Remembering the brave hearts!

What has saints and soldier have in common? Well, a saint has the power to save us from the evil and so does a soldier. Yes, I am referring to Amar Shahed Param Vir Chakra Capt. Vikram Batra and Amar Shahed Maha Vir Chakra Lt. Anuj Nayyar and a countless number of other men who gallantly fought and retained India’s glory and pride at the cost of their lives in dragging the enemy away during the 1999 Kargil war with Pakistan. July 8, 2015 was the 16th anniversary of Capt. Vikram Batra’s supreme-sacrifice to nation. I do not know how many of us remember these life heroes’s on their anniversary. Unfortunately the short memory of human beings tends to forget those gone by.

While this piece discusses the courage of the two young Indian soldiers the centre point of the 1999 Kargil war, the bravery of countless others for the nation at different times is no less and deserves the same respect and gratitude from all Indians.

What made me pen down this piece was a result of an incident which saddened me. It was during my evening walk in the Cantonment area recently that I found a plastic board of one of the gallant Indian soldier purposely torn from its place of hanging and thrown on the ground by some mischievous youngsters. The Cantonment has put up many boards of deceased soldiers with short script of their heroic deeds as a mark of respect and for public viewing. While I reported about the torn poster to one of the military guards who was on duty nearby, this incidence compelled me to write this piece specially targeted to our youngsters many of whom may have been born post Kargil war not knowing the pain of the families of those who laid down their lives for our comfort. The present generation needs be told about the acumen and sacrifice of our soldiers.

The incidents quoted here are all from what we heard from various sources only for retelling in national interest with respect to the departed.

It would not be wrong to credit Capt. Batra and Lt. Nayyar for India’s victory at the Kargil war. Peak 5140, the highest point on the Tololing Ridge, was one of the most arduous and crucial peaks in the Drass region of Jammu & Kashmir. If it fell, it would clear the Pakistanis from that sector and make the way for further Indian victories.

It was the night of June 19, 1999, few weeks after the Kargil war broke out, when the then Lieutenant Vkram Batra who later picked up the rank of Captain and Captain Sanjeev Jamwal  had set out with their men to recapture the peak in the cover of darkness. The mission was risky for the Indian soldiers, but it had to be accomplished.

I remember news flashing during those days which detailed every bit of the crucial nail-biting battle. India finally pushed the enemy out of her territory. Bunkers reported destroyed, many enemy soldiers killed but India won a decisive victory with all his men alive. Vikram overjoyed as he led the troops at this decisive victory. 'Yeh Dil Maangey More' (the Pepsi TV commercial catchline those days) he said while interviewed by a TV crew from the war front on how he and his men did the arduous task and his growing eagerness to conquer more peaks existed as a result of the victory achieved. His triumph was telecast from television screens across the country. The capture of Peak 5140 led to the decisive fall of Tiger Hill which led to India's eventual victory.

Such was the size of the task accomplished by Capt. Batra and his men that not only his men swore by him but even the then Chief of the Army Staff, General V.P. Malik called to congratulate him for leading a brilliant operation in one of India's toughest campaigns in mountain warfare. Capt. Vikram Batra turned into a hero for the nation.

Photographs of him and his men striding the captured peak and Pakistani gun at the base camp made it to every newspaper. His code name was Sher Shah 'The Lion King'. Two weeks after his conquest of 5140, people would remember him as the Lion of Kargil.

A fortnight after he became the face of the Indian soldier in the Kargil war, Capt. Vikram Batra and his other colleague Lt. Anuj Nayyar laid down their lives while successfully recapturing Peak 4875, another very important place for India.

Bravest of the brave Capt. Vikram Batra was mortally wounded on the morning of July 8 after fighting through the night while recapturing Peak 4875. It is learnt, he was ill but had insisted that he was fit for the mission and completed it in a way that put him today along some of India's greatest military heroes.

Capt. Vikram who had earned an instructor's grade as a commando began a tortuous climb with his men to strengthen the flanks of the Indian troops fighting the invaders at 16,000 feet. The conditions were extremely tough, the climb steep. With steep gradient, the thick fog made the task even more precarious. Capt. Vikram with another young officer, Lt. Anuj Nayyar, fought the enemy's counter-attack ferociously. They cleared enemy bunkers, engaged in a hand-to-hand combat and forced the Pakistani retreat, it is learnt.

