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NaMo: Creating Legacy
at World Stage of Power & Politics
In less than 4 months, the dynamic Prime Minster of India, Shri Narendra
Damodardas Modi has started tackling many challenging issues and areas,
which were neglected for over half a century by successive governments.
A born statesman, NaMos current visit to US catapults him into world arena as
he addresses the United Nations General Assembly, goes into a summit with
President Obama and graces a rousing reception in NYC by the Indian community.
Vol. 7 | No. 22 | Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 | 60 Cents
The South Asian Times
e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
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OP-ED BY MODI 12 VOX POPULI 40 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 60
Vol.7 No. 22 Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 60 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info
INDIAN PMS IN USA 44
New York: Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi arrived in New
York Friday to a tumultuous wel-
come by the Indian American
community as diaspora members
chanted "Modi, Modi" and held
placards to greet him and express
their enthusiasm.
Modi, who arrived on a five-day
visit to the US, was attired nattily
in a dark maroon bandh-gala suit.
A group of 400-500 Indian
Americans from the Queens area
had gathered near the New York
Palace hotel where he was to stay,
chanting his name lustily, as Modi
waved to them smiling.
Modi's electoral victory marked
a turnaround and Washington,
which with held visa for him for
over a decade, is now rolling out
the red carpet for him, with
President Obama inviting him for
a bilateral meeting and dinner at
the White House.
Modi, 64, flew into New York's
JFK airport on a special Air India
Boeing plane on the first leg of his
maiden visit to the US as Prime
Minister after a nearly nine-hour
flight from Frankfurt where he had
an overnight halt. He was received
on arrival by Ambassadors S.
Jaishankar and Asoke Mukerji and
New York Consul General
Dnyaneshwar Mulay, other Indian
officials and US protocol officers.
Describing America as India's
"natural global partner", Modi
held out an assurance that India is
"open and friendly" for business
and innovations.
As he seeks to hardsell India as a
sound investment destination and
mend ties with the US after a bit-
ter diplomatic row last year, Modi
asserted that the two countries
have a fundamental stake and
many shared interests in each
other's success.
Giving an insight into his UN
address, Modi had said he will call
for a stronger global commitment
and more concerted multilateral
action in addressing challenges of
fragile global economy, turbulence
and tension in many parts of the
world and growth and spread of
terrorism.
Modi was to meet New York
Mayor Bill de Blasio later Friday.
He has a tight schedule ahead of
him with nearly 25 events planned
in New York and in Washington
for him.
The highlight of Modi's visit is a
community reception organized by
the Indian American community at
the Madison Square Garden in
New York Sunday. About 18,500
people have been issued tickets to
attend the event and several thou-
sand more are expected to watch
the reception on TV relays at
Times Square and in over 40 other
venues at universities and other
places.
Among the audience at MSG
will be lawmakers, business hon-
chos, and Indian American com-
munity leaders.
An important part of Modi's visit
is to sell the idea of "Make in
India" and to solicit investment
and technology. He will meet
more than 15 top executives of
major US companies Monday
before leaving for Washington.
In a sign of growing influence of
the Indian diaspora in the US, one
of the politicians he will meet is
South Carolina' s Republican
Governor Nikki Haley, who is of
Indian-origin. Among the top
The 400-500 strong crowd of Indian Americans cheered Modi lustily outside his hotel in Manhattan. (Photo: Xitij Joshi) And Prime Minister
waves to people gathered to greet him on his arrival in New York.
Continued on page 6
5
New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, who was denied a visa for the US for
over a decade, said Thursday he looks for-
ward to meeting President Barack Obama
and is confident that his five-day sojourn to
the US will mark the "start of a new chapter
in our strategic partnership".
In a statement prior to his departure for the
US, where he would address the UN General
Assembly (UNGA) in New York and later
travel to Washington for the summit with
Obama, Modi said he views the US as a
"vital partner for our national development".
He said his meeting with Obama will be a
first for them. "His life's journey is a remark-
able testimony to the rights and opportunities
that democracies provide, and an inspiration
for people around the world," he said. Trade
and investment, energy, science and technol-
ogy, defence and security are expected to be
the areas of focus during the summit talks.
Both sides would seek to give much-needed
impetus to the flagging bilateral relationship
during the Sep 29-30 meeting. Modi in his
speeches, including the latest interview to
CNN, has referred to the strength of democ-
racy - pointing to his own rise from a tea
seller to the highest seat of government.
"Shared values, convergent interests and
complementary strengths provide the foun-
dation for natural partnership between the
world's oldest and largest democracies," he
said in the statement.
"I see the US as a vital partner for our
national development, drawing especially on
the rich possibilities of partnership in educa-
tion, skills, research, technology and innova-
tion - and, above all, a shared commitment to
human values." "Working together, and with
others, we can bridge the many divisions of
our times and contribute to building a more
peaceful, stable, secure, sustainable and
prosperous world." He said he will discuss
with Obama "how we can use the strength of
all that we share and all that we have built so
far to take our relationship to a new level in
the interest of our two countries and the
cause of this world. I am confident that the
visit will mark the start of a new chapter in
our strategic partnership". Modi said during
his Sep 27 address to the UNGA, he will
"stress the urgency of early reforms in the
United Nations, to ensure that it remains rel-
evant and effective in dealing with the chal-
lenges of the 21st century". India is part of
the G4 grouping along with Japan, Brazil
and Germany that have called for reform in
the Security Council and support each other's
bid for a permanent seat in an expanded
Council. "The 69th session of the UN
General Assembly is meeting at a moment of
many pressing challenges for the internation-
al community - a still fragile global econo-
my, turbulence and tension in many parts of
the world, growth and spread of terrorism,
the Ebola health crisis in Africa, climate
change and the endemic global challenge of
poverty. "I will call for a stronger global
commitment and more concerted multilateral
action in meeting these challenges," he said.
He said he looks forward "to meeting busi-
ness leaders to invite them to participate
more actively in India's economic growth
and transformation. This is message that I
will also convey to the US business commu-
nity in Washington", he said, referring to his
breakfast meeting with more than 15 CEOs
of top US companies, including Google,
Boeing, Goldman Sachs among others.
Modi said he is also keenly waiting for the
opportunity to meet the Indian American
community at the Madison Square Garden in
New York. He is to address thousands of the
Indian diaspora at the event. "Their success
in diverse fields, their contribution to the US,
their abiding bonds with India and their role
as a vibrant bridge between the two largest
democracies is a source of pride for us. They
serve as a window to our heritage, progress
and potential."
New York: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi has a packed sched-
ule of 35 engagements, including
an address to the UN General
Assembly and a much-anticipated
summit meeting with President
Barack Obama, during his Sep 26-
30 visit to the US.
Modi, who would be observing
the nine-day Navratri fast during
his trip, would also be holding three
bilateral meetings with neighbors -
Sri Lankan President Mahinda
Rajapaksa, Nepal Prime Minister
Sushil Koirala and Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. But
not his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz
Sharif.
He would also be meeting the UN
Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon,
New York City Mayor Bill de
Blasio, and former US president
Bill Clinton and his wife and for-
mer secretary of state Hillary
Clinton.
Modi would be meeting the
CEOs of Fortune 500 US compa-
nies, including Boeing, Pepsico,
Google, General Electric and
Goldman Sachs among others and
also hold one-on-one meetings with
some of them.
His visit to Washington, Sep 29-
30, would also see a dinner date
with President Obama on Sept 29.
Trade and investment, energy,
science and technology, defence
and security are expected to be the
areas of focus during their talks.
Both sides would seek to give
much-needed impetus to the flag-
ging bilateral relationship during
the meeting.
Modi has held successful diplo-
matic meetings with the leaders of
China, Japan, and Australia besides
a whole lot of diplomatic interac-
tions with other countries so far.
The US visit is being looked for-
ward to as the US had slapped a ban
on Modi's entry in the aftermath of
the 2002 Gujarat riots. Early this
year, the US sought a rapproche-
ment with him when it became
clear that Modi was set to become
the leader of the country of 1.2 bil-
lion people.
To a question about the US' earli-
er boycott of Modi, external affairs
ministry spokesperson Syed
Akbaruddin said that the prime
minister "looks forward and not
backward" in a relationship.
Modi is also to pay homage at the
9/11 memorial in New York and
meet 300 members of the Indian
American business community. He
would also address a few thousand
of the large Indian community at
Madison Square Garden.
His interactions in the US would
be with the US political leaders,
and administration, with the busi-
ness community, civil society, and
the vibrant Indian diaspora, said
Akbaruddin.
Modi boarding a flight Thursday
for New York.
A rare picture of Narendra Modi (front, left) in Los Angeles in
1993. In the 1990s, he frequently visited America as RSS
representative before he got busy at home when he
became chief minister of Gujarat in 2001.
US a vital partner in India's
national development: Modi
UNGA address, dinner with Obama:
Modi has 35 engagements in US
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PM arrives in NYC to chants of
'Modi! Modi!'.
Continued from page 1
multinational executives he is to
meet will be PepsiCo' s Indra
Nooyi and Microsofts Satya
Nadella. In Washington, he will
have a lunch with Vice President
Joe Biden and Secretary of State
John Kerry. Many business lead-
ers have been invited to the
event. Despite all the dinners,
breakfasts and lunches set up for
him, Modi will be observing his
nine-day Navaratri fast on tea
and lemon water.
By Parveen Chopra
New York: The grand public
reception for Prime Minister
Narendra Modi at Madison Square
Garden is to show to the US gov-
ernment how much public support
he enjoys, said Dr Bharat Barai,
chief coordinator of the Indian
American Community
Foundation, the nonprofit floated
to organize the community recep-
tion for Modi, denied a US visa
for over a dacade.
Even as Gujarat chief minister,
Modis popularity had been surg-
ing in America, especially New
Jersey, home to a large Gujarati
population, but he was only able
to address his supporters through
video conferencing. Even then his
audience used to run into thou-
sands. Now after his ascension as
prime minister, he could have eas-
ily filled the Giants Stadium,
which unfortunately was already
booked on Sept 28, so the organiz-
ers had to remain content with
20,000 capacity MSG.
Speaking to a group of commu-
nity leaders from Long Island Sept
21, Dr Barai, a confidante of
Modi, explained how the entire
process of holding the reception,
and allotting free tickets has been
fair, transparent and equitable,
controversies notwithstanding .
This was done in keeping with the
vision of prime minister Modi,
who is also transforming the way
government does business in New
Delhi. He also explained how
money for the $1.5 million event
was raised from the community.
Dr Barai is a Gujarati who
arrived after a degree in medicine
from Baroda in 1974 . When asked
the much aired grouse that
Gujaratis were running the MSG
show, he said they are a large and
dominant community in the tris-
tate area, so it is natural for them
to be prominent in organizing the
event in the area.
At the same time, he insisted
that 400 organizations of all hues
from all parts of US and Canada
were partnered to spread the word
and distribute free tickets to their
members.
Dr Barai, an oncologist/hematol-
ogist, has known Modi for 30
years and the future prime minis-
ter used to stay with the Barai
family when visiting the US. Mrs
Panna Barai is an ob/gyne and
they live in Munster, Indiana, on
the border of Chicago. They have
three daughters and one son, all
professionals.
Washington: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi will have total
immunity from legal proceedings
in the US that have been initiated
by human rights activists, the
Obama administration said on
Friday even as the Indian leader
arrived in New York to a purport-
ed US court order pertaining to the
2002 Gujarat riots.
Radical Sikh activists who have
been carrying out a legal cam-
paign in US to shame the Indian
government for perceived human
rights excesses attempted to
embarrass Modi ahead of his
arrival in New York by initiating
legal action, resulting in a court
order seeking his response to the
2002 communal riots in Gujarat.
But the Obama administration
stepped in to assure the visiting
leader that he's safe from any legal
wrangle even as he landed in New
York.
Senior Obama administration
officials previewing the visit said
in a teleconference that as a visit-
ing head of government, Modi
enjoyed complete immunity for
the duration of the visit not only
from court proceedings, but also
from being personally served or
handed court summons. "While
we cannot comment specifically
on this lawsuit, I can tell you that
as a general legal principle, sitting
heads of government enjoy immu-
nity from suits in American
courts," one official said.
Dr Bharat Barai, heading the organization that is holding the
reception, briefing the media on Sept 26 at Marriott Marquis
hotel in Manhattan. (Photo: Xitij Joshi).
6
Why MSG reception? Dr Barai explains
US steps in to nip in bud Modi legal
wrangle, says he enjoys immunity
8
New York: People are coming by chartered
flights, buses and trains, besides driving
down to New York from all over North
America, as the Indian diaspora comes
together on an unprecedented scale to honor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a commu-
nity reception at the famed Madison Square
Garden here Sunday.
About 18,500 people will be at the venue
and several thousand more are expected to
watch the reception from a large monitor set
up in Times Square and in video relays at
more than 40 universities across the US,
according to Anand Shah, the spokesperson
for Indian American Community
Foundation (IACF) that is organizing it.
An event like this is something that is
monumental for our community, he said of
the enthusiastic response. More than 30,000
people registered for tickets and the 18,500
were chosen by a lottery and 2,000 were
placed on a waiting list.
More than 400 organizations have signed
on Welcome Partners for the event, itself an
unprecedented show of unity in the commu-
nity. Although Shah would not say how
much has been raised so far to pay for the
event, he said the foundation received sev-
eral thousand modest contributions online.
Shah said that several American politi-
cians are expected at the reception.
MSG is the home of the New York
Rangers ice hockey team and the Knicks
basketball team. Two National Democratic
Party Conventions, which nominate presi-
dential candidates have been held there.
Modi's reception will feature two well-
known Indian Americans, Miss America
2014 Nina Davaluri and PBS Newshour
Weekend anchor Hari Srinivasan, as the
emcees.
TV Asia will be telecasting the reception.
It can also be viewed on IACFs website,
pmvisit.org. Modi will be speaking in Hindi
and simultaneously subtitles in English will
be on the screen and an audio translation
will be webcast.
Officials have worked with the organizers
to facilitate transportation and to arrange for
movement of people, Shah said. New Jersey
Transit will run special trains and Path sub-
way system will run on weekday schedule
to provide more frequent services.
Sidelights
Dr Kiran Patel, who is in charge of the
entertainment segment at the MSG event,
has come up with a theme where a holo-
gram of Swami Vivekananda will emerge.
When Narendra Modi walks on stage, his
icon Swami Vivekananda will be present,
almost.
Rajbhog sweets and Deep foods, two of
the top companies in America specializing
in packaged Indian food, will distribute
20,000 food packets outside the MSG
ground after the event.
The Rajbhog packet will consist of a hot
mixture, given the apt name 'Modi Mix',
along with barfi. The Deep food packet will
have bhel.
New York: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on his maiden visit
to the United States will stay at two
iconic properties in New York and
Washington, DC.
Modi will stay at the historic New
York Palace hotel in Midtown
Manhattan from September 26 to
29 before moving to Washington
DC. He is accompanied by 80-90
member entourage. External affairs
minister Sushma Swaraj and envi-
ronment minister Prakash
Javadekar have already been in
New York to attend UN general
assembly and climate summit
respectively. The Palace is expect-
ing around 20 heads of state this
month. It is also a standard practice
to fly the home flags of visiting
heads of state, a de facto way of
acknowledging that a particular
dignitary can be found there.
It is said that where a leader
chooses to stay often reveals some-
thing about that particular person,
or about his or her country. While
the Waldorf Astoria for decades has
been the choice for political leaders
and royal family members, in recent
years, historic hotels like the St.
Regis and New York Palace with its
upgraded suites are competing hard
for lucrative business during the
UN General Assembly session
around this time.
On Sept 29-30 in Washington,
Modi will stay in Blair House,
which is bang opposite the White
House. It is the state guest house
where high officials of other coun-
tries are hosted. Almost two cen-
turies old, Blair House has hosted
many heads of state and has been an
integral part of American history.
Indias first Prime Minister, post-
independence, Jawaharlal Nehru
stayed here in 1956 with Indira
Gandhi. Dr. Manmohan Singh too
was put up at Blair House during
his first America visit.
The House, spread over 70,000
feet with 120 rooms, was built as a
private home for Joseph Lovell,
eighth Surgeon General of the US
Army, which was then acquired by
Francis Preston Blair, a newspaper
publisher and advisor to President
Andrew Jackson. It was bought by
the US government in 1942 and
converted into the official residence
for guests of the US president.
New York: During his hectic
schedule in New York, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi is
expected to meet Indian
American South Carolina
Governor Nikki Haley, Democrat
Congresswoman from Hawaii
Tulsi Gabbard. They are among
several VIPs confirmed to attend
the September 28 address by
Modi at Madison Square Garden
on Sept 28 where close to 20,000
Indian Americans will throng to
hear him speak.
Gabbard, the first practicing
Hindu American in the Congress
who took her oath on the Gita,
was in fact involved in planning
Modis US visit and had last
month met two BJP leaders -
Vijay Jolly and MP Rajyavardhan
Rathore for the same. An Iraq
war veteran, Gabbard had con-
gratulated Modi after his partys
poll victory and has maintained
that it was a great blunder by
the US government to have
denied a visa to Modi following
the 2002 Gujarat riots. She also
protested the arrest of Indian
diplomat Devyani Khobragade.
Among other prominent US
politicians who will be attend-
ing the public reception include
US senators -- Robert Menendez,
chairman of the Senate foreign
relations committee, Cory
Booker from New Jersey, Joe
Donely from Indiana, Charles
Schumer from New York -- and
Reps Ed Royce, Jim McDermott,
Nita Lowey, Joe Crowley, Aaron
Schock, lone Indian American
Congressman Ami Bera, Grace
Meng, and Carolyn Maloney.
Mr Modi will meet all the
politicians at the VVIP lounge in
MSG before his speech, said
Jagdish Sewhani, President of
American India Public Affairs
Committee who is part of the
organizing committee of Indian
American Community
Foundation that is holding the
reception. The top Indian
Americans to attend the commu-
nity reception include Satya
Nadella, Indira Nooyl, Shantanu
Narayen, Ajay Banga, Vivek
Randive, Pradeep K Khosla,
Nitin Nohria and Subra Suresh.
Many top executives from
Goldman Sachs, techies from
Silicon Valley and bankers from
Wall Street too are expected to
attend.
The famed venue of the community
reception for PM Narendra Modi that
can hold 20,000 people.
Nikki Haley and Tulsi
Gabbard among VIPs to
attend Modi's reception
MSG Program
Sept 28
09:00 AM
Doors open
11:00 AM
Formal program including entertain-
ment segment begins
12:10 PM
Prime Minister's Speech
Indian diaspora hosting
'monumental' reception for Modi
P
rime Minister Modi will begin his annual ritual of nakkoda fasting -
that he has been observing every Navratri for the past four decades - a
day before he leaves for the US. Ironically, there may be elaborate
menus for his private dinner at the White House, lunch with Joe Biden and
power breakfast with CEOs and a reception by the Indian ambassador to the
US, but the visiting PM will be fasting. As in most of his previous foreign
trips, he will be traveling with his own cook. "Considering this is a very
important meeting, he might have a token soup, salad, fruit or juice there but
will avoid grains," said one of Modi's associates.
Fasting not feasting
Where Modi will stay in NYC and DC
The library of the
Blair House,
which stands next
to the White
House, and where
Prime Minister
Modi will stay
during his visit to
Washington.
10
By Jinal shah
New York: The stage is set; red
carpets rolled. US is all set to wel-
come Narendra Modi, Indias little
over 100 days old Prime Minister.
Exclusive dinner with Obama,
grand community reception --
America is going all out to woo
Indias new leader especially after
Washingtons not so comfortable
relationship with Modi in the past
(US denied diplomatic visa and
revoked B1 and B2 visa to Modi
citing the 2002 riots in Gujarat, the
state that he ruled for 13 years
before taking over as PM in May).
However, Modi-led BJPs land-
slide election victory in May sent
the Obama administration scurrying
to rebuild ties with the new leader
of the worlds largest democracy. In
the past few months, several high
ranking US officials visited India as
part of an all-out charm offensive to
pave the way for Modis planned
visit this week. The quick U-turn
post-election is self-explanatory as
to how critical it is to strengthen
India-US relationship, especially to
counter-balance the Chinese rising
power. Modis five day trip to Japan
and Chinese Premier Xi Jinpings
trip to New Delhi, ahead of his US
trip, analysts say, could create a
shadow over Indo-US ties. Hence,
warmer relations between
Washington and New Delhi would
help both nations counter Chinas
growing assertiveness in the region,
a goal they share even as India
courted investment from China dur-
ing Xi Jinpings visit to New Delhi.
Modis visit is also said to reset
the relations between the two coun-
tries, which were stalled earlier this
year due to diplomatic tensions.
India-US relations were at its low-
est ebb in decades following the
arrest and strip search of a Indian
diplomat, Devyani Khobragade, in
New York in December last and the
resignation of the US ambassador
to India, Nancy Powell.
Significantly, Obama administra-
tion recently nominated Indian
American Richard Rahul Verma as
US envoy to India.
There are many hurdles though.
In a recent press conference mark-
ing 100 days of Modi government,
Indias commerce minister Nirmala
Sitharaman listed issues that the
Indian government hopes to discuss
during Modis visit to Washington.
Issues include: American visa regu-
lations impacting the Indian IT
industry, temporary movement of
skilled labor from India to the US,
problems faced by the Indian phar-
ma industry in getting greater mar-
ket access in US and the
Totalization agreement.
