Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi visited JNU campus late Tuesday and interacted with students on various issues. He also addressed a public meeting organized by NSUI, the student wing of Congress Party. The meeting took place in the Kendriya Vidyalaya grounds in the university campus.
Interacting with students, Congress General Secretary spoke at length on various issues including education, economy and growth. He said, “It would take some time before growth could trickle down and energise the economy.”
Responding to a query from students he stressed the need of channelising the industrial growth for reforms in education. He said, “There is no point in industrial growth if its benefit does not reach the masses and resolve the common man’s plight.” He also called for subsidising the education at all the levels.
While replying to a query from the audiences he said he visited poor man’s house. “It is the media which says that it is Dalit’s house,” Congress General Secretary said. He expressed his concern over the widening gap between the politicians and common people. “If a leader goes to a Dalit’s house, people ask why you visit a Dalit’a house. When thousands of leaders do not visit Dalit’s house, people don’t ask them why they not go,” he asked.
Referring to his recent visit to Dalit's house, Congress General Secretary said that when he went to their houses they welcomed and cuddled him. “They said I was the first politician who had come to meet them,” said Congress General Secretary.
He also expressed surprise why his visit to the houses of the poor was criticised.
While responding to a query about hierarchal system in the politics Congress General Secretary said, “"the hierarchal system exists. It is a reality. But, what is the option before me? I can either propagate the system or change it. I am not the one to propagate it so I am trying to change it. You do not like the system; even I do not like it. We have to work together to change it," he said.
To a query about rampant corruption, he said corruption happens when you have a system which is not transparent. He mentioned RTI, unique identification project and political mobilization and democratization of the system as significant steps taken by the UPA government to check the malpractice.
He said the implementation of Sachchar committee report is a commitment of the UPA government.
Thousands of students thronged to hear the Congress General Secretary who was on his maiden visit to the university campus after his foray into politics.
Congress General Secretary, before moving to address the meet, also paid a quick visit to Jhelum hostel where he had dinner with students.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
युवाओं की नजर में युवाओं का नेता
कांग्रेस महासचिव के इस दौरे को मीडिया और यहां तक की पार्टी के कार्यकर्ताओं की निगाह से भी दूर रखा गया था। इसकी वजह ये थी कि वे जनता से सीधा संवाद करना चाहते थे और उन योजनाओं का फर्स्ट हैंड अनुभव लेना चाहते थे जो आम जनता के लिए चलाई जा रही है। ऐसे में राहुल जब एक गांव पहुंच तो उन्होने लोगों से पूछा कि क्या वे उन्हे पहचानते हैं? लोग जबतक उन्हे पहचानने की कोशिश करते, एक 20 साल के नौजवान ने राहुल को पहचान लिया।
ये घटना सुनने में मामूली लग सकती है लेकिन इसका एक अलग महत्व है। राहुल गांधी देश के युवाओं की धड़कन बन चुके हैं जहां एक सुदूर गांव का युवा भी राहुल को पहचान लेता है। एक ऐसे दौर में जब नेताओं की अपने क्षेत्र तक में उपलब्धता पर सवाल उठाए जाते हों और लोगबाग उन्हे पहचान न पाते हों, ऐसे में राहुल गांधी को एक अजनबी ग्रामीण और पिछड़े इलाके में एक युवा द्वारा पहचान लिया जाना इस बात का सबूत है कि वे किस हद तक युवाओं के दिल में रच बस चुके हैं। इस देश के युवा भले ही अपने जन प्रतिनिधि को न पहचान पाते हो लेकिन वे राहुल गांधी को पहचान जाते हैं। राजनीति और नेताओं के प्रति उदासीनता के इस दौर में ये बात इस बात की तस्दीक करती है कि राहुल गांधी में इस देश का युवा अपना अक्श देखने लगा है।
ये घटना सुनने में मामूली लग सकती है लेकिन इसका एक अलग महत्व है। राहुल गांधी देश के युवाओं की धड़कन बन चुके हैं जहां एक सुदूर गांव का युवा भी राहुल को पहचान लेता है। एक ऐसे दौर में जब नेताओं की अपने क्षेत्र तक में उपलब्धता पर सवाल उठाए जाते हों और लोगबाग उन्हे पहचान न पाते हों, ऐसे में राहुल गांधी को एक अजनबी ग्रामीण और पिछड़े इलाके में एक युवा द्वारा पहचान लिया जाना इस बात का सबूत है कि वे किस हद तक युवाओं के दिल में रच बस चुके हैं। इस देश के युवा भले ही अपने जन प्रतिनिधि को न पहचान पाते हो लेकिन वे राहुल गांधी को पहचान जाते हैं। राजनीति और नेताओं के प्रति उदासीनता के इस दौर में ये बात इस बात की तस्दीक करती है कि राहुल गांधी में इस देश का युवा अपना अक्श देखने लगा है।
आम जनता से सीधा संवाद और हम कीमत पर नियमों का पालन
राहुल गांधी जहां भी गए उन्होने लोगों से सीधा संवाद किया। उन्होने पार्टी कार्यकर्ताओं को अपने इस दौरे से दूर रखा। उन्होने लोगों से पूछा कि नरेगा का काम ठीक से चल रहा है या नहीं। उन्होने जनवितरण प्रणाली के तहत मिलने वाले अनाज के बारे में लोगों से पूछताछ की। बाढ़ से होनेवाली उनकी तकलीफों का जायजा लिया। कांग्रेस महासचिव ने लोगों से पूछा कि क्या उनके सांसदों और जनप्रतिनिधियों से उन्हे मदद मिल पा रही है? उन्होने लोगों से उन कांग्रेस कार्यकर्ताओं का नाम तक पूछ लिया जिन्होने बाढ़ के वक्त लोगों की मदद की थी। जाहिर है, उनके इस दौरे से पार्टी के नेता और सांसद ज्यादा चौकन्ने और जनसेवा के प्रति समर्पित होंगे।
हलांकि यह बात प्रसंग से हटकर लग सकती है लेकिन राहुल गांधी ने गांवों का दौरा करके उस सनातन भारतीय परंपरा को दुहराने की कोशिश की है जब प्रजावत्सल राजा अपनी जनता का हाल जानने वेष बदल कर राज्य का दौरा करते थे। लोकतंत्र में राजनेता आज अपना ये कर्तव्य भूलते जा रहे हैं। राहुल गांधी ने जनता से संवाद कर इस परंपरा को जिंदा किया है। उन्होने जनता और नेता के बीच की खाई को पाटने की कोशिश की है-भले ही विरोधी इसे सस्ती लोकप्रियता की नौटंकी करार दें।
