Its not just Business, its Livelihood

Debates are on to judge success or failure of ‘Make In India’ that seem to be one of the pet projects of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initiative aimed at putting impetus on the Indian manufacturing sector is expected to have a lasting impact on the textiles sector that has witnessed ups and downs over the years. While the mechanized textile sector in some small pockets of the country has seen traction from global players, the vast talent India possessed since ages continued to remain neglected. In addition to bringing in large scale FDIs into the sector, many wish the Make In India campaign revives the lost talent of India that weaved magic in the past era.

In addition to bringing in FDI and latest technology into the textile industry, ‘Make In India’ should enable leading designers from India and word over extend training support to the weavers communities located at Varanasi, Solapur, Medak, Agra etc. and help better the textile products made in these locations. Experts feel, more than Made In India, the objective has to be to build ‘Designed In India’ brand!

Such efforts to improve the skill of talent weaver communities across India will not just help revive the vast talent that has been on the waning; it will also provide the much needed livelihood to these sections of the population who are reduced to suffer in abject poverty. Hope leaders in the textile industry extend their focus beyond numbers and technology and provide support to the large numbers of the families who’s generations have been adding glory to the Indian textile sector that always strived to promote traditional and ethnic attires.

Isn’t this a cardinal sin!

Shri Narendra Modi has just concluded his maiden two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades! While reams is being written and millions of words said about what Modi achieved during the trip, I would like to dwell into one aspect that India missed in the last three decades.

India has been written numerous times to Pakistan seeking its intervention to capture India’s Most Wanted – Dawood Ibrahim. We know this character has a conspirator against Peace in India! And it is unfortunate that very less was achieved since his exit from India in 1993! Since fleeing India, there are hundreds of stories around Dawood Ibrahim setting up his business empire within our country and outside. It is often said that Dawood either operated from Dubai or at least controlled his vast business empire from the Emirates.

In addition to writing to Pakistan, a neighbor who never wished good for India; it is unclear what successive Governments have done to clamp down on the businesses of Dawood Ibrahim. Today, Narendra Modi-led ‘Team India’ is believed to have submitted a dossier containing details of Dawood’s modus operandi from Dubai or any other Emirate. Considering the way Rulers of the United Arab Emirates warmed up to Narendra Modi, there is a very high possibility of them acting against the fugitive based on India’s request!

What troubles me the most is; if Narendra Modi and his Team India could do this; what prevented earlier Governments from doing the same? By pulling plug on Dawood empire, India could have successfully contained his terror across India in general and Mumbai city in particular! By not reaching out to the Rulers of Emirates ‘effectively’, earlier Governments have not just missed opportunities, but also been indirectly responsible for the terror Dawood created in India. And this is a cardinal sin!

Are not we answerable to the future of India!

I would have visited a Government-run School in the past, but never before a visit to a School impacted me like today! After 68 years of India’s Independence, the sight of pigs and kids in the same School premises should shame us. It will shock anyone with a heart to see kids studying and eating their mid-day meal in the same site where pigs make a living.

In one Assembly segment, there are close to hundred State-run Schools that do not have at least one of the three basic needs – electricity , drinking water facility , toilets for girls (in some places even for boys). The apathy is, in some Schools you may not find any of the three listed facilities. We are an Independent country, but still our kids do not have access to their basic rights!

Toilets, has been the buzz word since August 15th this year! It was the day our new Prime Minister mentioned about lack of toilets in Schools standing at the Red Fort in New Delhi. For a moment lets forget what Narendra Modi said in his Independence Day speech; what should surprise each one of us is the fact that, it took so long for a Prime Minister to talk about this!

The sight of kids (and in some cases even the faculty) being forced to use a friendly neighbor’s toilet, or searching for a secluded place to urinate must shame each one of us! Our daughters studying in such Schools might be feeling mortified to be living in this society; and this is not the tribute we should be paying to all those who fought for India’s independence, and left the country in our hands to take care of its future.

