Margshirsha Krishna 6, Vik Samvat 2068. Yugabda 5113: November 16, 2011


1. FESTIVAL:  REVISITING BALI YATRA: ODISHA’S GLORY, BHARAT’S PRIDE: Every year during the month of Kartik, which is considered the most auspicious by the people of Odisha, the long-lost maritime glory of Kalinga is commemorated with what has come to be known as Bali Yatra. Sadhabas (traders) of Odisha chose to begin their journey to foreign shores on Kartik Purnima from the banks of Mahanadi. Thousands of Odiyas and tourists gather at Killa Maidan on the bank of Mahanadi near the 9th century fort of Barabati in Cuttack from where the sadhabas would set sail in the past.
On November 10, the banks of Mahanadi came alive with women ululating, men chanting mantras and the crowds breaking into loud cheer as toy boats were floated on the river.
Scholars have come up with various reasons why traders chose Kartik Purnima to begin their voyage across seas. The winds are favourable during this time of the year and the billowing sails made the journey swift and easy. The post-monsoon sky is clear and the Pole Star can be easily seen by navigators. Kalinga is known to have established trading relations with Philippines, Malaysia and Sri Lanka and Siam (Thailand). Kalinga also traded with Rome and Greece.
Others believe that Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great Vaishnavite saint, set foot on the soil of Odisha for the first time after crossing the sand bed (Bali) of Mahanadi on his way to Puri on this auspicious day.
2. CHHATH POOJA REACHES US: The ancient Hindu festival Chhath, dedicated to worshipping Sun, which attracts millions of people in Bharat, has reached the American shores too. More than 200 people mostly Bharatiya Americans gathered on November 1 evening on the banks of the historic Potomac river in Sterling, Virginia – a suburb of Washington – as four fasting women took a dip in the water and performed pooja of the Sun God.
In 2009, Anita was the only one to do the pooja.This year we are four. But more important is that there were more than 200 people watching this festival" said Kripa S Singh, a software engineer from Patna, said, as his wife Anita performed the pooja at Potomac river.
3. ‘BHARAT OF MY DREAMS’ WILL BECOME A REALITY IN 30 YEARS – SARSANGHCHALAK:  "If the RSS is asked by Anna to join the movement, we shall do so. But, no such request has come in as yet. However, we are not stopping RSS members from participating in Anna's movement. The links between Anna and the RSS go back a long way. It was the RSS that highlighted Anna's developmental programmes for villages. We even got Anna to help us in our village development programmes. It was during these interactions that the RSS suggested to him to go in for a movement against corruption. I was supposed to meet Anna in June but both of us got held up elsewhere," the RSS chief said during an informal interaction with journalists in Kolkata on 9th November.
According to Bhagwat, the RSS also spoke to Baba Ramdev on starting a movement against corruption. The RSS chief believes that Bharat is on her way to becoming the 'country of his dreams'.
4. GENOGRAPHIC PROJECT CONFIRMS HUMANS MIGRATED OUT OF AFRICA THROUGH ARABIA: Evolutionary history shows that human populations likely originated in Africa, and the Genographic Project, the most extensive survey of human population genetic data to date, suggests where they went next. A study by the Project finds that modern humans migrated out of Africa via a southern route through Arabia, rather than a northern route by way of Egypt.
Ajay Royyuru, senior manager at IBM’s Computational Biology Center, said: “Over the past six years, we’ve had the opportunity to gather and analyze genetic data around the world at a scale and level of detail that has never been done before.  When we started, our goal was to bring science expeditions into the modern era to further a deeper understanding of human roots and diversity. With evidence that the genetic diversity in southern Bharat is closer to Africa than that of Europe, this suggests that other fields of research such as archaeology and anthropology should look for additional evidence on the migration route of early humans to further explore this theory.”
5. BHARAT TEST-FIRES NUCLEAR-CAPABLE 'AGNI-IV' MISSILE: Adding teeth to its nuclear deterrence, Bharat on 15th November successfully test-fired an advanced variant of nuclear-capable Agni-II ballistic missile with a strike range of 3,000 km from an island off Odisha coast. "The surface-to-surface intermediate range missile was test-fired from a mobile launcher" at 0900 hours from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Wheeler Island defence sources said.
Christened "Agni-II Prime", the new missile is a 2-stage weapon system powered by solid propellant. The first developmental trial of Agni-II Prime, conducted on December 10, 2010, had failed due to technical problem in the control system.
6. MODI IN BEIJING, TELLS CHINA 'PAKISTAN IS MAKING USE OF YOU': Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi raised a few controversial issues including the one about the presence of Chinese troops in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir in Beijing on 9th November. "I told them - whatever your intentions, Pakistan is making use of you," Modi said after his meeting with three Chinese leaders including Wang Gang, a politburo member of the Communist Party of China and vice-chairman of the China People's Consultative Conference. There is a lot of concern over Chinese troop presence in PoK in Bharat, and particularly in Gujarat as it was a border state, he told them.
Modi also questioned the wisdom of a Chinese transformer maker, TBEA, displaying a wrong map of Bharat at a function in New Delhi, which resulted in a sharp exchange of words between a journalist and Chinese ambassador in Bharat.   
7. AMERA GETS FACELIFT DUE TO SEVA BHARATI EFFORTS: Amera village situated in the remote mountainous region of Chhattisgarh has now become self sufficient in the aspects of education, health and employment because of the effective implementation of development projects by Seva Bharati. Seva Bharati karyakartas have saved this village from getting caught into the ugly clutches of Christian missionaries who earlier used to take advantage of the illiteracy prevalent among villagers for fulfilling their evil intention of conversion.
The conversion process had started in the nearby villages under the camouflage of seva. Understanding the gravity of the problem, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh karyakartas and social worker Phulchand Jain opened Vanavasi Ram Primary School for imparting value-based education to the villagers and thus began the work of saving villagers from the influence of Christian missionaries.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh shakhas are now regularly held in morning as well as in the evening. From last five years, prabhat pheris are also being regularly organized. Every Tuesday, Ramayan recital and discourse is held by Ramayan Mandali. Dharm Raksha Sena has been constituted in the village. Bolbum Samiti is constituted for holding 200-km-long padayatra from Amarkantak to Kawardha during which jalabhishek is performed at Boodha Mahadev to mark the conclusion. Festivals such as Ganeshotsav and Navaratri are celebrated with religious fervour. Earlier, such kind of programmes were not held here. Instead, Christian missionaries used to organize prayers at these places.
Conventional methods of farming are practiced. Crops such as maize, paddy, sorghum, etc are primarily cultivated. Women self help groups have been constituted for economical upliftment of women power. Under Ramkothi scheme, food grains are stored so that it can satisfy the need of poor brethren. Under the guidance of Baiga Ashram, cow urine (gomutra) is collected from a number of houses for manufacturing Kamdhenu ark and eco-friendly pesticides and thus a large amount of employment has been provided to village youths who earlier used to just wander in the village or migrate to cities in search of work. Villagers have been given training regarding this work and at present, the manufacturing work is going on in full swing at many houses. Tendu leaves, firewood, etc is also collected by these villagers and sold in the market so as to earn their living.
