>to</strong> eat here. From<br />
lowly <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> richest, from ord<strong>in</strong>ary<br />
people <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>essmen <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
film stars. For everyone this is a<br />
Mecca of f<strong>in</strong>e eat<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
From here you can walk up<br />
<strong>to</strong> l<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g road Bandra, a road<br />
runn<strong>in</strong>g close <strong>to</strong> M.M.K College,<br />
which is full of yummy street<br />
food. Jay Sandwich Stall here<br />
is famous for <strong>it</strong>s sandwiches. It<br />
serves all k<strong>in</strong>ds of sandwiches<br />
which consist right from <strong>the</strong><br />
basic sandwiches of <strong>the</strong> ord<strong>in</strong>ary<br />
fill<strong>in</strong>gs like cucumber, pota<strong>to</strong>,<br />
onion and <strong>to</strong>ma<strong>to</strong>, <strong>to</strong> sandwiches<br />
Green chili pota<strong>to</strong> bhajiyas Spicy mut<strong>to</strong>n kebabs Chivda<br />
Every college student is seen<br />
converg<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> stalls e<strong>it</strong>her<br />
munch<strong>in</strong>g sandwiches or pip<strong>in</strong>g<br />
hot vada pavs served w<strong>it</strong>h fiery<br />
hot chutney which can br<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tears <strong>to</strong> your eyes and fire <strong>to</strong><br />
your mouth.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r famous street food<br />
stall for sandwiches is <strong>the</strong><br />
Jungli Sandwich Wala located<br />
<strong>in</strong> Borivali <strong>the</strong>y are famous for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir variety of sandwiches,<br />
which are aptly t<strong>it</strong>led jungli<br />
sandwiches because <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
a fill<strong>in</strong>g which is bizarre <strong>to</strong><br />
say <strong>the</strong> least, but <strong>in</strong> sp<strong>it</strong>e of<br />
<strong>the</strong> bizarre fill<strong>in</strong>g, people have<br />
found a taste <strong>in</strong> <strong>it</strong>, <strong>the</strong> sandwich<br />
fill<strong>in</strong>g consists of jam, ketchup,<br />
chutney, cheese and a ver<strong>it</strong>able<br />
array of vegetables like onions,<br />
beetroots, cucumbers, <strong>to</strong>ma<strong>to</strong>es,<br />
cabbage and p<strong>in</strong>eapple b<strong>it</strong>s.<br />
You can also order a huge<br />
and baida roti. Bade Miyan is famous because of <strong>it</strong>s sheikh kebabs<br />
roasted on slow fire and garnished w<strong>it</strong>h green chutney and onion slices,<br />
as we Mumbaikers like <strong>it</strong>.<br />
Like him, Noor Mohammadi <strong>in</strong> Bhendi Bazaar is famous for <strong>the</strong> ‘<br />
Naali Nihari’. Naali Nihari is a thick spicy soup which is made from<br />
buffalo marrow cooked <strong>in</strong> a variety of spices and loads of ghee. It is<br />
served <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> morn<strong>in</strong>gs w<strong>it</strong>h naan. People start <strong>the</strong>ir day <strong>in</strong> Bhendi<br />
Bazaar w<strong>it</strong>h Naali Nihari and naan.<br />
If you are a die-hard vegetarian <strong>the</strong>n you should make a trip <strong>to</strong><br />
Church Gate station, you can savor a vast variety of omelets which are<br />
served here pip<strong>in</strong>g hot w<strong>it</strong>h pav or bread. These will make your day<br />
once you have eaten <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Love ice creams? Then you should head <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Chow Patty Beach.<br />
Here you can get a variety of tasty ice creams available <strong>in</strong> many tasty<br />
concoctions like <strong>the</strong> berry, kachha kery, cream butter scotch etc. You<br />
ask for <strong>the</strong> flavor and you get <strong>it</strong> here.<br />
Like hearty food? Then head <strong>to</strong> Sion Koliwada which can be termed<br />
as m<strong>in</strong>i Punjab. You get here delicious and entic<strong>in</strong>gly flavored koliwada<br />
fish, prawn fry and tandoori chicken. Denizens from all over Mumbai<br />
flock here <strong>to</strong> get a taste of Punjab.<br />
Khau Gali is a unique road <strong>in</strong> Mumbai. The paradise of food lovers<br />
at Kalbadevi, which is l<strong>in</strong>ed w<strong>it</strong>h small stalls serv<strong>in</strong>g a variety of<br />
treats, from pip<strong>in</strong>g hot kachoris accompanied w<strong>it</strong>h sweet and spicy<br />
hot chutney <strong>to</strong> sizzl<strong>in</strong>g samosas chili hot pakodas <strong>to</strong> crunchy pattice,<br />
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delicious dosas w<strong>it</strong>h sambar <strong>to</strong> steam<strong>in</strong>g soft<br />
idlis w<strong>it</strong>h coconut chutney.<br />
Spiced papads, tangy bhelpuris and many<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r chaats savories and sweets are available<br />
here prepared just <strong>in</strong> front of you and served<br />
<strong>to</strong> you w<strong>it</strong>h spicy chutneys and sauces and<br />
what is more, you get all <strong>the</strong>se delicacies at<br />
affordable rates. You can wash <strong>the</strong>se down<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h a number of flavored sherbets, juices,<br />
smoothies and ice creams.<br />
The munchies you can buy off <strong>the</strong> streets<br />
change from season <strong>to</strong> season. Corn on <strong>the</strong> cob<br />
roasted on a charcoal fire and flavored w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
salt, lime juice and chili pepper <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> ra<strong>in</strong>s,<br />
groundnuts, and roasted green grams <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
w<strong>in</strong>ter, fru<strong>it</strong> chaats and nimbu pani <strong>in</strong> summer.<br />
You can also buy vada pav, green chili, onion<br />
and pota<strong>to</strong> bhajiyas, samosas, hot jalebis and<br />
sandwiches all year round.<br />
Ice Cream<br />
MUST HAVE STREET TREATS<br />
1. Golgappas filled w<strong>it</strong>h spicy water and out of <strong>the</strong> world tangy chutneys<br />
at Elcko Arcade <strong>in</strong> hill road at Bandra.<br />
2. Ice golas at kalakhatta cold dr<strong>in</strong>k house at CST.<br />
3. Chaats, pakodas, dahi wadas, masala papads, bhelpuri ragda pattice,<br />
hot and spicy kachoris at <strong>the</strong> Khau Gulli <strong>in</strong> kalbadevi.<br />
4. Chivda from <strong>the</strong> chivda gulli. From here you get farali chivda <strong>to</strong><br />
poha chivda and <strong>the</strong> makai chivda.<br />
5. Vada pav w<strong>it</strong>h tangy red hot chutney from <strong>the</strong> street side vendors.<br />
6. Channa masala at Mar<strong>in</strong>e drive. The tangy and spicy channa – a lip<br />
smack<strong>in</strong>gly delicious mixture of green grams, f<strong>in</strong>ely chopped onion,<br />
<strong>to</strong>ma<strong>to</strong>, coriander, chaat masala and lime juice dried banana leaves.<br />
7. Dabeli at <strong>the</strong> stalls near <strong>the</strong> Vile Parle Railway Station.<br />
8. Multani diary at do tanki for <strong>the</strong>ir delicious mango, dry fru<strong>it</strong> and<br />
special lassi w<strong>it</strong>h mawa <strong>in</strong> <strong>it</strong>.<br />
Mumbai is chockfull of street food. Every local<strong>it</strong>y has developed<br />
<strong>it</strong>s own khau galli specific <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> character of population liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>re.<br />
Street food is not only dirt cheap but also very hygienic.<br />
These days <strong>the</strong> owners of food stalls have become very hygiene<br />
conscious because <strong>the</strong>y know if <strong>the</strong>y play hanky panky w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> people<br />
<strong>the</strong>y will lose <strong>the</strong>ir bus<strong>in</strong>ess. Besides, unlike restaurants <strong>the</strong>y serve <strong>the</strong><br />
freshest and best food.<br />
They do not keep <strong>the</strong> food for <strong>the</strong> next day <strong>to</strong> serve <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> buffet,<br />
which mostly consists of dishes made on <strong>the</strong> previous day.<br />
I can wr<strong>it</strong>e reams about this<br />
food but because I wanted <strong>to</strong> keep<br />
this precise I have wr<strong>it</strong>ten about<br />
<strong>the</strong> best and outstand<strong>in</strong>g buys.<br />
Chana chat, vada pav, dry bhel<br />
you can savor all <strong>the</strong>se street food<br />
delicacies hopp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Mumbai.<br />
There is no o<strong>the</strong>r gastronomic<br />
experience like hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se<br />
delightfully delicious foods on<br />
<strong>the</strong> streets of Mumbai. Now you<br />
can enjoy <strong>the</strong>m at home <strong>to</strong>o by<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> recipes given below.<br />
Vada Pav<br />
Ingredients<br />
250 grams pota<strong>to</strong>es boiled, peeled<br />
and mashed.<br />
2 tablespoons chopped coriander<br />
leaves.<br />
6 curry leaves.<br />
1 green chilly mashed, 1 garlic<br />
mashed.<br />
¼ teaspoon mustard seeds.1<br />
teaspoon lime juice.<br />
100 grams flour, salt <strong>to</strong> su<strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
taste.<br />
Method<br />
Heat ½ teaspoon oil adds mustard seeds when <strong>the</strong>y s<strong>to</strong>p crackl<strong>in</strong>g add<br />
garlic and curry leaves mix well. Remove from fire add all <strong>the</strong> above<br />
<strong>in</strong>gredients w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> exception of gram flour. Knead <strong>the</strong> pota<strong>to</strong> mixture<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> smooth dough. Form <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> small balls and keep aside. Put enough<br />
water <strong>in</strong> gram flour <strong>to</strong> make a smooth batter mix <strong>in</strong> salt <strong>to</strong> su<strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong> taste.<br />
Dip <strong>the</strong> pota<strong>to</strong> balls one by one <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> batter and deep fry <strong>to</strong> a light<br />
golden color. Dra<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> balls. Take a pav sl<strong>it</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> centre half way<br />
through. Spread on <strong>it</strong> green or dry red chutney put a pip<strong>in</strong>g hot Wada<br />
and enjoy.<br />
Dry Red<br />
Chili Chutney.<br />
Ingredients<br />
100 grams dry red chilies<br />
50 grams dry coconut grated, 4 flakes<br />
garlic<br />
Salt <strong>to</strong> su<strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong> taste.<br />
Method<br />
Dry roast chilies, coconut and garlic on a<br />
slow fire till a nice aroma emanates from <strong>it</strong>. Gr<strong>in</strong>d <strong>to</strong> a coarse paste.<br />
You can keep this chutney for 15 days.<br />
Dry Bhel<br />
Ingredients<br />
Kurmura or puffed Rice.<br />
Handful of cornflakes.<br />
1 <strong>to</strong>ma<strong>to</strong>, m<strong>in</strong>ced.<br />
1 small onion, m<strong>in</strong>ced.<br />
1 pota<strong>to</strong> boiled and diced.<br />
1 cucumber, m<strong>in</strong>ced.<br />
Handful of chopped coriander leaves.<br />
1 tsp. chaat masala.<br />
Lime juice.<br />
Salt and chili powder <strong>to</strong> su<strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong> taste.<br />
Method<br />
Put a l<strong>it</strong>tle oil <strong>in</strong> a pan and fry <strong>the</strong><br />
puffed rice for a few seconds. Mix<br />
<strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r all <strong>the</strong> above <strong>in</strong>gredients<br />
and serve at once.<br />
Channa Chaat<br />
Ingredients<br />
1 cup boiled green channa.<br />
2 tbsp. m<strong>in</strong>ced onions.<br />
1 small cucumber diced.<br />
1 small <strong>to</strong>ma<strong>to</strong> diced.<br />
1 beetroot boiled and diced.<br />
1 tsp. sugar.<br />
1 tsp. chaat masala.<br />
1 tbsp lime juice.<br />
2 green chilies m<strong>in</strong>ced.<br />
Handful of coriander leaves.<br />
Salt <strong>to</strong> su<strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong> taste.<br />
Method<br />
Mix <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r all <strong>the</strong> above<br />
<strong>in</strong>gredients spr<strong>in</strong>kle lime juice,<br />
chaat masala and serve.<br />
Golden Reejs<strong>in</strong>ghani is a freelance<br />
wr<strong>it</strong>er based <strong>in</strong> Mumbai<br />
64<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 65
GUPTARA GARMAGARAM<br />
RICH OR POOR<br />
INDIANS:<br />
WHO CARES ABOUT DEMOCRACY?<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> most fundamental divid<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>es between Indians does<br />
not depend upon whe<strong>the</strong>r one is an IC or an NRI, but on how much<br />
an Indian is engaged <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country <strong>it</strong>self. And one of <strong>the</strong> ways of<br />
engagement is <strong>in</strong> India’s democratic system. By exercis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> right <strong>to</strong><br />
vote, Indians show <strong>the</strong>ir concern for India. But this concern is shown<br />
mostly among <strong>the</strong> poor.<br />
by: Prabhu Gupatara<br />
If one ignores for <strong>the</strong><br />
moment <strong>the</strong> scam known as<br />
‘Persons of Indian Orig<strong>in</strong>’,<br />
India divides <strong>it</strong>s people <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong><br />
‘Indian c<strong>it</strong>izens’ (ICs) and<br />
‘Non-Resident Indians’ (NRIs).<br />
ICs are people who carry an<br />
It is not only <strong>in</strong> Mumbai that gangs bypass<br />
<strong>the</strong> law for dispute resolution. It is not only<br />
<strong>in</strong> Mumbai that <strong>the</strong> pol<strong>it</strong>ical class is focused<br />
on build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong>s own wealth at <strong>the</strong> cost of <strong>the</strong><br />
ord<strong>in</strong>ary Indian.<br />
Indian passport, while NRIs are<br />
people of Indian orig<strong>in</strong> who, for<br />
whatever reason, do not carry an<br />
Indian passport.<br />
<strong>How</strong>ever, <strong>the</strong> division of<br />
Indians <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> ICs and NRIs is<br />
al<strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong>o superficial.<br />
I suggest that a more<br />
mean<strong>in</strong>gful dist<strong>in</strong>ction needs <strong>to</strong> be<br />
made w<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong> both <strong>the</strong> IC category and <strong>the</strong> NRI category. Because <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are NRIs who are still emotionally and practically engaged w<strong>it</strong>h India<br />
(let’s call <strong>the</strong>m ‘India-Engaged NRIs’ or ‘IENRIs’) as dist<strong>in</strong>ct from<br />
NRIs who are not emotionally and practically engaged w<strong>it</strong>h India (who<br />
could be called ‘Non-India-Engaged NRIs’ or ‘NINRIs’). IENRIs may<br />
be <strong>in</strong>volved w<strong>it</strong>h India <strong>in</strong> constructive ways (e.g. br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g technology<br />
or education <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> country) or <strong>the</strong>y may be <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country <strong>in</strong><br />
non-constructive ways (e.g. <strong>in</strong><br />
fund<strong>in</strong>g pol<strong>it</strong>ical or religious<br />
extremism). But <strong>the</strong> fact is that<br />
<strong>the</strong>se IENRIs are emotionally<br />
and practically <strong>in</strong>volved w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
<strong>the</strong> country and that can only<br />
be a good th<strong>in</strong>g, at least <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
long run.<br />
So if NRIs can be<br />
categorised <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> IENRIs and<br />
NINRIs, can <strong>the</strong> ICs be categorized similarly? Yes, <strong>in</strong>deed. While<br />
ICs cannot avoid some m<strong>in</strong>imal <strong>in</strong>volvement w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> country, if only<br />
because <strong>the</strong>y are bo<strong>the</strong>red by <strong>the</strong> bureaucratic and structural hurdles<br />
common <strong>to</strong> every Indian’s survival and prosper<strong>it</strong>y, <strong>the</strong>re are ICs who<br />
are emotionally and practically concerned w<strong>it</strong>h improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> state<br />
of affairs <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country (<strong>the</strong>y could be called ‘Concerned Indian<br />
C<strong>it</strong>izens’ or ‘CICs’) while o<strong>the</strong>r ICs are emotionally and practically<br />
unconcerned w<strong>it</strong>h improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> state of <strong>the</strong> country (we could th<strong>in</strong>k<br />
of worse names, but let us content ourselves w<strong>it</strong>h nam<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m ‘Non-<br />
[<br />
Concerned ICs’ or ‘NICs’).<br />
As <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> case of IENRIs,<br />
some CICs may be <strong>in</strong>volved w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
activ<strong>it</strong>ies that may be extremist<br />
or peculiar, but all <strong>the</strong> activ<strong>it</strong>ies<br />
of CICs, as far as I can see, are<br />
beneficial <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> country <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
long run.<br />
NINRIs, be<strong>in</strong>g non-resident<br />
<strong>in</strong> India, may have at least some<br />
excuse for <strong>the</strong>ir non<strong>in</strong>volvement:<br />
<strong>the</strong>y<br />
may have been born<br />
and raised outside<br />
India so <strong>the</strong>y may<br />
feel no bond w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong><br />
country; <strong>the</strong>y may be<br />
simply <strong>to</strong>o busy try<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> survive <strong>in</strong> a foreign<br />
culture; or <strong>the</strong>y may be<br />
<strong>to</strong>o busy try<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> make<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir way up <strong>the</strong> ladder,<br />
especially if <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
located <strong>in</strong> a country<br />
whose system gives<br />
w<strong>in</strong>ners everyth<strong>in</strong>g but<br />
losers noth<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The most basic<br />
excuse could apply also<br />
<strong>to</strong> NICs: <strong>the</strong>y live <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country<br />
where <strong>it</strong> is difficult simply <strong>to</strong> get<br />
<strong>the</strong> most basic th<strong>in</strong>gs done.<br />
<strong>How</strong>ever, when one exam<strong>in</strong>es<br />
<strong>the</strong> s<strong>it</strong>uation on <strong>the</strong> ground, one<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ds a strange th<strong>in</strong>g. ICs cannot<br />
be categorized <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> CICs and<br />
NICs on <strong>the</strong> basis of how much<br />
money <strong>the</strong>y have or how much<br />
time <strong>the</strong>y are personally forced <strong>to</strong><br />
spend simply on survival. In fact,<br />
<strong>the</strong> reverse seems <strong>to</strong> be <strong>the</strong> case.<br />
For example, when one looks at<br />
<strong>the</strong> simple <strong>in</strong>dica<strong>to</strong>r of what sorts<br />
of people exercise <strong>the</strong>ir vote (an<br />
exercise that does not take that<br />
long!), one f<strong>in</strong>ds that <strong>the</strong> poor vote<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
<strong>in</strong> much larger numbers while those who are middle-class or rich vote<br />
proportionally much less. Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> recent Maharashtra Assembly<br />
elections, for <strong>in</strong>stance, <strong>the</strong> overall vot<strong>in</strong>g percentage was just around<br />
45 per cent. That was only slightly better than <strong>the</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y’s turnout of 43<br />
per cent for <strong>the</strong> Lok Sabha elections <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spr<strong>in</strong>g. Mumbai is of course<br />
much richer than <strong>the</strong> state of Maharashtra <strong>in</strong> which <strong>it</strong> is located, so <strong>it</strong> is<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> average <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> state as a whole (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Mumbai)<br />
was 60 per cent. Probably <strong>the</strong> poorest district, Gadchiroli, had one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> highest turnouts of voters: 63 per cent.<br />
Is this a peculiar<strong>it</strong>y lim<strong>it</strong>ed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> State of Maharashtra that <strong>the</strong> richer<br />
and better educated c<strong>it</strong>izens<br />
display less <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir democratic rights and<br />
responsibil<strong>it</strong>ies than <strong>the</strong><br />
poorer and less educated<br />
c<strong>it</strong>izens?<br />
Hardly. Exactly <strong>the</strong><br />
same pattern is repeated<br />
right across <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
<strong>How</strong> is <strong>it</strong> that <strong>the</strong><br />
richer and better educated<br />
folk <strong>in</strong> our country have<br />
become more selfish<br />
and irresponsible, while<br />
proclaim<strong>in</strong>g loudly<br />
<strong>in</strong> every national and<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational forum how<br />
proud we all are of <strong>the</strong><br />
democratic system <strong>in</strong><br />
our country, while <strong>the</strong> real<strong>it</strong>y is that <strong>it</strong> is <strong>the</strong> poorer and worse educated<br />
who are now <strong>the</strong> major<strong>it</strong>y participants <strong>in</strong> our democracy?<br />
It is not only <strong>in</strong> Mumbai that gangs bypass <strong>the</strong> law for dispute<br />
resolution. It is not only <strong>in</strong> Mumbai that <strong>the</strong> pol<strong>it</strong>ical class is focused<br />
on build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong>s own wealth at <strong>the</strong> cost of <strong>the</strong> ord<strong>in</strong>ary Indian.<br />