Government might be responsible to ensure functioning of these Schools, but I feel, before we are shamed any further, it is the responsibility of every individual to guarantee the respect that is rightfully due to these kids. Taking it has a personal responsibility; I commit myself for construction of at least one toilet in my India; and only hope I will be successful in convincing at least one more person to think about this issue once.

As someone living and flourishing in India, and taking benefits from its vibrancy; are not we responsible to ensure its future is bright? Are not we answerable to the future generations about what we leave behind for them? Am sure it is certainly not what I had seen today! Every kid taking birth in this great nation has the right to live a respectable life; and it should not be because of somebody’s that they are deprived of this rightful respect!

I only hope, we build a better and brighter India that holds a meaning for the future!

Modi needs Tharoor!

Starting June 3rd this year, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has remained in the eye of a storm for praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi! This issue culminated in Tharoor being dropped as the spokesperson of the Congress Party on October 13th. Unfortunately, Tharoor is facing unwanted attention due to the death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar under mysterious circumstances, which are being investigated.

Irrespective of what happens in the days to come, I feel, there is an effort being put in to attract Shashi Tharoor into Team Modi! There could be many forces playing a roles in this; and the same might get revealed some day or die a natural death.

What makes Shashi Tharoor important for Modi? I strongly feel, it is his past association with the United Nations, a global body that India has been trying to win over for decades! Tharoor was a close second in the race for Secretary-General’s post in 2006 and probably the most popular among all those who contested for the post then; that eventually went to Ban Ki-Moon.

In his long 30-years stint at the United Nations, Shashi Tharoor, who started as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, went on to become UN Under-Secretary General the post from which he quit in 2007 to join the Congress Party and venture into politics. His popularity at this global platform is unparallel to date from Indian standards.

India has been trying hard for decades to convince the World for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. Modi in his maiden speech at UN headquarters hinted at continuing his efforts to achieve this. I strongly feel, Modi will look towards Shashi Tharoor, his vast experience, reputation and connection to pitch India’s case affirmatively before the global forum.

Whether his Tweet to Tharoor, congratulating latter on winning in Elections 2014; or nominating him to be a part of Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan; Prime Minister has dropped enough hints for working closely with Tharoor! Even Tharoor has been liberal in his praise for Modi , against whom his Party spits venom.

It is not just for the pitch in the United Nations, Shashi Tharoor will open doors of immense opportunities in the State of Kerala, where the Bharatiya Janata Party failed to set its foot. Tharoor inching closer to BJP, will ensure BJP emerging stronger in Kerala. I strongly feel, Modi-Tharoor combo will be formed with a vision for a stronger India. And I only wish, this combination scripts new chapters in the future of Indian history!

Our ‘suckular’ desh wasi!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first exclusive interview to an international media group _ given to CNN’s Fareed Zakaria _ is the biggest talking point for the last few days in India. While this interview broke certain TRPs, reams has been written since the same was first announced!

With this post, I join the brigade who assess, analyse, ridicule Modi and his views on various aspects. Am no expert to comment on what Modi said; but would like to talk about an interesting opinion that is being formed about our Prime Minister since certain key points from his interview has been made public!

If there is a parameter to quantify crucifixion, Modi undoubtedly has been subjected to the worst of it. Even word and action of his was tested by fire since 2002. And the same do not seem to end even in 2014, the year India voted him to become Prime Minister with absolute majority.

For over a decade Modi was communal for not taking in favour or at least about a particular community. Speaking to Fareed Zakaria, Modi did a first _ and said “Indian Muslims will live for India, they will die for India – they will not want anything bad for India”. The statement was in response to question on al-Qaeda’s latest mission to infect India with its ulterior motive!

‘Suckular’ brothers of our great nation seem to be stage-crafting a new slant to this! Those who always wanted Modi to speak up for Muslims, now criticise him for doing so. Those who doesn’t have a strong unifying opinion of their own also seem to be airing their views now.

