Trip to Purandar

The Departure

से My Photographs

Even before the day begun on January 26th,  we had decided to go to Purandar fort this time. There was a lot of deliberation over the matter between us friends for over two months. But it would have been foolish to let go this opportunity given by Republic Day to refresh ourselves. Our first choice was Rajgad, but as one by one members of our team walked out, only me and Tanaji found ourselves on the road. It was about eight o’clock in the morning when Tanaji drove away from Swargate, me riding behind him. He took me all the way to the fort and bought back safe and sound. When we were back, I felt each part of my body was rebelling like the people in socialist parties do. I could just wonder what the condition of Tanaji was.

The Road to Hell

से Purandar

While  embarking on the trip, we had no fair idea as to what is the condition of the road to this historic fort is. I had read many times kind of travelogues trekkers and tourists have written about the fort. In July last year, I almost made it to the fort but came away midway sincew I thought I would not get enough time. I was correct in that respect as the fort stretches to a bvast land and it has a hright of almost 22,000 ft above sea level.

However, it is the road to the fort that tests one’s patience and endurance. It seems as if the road was made in tar first at the time of Shivaji and since then there has been no repairs. The pebbleshave all beenspread on the road as if one spreads butter on a slice of bread. The vehicle have to be extra conscious for being skid or developing punctures. It also consumes a lot of energy also. If the second most important fort in Shivaji’s kingdom can be neglected like this, how far can one expect about other historical places. The slope leading to Purandar fort is one of the messiest roads in the world, to say the least. If anybody asks me an advice, I would rather say that take your vehicle to the base of the fort and thereon keep climbing by foot. It will consume your time and energy, but it won’t bring you a sense of helplessness, loneliness and frustration which the vehicle road will bring. And if it is dangerous and tiresome while climbing, it is 100 times more dangerous and time consuming while coming down.

 

The First View

से Purandar

The path to fort might be beset with difficulties, but once you set your foot at the entrance of the fort, it is only history and valor that surrounds you. At the entrance of the fort, a statue of Murar Baji Deshpande has been erected in honour to this great fighter. Murar Baji was the custodian of the fort when Moghul commander Dilerkhan attacked the fort in 1665 Dilerkhan bombarded Purandar with artillery but could not win over the fort. With his handful of men, Murar Baji was fighting the enemy. It is said that Khan had offered him to come to Mughals and be rewarded but he chose otherwise. This brave warrior gave up his life in defending the fort for his beloved king, Chhatrapati Shivaji. The statue sufficiently shows the bravery and valor of the fighter. It also reminds one that Maratha empire was created from the contribution of such selfless people.

The statue is at a relatively flat area and there is a lake nearby. In historic times, this might have been used by the people living on the fort for drinking water but is not used now. As one passes by the statue, the grand remnants of the fort can be seen in the background.

 

The Grand Neglect

If you think you can skip Purandar for want of excitig attractions, you may be forgiven. It does not have the proximity or ease like Sinhgad and it does not have charm or monuments like Shivneri or Pratapgad. Whatever remnants one sees on Purandar are standing in utter neglect. To make it worse, no information about these mute witnesses to history is available on the fort. There are buildings on the fort suggesting that British officers enjoyed a good stay here prior to 1857 but that is also not explicitly displayed. We can draw only inferences or make guesses based on the structures. There are two identical buildings here which might have been churches as the place for bell can be clearly seen. The walls of these churches have been littered with names of those who unfortunately happened to have visited the sites. Unable to produce such grand examples themselves, they have instead chose to put their names on the existing building.

से Purandar

There are also barracks on the fort supposed to be used by the soldiers of East India Company. All these are abandoned now except for those which are given to National Cadet Corps. NCC controls some part of the fort even now.

After returning to Pune, when we searched the history of the fort, it was found that the German war criminals were placed on the fort after the two world wars. The construction of the buildings and manner in which they are standing reinforces the fact. The authorities, that of Archaeological Survey of India (which controls the fort) and revenue department of Maharashtra (under which the territory comes) either think that every tourist is well informed about this history or they just do not want everybody to know the same. Otherwise they would have placed some boards, guides or something to that effect. The forgotten grandeur of this historic witness is matched with the equally grand neglect by present authorities.