Unemployment, crime, communalism and corruption are common <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> country as a whole.<br />
So we don’t need <strong>the</strong> division between NRIs and ICs. We have<br />
a weak alliance of IENRIs and CICs - and that is what needs <strong>to</strong> be<br />
streng<strong>the</strong>ned, for example by abolish<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Foreign Contributions<br />
Registration Act.<br />
Professor Prabhu Guptara has wr<strong>it</strong>ten <strong>the</strong> above <strong>in</strong> an<br />
entirely private capac<strong>it</strong>y, and none of <strong>the</strong> above should be<br />
related <strong>in</strong> any way <strong>to</strong> any of <strong>the</strong> companies or organisations<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h which he is now, or has <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past been, connected.<br />
His personal webs<strong>it</strong>e is: www.prabhu.guptara.net<br />
He blogs at: www.prabhuguptara.blogspot.com<br />
66<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 67
SEX, LIES & TRUTH<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
The Love List<br />
L<strong>it</strong>tle Th<strong>in</strong>gs That <strong>Make</strong> a Big Difference<br />
by: Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott<br />
Do you two need a tissue? a voice gently whispered from<br />
beh<strong>in</strong>d us. We were s<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a quiet <strong>the</strong>ater watch<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a somber play when — at <strong>the</strong> saddest moment —<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g struck us funny. Hysterically funny.<br />
At just that moment, Les found a w<strong>it</strong>hered old banana<br />
<strong>in</strong> his coat pocket. Who knows how long <strong>it</strong> had lived <strong>the</strong>re, and he<br />
set this surpris<strong>in</strong>g discovery on my knee. Caught off guard by <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>congru<strong>it</strong>y of <strong>the</strong> banana and <strong>the</strong> play, I developed one of <strong>the</strong> worst<br />
case of <strong>the</strong> giggles I’ve ever had. Les quickly caught <strong>the</strong> same disease.<br />
We tried desperately <strong>to</strong> stifle our laughter, but, as we bowed our heads<br />
<strong>to</strong> hide our faces, we couldn’t keep our shoulders from shudder<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
An older woman beh<strong>in</strong>d us,<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g we were moved by<br />
what was happen<strong>in</strong>g on stage,<br />
offered us a tissue for our tears,<br />
which made us want <strong>to</strong> laugh all<br />
<strong>the</strong> more. When Les accepted<br />
her k<strong>in</strong>d offer, I really lost <strong>it</strong> and<br />
had <strong>to</strong> leave <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ater.<br />
Just ano<strong>the</strong>r day <strong>the</strong> marriage<br />
of Les and Leslie? Not qu<strong>it</strong>e, but<br />
we do laugh a lot <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r. The<br />
t<strong>in</strong>iest of th<strong>in</strong>gs can sometimes<br />
set us off – a slight <strong>in</strong>flection or<br />
a know<strong>in</strong>g glance, for example.<br />
We can quote a funny l<strong>in</strong>e from<br />
a movie or s<strong>it</strong>com for weeks.<br />
Better still, are <strong>the</strong> unplanned faux<br />
pas <strong>in</strong> front of o<strong>the</strong>rs that br<strong>in</strong>g<br />
embarrassment. We have <strong>the</strong> same funny bone and can’t keep from<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong>. No wonder we enjoy our marriage.<br />
Laughter does that. Any good friend will tell you that laugher is <strong>the</strong><br />
shortest distance between two people – especially <strong>in</strong> marriage. That’s<br />
why each day we f<strong>in</strong>d someth<strong>in</strong>g that makes us both laugh We don’t<br />
wa<strong>it</strong> for funn<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d us, we’re on <strong>the</strong> look out. We’ve l<strong>it</strong>erally<br />
put this seem<strong>in</strong>gly silly task on what we’ve come <strong>to</strong> call our Love List.<br />
Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott<br />
We’ve always liked lists.<br />
Shopp<strong>in</strong>g lists. Honor lists. Wish<br />
lists. Lists of goals and dreams.<br />
Our favor<strong>it</strong>e is <strong>the</strong> common <strong>to</strong>-do<br />
list. We live by <strong>it</strong>. Maybe you<br />
do <strong>to</strong>o. And if so, you know <strong>the</strong><br />
wonderful feel<strong>in</strong>g of check<strong>in</strong>g an<br />
<strong>it</strong>em off your list. W<strong>it</strong>h a simple<br />
check mark we know we’ve<br />
accomplished someth<strong>in</strong>g we set<br />
out <strong>to</strong> do. We’ve made progress.<br />
That l<strong>it</strong>tle check tells us<br />
we’ve taken ano<strong>the</strong>r step<br />
– big or small – <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
direction we want <strong>to</strong> go.<br />
Short and <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> po<strong>in</strong>t.<br />
That’s <strong>the</strong> value of a<br />
good list. And that’s <strong>the</strong><br />
primary value of our<br />
new book, <strong>to</strong>o. We cut<br />
straight <strong>to</strong> what you can<br />
do – start<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong>day – <strong>to</strong><br />
make your marriage<br />
better. <strong>How</strong> do we do<br />
this? By giv<strong>in</strong>g you <strong>the</strong><br />
ultimate <strong>to</strong>-do list for<br />
couples. It’s a proven<br />
list for p<strong>in</strong>-po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />
specific behaviors,<br />
actions and eventual hab<strong>it</strong>s that<br />
are sure <strong>to</strong> keep your love life<br />
runn<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>it</strong>s peak performance.<br />
Research has shown that<br />
people who make a tangible list<br />
and keep <strong>it</strong> handy are far more<br />
likely <strong>to</strong> achieve <strong>the</strong>ir goals than<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs who have <strong>the</strong> very same<br />
desires. That’s why we came up<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h The Love List. As a husband<br />
and wife who wr<strong>it</strong>e for, speak<br />
<strong>to</strong>, counsel and m<strong>in</strong>ister w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
countless couples each year, we<br />
wanted <strong>to</strong> know, <strong>in</strong> very practical<br />
terms, exactly what we, as “<strong>the</strong><br />
experts,” should be do<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> make<br />
our marriage <strong>the</strong> best <strong>it</strong> could be.<br />
<strong>How</strong> about you? Do you have<br />
some simple and <strong>in</strong>tentional <strong>to</strong>dos<br />
for your marriage? We hope<br />
so, but if you are like <strong>the</strong> major<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of couples, you probably don’t.<br />
Sure, you’ve thought about<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs you’d like <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>corporate<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> your relationship, but like a<br />
flare that quickly fades, <strong>the</strong> ideas<br />
pass through your m<strong>in</strong>d for a<br />
moment only <strong>to</strong> be blown away<br />
by <strong>the</strong> next breeze of rout<strong>in</strong>e life.<br />
We’ve seen far <strong>to</strong>o many well<strong>in</strong>tentioned<br />
couples – especially<br />
<strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>istry – yearn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> enjoy<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir love life <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> fullest but<br />
never consider<strong>in</strong>g a strategic plan<br />
for do<strong>in</strong>g so. They are simply<br />
lulled <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> mediocre marriage<br />
that never reaches <strong>it</strong>s potential.<br />
So what’s <strong>the</strong> solution?<br />
The l<strong>it</strong>tle <strong>to</strong>-dos we’ve put<br />
<strong>in</strong> this new book have become<br />
our answer. And after years of<br />
study<strong>in</strong>g couples that live and<br />
love <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> fullest we believe this<br />
roll-up-your-sleeves-and-getpractical<br />
approach is for every<br />
couple want<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> most from<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir marriage.<br />
The Love List – or <strong>the</strong> eight<br />
healthy hab<strong>it</strong>s, as we call <strong>the</strong>m –<br />
is w<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong> reach of every couple.<br />
Let us allay some potential fears<br />
up front. The <strong>it</strong>ems on this list are<br />
not extravagant. They won’t cost<br />
you more money. They aren’t<br />
go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> require <strong>in</strong>ord<strong>in</strong>ate amounts of time. And <strong>the</strong>y are not just<br />
for <strong>the</strong> romantically gifted. The Love List is not for perfect people.<br />
It’s for busy couples who sometimes bicker, get stressed out, have<br />
communication meltdowns, struggle w<strong>it</strong>h money, are not always sure<br />
how <strong>to</strong> discipl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong>ir kids, and all <strong>the</strong> rest. In o<strong>the</strong>r words, <strong>the</strong> Love<br />
List is for real life. Here’s how <strong>it</strong> works. The Love List consists of<br />
eight small actions – practiced daily, weekly, monthly and yearly:<br />
Once a day…<br />
Take Time <strong>to</strong> Touch (If Only for a M<strong>in</strong>ute)<br />
F<strong>in</strong>d Someth<strong>in</strong>g That <strong>Make</strong>s You Both Laugh<br />
Once a week…<br />
Do Someth<strong>in</strong>g Active That Lifts Your Spir<strong>it</strong>s<br />
Boost Your Partner’s Self-Esteem<br />
Once a Month…<br />
Rid Yourselves of Harmful Residue<br />
Fire Up Passion <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bedroom<br />
Once a Year…<br />
Review Your Top-Ten Highlights<br />
Chart Your Course for <strong>the</strong> Com<strong>in</strong>g Year<br />
For each of <strong>the</strong>se actions, we show you what <strong>it</strong> will do for you and,<br />
most importantly, exactly how <strong>to</strong> do <strong>it</strong>, step-by-step. In fact, each <strong>it</strong>em<br />
on The List comes complete w<strong>it</strong>h a self-test for a quick assessment of<br />
how well you are already cultivat<strong>in</strong>g each of <strong>the</strong>se eight hab<strong>it</strong>s.<br />
A few small actions – practiced on a daily, a weekly, a monthly, and<br />
a yearly basis – can change everyth<strong>in</strong>g for a couple. L<strong>it</strong>tle deliberate<br />
behaviors quietly lavish love on a marriage. And know this. The <strong>it</strong>ems<br />
on The Love List are w<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong> reach of every couple who is will<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />
try. They are not extravagant. They are not for <strong>the</strong> romantically gifted.<br />
They won’t cost you more money. And <strong>the</strong>y aren’t go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> require<br />
<strong>in</strong>ord<strong>in</strong>ate amounts of time. The List, short and <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> po<strong>in</strong>t, is not<br />
for perfect people. It’s for busy couples who sometimes bicker, get<br />
stressed out, have communication meltdowns, struggle w<strong>it</strong>h money, are<br />
not always sure how <strong>to</strong> discipl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong>ir kids, and all <strong>the</strong> rest. In o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
words, The List is for real life. Plus, <strong>it</strong>’s fun. It focuses on proactive<br />
behavior you can do and you will see results almost immediately.<br />
We did. When we made laughter a daily hab<strong>it</strong>, for example, we<br />
quickly learned that <strong>it</strong> is impossible <strong>to</strong> stay mad at someone who makes<br />
you laugh. Especially when <strong>the</strong>y f<strong>in</strong>d a w<strong>it</strong>hered old banana <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
coat pocket.<br />
Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott are codirec<strong>to</strong>rs of <strong>the</strong><br />
Center for Relationship Development at Seattle Pacific Univers<strong>it</strong>y<br />
and <strong>the</strong> authors of Your Time Starved Marriage, Love Talk and<br />
The Love List. Vis<strong>it</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir webs<strong>it</strong>e at www.RealRelationships.com<br />
<strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>ir sem<strong>in</strong>ar schedule.<br />
68<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 69
DIASPORA<br />
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE AN<br />
INDIAN IN<br />
SOUTH AFRICA TODAY?<br />
Indian wedd<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> South Africa: Can Indians ever be color<br />
bl<strong>in</strong>d when <strong>it</strong> comes <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>termarriage w<strong>it</strong>h Black Africans?<br />
by: Jacquel<strong>in</strong>e van Staden<br />
After 46 years of<br />
formal segregation,<br />
South Africa’s<br />
apar<strong>the</strong>id regime<br />
was ended <strong>in</strong> 1994.<br />
While <strong>the</strong> formal structures were<br />
dismantled, <strong>the</strong> past <strong>in</strong>justices<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ue <strong>to</strong> have an <strong>in</strong>fluence<br />
and affect different people <strong>in</strong><br />
various ways.<br />
Each piece of wr<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g about<br />
race that comes out of South<br />
Africa is part of a collective<br />
understand<strong>in</strong>g of this challeng<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
and often traumatic, <strong>to</strong>pic. It<br />
is valuable <strong>to</strong> create a space <strong>in</strong><br />
“Various <strong>in</strong>struments of legislation have<br />
enabled South Africans of Indian orig<strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong><br />
be considered as Black people and as African<br />
people, and this has effectively cemented <strong>the</strong><br />
pos<strong>it</strong>ion of Indo-South Africans <strong>in</strong> South<br />
Africa through this mutual respect and<br />
shared ident<strong>it</strong>y. But <strong>the</strong>re are still Indian<br />
enclaves and discrim<strong>in</strong>ation aga<strong>in</strong>st o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
races and lower classes by <strong>the</strong> Indian people.<br />
We cannot hope for greater equal<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong><br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess, professional sport or <strong>in</strong> higher<br />
education, as Indian people, if we practice a<br />
form of ethnicism <strong>in</strong> how we socially <strong>in</strong>tegrate<br />
<strong>in</strong> and among ourselves, as South Africans”.<br />
- Avishkar Govender, Pol<strong>it</strong>ical Science<br />
undergraduate at <strong>the</strong> Univers<strong>it</strong>y of KwaZulu.<br />
which people may share personal s<strong>to</strong>ries and thoughts. This article<br />
takes a look at <strong>the</strong> Indian commun<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong> South Africa, w<strong>it</strong>h specific<br />
reference <strong>to</strong> racism.<br />
Though this process <strong>in</strong>sights <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> a complex and multi-dimensional<br />
issue are revealed, and provide an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g look what <strong>it</strong> is like <strong>to</strong> be<br />
Indian <strong>in</strong> South Africa <strong>in</strong> 2009. It is important <strong>to</strong> discuss divers<strong>it</strong>y and<br />
learn about o<strong>the</strong>r people’s experiences. It enriches us, and teaches us <strong>to</strong><br />
appreciate that w<strong>it</strong>h our differences we are all human be<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Indian people were brought by <strong>the</strong> Br<strong>it</strong>ish from India <strong>to</strong> South Africa<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mid-19th century, after <strong>the</strong> abolishment of slavery. They worked<br />
as <strong>in</strong>dentured labourers <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> sugar cane fields of <strong>the</strong> eastern coastal<br />
area now known as KwaZulu Natal. Indian South Africans form <strong>the</strong><br />
largest group<strong>in</strong>g of people of Indian descent born outside India.<br />
Under apar<strong>the</strong>id, South Africans were divided <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> ‘wh<strong>it</strong>e’ and<br />
‘black’. The latter category <strong>in</strong>cluded people of African descent, coloured<br />
people (which was people of mixed race) and Indian people. Indian<br />
people were subjected <strong>to</strong> discrim<strong>in</strong>ation on various levels. Someone<br />
like Ashw<strong>in</strong> Trikamjee remembers <strong>it</strong> well. Ashw<strong>in</strong> is an at<strong>to</strong>rney and <strong>the</strong><br />
Chairman of <strong>the</strong> 1860 Legacy Foundation. Born <strong>in</strong> Durban <strong>in</strong> 1944 he<br />
attended <strong>the</strong> Gandhi-Desai High School and later <strong>the</strong> Univers<strong>it</strong>y of<br />
South Africa. He remembers<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>cessant discrim<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
under apar<strong>the</strong>id. “This<br />
happened on a daily basis<br />
<strong>in</strong> every sphere of life –<br />
like not be<strong>in</strong>g allowed <strong>to</strong><br />
take lifts <strong>in</strong> build<strong>in</strong>gs, not<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g allowed <strong>to</strong> use public<br />
<strong>to</strong>ilets, not be<strong>in</strong>g allowed <strong>in</strong><br />
c<strong>in</strong>emas and o<strong>the</strong>r public<br />
places, treated badly by<br />
government employees ,<br />
stand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> different queues<br />
etc ,” lists Ashw<strong>in</strong>.<br />
People need <strong>to</strong> share and<br />
remember <strong>the</strong>se experiences,<br />
<strong>to</strong> help us <strong>to</strong> acknowledge <strong>the</strong><br />
past, and recognise <strong>in</strong> what<br />
ways <strong>it</strong> may still <strong>in</strong>fluence our<br />
present. This also deepens<br />
our respect for <strong>the</strong> difficulties<br />
and <strong>in</strong>justices people had <strong>to</strong><br />
experience. We should take<br />
time <strong>to</strong> reflect; what would<br />
my life have been like if<br />
I was ‘categorised’ <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> a<br />
different race group <strong>in</strong> South<br />
Africa? <strong>How</strong> greatly would<br />
my life have been altered<br />
based on <strong>the</strong> one variable<br />
of race? Each <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
<strong>in</strong>terviewed for this article<br />
remembers <strong>the</strong>ir experience<br />
vividly, some like Sershan<br />
Avishkar Govender<br />
Ashw<strong>in</strong> Trikamjee<br />
Sershan Naidoo &<br />
N<strong>it</strong>a Law<strong>to</strong>n Misra<br />
Prof Naidoo Kov<strong>in</strong><br />
Arushan Moodley<br />
Theeyaagaraj Naidoo Elizabeth S<strong>it</strong>hole<br />
reacted spontaneously <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> s<strong>it</strong>uations <strong>the</strong>y found <strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>in</strong>, o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
were more careful, consider<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> potential consequences.<br />
Sershan is Divisional Manager: Beneficiary and Player Relations,<br />
and Media Liaison for <strong>the</strong> National Lotteries Board. Born <strong>in</strong> Durban<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1964, he studied at <strong>the</strong> Durban Univers<strong>it</strong>y of Technology (formerly<br />
ML Sultan Technikon). “My earliest memory [of racial discrim<strong>in</strong>ation]<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
would be try<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> understand why<br />
I could not s<strong>it</strong> on a bench as we<br />
walked down <strong>the</strong> promenade on<br />
Durban’s beachfront. We lived <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n grey area of Durban, <strong>the</strong><br />
Warwick Avenue triangle, before<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g moved <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Indian<br />
<strong>to</strong>wnship of Chatsworth<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1970. More recently, I<br />
appeared <strong>in</strong>visible <strong>to</strong> a shop<br />
assistant who preferred <strong>to</strong><br />
attend <strong>to</strong> a wh<strong>it</strong>e shopper<br />
who had arrived after me.<br />
I gave <strong>the</strong>m both a small<br />
lecture on cus<strong>to</strong>mer service<br />
that caused <strong>the</strong>m both great<br />
embarrassment <strong>in</strong> front of a<br />
full s<strong>to</strong>re.”<br />
Ashw<strong>in</strong> recalls be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
drawn <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> racially charged<br />
s<strong>it</strong>uations, often aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
his will, and <strong>the</strong> reaction<br />
was always mil<strong>it</strong>ant and<br />
aggressive. “The Indian<br />
Commun<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong> South<br />
Africa has a proud record<br />
of hav<strong>in</strong>g been <strong>in</strong>volved<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fight aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
apar<strong>the</strong>id <strong>in</strong> SA. This is<br />
manifested <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Natal<br />
Indian Congress, <strong>the</strong><br />
SA Indian Congress and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Un<strong>it</strong>ed Democratic<br />
Front w<strong>it</strong>h many o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pan<br />
