Krishna on the 'trust deficit' between India, Pak
June 04, 2010 09:41 IST
Asserting that India is committed to peace and dialogue with Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said there is a need to address the "trust deficit" between the two South Asian neighbours.
"My prime minister has consistently believed in the need for dialogue to seek a future of peace and cooperation with Pakistan," Krishna told Obama at a reception held in his honour by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Krishna said he will meet his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Islamabad in July.
"The trust deficit in relations between India and Pakistan needs to be specifically addressed," Krishna said. "The continuing threat of terrorism is a cause of great concern for us in India," he noted.
A day earlier, Krishna told Indian reporters that he is travelling to Islamabad in July as part of New Delhi's effort to build bridges with the neighbouring country.
"We are trying to build bridges with Pakistan also," he said. The minister said India is "hoping to eliminate the trust deficit" between the two countries.
"High-level visits are a very important part of trying to do that," Krishna said.
In his opening remarks at the Indo-US Strategic dialogue, Krishna said that the epicentre of global terrorism lies in India's neighbourhood.
"Though the epicentre of this threat lies in India's neighbourhood, it reaches far and wide all across the world as we have seen time and again, and most recently a few weeks ago in Times Square," Krishna said.
"Given the fact that the groups who preach the ideology of hatred and violence are increasingly coalescing, sharing resources and operating as one, it is incumbent upon all of us, to focus our efforts laser-like on every one of them," he said.
"Targeting only one or other of such groups would only provide false comfort in the short term and will not usher in long term stability," Krishna said in an apparent reference to Pakistan's reluctance to take strong action against terror outfit Lashkar-e-Tayiba.
The US has welcomed the resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
India, US must shape the 21st century, says Clinton-3/6/10
India, US must shape the 21st century, says Clinton
June 03, 2010 22:35 IST
(I HOPE AND WISH THAT IT JUST NOT REMAIN A TALK, AND IT GET IMPLEMENTED IN REALITY AS WELL!!...IT SHOULDN'T BE LIKE...TALK WITH US AND ALL THE HELP FOR ONLY PAKISTAN!!...THOUGH PAK IS A SEPARATE MATTER(WE NEED 'ALL IS WELL' WITH THEM ALSO)...DEFINITLY WE NEED CORDIAL RELATIONS WITH USA AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TALK IN REALITY)
Describing India [ Images ] as a "rising global power", the US said on Thursday that it needed to forge closer cooperation with it in meeting challenges in South Asian region, including securing Afghanistan.
In her opening remarks at the launch of the first-ever Indo-US strategic dialogue, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton [ Images ] indicated her country's support for India's aspirations for permanent seat in the expanded UN Security Council, saying its rise would "certainly be a factor in any future consideration of the reforms" of the world body.
During the dialogue with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna [ Images ], the two sides vowed to strengthen cooperation in security, military, nuclear energy, climate change, education and agriculture.
Hailing India's contribution towards rebuilding of Afghanistan, she sought to allay "doubts" that the US sees India only in the "context" of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
"In this dialogue, we will confront regional issues, most importantly securing Afghanistan's future. India and the US and countries of the world have a stake in Afghanistan and India's contribution to Afghanistan's future, including 1.3 billion dollar assistance have been positive and significant," Clinton said.
"India is a rising global power and already a regional power in Asia. Thus more the need to work closely with India to meet the immediate challenges in the neighborhood including Afghanistan," she said.
"India and the US must play a leading role in shaping the destiny of the 21st century," he said.
Krishna noted that the institution of the strategic dialogue was a reflection of the deepening and broadening of our relations between the two countries.
"We both have an abiding interest in a stable international order and in the maintenance of peace and stability in Asia and beyond, and a tremendous opportunity is now before us to work together to achieve this objective," he said.
Clinton said there are doubts among some people in India that the United States is not paying enough attention to New Delhi [ Images ] and at the same time there is a doubt among some in the US that India is not embracing its new role.
"With this strategic dialogue, the two countries would confront these issues directly and candidly," she said.
In her unusually lengthy speech -- lasting more than 13 minutes -- Clinton touched upon a wide range of issues from counter-terrorism to climate change, clean energy, food security, international security, bilateral cooperation in the education sector, the civilian nuclear deal and went on to praise India's role in Afghanistan.