The mission was almost over when Vikram ran out of the bunker to rescue the junior officer who had injured his legs in an explosion when a bullet pierced through his chest. By the morning India won back Peak 4875, but lost Capt.Vikram Batra.

For his sustained display of the most conspicuous personal bravery and leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy, he received India's highest decoration in battle -- the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously. His comrade in battle, Lt. Anuj Nayyar, also died while clearing his fourth enemy bunker. He received the Maha Vir Chakra -- the nation's second highest honour.

It’s been 16 long years since the duo performed this heroic deed for the nation that was un-thinkable and almost impossible to do. But for gallantry of Capt. Batra and his men Kargil war may have been different for India.

I feel Capt. Batra and his men truly respected motto of the Indian Military Academy which had taught them, “The safety, honor and welfare of your country come first always and every time. The honor, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time”. The young men honored each word of the motto.

The government should see the supreme-sacrifice made by our defense force people or others towards the country be remembered such that their presence is always omnipresent and not just remembering them on anniversaries or at times not even then. What a pity!

On humanitarian ground the society at large should try to stand by the families of such soldiers in whatever capacity they can, least to give them moral support in their loneliness. My God rest the departed souls in peace and give their families the courage to cope with the irreparable loss. India will always be indebted to them!

Noodles in a big soup

The Nestle’s Maggi turmoil for the past many weeks and its aftermath on many food brands has decreased the trust of the consumers on packed food quality specially the noodles which are in a big soup. Without advocating any interest, some facts have been pointed out which are of interest. Undoubtedly there is a need to check consumer distrust spilling over to many food categories whereby an impression is gaining ground among the public that all packaged foods items in India are unsafe as a result of the recent Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) allegations against Maggi brand of noodles.

Being a sub judice case, rumours should not float that leads to unnecessary speculations and anxiety. Consumers should however be careful about what they are consuming and not be deceived by tall claims about regarding a product being endorsed by luminaries or swanky press and television commercials. The need to view things in their right perspective and judiciously!

What has created confusion is the fact that something not found safe for consumption in India is passing the stringent food regulators tests in the UK, Australia or Singapore. How? While India does not have to follow the standards of these countries, but are India’s own food regulations meeting scientific and public accountability tests? This is a big question which needs to be answered.

While the current controversy emanated as a result of MSG (mono sodium glutamate) which is a permitted additive to food items being higher in Maggi noodles beyond the permissible limit, products with MSG does not mean that they are unsafe for consumption. Yes, the permissible limit of MSG need be adhered to. In fact, MSG is generally recognized as safe by US FDA, UN FAO and WHO if within permissible limits. Nestle should have known the permissible limit of MSG in their noodles as specified by India.

Possibly because of the UK, Australia and Singapore finding Maggi safe for consumption that the Indian industry body ASSOCHAM has expressed serious concern over widespread panic being created by the FSSAI and several state government authorities over safety of all types of packaged food items. ASSOCHAM has written to the Prime Minister seeking his immediate intervention stating that an expected investment of Rs 90,000 crore could be jeopardized because of consumer distrust being spread by the government machinery after withdrawal of Maggi from the market. The government should take cognisance of the fact without compromising on the safety and quality of packed food items under the lens.

As per an industry analysis this industry has the potential to increase 5-fold to Rs 5.65 lakh crores by 2030. The food products it is learnt generate one of the highest employment providing over 48 million jobs in industry, apart from another 25 million in logistics, transportation and so on.

ASSOCHAM  letter to the Prime Minister also mentions that the recent incidences of noodles recall coupled with onslaught in media has shaken confidence of the industry where besides an expected investment of over Rs 90,000 crores an estimated export of over US$40 billion will impact livelihoods, farmers, agri-wastages, inflation and moreover investment climate in India. With these kinds of statistics any fallible remarks be discouraged in the overall interest of the country while the allegations probed thoroughly to churn out the truth and a logical conclusion.

Undoubtedly, over the recent weeks the Indian processed food industry has come in for much negative publicity. The FSSAI action in the case of the Maggi brand of noodles and a spate of notices issued by various State authorities to several other manufacturers across the country, accompanied by simultaneous press statements have further aggravated the matter.