Totalization Agreement
India wants an early conclusion
of the Totalization Agreement with
the US, under which an expatriate
in either country will not contribute
to social security schemes of the
host country. The Totalization
Agreement, if goes through, will
exempt Indian professionals work-
ing in the US from paying socia
l
security and Medicare taxes.
Currently, residents of the US pay
6.2% social security taxes on wages
up to $106,800 and 1.45%
Medicare taxes. Since a lot of these
professionals return to India before
they retire, they will never see the
payouts of these contributions.
India has been pushing for this
agreement for over a decade, how-
ever the US is yet to sign any pact.
Other issues concerning India
include the United States Border
Security, Economic Opportunity
and Immigration Modernization
Bill, 2013, which proposes more
visa related restrictions including
increased fees. The stagnant trade
negotiations, disputes over intellec-
tual property and the Obama
administrations preoccupation with
Afghanistan and now Syria are
some of the other issues.
Modi and Obama will also dis-
cuss India's nuclear liability law
and ways to address concerns of US
nuclear major Westinghouse.
Despite the upbeat political rheto-
ric surrounding Modis maiden
visit, there is cautious optimism
among analysts on the prospects of
improving relations between the US
and India. There are varying expec-
tations from think tanks closely
monitoring the developments
between the two countries. While
some analysts believe that Modis
visit could be an opportunity to
advance on key Indo US issues,
others are skeptical on the outcome
of the meetings. The Voice of
America (VOA) put out comments
from prominent think tanks. While
most veered towards cautious opti-
mism on other fronts, they agreed
that big ticket items such as eco-
nomic and defense partnership will
yield results. Primarily what will
be looked at is economic ties,
defense, trade and technology
exchanges," said Tanvi Madan,
director of the India Project at the
Brookings Institution, a
Washington DC-based think tank.
Washington: The United States said on
Wednesday it will press India' s Prime
Minister to end his blockage of a global trade
pact when he visits Washington end of this
month, something that could dampen the
mood of a trip aimed at revitalizing strategic
ties. US assistant secretary of state Nisha
Biswal said India "does itself a discredit" by
blocking the trade facilitation agreement
(TFA) reached in Bali last year, rekindling a
dispute that overshadowed an August 1 meet-
ing between US secretary of state John Kerry
and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New
Delhi. In a conference call previewing Modi's
September 29-30 visit to Washington for a
first meeting with President Barack Obama,
Biswal said the World Trade Organization
agreement to ease worldwide customs rules
would "certainly" be a topic for conversa-
tion."We've made our position very clear,
which is that while we are very sympathetic
to the food-security concerns the prime min-
ister has voiced, we do believe that the trade
facilitation agreement is a very, very impor-
tant agreement," she said. In late July, India
torpedoed the deal after demanding conces-
sions on agricultural stockpiling. Biswal said
the stance "undermines India's interests as
well as the interests of ... many developing
countries and emerging economies.
The top US naval officer, Admiral Jonathan
Greenert, meanwhile, expressed hopes of
expanding a security relationship with India
that has failed so far to live up to Obama's
billing as "one of the defining partnerships of
the 21st Century." Greenert told reporters at a
military conference he was hoping for "clari-
ty" on US military sales and cooperation with
India when Modi visits. "Some of our coop-
erative measures in that regard have sort of
stalled," he said at the Naval War College in
Newport, Rhode Island. Greenert said the
United States was keen to ramp up joint exer-
cises to again include carrier and submarine
operations. "We haven't done that in a little
while," he said. "I'd like to get back on that
track." In spite of enthusiastic US rhetoric
about Modi's visit, it remains unclear what it
will achieve.
Biswal has played down expectations of
quick progress on bilateral issues, not least
when it comes to opening up India's civilian
nuclear sector to US firms, which is hindered
by their concerns about India's liability laws.
She said there were still "tough issues to be
worked through" on the nuclear issue.
Indian origin US assistant secretary of
state Nisha Biswal said India, con-
cerned over food security, should not
block the trade facilitation agreement.
US to press Modi on trade row with India
Modi-Obama meet: Cautious
optimism for Indo-US ties
Modis Itinerary
Sep 26: Arrives in New York, meets Mayor Bill de Blasio
Sep 27: Visits Ground Zero and 9/11 memorial; Addresses
UNGA;
Bilateral meetings; Addresses annual Global Citizen Festival at
Central Park;
Meets group of eminent Indian-Americans.
Sep 28: Meets South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley; Addresses
community reception at MSG; Dinner reception at The Pierre,
hosted by Ambassador S. Jaishankar.
Sep 29: Meets business CEOs; Meets Bill and Hillary Clinton;
Addresses Council on Foreign Relations; Leaves for Washington.
Sep 29: Checks into Blair House, presidential state guest house;
Private dinner with President Obama.
Sep 30: Visits Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr memorial and
Gandhi statue in front of the Indian embassy in Washington;
Formal summit meeting with Obama at the White House; Lunch
with Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry
at the State Department; Meeting on Capitol Hill with
Congressional leaders hosted by Republican House Speaker
John Boehner; Reception and policy address to the US-India
Business Council (USIBC); Leaves for India.
12
By SAT Team
A
s Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi landed on US soil on Sept
26, the international media gave a
thumbs up to the man who has not only
lifted the spirits of one billion-plus Indians
back home with his grit and action-orient-
ed working style but also kindled hopes in
the 25 million-strong diaspora around the
world.
For the New York Times, "the visit is a
big moment for Mr. Modi, who offers him-
self as a metaphor for the India he wants to
build ambitious, confident and impa-
tient with slackness of any kind."
"Rarely has any world leader come full
circle the way Mr. Modi has: Denied a US
visa for nearly a decade, Mr. Modi flies
into New York as an immensely popular
leader and a sought-after strategic partner,
viewed as uniquely capable of balancing
the might of a rising China," the NYT
front page story read.
In a separate article, NYT commentator
Derek Willis wrote: "Modi will address a
sellout crowd of supporters at MSG on
Sunday, and hell do so not just as the
leader of one of the worlds largest coun-
tries but also as a juggernaut of political
social media."
"Among politicians, Mr. Modi ranks sec-
ond behind only Barack Obama in number
of fans of his official Facebook page (Mr.
Modi has 21.8 million and counting). No
other political leader is even close," Willis
commented.
For Forbes, the Modi visit is a packed
schedule.
"Modi has focused his international
diplomacy on seeking big-dollar deals to
help build Indias much needed infrastruc-
ture a $1 trillion over ten years need
as well as a new initiative to jump-start
Indias manufacturing sector to create jobs.
His visit to Japan resulted in a $35 billion
over five years development assistance
headline. Chinese President Xi Jinpings
visit to India produced a $20 billion invest-
ment announcement, focused on infra-
structure and industrial parks."
"Given that Modi chose to roll out, with
great fanfare, his new Make in India ini-
tiative to attract foreign investment in
manufacturing the day he left for New
York, we can bet his single most important
priority from his U.S. visit will be wooing
foreign investment," the Forbes article
commented.
"All those CEOs breakfasting with Modi
in New York will be listening closely to his
pitch about the new Indian business envi-
ronment, and if things sound right, and the
business model works, theyll respond," it
further read.
According to The Guardian in Britain,
the visit is aimed at rebooting the relation-
ship with the US.
"Both India and the US are seeking to
counter-balance the rise of China in the
Asia-Pacific region," it said.
"The biggest impact of the trip will come
from the opportunity given to a newly con-
fident Indian diaspora in the US to display
its wealth, influence and energy. Indian
Americans make up about 1 percent of the
US population and are significantly better
educated and twice as well off as the aver-
age household, according to latest US
Census Bureau data," the Guardian
reported.
By Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India
T
here is a high
tide of hope for
change in
India. This May,
across India' s
immense diversity,
1.25 billion people
spoke unequivocally
for political stability,
good governance and
rapid development.
India has a government with a majority in
the Lok Sabha, for the first time in 30 years.
A young nation with 800 million people
under age 35, India is brimming with opti-
mism and confidence. The young people's
energy, enthusiasm and enterprise are
India's greatest strength. Unleashing those
attributes is my government' s biggest
mission.
We will pursue this mission by eliminat-
ing unnecessary laws and regulations, mak-
ing bureaucratic processes easier and short-
er, and ensuring that our government is
more transparent, responsive and account-
able. It has been said that doing the thing
right is as important as doing the right thing.
We will create world-class infrastructure
that India badly needs to accelerate growth
and meet people's basic needs. We will
make our cities and towns habitable, sus-
tainable and smart; and we will make our
villages the new engines of economic trans-
formation. "Make in India" is our commit-
mentand an invitation to allto turn
India into a new global manufacturing hub.
We will do what it takes to make it a reality.
We ran our election campaign on the
promise of inclusive development. To me,
that means many things: skills education,
and opportunity; safety, dignity and rights
for those in every section of our society,
especially women; a bank account for every
Indian; affordable health care within every-
one's reach; sanitation for all by 2019; a
roof over every head by 2022; electricity for
every household; and connectivity to every
village. In addressing these daunting chal-
lenges, I draw confidence from countless
extraordinary stories of ordinary Indians
that I have seen through decades of travel
across India.
I also strongly believe in the possibilities
of technology and innovation to transform
governance, empower people, provide
affordable solutions for societal challenges
and reach people in ways that were unimag-
inable not so long ago. The number of cell
phones in India has gone up from about 40
million to more than 900 million in a
decade; our country is already the second-
largest market for smart phones, with sales
growing ever faster. When I think of the
growth in computing power and storage
capacity and its miniaturization that the
world has witnessed over the past two
decades, I am confident that this can be
replicated in renewable energy. With solar
and wind power, thousands of Indian vil-
lages will be able to get access quickly to
reliable, affordable and clean energy, with-
out waiting for large, faraway conventional
power plants to be built.
India will pursue
its dreams in part-
nership with our
international friends.
History tells us that
India' s natural
instinct is to be open
to the world. India
will be open and
friendlyfor busi-
ness, ideas, research,
innovations and
travel. In the coming
months, you will
feel the difference
even before you
begin your travel to
India.
The United States is our natural global
partner. India and the US embody the endur-
ing and universal relevance of their shared
values. The thriving Indian-American com-
munity in the US is a metaphor for the
potential of our partnership, and for the pos-
sibilities of an environment that nurtures
enterprise and rewards hard work. Our
strengths in IT are especially important for
leadership in the digital age. The partner-
ship between our businesses takes place in
the comfort and certainty of similar political
systems and shared commitment to rule of
law. In education, innovation, and science
and technology, the US continues to inspire
India.
India and the US have a fundamental
stake in each other's successfor the sake
of our values and our many shared interests.
The complementary strengths of India and
the US can be used for inclusive and broad-
based global development to transform lives
across the world. Because our countries'
values and interests are aligned, though our
circumstances are different, we are in a
unique position to become a bridge to a
more integrated and cooperative world.
With sensitivity to each other's point of
view and the confidence of our friendship,
we can contribute to more concerted inter-
national efforts to meet the pressing global
challenges of our times.
This is a moment of flux in the global
order. I am confident in the destiny of our
two nations, because democracy is the
greatest source of renewal and, with the
right conditions, offers the best opportunity
for the human spirit to flourish.
This op-ed originally appeared in Wall
Street Journal.
International media getting to know and like Modi
Op-ED
Unleashing India's Energy and Drive
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TheSouthAsianTimes.info October 6-12, 201
NaMo Special
Welcome
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
14
New Delhi: Indias External
Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
would be meeting more than 100
of her counterparts from across the
world, including the new British
Foreign Secretary Philip
Hammond, during a slew of meet-
ings in New York in later part of
September.
According to external affairs
ministry spokesperson Syed
Akbaruddin, Sushma Swaraj
would travel to New York on Sept
23. She will accompany Prime
Minister Narendra Modi to
Washington for his summit meet-
ing with President Barack Obama
on Sept 30.
The foreign minsiter will stay
back, after the prime minister
returns, to attend the Oct 2 obser-
vance of the UN Day of Non
Violence in honor of Mahatma
Gandhi. She will be participating
in a series of meetings in New
York on the sidelines of the UN
General Assembly.
She will hold bilateral meetings
as well as participate in multilater-
al meetings while she is in New
York, the spokesperson said.
Among the bilateral meetings she
will hold there would be with
Hammond who took over as
British foreign secretary on July
15 this year from William Hague,
who had come to India to interact
with the new Indian government a
few days before handing over
charge. Sushma Swaraj would be
attending the G-4 foreign minis-
ters meeting along with her coun-
terparts from Japan, Brazil and
Germany, on UN Security Council
reforms.
She would also attend the IBSA
(India, Brazil, South Africa) for-
eign ministers meeting, the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) min-
isterial meeting, the India-
Community of Latin American
and Caribbean States (CELAC)
ministerial meet with the troika of
Costa Rica, Cuba and Ecuador.
There would also be the BRICS
(Brazil, Russia, India, China and
South Africa) ministerial meeting,
G-77 meeting and a meeting of the
committee on Palestine among
others, the spokesperson informed.
New Delhi: India
Tuesday virtually ruled
out a bilateral meeting
between Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and
Pakistani Premier Nawaz
Sharif on the sidelines of
the UN General
Assembly, saying there
are "no plans for a meet-
ing". External affairs
ministry spokesperson
Syed Akbaruddin at a
briefing in Delhi also
said in answer to a ques-
tion that India has conveyed to Pakistan that
"it was not proper for the Pakistan High
Commissioner to have made a spectacle of
his meeting with the Hurriyat" despite being
asked not to, and India has taken "adverse
notice" of it.
Asked if there was a "chance" of a meet-
ing between Modi and Sharif in New York
on the sidelines of the UNGA, Akbaruddin
said that "chance is something no one has
plans for" and as of now
"there are no plans for a
meeting" between the two
leaders. He also said to
another question that senior
Pakistani officials had held
a meeting with senior offi-
cials of the external affairs
ministry, including Foreign
Secretary Sujatha Singh,
which were in the nature of
"courtesy calls requested
by Pakistan". During the
meetings, India has con-
veyed its disapproval of
Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit
persisting with holding meetings with sepa-
ratist Kashmiri leaders, which led to New
Delhi calling off the Aug 25 foreign secre-
tary-level meeting in Islamabad. Calling off
of the Aug 25 talks also dimmed the possi-
bility of the Modi-Sharif meeting in New
York, which would have been their second
meeting after Sharif came to New Delhi to
attend Modi's swearing-in on May 26.
New Delhi: India is working on a proposal
for visa on arrival (VoA) facility for US
tourists, one of the big-ticket announce-
ments expected to be made during Prime
Minister Narendra Modi's high-profile visit
to the US beginning September 26.
The ministry of home affairs was working
overtime to finish the work on the VoA pro-
posal to finalize it in time for the Prime
Minister's visit, according to government
sources. MHA in consultation with the
tourism ministry is working on the tourist
VoA under which visa can be granted to US
citizens who do not have a residence or
occupation in India and whose sole objec-
tive of visiting India would be recreation,
sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends and
relatives, etc, the sources said. Under the
new proposal, which is still being worked
out, the stay limit is expected to be 30 days.
Visa on arrival facility on the anvil for US tourists
Washington, DC: The US Senate
has unanimously passed a biparti-
san resolution designating
September 30 as ' US-India
Partnership Day' recognizing the
contribution of the two countries
to one another and the relation-
ship that will continue to help
define the 21st century.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
will be at the White House on
September 29-30 for talks with
President Barack Obama.
Introduced by Senators Mark
Warner of Democratic Party and
John Cornyn from Republicans
on September 17, the resolution
was passed unanimously
moments before the Senate was
adjourned. The Senate would now recon-
vene on November 12 after the
Congressional elections.
Warner and Cornyn are co-chairmen of
the Senate India Caucus the only coun-
try specific caucus in the Senate. It has 42
members. The resolution resolves that the
Senate "designates September 30, 2014 as
the 'United States and India Partnership
Day' recognizing the contribution of the US
and India to one another and their relation-
ship that will continue to help define the
21st century" and recognize that the rela-
tionship the two countries is "a special and
permanent bond".
The 2014 general election was the largest
in the Indian history, proving that democra-
cy in India is as strong as it is encompass-
ing of its religious, ethnic, socioeconomic
and cultural diversity, the resolution said.
It said President Obama congratulated
Modi after his electoral victory and empha-
sized the "deep bond and commitment to
promoting economic opportunity, freedom
and security" in India and the US.
The two largest democracies in the world,
the US and India, have further developed
their governments, businesses, non-profit
organizations, non-governmental organiza-
tions, artists, entertainers, athletes, scien-
tists, engineers, doctors, nurses, universi-
ties, schools, and faiths and the dignity of
their citizens by demonstrating the value of
an enlightened democratic rule of law, a
peaceful government, and freedom from
terror, tyranny and oppression, it added.
Sushma to interact with over
100 foreign ministers in NY
No plans for Modi-Sharif
meeting in New York
Senate designates Sept 30 as
'US-India Partnership Day'
On Sept 24, Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs, had
seven bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 69th Session of the
UNGA - including with Philip Hammond, Secretary of State of UK.
Democrat Mark Warner (left) and Republican
John Cornyn, co-chairmen of the Senate India
Caucus, moved the resolution.
The authority of Pakistan PM
Nawaz Sharif is seen as
weakened by the ongoing
protest movement and by the
army asserting its position.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 NaMo Special
16
I am happy to know that The South Asian Times, one
of the prominent and widely circulated newspapers
among the South Asian community in the Tri-State
area, is bringing out a special issue on the occa-
sion of the historic visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister
of India, Shri Narendra Modi to the US.
The visit of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, the first
one to US after assuming the leadership, has a
special significance as American leadership,
politicians, businessmen and people would be able
to understand his vision of our strategic partner-
ship. His visit to USA carries a special significance as
this is one of India's strongest partnerships. The diverse
bilateral relations have grown from strength to strength in the last few
decades. At the political level, visit at the presidential level from the US side
and at the prime ministerial-level from India have created a strong bond and
understanding. President Obama has hailed this as the defining partnership
of the 21st Century. Recent visits of three US Secretaries of State, Defence
and Commerce, indicate close dialogue between our two countries. On the
economic side, USA is among India's largest partners with trade touching $
100 billion, large inflows of investment from the US, growing Indian IT com-
munity's presence in US as well as growing number of technical and other
col l aborations. On the strategic side too, several Government-to-
Government working groups interact on matters related to space, energy,
defence, security and other fields.
Indian community in the US has emerged as a model minority. With their
strong family values, hard work, love for education and high aspirations,
Indians in the US have made name for themselves. Their accomplishments
are recognized in various fields like academia, literature, science and tech-
nology, corporate world and media. This community is also engaged in
giving back to India through its social, economic and cultural contributions.
Government of India, having recognized this invaluable overseas asset of
India, has introduced several programs to create connectivity between the
diaspora and its motherland - India. Hon'ble Prime Minister would also be
directly addressing the Indian community in New York.
On this occasion, I wish to convey my greetings to the Indian community
as well as to those who are actively involved in building India-US relations.
My hearty compliments to The South Asian Times for bringing out this
timely supplement.
Amb. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay
Consul General of India, New York
It is a great honor to welcome Prime Minister
Narendra Modi to the United States for his
important and historic visit to America, and I
cannot wait to greet him at Madison Square
Garden.
This is truly an exciting time for both India
and the U.S. We are embarking on a new
chapter of our gl obal partnership, and
strengthening the special relationship that
exists between our countries. From global
security to global warming, India is our partner
in promoting democracy and progress, and that
will continue to be the case for many years to
come.
With well over half a billion votes cast in the recent elections, India
has once again proven that its place as the worlds largest democracy
is well-deserved. The elections represent a moment of hope, and an
opportunity for India to further increase its influence on the world
stage.
Although the U.S.-India relationship is stronger than it ever has been,
Prime Minister Modi will seek to make it even better, and hell be taking
all the right steps to accomplish this. During his visit, hell be holding an
unprecedented number of meetings with Americas business leaders to
further investment and increase trade. Hell also focus on additional
issues to progress common goals such as energy, technology, cooper-
ation on counter-terrorism, and other mutual concerns. No doubt,
there will be many opportunities where we can partner together to
improve prosperity for both our countries.
In addition, I applaud the Prime Minister for rallying the Indian-
American community during his trip. Indian-Americans more than 3
million strong in the United States are an important and vibrant com-
munity that play a vital role in contributing to society, and making our
country great.
I am confident that the high hopes surrounding Prime Minister
Modis visit will be met with success, and that U.S.-India ties will only
continue to grow. Im proud to share in the excitement of the Prime
Ministers visit, and I send my best wishes to al l who pl an to
experience it.
Congresswoman Grace Meng (D)
Representing New York's 6th congressional district
PM visit to show his vision
of India-US strategic ties
Waiting to greet
PM Modi at MSG
18
Dr Navin Mehta
Specialist in Otolaryngology
A
charya Kriplani told Mahatma
Gandhi that no battle has been won
without violence in the history of
the world. And Gandhi ji replied: If you
join me in this nonviolence movement, we
will write history which coming genera-
tions will study. The condence with which
these words were pronounced changed the
history of not only India but world history
at large too.
Thats exactly what Prime Minister Modi
has done for the people of India and
Indians everywhere. His war is against cor-
ruption. Modi Magic had changed the face
of Gujarat. Now the mandate given by mil-
lions of Indians reflects their faith in him.