 

The Vast Expanse

से Purandar

Looked from the Narayanpur, from where only you can go to fort, Purandar seems very small. Its magnificence is not so imposing as the Sinhgad. But once you are at the top, one realizes what an expanse this fort has. Along with its twin fort, Vajragad, the fort has a vast expanse. Though most of the places which might have served for the cause of Shivaji’s Sawrajay have now become extinct. We could not find many places where we could identify the exact places of incidences, except for Sambhaji’s birthplace. Chhatrpati Sambhaji, son of Shivaji was born on this fort on 16 May 1657.  After about a two centuries, Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa was born on this fort. After the fall of Maratha empire, the fort came to East India Company.

The Modern History

से Purandar

It is not that Purandar is condemned to perpetually lost in the nostalgia of an empire building at few point of times in history. Until now, it was home to the human footprints and ventures. We could spot two buildings which served as bakery during 18 and 19th century.  The building is one of the classic examples of British era buildings and has many features which are hardly seen now.

Take for example this building. It has heaths, fireplaces and exquisite curves in walls. Now no one lives in the building. It seems it has been preserved for a future project of ghost town. And why British, even post-independence era structure are left to live in the company of wild bushes and trees. Just in front of this building, there is stage made from cement concrete. It took us about ten minutes for us to spot the foundation stone of the stage which declares that it was inaugurated in 1970. Within 40 years, it has been transferred in not more than a tomb. It was supposedly named Yashwant Rangmanch.

After wandering for over two hours, we called it a day. There was nothing more to see. But we amused ourselves with a group of fort lovers who were busy reciting powadas, a kind of ballads in honor of historic warrior.  When asked for water bottle, the lone vendor at the fort said it would cost us Rs 25. We preferred not to take it and instead drank cold drinks once were in Narayanpur. That did not prevent us from tasting the bhel at fort itself.  We would never had relished such a common fare had we been not tired of walking in the sun. All in all, we did nothing great, did see nothing great but for us, it was a great experience.

When we were returning, both of us were dissatisfied that there was no relic here which we would have remembered for life. Still, we promised each other to return in the monsoon season when Sahyadri is adorned with greenery. Hope, better luck then!

Technorati Tags     Day,Republic,Trip,Purandar,Pune,Fort

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It does not happen only in India

Just when I casually passing through the Le Monde, I came across this news.
Six persons have been arrested for a fraud worth 450 million euros. According to the paper, British law enforcement agencies were investigating the matter since 2005. The identities of the persons have not been disclosed. I hope there are no Indians in it.
The though that came to me was : there are other places on earth where frauds and scams are taking place and coming to light with each passing day. India is not the only place. I have yet to figure out wherther I should take pride in the fact or not.

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Purandar

Republic Day At Purandar

 

About three years ago, I spent my Republic Day holiday wandering in Pune with my friends. That was the day when I saw Shaniwar Wada first time. This time around I was at Purandar. Yesterday we went to here with my friend Tanaji. The famous fort in the history of Maratha empire. This was the fort where Chhatrapti Sambhaji born. Many a sites on the fort are in ruins. I am going to write about it later. But what made our trip special was that it was a Republic Day and we were on a fort once owned and occupied by Chhatrapati Shivaji.

 

The flag hoisting on the fort was done by Circle Officer of Purandar Taluka. Not many people were present at the occasion. But as the day progressed, people came in large numbers. The chanting of 'Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai' could be heard everywhere. We left early, at about 3 Pm so we do not no how many people were there in the evening.

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Technorati Tags     Day,Republic,Purandar,Pune,Tricolour,Shaniwar,Wada

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The Tiger Turns 83

Even though the name Bal Thackeraydoes not arouse same level of fear, awe or appreciation from the general public as it commanded say a decade ago, he is still the formidable force in Maharashtra. His party is nothing compared to his own personal charm. In Shiv Sena, only Thackeray Senior’s word is final and carried some word. Owing to his declined health condition, his word does not come to the public directly now. Either it is an editorial in Saamana, the party organ or a message through his son Uddhav Thackeray that common people get to know what he wants.

It is this kind of monopoly by Uddhav and his cotery over Thackeray that led Raj Thackeray to break away from his uncle, his original mentor in politics. It is an adage in Shiv Sena that Thackeray Sr. can not do any wrong. But it is a fact that he wronged in judging the potential of his nephew. Now Raj, carrying anti-north Indians and pro-Marathi agenda through Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has taken much ground below Shiv Sena's feet and at times SS is found to be dragging behind Raj. The agenda orginally brought in by SS in 1960s was later put on back burner in 1980s when Shiv Sena opted for an alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The alliance adopted an agenda of Hinduist ideology.