She assured the Indian delegation that the US is well aware of India's concerns in the region, Afghanistan in particular and would work with New Delhi to address those.
Noting that both India and the US have been "seared by acts of terrorism", Clinton said security is the top priority between the two countries.
She said the two countries would have to increase their cooperation in counter-terrorism by better intelligence sharing and training first responders to make "our own homelands safer".
The secretary of state said the US is committed to modernisation of Indian military and referred to the little known fact that the US has the largest number of its military exercises with India.
Observing that the government to government ties is lagging behind the people to people relationship, Clinton said it is time that "New Delhi and Washington" must catch up with "New York and Mumbai [ Images ]." Krishna said the global nature of the security challenges being faced today, particularly the threat posed by transnational terrorism, requires the two countries to cooperate more closely than ever before. "Though the epicenter of this threat lies in India's neighborhood, it reaches far and wide all across the world as we have seen time and again and most recently a few weeks back in Times Square," he said in an apparent reference to Pakistan.
"Given the fact that the groups who preach the ideology of hatred and violence are increasingly coalescing, sharing resources and operating as one, it is incumbent upon all of us, to focus our efforts laser-like on every one ofthem," he said. Targeting only one or other of such groups would only provide false comfort in the short term and will not usher in long term stability," he said. The two leaders were seated at the head of the conference room with the delegations of the two countries seated in an intermingled format on either side of the table. The leaders of the two delegations appeared to be in a relaxed mood, smiling and chatting with each other; unlike during the previous two such US dialogues with Pakistan and Afghanistan in the last two months; thus reflecting the comfort level between the officials of the two countries.
Besides Krishna, other members of the Indian delegation are HRD Minister Kapil Sibal [ Images ], Minister of State for Science and Technology, Prithviraj Chavan [ Images ], Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia [ Images ] and Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao [ Images ]. The US delegation included Energy Secretary Steven Chu; Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns and Deputy National Security Adviser Michale Froman.
June 03, 2010 22:35 IST
(I HOPE AND WISH THAT IT JUST NOT REMAIN A TALK, AND IT GET IMPLEMENTED IN REALITY AS WELL!!...IT SHOULDN'T BE LIKE...TALK WITH US AND ALL THE HELP FOR ONLY PAKISTAN!!...THOUGH PAK IS A SEPARATE MATTER(WE NEED 'ALL IS WELL' WITH THEM ALSO)...DEFINITLY WE NEED CORDIAL RELATIONS WITH USA AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TALK IN REALITY)
Describing India [ Images ] as a "rising global power", the US said on Thursday that it needed to forge closer cooperation with it in meeting challenges in South Asian region, including securing Afghanistan.
In her opening remarks at the launch of the first-ever Indo-US strategic dialogue, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton [ Images ] indicated her country's support for India's aspirations for permanent seat in the expanded UN Security Council, saying its rise would "certainly be a factor in any future consideration of the reforms" of the world body.
During the dialogue with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna [ Images ], the two sides vowed to strengthen cooperation in security, military, nuclear energy, climate change, education and agriculture.
Hailing India's contribution towards rebuilding of Afghanistan, she sought to allay "doubts" that the US sees India only in the "context" of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
"In this dialogue, we will confront regional issues, most importantly securing Afghanistan's future. India and the US and countries of the world have a stake in Afghanistan and India's contribution to Afghanistan's future, including 1.3 billion dollar assistance have been positive and significant," Clinton said.
"India is a rising global power and already a regional power in Asia. Thus more the need to work closely with India to meet the immediate challenges in the neighborhood including Afghanistan," she said.
"India and the US must play a leading role in shaping the destiny of the 21st century," he said.
Krishna noted that the institution of the strategic dialogue was a reflection of the deepening and broadening of our relations between the two countries.
"We both have an abiding interest in a stable international order and in the maintenance of peace and stability in Asia and beyond, and a tremendous opportunity is now before us to work together to achieve this objective," he said.
Clinton said there are doubts among some people in India that the United States is not paying enough attention to New Delhi [ Images ] and at the same time there is a doubt among some in the US that India is not embracing its new role.
"With this strategic dialogue, the two countries would confront these issues directly and candidly," she said.
