The days of optimism
being defined by half-filled and half-empty glass are over. Now it is the time
of ATM queues where optimism is tested to its utmost. This must be the parting
gift by the outgoing year to the coming one!
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
India to play crucial role in International Laws – Aniruddha Rajput
Shri. Rajput was speaking at the felicitation and interaction program organized by Vishwa Samwad Kendra (West Maharashtra) for his election to the International Law Commission (ILC) of the United Nations. Vinayakrao Thorat, Paschim Maharashtra Karyavah of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Ravindra Ghatpande, secretary of VSK and Milind Kamble, editor, VSK were present on the occasion.
Speaking in humorous vein, Shri. Rajput said, “Even though we are independent nation, we were yet dependent on others for making laws. Even today we have laws based on Roman system. We were 'rule takers' till now and are becoming 'rule givers' now. 'Their system is our system' should be changed now. India will decide the direction and nature of international law in coming days.
Shri. Rajput is the youngest lawyer and the first Maharashtrian to be elected to ILC at the age of 33 years in its 68-year history. Shri. Rajput got most – 179 votes – among the seven candidates elected from the Asia. In this regard, he said, “Experienced persons and bureaucrats were given preference in our country till now. However, the government has now decided to give more scope to the youths. Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj herself interviewed me and gave me an opportunity to represent India. She must be commended for this. One may imagine the changing circumstances by the fact that other countries changed their candidates after India chose a youth.”
He credited his success to the values imbibed by RSS saying, “Lot of people have contributed to my upbringing. I have come here after so many individuals spent man-hours. Had I been unsuccessful, their toiling would have been wasted.” He also shared many memories with many RSS dignitaries including Late Sarsanghchalak Rajju Bhaiya.
Speaking about the world's perception of India, he said, “The world expects a lot from us. Now we should think whether we fulfill those expectations.”
Aniruddha's mother and father Dhananjay Rajput also shared memories of his childhood and his upbringing.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Pune Has Always Stood by Me - Deepa Malik
“
"Pune has always supported in my bad & good days also. I had to face many adverse conditions which inspired me in my journey," said Deepa Malik, an Indian athlete & Silver Medal winner in Shot Put Rio Paralympics 2016. She was delivering a lecture to the students on ‘Ability Beyond Disability’ organized by MAEER’s MIT Group of Institutes, Pune & Rotary Club of Pune University. Prof. Sharadchandra Darade-Patil, Dean, MAEER’s MIT, Pune presided over the function.
Prof. Dr. L. K. Kshirsagar, Principal, MAEER’s MIT, Pune, Prof. Dr. M. S. Nagmode, Principal, MIT College of Engineering, Rtn. Pallavi Deshpande, President Elect Rotary Club of Pune University, Pune, Rtn. Dev Shahane, President Rotary Club of Pune University, Pune, Rtn. Mahesh Bhagwat, President Elect Rotary Club of Pune University, Pune, Rtn. Sujata Kulkarni, Youth Director, Rtn. Prachi Dharamsi were present on this occasion.
Deepa Malik said, “I was hospitalized for three years during my childhood in Southern Command Hospital, Pune. Everybody around me used to tell me success stories which gave me courage to face the situation. It created a positive outlook towards any situation and it became a habit throughout my life. My father was in armed forces who always tried his best to elevate me. Almost all of my organs are affected. But I fought the situation always.”
“One fine day, I was told that swimming can help me to improve my health. This was a turning point in my life. I started thinking how I can make progress in this direction. I heard the word Paralympic and it gave a dream before me. I could earn medals at national and international tournaments as everybody knows. The main thing is that determination is a driving force behind all these activities. I had taken part in a beauty contest also where I got a crown.”
“Everyone, especially the students, must understand that you are the architect of your future. Nobody can stop you from achieving the success in the world. Every disaster or adversity is an opportunity for success. I hope the young generation will follow this message.”
Prof. Sharadchandra Darade-Patil said, “Deepa Malik is really Idol not for Indian youth but everybody here as well as in the world.” He quoted a few poems.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
We must plan for the future, says PM Modi after laying foundation of Pune Metro Rail Project
Addressing a large gathering at the New Agriculture Ground in Pune, the Prime Minister said India is urbanizing at a very quick pace and therefore, it is essential to work in two directions by simultaneously improving quality of life in villages and thinking about mitigating the challenges of our urban areas with a long term vision and plan.
Also present on the occasion were Governor of Maharashtra Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Human Resources Development Minister Prakash Javadekar, Senior Ministers of Government of Maharashtra , Members of Parliament and other senior leaders.