The negativity spread has spawned many stories that all brands of noodles are unsafe for consumption, creating a climate of alarm and distrust in the minds of the consumers about packaged noodles. Moreover reports are that various state officials have ordered removal of all brands of noodles from the retail shelves, ASSOCHAM has pointed out to the Prime Minister.

Stressing on the situation getting graver each day, the ASSOCHAM has stated that the industry is witnessing a gradual shut-down of factories across the entire value-chain, many of which are in the small and medium sectors, adversely impacting employment. In addition, this is bound to impact farm incomes given that bulk of the ingredients are agri-products as claimed. The damage suffered by the industry on account of this in the last few weeks is enormous and will take a long time to recover if finally the allegations are wrong.

What is not understandable is the fact that if these food products are harmful for consumption how did these flood the market? Were these food items not certified safe earlier by the regulatory bodies or had the regulators overlooked these facts earlier. In either case this aspect of the argument needs be considered simultaneously along with the ongoing investigations accessing the quality and standards of the noodles brand in question.

While the law should take its course, the Government needs to clearly lay down stricter guidelines on food safety standards as also refrain authorities from making press statements and taking any coercive action even before an adjudicatory process under the law has concluded. Such guidelines need communication to the State food officials for justice and fairness and in the interest of consumers who are the most confused lot in this ongoing tug-of-war game between the government regulators and packet food industry.

What ever happens, most importantly the consumers should carefully select any food item and product before consumption. This does not mean sub-standard food items or products manufactured just to obtain entry in the market. It means we should not go blindfolded even if a product is promoted by eminent personalities who a common man usually idolizes or due to ear soothing and eyes treat models luring consumers through various electronic media campaigns. An alert consumer is the need of the hour. The government regulatory agencies should also keep strict regular vigil against all offenders of food items that directly affect our daily lives. A periodical verification of FMCG products by government regulators be flashed on public domain for general viewing so that doubts can be cleared and nobody has any suspicion. “Doubt is good – it means you are searching for truth. Suspicion is sickness”. Of course those who flout safety and quality norms be strictly dealt with.

Why are incidents of fragging increasing?

The term fragging is the assassination or attempted assassination by a soldier of a fellow colleague or a superior officer merely out of disgust. The term fragging coined by the US during the Vietnam War is now often used to encompass any means used to deliberately and directly cause the death of defense services colleagues.

A number of factors have influenced the incidence of fragging. Commonly fragging can take on a psychological and social aspect, similar to shunning, or mobbing. It is a group form of bullying, whereby an individual is systematically targeted by a group and slowly marginalized and neutralized in his or her social and professional effectiveness within an organization or division of the organization.

While all incidences of fragging and related crimes need be condoled in the strictest words and discouraged, a solution for the cause is necessary for all. Some of the basic yet very important aspect of human psychology is compassion, lack of which often a nodal cause for most of the unfortunate happenings.

The increasing work load and personal pressures and problems are also leading to increasing incidence of disobedience and arrogant behavior noticed.

While engaged in the toughest job or involved in any size of task where duty may come before self or even in the day-to-day workings, the old saying “respect begets respect” need be remembered, the lack of which creates many troubles. It does not mean that respect be physically shown by pleasing gestures or sweet words or for the matter tolerating the nuisance, it basically means the human angle of all aspects should never be overlooked while maintaining strict discipline. If need be diplomatically a situation be handled and diffused before it takes an ugly shape.

A hard task master is never a problem if he possesses the qualities of compassion and team co-ordination. If these qualities are not there he is equally responsible for the consequences along with the accused or an offender. This applies not only to defense and security personnel’s but in all trades.

Enforcement of regulations especially in defense and security forces if done overzealously can create awkward situations making troops' or people complaining and sometimes threats of physical violence directed toward officers and colleagues.

The rapid rotation of people, those under extreme working conditions is essential. This accounts for another crucial area where indifference occurs among subordinates if handled inappropriately.

There are exceptions where even after taking all human factors into consideration by superiors’ incidences of fragging or someone going berserk or behaving in an irrational way acting in a wild rage disregarding even his own life for lack of his mental instability and inability to handle a situation may have come to light, but in most cases there are logical reason the cause of brutality which could be averted had both or even one side displayed a little understanding of the cause or the situation. 

The recent young ITBP soldier killing his superior and hurting others in Mussoorie or a young police cop on duty shooting himself with service gun recently at the Raj Bhawan and countless such incidences of the recent past taking place around the country, for any reason, need be taken cognizance off and rectifications measures be evolved.

