O P I N I O N S

Perspective

Tap India’s sea wealth to boost maritime trade
by Rakesh Datta
The Sagarmala project underlines the Union Government’s commitment to boost maritime trade by developing ports, shipping and inland waterways. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash has emphasised the importance of maritime trade in the 21st century.

On Record
We will create jobs in small enterprises, says Ashwani Kumar
by Manoj Kumar
MR Ashwani Kumar, Union Minister of State for Industry, has initiated steps to support the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and industrial clusters through technical support from domestic and foreign R&D institutes besides addressing the policy issues to put them on high growth trajectory.

OPED

Redefining secularism in modern India
by Fatima Chowdhury
The Indian Constitution adopted a modified concept of “secularism” from the one defined in the West to deal with the intrinsic diversity of Indian society. It was envisioned as an effective way to maintain the religious and cultural diversity, which were to be respected and treated equally in the eyes of the law. Thus, secularism in India does not view religion and state as separate entities, but emphasises on values that state policies will respect the beliefs of all religions without any bias or prejudice.

Profile
Sharad: A firebrand Lohia socialist
by Harihar Swarup
George Fernandes’ defeat by Sharad Yadav in the election to the post of Janata Dal (United) president is more shocking than the euphoria of Yadav’s victory over onetime “giant killer”. Both George and Sharad have good standing in public life as firebrand socialist leaders. Even though George has been reduced to a pale shadow of himself, he still retains embers of “Fire of Life”.

Diversities — Delhi Letter
Narmada Bachao activists a determined lot
by Humra Quraishi
The activists of the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) who have been protesting at the Jantar Mantar are a brave lot. They continue to sit on a stony pavement even as the April heat is soaring and the place lies congested with a heavy flow of traffic from three connecting roads and a prime intersection.

• Of art forms and artists

• Book on Helen

• World Dance Day

REFLECTIONS

Perspective

Tap India’s sea wealth to boost maritime trade
by Rakesh Datta

The Sagarmala project underlines the Union Government’s commitment to boost maritime trade by developing ports, shipping and inland waterways.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash has emphasised the importance of maritime trade in the 21st century. Unfortunately, there is a lack of proper knowledge about our sea wealth though 95 per cent of the country’s overseas trade moves through the water. The immense potential of sea wealth needs to be harnessed through bold and innovative schemes.

India’s port capacity in value and volume is woefully inadequate in terms of maritime trade. It suffers from policy lapses. For instance, though it is the world’s fourth largest producer of fish, there is no national policy on fishing. Of all the agencies, the Ministry of Agriculture is chosen as the coordinating body. It can hardly examine the limits of the sea food industry.

Unlike in the UK, modern India is blessed with sea territory on its entire coastline through territorial waters, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zones and continental shelf. Yet, we have been unable to build our sea industry. Non-motorised boats are engaged in nearly 72 per cent of total catchments even after five decades of Independence. The major fishing area is confined to an offshore belt of just one sq km, the rest having been left untouched. The situation regarding other marine living objects is equally dismal.

Unfortunately, India is yet to define various contours of her extraterritorial sea limits. It rules out the whole concept of mercantilism as the essence of power. Though there are 12 major and 150 small ports, shipping has been affected due to various handicaps such as inadequate vessel capacity, lack of infrastructural development at the ports, congestion of berth facility, adverse rail road transport connectivity, large shipping routes, poor power supply and water and communication links.

Paradoxically, though India is a formidable maritime power and is the largest country in the Indian Ocean region, its port operations are being circumvented by Singapore, Dubai and Colombo as major transshipment hubs. The hard fact is that nearly 70 per cent of containers handled at Colombo are of Indian origin. This is causing an estimated loss of Rs 1000 crore.

The gross tonnage of all Indian ships constitute only about 1.5 per cent of the world shipping tonnage, putting India at 17th position. Moreover, only 38 per cent of India’s overseas trade is carried in its own ships to the targeted capacity of 50 per cent. According to sea strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan, strategic doctrines required organisation of a large number of ships so that they could be drilled into an efficient fighting machine at will.

Our fishing areas are illegally exploited by regional and extraneous powers without any check. While Thailand’s trawlers have been poaching in our areas, those from Japan, Indonesia and Philippines are having a field day in the waters of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Vice Admiral PremVir Das calls such waterway encroachments as zones of discomfort.