The Prime Minister said that the central government is actively working on the Rurban Mission, which caters to those places that are growing and urbanising quickly. The Prime Minister said that the gains of the present are vital but we need systems that cater to the needs and aspirations of the future too. He said that it is the Government’s endeavor that whatever projects are taken up are completed within the scheduled timeframe.The Prime Minister said that the Government is working on gas grids, water grids, digital network, leveraging space technology, and using technology to help farmers.
He stated that in this nation everybody is equal before the law and everyone has to follow the law. He added that if the evils of corruption and black money were removed earlier, he would not have had to take the decisions that he took.
Noting that Pune is a city of learning, he exhorted the city to take the lead in embracing online banking and exploring the facilities available. In this nation, the voice of 125 crore Indians will be heard; this voice cannot be subverted by a select few, the Prime Minister said.
The project, being executed by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is being set up at a cost of Rs. 11,420 crore under the aegis of Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MAHA-METRO). In the first phase, two corridors of the Pune Metro Rail Project would be taken up for development, covering a length of 31.254 km. The two corridors are from Pimpri-Chinchwad to Swargate covering a length of 16.589 km (11.57 km elevated and 5.019 km underground) and Vanaz to Ramwadi covering 14.665 km (fully elevated). This is the third metro rail project in Maharashtra.
Proposed project will go a long way in the sustainable development of the rapidly growing city. Stations have been located so as to serve major passenger destinations and to enable convenient integration with other modes of transport. The Pune metro rail alignments are expected to provide much needed connectivity to commuters and will traverse through some of the densest and traffic congested routes in the Pune metropolitan area. The population of 50 lakh of Pune Metropolitan Area is expected to be benefited by this metro corridor.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Uddhav Thackeray - The Man Who Perfected the Art of Sulking
By aligning with MLA Bachchu Kadu, the maverick politician from Vidarbha, Shiv Sena's Executive President Uddhav Thackeray has yet again proved that he was dead serious about opposing BJP. Kadu, who runs his outfit Prahaar in Vidarbha, is known mainly for his outlandish agitations. Since these agitations involve people's core issues, he enjoys a huge following in the region. It is the same region where Shiv Sena faced noticeable losses during the recently held municipal elections. It is the same region where BJP registered its strong performance accounting for almost one-third of its seats in the same elections that lifted it up to the top spot.
Thus, joining hands with Kadu will ensure that Shiv Sena will leverage the former's popularity to challenge the blitzkrieg of its once-ally. Shiv Sena needs an aggresive leader in Vidarbha to counter BJP while Kadu needs a party like Shiv Sena. Interestingly, Kadu, an independent MLA from Achalpur in Amravati district, has extended support tp the Devendra Fadnavis' government. It is another marking of Thackeray's sulking and taking his saffron friend-turned-adversary head on.
Actually another of his current adversaries and cousin Raj Thackeray pioneered this art. However, none has matched the level of perfection that Uddhav Thackeray has attained. He has given shape to a new kind of politics in Maharashtra where he is the ruler and opposition and that too concurrently!
Just before completing (one must stay away from using the word 'celebrating!) two years in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government, Uddhav Thackeray came up with another salvo. In the meeting held with the Shiv Sena shakha pramukhs and vibhag pramukhs, he was understood to have expressed his displeasure on the non-performance of his party ministers. He reportedly conveyed his unhappiness over the fact the party didn't use the power even when after being part of the ruling coalition.
One doesn't know how much salt these reports hold, but it is hardly surprising even when they turn out to be entirely true. Ever since the Fadnavis-led government has assumed charge, Shiv Sena has received a raw treatment. To start with, its ministers were allocated with non-descript portfolios and most of them were made state ministers. Thus, most of them are working under a BJP minister.
Except for Industries Minister Subhash Desai, no Shiv Sena leader has been able to showcase his prowess, let alone achievements. For example, Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam fought a long battle with the bureaucrats in his ministry for the authority to approve development projects. It was CM Fadnavis himself who had to intervene and pacify the matter.
At various occasions, Uddhav Thackeray has expressed the need for giving more authority to Shiv Sena ministers. However, the CM has exploited the vulnerability of its apparent ally and actual rival. The recent results of the municipal councils in the state have established Fadnavis as an able leader and Shiv Sena as the foremost rival of BJP. Having decimated Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, the CM enjoys popular support and goodwill of party bosses.