Periodic psychology refresher trainings for men in uniform of all ranks needed to make them more mentally strong thus minimizing unforeseen incidences like the ones just mentioned above. Psychology is a powerful tool that helps study of mind and behavior understanding people and groups by establishing general principles and researching specific cases.

A periodic psychological test of security people is the need of the hour. The psychology of new recruits in defense services should be thoroughly checked before their induction. Counseling session apprising them about the life’s hardships and odds they may have to face during their duties should be clearly rather than have them enter their career from the deep ends. Those being inducted in the defense forces ensured they take up the career by choice with the aim of serving in a strict disciplined environment and not as any other job to earn money and perks.

Like wise the seniors too exposed to trainings that help them understand those they command. Ego should not cause uneasiness between seniors and juniors.

Practicing yoga on a regular basis by those involved in working in extreme conditions be made mandatory. Your brain activity, your body chemistry, even your genetic makeup gets changed by practicing yoga.

UNESCO’s Natural World Heritage Centre in Doon remains ‘invisible’

Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritages are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. What makes the concept of world heritage exceptional is its universal application. World heritage sites belong to all the people of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are.

The 195 members strong UNESCO headquartered in Paris, France working to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and people, based upon respect for commonly shared values actively works towards protecting the world’s cultural and natural heritage properties that have an exceptional universal value.

In its bid to protect worlds cultural and natural heritage properties the UNESCO World Heritage List comprises a total of 1007 properties in 161 countries that holds universal value. Of these, 779 are cultural monuments and 197 as natural monuments. A further 31 sites belong to both categories. The properties selected for the World Heritage List show the wealth and diversity of the Earth’s cultural and natural heritage and based on the revolutionary idea to entrust humanity with this heritage.

In India of the 32 properties, 25 listed as cultural sites while 07 as natural site. A comprehensive list of heritage properties in India are the following: Agra Fort, Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Taj Mahal, Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Sun Temple, Konârak, Kaziranga National Park (Natural Site), Keoladeo National Park (Natural Site), Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Natural Site), Churches and Convents of Goa, Fatehpur Sikri, Group of Monuments at Hampi, Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Elephanta Caves, Great Living Chola Temples 12, Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, Sundarbans National Park (Natural Site), Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (Natural Site), Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Humayun's Tomb, Delhi, Qutab Minar and its Monuments, Delhi, Mountain Railways of India, Mahabodhi, Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Champaner, Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), Red Fort Complex, The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Western Ghats (Natural Site), Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (Natural Site) and Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat.

Of the 07 natural heritage sites, Uttarakhand’s Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park is also recognized.

The Category 2 Centre related to World Heritage work under a very comprehensive strategic frame-work and in a coordinated way. Their activities expected to give to the World Heritage Strategy for Capacity Building as well as to the policies and programmes agreed by the governing bodies of the Convention that is the General Assembly of the States Parties and the World Heritage Committee. They are in constant touch with the World Heritage Centre and take part in many initiatives and programmes related to World Heritage, notably the Periodic Reporting. These Centres meet regularly among themselves to share their experiences and harmonize their activities.

In recent years, the framework for training and research in the field of World Heritage has changed much. Among the factors that have contributed to these rapid changes, is the emerging of many new institutions now offering capacity building within the World Heritage context. In this regard, a major development has been the establishment, in various regions of the world, of capacity building institutions granted the status of "category 2 centre under the auspices of UNESCO", dealing specifically with World Heritage.

UNESCO’s Centre on ‘Natural World Heritage’ fosters international co-operation to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world.

The nine World Heritage related Category 2 Centres established so far by UNESCO are in Norway, China, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, Bahrain, Spain, Italy and most recently one such Centre set up in India at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

While UNESCO has established World Heritage Centres in South Africa, Spain, Italy, China, Bahrain, Brazil, Mexico and Norway, these are only for conservation of cultural heritage. The setting up of UNESCO’s first centre in the world for conservation of Natural World Heritage at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun is an unprecedented step towards protection and conservation of around 67 Natural World Heritage sites across the 50 countries in Asia and the Pacific region and identification of potential sites with outstanding universal value to make sure their safeguard as future World Natural Heritage Sites.