Mercantilism envisages comprehensive development of the country’s military potential. This made the UK a dominating naval power by linking trade with fleet. Its concept was premised on the belief that industrious or wealthy nations were most susceptible to attack and, therefore, must be prepared to wage war. Of course, the method of building such a force during peace and war would vary from nation to nation.

What is spectacular with regard to the UK is that its entire superstructure concerning industry, finance and commerce was sea borne. In fact, its geographical location conferred on it immense strategic advantages in trade and commerce since deep sea commerce of all European ports had to pass through the English Channel. It even succeeded in establishing control over most strategic points on nearly all the leading routes of world trade.

India, with its large coastline, is strategically located across the major sea lines of communications in the Indian Ocean. Its maritime frontier stretches from East Africa to Indonesia with occasional forays beyond. Jawaharlal Nehru once said “…I look at India on three sides, the sea …history has shown that whatever power control the Indian Ocean put first India’s sea trade at mercy and second its very independence.”

Often referred to as the “Ocean of the 21st century” and the linking waterways, the Indian Ocean carries more than half of world’s container shipment, one-third of cargo traffic and two-thirds of oil shipment. Nearly 60,000 ships pass through it annually. While one-third of the world’s population inhabits the region, its people suffer from great economic disparity.

In terms of economic potential, the region contains prime surplus of hydrocarbons, minerals and other valuable resources. On the politico-military front, the area has significance for big powers in which littoral countries have become easy markets for the supply of arms and consumable goods notwithstanding the regional rivalries, threat perceptions and resource constraints. For example, as an oil deficit country, India spends nearly Rs 90,000 crore on oil import. Whereas her own share in international trade has come down to 0.6 per cent from 37 per cent.

Of late, India has asserted its position as a major maritime nation in the Indian Ocean. It is granted the status of a pioneer investor as a lone developing country. But then, given the sea advantage, wherein countries washed by waters however distant they are become neighbours. For instance, innocent passage accorded by the law of seas to virtually the entire globe right up to the territorial waters of any other country is diametrically opposed to the dictates of land borders and sovereign airspace makes it imperative for India to maintain a decisive maritime character. Currently, India’s naval share in the defence budget has gone up from 2.5 to 17 per cent besides an approved strength of 138 ships and submarines.

Military economics dictates affordability as a major consideration into war fighting potential and the military ambition. It is not possible without industrial and economic growth of a nation. India is no different in this regard and so is the development of its navy. While the area between the Gulf of Aden and Malacca Strait should be seen as India’s sphere of influence, there is every likelihood of China and Pakistan strengthening their naval capability notwithstanding the interest of extra regional powers.

The Government of India has for the first time formulated a draft policy for the maritime sector. This suggests its recognition of the need to develop maritime infrastructure to boost international trade and economic growth. This will increase India’s trade potential and the significance of the Navy and help realise its motto — Shanno Varuna, the English translation of which is “Lord of the Seas (Varuna) be auspicious unto us”.

The writer, currently a National Maritime Foundation Fellow, is Professor at the Centre for Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh

On Record
We will create jobs in small enterprises,
says Ashwani Kumar
by Manoj Kumar

MR Ashwani Kumar, Union Minister of State for Industry, has initiated steps to support the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and industrial clusters through technical support from domestic and foreign R&D institutes besides addressing the policy issues to put them on high growth trajectory. "The only way to create jobs for educated youth is in the SME sector", he says in an interview to The Sunday Tribune.

Excerpts:

Q: How do you speed up creation of employment opportunities?

A: Over the past decade or so after relative loss of job opportunities in the public sector, and slow growth of jobs in the organised manufacturing sector, our only hope is to create jobs for educated youth in the SME sector. I am convinced that the principal focus of SMEs should be on acquiring state-of-the-art technology, managerial skills and innovative approaches to tap the markets.

This idea has been further strengthened after my meetings with representatives of various industrial associations across the country. They are ready to work with the MNCs and the best of industries as auxiliary units as well as compete in specific segments.

I have asked six major industrial research institutes under my department including the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad to prepare a blueprint for collaboration with their counterparts in other countries and public-private partnership projects to help the SME sector.

Q: What are your plans for small and medium enterprises in the Northern states which have been badly hit by the freight equalisation policy and tax exemptions in Himachal Pradesh?