Africanist Congress and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Black Consciousness<br />
Movement,” he po<strong>in</strong>ts out.<br />
Apar<strong>the</strong>id was not<br />
just about <strong>in</strong> your face,<br />
blatant put down of<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals, possibly <strong>the</strong> most<br />
effective means of ensur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>it</strong>s longev<strong>it</strong>y was crush<strong>in</strong>g<br />
talent and <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>iative, someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Arushen Moodley can testify<br />
<strong>to</strong>. Arushen is a superbike<br />
70<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 71
DIASPORA<br />
Arushen. In <strong>the</strong> face<br />
of discrim<strong>in</strong>ation, he<br />
was determ<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>to</strong><br />
succeed on his own.<br />
“W<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial back<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of my parents we formed our<br />
own race team. I changed my<br />
beliefs: I could beat anyone and<br />
believed <strong>in</strong> myself. It was only<br />
<strong>the</strong>n that <strong>the</strong> comments, <strong>the</strong> abuse<br />
did not affect me because I was<br />
so mentally strong that noth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
could s<strong>to</strong>p me from w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
champion who was born <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
coastal c<strong>it</strong>y of Port Elizabeth <strong>in</strong><br />
1978. His childhood memories<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude <strong>the</strong> restrictions apar<strong>the</strong>id<br />
policies placed on him. “Before<br />
<strong>the</strong> end of apar<strong>the</strong>id <strong>in</strong> 1994 we,<br />
as non-wh<strong>it</strong>e South Africans,<br />
were not allowed <strong>to</strong> do many<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs,” he recalls. “For example<br />
all <strong>the</strong> best beaches were for<br />
wh<strong>it</strong>es only. When I was young<br />
I couldn’t understand why we<br />
were not allowed <strong>to</strong> swim or play<br />
on <strong>the</strong> beautiful sandy beaches.<br />
The beaches we were<br />
able <strong>to</strong> use were<br />
rocky and not very<br />
child-friendly”.<br />
In 1995 Arushen<br />
made his<strong>to</strong>ry as <strong>the</strong> first<br />
non-wh<strong>it</strong>e competi<strong>to</strong>r<br />
<strong>to</strong> enter a national race<br />
at <strong>the</strong> young age of 17.<br />
He went on <strong>to</strong> become<br />
<strong>the</strong> world’s first nonwh<strong>it</strong>e<br />
superbike<br />
champion. Racism is<br />
one challenge he faces<br />
while pursu<strong>in</strong>g his<br />
dreams. “The racism<br />
I have experienced<br />
<strong>in</strong> South Africa may<br />
vary from person<br />
<strong>to</strong> person,” notes<br />
reach<strong>in</strong>g my dreams”.<br />
“In 2007 I won <strong>the</strong> South African Superbike championships and<br />
became <strong>the</strong> first Indian <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> World <strong>to</strong> w<strong>in</strong> a National Superbike<br />
Championship. This made me very proud because many o<strong>the</strong>r Indians<br />
started <strong>to</strong> believe <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>mselves and realised that anyth<strong>in</strong>g is possible<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h determ<strong>in</strong>ation and self-belief. After w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g I ga<strong>in</strong>ed a lot of<br />
respect from <strong>the</strong> wh<strong>it</strong>es as <strong>the</strong>y soon realised that we Indians are not <strong>to</strong><br />
be taken for granted”.<br />
“<strong>How</strong>ever, I f<strong>in</strong>d that be<strong>in</strong>g an Indian, sponsorship for rac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
South Africa is very difficult <strong>to</strong> obta<strong>in</strong>. Most of <strong>the</strong> big corporates are<br />
still sponsor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> so-called wh<strong>it</strong>es and us Indians are still left <strong>to</strong> beg<br />
for sponsorships even after prov<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> be <strong>the</strong> best.”<br />
N<strong>it</strong>a Law<strong>to</strong>n-Misra is <strong>the</strong> Deputy Registrar (Academic) for <strong>the</strong><br />
Univers<strong>it</strong>y of <strong>the</strong> W<strong>it</strong>watersrand, Johannesburg. A psychologist by<br />
profession, she<br />
read for her Degree<br />
at <strong>the</strong> univers<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of Durban-<br />
Westville. “My<br />
experiences, prior<br />
<strong>to</strong> 1994, contribute<br />
<strong>to</strong> my feel<strong>in</strong>gs of<br />
b<strong>it</strong>terness and anger<br />
when I see how <strong>the</strong><br />
wh<strong>it</strong>e person has<br />
benef<strong>it</strong>ed over <strong>the</strong><br />
years, and cont<strong>in</strong>ues<br />
<strong>to</strong> benef<strong>it</strong> even<br />
<strong>to</strong>day”, says N<strong>it</strong>a. “I<br />
remember, only <strong>to</strong>o<br />
well, how I had <strong>to</strong><br />
endure be<strong>in</strong>g called a<br />
‘coolie’ or not be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
able <strong>to</strong> ride <strong>the</strong> same<br />
bus as my wh<strong>it</strong>e<br />
peer. I am proud of<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g vocal about <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>equ<strong>it</strong>ies, <strong>the</strong>n and now; of be<strong>in</strong>g a part of <strong>the</strong> struggle which resulted<br />
<strong>in</strong> liberation. <strong>How</strong>ever, <strong>the</strong> more th<strong>in</strong>gs change <strong>the</strong> more <strong>the</strong>y rema<strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> same,” is her concern.<br />
People are obviously at various po<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>in</strong> South African society. Some<br />
people still see <strong>the</strong> world <strong>in</strong> ‘black and wh<strong>it</strong>e’, some see differences<br />
and are <strong>to</strong>lerant of <strong>the</strong>m, while o<strong>the</strong>rs aim for deracialisation and <strong>to</strong><br />
be freed of racial mental<strong>it</strong>ies. There is n0 society <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world where<br />
<strong>in</strong>equal<strong>it</strong>ies do not exist, and learn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> be assertive and cope skilfully<br />
is probably <strong>the</strong> only way <strong>to</strong> overcome <strong>the</strong> all <strong>to</strong>o human tendency<br />
<strong>to</strong>wards one-upmanship and tribal dom<strong>in</strong>ance.<br />
Certa<strong>in</strong> public facil<strong>it</strong>ies like beaches were reserved only for wh<strong>it</strong>es<br />
[“I remember, only <strong>to</strong>o well, how I had <strong>to</strong> endure be<strong>in</strong>g called<br />
a ‘coolie’ or not be<strong>in</strong>g able <strong>to</strong> ride <strong>the</strong> same bus as my wh<strong>it</strong>e<br />
peers. I am proud of be<strong>in</strong>g vocal about <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>equ<strong>it</strong>ies, <strong>the</strong>n and<br />
now; of be<strong>in</strong>g a part of <strong>the</strong> struggle which resulted <strong>in</strong> liberation.<br />
<strong>How</strong>ever, <strong>the</strong> more th<strong>in</strong>gs change <strong>the</strong> more <strong>the</strong>y rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
same.” - N<strong>it</strong>a Law<strong>to</strong>n Misra<br />
Some reactions of <strong>the</strong> Indian commun<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong> racism were <strong>in</strong>formed<br />
by <strong>the</strong> structures of <strong>the</strong> society from which <strong>the</strong>y had come. Avishkar<br />
Govender, a Pol<strong>it</strong>ical Science undergraduate at <strong>the</strong> Univers<strong>it</strong>y of<br />
KwaZulu, was born<br />
<strong>in</strong> Durban <strong>in</strong> 1979.<br />
He notes that<br />
“Various <strong>in</strong>struments<br />
of legislation<br />
have enabled<br />
South Africans of<br />
Indian orig<strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong> be<br />
considered as Black<br />
people and as African<br />
people, and this has<br />
effectively cemented<br />
<strong>the</strong> pos<strong>it</strong>ion of Indo-<br />
SAfricans <strong>in</strong> South<br />
Africa through this<br />
mutual respect and<br />
shared ident<strong>it</strong>y. But<br />
still we see <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
Indian enclaves and <strong>the</strong><br />
discrim<strong>in</strong>ation aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
South Africa’s challenge: Can black and brown and wh<strong>it</strong>e truly<br />
come <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r?<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r races and lower classes by Indian people. We cannot hope for<br />
greater equal<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess, professional sport or <strong>in</strong> higher education,<br />
as Indian people, if we practice a form of ethnicism <strong>in</strong> how we socially<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegrate <strong>in</strong> and among ourselves, as South Africans.<br />
“There is no special lesson which comes from South Africa that has<br />
not been seen from any o<strong>the</strong>r NRI commun<strong>it</strong>y, <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of self<br />
determ<strong>in</strong>ation, hard work, self sacrifice and educational endeavours,<br />
have ensured that <strong>the</strong> Indian Diaspora is a global commun<strong>it</strong>y and a<br />
very successful one at that. But <strong>in</strong> South Africa, we are South Africans<br />
first and foremost, and our South African-ness gives us <strong>the</strong> power <strong>to</strong><br />
be able <strong>to</strong> liberate ourselves from <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>herently discrim<strong>in</strong>a<strong>to</strong>ry Indianness<br />
of our orig<strong>in</strong>,” deduces Avishkar w<strong>it</strong>h keen <strong>in</strong>sight.<br />
South Africans need <strong>to</strong> acknowledge that some people benef<strong>it</strong>ed at<br />
<strong>the</strong> expense of o<strong>the</strong>rs, and that <strong>the</strong>se affects may still be seen. We also<br />
need <strong>to</strong> make sure that while we respect <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>justices of <strong>the</strong> past, we<br />
do not get stuck <strong>the</strong>re. We need <strong>to</strong> use <strong>the</strong> lessons of <strong>the</strong> past as a way<br />
<strong>to</strong> move <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> a more pos<strong>it</strong>ive future.<br />
South Africans of Indian descent cannot be seen as a homogenous<br />
group, and reactions <strong>to</strong> race and <strong>the</strong> apar<strong>the</strong>id structures varied from<br />
person <strong>to</strong> person. “In <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> Indians have dealt w<strong>it</strong>h racism <strong>in</strong> a<br />
pos<strong>it</strong>ive manner – reject<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong> w<strong>it</strong>h contempt”, says Ashw<strong>in</strong>. “The Group<br />
Areas act, which put people <strong>in</strong> compartments, did <strong>in</strong>fluence some k<strong>in</strong>d<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
of sectionalism but <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> large<br />
this was rejected. Some so called<br />
leaders sold out <strong>the</strong> Commun<strong>it</strong>y<br />
by participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
apar<strong>the</strong>id perpetuat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
structures like <strong>the</strong> SAIC<br />
and <strong>the</strong> TRI-Cameral<br />
Parliament.”<br />
Ashw<strong>in</strong> notes that<br />
many Indian Leaders<br />
were deta<strong>in</strong>ed, jailed,<br />
and placed under house<br />
arrest dur<strong>in</strong>g this time.<br />
The fight aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
apar<strong>the</strong>id demonstrated<br />
that Indians were<br />
opposed <strong>to</strong> any k<strong>in</strong>d of<br />
racism. “The post 1994<br />
s<strong>it</strong>uation saw evidence<br />
of this contribution<br />
when former President<br />
Mandela appo<strong>in</strong>ted<br />
many Indian Cab<strong>in</strong>et<br />
M<strong>in</strong>isters as well as Deputy<br />
M<strong>in</strong>isters <strong>to</strong> serve South Africa’s<br />
first Democratic Government.<br />
Yes, <strong>the</strong>re will be a few <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
m<strong>in</strong>or<strong>it</strong>y who will contend that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were more comfortable<br />
under <strong>the</strong> apar<strong>the</strong>id government.”<br />
“The issues about race <strong>in</strong> South<br />
Africa are less about power as was<br />
<strong>the</strong> case his<strong>to</strong>rically and more about<br />
Economics. The end of apar<strong>the</strong>id rid<br />
our country of much blatant racism.<br />
Now <strong>the</strong> tensions that exist <strong>in</strong> our<br />
society are about reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g privilege<br />
or compet<strong>in</strong>g for opportun<strong>it</strong>ies”,<br />
says Professor Naidoo Kov<strong>in</strong>,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Global Programs Direc<strong>to</strong>r at<br />
<strong>the</strong> International Center for Eye<br />
Care <strong>Education</strong>. He was born <strong>in</strong><br />
Durban <strong>in</strong> 1966 and studied at <strong>the</strong><br />
Univers<strong>it</strong>y of Durban-Westville<br />
(now <strong>the</strong> Univers<strong>it</strong>y of Kwa-Zulu<br />
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On <strong>the</strong> 9th of August 1956,<br />
twenty thousand women of all<br />
races marched on <strong>the</strong> Union<br />
Build<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> Pre<strong>to</strong>ria <strong>to</strong> protest<br />
<strong>the</strong> proposed ammendments <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Utban Areas Act, commonly known<br />
as <strong>the</strong> Pass Laws of 1950. <strong>the</strong><br />
women s<strong>to</strong>od <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r, arms raised<br />
Natal), Pennsylvania College<br />
of Op<strong>to</strong>metry (U.S.A.), Temple<br />
Univers<strong>it</strong>y (U.S.A.) and Univers<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of New South Wales (Australia).<br />
There is an ongo<strong>in</strong>g<br />
question about whe<strong>the</strong>r or not<br />
<strong>it</strong> is mean<strong>in</strong>gful <strong>to</strong> still discuss<br />
matters centred on race. When<br />
do we let go of old, offensive<br />
classifications? The vestiges<br />
of apar<strong>the</strong>id still imp<strong>in</strong>ge upon<br />
aspects of South African pol<strong>it</strong>ics<br />
and society. Our Const<strong>it</strong>ution<br />
promises equal<strong>it</strong>y, but we have<br />
a long way <strong>to</strong> go before this is<br />
achieved. The lived-experiences<br />
of so many South Africans are still<br />
shaped by apar<strong>the</strong>id’s bluepr<strong>in</strong>t.<br />
Sershan notes that fifteen<br />
years is not enough <strong>to</strong> address<br />
The International Indian<br />
<strong>the</strong> wrongs of <strong>the</strong> past. A few years ago he<br />
vis<strong>it</strong>ed a project <strong>in</strong> an area of <strong>the</strong> Drakensberg<br />
that he had not travelled <strong>to</strong> for two decades.<br />
“I drove down that road and <strong>it</strong> seemed like<br />
I was <strong>in</strong> a time warp. Noth<strong>in</strong>g had changed.<br />
Well <strong>the</strong>re was one change, <strong>the</strong> people had <strong>the</strong><br />
vote”.<br />
Professor Kov<strong>in</strong> observes that geography<br />
affects <strong>the</strong> role of race, as well as <strong>the</strong> perception<br />
of race. “It seems that <strong>in</strong> Durban and KZN because<br />
of compet<strong>it</strong>ion for lim<strong>it</strong>ed jobs between people<br />
of Indian orig<strong>in</strong> and people of African orig<strong>in</strong><br />
relationships are more stra<strong>in</strong>ed. In <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong><br />
country <strong>the</strong> issue of be<strong>in</strong>g Indian seems <strong>to</strong> be less<br />
of an issue. It does not help also that <strong>the</strong>re is not<br />
much effort by all racial groups <strong>in</strong> KZN <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>tegrate.<br />
“Even <strong>in</strong> pol<strong>it</strong>ical organizations many who jo<strong>in</strong><br />
go <strong>the</strong>re <strong>to</strong> be Indian and <strong>to</strong> benef<strong>it</strong> from contracts<br />
etc ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>to</strong> truly <strong>in</strong>tegrate and work for a<br />
better South Africa. I was deployed by <strong>the</strong> ANC<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> African <strong>to</strong>wnships and hostels for six years<br />
while I served as a regional executive comm<strong>it</strong>tee<br />
member. Throughout this period I did not<br />
experience any racial issues and soon forgot I was<br />
different-look<strong>in</strong>g. This is <strong>the</strong> benef<strong>it</strong> of qual<strong>it</strong>ative<br />
<strong>in</strong>teraction,” he declares.<br />
The old structures of <strong>in</strong>equal<strong>it</strong>y cross class,<br />
as well as race l<strong>in</strong>es. The affects, for example of<br />
different standards of school<strong>in</strong>g for different races, are still felt. N<strong>it</strong>a<br />
says “<strong>to</strong>day, I still hear <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>s<strong>in</strong>uations <strong>in</strong> voices of <strong>the</strong> privileged when<br />
<strong>the</strong>y speak disparag<strong>in</strong>gly of ‘<strong>the</strong>m’ – referr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Black people. More<br />
pa<strong>in</strong>fully though, I feel <strong>the</strong> pierc<strong>in</strong>g silent accusations of Black and<br />
Coloured people when yet ano<strong>the</strong>r ‘Indian’ is appo<strong>in</strong>ted or promoted. I<br />
want <strong>to</strong> scream out – I, <strong>to</strong>o, am Black!”<br />
Racial discrim<strong>in</strong>ation often means be<strong>in</strong>g categorised accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />
certa<strong>in</strong> stereotypes. Stereotypes function as an easy way <strong>to</strong> categorise<br />
and respond <strong>to</strong> people, but because <strong>the</strong>y generalise and over-simplify<br />
<strong>the</strong>y tend <strong>to</strong> be useless misconceptions. “I am annoyed by people who<br />
judge you before <strong>the</strong>y know you. There are bad people <strong>in</strong> all race<br />
groups and from all backgrounds,” <strong>in</strong>sists Sershan. “I don’t have <strong>to</strong><br />
prove anyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> anyone. I do what is required of me <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> best of<br />
my abil<strong>it</strong>y and I am always will<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> learn from o<strong>the</strong>rs, irrespective of<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir background or ‘level’ <strong>in</strong> society/workplace. We all can learn from<br />
<strong>the</strong> most unsuspect<strong>in</strong>g person we might meet”.<br />
N<strong>it</strong>a expla<strong>in</strong>s, “I am African before I am Indian. I was born <strong>in</strong><br />
South Africa, as were my parents and <strong>the</strong>ir parents. I have no familial<br />
connections <strong>in</strong> India. I do, however, live my life <strong>in</strong> accordance w<strong>it</strong>h Indian<br />
cultural beliefs and values. This is partly due <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> apar<strong>the</strong>id regime<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> air and <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> clenched<br />
fist of <strong>the</strong> Congress salut and sang<br />
‘You strike a woman, You strike<br />
rock’. It is remembered as one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> major miles<strong>to</strong>nes <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> struggle<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>the</strong> apar<strong>the</strong>id regime and<br />
<strong>the</strong> date is now commemorated as<br />
Women’s Day.<br />
<strong>in</strong> South Africa which ‘classified’<br />
me as ‘Indian’ and forced me <strong>to</strong><br />
live a life of separateness. Liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> a country which alienated me<br />
from o<strong>the</strong>r people forced me <strong>to</strong><br />
experience racism most palpably.<br />
I was forced <strong>to</strong> believe that I<br />
was a ‘less-than’, a “non”-wh<strong>it</strong>e<br />
– how anyone can accept be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a “non anyth<strong>in</strong>g” is beyond my<br />
comprehension!”<br />
The policies of apar<strong>the</strong>id<br />
place emphasis on <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ferior<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of people who were not wh<strong>it</strong>e.<br />
“When I was younger I felt<br />
<strong>in</strong>ferior <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> wh<strong>it</strong>e man and<br />
always thought <strong>the</strong>y were better<br />
than we were,” says Arushen.<br />
“I started rac<strong>in</strong>g just after <strong>the</strong><br />
apar<strong>the</strong>id ended. Although <strong>it</strong><br />
‘ended’ <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ds of many<br />
wh<strong>it</strong>es had still <strong>to</strong> change. They<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ued see<strong>in</strong>g Indians as<br />
<strong>in</strong>ferior and so I was always<br />
given <strong>in</strong>ferior equipment <strong>to</strong> race<br />
on. The teams used me for black<br />
empowerment <strong>to</strong> secure rac<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sponsorships <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> new ‘black’<br />
South Africa. But once <strong>the</strong>y got<br />