Bal Thackeray stands out in many Hinduist parties for his frankness and open headed approach. He is probably the only leader in India who denounces Hindu priests and traditions followed in the temples. He was also the only leader in 1992, after the Babri mosque demolition, to accept the responsibility of the incident. "If the persons (those who brought down the structure) were Shiv Sainiks, I am proud of them," he said publicly at that time. The catch was nobody was and is sure whether it was true. But Thackerey managed to impress public with his boldness and public started to look down upon BJP. More recently does not one saw him welcoming 'Hindu Terrorists? On could mark he was saying that Hindu terrorists are all welcome but they should hit the bull's eye.

In one such instances, he showed to what extent he can go. When the Shirdi's Sai Sansthan decided to install a gold throne for Sai Baba, Thackeray decried the decision. Lokmat, a prominent Marathi daily took offence and criticized Thackeray Sr. sighting his own style of sitting on a throne in his bunglow. Next day itself, Thackeray Sr. sent his own throne to the Lokmat office, saying that the throne was given by his own 'people with love and devotion' and he is satisfied with public's love alone. The incidence created an amusing scene for the media in Maharashtra. Only when the top management officers of Lokamt came and apologised could the throne be taken back to Thackerey's bunglow.

For better or for worse, Maharashtra loves Thackerey Sr. No other leader has managed to draw people's love, affection, anger, frustration, devotion and that too for more than four decades! Even those who have left him for good, like deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal or ex-chief minister Narayan Rane do not shy away from praising or adoring him. It is not easy for outsiders and people with preconceived notions to understand how this man of relatively frail body and no logical reasoning manage to stir up passions in millions of people.

For an unpassioned and detached viewer like me, who has not attended a single rally addressed by him even in my home town but who has immense admiration for the power he holds, it is a sort of unhappy thing that he no more draws cartoon. Given that the cartoon-like politics of today and caricature-like personalities, perhaps he does not require to do so. Whatever old samples of his art I get to see, I enjoy it immensely.

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Autorickshaws on Different Roads

In one of my previous posts, I had mentioned about the hi-tech auto rickshaws. In a further development, the Pune city is set to see the rising numbers of autorickshaws plying on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). India is also getting new rickshaws running on solar power but it is a far fetched thing to expect that it will be a reality soon.

In Pune, some PMPML buses already run on CNG. Now, according to RTO officials, about five to six autos have taken to the alternative fuel. Bhurelal Committee had recommended to run autos on CNG. But Regional Transport Office had not given the permission for changing over to new fuel because the city had not enough supply of CNG. Now, as the CNG outlets have grew in numbers, autorickshaws have got green signal to fit with the CNG kit. About Rs 25 to 30 Thousand are to be spent for CNG kits to be fitted in the autorickshaws.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the premier research institute of the country, launched "Solekshaw", the solar-electric rickshaw for eco-friendly urban transport on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti

The dual-powered Soleckshaw is the CSIR's solution for the dual problem of decent employment generation for the masses and mitigation of global warming. Currently, transport sector accounts for more than 60 percent increase in Green House Gas (GHG) emission in India. As of now, no powered vehicle or transport system is free from carbon dioxide emission. Soleckshaw, with its zero carbon foot print and the trend of widespread use, is expected to reverse global warming and protect the planet from the perils of the climate change.

CSIR vision, titled, CSIR-800 and aimed at empowering 800 million Indians, gave way to the Soleckshaw. Mark I version of Soleckshaw has been designed, developed and prototyped by the CSIR's national laboratory, the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) at Durgapur, in a record time of eight months. The accompanying solar charging station for swapping the batteries has been set up by the Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a Government undertaking. The specifically designed robust low power high torque brushless DC motor has been developed for the first time in India by Crompton Greaves based on the specifications provided by CMERI.

Technical Features · Power source : Solar and human · Drive : Motor - assisted pedal-driven · Electric motor : BLDC hub motor: 240-350 W, 36 V with regenerative capabilities · Transmission : Chain drive with differential and two ratios · Brakes : Three-wheel braking · Seating capacity : Two passengers · Payload : 200 kg · (excluding driver) · Speed limit : 15 kmph

The Advanced Materials & Process Research Institute (AMPRI), another constituent laboratory of CSIR supported for the Technology Demonstration Project (TDP). The Centre for Rural Development (CRD), an NGO working on rickshaw banks in different cities, joined the TDP as a partner for wider deployment of Soleckshaw. Innovative business model is being evolved with NGOs, banks, environment-loving corporates and manufacturing organizations to make the rickshaw available to the drivers at the cost of an ordinary rickshaw.