राहुल गांधी ने सड़क किनारे एक दुकान में जलेबी भी खाई। वे इस बात का अनुभव करना चाहते हैं कि आम जनता कैसे सोचती है और कैसे व्यवहार करती है। वे इस बात को महसूस कर रहे थे कि इस देश के सत्ता प्रतिष्ठानों में बैठने वाले लोगों का नाता इस देश की जनता से पूरी तरह टूट चुक है, जो सरकारी नीतियों और उसके क्रियान्वयनों में साफ झलकता है।
कांग्रेस महासचिव ने एक जगह सड़क पर लगने वाली चुंगी भी अदा की। खबरों के मुताबिक जब चुंगी बसूल करने वाले कर्मचारी को पता चला कि ये राहुल गांधी हैं तो उसे बड़ा अफसोस हुआ। लेकिन राहुल गांधी नियम-कायदों के पक्के हैं। वे अपने आप को आम नेताओं के उलट इस देश की आम जनता से ऊपर नहीं मानते। वे अपने आपको जनता का एक हिस्सा मानते हैं।
हलांकि यह बात प्रसंग से हटकर लग सकती है लेकिन राहुल गांधी ने गांवों का दौरा करके उस सनातन भारतीय परंपरा को दुहराने की कोशिश की है जब प्रजावत्सल राजा अपनी जनता का हाल जानने वेष बदल कर राज्य का दौरा करते थे। लोकतंत्र में राजनेता आज अपना ये कर्तव्य भूलते जा रहे हैं। राहुल गांधी ने जनता से संवाद कर इस परंपरा को जिंदा किया है। उन्होने जनता और नेता के बीच की खाई को पाटने की कोशिश की है-भले ही विरोधी इसे सस्ती लोकप्रियता की नौटंकी करार दें।
राहुल गांधी ने सड़क किनारे एक दुकान में जलेबी भी खाई। वे इस बात का अनुभव करना चाहते हैं कि आम जनता कैसे सोचती है और कैसे व्यवहार करती है। वे इस बात को महसूस कर रहे थे कि इस देश के सत्ता प्रतिष्ठानों में बैठने वाले लोगों का नाता इस देश की जनता से पूरी तरह टूट चुक है, जो सरकारी नीतियों और उसके क्रियान्वयनों में साफ झलकता है।
कांग्रेस महासचिव ने एक जगह सड़क पर लगने वाली चुंगी भी अदा की। खबरों के मुताबिक जब चुंगी बसूल करने वाले कर्मचारी को पता चला कि ये राहुल गांधी हैं तो उसे बड़ा अफसोस हुआ। लेकिन राहुल गांधी नियम-कायदों के पक्के हैं। वे अपने आप को आम नेताओं के उलट इस देश की आम जनता से ऊपर नहीं मानते। वे अपने आपको जनता का एक हिस्सा मानते हैं।
सादगी और विनम्रता की मूर्ति
एक बड़े आदमी की नजर में उसके ड्राइवर या उसके रसोइया का क्या वजूद है ? अमूमन आज के भौतिकवादी युग में जहां मानवीय संवेदनांए मर गई हो, एक अदना सा ड्राइवर का वजूद किसी बड़े नेता की निगाह में एक हाड़-मांस के कामगार से ज्यादा कुछ नहीं। लेकिन वो इंसान अगर राहुल गांधी हो तो बात कुछ और ही होती है।
राहुल गांधी गुरुवार को जब लखनऊ से दिल्ली वापस आ रहे थे तो उन्होने अपने कार के ड्राईवर से हाथ मिलाया और उसे धन्यवाद दिया। राहुल गांधी की ये विनम्रता एक आम आदमी के प्रति उनके सरोकारों को दिखाती है। एक ऐसे दौर में जब सियासतदान खुद को किसी राजा-महराजा से कम नहीं समझते हों, राहुल गांधी का अपने ड्राइवर से हाथ मिलाना एक बड़े बदलाव की ओर इशारा कर रहा है। कांग्रेस महासचिव ने ऐसा करके अहंकार और अकड़ में जीते उन नेताओं को एक संदेश दिया है कि उनकी प्रसांगिकता जनता की सेवा करने तक ही है और इसकी पहली शर्त विनम्रता और सादगी होनी चाहिए।
हाल के दिनों में सरकारी हलकों में सादगी की बातें बड़े जोर-शोर से उठाई जा रही है लेकिन राहुल गांधी इसे चुपचाप और बिना किसी शोरशराबे के करने में यकीन रखते हैं। कांग्रेस महासचिव राहुल गांधी दिल्ली से लखनऊ फिर वापसी के वक्त लखनऊ से दिल्ली इकनामी क्लास में आए लेकिन उन्होने इसे किसी भी तरह के प्रचार से दूर रखा।
राहुल गांधी का ये जीवन दर्शन महात्मा गांधी के उस सिद्धांत से बिल्कुल मेल खाता है जो उन्होने अपने प्रिय गीत ‘ वैष्णवजन तो तेने कहिए...के द्वारा बार-बार दुहराया था। देश के शिखर राजनीतिक परिवार और मुल्क की कमान संभाल रहे सबसे बड़े राजनीतिक दल से ताल्लुक रखने वाले राहुल गांधी इस बात को कभी नहीं भूलते कि राजनेताओं का पहला और आखिरी कर्तव्य आमजनता की सेवा होनी चाहिए। शायद कुछ चीजें विरासत से ही मिलती हैं जो संचित अनुभव के रुप में एक पीढ़ी से दूसरी पीढ़ी को हस्तांतरित होती रही है।
राहुल गांधी गुरुवार को जब लखनऊ से दिल्ली वापस आ रहे थे तो उन्होने अपने कार के ड्राईवर से हाथ मिलाया और उसे धन्यवाद दिया। राहुल गांधी की ये विनम्रता एक आम आदमी के प्रति उनके सरोकारों को दिखाती है। एक ऐसे दौर में जब सियासतदान खुद को किसी राजा-महराजा से कम नहीं समझते हों, राहुल गांधी का अपने ड्राइवर से हाथ मिलाना एक बड़े बदलाव की ओर इशारा कर रहा है। कांग्रेस महासचिव ने ऐसा करके अहंकार और अकड़ में जीते उन नेताओं को एक संदेश दिया है कि उनकी प्रसांगिकता जनता की सेवा करने तक ही है और इसकी पहली शर्त विनम्रता और सादगी होनी चाहिए।
हाल के दिनों में सरकारी हलकों में सादगी की बातें बड़े जोर-शोर से उठाई जा रही है लेकिन राहुल गांधी इसे चुपचाप और बिना किसी शोरशराबे के करने में यकीन रखते हैं। कांग्रेस महासचिव राहुल गांधी दिल्ली से लखनऊ फिर वापसी के वक्त लखनऊ से दिल्ली इकनामी क्लास में आए लेकिन उन्होने इसे किसी भी तरह के प्रचार से दूर रखा।
राहुल गांधी का ये जीवन दर्शन महात्मा गांधी के उस सिद्धांत से बिल्कुल मेल खाता है जो उन्होने अपने प्रिय गीत ‘ वैष्णवजन तो तेने कहिए...के द्वारा बार-बार दुहराया था। देश के शिखर राजनीतिक परिवार और मुल्क की कमान संभाल रहे सबसे बड़े राजनीतिक दल से ताल्लुक रखने वाले राहुल गांधी इस बात को कभी नहीं भूलते कि राजनेताओं का पहला और आखिरी कर्तव्य आमजनता की सेवा होनी चाहिए। शायद कुछ चीजें विरासत से ही मिलती हैं जो संचित अनुभव के रुप में एक पीढ़ी से दूसरी पीढ़ी को हस्तांतरित होती रही है।
हैंडपंप पर नहाए, और खेतों में गए राहुल
गुरुवार की सुबह उठते ही राहुल ने हैंडपंप पर मुंहहाथ धोया और खेतों की ओर निकल गए। राहुल गांधी ने देखा कि देश की जनता किस तरह अपने पेयजल की जरुरतों को पूरा करती है। जिस देश में कागजों पर भले ही पेयजल योजनाएं कामयाब दिखती हो लेकिन दूरदराज के गांवों में अभी भी पीने का पानी हैंडपंप से ही आता है। कई सरकारी, गैरसरकारी रिपोर्ट इस बात की तस्दीक करती है कि बीमारियों की सबसे बड़ी वजह प्रदूषित पानी ही है। ऐसे में राहुल ने इस बात को व्यक्तिगत रुप से अनुभव की ठानी।