A: There is a huge potential in the industrial clusters of Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Batala, Mandi Gobindgarh in Punjab and in Faridabad, Panipat in Haryana, which have been badly hit by the freight equalisation policy of the previous government and tax exemptions in neighbouring states of Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Though these states needed special packages to attract industries, we think that they have already benefited from the package. The Centre is likely to rationalise and review the package in 2007 to provide a level playing field for all the states.

Q: How does your department plan to address the critical problems of industry like power shortage and lack of infrastructure?

A: We are trying to address the problem by improving the infrastructure through public-private projects to set up, say, industry effluent treatment plants by allowing captive power generation. At the macro level while the government has undertaken Bharat Nirman and the Urban Renewable Mission projects to improve infrastructure, at the micro level the state governments need to take initiatives to address specific problems.

Additionally, the tax exemptions in the special economic zones (SEZs), other benefits in industrial clusters, product specific zones would also help the industry improve its competitiveness. Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has assured me to start flights from Pathankot in Punjab, which is a gateway for industry to access markets in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Another airport is being set up near Ludhiana that would also make it easy for buyers to contact the producers.

Q: There are four crore educated youth registered as unemployed. What policy measures are you envisaging?

A: Efforts are being made to make India an international manufacturing and services hub by creating world class industrial clusters across the country. It would help create blue collar jobs in the hinterland of India where young educated boys and girls are able to work on the floor. We are hopeful that free trade agreements with various countries would open new markets for Indian products and services. I am also requesting leading people in the industry to impart training on the job to young boys and girls from remote areas in the national interest.

Surprisingly, there is an overwhelming response from many companies. In coordination with other Ministries and financial institutions, we want to ensure that firms are not allowed to become sick while there is still a chance of their revival.

Q: In Punjab, your home state, what are the achievements and failures of the Congress government?

A: I am fully convinced that Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh is a progressive leader, who has a vision for economic development of the state. He is one of the first Chief Ministers who have boldly spoken about the need of Punjab farmers to move from the wheat-paddy cycle and shift to commercial farming. Under his leadership, the state has taken various steps to attract investors to the state and revival of agriculture.

However, I also feel that we need to focus on quality education which is relevant to the needs of the future besides investing in social infrastructure like health, water management and programmes for women. In my capacity, I will fully support the state government in its efforts to meet the challenge of unemployment and agricultural crisis.

Make security strategy pro-active
by Gurmeet Kanwal

For years, Pakistan has been waging a proxy war against India in Kashmir and elsewhere. Though its roots have been in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, we have opted to confine our counter-insurgency operations against the terrorists to our own soil.

While our strategic restraint has won us accolades, the Mujahideen from across our western border continue to strike terror almost at will. There is need for a pro-active national security strategy and a vigorous response to future incidents of terrorism sponsored from across the border. India’s response should be initially limited to trans-LoC strikes and later, if things do not improve to our satisfaction, action across the international border. Every single act of terror must meet with a calibrated response.

Even if the suspicion is not too strong and the links of terrorists with organisations across the border have been established only tenuously, retaliation must be swift and accurately targeted to deliver the message that India has shown enough restraint and that now India will act when struck.

For example, if the Lashkar-e-Tayebba is suspected to have engineered the Diwali blasts in New Delhi, we should first target its headquarters at Muridke south of Lahore and then ask General Musharraf questions about the gap between his promises and deeds. Those who worry about repercussions in international law should scrutinise how the US and its coalition partners attacked Afghanistan after the al Qaeda-inspired 9-11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

If a resurgent, nuclear-armed and self-confident India acts with strength and precision in its national security interests, neighbours like Pakistan and Bangladesh will get the message and clamp down against terrorist organisations operating from their soil. Will it lead to war? It could and India should be prepared for that eventuality. Is war in India’s interest? It is not, but neither is a daily dose of terrorist incidents that sap the people’s morale, tie down the army and other security forces in counter-insurgency operations that serve to alienate the people, inflict huge economic costs and damage India’s reputation as a suitable investment and tourism destination.

Will such a response result in the breakdown of the ongoing rapprochement with Pakistan? It might, but so will the lack of a pro-active response.

India must graduate to becoming a nation that is safe and secure for all its citizens – a nation that takes its national security interests seriously and is pro-active in dealing with emerging threats. It is best to nip emerging threats in the bud rather than allow them to become festering sores.