In her unusually lengthy speech -- lasting more than 13 minutes -- Clinton touched upon a wide range of issues from counter-terrorism to climate change, clean energy, food security, international security, bilateral cooperation in the education sector, the civilian nuclear deal and went on to praise India's role in Afghanistan.
She assured the Indian delegation that the US is well aware of India's concerns in the region, Afghanistan in particular and would work with New Delhi to address those.
Noting that both India and the US have been "seared by acts of terrorism", Clinton said security is the top priority between the two countries.
She said the two countries would have to increase their cooperation in counter-terrorism by better intelligence sharing and training first responders to make "our own homelands safer".
The secretary of state said the US is committed to modernisation of Indian military and referred to the little known fact that the US has the largest number of its military exercises with India.
Observing that the government to government ties is lagging behind the people to people relationship, Clinton said it is time that "New Delhi and Washington" must catch up with "New York and Mumbai [ Images ]." Krishna said the global nature of the security challenges being faced today, particularly the threat posed by transnational terrorism, requires the two countries to cooperate more closely than ever before. "Though the epicenter of this threat lies in India's neighborhood, it reaches far and wide all across the world as we have seen time and again and most recently a few weeks back in Times Square," he said in an apparent reference to Pakistan.
"Given the fact that the groups who preach the ideology of hatred and violence are increasingly coalescing, sharing resources and operating as one, it is incumbent upon all of us, to focus our efforts laser-like on every one ofthem," he said. Targeting only one or other of such groups would only provide false comfort in the short term and will not usher in long term stability," he said. The two leaders were seated at the head of the conference room with the delegations of the two countries seated in an intermingled format on either side of the table. The leaders of the two delegations appeared to be in a relaxed mood, smiling and chatting with each other; unlike during the previous two such US dialogues with Pakistan and Afghanistan in the last two months; thus reflecting the comfort level between the officials of the two countries.
Besides Krishna, other members of the Indian delegation are HRD Minister Kapil Sibal [ Images ], Minister of State for Science and Technology, Prithviraj Chavan [ Images ], Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia [ Images ] and Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao [ Images ]. The US delegation included Energy Secretary Steven Chu; Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns and Deputy National Security Adviser Michale Froman.
India is indispensable to the future US seeks: Obama-4/6/10
India is indispensable to the future US seeks: Obama
'India is a leader in Asia and around the world'
'We share common values'
'Preventing terrorism in Manhattan or in Mumbai'
Last updated on: June 4, 2010 09:02 IST
Asserting that India is a rising and responsible global power, United States President Barack Obama on Thursday said he firmly believed that the relationship between the two counties will define their partnership in the 21st century.
"The United States values our partnership not because of where India is on a map but because of what we share and where we can go together. India is indispensable to the future that we seek, a future of security and prosperity for all nations," Obama said in his address at the reception hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in honour of External Affairs Minister S M Krishna.
"That's why a third of my Cabinet has already visited India. That is why officials from across my administration are a part of this strategic dialogue. That's why I want to thank you for the progress that we've made together since Prime Minister (Manmohan) Singh's visit," the US President said before a select audience at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department.
Image: US President Barack Obama with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna
Photographs: Paresh Gandhi
Next
Prev Next
"Michelle and I were honoured to welcome Prime Minister Singh and Mrs Kaur to the White House for the very first official state visit of my presidency. It was a state visit that demonstrated that our relations with India are at the highest of priorities for my administration and for me personally, as president of the United States," he said recollecting the visit of the prime minister in November.
"I said then that India is a leader in Asia and around the world. It's a rising power and a responsible global power. That's why I firmly believe that the relationship between the United States and India will be a defining partnership in the 21st century," he said.
"The new National Security Strategy that I released last week makes this absolutely clear.A fundamental pillar of America's comprehensive engagement with the world involves deepening our cooperation with 21st century centres of influence, and that includes India," Obama said.
Image: Obama interacts with Indian American delegates
Photographs: Paresh Gandhi
Prev Next
Prev Next
"Moreover, the relationship between the US and India is fundamentally unique because, as our strategy explains, we share common interests but we also share common values, as the world's two largest democracies and as countries that are rich in diversity, with deep and close connections among our people," the US President, who made a rare appearance at a State Department reception hosted for a visiting foreign minister, said.
Obama said the two countries are deepening their economic cooperation on finance, investment and trade.
