iik republic day supplement 2011

26th January, 2011

IndiansInKuwait.com

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Table of Contents

Marketd By: Badra International

Complete web portal for the Indians staying in Kuwaitw w w . i n d i a n s i n k u w a i t . c o m

From the Editors Desk 4

Ambassador Message for the Independence Day of India 6

Republic India 12

What we have done for our country....? 17

Indian Students Abroad 21

The Cycle of Hope & Despair 26

Kuwait Currency - A track down steering to Indian Rupee 30

My India - A young nation on the move 33

Higher Education in India 38

“Tourism - India an uprising”! 43

India in the 21st Century 47

Bharat Matha Ke Samman Mei 50

At the dawn of our Republic Day 52

Vande Matram 53

We Pledge Today! 54

United India 55

Incredible India 56

Where can I find a country like this 57

East ot West India is the Best 58

Bharat Matha Ki Jai 59

I Love India 60

The India I love 61

The Beauty of India 62

The 60th Republic Day Celebrations of India 63

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w w w . i n d i a n s i n k u w a i t . c o m4

Dear Readers,

As we are celebrating the 62nd year of constitutional India, here I am welcoming you all to “Maa Tujhe Salaam” - the special supplement of IndiansinKuwait.com. We are very grateful to all our readers for making this a highly successful web portal.

Since launching of your favorite portal IndiansinKuwait.com (IIK), we have been committed with our efforts to make this all the more useful and interactive. We are happy to note that our efforts are being recognized and appreciated by our readers. There are still miles to go and we look forward to your continued valuable support and contribution. Together we will make it happen. Let me also assure you that as the year unfolds, we will make your favorite news portal more informative than ever before.

Over the years, we have introduced various channels to give a detailed reading pleasure to our readers. We are happy to see that our channels such as IIK Lifestyle, IIK Yatra, IIK Dine Out, IIK Education and others, are well accepted by our readers. It’s your constant support which is driving us to introduce new channels which I am sure you all will enjoy. Besides, there are numerous other activities that we plan to execute in the near future which would surely enhance your reading experience at IIK.

Meanwhile, flip through our special supplement, which contains valuable articles that will surely give a greater reading experience and enlighten you. Our sincere thanks to those individuals who have contributed their valuable time and sent their articles for this supplement. This issue is the compilation of the best articles, drawings and poems from the vast contributions which we have received. On the auspicious occasion of India’s 62nd Republic Day we dedicate this special supplement for you. Hope you enjoy reading these articles as much as our team enjoyed compiling them.

I take this opportunity to thank His Excellency Mr. Ajai Malhotra (Ambassador of India, Kuwait) for all the support and encouragement which he has extended to the Indian community in Kuwait.

We are equally grateful to our advertisers for their immense support. Kudos to the IIK team for working diligently and getting this supplement out on time. My sincere thanks to Mr Surya Prakash for his outstanding support. A special thanks to our marketing associates M/s Badra International without whose support this could not have been possible.

Thanking you

Sunoj NambiarEditorIndiansinKuwait.com

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On the 62nd Republic Day of India, I extend warm congratulations to every member of the Indian community in Kuwait and thank our esteemed Kuwaiti friends for their abundant good wishes. We remember today with deep gratitude the brave guardians of our frontiers and those who have sacrificed their lives for the safety of our nation.

On this historic day in 1950, the Constitution of India came into force, securing justice, liberty and equality to all Indians. Reflecting the vision and wisdom of our founding fathers, independent India became a sovereign, secular, democratic Republic. Guided by the aspirations and choices of our people, expressed through democratic means, India has secured a respected place in the comity of nations as a country committed to harmony, justice, equality, and the rule of law. We are proud citizens of the largest, most diverse, and vibrant democracy in the world, buttressed by a free media, an independent judiciary, and inbuilt mechanisms for course correction and redressal.

India is presently undergoing a fast pace of development. There is a fresh dynamism amongst our people, a feeling of deep confidence in our capabilities, and a collective sense of optimism in our bright future. India is already the fourth largest economy in the world in purchasing power parity terms. It is one of the world’s youngest nations with a median age of 23 years, compared to a global average of 33 years. This provides a solid human resource base to drive our growth. India is a software giant and a global sourcing hub, especially for business process outsourcing and IT enabled services. Our telecommunications sector has notched phenomenal growth. Our prudently regulated banking system is among the most extensive in the world. We have the third biggest investor base and the largest number of listed companies in the world. India also has the second largest arable land area and is a leading food producer in the world. India’s foreign exchange reserves exceed US $294 billion.

The Indian economy has maintained one of the highest growth rates in the world in recent years and is set to expand to US $2 trillion in 2013-2014. Prudent fiscal stimulus and macroeconomic management have enabled India to emerge as an anchor of global economic stability and its rapidly growing markets and rising productivity are central to future world economic growth. Despite an uncertain global economic scenario, the Indian economy grew 8.9% in the first half of 2010-2011. With a 35% domestic savings rate, robust macroeconomic fundamentals, sound economic institutions, and a stable balance of payments position, India is set to maintain a sustained 9-10% growth trajectory. Such growth will help fund our

Ambassador’s Message for the India’s Republic Day

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ambitious development programmes and create employment opportunities for our youth.

Our large middle class, abundant scientific and technical manpower, innovative entrepreneurs, diversified industrial base, and plentiful raw materials, make India an attractive business and investment destination. India stands out as one of a few countries where substantial growth is occurring and profits are being made. It has one of the most liberal and transparent FDI policies among emerging economies and many recent studies rate India as one of the world’s most attractive FDI destinations. India also welcomes portfolio investment in company equity by qualified institutional investors. India is investing over US $500 billion in power, roads, ports, airports, irrigation, and telecommunications, seeking to remove infrastructure bottlenecks. India’s next five-year plan, starting in 2013, assigns US $1 trillion for infrastructure development, with half of it likely to come from private funds. Easy entry procedures have created a favorable climate for foreign investment in India. It is timely to seriously explore investing in our energy, infrastructure, and other sectors.

India is itself a major source of investment abroad. Numerous Indian companies have reached out overseas, through mergers and acquisitions or direct investments in order to access high-growth markets, technologies and knowledge, attain economies of size and scale, and leverage international brand names.

At the same time, we are acutely aware that enormous challenges remain, especially in eradicating poverty, malnutrition, disease, and illiteracy. To tackle them, India has embarked on ambitious programmes for social and economic transformation of citizens on the margins of its growth story. These include programmes for ensuring employment to rural households, scaling up rural infrastructure, universalizing elementary education, providing food security, and better health care delivery. We recently added the Right to Education as a new fundamental right in our Constitution. We seek caring and inclusive growth that brings tangible benefits to all, as we invest in education, health and sanitation, care of the differently abled and elderly, village modernization, employment generation and skill development. Special attention is being devoted to end alienation in impoverished areas.

India’s rise is welcomed as a positive factor in international relations. Our contributions derive from our unique experience of tackling developmental challenges, our emphasis on values, and our tradition of consensus building. We have just become a member of the UN Security Council for two years. We will play our due role on international bodies, seeking to promote what is good for India and good for the world at large.

On the foreign policy front, India will continue to pursue enlightened national interest, maintaining the autonomy and independence of thought, decision-making, and action that has been a hallmark. Our overriding priority is to secure India’s

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economic transformation and development in an atmosphere of peace and security. We seek mutually beneficial relations with all countries. As a responsible member of the international community, India will work with other countries to tackle issues of common concern like terrorism, climate change, the global economic crisis, energy security, food security, and the reform of multilateral institutions to reflect contemporary realities. India has always unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and has been at the forefront of the fight against it.

Close and friendly interface between the people of India and Kuwait goes back many centuries. An important part of each other’s extended neighbourhood, the continuous intermingling of our peoples and civilizations underpin our multifaceted ties. Our special relationship extends beyond historical and cultural linkages to encompass political, trade and economic interests. India-Kuwait trade has reached US $ 10.5 billion, and is dominated by oil exports from Kuwait. An important partner in meeting India’s energy needs, Kuwait annually provides 10-11% of our crude oil imports. Even in non-oil trade terms India has consistently been among Kuwait’s top trading partners. As our interaction intensifies, fresh opportunities are opening up in sectors like IT, manpower development, hospitality, and medical tourism.