The writer is Director, Security Studies and Senior Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi

OPED

Redefining secularism in modern India
by Fatima Chowdhury

The Indian Constitution adopted a modified concept of “secularism” from the one defined in the West to deal with the intrinsic diversity of Indian society. It was envisioned as an effective way to maintain the religious and cultural diversity, which were to be respected and treated equally in the eyes of the law. Thus, secularism in India does not view religion and state as separate entities, but emphasises on values that state policies will respect the beliefs of all religions without any bias or prejudice.

In theory, secularism set forth by the Indian Constitution seemed to be a plausible structure that preserved the inherent diversity and pluralism. However, in reality, very few people understood the meaning of a secular India. Historically, the nation had long been divided along the lines of religion, caste and region. The circumstance in which the concept of secularism had been introduced in post-independent India was far from favourable with the integration of politics and religion.

It is evident from post-independent history of India that secularism was more of an illusion that gave the comfortable feeling of unity and nationhood when in reality India remained a deeply polarised society.

In recent years, India has become a nation burdened by religious fundamentalism leading to communal violence and reflecting a growing intolerance and ideological beliefs between different religious groups.

The main challenge that secularism in India faces is the negative connotation it has come to represent. It has become a questionable ideal that is more of a refuge for political hypocrisy than genuine assimilation of diversity in the country. There has never been an attempt to challenge self-serving individuals and groups in society, who misconstrue the definition of secularism to serve and further their own agenda. Thus, many people have come to view secularism as a negative ideology that fails to be constructive in India’s social, economic and rural development.

The time has come to broaden the definition of secularism in order to create a national consciousness of harmony and understanding between all the different religions in the country. It is probably best if India does adopt the western concept of secularism where religion is separated from state policies. This does not undermine religious practices in any way, but simply removes its influence from politics.

As it is often the case, religion is even used by politicians on both sides of the spectrum to deflect attention from important issues like poverty, education, economic growth and rural development. The separation of religion and state would enable people to make an important distinction between personal religious beliefs and national identity. The concept of secularism is to define the role of government and religion in society more objectively. Thus, secularism in its true meaning is not against religion but a caution against its misuse in politics.

In India today, the spread of secular values can be accomplished by building a new national identity that gives importance to progress and development than encouraging political populism by groups that instigate violence based on a sense of communal, caste and regional attitudes. The media in general needs to take on a more assertive role in promoting a national consciousness for a united India with conviction and impartiality. There is a need for better education and more awareness through workshops and campaigns that promote respect and tolerance of all religions. School and college curriculum should be reformed to include textbooks and lectures that celebrate the rich Indian history with all its diversity.

There is also the need to address the social and economic setting in which radical groups and their allies, as well as other political elites become opportunist for votes by raising false hopes through populist slogans and gimmicks. The existent economic disparity and poverty between and within the rural and urban sectors continue to prevail due to the insufficient funds and distribution of goods and services. As India joins the global market, more than half of its population still remain below the poverty line unable to reap the benefits of globalisation.

The inequitable equation in the society leads to dissatisfaction and resentment, often finding expression through communal violence and hatred. As India stands at the threshold of global recognition with new emerging political and economic structure, it is crucial to narrow the gap between the affluent and the impoverished with policies that serve to create opportunities and a better standard of living for all its citizens. Thus, allowing secularism to thrive under more advantageous conditions in a nation committed to development and progress.

The recognition of secular values in India will go a long way to ease the divisions in society where structural violence in in-built. It has the possibility of creating an atmosphere of reconciliation and respect for the differences that exist among the people. Secularism in India can be seen as a unifying force that seeks to preserve the diverse and plural nature of society than being erroneously spread as a divisive concept that opposes religion. Moreover, a secular India will be better capable of confronting the political, social and economic weaknesses that obstruct the growth and prosperity of the nation.

There is no doubt that India has the potential to be a great nation, but for too long we have looked towards the darkness of the past without addressing the important challenges of the present. The destiny of a nation lies with its people and so we have an opportunity to make a difference by awakening to the simple understanding that words and ideals alone cannot foster the bonds of unity, but a genuine respect and appreciation of India’s diverse and pluralist legacy. We cannot undo what the past has given us but we certainly can contribute to it more positively by creating a better tomorrow.