<strong>the</strong> fund<strong>in</strong>g I was given <strong>the</strong> cold<br />
shoulder,” reveals Arushen.<br />
N<strong>it</strong>a recalls <strong>the</strong> feel<strong>in</strong>gs of<br />
bel<strong>it</strong>tlement, <strong>in</strong>significance and<br />
<strong>in</strong>secur<strong>it</strong>y she experienced after<br />
a racist <strong>in</strong>cident. She was at a<br />
holiday resort <strong>in</strong> Rustenburg <strong>in</strong><br />
late 1991. She notes that, booked<br />
under <strong>the</strong> name ‘Law<strong>to</strong>n’ her<br />
family may have been mistaken<br />
as wh<strong>it</strong>e. “I <strong>to</strong>ok my six month<br />
old baby <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> children’s pool<br />
and suddenly all <strong>the</strong> mommies<br />
rushed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> swimm<strong>in</strong>g pool <strong>to</strong><br />
take <strong>the</strong>ir children out! While I<br />
pretended <strong>to</strong> flippantly laugh <strong>it</strong><br />
off w<strong>it</strong>h an “at least we have <strong>to</strong><br />
pool <strong>to</strong> ourselves” remark, <strong>the</strong><br />
hurt that my <strong>in</strong>nocent baby would<br />
‘<strong>in</strong>fect’ those wh<strong>it</strong>e children had penetrated deep w<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong> my psyche”.<br />
N<strong>it</strong>a responded <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> callous discrim<strong>in</strong>ation w<strong>it</strong>h a determ<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
<strong>to</strong> empower herself and prove that she, <strong>to</strong>o, is God’s child w<strong>it</strong>h more<br />
depth, as much (or more) <strong>in</strong>tellectual capac<strong>it</strong>y and <strong>the</strong> same abil<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong><br />
feel pa<strong>in</strong> and love.<br />
While Professor Kov<strong>in</strong> has been subjected <strong>to</strong> racism <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past,<br />
he has noticed th<strong>in</strong>gs are chang<strong>in</strong>g. “I must adm<strong>it</strong> I don’t have this<br />
happen<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> me. It may be a result of my socially <strong>in</strong>tegrated circle,<br />
which often sends out a signal that I am not <strong>in</strong> a particular racial box. It<br />
happens more <strong>to</strong> me outside South Africa”. Avishkar <strong>to</strong>o confirms, “I<br />
personally have never been <strong>the</strong> victim of racism nor have I perpetrated<br />
racism, I was born w<strong>it</strong>h complete freedom, albe<strong>it</strong> dur<strong>in</strong>g apar<strong>the</strong>id, <strong>in</strong><br />
Durban which is an Indian c<strong>it</strong>y, <strong>in</strong> South Africa”.<br />
It rema<strong>in</strong>s important <strong>to</strong> not use race as a ‘scapegoat’ when o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
fac<strong>to</strong>rs may be <strong>to</strong> blame. Race may be <strong>the</strong> reason, but we need <strong>to</strong> be<br />
self-reflective and assess<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r possibil<strong>it</strong>ies. In<br />
response <strong>to</strong> a question on<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g subjected <strong>to</strong> racism,<br />
N<strong>it</strong>a observes, “Before I<br />
respond <strong>to</strong> this question<br />
I’d like <strong>to</strong> qualify that <strong>it</strong> is<br />
very easy <strong>to</strong> construe (or<br />
misconstrue) unfavourable<br />
experiences as “racist”.<br />
I’d like <strong>to</strong> believe that I’ve<br />
been able <strong>to</strong> let go – that<br />
I don’t hold on <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> past<br />
as an excuse for everyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that doesn’t work <strong>in</strong> my<br />
favour. It is imperative that<br />
we (as Ramphele Mamphele<br />
advocates) “lay our ghosts<br />
<strong>to</strong> rest” as we move forward.<br />
Hav<strong>in</strong>g said that my entire<br />
childhood and youth was<br />
experienced <strong>the</strong> way <strong>it</strong> was<br />
as a result of a racist SA.<br />
The lack of free will and free<br />
choice was determ<strong>in</strong>ed by a<br />
racist regime,” N<strong>it</strong>a regrets.<br />
Dr Mamphela Ramphele<br />
was one of <strong>the</strong> founders of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Black Consciousness<br />
Movement (BCM), along<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h Steve Biko.Due <strong>to</strong> her<br />
pol<strong>it</strong>ical activ<strong>it</strong>ies, she was<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternally banished by <strong>the</strong><br />
Poster on <strong>the</strong> beach dur<strong>in</strong>g Apar<strong>the</strong>id <strong>in</strong> South Africa<br />
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apar<strong>the</strong>id government <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn<br />
of Tzaneen from 1977 <strong>to</strong> 1984.<br />
Her book Lay<strong>in</strong>g Ghosts <strong>to</strong> Rest:<br />
Dilemmas of <strong>the</strong> Transformation<br />
<strong>in</strong> South Africa was published<br />
<strong>in</strong> 2008. Dr Ramphele offers a<br />
fearless and candid <strong>in</strong>vestigation<br />
of <strong>the</strong> issues w<strong>it</strong>h which South<br />
Africans struggle <strong>to</strong>day <strong>in</strong> her<br />
characteristic forthright style.<br />
South Africa’s policy of black<br />
economic empowerment (BEE)<br />
is an <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>iative <strong>to</strong> redress <strong>the</strong><br />
wrongs of <strong>the</strong> past. Under <strong>the</strong><br />
apar<strong>the</strong>id government African,<br />
Indian and coloured people were<br />
systematically excluded from<br />
mean<strong>in</strong>gful participation <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
country’s economy. The strategy<br />
is broad-based and has been<br />
The fight aga<strong>in</strong>st Apar<strong>the</strong>id <strong>in</strong> South Africa brought activists from<br />
different commun<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
legislated <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Broad Based<br />
Black Economic Empowerment<br />
Act of 2003. BEE aims <strong>to</strong> broaden<br />
<strong>the</strong> economic base of <strong>the</strong> country,<br />
and <strong>to</strong> stimulate fur<strong>the</strong>r economic<br />
growth and create employment.<br />
The focus is on empower<strong>in</strong>g<br />
his<strong>to</strong>rically disadvantaged people,<br />
and particularly black people,<br />
women, youth, <strong>the</strong> disabled, and rural commun<strong>it</strong>ies.<br />
It rema<strong>in</strong>s v<strong>it</strong>al <strong>to</strong> discuss and debate issues centred on race <strong>in</strong> order<br />
<strong>to</strong> understand South Africa’s past and build a strong foundation for our<br />
future. Even those born after 1994 feel <strong>the</strong> effects of a legacy which<br />
placed great emphasis on discrim<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st people based on a<br />
perception of <strong>the</strong>ir race. N<strong>it</strong>a po<strong>in</strong>ts out that childhood <strong>in</strong>fluences may<br />
affect att<strong>it</strong>udes, and that adults can shape <strong>the</strong>ir offspr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> accordance<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong>ir past experiences and values <strong>in</strong>formed by a racial m<strong>in</strong>dset.<br />
Sershan highlights <strong>the</strong> differences <strong>in</strong> perceptions of race <strong>in</strong> a post-1994<br />
environment. “I grew up as a Black South African of Indian orig<strong>in</strong>. I am a<br />
Black South African first. Officially, Black equals African, Coloured and<br />
Indian. Black now also <strong>in</strong>cludes Ch<strong>in</strong>ese. The youth (I am 45) of <strong>to</strong>day<br />
and many o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>in</strong> post-apar<strong>the</strong>id South Africa see Black as mean<strong>in</strong>g<br />
only Black African. You will even hear public officials use <strong>the</strong> term Black<br />
<strong>in</strong>correctly. I try <strong>to</strong> correct this whenever I can. Indian is not a colour. In SA<br />
we have Black and Wh<strong>it</strong>e and I certa<strong>in</strong>ly am not wh<strong>it</strong>e”.<br />
Professor Kov<strong>in</strong> observes a paradox <strong>in</strong> att<strong>it</strong>udes <strong>to</strong> race among<br />
<strong>the</strong> South African youth. “The younger generation seems more open<br />
about race. <strong>How</strong>ever I must po<strong>in</strong>t out that when I look at students at<br />
my univers<strong>it</strong>y <strong>the</strong> amount of <strong>in</strong>teraction between students of different<br />
races is dismal. I feel apar<strong>the</strong>id oppos<strong>it</strong>ion<br />
gave us much more commonness than <strong>the</strong><br />
current students have. We fought alongside<br />
each o<strong>the</strong>r and built a common bond and<br />
friendship that has lasted <strong>the</strong> test of time. I<br />
am still surprised how l<strong>it</strong>tle racial divers<strong>it</strong>y<br />
exists at wedd<strong>in</strong>gs and parties that I attend <strong>in</strong><br />
South Africa”.<br />
Ashw<strong>in</strong> feels <strong>the</strong>re is a generation gap <strong>in</strong><br />
perceptions of race; “<strong>the</strong> children of <strong>to</strong>day<br />
do not understand what we were subjected<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past.” That said, Ashw<strong>in</strong> describes<br />
<strong>the</strong> future of race and race relations <strong>in</strong><br />
South Africa as good and promis<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
“Barriers have broken down but exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />
conglomerates and <strong>the</strong>ir structures are<br />
tak<strong>in</strong>g longer <strong>to</strong> break down.”<br />
Chang<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>dset of a nation takes<br />
time and comm<strong>it</strong>ment. It requires a great<br />
deal of reflection on <strong>the</strong> part of every South African, as all c<strong>it</strong>izens<br />
were impacted <strong>in</strong> some way. Avishkar believes, “From a socio-cultural<br />
perspective, race has all but disappeared from schools and colleges -<br />
young people are no longer drawn <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> social groups on <strong>the</strong> basis of<br />
<strong>the</strong> colour of <strong>the</strong>ir sk<strong>in</strong>, <strong>the</strong> texture of <strong>the</strong>ir hair or <strong>the</strong> nasal <strong>in</strong>dex - and<br />
so from <strong>the</strong> perspective of understand<strong>in</strong>g culture - yes, sure, race has<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> teach us, but not when <strong>it</strong> is about ‘us’ and ‘<strong>the</strong>m’”.<br />
“I do believe that <strong>it</strong> would take at least ano<strong>the</strong>r generation <strong>to</strong> treat<br />
people respectfully and uncond<strong>it</strong>ionally,” says N<strong>it</strong>a. “I cannot change<br />
how o<strong>the</strong>rs th<strong>in</strong>k or behave. I live<br />
my life by Gandhi’s immortal<br />
words: “You must be <strong>the</strong> change<br />
you wish <strong>to</strong> see <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world”. The<br />
best I can do is <strong>to</strong> strive <strong>to</strong> ensure<br />
that my children are be<strong>in</strong>g raised<br />
‘colour-bl<strong>in</strong>d’ and respectful of<br />
all people – based on what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
do, not on <strong>the</strong> colour of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
sk<strong>in</strong>”.<br />
In terms of future prospects,<br />
Arushen believes “<strong>it</strong> will get<br />
better w<strong>it</strong>h time and I’m sure soon<br />
we all will live <strong>in</strong> harmony w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
each o<strong>the</strong>r; as soon as we start<br />
respect<strong>in</strong>g each o<strong>the</strong>r regardless<br />
of race, colour or religion”.<br />
When <strong>it</strong> comes <strong>to</strong> whe<strong>the</strong>r or<br />
not discussions on race rema<strong>in</strong><br />
mean<strong>in</strong>gful, Ashw<strong>in</strong> responds “Yes<br />
and no – wh<strong>it</strong>es do not like <strong>to</strong> talk<br />
about <strong>it</strong> as <strong>it</strong> affects <strong>the</strong>m directly<br />
and <strong>the</strong>y would prefer <strong>to</strong> behave<br />
as if <strong>the</strong>re was no such th<strong>in</strong>g as<br />
Apar<strong>the</strong>id!” Sershan says “I count<br />
myself as part of a handful of Black<br />
South Africans that have benef<strong>it</strong>ed<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> post-apar<strong>the</strong>id SA. Very<br />
l<strong>it</strong>tle has changed for <strong>the</strong> major<strong>it</strong>y<br />
of our people. We have <strong>to</strong> address<br />
this before we can even th<strong>in</strong>k about<br />
not br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>the</strong> race issue. For<br />
younger people, <strong>it</strong> is important<br />
<strong>to</strong> know and acknowledge<br />
where we all have come from<br />
while appreciat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> current<br />
advancements and achievements.”<br />
Professor Kov<strong>in</strong> is more<br />
outspoken and <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>to</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
proactive if significant change is<br />
<strong>to</strong> happen: “If we don’t address <strong>it</strong><br />
head on and get <strong>the</strong> youth <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>teract<br />
<strong>in</strong> a qual<strong>it</strong>ative manner we will<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ue <strong>to</strong> have racial <strong>to</strong>lerance<br />
ra<strong>the</strong>r than deracialisation. Private<br />
school <strong>in</strong>teractions are not enough.<br />
We need work<strong>in</strong>g class kids <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>teract across racial l<strong>in</strong>es. If not<br />
If our children are not exposed <strong>to</strong> pos<strong>it</strong>ive race relations, fear ra<strong>the</strong>r than trust will<br />
be <strong>the</strong> ongo<strong>in</strong>g outcome. Are we teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> trust people of o<strong>the</strong>r races?<br />
Pho<strong>to</strong> cred<strong>it</strong>: Balan Iyer<br />
we will always be stuck <strong>in</strong> our racial boxes. The Indian commun<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong><br />
particular needs <strong>to</strong> take steps <strong>to</strong> deracialise socially.<br />
“Be<strong>in</strong>g exc<strong>it</strong>ed about hav<strong>in</strong>g a wh<strong>it</strong>e person date your daughter but<br />
unhappy when a person of African orig<strong>in</strong> does is noth<strong>in</strong>g but racism.<br />
This is <strong>the</strong> real<strong>it</strong>y of discussions that often do <strong>the</strong>ir rounds <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Indian<br />
commun<strong>it</strong>y and does not bode well for relationships. We need <strong>to</strong> move<br />
this discourse <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> grassroots. Not just <strong>in</strong> privileged circles and<br />
univers<strong>it</strong>ies. The discourse must also be less and <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>teraction and<br />
jo<strong>in</strong>t activ<strong>it</strong>y more,” he states bluntly.<br />
Avishkar is optimistic, “We have as a society put <strong>the</strong> demon of<br />
Apar<strong>the</strong>id <strong>to</strong> rest - and have sought <strong>to</strong> def<strong>in</strong>e Afrikaners as African, <strong>to</strong><br />
def<strong>in</strong>e all languages as equal, <strong>to</strong> def<strong>in</strong>e all South Africans as African<br />
and we have sought <strong>to</strong> ensure that socio-economic participation is<br />
afforded <strong>to</strong> people who were oppressed by <strong>the</strong> former racist regimes.<br />
When look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> future, Sershan notes “We have <strong>to</strong> revive and<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> our un<strong>it</strong>y as a people first. We are South Africans first and <strong>the</strong>n<br />
judged by our colour and <strong>the</strong>n by our ancestral background. As a nation,<br />
we have <strong>to</strong> address <strong>the</strong> imbalances of <strong>the</strong> past and we can achieve this<br />
only by properly-conducted Black Economic Empowerment (BEE)”.<br />
The challenges are <strong>the</strong>re, but as a nation South Africans have <strong>to</strong> see<br />
<strong>the</strong> opportun<strong>it</strong>ies. All South Africans need <strong>to</strong> embrace divers<strong>it</strong>y. Our<br />
differences are someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> be celebrated. It is my hope that we will<br />
move <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> a time when <strong>the</strong> racial categories of <strong>the</strong> past are discarded.<br />
Then we may call ourselves a deracialised society, one that treats each<br />
person as an <strong>in</strong>dividual w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong>ir own culture and op<strong>in</strong>ions.<br />
Jacquel<strong>in</strong>e van Staden is a South African journalist. Her <strong>in</strong>terests<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude questions of representation, and she enjoys be<strong>in</strong>g a part of<br />
<strong>the</strong> dynamic South African discourse. She read for her Bachelor of<br />
Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes Univers<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
76<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 77
HERITAGE<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
ROMANCE OF THE EAST:<br />
MIRZA GHALIB AND<br />
THE GENIUS OF URDU<br />
The endur<strong>in</strong>g legacy of <strong>the</strong> Mughals <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Indian subcont<strong>in</strong>ent<br />
is <strong>the</strong> gift of <strong>the</strong> Urdu language. Urdu is truly a<br />
romance language of <strong>the</strong> East. And dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> time of <strong>the</strong><br />
Mughals, Urdu poetry reached <strong>it</strong>s zen<strong>it</strong>h w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> mystical pen<br />
of Mirza Assadullah Khan Ghalib.<br />
by: Roy Joseph<br />
Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter;<br />
<strong>the</strong>refore, ye soft pipes, play on; not <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> sensual ear<br />
but…<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> spir<strong>it</strong> d<strong>it</strong>ties of no <strong>to</strong>nes. Hapless John Keats<br />
should not be faulted for cherish<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> lyricism of <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>effable over <strong>the</strong> poetry of <strong>the</strong> senses. But that young<br />
reprobate should have been chastised for not lett<strong>in</strong>g his imag<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
drift eastward. The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, <strong>the</strong> poetry of Rumi,<br />
<strong>the</strong> whirl<strong>in</strong>g dervishes and <strong>the</strong> Sufi-<strong>in</strong>spired poetry of Persian-Mughal<br />
wr<strong>it</strong>ers such as Mirza Ghalib occupy an imag<strong>in</strong>ative space between <strong>the</strong><br />
eloquence of spoken word and <strong>the</strong> ravish<strong>in</strong>g silence of <strong>the</strong> sublime.<br />
Perhaps, Keats might have thought o<strong>the</strong>rwise had he listened <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Ghalib is remembered for penn<strong>in</strong>g exquis<strong>it</strong>e<br />
verse <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> classical ghazal form lend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
both meter and music <strong>to</strong> his verse.<br />
haunt<strong>in</strong>gly beautiful cadence of <strong>the</strong> classical ghazal.<br />
The heyday of <strong>the</strong> Mughal dynasty that preceded <strong>the</strong> Br<strong>it</strong>ish Raj<br />
is generally looked upon as a dark saga <strong>in</strong> Indian his<strong>to</strong>ry by Indians<br />
who look at culture purely<br />
through <strong>the</strong> monochromatic<br />
lens of nationalism. If we are<br />
honest w<strong>it</strong>h ourselves, we must<br />
acknowledge that <strong>the</strong> tragicomic<br />
script of human his<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
is for <strong>the</strong> most part a gory tale<br />
of blood-lett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> which one<br />
form of tyranny is replaced by<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r. Yet, <strong>the</strong>re is plenty of<br />
comic relief <strong>to</strong> be found <strong>in</strong> acts<br />
of compassion and also <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
creative artifacts of culture.<br />
Desp<strong>it</strong>e <strong>the</strong> ambivalence or<br />
hatred modern nationalists might<br />
have <strong>to</strong>wards <strong>the</strong> Mughals,<br />
Indian culture has at least been<br />
partially enriched by <strong>it</strong>. An<br />
analogy is <strong>in</strong> order.<br />
Picture a pious Protestant<br />
rag<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> genius of<br />
<strong>the</strong> brush that pa<strong>in</strong>ted <strong>the</strong> vault<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Sist<strong>in</strong>e Chapel largely<br />
because <strong>in</strong>dulgences were used <strong>to</strong><br />
beautify <strong>the</strong> ornate Basilica. The<br />
man who miffs at Michelangelo<br />
for this reason is fall<strong>in</strong>g prey <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> unfortunate tendencies of<br />
philist<strong>in</strong>ism. Pol<strong>it</strong>ics aside, great<br />
art is great art.<br />
The endur<strong>in</strong>g legacy of <strong>the</strong><br />
Mughals <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Indian subcont<strong>in</strong>ent<br />
is <strong>the</strong> gift of <strong>the</strong> Urdu<br />
language. Urdu is truly a romance<br />
language of <strong>the</strong> East. Urdu<br />