High-level exchanges provide an opportunity to reaffirm friendship and explore new cooperation avenues. The visit to India in June 2006 by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of Kuwait, was a landmark event. The visit of our Vice President HE Mr. M. Hamid Ansari to Kuwait in April 2009 gave fresh momentum to our relations. Our Minister of State for Tourism visited Kuwait in October 2009. The visit to Kuwait in February 2010 by our Minister of External Affairs, HE Mr. S.M. Krishna, further boosted our ties and reaffirmed them as exemplary, characterized by warmth, mutual respect and understanding. Minister of Oil and Minister of Information of Kuwait, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, visited India in September 2010, while our Minister of State for Finance came to Kuwait in December 2010. Exchanges have also recently taken place in fields ranging from culture to hydrocarbons, manpower development to tourism, cuisine to defence.

The nearly 640,000 strong Indian community in Kuwait plays a pivotal role in stimulating our friendship. It is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait and has a reputation for being industrious, talented, disciplined and law abiding. Present in practically every segment of society, its contribution to the development and prosperity of Kuwait, and to that of its members and their families, is noteworthy. I would like to express gratitude for the benevolence bestowed on the Indian community by HH Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of Kuwait, and for the goodwill of the friendly people of Kuwait.

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Responding to increased consular demand arising from enhanced bilateral interaction, the Embassy outsourced its passport and visa services in May 2009. The convenient new timings and locations have proved attractive. An “Indian Workers Welfare Center” was set up by the Embassy in September 2009 to enhance welfare support to our workers in Kuwait. It incorporates an elaborate labour complaints redressal mechanism, a toll-free 24x7 telephonic helpline for domestic workers in distress, free accommodation and a range of other facilities for them, a time-bound work contract attestation system, a free legal advice clinic, and help desks to guide Indians on immigration, employment, and other issues. The welfare and consular support for Indians in Kuwait has been consistently enhanced during 2010 and the Embassy will continue to upgrade its services while boosting efficiency levels.

I take this opportunity to convey warm congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on His Highness’s fifth anniversary as the Amir of the State of Kuwait. I also warmly congratulate His Highness and the people of Kuwait on the 50th anniversary of Kuwait’s Independence and the 20th anniversary of its Liberation. We enthusiastically look forward to joining in celebrating these important milestones.

On this joyful occasion, as we commit ourselves anew to serving our people, our motherland, and the larger cause of humanity, I wish every Indian in Kuwait good health and prosperity. Our best wishes for continued good health and prosperity go out to HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince, HH the Prime Minister, and the friendly people of the State of Kuwait. Long live India-Kuwait friendship! Jai Hind!

Ajai Malhotra

Ambassador of India

Kuwait

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Republic India

The Republic of India is a large South Asian country rich in ethnic diversity, with over one billion people speaking hundreds of languages. Politically it is the world’s largest liberal democracy. The Indian economy is the fourth largest in the world, in terms of purchasing power parity, and is the world’s second-fastest growing economy. India is also the second most populated country in the world. India has grown significantly, in terms of both population and strategic importance, in the last twenty years attributed to economic reforms. As we walk through the history, India is an amazing discovery and its history is a unique tale of the past. It is a civilization united by its diversity, richness of culture, the glory of past, the turbulences and triumphs. Home to some of the most ancient civilizations in the world, India was formally ruled by the British for almost ninety years before gaining independence in 1947.

Republic Day, celebrated on January 26th every year, is one of India’s most important national events. It was on January 26th, 1950 that the constitution of India came into force and India became a sovereign, democratic and republic state. On this day India finally enjoyed the freedom of spirit and fundamental principle of governance. The patriotic fervor of the Indian people on this day brings the whole country together even in her embedded diversity. Republic Day is celebrated most majestically in the capital, New Delhi, where symbols of the great nation’s military might and cultural wealth are displayed in what is the world’s most impressive parade. All Government buildings are illuminated lending the city the atmosphere of a fairyland. This day is celebrated with much zeal and pride all across the nation. India gained independence on August 15, 1947. But till January 26, 1950, it did not have the proper law of the land for ruling the country. On this particular date in1950 the constitution of India came into force and India became true nation state with true sovereign and republic sense. Our constitution was formed by the Indian Constituent Assembly. The Indian Constituent Assembly met on December 9, 1946. The Assembly appointed a number of committees to report on the various aspects of the proposed constitution. The Constituent Assembly had appointed Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the Chairman to draft the Constitution. The committee finalized the draft with 395 Articles and eight Schedules and was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. The Indian Republic officially came into being on January 26, 1950. January 26 was not some random date picked out of the calendar. It was on this date in 1927 that the Indian National Congress, then fighting its non-violent war for freedom, voted for complete independence as against ‘dominion status’. It was the date when members of the INC took the pledge to work towards a ‘sovereign democratic republic’ of India.

By: Parimita Barooah Bora

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BY FLENCY THANKACHANVII - B

I.C.S.K - KHAITANHOME


It was decreed a national holiday and has been recognized and celebrated as the Republic Day of India, ever since. The main celebrations are held in the form of a colorful parade near India Gate in Delhi. The parade showcasing India’s military might and cultural diversity covers an 8 km route, starting from the Rashtrapati Bhavan through the picturesque Rajpath down to India Gate before winding up at the historic Red Fort in Old Delhi.The events of the day begin with the Prime Minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti - India Gate. He then drives up to the central enclosure and awaits the arrival of the President and a Chief Guest of the occasion who is normally a Head of other Country. On the arrival, the honorable President meets the dignitaries present and unfurls the National Flag. Following this the National Anthem is played with a 21-gun salute to the National Flag. After this a brief investiture ceremony takes place during which the President presents India’s top gallantry awards, the Param Veer Chakra, the Veer Chakra and the Maha Veer Chakra to the outstanding soldiers from the defense services. After this, four helicopters from the armed forces fly past the parade area showering rose petals on the audience. Each chopper carries a flag - the first being the Indian flag and the other three the flags of the Army, the Navy, and the Indian Air Force. The march past begins immediately after the fly past. The President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, takes the salute of the mechanised, mounted and marching contingents of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Paramilitary forces, Police and the National Cadet Corps. After the march past comes the cultural extravaganza consisting of floats presented by the various states and performances by school children. After the floats, the bravery awards winning children from all over the country enter on elephants.

A spectacular fly-past by Air Force and Naval aircraft rounds off this not-to-be missed experience. The parade is followed by a pageant of spectacular displays from the different states of the country. These moving exhibits depict scenes of activities of people in those states and the music and songs of that particular state accompany each display. Each display brings out the diversity and richness of the culture of India and the whole show lends a festive air to the occasion. No other country in the world can parade so many ethnically different people in splendid uniforms.

After three days of Republic Day parade, a moving ceremony known as “Beating Retreat” is held at the Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. This ceremony revives an ancient war custom according to which troops used to stop fighting at sunset. Bugles announcing the sunset would sound in the battlefield. As soon as soldiers heard these bugles they would stand still in the battlefield and war would be stopped for the day. This ceremony held on the 29th of January every year, marks the formal end of the Republic Day celebrations. The ceremony opens with a parade by select contingents of the armed forces set to scintillating

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performances by the various armed forces bands. The parade climaxes with all the bands playing in unison. As the bands fall silent, a lone trumpeter picks up the moving tune ‘Siki a mole’. After this performance the hymn ‘Abide with me’ is played by the Massed Bands. This hymn, said to be Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite, is a permanent feature of the ceremony. At exactly 6 pm, the buglers sound the retreat and the National Flag is lowered to the National Anthem bringing the Republic Day celebrations to a formal end. One by one, the camels and the riders who stand stone-like throughout against the backdrop of the sky, move away from the background. Just after this comes the most visually appealing part of the show. With the click of a button, a thousand bulbs light up the Rastrapati Bhavan and adjoining buildings. Surely a fitting end to the annual celebrations of the Indian republic!

About the Author:

A onetime lecturer, currently Parimita Barooah Bora is a stay-at-home

mom. Having done her post graduation in English, Education and Travel n

Tourism, she taught for few years until her relocation to Kuwait. She likes

to share the experiences of her life as a freelance contributor to various

newspapers, magazines and websites. Now, as a freelance writer and teaching

children in the evenings at home keeps her busy.