The writer is a freelance writer based in Kolkata

Profile
Sharad: A firebrand Lohia socialist
by Harihar Swarup

George Fernandes’ defeat by Sharad Yadav in the election to the post of Janata Dal (United) president is more shocking than the euphoria of Yadav’s victory over onetime “giant killer”. Both George and Sharad have good standing in public life as firebrand socialist leaders. Even though George has been reduced to a pale shadow of himself, he still retains embers of “Fire of Life”. He and his dedicated band of followers are not taking their “humiliation” lying down.

Sharad polled 413 votes as against George’s 25. George’s followers have challenge the whole election process, declaring it as “unconstitutional” and the JD (U) appears to be set on a course of split. George was called the “giant killer” when he defeated the Congress boss and fund raiser, S.K. Patil in 1967 Lok Sabha elections while Sharad was hailed as “jack the giant killer” when he trounced formidable Lalu Prasad Yadav in 1999 mid-term poll. George and Sharad have been ardent socialists. There was a time when they were close friends in spite of the generation gap — Sharad is 59 and George in early eighties. Mumbai’s giant killer has now been isolated in his own party by the Sharad and Nitish Kumar combine.

Lalu versus Sharad from Madhepura constituency of Bihar was, perhaps, the most significant contest of the 1999 mid-term poll. Nobody thought he would fell Laloo who was backed by the might of the state government, headed by Rabri Devi. “Had I shifted to another constituency”, Sharad was quoted as saying, “it would have been my sarvnash (complete destruction)”. Lalu avenged his humiliation by defeating Sharad in 2004 elections from the same constituency.

Being a firebrand Lohia socialist, Sharad would cross swords with anyone at slight provocation. But why did he take up cudgels against Laloo Prasad Yadav with whose help he successfully contested elections from Madhepura in 1991 and 1996 and lost in 1998 when both fell out. Sharad comes out with a long explanation: “I never fought with Laloo but he betrayed me…did not take me in confidence when he pitch-forked his wife (Rabri Devi) to the post of the Chief Minister. I was, after all, the party supremo”.

Sharad’s political career has been full of strife. His birthday coincides with Independence Day. He was imprisoned twice under MISA — in 1971 and 1973 for 11 and nine months respectively. He was behind bars during the entire period of Emergency (1975 to 1977). He was then a Lok Sabha MP and an activist of the Jayaprakash Narayan movement. He hit the headlines in 1974 having wrested the Jabalpur Lok Sabha seat, for the first time, from the Congress in a by-election following the passing away of veteran Seth Govind Das. A known freedom fighter and a protagonist of Hindi, Seth Govind Das, was known as father of the Lok Sabha, having retained the Jabalpur seat since the first general election.

Those were the days of JP movement. He personally selected Sharad Yadav to contest the by-election as the peoples’ candidate. Barely 25, young Sharad had not yet joined a political party even though he was greatly influenced by Dr Ram Manohar Lohia. Though he became a nominee of the combined opposition parties, he was fairly well known in Jabalpur, having been involved in the students movement and yet obtaining a first class degree of Bachelor in Engineering from the local university.

Sharad could not remain an MP for long. Come Emergency and he was behind bars for over two years. With the birth of the Janata Party in 1977, he formally joined it. This time, his re-election to the Lok Sabha was an easy task. He shifted to Badaun constituency in UP in December 1984 election but riding the sympathy wave the Congress swept the poll and he was defeated.

Sharad, however, managed to enter the Rajya Sabha within a few months. The Congress’ fortune reversed in 1989 and he avenged his defeat by winning the Badaun seat with a huge margin but had to face defeat in 1991 again. Within months, Madhepura seat fell vacant and in the by-election, the constituency had a candidate from outside and he was Sharad Yadav. Since then, he has been winning and losing from the Bihar constituency.

Belonging to Babai village of the Hosangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, Sharad Yadav had always been a fearless and tough fighter. Even in his teens, he jumped into a well to save the lives of a woman and her two children who were about to be drowned. In school his teacher would call him derogatorily “Sharad Ahir”. He was so provoked at this castiest description that he hit the teacher with his slate.

While protesting against the infamous Bihar Press Bill brought by the Jagannath Mishra government in 1988, he received a lathi blow on his head; the scar is still there. Both his father and mother were freedom fighters and imprisoned during the British Raj. His father later became the District Congress President.

Diversities — Delhi Letter
Narmada Bachao activists a determined lot
by Humra Quraishi

The activists of the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) who have been protesting at the Jantar Mantar are a brave lot. They continue to sit on a stony pavement even as the April heat is soaring and the place lies congested with a heavy flow of traffic from three connecting roads and a prime intersection.