Though not legally part of the Organization, these Institutes and Centres associated with UNESCO through formal arrangements approved by the General Conference. The choice based on the strength of their specialization in one of UNESCO's fields of competence. Through capacity-building, knowledge sharing and research, they offer a valuable and unique contribution to implementation of UNESCO's strategic programme objectives for the benefit of Member States.

With an important mission to strengthen implementation of world heritage convention by building capacity of all those professionals and bodies involved with world natural heritage site inscription, protection, conservation and management in Asia and the Pacific Region, through training, research, dissemination of information and network building has this Centre been set up. The goal is to focus on natural heritage conservation issues with the aim to give towards strengthening of capacities in managing Natural World Heritage in the region and to achieving a more balanced representation of properties from Asia and the Pacific on the World Heritage List.

This UNESCO Category 2 Centre for World Natural Heritage Management and Training for Asia and the Pacific Region was formally inaugurated last year by Prakash Javadekar, Minister, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India. As a first of its kind this Centre holds great esteem for India and Uttarakhand and specially Dehradun where it is set-up.

It was in December 2012 that a feasibility study was undertaken by a UNESCO expert, including a mission to India, to assess the proposal in the light of the requirements for Category 2 Centres as set out in the integrated comprehensive strategy for capacity building. The feasibility study confirmed the great potential for setting the proposed Centre, which would fill a gap in the region. The Director-General UNESCO accepted the proposal for establishing of a Centre for World Natural Heritage Management and Training for Asia and the Pacific region in Dehradun, India, as a Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO and observed that establishing the proposed Centre at the Wildlife Institute of India could be of great benefit to UNESCO, to Member States in the region, and to the international community.

The need for this centre aggravated as the issue of natural heritage conservation in Asia and the Pacific region has faced many challenges in recent years as a result of extreme pressure exerted on natural ecosystems. These pressures are result of high density of the population, risk of catastrophic disasters, economic growth and persistent poverty.

According to UNESCO the Centre needs to effectively give to the strengthening of capacities in managing World Natural Heritage in the region; give to the achieving of a more balanced representation of properties from Asia and the Pacific on the World Heritage List; raise awareness of World Natural Heritage and of the need to protect it among the public and the youth in particular; foster international cooperation on World Natural Heritage initiatives’.

To meet the above goals, the Centre is to do the following main functions:

- conduct short and long-term capacity building programmes, including workshops, courses and international conferences; undertake research on identified priority issues related to World Natural Heritage protection and management, with particular focus on models of community participation;

-develop and keep up a documentation centre accessible to the public on World Natural Heritage issues relevant to the region;

-implement programmes for the exchange of experts with other regional resource centre; and coordinate its activities with the States Parties, the World Heritage Centre, the Advisory Bodies of the World Heritage Convention and the network of existing Category 2 Centre related to World Heritage.

For UNESCO this is a big crusade in a bid to protect sites that are outstanding demonstrations of human coexistence with the land as well as human interactions, cultural coexistence, spirituality and creative expression.

Amidst such an importance agenda laid before these UNESCO Centres, a big missing link is visibility of the Dehradun Centre besides it being a stand alone one in the region. Hardly anyone other than those directly related to it know of its existence.

With almost a year since it came to being there has been a total lack of awareness drive by the Wildlife Institute of India to showcase this unique Centre’s capabilities and activities. Why? Everyone wants an answer.

The need of awareness creation about the natural world heritage conservation, education and its various programmes need wide dissemination among the public at large and particularly the youth as they are the future torch bearers of the mission in front of these Centres. The Uttarakhand government needs to check why this lack-lustre attitude of furthering the Centres mission by those governing it here. The activities of this Centre needs to come out of the four walls of its building and the society at large be involved where-ever possible to further its vision and mission. A handful of those running this Centre cannot do wonders alone!

Nainital’s police and civic agencies deserve applause

It’s usually but not always a thankless job of the police and/or the civic agencies carried out for the society. What ever be it the duo is an important part of the system to make sure safety, welfare and keep up cleanliness.  

Having visited Nainital the beautiful Himalayan resort town famous for its natural lakes in the Kumaon region of India’s Uttarakhand state for a few days during June, the usually peak time for any hill station as regards tourist inflow. I had some apprehensions before my trip of visiting a small hill station during its peak tourist season since most of them have a plethora of problems accommodating the unprecedented number of tourists but Nainital proved me wrong.