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What We Have Done For Our Country…?By: Surya Prakash

At such nodal points as Republic Day it is but apt to mull over the aspect what have we done for our country. Now what it means to do something for a country? Has it to be so tangible that society at large recognizes it or could it be also something done at a very personal level but done with a heart content and not at all tangible to the outside world.

Whereas here I am not putting forward a point for an argument, I am just throwing open a challenge to all of us: What can I do for my country without expecting accolades, rewards, recognitions etc.

I happened to be on my regular morning walk along the beach side when I was just passing by two friends of a different nationality. They were conversing in English. The statement that I overheard was, ‘I say this country India is quite a force to reckon with.” I slowed down in my brisk walking to keep myself within a hearing distance from these two morning walkers. “Yep, it is good for them and possibly for us too. In a decade from now we may find ourselves applying for jobs in India.” “Oh! man what beats me is with such a diversity in their languages, culture and with so many religions in place, these guys are surely doing something extraordinary” Even as I was hearing these statements being uttered by people of a different nationality, I had goose bumps all over and felt so proud of my motherland India. A tear of joy rolled down my cheek. But then it also gave me a chance for myself to look within and ask for myself, “OK, so what did I do for this wonderful nation to which I belong ?” My mind went racing back into time frantically searching for at least one moment in my life where I have done something for the country at least on personal level. I did find a couple of occasions where I did something for the people of this nation. But then I was looking for accolades and recognition after this “noble act” of mine and when I did not get, the motivation to do some more was lost and I was back to my mundane life.

Yes brothers and sisters, this is where many of us falter. Many of us do not want to be unsung heroes like those of the taxi driver who did not care for his safety when he drove through flooding waters to save as many people in Mumbai floods or that group of volunteers who braved into the tsunami affected areas to save people from drowning. These may be situations which bring to the fore the hidden patriotism in us. But what about those situations where we heard people talk about ill about India and we chose to play deaf on such statements instead of braving them and confronting them. What about those situations where we greased the hands of some Government office staff to get our work done at a fast pace?

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As an interviewer for IIK when I had posed a question to DR. Neelamani, the recipient of the Best Scientist Award for 2010 from Kuwait Govt., “Where do you see yourself twenty years from now” he replied, “I will be in a remote village in India helping poor children by educating them and if needed helping them financially so that they can stand up on their own feet one day, like me” Let us have such spirit as a benchmark for our love to our nation.

Loving a motherland comes from within and irrespective of the magnanimity of situations and circumstances. When such true love exists within us we could do any of the aforesaid noble acts and be heart content. After all it is not what we do or where we do that is important but it is important with what spirit we do the act. Let us mull over in a different perspective now: What have we done for our country..?

About the Author:

A corrosion engineer by profession and working for KOC.

A toastmaster, event manager and a motivational speaker.

Have presented a series of lectures on Stress management and How to perform better for companies and alumni associations.

Also as hobbies:

Undertakes tasks like interviewing Indians who have carved a niche for themselves in Kuwait and presenting the same to the society at large through proper channel as an inspiration to Indians living in Kuwait;

Covering events like exhibitions, documentary movie reviews and presenting them to the general public as a source of information through proper channels.

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Indian Students Abroad

By ; Asha Sharma

Grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence. People, who stay in India, count the blessings of the expatriates and the expatriates at times feel that children in India are more fortunate and are doing better than the ones studying abroad.

We can reach very close to perfection but perfection in anything is an unattainable goal. Indian Schools abroad are doing very well within the available resources, but it is true that there are gaps in our system at times. It is certainly not impossible to fill up those gaps. But all this can be done with the team work of all the stakeholders of any school. No one party can be held responsible for these gaps.

The main drawback is noticed, when the children are on the verge of passing out of a school. At this juncture parents start comparing their children with the children in India. They discover to their dismay that their children are not self driven, self learners, well informed and not aware of the emerging options in the field of careers. No school can be held responsible for these lacunas. There is no doubt that the students should be sensitized about the options by the schools but it is the work of the students to discover the details of various options. All this comes through interest and inquisitiveness among students which happens only when students feel responsible. Finding career options is continuous process of updating, which must start at the age of 12 or 13 years. Students have to derive information from parents, teachers, friends and community at large, so they need a lot of exposure.

Who makes the children dependent? It is the assurance from all the corners; children receive from the very beginning. Overseas children are less exposed to the word “no” or to an open challenge. Children are made to perceive that everything is possible with the magic wand of money and also that their parents will find some way out to send them to the best colleges and universities after school. They do not see their seniors taking pains for a better future. The flaw lies with our system. Children are not made to realize that they are studying to make their own lives and that the better they will do in the field of academics and co curricular activities, the better will be the chances in life. They are neither given the roots of responsibility nor the wings of independence. Children depend on parents to find choices, and in most of the cases parents decide careers for them. Children are not made to think that unless they will strive hard, they cannot attain heights. From the very beginning, parents ensure that the children should not be bothered a bit. Each parent wants to give to the child, what he never got in his life and in the process children become addicted to comfortable and easy life. But we should not ignore that fact that life is not a cake walk! Children should be made to think as to why are they studying and where should their focus

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I.E.SHOME


lie. Aptitude tests are not very common among the students. Most of the students even at the age of 14 cannot decipher as to where does their interest lie? A child has to be left in water in order to learn to swim. Over protection is the root cause of all the problems here.

If students are made to realize that their salvation lies in excellence in performance, in responsible conduct, the class rooms will become more disciplined and children will be found exploring lucrative careers. This research work should be done by the students themselves and not by parents on their behalf as there is a lot to learn in the process. Parents can be the facilitators. They can buy them the literature but unless the child studies the options available on his/her own and probes his own the pluses and minuses the right choice cannot be made. Amir Khan has portrayed this problem very beautifully in his film “The three idiots”. Children have to first look within and answer themselves as to what do they like? Everyone cannot be good in everything? Whatever are the strengths of a child, the profession should be chosen accordingly. Parents had very limited choices in their times. But now, there is plethora of options. Each stream has lot of specializations. Children should be able to gauge as to where the economy is moving and which careers will be demand after a decade from now. In nutshell, the solution lies in making children independent and responsible.

Training to become independent learner has to be provided from the very beginning. Children should take the responsibility of doing their homework themselves. Parents should not mind even if they are reprimanded for their negligence because they should learn to face the consequences of their irresponsible behaviour. Help should not be offered on platter like tuitions. Tuition should be the last resort. Child should be asked to be more attentive in the class room. Children should be asked to read the text again and again till the matter is understood. They should learn to put up logical questions to the teachers in the class room. Children have to develop reading habits which are lacking among most of the overseas students. This habit can be developed when parents take pains to buy and keep interesting books for the children to read at home in order to inculcate this interest in them. There is no substitute to good reading habit, whatever progress might have been made in audio-visual sector. Conscious students can evolve consciousness teachers and turn stereo type of classrooms into interesting class rooms. Students can change the climate of the class room. Even a tutor cannot do a magic with a student who has come with a closed mind and disinterest.

As far as teachers are concerned they have to become learners first and teachers later. Any person who becomes complacent in the field of education becomes obsolete. The expressions of the students in the class are an open yardstick for any teacher to gauge the level of her/ her success. No teacher can fool students. A good lesson makes a day for a

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good teacher. People should not enter this profession as a compulsion, last resort or as a time pass vocation, because such decisions harm everyone. This attitude is very dangerous for the society. This profession demands integrity and accountability of a very high order.

School administration has to keep itself well informed. Any compromise or laxity in induction criterion of teachers may prove fatal for any school. The management should learn about the best facilities to be provided within the means. Sole profit motive cannot raise a good school. The school management which practices transparency in its systems and makes efforts to provide optimum facilities strengthens its own backbone.

We cannot change the past, but we can change the present and the future. A clear advice to all the parents is to make their students self learners. Students are the same, whether in India or abroad. Students in India are made to understand that they have to make their lives and the very first step is to make the most of education at school. If they do not succeed, they take the blame. This is what is lacking in overseas students. Money can help to some extent, in finding tutors and best seats in the most coveted universities, but what about the learner? Learner is the nucleus of the whole system. How to prepare a learner is the basic issue? All the stake holders in the field of education, students, teachers, parents and the community at large need to pay attention to this question.