"I look forward to working with Prime Minister Singh and our fellow G-20 partners this month in Toronto as we work to foster economic growth that is both balanced and sustained," he said.
"With our agreement on fuel reprocessing, we're moving ahead with our civil nuclear agreement. We're expanding our green partnership to promote green buildings, energy efficiency and the sustainable development that creates jobs and reduces poverty. As we strive to implement our Copenhagen commitments, we'll be working together to ensure a successful climate conference in Mexico later this year," he said.
Image: US President Barack Obama with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna
Photographs: Paresh Gandhi
Prev Next
Prev More
Obama said India and the US are cooperating more closely than ever before against transnational threats.
"This includes making progress for the Afghan people, and preventing terrorism, whether it's in Manhattan or in Mumbai," he said.
"It includes securing vulnerable nuclear materials, a goal we advanced at our Nuclear Security Summit, where I thanked Prime Minister Singh for committing India to building a new Centre of Excellence for nuclear energy and security. Our efforts include a stronger global non-proliferation regime where all nations live up to their obligations," he said.
The US and India are broadening partnerships between their people, especially in the fields of science, technology and global health, Obama pointed out.
"More students are taking advantage of our expanded Fulbright-Nehru programme. We're working to expand ties between our universities and community colleges. We're partnering on agriculture and research to reduce global hunger, and to share India's incredible progress with other countries," he said.
Image: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna
Photographs: Paresh Gandhi
Prev More
'India is a leader in Asia and around the world'
'We share common values'
'Preventing terrorism in Manhattan or in Mumbai'
Last updated on: June 4, 2010 09:02 IST
Asserting that India is a rising and responsible global power, United States President Barack Obama on Thursday said he firmly believed that the relationship between the two counties will define their partnership in the 21st century.
"The United States values our partnership not because of where India is on a map but because of what we share and where we can go together. India is indispensable to the future that we seek, a future of security and prosperity for all nations," Obama said in his address at the reception hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in honour of External Affairs Minister S M Krishna.
"That's why a third of my Cabinet has already visited India. That is why officials from across my administration are a part of this strategic dialogue. That's why I want to thank you for the progress that we've made together since Prime Minister (Manmohan) Singh's visit," the US President said before a select audience at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department.
Image: US President Barack Obama with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna
Photographs: Paresh Gandhi
Next
Prev Next
"Michelle and I were honoured to welcome Prime Minister Singh and Mrs Kaur to the White House for the very first official state visit of my presidency. It was a state visit that demonstrated that our relations with India are at the highest of priorities for my administration and for me personally, as president of the United States," he said recollecting the visit of the prime minister in November.
"I said then that India is a leader in Asia and around the world. It's a rising power and a responsible global power. That's why I firmly believe that the relationship between the United States and India will be a defining partnership in the 21st century," he said.
"The new National Security Strategy that I released last week makes this absolutely clear.A fundamental pillar of America's comprehensive engagement with the world involves deepening our cooperation with 21st century centres of influence, and that includes India," Obama said.
Image: Obama interacts with Indian American delegates
Photographs: Paresh Gandhi
Prev Next
Prev Next
"Moreover, the relationship between the US and India is fundamentally unique because, as our strategy explains, we share common interests but we also share common values, as the world's two largest democracies and as countries that are rich in diversity, with deep and close connections among our people," the US President, who made a rare appearance at a State Department reception hosted for a visiting foreign minister, said.
Obama said the two countries are deepening their economic cooperation on finance, investment and trade.
"I look forward to working with Prime Minister Singh and our fellow G-20 partners this month in Toronto as we work to foster economic growth that is both balanced and sustained," he said.
"With our agreement on fuel reprocessing, we're moving ahead with our civil nuclear agreement. We're expanding our green partnership to promote green buildings, energy efficiency and the sustainable development that creates jobs and reduces poverty. As we strive to implement our Copenhagen commitments, we'll be working together to ensure a successful climate conference in Mexico later this year," he said.
Image: US President Barack Obama with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna
Photographs: Paresh Gandhi
Prev Next
Prev More
Obama said India and the US are cooperating more closely than ever before against transnational threats.
"This includes making progress for the Afghan people, and preventing terrorism, whether it's in Manhattan or in Mumbai," he said.