Before embarking, I called up an acquaintance in Nainital to check up on a few things as I was driving there for the first time during the peak tourist season. My earlier visits to Nainital were during lean season and hence I was curious to know how choked were the roads leading to and in Nainital specially the Mall from where I was to drive in. I learnt that although there were a record number of tourists this year in Nainital and the area was jam-packed, the traffic flow to Nainital and within the town was un-interrupted. I was a little perplexed to hear this as I had experienced an utter chaos of traffic a few days back when I drove down to Mussoorie for some work. The roads leading to and within Mussoorie saw chaotic traffic congestions with poor traffic management and civic amenities.

Wanting to keep my trip a comfortable one not wanting to witness the inconvenience I faced in Mussoorie I enquired, if electricity and/or water scarcity problem was plaguing the town due to heavy tourist’s rushes. The answer came, come to Nainital without any apprehension as the town did not far any such problem and the hotels too were far better off than other places.

You may wonder, why I am telling you all this. Simply for the sake of sharing some of my Nainital experiences related to the law, order, tourist traffic management and civic arrangements. All these are some of the basic and most important aspects one confronts at a busy tourist destination. Nainital in this aspect, in my view, has left many renowned hill stations in India or for that matter even Uttarakhand’s capital Dehradun behind. This simply shows that it is not the government machinery or making of laws alone which are important but the people behind who help execute them that makes all the difference.

I will substantiate to what I have mentioned above. The first thing anybody would make sure is a safe and clean place to visit. Nainital with unprecedented number of tourists thronging from all over the country and abroad did not witness, as I noticed during my few days stay there, a single hooligans incidence or filth scattered around the town, such were the policing and civic arrangements there. Adequate police force and civic personnel’s were deployed all around who monitored every nook and corner of the town to keep it safe and clean. Regular Municipal vehicles and sweepers with wheel burrows seen cleaning the area periodically during the day and even till late in the evenings.

Actually, I really saw a friendly face of the Uttarakhand police personnel’s there. Watching inquisitively I noticed the police personnel’s on duty at the Mall and else where around Nainital behaving well with the tourists and families. A number of them young recruit ready to answer any query of the tourists while ensuring strict compliance of traffic rules. I did not notice any police personnel misbehaving while managing huge tourist rush. I myself while driving past the IG Police office at Nainital gently waved to a cop to guide me the way I wanted to know. Little realizing when the cop neared me was no constable but a police officer. With no ego, he very politely explained me the route with few tips of how to go about the shortest way. This gesture certainly impressed me.

What came as a surprise to me was the orderly fashion in which the traffic moved on the approach roads to Nainital and within the town. With strict police vigil all vehicles made to drive in their lanes while also ensuring no two or four- wheeler could ply between 6 pm and 9 pm on the Mall. As a result, the road free from vehicular traffic during the evening hours saw tourists enjoying carefreely. The Mall road opposite the Naini Lake being well-lit remained alive with tourists till almost the mid night with the market and street shops and eating places doing brisk business. What was peculiar was the orderly fashion of thing there presumably as a result of good vigil and cleanliness.

All over the Mall and around the Naini Lake, the heart of the Nainital, security cameras and loud speakers fitted to check the surrounding with continuous alerts and instructions being announced by the police. The announcements were probably from police control rooms on both sides of the Mall and through continuous police vigil in person. The moment any vehicle flaunted the traffic rules, alerts sounded over the loud speakers to make sure free flow of traffic.

Unlike other places the non vehicular hours on the Mall were strictly implemented with no exceptions of any kind or so call VIPs made to break rules. Those who entered with their vehicles at any time on the Mall were not allowed to park there for even few seconds other than the hotel parking. Things were so well monitored that a police vehicle would come immediately after sounding a warning over the loud speakers to push-off the offenders or simple chalan the vehicle or toe them off the site. For tourists who drove in Nainital during the non-vehicular hours to check-in hotels on the Mall, they had to park their vehicles in designated parking areas ahead of the Mall road and could drive in only after 9 pm. to their hotels. The general parking areas too were very orderly managed with adequate space and security arrangements.

On enquiring about this kind of strict adherence of rules from the localities, I learnt the police have been able to do their duty well due to the strict Nainital High Court orders on traffic management and cleanliness. If proper traffic management and civic arrangements implemented in Nainital what stops them in Mussoorie and even Dehradun in Uttarakhand.