About the Author:

Mrs. Asha Sharma, B.A. (Hons.) Pol. Sc, B.Ed ( CIE) M.A. (Pol. Sc.), M.A. (History), from Delhi University, rendered nearly 34 years of service in the field of education as a teacher and administrator. In Kuwait Mrs. Asha Sharma started her career as the Founder Principal of Indian Central School, later become the Founder principal of Indian Educational School and is now the Founder Principal of Indian Learners Own Academy. Mrs. Sharma Authored 14 text books and edited a number of books in Economics, History, Civics, Environmental Studies, Social Studies and General Knowledge. As a free lance writer Mrs. Sharma penned a number of educational features and articles for leading dailies and popular magazines in Kuwait and India

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The Cycle of Hope and DespairBy: Dr. Navniit Gandhi

“I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. Corporations have been enthroned, an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money-power of the country will endeavour to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until the wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.”

Abraham Lincoln

16th President of USA (1861-1865)

Nearly 150 years ago, if Abraham Lincoln could be apprehensive of the direction American Republic could take, our own concerns and fears seem to be not ill-conceived. Every democracy; every republic has had to live through its own trials and tribulations. The path has hardly ever been rosy and smooth all the way. And so it is for India. Sixty years have passed since we proudly proclaimed ourselves to be a Republic. The decision was seeped in confidence and brimmed with hope. Expectations were lofty, and trust - abundant in the collective endeavours of the people of our country.

The journey has been mixed till date. In the very first phase, we had to live with the stigma of dependence on the West for food and other essential supplies, and on the mighty erstwhile USSR for meeting our defence requirements. The hostilities which had erupted in our social fabric, consequent to the Partition of our country on lines of religious divide, constituted an additional problem towards which precious resources and efforts and time had to be diverted. The rehabilita-tion of millions of refugees was an onerous task which was deftly accomplished.

The journey has been cyclical ever since. While during some years we reeled under the impact of famines and floods, during others we produced bumper crops and earned a little dignity too. The Revolutions were sometimes Green and sometimes, White or even Blue, but the tri-colour fluttered high at all such times. The pressures of a burgeoning population weighed us down on one hand, and other, the small percentage of skilled human resource produced engineering and scientific marvels which boosted our exports and our self-reliance.

Often, corruption bogged us down and more often, the scourge of communalism. When the regional loyalties raised their ugly head and crushed the national ethos, our heads often hung in shame. There were moments when dissatisfaction surged through one and all, and there were also moments such as those when we unfurled the tri-colour in space, or an explosion roared at Pokhran, and then, hope soared high. Despair did not reign for very long and neither did hope. They kept playing hide-and-seek and do so, even now.

In the past twenty years, the cycles have been turning at quite a speed. Before we can take a sigh of relief and bask in pride at an achievement, despair takes over. Today, they are lurking

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BY NANDHAKRISHNANIII - AI.E.S

BY SREERAG MAHADEVANVI - FI.E.S

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just behind each other, at all times, and when one comes forward; the other is just around the corner. Just when we were wringing our hands in despair in 1991, with forex reserves suffi-cient for barely a week’s needs, Liberalisation rescued us and hope was reborn. With a clean sweep, we cleared the cobwebs and dead skeletons from our backyard and broke through the shackles of idealist rhetoric. We tried to balance the reality that we were an agrarian economy, with the desire that we could be a fast-emerging manufacturing power and a service-oriented economy. Our institutions—academic, economic, technological, and social strengthened with a newfound vigour.

Just as we were dreaming big, and aiming to be regarded an equal in the Big League of na-tions, the wheels turned. The ugly faces and shameful deeds of those who govern us; those who control the reins of power have allowed despair to take over our psyche. Greed is running amok and unbridled and simply destroying the image of the country which we have been painstaking-ly trying to build. All that our brilliant engineers, software experts, scientists, sports persons, teachers, medical wizards and the like are struggling to achieve for the nation, is mercilessly crushed and mauled by a few thousands who dominate the political and bureaucratic arena.

Today, despair looms large. But hey, the Republic Day is a reminder. Our foundations shall withstand such tremors. It has endured many such, in the past. Our edifice is strong. It shall take it all in its stride. We will not collapse. We may be a little weary, but precisely at this moment, hope—which is just round the corner—will spring forward and we shall walk straight again, with our head held high !!!

About the Author:

Dr.(Ms)Navniit Gandhi is an academician, author, and trainer in the realm of Self Management. A former lecturer in Political Science, she is also a freelance journalist, and has published two Books, and several Booklets and Articles in several newspapers in India and Kuwait, till date. She writes poetry in Hindi, and is a member of The Writers’ Forum Kuwait.

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“Necessity is the mother of inventions”. The very same necessity for a common medium of exchange for a better economy gave way to the creation of “Currency”. Worldwide the transition of currency witnessed 2 stages, Coinage and Paper Money. The scenario was not different in Middle East. Archeological excavations in Kuwait which was focused at

the Failaka Island brought into picture the first coins used in Kuwait. Most interesting fact is that, Indian Rupee was in circulation in Kuwait before the introduction of Kuwait Dinar in 1961.

Indian Rupee issued from time to time during the reign of various rulers of British Kingdom who controlled the whole economy of India was circulated in Kuwait.

Those periods can be classified as 5 stages of Indian Rupee in Kuwait. The 1st Rupee lasted for 7 years from 1830 till 1837, during the reign of King William IV and the 2nd rupee from 1837 till 1901 during the period of Queen Victoria. 3rd rupee in circulation was introduced during King Edward VII which ended up in 1910. Then came the reign of King George V and that epoch also had a new issue of coins which lasted till 1936. It was during this age itself the paper money was introduced in Kuwait, in 1913. After 1936 King George VI took over the empire which ended in 1952.

Even though India got independence in 1947, the use of currencies issued by these British rulers continued for the monetary transactions in Kuwait. Independent India introduced new currency with the national emblem “The Lion of Asoka”, which was in circulation in Kuwait. In 1959 Indian Government took further step forward to introduce a different form of paper money with different color for Kuwait and other Arabian Gulf countries.

This new rupee system had differences not only in the look, but also in its purchasing power. This shattered

Kuwait Currency - A track down steering to Indian RupeeBy: Reshmy Krishnakumar

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the economic atmosphere of Kuwait. Kuwait realized the need for their own national currency which has its own value in the global market. The financial year 1961-62 marked its stamp in the history of Kuwait by introducing

Kuwaiti Dinar under the auspicious of late HH Sheikh Abdulla Al-Salem Al-Sabah in April, 1961. Indian Rupee was withdrawn from Kuwait and Kuwaiti Dinar took its place as the national currency with a purchase value of 13.33 Indian Rupees. It took 2 months for the withdrawal procedures and 342 million Indian Rupees were replaced by 25,646,110 Kuwaiti Dinars.

Each Dinar comprises of 1000 fils. Present day Kuwait currency consists of six categories in

denominations: Quarter (¼) of Dinar, Half (½) of Dinar, One (1) Dinar, Five (5) Dinars, Ten (10) Dinars and Twenty (20) Dinars. The first Kuwaiti banknotes bare the photo of late Amir of Kuwait HH Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the signature of the Chief of the Council of Finance at that time HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and pictures of renaissance landmarks in the State of Kuwait. Engraved phrase “The Kuwaiti Emirate” added pride to the coins issued. Later on this phrase was swapped by the word “Kuwait”. The Kuwait Dinar banknotes in circulation today got its new form after almost seven phases of renovations under the Central Bank of Kuwait.

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My India – A Young Nation on the Move.By: Vasanta Lakshmi

My India in the sixtieth year of becoming a Republic, is like watching, the growth of a young nation/ boy in a family, entering the effervescent, bubbly age of adolescence, with all its virtues and vices.

Yes, a span of sixty years is a short span, in the growth of a nation, and not withstanding the adjectives, the largest Democracy in world, we have a long way to go, before we can rest on our earned laurels. But this travel too is no mean achievement. When we have started this journey as a just born Nation, the initial challenges were keeping together, the pockets of Princely States, bringing colonized areas into our umbrella, treating the wounds of partition, remaining strongly secular ensuring that the minorities are taken care of along with majority religions and reassuring linguistic identities, by formation of states based up on language and culture and providing basic needs of food security, shelter and basic education to the vast population, millions of Indians, who woke up into Independent India with dreams in their eyes.