"It includes securing vulnerable nuclear materials, a goal we advanced at our Nuclear Security Summit, where I thanked Prime Minister Singh for committing India to building a new Centre of Excellence for nuclear energy and security. Our efforts include a stronger global non-proliferation regime where all nations live up to their obligations," he said.
The US and India are broadening partnerships between their people, especially in the fields of science, technology and global health, Obama pointed out.
"More students are taking advantage of our expanded Fulbright-Nehru programme. We're working to expand ties between our universities and community colleges. We're partnering on agriculture and research to reduce global hunger, and to share India's incredible progress with other countries," he said.
Image: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna
Photographs: Paresh Gandhi
Prev More
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
खंडित मूर्ति की पूजा क्यों नहीं करते?
खंडित मूर्ति की पूजा क्यों नहीं करते?
Dharm Desk Ujjain
sks_ujn_53_310ईश्वर की भक्ति में भगवान की मूर्ति का अत्यधिक महत्व है। प्रभु की मूर्ति देखते ही भक्त के मन में श्रद्धा और भक्ति के भाव स्वत: ही उत्पन्न हो जाते हैं। शास्त्रों के अनुसार भगवान की प्रतिमा पूर्ण होना चाहिए कहीं से खंडित होने पर प्रतिमा पूजा योग्य नहीं मानी गई है। खंडित मूर्ति की पूजा को अपशकुन माना गया है। प्रतिमा की पूजा करते समय भक्त का पूर्ण ध्यान भगवान और उनके स्वरूप की ओर ही होता है। अत: ऐसे में यदि प्रतिमा खंडित होगी तो भक्त का सारा ध्यान उस मूर्ति के उस खंडित हिस्से पर चले जाएगा और वह पूजा में मन नहीं लगा सकेगा। जब पूजा में मन नहीं लगेगा तो व्यक्ति की भगवान की ठीक से भक्ति नहीं कर सकेगा और वह अपने आराध्य देव से दूर होता जाएगा। इसी बात को समझते हुए प्राचीन काल से ही ऋषि-मुनियों ने खंडित मूर्ति की पूजा को अपशकुन बताते हुए उसकी पूजा निष्फल ठहराई गई है।
(MERE VICHAAR SE YEH BRAHNTI ISLIYE FAILAIYE GAYEE HAI TAAKI LOG MURTIYAAN NA TODEIN....VAISE BHI APSHAKUN, SANSKAR V CHARITRA, BHAVNAON AUR PREM,KAM, VASNA,VASTALYA,SNEH,AASHISH...YEH BAHAAS BAHUT VYAPAK HAI AUR ISSE HAMARE DHARMA,MYTHOLOGY,ITIHAAS,PURAANON MEIN...SAHITYON,LOK KATHAON,DAANT-KATHAON, KISSE-KAHANIYON MEIN ALAG-ALAG DHANG SE VYAKTA KIYA GAYA HAI...ISSE CHICHALE AUR SANKIRN MANSIKTA RAKH KER NAHIN TAULNA CHAHIYE-THODA VAIGYANIK TARK KO KASAUTI BANANA CHAHIYE...VIBHA)
Dharm Desk Ujjain
sks_ujn_53_310ईश्वर की भक्ति में भगवान की मूर्ति का अत्यधिक महत्व है। प्रभु की मूर्ति देखते ही भक्त के मन में श्रद्धा और भक्ति के भाव स्वत: ही उत्पन्न हो जाते हैं। शास्त्रों के अनुसार भगवान की प्रतिमा पूर्ण होना चाहिए कहीं से खंडित होने पर प्रतिमा पूजा योग्य नहीं मानी गई है। खंडित मूर्ति की पूजा को अपशकुन माना गया है। प्रतिमा की पूजा करते समय भक्त का पूर्ण ध्यान भगवान और उनके स्वरूप की ओर ही होता है। अत: ऐसे में यदि प्रतिमा खंडित होगी तो भक्त का सारा ध्यान उस मूर्ति के उस खंडित हिस्से पर चले जाएगा और वह पूजा में मन नहीं लगा सकेगा। जब पूजा में मन नहीं लगेगा तो व्यक्ति की भगवान की ठीक से भक्ति नहीं कर सकेगा और वह अपने आराध्य देव से दूर होता जाएगा। इसी बात को समझते हुए प्राचीन काल से ही ऋषि-मुनियों ने खंडित मूर्ति की पूजा को अपशकुन बताते हुए उसकी पूजा निष्फल ठहराई गई है।
(MERE VICHAAR SE YEH BRAHNTI ISLIYE FAILAIYE GAYEE HAI TAAKI LOG MURTIYAAN NA TODEIN....VAISE BHI APSHAKUN, SANSKAR V CHARITRA, BHAVNAON AUR PREM,KAM, VASNA,VASTALYA,SNEH,AASHISH...YEH BAHAAS BAHUT VYAPAK HAI AUR ISSE HAMARE DHARMA,MYTHOLOGY,ITIHAAS,PURAANON MEIN...SAHITYON,LOK KATHAON,DAANT-KATHAON, KISSE-KAHANIYON MEIN ALAG-ALAG DHANG SE VYAKTA KIYA GAYA HAI...ISSE CHICHALE AUR SANKIRN MANSIKTA RAKH KER NAHIN TAULNA CHAHIYE-THODA VAIGYANIK TARK KO KASAUTI BANANA CHAHIYE...VIBHA)
Bihar’s Illiterate Youth Inspires Story in NCERT Book-1/6/10
Bihar’s Illiterate Youth Inspires Story in NCERT Book