His views are reflected in some of his say-
ings like One booth, ten youths, which
underlines his faith in youth and the com-
ing generation. His recent statement,
Toilets first, temples later suggests that
this man coming from grassroots level
knows the needs of the vast Indian popula-
tion. He does not speak much, believes in
doing. Like what Chanakya said:
Manasaa chintitam kaaryam vaachsa na
prakaashayet mantrena rakshayed
gooDham kaarye chaapi niyojayet
(Do not reveal what you have planned to
do, the best counsel is to keep it a secret
and try to execute it with determination.)
Already he has addressed a lot of major
issues. From defense to finance to interna-
tional relations, he has showed a firm hand
in decision making. $30+ billion from
Japan, $24+ billion from China and taking
up border issues with the Chinese Premier.
BRICS summit was used skillfully to the
advantage of India. And now USA.
Modis rise to the top office in the nation
has changed the perspective of the world
towards India and Indians.
After a long time one can walk tall as an
Indian on the streets of New York.
Business houses and politicians have start-
ed taking serious and positive note of India
and its potential. What Mr. Modi seems to
be doing is not stepping on anybodys toes
for success, but making sure that the world
knows Indias strength.
Sudhir Vaishnav
CEO and President of GEN-I,
with TV channels such as Sahara
under its franchise
T
he people of India could feel the
honesty and integrity in Narendra
Modis campaign speeches and his
appeal and zeal to move India forward as a
major power helped him in reaching out to
the masses. His promise of good gover-
nance and abolishing corruption struck a
chord with the public. With his proven
leadership in Gujarat, he earned laurels not
only from the people of Gujarat, but major
conglomerates as well, who started invest-
ed in the state. By organizing the annual
"Vibrant Gujarat" summit, Modi invited
MNCs to set up business ventures in the
state and his trusted team has already start-
ed working tirelessly to fulfill his cam-
paign promises nationwide.
Already, he has attracted many world
leaders to focus their attention on India.
Within a short span, he has met powerful
world leaders on a one on one basis, and
attracted investments from Japan, China,
and Germany to name a few. His openness
and his views on FDI in India have gar-
nered great interest in opening up new
avenues and expanding trade agreements
with other countries. Under Modi Jis lead-
ership we can expect a rapid progress in the
modernization of transportation, defense,
technology, communication, and manufac-
turing.
Modis style and panache of reaching out
to neighboring countries and propagating
peaceful dialogue in negotiating issues
have also earned him much appreciation
and respect.
Modis US visit is of great importance in
re-establishing the Indo-US relationship
and taking it to the next level note that
several senior US diplomats have made
quick trips to India, and President Obama
is spending two days with him in
Washington when UN is in session. The
fact that President Obama has nominated
an Indian American as ambassador to India
too shows a great start and good faith in
strengthening that same relationship.
Ravi Bhooplapur
President , Xavier University School Of
Medicine
P
rime Minister Modis experiences
and background are his greatest
strength. He recognizes and
acknowledges everyday Indian citizens
worth and their problems. He uses a com-
mon-sensical and open-minded approach to
people and problems. This approach allows
him to be agile in his responses to issues.
His approach is new to the people of India.
It has brought a new energy, especially the
youth. I think we are all refreshed by his
embracing of new technologies and young
talent, which should pay dividends with
innovative solutions.
I certainly think Prime Minister Modi is a
step in the right direction for the country.
He has provided a different mindset to the
people. His rags-to-riches story has given
the youth hope and shown them that any-
thing is possible with hard work and deter-
mination. I think that is the appeal that
launched him into national prominence. It
may be too soon to tell whether India has
finally taken the leap from developing to
developed nation, but we certainly have it
within ourselves to do so.
The prime minister has India looking to
R&D as the area India intends to use to cat-
apult into a leadership role in the world.
Any time we can solve a problem in a
uniquely Indian way, the world will take
notice and study our results.
With so many problems in the world
today, the US and India should seek to be
partners. Many times our interests overlap.
There is much common ground for the two
nations to build on.
Arish Sahani
Vi ce-Presi dent, Indi an Ameri can
Intellectuals Forum
B
orn a Hindu 70 years ago, I look
back and see how my people have
suffered for thousands of years.
Many like myself - Punjabis, Sindhis,
Bengalis -- have lost their ancestors lands
to local converts of another religion.
Now, for the first time after 67 years of
dynasty rule, we have a Prime Minister,
NaMo, whose message is not only for
Hindus but for all of people living in India.
His mission is simple and clear - "India
First" and "Sabka ka saath, sabka vikas."
There is no appeasement. Only promise.
His goal of Congress Mukta Bharat
was also the last wish of Mahatma Gandhi.
Now that we are free of the thousand
years of slavery under Islam and the
British, yet we have no land to call as our
own Hindu nation. It is time for the true
nationalist, Mr. NaMo to bring back the
natural spirit in all of us.
I wish Mr. NaMo long life, support from
the universe and the divine to help him
achieve his goals. And they are now my
goals as well.
Akshat Kaul
AVP- Loan Officer NY, Indus American Bank
F
irst impressions may not be last
impressions, but they certainly are
lasting impressions and Mr Modi has
shown that he can walk the talk when it
matters the most. Some of the key decisions
which will strengthen the Indian economy
are: (a) Modis tireless work on improving
bilateral ties with other South Asian coun-
tries to re-establish Indias claim to becom-
ing a major player in South East Asia (b)
projects up to Rs 1,000 crore not to require
cabinets approval, thus paring the cost of
execution of projects (c) Make in India
mantra focusing on improving the trade
deficit (d) opening bank accounts for the
masses, thus involving them in the financial
system and ensuring that economic prosper-
ity reaches. Witness the rise and rise of the
Sensex, which goes on to show that Indian
economy has found a new confidence
under Modi.
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 TheSouthAsianTimes.info NaMo Special
20
Nilima Madan
Active in OFBJP
N
othing succeeds like success! At elec-
tion time 'Modi Magic' took India by
storm and expectations soared not
only for the
a v e r a g e
Indian, but
also heads
turned around
the globe.
N a r e n d r a
Modis three
terms as CM
in Gujarat
became a
b e n c h ma r k
and the devel-
opment seen
there became
a desirable aim. He was seen as an answer to
uprooting corruption in India. After the land-
slide poll win, the NDA government is trying
hard to live up to expectations. Amidst the
hype, some experts feared some backlash and
maybe the recent by-elections tell a tale.
As PM, Modi has bravely taken several
admirable steps. His remarkable
Independence Day speech, gifting of 'Gita'
and promising 'red carpet' not 'red tape' to
investors have all been well received. In all
fairness, changes needed in India will take lot
of time. India faces many challenges at home
and vis--vis neighboring countries for abid-
ing solutions. War, sectarian tensions and ter-
rorism are always unpredictable and a threat.
India' s future will depend on bringing
changes in the criminal justice system, policy
reform, improved railways, bullet trains, tax
reforms, increased manufacturing, skill
development, improved infrastructure, finan-
cial and social stability, etc. I have initiated
an appeal to the PM to declare Jan 1 as a
'National Day' called 'Nari Samman Diwas'
because women related issues surface time
and again and the best way to deal with them
is to change attitude towards women where
the society respects them.
On 'Women's Reverence Day' everyone
will be reminded year after year to make a
pledge for honoring, promoting, protecting,
uplifting, educating, respecting women
besides creating awareness to prevent atroci-
ties. Special incentives should be instituted
on this day to report wrong doing and crimes
against women.
Many professionals from India who have
settled around the world are held in high
esteem, support many charitable causes to
help the needy in India. Modi's coming to
power has elevated the image of Indians fur-
ther, making all Indians proud.
Rakesh Bhargava
General Partner at MangoTree Real Estate
Holdings
N
aMo won Election 2014 based on his
track record and communication abil-
ities to instill confidence in the mass-
es irrespective of their caste or station in life.
People realized that under his leadership their
future will be
better than the
past. His
patriotic zeal
and vision to
transform the
nation, able
administrator,
integrity and
incorruptibili-
ty, charisma
are added
b o n u s e s .
E x c e s s i v e
n e g a t i v e
reporting by
media for 2002 riots in Gujarat despite him
being exonerated by SIT, gave him wide visi-
bility and publicity that he skilfully converted
in his favor. His deep knowledge and belief
in ancient Vedas and traditional Hindu val-
ues, which respect all cultures and religions,
struck a chord with all. Massive corruption
and indecision by the previous government
had made people lose faith in the then
regimes ability to govern. None of the for-
mer PMs rose from state level to national
level and NaMo has that advantage. He was
born in poverty, so he can relate to ordinary
people much better.
People do accept that India is in a fast for-
ward mode under Modi. His vast experience
as a grassroot RSS worker in several states
has given him first-hand experience of the
problems faced by the country. This enables
him to make right decisions for the welfare of
masses. NaMo is also mindful that progress is
inclusive and green. However, people
expecting a quick fix will be disappointed.
NaMo has done more in the international
arena in four months than his predecessor in
10 years. He brought the worlds attention to
India with renewed vigor by taking pre-medi-
tated soft yet powerful steps. Visiting temples
in Bhutan, Nepal and Japan, he highlighted
our common ancient cultural bond. Modi's
stress on traditional culture of India, which
professes spirituality, yoga, Ayurveda, and
welfare of all is a blueprint for world peace
and prosperity of humanity. A few small yet
compelling issues India has faced have
already been addresses by him, for example,
asking people to maintain clean India as a
way to promote tourism that will create
employment.
Modi has built a groundswell by covering
many nations prior to visiting US; hence
wheels are moving in the right direction for
enhanced India-US relations. US is pro-busi-
ness and by promoting Make in India, he
will court US businesses to come to India.
India offers a large source of young talent and
labor pool and huge growing market for US
businesses. US would like to reduce its
dependence on China as their aging popula-
tion and pollution is stressing their low cost
advantage.
Modi government has begun well. Indians
all over are filled with renewed enthusiasm,
hope and confidence. Ministers and bureau-
crats arrive on time and work long hours in
offices and are held accountable for deliver-
ing results. No corruption is reported at the
government level. Regional parties appreci-
ate efforts of Modi government to improve
Centre-State relations. Minorities increasing-
ly support Modi. Prompt flood relief in
Kashmir has assured people that Modi gov-
ernment can deliver results. Overall, Modi's
popularity has increased since he was voted
to power.
Sunil Modi
Presi dent, Associ ati on of Indi ans i n
America- NY
I
ndian citizens were frustrated for years by
a series of corruption scandals. The
change of guard in New Delhi will pro-
vide oppor-
tunities for
fast-tracking
e c o n o mi c
development
as well as
e x p a n d
cooperation
with other
nations on
defence and
security. In
four months
the Modi
government has proved his intentions to lift
the country from its earlier chaotic condition
to a stable economy. People have faith in
Modis patriotic zeal and vision to transform
the nation. He is an able administrator and
incorruptible as well as a charismatic politi-
cal leader.
With NaMo guiding the destiny of the
nation, I believe India will be catapulted to
the league of developed nations. He has
already raised the profile of India in the
world as his recent meetings with Japanese
and Chinese leaders show. At long last, India
is able to open the dialogue with China.
Modis skilful diplomacy is earning him lau-
rels. I am confident that the visiting Prime
Minister would further forge ties with US and
in the best advantage of India. He also has the
golden opportunity to repair and build
healthy relations with the US business com-
munity.
During Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee's tenure, the Indo-US relationship
went really deep for the first time since the
1962 Sino-Indian War.
Jagdish Sewhani
President, American India Public Affairs
Committee
I
n mere 100 days, the new government
under Narendra Modi has brought in
reforms that have set in motion a new
beginning for India, which was stalled by ris-
ing prices, widening fiscal and current
account deficit and not to forget the corrup-
tion and red tape that marred the previous
government. After Modi took charge, some
lead economic indicators have shown posi-
tive growth. With the focus on refueling
growth, taming price pressures, facilitating
industrial and business environment and sim-
plifying the policies and procedures with a
focus on less government and more gover-
nance, India is now writing a new chapter in
its growth story.
Ive been closely following his decisions,
policies and governance style. Some of the
major reforms underway include develop-
ment of 100 smart cities, highway projects
worth Rs 40,000 crore, roadmap on Ganga
Clean up mission, launch of Jan Dhan Yojana
aimed at providing bank accounts to the poor,
Make in India campaign, and digital India
plan to connect all gram panchayats by
broadband internet.
And as we are aware Modis foreign policy
initiatives have already won India a sweet
spot in the world.
22
Mike Narula
W
ith Narendra Modi at the helm, is
India finally taking a leap from
developing to the developed
nations league? Absolutely! This is the tip-
ping point that positions India to earn the
recognition of a Developed Nation. Fastest
conversion ever!
India has always been known to be a peace
loving country and clearly under the leader-
ship of NaMo, Prosperity will become the
middle name of the entire population and
beyond.
Everything the Indian prime minister has
done so far is steering the US-India relation
to the next level and probably the closet ever
where the two largest and the strongest
democracies will lead the world into 21st
century together.
As for assessing Modi governments per-
formance so far, the best way to describe this
would be how all Indians enjoy a one-day
International Cricket match where India
elects to bat and come out swinging hard, on
track to score 400+ runs and we all know
what is outcome of that match. World Cup!
Indian community in the US had always
wished the best for India and is excited to see
that under the leadership of the new dynamic
Prime Minister, it will actually happen so
their grand welcome is a sign of everyones
enthusiasm and confidence they have in him.
Ravi Batra
Eminent attorney
I
always wish India and Indians well, but I
would not dare claim to know why
Indians voted in Modi. Clearly, this was
beyond the typical anti-incumbency vote that
every ruling party has to deal with the world
over. What is obvious is that the Indian voters
wanted change - wholesale change. Also,
Modi ran his campaign akin to a candidate
running for US President. That such a bold
departure from local law and local constitu-
tion resulted in a Modi Mandate speaks to the
young Indian' s absorption of America,
American ethos and political system and
desire to benefit from the same instantly. It
also speaks to the role of social media in a
post-Arab Spring world, where party politi-
cians are dis-intermediated by social media
PM Manmohan Singh and Congress chief
Mrs. Sonia Gandhi set India on a path that
serves now-PM Modi well: economic
reforms to unleash every Indian's dreams as
national growth. India has been a member of
the BRIC, and hence, was already identified
as a future powerhouse. Now, Modi, armed
with his mandate, and free of a coalition's
painful drag, is able to take India where the
prior government wished and wanted.
Now, a young digitally-connected and
savvy India is full of promise of realizing, in
full measure, the American Dream, albeit,
Indian style.
The comity of nations welcomes Indias
mandate-rich PM as 1.3 billion Indians are
capable of adding value to every nation's bot-
tom line, while consuming a whole lot of
goods and services.
On India-US relations, after the bilaterally
self-inflicted wounds, some of which spilled
out in the open in the Devyani affair, both
nations have been tiptoeing around each
other since the beginning of 2014.
Congressional leaders convened a US/India
Roundtable Discussion in July, which had 25
members of Congress and about 30 invited
Americans from across our nation, among
them Ranju and me. Of the few speakers, I
was blunt in my love potion: we need a
"Respectful Reset" with India. What I had to
say was adopted by several other
Congressional speakers, as America's desire
to be intimate with India is real - and India
needs to stop trying to get the very best deal
it can secure if it is to create a generational
"Bank of Goodwill" like the one that exists
between US and Britain.
I also wish India to stand shoulder-to-
shoulder with us as we address ISIS and its
root causes of birth, and defeat evil that has
weaponized Islam' s peace. India, like
Pakistan, provides a huge number of UN
Peacekeepers.
Finally, India' s MOM' s (Mars Orbiter
Mission) success as the first nation to do so,
and that too on a $74 million budget, speaks
to India's riches being in its people. PM
Modi's arrival in the US for the UNGA and a
summit with President Obama now has a new
credential - India's people are smart and driv-
en to touch the stars. Want to play together
and build a better economy with Indian
smarts?"
Dr Shashi Shah
National President,
Association of Indians in America (AIA)
T
here was widespread disenchantment
with the governance system in India
with the young Indians 50% + of the
population -- hankering for change. AAPs
showing in Delhi polls last year was a signal.
Narendra Modi nicely harvested that frustra-
tion and won a stunning victory the BJP of
Vajpayee and Advani could not have done it.
It is too early to assess Modi govts per-
formance because emotions are easy, actions
and results take longer. After celebrations let
reality kick in then we will know how he is
able to take the entire county along. Sure, he
has kindled enthusiasm. He is on
the right path. But a lot needs to
be done. How we NRIs suffer
because of the visa/passport
problems at our consulates! And
there is no solution in sight.
The fractious verdict of the
recent by-elections shows that
people are voting for progress--
no matter if the party is BJP or
AAP. On Indias role as world
guru, I differ. NaMo should take
care of India first, something he
said in his Independence Day
address. India has to grow with
peace and harmony and take
care of infrastructure and basic
necessities-- that will raise Indias profile.
Id advice tempering the euphoria that has
been built.
Mahendra Vora
Chairman & MD
Vora Ventures, Ohio
I
ndia has been on a roll, but needed a
leader with vision, character, courage and
commitment to channel its intellectual
power and young work force into a massive
socio-economic success. And thats
Narendrabhai. A leader billion+ people fol-
low and trust. More than a beacon of hope, he
is the catalyst to convert our potential into
reality.
From China, Japan and now USA in just
four months he has raised Indias profile.
Next, he will turn this initial efforts of bon-
homie into tangible areas of strategic partner-
ships built on complementary skills and
resources. This will increase SAARC
regions influence in deciding the future of
the world, and, in turn, establish India as the
clear leader in the region.
NaMo can deepen India-US relations by
broad-basing the partnership in areas of peo-
ple-to-people contact, ease of travel, co-
investing in R&D, and creating opportunities
that leverage Indias intellectual capital and
younger work force, coupled with the USAs
expertise and success capital. He can and will
leave US with a clear conclusion for
Washington that when it comes to peace and
progress, India is their best partner in the
world.
Narendrabhai is serious about everything
he has talked pre- and post-elections, and he
is the CEO India needed to get the job done.
The way he has made the government work
and think like private sector and created the
new energy and work-ethic for the country is
just unimaginable. I personally have found a
new meaning of Leadership and Governance.
As an NRI I can say he is a leader who will
attract our NRI children back to India for
opportunities. Who wouldnt be excited about
having such a leader visit us?
President & CEO,
Reliance Communications
Mrs and Mr Mahendra Vora flanking NaMO
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 TheSouthAsianTimes.info NaMo Special
Welcome
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
24
By Hiral Dhalakia-Dave
O
n August 15, 2014 when the Prime
Minister of the worlds largest
democracy spoke from the ram-
parts of the Red Fort in New Delhi, mil-
lions in India and world over, probably for
the first time, felt a connect with the head
of a nation who not only inspired them to
do their bit for their motherland but also
took great pride in calling himself Pradhan
Sevak and not Pradhan Mantri.
A taskmaster, who within hours of his
swearing in could get the entire bureaucrat-
ic machinery on their toes shaking up
years of lethargy inflicted babudom,
Narendra Damodardas Modi has been
proving his detractors wrong from day one!
No Indian politician has been subjected
to the amount of vilification he has gone
through by his critics, his opponents and
the media. Yet, this son of an ordinary tea-
stall owner not only went on to become the
chief minister of a state for four consecu-
tive terms but also won the post of nations
15th prime minister with a thumping
majority.
Clearly there is much more to this
dynamic personality which incidentally his
critics, despite the clear mandate, still love
to trash but his supporters adore whole-
heartedly.
From a teenager volunteering to serve the
soldiers in transit at railway stations to a
master strategist and organizer helping his
political party the Bharatiya Janata Party
- win crucial elections be it at municipal,
Assembly or national level, Modi has
evolved into a brilliant leader capable of
catapulting a billion strong nation into a
formidable force in global politics and
economy.
His administrative skills, often dubbed
authoritarian, have fast-tracked Gujarats
development and now despite leading just
a four-month old government has given a
much needed powerful boost to investors
sentiment, peoples confidence and world-
view of India.
On September 5th during Modis interac-
tion with students on the occasion of
Teachers Day which was broadcast nation-
wide he urged young minds to read biogra-
phy of successful people to understand
their background, hardships and how they
shone through difficult times. His own
story is no less intriguing. From humble
beginnings in a small town Vadnagar in
Gujarat as one of six siblings he grew up as
Bal Narendra - Childhood Stories of
Narendra Modi, a comic book brought out
by Rannade Prakashan and Blue Snail
Animation, tells stories of bravery and fear-
lessness from Modi's childhood. The comic
book is a catalog of larger-than-life deeds
for his family, friends and society in general.
The 45- page comic book shows Modi res-
cuing a drowning boy, swimming in croco-
dile infested waters, serving tea and food to
soldiers going to war in 1962, taking on
school bullies, helping his father sell tea,
acting in theater, strategizing his team's
kabaddi win and saving a trapped bird.
As a teen Narendra Modi left home and
wandered to as far as North East. Among the
places that he traveled to included the
Himalayas (where he stayed at
Garudachatti) and Ramakrishna Ashram in
West Bengal. These travels left a lasting
impression on the youngster. He traveled
across the expansive landscape of India
exploring the various cultures in various
parts of the country. It was also a time of
spiritual awakening for him that connected
him further to a man he always admired -
Swami Vivekananda.
Modi took the plunge into mainstream
politics in 1987 and became the General
Secretary of the Gujarat BJP in one year. His
organizational skills were behind the Nyay
Yatra of 1987 and Lok Shakti Yatra in 1989.