There is no place for discrimination in the village. All brethren live together with a feeling of mutual co-operation and celebrate their religious as well as family functions with enthusiasm. All of them eat together during public functions. With the co-operation of villagers, sapling plantation programmes are undertaken from time to time and the digging work of pond has also been accomplished.
Earlier, the village was completely in the grip of illiteracy. The stream of education has now spread in the entire village and children are availing education from class one to twelve. With a view that no one should remain illiterate, various projects are implemented effectively in the village. One girl who has passed the class 10 examination is running an anganwadi centre for educating villagers. Mahavir Baiga Ashram and Navasiram Higher Secondary School are also nurturing the sapling of education. Over 100 tribal girls are studying at Vanavasi Kanya Ashram.
Annual health check-up of villagers is conducted by Bharatmata Seva Samiti and treatment is provided on every Sunday. Conventional herbal medicines are also utilized in treatment. There is a complete ban on intoxication. Disputes are sorted out in the village itself. There is hardly any scope for court cases and police investigation. Now, the nearby villages are also being greatly influenced by this transformed face of Amera.
For more info: www.newsbharati.com
8. WOMEN CONFERENCE BY SEVIKA SAMITI: Three aspects of Bhagini Nivedita’s life education, swadeshi and sewa, can change the entire picture of our country. That is why the Rashtra Sevika Samiti has focused on these three aspects only during this centenary year. ” said Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti Pramilatai Medhe while addressing a women conference in Delhi on November 5; organised to remember Bhagini Nivedita in the 100th year of her passing away. Smt Kiran Ladha of Maheshwari Mahila Samaj was the chief guest while noted writer and former Chairperson of Central Social Welfare Board Smt Mridula Sinha presided over the function.  A play based on the life of Bhagini Nivedita was also staged at the conference. 
9. BANGLA TO MEGHALAYA, IT'S WANGALA ALL THE WAY: Attired in colourful Garo 'regalia' they made a brisk business selling traditional tribal hand-woven outfits. The Garo team, from Bangladesh, lent warmth to the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival here on 12th November.
There were around 30,000 Garos living in Dhaka alone, said Jonson Emre, leader of a team of 28 Garo artists, craftsmen and women, which makes it a point to attend the Wangala festival every year.
In fact, Wangla is celebrated thrice in Bangladesh, the biggest one being at Bonani Vidya Niketan in Dhaka, where, this year the chief guest was the agriculture minister of Bangladesh, Motiur Choudhury. Former Bangladesh president Hussein Mohammed Ershad too attended Wanglala festival in Dhaka, added Emre between selling typically designed Garo handloom from the neighbouring country. Wangala is an ancient dance performed in almost every village of the Garo Hills.
10. TIRUPPUR FLOOD - SELFLESS SERVICE BY SWAYAMSEVAKS: First week of November witnessed torrential rains battering the Tiruppur city, the national knitwear export centre and a district headquarter in Tamilnadu. Low-lying areas and dwellings got marooned as the Noyyal River entered the town causing flood. Nearly 15000 people were rendered homeless. RSS volunteers along with other Hindu organizations immediately plunged into relief action. They rescued the children, ladies and aged people from the flood and safely sheltered them in the nearby schools. Toothpowder, milk, bread, tea, water packets etc. were initially supplied to them. 600 rubber sheets, buckets, biscuits were also supplied. Food packets for around 6000 persons were distributed by the RSS volunteers. Prompt Selfless Service by the RSS volunteers was well appreciated by the locals.
11. PUSHKAR FAIR ATTRACTS MORE FOREIGN TOURISTS:  The international cattle fair held annually in the month of November here in the tiny rugged city of Pushkar - 13 km away from Ajmer in Rajasthan- has been attracting more tourists from across the globe this year, according to officials. The camel and cattle fair remains the highlight of the week-long fair that began on November 3 where a large number of animals from rural Bharat come to be traded off. "Compared to last year, more tourists from Europe, Kenya, Korea, Israel and several other places are thronging the fair to witness the excellent display of colourful India," says G S Gangwal, Deputy Director in Rajashtan's department of Tourism. According to official estimates out of the 3,50,000 visitors to the fair in 2010 over 5,800 were foreign tourists. Known primarily as the world's largest camel fair, the number of horses has also increased considerably over the years, say officials. "So far more than 17,535 cattle have come to the fair, which includes large number of horses this year," says Gangwal. In 2010, a total of 16,000 animals participated in the fair. Moreover, while the rugged terrain of the Sahara desert provides a befitting spot for annual cattle fair, the pristine beauty of the valley surrounded by hills on the three sides and sand dunes on the other lure in a large number of tourists. "The picturesque beauty, rich cultural and traditional heritage, exciting activities and the festivities during the fair that offers a glimpse of the rural Rajasthan are all tempting and I would love to visit the place again," says a Spainiard who took to wearing a turban in the traditional Rajasthani style while roaming around the fair.
12. BHUPEN HAZARIKA NO MORE: BHARAT LOSES A RARE, FOLKSY VOICE: Legendary singer-composer Bhupen Hazarika, who had been in a Mumbai hospital ICU for the past four months, succumbed to multiple organ failure on Novemebr 5 afternoon. He was 85.
Most photographs show him wearing the traditional Nepali cap. But Hazarika was equally at ease donning other hats as balladeer, singer, composer, lyricist, filmmaker, politician and interlocutor. Known for his unique style of blending Assamese folk melody into his tunes, he managed to touch the listener’s heart so much that they were willing to take that leap of imagination and appreciate a song which evoked the flora and fauna of Assam even if the visuals were of Rajasthan, as was the case in Rudaali.
13. PAK SCHOOLS TEACH INTOLERANCE OF HINDUISM: US REPORT: Text books in Pakistani schools foster prejudice and intolerance of Hindus and other religious minorities, while most teachers view non-Muslims as "enemies of Islam," according to a study by a U.S. government commission released W9th November.
"Teaching discrimination increases the likelihood that violent religious extremism in Pakistan will continue to grow, weakening religious freedom, national and regional stability, and global security," said Leonard Leo, the chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
The study reviewed more than 100 textbooks from grades 1-10 from Pakistan's four provinces. Researchers in February this year visited 37 public schools, interviewing 277 students and teachers, and 19 madrases, where they interviewed 226 students and teachers.
14. DRDO DEVELOPING A FUTURISTIC E-BOMB: With electronic warfare and network-centric operations playing an increasingly significant role in today’s battlefield, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a weapon that renders electronic gadgets useless and effectively neutralises the adversary’s command, control and communication capability.
Commonly referred to as ‘e-bomb’, the weapon produces a strong electromagnetic field generating powerful electricity surges that can play havoc with electronic circuits within a specified area.
 “Though this is the biggest weapon of mass destruction next to a nuclear bomb, it has a limited collateral damage as it does not target humans and is designed to hit computer systems and networks,” Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) director Dr Manjit Singh said.
15. SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATION OF NUNNA LALHNAM IN MIZORAM: Nunna Lalhnam, the organisation of the followers of Mizo age old traditions, faith and culture, organised a three-day Nunna Kutpui (festival) from October 27 to 29 at Chhiathlang in Mizoram. The Silver Jubilee function which was attended by about 250 delegates including religious leaders Shri Rorelliana, Shri Lalchangliana, Shri H Chawpianglianga and Shri Girish Kuber of Kalyan Ashram.
Shri Rorelliana stressed the necessity of character building because this virtue attracts the society. Shri Lalchangliana said they are the followers of age old traditions and social customs. “We used to respect elders and we used to believe that the whole universe is the creation of God. But now due to the advent of Christianity we have started losing our  traditions, faith, social customs and the identity,” he said. 
Shri Sanjay Kanade, a worker of Kalyan Ashram, was also honoured by Shri Lalhnam Hmeichhe Pawl for his selfless services. A medical camp was also conducted in which nearly 250 patients were benefited.               
16. KERALA PAVILION WINS AWARD AT LONDON TRAVEL MART: The Kerala pavilion, portraying a slice of the pristine beauty of God's Own Country, bagged the best stall award at the prestigious World Travel Market 2011 in London. Kerala Tourism, which set up the huge pavilion, spread over 117 sq m on the theme 'Backwater with Chinese fishing net', won the prize in the category of Best Stand Feature.
17. KOLKATA GIRL EQUALS AMARTYA SEN'S MPHIL FEAT AT CAMBRIDGE: A 23-year-old Kolkatta girl has become only the third Bharatiya after Amartya Sen and Sir Partho Dasgupta to win one of Cambridge University's highest honours, continuing its legacy of  academic brilliance in haloed global circles.
Mahima Khanna, a resident of Alipore in Kolkatta who works in Mumbai as a trade analyst and is often involved in Planning Commission assignments, has topped the 2010-11 MPhil class of economics at the university and will receive the prestigious Stevenson Prize. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen was the first Bharatiya to win the prestigious award in 1956. Dasgupta, who won it in 1967, is a Cambridge professor emeritus who was knighted by the queen for his contribution to nutrition and developmental economics.
18. BHARATIYA TOPS OXFORD POST-GRADUATE LAW COURSE:  An alumnus of National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore, topped in Oxford University's postgraduate programme.
Niranjan V, a Rhodes Scholar, had opted for Bachelor of Civil Law course. He beat 150 classmates to top in, what he said, is one of the most "demanding programmes in the world". He topped in three of the four courses, including Conflict of Law, Restitution, Personal Taxation and Law of Evidence.
The result was a pleasant surprise for Niranjan. He learnt about his result after he returned to Bharat .
19. FROM BRAIN DRAIN TO BRAIN CHAIN, TIME FOR BHARAT TO MOVE: With the growing expectations of the world from Bharatiya Technology Professionals , there is a need of creating a “Brain-Chain” of Bharatiya  Talent; observed  Vijay Bhatkar, eminent scientist best known as  the architect of supercomputer PARAM.
Speaking at an event organized by GITPRO on 9th November (Global Indian Technology Professionals Association), Pune chapter Bhatkar said, “Indian economy was dominant till 16th, 17th century. But later due to aggressions and the disintegrated approach, India lost its position. The 18th and 19th century was dominated by Europeans, 20th century by Americans, and the 21st century belongs to the Asians.”
The event was held at Symbiosis Atur Centre in Model Colony, Pune and was well attended by many IT professionals and students.
20. ‘RAJA DHARMA WITH LESSONS ON RAJA NEETI’ BY RAMA JOIS RELEASED : ‘Raja Dharma With Lessons on Raja Neeti’, a book written by former Governor of Bihar and Rajya Sabha Member M Rama Jois was released in Banglore on Saturday, November 12, 2011. Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and Art of Living Founder Sri Sri Ravishankar released the book at a program at the Art of Living Centre on Kanakapura Road. The book contains lessons on good governance.
Speaking about the book, Rama Jois said, “I thought of writing this book after reading the lectures that Dewan Madhav Rao delivered to the Maharaja of Baroda. The lectures contain jewels of wisdom on how a ruler must run his kingdom.
21. DRDO UNIT STARTS PRODUCING INFRARED SEEKER FOR NAG MISSILE: Joining the elite group of global companies, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a missile-manufacturing unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has started production of Imaging Infra Red (IIR) Seekers for the third generation ‘Nag’ anti-tank guided missiles.
The state-of-the-art IIR Seeker is used for guiding the missile and giving it “fire and forget capability”. The first lot of IIR Seekers was rolled out at BDL’s Hyderabad unit. The IIR Seekers for Nag missile have been designed for a range of four km while the seekers of similar anti-tank missiles of USA and Israel have a two-km range.
22. RECORD NUMBER OF PILGRIMS VISIT VAISHNODEVI THIS YEAR: Over 87.62 lakh pilgrims visited the holy cave shrine of Vaishnodevi, nestled in Trikuta hills in Jammu and Kashmir, this year so far, surpassing all previous records. Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVSB) officials said. Last year's turnout of pilgrims was 87,49,326, they said adding SMVSB was expecting nearly one crore pilgrims to the revered shrine this year.
23. PAK WILL SEND TERRORISTS INTO VALLEY IF AFSPA LIFTED - BHAGWAT: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat on 13th November warned Pakistan would start sending terrorists into the Valley if the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was withdrawn from parts of Kashmir, a leading daily reports. “Pakistan has not changed its policy on terrorism,’’ he told a Hindu Convention organised by the RSS in Raipur
24. BHARAT  TO COMMISSION ITS THIRD RESEARCH STATION IN ANTARCTICA: Nearly 28 years after it set up the first permanent research station in the South Polar region, Bharat  is all set to commission and occupy a third such station in Antarctica by March next year. After the station named 'Bharti' becomes operational, Bharat  will join the league of select nations that have multiple operation stations in the region. Director of the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) Rasik Ravindra said that the new station located almost 3,000 km away from the existing 'Maitri' station  will undertake cutting-edge research on geological structures and tectonics at the centre from the next year.
25. TCS BIG BANG: RECORD $2.2-BN ORDER FROM UK: Bharat's largest technology company, Tata Consultancy Services, has bagged a $2.2-billion (Rs 11,037 crore) outsourcing contract — the biggest tech deal for an Bharatiya  firm — from the UK-based pension provider, Friends Life. Under the deal, TCS and its UK arm, Diligenta, will provide technology infrastructure solutions to the clients of Friends Life. TCS said on November 10 the 15-year deal also re-established Bharat's position as a technology hotspot, offering state-of-the-art services.
"India still enjoys the cheaper-better-faster advantage compared to other emerging outsourcing hubs, such as the Philippines. " said IT veteran Kiran Karnik.
26. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Visitors: Indrasen Reddy-USA, Anil Bechu and family-Mauritius.Pravas: Sh.Ravikumar, sahsamyojak vishwa Vibhag will return to Bharat after finishing his tour to Australia, Singapore and New Zealand.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The moment I have realised God sitting in the temple of every human body, the moment I stand in reverence before every human being and see God in him - that moment I am free from bondage, everything that binds vanishes, and I am free. – Swami Vivekananda
JAI SHREE RAM

MYANMAR – INDIA’S GATEWAY TO ASIA
Myanmar is mysterious as well as undiscovered country for most of us despite being eastern neighbor. It does not surprise when it is referred as “invisible” neighbor. Strategically speaking this country has significant potential to prop up India’s presence in South East.