poetry reached <strong>it</strong>s zen<strong>it</strong>h w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong><br />
mystical pen of Mirza Assadullah<br />
Khan Ghalib, even though <strong>the</strong><br />
author was well-versed <strong>in</strong> Persian<br />
as well.<br />
Just as <strong>the</strong> Mughal dynasty<br />
was be<strong>in</strong>g eclipsed <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> oblivion<br />
by <strong>the</strong> superior, technological<br />
prowess of <strong>the</strong> English, a poetic<br />
jewel was born almost as a<br />
testament <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> abid<strong>in</strong>g power<br />
of reflection aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>dless<br />
onslaught of both materialism<br />
and mach<strong>in</strong>ery. If <strong>the</strong> pen is<br />
<strong>in</strong>deed mightier than <strong>the</strong> sword,<br />
<strong>the</strong> e<strong>the</strong>real glow from <strong>the</strong> poetic<br />
canons of Mirza Ghalib is far<br />
more effulgent than <strong>the</strong> firepower<br />
of destructive cannons.<br />
Ghalib is remembered for<br />
penn<strong>in</strong>g exquis<strong>it</strong>e verse <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
classical ghazal form lend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
both meter and music <strong>to</strong> his<br />
verse. His verse sublimates<br />
<strong>the</strong> pa<strong>in</strong> and suffer<strong>in</strong>g of his<br />
turbulent period by turn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
heart-rend<strong>in</strong>g lamentations<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> ach<strong>in</strong>gly beautiful verse.<br />
Such a sentiment could easily<br />
turn <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> trivial nostalgia at <strong>the</strong><br />
hands of <strong>in</strong>ferior poets. The<br />
idealization of love <strong>in</strong> Ghalib’s<br />
verse is not unlike Dante’s idealization of love through <strong>the</strong> poetic<br />
persona of Beatrice <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> latter’s Div<strong>in</strong>e Comedy. Idealization, <strong>in</strong><br />
this case, should not be mistaken for a mean<strong>in</strong>gless abstraction but<br />
as a deliberate strategy <strong>to</strong> render <strong>the</strong> chasm between true love and <strong>it</strong>s<br />
imperfect manifestation <strong>in</strong> human form pa<strong>in</strong>fully obvious.<br />
The endur<strong>in</strong>g legacy of <strong>the</strong> Mughals <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Indian<br />
sub-cont<strong>in</strong>ent is <strong>the</strong> gift of <strong>the</strong> Urdu language.<br />
Urdu is truly a romance language of <strong>the</strong> East.<br />
One could contend that <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>fluence of Sufi mysticism <strong>in</strong> Ghalib’s<br />
lyricism emboldened him <strong>to</strong> simultaneously make bold statements<br />
of fa<strong>it</strong>h and embrace <strong>the</strong> mysteries of life as well. Paradoxically, <strong>the</strong><br />
sensual<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong> his verse po<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>to</strong> a realm beyond <strong>the</strong> senses. While<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ological content of Christian<strong>it</strong>y is widely divergent from Sufi<br />
Mysticism, <strong>the</strong> sacrament of <strong>the</strong> Eucharist is <strong>the</strong> closest analog <strong>in</strong> that<br />
<strong>it</strong> is both corporeal and a foreshadow<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> eternal. Similarly,<br />
Ghalib rejects <strong>the</strong> monastic impulse and embraces <strong>the</strong> beauty of both<br />
<strong>the</strong> sensual and <strong>the</strong> eternal.<br />
Consider one of his oft-quoted l<strong>in</strong>es:<br />
Let <strong>the</strong> ascetics s<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> garden of Paradise—<br />
We who dwell <strong>in</strong> true ecstasy can forget<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir vase-tamed bouquet<br />
In our hall of mirrors, <strong>the</strong> map of <strong>the</strong> one Face<br />
Appears<br />
As <strong>the</strong> sun’s splendor would spangle a world<br />
made of dew<br />
When <strong>it</strong> comes <strong>to</strong> poetry <strong>in</strong> particular, cr<strong>it</strong>ics warn us that we should<br />
be wary of overly-confident <strong>in</strong>terpretations. Yet, one could ga<strong>the</strong>r at<br />
least <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g – Ghalib celebrates echoes of <strong>the</strong> eternal <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
‘here-and-now.’ Thus <strong>the</strong> ‘o<strong>the</strong>r-worldly’ monasticism that might<br />
usually lead <strong>the</strong> religious <strong>to</strong> reject this world gives way <strong>to</strong> a lifeaffirm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
pr<strong>in</strong>ciple that sees <strong>the</strong> goodness <strong>in</strong> creation as a reflection of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Eternal.<br />
If <strong>the</strong> c<strong>it</strong>y of Agra boasts of an arch<strong>it</strong>ectural monument of as<strong>to</strong>nish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
beauty, <strong>it</strong> should also boast of a poetic monument of similar symmetry.<br />
It <strong>in</strong>deed gave birth <strong>to</strong> Mirza Ghalib.<br />
Roy Joseph was born <strong>in</strong> Pondicherry and now resides <strong>in</strong> Chicago.<br />
He is currently work<strong>in</strong>g on a l<strong>it</strong>erary play.<br />
78<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 79
IDHAR UDHAR<br />
Fast<strong>in</strong>g & Feast<strong>in</strong>g<br />
The UAE is home <strong>to</strong> 1.2 million Indians. Fast<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and feast<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong>ok on a special mean<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> holy month of Ramadan as Muslims as<br />
well as non-Muslims got <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> a renewed<br />
bond of friendship and goodwill. There were<br />
Iftar and Suhoor parties galore. The Indian<br />
commun<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE celebrated <strong>in</strong> style w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
a special Suhoor d<strong>in</strong>ner at <strong>the</strong> India Club. An<br />
a la carte d<strong>in</strong>ner w<strong>it</strong>h sumptuous food was laid<br />
out for <strong>the</strong> benef<strong>it</strong> of more than 350 members<br />
of <strong>the</strong> commun<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
The Indian Consul General, Venu Rajamony<br />
graced <strong>the</strong> occasion. Sunil S<strong>in</strong>gh, Chairman,<br />
India Club welcomed <strong>the</strong> Chief Guest and <strong>the</strong> members of <strong>the</strong> India Club and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
guests. He also extended Ramadan greet<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>to</strong> all present for <strong>the</strong> Suhoor d<strong>in</strong>ner.<br />
The special attractions <strong>in</strong>cluded an Arabic tent w<strong>it</strong>h a lady henna designer where <strong>the</strong> female<br />
<strong>in</strong>v<strong>it</strong>ees adorned <strong>the</strong>ir hands w<strong>it</strong>h beautiful henna designs. An Arabic juice server served m<strong>in</strong>t<br />
lime juice. The trad<strong>it</strong>ional Arabic Oudh musician played Arabic music add<strong>in</strong>g melodious<br />
tunes <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> celebra<strong>to</strong>ry mood of <strong>the</strong> even<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Light<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>augural lamp at Navratri celebrations at India Club<br />
by: Debasree S.<br />
Navratri Dhamaka<br />
The UAE, is a melt<strong>in</strong>g pot of different religions and cultures,<br />
and after Ramadan, <strong>it</strong> was <strong>the</strong> turn of Indians <strong>to</strong> celebrate<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir most popular festival Navratri. Nav means N<strong>in</strong>e and<br />
Ratri means Night, <strong>the</strong> Navratri festival lasts for n<strong>in</strong>e nights<br />
culm<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Dusshera that signals that triumph of good<br />
over evil.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g this time, Indian expatriates made a beel<strong>in</strong>e for Meena<br />
Bazaar (Bur Dubai’s very own Indian bazaar) <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ck on ghagra<br />
cholis, bandhani dupattas and <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> trad<strong>it</strong>ional fare. The Al<br />
Aweer grounds came alive <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> beat of colourful ‘Garba’ dances.<br />
The programme organized by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Indian Association Dubai<br />
got <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r more than 2,000<br />
expatriates whose gaiety and<br />
enthusiasm rema<strong>in</strong>ed a highlight<br />
of this year’s celebrations.<br />
Onam<br />
For Keral<strong>it</strong>es, Onam is <strong>the</strong><br />
celebration of <strong>the</strong> return of<br />
Mahabali, <strong>the</strong>ir beloved k<strong>in</strong>g. To<br />
welcome k<strong>in</strong>g Mahabali <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir home people<br />
decorate <strong>the</strong>ir front porch w<strong>it</strong>h a “Pookalam”<br />
or a floral carpet. This is similar <strong>to</strong> a rangoli<br />
except that this is made up of creatively<br />
arranged flower petals. Small mounds<br />
of earth are also placed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> courtyard<br />
represent<strong>in</strong>g Mahabali and Vishnu. A fair b<strong>it</strong><br />
of r<strong>it</strong>uals are performed and this is followed<br />
by a sumptuous feast called ‘Saddya’,which<br />
is served on a planta<strong>in</strong> leaf and accompanied<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h ‘Payasam’ <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> sweet dish.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> UAE, <strong>the</strong>re were a spate of<br />
celebrations mark<strong>in</strong>g Onam. Perhaps <strong>the</strong><br />
most strik<strong>in</strong>g among <strong>the</strong>m all was <strong>the</strong><br />
one organized by <strong>the</strong> All Kerala Colleges<br />
Alumni Forum held at <strong>the</strong> Al Quoz<br />
Dulsco Audi<strong>to</strong>rium.<br />
This was an Onam celebration that got<br />
<strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r both under privileged labourers and <strong>the</strong> Indian Consul General,<br />
Venu Rajamony, all on <strong>the</strong> same platform. The Indian Consul General<br />
lighted <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>augural lamp and <strong>the</strong> function was attended by <strong>the</strong> Indian<br />
Comm<strong>it</strong>tee Welfare Comm<strong>it</strong>tee Chief K.Kumar, IITF Secretary K.M.<br />
Abbas, R.D. Group GM G. V<strong>in</strong>od and families of AKCAF members.<br />
Musical and dance programmes regaled <strong>the</strong> audience, many of<br />
whom had taken a break from <strong>the</strong>ir daily hard regimen. Playback s<strong>in</strong>ger<br />
M. Jayachandran led <strong>the</strong> musical programme and he was supported by<br />
his troupe consist<strong>in</strong>g of Sudip Kumar, Radhika and Anupama. Cultural<br />
programmes were presented by Faisal, Shafique and o<strong>the</strong>r artistes.<br />
Garba dance <strong>in</strong> full sw<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Navrati festival <strong>in</strong> Dubai<br />
Onam celebrations gets underway at Dubai’s Dulsco Audi<strong>to</strong>rium<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
New Block for<br />
Sharjah Indian School<br />
The 30-year-old Sharjah<br />
Indian School owned and<br />
managed by <strong>the</strong> Indian<br />
Association Sharjah got a new<br />
facelift w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> Indian Consul<br />
General, Venu Rajamony lay<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> foundation s<strong>to</strong>ne for a new<br />
block. Among those who were<br />
present on <strong>the</strong> occasion were<br />
IAS President V. Damodaran,<br />
IAS General Secretary,<br />
Abdullah Mallachery, Manag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Comm<strong>it</strong>tee Member Mohammed<br />
Theyyab, Act<strong>in</strong>g General<br />
Secretary Chandraparakash<br />
Edamma and <strong>the</strong> Act<strong>in</strong>g Vice<br />
Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal of <strong>the</strong> School, M<strong>in</strong>i<br />
Menon. The school is a nonprof<strong>it</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>ution w<strong>it</strong>h a low<br />
fee structure meant <strong>to</strong> benef<strong>it</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> less affluent sections of <strong>the</strong><br />
Indian commun<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
Debasree S. is a freelance wr<strong>it</strong>er<br />
based <strong>in</strong> Dubai<br />
80<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 81
THE GANDHI’S<br />
S<strong>to</strong>p, Vote & Go<br />
CARTOON<br />
82<br />
Here <strong>in</strong> 2009, I see <strong>the</strong> television savvy Priyanka stand<strong>in</strong>g beside her<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r Rahul after <strong>the</strong> Congress vic<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>in</strong> this year’s General elections.<br />
Cut <strong>to</strong> 1996 and my brush w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> scarcely public Gandhi family.<br />
by: Gaurav S. Karrir<br />
I<br />
remember <strong>the</strong> day very clearly. I was wa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> Nirman<br />
Bhavan poll<strong>in</strong>g station <strong>in</strong> New Delhi’s posh government office<br />
area <strong>in</strong> April 1996. It was eight thirty <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> morn<strong>in</strong>g. Veteran<br />
super star Rajesh Khanna was talk<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> a seventy-year-old<br />
woman from a nearby slum who had come <strong>to</strong> vote <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> general<br />
elections of India. I was stationed <strong>the</strong>re on behalf of a television news<br />
channel <strong>to</strong> report on <strong>the</strong> VIPs com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> vote that day.<br />
Word leaked out that a very important personal<strong>it</strong>y was com<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> poll<strong>in</strong>g station. While o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> vot<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>e were look<strong>in</strong>g<br />
at Rajesh Khanna star<br />
struck, <strong>the</strong> star himself<br />
was wa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g for his<br />
men<strong>to</strong>r <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Congress<br />
party, Sonia Gandhi, <strong>to</strong><br />
arrive w<strong>it</strong>h her family<br />
<strong>to</strong> vote for him. Khanna<br />
had been blessed w<strong>it</strong>h a<br />
ticket for <strong>the</strong> Lok Sabha<br />
seat for <strong>the</strong> New Delhi<br />
const<strong>it</strong>uency and he was<br />
grateful <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gandhi<br />
family for support<strong>in</strong>g<br />
him. In <strong>the</strong> last general<br />
elections <strong>in</strong> 1991<br />
Khanna had given a close fight <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> country’s lead<strong>in</strong>g oppos<strong>it</strong>ion<br />
party leader.<br />
Suddenly we heard a screech<strong>in</strong>g of tyres and a rush of boots<br />
as secur<strong>it</strong>y personnel jumped out of three Ambassador cars. The<br />
occupants were all seated <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> back. They were Sonia Gandhi and<br />
her children Rahul and Priyanka. Rajesh Khanna greeted <strong>the</strong>m and <strong>in</strong> a<br />
most unlikely manner <strong>the</strong> VIPs s<strong>to</strong>od at <strong>the</strong> end of a long queue <strong>to</strong> vote.<br />
But <strong>the</strong> secur<strong>it</strong>y personnel requested <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> break off and ushered<br />
<strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong>side <strong>the</strong> poll<strong>in</strong>g station c<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g secur<strong>it</strong>y threat. Now if that was<br />
a smart PR move or a genu<strong>in</strong>e impulse one will never know but <strong>it</strong> was<br />
hearten<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> see <strong>the</strong> gesture.<br />
Inside <strong>the</strong> poll<strong>in</strong>g booth I had stationed my cameraman on <strong>to</strong>p of a<br />
The International Indian<br />
perch <strong>to</strong> get <strong>the</strong> best angle. It was<br />
all a rush rush affair as poll<strong>in</strong>g<br />
officers tallied <strong>the</strong>ir names on<br />
<strong>the</strong> voters’ list and thrust ballot<br />
papers <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir hands. W<strong>it</strong>h<strong>in</strong> a<br />
few m<strong>in</strong>utes <strong>the</strong> Gandhi’s had cast<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir votes. I was determ<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>to</strong><br />
have a word w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> Gandhi’s on<br />
<strong>the</strong> vot<strong>in</strong>g experience. W<strong>it</strong>h Sonia<br />
and Rahul <strong>in</strong> front I missed<br />
my chance but see<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Priyanka lagg<strong>in</strong>g beh<strong>in</strong>d<br />
I shot off my questions<br />
<strong>to</strong> her, “Are you vot<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for <strong>the</strong> first time?” ‘‘No,’’<br />
she replied, ‘‘This is <strong>the</strong><br />
second time, I have voted<br />
before.” Then I asked her<br />
whom did she vote for?<br />
She had just time <strong>to</strong> show<br />
me her full hand <strong>the</strong>reby<br />
signal<strong>in</strong>g she had voted<br />
for Congress whose<br />
election symbol is a full<br />
hand. After reply<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> my short<br />
volley of questions, Priyanka and<br />
family disappeared <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> back of<br />
<strong>the</strong> wa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g ambassadors and <strong>the</strong><br />
cars screeched away.<br />
For someone who had stepped<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> spotlight long before her<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r came on <strong>the</strong> scene, one can<br />
just wa<strong>it</strong> and watch for th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>to</strong><br />
happen from <strong>the</strong> younger sibl<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Gaurac S. Karir is a freelance<br />
wr<strong>it</strong>er based <strong>in</strong> Dubai<br />
The International Indian 83
SOLDIERS<br />
What makes<br />
nations great?<br />
His<strong>to</strong>rically, India does not have a culture of valu<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong>s mil<strong>it</strong>ary. That is <strong>the</strong> reason that<br />
every <strong>in</strong>vader succeeded <strong>in</strong> defeat<strong>in</strong>g and enslav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> sub-cont<strong>in</strong>ent. If India survives<br />
<strong>to</strong>day desp<strong>it</strong>e <strong>in</strong>ept pol<strong>it</strong>ical leadership and <strong>the</strong> self-serv<strong>in</strong>g bureaucracy, <strong>it</strong> is only due <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> unquestioned loyalty of <strong>the</strong> mil<strong>it</strong>ary and enormous sacrifices made by <strong>the</strong> soldiers.<br />
TII <strong>in</strong>troduces ‘Soldiers’ a new column by Major General Mr<strong>in</strong>al Suman<br />
by: Major General Mr<strong>in</strong>al Suman<br />
As India celebrates 62 years of Independence, one<br />
wonders as <strong>to</strong> what makes nations great. Why is <strong>the</strong> US<br />
an undisputed world power? Why has Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong> rema<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
undefeated for centuries?<br />
Why has India succumbed <strong>to</strong> foreign rule so often?<br />
Why is India still struggl<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>in</strong>ternal dissensions and fissiparous<br />
forces? What does India lack?<br />
A chance meet<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h a Br<strong>it</strong>ish army veteran <strong>in</strong> a tra<strong>in</strong> from<br />
Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh <strong>to</strong> London proved<br />
[<br />
highly reveal<strong>in</strong>g. Accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> him <strong>the</strong> secret of Br<strong>it</strong>ish<br />
success lies <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> public<br />
support and respect extended<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> soldiers.<br />
“Soldiers’ loyalty <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
nation and read<strong>in</strong>ess for<br />
<strong>the</strong> supreme sacrifice are<br />
driven less by material considerations and more by an overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
urge <strong>to</strong> earn love and respect of <strong>the</strong>ir countrymen. A grateful nation’s<br />
recogn<strong>it</strong>ion of <strong>the</strong>ir contribution <strong>to</strong> national secur<strong>it</strong>y acts as <strong>the</strong><br />
strongest motiva<strong>to</strong>r,” he declared.<br />
“Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong> never forgets <strong>it</strong>s war heroes. Every major landmark <strong>in</strong><br />
London is named after dist<strong>in</strong>guished soldiers and not pol<strong>it</strong>icians,” he<br />
declared w<strong>it</strong>h visible pride.<br />
To prove his po<strong>in</strong>t fur<strong>the</strong>r, he recalled, “Before World War II, <strong>it</strong> was<br />
not uncommon <strong>to</strong> see placards hang<strong>in</strong>g outside some restaurants <strong>in</strong><br />
Paris which read ‘Dogs, lackeys and soldiers not allowed’.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, even pregnant women used <strong>to</strong> get up and offer<br />