These efforts played a major role in the BJP
coming to power in Gujarat first for a brief
period in 1990 and then from 1995 till date.
He became the National Secretary of the
BJP in1995 and in 1998 was given the
responsibility of General Secretary
(Organization), a very important post in the
party set-up. Three years later in 2001 the
party entrusted him with the responsibility
of taking over as the Chief Minister of
Gujarat. Since then he was re-elected as CM
in 2002, 2007 and in 2012
Modi got involved in anti-Emergency
struggle. Became integral part of Gujarat
Lok Sangharsh Samiti (GLSS), a movement
to restore democracy.
(Left) Now the larger-than-life prime minister, Narendra Modi
had very humble beginnings and a life story that did not
move in a straight line. (Top) The BJP poll campaign early
this year mounted with Modi as prime ministerial candidate
exuded vision, mission and passion it combined hi-tech like
Modis holograms and harvested social media to the hilt.
Nuggets from Modis amazing life story
25
a compassionate youngster who didnt
think twice before jumping into a river to
save a drowning boy, helped his mother
Hiraba in household chores and served tea
at his fathers tea stall. In fact, he still
makes it a point to meet his mother on his
birthday to seek her blessings.
Modi was highly inspired by the life and
teachings of Swami Vivekananda and was
always fascinated with sadhus, different
forms of worship and meditation. He ran
away from home after completing his
school education. He visited many places
including Ramakrishna Mission headquar-
ters in Belur, West Bengal. Finally, he
reached the Himalayas, wandered around,
staying with unnamed yogis and sadhus for
long periods. After two years of wandering
in the Himalayas without money and with
two pairs of clothes, one fine day he decid-
ed to give up sanyas life and returned
home. After returning, Modi ran a tea stall
with his brother at the State Transport
Office in Ahmedabad.
In 1972 he became a Pracharak, giving
his full time to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak
Sangh (RSS), a socio-cultural organization.
He shared his accommodation with other
Pracharaks in Ahmedabad and followed a
rigorous daily routine. The day began at
5:00 am and went on till late night. In the
midst of such a hectic routine Modi com-
pleted a degree in political science.
As Indias first prime minister to have
been born post independence (September
17, 1950), Modi has been part of some of
the most important political and civil
movements as RSS Pracharak and subse-
quently as associate of Akhil Bharatiya
Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
He joined the Navnirman movement and
dutifully performed the tasks assigned to
him. The Navnirman movement was a
mass movement in every sense as ordinary
citizens from all sections of the society
stood up in one voice. The movement was
further strengthened when it gained the
support of Jayaprakash Narayan, a well-
respected public figure and known crusader
against corruption. Modi had the unique
opportunity to closely interact with the
charismatic leader. The several talks held
with the veteran left a strong impression on
the mind of a young Narendra.
The Navnirman Movement was Modis
first encounter with mass protest and led to
a significant broadening of his worldview
on social issues. It also propelled him to
the first post of his political career, General
Secretary of the Lok Sangharsh Samiti in
Gujarat in 1975. During the movement, he
particularly got the opportunity to under-
stand student issues from close quarters,
which proved to be a major asset once he
became Chief Minister. The optimism post
the Navnirman Movement in Gujarat was
short-lived. On the midnight of June 25th
1975, Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi
clamped a state of Emergency in India sus-
pending civil liberties and curbing freedom
of expression. One of the most important
phases of Modis life had begun.
Conducting several clandestine opera-
tions with other nationalist leaders Modi
mobilized support and voice against
Emergency. Rest as they is history and here
we have a leader who heads the govern-
ment in independent India not by virtue of
his birth but by karmas he wrought himself
in this life!
The boy who grew to be Indias
15th Prime Minister.
Joins the RSS
in 1972, takes
a conscious
decision to
devote his
entire life
towards
service of the
nation.
Narendra Modi dressed as a Sikh
around the year 1975 during the
Emergency .
Modi (right) with BJP stalwarts.
Sworn in as Gujarat Chief Minister for the first time in 2001.
Joins BJP as Organization
Secretary of Gujarat Unit. 1987.
Modi is a lifelong
practitioner of
yoga and
meditation.
26
The Sangh Parivar
S
angh parivar in the ordinary political
jargon, found in the media and heard
on the political platform, means a
conglomeration of Rashtriya Swayamsevak
Sangh (RSS), Vishwa Hindu Parishad
(VHP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad
(ABVP), Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh,
Swadeshi Jagaran Manch, Bajrang Dal and
other allied organizations. To an RSS vol-
unteer, the word parivar kindles feelings of
fraternal bond towards fellow
Swayamsevaks, and filial affection to the
younger generations in the Sangh family.
Unlike other political, social and cultural
organizations, RSS, right from inception,
has been conceived only as a joint family
of all Hindu brethren.
The founder of the RSS, Dr. Keshav
Baliram Hedgewar, discovered the truth
that the only way in which lasting unity
could be created among provinces of the
vast country and having multifarious reli-
gious faiths and cultural and traditional
diversities, is to bring them all under the
spell of an intimate brotherhood by incul-
cating the feeling of intense love and ado-
ration of the Motherland as the Supreme
Mother of all.
This bond extends and expands outside
the Sangh Shaka and the families of the
Swayamsevaks come together like mem-
bers of a bigger clan. The leaders of the
RSS - the Pracharaks, Sanghchalaks,
Karyavahaks, Mukhyashikshaks, etc -
function like the elders in family, sharing
the joys and sorrows of the members and
always extending help and care to the
needy.
Dr. Hedgewar envisaged that the Parivar
should expand to such an extent that the
entire Hindu society is brought into the
bond of brotherhood and ultimately the
Sangh would merge in the society. In other
words, every Hindu family would feel that
it is a part and parcel of this big family. He
lived only for 15 years after founding the
Sangh. However, under the patriarch-ship
of the second Sarsanghchalak, Sri Guruji
Golwalkar, the Sangh grew in leaps and
bounds from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and
from Dwaraka to Kamakhya, and even
spread its wings to distant lands where
Hindus are settled.
(Source: gowalkarguruji.org)
BJP: For a strong, stable,
inclusive & prosperous India
A
fresh chapter in the history of
Indian politics was written in 1980
when the Bharatiya Janata Party
was born under the Presidentship of Atal
Bihari Vajpayee. The BJPs precursor, the
Bharatiya Jan Sangh was active in Indian
politics through the 1950s, 60s and 70s and
its leader Shri Shyama Prasad Mukherjee
had served in the first ever Cabinet of
Independent India. The Jan Sangh was an
integral part of the Janata Party govern-
ment under Morarji Desai from 1977-1979.
Since its inception, BJP has been deter-
mined to create a strong, self-reliant, inclu-
sive and prosperous India that draws inspi-
ration from our ancient culture and ethos.
The party has been deeply inspired by the
philosophy of Integral Humanism pro-
pounded by Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.
In a rather short period the BJP rose to
become a major force to reckon with in the
Indian political system. In 1989 (9 years
since its inception), the partys tally in the
Lok Sabha shot up from 2 (in 1984) to 86
seats and it was at the center of anti-
Congress movement that led to the creation
of the National Front, which governed
India from 1989-1990. The rise continued
through the 1990s as BJP formed govern-
ments in several states following the
assembly elections of 1990. In 1991 it
became the principal opposition party in
the Lok Sabha, a remarkable feat for a
rather young party.
Over the years the BJP formed govern-
ments and alliances in several states of
India. It draws support from every section
of Indian society and believes in the agen-
da of development and good governance.
In the summer of 1996, Atal Bihari
Vajpayee was sworn in as the nations
Prime Minister, the first to do so with a
complete non-Congress background. The
BJP got the mandate of the people in the
elections of 1998 and 1999, governing the
country for six years from 1998-2004
under Vajpayee. The NDA government
under Vajpayee is still remembered for its
development initiatives.
Today BJP is ruling in many states and is
the principal opposition party in several
other states. It boasts of some of the most
talented leaders and competent Chief
Ministers across India who are determined
to continue working for a strong and glori-
ous India.
(Source: narendramodi.in)
New BJP President Amit Shah
B
orn on October 22, 1964, politics
was not in Amit Shahs blood.
Instead, it was the desire to serve
the society that was passed on to him by
his philanthropist family. At a tender age of
14, he joined the RSS as a Tarun
Syawamsevak. That was the turning point
of his life.
In 1982, as a student of biochemistry, he
became secretary of the students organiza-
tion, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad in
Ahmedabad. He later became the secretary
of BJP Ahmedabad city unit. There was no
looking back after that. Shah went on to
hold many crucial posts to rise up in the
ranks of the Gujarat unit of BJP. He
became the national treasurer of Bharatiya
Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in 1997 and
later Vice President of the Gujarat State
unit of the BJP.
In 1995, Shah was elected, for the first
time, as an MLA from Sarkhej constituen-
cy. He was re-elected in 1998, 2002 and
2007 and 2012.
In 1995, during the tenure of Keshubhai
Patel as CM of Gujarat, Shah became the
youngest chairman of Gujarat State
Financial Corporation (G.S.F.C.). In 2002,
he became the Minister of State in
Narendra Modi government. During his
tenure as minister, he has held several port-
folios including that of transport, police,
housing, border security, civil defense,
home guards, prison, excise, law and jus-
tice, parliamentary affairs and the coveted
home ministry.
Shahs skill in political strategy and
vision led to his appointment as the
General Secretary of the party in 2010 and
in-charge (Prabhari) of electorally signifi-
cant state of Uttar Pradesh. Within a short
span of time, Shah turned around the elec-
toral fortunes of the BJP in UP and deliv-
ered a spectacular result, in which the BJP
and its allies won 73 out of 80 Lok Sabha
seats. BJPs vote share in the state
increased almost two and half times in less
than two years when he was the Prabhari of
UP. Shah was also a Member of BJPs
Election Panel and in 2014, given the
responsibility of public relations, mass
marketing and new voter enrollment. His
result-oriented strategy-making skills
played an important role in the enviable
result for the BJP in 2014 Lok Sabha elec-
tions. He was rewarded with the coveted
position of President of the ruling BJP, tak-
ing over from Rajnath Singh.
Arun Jaitley, Minister of
Finance and Defence
B
JP leader and a member of Rajya
Sabha since 2000, Arun Jaitley has
held several ministerial posts since
1999. This is Jaitley's first stint as Finance
Minister. He had served as Trade Minister
and Law Minister more than a decade ago
under the NDA government led by the BJP.
Jaitley has set out his stall as an advocate
of fiscal prudence and growth-friendly
policies. He has called for faster approvals
Seen at a 1939 RSS meeting are RSS
founder Dr K.B. Hedgewar (2nd from
left) and his successor Guruji M.S.
Golwalkar (2nd from right).
BJP stalwarts L.K. Advani, Atal Bihari
Vajpaye and Murli Manohar Joshi in a
2002 photograph.
Continued on page 28
28
for infrastructure projects and criticized
arbitrary tax rulings under the previous
government for stifling investment.
As the minister in charge of trade, he led
India in talks at the World Trade
Organization, blocking attempts by devel-
oped countries to gain greater access to
emerging markets without reducing agri-
cultural subsidies. Since 2002, he has
emerged as a leading party strategist,
scripting several of its victories in state
elections.
A patrician figure who would not be out
of place in London's High Court, Jaitley is
son of a successful lawyer. He was educat-
ed in an elite New Delhi school and at the
prestigious Delhi University, where he was
a students union leader in the youth wing
of the BJP.
A close confidante of Prime Minsiter
Narendra Modi, Jaitley was inducted into
the cabinet despite losing the Lok Sabha
election from Amritsar to Maharaja
Amarinder Singh of Congress party.
Rajnath Singh
Union Home Minister
B
orn in a farmer's family in village
Babhora, Uttar Pradesh, Rajnath
Singh completed his MSc Physics
from Gorakhapur University and worked as
a lecturer at K.B. Post-Graduate College,
Mirzapur.
He was a brilliant student and an active
RSS worker. He became the RSS karyavah
(General Secretary) of Mirzapur city in
1972. Also remained organizational secre-
tary of ABVP Gorakhpur division from
1969 to 1971. He entered mainstream poli-
tics in 1974.
Rajnaths list of achievements runs long.
As Education minister in 1992 he took ini-
tiative and got Anti Copying Act Passed.
When he was state president in 1998, the
BJP registered its best ever performance in
UP, winning 58 seats in the Lok Sabha
election.
He became a member of the Rajya Sabha
in 1994 and also the Chief Whip of the BJP
in Rajya Sabha.
In November 1999, he became Union
Surface Transport Minister. During this
period he got the opportunity to initiate the
NHDP (National Highway Development
Program), a dream project of Prime
Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In October 2000, he became Chief
Minister of UP and was twice elected as
MLA from Haidargarh constituency in
Barabanki. In 2002, he became National
General Secretary of BJP.
In May 2003, he became Union Minister
of Agriculture and subsequently for Food
Processing. During this period he initiated
a few epoch making projects like Kisan
Call Center and Farm Income Insurance
Scheme.
Rajnath Singh served as BJP National
President from January 2013 to July 2014
and was instrumental in getting Narendra
Modi anointed as the partys prime minis-
terial candidate despite opposition by sen-
ior leaders like LK Advani. And the Modi
wave got created, catapulting the party to
power.
Sushma Swaraj
External Affairs Minister
W
hen the BJP's top leader Sushma
Swaraj was given the baton of
India's External Affairs Minister
on May 26 this year, the vision was clear:
to utilize her suave oratory skills to make a
lasting impact on the changing world
diplomatic order.
In little over three months, she has
proved her mettle. From being part of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first offi-
cial visit to Bhutan to her stand-alone suc-
cessful foreign visits to Bangladesh, Nepal,
Afghanistan, Myanmar, Singapore,
Vietnam, Tajikistan and Bahrain, she has
shown a new spirit, dedication and zeal
seen after a long time in an Indian foreign
minister.
Here comes the big moment: to accompa-
ny Modi from New York to Washington,
DC for the summit meeting with US
President Barack Obama on September 30.
The minister is scheduled to return to
New York for United Nations related meet-
ings including commemoration of non-vio-
lence Day by UN on October 2 before fly-
ing back to India.
During her brief visit to Bangladesh
her first as foreign minister Swaraj sent
out a strong message that her government
would build upon the momentum of the
relations between the two countries.
Recently in Kabul, describing India as
Afghanistan's first strategic partner, Swaraj
said New Delhi will always share the
Afghan people's vision of a "strong" and
"prosperous" Afghanistan.
"This is a critical decade of transforma-
tion for Afghanistan. India will always be
Afghanistan's first strategic partner," she
said at the inauguration of the Indian
chancery in Kabul.
"And we will always share the Afghan
people's vision of a strong, independent,
united and prosperous Afghanistan for
which so many Afghans sacrificed so
much," Swaraj maintained.
Besides, she reiterated India's commit-
ment to stand by the civilian government of
Afghanistan, a step even lauded by the sen-
ior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
Earlier, in Nepal, Swaraj met top leaders
including President Ram Baran Yadav and
Prime Minister Sushil Koirala. She also
met UCPN-Maoist chief and Leader of
Opposition Prachanda. Swaraj visited
Nepal to co-chair the meeting of the Indo-
Nepal Joint Commission after a gap of 23
years. During the visit, India told Nepal
that the new government in New Delhi is
keen to impart "renewed momentum" to
their multifaceted bilateral ties even as the
two countries decided to step up coopera-
tion in key areas of defense, security, trade
and hydro power.
The two countries also agreed to
"review" and adjust" the Treaty of Peace
and Friendship of 1950 to reflect the cur-
rent realities.
Quick witted and articulate, Sushma
Swaraj is well regarded in the BJP for her
oratorical skills. Swaraj has blazed some
records in her over three decade-old politi-
cal career including being the youngest
cabinet minister in Haryana and the first
woman chief minister of Delhi.
Swaraj, 62, has enthusiastically per-
formed tasks assigned to her by her party
including contesting the election from
Bellary in Karnataka against Congress
president Sonia Gandhi.
Appointed Leader of Opposition in the
15th Lok Sabha, Swaraj led from the front
in attacking the UPA government on its
perceived failures. She also shared cama-
raderie with the treasury benches, some-
times reciting poetry to lighten up the
atmosphere in the House.Swaraj was a
minister in the Vajpayee governments and
headed ministries including information
and broadcasting and health.
Into her seventh term as an MP, Sushma
Swaraj has had a checkered political career
starting as a member of the Haryana
assembly in 1977. She was appointed a
cabinet minister in the state the same year.
She was first elected as a MP in 1990 and
became a member of the Rajya Sabha.
The BJP brought her in as chief minister
of Delhi in 1998 months before the assem-
bly elections to shore up the party's for-
tunes. She remained in the post for about
three months. A lawyer by training,
Sushma Swaraj went all the way to Bellary
in Karnataka to challenge Sonia Gandhi in
the 1999 Lok Sabha election. Though she
lost, she gained in stature in the party and
outside by her spirited campaign. The BJP
was able to form its government in
Karnataka ten years later, the party's first
government in south India.
Sushma Swaraj has been re-elected to the
Lok Sabha from Vidisha in Madhya
Pradesh.
Born in Ambala Cantonment in Haryana,
Swaraj studied at S.D. College in Ambala
and later studied law at Panjab University.
In her new role, Swaraj is keen to win
over enemies and make new friends while
keeping the Indian foreign policy in high
esteem.
- Meenakshi Iyer
Smriti Irani, HRD Minister
A
TV star, Smriti Irani's political
journey started in 2003 when she
joined the BJP. In the 2014 general
election, the gutsy Smriti took on Congress
Vice President Rahul Gandhi in his pocket
borough of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh and
gave him a tough fight. She lost, but being
a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, she is
now an important member of Modis cabi-
net, holding the key Human Resource
Development ministry.
In her life, every decision she took turned
into a stepping stone, taking Smriti closer
to stardom and politics. As a young daugh-
ter of a conservative Punjabi-Bengali fami-
ly, she broke free of the norms and decided
to try her luck in the glamour world. Ekta
Kapoor roped her in to play Tulsi Virani in
her long running TV show Kyunki
Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Smriti's popu-
larity soared and she became the most pop-
ular 'bahu' of the small screen. Meanwhile,
she settled down with her childhood friend
Zubin Irani, a Parsi. But with an itch to do
something more, she plunged into politics,
and her dedication and determination took
her places. After holding key positions like
the national secretary of BJP and All India
President of the BJP Mahila Morcha in
2010, she became partys vice-president.
Smriti once said that she has an ideolog-
ical umbilical cord with the BJP...we are
three generation party supporters... my
grandfather was a Swayamsevak, my
mother a BJP booth activist".
Smriti Irani is described by many as
"Sushma Swaraj of the Modi-led BJP.
External Affairs Minister Sushma
Swaraj meeting Afghanistan President
Hamid Karzai in Kabul recently.
Continued from page 26...
30
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Thursday launched his pet "Make in India"
campaign to put India prominently on the
global manufacturing map and, in turn, facil-
itate the inflow of new technology and capi-
tal, while creating millions of jobs.
The ambitious scheme, that also puts in
place the logistics and systems to address in
a timely manner queries of potential
investors, was unveiled along with a logo, a
portal and brochures on 25 identified growth
sectors before Who's Who of the corporate
world from India and abroad at Vigyan
Bhavan here. The event was watched live in
several cities in India and abroad via video
conferencing. Laying out the red carpet
before investors, Modi said: "After what we
have done and what I hear from you, I don't
think I need to assure you any further on
'Make in India'." He hoped industry across
the globe will take his invitation seriously.
He said he was saddened in the past to see
scores of Indians leaving the country to seek
opportunities elsewhere. People have lost
faith in Indian manufacturing and them-
selves. "We do not want any industrialist
being forced to leave India," he said.
The prime minister said for him the term
FDI for the domestic industry did not
expand to "foreign direct investment" but
"first develop India". "We have to create
opportunities of employment. If the poor get
jobs the purchasing power of families will
increase."
Pointing to campaign logo, he said: "This
is the step of a Lion... Make in India."
Ahead of the launch of the campaign,
Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
said a number of steps had already been
taken by the Modi government to make it
easier to do business in India along with the
removal or relaxation of foreign equity caps
in several areas. "The processes of applying
for licences has been made online, it is 24/7.
The validity of such licences has also been
extended to three years," Sitharaman said.
"Make in India is not a slogan but a mis-
sion to be accomplished with a single-mind-
ed commitment." At the event some top
industrialists and executives, among the 500
who had gathered here, were also invited to
speak.
"This program offers a unique and timely
opportunity to make India truly global," Tata
Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry said, adding,
countries attain high standards with a vibrant
industrial economy and the biggest chal-
lenge is to create jobs for millions of youth.
Kenichi Ayukawa, MD of Maruti Suzuki
India, said his Japanese group was among
the first to invest in India and remains com-
mitted to the country. He said he was sure
India will eventually become one of the
most competitive economies.
"Today we commit ourselves to the 'Make
in India' movement that was given to us by
our beloved PM," Reliance Industries chair-
man Mukesh Ambani said. He said the main
task before the industry in India was to
achieve global competitiveness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other ministers at the launch of "Make in
India Mission" at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi Thursday.
Modi launches 'Make in India'
campaign, portal and logo
United Nations: With a slogan of
Development without destruction, India's
message to the
UN Climate
Change Summit is
that it will take on
the twin chal-
lenges of fighting
poverty and cli-
mate change.