What fascinates most is an argument that Modi has turned a “lesser Hindu” or his ‘Hindutvawad’ has diminished post his comments on Muslims! Wow. Looks like our ‘suckular’ brothers will never understand the true meaning of ‘being secular’ and ‘being Hindu’ which even Muslims once termed to be the same!

B-Day: Most awaited Date

“Achhe Din Aayenge”! This Mantra gave the much needed impetus to the Bharatiya Janata Party campaign during the Elections 2014. Unlike the most creative slogans or taglines, this simple statement from BJP’s Prime Minister candidate and now the Prime Minister of India _ Narendra Modi _ struck an emotion chord with almost every Indian, irrespective of geography and religion. This statement and Modi’s Gujarat Model gave hope to every citizen of India to look forward to a progressing economy that will give jobs and reduce price rise burden.

It is over a month since Narendra Modi and his Team took charge of the South Block & the North Block; and we are all set to assess / applaud / praise / criticise / ridicule the first major step this Govt. of India – Budget 2014! There are many expectations from the Narendra Modi-Arun Jaitley duo to shape the Indian Economy from its present dismal performance to the fastest growing Economy. The duo is gearing to climb the most difficult terrain called _ Expectations _ that sky-rocketed since BJP-led NDA returned to power at the Centre after a long gap of 10 years.

Each industrial sector is hoping the new Finance Minister will work for the benefit of the sector. Common man on the street too is expecting that his “acche din” are all set to start. Whether it is the India Inc or the common man, every section of the society is turning restless. After 5 years of dismay, it is expected that Budget-2014 will be the starting point of what we can call the “Great Indian Recovery”!

Narendra Modi, who called past Budgets presented by the Congress Party-led UPA Government, a piecemeal, is expected to announce a big bang Budget. While Modi criticised UPA of playing it safe with Budget year-after-year and not taking firm steps in the best interest of India, will be scrutinised for each policy to be announced on the B-Day. Whether it is FDI in Defense to boost local manufacturing or finding additional cash to give the much needed impetus to the Infra sector, Prime Minister Modi has to take real bold steps to bolster Economy of India, and create jobs to every Young Indian who is living each day in anticipation of “Achhe Din”.

Growing Inflation, sliding Rupee value, rising Fuel prices, made essential commodities cost dear. This situation has disrupted the Economy of every Indian household, and Modi-Jaitley duo is expected to deliver quick and effective solution/s for the sake of every housewife who is vexed with the menace called ‘price rise’. Anticipation is not just on the Dalal Street where Indices are zooming to unprecedented highs each day, but also in each house across the length and breadth of India.

Let’s hope the new Finance Minister in whom Industry has kept all its hopes, and the new Prime Minister in whom every Indian has kept his/her hopes will take this first crucial step on B-Day successfully and this will be the stepping stone for the bright future we are hoping to see in the days to come.

Dear Arnab Goswami: Now, you are going overboard!

Like many, I had been a loyal TimesNow spectator, especially one show called The News Hour! And for long had been a fan of Arnab Goswami. Today, this changes! Though, am a fan of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, I write this post on my personal blog as a common man, who likes ‘good politics’ and ‘good politicians’.

 

It all started more than 24-hours ago when Times Now, like all other news channels started airing video clips and opinions against the statement made by Trinamool Congress Party MP Tapan Pal. This Member of Parliament from West Bengal made the heinous and insensitive statement of letting his men rape women belonging to the Communist parties. I like every sensitive Indian would like to appeal to the President of India to change the Constitution norms to disqualify this political leader from being a Parliamentarian and never allow him to contest in any form of Elections in the future. Such a strong step will help deter other insensitive politicians from making thoughtless statements.

 

My problem now is with Arnab Goswami! A couple of hours ago, on his flagship show ‘The New Hour’, Arnab Goswami aired a comment made by Chief Minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar, who said “A student from one of the IIMs once said that he rapes then he would have to face one Inspector, but if he turns an entrepreneur, then he will have to face 26 Inspectors.” It is a known fact that Manohar Parrikar is today considered to be the best Chief Minister in India, known for his benevolence and good administration.