seats <strong>to</strong> soldiers <strong>in</strong> London buses. When <strong>the</strong> war broke out, France<br />
cap<strong>it</strong>ulated <strong>in</strong> no time while Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong> rema<strong>in</strong>ed undefeated.”<br />
In an article wr<strong>it</strong>ten two<br />
days before <strong>the</strong> swear<strong>in</strong>g-<strong>in</strong> of<br />
Barack Obama, his wife Michelle<br />
devoted 515 out of 863 words <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> soldiers and <strong>the</strong>ir families.<br />
“So as I watch Barack<br />
take that oath, I’ll be th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g<br />
especially about those members<br />
“Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong> never forgets <strong>it</strong>s war heroes. Every<br />
major landmark <strong>in</strong> London is named after<br />
dist<strong>in</strong>guished soldiers and not pol<strong>it</strong>icians,”<br />
he declared w<strong>it</strong>h visible pride.<br />
of our American family who<br />
stand guard across <strong>the</strong> world<br />
and <strong>the</strong> loved ones who awa<strong>it</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir safe return.…. My husband<br />
and I are deeply grateful for <strong>the</strong><br />
sacrifices that <strong>the</strong>se families make<br />
<strong>to</strong> protect all American families.<br />
And we jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>m - <strong>to</strong>day and<br />
every day - <strong>in</strong> pray<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
loved ones and <strong>the</strong>ir safety. They<br />
don’t ask a lot <strong>in</strong> return, just a<br />
Wash<strong>in</strong>g<strong>to</strong>n that understands <strong>the</strong><br />
challenges <strong>the</strong>y face as part of<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir extraord<strong>in</strong>ary comm<strong>it</strong>ment<br />
<strong>to</strong> our country…My husband<br />
understands that comm<strong>it</strong>ment,<br />
and he will ensure America lives<br />
up <strong>to</strong> <strong>it</strong>s end,” she wrote.<br />
“On Tuesday night, my<br />
husband and I will tuck <strong>in</strong> our<br />
daughters like we always do.<br />
Their bedrooms will be different,<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir home unfamiliar. But <strong>the</strong>y<br />
will drift off <strong>to</strong> sleep protected<br />
by that same sacrifice that has<br />
kept all of our families safe and<br />
safeguarded our freedom for<br />
generations - <strong>the</strong> sacrifice of our<br />
men and women <strong>in</strong> uniform and<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir families….For that, we<br />
could not be more grateful - or<br />
more proud,” she added.<br />
Now let us compare <strong>the</strong><br />
above w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> state of affairs<br />
<strong>in</strong> India. Can anyone recall a<br />
similar expression of sentiments<br />
by a national figure?<br />
Except for perfunc<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
plat<strong>it</strong>udes on Independence Day,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Government has s<strong>in</strong>gularly<br />
failed <strong>to</strong> show compassion for <strong>the</strong><br />
soldiers or tried <strong>to</strong> redress <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
genu<strong>in</strong>e grievances.<br />
Apa<strong>the</strong>tic pol<strong>it</strong>ical leadership<br />
and bureaucracy have made<br />
no attempt <strong>to</strong> understand <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>tens<strong>it</strong>y of <strong>the</strong> sense of hurt of <strong>the</strong><br />
soldiers at <strong>the</strong>ir cont<strong>in</strong>ued neglect<br />
and deliberate degradation.<br />
Desp<strong>it</strong>e<br />
repeated<br />
representations, India still does<br />
not have a war memorial <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
cap<strong>it</strong>al <strong>to</strong> honour <strong>in</strong>dependent<br />
India’s martyrs. India wants <strong>to</strong><br />
ape <strong>the</strong> West <strong>in</strong> all sundry aspects<br />
but not <strong>in</strong> matters that affect <strong>the</strong><br />
well-be<strong>in</strong>g and morale of <strong>the</strong><br />
armed forces.<br />
The Tomb of <strong>the</strong> Unknowns<br />
at Arl<strong>in</strong>g<strong>to</strong>n <strong>in</strong> Wash<strong>in</strong>g<strong>to</strong>n, <strong>the</strong><br />
Arc de Triomphe <strong>in</strong> Paris and <strong>the</strong><br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
Cenotaph <strong>in</strong> London are admired by all Indian visi<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />
Yet, <strong>the</strong> absence of a su<strong>it</strong>able war memorial <strong>in</strong> New Delhi does not<br />
appear odd <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m. Surpris<strong>in</strong>gly, <strong>it</strong> does not even hurt <strong>the</strong> conscience<br />
of <strong>the</strong> nation.<br />
There is no o<strong>the</strong>r country that can be so apa<strong>the</strong>tic <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> memory of<br />
thousands of soldiers who have laid down <strong>the</strong>ir lives for <strong>it</strong>s secur<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
The Urban Development M<strong>in</strong>istry is more concerned w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong><br />
vestiges of <strong>the</strong> Br<strong>it</strong>ish rule and opposes a war memorial near India<br />
Gate <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> name of preserv<strong>in</strong>g her<strong>it</strong>age.<br />
India Gate was built <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> memory of soldiers who died <strong>in</strong> World War<br />
I dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Br<strong>it</strong>ish rule. India has fought five wars s<strong>in</strong>ce Independence<br />
and over 40,000 soldiers have made <strong>the</strong> supreme sacrifice.<br />
Oppos<strong>it</strong>ion <strong>to</strong> a war memorial on frivolous grounds is an affront<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> memory of martyrs and displays shameless <strong>in</strong>sens<strong>it</strong>iv<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
feel<strong>in</strong>gs of those who have lost <strong>the</strong>ir family members.<br />
But <strong>the</strong>n, no pol<strong>it</strong>ical leader or bureaucrat can be faulted for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
<strong>in</strong>abil<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong> appreciate <strong>the</strong>se issues as <strong>the</strong>y never send <strong>the</strong>ir progeny <strong>to</strong><br />
But <strong>the</strong>n, no pol<strong>it</strong>ical leader or bureaucrat can be<br />
faulted for <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>in</strong>abil<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong> appreciate <strong>the</strong>se issues as<br />
<strong>the</strong>y never send <strong>the</strong>ir progeny <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> mil<strong>it</strong>ary. Look<br />
at <strong>the</strong> treatment meted out <strong>to</strong> India’s tallest mil<strong>it</strong>ary<br />
leader Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, <strong>the</strong> arch<strong>it</strong>ect<br />
of India’s greatest vic<strong>to</strong>ry ever.<br />
<strong>the</strong> mil<strong>it</strong>ary.<br />
Look at <strong>the</strong> treatment meted out <strong>to</strong> India’s tallest mil<strong>it</strong>ary leader<br />
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, <strong>the</strong> arch<strong>it</strong>ect of India’s greatest<br />
vic<strong>to</strong>ry ever.<br />
It <strong>to</strong>ok <strong>the</strong> government decades <strong>to</strong> determ<strong>in</strong>e and release his<br />
dues. India has not found him worthy of <strong>it</strong>s highest national honour<br />
‘Bharat Ratna’.No pol<strong>it</strong>ical leader thought <strong>it</strong> necessary <strong>to</strong> attend his<br />
funeral. In Br<strong>it</strong>a<strong>in</strong> and <strong>the</strong> US, heads of <strong>the</strong> State w<strong>it</strong>h full national<br />
leadership would have made <strong>it</strong> a po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>to</strong> be present <strong>to</strong> pay a nation’s<br />
grateful respects.<br />
Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square occupies <strong>the</strong> pride of place<br />
<strong>in</strong> London. London boasts of numerous statues of mil<strong>it</strong>ary heroes. No<br />
statues of pol<strong>it</strong>ical leaders are seen <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> developed countries.<br />
India, on <strong>the</strong> contrary, has not found <strong>it</strong> necessary <strong>to</strong> honour Field<br />
Marshal Manekshaw’s memory whereas statues of pol<strong>it</strong>ical leaders<br />
(even of suspect credentials) dot New Delhi.<br />
It will not be out of place here <strong>to</strong> recall <strong>the</strong> speech of President<br />
Obama at <strong>the</strong> Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention at <strong>the</strong> Phoenix<br />
Convention Center on 17 August 2009.<br />
He said, “You have fulfilled your responsibil<strong>it</strong>ies. And now a<br />
grateful nation must fulfill ours. Whe<strong>the</strong>r you’ve left <strong>the</strong> service <strong>in</strong><br />
2009 or 1949, we will fulfill our responsibil<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong> deliver <strong>the</strong> benef<strong>it</strong>s<br />
[<br />
84<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 85
SOLDIERS<br />
and care that you earned.” He<br />
termed America’s comm<strong>it</strong>ment<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>it</strong>s veterans as sacred bonds<br />
and a sacred trust Americans are<br />
honour bound <strong>to</strong> uphold.<br />
“You have done your duty -<br />
<strong>to</strong> your fallen comrades, <strong>to</strong> your<br />
commun<strong>it</strong>ies, <strong>to</strong> your country.<br />
You have always fulfilled your<br />
responsibil<strong>it</strong>ies <strong>to</strong> America. And<br />
so long as I am President of <strong>the</strong><br />
Un<strong>it</strong>ed States, America will<br />
always fulfill <strong>it</strong>s responsibil<strong>it</strong>ies<br />
<strong>to</strong> you”, he declared.<br />
Contrast <strong>the</strong> above pledge<br />
and assurance w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> treatment<br />
meted out <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> ex-servicemen<br />
<strong>in</strong> India. It is apa<strong>the</strong>tic <strong>to</strong> say <strong>the</strong><br />
least. In <strong>the</strong> recent past, India was<br />
w<strong>it</strong>ness <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> most unfortunate<br />
sight of numerous mil<strong>it</strong>ary<br />
veterans return<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir medals<br />
[Examples of Pakistan and Bangladesh are quoted <strong>to</strong><br />
implant fear of a mil<strong>it</strong>ary take over <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ds of a<br />
gullible and ignorant pol<strong>it</strong>ical leadership. A systematic<br />
and well planned strategy has been orchestrated <strong>to</strong><br />
downgrade <strong>the</strong> mil<strong>it</strong>ary’s stand<strong>in</strong>g. The Sixth Central<br />
Pay Commission was <strong>the</strong> latest master stroke.<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> President <strong>to</strong> register <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
protest aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> government’s<br />
<strong>in</strong>difference <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir pleas.<br />
Medals earned dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
active service are <strong>the</strong> proudest<br />
possession of soldiers and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g driven <strong>to</strong> surrender <strong>the</strong>m<br />
should have made <strong>the</strong> government<br />
s<strong>it</strong> up and take note.<br />
But true <strong>to</strong> <strong>it</strong>s wont, <strong>it</strong><br />
rema<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>to</strong>tally unconcerned<br />
and unmoved. Not a s<strong>in</strong>gle<br />
government leader or official has<br />
considered <strong>it</strong> necessary <strong>to</strong> talk <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> protest<strong>in</strong>g veterans <strong>to</strong> resolve<br />
<strong>the</strong> issues.<br />
This episode will certa<strong>in</strong>ly go<br />
down as a dark chapter <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ry of <strong>in</strong>dependent India.<br />
India won <strong>the</strong> Kargil War of 1999 at a huge cost – 527 officers and<br />
soldiers sacrificed <strong>the</strong>ir lives while over 1,000 susta<strong>in</strong>ed battle <strong>in</strong>juries,<br />
many gett<strong>in</strong>g maimed for life.<br />
Yet a senior Congress leader Rashid Alvi had <strong>the</strong> impudence <strong>to</strong> state<br />
that <strong>the</strong> commemoration was not warranted as <strong>the</strong> war <strong>to</strong>ok place due<br />
<strong>to</strong> an <strong>in</strong>telligence failure of <strong>the</strong> BJP Government.<br />
Every Indian soldier, both serv<strong>in</strong>g and retired, was aghast at <strong>the</strong><br />
brazenness of <strong>the</strong> logic.<br />
A notion has been deliberately perpetuated that <strong>the</strong> mil<strong>it</strong>ary must be kept<br />
under control through <strong>the</strong> bureaucracy lest <strong>it</strong> acquires pol<strong>it</strong>ical amb<strong>it</strong>ions.<br />
Examples of Pakistan and Bangladesh are quoted <strong>to</strong> implant<br />
fear of a mil<strong>it</strong>ary take over <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ds of a gullible and ignorant<br />
pol<strong>it</strong>ical leadership. A systematic and well planned strategy has been<br />
orchestrated <strong>to</strong> downgrade <strong>the</strong> mil<strong>it</strong>ary’s stand<strong>in</strong>g. The Sixth Central<br />
Pay Commission was <strong>the</strong> latest master stroke.<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> public at large still holds <strong>the</strong> mil<strong>it</strong>ary <strong>in</strong> high esteem,<br />
a deliberate media campaign is be<strong>in</strong>g orchestrated by some elements<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h vested <strong>in</strong>terests <strong>to</strong> show <strong>the</strong> mil<strong>it</strong>ary <strong>in</strong> a poor light.<br />
Instead of appreciat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> mil<strong>it</strong>ary for <strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>iat<strong>in</strong>g prompt<br />
discipl<strong>in</strong>ary action aga<strong>in</strong>st defaulters – handful acts of misdemeanor<br />
and <strong>in</strong>discretion <strong>in</strong> a 1.3 million strong organisation – such cases are<br />
sensationalised <strong>to</strong> pa<strong>in</strong>t a negative<br />
picture of <strong>the</strong> services.<br />
His<strong>to</strong>rically, India does not have<br />
a culture of valu<strong>in</strong>g <strong>it</strong>s mil<strong>it</strong>ary.<br />
That is <strong>the</strong> reason that every<br />
<strong>in</strong>vader succeeded <strong>in</strong> defeat<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
enslav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> sub-cont<strong>in</strong>ent.<br />
If India survives <strong>to</strong>day desp<strong>it</strong>e<br />
<strong>in</strong>ept pol<strong>it</strong>ical leadership and <strong>the</strong><br />
self-serv<strong>in</strong>g bureaucracy, <strong>it</strong> is only<br />
due <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> unquestioned loyalty of <strong>the</strong> mil<strong>it</strong>ary and enormous sacrifices<br />
made by <strong>the</strong> soldiers.<br />
Denigration of <strong>the</strong> mil<strong>it</strong>ary always proves fatal <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> long run. Any<br />
country that discred<strong>it</strong>s <strong>the</strong> status of <strong>it</strong>s soldiers loses <strong>the</strong> moral right <strong>to</strong><br />
expect <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> die for <strong>it</strong>s secur<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
Great nations are dist<strong>in</strong>guished by <strong>the</strong> esteem <strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong>y hold<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir mil<strong>it</strong>ary. No nation that stubbornly decl<strong>in</strong>es <strong>to</strong> honour <strong>the</strong> martyrs,<br />
respect <strong>the</strong> soldiers and care for <strong>the</strong> veterans can ever aspire <strong>to</strong> be<br />
counted amongst <strong>the</strong> great nations, slogans like ‘Mera Bharat Mahan’<br />
not w<strong>it</strong>hstand<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Major General Mr<strong>in</strong>al Suman, AVSM, VSM, PhD Head, Evoss Group<br />
Project Direc<strong>to</strong>r, Defence Technical Assessment and Advisory<br />
Services Group (Confederation of Indian Industry)<br />
Direc<strong>to</strong>r, Defence Acquis<strong>it</strong>ion Management Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
(Confederation of Indian Industry)<br />
Edi<strong>to</strong>rial Consultant, Indian Defence Review<br />
MY CELEBRITY ENCOUNTER<br />
by: Peter Souri Raj<br />
I<br />
can still remember <strong>it</strong> as if<br />
<strong>it</strong> were yesterday. Madras<br />
Airport VIP lounge. H. E.<br />
Mahatir Mohamed, <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n<br />
hon’ble Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister of<br />
Malaysia was s<strong>to</strong>pp<strong>in</strong>g over for<br />
some Masala Dosas. The great<br />
MGR, Chief M<strong>in</strong>ister of Tamil<br />
Nadu at <strong>the</strong> time, was <strong>the</strong>refore<br />
his host. I was work<strong>in</strong>g at<br />
Welcomgroup Chola Shera<strong>to</strong>n<br />
and s<strong>in</strong>ce CM saar used <strong>to</strong><br />
entrust us w<strong>it</strong>h all his big do’s,<br />
my team & I were wa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g,<br />
lavish buffet et al, ready and<br />
every last detail checked and<br />
rechecked. Munuswamy,<br />
Chola’s specialist Masala D<br />
maker was gett<strong>in</strong>g ready <strong>to</strong> strut<br />
his stuff - after all, <strong>it</strong>’s not every<br />
day that a PM s<strong>to</strong>ps off for your<br />
dosas! Also <strong>in</strong> attendance were<br />
a gaggle of CID types, cops,<br />
airport workers, etc. Like good<br />
Maddus <strong>the</strong>y were not go<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> miss out on <strong>the</strong> action. And<br />
hopefully latch on <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> odd dosa<br />
or two.<br />
The flight landed, hon’ble PM<br />
was escorted <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> VIP L, plates<br />
handed out, and loaded up. Soon<br />
<strong>the</strong>re was PM w<strong>it</strong>h filled plate.<br />
Wa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g. There was CM w<strong>it</strong>h filled<br />
plate. Wa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g. There were assorted<br />
consulate, government bigwigs<br />
and flunkies w<strong>it</strong>h plates filled.<br />
Wa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g. There was I, noth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
hand, wa<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g. Someone hissed<br />
th<br />
16<br />
Masala Dosas<br />
for Mahatir<br />
When H. E. Mahatir Mohamed, <strong>the</strong>n hon’ble Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
of Malaysia s<strong>to</strong>pped <strong>in</strong> Chennai for Masala Dosas w<strong>it</strong>h MGR.<br />
“Masala Dosas” and suddenly <strong>it</strong> dawned on me that <strong>the</strong> Masala D’s hadn’t<br />
made an appearance. And s<strong>in</strong>ce Masala D’s were what <strong>the</strong> hon’ble PM had<br />
specifically asked for, he wasn’t go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> lift a prong till he got one.<br />
I tried <strong>to</strong> suggest that <strong>the</strong> dosas were be<strong>in</strong>g freshly prepared and that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y would be out any m<strong>in</strong>ute but old MM would have none of <strong>it</strong>. CM<br />
saar gently suggested I go and speed <strong>the</strong>m up and I <strong>to</strong>ok off like a flash.<br />
I charged out <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> back <strong>to</strong> see what <strong>the</strong> hold up was and almost had a<br />
heart attack. There was Munuswamy,<br />
sweat<strong>in</strong>g from every pore, unable <strong>to</strong><br />
coax a halfway decent dosa - <strong>the</strong>y<br />
were all stick<strong>in</strong>g fast <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> pan. The<br />
<strong>in</strong>terested crowd of onlookers - good<br />
Maddus <strong>to</strong> whom Masala D’s were<br />
like mo<strong>the</strong>r’s milk - all had op<strong>in</strong>ions<br />
on what Munuswamy was do<strong>in</strong>g<br />
wrong. “Use an onion” one shouted;<br />
“Don’t”, shouted ano<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> dosa<br />
kall is <strong>to</strong>o hot. “It’s <strong>the</strong> batter that’s<br />
<strong>to</strong>o th<strong>in</strong>,” said yet ano<strong>the</strong>r. And on<br />
and on <strong>it</strong> went. Munuswamy, who<br />
had long s<strong>in</strong>ce s<strong>to</strong>pped preen<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
was now a nervous wreck and<br />
couldn’t have turned out a decent<br />
dosa even if his life depended on <strong>it</strong>.<br />
I charged back <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> VIP<br />
Lounge. Made some feeble excuses, tried <strong>to</strong> coax <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> eat, but no<br />
luck. Charged back out, charged back <strong>in</strong>. Still no dosas. And just when I<br />
had given up all hope, and was th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g up some even feebler excuses,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were suddenly <strong>the</strong>re, (<strong>the</strong> dosas, stupid, not <strong>the</strong> excuses). That<br />
whole circus must have lasted about 15 m<strong>in</strong>utes but <strong>it</strong> seemed like<br />
forever. But before you could say “Masala Dosa”, <strong>the</strong> hon’ble PM and<br />
CM were tuck<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> w<strong>it</strong>h gus<strong>to</strong>. In case you are wonder<strong>in</strong>g how and<br />