India will have
to increase its
energy consump-
tion if it is to sig-
n i f i c a n t l y
improve the lives
of its people, but it will try to achieve that
goal while also reducing carbon emissions,
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar told
the summit Tuesday.
He pointed out that in countries that have
achieved a human development index (HDI)
of 0.9 or higher, the per capita energy con-
sumption was at least 2.5 tonnes oil equiva-
lent per year, while India's is only a quarter of
that. With todays technologies and living
standards, the energy consumption in India
would need to increase by four times as
Indias HDI increases from the current value
of 0.5 to a value of 0.9, he said. The key
challenge therefore is to enable this higher
energy consumption at a cost that people are
willing and able to pay, and with lower carbon
intensity. But he gave the assurance that we
are fully committed to achieving our volun-
tary goal for reducing emission intensity of its
GDP by 20-25 percent by 2020 over 2005
level. Our prime minister has announced an
ambitious program of 'Make in India' with
'Zero Defect and Zero Effect'. Our slogan
therefore is ' Development without
Destruction'," he added. US President Barack
Obama, who spoke earlier in the day,
acknowledged that the US had contributed to
the climate crisis. He said the US was now
committed to "helping more nations skip past
the dirty phase of development, using current
technologies, not duplicating the same mis-
takes and environmental degradation that took
By Ashok Ojha
Edison, NJ: Prakash Javadekar, who holds
twin portfolios in the Modi government,
environment and Information &
Broadcasting, has highlighted the good
governance as promoted by the Prime
Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a pub-
lic meeting held here, on Sept 22, said that
the Modi government has infused a new
spirit of work culture among government
officials. The UPA government was inac-
tive and mostly indulged in delaying tactics.
Now this trend has changed, he pointed
out.
Javadekar narrated his own experiences of
team building in the Modi cabinet. When I
took over the Ministry of I&B, I found that
senior officers were wasting time criticizing
each other. I started holding Chai pe char-
cha every morning at 9 am. This practice
has produced good results.
Today most officers demonstrate produc-
tive results in their respective areas. He
also expressed satisfaction over the news
coverage of BJPs recent election campaign.
Our public meetings received wide cover-
age in the media, he said adding that major
news channels from India have already land-
ed in NYC to cover Modis visit.
The minister pointed out that his govern-
ment was keen to turn India into a manufac-
turing hub. We can become a force in the
world economy, he said pointing out that
Modis slogan Make in India was bound to
transform the industrial face of India. Will
Modi government ban beef production in
India? Javadekar chose not to address the
question directly as he wondered if meat
production was a major cause of pollution in
India. India is listed among the world's top
beef exporters, second only to Brazil. Modi,
during his election campaign, had supported
banning beef trade OFBJP organized the
meeting at Royal Alberts Palace.
India to take on twin challenges of fighting
poverty, climate change: Javadekar
Javadekar taking cues from the PM
34
By Vibhuti Jha
Executive Director, Nalanda
International
T
he 2014 elections in India gal-
vanized the country and its
people like never before as it
handed over the reins of the country
for the next five years to Narendra
Modi led BJP with a clear majority in
the parliament. Even the most opti-
mistic of the Congress party veterans
felt that their massacre was worse
than feared! How did that happen?
While many scholars will earn
their doctoral thesis analyzing the
whole gamut of the outcome, let us
focus here on only a few key aspects
of Mr. Modis triumph. To begin
with, Modi transformed the MOOD
of the nation. The mood of despon-
dency, defeatism, negativity, cyni-
cism, distrust, feeling of failure and
the fact that India and Indians had
become a synonym of corruption had
disillusioned Indians during the high-
way robbery indulged in by the UPA
government and its coalition part-
ners. People of India wanted an
authentic leader who could change
the corrupt image of the country and
its establishments.
Modi did precisely that. His per-
formance as the Chief Minister of
Gujarat had been well debated and
documented, for people to know, to
have made Gujarat a prosperous state
in every sense of the term. During
his rule in Gujarat, performance mat-
tered. Responsibility and accounta-
bility became the key words of gov-
ernance. In the run up to the 2014
election, he transformed the MOOD
of the people to fulfilling ambitions,
hope, trust, success and victory.
Good days are coming became a
real possibility. When he promised
growth and good governance, people
believed in him. The consequence
was the massive win.
Modi is a man of action, a true
karma yogi for whom what he
promised is not important but what
he will do became the mool mantra
of success. In the process, a yoga and
meditation practitioner that he is, he
instilled a sense of pride in millions
of Hindus who began to be identify
themselves with him. His proud pro-
nouncement that the Constitution of
India is his religion instilled a belief
that for once, one could be proud of
being an Indian first!
Indian elections, thus, became a
grand spectacle for the world to see
how a peaceful transition of power is
possible and why democracy and
democratic principles of governance
are key to world peace. His accom-
plishments in Gujarat is a testimony
to the story of Economic growth
and Governance being a clear possi-
bility even in the chaos of democra-
cy! In the last four months of his
governance he has already sowed the
seeds of change the blossoming
needs time and for that people of
India need to give success a chance
by being patient , trusting and for
things to unfold. Two clear examples
are, one, the declaration of Cleaning
Varanasi the holy place for
Hindus. This declaration of intent is
important challenge for peoples
involvement at grassroot levels and
the direction needed from the
Government. He also implored upon
the Indian corporate sector to step in
and step up with their efforts in this
regard. Secondly, the declaration in
Japan that India will greet Japanese
investment and investors with red
carpet instead of the rabidity of red
tape is by itself a revolutionary cul-
tural shift that India needs desperate-
ly if we are to achieve economic
growth and opportunity for the mil-
lions of youth in the country.
India and USA are the two most
prominent democracies of the world.
It is essential for the people and the
governments of both the nations to
establish paths for a serious and sin-
cere strategic partnership shorn of
hyperboles. Both economies need to
grow and have a clear opportunity to
collaborate and cooperate, including
against the humanitarian disaster of
terrorism. Both countries must recog-
nize that political expediency cant
be allowed to hamper what must be
done in this regard.
While the US is the melting pot of
all religions and cultures of the
world, India is that country which
practices the culture of sanatan dhar-
ma and the principles of vasudhaiv
kutumbakam! Both the countries
must find common ground and not
allow political shallowness to disrupt
a great opportunity.
How Modi won the hearts and minds
of people of India
36
By Prashant Sood
N
arendra Modi has sought
to mark his first term as
prime minister with some
distinct initiatives in terms of both
policy and governance style -
direct communication with the
people, faster decision-making, a
disciplined bureaucracy, thrust on
innovation and technology, clean-
liness, rural transformation and
kindling a can-do spirit in the peo-
ple. In the three months in office,
Modi has already laid down con-
tours of his government's priori-
ties. Modi, who began his innings
on a high note after leading the
BJP to its first full majority in the
Lok Sabha, has sought to sustain
the tempo of his victory and meet
the enormous expectations of him.
He has been reaching out to the
people through social media and
speeches and has sent a clear mes-
sage that he will be personally
driving governance.
Modi laid a thrust on cleanliness
right at the start of his term in
office and soon central govern-
ment offices began presenting a
neater look. He emphasized on
punctuality and established a
direct dialogue with the top eche-
lons of the bureaucracy.
Modi has also sought to energize
the people and "awaken the
power" of a laggard civil service
down to its lowest level to ensure
efficiency and time-bound deliv-
ery of services. With "minimum
government, maximum gover-
nance" as one of his mantras,
Modi has sought to make govern-
ment systems citizen-friendly and
accountable and has initiated
action to eliminate obsolete laws.
The Modi government has also
sought to bring about convergence
among ministries for focused
delivery.
Carrying forward some of his
initiatives as the Gujarat chief
minister, Modi has drawn up plans
for rural transformation, boosting
agricultural productivity and
spreading e-governance through
the Digital India program.
With "Sab ka Saath, Sab ka
Vikas (Support of all, develop-
ment for all)" the pronounced
development philosophy of his
government, Modi has sought to
send out a message of inclusive-
ness.
Former cabinet secretary Prabhat
Kumar said: "Three months is a
short time to make an assessment,
but in terms of delivery of servic-
es, I think it has done what no pre-
vious government had done. Modi
made it clear that civil services
must behave. He also put confi-
dence in them, telling them to do
their job without fear and favor.
He has quickened the pace of deci-
sion-making by reducing layers."
He said Modi had made his
intentions clear in terms of policy
by laying emphasis on sanitation
and the need to boost rural and
urban infrastructure. "He has
reviewed the performance of min-
istries and the directions he has
given are very positive," said
Prabhat Kumar, who was cabinet
secretary during 1998-2000.
Kumar said the Modi-led NDA
government should make a "rigor-
ous review" of the previous gov-
ernment's programs, including the
rural employment guarantee
scheme and the rural health mis-
sion.
At the same time, he felt that the
government's move to replace the
Planning Commission had been
announced in a hurry and the
homework for an alternative
mechanism was only now being
done.
Former cabinet secretary T.S.R.
Subramaniam said that Modi had
inherited issues from the past and
was not starting from a scratch.
"His head is in the right place.
His heart is also in the right
place," Subramaniam said, adding
Modi has "galvanized the bureau-
cracy in Delhi".
"In 100 days, I am seeing much
more than expected. The design is
very much there. The foundation
is being laid. In the next 100 days,
the ground floor will take shape,"
said Subramaniam, who was cabi-
net secretary during 1996-98.
Various ministries have got
going about goals announced by
Modi including "Swachch Bharat"
(clean India) by 2019 and a "pucca
(permanent) house" for every fam-
ily by 2022.
Work has also started on Modi's
other ideas including a golden
quadrilateral, bullet trains and
solid waste management in 500
urban centers across India through
the public-private-partnership
(PPP) model.
A forceful speaker and arguably
the best communicator in India's
present political leadership, Modi
has used big occasions such as his
Aug 15 Independence Day address
to powerfully reinforce his ideas
of governance and policy.
He has eschewed big-ticket
announcements and focused on
issues of everyday concern which
have won him accolades and
silenced some of his bitter critics.
He has sought to end poverty
through initiatives aimed at
empowerment rather than encour-
aging doles. Modi's emphasis on
women empowerment and their
safety has won him accolades.
While Modi has laid thrust on
cooperative federalism with the
states and the Center working as a
team, hooting of some opposition
chief ministers in his presence at
government events has created
some suspicions and acrimony.
Modi has also spawned a change
in the way the government inter-
acts with the media, with officials
cagey about talking to journalists.
He has stopped taking mediaper-
sons from newspapers and TV
news channels on his visits abroad
and has instead encouraged a cul-
ture where information comes
through releases and tweets.
W
hile the Narendra Modi-led government
has given people a good feeling in general
about the state of the nation, the govern-
ment needs to show more concrete action, appoint a
separate defense minister to address pressing security
concerns as well as assuage growing concerns of
minorities, experts have said. In a discussion on the
"100 days of Modi Sarkar" at the India International
Centre in New Delhi, analysts and domain experts
said the new government has brought a "sense of
definitiveness" to the office of prime minister.
"There was a consensus at the discussion that this
government has brought a sense of definitiveness and
determination to the office of prime minister," said C
Uday Bhaskar, strategic expert and director of
Society for Policy Studies (SPS) that organized the
roundtable discussion.
"Though 100 days is a short time for any major
change, there is a change in perception that this gov-
ernment has brought," Bhaskar said.
Mohan Guruswamy, policy expert and
Distinguished Fellow at the Observer Research
Foundation, said there was a general "good feeling
about this government. We have a colorful prime
minister... We have had enough philosophers and we
need a warrior, that is what he is." Prabhat Shukla,
former ambassador and a Distinguished Fellow with
Vivekananda International Foundation, said while the
government has done remarkably well in the field of
foreign policy, in prioritizing its relations with Asian
nations and balancing it with the Western world,
there was an urgent need for a full time defense min-
ister. "The government has given a clear indication
that South Asia would be the priority, and it has been
very skilfully combined with developing relations
with the great powers," said Shukla. Seshadri Chari,
secretary general, Forum for Integrated National
Security, said there is a "perceptible change" since
the new government has come.
With 'minimum
government, maximum
governance' as one of his
mantras, the prime
minister has sought to
make government
systems citizen-friendly
and accountable.
In 100 days in office, Narendra Modi has
already laid down contours of
his government's priorities.
Modi tones up governance, ends policy paralysis
days of Modi government
Feel good effect there, time for action now
A Report Card
38
By Arvind Padmanabhan
T
he overall sentiment of India
Inc today is one of optimism,
as the reversal of a percep-
tion of policy inaction with several
meaningful steps on economic
reforms have made the climate con-
ducive for fresh investments and
growth.
These 100 days, although a short
span of time, has seen some brisk
action in areas such as hiking for-
eign equity caps in defense and
insurance, which are clear signals
of a return of the liberalization era
that was started in 1991 but per-
ceivably lost steam in recent years.
The stock markets also gave a
thumbs up to the policy initiatives,
with two key indices touching all-
time highs, even as rating agencies
that were on the brink of downgrad-
ing India's sovereign ratings at the
beginning of the year, today speak
about revival and higher growth
trajectory for the economy.
Similarly, foreign funds, which
were hesitant onlookers at the
investment opportunities in Indian
stocks till April, are back in busi-
ness as net buyers. This sudden
surge has already seen these funds
investing $26 billion this year. If
this pace continues, 2014-15 could
well turn out to be a record year for
inward foreign fund investments
with $50 billion.
"Investor sentiment is back as the
new government has demonstrated
high commitment to growth and
reforms," Ajay Shriram, president
of the Confederation of Indian
Industry, said. "During our interac-
tions with ministers and officials,
we have found strong willingness
to consider the industry's views and
take up out-of-the-box solutions,"
Shriram said, adding: "We are con-
fident that the pace of reforms
would continue in coming months."
The various business confidence
surveys conducted by independent
agencies also suggest a revival in
sentiments. Their broad findings
are: a definite pick-up seen in
demand, the return of new invest-
ment decisions and a definite move
towards hiring.
Industry is particularly pleased
with the initiatives on infrastructure
and the promise of making the
environment business-friendly.
With most top industrialists having
dealt with the Gujarat government
when Modi was chief minister, they
know he means business.
"Modi has a track record of being
a doer. What he's done in Gujarat is
for everyone to see. He has a huge
task nevertheless in turning around
the economy to growth-oriented,
rather than control-oriented one,"
said Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus
of Tata Sons. Examples of the gov-
ernment's initiatives in infrastruc-
ture apart from high-speed trains
include the creation of 100 smart,
inter-linked cities, a roadmap for
public-private partnership in a host
of areas like ports, roads and high-
ways and housing for all.
There are signs as well of overall
revival. Growth in factory output is
scaling up, core industries like elec-
tricity, cement, steel and coal are
seeing a pick up in demand, the
service sector is seeing new recruit-
ments, exports have seen the
sharpest rise in six months and
there is a resolve to cut deficit.
Modi would settle for nothing
less than being the architect of a
new India that unhesitatingly
desires to grow and nurtures the
ambition of emerging as a global
superpower.
Modis vision for the re-imagina-
tion of India is bejeweled with a
Diamond Quadrilateral of bullet
trains connecting the four metros; a
Sagar Mala project connecting
Indias coastal cities with the main-
land; 100 new smart cities; and the
revival of Atal Bihari Vajpayees
ambitious river-linking project.
Modi intends to fuel his massive
infrastructure drive through foreign
investment and public private part-
nerships, with half the $1 trillion
required expected to come from the
private sector.
By Ranjana Narayan
M
eticulous to a fault, the
Japanese do not like sud-
den changes in pro-
grams. Yet, when Prime Minister
Narendra Modi announced a
change in his itinerary in Japan,
arriving a day early to travel to the
heritage temple city of Kyoto, they
were delighted.
With that one stroke, Modi
showed his desire to lift bilateral
relations with Japan from a trans-
actional one to something more
holistic.
In 100 days at the helm of the
Union government, Modi has
introduced a leitmotif, bringing
style to the substance of foreign
policy.
The foreign policy inbox of
Modi' s government has Indeed
been full right from the day of his
swearing in. While the accolades
have poured in for the prime
minister's outreach to neighbors
and interaction with major powers,
the sudden cancellation of talks
with Pakistan that highlighted the
government's muscular approach
has come in for criticism from sev-
eral quarters.
Modi's invite to India's neigh-
bors, especially Nawaz Sharif, for
his May 26 swearing-in was hailed
by all as a diplomatic master-
stroke. His short bilateral talks
with the eight neighbors, including
Mauritius, on the sidelines came in
for praise.
While people were still guessing
which country Modi would make
his first stop, thinking it would
most likely be Japan, the prime
minister again played a master-
stroke by deciding to visit Bhutan.
This and the promise of greater
development cooperation and
investment reassured Bhutan,
which also shares border with
China, of India's continued sup-
port.
His next visit was also to an
important neighbor - Nepal. This
was the first bilateral visit to Nepal
by an Indian prime minister in 17
years. During his visit, which was
termed historic, Modi assured
Nepal that India did not want to
interfere in its internal affairs. He
also promised a $1 billion line of
credit and greater investment in
Nepal's hydropower sector.
His visit helped counter-balance
China's increasing presence in the
Himalayan country that shares a
long border with Tibet. In fact,
China's official media came out
with a comment on the visit, say-
ing Modi was "smart" for his
attempts to reset India-Nepal ties
but it termed his $1 billion soft
loan as not enough to bring about a
thaw in bilateral relations.
In between, the prime minister
visited Brazil in July, his first mul-
tilateral engagement, where he had
first time meetings with the heads
of BRICS countries - Brazil,
Russia, China and South Africa, as
well as Latin American nations.
The mega diplomatic meeting
with China came in the third week
of September, with Chinese
President Xi Jinping visiting India.
India's concerns over Chinese
troops' incursions remained at the
forefront of talks between Modi
and President Xi even as the two
nations charted a new chapter in
economic ties with Beijing
announcing $20 billion investment
over the next five years.A close
look will show that the Modi gov-
ernment is sticking to its promise
in the manifesto where it clearly
said that with regard to the neigh-
borhood the party will "pursue
friendly relations. However, where
required we will not hesitate from
taking a strong stand and steps".
There are signs as well of
overall revival. The
industry is particularly
pleased with the initiatives
on infrastructure and the
promise of making the
environment business-
friendly.
Neighborhood back in focus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Japanese counterpart
Shinzo Abe during a tea ceremony.
Narendra Modi with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping at a meeting in New Delhi. 2014-15 could well
turn out to be a record year for inward foreign fund investments with $50 billion.
For India Inc, confidence is here to stay
days of Modi government
40
Darshan Dave
Bangalore-based management professional
who returned to India after 8 years in
the US
W
hile 100+
days is not
a period
long enough to
evaluate perform-
ance of the new
government, I
would say
Narendra Modi
has scored 9/10.
There is overall
enthusiasm in the
economic, social
and national mood
and Sensex has cap-
tured this wonderfully in
the last three months with
15 % increase. FIIs are increasing their
investments, food inflation is coming down,
stalled projects are cleared with speedy
decision making and most importantly gov-
ernment and all its parts such as bureau-
crats, ministers and babus have started to
work and how! Modi, however, has not
ushered in any big bang reforms that were
expected of him and he is treading cau-
tiously.
As far as foreign policy is concerned,
India has become much more assertive in
last 100 days and Modi is leaving no stone
unturned with his Asian outreach program.
Visits to Bhutan, Nepal, Japan and Chinese
premier visiting India bringing multi billion
dollar investment is certainly a success.
The invitation to SAARC leaders to the
PMs swearing-in was also a clear indica-
tion of Modis priority on establishing
South Asian supremacy and revive
SAARC. I believe he can lead India into
the category of developed nations.
Contrary to the fear of intellectuals and
media of Modi being autocratic, he is com-
ing across as a more accommodating leader
as PM. Make no mistake though, he is a
very strong leader and keeps an eagle eye
on the performance of his ministers. He has
the habit of doing performance appraisals
of his team like corporate entities. A wel-
come change from the past! Being free of
coalition compulsions will allow him to
push his economic, social and foreign poli-
cy agenda with firmness. For the longest
period we have had chalta hai leaders.
That is changing now.
Modis vision for India stems from his
RSS background and influence of Swami
Vivekanand to see India as a Jagad Guru
(World Leader). But he does not believe in
empty rhetoric and jingoism. He is aware of
the shortcomings of India as a country,
Indians as a society. His vision is to make
India self-reliant and make India a country
that exports more than it imports. He would
like to see more Made in India stamps.
This needs skill development and excelling
at anything India undertakes. We have
many archaic laws and systems, and poor
infrastructure unable to keep pace with the
modern world.
Modi has a vision to bring those at par
with developed nations. He wants to instill
pride and confidence in Indian public to
believe in their capabilities and believe in a
resurgent India.
Modi is a workaholic and taskmaster no
doubt, but he also abhors corruption and
has instilled fear in all parts of Executive
not to engage in any quid pro quo. Many
lobbying shops in Delhi have dried up in
last three months as no minister would dare
to lobby for any private entity. He is pas-
sionate about his job and works very hard
for his age. Be it Jan-Dhan Yojana (bank
account and Rs.100,000 insurance for
everyone) or Swachch Bharat (Clean
India) by 2019. Initiative to provide hous-
ing to all by 2022 or building smart cities
for planned growth, he is leading us in the
right direction.