Uddhav Thackeray harmed his own interests when in the fever of election campaigning, he compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah to Aurangzeb and Afzal Khan. Both the leaders are known for their self-loving nature. They could have never taken that diatribe easily. As was expected, they harbored a hatred for their faithful friend for 25 years. It was only because of CM Fadnavis' insistence that Shivsrna was allowed an entry to the government, as the CM didn't want any truck with the NCP.
Uddhav Thackeray, who inherited a blatantly raging party from his father Balasaheb Thackeray, moderated it to a great measure. He tried and managed to turn a party of vandalism into the party of discourse and debate. Now, he wants to take the U-turn and make the cadre furious again. The matters become a bit complex here because after enjoying the power for two years, not many Shiv Sena members are ready to abandon it. This explains Uddhav Thackeray's helplessness in sticking to power even after so much humiliation.
This is a very curious turn in Maharashtra's politics. Both Shiv Sena and BJP flourished in the state, as in other parts of the country, on the strong Hinduist agenda. As they gained force, after going through a roller coaster ride, both are them in power today. However, neither of them is talking of Hindutva anymore.
On one hand BJP, buoyed by Narendra Modi's cult status, is talking about development and infrastructure. On the another, Shiv Sena's Hinutva has zeroed on anti-Pakistanism. It has lost many of its basic ingredients that made it palatable and appealing to masses,say, two decades ago. And yet, both of them are enjoying a comfortable ride in the absence of credibility on the part of opposition parties - Congress and Nationalist Congress Party.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Singapore Slammers retain the IPTL crown
After an 10-day 3-nation tour, the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) 2016 culminated in an exciting grand finale with an epic showdown between the two table-shoppers, here at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in the historic city of Hyderabad.
The OUE Singapore Slammers retained the IPTL title in a rematch of last's years final although this time was played in the Aces home ground. A stunning 30-14 and a marvelous display for each player of the Singapore side.
"We are waiting for the final", said the Slammers coach Purav Raja. And he didn't lie. The Indian professional tennis player was aware of the comfortable Head-to-head that the Aces have had in this 2016 edition: a 3-0 in matches, with narrow, tight and strong wins. But he also knew that this previous results could go in their favour.
As for the match, there is absolutely no doubt that Carlos Moyà could still play on tour. The former world number one, now retired, was once again in spectacular form. With an outstanding seven wins in a row, the Spaniard started things off precisely the way that coach Raja wanted. Beating Mark Philippoussis and also setting a very high standard for his team.Kiki Bertens continued with her sensational powerful game and the Dutch-woman not only beat Kirsten Flipkens. She also defeated the Belgian's substitute, the queen of Hyderabad herself, Sania Mirza.
The Indian tennis star played her first singles game of the year and was close to upset Bertens, who was extremely relieved once the set was over.In the Mixed doubles set, Marcelo Melo came with great confidence and, alongside Bertens, neutralized the power of the Indian duo Mirza/Bopanna.
Everything looked on the Slammers bright side. Two more sets and the title would be renewed.Nick Kyrgios joined Melo and both took over Feliciano López and Ivan Dodig. All their sets have been spectacular this season and the final one was not an exception. After four sets, the four were on the Slammers side. It all came down to Marcos Baghdatis who sealed the final victory with a great win over Feliciano López.
Raja was right. His team delivered when it mattered. For a second straight year, the OUE Singapore Slammers are the IPTL champions.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Singapore Slammers hope to retain the IPTL Trophy
Just like a Real Madrid versus FC Barcelona. Or a Manchester United versus Liverpool FC. The Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League will have its dream final showdown. The two best teams of this 2016 edition facing each other with just one thing in mind: the title. Indian Aces versus OUE Singapore Slammers. Same final as 2015. The two strongest teams fighting for the crown.
In Japan, the Aces had a perfect Day 1 with a 30-17 victory over the Japan Warriors and a spectacular comeback on Day 2 thanks to team hero Kirsten Flipkens, who defeated Kiki Bertens after returning to stay in the set and force a Shoot-Out against the Slammers (25-26).
On Day 3, though, the Indian side was beaten by the UAE Royals in a superb display from the Emirati side (20-30).In Singapore, the midway station of the competition, the Indian's fate was written. They took the first place of the leaderboard and never gave it back to any other team. Tomorrow is time to show that being the champions in 2014, the first IPTL edition, and runners-up in 2015 is not a coincidence. They have been the more consistent team over the three years.And so far in India, they have been the perfect local team.