The next two decades, we were chasing the dreams of a nascent Nation, on dusty roads, hungry mouths, waiting to be fed, with five year plans that envisaged growth at a snails’ pace. First the Green Revolution, then the White revolution, made it possible to feed the millions.

We had roads, connecting all the parts of the country, though they were pot holed or dusty, we had public transport, public owned telephone connectivity, two types of cars, running along the roads, Ambassadors and Fiats. We had elementary schools at village centers, next level schools at district head quarters, and higher education centers at cities, but education was the mantra which every one is sure, will open wide the doors of prosperity.

With immense fore thought, our Leaders have opened Institutes of Higher learning like IITs and IIMs, which laid a strong foundation for our global renowned technocrats in years to come.

I remember, clearly the year, 1984, when we had at our small town, Asian Games buses, well built, colorful, modes of transport, and a contrast to our drab red RTC buses, with fading colors. Next, revolutionary event was colour TV, transmission of popular programs based on social messages, entertainment, all transmitted by the Central Door Darshan more popularly known as DD. It was a big technological revolution, a TV at a home was initially a social status, that too, a colour TV, was regarded as upward social mobility. The Government was in charge of all production, and so we had to wait for every need, a phone, a scooter, a ration card, a seat in a school, you name it and we had a procedure and an endless amount of paper work. Babudom (bureaucracy) was at its peak, in those times.

Under the young Rajeev Gandhi’s leadership, our doors to the world had started opening up, starting with Telecommunications. Gone were the frustrating long waits for a trunk

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BY CATHERIN VISMAYA BIJUVI - FI.E.S

BY NISHATII - E

I.E.A.S

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call to materialize, at a dusty, Head Post Office or Telecom Center. At every corner, small kiosks –popularly called STD booths- were opened, with immediate connectivity to any place in the country. STD codes were given to every town. Each village on the map, was now, not a dot, on a map, but a lively village /town well connected with the rest of the country. People started moving around, seeking greener pastures, as they are now sure of their connectivity to their roots. Just a phone call away, is a person, how ever far he may be. Distances began to disappear; country is now not so vast, as we thought it to be. Yes, indeed ,we have entered into a different world of fast communication.

The next Prime Minister, P.V.Narasimha Rao, and then Finance Minister, present Prime Minister, Man Mohan Singh, were instrumental in opening widely our hitherto closed doors to foreign investors, in a limited way and streamlined the licence raj, thus giving a wake up call to our own monopolistic public sector bodies from deep slumber.

Enter, various brands of services, consumer is made the king, global brands found a huge, untapped market in our billion strong population, and with technological revolution like mobile phones, computers, internet, video games, expanding exponentially at an alarming rate, the dreams of the generations, who heard the speech of our first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, on the eve of our Independence Day on 15th August, 1947, invoking country to make a tryst with Destiny ,seems to be fulfilled.

In the last decade, a Non Resident Indian, had a big shopping list, while coming back home, chocolates, cameras, stereo sets, sarees, suit materials, you name it, even trendy, Dove or Camy soaps were sought after. Now, he watches, desi cousins brandishing latest gizmos, mobile, net, camera, all in one pieces, just fitting in your fist, Nike, Puma ,Next, Nokia, Baskin-Robbin ice cream parlours, Pizza Huts, all being accommodated in a local Mall, with screens dishing latest English movies.

Now, Even a village boy/girl is educated in English. Engineering education is like basic level education. Taking the help of education loans, from banks, who are competing to serve the upwardly mobile gen next youth, with the enormous exposure to the opportunities all over the world, at their finger tips, thanks to the penetrating internet, our Diaspora has spread like ether, all pervading the Globe.

Is it all a rosy picture? No, is the answer, but yes, is also the wish. Yes, we are still a young Nation, in the pages of history; we are still the largest democracy. We strived to bring true democracy through transparent voting machines, enabling election process to be fair and accountable, under a constitutional body. A strong media, both electronic and print, are keeping a constant vigil, an efficient judiciary is a balancing check for parliamentary misdeeds, and with a hand on our heart, we can proclaim, yes ,ours is a Republic, ours is a Democracy, ours is a Secular State..

Yes, we had our own pitfalls, our own misfortune moments, our own natural calamities, our own internal fights, over religion, language, culture, our own disparities, our own

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weaknesses, but we as a country stood as one, in all those moments, we fought as one country against all odds, we are sending satellites into space for other countries, and we are shooting rockets into space and we are landing on moon, we are searching for mineral wealth in remote inaccessible areas, we are just determined to walk that extra mile, into that path of glory.

Yes, our youth keeps playing video games, into odd hours but awakens to write a software program, our village youth jumps into Olympics Arena, our simple women learn to run self help groups, our town girls walk the ramp and aim for global exposure, everyone is determined to be a part of the glory, called Vibrant India.

We saw super powers struggling in recession, we saw Europe fighting bad times, we saw India evolving as Brand , same time, competing with its neighbours, so much so that, now we watch, amusingly, the First Lady of USA dancing along with our empowered girl students, President of USA promising us to help in becoming a world leader, and he declaring in his Parliament address that India has arrived on the world stage.

From two models of cars on roads we have arrived to Audi, Benz, show rooms. From dusty roads we have arrived to world class roads collecting toll for usage. From the limited black or red telephones of Indian Telephones, we have arrived at a market scene where we have a multiple of choices, all brands, all within reasonable prices. From black and white DD days we have travelled a long way, we are now pampered with so many channels, that channel surfing with a remote, is our favourite past time.

Yes, we are a market, a consumer market, the world cannot ignore, any more. Yes, we are the largest Democratic country in the world, no one can deny this. Yes, we are the largest Democracy, where our voters, actively participate and change the rulers at the center or state, by a mantra called vote. Yes, the world cannot wish to ignore the existence of this adolescent Republic Nation, we are making the right noise….A roar of billions… calling….Chalo India…Chal Chalo India, singing Chak De India …This is my INDIA.

About the Author:

A home maker, living in Kuwait, for about five years, with compulsive reading

habit, matured into writing small stories, blogs, write ups on books, movies,on any

thing which moves her to write.

Her hobbies include apart from reading books, travelling to explore historic places,

listening to music,searching for recipes on net and cooking.

She enjoys interacting with different people and learning about their occupations.

She would like to take a much active part in any literary field and be useful to the

society, in some way.

Vasanta Lakshmi, P.

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Education in India is seen as one of the ways to upward social mobility. Good education is seen as a stepping stone to a high flying career. Indian professionals are considered among the best in the world are in great demand. This signifies the inherent strength of Indian education system.

Higher Education in India has evolved in distinct and divergent streams with each stream monitored by an apex body, indirectly controlled by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The engineering education and business schools are monitored and accredited by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) while medical education is monitored and accredited by the Medical Council of India (MCI). Like-wise, agriculture education and research is monitored by the Indian Council for Agriculture Research. Apart from these, National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) controls all the teacher training institutions in the country. The country has some world-class engineering, management and medical education institutions which are directly funded by the Ministry of Human Resource Development of the Union Government. Admission to all professional education colleges is done through all-India common admission tests of which the IIT-JEE, AIEEE, CAT and CPMT are the most popular ones. Most of the institutions reserve a small percentage of seats for foreign students.

University Grants Commission (UGC) is responsible for coordination, determination and maintenance of standards and release of grants. Professional Councils are responsible for recognition of courses, promotion of professional institutions and providing grants to undergraduate programmes and various awards. The statutory professional councils are:

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Distance Education Council (DEC), Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR), Bar Council of India (BCI), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), Medical Council of India (MCI), Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), Indian Nursing Council (INC), Dentist Council of India (DCI),Central Council of Homeopathy (CCH), Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM).

Central Government is responsible for major policy relating to higher education in the country. It provides grants to the UGC and establishes central universities in the country. The Central Government is also responsible for declaration of Educational Institutions as ‘Deemed to be University’ on the recommendation of the UGC.

The educational structure in India is generally referred to as the 10+2+3 pattern. The first ten years provide undifferentiated general education for all students. The +2 stage,

Higher Education in IndiaBy: P.G Varghese

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INTEGRATED INDIAN SCHOOL

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also known as the higher secondary or senior secondary, provides for differentiation into academic and vocational streams and marks the end of school education. The +3 stage, which involves college education, the student goes for higher studies in his chosen field of subject.