Zankrut Oza
Mumbai-based Professor, Digital Media
Consultant, SocialMedia Trainer and
Public Speaker
W
e
c a n
s e e
the perform-
ance of
Na r e n d r a
Modi in two
ways, fulfill-
ing the deep
deficits in
gove r na nc e
made by UPA
and bringing new
initiatives. His
approach to solve everyday problems of a
billion people nation is amazing. He walks
the talk. Modi carries the credentials of run-
ning Gujarat as a strong leader. Continuing
the legacy, he is leading from the front. He
has shown the courage to take strong deci-
sions for the betterment of the nation and
has also brought the trust and vigor back in
the bureaucrats of the PMO team. As a
leader, he is frank, humble and blunt.
I believe Mr. Modi has a crystal clear
vision with a stepwise process of what he is
doing to make our nation an economically
and culturally prosperous country. In his
own words, "If every Indian will take one
step ahead, the nation will take a leap of
125 crore steps ahead in progress!"
I admire his working style. He microman-
ages every process and keeps real time
updates. He works round the clock, keeps
his team on their toes, monitors the work
and performance of every minister in a time
frame on regular basis.
His way of working or living life is not to
impress but aims to inspire masses to emu-
late it. I am highly impressed with his ini-
tiative of igniting the idea of Make in
India to build a strong manufacturing
industry base.
Pushpa Koneri
A software engineer based in Virginia, she
flew to India this May to cast her vote
F
o u r
mo n t h s
is a short
period to
evaluate any
o f f i c e .
However,
becoming
p r i m e
mi ni st er,
Nar endr a
Modi has
taken Indian
governance to
a different
level. There will
always be gaps and
the critics ferociously
pointing these gaps out but in the last 100+
days the confidence an Indian citizen has
on his countrys government is at an all-
time high!
From the get go, Modi appeared to work
on his duties. His invitations list for the
oath ceremony, his request to Varanasi peo-
ple for a clean Ganga during Thank you
visit right after winning the elections, his
firmness to get accountability from his staff
are indications of serious and effective
authority.
To bring out results, its vital to start from
within and have a team that understands
and is disciplined enough to take on their
responsibilities and Modi has set a great
example leading from the front! With
Indias median age at under 30 years, the
youth have a major role to play in the
countrys development for the next few
decades and Modi certainly has the
younger blood rooting for him and his
visionary ideas. This itself is a great
achievement for any countrys ruler. He
inspires people to do what is expected of
them.
Modi has already injected fresh stimulus
to India's foreign policy, especially in the
immediate neighborhood and East Asia.
His ability to establish a heart to heart rela-
tionship with prominent world leaders has
given other nations a fresh and promising
perspective on Indias capability. Even
though his official visits to the neighboring
countries were a carryover from the previ-
ous regime, Modis visits have instilled
hope of more harmonious bilateral ties. It
is rare to see citizens of other countries
excited and honored to have Indias prime
minister visiting them, but Modis stature
and sincerity towards his role has made this
possible.
Each of Modis decision let it be the
invitation to SAARC leaders, cancellation
of talks with Pakistan or refusal to sign the
WTO agreement -- bears his mark. His
interactions with a score world leaders so
far show that he believes in summit-style
diplomacy to resolve problems. His speech
at the UN General Assembly will be a key
indicator of his world view and foreign
policy plans.
At his Independence Day speech, Modi
spoke like a true executive who has thor-
oughly done his homework and knew
exactly what he is going to do and expects
from his people along with definite time-
lines.
His unusual focus on basic issues such as
sanitation and security is a good indication
that the country is in safe hands.
Four months in power and a long way to go. But Indians are happy to see their
chosen leader already walk the talk. They opine on Prime Minister
Modis leadership style, vision and initiatives taken.
V O X P O P U L I
Setting agenda for Modis America visit
G
iven the strategic importance of US-India re-
lation, Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit
to America is indeed late. Before coming to
America and meeting President Obama, he has visited
and cut signifcant deals with Japans Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe, Australias Prime Minister Tony Abbott,
and Chinas President Xi Jinping. Further, because of
how America treated Modi regarding his visa to vis-
it the USA when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat,
Obama should have arranged for Modi to visit Ameri-
ca sooner. Now, Obama will have to go out of his way
to win back Modis trust for reviving stronger bilat-
eral ties with India that have been in slump since 2011
treatment of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade.
For America, Modi is a dark horse. He is not like any
other individual who had occupied the prime minister
offce in India. This is especially true when Modi is
compared to the outgoing Prime Minister, Manmohan
Singh. Modi is a declared nationalist, a proud Hindu,
and from how he had administered Gujarat, a very in-
telligent strategist and a bold and confdent administra-
tor. His characteristics are apparent in how he invited
Indias neighboring countries, the members of SAA-
RC, to his inauguration; how he retired the pallbearers
of his political party, how he included poor Indians into
the banking system, and how he modifed Indias judi-
cial system. He did in months what would have taken
years for many other administrators in any democracy
in the world. Modi is unconventional and makes bold
moves. He is reinventing India. Modis victory has
given absolute control of Indias administration to the
nationalists, for the frst time in independent India.
Modi is well aware of the responsibility
he has undertaken. And he is working to
prove that he would be a better administra-
tor of India than his predecessors. Some of
the moves he has made, domestically and
internationally in the areas of economy
and foreign affairs, attest to this fact. And,
the evidence shows that he is succeeding
in achieving his goal.
During Modis visit to the USA, Amer-
ica will have to sign agreements and deals
that will have to be much larger than Mo-
dis agreements and deals with Australia,
China, and Japan. Australia has signed a
deal to export nuclear material to India,
helping India immensely while also saving
its fagging uranium industry that refused
shipping it to Russia. Japan will invest
more than $35 billion in Indian industry.
China is planning to invest more than $100
billion in India and is setting up a number
of industrial parks in India and an indus-
trial complex in China, closer to the Indian
border to facilitate trade with India.
American and Indian trade and defense
deals can potentially take the center stage
during Modis visit. Shale gas technology
could be one of the top items on Obama-
Modi agenda. Energy-starved India needs
technology to mine shale gas that America
has perfected. The synergy would beneft
both countries enormously and give America
a bigger hand in Indias economic growth that
is occurring now at a much higher rate than in
the past. While America will like to talk about
being the preferred partner of India for trade
and investment, and developing human capi-
tal and infrastructure, Modi and Obama will
also be talking about the defense cooperation
and co-developing and coproducing technol-
ogy, defense equipment and weapons.
More ambitiously, there could be free
trade, and immigration on the agenda. Known
or not, China and Afghanistan somehow will
also fgure on the agenda. While Modi will
be visiting America only a little more than
a week after Xis visit of India, Obama and
he will know how America would be able to
respond to some of the economic and border
issues India and China have been handling
for a couple decades if not longer.
One question not many are considering
is: Is Modi not upbeat on his US visit?
The question arises not only because of the
scheduling of this visit so late after his be-
coming PM, but also because of the history
of his dealings with America. We all hope
that this will be the best of the deals and
friendships with Australia, China, and Ja-
pan. Nevertheless, the fear is that if indeed
it turns out to be as questioned, i.e., more a
ceremony and less substance, that would be
a very great opportunity missed, probably
irreparable for a decade or so.
For America, Modi is a dark horse. He is not like any earlier prime minister of India.
Modi is a declared nationalist, a proud Hindu, and from how he administered Gujarat,
an intelligent strategist as well as a bold and condent administrator. Note how he
invited heads of Indias neighboring countries to his inauguration, and how he included
poor Indians into the banking system. He did in months what would have taken years
for other administrators in any democracy in the world. Modi is reinventing India.
The author is Chair (Acting) & Professor
of Management at Stillman School of Business.
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By Prof A.D. Amar
Cartoon by
Mahendra
Shah
42
NaMo,
Obama
read each
other.
US red carpet for Indian PMs
A thriving democracy and rising world power, India has progressively become more and more
important strategic and trade partner for America. Indian prime ministers from Jawaharlal Nehru
onward have been welcomed to the White House and have addressed the United Nations.
1956: Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru greeted by
US President Dwight David Eisenhower in the White
House in Washington, D.C. on December 1, 1956.
1971: Indias first woman Prime Minister, Mrs
Indira Gandhi meeting US President Richard M.
Nixon in White House on November 4, 1971.
Optics aside, there were famously bad vibes
between the two. Nixon referred to her as a
witch and clever fox in his communications with
the Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger. A month
later on the orders of Mrs Gandhi Indian forces
made a decisive push towards then East Pakistan
that was soon to be recognized as Bangladesh.
44
1985: President Ronald Reagan and First Lady
Nancy Reagan hosted a dinner for the visiting
Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia
Gandhi at the White House on June 12,1985.
1992: Prime Minister Narasimha Rao holds Secu-
rity Council meetings at the UN in January 1992.
1997: Prime Minister I.K. Gujral with U.S.
President Bill Clinton at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel
in Manhattan on September 22, 1997.
1978: Prime Minister Morarji Desai holds
Press Conference at the UN Conference Room
in New York, June 1978.
1982: President Reagan walking with Prime
Minister Indira Gandhi of India outside the oval
office in the White House on July 29, 1982.
1961: President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jack-
ie Kennedy greet Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and
his daughter Mrs. Indira Gandhi in Washington, DC in
1961. This was Nehrus third trip to the US as PM.
1965: Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri arriving at
the UN General Assembly in New York in June 1965.
2005: President George W. Bush and Laura Bush
welcome India Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh
and Mrs. Gursharan Kaur as they arrive for the
official dinner at the White House, July 18, 2005.
2009: President Barack Obama and First Lady
Michelle Obama held the first official State Dinner
of his Presidency in honor of Indian Prime Minister
Dr. Manmohan Singh and his wife, Mrs. Gursharan
Kaur, at the White House on November 24, 2009.
2003: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and
President George W. Bush shaking hands at a meeting
in NewYork on September 24, 2003.
US RED CARPET FOR INDIAN PMs
46
TheSouthAsianTimes.info Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 NaMo Special
48
By SAT Team
T
he meteoric rise of the 64-year-old
Narendra Modi up the political ladder
is an incredible story after a humble
beginning as a six-year-old tea vendor to
becoming the prime minister of the world's
biggest democracy. A wider spectrum of infor-
mation available on his illustrious past has
whetted the appetite for stories on Narendra
Modi. Today, there is no dearth of books on
the Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. Top
on the list is journalist-author Kingshuk Nag's
The NaMO Story: A Political Life.
There is a lot of interest in Narendra Modi
among the people and hence there is a demand
to know more about the man, says Nag, who
was posted in Gujarat and has reported on the
riots.
During this stint, he had met and interacted
with Modi on several occasions. Another
meticulous account on Modi comes from vet-
eran journalist Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay in his
book "Narendra Modi: The Man. The Times".
The Delhi-based writer interviewed Modi on
several occasions for this book and got a
chance to meet him up-close and in person.
Narendra Modi is an extremely charismatic
person and is warm and effusive. I still
remember when I had met him for the first
time, he had got up from his chair and shook
hands with me. His connection with the people
is tremendous and he is seen as a role model,
Mukhopadhyay points out.
"One can't deny the fact that he is a great
communicator. When he was a child, he had
done theater and he uses the theater to sell pol-
itics. Even the way he carries himself makes
him stand out from the crowd," he adds, say-
ing Modi has borrowed his half-sleeved knee-
length kurta style from yesteryears'
Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna.
Writers in various languages - English,
Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and Gujarati - have tried
to decode the man and his political sojourn.
There are books like "Narendra Modi: A
Political Biography", "The Man of the
Moment: Narendra Modi", "Narendra Modi:
Yes He Can", "Narendra Modi: The Game
Changer", "ModiNomics", "Narendra Modi:
Ek Rajneetik Katha"(Hindi), "Samajik
Samrasta"(Hindi), "Modinama"(Marathi) and
"Narendra Modi" (Tamil), among many oth-
ers. Not just this, if one goes to Modi's web-
site, many e-books like "Convenient Action"
have been written by him and a few like
"Narkesri-Narendra Modi", a Gujarati transla-
tion of a Kannada book penned by a young
writer. According to Westland publications
managing editor Sudha Sadanand,
Mukhopadhyay's book had done extremely
well even when Modi was not declared a
prime ministerial candidate. The book was
released in 2013.
"The book had evoked great curiosity as we
were the first amongst several others to have a
book on him. It has now gone into a reprint
and with elections around the corner, the
demand is bound to increase manifold," she
added. Nag's book too has been well received.
A book chronicling Prime Minister Narendra
Modi's rise in politics as well as other aspects
of his life will hit book stores in November
this year. The book - "Narendra Modi: a
Charismatic and Visionary Statesman" - has
been authored jointly by Adish C Aggarwal
and Sarah J Marchington.
To be released on November 15, the book is
being published by UK Publishers and
Distributors Ltd, London. Not just prominent
faces, the new to one join the race is a former
assistant commandant with National Security
Guard (NSG), who guarded the Gujarat chief
minister for fine months in 2006 and 2007.
My small book in Hindi 'Modi Aur Maien'
is based on my perception of the man, who is
manned by several security personnel. I have
never seen a leader working so hard. We could
make out that he works for 18-20 hours a day,"
said Prabir Mahanty, who recently took volun-
tary retirement from country's elite anti-terror
force. Mohanty, who was second-in-command
of the NSG guards deployed for Modi's securi-
ty in Ahmedabad, recalls in his book how the
CM once traveled down to a writer's house to
release a book since the author did not have
enough finance to host an event or even to call
media persons.
This isn't the end. The Modi clout is just
growing bigger.
Wait for more books on the man in near
future who has taken the world by storm right
from the day he became India's 14th Prime
Minister.
Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi is yet to provide a prologue or officially recognise a book
describing his political journey and personal life, his rise and popularity have provided literary
fodder to many authors to write on his charismatic personality. A sneak peak.
Author-journalists Kingshuk Nag's The NaMO Story: A Political Life
and Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay's "Narendra Modi: The Man. The Times" are
among the top favorites books.
The NaMo Story: A Political Life
'The NaMo Story: A Political Life' by Kingshuk Nag gives a brilliant portrayal of an excep-
tional politician, Narendra Modi, depicting his journey from a tea vendor's son to the Chief
Minister of Gujarat. The book begins with a short history of the political situation and
reforms of the 1990s.
Narendra Modi- A Political Biography
'Narendra Modi- A Political Biography' by Andy Marino attempts to give the honest picture
of Narendra Modi, the man and his politics. It enables the readers to get a better under-
standing of Modi's ways of governance.
Centrestage: Inside the Narendra Modi Model of Governance
Uday Mahurkars Centrestage: Inside the Narendra Modi Model of Governance gives a
balanced and impersonal judgement of Modis mantra of governance. Mahurkar not only
talks about Modi's visionary schemes but also talks about issues on which Modi could have
paid more attention and performed better.
Modi: Making of a Prime Minister: Leadership, Governance and Performance
The book by Vivian Fernandes is a peak into the political scenario of Gujarat and the way
of Modi's governance from a viewpoint of a liberal Indian.
The Man of the Moment - Narendra Modi
'The Man of the Moment: Narendra Modi' authored by M V Kamath and Kalindi Randeri
uncovers the life and the development of a perfect politician who has expanded the bound-
aries of politics in India.
Narendra Modi: The Gamechanger
Sudesh Verma's 'Narendra Modi -The Gamechanger' shows Narendra Modi as a
gamechanger, one who knows how to affect people with his work and turn the tables on his
opponents. The book is based on all-inclusive interviews of Modi and his close associates.
Jyotipunj : 'Jyotipunj' gives a description
of all the people who Narendra Modi
believes inspired him and had a strong
influence on his work.
Abode of Love : Abode of Love is a
compendium of eight short stories written
by Narendra Modi. It was written by Modi
at a young age. These stories reveal the
sensitive and affectional, aspect of his
character.
Premtirth: Premtirth is an assemblage of
short stories written by Narendrabhai
Modi. In this book, he gives an a soulful
portrayal of motherly feelings in a very
simple and impressive language.
Kelve Te Kelavani : Kelave te Kelavani
means education is that which nurtures.
The book brings forth his thoughts and his
vision to bring about a knowledge revolu-
tion in Gujarat. It shows his love for edu-
cation.
Sakshibhav : 'Sakshibhav' consists of a
series of letters addressed to Jagat Janani
Maa. It describes the journey of inner-self
of Narendra Modi and his feelings.
Samajik Samarsata : Samajik
Samarasata is a compilation of Narendra
Modi's articles and lectures. The book
reflects Modi's views of social inclusive-
ness.
Convenient Action : Gujarat's
Response to Challenges of Climate
Change : 'Convenient Action: Gujarats
Response to Challenges of Climate
Change' is Modi's first book in English.
The book talks about the changes of cli-
mate in the state of Gujarat and how the
people of the state responds to it.
Books on Narendra Modi
Books written by Modi
49
By SAT Team
E
uphoria can't be a substi-
tute for ground level
organization. Votes have to
be earned through development,
not by ramping up political rheto-
ric. This in a way is the short mes-
sage from the by-election results
in 10 states - a warning bell to the
saffron unit before the critical test
in Maharashtra and Haryana.
Union minister Kalraj Mishra,
however, asserted by-poll results
should not be taken as a sample
because the dynamics are differ-
ent from the Lok Sabha elections.
By-polls are fought on state
issues where state leaders matter,
he added.
While maintaining a brave front
on television channels and public
platforms, senior leaders candidly
admit now that deviating from the
'sabka saath, sabka vikas' (With
all, for all) and embracing the
communally laced tempo of a
Yogi, Mahant Adityanath, proved
to be their undoing!
The credo of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi reaped huge elec-
toral dividends for the BJP not
long ago in the Lok Sabha elec-
tions, garnering 71 of the 80 seats
from Uttar Pradesh.
Pointing out that the national
leadership had by and large
shown no interest in the state's
bypolls as it was busy with
ground work for Haryana and
Maharashtra where assembly
polls are scheduled for October,
the leaders point out that big
names were conspicuous by their
absence in the UP campaign.
This, they said, made an
impression that after romping
home to power in the central gov-
ernment, they were no longer
interested in Uttar Pradesh.
"While this was not the reality,
the perception carried through
and was lapped up by the
Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders
who picked on absence of big
BJP leaders as a show of disre-
spect to the mandate people gave
to Modi," pointed out a leader.
The absence of major faces in
the campaign and state BJP presi-
dent Laxmikant Bajpayi merrily
playing along issues like "love
jihad" and "shuddikaran" (purifi-
cation) of those embracing Islam,
left the party cadre confused and
irked at the complacency of its
top brass.
Insiders in hushed tones also
point out that the BJP top brass
"deliberately overlooked"
attempts by the RSS and hardlin-
ers within the party to run amok
with their hate speeches and com-
munal agenda.
This, the senior BJP leader said,
was largely because the Sangh
wanted to "test waters" on the
party' s winnability in Uttar
Pradesh that hinged on communal
and Hindutva agenda.
A senior MP said the prime
minister looked the other way as
he wanted to settle "once and for
all" the issue of whether develop-
ment politics or the communal
agenda was more acceptable to
the people.
"The landslide in the Lok Sabha
polls was due to the charisma of
Narendra Modi, there is no doubt
about it now," said another senior
party functionary.
Vijay Bahadur Pathak, state
spokesperson for the BJP and an
outspoken critic of the Akhilesh
Yadav government, while admit-
ting that the results were a "blow
to party's plans of expanding fur-
ther", said that they took the poll
results "very seriously" and that a
course correction will follow.
That seems to be the only sensible
and workable way, party leaders
feel. The BJP's ally Shiv Sena
described the by-poll results as
unexpected shock and surprise.
"We have won a seat in Bengal,
does that mean (Chief Minister)
Mamata Banerjee has lost? The
dynamics are different and it is
wrong to assess that the BJP has
lost popularity just on the basis of
these results," added Mishra.
Claiming that its hold at the
grassroots level was still strong,
Mishra asserted that the party will
bounce back, including in Uttar
Pradesh where it won only three
of the 11 assembly seats that went
to the polls.
"Obviously we have lost a few
seats but that doesn't mean we
have lost ground. There might be
reasons for our defeat, but our
grasp at grassroots is still strong
and we will certainly bounce
back. This is not a matter of con-
cern for us," said Mishra.
Mishra, the union minister for
Micro Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSME), also refused
to admit that the 'love jihad' theo-
ry was an issue raised by his party
during the UP by-poll.
"It was not an issue which we
raised...rather it's some people
who ostensibly made it to be our
issue," added Mishra.
"Love jihad" is a term used by
Hindu hardliners for Muslim
youth marrying Hindu girls with
the intention of converting them
to Islam.
When we look deep, we actual-
ly find that former Uttar Pradesh
chief minister Mayawati's and his
Bahujan Samajwadi Party's stran-
glehold on her voter base is dwin-
dling. Having drawn a blank in
the Lok Sabha polls and, of late,
giving a walkover to her oppo-
nents by not contesting the assem-
bly bypolls or the Mainpuri Lok
Sabha seat, the Dalit diva has
been pushed to the sidelines of
politics in a state where she held
center stage not long ago.
While the BSP failed to hold on
to its decade-old captive vote
bank of Dalits during the Lok
Sabha polls, where her party man-
aged a duck despite fielding can-
didates on all 80 seats, non-partic-
ipation in the assembly by-polls,
many feel, has only added to
Mayawati's alienation from her
vote bank which would have ide-
ally liked 'behen-ji's' participation
in the electoral exercise. For the
BJP, now that the Modi wave
has slowed down, the party needs
to get back to the drawing board
and start planning rationally.