The advanced versions of Soleckshaw Mark II and Mark III with better aesthetics, ergonomics, speed and recumbent driving position is expected to be ready for launch during the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

(The information on Soleckshaw provided by PIB Features)

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Nanded, my city

I come from a city situated in the interiors of Maharashtra. Nanded, which is on the borders of Maharashtra and Karnataka, was a small town when I left it in 1997. For the last 10 years, I am living in Pune and my practical contact with the city remained took place only casually. On a recent visit to the city, I saw many changes taking place there. I just tried to chronicle some of them here. I take proud in the fact that Nanded was a cosmopolitan city and many linguistic as well as religious communities have lived here for centuries.

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से Nanded

The Goadavari river flows through the Nanded city. Three of the most prominent Gurudwaras are located on the banks of the river and most importantly, the river divides the city by two. The banks of the river, especially the one where Gurudwaras stand have been beautified on account of Guru-Ta-Gaddi ceremony which took place in October 2008. Even though the water of the river is mixed with many a chemicals and waste water coming from a population of about five lakhs (0.5 million), the water is relatively clean. I could spot many a common birds in the riverbed. 

से Nanded

This is the famous clock tower standing in Old Mondha area of Nanded. It is supposed to be 100 years old and has been transformed many times during this time. The tower has statues of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on one side and Ravindranath Tagore on another. Once upon a time, it was famous for its height. But now many a new buildings appear taller than this structure.

से Nanded

The Nagina Ghat Gurudwara standing on the bank of Godavari. This was the place where, according to folklore, Guru Gobind Singhji showed an arrogant trader how valueless his offering, that of a diamond was. The gurudwara alongwith others two glows in the evening like a jewel in dark. The beauty of its reflection in Godavari's water is simply unmatchable.

से Nanded

Nanded railway station. The station is more than 100 years old. But the face of the building has changed so many times. The present building is comparatively big. The building is cleaner than many stations in the Marathwada region, wherein Nanded falls. The relaxing appearance of the building has now become a thing of past and now professionalism is sighted everywhere. 

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HAL employees to get Fifth Pay Commission

The Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers Ramvilas Paswan announced on Saturday that revised pay scales according to Justice Mohan Commiittee recommendations on 5th Pay Commission would be applicable to Hindustan Antibiotics employees from 17 Jan 2009.The arrears from 1997 would be given in instalments in due course of time and the timetable for arrears distribution would be discussed with the HAL Employees Unions. Every employee will also get Rs 1000 as bonus in the new year.

Paswan was speaking at the inauguration of the new Cephalosporin plant of HAL in Pimpri today. The HAL Union General Secretary Shri Pataskar said that employees were working on the same salary since 1992 and badly needed the pay hike. Mahatma's wife Smt Kasturba Gandhi died in Pune after she could not get the required medicines after which Nehru in 1954 had announced setting up of Hindustan Antibiotics. Selling such cos and not turning them around was wrong as was done during Arun Shourie's time. 

The plant has been set up at a cost of Rs 20.17 crores  in a record 9 months time and will enable the company to manufacture the new generation antibiotic for the domestic & international market. The immediate application of new pay scales would increase the salaries of employees by roughly 25 percent and the benefits would be in the range of Rs 1500-8000 depending on the level of the employees.

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PIFF gets State Sponsorship

The organisers of the 7th Pune International Film Festival should go home singing now. The state government, which was unable to curb rising numbers of farmer's suicides has lend a helping hand to the organisers.Even though the powers that be do not know how the common public will watch movies without electricity, it has went ahead with the promise of sponsoring the annual event.

 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan announced on Thursday that from next year onwards the state government will be officially connected with the Pune International Film Festival. From now on, PIFF 2010 will be a joint venture of the Maharashtra Government and the Organising Commiittee. Speaking as the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of PIFF, said he wants to see Maharashtra as number one not only in production of films but also in industry, business and other areas. he did not forget to praise Suresh Kalmadi, Member of Parliament from Pune for grand manner of his organization.
 

The festival saw usual awardees in the usual categories. With this offer of sponsorships, one is tempted to expected that the city will boast more and more cinemas from all over the world. But the mind is more practical and  knows that it will hardly come by.

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Film Festival : Does It Help

The Pune International Film Festival was inaugurated yesterday. It was made to be a great event by all and sundry. Looking from the standpoint of an average cinegoer, I do not find it much exciting. They say the film festival is the place where you can have a vast view of cinema. For me, it is a place where those films are shown which can not stand in the theatre on their own.