Will you imagine even the tri-cycle rickshaws plying on the Mall regulated by the civic authorities. With designated rickshaw stand on the Mall the tourists had to queue to get rickshaw coupon (like pre-paid booths). The best part of this was no matter how long the queue, no body had to wait for more than 15 minutes to ride on a rickshaw. With coupon system the rickshaw too could not over charge any tourist.

The boat ride on the famous Naini Lake too was regulated with ticket counters issuing tickets. The Lake too divided through imaginary lines into parts to make sure all the boatmen got business. Amazing was the fact that an approximately half hour ride on the Naini Lake cost a paltry Rs.210 for a boat which could accommodate 3 to 4 persons. This when compared to a boat ride in Mussoorie’s Municipal Garden pond costs much less.

For tourists opting for local sight-seeing tours small kiosks of private tour operators existed right on the Mall with uniform tariff. This again is completely missing in Mussoorie and Dehradun. Anybody who comes here is at the mercy of local taxis or touts for their sight-seeing who at times charge exorbitantly. The once government managed “Doon Darshan” and “Mussoorie Darshan” coaches have vanished from here over the years for reasons best known to the tourism authorities.

The Nainital model of traffic management and civic arrangements needs implementation in other places of Uttarakhand, specially the tourist destinations for hassle free tourism.

Needless to say, what really touch me every time I have been to Nainital are its simple people. May be I have been lucky in interacting with good and simple natured Kumaon people until now. I only hope this face of Kumaon remains unchanged in times to come.

Need to increase GDP growth to 9% & industrial growth to 25% for India to become economically developed by 2020: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

India can become economically developed by 2020 if its gross domestic product (GDP) can grow at nine per cent from current level of 6.5 per cent and by achieving industrial growth of about 25 per cent from current level of 15-16 per cent, former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam said while inaugurating a summit titled ‘India: Innovative, Creative & Inclusive,’ organised by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India in New Delhi on May 21,2015.

“Our GDP is limbing 6.5 per cent now it should go to minimum nine per cent GDP, with our 600 million youth population and if our small scale industry, farmers and IT (information technology) are doing very well, with these backgrounds there is a possibility of India becoming economically developed by 2020,” said Dr Kalam in response to a question about his views on various ambitious programs like Digital India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jan-Dhan Yojana, Make in India and others launched by the Union Government during the course of past one year.

“Today, 30 per cent people live below poverty line, we can lift them up, our industrial growth is only 15-16 per cent and we have to go to 25 per cent,” he added.

He also said that manufacturing industry has to be empowered to achieve 25 per cent GDP contribution by 2020 from 16 per cent as on 2015 by increasing the depth in manufacturing focusing on the level of domestic value addition, enhanced global competitiveness through appropriate policy support and sustainability of growth particularly with regard to the environment.

Dr Kalam emphasised upon the need to have a long-term defence strategy and vision for defence industry growth, involving large private industries as production partners.

“The need of the hour is to establish a Military Industry Complex (MIC) at the national level enlisting large and medium industries to be partners along with defense PSUs as its members,” said Dr Kalam.

“Establishment of MIC envisage not only the industrial development but also create a number of job opportunities,” said Dr Kalam. “This will pave way for knowledge workers to participate and contribute in the production of high-quality systems.”

“This will change world’s perception towards India from an importer country to an exporting giant,” he added.

He also said that the Government should allocate more funds for research and development (R&D). “More thrust has to be given for Government funding for R&D even to private companies to strengthen the indigenous R&D capability.”

Dr Kalam further said that regulations and control procedures are to be implemented in managing private industries for manufacturing of defense systems.

“Encouraging high technology tie-ups and joint ventures between Indian and other global defense industries will achieve not only competitiveness but also envisage the product for export, India cannot afford to lose anymore time in pondering the issue,” said the former President of India.

Talking about his experience of promoting technological innovations, Dr Kalam said, “Our policy ecosystems do not keep in pace with possibilities and potentials presented by technologies and engineering. Also, bigger Indian businesses do not generally look for many such new opportunities.”

Sharing his thoughts on ‘Growth with Innovation is imperative to an economically developed India 2020,’ Dr Kalam also rued at India’s 64th rank in the Global Innovation Index. “We should at least aim for coming the first 10,” he said.

Don't overlook this star attraction!