Although the BJP asserts that the party's reversal of fortunes in the assembly by-elections in Uttar
Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat should not be construed as an indication of the party losing ground, the
results do ask for a new strategy at the ground level that looks beyond Narendra Modi's popularity.
Deviating from the 'sabka saath, sabka
vikas' (With all, for all) coupled with the
absence of senior leaders during
campaigning adversely affected BJP's
performance in the by-polls in 10 states.
"The landslide in the Lok Sabha polls
was due to the charisma of Narendra
Modi, there is no doubt about it now,"
said a senior party functionary.
50 Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY
New York: The New York
Chapter of Pratham USA wel-
comed more than 600 guests to its
annual gala held on September 18
at The Museum of Modern Art.
Prominent Indian Americans, phi-
lanthropists, corporate executive
and Wall Street elite turned up for
this years festivities. The evening
raised over $2 million for
Prathams programs to educate
underprivileged children and
youth in India.
Washington Post journalist,
CNN host and New York Times
best-selling author Fareed Zakaria
delivered the nights keynote
address and spoke on Indias
recent election and his hope for
Indias ability to instigate change.
Asia Society President and CEO
Josette Sheeran also gave remarks,
congratulating Pratham CEO and
Co-Founder Dr. Madhav Chavan
on his recent Asia Game Changer
Award for "bringing the gift of lit-
eracy to millions of Indians."
Gala guests, including Manish
Dayal from the celebrated film
"The Hundred-Foot Journey," and
Ali Velshi, host of "Real Money
with Ali Velshi," who served as the
nights emcee. Attendees were
also treated to private gallery tours
of The Museum of Modern Arts
exquisite collection. To raise
awareness outside the event, this
year s gala also highlighted
#WHYPRATHAM, a social media
campaign encouraging attendees
to share messages about their per-
sonal connection to the organiza-
tion. "We are immensely grateful
to our sponsors, supporters and
volunteers for the tremendous suc-
cess of this year s gala," said
Deepak Raj, President of the New
York Tri-State Chapter. "The funds
we raised reflect our communitys
commitment to widening access to
education in India and our belief
in Prathams unique vision and
ability to enact change. We hope
we can raise even more next year."
Washington,DC: Asserting that India has an "irre-
placeable economic and political role" at the global
stage, an Indian-American body has called for an
immediate reform of the UNSC to make the country
its permanent member. The American India Public
Affairs Committee (AIPAC) said in a statement: "It is
about time that India is included as one of the perma-
nent members." "First in the debates over the
Councils reform, India represents developing coun-
tries' perspective, and it is supported by wide majori-
ty of them and several African countries," said
Jagdish Sewhani of the AIPAC. "Second by any
objective criteria, such as territorial size, GDP, eco-
nomic potential, civilization legacy, cultural diversity,
political system, population and past and ongoing
contributions to the activities of the UN, India is emi-
nently qualified for permanent membership," he said.
Sewhani said "it is really illogical that country like
India who have irreplaceable economic and political
role is still not permanent member of (the) Security
Council". He said the UNSC has faced "international
pressure for substantial reforms since 1991", but still
Asia is under-represented while Europe is over-repre-
sented. "It (the UNSC) also lacks representation from
developing countries, which make more than half the
world," Sewhani said.
United Nations: The UN International Day of Peace
celebrations heard an appeal from the International
Mahavira Jain Mission for nonviolence towards all liv-
ing beings as a way of promoting world peace.
Neil Parikh, a 21-year-old student from New Jersey,
representing the organization, said, "When people think
about world peace it is all about humans. But we have
to develop an attitude of nonviolence towards animals
also. This will be the way to promote harmony and
world peace through nonviolence." The International
Day of Peace celebrations Friday featured celebrities,
global leaders and children. The highlight of the obser-
vances was the annual ringing of the Peace Bell by UN
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. As a part of the 33-
year bell ringing tradition, he called on combatants to
lay down their arms. About 500 high school and uni-
versity students participated in the celebrations and in
the sessions on, the Peace Day theme, "Right of
Peoples to Peace," at which Parikh spoke. With the
upcoming UN Climate Change Summit in mind, he
linked nonviolence as a principle to environment pro-
tection, which is integral to world peace.
New York, NY: Maharashtra
Tourism presented Diwali At
Times Square extravaganza on
Saturday here. The festival began
with a Ganpathi procession with
Dhol Tasha led by Maharashtra
Tourism, prominent dignitaries
such as Consul General of India,
Mr. Dnyaneshwar Mulay,
Congressman Joseph Crowley
and Councilman Paul Vallone,
Neeta Bhasin, CEO of Event
Guru, and plus visiting dignitaries
from India.
Apart from the busy Diwali
Bazaar, thrilling traditional
Maharashtra acrobatic performers
were invited to display the first
female Dahi Handi and
Malkhamb. The main stage had
traditional performances by local
dance troupes.
Indian actors Aditya Roy Kapur
and Parineeti Chopra, promoting
their new film, 'Daawat-e-Ishq'
made a special appearance at the
concert that featured performanc-
es by singer Shaan, Shalmali,
Aditya and Pankhudi, Sunny
Brown, Mickey Singh, DJ Baba
Kahn, Arjun, famous choreogra-
pher Marzi and other artists.
They enthralled the audience
with their melodious voices, excit-
ing dance numbers and
Bollywood glamor.
The NASDAQ screen was used
to display the Diwali smiles of the
festival goers taken by Wells
Fargos team of photographers
throughout the day. The full on
concert was kicked off with the
interactive diya lighting on the
Thomson Reuters Screen at 6pm.
Over $2 m raised for Pratham at MoMA Gala
Indian-American body calls for UNSC reform
Plea for non violence towards all living beings at UN
Maharashtra Tourism celebrates Diwali At Times Square
Co-founder Dr Madhav Chavan (center) with Pratham
members and supporters
Dignitaries participated with gusto in the celebration, and (right) Traditional Maharashtra acrobatic performers
showcase Malkhamb
Congressmen Joseph Crowley
named Gurdip Singh Narula
as first Sikh District Leader-at-
Large at the Democratic
Organization of Queen County
Of New York meeting held in
Elmhurst, NY,
recently.
Friends of Action Research in Community Health & Development
(ARCH) -- a non-profit helping out the needy in eastern tribal belt
of Gujarat-- celebrated its 20th Annual event in New York with
over 400 donors and 100+ young professionals. Hollywood star
Kal Penn Modi, a longtime ARCH supporter, attended.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 NaMo Special
52 Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA NEWS
Bangalore: India has created space history by
becoming the first country in the world to
enter Mars' orbit in its debut attempt. A beam-
ing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wearing a
red jacket symbolic of the Red Planet,
described it as "achieving the near impossi-
ble", congratulated the feat of Indian scien-
tists and called for challenging the next fron-
tier. India's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) tra-
versed over 650 million km through deep
space for over nine months to successfully
reach the planet's orbit. The US, Europe and
Russia had failed in their first attempts.
"The spacecraft (Orbiter) successfully
entered the Martian orbit at 7.55 a.m. and is
located at about 515 km from its surface...," a
senior space official said.
Radars at the earth stations of NASA at
Goldstone in the US, Madrid in Spain,
Canberra in Australia and India's own deep
space network at Baylalu near Bangalore
received the radio signals from the Orbiter,
confirming its insertion into the Mars orbit.
Modi, who witnessed the event from an
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
facility in Bangalore, said that the successful
Mars mission "must become a base for chal-
lenging the next frontier".
The success "will go down as landmark in
history", said a visibly delighted Modi.
India's Mars mission is "a shining symbol
of what we are capable of as a nation" and we
have gone beyond boundaries of human
enterprise and imagination, he added.
The 475 kg (dry mass) Orbiter will take 77
hours or 3.2 earth days to rotate around the
red planet over the next six months and will
study its surface and mineral composition and
scan its atmosphere for methane gas in search
of life-sustaining elements.
The prime minister said that the MOM was
built "indigenously, in a pan-Indian effort".
"With today's spectacular success, ISRO joins
an elite group of only three other agencies
worldwide to have successfully reached the
Red Planet," he added amidst applause. India
also became the first Asian country to have
entered the Mars sphere of influence (gravity)
, as a similar mission by China failed in 2011.
The Rs.450-crore ($70 million) ambitious
mission was launched Nov 5, 2013, on board
a polar rocket from spaceport Sriharikota off
Bay of Bengal, about 80 km northeast of
Chennai.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra
Modi will launch the "Swachh Bharat
Mission", a campaign to clean India, on
October 2, the birth anniversary of
Mahatma Gandhi.
The mission aims to achieve a com-
pletely clean India by Oct 2, 2019 to
mark the 150th birth anniversary of the
father of the nation. Urban
Development Minister M. Venkaiah
Naidu and Rural Development Minister
Nitin Gadkari released the logo and slo-
gan for the five-year mission here
Thursday. The logo shows a pair of
spectacles of the kind worn by
Mahatma Gandhi with the words
"clean" and "India", and the slogan says
"One step towards cleanliness".
The government had invited ideas
from people for designing the logo and
suggesting slogans.
Prizes of Rs.50,000 and Rs.25,000
were announced for the best entries for
the logo and the slogan, respectively.
"The government has launched a
massive campaign to sustain the mis-
sion and sensitise all officials con-
cerned," Naidu told the media here.
He said the government has roped in
various agencies like municipal bodies,
religious and spiritual organisations and
letters have been written to all parlia-
mentarians and state governors.
"The campaign will be kicked off
from India Gate by Modi on Oct 2 and
all parliamentarians and ministers will
join through video-conferencing from
their respective constituencies," he
added.
Mumbai: In a day of fast political
developments, Maharashtra's two
main alliances - the BJP-Shiv
Sena and the Congress-NCP -
broke up over differences in seat
sharing, setting the stage for
multi-cornered contests in the Oct
15 assembly elections.
The Nationalist Congress Party
(NCP) called off its 15-year-old
alliance with the Congress in the
state, hours after the Bharatiya
Janata Party snapped off its 25-
year-old tie with Shiv Sena. The
NCP also quit the Congress-led
Democratic Front government,
reducing it to a minority in the
288-member assembly and rais-
ing the possibility of the state
coming under central rule - barely
three weeks before the poll.
The BJP has now decided to
contest the elections with the sup-
port of at least three other smaller
parties which were part of the
erstwhile 'Grand Alliance'.
Barely an hour later, the NCP
also broke its ties with Congress
and announced it would contest
the elections independently with
support from "like-minded secular
parties".
"We have decided to chart our
independent path along with some
secular-minded parties," state
NCP president Sunil Tatkare told
the media.
The NCP also decided to with-
draw from the government.
Since the election code of con-
duct is already in force, political
experts are not clear whether
Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan
will continue as a caretaker or
president's rule will be imposed in
the state.
The unprecedented development
- when both ruling and opposition
alliance collapsed within an hour
of each other - has thrown open
the possible electoral outcome.
The development is being seen
as both the junior alliance partners
- the NCP and BJP - deciding to
break free from the bigger parties
- Congress and Shiv Sena - and
attempt to grab power or become
powerful on their own strengths.
Top BJP leaders directly
accused Sena leadership of being
not interested "in anything else
except the CM's post" while the
Sena hit back by alleging "a secret
understanding between BJP and
(Sharad Pawar-led) NCP and
super-arrogance".
However, both the "newly-
divorced" alliances are keeping
options open - the BJP saying that
friendship with Sena will continue
forever, and the NCP hoping that
the next government will also be
formed by secular forces - for a
post-poll re-marriage.
India gifts Mars, its 'MOM'
Modi to launch
Swachh Bharat
Mission on October 2
BJP-Shiv Sena alliance over, NCP leaves Congress
TIME UP: Narendra Modi with Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad pawar with Sonia Gandhi
First Mars images given to Modi
New Delhi/Bangalore: ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan presented to Prime Minister
Narendra Modi the first set of images of the Martian surface taken by the Mars Orbiter.
The spacecraft started taking images of Mars hours after it was inserted in its orbit
Wednesday and beamed them to earth, a space official said in Bangalore Thursday.
"The Mars Color Camera (MCC) onboard started working soon after the Orbiter sta-
bilised in the elliptical orbit of Mars and has taken a dozen quality pictures of its surface
and its surroundings," Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientific secretary
V. Koteshwara Rao said. The camera took the first image from an altitude of 7,300 km
with a 376-metre spatial resolution.
Narendra Modi congratulates ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 NaMo Special
54
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 TheSouthAsianTimes.info INTERNATIONAL
New Delhi: The Indian Supreme Court has can-
celed 214 coal blocks allocated from 1993 to 2011,
except four vested with the NTPC, SAIL and Sasan
Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP).
The court also imposed an additional levy of
Rs.295 per tonne of coal extracted from exempted
or operational mines.
The four coal blocks that escaped the axe were
the three in Annexure 1 - Moher and Moher Amroli
Extension allocated to Sasan Power Ltd. and Tasra,
allotted to Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), a
central government public sector undertaking not
having any joint venture.
Cancelling 214 coal blocks, a bench of Chief
Justice R.M. Lodha, Justice Madan B. Lokur and
Justice Kurian Joseph put them in two categories -
coal blocks which have not commenced operation
notwithstanding the stage of their development, and
46 others of which 40 were operational and six that
can start operation virtually anytime.
"As far as the first category of coal block allot-
ments is concerned, they must be cancelled (except
those mentioned in the judgment). There is no rea-
son to save them from cancellation," the bench
said.
The "allocations are illegal and arbitrary; the
allottees have not yet entered into any mining lease
and they have not yet commenced production.
"Whether they are 95 percent ready or 92 percent
ready or 90 percent ready for production (as argued
by some learned counsel) is wholly irrelevant," it
said.
London: Have you bought new iPhone 6 from
Apple? Check if it bends in your pocket.
According to media reports, more iphone 6 users
are joining the complaints on various social media
platforms that new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus chassis bend
in their trouser pockets.
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus chassis is milled from a
solid piece of aluminium alloy whose composition is
secret. The weak area of the phone appears to be
around the volume buttons, where the frame is at its
thinnest and creates a fulcrum point around which
the phone bends, Guardian reported.
The screen, however, does not break when the
phone bends.
Refuting the claims, SquareTrade, a firm that
offers extended warranties on products, said new
iPhones were the most robust yet in its breakabili-
ty rating.
Both new iPhones are bigger and more durable
than any before them, the SquareTrade spokesman
said in the YouTube video.
However, previous iPhones users have also com-
plained about their smartphones bending while in
pockets.
The larger and thinner the smartphone, the more
likely it is to be damaged by being carried in the
pocket under tension, the report added.
Washington: The United States,
along with its Arab allies, has
continued airstrikes on positions
of the Islamic State (IS) group in
Syria by targeting oil facilities
controlled by the militants.
The US Central Command, in
charge of American military
operations in the Middle East,
said Wednesday that the raids
were carried out by fighter
planes and cruise missiles on 12
refineries under IS control in
remote areas of eastern Syria.
The US and its four Arab allies
- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the
United Arab Emirates (UAE),
and Jordan - with the logistics
support of Qatar, bombed sever-
al bunkers of the jihadi group in
Syria for the first time early
Tuesday.
Pentagon spokesman Rear
Admiral John Kirby said in an
interview with CNN that in the
latest attacks, the planes of the
Arab allies outnumbered those
of the US, especially those from
the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The Central Command said
that the airstrikes, which lasted
for about two hours, were car-
ried out in the proximity of the
cities of Mayadin, Al-Hasakah,
Abu Kamal and Deir al Zur.
"We are still evaluating the
effectiveness of the attacks on
the refineries, but the initial indi-
cations suggest success," the
Central Command said in a
statement.
The refineries were being used
by the jihadis to earn more than
$2 million per day by selling up
to 500 barrels a day, according
to American intelligence,
although some experts believe
the amount could be greater.
Oil sales, along with extortion
and looted antiquities, are a
major source of income for the
IS.
US aircraft and drones are also
flying over Syria to gather
intelligence and also to mark tar-
gets.
United Nations: President
Barack Obama has called on all
nations to join the fight against
the Islamic State (IS) and other
terrorists whose brutality "forces
us to look into the heart of dark-
ness".
He told the UN General
Assembly, "Collectively, we
must take concrete steps to
address the danger posed by reli-
giously motivated fanatics, and
the trends that fuel their recruit-
ment."
Speaking after decisively tak-
ing on the IS and another terrorist
group by launching air strikes, he
made combating terror the main
focus of the US president's annu-
al address to the Assembly, while
also reiterating his tough line on
Russia over Ukraine.
There was no mention of South
Asia, but he made a veiled refer-
ence to China' s disputes with
other East and Southeast Asian
nations.
"America is and will continue
to be a Pacific power, promoting
peace, stability, and the free flow
of commerce among nations," he
said. "But we will insist that all
nations abide by the rules of the
road, and resolve their territorial
disputes peacefully, consistent
with international law."
Obama said the "campaign
against extremism goes beyond a
narrow security challenge" and
referred to corruption and pover-
ty as factors fuelling terrorism
and spreading extremism to other
places.
Incheon: The Indian contingent
at the Incheon Asian Games has-
n't yet lived up to the expecta-
tions so far.
Apart from a gold medal win-
ning performance by shooter Jitu
Rai at the 50 metre pistol and a
silver medal by squash player
Saurav Ghosal, there is not much
to talk about. Till now India have
won 15 medals till now.
Several other top most Indian
athletes had to be contented with
bronze medals which included
Abhinav Bindra (men's 10 meter
rifle), Dipika palliwal (women's
squash), Shweta Chaudhry (10m
range in air pistol), Dushyant
Chauhan (boxing), Narender
Grewal (Wushu) and Sanathoi
Devi (Wushu).
In the team event also the
Indian contingent had to to be
satisfied with a few bronze
medals in the 10m men's air pis-
tol event, women's 25 metre team
event and women's badminton, in
which India went down to South
Korea 1-3.
It was a hard luck especially for
Abhinav Bindra, who announce
his retirement on September 22,
took part in his last competitive
event, a day later. Hopes were
high on him to say goodbye to the
sport with a gold medal. But it
was not to be. China was leading
the medal' s tally with 134
medals, with hosts South Korea
following with 74 medals while
India remained at the 13th posi-
tion.
SC cancels 214 coal blocks, spares 4
iPhone 6 bending in pockets, say users
US, Arab allies target
IS-controlled areas in Syria
Obama calls for global
support to tackle IS
Asian Games: India
await more medals
Sports
Business
President Barack Obama
Shooter Jitu Rai (centre) won gold
US aircraft and drones are also flying over Syria to gather
intelligence and also to mark targets.
M
y sister, Irene, and brother-in-law,
Santosh, recently celebrated their
25th wedding anniversary. Its a
very significant anniversary and like many
couples who are lucky enough to reach the
milestone, they had a big party to mark the
occasion.
Will they celebrate their 30th anniversary
with as much excitement? Probably not. The
30th anniversary, by tradition, isnt quite as
significant as the 25th and neither are the
35th and 40th. When they reach their 50th
anniversary, however, they will be showered
with congratulatory messages from all seven
continents, as well as the human settlement
on Mars.
After the 50th anniversary are two signifi-
cant anniversaries: 60 and 75. Only a few
couples are lucky enough to reach their 75th
anniversary. Those who do are usually in
their mid-90s (or older) and not always sure
what theyre celebrating.
Nursing home aide: Jack and Delores,
congratulations! Seventy-five years is a big
achievement.
Jack: Seventy-five years? You mean
weve been in this place for 75 years
already? How old am I anyway?
Delores: Shes talking about our wedding
anniversary. Weve been together 75 years,
Jack.
Jack: Seventy-five years? Goodness gra-
cious, Lord Almighty. When the reverend
said, Till death do us part, I didnt realize it
would be this long!
Its curious to me how some numbers are
more significant in our lives than others.
Here are some of the most important
ones:
2 We love this number because it denotes
a couple, a pair. Two is a number we use a
lot, whether were reserving a Table for
Two at a restaurant, dividing a sandwich by
two at Subway, or yelling Number 2! from
the bathroom.
4 This is one of my favorite numbers. Its
the number of years we usually spend in col-
lege to earn a degree, the number of seasons
in a year, the number of weeks in a month.
Four is the number of grand slam tourna-
ments in tennis and major championships in
golf. Its also the number of years we have to
wait between Olympic Games, World Cups,
and Charlie Sheen marriages.
7 We gave importance to 7 when we
decided how many days to have in a week
and how many dwarfs to help Snow White.
The National Basketball Association (NBA)
and other sports leagues follow a best-of-
seven format in their playoff rounds. Seven
is a lucky number for director M. Night
Shyamalan: The critics love every seventh
movie he makes.
10 Here begins our infatuation with mul-
tiples of ten. Whether its 10, 20, 30 or 40,
its somehow extremely significant to us. We
feel a lot older when we turn 30 than when
we turn 29, and not just because were stuck
on 29 for several years.
12 A dozen is how we prefer to acquire a
lot of things. Try selling people a carton of
11 eggs and theyll probably laugh in your
face. But a dozen is perfect, whether its
eggs, roses, or Saudi wives.
13 Thirteen is the unlucky number, the
number we try to avoid. Many high-rise
buildings dont have a 13th floor they just
skip to the 14th. Tiger Woods marriage fell
apart when he made the regretful mistake of
getting a 13th girlfriend. For most profes-
sional athletes, a dozen is perfect.
16 This is a significant birthday for girls,
Sweet Sixteen, signifying their passage into
womanhood. Sixteen is also the number of
hours in a day that the average teenager
spends on Facebook.