Iranian films are hailed by everyone citing their content, which they say is ‘contemporary.’ To my mind, it is because they always portray Iran as others, particularly West, want to see. I have serious doubts whether people speaking on behalf of conneseaurs really have different aesthetic view than that of Hollywood. That is why no South Indian film is showcased in the current festival even though the current rage in Hindi viewers, Ghajini is a three year late remake of a successful Tamil films.

Coming to the speeches at PIFF, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting & External Affairs Anand Sharma was quoted as saying that film making in India should continue to remain connected with social realities and problems and keep hopes alive in the poor as they have been in the past. One fails to understand what social realities he was talking about. Even when protagonist of Hindi flicks were used to be from common masses, as was used to be in Amithabh Bachchan films, it was far away from reality. Now, Hindi films no more happen in India. They either take place on an exclusively reserved paradise-like islands or in Mauritius or any other country, willing to welcome Bollywood in exchange of good money.

Sharma also said that films should reflect the social challenges such as poverty, hunger, empowerment, violence and terrorism that confront us and we cannot allow these problems to overwhelm us. Since when was cinema a tool in fighting the social vices? People who used to make films based on these themes, were skilled in getting monetary help from government departments. Movies made with government money were showcased in festivals in other countries. That is why even festivals in India are unattended by public at large who has made Bollywood so big a industry. This is the seventh edition of PIFF taking place and history shows that forget about foreighn films, English films have been confined to multiplexes only. Audience for the non-Hindi regional films has seen a significant increase. Even second rate dubbed films are raking in money in Pune’s theatres. So much for the film festivals and enlightnement of the masses!

Veteran actress Sulochana, filmstar Shashi Kapoor and well known actress Hema Malini were conferred the lifetime achievement award for their contribution to Indian cinema. This was the only welcome thing in the PIFF as they deserve it.

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Diamond Jubilee of NCL

National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) is celebrating Dimaond Jubilee of the institute begining from January 9. Even though built about three years before, NCL which is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi was formally declared open on January 3, 1950. The then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru was in Pune for the Science Congress at the time. Coinciding with that occasion, NCL was inuagurated.

The Director of the institute Dr S. Sivaram told reporters that NCL will spend about Rs. 50 to 75 crore in the next five years on a mega research project on Solar Energy in which a next generation Non Silicon Solar Energy material will be developed using institutional facilities at the campus. NCL is also working on making a prototype for assembly of 1000 fuel cells for which it is talking to private sector companies for partnerships. About 4 to 5 crores funding received for it will be spent on the fuel cell assembly project in the next one to two years.

NCL has also established a partnership with Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) Kalpakkam to use its expertise on programmes critical to development of Fast Breeder Reactor Technology. He said, "Chemistry and Biology are fast becoming one and hence NCL is trying to build a Chemistry-Biology Interface so that chemists can work on biology. Under this a Utility Lab will be set up by NCL. About 100 acres of land has been made available by NCL to Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Pune to set up a new campus on Western site with an investment of Rs.500 crores. The campus will have housing, teaching and research facilities to accommodate 3000 students, 200 faculty and 500 Ph.D students."

The NCL Director said the institution is attracting the best talent and currently it has 380 Ph.D students which is to be increased to 500 by end 2009. A new hostel for 135 students and laboratory building of 65000 sq.ft. space are being set up after development of which NCL will be one of the largest compuses for chemical science in the country.

Dr. Sivaram said a Centre Of Excellence in Micro Reaction Engineering for Pharmaceutical Intermediate process improvement has been set up and private sector companies such as Ranbaxy, Lupin, Gharda Chemicals and others are partners in the Consortium who meet regularly to come up with generic solutions to process problems and take these to the market. He said the Centre has state of art machineries which are not available with the R & D set ups of private sector in the country. The intellelctual property of generic know how is retained by NCL while these companies have the right of first refusal for the technology development. Dr. Sivaram said this is a good example of public-private partnership in research in chemical and pharmaceutical field.

A curtain raiser function is being held on 9th January 2009 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee Year of NCL's existence. The Director General of CSIR Prof. Sameer Bhattacharya would be Chief Guest on the occasion. The Diamond Jubilee is being celebrated by organizing a number of events including nine symposium/workshops on organic chemistry, catalysis, microreactor engineering, solvent media and microbiology throughout the year. A Venture Centre is being set up at NCL Innovation Park and a Polymer Research Laboratory will also be set up among the new facilities to be created at NCL. A book is being launched on the history of NCL written by former Director Prof. L. K. Doraiswamy. The last phase of the NCL Innovation Park will be inaugurated in May 2009.