राहुल गांधी खेतों में गए और नरेगा के तहत बने सड़कों का हाल देखा। जिस देश के सियासतदानों का एक बड़ा वर्ग गांव से ताल्लुक रखने पर भी गांवों को भूल जाता हो, ऐसे मुल्क में राहुल गांधी जैसे नेता का खेतों में घूमना अपने आप में बड़ी बात है। भ्रष्टाचारियों की जमात में शुमार बड़े-2 नेता गांव की पृष्ठभूमि से आते हैं लेकिन वे कभी गांव-देहात की सुध नहीं लेते। उनकी जुबान से खेती और गरीबों की तकलीफ का जिक्र नहीं होता। वे शहरी रंग में रंग जाते हैं और उनका रातोंरात रुपान्तरण हो जाता है।
लेकिन राहुल गांधी ने इस मिथ को झुठलाने की कोशिश की है। उन्होने एक नई परंपरा की शुरुआत की है। उनका खेतों में जाना और गांव के हैंडपंप पर नहाना अपने आप में एक प्रतीकात्मक महत्व रखता है। ये बताता है कि आनेवाले हिंदुस्तान में इन चीजों की अनदेखी नहीं की जा सकती। अगर इस मुल्क को आगे बढ़ना है तो खेती में तरक्की लानी होगी, गांवों में स्वच्छ पेयजल की आपूर्ति करनी होगी और बिजली का इंतजाम करना पडेगा। शायद राहुल गांधी के इस दौरे का यहीं सही संदेश है-इस देश की सियासी पार्टियों के लिए भी और सत्ता संस्थानों के लिए भी।
राहुल गांधी खेतों में गए और नरेगा के तहत बने सड़कों का हाल देखा। जिस देश के सियासतदानों का एक बड़ा वर्ग गांव से ताल्लुक रखने पर भी गांवों को भूल जाता हो, ऐसे मुल्क में राहुल गांधी जैसे नेता का खेतों में घूमना अपने आप में बड़ी बात है। भ्रष्टाचारियों की जमात में शुमार बड़े-2 नेता गांव की पृष्ठभूमि से आते हैं लेकिन वे कभी गांव-देहात की सुध नहीं लेते। उनकी जुबान से खेती और गरीबों की तकलीफ का जिक्र नहीं होता। वे शहरी रंग में रंग जाते हैं और उनका रातोंरात रुपान्तरण हो जाता है।
लेकिन राहुल गांधी ने इस मिथ को झुठलाने की कोशिश की है। उन्होने एक नई परंपरा की शुरुआत की है। उनका खेतों में जाना और गांव के हैंडपंप पर नहाना अपने आप में एक प्रतीकात्मक महत्व रखता है। ये बताता है कि आनेवाले हिंदुस्तान में इन चीजों की अनदेखी नहीं की जा सकती। अगर इस मुल्क को आगे बढ़ना है तो खेती में तरक्की लानी होगी, गांवों में स्वच्छ पेयजल की आपूर्ति करनी होगी और बिजली का इंतजाम करना पडेगा। शायद राहुल गांधी के इस दौरे का यहीं सही संदेश है-इस देश की सियासी पार्टियों के लिए भी और सत्ता संस्थानों के लिए भी।
गांव के विकास के बिना देश का विकास नहीं....
बुधवार को कांग्रेस महासचिव राहुल गांधी के यूपी दौरे से कई लोग अचंभित हैं। एक तरफ उनके विरोधी इसे सस्ती लोकप्रियता करार दे रहे हैं तो दूसरी तरफ यूपी के कांग्रिसियों का मानना है कि ये जरुरी नहीं कि हर दौरे की सूचना सब को दी ही जाए। लेकिन राहुल गांधी के इस दौरे ने जिस सवाल को आगे बढ़ाया है वो ये है कि क्या आज के दौर में राजनीतिज्ञ सादगी से नहीं जी सकते ? क्या नेताओं की पहचान सिर्फ लालबत्ती लगी एसी गाड़िया और ग्लैमरस जीवनशैली ही रह गई है? राहुल पहले भी कह चुके हैं कि इस देश के नेता, आम जनता से कटते जा रहे हैं और दोनों की सोच में खाई बढ़ती जा रही है। ऐसे में जनता की नुमांइदगी का दावा करने वाले नेता, उस जनता जनार्दन का दर्द कैसे समझ सकते हैं जिसने उन्हे चुनकर लोकसभा और विधानसभाओं की खूबसूरत इमारतों में भेजा है।
राहुल गांधी, बुधवार की रात जब श्रावस्ती के तेल्हार गांव में एक दलित के घर खुले में मच्छरदानी लगाकर सोते हैं तो उनकी यहीं भावना सामने आती है। खबरों के मुताबिक राहुल को जब नींद नहीं आई तो उन्होने मच्छरदानी हटवा दी खुले में सोए। गौरतलब है कि ये वहीं इलाका है जहां एंसेफलाईटिस का सबसे ज्यादा प्रकोप है और राहुल ने बकायदा व्यक्तिगत रुप से इसको समझने की कोशिश की। इस बीमारी से इस इलाके में इस साल कम से कम 1000 से ज्यादा लोग प्रभावित हुए हैं और अब तक 200 से ज्यादी की मौत हो चुकी है। ये बीमारी मच्छरों के काटने और प्रदूषित पानी पीने से होता है। राज्य सरकार इस बीमारी से निपटने में पूरी तरह नाकाम साबित हुई है।
जाहिर है, कांग्रेस महासचिव का ये दौरा इस बात को समझने की सीधी कोशिश थी कि जनता को किस तरह के हालातों में जीवन गुजारना पड़ता है। यह दौरा एक परिपक्व होते नेता की इमानदार पहल थी जिसे देश के सत्ता संस्थानों को भी समझना है और उस हिसाब से नीतियां बनानी है। राहुल ने देखा कि गांव में बिजली का नामोनिशान नहीं है। उन्होने महसूस किया कि जिस देश के नेता एक दिन में हजारों रुपये की बिजली का उपभोग कर लेते हैं, उतनी बिजली में कितनी आसानी से एक पूरे गांव को रोशन किया जा सकता है। और शायद राहुल गांधी के दौरे का यहीं सबसे ठोस अनुभव और संदेश था।
राहुल गांधी, बुधवार की रात जब श्रावस्ती के तेल्हार गांव में एक दलित के घर खुले में मच्छरदानी लगाकर सोते हैं तो उनकी यहीं भावना सामने आती है। खबरों के मुताबिक राहुल को जब नींद नहीं आई तो उन्होने मच्छरदानी हटवा दी खुले में सोए। गौरतलब है कि ये वहीं इलाका है जहां एंसेफलाईटिस का सबसे ज्यादा प्रकोप है और राहुल ने बकायदा व्यक्तिगत रुप से इसको समझने की कोशिश की। इस बीमारी से इस इलाके में इस साल कम से कम 1000 से ज्यादा लोग प्रभावित हुए हैं और अब तक 200 से ज्यादी की मौत हो चुकी है। ये बीमारी मच्छरों के काटने और प्रदूषित पानी पीने से होता है। राज्य सरकार इस बीमारी से निपटने में पूरी तरह नाकाम साबित हुई है।
जाहिर है, कांग्रेस महासचिव का ये दौरा इस बात को समझने की सीधी कोशिश थी कि जनता को किस तरह के हालातों में जीवन गुजारना पड़ता है। यह दौरा एक परिपक्व होते नेता की इमानदार पहल थी जिसे देश के सत्ता संस्थानों को भी समझना है और उस हिसाब से नीतियां बनानी है। राहुल ने देखा कि गांव में बिजली का नामोनिशान नहीं है। उन्होने महसूस किया कि जिस देश के नेता एक दिन में हजारों रुपये की बिजली का उपभोग कर लेते हैं, उतनी बिजली में कितनी आसानी से एक पूरे गांव को रोशन किया जा सकता है। और शायद राहुल गांधी के दौरे का यहीं सबसे ठोस अनुभव और संदेश था।
Youth icon in the eyes of youths
During this visit of Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, media and party workers were kept aloof, for he wanted to have a direct communication with the people. He wanted to have the first hand experience of the government schemes which were meant for people. When Rahul visited a village, he asked people whether they recognize him or not. A young man in his twenties recognized him first and the news spread like a fire.