Academic Qualification Framework - Degree Structure

There are three principle levels of qualifications within the higher education system in the country. These are:

Bachelor / Undergraduate level | Master / Post-graduate level | Doctoral / Pre-doctoral level

Bachelor’s degree in arts, commerce and sciences is three years of education (after 12 years of school education). In some places there are honours and special courses available. These are not necessarily longer in duration but indicate greater depth of study. Bachelor degree in professional field of study in agriculture, dentistry, engineering, pharmacy, technology and veterinary medicine generally take four years, while architecture and medicine takes five and five and a half years respectively. There are other bachelor degrees in education, journalism and librarian-ship that are second degrees. Bachelor’s degree in law can either be taken as an integrated degree lasting five years or three-year course as a second degree.

Master’s degree is normally of two-year duration. It could be coursework based without thesis or research alone. Admission to postgraduate programmes in engineering and technology is done on the basis of Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering or Combined Medical Test respectively.

A pre-doctoral programme - Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) is taken after completion of the Master’s Degree. This can either be completely research based or can include course work as well. Ph.D. is awarded two years after the M.Phil or three years after the Master’s degree. Students are expected to write a substantial thesis based on original research.

Distance Education in India

In India there has been increase in students enrolling for distance learning courses. The admissions in regular University courses have become highly competitive due to limited number of seats available in specialized professional courses. Distance Education Council (DEC) is an organisation responsible for the promotion and coordination of the Open University and distance education system and for determination of its standards in India.

There are two systems of distance education: 1. Regular system: In the regular system, the qualification requirements for enrolment are similar to those prescribed for the normal university courses. 2. Open system: In the open system, the courses are open to any person

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who may not even possess any formal qualifications. But in some institutions they should have attained the age of 18 years for under-gradate and diploma courses and 21 years for postgraduate courses.

The benefits of Distance Education are many, availability of distance learning courses has assured that a person can pursue distance education from any state or university that he or she desires and the employment market is highly competitive and the best jobs go to persons possessing requisite qualifications. In many organisations, getting promotions depend on the possession of higher qualifications. The correspondence courses provide them opportunities to enhance their qualifications. In particular, distance education is a boon to housewives, who can use their precious leisure time to enhance their educational qualifications and employment potential.

Distance education institutions offer courses at different levels: Degree, Postgraduate degree, Research degree, diploma and postgraduate diploma. The courses cover a wide variety of subjects from the traditional courses in Arts, Science and Commerce, both at degree and postgraduate degree levels, to a large number of professional courses like teacher’s education, library and information science, journalism and mass communication, management (different branches), Information technology and several branches of science.

P.G. VargheseManaging Director of MEI for University Services ,

Kuwait Educational Centre and Shaheen Training Institute

About the Author:

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Hearty Greetings on this 62nd Indian Republic Day!

Indicating stronger prospects, ‘Evergreen India’ with its magnetic tourist attractions has been able to lure a great number of international arrivals in the year 2010 for both business and leisure travels. Foreign tourists travel went up by 9.3% in 2010 earning US$ 14.19 billion and this sector is green due to our mind blowing culture, showcasing history, warm hospitality and the value for money a traveller spends inside India. Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India along with State Tourism departments too boast their amazing heritage, wildlife and flora competing with each other to attract tourists adding life to life. The aviation market, new highways and accommodation sectors have been catering to the international tourists and kept the demand growing. Special luxury trains on rails with a good speed give the best travel experience and ease your journey. Raising popularity for rail mode travel is due to the real Maharajah treatment they provide and trains are environment friendly. There is no doubt, the scenes around and the red-carpet of Indian tourism industry is on par with other internationally popular destinations like Malaysia, Singapore and China.

The changing lifestyle and outlook in India combined with booming economy has made the tourism industry self-sustaining in spite of the global economic slowdown and uncertainties brought by influenza A (H1N1) in the years 2008/2009. A variety of signature Spa treatments and beauty therapies provide everlasting moments in all the Green eco-tourism places of India. A head-to-toe relaxation in tranquil surroundings from Ayurvedic experts takes you to another level of well-being. You can refresh, revitalise and rejuvenate your nerves from the soothing therapy of their warm hands. It’s pure bliss away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The natural light, lush gardens, leafy spots offer great moments for families landing in India for a vacation. Once, we had a pleasant surprise and pride in our soul when one Kuwaiti family hinted on an Indian 5 star hotel facing Povai Lake in Mumbai as the best and foremost quality hotel from all their global travels. Thanks to such services with perfection. World class upscale or casual accommodations are spread throughout India to cater high and low budget travellers and serve the tourists with a warm smile. ‘Hospitality’ is the foundation on which all the pillars and columns of Indian State tourisms are built.

Rajasthan’s romantic Palaces and Forts ‘The Gift of Kings’ are undebatable monuments with lakes, Pushkar Fair and perfect panoramic views for the tourists. Among the top four luxury trains in the world, ‘Palace on Wheels’ Royal rail tour to Jaipur, Jodhpur & Udaipur

“Tourism– India in Upswing”!

By ; Indira Priya Rajan

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BY GWYNETH A. DAISII - B

I.E.A.S

BY IVYXI - A

CARMEL SCHOOL

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where the world’s best sun rise and sun set is viewed, is mesmerizing Westerners. There are 14 coaches in the train. Each of them is named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. When it comes to ecological tourism, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra & Andaman are India’s most naturally endowed destinations compared to other states. Protecting our climate and environment with high spirits is an important role in tourism to sustain the business. Many tourists like to discover states bordering Holy Himalayan valley for their mountain of eternal snow, spiritual elevation, impressive national parks, placid lakes and landscape. With encouraging excursions, cycling, hiking, Rishikesh Ganga river rafting and heli-skiing adventures, only few places in the world are richly endowed like the Himalayan ‘Land of the Gods’. Crown Palace Taj Mahal at Agra is one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage and the jewel of Muslim art in India. Gigantic Forts, palaces, temples and tombs are spread in many States of India giving the traveler, a wide choice like Delhi, Ajanta Caves, Khajurao temples, Charminar, Mysore Palace, Vizag, Mamallapuram, Ooty and so on with heritage varieties and freedom to travel. Shimla, Manali, Nainital, Doon valley via the wetlands of dancing Punjab & Haryana is a golden travel route based on my little research.

India the ‘only country’ in the world gifted with Lions, Tigers, Elephants & Rhinos ‘all-in-one’ and has a great responsibility towards ‘Conservation of Nature’. Beat the summer heat travelling to Corbett Park, Gangtok, Kaziranga, Western Ghats or mangrove Sunderbans to see Flora, Fauna or beautiful Tea trails. Tour operator’s adventure holiday itineraries offer exhilarating experiences and enough ingredients that will keep pumping adrenaline in your blood. Say ‘no’ to dull and boring experiences. Go for the thrill, fun and excitement filled adventure activity holidays and discover my India. A tourist can do Great Egypt in 8 days, but even 80 days inside India is not enough to fully understand its Culture and History spread from ‘Red Fort to Rathayatra of Puri’ or ‘Somnath to Shillong’. Woo your beloved family to fairytale destinations to weave happy memories and no article or a book can exhibit all of India’s never ceasing wonders like wild waterfalls, backwaters and the rich heritage. Forgive, if I have missed here your favorite spot since India is an Empire spread with geographical and topographical diversities.

Spiritual beacon India’s Indus valley civilization is the oldest in the world comparable only to Egyptian civilization. The English rulers renamed it as ‘Hindu’ religion which cannot be limited by narrow boundaries of ‘religion’ as it is understood today. It is ‘a way of life’ reflecting the culture since ‘Rig Veda’ period dated back to 7000 B.C. Our Vedic culture is vibrant and alive even today. Muslim shrines & dargahs with Islamic architecture right across the country built by Mughals and Nawabs are grandeur in appearance. The

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Sikh Gurudwara pilgrimage sites combine both the spiritual and human world-prayers. Christianity with Portuguese heritage Old-Goan churches and the Velankanni church in Coromandel Coast draws pilgrims from various creeds and communities. Kerala is the cradle of Christianity in India. Bihar’s ‘Bodh Gaya’ is the site of enlightment of Gautama Buddha and pilgrims from Far East visit many monasteries.