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Marathwada Divided

Finally Ashok Chavan has delivered that blow which each politician does at one or other point of time. He has stolen the devisional office of revenue department from Latur, which is former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh’s constituency. The new divisional commissionerate, which will be carved out of Aurangabad division will be set up at Nanded, the constituency of Chavan himself.

The entire Marathwada region comprising of Aurangabad, Latur, Nanded, Parbhani, Jalna, Usmanabad, Beed and Hingoli fell under the revenue division of Aurangabad. there was a proposal to divide the the division into two separate divisions of four districts each. The proposal was pending for many years and it was almost decided that the new division will be set up at Latur. Many divisional offices of various state government departments were set up in Latur. About 35 to 40 such offices are required for the commissonerate and 32 of them are already set up in Latur. Given the long tenure of Deshmukh, it was a forgone conclusion that the thing is decided. But lady luck smiled on Chavan before 2008 bid adieu and he found himself in the chair of chief minister.

At the time of change of guard, it was rumoured that Chavan was a prodigy of Deshmukh. But with this decision, not only has he shown that he has a existence of his own, he can take tough decisions also. On the face of it, this decision is a rational one. Given the geographical location of Latur and Nanded, it is unarguably far easier to travel to latter. Better connectivity with road and rail facility is also a plus point for it. Distiricts of Latur, Parbhani, Hingoli and Nanded will be under the new division. All three districts beside Nanded are just three hours away while it takes at least five hours to travel to Aurangabad.

As expected, the decision was welcomed wholeheartedly in Nanded but there was a violent reaction in Latur. An all party meeting was convened in Latur and a call for the district Band was given. But it does not seem to make any impact. the government machinery, including ministers and administrators, are too cunning to show their any move as a legal and valid one. If Chavan is to be believed, as he has given his reaction to the development, this decision was taken on the merit basis. His words seem to have some basis as a committee appointed for looking into the revenue division's bifuraction had recommended Nanded as the ideal place for the new commissionerate.

According to district gazeteer of Nanded, economic exploitation of available resources, initiative, co-operative efforts and financial backing will change the agrarian face of the district in a few years.

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The Sweet Grapes

One is not sure whether it is a good or bad news. A new Indian Grape Processing Board is set to come into existence in Pune as the central government has approved the proposal. The move is expected to give boost to the wine industry in Maharashtra. According to figures provided by government, the Indian wine industry is worth Rs 275 crores and growing at 25 –30% annually. Maharashtra is the No. 1 state in industry while Nashik is called the Wine Capital of India.

The Board will be an autonomous body facilitated by the Government of India and managed by the industry representatives. An outlay of Rs 5.39 crores has been sanctioned for the establishment of the Board. Pune is the principal grape growing area in the country. The wine industry in Maharashtra leads in the country. According to figures available with Maharashtra government, out of 61 wine industries in India, 58 are from the state. Two industries are located in Karnataka while Andhra has only one. Among these 58 industries, 30 are located in Nashik district while 11 are in Pune. Rest are in Sangli, Solpaur, Buldhana and Usmanabad.

Board is expected to give a new boost to the Indian wine industry, by fostering sustainable development through Research and Development, Extension, Quality control and market research. Just last month, I have given a story of a move by National Horticulture Board to get Geographical Indication for the wine grown in the area of Nashik and Pune. The wine made from grapes cultivated in this area will be called Sahyadri Wine.

However, currently the situation is not ripe with regard to wine industry. As an effect of recession and terror attacks, the demand has plummeted and stocks are piling up.

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Wine production in India (upto Sept. 2008): Two crores 25 lakh litre
Wine production in Maharashtra (upto Sept. 2008) : Two Crores 11 lakh litre
Wine industries in India : 61
Wine industries in Maharashtra : 58
Area under cultivation of grapes (India) : 60,000 Hectares
Area under cultivation of grapes (Maha.): 35,236 Hectares

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Maharashtra government announced its wine policy in October 2001. Thereafter, the industry was given heavy encouragement in the state. Many major steps were taken like:

• To set up wine parks in the state.
• To issue licenses for the wineries at district level.
• To include wineries in the food processing industry sector and removing from the list of country made and foreign made liquor.
• To bring the excise duty on wine from 100 percent to 0 percent.

It has faced wrath for opponents also but it did not deter the government from going ahead. Still, the industry has a long way to go as 98 percent of grapes produced in India used for the eating while in a country like France, 99 of grapes go into wine making.
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