As the 2015 IPTL champions, the OUE Singapore Slammers have really picked up their game in the last two legs and that's the reason they will try to defend their title. In Japan, they couldn't find their rhythm but it didn't stop them to keep trying. The most difficult task is ahead of them, since they haven't been able to beat the 2014 champions (25-26 in Japan, 22-23 in Singapore and 19-24 here in Hyderabad).
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Team from Association of Indian Universities (AIU) visit FTII to consider grant of Master's degree equivalence to FTII courses
A 5-member team from Association of Indian Universities (AIU) visited FTII on 6th and 7th December 2016. The purpose of the visit was to consider grant of equivalence of Master's degree to three and two year full-time post-graduate courses in the Film Wing. The courses under consideration are Diploma in Film with specialization in (1) Direction (2) Cinematography (3) Editing (4) Sound Recording and Sound Design (5) Acting, and (6) Art Direction and Production Design. A Master's Degree holds the potential to present more opportunities, especially in the field of film research and academic, to students passing out from 2016 batch onwards.
The AIU team comprised of Prof. Dr. Ranbir Singh, Vice Chancellor, National Law University, New Delhi as Chairman; Prof. A.S Balasubramanian, Director, EMMRC and Culture and Cultural Relations, University of Mysore; Prof. B.P. Sanjay, Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad and former VC, Central University of Tamil Nadu; Shri. Ramesh Sharma, Filmmaker and Shri. Sambhav Srivastava, Member-Secretary of Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi.
All six Departments made presentations regarding courses, syllabus, credit system, infrastructure etc. before the AIU team. The team went around the campus and visited all the departments of FTII and other facilities including Library and Prabhat Museum to understand the functioning of the Institute.
The team also visited FTII's extension campus where film studios and ready made locations like railway stations, court etc. are planned for shooting of FTII student exercises and outside commercial film productions.
The AIU team will be presenting a report to their headquarters in New Delhi regarding FTII's proposal for Masters Degree equivalence.
NBCD SCHOOL MOTOR CAR EXPEDITION TO NORTH EAST RECEIVED BY STATION COMMANDER LONAVLA
A Motor Car Expedition to North East India was organized by NBCD School, INS Shivaji Lonavla to commemorate 45 years of India-Pakistan 1971 War and Navy Day 2016. The expedition covered the distance of 6765 Km from 12 Nov to 02 Dec 16.
The expedition, comprising of two SUVs, was manned by eight personnel from Station Lonavla namely Captain Neelkanth Khond, Commander Satish Kumar, Lieutenant Commander Jithin Jayachandran, Major Akhil Balodi, Vijayinder Sharma POELP, Ravi Singh LME, Sunil Kumar ME-I and RK Pradhan MA-I. The expedition navigated across the mainland India to the Northeast. The expedition commenced from Lonavla and passed through Ahmednagar, Nagpur and Gondia in Maharastra, wherein at Gondia the team conducted a seminar for general public on awareness about Indian Navy. It was followed by series of seminars for students and local population at Balaghat, Seoni and Gotegaon in Madhya Pradesh. The expedition also went to Sainik School Rewa in Madhya Pradesh and conducted seminar and interactive session for students of the school. The team transited through Muzzafarpur in Bihar; Bagdogra in West Bengal; Rangia and Guwahati in Assam and Shillong in Meghalaya. The expedition on its way back passed through Lucknow and Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh. The team also conducted a seminar on awareness about Indian Navy in Bhopal for BHEL School students and interactive sessions in Town Halls at Devas and Sehore before halting at Mhow in Madhya Pradesh. Finally, the expedition culminated in Lonavala through Nashik in Maharastra. A total of eight states with diversified culture and traditions were covered by the expedition in 21 days.
Commodore KP Arvindan, Station Commander, Lonavla while receiving the expedition, praised efforts of the NBCD School for planning, organising and conducting such massive successful event. He appreciated expedition team for following safety norms and commended the efforts put by team in educating youth and local populace about Indian Navy. At the end, amidst loud cheers and felicitations the expedition was successfully culminated.
Thursday, December 08, 2016
Sania Mirza Comes Back Home
After two intense legs in Tokyo and Singapore, the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League lands tomorrow in Hyderabad, India, which will be the decisive leg where the final will take place.
Home superstar Sania Mirza, one of the leaders of the local team, the Indian Aces, is ready to be the main protagonist as she hopes to guide her side to the IPTL crown.