 

Any person with logic will realize the statement made by Manohar Parrikar is about Industrial policy in India, where sometimes entrepreneurs are made to run from pillar-to-post to his/her work done. This has been a concern for industrial growth in India, and many State Governments including Gujarat moved to a single window format for faster clearance of applications and speed up the process to set-up industries in their respective States.

 

Now, the statement made by Manohar Parrikar had a context to it and it is evident that the Goa Chief Minister is quoting someone else in his statement. While the statement made is about industrial policy in India, it is really sad that Arnab Goswami feels the statement is about ‘RAPE’, which undoubted is an heinous crime deserving ‘CAPITAL PUNISHMENT’ in my personal view. I strongly feel, a senior and respected journalist like Arnab Goswami is dragging Manohar Parrikar into such an issue out of context. It is sad that Arnab Goswami feels, the statement in question is a statement on rape, while majority will surely agree to the fact that it is a comment on industrial policy.

 

I personally feel let down by Arnab Goswami, to whom, I had been a huge fan for years now! Hope, he doesn’t repeat such a cheap trick in order to increase his channels TRPs in the future.

Elections 2014: Congress moving from ‘Secularism’ to ‘Suckularism’

When Narendra Modi is all set to become the next Prime Minister of India, the outgoing Congress Party is making last ditch efforts to prevent the unstoppable! Senior Congress Party leader Rashid Alvi’s statement on Thursday showcases the myopic mindset of his Party which can stoop to any extent to stay in power. Rashid Alvi suggested that all secular parties in India must come on to a single platform and elect West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the next Prime Minister of India.

 

Though Congress Party has not welcomed or condemned Rashid Alvi’s comments, these comments are against the fundamental spirit of democracy. The outcome of Elections 2014 to a great extent is in favour of the BJP or NDA or Narendra Modi, it is completely against the ruling the United Progressive Alliance and the Congress Party. Any attempt by the Congress Party to get a large coalition run the country will be an attempt against the mandate of average Indian voter.

 

For years India has seen coalition politics at the top, and unfortunately these prevented successive governments take affirmative steps that would have helped India move ahead on the growth pedestal. Though NDA 2.0 too might be a compulsive coalition formation under Narendra Modi, this time around the formation is likely to possess intrinsic strength to take tough decisions. And this is the need of the hour for a better tomorrow.

 

Lets strongly hope, the ‘suckularistic’ politics of the Congress Party is defeated with the mandate voter of India gives to Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Elections 2014: #ThankYouDrManMohanSingh

At a time when India awaits results of #Elections2014 with much anticipation on who will be the next Prime Minister of #India, it is only fair to remember the man who gave the much needed impetus to the Indian economy in 1991, the man who laid the foundation stone to the India that moved miles away from the days of ‘License Raj’ – Dr Manmohan Singh, the outgoing Prime Minister of India! It is only fair to spare a thought for this gentleman.

 

In 2004, when there was high drama over who will be the Prime Minister of Congress-led UPA Government, like many across the country, I too was not comfortable with the idea of Sonia Gandhi on the hot seat. There were rounds of debates in New Delhi with many Congress leaders requesting their madam to take-up the responsibility. It was not just a moment of relief, but also a moment of great anticipation when Sonia Gandhi announced that senior Congress leader and a rank-outsider Dr Manmohan Singh will be the Prime Minister.

 

This announcement has brought great cheer across India. Indian industry was surely happy with the decision then! The man who liberalized Indian economy was to lead the Indian Government from the time when it was growing at over eight percent. India’s #Sensex and #Nifty gave a thumbs-up to the decision taken by the Congress party president and the Indian industry looked up to the man who they thought to put India among top economies of the world.

 

UPA-1 under Manmohan Singh fared decent, if not brilliant. The Government took many initiatives across sectors including measures to build robust infrastructure, along with welfare activities. The Government led by possibly the cleanest Prime Minister in the history and with a decent report card about its performance didn’t find much difficulty in returning to power as UPA-2.