Bharath’s tourism programs are planned in such a way to meet the aspirations of our own visitors and from abroad. The period of ‘Mauryas’ 300 B.C and ‘Guptas’ implemented the best civil administration and road systems. Many misunderstood that it was the British who introduced these systems. It is suggested, in future a special ‘Tourism Police Department’ could be started to facilitate quality of services for tourists. “Atithi Devo Bhavah” is our motto, meaning ‘Our Guest is blessed, Our Visitor is God’! Every Indian has a duty to promote and market Indian tourism in India and abroad and the government has a responsibility to keep the country growing with world class infrastructures year after year. With Hygiene, Honesty and Security let us bring back the ‘Golden age’. Let ‘Iconic India’ be the ultimate destination for the World’s enlightened travelers as it was centuries before!

About the Author:

Mrs. Indira Priya, a computer science graduate is a French teacher writing travelogues to pen down her bright moments and thoughts regarding flora, fauna, lifestyle and bygone eras. She believes that sharing happiness is like a perfume and you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself. Needless to say...her simple words with nuance and scenes kindle readers with a desire to travel.”

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We have just stepped into a new century. It is human nature to look before and after. Talking about the future is always exciting. Man wants to peep into the future to know in advance what is in store for him and his fellow beings. Man’s curiosity to know about future and shapes of things and events to come has given rise to such subjects like astrology, palmistry etc, which try to predict the happenings and events to come.

Now what would be the future of India in the coming years of the new century? Can we project and predict the future of India as a nation with some certainty and precision? Are we in a position to predict the conditions that are likely to prevail in future? How the country would like, say after a decade? These are very crucial questions. Should we expect brave new world full of peace, prosperity, hope, dynamism and health or a world congested, overpopulate, full of despair, selfishness, polluted and dominated by narrow, parochial and self – seeking politicians? Perhaps we cannot answer these questions with desired precision, accuracy and exactness; however the subject is thrilling, exciting and interesting. There is no harm in making a guess about the shape of events and things in future.

During the past 2 – 3 decades many changes of far reaching significance have taken place as a result of rapid and radical advancement in the field of science, technology, medicine, agriculture and so on. The atomic energy has been harnessed and space and time have been conquered to some extent. This century made the global world closer. The wide use of computers and the internet have revolutionized our life. In the field of entertainment, television, audio systems, iPods, mp4’s have transformed the life completely. People have become more aware of family planning, child and women welfare and have begun to accept the norm of a small planned family. The general awareness about ecology and environment is hopefully on increase. Many of the diseases previously regarded as fatal have now been controlled and eradicated.

In the coming years and decades, life in India would be certainly more convenient, comfortable and easy but real happiness and contentment would be more scarce. The great industrial, economical, scientific and technological developments would make India one of the leading lights in these areas. Many of the present towns would change to big cities and centers of trade and business.

As far as our population is concerned it would surpass that of China in the coming years. At present, our population is approximately one-sixth of the world’s population.

India in the 21st Century

By ; Alan Cherian

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There would be lack in the supply of public facilities like electricity, sanitation, water, housing, shelter etc. Metropolitan cities like Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata would become huge urban excrescence as a major of them would be covered by slums.

These are some of the broad and rough outline of the future. We can just make a guess in broad terms on the basis of scientific, technological, social, political and world developments that have taken place in the immediate past and finer details can be left to the future itself.

Twenty first century itself is a very big period and the changes that would take place during those long years would be far more radical, fast, astonishing and unpredictable.

One thing is sure that the future of our country is bright, hopeful, assuring and such as would inspire confidence, faith and optimism, but we must exert our best to make it doubly sure.

Let us march ahead in the 21st century with confidence, fortitude, hope, courage and determination to face the new challenges of the new century.

About the Author:

Alan Cherian ia as Class VIII, C student of ICSK - Khaithan

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बायत भाता के सम्भान भेंहहभारम सय का ताज औय ऩावन नहिमाॊ है गहनाऐसी अनोखी स ॊियता बायत भाॉ का क्मा कहना !

सभ न्िय इन्हें सहराते है अऩने कोभर रेहयों सेश ॊगाय इनका होता है ननममभत फिरते ऋत ऑ स े!

जॊगर खेत खमरमानों भें मभरती है शयण अऩायइसका यहते आबायी है जीव जॊत कई प्रकाय !

धयती रुऩी सीने भें ज टाती है धन बयभायक्मयॊ बरा फपय कोई यहे बयका प्मासा फेकाय !

सभ्मताएॉ कई आई गई क छ स शीर क छ कठोयबाषाएॉ फिरी भगय छय टी ना सॊस्क नत की डोय !

ख शी ख शी अऩनाई है भाॉ ने ववमबन्न जातहभ क्मों कयते है फपय ऊॉ च नीच की फात !

ऐसी भाॉ के औराि हभ ऩाए उनके सद् ग णिमा सब्र औय प्रेभ से चरयत्र हो सॊऩन्न !

छर कऩट छीनाझऩटी है भाॉ का नतयस्कायआओ अऩनाए सिाचाय ठ कयाए भ्रष्टाचाय !

फने इस रामक की चर सके हभ सीना तानबायत भाॉ की सफ कहे है हभ मोग्म सॊतान !

जम हहॊि____________

By ; V V Subramaniam

बायत भाता के सम्भान भेंहहभारम सय का ताज औय ऩावन नहिमाॊ है गहनाऐसी अनोखी स ॊियता बायत भाॉ का क्मा कहना !

सभ न्िय इन्हें सहराते है अऩने कोभर रेहयों सेश ॊगाय इनका होता है ननममभत फिरते ऋत ऑ स े!

जॊगर खेत खमरमानों भें मभरती है शयण अऩायइसका यहते आबायी है जीव जॊत कई प्रकाय !

धयती रुऩी सीने भें ज टाती है धन बयभायक्मयॊ बरा फपय कोई यहे बयका प्मासा फेकाय !

सभ्मताएॉ कई आई गई क छ स शीर क छ कठोयबाषाएॉ फिरी भगय छय टी ना सॊस्क नत की डोय !

ख शी ख शी अऩनाई है भाॉ ने ववमबन्न जातहभ क्मों कयते है फपय ऊॉ च नीच की फात !

ऐसी भाॉ के औराि हभ ऩाए उनके सद् ग णिमा सब्र औय प्रेभ से चरयत्र हो सॊऩन्न !

छर कऩट छीनाझऩटी है भाॉ का नतयस्कायआओ अऩनाए सिाचाय ठ कयाए भ्रष्टाचाय !

फने इस रामक की चर सके हभ सीना तानबायत भाॉ की सफ कहे है हभ मोग्म सॊतान !

जम हहॊि____________

About the Author:

V V Subramanian, General Manager, Sales and Operations, at KDD Kuwait, is a Mechanical Engineer and a 1993 alumnus of IIM Calcutta. Prior to arriving in Kuwait in early 2000, he has worked in India with Coca-Cola India and Asian Paints (I) Ltd. His interests include philanthropy, environment, reading, writing, music and spending quality time with his lovely family.

HOME

BY DELCINA BRAGANZAXII - C

CARMEL SCHOOLHOME


When the bugles at ‘Mission India’Wake us up -We march to assembleIn unison and force;It is to hailThe Dawn of our Republic Day.

Devout sing our beloved anthem;The patriotic ‘Saare Jahan se acchaHindustan hamara’,And roll of tears fallDrenching every heart at will.It is to gratifyOur alliance with our Republic Day.

Sad so much it isOur distance with our land;That much the thought brings usClosest to bonding.This sunrise beckonsOur amalgam with our Republic Day.

With common notion,We arePeople walking together.This BrotherhoodTruly will lightThe Spirit of the Republic Day.

At The Dawn Of Our Republic Day

By ; Rajesh Verlekar

About the Author:

Mr. Rajesh Verlekar is a professional in the realm of Banking and has been a resident of Kuwait for over a decade. He writes poetry and short stories in English. He also is a keen learner of photography and has recently launched his own series of Greeting Cards for all occasions. He is a member of The Writers’ Forum, Kuwait and of Maharashtra Mandal, Kuwait.