Geographically closest to India, Myanmar shares the cultural heritage with India. Yet, modern political developments swayed these two countries decades away only to be moving again to proximity and this is probably the best news for both the countries. Burma or Brahmadesh, as this was mentioned in Indian literature, was never seen as a foreign country and people from both countries traveled freely to enjoy hospitality.
Myanmar’s strategic location provides it extra importance being neighbor to two Oriental giants and rising economies, namely India and China, both being great civilizations. Chinese influence is seen though in physical form, Indian cultural, religious and philosophical impact is experienced even in remotest parts of the country through ‘life’.
Myanmar is the largest geographical entity in whole of South East Asia and has the widest canvas of diversity. Demographically speaking Burmese are close to 2/3rd of the whole population of 55.6 million, the Shan community being the largest minority with 9% population of the whole. On diversity count, Myanmar has more than 100 communities with as many languages and dialects. Yet social or cultural conflicts do not occur like in other countries. Kachin, Chin, Kayin, Kayah, Mon, Rakhine, are some of the major tribes that have inhabited the land since centuries.
Myanmar is important to both India and China for factors that matter in modern life. Myanmar is rich in minerals with gold & uranium deposits and is 10th largest gas producing country. Myanmar is also well known for Ruby stones, and of good size –quality, both. Errawady River and its tributaries irrigate the country from north to south. This country also has thick forests and is known for Burmese Teakwood.
Myanmar has shifted its capital to Naypyidaw which is 400 Miles north of Yangon, the earlier capital, though the new capital is just an administrative city, being active only from Monday to Friday. It is said that the new capital is strategically located.
Emergence of the present President Thein Sein, who was elected in last year’s general elections, has raised hopes for many. He happens to be a Military officer like his predecessors but has already gained confidence of the opposition. President Thein Sein’s greatest achievement in altering the political paradigm lies in his opening dialogue with pro-Democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi who had been under house arrest for more than a decade. The joint declaration that emerged out of three meetings between the government representatives and pro-democracy campaigners has brought in solace to everyone in the country. Aung San Suu Kyi and the government issued a joint statement mentioning that they are joining hands “to carry out tasks for the country's stability and peace and development to fulfil the wish of the people; to cooperate constructively for the development of the country's economic and social affair and for the development of democracy system; to avoid disputed views and carry out cooperative tasks on reciprocal basis; and to continue dialogue.” (12th Aug 2011)
For all the political observers in the country as well as abroad this was most cherished development though some of them have expressed reservations about the present policy for a long time. It was most heartening for many in Bharat to note that President Thein Sein decided to take his first journey abroad to the land of Buddha- as all Burmese devoutly believe- India. However some of the developments preceding his visit obviously depict President’s mind. 6359 political prisoners, mostly Aung San Suu Kyi’s followers, were set free a month ahead of President’s visit to Bharat. Secondly, his statement regarding the cancellation of contracts for construction of multiple dams on Errawady, that the Chinese were constructing, couple of days before his sojourn to India, speaks volume. He said, “We have a responsibility to solve the worries of the people so we will stop construction of the Myitsone Dam during our current government.”
Indian government appreciated these measures with announcement of credit line worth US$500 million to Myanmar during the President’s visit to India in October 2011. Not to mention that there was much more give & take from both sides sending a positive signal to everyone including China. Of course, Indian side did not miss the opportunity to welcome the dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi.
We cannot overlook the fact that China stood firmly on Burmese side through all the tumultuous decades of Myanmar while there were and are still campaigners in India supporting cause of democracy in Myanmar, who want to pressurize Myanmar by imposing curbs. Western powers also want India to exert pressure on Myanmar for bringing in swift change which India has endured well and handled with maturity.
Myanmar is the gateway for India’s “look east policy” and that development of 4 North Eastern states of Bharat bordering Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh- Nagaland- Mizoram- Manipur, would reap the fruits of this policy economically. Some of these states have been the theater for insurgency since couple of decades and development would provide good hope for the youth in these states. Thus, Myanmar is crucial for India’s look east policy as well as interaction with ASEAN.
Myanmar expects enhanced support from India and India will have to reciprocate this to its own advantage in South East Asia as well as South Asia keeping in mind China’s growing clout in the region.
Buddhism of Myanmar which is essentially Theravada Buddhism connects people of Myanmar to India directly and everyone reveres India as the land of Buddha. Thousands of pilgrims from Myanmar take the Buddha pilgrimage every year. However this is a one-way traffic without any tourist from India to Myanmar. Indian tourist may be easily encouraged to reach out to the unexplored nature and the beautiful Pagodas in Myanmar which will surely bring people of Myanmar close to India, they being the benefactors of the tourism.
Myanmar also has good population of People of Indian Origin and some Indian communities have inhabited that country since centuries. Thus we find people from Uttar Pradesh & Bihar in Central Myanmar while Bengalies, Manipuries and Nepalies are in the northern states in good number. Tamils Telugus and Oriyas communities are in south Myanmar who for generations together. Indian Population is 2.9million strong inMyanmar as per the report of Singhvi committee. During the British rule labor from India were taken to Myanmar for clearing the marshlands in south and laying roads and rails in central and north Myanmar as Burmese people avoid hard work. Tales of exploitation of this labor are painful indeed but post independence; Indians were relegated stateless with no rights at all.
Government of Myanmar was influenced by the then Vice President of India late Shri B. S. Shekhavat for providing these stateless people citizenship and this has come as a great relief to the suffering masses. Young students from Indian community have already made a mark by getting admissions to professional courses like medical and engineering. Otherwise, the ‘stateless’ students could never get the admission to Universities in that country.
PIO community has all the liberty to practice their religion and most of them happen to be Hindus. Hinduism as a religion is well respected in Myanmar. The immersion ceremony on Dusshera day on the banks of Errawady river in Mandalay is attended by close to 30,000 people who walked & danced to the beat of drums all the way. City of Mandalay looked just like any other city of Bengal on the occasion.
Sewa Sadan in Kyui Ta Kga, central Myanmar, is an educational institution with the support from Central Hindu Council of Myanmar, a government supported body, had done yeomen service to the Indian community with Hindi and Sanskrit language examinations annually and Ramayana classes in all the villages surrounding the town of Kyui Ta Kga. Most of the mother tongues still continue in every household yet the current student generation is drifting towards the Burmese language which worries the elders.
PIO community is economically moving upwards with every opportunity they can grab, socially and culturally respected, but lack in education as they were deprived of the university education. Many Indians have contributed to the development of that country through their toil and skills and their presence is experienced in trade and industry. Yet many more people are doing petty jobs and are involved in agriculture to make ends meet.
For Indian industrial and business houses, Myanmar can be an opportunity and also a challenge provided they accept to reach out and establish in Myanmar to face the silent Chinese overwhelming position. The moment for the apt foray is right here.  