 

Dr Manmohan Singh, who is a victim of bad performance of his colleagues unfortunately, is at the receiving end of utmost criticism. His great past is marred by greater scams that this country has seen. I strongly feel Congress Party has done a great disservice to the man who played the most crucial role in shaping the modern India since 1991 when he was the Finance Minister of India under P V Narsimha Rao’s leadership.

 

It would just be fair to say Dr Manmohan Singh, the outgoing Prime Minister of India was a great leader and fantabulous economist. We only wish this great man a long, happy and healthy life. #ThankYouDrManMohanSingh

Elections 2014: Why Modi?

 

Akin to many I belong to the community that ‘Like’ Narendrabhai Damodardas Modi! I belong to that section which strongly backs his candidature for the post of Prime Minister of India and cannot tolerate a word/statement to be made against Modi. Many may find this approach stupid. Many call us intolerant to others. Many term us blatant with a negative connotation. Many among us have hazaar reasons to stand up for Narendra Modi and firmly believe he becomes the next Prime Minister. I would like to list few reasons for our support, to whom so ever it many concern!

 

Humble beginning:

Unlike his possible counterpart from the Congress Party, Narendra Modi is born into a poor family with minimum means to survive. His upbringing was never planned and life has taught him more lessons than his parents or teachers. He understood the nuances of existence from the real life situations that forced him to sell tea to feed himself. Narendra Modi has never visited a foreign university or would have not read books written by greats who shaped the world with this thoughts and actions. It is his connect with the ‘real’ India that has educated him to become a better individual.

 

Experience:

Narendra Modi has worked his way up the ladder and didn’t take a lateral entry. From being a Swayam Sevak, to a small worker in BJP, to an office bearer, to Chief Minister – the path he covered over the past few decades has seen him climb step after step before he stands to become the Prime Minister of this great nation. He has fulfilled his responsibilities with great conviction at each level and has only emerged successful from most adverse situations.

 

Breaking complexities:

Rahul Gandhi is backed by each and every leader within the Congress Party, he has the brains and cumulative experience of hundreds of years of his senior colleagues who have been working hard to mend him to become Prime Minister material. We witnessed the outcome over the last eight months of elections campaign to four State Assembles late last year, and the ongoing General Elections. Every Indian would have formed his/her opinion on Rahul Gandhi’s ability.

 

On the other hand, Narendra Modi is vehemently opposed from within the party hierarchy! It is his work and ability to translate words into action that has been the driving force that pushed Narendra Modi ahead of many within the party and in the political spectrum. His ability to think for people has positioned him as the most successful Chief Minister in the country.

 

Innovator:

Modern India has high aspirations! The new age India acts, thinks, does things differently; they exist more in the virtual world but dream of the real world. Catering to their ambitions need action not words. Congress claims it has brought many schemes for betterment of society at large; the growing restlessness among the youth of this country tells a different story. Today, the young leader of Congress talks about his family’s sacrifice, talks about fake marketing by opposition; instead of progressive future for youth. Many neutral youngsters might not find fault with me as I say “Rahul Gandhi failed to inspire Young India”!

 

The opposite, Narendra Modi reached out to that section of modern India in the most effective manner. His past work, credentials, promise made for a brighter India are reasons sufficient for the Young India to stand up in support of Narendra Modi. Irrespective of party ideology, GenNex backs Narendra Modi to become the next Prime Minister.

 

Similar to the above mentioned, there are many parameters on which Narendra Modi fares higher than his closest rival for the top post! Narendra Modi’s conviction and commitment was evident from each media interaction he took part in over the last few weeks. Facing the fiercest of journalists, a highly confident Modi spoke his heart out and showed a glimpse of what he stands for and what is dreams, to make India a better nation in the times to come.

 

Final word: No person is perfect; but considering the promise made to this nation Narendra Modi deserves a change.