21 This is a significant birthday for boys,
signifying their passage from soft drinks to
hard drinks. Twenty-one is the minimum
drinking age in many parts of the world, and
also the minimum number of empty beer
cans lying around at the birthday celebration.
50 This is a half-century, an extremely
significant number. When you get to 50,
youre halfway to 100, and you might just
get there, especially if youre as good as
Sachin Tendulkar. (The retired Indian crick-
eter is the only player to have scored 100
International centuries.) Fifty is the age
when you can get senior discounts at a num-
ber of places, and its also if you bother
counting the strands of hair you have left.
100 Few numbers can compare to 100 in
significance. Getting to 100 makes you a
centenarian, old enough to say Hi kids! to
everyone at the shuffleboard tournament. Its
truly an honor to be in a list of 100, whether
youre a Top 100 tennis player, one of the
100 Most Influential People in the world
or the first 100 people to get selfies with the
Dalai Lama.
Humor with Melvin Durai
Whats in a Number? Two Much
by Mahendra
Shah
Mahendra Shah is
an architect by
education,
entrepreneur by
profession, artist
and humorist,
cartoonist and
writer by hobby. He
has been recording
the plight of the
immigrant Indians
for the past many
years in his
cartoons. Hailing
from Gujarat, he
lives in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
56 Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 TheSouthAsianTimes.info HUMOR
TheSouthAsianTimes.info Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 NaMo Special
By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874; Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898,
2648 9899; psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com
Stars Foretell: September 27-October 3, 2014
Annual Predictions: For those born in this week
TAURUS: Timely help of associates will not only
pass difficult times at work but also
help in regaining professional edge.
Enjoying the company of close rela-
tives will brighten your evening.
Monetary gains are likely to be from
more than one source. A promising
week for romance when your innovation infuses a
new spirit in it. Charity work undertaken will bring
mental peace & comfort. Travelling on your own,
with a friend or with the whole family will be excit-
ing and comfortable too. Value the property at right
price to attract buyers for it. Your valuable advice
would help someone in distress.
ARIES: With your high confidence you will be able
to cross all hurdles at professional front.
A happy time in the company of
friends and relatives as they do many
favours to you. You get some finan-
cial rewards as dedication & hard
work gets noticed. Sudden romantic
encounter is foreseen in this week. Positive
outlook impresses those around you besides keeping
you fit & fine. Vacation full of beauty and history as
well as exciting is waiting for you. Looking for good
long term investments, then go for a property which
is under construction. Verbal communication will be
your biggest asset.
SAGITTARIUS: To take business to newer heights
you will have to induct highly motivat-
ed persons with excellent interper-
sonal skills in your team. Help from
family members would take care of
your needs. Improvement in finances
is certain. Romantic entanglement
would add spice to your happiness. Dont
forget to massage body to give relief to tired mus-
cles. Thrilling experience is on your way, as your
trip is full of excitement A good deal on commercial
property might occur. Your ability to help needy
people will bring respect.
CAPRICORN : If possible, take the help of emo-
tional intelligence to succeed at profes-
sional front. You will enjoy the time
spent with family members and
friends. Speculation coupled with
some unexpected gains improves
financial health. For some work takes a
backseat, as you find comfort in the arms of
love partner. Your enormous confidence would help
in enjoying a healthy life. Pack your bags as a happy,
fun-filled holiday is looking forward. Their might be
a chance of acquiring a plot from your closed relative.
You receive important invitation from an unexpected
friend.
AQUARIUS: Hard work put-in the past will yield
handsome rewards in business in this
week. Your generous behaviour
would enable to enjoy some lovely
moments with family. Extra caution
& care seems to be the need of the
hour especially in financial matters.
Use new but innovative methods to catch
the attraction of opposite sex. Start meditation &
yoga to attain sound health especially mental tough-
ness. An enriching vacation full of fun is what you
need. You might deal in some ancestral property or
any other parental property. A sparkling laughter-
filled week when most things go as you desire.
PISCES: Business partners behave supportive on
executing strategies to sort out pending
problems. Friends and family mem-
bers would lend a helping hand. Even
though funds might easily slip
through your fingers, let it not
unnerve you because your lucky stars
would keep the finances flowing. Chances
of your love life turning into life-long bond are high
on the card. A very healthy week filled with happi-
ness & vitality. Time to make your vacation a dream
come true. A deal regarding residential property can
start moving on its right path. Ability to act swiftly to
solve personal problems will be highly appreciated.
CANCER: Your technical expertise gives a deci-
sive edge over competitors at work.
You will be at the limelight in a
social gathering provided you
attend. Financial position will
improve later in the week. Partner
brings immense romantic pleasure
even if work pressure occupies your
mind You will have ample time to do things to
improve your health. Traveling internationally
means too much expense. Buying cheap property
in the right location can provide you triple gain
annually. Your magnetic-outgoing personality will
impress others.
GEMINI: A promising week to start a new venture
in partnership. All are likely to be bene-
fited. Shopping with family members
will be highly pleasurable and excit-
ing. A new financial deal gets final-
ized paving the way for fresh
money. Take love companion into
confidence before taking any decision related to
love. Meditation and self-realization prove benefi-
cial. Travel in comfort with kids to an adventurous
place might be possible. It always is exciting to
begin looking at homes for sale in your area. You
will get lot of interesting invitations including a sur-
prise gift.
LEO: Hard work of the past brings rich dividends.
However continue enhancing your
skills/adopt techniques for further
development. You will be the star of
attraction of familys get-together in
this week. Real estate investment
would be lucrative. Romance rules heart
& mind. Sound physical health will enable to partici-
pate in outdoor activities. A trip that stimulates and
gives opportunity for work is coming ahead.
Investing in property business sounds very appealing.
Your magnetic, outgoing personality will put you into
the limelight in social function.
VIRGO: Dedication & loyalty at work would bring
desired results. Have fun in the compa-
ny of relatives. All investments need
to be made with proper consultation
to avoid losses. Romantic imagina-
tion occupies mind forcing to go out
of the way to please partner. You will
be successful in getting rid from tensions. A luxuri-
ous getaway type vacation with your spouse waiting
for you. Dont deal in a property which is crime rid-
den. If you have been waiting for interesting things
happening in your life, then you are sure to find
some relief.
LIBRA: New ventures start on a positive note. An
auspicious week for family functions
and important ceremonies.
Investment in stocks & mutual
funds would help in earning profits.
Cupids arrows would make your
heart flutter high.
A sparkling laughter filled week when most
things proceed, as you desire. An ideal vacation can
claim your basic living expenses. Property disputes
can be there. You find yourself in the
spotlight when your help is publicly acknowledged.
SCORPIO: You succeed in completing projects
efficiently provided you put in all your
efforts. A week for renewal of bonds
and family ties. Long-term invest-
ment in stocks & mutual funds will
enable to earn profits. You are likely
to enjoy a pleasure trip that will reju-
venate your passions. Strive to attain self-confi-
dence because it is as essential for good health as
capital for business. Your whole family needs a holi-
day, look further and take a break. Banks love to
finance those, who invest in properties which are
underdevelopment.
58 Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY
27th September, 2014
Traits in you: As the planet Mars is your ruling planet,
you are blessed with personal traits such as active, dar-
ing, friendly, and religious. You are always inclined to
music, art, and literature. There are few negative traits
in your nature that you need to work on. You should not
behave jealous or unpredictable.
Health this year: You will be enjoying a sound health
this year provided you go for proper medication. You
need to get your medical checkup done on time.
Finance this year: If you invest on real estate this year,
it will be highly beneficial for you. You will be able to
make yourself stable financially. You will be taking dif-
ferent jobs of high risk and responsibility. You may trav-
el abroad for business purpose or holidays.
Career this year: You believe in research oriented work
and make sure your work is perfect. You should behave
a bit proactive to show your efficiency in your profes-
sional career. You need to plan your year effectively to
get benefits from everything you do. You will enjoy ex-
ceptional results of your efforts later in the year. You
will be however delivering quality in your work.
Romance this year: You will enjoy a great romantic life
this year.
Lucky month: January, May, July and October
28th September, 2014
Traits in you: As you are governed by the power of the
Sun, your ruling planet, you are unique, dynamic, fear-
less, honorable, responsible and down-to-earth. You do
dare to accept any challenge that has been offered to you
as you trust your intelligence and efficiency. However,
you should have a control of your dominant and de-
structive attitude.
Health this year: Your health will be absolutely fine
this year. You may feel very tired if you do some phys-
ical work. So you need to go for regular jogging to en-
hance your stamina.
Finance this year: You may face some financial diffi-
culties during the initial months of the year but later you
will be able to solve your problems and you will become
stable. You should create new contacts and go back to
old ones as this year you may require friends to support
you during critical financial conditions. You should not
put your money in joint venture by partnering someone
in their business.
Career this year: If you have been waiting for a long
time to get a promotion or hike in your salary, this year
will end your wait.
Romance this year: If you think you are eligible to
marry during the end of this year, it may happen.
Lucky month: November, February, March and Sep.
29th September, 2014
Traits in you: You possess all the characteristics of a
perfect personality as you are highly energetic, depend-
able, disciplined, inventive, honest and warm-hearted.
You believe in helping others and you do not show re-
luctance in spending your time and money for others.
Being highly social, you love making new friends and
new relationships. However, you need to work on your
nature of becoming impatient, careless, and stubborn.
Health this year: Your parents may suffer few health
related issues. That may increase your medical expens-
es and tensions.
Finance this year: You may find it very rewarding to
invest your money in real estate business. You should re-
search on the market vividly before investing on any-
thing. The legal disputes that have been disturbing you
for a long time may get solved this year and you will
find it satisfactory enough.
Career this year: You will get your expected rewards
and awards in your professional career this year for your
efficiency and achievements. Promotion may be round
the corner.
Romance this year: You will share a very good rela-
tionship with your spouse this year.
Lucky month: December, April, June and October
30th September, 2014
Traits in you: Your ruling planet Jupiter makes you cre-
ative, humble, daring, honorable and unique. Your pow-
erful characteristics make you very helpful, energetic
and enthusiastic. You are a vivid follower of love, peace
and harmony. You detest arguments and confrontations.
However, you should not behave according to your
mood swings. You should learn to control your attitude
towards others.
Health this year: You would not suffer from any major
health issues. However, some of your family members
may fall sick for a long time.
Finance this year: If you have past investments at place,
you will be financially benefited from those. However,
you should not try to invest on uncertain investment
plans. You may carry out construction or renovation
work in your property towards the end of the year.
Career this year: You need to be a bit proactive if you
want to improve as a professional. Your quick decision
making capability will help you receive appreciations
from your seniors and colleagues this year. You will
have a positive and practical approach towards every
work to take on. You may get new tasks and assignments
to show your efficiency and you will succeed in bring-
ing out excellent results if you work hard. You should
embrace every new idea coming across you as that
would help you perform better in your profession.
Romance this year: You will be deeply involved with
your romantic interest this year and may think to con-
vert your relationship to marriage
Lucky month:November, March, July and September
1st October, 2014
Traits in you: Being number 1, you are a person who
loves originality in whatever work you do. By nature
you are an authoritative person and so you always take
charge of things which also makes you responsible per-
son. If you take some task in hand, you are determined
to finish it. You are very soft spoken and kind hearted
person.
Health this year: Happiness is a mantra for healthy
body too. Living a great social life and enjoying all
pleasures of life in the coming year will keep you strong
both physically and mentally.
Finance this year: This year you will be able to save
money for the future, which will give you a sense of se-
curity and satisfaction. You might also purchase some
artefacts for your home, which will bring beauty and a
sense of well being around you.
Career this year: In career, success and prosperity will
be yours, in the year ahead of you. You will handle chal-
lenging projects, with determination and sincerity. This
will bring you fame and recognition. Your ideas will
draw the attention of your seniors. Your work will be ap-
preciated by your colleagues and seniors.
Romance this year: You are a person with strong per-
sonality, so its for you to attract the attention of opposite
sex. However it would be in your interest if you don't
make false promises. Better to channelise your efforts to
develop friendly relations to bring love in your life.
Lucky month: July, October and January
2nd October, 2014
Traits in you: Being number 2, you are a person who is
highly ambitious and always look upwards towards
progress and prosperity. You need to control your dom-
inating nature, to keep those around you happy. You are
a born leader, and expect your colleagues and friends to
follow whatever you order them to. This sometimes,
leads to misunderstandings.
Health this year: Nature and natural surroundings will
draw your attention in the coming year. You will be able
to enjoy the seas, flowers and on the whole, nature,
which will give you a sense of satisfaction. Being clos-
er to nature gives both mental and physical peace.
Finance this year: Investment related to your house can
be profitable as you will decide to purchase a new plot.
It will improve your financial position by bringing long
term gains for you.
Career this year: In the coming year, your superiors
will notice your sincerity and loyalty, and they will en-
trust a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. You will
be able to fulfill these duties to the utmost.
Romance this year: If you are in love, then your affair
will have to face some testing times as it might get dis-
closed this year. However, it will be in your interest to
face it courageously, so that you can enjoy your life with
the person you love.
Lucky month: June, September and December
3rd October, 2014
Traits in you: Being number 3, you are confident, am-
bitious and independent person who loves to work with
optimistic attitude. You are a born leader, and you are al-
ways appreciated for your work, whether it is at home
or work place. Your efforts are always sincere and thats
why you balance your personal and professional life
very smoothly.
Health this year: This year you will make efforts to en-
joy the true happiness. You need to keep in mind that
physical happiness is attained by self-restraint, eating
simple but balanced & nourishing food and daily exer-
cise. You will start participating in any sports or outdoor
activities to keep yourself in good health.
Finance this year: As far as finances are concerned,
you need to invest your hard-earned money wisely.
Look at all the aspects of business before putting your
money, then only it would enable you to fetch good re-
turns.
Career this year: Your ability to express your views
and ideas, will take you to the top of hierarchy, in the
year ahead of you. Your superiors will notice your sin-
cerity and loyalty. They will entrust a lot of responsibil-
ity on your shoulders. You will be able to fulfill all these
duties to the utmost, making everyone happy.
Romance this year: This year, you might meet the
sweetest dream of your life, means a person of your
dream, whose thoughts have kept your memory radiant.
It is now upto you to take initiatives to develop friendly
relations with him/her.
Lucky month: June, November, February and April
W
hen we apply for a job
and write a resume, we
usually try to highlight
all the good things about our expe-
rience, our background, and our-
selves. Many people hide all the
difficulties they have had in their
career and focus on their great
achievements. When employers
read such resumes, they often feel
each is describing the greatest per-
son who ever lived. We try to put
ourselves in the best possible light
to land the job.
When going to a bank for a busi-
ness loan, we also list our greatest
financial achievements and best
references. We want to appear to be
a safe client and not a credit risk.
We write down all our business and
financial successes in the hope that
the loan officer will grant a loan.
When applying for college or
business school, we collect all the
best references from former teach-
ers so that a college will find us
appealing as a candidate. Few peo-
ple would request letters from
teachers who would describe them
as slacking off or misbehaving. We
want to show ourselves in our best
light.
When we attempt to gain any-
thing in the world, it is often based
on the concept that we put our-
selves forward and hide our weak-
nesses. This is typical in worldly
affairs.
In this connection, there is a true
story from the sports world. A uni-
versity football team was condi-
tioning themselves by practicing
running. One of the players had the
position of lineman. This large
player was in a tackle position and
considered the fastest lineman in
the team. One day, he walked up to
his coach and asked if he could run
sprints with the fastest running
backs. The coach gave him permis-
sion.
The lineman went out daily to
run, but each day he came in last.
Day after day, he continued to run
with the fastest backs, even though
each day he lost. This was to be
expected because linemen are gen-
erally not considered as fast as the
running backs.
The coach, thinking it was
strange, asked himself, Why
would this football player want to
play with the best runners and con-
tinually come in last when he could
run with the linemen and be the
fastest?
The coach observed the young
man and finally, after seeing the
lineman lose for many days, decid-
ed to ask him: Wouldnt you prefer
to be a winner and run with the
other lineman, rather than keep
being a loser running with the
backs?
He was surprised to hear the foot-
ball players answer.
The young man said, Im not
here to outrun the linemen. I
already know I can do that. Im
here to learn how to run faster, and
if you have noticed, Sir, I lose to
the backs by a little less each day!
This account holds the secret to
our spiritual progress. Whereas in
worldly work, we always want to
appear the best, when it comes to
spiritual work, we cannot hide who
we are from God. Our progress is
an open book to the Lord. The
grace we receive to progress spiri-
tually is based on sincere efforts.
We cannot hide the truth of our
spiritual gains and failures from the
Creator.
The football player learned that
he would not improve by living on
past glories. He knew he could only
improve by challenging himself. By
seeing his weaknesses as a runner,
he could work on them to improve.
By pitting himself against those
who were better than he was in the
area he wanted to master, his short-
comings would become visible and
he could work on overcoming
them. He was after improvement,
not accolades and praise.
A way to improve spiritually is to
take an honest look at our failings
and weaknesses. By doing so, we
can weed them out and work on
improving. Besides noting our posi-
tive efforts, we should also analyze
our failings. Through this brutally
honest look at ourselves, we would
see areas for improvement. If we
looked at only our successes, we
might become complacent and
think we have reached the pinnacle
of glory. Then, we would not
change; we would be satisfied with
what we are and take longer to
reach our goal.
The football player could see
what the other runners were doing
and could work on developing his
ability. The losses showed him
what he needed to do better the
next time. By doing this, each day
he lost by a little less. When we
look at our failures, we know what
we have to do to do better each day.
Then, by making an effort, we will
have fewer failures than on the pre-
vious day. Over time, we would
ultimately reach a stage in which
we have improved and reach zero
failures.
To progress spiritually, we can
honestly analyze the areas in which
we need to improve. We are not
applying for a job with God and are
not writing a spiritual resume to
show ourselves in a good light. We
are not applying for a credit loan
from God where we conceal our
business failures and show only our
successes. Rather, we are applying
for union with God, the abode of all
purity and virtue. To enter into that
union we need to weed out any eth-
ical failures. We cannot hide our
failings from God, who sees all.
God wants our honest efforts in
overcoming the failures. When the
Lord sees us making an effort to
honestly assess our failings, even if
we have difficulties, our sincerity is
recognized. God then responds with
compassion and grace. Thus, if we
are still struggling, we will get help.
God gives us a boost to overcome
our failings so we can weed them
out and make progress.
By our effort and Gods grace, we
will improve spiritually more
quickly. If we practice introspection
with complete honesty and sinceri-
ty, focusing on areas in which we
need to improve, we will see rapid
spiritual progress.
If we put it to the test, we will be
able to see the results and proof for
ourselves.
How to Improve Spiritually?
Thousands gather to celebrate Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj's birth anniversary
Chicago, IL: The international audience that
gathered at the Westin Hotel traveled from
all over the globe to celebrate the auspicious
occasion of the birth anniversary of Sant
Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, world-renowned
spiritual Master and head of Science of
Spirituality. It was the first time since his
mission began in 1989 that the spiritual
Masters birthday was celebrated in the
United States. For the past 25 years, the
occasion has drawn hundreds of thousands to
Delhi, India.
The evening began with a vegetarian din-
ner reception followed by a formal program
in the Grand Ballroom. After several hours
of entertainment with singing and live music,
including a qawwali band from India per-
forming divine verses about the souls desire
for communion with God, Sant Rajinder
Singh spoke about birthdays, recalling expe-
riences with his own spiritual Master, Sant
Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj, who said that every
day should be treated like our birthday
because it is a gift from God.
In honor of the spiritual Masters birthday,
the evening also saw the release of the new
book Encircled by Divine Love
Experiences of the Grace of Sant Rajinder
Singh Ji Maharaj. This 146-page book is a
collection of personal accounts that convey
the scope of the spiritual Masters divine
grace which has touched disciples not only
in their daily lives, but also at deeply spiritu-
al levels. The firsthand experiences present-
ed in the book, taken in concert, help
describe the role and benefit of a true spiritu-
al Master.
The birthday program was concluded when
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharajs son, Dr.
Kunwarjit Duggal, joined him on stage for a
celebratory cake cutting as the crowd sang,
Happy Birthday, and cheered enthusiasti-
cally.
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj travels the
globe extensively teaching meditation on the
inner Light and Sound of God, encouraging
those he meets to lead ethical lives and real-
ize their true selves as soul.
In the booklet Inner Peace through
Meditation, the spiritual Master says, The
soul, unaware of its true nature, has identi-
fied itself with the body and the mind.
Instead of the soul controlling the mind and
the mind controlling the senses, the situation
has become reversed. The soul is dragged by
the mind, and the mind is pulled by the sens-
es into the outer world. By inverting our
attention and rising above the physical body
through meditation, we will find regions
within which give us lasting peace.
By Sant Rajinder Singh
Ji Maharaj
60 Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj greets the international crowd gathered.
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj holds
the newly released book Encircled by
Divine Love at the birthday program
on Sept. 19
To progress spiritually, we can
honestly analyze the areas in
which we need to improve. We
are not applying for a job with
God and are not writing a
spiritual resume to show
ourselves in a good light.
Rather, we are applying for
union with God, the abode of
all purity and virtue. To enter
into that union we need to
weed out any ethical failures.
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 TheSouthAsianTimes.info NaMo Special
Sept 27-Oct 3, 2014 TheSouthAsianTimes.info NaMo Special