Rahul Gandhi has become a youth icon of this country. In an era, when MPs and MLAs have become ‘antique’ to be hardly found in their own constituencies, Rahul’s visit and people’s euphoria for him in a backward distant rural hinterland is certainly a big truth. This shows how the youth of this country may not recognize his representative, but they certainly connect themselves with Rahul Gandhi. In a phase of ignorance and negativity towards politics and political class, Congress General Secretary has become the symbol of the youth in this country.
Rahul Gandhi has become a youth icon of this country. In an era, when MPs and MLAs have become ‘antique’ to be hardly found in their own constituencies, Rahul’s visit and people’s euphoria for him in a backward distant rural hinterland is certainly a big truth. This shows how the youth of this country may not recognize his representative, but they certainly connect themselves with Rahul Gandhi. In a phase of ignorance and negativity towards politics and political class, Congress General Secretary has become the symbol of the youth in this country.
Communicate with the common man and be law abiding
Wherever Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi went, he directly talked to common people. There were no party workers; he asked people about the NAREGA and public distribution system (PDS). He asked them about the flood relief and tried to know whether the local MPs and representatives were available to them or not. Congress General Secretary even asked the name of those Congress workers who helped people during the flood. It is obvious that after this visit, MPs and party leaders are more alert now.
Though it may sound out of context, but Rahul Gandhi has tried to revive the old tradition of going to people secretly and know their problems. Unfortunately, in modern day democracy, leaders have, it seems, forgot their utmost duty towards the people. Rahul Gandhi is trying to fill the ever widening gap between leaders and the people.
Congress General Secretary also ate jalebi at a roadside shop. In fact, he desires to experience and behave like a commoner.
At one place, he even paid toll tax and when the tax collecting staff got to know that this person is a VVIP like Rahul Gandhi he was dismayed. But Congress General Secretary did not mind, for he believes in abiding with the law. He believes that he is part of the society, not above them. This is the Rahul mantra for the new breed of politicians.
Though it may sound out of context, but Rahul Gandhi has tried to revive the old tradition of going to people secretly and know their problems. Unfortunately, in modern day democracy, leaders have, it seems, forgot their utmost duty towards the people. Rahul Gandhi is trying to fill the ever widening gap between leaders and the people.
Congress General Secretary also ate jalebi at a roadside shop. In fact, he desires to experience and behave like a commoner.
At one place, he even paid toll tax and when the tax collecting staff got to know that this person is a VVIP like Rahul Gandhi he was dismayed. But Congress General Secretary did not mind, for he believes in abiding with the law. He believes that he is part of the society, not above them. This is the Rahul mantra for the new breed of politicians.
Austerity and politeness must be the USP of politicians
What is the worth of a driver or a cook before a wealthy and connected person? In this era of material rush where humane feelings are hard to be found, a driver is not more than a labourer working tirelessly for a fixed amount of money. But same is not true, if the person concerned is Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi.
When Rahul Gandhi was on his way back to Delhi on Thursday, he shook hand with his driver and thanked him. His politeness shows his concerns for the common man. In this era of showmanship, where politicians regard themselves not less than raja-maharajas of yesteryears, Rahul’s handshake indicates a big change. There is a hidden massage to the proud and rigid politicians that their relevance lies in serving the people. Austerity and politeness is its first term and condition.
There has been a great hue and cry over the austerity drive in government circle but Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi believes in doing it silently. He flew economy class when he went to Lucknow and when he retuned back from there..
He follows the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi which was reiterated in his favourite bhajan Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye…., He never forgets that the first and last duty of a politician is to serve the people. Perhaps some qualities come through inheritance which is transferred as an accumulated experience from one generation to another.
When Rahul Gandhi was on his way back to Delhi on Thursday, he shook hand with his driver and thanked him. His politeness shows his concerns for the common man. In this era of showmanship, where politicians regard themselves not less than raja-maharajas of yesteryears, Rahul’s handshake indicates a big change. There is a hidden massage to the proud and rigid politicians that their relevance lies in serving the people. Austerity and politeness is its first term and condition.
There has been a great hue and cry over the austerity drive in government circle but Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi believes in doing it silently. He flew economy class when he went to Lucknow and when he retuned back from there..
He follows the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi which was reiterated in his favourite bhajan Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye…., He never forgets that the first and last duty of a politician is to serve the people. Perhaps some qualities come through inheritance which is transferred as an accumulated experience from one generation to another.
Hand pump bath and paddy fields visit are more than symbolism
On Thursday morning, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi went to a hand pump and had bath there. Thereafter, he went to see the paddy fields and asked villagers about NAREGA work. He had a first hand experience of how the people of this country manage to get the drinking water. He also saw that how state government boasts of providing drinking water facilities to each and every household, but only on paper. Numerous government and non government reports have proved that majority of diseases are caused due to the consumption of polluted water.
Rahul Gandhi also went to paddy fields and saw the road built under NAREGA. In a country where majority of its political class belongs to villages but forget it once after being elected, it is not a common thing for a politician like Rahul Gandhi. He believes in doing things; he wants to see the ground realities.
Rahul Gandhi has tried to turn this myth upside down that politicians don’t care for villagers. Certainly, he has started a new tradition by staying overnight in villages.. It means that the interest of rural India can not be ignored for long. India can not move ahead without the progress of its village; without the electricity and safe drinking water being supplied to each and every village. Perhaps this is the true and actual message of Rahul Gandhi’s visit, both to our political class and government institutions.
Rahul Gandhi also went to paddy fields and saw the road built under NAREGA. In a country where majority of its political class belongs to villages but forget it once after being elected, it is not a common thing for a politician like Rahul Gandhi. He believes in doing things; he wants to see the ground realities.
Rahul Gandhi has tried to turn this myth upside down that politicians don’t care for villagers. Certainly, he has started a new tradition by staying overnight in villages.. It means that the interest of rural India can not be ignored for long. India can not move ahead without the progress of its village; without the electricity and safe drinking water being supplied to each and every village. Perhaps this is the true and actual message of Rahul Gandhi’s visit, both to our political class and government institutions.
Village must be the focus of all development
Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to several districts of UP has surprised many people. But the most important point which this visit has pushed ahead is; are the politicians of this country really ready to understand the concerns of the people? Or they really are willing to shrug off the glamorous life style of AC cars with lal batti ? Time and again, Rahul Gandhi has said that there is a widening gap between the people and the political class of this country. In such a scenario, how can such leaders, claiming to have the popular mandate, feel and understand the empathy of the common man who have sent them to assemblies and Parliament?
On Wednesday night, when Rahul Gandhi spent his night at a Dalit’s house in distant Sravasti village without a mosquito net, he basically wanted to feel the 'reality'.. This is the same area where the deadly Encephalitis disease killed more than 200 people this year. According to reports more than 1000 people were infected with this disease in this part of eastern UP. By sleeping in a village under open sky, Congress General Secretary tried to understand this menace individually. This disease is caused by mosquitoes and polluted water but the government of UP has been a complete failure to tackle this disease.
It is obvious that the recent visit of Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi provided him the opportunity to experience the bitter living conditions of the hinterland. Of course, this was an honest initiative of a young politician.
What he experienced that there was no electricity.
On Wednesday night, when Rahul Gandhi spent his night at a Dalit’s house in distant Sravasti village without a mosquito net, he basically wanted to feel the 'reality'.. This is the same area where the deadly Encephalitis disease killed more than 200 people this year. According to reports more than 1000 people were infected with this disease in this part of eastern UP. By sleeping in a village under open sky, Congress General Secretary tried to understand this menace individually. This disease is caused by mosquitoes and polluted water but the government of UP has been a complete failure to tackle this disease.