Patna, June 1 – The rollercoaster ride to success of an illiterate Bihar youth, who launched a radio station and promoted social messages on polio, AIDS and other issues but was arrested for illegally running it, has found place in school textbooks.
The story of Raghav, in his mid-20s, and his ‘Raghav Radio’ has been published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in its book ‘Bharat Mein Samajik Parivartan Evam Vikas’ (Social change and development in India) for Class 12.
The book describes Raghav as a role model for development in society. It highlights his struggle and the difficulties he faced after starting ‘Raghav Radio’ in Mansoorpur village in Vaishali district.
Raghav, who currently works as the project head of a community radio station in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district, told IANS over the phone that his ’story in the NCERT book will inspire people, particularly the youths, to make a difference in society’.
The book mentions Raghav as being born in a family of agricultural labourers who were too poor to provide him with education.
It was in 2004 that Raghav, who had an electronics repair shop at Gudri Bazar near Mansoorpur and loved to tinker with old equipment, stumbled upon the innovative idea of launching a radio station.
With the old tools and gadgets that he had stored over the years, he launched his radio station that very soon became a hit with the villagers.
The station operated like a community radio service in Muzaffarpur, Vaishali and Saran districts, providing local news and views in the local dialect.
Apart from Hindi songs and news, it provided information about crime in the area, programmes on AIDS awareness, polio eradication, literacy initiatives and news about missing people as well as on local functions and festivals. And all that free of cost.
The media highlighted his story and he became very popular. The union communications ministry took notice too — but that was to be his undoing.
In 2006, the ministry sought a report on the legality of the private radio station. Raghav did not possess an operating licence as he was too poor to pay the licence fee and too naive to understand that it was illegal.
‘Raghav Radio’ closed down. The district authorities said it was closed for violating the Indian Telegraphs Act.
The government held him an offender and arrested him for a brief period but for people residing in and around Mansoorpur village, he was a hero.
Later, many NGOs came forward to help him and gave him vocational training.
Impressed by his talent and struggle, the Barefoot College at Tilonia in Rajasthan, run by Bunker Roy, appointed him the head of Barefoot Community Radio Station, the first of its kind in Rajasthan.
The radio service caters to the educational, development and socio-cultural needs of the local community in a radius of six to 10 kilometres through indigenously created broadcast programming.
From an ordinary illiterate youth to becoming someone who has the ability to inspire people through his simple deeds, Raghav has indeed come a long way. And the mission to inform and educate continues.
(Imran Khan can be contacted at imran.k@ians.in)
Patna, June 1 – The rollercoaster ride to success of an illiterate Bihar youth, who launched a radio station and promoted social messages on polio, AIDS and other issues but was arrested for illegally running it, has found place in school textbooks.
The story of Raghav, in his mid-20s, and his ‘Raghav Radio’ has been published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in its book ‘Bharat Mein Samajik Parivartan Evam Vikas’ (Social change and development in India) for Class 12.
The book describes Raghav as a role model for development in society. It highlights his struggle and the difficulties he faced after starting ‘Raghav Radio’ in Mansoorpur village in Vaishali district.