Shyam Parande is Coordinator for Sewa International and can be reached on – shyamparande@gmail.com           
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Kartik Shukla 6 Vik Samvat 2068. Yugabda 5113: November 1, 2011


1. FESTIVAL:  Geeta Jayanti is celebrated every year on Margshirsha Shukla Ekadashi, this year it falls on 6th December. The "Bhagavad Gita" was revealed to Arjuna by Sri Krishna himself in the battlefield of Kurukshetra (in present day Haryana, Bharat) a little over 5000 years ago. The text is written in third person, narrated by Sanjaya to King Dhritarashtra as it transpired between Sri Krishna and Arjuna. Sanjaya, the secretary of the blind King Dhritarashtra, had been blessed by his Guru, Vyasadev, with the power to remotely view the events taking place on the battlefield as they transpired. On this occasion, reciting of Geeta and discourses based on it are propagated all over world by eminent scholars. Some organizations also distribute copies of the Gita for free to promote the message of this Holy Scripture.
2. ‘RSS TO CELEBRATE 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF VIVEKANANDA’ – H.  DATTATREYA: Sri Dattatreya Hosabale, Joint General Secretary of RSS addressed Press Persons on October 22nd, at Bangalore.
“It will be the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on January 12 of 2013. Sangh has decided to launch large scale nationwide celebrations on Vivekananda during this year. This task will be headed by Swami Vivekananda Kendra of Kanyakumari. “Even after 150 years, Vivekananda is still an inspiration for social workers” says Dattaji. The issues focused will be Vivekanda and his thoughts on Women, Youth and Rural Bharat. Vivekananda was very much keen on Rural development specifically the upliftment of poor and backwards. His quotes like ‘Daridra Devobhava’ symbolises his deeper concerns on common man,” Dattaji opined.
While informing about the deliberations at the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal baithak held at Gorakhpur, Datta ji said that RSS is to launch campaign from November 1st till November 20th against the proposed Communal and Targeted Violence Prevention Bill-2011 which is  fabricated to appease minority. RSS already condemned and clarified the stand on the bill saying that it is an anti-Hindu Bill.
3. DADHICHI BLOOD DONATION: A GRAND SUCCESS: A very unique scheme DADHICHI BLOOD DONATION was organized by Hindu Help Line on October 30, 2011 all over Bharat at over 1000 locations. In all states Over 5000 places DADHICHI BLOOD DONATION had taken place & around 1,00,000  blood donors were expected to donate blood on the same day!  Renowned Cancer Surgeon & VHP International Secretary General inaugurated Dadhichi blood donation in Delhi.
 In U.P. Devaria the DM himself inaugurated the blood donation and in Patiala the SSP inaugurated and donated blood himself. Cutting castes, creed, gender, posts & social stratum, all have come ahead to make a difference under Hindu Help Line’s blood donation to give life to the needy through blood! 
DADHICHI BLOOD DONATION scheme has been tied up with Blood Banks & Hospitals at over Bharat. The blood received in this will be made available to the hospitals & blood banks as listed with Hindu Help Line centrally & also with the Hindu Help Line Conveners at various locations.
4. NAVY TO DEPLOY AIRCRAFT, SHIPS IN MALDIVES ZONE: As part of its plan to increase its presence in the Bharatiya Ocean and help the littoral countries on its rim, the Bharatiya Navy will deploy aircraft and ships in Maldives starting October 19. The Navy is already undertaking patrolling and reconnaissance missions in Seychelles and Mauritius; while a Dornier aircraft of the Bharatiya Navy will be deployed for three weeks in Male for anti-piracy maritime reconnaissance and patrolling and protecting the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Maldives, sources said.
Bharatiya Ocean has assumed strategic importance for Bharat as most important sea lanes including Malacca Strait pass through it.  Moreover, piracy off Somalia in the Gulf of Aden is posing a serious challenge to sea trade and Bharat along with navies of the world including the US, UK, France and China is patrolling the 500 nautical mile piracy infested channel.
5. EKAL FOUNDATION TO PLANT 10 LAKH SAPLINGS WITHIN A YEAR: Keeping the importance of trees in mind, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation has undertaken sapling plantation programme under its Swabhimaan Jaagran Abhiyaan. Central office-bearer of Swabhimaan Jaagran Abhiyaan Lalan Kumar Sharma informed that the foundation has vowed to plant 10 lakh saplings in the coming year.
Student who plants the sapling will also tag his name with the sapling so that his emotional relation will be maintained with that plant. When the sapling will turn into a tree, it will give a great satisfaction to that student. A variety of saplings such as medicinal herbs, fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc will be included in the drive. Saplings that will give furniture wood will also be included. This will help in the propagation of a variety of plants at various places in the country.
The drive was initiated on the occasion of World Environment Day at Shri Santram Mandir, Nadiyad (Gujarat). Pujya Swamiji planted a neem sapling in the temple premises in presence of Central Incharge of Ekal Movement Shyam Guptaji and others.
Paryavaran Sanrakshan Sankalp Yatra was also organized to mark the occasion. Kendriya karyakartas and Pollution Control Board officials participated in the procession with great enthusiasm.
6. SHRI EKADASHA RUDRA JAPAM BY VHP AUSTRALIA will be organized for world peace on 13 November, 2011 between 7:00 am – 1:30 pm at Shri Shiva Mandir – 201 Eagleview Road Minto, NSW 2566. VHP Australia is doing various projects to "Preserve the authenticity of the teachings of Hindu Dharma and pass that heritage on to future generations". All proceedings will go to Vishva Hindu Parishad of Australia for promoting “Hindu Dharma” classes in NSW Public Schools, Sydney Veda Patasala, Sanskrit Classes for children, youth and adult.
7. 102-YEAR-OLD WOMAN ELECTED AS WARD MEMBER IN TN:  At an age when most would happily retire to the company of their loved ones and recount tales of the days gone by, a 102-year-old woman has been elected as their ward member by the residents of Pudukulam village in Madurai district of Tamilnadu district in the recent civic polls held in the State. Hundred and two year-old Thadahathi has dispensed medical care to the village for decades and won the elections due to her positive attitude, according to P Muthuramalingam, President of the village. "She would go and help any person in distress voluntarily," he said when asked how they expected a candidate as old as Thadahathi to be an active worker for them. "Even at the age of 102 she works in the field and is a beneficiary of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme. She is an expert 'Maruthuvatchi' (village doctor who is conversant with traditional medicine) also, and has helped the local women deliver nearly 1,000 babies." The centenarian is also the oldest elected member in the local bodies in the State.
8. TRADITION SHOULD BE MAINTAINED ABOUT TEMPLE TREASURE: ADVANI: BJP leader L K Advani on October 29 said tradition should be maintained with regard to the huge treasures found in the vaults of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple and praised the Travancore Royal family for keeping such an enormous wealth intact for centuries.
Advani, in Kerala as part of his Jan Chetana yatra, said it was all the more significant that the royal family had shown great responsibility, honesty and uprightness in looking after such a huge wealth, estimated to be worth Rs one lakh crore, in the atmosphere of corruption in the country. "The royal family must be complimented and praised", he added.