Being resident of the Doon for over forty years I have seen horse-drawn carriage tongas or “tangas” were once very effective form of transport in the Doon Valley. Prior to Dehradun being made the capital of Uttarakhand their routes had shrinked to just between Tehsil chowk and Dalanwala. However after Dehradun turning into Uttarakhand’s capital this mode of transport has vanished into the blue at the hands of urbanisation.

There is an urgent need to preserve our heritage, least our coming generation will only see in pictures what a horse tonga looked like leave aside their knowing what a typical and joyful experience one has riding on a horse tonga. They are fun to ride in! Urbanization should not kill our heritage! 

The picture below shows a typical Indian horse tonga on Dehradun road some year back.

When Europe and Canada and many other developed countries have horse driven carriage (Horse Tongas) for tourists as part of their tourism there was no need to phase them out from the Doon Valley whose geographical terrain are most suited to this mode of transport. Infact in all tourist places of Uttarakhand Horse tongas should be brought back. So many funky things are being tried to promote tourism but the government is overseeing something which can be a star attraction both among the rich and the ordinary class of people if brought back on the streets with some glamour. It can also be a good revenue earner for the tourism department and a means of livelihood for many. Uttarakhand Government should seriously think on this and revive the horse tonga's in the Doon.

Picture below shows horse tonga's with tourists in the midst of today's hi-tech cars on a Canadian street. When these advanced countries can do it why not India? There is a need to think out of box!

Well the picture below is on the lighter side. I do not mean this when I wrote in the lines above that the State government should add some glamour to horse tongas in their revival in the town!

Readers react with your views if you think this holds any good.

Indian Online Luxury market to touch USD 35 billion mark by 2016

Indians are likely to spend USD 35 billion on online luxury stores by 2016, compared to USD 8 billion in 2012 growing at an compound annual growth rate of about 25%, due to rise in disposable incomes, expansion of modern retailing and influence of western culture have provided a platform for promising growth for luxury industry in India, reveals Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India study.

According to the study, luxury shoppers are well-connected digitally and it becomes easier for brands to showcase themselves online. Online path helps brand to educate potential consumers about luxury products.

With deals or discounts, cash-on-delivery, EMI schemes and easy return policies, online shopping has offered luxury brands a new platform to engage and entice  customers the report pointed out.

The major key growth drivers are rising income level which leads to a change in spending patterns and creating good business opportunities in India, reveals the study.

Earlier only youngsters were experimenting with buying stuff from internet. Now, even the mature customer is also getting accustomed to e-commerce. Luxury products sold online include apparels, stylish accessories, watches and high end electronics. Most of these products are offered for sale at online portals at a price that is incomparable and certainly benefits the middle class audience too, adds the study.

With more than 140 million internet users, India is the third largest internet market in the world.  The rising middle class is the biggest driver of the online retail growth. As per the findings, with more than 75% of the internet users under the age of 35, India is one of the world’s youngest internet populations.

E-commerce is expanding the Indian luxury market, as online access and competitive pricing bring hitherto unattainable brands and products within the reach of consumers in the country's lower-tier cities, it is seen.

The global online luxury market is predicted to more than double between now and 2020 as major brands continue to increase their range availability on the web, with pure-plays set to outpace the sector as a whole.

The optimistic outlook is anticipated to continue in the luxury sector spanning products such as apparels, home decor, pens, watches, jewellery, wines & spirits, spas and even yachts - a heady mix of both lifestyle and individuality-defining products. Apparel, Cars and electronics are among the most attractive segments across the Indian market. The Benzs, BMWs, Rolls Royces, Audis, Jaguars are not rare sights in metros.

According to study, the luxury designer clothing market in India grew 35% to Rs 13,230 crore in 2012 and likely to touch Rs. 32,000 crore by the end of 2015. Luxury electronic gadgets growing at 38.5%, and the luxury jewellery market at 42%.

Some of the significant players who performed well in 2014 included – GUCCI, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Ocean Style Yachting, Canali India, L’Oreal Luxe India, LVMH India, Judith Leiber, The Phenix Mills, The SPA Group, Geetanjali Group, The Bauers, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts, Da Milano Leathers, Reliance Brands, Hidesign and others.

Indian consumers’ love for luxury brands and these platforms offering them at discounted rates has also led to people taking to the online shopping platforms, it is seen these days.