The noise and pollution hit the site to such an extent that one can actually fall ill but the activists are braving it. Protesting in a non-violent way…

During a visit to the site very recently, I was touched to see some of the NBA activists, lying completely drained as they were continuing with their protest fast. After Medha Patkar had been shifted to AIIMS, other activists took her place and began fasting. One of them was Mona Das, the student leader of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. She looked so exhausted and frail that the police had arranged for an ambulance amidst talks that they could forcibly shift her to a hospital but she was unrelenting.

Another activist who’d been on this ongoing protest fast was Professor Kamal Mitra Chenoy, who is JNU’s Professor and Head, Centre for International Studies. Though some of them have since ended the fast, the peaceful protest is on. The activists are firm and determined to continue their fast till their demands are met.

The UPA government is indeed in a dilemma. If it sabotages the non-violent form of protest, it would invite trouble.

This brings me to write about a recent discussion at the Jamia Millia Islamia on the situation in Palestine in the context of the militant group Hamas winning the elections to form the government.

PLO Ambassador to India Osama Musa, in his lecture, said that the Palestinians took to violence after 20 years of their non-violent protest. Right from 1947 to 1967, the Palestinians tried to protest in a peaceful way, but that brought in no results. No one saw their plight. So, in utter frustration, they’d begun to react and hit out at the Israeli occupation and control…”

Talks and agreements like the Oslo agreement having failed, there’s an ongoing violence-ridden existence for the Israelis and Palestinians, resulting in death and destruction.

Of art forms and artists

I have not really seen so many exhibition openings this season. In the last few months, art galleries have mushroomed even in obscure settings. Except for you and me, all have become artists. Even those who have been left  disappointed in the political fray have clutched on to the painting brush to  brush away their sorrow and gloom.

Not that I’m film obsessed (far from it), but even those who couldn’t come  up on the charts of Bollywood have found the canvas to unleash.

Suchita Krishnamoorthi (Shekhar Kapur’s spouse and also a singer and actress) held her first solo show at the Habitat Centre’s Visual Arts Gallery.

For some reason titled Rebirth, unless Suchita is relaying that she has been born again with these brush strokes, the cluster of her paintings left  one disappointed. Too much colour with disproportionate forms and face contours. She is a far better singer than a painter, goes my verdict.

In the Habitat Centre, another exhibition by a young Hyderabad-based artist, Amita Abbi Prasant, was remarkable. She’d earlier been fanatically fond of mathematics. However, as she yearned for more than the numerical, its paints and brushes that gripped her.

She has already held shows in Hyderabad and Chennai. Though the latest is her first in the Capital, it has left an impact.

Amita’s forte is the female nude and she has done a good job. She’s projected the body in one of those special ways and with the minimum use  of strokes as though each body has a tale to narrate. Lurking along with some are accompanying male forms but not necessarily. In most, the  female form sits all alone on the canvas and in those varying postures of confidence and much more.

Though artist Manjit Bawa has been battling for life in a New Delhi hospital, his biography In Black and White (Penguin) was formally launched here on Baisakhi day. Manjit Bawa is one of our best known artists. His art forms stand out.

His personality is such that he’d get noticed even from a great distance. Unfortunately, he is not keeping well for quite some time. He fell ill and slipped into coma.

Book on Helen

On April 19, the much-awaited book on Helen gets released here. The book titled Helen — The Life and Times of an H Bomb — (Penguin) is written by journalist Jerry Pinto.

Since Helen happens to be Salman Khan’s mom number two (I dislike the word stepmother but nevertheless his scriptwriter father Salim married Helen a few years back), there could be some reference to Salman in the book.

World Dance Day

Yes, your guess is as good as mine on this World Dance Day. There will be a seminar on dance at the India International Centre. With dancers not dancing but speaking out all day long…

REFLECTIONS

The one who has faith in God, is sincere in selfless practice, and has control over the mind and senses, gains this transcendental knowledge. Having gained this knowledge, one quickly attains supreme peace and liberation.

— The Bhagvad Gita

He is Truth, Love, Law and a million things that human ingenuity can name.

— Mahatma Gandhi

Man’s conduct can be true only if he cherishes the True One within his heart.

— Guru Nanak