HOME


Mother, I bow to thee!Rich with thy hurrying streams,Bright with thy winds of delight,Cool with thy winds of delight,Dark fields waving, Mother of might, Mother free.

Glory of moonlight dreams, Over thy branches and lordly streams,Clad in the blossoming trees,Mother, giver of easeLaughing low and sweet!Mother, I kiss thy feet,Speaker sweet and low!Mother, to thee I bow.

Who hath said thou art weak in thy lands,When the swords flash out in crores and crores of hands,With many strengths who are mighty and storedTo thee I call, Mother and Lord!To her I cry who ever her foremen brave,Thou art wisdom, thou art law.

MARIYA GABAIV A

ICSK - KHAITAN

Vande Matram

By ; Mariya Gaba

HOME


The planes are zooming swifter and swifterWhile the sensex is booming higher and higher.It’s time for a Revolution for our motherlandUntil there is Satisfaction on the other hand.

But remember all those valiant men,And women who fought for,The lifestyle that you now enjoy,Because they went for war.

Look up in pride n soar into the skyWave higher the tricolor flag to make it flyThe shattering terrorism cannot make us apartCos we are all INDIANS until death do make us part!

It’s now or never, blindfolded don’t walk to the GRAVEDo or die, PEACE is what we should honestly craveSince the constitution was laid down midday on this dayWe swear to make this government proud even today.

ANKUSH MATHEW SHABUIV – B

ICSK - KHAITAN

We Pledge Today!

By ; Ankush Mathew Shabu

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India is my country With its vast territory Its beautiful mountains and valleys Over-crowded cities, alleys Nature in its purest form Democratic country with it’s set of norms Rich culture and traditions Legislative judiciary, all constitutions The people kind and nice Philosophers, scientists oh so wise All for one and one for all For united we stand divided we fall.

“United India”

By ; Dan Anna Teddy

BY DAN ANNA TEDDY X-C

CARMEL SCHOOL

BY GRIFFINIII-D

I.C.S.K - KHAITANHOME


The largest peninsula of the world Yes, by the seas it is curled ….Himalayas, the snow –pearled,Shield it from being unfurled.

The lush northern plains Or the huge granaries of the grains…..And as it rains,The brimming rivers flow through its veins

Through the pages of history Etched in gold are its achievements in medicine and surgery,Calculus, geometry and trigonometry,Added to its fame and popularity …

It is the land of solitude and spirituality,Braided with diversity and integrity,Showing mankind the path to time tested reality,Which is the road to eternity.

By now, you must have guessed it right,It’s the land, whose democracy is its might,It’s the incredible India, the guiding light,And to be a part of it I delight

BY R.BHAKTI PRIYAGULF INDIAN SCHOOL

CLASS - 9

Incredible India

By ; R.Bhakti Priya

HOME


Clear blue skies where birds do fly.Lush green fields where flowers don’t die!Endless rivers that flow a long way It brings pleasure to all those who there stay. Covered partly in snow and mist The other part experiences rain and bliss Showers of joy for farmers and kids Slopes of snow for people to whiz.

Super fast train, to travel with ease One masala dosa for me pleaseDelicious food with extra spice All the people in India are so nice

Small tiny houses with thatched roofs Tall sky scrapers with walls water proofTATA motors with Dunlop wheels Honda bikes with extra speed

Huge gold mines owned by us Strapping young men for you to love Songs and music symphony divine Dances fantastic purely divine

Authentic and traditional to the core India will be mine forever more.

Where can I find a country like this?

By ; Shanece Ann D’mello

BY SHANECE ANN D’MELLOX-C

CARMEL SCHOOL

HOME


East or West India is the BestBy: Aditya Nand

Delhi for majesty,

Bangalore for beauty,

Bihar for mines

Himachal for wines

Kashmir for silk,

Gujarat for milk

Goa for fishing,

Bengal for writing.

Kerala for education,

Uttar Pradesh for population.

Nagaland for hills,

Mumbai for mills.

These all constitute India, the nation

A land famous for its Vedas and tradition.

With the mighty Himalayas, and the holy Ganges

The bouncing Brahmaputra and the other mountain ranges.

With its rich cultural heritage,

India enters into the modern age

--With many a language and diversity.

India is the best example of unity.

I am proud of my great nation

It deserves the world’s attention.

Born and raised on this sacred land

I wish to live and die for my Mother land

BY ADITYA NANDVIII - A

FAHAHEEL AL WATEHIEH INDIAN PRIVATE SCHOOL

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Bharat Matha ki JaiBy: Sree Hari

India is a great country,With lots of diversities In religions and culture And also in their tradition Many people shed theirBlood on the land for Freedom from British Who invaded India

These people were theFreedom fighters Of India who you Should be proud ofFor giving us independenceAnd the make the British Get out from the country

The Indians sang praises on theFighters victory and enjoyedThe freedom very happilyIndia is now free And is out of trouble and Can develop more thanIt was before

We salute you Indian fighters for your greatest achievements Which we shall never forget.

BY SREE HARI SREEKUMARVI - D

B.V.B (I.E.S)

HOME


The tri-coloured flag With a chakra standing proud Saffron, white and green Hoisted high before the crowds.

The diversities are so numerous Against discrimination we try to fight No matter how many times we fall We’ll fight back with all our might

The parades are so colorful The celebrations are so bright Christmas, Eid and Onam And Diwali the festival of light

The father of our Nation In our hearts will always stay He fought against the British Without a kill or slay

The heart of an IndianIs unique amongst all As unique as the rainbow That comes after the rainfall.

BY ALDRIDGE X-C

CARMEL SCHOOL

“I love India”

By ; Aldridge

HOME


The India I love Is an amazing place Steep hills, plenty rivers And a smile on every face 29 states and different culturesEagles, crows, pigeons and vultures Flying with a freedom and a joy That every Indian citizen does enjoy.Food that attracts people from near and farAlmost full is our development jar Cultures, food, language and so much more That is the India I adore.

BY ALINA LASRADO X-C

CARMEL SCHOOL

“The India I love”

By ; Alina Lasrado

HOME


BY EHAB ABDULLA FYSELIX-A

I.C.S.K - KHAITAN

Its beautiful trees – its warm air Its pristine seas and sparkling sands Its people, its cultureIts states, its traditions This is what comes to my mind When I think of the country – my country - I love

Its diversity – it religions The pani puris to butter chicken Its languages, its accents Even though my country is so diverse and far away I think about it everyday.

BY JADE PAIS X-C

CARMEL SCHOOL

“The Beauty of India”

By ;Jade Pais

HOME


I’m proud to be Indian; I love my motherland; I breathe air that is freeand till the soil, my land!

I hoist the tricolor, atop the mast so tall –a beauty Indians allcan watch with pride and awe!

I think about the past –the lives that had been lost; The blood for freedom shed, and freedom-fighters dead!

My India looks so great, for sixty years till date; How Gandhi changed our fateis told by India Gate!

The freedom I enjoysince when I was a boy, got by sacrifice, toil, and burning mid-night oil!

This heritage of minehas always been so fine; So is the warm sunshine, surrounding clear blue brine.

Let Indians maintain peace; Let global wars all cease; Let mounting tensions ease; Let cures come for disease.

Let’s make our India proud; Let brethren all feel loved; Let’s unite against foesthat cause our daily woes!

May God bless Indiao’er years that lie ahead! May Indian keep his headhigh and work hard instead!

“60th Republic Day Celebrations in India”

By ; Farhan Ali

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We Sincerely thank our advertisers:

Gulf Mart

Lulu Hyper Market

SOTC

Morad Yousuf Behbehani

Jumbo Travel

Bhasin Co.

Al-Hafez Trading Est. (Shell)

Al Rashed International Shipping Co.

TVS Cargo

Sprint

Special thanks to

All the writes for their contribution

Integrated Indian School

Gulf Indian School

Carmel School

Indian Community School

I.E.A.S

I.E.S

Fahaheel Al Watenieh Indian Pvt. School

Magazine Designed by:

Badra International

Cover credits to:

Mr. Sudheer Mannarkkad

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the Republic Day Supplement are

strictly personal and authors personal opinions and IndiansinKuwait.

com does not hold any responsibility for them.

Strength

F r e e d o m

SOVERNITY

T r u t h

c o u r a g e

Self-Reliance

PURITY

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