Raghav, who currently works as the project head of a community radio station in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district, told IANS over the phone that his ’story in the NCERT book will inspire people, particularly the youths, to make a difference in society’.
The book mentions Raghav as being born in a family of agricultural labourers who were too poor to provide him with education.
It was in 2004 that Raghav, who had an electronics repair shop at Gudri Bazar near Mansoorpur and loved to tinker with old equipment, stumbled upon the innovative idea of launching a radio station.
With the old tools and gadgets that he had stored over the years, he launched his radio station that very soon became a hit with the villagers.
The station operated like a community radio service in Muzaffarpur, Vaishali and Saran districts, providing local news and views in the local dialect.
Apart from Hindi songs and news, it provided information about crime in the area, programmes on AIDS awareness, polio eradication, literacy initiatives and news about missing people as well as on local functions and festivals. And all that free of cost.
The media highlighted his story and he became very popular. The union communications ministry took notice too — but that was to be his undoing.
In 2006, the ministry sought a report on the legality of the private radio station. Raghav did not possess an operating licence as he was too poor to pay the licence fee and too naive to understand that it was illegal.
‘Raghav Radio’ closed down. The district authorities said it was closed for violating the Indian Telegraphs Act.
The government held him an offender and arrested him for a brief period but for people residing in and around Mansoorpur village, he was a hero.
Later, many NGOs came forward to help him and gave him vocational training.
Impressed by his talent and struggle, the Barefoot College at Tilonia in Rajasthan, run by Bunker Roy, appointed him the head of Barefoot Community Radio Station, the first of its kind in Rajasthan.
The radio service caters to the educational, development and socio-cultural needs of the local community in a radius of six to 10 kilometres through indigenously created broadcast programming.
From an ordinary illiterate youth to becoming someone who has the ability to inspire people through his simple deeds, Raghav has indeed come a long way. And the mission to inform and educate continues.
(Imran Khan can be contacted at imran.k@ians.in)
Nitishji Vs Laluji Vs Dream Bihar-1/6/10
Amitabh Jha
June 1, 2010 at 10:59am
Subject: Nitishji Vs Laluji Vs Dream Bihar
(IT IS -BIHAR RIVAVAL FORUM IS A FEW WEEKS OLD GROUP, WANTED TO RAISE THEIR VOICE FOR BIHAR...GOOD WISHES)
Dear friends,
Is there anyone exists on mother earth that is not aware of the dark age of pre-Nitish regime?
BUT being satisfied by the work of Nitishji is sign of complacency.
Ladies and gentlemen, believe it or not, we have not get a leader so far with a true vision, passion and action plan for our dream Bihar.
What is a DREAM BIHAR?
A Bihar where in every village there will be non-stop electricity, fast internet, abundance of employment opportunities, quality hospital, school, public transports, roads and other amenities and infrastructure, industries and agriculture. Health, wealth and harmony for each and every individual!
Does that make sense?
Its real pity that even though people of Bihar provide absolute mandate to support a stable Govt (to Nitishji or Laluji), the govt fails to deliver. I believe that with such kind of support from people and with a strong will, vision and passion, wonders can be done in five years.
If we consider Somalia as baseline for the development, then lets close our eyes, take deep breaths, be contented have nice sleep and enjoy the quality life
we have! But if we dare to dream big for a DREAM BIHAR, then lest open our eyes!
I appreciated Nitishji for his initiatives in the beginning. But today most of the initiatives have not yielded into result.
Where is the permanent solution to floods?
Do we know that in the fifth year the IT policy published on the Govt website is still in draft version?
Source:
http://www.facebook.com/l/ca4fc;gov.bih.nic.in/ and http://www.facebook.com/l/ca4fc;gov.bih.nic.in/Documents/Draft_IT_Policy_2008.pdf
The rice produced during 2004 to 2008 is 15375.1 thousand tons. During 2000-2004 it was 21178.8 thousand tons. The same is true with other food grains.
Source: Reserve Bank of India
http://www.facebook.com/l/ca4fc;rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Publications/DOCs/23T_HB150909.xls
Do we care? Population is growing and food grains production is shrinking.
Where is the electricity? Where are the sugar industries and jute industries, leather industries, paper industries?