It is obvious that the recent visit of Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi provided him the opportunity to experience the bitter living conditions of the hinterland. Of course, this was an honest initiative of a young politician.
What he experienced that there was no electricity.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi takes first hand account of Self Help Group ‘Priyadarshini’
Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi made a surprise visit to the districts of Uttar Pradesh.He visited Barabanki, Gonda, Bahraich and Faizabad on Wednusday and spent a night at a Dalit house in Sravasti district. Congress General Secretary also visited agriculture farms and had his bath at a hand pump.
Congress General Secretary took first hand account of Self Help Group ‘Priyadarshini’ during his visit. Priyadarshini is a brainchild of Rahul Gandhi, introduced in 2002, in Raebareli and Sultanpur. It has now been expanded to ten districts of the region including some of Bundelkhand.
Congress General Secretary stepped out of Amausi airport in Lucknow at 3 pm on Wednesday and thereafter went to Barabanki. He flew an economy class to Lucknow. Congress General Secretary interacted with villagers in Barabanki and heard their grievances.
Next, he went to Bahraich around 7.30 pm. After a brief halt and some interaction with villagers by the roadside, his motorcade left for Munshiganj.
Congress General Secretary spent his night at the house of Chhedi Panchi, a dalit, in Tihar Purva village of Sravasti. He has also spent nights in villages in his earlier visits and this is not unusual considering his style of functioning.
Congress General Secretary returned to Delhi on Thursday.
Congress General Secretary took first hand account of Self Help Group ‘Priyadarshini’ during his visit. Priyadarshini is a brainchild of Rahul Gandhi, introduced in 2002, in Raebareli and Sultanpur. It has now been expanded to ten districts of the region including some of Bundelkhand.
Congress General Secretary stepped out of Amausi airport in Lucknow at 3 pm on Wednesday and thereafter went to Barabanki. He flew an economy class to Lucknow. Congress General Secretary interacted with villagers in Barabanki and heard their grievances.
Next, he went to Bahraich around 7.30 pm. After a brief halt and some interaction with villagers by the roadside, his motorcade left for Munshiganj.
Congress General Secretary spent his night at the house of Chhedi Panchi, a dalit, in Tihar Purva village of Sravasti. He has also spent nights in villages in his earlier visits and this is not unusual considering his style of functioning.
Congress General Secretary returned to Delhi on Thursday.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
UPA Cabinet Ministers are patronising Maoists: CPM
The CPM on Monday said that the Central Ministers are patronizing the Maoists in West Bengal. The Polit Bureau member of the CPI-M, Sita Ram Yechury alleged that the Centre’s stand on Maoists were contradictory. “At one hand the Prime Minister is describing the Maoist threat as most dangerous while his cabinet colleagues are patronizing and protecting these elements,” said the party.
Maoists had launched fresh attacks on CPI-M cadres recently and the party is alleging central government for this. Yechury said there was a pattern of violence being unleashed now by targeting our offices our comrades and supporters. Maoists had attacked CPI-M offices in West Midnapore district on Monday.
"Unfortunately, this violence is being patronised in Bengal by parties who are in the ruling UPA coalition and the Central government today," Yechury said without directly referring to the Trinamool Congress.
Maoists had launched fresh attacks on CPI-M cadres recently and the party is alleging central government for this. Yechury said there was a pattern of violence being unleashed now by targeting our offices our comrades and supporters. Maoists had attacked CPI-M offices in West Midnapore district on Monday.
"Unfortunately, this violence is being patronised in Bengal by parties who are in the ruling UPA coalition and the Central government today," Yechury said without directly referring to the Trinamool Congress.
Nalini goes on fast to seek early release from jail
Nalini Sriharan, serving life term for the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, began an indefinite fast on Monday in Vellore central prison. She has done so to press her demand for an early release from jail. Nalini’s petition is pending in the Madras High Court for a proper constitution of an advisory board to consider her case for release. She has contended that even though the High Court had directed for the reconstitution of the board last year, the government had not yet done so.
Nalini’s death sentence was commuted to life a few years ago. She has completed more than 18 years in prison. According to prison sources, Nalini refused to take food from Monday morning and threatened to remain on a fast until death, if the government failed to take any action on the high court direction and recommend her release. Prison authorities confirmed that she had commenced an indefinite fast.
The high court had directed for the reconstitution of the advisory board on the ground that it was not constituted properly. But the state government has now amended its prison rules and fixed fresh norms for formation of advisory boards that will look into petitions for premature release of prisoners.
Nalini recently completed her MCA from Indira Gandhi National Open University along with her husband Sriharan alias Murugan. She had told the prison authorities that she wanted to get a job and wished to take care of her daughter after getting out of the prison.
Nalini nurtured hopes of premature release from prison, when Priyanka Gandhi visited her at Vellore prison on March 19 last year. Nalini and those close to her had speculated that the Gandhi family had pardoned her and that it might result in her release, but so far her hopes have been belied.
Nalini’s death sentence was commuted to life a few years ago. She has completed more than 18 years in prison. According to prison sources, Nalini refused to take food from Monday morning and threatened to remain on a fast until death, if the government failed to take any action on the high court direction and recommend her release. Prison authorities confirmed that she had commenced an indefinite fast.
The high court had directed for the reconstitution of the advisory board on the ground that it was not constituted properly. But the state government has now amended its prison rules and fixed fresh norms for formation of advisory boards that will look into petitions for premature release of prisoners.
Nalini recently completed her MCA from Indira Gandhi National Open University along with her husband Sriharan alias Murugan. She had told the prison authorities that she wanted to get a job and wished to take care of her daughter after getting out of the prison.
Nalini nurtured hopes of premature release from prison, when Priyanka Gandhi visited her at Vellore prison on March 19 last year. Nalini and those close to her had speculated that the Gandhi family had pardoned her and that it might result in her release, but so far her hopes have been belied.
Rahman to compose for Hollywood comedy ‘Couple’s Retreat’
After getting huge success in bollywood and south Indian film industry, Oscar winning musician A R Rahnam is set to compose music for his first full fledged Hollywood project ‘ Couple’s Retreat’. Rahman is determined to not to create anything similar to Slumdog Millionaire tunes. He is also stressed that while there would not be any Indian sounds in this film, but there would be a touch of Indianess.
There had been numerous brainstorming sessions for the music of this film and the music of Slumdog Millionaire kept cropping up repeatedly. But Rahman gently and firmly steered the music away from the expected.
“There is no point in doing something I have already done. I have reached a stage where I have to do new things. There are so many avenues so be explored. So, ‘Couple’s Retreat’ will be their kind of music with my touch, done in my way” said Rahman.
Directed by Peter Billingsley, the comedy revolves around four couples who settle into a tropical-island resort for a vacation. Rahman, who won two Oscars for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ said he would now make music to suit an American romantic comedy.
There had been numerous brainstorming sessions for the music of this film and the music of Slumdog Millionaire kept cropping up repeatedly. But Rahman gently and firmly steered the music away from the expected.
“There is no point in doing something I have already done. I have reached a stage where I have to do new things. There are so many avenues so be explored. So, ‘Couple’s Retreat’ will be their kind of music with my touch, done in my way” said Rahman.
Directed by Peter Billingsley, the comedy revolves around four couples who settle into a tropical-island resort for a vacation. Rahman, who won two Oscars for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ said he would now make music to suit an American romantic comedy.