On suggestion from certain quarters that part of the wealth should be utilised for public welfare, Advani said that the tradition of the state and the temple should be maintained in the matter.
9. HINDU FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS GOES MAINSTREAM: Happy Diwali! Happy Di what? : It's a Hindu holiday -- and an important one -- celebrated this week by Hindus all over the world, including an estimated 2 million in the United States. But do most Americans even know what Diwali is all about? Many Hindu Americans say no, and they're working to change that, but not with educational billboards or "A Charlie Brown Diwali" special on network television.
Instead, they're encouraging fellow Hindus to be a little more open about their celebrations -- to tell friends, colleagues and their children's teachers that Diwali is a big deal within Hinduism, the world's third largest religion.
"Someday it's my hope that you'll say, `It's Diwali,' and the boss will say, `Oh, OK, you'll take the day off,"' said Suhag Shukla, managing director of the Hindu American Foundation. "That's progress -- the feeling that as a Hindu, you don't have to explain."
Dr. Rasik Shah, a pediatric lung specialist in New York City, said he used to be a little shy about taking Diwali off. "But over time," he said, "I have been a little more bold, a little more vocal. We have to say what we want." Often, he said, he'll have to explain it.
For starters, it's the celebration of (one of the many dates for) the Hindu New Year, not all that different from Judaism's Rosh Hashanah, with equal parts of Hanukkah's festival of lights and Fourth of July sparklers thrown in. On a deeper level, Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated by Hindus and some Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains Diwali draws on the legends of each religion.
Most of Bharat, where 80 percent of its 1.2 billion people are Hindu, is off for Diwali. Families pray at Hindu temples, and deliver their best dishes to friends. At Diwali parties, there's dancing, variety shows and fireworks.
In the United States, the celebrations are more subdued, given the relatively small Hindu population and -- as many Hindu Americans point out -- stringent laws on fireworks.
Many U.S. Hindus don't take the holiday off, even the key day, which falls on Wednesday (Oct. 26) this year. And that's just fine with most Hindu "pandits" or priests, including Muralidhara Bhatta, the spiritual leader of Durga Mandir, a Hindutemple in Fairfax, Va. Bhatta expects a crowd at the temple on Wednesday night, but in his and many other American Hindu temples, the biggest celebrations will occur over the weekend, when he expects more than 1,000 people. "What we want is people's involvement," said Bhatta. "So we'll celebrate in a different way."
Vivek Dwivedi, a NASA engineer who lives in Maryland, said he will observe Diwali American-style by taking a half-day off, going to temple for prayers, decorating his house with Christmas-style lights, and visiting friends and family.
NASA and the federal government are good about allowing people to use earned personal days to celebrate religious holidays, Dwivedi said. Still, he added, it would be nice if more Americans knew a little about his religion and culture.
Part of the problem may be that non-Hindus haven't bothered to learn, but it's also Hindus themselves, he said. "I don't want to blame the Hindu community, but maybe Diwali should be advertised better." To that end, he praises Mindy Kaling, who stars as Kelly Kapoor, a Hindu employee on NBC's hit series "The Office." An episode called "Diwali," written by Kaling, centers on the boss's clueless attempts to get his employees to appreciate Bharatiya culture. The episode, which first aired in 2006, represents perhaps the brightest spotlight ever shone on Diwali in the United States. The White House first celebrated the holiday in 2003, and President Obama in 2009 became the first U.S. president to attend the festivities. Shukla called the gesture significant.
"It sends a message that Americans of all faiths and of no faith are being acknowledged," Shukla said.
Raised in India and New York, Padma Kuppa sees Hindus winning greater recognition and acceptance in the U.S., but said she has to keep working at it in her adopted home of Troy, Mich.    In Troy, where Hindus make up a majority of the student body in at least one public school, district officials readily agreed to avoid scheduling parent-teacher conferences on Diwali. But then, at her older daughter’s high school, where about 10 percent of the students are Hindu, they scheduled homecoming on Diwali.
Her daughter didn’t go to homecoming that year.
 “It’s a question of acculturating and accommodating,” Kuppa said.
(By Lauren Markoe for Religion News Services)    10. CITIES HAVE MORE WOMEN TODAY THAN EVER: CENSUS: Women constitute a larger proportion of the population of Bharatiya towns and cities today than has ever been recorded in Bharatiya history. This startling fact is despite the child sex ratio (the number of girls for every 1,000 boys in the 0-6 age group) having fallen alarmingly in recent decades.
Data from the 2011 census reveals that the population of urban women grew at a brisk 34% in the decade spanning 2001 to 2011. In the same period, their rural population grew by just over 12%. As a result, the sex ratio for urban areas jumped from 900 women per 1,000 men in 2001 to 926 in 2011, the highest decadal increase since Independence. In rural areas, the sex ratio increased nominally from 946 to 947.
According to research by the Centre for Women's Development Studies, a Delhi-based research institution, the answer to this mystery may be in increased migration of women from rural to urban areas.
11. ITBP TO RAISE HIGH SPEED BOATS FOR BHARAT -CHINA BORDER PATROL: The ITBP is procuring high speed boats to guard the water bodies in the Himalayan region.
 “We had asked the Government to give us a water wing so that we can patrol along the large water bodies on the border. Government has accepted it. We are now raising it. It is not operational yet. We will be buying high speed boats. Personnel will also be trained for it,” Director General of ITBP Ranjit Sinha told reporters here on Oct 22.
About 55,000 personnel strong mountain range force guards the 3488 km long Bharat -China border from Karakoram pass in Ladakh region to Jechap La in Arunachal Pradesh.
Besides, it is involved in internal security related duties like anti-Naxal operations, security of vital installations and VVIPs, election duties and disaster management among others.
12. BHARAT SEEKS FAIR TREATMENT OF TRI-VALLEY STUDENTS: Bharatiya ambassador Nirupama Rao has asked US authorities to view the cases of hundreds of Bharatiya students affected by the closure of "sham" Tri-Valley University in a "fair and reasonable manner". The Bharatiya students of Tri-Valley University have undergone hardship since the closure of the university and their cases must be viewed in their totality with understanding and in a fair and reasonable manner, she told US authorities, according to a note put out by the Bharatiya embassy.
US authorities have approved the transfer of 435 Bharatiya students of the California-based Tri-Valley University to other institutions, the embassy was informed Friday. While 145 Bharatiya students were denied transfers and about an equal number were issued with Notices of Intention to Deny (NOIDs), the remaining cases of transfer are still under examination.
13. DIWALI ACROSS THE GLOBE: 10 DOWNING STREET & WHITE HOUSE: Diwali, a Hindu festival is now being celebrated across the globe as Hindus abroad are joined in the celebrations by locals, artists, influential businessmen and heads of states. British Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon David Cameron MP lit up  Diwali celebrations on Thursday 20th October 2011 when he invited prominent members of the Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities along with Parliamentarians. The Prime Minister praised the contribution of Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities in enriching Britain. He acknowledged their contribution in business, sport and in the Armed Forces. He felt happy as on that day the Libyan people who had deposed their dictator like Lord Rama did of Ravana a few thousand years back. He further said the departure of the Libyan dictator marked the beginning of a new dawn for the Libyan people. He also said Diwali represented light and knowledge which conquers darkness as well as ignorance.