what or who saved <strong>the</strong> day - Bhoja, our super cool banquet capta<strong>in</strong> had<br />
just <strong>to</strong>odled over <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> adjacent airport canteen, picked up half a dozen<br />
dosas and saved everyone’s whatever. Masala Dosas anyone?<br />
Peter Souri Raj has frequently hobnobbed w<strong>it</strong>h celebr<strong>it</strong>ies dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
his long st<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> hotel <strong>in</strong>dustry. TII will feature some of his<br />
memorable encounters <strong>in</strong> this new series.<br />
86<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 87
BUYING IT<br />
Honda Develops Revolutionary New Personal Mobil<strong>it</strong>y Device <strong>to</strong><br />
Work <strong>in</strong> Harmony w<strong>it</strong>h People<br />
World’s first driv<strong>in</strong>g system capable of 360 degree movement<br />
Samsung Electronics Captures Most Market Share for<br />
A4 Monochrome Laser Multifunction Pr<strong>in</strong>ters (MFPs)<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s growth and dom<strong>in</strong>ance <strong>in</strong> MFP Middle East market desp<strong>it</strong>e recession<br />
th<br />
16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
Pursu<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> concept of “harmony w<strong>it</strong>h people” Honda<br />
has developed a new personal mobil<strong>it</strong>y technology<br />
and unveiled U3-X, a compact experimental device<br />
<strong>to</strong> provide free movement <strong>in</strong> all directions just like human<br />
walk<strong>in</strong>g – forward, backward, side-<strong>to</strong>-side, and diagonally.<br />
Honda will cont<strong>in</strong>ue research and development of <strong>the</strong><br />
device <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g experiments <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> real-world environment<br />
<strong>to</strong> verify <strong>the</strong> practical<strong>it</strong>y of <strong>the</strong> device.<br />
This new personal mobil<strong>it</strong>y device makes <strong>it</strong> possible<br />
<strong>to</strong> adjust speed, move, turn and s<strong>to</strong>p <strong>in</strong> all directions when<br />
<strong>the</strong> rider leans <strong>the</strong>ir upper body <strong>to</strong> shift <strong>the</strong>ir body weight. This was<br />
achieved through application<br />
of advanced technologies<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Honda’s balance<br />
control technology, which was<br />
developed through ASIMO<br />
(Honda’s bipedal humanoid<br />
robot) robotics research, and <strong>the</strong><br />
world’s first* omni-directional<br />
driv<strong>in</strong>g wheel system (Honda<br />
Omni Traction Drive System, or<br />
HOT Drive System)<br />
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a lead<strong>in</strong>g name <strong>in</strong> consumer<br />
electronics and <strong>in</strong>formation technology,<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ued <strong>to</strong> make strides <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> global<br />
market for multifunction pr<strong>in</strong>ters (MFPs) <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
second quarter desp<strong>it</strong>e strong global economic<br />
headw<strong>in</strong>ds.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> market research firm, IDC,<br />
Samsung Electronics captured 23.4% of <strong>the</strong><br />
market for A4-sized mach<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> second<br />
quarter of 2009, rega<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>p pos<strong>it</strong>ion for <strong>the</strong><br />
first time s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> first quarter of 2006.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> Middle East and Africa, Samsung Electronics raised <strong>it</strong>s market<br />
share for A4 monochrome laser<br />
MFPs from 25.7% <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> first<br />
quarter <strong>to</strong> 37.3% <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> second<br />
quarter of 2009. It has ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
<strong>it</strong>s status as <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>p manufacturer <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> segment for four years <strong>in</strong> a row<br />
from 2005 through 2008.<br />
Samsung had <strong>it</strong>s best show<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> Europe, where <strong>it</strong> <strong>to</strong>ok 35.1% of<br />
<strong>the</strong> market for A4 color laser MFPs<br />
and 26.9% for A4 monochrome<br />
laser MFPs <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> second quarter.<br />
Jacky’s Middle East expands portfolio w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
new generation of “The Expert” electronic<br />
dictionaries best for bus<strong>in</strong>essmen and<br />
students DE 10000 electronic dictionary<br />
available for <strong>the</strong> first time <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE<br />
Jacky’s Middle East LLC,<br />
<strong>the</strong> distribution arm of <strong>the</strong><br />
Jacky’s Group of Companies,<br />
has launched ‘<strong>the</strong> Expert’ DE<br />
10000 dictionary, manufactured<br />
by Innovations for Import and<br />
Commercial Agencies Ltd, for<br />
<strong>the</strong> first time <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE.<br />
Add<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Jacky’s Middle<br />
East’s wide product portfolio,<br />
Epson launches new range of user-friendly<br />
desk<strong>to</strong>p mobile projec<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>in</strong> Middle East<br />
Epson’s EB-8 Series features enhanced connectiv<strong>it</strong>y, easeof-use,<br />
speed, brightness and resolution<br />
Epson, <strong>the</strong> global leader <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> projec<strong>to</strong>r market, has announced<br />
<strong>the</strong> Middle East launch of <strong>the</strong> Epson EB-8 Series, which consists<br />
of four fast and easy-<strong>to</strong>-use desk<strong>to</strong>p mobile projec<strong>to</strong>rs developed<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h simplic<strong>it</strong>y <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d. The new Epson EB-8 Series, which succeeds<br />
<strong>the</strong> hugely successful EMP-83H and EMP-822H projec<strong>to</strong>rs, delivers<br />
pioneer<strong>in</strong>g technological <strong>in</strong>novations such as <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>troduction of wireless<br />
options <strong>in</strong> add<strong>it</strong>ion <strong>to</strong> enhanced connectiv<strong>it</strong>y, brightness and resolution.<br />
The EB-84, EB-85, EB-826W, and <strong>the</strong> high-end EB-825 feature<br />
expanded connectiv<strong>it</strong>y options, allow<strong>in</strong>g a greater number and<br />
variety of devices <strong>to</strong> be connected <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> EB-8 Series, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
DE 10000 is <strong>the</strong> first electronic<br />
dictionary <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world w<strong>it</strong>h 11<br />
built-<strong>in</strong> languages <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Arabic, English, Japanese, Ch<strong>in</strong>ese,<br />
Russian, Italian, Thai, Spanish,<br />
Malay, Korean, German and French. DE 10000<br />
features real human voices and has unexampled<br />
specifications w<strong>it</strong>h a colour screen, displayed on<br />
TV screen.<br />
“Jacky’s Middle East has been known <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
market for distribut<strong>in</strong>g well-known brands and<br />
unique products that meet <strong>the</strong> requirements <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
region. We currently market seven different models<br />
of ‘<strong>the</strong> Expert’ dictionary from entry models up <strong>to</strong> executives models<br />
such as <strong>the</strong> DE 10000.<br />
USB B, microphone <strong>in</strong>puts, two<br />
computer RGB <strong>in</strong>puts, wireless<br />
options and usabil<strong>it</strong>y w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
Epson’s new document camera.<br />
Wireless connectiv<strong>it</strong>y has also<br />
been enhanced w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> ‘Quick<br />
Wireless Connection’ feature,<br />
which enables users <strong>to</strong> ga<strong>in</strong> a<br />
connection <strong>in</strong> seconds.<br />
PANASONIC UNVEILS NEW LOW COST<br />
PROFESSIONAL HANDHELD AVCCAM<br />
10. 6G Mega Pixel Camcorder is now even more Compact<br />
and Lighter than ever<br />
Panasonic, <strong>the</strong> global leader <strong>in</strong> consumer electronics products,<br />
has expanded <strong>it</strong>s professional AVCCAM l<strong>in</strong>e w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>troduction of a more compact, lighter handheld camcorder –<br />
<strong>the</strong> AG-HMC41E.<br />
The new camcorder weighs less than<br />
2.2 pounds and comes complete w<strong>it</strong>h an<br />
impressive range of professional features<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g full HD 3MOS imagers, highresolution<br />
10.6-mega pixel still pho<strong>to</strong><br />
capture, 12X optical zoom and high-<br />
Technogym VARIO: a revolution <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> gym<br />
The new trend <strong>in</strong> f<strong>it</strong>ness club:<br />
A revolutionary equipment <strong>to</strong> loose weight at your pace.<br />
The cardio revolution is land<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> best gyms all over <strong>the</strong><br />
world! Vario, <strong>the</strong> ultimate Technogym concept allow<strong>in</strong>g you<br />
<strong>to</strong> loose weight by choos<strong>in</strong>g your favour<strong>it</strong>e movement. Forget<br />
exhaust<strong>in</strong>g runn<strong>in</strong>g sessions and endless bike rides, VARIO is <strong>the</strong> first<br />
cardiovascular equipment follow<strong>in</strong>g your stride and au<strong>to</strong>matically<br />
adapt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> desired movement: from <strong>the</strong> classic vertical step <strong>to</strong> a<br />
simple walk as well as a long stride.<br />
Vario is a real revolution, because for <strong>the</strong> first time <strong>the</strong> user won’t<br />
be forced <strong>to</strong> follow <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e, but <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e will follow <strong>the</strong> user’s<br />
movement. VARIO will be available <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> best clubs across Europe<br />
start<strong>in</strong>g from June, and start<strong>in</strong>g from September <strong>it</strong> will be available all<br />
over <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
qual<strong>it</strong>y, solid-state AVCHD<br />
record<strong>in</strong>g on widely-available SD<br />
cards. To allow users of tape media<br />
<strong>to</strong> smoothly trans<strong>it</strong>ion <strong>to</strong> AVCHD<br />
system, <strong>the</strong> AG-HMC45U will<br />
be bundled w<strong>it</strong>h ‘EDIUS NEO 2’<br />
video ed<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g software.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Mr. Yuichiro<br />
Suzuki, Product Manager,<br />
Panasonic Market<strong>in</strong>g Middle East,<br />
<strong>the</strong> new AG-HMC41E will deliver<br />
improved video performance and<br />
greater efficiency: “The HMC41E<br />
is an AVCHD format based<br />
camcorder that uses MPEG-4<br />
AVC/H.264 high profile encod<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
A real revolution s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong><br />
mach<strong>in</strong>e dynamically adapts<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> user. Legs movement<br />
au<strong>to</strong>matically adjusts <strong>the</strong><br />
equipment trajec<strong>to</strong>ry offer<strong>in</strong>g each<br />
user <strong>the</strong> most su<strong>it</strong>able stride: <strong>in</strong><br />
this way VARIO reduces fatigue<br />
and at <strong>the</strong> same time guarantees<br />
<strong>the</strong> maximum caloric expend<strong>it</strong>ure.<br />
88<br />
The International Indian<br />
The International Indian 89
TII FASHION<br />
th<br />
16<br />
LINENS<br />
Durable, comfortable and eco-friendly<br />
L<strong>in</strong>en fabric has a long and illustrious past. In <strong>the</strong> present day,<br />
l<strong>in</strong>ens score high on <strong>the</strong>ir durabil<strong>it</strong>y and comfort quotients.<br />
Environmentally friendly, l<strong>in</strong>en rema<strong>in</strong>s steadfast <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Essentials<br />
due <strong>to</strong> <strong>it</strong>s long shelf life, extended w<strong>it</strong>h each wash.<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
BUSINESS CASUAL<br />
Stylish dress<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>it</strong>h stress-free ma<strong>in</strong>tenance<br />
Daily bus<strong>in</strong>ess dress<strong>in</strong>g is simplified through <strong>the</strong> right<br />
mix of Ch<strong>in</strong>os, Khakis and wr<strong>in</strong>kle-free shirts. Khakis<br />
are one of <strong>the</strong> key Essentials for men and women.<br />
CREW NECK T-SHIRTS<br />
100 % cot<strong>to</strong>n. As one of <strong>the</strong> Essentials, <strong>the</strong> Crew Neck T-Shirt<br />
serves remarkably well throughout <strong>the</strong> year and is a regular<br />
fixture dur<strong>in</strong>g times of layer<strong>in</strong>g-up or layer<strong>in</strong>g-down. It is an<br />
extraord<strong>in</strong>arily versatile piece that can be <strong>to</strong>pped up w<strong>it</strong>h blazers,<br />
jackets and sweaters or just stand alone for a classic casual look.<br />
es•sen•tials /I’sen∫lz/ noun [usually pl.] <strong>the</strong> triumph of form and function.<br />
Men and women stand un<strong>it</strong>ed as <strong>the</strong>y both tackle <strong>the</strong> daily dilemma of: What <strong>to</strong> Wear. After all, <strong>the</strong> fuller<br />
a wardrobe seems, <strong>the</strong> less <strong>the</strong>re appears <strong>to</strong> wear. The complex<strong>it</strong>ies of dress<strong>in</strong>g are greatly simplified by<br />
ensur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> wardrobe has <strong>it</strong>s Essentials firmly <strong>in</strong> place. In times of dress<strong>in</strong>g up, <strong>the</strong>y play a pivotal role<br />
<strong>in</strong> anchor<strong>in</strong>g fleet<strong>in</strong>g fashion trends, through <strong>the</strong>ir abil<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong> mix and match and rema<strong>in</strong> timeless. Run your<br />
wardrobe through <strong>the</strong> Essentials Checklist and make sure <strong>it</strong> has everyth<strong>in</strong>g you need.<br />
DENIMS<br />
Denim jeans are every wardrobe’s wonder garment.<br />
Arguably <strong>the</strong> planet’s most favored <strong>it</strong>em of cloth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
The flexibil<strong>it</strong>y of denim can be adapted <strong>to</strong> su<strong>it</strong> any<br />
climatic cond<strong>it</strong>ion, dressed up or down depend<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
<strong>the</strong> occasion.<br />
POLOS<br />
Total comfort from superior cot<strong>to</strong>n; available <strong>in</strong> a wide range<br />
of colors The polo rema<strong>in</strong>s a firm favor<strong>it</strong>e on <strong>the</strong> golf courses,<br />
vacations, family out<strong>in</strong>gs and has garnered approval on casual days<br />
at work. It is <strong>the</strong> first of many Essentials that help create different<br />
looks, easily fluctuat<strong>in</strong>g between classic or conservative and<br />
modern or sophisticated.<br />
MY TEES<br />
All season favor<strong>it</strong>e made from pure cot<strong>to</strong>n<br />
As temperatures drop, so do <strong>the</strong> sleeves. The My<br />
Tee is a long sleeved t-shirt that can be worn alone<br />
or function as a base for fur<strong>the</strong>r layer<strong>in</strong>g up. The<br />
My Tee is made from pure cot<strong>to</strong>n w<strong>it</strong>h a dash of<br />
stretch and is available for both men and women.<br />
ESSENTIALS PACKS<br />
The Six Pack - Socks & Briefs<br />
• The Three Pack - Under Tees<br />
Good qual<strong>it</strong>y and well-f<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g undergarments are imperative<br />
for good dress<strong>in</strong>g. Ill-f<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g undergarments can cause<br />
discomfort and unease, creat<strong>in</strong>g unnecessary unpl. Soft cot<strong>to</strong>n<br />
undergarments assure comfort by allow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> sk<strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong> brea<strong>the</strong><br />
easily, ensur<strong>in</strong>g a fresh feel that lasts through <strong>the</strong> day.<br />
TANK TOP<br />
No wardrobe for women can beg<strong>in</strong> or end w<strong>it</strong>hout <strong>the</strong> super<br />
handy Tank Top. Us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>est natural fibres and lycra, <strong>the</strong><br />
Giordano Essentials Tank Top from <strong>it</strong>s elementary use as a solo<br />
piece of upper body cloth<strong>in</strong>g, can be spontaneously dressed up or<br />
accessorized <strong>to</strong> create styles that vary from conservative <strong>to</strong> chic.<br />
90<br />
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BUZZ WORD<br />
The Kenya Tourist Board<br />
(KTB) and Air Arabia, <strong>the</strong><br />
Middle East and North<br />
Africa’s first lead<strong>in</strong>g low-cost<br />
carrier (LCC), are set <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir market<strong>in</strong>g and promotional<br />
activ<strong>it</strong>ies w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> Middle East<br />
travel trade and local commun<strong>it</strong>y<br />
over <strong>the</strong> September 2009 Eid<br />
holiday period, <strong>the</strong> objectives of<br />
which will be <strong>to</strong> highlight Kenya’s<br />
spectacular nature, luxury and<br />
family-orientated experiences.<br />
The promotions are also<br />
timed <strong>to</strong> co<strong>in</strong>cide w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> Great<br />
Samson<strong>it</strong>e<br />
Samson<strong>it</strong>e Group, <strong>the</strong><br />
worldwide leader <strong>in</strong> travel<br />
solutions, <strong>to</strong>day announced<br />
<strong>the</strong> launch of Cosmol<strong>it</strong>e range.<br />
The new <strong>in</strong>novative Cosmol<strong>it</strong>e –<br />
<strong>the</strong> lightest and strongest luggage<br />
solutions from Samson<strong>it</strong>e – is<br />
set <strong>to</strong> revolutionize <strong>the</strong> luggage<br />
market across <strong>the</strong> Middle East.<br />
The new Cosmol<strong>it</strong>e offers<br />
a mix of durabil<strong>it</strong>y, <strong>in</strong>credible<br />
lightness and absolute strength<br />
w<strong>it</strong>hout compromis<strong>in</strong>g on a<br />
modern design for <strong>the</strong> discern<strong>in</strong>g<br />
travellers across <strong>the</strong> Middle<br />
East. The latest range of luggage<br />
is a major step <strong>in</strong> re<strong>in</strong>forc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Kenya Tourist Board and Air Arabia<br />
<strong>to</strong> boost promotions <strong>in</strong> GCC<br />
Offer <strong>Gulf</strong> residents great deals over Eid break<br />
Wildebeest Migration <strong>in</strong> Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve,<br />
which has been <strong>in</strong>ternationally declared <strong>the</strong> 7th New Wonder of <strong>the</strong><br />
World and will be <strong>in</strong> full sw<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> time of <strong>the</strong> promotions.<br />
Head<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> jo<strong>in</strong>t promotions between <strong>the</strong> Kenya Tourist Board<br />
and Air Arabia’s <strong>the</strong>se Eid holidays will be an exc<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g promotion at<br />
<strong>the</strong> popular Mall of <strong>the</strong> Emirates <strong>in</strong> Dubai, which will present Kenya<br />
as a premier <strong>to</strong>urist dest<strong>in</strong>ation and will give GCC residents vis<strong>it</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
Dubai dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir Eid breaks <strong>the</strong> chance <strong>to</strong> discover <strong>the</strong> African<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation fur<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> same time, <strong>the</strong> Air Arabia team will be on hand <strong>to</strong> showcase<br />
<strong>the</strong> great value and affordable holiday packages <strong>it</strong> offers <strong>to</strong> Kenya.<br />
Add<strong>it</strong>ionally, Kenya experts will be on hand <strong>to</strong> answer all questions at<br />
<strong>the</strong> Kenya stand located <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> prime area next <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Zara s<strong>to</strong>re at <strong>the</strong><br />
Galleria <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> centre of <strong>the</strong> mall from September 23-26, 2009.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> first half of 2009, Kenya experienced a 35 per cent <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong>urist numbers from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong> region compared <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> same January-<br />
June period <strong>in</strong> 2008, w<strong>it</strong>h visi<strong>to</strong>rs grow<strong>in</strong>g from 4,718 <strong>to</strong> 6,396.<br />
Said <strong>the</strong> Honorable Najib Balala, Kenyan M<strong>in</strong>ister of Tourism:<br />
“Kenya is ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g popular<strong>it</strong>y among GCC residents for <strong>it</strong>s luxury<br />
weekend escapes, nature retreats and picturesque golf<strong>in</strong>g holidays.<br />
Samson<strong>it</strong>e launches Cosmol<strong>it</strong>e – <strong>it</strong>s<br />
strongest yet lightest luggage ever<br />
Innovative product offers <strong>the</strong> perfect mix of latest technology and<br />
modern design for discern<strong>in</strong>g travellers <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Middle East<br />
Samson<strong>it</strong>e’s comm<strong>it</strong>ment <strong>to</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> <strong>it</strong>s market leadership <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region.<br />