INLD, BJP try to dent each other’s base
BJP and INLD are going to dent each other’s vote bank in coming Haryana assembly election. Both parties have gone through electoral alliance in the past but now they are at daggars drawn with each other. The off-and-on relationship between the two parties broke off a few weeks ago and they are now ready with strategies to “expand” their respective bases and poach on the rival’s turf. INLD leader Ajay Chautala alleged that BJP uses its allies for its own benefit. “Our vote bank is committed and we are making good progress in urban areas,” he claimed.
Countering this, Vijay Goel, BJP’s incharge for Haryana said, “we are a national party and we broke the alliance for making our base in rural Haryana. Our Goan Chalo Abhiyana will show its impact in this election.” He claimed that in rural Haryana, landed famers have started listening to BJP.
Chautala said:“We will target the Hooda government on the worsening law and order situation. People are feeling insecure.
“Also, the party is keeping its options open in case of a hung House,” Chautala said, adding that his party had got “strong” candidates in urban areas.
Asked if the INLD could go with the BJP at the national level, Chautala said: “We have to support an anti-Congress front. There are umpteen possibilities.”
Only two days ago, INLD supremo Om Prakash Chautala had taken pot- shots at various parties, saying the BJP could not win a single seat in the state as its reins were in the hands of leaders who had no mass base. “We have always sided with the BJP to strengthen the hands of anti-Congress parties. The BJP took this as our weakness”.
He had termed the Haryana Janhit Congress as a “B-team of the Congress” and ruled out the possibility of a post-poll alliance with the it. Chautala did not rule the possibility of a post-poll alliance with the BSP.
Countering this, Vijay Goel, BJP’s incharge for Haryana said, “we are a national party and we broke the alliance for making our base in rural Haryana. Our Goan Chalo Abhiyana will show its impact in this election.” He claimed that in rural Haryana, landed famers have started listening to BJP.
Chautala said:“We will target the Hooda government on the worsening law and order situation. People are feeling insecure.
“Also, the party is keeping its options open in case of a hung House,” Chautala said, adding that his party had got “strong” candidates in urban areas.
Asked if the INLD could go with the BJP at the national level, Chautala said: “We have to support an anti-Congress front. There are umpteen possibilities.”
Only two days ago, INLD supremo Om Prakash Chautala had taken pot- shots at various parties, saying the BJP could not win a single seat in the state as its reins were in the hands of leaders who had no mass base. “We have always sided with the BJP to strengthen the hands of anti-Congress parties. The BJP took this as our weakness”.
He had termed the Haryana Janhit Congress as a “B-team of the Congress” and ruled out the possibility of a post-poll alliance with the it. Chautala did not rule the possibility of a post-poll alliance with the BSP.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Shashi Tharoor meets Congress President after his “cattle class” remark
Union Minister Shashi Tharoor today met Congress President Sonia Gandhi after his return from Liberia and Ghana. Shashi Tharoor is grappled in a controversy over his ‘cattle class’ remark these days. There have been demands of Tharoor’s resignation from the cabinet from his party leaders itself. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had even demanded his resignation as Minister of State for External Affairs.
Tharoor was on an official visit to Liberia and Ghana when the controversy broke out. After his 20-minut meeting with Congress Presiedent Tharoor did not answer any question of the media. Last week his comments on the Twitter termed the travel in the economy class as “ cattle class.” His remark has provoked strong reactions from across the political class. Even members of AICC reacted on his remark.
Congress spokes person Jayanthi Natrajan said that the party disapproved of the disparaging reference to economy class travelers. Another party spokes person Manish Tiwari supported the demand of Rajasthan Chief Minsiter for the resignation of Shashi Tharoor. Tiwari said, “Congress will take appropriate action at the appropriate time.”
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had downplayed the controversy saying Tharoor's comment was a joke.
Tharoor was on an official visit to Liberia and Ghana when the controversy broke out. After his 20-minut meeting with Congress Presiedent Tharoor did not answer any question of the media. Last week his comments on the Twitter termed the travel in the economy class as “ cattle class.” His remark has provoked strong reactions from across the political class. Even members of AICC reacted on his remark.
Congress spokes person Jayanthi Natrajan said that the party disapproved of the disparaging reference to economy class travelers. Another party spokes person Manish Tiwari supported the demand of Rajasthan Chief Minsiter for the resignation of Shashi Tharoor. Tiwari said, “Congress will take appropriate action at the appropriate time.”
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had downplayed the controversy saying Tharoor's comment was a joke.
Government approves NAREGA cards for opening bank accounts
Government has approved the NAREGA job cards, issued to the rural poor, as valid document for opening bank account under ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) norms for banks. This decision will have major implications for the rural poor. This has accorded the NREGS job cards a status similar to that of a passport, a driving license, PAN card and Voter Identity Card for the purpose of opening a bank account. It will give rural poor a much easier access to financial services by banks.
The Rural Development Ministry had written to the state governments last week to update the job cards issued already to over 10 crore households in the country. This letter was meant to avoid any discrepancies regarding the details of job card holders. It had asked the state government to ensure that the job cards contain the signature of the concerned authorities in addition to the photographs and signature of the job card holders. All this exercise was to ensure that the issued cards are valid under KYC norms.
So far, 7.33 crore NAREGA bank and post office accounts have been opened in the country but only about half of these are bank accounts. This move of the government will allow the rural poor getting payment from post office account and use their job card to open bank accounts.
Certain documents are required to open a bank account under the guidelines issued by RBI. The guidelines were issued under Prevention of Money Laundering Rules, 2005 and were adopted as a step towards combating the finance the terrorism. Though, there are speculations that this addition of the NREGA cards to the valid documents for opening a bank account may prove dangerous as authorities in the states, particularly Northeastern states, have warned of the participation of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants under the scheme. Authorities fear that the move may enable illegal migrants to access banking networks in the country.
The Rural Development Ministry had written to the state governments last week to update the job cards issued already to over 10 crore households in the country. This letter was meant to avoid any discrepancies regarding the details of job card holders. It had asked the state government to ensure that the job cards contain the signature of the concerned authorities in addition to the photographs and signature of the job card holders. All this exercise was to ensure that the issued cards are valid under KYC norms.
So far, 7.33 crore NAREGA bank and post office accounts have been opened in the country but only about half of these are bank accounts. This move of the government will allow the rural poor getting payment from post office account and use their job card to open bank accounts.
Certain documents are required to open a bank account under the guidelines issued by RBI. The guidelines were issued under Prevention of Money Laundering Rules, 2005 and were adopted as a step towards combating the finance the terrorism. Though, there are speculations that this addition of the NREGA cards to the valid documents for opening a bank account may prove dangerous as authorities in the states, particularly Northeastern states, have warned of the participation of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants under the scheme. Authorities fear that the move may enable illegal migrants to access banking networks in the country.
Now Lord Ram and Gandhi will be used to attract tourists in Gujarat
After playing politics in the name of Lord Ram, now Gujarat government is trying to woo tourists from across the world in the name of the Lord. Not even that, the name of Mahatma Gandhi will also be used to attract tourists in the state. The state plans to organize a ‘Gandhi Tour’ and a ‘Ram Tour’ to draw tourists to visit historical places associated with the duo.
“ The idea is to link all places with historical and mythological association with Gandhi and Lord Ram through a tour and market it to tourists,” Gujarat Government spokesman and Tourism Minister Jaynarayan Vyas said.
‘ Gandhi Tour’ is a part of Centre’s 1600 crore initiative to use Gandhi’s name as a tourist attraction. Mahatma’s grandson and West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi will oversee the development of the initiative.
Gujarat has many places linked with important stages of Gandhi’s life. Porbandar, his birthplace, Rajkot and Ahmedabad, where he started the freedom movement and where his ashrams still exitst and Dandi, where he lifted the salt that shook the British Empire.