"I am looking forward to go to Hyderabad", said Mirza. "Actually the city has a very rich culture of sport, with amazing athletes coming from there. People follow the tennis all year round and have a deep knowledge of the sport in general. I really hope they come to support us." Mirza, women's doubles world number one and owner of six Grand Slam titles, grew up in Hyderabad, where she lives when the tour gives her time to do so. It will be the first time since April 2015 that she plays in front of her hometown crowd.
"It is very special for me to play there. The last time was almost two years ago and before that it was actually in 2005 so it is always special to play back home because it reminds you where you come from, your beginnings, the journey you have had," said Mirza. The 30-year-old is not just the best women's doubles player in the world, she is a global icon. Her near-five million followers on Twitter make her the second most followed female tennis player right behind Serena Williams.
Playing for the IPTL for the third time, Mirza says she loves the format. "As tennis players we play such an individual sport that it's great to be part of a team. It is a really fun format but also a very competitive one," she added. "Even if you play just one set, you are living every point with them because all the emotions you go through. Actually I think it's tougher to watch than to play, at least in my opinion. Emotionally, when you finish the match, you feel like you have played the five sets. That's what makes the format so special."
From December 9-11, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, the best tennis stars from past, present and future will be in Hyderabad.
Friday, December 02, 2016
This is hypocrisy, my lord!
Just days after directing the whole nation to paly and respect our dear national anthem, the Supreme Court has rejected the idea of following the same course. The learned and honorable SC has refused to entertain a plea that asked playing of national anthem in all courts before the start of proceedings. This is a classic case of "do what I say and not what I do".
The plea was made by a probably overenthusiastic BJP leader who happens to be a lawyer also. He had asked directions from the apex court to play the national anthem in all courts before the start of proceedings.The bench comprising justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy thought otherwise. In their order, they said the SC's order on national anthem should not be overstretched. The court also sought Attorney General's response on the plea.Just a couple days ago, the Supreme Court had on November 30 directed that the national anthem be played in cinema halls across the country before the screening of a movie. The same court had issued guidelines on the national anthem and people in cinema halls to stand up when the anthem is played and the National Flag be shown on the screen at the time. The SC has, with respect to the order on national anthem in theatres, directed the Centre that its order should be implemented within a week.
This is an evident hypocrisy. On the hand, you are ordering millions of people to express their respects to the national emblems at a place that has neither sanctity nor the constitutional validity. On the other hand, you are showing aversion to the same principle where the Constitution reigns supreme. Won't people think that they were forced to do something which the authorities are unwilling to do? Are the laws, regulations and procedures meant only for commoners, who have no access to the power and authority? This is not the first time that the court has come up with such double standards.
Actually, it is the perfect place for doing so as courts are where people should have their faith and commitment manifested. If it doesn't, it should stop preaching to others what it cannot do itself.
Else, people will say, "This is hypocrisy, my lord!"
>>
Thursday, December 01, 2016
Afzal Guru is a pretext, Nargota was to happen
The media has widely reported that the terror attack on an army camp in Nagrota on November 29 was meant to be a vengeance for the hanging of Afzal Guru. The attack left seven officers and jawans dead. Two of these martyrs were from Maharashtra.
The media speculation, corroborated by the intelligence sources, stems from the recovery of a note written in Urdu from three slain terrorists. The note had the name of JeM's Afzal Guru Squad (AGS) in Urdu.
According to PTI report, a note, along with three AK-47 rifles, magazines and UBGL grenades, was recovered from the site of attack, points to the involvement of JeM's Afzal Guru Squad. The note, written in Urdu with name bearing at the end of AGS of JeM, says that they have avenged the death of Guru.
Guru's name also cropped up in Pathankot when Rajesh Verma, who was abducted along with Gurdaspur Superintendent of Police told reporters that the militants had told him that they wanted to avenge the death of 2001 Parliament attack convict.
The question is, would the terrorists have spared us all if Afzal Guru was not hanged? Were there no attacks before Guru, the convict in the Parliament attack case in 2001, was sent to gallows?
One thing we have to remember, the terrorists want us to bleed. And as is famous, bleed in thousand ways, as the Pakistan has planned it. They will inflict wounds on us - Afzal Guru or not. They want to hang on to a pretext and create havoc in India. Afzal Guru only serves them to give a sense of satisfaction to themselves. Thus, Nargota was an eventuality that was to happen. It cannot be rationalized by providing revenge angle to it.
Therefore, it is best if don't dwell on this issue and focus on destroying them. If at all, the vengeance should be ours. It is we who should take revenge for our slain martyrs who have laid their lives for us.