A product of Samson<strong>it</strong>e’s proprietary and revolutionary ‘Curv®<br />
technology (a registered trademark of Propex Fabrics GmBH) –<br />
compris<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>novative and high-performance body, <strong>the</strong> Cosmol<strong>it</strong>e<br />
offers advanced impact resistance and last<strong>in</strong>g durabil<strong>it</strong>y. The new<br />
technology is designed <strong>to</strong> guarantee unparalleled strength and lightness<br />
and caters at <strong>the</strong> same time <strong>to</strong> every traveler’s needs and requirements.<br />
W<strong>it</strong>h a sturdy anti-scratch surface, <strong>the</strong> new luggage encompasses<br />
wide grooves and external rounded shapes, present<strong>in</strong>g a harmonious<br />
and ergonomic appearance. Samson<strong>it</strong>e’s new Cosmol<strong>it</strong>e thus extends<br />
an optimal mix of <strong>in</strong>novation, functional<strong>it</strong>y & elegance.<br />
The range comprises sp<strong>in</strong>ners available <strong>in</strong> four different sizes.<br />
The four wheels of a sp<strong>in</strong>ner enables 360 degree movement for<br />
ease of handl<strong>in</strong>g while an add<strong>it</strong>ional bag can be hooked us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
monotube handle.<br />
The Cosmol<strong>it</strong>e <strong>in</strong>teriors are l<strong>in</strong>ed w<strong>it</strong>h blue fabric and have a<br />
practical zip divider, w<strong>it</strong>h practical and secure TSA locks, and an<br />
extensive color range <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g silver, black and cherry-red.<br />
State Bank of India Launches Corporate<br />
Bank<strong>in</strong>g Services from DIFC<br />
India’s No. 1 bank will provide a full range of bank<strong>in</strong>g services from DIFC<br />
Global Fortune 500-listed State Bank of India<br />
(SBI), has started provid<strong>in</strong>g a complete<br />
range of bank<strong>in</strong>g services from <strong>it</strong>s base <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Dubai International F<strong>in</strong>ancial Centre (DIFC),<br />
India’s <strong>to</strong>p bank announced.<br />
SBI has received a full bank<strong>in</strong>g licence from <strong>the</strong><br />
regula<strong>to</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> Dubai F<strong>in</strong>ancial Services Author<strong>it</strong>y<br />
(DFSA), which enables <strong>it</strong>s DIFC branch <strong>to</strong> accept<br />
depos<strong>it</strong>s and provide cred<strong>it</strong>, subject <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> regulations<br />
of <strong>the</strong> DFSA.<br />
India’s number one bank has also obta<strong>in</strong>ed a<br />
Retail Endorsement <strong>to</strong> <strong>it</strong>s licence, which enables <strong>it</strong><br />
<strong>to</strong> arrange <strong>in</strong>vestments for retail cus<strong>to</strong>mers and offer<br />
cred<strong>it</strong> <strong>to</strong> small and medium enterprises (SME).<br />
SBI‘s DIFC Branch will provide trade f<strong>in</strong>ance and<br />
short-term work<strong>in</strong>g cap<strong>it</strong>al loans <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Letters of<br />
Cred<strong>it</strong> (LC) and Bank Guarantees, term loans, project<br />
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16<br />
ANNI V ERSARY<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ance and as well as syndication<br />
of cred<strong>it</strong> requirements at highly<br />
compet<strong>it</strong>ive rates. The branch<br />
has a special desk <strong>to</strong> handle LC<br />
Abdulla Al Awar,<br />
related activ<strong>it</strong>y.<br />
AJ Vidyasagar &<br />
HE Dr Omar B<strong>in</strong> Sulaiman<br />
The branch can arrange and<br />
advise on <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>vestment products of <strong>the</strong> State Bank<br />
Group and o<strong>the</strong>r reputed fund houses. It can also<br />
accept depos<strong>it</strong>s from non-UAE-based Professional<br />
Clients/Corporates <strong>in</strong> US dollars, Euros and GBP.<br />
HE Dr Omar B<strong>in</strong> Sulaiman, Governor of <strong>the</strong><br />
DIFC and Vice-Chairman of <strong>the</strong> UAE Central Bank<br />
said: “The expansion of <strong>the</strong> SBI’s services out of<br />
DIFC is a clear testimony <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> vast opportun<strong>it</strong>ies<br />
that <strong>the</strong> region’s f<strong>in</strong>ancial services <strong>in</strong>dustry offers<br />
bank<strong>in</strong>g firms. SBI is not new <strong>to</strong> our region, as <strong>it</strong> has<br />
been serv<strong>in</strong>g a wide client base <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong>.<br />
TOP UAE BUSINESSWOMAN RECEIVES<br />
GLOBAL AWARD<br />
Mrs. Raja Al Gurg,<br />
manag<strong>in</strong>g direc<strong>to</strong>r of<br />
<strong>the</strong> lead<strong>in</strong>g UAE-based<br />
trad<strong>in</strong>g company Easa<br />
Saleh Al Gurg Group.<br />
• Mrs. Raja Al Gurg recognised for her contribution <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> economic empowerment of women<br />
• One of three women from <strong>the</strong> Middle East <strong>to</strong> receive TIAW World of Difference 100 Award<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> most <strong>in</strong>fluential female<br />
figures <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arab bus<strong>in</strong>ess world has<br />
received a coveted <strong>in</strong>ternational award<br />
for her dedication <strong>to</strong> promot<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> economic<br />
advancement of women.<br />
Mrs. Raja Al Gurg, manag<strong>in</strong>g direc<strong>to</strong>r of<br />
<strong>the</strong> lead<strong>in</strong>g UAE-based trad<strong>in</strong>g company Easa<br />
Saleh Al Gurg Group, was awarded <strong>the</strong> World<br />
of Difference 100 Award at a gala ceremony<br />
yesterday <strong>in</strong> Toron<strong>to</strong>.<br />
The award was presented by The International<br />
Alliance for Women (TIAW), an <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
umbrella organisation of women’s networks<br />
represent<strong>in</strong>g more than 50,000 women worldwide.<br />
Created <strong>in</strong> 2008, <strong>the</strong> World of Difference 100 Award honours<br />
annually up <strong>to</strong> 100 women who have contributed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> economic<br />
advancement of women.<br />
Mrs. Al Gurg was one of only three women from <strong>the</strong> Middle East <strong>to</strong><br />
be recognised. She said: “It is important <strong>to</strong> highlight that women are just<br />
as capable of succeed<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess world as men, and that<br />
Arab women are just as competent<br />
as <strong>the</strong>ir Western counterparts.”<br />
“The World of Difference 100<br />
Award provides an <strong>in</strong>valuable<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational platform for <strong>the</strong><br />
achievements of women <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Middle East and will <strong>in</strong>spire<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region <strong>to</strong> follow<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own path.”<br />
This year, TIAW received<br />
nom<strong>in</strong>ations from more than 20<br />
countries across six cont<strong>in</strong>ents, from<br />
as far afield as Iceland and Panama.<br />
Mrs. Al Gurg was recognised<br />
under <strong>the</strong> Entrepreneurial<br />
category as one of <strong>the</strong> lead<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess figures <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE.<br />
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FUTURE QUEST<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ued from page 96<br />
for about half of my life before<br />
I figured out that vertical direct<br />
access <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Make</strong>r is possible<br />
w<strong>it</strong>hout <strong>the</strong> aid of middlemen.<br />
Look<strong>in</strong>g back at my own<br />
experience and see<strong>in</strong>g how<br />
universally every religious system<br />
basically controls <strong>it</strong>s members,<br />
I wonder if most people live <strong>in</strong><br />
a world where unw<strong>it</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gly <strong>the</strong>y<br />
have voluntarily given up <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
God given right <strong>to</strong> evaluate <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
spir<strong>it</strong>ual life – most have been so<br />
thoroughly cond<strong>it</strong>ioned <strong>to</strong> “do,”<br />
not <strong>to</strong> th<strong>in</strong>k.<br />
But Truth is an ocean wide<br />
and deep and etern<strong>it</strong>y is set <strong>in</strong><br />
our hearts. We are all given<br />
a few precious drops of truth<br />
that can lead us <strong>to</strong> understand<br />
why eternal salvation cannot be<br />
earned by good works hop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />
bribe God. True righteousness<br />
flows from a pen<strong>it</strong>ent heart that<br />
humbly receives salvation as an<br />
unmer<strong>it</strong>ed gift of div<strong>in</strong>e grace.<br />
Fear, <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong>lerance or cus<strong>to</strong>m<br />
should not h<strong>in</strong>der us <strong>in</strong> our<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual pursu<strong>it</strong> of God. We<br />
are eng<strong>in</strong>eered <strong>to</strong> be free, we are<br />
not meant <strong>to</strong> be <strong>in</strong> awe of o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
There are many levels at which we connect w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
people but I f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>re is noth<strong>in</strong>g deeper than a<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g of m<strong>in</strong>ds search<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> Truth.<br />
people no matter how wise or<br />
religious <strong>the</strong>y appear.<br />
Today I am an ord<strong>in</strong>ary<br />
follower of <strong>the</strong> One who promised<br />
that we shall know <strong>the</strong> truth and<br />
<strong>the</strong> truth shall set us free. I <strong>to</strong>ok<br />
him at his word and discovered<br />
<strong>the</strong> promise is real. Reflect<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on my life as <strong>the</strong> days pass, I<br />
constantly review and exam<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>the</strong> wonder of <strong>it</strong> all. It is qu<strong>it</strong>e<br />
fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g – where I started and<br />
where I have ended up w<strong>it</strong>h no regrets about my spir<strong>it</strong>ual journey <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong><br />
freedom and out of bondage.<br />
If you ask me whe<strong>the</strong>r what I have done is my life, what can I really<br />
say w<strong>it</strong>h confidence? Only that my spir<strong>it</strong>ual quest has been <strong>in</strong>valuable<br />
– I’ve learned <strong>it</strong> is <strong>in</strong>deed possible <strong>to</strong> understand <strong>the</strong> character of this<br />
great Crea<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> universe because he allows us <strong>to</strong>. It is compell<strong>in</strong>g<br />
how he reveals himself – someth<strong>in</strong>g he alone does uniquely and<br />
personally for everyone who calls upon his name. One th<strong>in</strong>g I know<br />
for sure - he is not <strong>the</strong> exclusive property of any religion nor does any<br />
religion have <strong>the</strong> author<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong> guarantee that mere membership will<br />
take you <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> his presence. Still you might persist <strong>in</strong> ask<strong>in</strong>g - Is what<br />
I have done my life? Yes! In terms of work I found my labor of love.<br />
In terms of family I have met my obligations. In terms of health I’m<br />
<strong>in</strong> reasonably good shape. In surrender<strong>in</strong>g my life <strong>to</strong> him not <strong>to</strong> any<br />
<strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>ution, I couldn’t “do” better! I f<strong>in</strong>ally learned not <strong>to</strong> be <strong>in</strong> awe of<br />
people w<strong>it</strong>h religious knowledge because <strong>it</strong> is possible <strong>to</strong> ga<strong>in</strong> wisdom<br />
directly from <strong>the</strong> source of <strong>the</strong> Truth <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> holy scriptures. There I<br />
found <strong>the</strong> knowledge and freedom I longed for hidden <strong>in</strong> pla<strong>in</strong> view. It<br />
is visible only <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> lowly <strong>in</strong> heart who can lay aside <strong>the</strong>ir pride, for he<br />
turns away <strong>the</strong> proud <strong>in</strong> heart.<br />
Observ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> joy and mean<strong>in</strong>g people f<strong>in</strong>d when <strong>the</strong>y genu<strong>in</strong>ely<br />
engage one ano<strong>the</strong>r on matters of fa<strong>it</strong>h is very <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g. Why this<br />
particular awareness has developed for me I can’t say, except that I have<br />
always been <strong>in</strong>trigued by <strong>the</strong> mystery of human relationships. There are<br />
many levels at which we connect w<strong>it</strong>h people but I f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>re is noth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
deeper than a meet<strong>in</strong>g of m<strong>in</strong>ds search<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> Truth. At first this is<br />
difficult because each of us is unwill<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> accept <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r person’s views.<br />
We may hardly have exam<strong>in</strong>ed our own beliefs so how can we <strong>in</strong>teract<br />
mean<strong>in</strong>gfully w<strong>it</strong>h someone else’s? A nugget of wisdom might have been<br />
ga<strong>in</strong>ed, but <strong>in</strong> fear we refuse an opportun<strong>it</strong>y <strong>to</strong> share life’s brief journey<br />
w<strong>it</strong>h a fellow human be<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>in</strong>f<strong>in</strong><strong>it</strong>e worth. Or worse still we pretend we<br />
have someth<strong>in</strong>g better when we do<br />
not. Perhaps we even go so far as <strong>to</strong><br />
engage <strong>in</strong> an act of violence.<br />
For much of my life I <strong>to</strong>o was<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong>lerant of o<strong>the</strong>r beliefs. My m<strong>in</strong>d<br />
would not consider even <strong>the</strong> tenets<br />
I believe <strong>in</strong> that require me <strong>to</strong> love my neighbor as myself w<strong>it</strong>hout any<br />
exceptions. But for most of my life I preferred <strong>to</strong> choose my neighbors<br />
and as a result I have few friends. Now after six decades of my life<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is a desire <strong>to</strong> understand more, <strong>to</strong> share more - <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g lessons<br />
learned from disappo<strong>in</strong>tments and failures as well as successes, and <strong>to</strong><br />
love people more. I am at an age when such desires are less likely <strong>to</strong> be<br />
misunders<strong>to</strong>od! I keep knock<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> hope a few doors will open if<br />
only <strong>to</strong> commiserate w<strong>it</strong>h someone <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> even<strong>in</strong>g of his life who could<br />
have done better and been less judgmental of his fellow man.<br />
Alpha and Omega, <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>the</strong> end.<br />
Futurequest is a search for <strong>the</strong> truth <strong>in</strong> our times.<br />
Frank Raj is <strong>the</strong>Founder Edi<strong>to</strong>r of TII<br />
TIIIndo-Arab<br />
Insurance<br />
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94<br />
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The International Indian 95
FUTURE QUEST<br />
“ASK ME WHETHER<br />
WHAT I HAVE DONE<br />
IS MY LIFE”<br />
Some time when <strong>the</strong> river is ice ask me<br />
mistakes I have made. Ask me whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />
what I have done is my life. O<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
have come <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir slow way <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong><br />
my thought, and some have tried <strong>to</strong> help<br />
or <strong>to</strong> hurt: ask me what difference<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir strongest love or hate has made.<br />
I will listen <strong>to</strong> what you say,<br />
You and I can turn and look<br />
at <strong>the</strong> silent river and wa<strong>it</strong>. We know<br />
<strong>the</strong> current is <strong>the</strong>re, hidden; and <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are com<strong>in</strong>gs and go<strong>in</strong>gs from miles away<br />
that hold <strong>the</strong> stillness exactly before us.<br />
What <strong>the</strong> river says, that is what I say.<br />
-William Stafford, “ASK ME”<br />
by: Frank Raj<br />
I<br />
came across William<br />
Stafford’s poem only<br />
recently but <strong>the</strong> question he<br />
poses has long haunted me.<br />
Ask me whe<strong>the</strong>r what I have<br />
done is my life. It is a disquiet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
question w<strong>it</strong>h profound spir<strong>it</strong>ual<br />
application if you grasp <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong><br />
idea – what is my life and what<br />
have I done w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>it</strong>? Life does<br />
not consist <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> abundance of<br />
material possessions so what is<br />
our focus and how do we know<br />
we are on <strong>the</strong> right track? Fa<strong>it</strong>h is<br />
one area of our lives most of us<br />
don’t th<strong>in</strong>k enough about. It was<br />
Emerson who noted: Most men<br />
lead unexam<strong>in</strong>ed lives. Few of<br />
us consider <strong>the</strong> difference between bl<strong>in</strong>dly follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
trad<strong>it</strong>ions, r<strong>it</strong>uals, wise, “holy” or clever men versus<br />
truly seek<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> know <strong>the</strong> Crea<strong>to</strong>r. The scriptures<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicate that he longs <strong>to</strong> connect w<strong>it</strong>h his creation. The<br />
greatest pursu<strong>it</strong> an <strong>in</strong>dividual can undertake <strong>in</strong> his life<br />
is not taken seriously.<br />
Like most people I have lived a life largely<br />
separated from people of o<strong>the</strong>r fa<strong>it</strong>hs ma<strong>in</strong>ly because<br />
of someth<strong>in</strong>g I will simply call ‘Religionism.’ It<br />
is basically religious pride – we all have <strong>it</strong> and <strong>it</strong><br />
manipulates us <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> keep<strong>in</strong>g a distance from one<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r. Approach<strong>in</strong>g two decades now I have tried <strong>to</strong><br />
bridge that gap by shar<strong>in</strong>g my own journey of fa<strong>it</strong>h<br />
and discuss<strong>in</strong>g various spir<strong>it</strong>ual <strong>to</strong>pics <strong>in</strong> this column.<br />
Most of us will agree that our religions teach us<br />
<strong>to</strong> be qu<strong>it</strong>e rigid about our beliefs. The larger part of<br />
my life went by before I unders<strong>to</strong>od <strong>the</strong> impact such<br />
m<strong>in</strong>d control had on me. Look<strong>in</strong>g around <strong>it</strong> is obvious<br />
people hunger for a personal relationship w<strong>it</strong>h God but<br />
most of us are unaware we cannot connect until we<br />
figure out that ‘Religionism’ is a dead end. Genu<strong>in</strong>e personal fa<strong>it</strong>h does<br />
not happen by mix<strong>in</strong>g our trad<strong>it</strong>ions w<strong>it</strong>h some religious pot pourri<br />
and swell<strong>in</strong>g our spir<strong>it</strong>ual pride. Fa<strong>it</strong>h, <strong>the</strong> scriptures tell us comes by<br />
hear<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> Word of God. The adventure beg<strong>in</strong>s when we start<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> fragments of truth we might have and use <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d<br />
<strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r lode. The shortest pilgrimage anyone can make is from <strong>the</strong><br />
m<strong>in</strong>d <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> heart. It is <strong>the</strong> only one we need.<br />
Millions of people are confused about God, I was no exception,<br />
travel<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same boat. Early <strong>in</strong> life like most people I was <strong>in</strong>ducted<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> an <strong>in</strong>st<strong>it</strong>utional belief system that I <strong>in</strong>her<strong>it</strong>ed, which hardly<br />
encouraged me <strong>to</strong> th<strong>in</strong>k. Subjected <strong>to</strong> a hierarchy of clergy and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
well mean<strong>in</strong>g pract<strong>it</strong>ioners, I was thoroughly <strong>in</strong>fused w<strong>it</strong>h <strong>the</strong> common<br />
dogma of ‘Religionism.’ In <strong>the</strong>ir zeal <strong>to</strong> manage and grow <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
membership my men<strong>to</strong>rs were qu<strong>it</strong>e unconcerned about my personal<br />
fa<strong>it</strong>h. Understand<strong>in</strong>g I needed a lifesav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dividual relationship w<strong>it</strong>h<br />
my Crea<strong>to</strong>r never occurred <strong>to</strong> me. The focus of all religions is <strong>to</strong> make<br />
us ‘Religionists’ - people who sign up and follow rules and r<strong>it</strong>uals and<br />
rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> awe of human leadership. In my case <strong>the</strong>y only succeeded<br />
96<br />
The International Indian<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ued on page 94
98<br />
The International Indian