“ Gandhian thought is becoming more acceptable globally with leaders like Mandela and Obama invoking his name in public speechs. Likewise vegetarianism and abstaining from alcohol is also becoming fashionable among the elite classs,” Vyas said. The minister said that ‘Ram Tour’ will similarly offer a tour of all the places in the state which has mythological association with Lord Ram.
Gujarat government is also trying to cash the name of Lord Ram in some of the communally sensitive districts of the state. Vyas said, “ There are areas in Dang, such as Gautam Ashram which has mythological association with Lord Ram.” This is important to note that Dang is the district where communal clashes have taken place in recent past and RSS has pushed ahead the idea of organizing miny ‘Kumbh’ there.
“ The idea is to link all places with historical and mythological association with Gandhi and Lord Ram through a tour and market it to tourists,” Gujarat Government spokesman and Tourism Minister Jaynarayan Vyas said.
‘ Gandhi Tour’ is a part of Centre’s 1600 crore initiative to use Gandhi’s name as a tourist attraction. Mahatma’s grandson and West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi will oversee the development of the initiative.
Gujarat has many places linked with important stages of Gandhi’s life. Porbandar, his birthplace, Rajkot and Ahmedabad, where he started the freedom movement and where his ashrams still exitst and Dandi, where he lifted the salt that shook the British Empire.
“ Gandhian thought is becoming more acceptable globally with leaders like Mandela and Obama invoking his name in public speechs. Likewise vegetarianism and abstaining from alcohol is also becoming fashionable among the elite classs,” Vyas said. The minister said that ‘Ram Tour’ will similarly offer a tour of all the places in the state which has mythological association with Lord Ram.
Gujarat government is also trying to cash the name of Lord Ram in some of the communally sensitive districts of the state. Vyas said, “ There are areas in Dang, such as Gautam Ashram which has mythological association with Lord Ram.” This is important to note that Dang is the district where communal clashes have taken place in recent past and RSS has pushed ahead the idea of organizing miny ‘Kumbh’ there.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Over 70 per cent of six lakh workers in diamond industry yet to return
Signs of global economic revival harbour new hopes but not for lakhs
of jobless ‘ratna-kalakars’
Surat: Make-shift notice boards dangling at main gates of many processing units,
with offers of overtime and raised wages to entice the ‘ratna-kalakars’ (diamond workers), appears to emit signals of restoration of glitter in the diamond city, which till a couple of years ago accounted for cutting and polishing nine out of 12 diamonds of the world, with annual export worth over Rs 72,000 crore. But, the diamond sector here, too, has suffered intense downslides, inflicted by yet-to-be over global economic meltdown for past sometime.
With recession-hit economy in the US, traditionally being major international market for processed precious metals, now slated to be on the recovery path with some core sectors reflecting post-stimulus positive trends, diamantaires here are hopeful of happy days not being too distant.
But, with roads leading to processing units here still deserted and an estimated four lakh, out of earlier total strength of six lakh ‘ratna-kalakars’ engaged in about 10,000 units, yet to return, the Indian diamond industry with its major hub in Surat, is finding hard to regain its crowning glory.
It all started about three years ago as shortage of rough diamonds and compensations for ‘job works’ in processing units remaining stagnant, proved to be a major bottleneck, leading many to slice down their productions, which resulted into major lay-offs of workers, according to trade analysts.
“Out of total six lakh workers in diamond industry here, two lakh were rendered jobless about two years back and they preferred to resume their respective farming occupation in native places in Saurashtra region, from where majority ‘ratna-kalakars’ have been migrating here since past three decades,” said diamond manufacturer and former president of Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, Pravin Nanavati.
Besides, shortage of rough diamonds coupled with unfavourable terms of trade in the multi-lateral global sector, largely due to international giants like De Beer with majority control over distribution of raw precious metals the world over and aggressively pursuing dictating terms to patronage emerging markets like China and thus, to contain existing established ones like India, has for past some years, been
threatening enough to blow a final whistle for the till-recently dazzling Indian diamond industry.
In the recession-hit diamond industry here, in past one year 1,250 units were closed due to global slump, leaving two lakh workers jobless, according to the data from the Gujarat state government’s labour department in Gandhinagar. Most of the jobless workers had no option than to go back to their native places. Acute financial
hardships proved to be fatal for about 30 workers who committed suicide in past few months.
With Christmas season traditionally being the best period for diamond business with demands on peak in European countries and the US, anticipation of regaining export turnover from here is finding its basis in gradual recovery of global economy. Also, with Indian domestic market being perceived for robust growth in the ensuing festival season with Diwali just round the corner, an optimism of better days is the driving force, not withstanding the global economy in its entirety.
Says KK Sharma, executive director of Surat-based Indian Diamond Institute, “Perceived demand of diamonds, gems and jewellery due to Christmas festival not being too far away and slow revival of economies in countries like the US, can be attributed to incidental increase, as of now.”
Even if global economy regains its pace, it would be difficult for diamond industry to get reset, as in this highly unorganized sector, hands which cut and polished rough diamonds would no longer be available, with their dexterity being commercially engaged elsewhere. “Why I would be risking my future in the sector which ensures nothing certain,”quips till-recently a diamond polisher Naresh Gosai, echoing
similar sentiments of scores of his earlier co-workers.
Gosai for livelihood runs a tea stall in Varachha here and has no regrets in leaving behind diamond industry, glitter of which remained mirage for several lakh of ‘ratna-kalakars’ like him.
of jobless ‘ratna-kalakars’
Surat: Make-shift notice boards dangling at main gates of many processing units,
with offers of overtime and raised wages to entice the ‘ratna-kalakars’ (diamond workers), appears to emit signals of restoration of glitter in the diamond city, which till a couple of years ago accounted for cutting and polishing nine out of 12 diamonds of the world, with annual export worth over Rs 72,000 crore. But, the diamond sector here, too, has suffered intense downslides, inflicted by yet-to-be over global economic meltdown for past sometime.
With recession-hit economy in the US, traditionally being major international market for processed precious metals, now slated to be on the recovery path with some core sectors reflecting post-stimulus positive trends, diamantaires here are hopeful of happy days not being too distant.
But, with roads leading to processing units here still deserted and an estimated four lakh, out of earlier total strength of six lakh ‘ratna-kalakars’ engaged in about 10,000 units, yet to return, the Indian diamond industry with its major hub in Surat, is finding hard to regain its crowning glory.
It all started about three years ago as shortage of rough diamonds and compensations for ‘job works’ in processing units remaining stagnant, proved to be a major bottleneck, leading many to slice down their productions, which resulted into major lay-offs of workers, according to trade analysts.
“Out of total six lakh workers in diamond industry here, two lakh were rendered jobless about two years back and they preferred to resume their respective farming occupation in native places in Saurashtra region, from where majority ‘ratna-kalakars’ have been migrating here since past three decades,” said diamond manufacturer and former president of Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, Pravin Nanavati.
Besides, shortage of rough diamonds coupled with unfavourable terms of trade in the multi-lateral global sector, largely due to international giants like De Beer with majority control over distribution of raw precious metals the world over and aggressively pursuing dictating terms to patronage emerging markets like China and thus, to contain existing established ones like India, has for past some years, been
threatening enough to blow a final whistle for the till-recently dazzling Indian diamond industry.
In the recession-hit diamond industry here, in past one year 1,250 units were closed due to global slump, leaving two lakh workers jobless, according to the data from the Gujarat state government’s labour department in Gandhinagar. Most of the jobless workers had no option than to go back to their native places. Acute financial
hardships proved to be fatal for about 30 workers who committed suicide in past few months.
With Christmas season traditionally being the best period for diamond business with demands on peak in European countries and the US, anticipation of regaining export turnover from here is finding its basis in gradual recovery of global economy. Also, with Indian domestic market being perceived for robust growth in the ensuing festival season with Diwali just round the corner, an optimism of better days is the driving force, not withstanding the global economy in its entirety.