Continuing his Diwali celebrations in White House in 2009, US President Barrack Obama highlighted the universal message of Diwali of "victory of light over darkness, hope over despair", while lighting a traditional diya to celebrate Diwali at the White House complex.
Recalling his visit in Bharat on the eve of Diwali last year he said,” "Diwali is the time to celebrate victory of light over darkness, hope over despair. Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists consider the day sacred. The message of this day is truly universal,".
Obama acknowledged the contributions of the Bharatiya -American community in every field in the country, from New York taxi drivers to the teenager who won the Google science fair this year.
14. MA.LAKSHMANRAO BHIDE – ADHUNIK DADHICHI RELEASED: “Shri Lakshmanrao ji Bhide was the backbone of Sangh work outside Bharat”, said Vandaniya Pramilatai Medhe while releasing the book on Lakshmanraoji Bhide, first Sangh pracharak who worked outside Bharat. The book is a Marathi translation of the Hindi biography written by Shri Yadavrao Deshmukh. Describing him as flagpost of the work, she narrated how Lakshmanrao ji insisted on participation of matrishakti in the work. The function was held at Baljagat, Nagpur on 29th October 2011. Others present on the dais were Dr.Sadanand Sapre, sah samyojak Vishwa Vibhag, Dr.Shankarrao Tatwawadi, former samyojak Vishwa Vibhag, Shri Prabhakarrao Mundle and sister of Lakshmanraoji Durgatai Phatak.
15. VJ VAGHASIA IS NEW NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF LAGHU UDYOG BHARATI: Shri VJ Vaghasia was unanimously elected new national president of Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB). Shri Omprakash Mittal was elected general secretary, while Shri Ghanshyam Ojha was elected treasurer. The election took place at the annual general body meeting of LUB held at Aurangabad, Maharashtra, on September 24.
16. DR VIRENDRA HEGDE RELEASES BOOK ON SADANAND KAKADE: A book on veteran VHP leader, late Sadanand Kakade, was released in Bengaluru on October 15. Dr Virendra Hegde of Dharmasthala Temple released the book at Keshavashilpa Hall of Rashtrotthana Parishat. Dr M Rama Jois, former Governor and Chief Justice of Punjab-Haryana High Court, presided over the function. Senior RSS Pracharak Shri Chandrashekhara Bhandary spoke on the life and contribution of Sadanand Kakade, and recalled his contribution for the growth of VHP work in Karnataka and southern Bharat.
Dr M Shivakumar Swamy, editor of the book, Sri Babu Rao Desai, VHP central committee member, Sri Raghav Reddy, treasurer of VHP and several other leaders were also present at the function. The late Sadanand Kakade was a senior VHP functionary and dedicated his whole life for the Hindu society. He passed away on July 12, 2010. He hailed from Belgaum and had joined the RSS at the age of 20. .
17. DIVALI NAGAR, A HINDU THEME PARK: The Divali holiday in Trinidad and Tobago coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Divali Nagar, the first Hindu theme park in the world.
In the week leading to Divali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, over ten million deyas [clay lamps] are lit in homes, temples, offices, streets and parks. This festival has become the second-largest, open-air, national festival in multi-ethnic Trinidad and Tobago, after Carnival.
The hub of all Divali celebrations in the island is the Divali Nagar site in Central Trinidad, which was established in 1986. Indeed, the Nagar is the most-frequently visited entertainment centre in the country during Divali, second only to the Grand Stand in the Queen's Park Savannah during Carnival.
The Nagar provides a public stage for local, regional and international performing artistes. These models, singers, dancers, musicians, choirs and orchestras entertain locals, as well as visitors from the rest of the world. The Nagar has grown to epic proportions, attracting many artistes and tourists to this international spiritual tourist destination. They come from Belize, Jamaica, St. Vincent, Grenada, St. Lucia, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Guyana and Suriname in the Caribbean. Others come from French Guiana, U.S.A, U.K., Holland and Bharat.
For nine nights, the Nagar is transformed into a blend of the sacred and secular, where the bustle of commerce mingles with the melody of prayer. Booths showcase and sell products and services to approximately 150,000 visitors. Commercial booths sell mainly Bharatiya clothes, footwear, jewellery, accessories, music, movies, furniture, appliances, and religious and household items. In recent years, the Nagar has also accommodated an Bharatiya Trade Fair. This is a flea market operated by about 25 businessmen from Bharat.
18. THOUSANDS TURN OUT TO WITNESS THE GUYANA DIWALI MOTORCADE: Thousands of Guyanese lined up outside the Campbellsville Mandir and along the kitty seawall to witness the well-lit and designed vehicles with various depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses which formed part of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s annual Diwali motorcade last evening.
Some 20 floats participated in the event which started in 1974 by the Sabha’s president, Reepu Daman Persaud,. Thousands of Guyanese gathered at the la Bonne intention community centre ground to enjoy the cultural presentations by various Bharaiya groups and witness the highlight of the festival of Diwali, the motorcade.
President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud said the event has brought people of all races and religion into a single unit.
He notes that Diwali is one of the festivals that attract so many persons from all walks of life in and outside of Guyana.The Pandit said the motorcade showcases people’s creativity and vision through their depictions.
Youngsters from the Dharmic Sabha’s cultural youth arm mesmerized the audience with their performance, while the Dharmic Nritya Sangh captivated the audience with their superb dances. President Bharrat Jagdeo also took time out to visit the booths and mingle with the crowd.
19. PAKISTANI HIGH COURT VERDICT: HISTORICAL HINDU TEMPLE TO REOPEN DOORS: A 160-year-old Hindu temple in Peshawar is preparing to welcome worshippers after 60 years.
The Goraknath Temple, situated in the city's archaeological complex Gor Kattri, opens for worship on the Hindu festival of Diwali.
"In accordance with the September 15 verdict of the Peshawar High Court, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Department of Archaeology handed over the temple's keys to Phoolvati and her son Kaka Ram last week," their attorney Pervez Iqbal told The Express Tribune. A provincial minister joins the reopening ceremony of the temple, said Iqbal who spent almost a decade pursuing protracted litigation to win custody of the temple on behalf of Phoolvati. Although Phoolvati and her son are now custodians of the temple, authorities have barred them from renovating the building, saying it is 'protected' property and changes cannot be made to it.
20. ASHA BHOSLE ENTERS GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS: Asha Bhosle has achieved a Guinness World Record for recording the largest number of songs. The 78-year-old was awarded the honour at an awards function held in London on October 20.
"Now I feel I am a recognised singer in the world. I thank my fans and hope they will continue to love me," Bhosle said. The legendary Bollywood playback singer has recorded up to 11,000 solo, duet and chorus-backed songs in over 20 Bharatiya languages since 1947.
21. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Visitors: Ajay Agrawal – Nairobi Pravas: Shri Ravikumar, sahsamyojak Vishwa Vibhag left Bharat on a tour to Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Anything that brings spiritual, mental or physical weakness, touch it not with the toes of your feet. Religion is the manifestation of natural strength that is in man. A spring of infinite power is coiled up and is inside this little body, and that spring is spreading itself...This is the history of man, of religion, civilization or progress. – Swami Vivekananda
JAI SHREE RAM

REVIVING LOST VEDIC TRADITION
Maitreyi gurukulam
 Woman is the nucleus of Indian culture. She plays various roles such as mother, daughter, sister, wife, etc and in each role she plays, lies the welfare of the nation. Mother is regarded as the first Guru of the child. She grooms the child so as to make him a responsible citizen. Maitreyi Gurukulam has revived the tradition of Vedic education for women that was lost in the passage of time.
The Gurukulam for women has been started so as to induce ideal womanhood and make girl child service oriented. It is obviously through her that the ideal society of the future is going to be shaped. The project is run under the aegis of a local Trust that is a part of Hindu Sewa Pratisthan, Karnataka.
The Gurukulam is situated in a serene atmosphere in Moorukaje village, 4 km off Vittla, Bantwal taluka, Dakshin Kannada district, Karnataka. Hindu tradition does not approve commercialization of education, medicine and food; the three essentials in life. Maitreyi Gurukulam being true to tradition does not charge fees from the students. Education including lodging and boarding is provided free of cost in the Gurukulam that is run on public contribution. The education being free of cost, being supported by a philanthropic society in the vicinity of the project, was looked down by many as the Gurukulam sprouted initially. However the society has recognized this endeavour and now the entrance test qualifiers only get the admission.
Gurus sit on the platforms and the shishyas sit on the floor, right beneath the huge ‘cool’ green trees. No blackboards, chalk pieces and dusters; the oral tradition being practiced flawlessly in a modern world where no one understands a concept unless it is presented through visuals. Most of the girls come from rural areas. The admission is open to all Hindu girls above 10 years of age without any consideration for caste and class with only 20 students per batch. The first phase consists of six-year course and the admission to the higher course is given on the successful completion of the first phase. The evolution of a personality is being experimented in this lab of human performances.
Two decades ago, an old couple , the owner of over 100 acres of land costing some crores, used to live happily on that land with some 200 dogs and they served the dogs as the service to the Almighty. However, after the demise of the husband, the old lady wished to donate this land to some voluntary organization working for welfare of women and approached a Sangh karyakarta. The karyakarya rejected her offer with a premise that he does not have enough manpower to take care of the huge plot.
The noble lady had her road map drawn clear in her mind. One day, she handed over the papers to that karyakarta and walked away triumphantly! She left for heavenly abode in a week with the satisfaction in her heart that she has handed over the property to a correct person. A team of karyakartas started working day and night to turn the dream of the noble lady into reality. Now the dream has come true as Maitreyi Gurukulam.
Salient feature of the Gurukulam:
1) Learning through the medium of the mother tongue-Kannada.
2) Working knowledge of conversation Sanskrit.
3) A perfect blend of traditional knowledge and modern information. Hence Vedas, Yoga, agriculture, native medicines and modern science form the core subjects of this multidimensional curriculum. Revival of the tradition of women learning Vedas is also an important aspect of the Gurukulam.
4) Motherly care of in-charge matrons.
5) Learning with a spiritual outlook.
6) Extra facilities to study literature, music and other fine arts.
(Source: www.newsbharati.com)

WHY AFSPA SHOULD CONTINUE

ARUN JAITLEY
The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, has recently suggested that the provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 could be made inapplicable to some parts of the State.  This has triggered a controversy since the security forces and the Ministry of Defence have consistently maintained that enforcement of the provisions of the Act in the State of J&K is necessary.  It is therefore necessary to examine the provisions of the law and the need for their enforcement and applicability to the State.
Jammu & Kashmir has been a disturbed area for more than two decades.  It has been the victim of cross-border terrorism. Certain domestic groups have also disputed the status of the State as an integral part of India.
It is an effort of the entire country and the State administration that peace and normalcy in the State should be restored and that the people of the State should be protected from any form of violence or subversion. Terrorism and separatist violence needs both a political and security response. The security response may adversely impact the day-to-day civilian life. It is harsh but necessary.  In case there is laxity in terms of security, the inevitable consequences would be that deterrence of those indulging in violence and separatist activities would disappear.
Beside the State Police, the ‘armed forces’ of the Union also assist the administration.  The ‘armed forces’ is not merely the army and certain other military forces but they also include other armed forces of the Union, namely, Border Security Force, CRPF, Assam Rifles and ITBP.  Once the whole State or a part of the State is declared as a ‘disturbed area’, the armed forces are called in aid of the civil powers in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the State.
Armed forces do not investigate crime. Their personnel are entitled to take necessary steps for maintenance of public order and use force after giving due warning to those who threaten law and order. They can enter into a premise and search them. They can destroy any dumps or fortified shelters from which armed attacks are made. They are entitled to arrest without warrant and even take the arrested person to the nearest police station without delay along with a report of such arrests.
Thus, with regard to declaration of an area as a disturbed area it is an assessment and opinion formed by the Government that the civilian administration and local State police are not enough to maintain the law and order in the State. If the local police alone can maintain law and order, the declaration of that area as a disturbed area would not be necessary.
The decision thus to continue the State or a part of the State as a disturbed area or otherwise has to be taken on security considerations and not political considerations.  Even in districts where the Army is withdrawn, the CRPF and other armed forces are still deployed. The local State police would be inadequate in most of these districts also.
The powers given to the armed forces of the Union are not substantially different from the powers which the local police have. The local police can also make arrests, searches for the purpose of maintaining law and order. They can also use reasonable force required to maintain peace and tranquility. They can also destroy any arm dumps or fortified positions or shelters from where armed attacks are made by violent groups.
The only protection provided to the armed forces of the union is that before any prosecution, suit or legal proceedings is initiated against any personnel of the armed forces for acting under this Act, prior sanction of the Central Government would be necessary.
When I visited the State last year as a part of the all party delegation I was informed by the officers of the paramilitary forces that more than 2500 applications for prosecuting personnel of armed forces were pending with the Central Government.
The Act, therefore, gives protection to the personnel of armed forces that they cannot be prosecuted without the sanction of the Central Government. In case this protection is withdrawn it would empower various vested interests to prosecute officials of the armed forces and other paramilitary forces indiscriminately.
Obviously, this would disincentivise personnel of these forces from taking adequate steps against the separatist groups. When the security forces are in favour of retention of this law, it would be highly imprudent to allow anyone to seriously argue that political considerations require that this law be withdrawn or its enforcement be restricted only to certain areas.
We seriously hope that a situation does emerge in future that the applicability of this law is either not necessary or is restricted only to some areas. That situation does not seem to have arrived as yet. The withdrawal of this law would leave the administration of the unprotected districts only in the hands of the local police and thus incentivising the separatist and violent groups to increase their activities in these areas.
It would, therefore, be politically more prudent for the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir not to initiate a debate at a stage when circumstances still warrant the continuation of the operation of the law.
(Writer is Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha) The Pioneer, Friday, 28 October 2011
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