Says KK Sharma, executive director of Surat-based Indian Diamond Institute, “Perceived demand of diamonds, gems and jewellery due to Christmas festival not being too far away and slow revival of economies in countries like the US, can be attributed to incidental increase, as of now.”
Even if global economy regains its pace, it would be difficult for diamond industry to get reset, as in this highly unorganized sector, hands which cut and polished rough diamonds would no longer be available, with their dexterity being commercially engaged elsewhere. “Why I would be risking my future in the sector which ensures nothing certain,”quips till-recently a diamond polisher Naresh Gosai, echoing
similar sentiments of scores of his earlier co-workers.
Gosai for livelihood runs a tea stall in Varachha here and has no regrets in leaving behind diamond industry, glitter of which remained mirage for several lakh of ‘ratna-kalakars’ like him.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi travels to Ludhiana in Shatabdi Chair Car
September 15, 2009, New Delhi: Pushing the austerity drive ahead in public life, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi traveled to Ludhiyana in the Chair car of Shatabdi Express. He boarded the train this morning from the New Delhi Railway Station to travel the industrial city of Punjab.
Congress General Secretary refused to accept flowers presented to him at the station and said that it was the privilege of the executive class passengers. He demanded that he be served water in a plastic cup like other passengers.
Passengers traveling by the train were elated to know that the Congress General Secretary was traveling with them. “It is good that Rahul Gandhi is traveling with common people. He will get to see our problems first hand,” a passenger said.
Congress General Secretary is on his one day tour to Ludhiana to inaugurate a four day camp of Youth Congress. He will return to Delhi in the same class later in the evening.
A day earlier, Congress President Sonia Gandhi flew economy class from Delhi to Mumbai and set an example for others. Earlier Finance Minsiter Pranab Mukharjee traveled to Kolkata by economy class and many cabinet ministers announced that they will follow the suit.
Congress General Secretary refused to accept flowers presented to him at the station and said that it was the privilege of the executive class passengers. He demanded that he be served water in a plastic cup like other passengers.
Passengers traveling by the train were elated to know that the Congress General Secretary was traveling with them. “It is good that Rahul Gandhi is traveling with common people. He will get to see our problems first hand,” a passenger said.
Congress General Secretary is on his one day tour to Ludhiana to inaugurate a four day camp of Youth Congress. He will return to Delhi in the same class later in the evening.
A day earlier, Congress President Sonia Gandhi flew economy class from Delhi to Mumbai and set an example for others. Earlier Finance Minsiter Pranab Mukharjee traveled to Kolkata by economy class and many cabinet ministers announced that they will follow the suit.
Congress President inaugurates Infosys’ Second Global Education Centre
September 15, 2009, Mysore: UPA Chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi inaugurated a world-class training facility –Global Education Centre II, created to consolidate learning activities. Mysore campus is the expansion of Infosys' Global Education Center (GEC).
Speaking on the occasion, N.R. Narayana Murthy, chairman and chief mentor, Infosys Technologies Limited, said, "We are honored to have Smt. Sonia Gandhi inaugurate Infosys' new Global Education Center. The Education Center is a testimony of Infosys' commitment to building the competency of our employees.”
Given its infrastructure and size of operations, Infosys' Global Education Center is the largest corporate education center in the world. Located in the 337-acre Infosys Mysore campus, the total capacity of the center has been enhanced to educate 14,000 (GEC I - 4,500 and GEC II - 9,500) Infoscions.
The Chief Minister of Karnataka, B. S. Yeddyurappa, and leader of the opposition, Karnataka State Legislative Assembly, Siddaramaiah, were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, N.R. Narayana Murthy, chairman and chief mentor, Infosys Technologies Limited, said, "We are honored to have Smt. Sonia Gandhi inaugurate Infosys' new Global Education Center. The Education Center is a testimony of Infosys' commitment to building the competency of our employees.”
Given its infrastructure and size of operations, Infosys' Global Education Center is the largest corporate education center in the world. Located in the 337-acre Infosys Mysore campus, the total capacity of the center has been enhanced to educate 14,000 (GEC I - 4,500 and GEC II - 9,500) Infoscions.
The Chief Minister of Karnataka, B. S. Yeddyurappa, and leader of the opposition, Karnataka State Legislative Assembly, Siddaramaiah, were also present on the occasion.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Highlights of Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi's Press Conference in Chennai, 10th September 2009 Press
My responsibility as general secretary of Congress Party is to build the Youth Congress.
The process is designed to bring in young boys and girls in Youth Congress and NSUI.
Most important thing in the Youth Congress here is that we start opening our doors to the energy of this country.
We should be worried about engaging with our people as a political organization.
The roadmap for the Congress Party is to go as close to people, as far as possible, go to the villages and the Panchayats and to understand what the people want.
That is the roadmap.
I feel this country has extremely dynamic youngsters; they are making us proud everywhere across the world.
Open system means anybody who wants to join us is most welcome to join us.
Our system is open; the only barrier we put is the barrier of criminality and the barrier of extreme views in regards to religion. We will not tolerate fundamentalists on either side. If you are an open-minded normal thinking youngster, doesn’t matter which field you come from. Our system is open for you.
This country started of as one country and everybody in this country was poor. Sixty years of work and today we have developed two Indias. One India is rich and one India is poor. You can say that one India has infrastructure, roads, connectivity and other India doesn’t.
But everyone among us knows that there are two Indias.
The idea is that you take the India with opportunities, you grow that India and you take some of the benefits and you put them into the villages and you engage and involve that India into this first one. That is our view.
And that is the idea of Aam aadmi. And the weapons which we are using, NAREGA is one such weapon, massive expansion of the education system is another weapon, massive expansion of health system is the third weapon and Universal ID is the fourth weapon.
We are going to bridge these two Indias and are going to make sure that this One India which is firm has opportunity for all. Our schemes are aimed at bridging both Indias.
NAREGA has reshaped the labour market in this country.
The real power of NAREGA is in how it reshapes the labour market and puts a floor below poor people and gives them support by not letting them fall below a certain level.
The process is designed to bring in young boys and girls in Youth Congress and NSUI.
Most important thing in the Youth Congress here is that we start opening our doors to the energy of this country.
We should be worried about engaging with our people as a political organization.
The roadmap for the Congress Party is to go as close to people, as far as possible, go to the villages and the Panchayats and to understand what the people want.
That is the roadmap.
I feel this country has extremely dynamic youngsters; they are making us proud everywhere across the world.
Open system means anybody who wants to join us is most welcome to join us.
Our system is open; the only barrier we put is the barrier of criminality and the barrier of extreme views in regards to religion. We will not tolerate fundamentalists on either side. If you are an open-minded normal thinking youngster, doesn’t matter which field you come from. Our system is open for you.
This country started of as one country and everybody in this country was poor. Sixty years of work and today we have developed two Indias. One India is rich and one India is poor. You can say that one India has infrastructure, roads, connectivity and other India doesn’t.
But everyone among us knows that there are two Indias.
The idea is that you take the India with opportunities, you grow that India and you take some of the benefits and you put them into the villages and you engage and involve that India into this first one. That is our view.
And that is the idea of Aam aadmi. And the weapons which we are using, NAREGA is one such weapon, massive expansion of the education system is another weapon, massive expansion of health system is the third weapon and Universal ID is the fourth weapon.
We are going to bridge these two Indias and are going to make sure that this One India which is firm has opportunity for all. Our schemes are aimed at bridging both Indias.
NAREGA has reshaped the labour market in this country.
The real power of NAREGA is in how it reshapes the labour market and puts a floor below poor people and gives them support by not letting them fall below a certain level.
पाकिस्तान की तरफ से राकेट हमला
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