The life is a big teacher. Nitishji and Laluji had been close allies for years. Then Nitishji became railway minister and then CM. I am sure the responsibilities at central govt must have honed his administrative skills. Laluji first became CM and then railway minister. And he has done a fairly good job during his regime as railway minister and learnt administrative skills. So Nitishji or Laluji or anyone else, they could not have been able to do what every Bihari dreams.Elections are due this year and unfortunately we don’t have much option to choose from. Under these circumstances I won’t be surprised if we have a new CM in a hung asembly. At least at this point of time I am not hopeful of a stable govt lead by intellectuals with true vision, we have not mobilised and awakened yet to choose such a GOVT yet.
Nitishji or Laluji
Will they give tickets to educated people with clean image, vision and passion?
Do they have concrete plans and will to fulfill our dreams?
Do they have permanent solutions for our entire problem?
We need to think beyond Nitishji or Laluji and think about the GREAT BIHARI DREAM. We need to ask questions to our candidates and ask them what plans do they have to meet our expectations?
Eventually, we will have to get united, come up with ideas, raise voice and pressurize GOVT to ACT.
We need to Vote for a dreamer and visionary!
Being a dreamer (not politician), I have been working on a proposal for a canal on Bihar Nepal border and on Bihar soil. This can be done with or without cooperation from Nepal. I welcome you all to the Bihar Revival Forum.
Please read more @
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=117926088238557
http://www.facebook.com/l/ca4fc;revive-bihar.blogspot.com/
Forward these message to your friends and invite them to the forum!
Thank you
Amitabh Jha
BRF
June 1, 2010 at 10:59am
Subject: Nitishji Vs Laluji Vs Dream Bihar
(IT IS -BIHAR RIVAVAL FORUM IS A FEW WEEKS OLD GROUP, WANTED TO RAISE THEIR VOICE FOR BIHAR...GOOD WISHES)
Dear friends,
Is there anyone exists on mother earth that is not aware of the dark age of pre-Nitish regime?
BUT being satisfied by the work of Nitishji is sign of complacency.
Ladies and gentlemen, believe it or not, we have not get a leader so far with a true vision, passion and action plan for our dream Bihar.
What is a DREAM BIHAR?
A Bihar where in every village there will be non-stop electricity, fast internet, abundance of employment opportunities, quality hospital, school, public transports, roads and other amenities and infrastructure, industries and agriculture. Health, wealth and harmony for each and every individual!
Does that make sense?
Its real pity that even though people of Bihar provide absolute mandate to support a stable Govt (to Nitishji or Laluji), the govt fails to deliver. I believe that with such kind of support from people and with a strong will, vision and passion, wonders can be done in five years.
If we consider Somalia as baseline for the development, then lets close our eyes, take deep breaths, be contented have nice sleep and enjoy the quality life
we have! But if we dare to dream big for a DREAM BIHAR, then lest open our eyes!
I appreciated Nitishji for his initiatives in the beginning. But today most of the initiatives have not yielded into result.
Where is the permanent solution to floods?
Do we know that in the fifth year the IT policy published on the Govt website is still in draft version?
Source:
http://www.facebook.com/l/ca4fc;gov.bih.nic.in/ and http://www.facebook.com/l/ca4fc;gov.bih.nic.in/Documents/Draft_IT_Policy_2008.pdf
The rice produced during 2004 to 2008 is 15375.1 thousand tons. During 2000-2004 it was 21178.8 thousand tons. The same is true with other food grains.
Source: Reserve Bank of India
http://www.facebook.com/l/ca4fc;rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Publications/DOCs/23T_HB150909.xls
Do we care? Population is growing and food grains production is shrinking.
Where is the electricity? Where are the sugar industries and jute industries, leather industries, paper industries?
The life is a big teacher. Nitishji and Laluji had been close allies for years. Then Nitishji became railway minister and then CM. I am sure the responsibilities at central govt must have honed his administrative skills. Laluji first became CM and then railway minister. And he has done a fairly good job during his regime as railway minister and learnt administrative skills. So Nitishji or Laluji or anyone else, they could not have been able to do what every Bihari dreams.Elections are due this year and unfortunately we don’t have much option to choose from. Under these circumstances I won’t be surprised if we have a new CM in a hung asembly. At least at this point of time I am not hopeful of a stable govt lead by intellectuals with true vision, we have not mobilised and awakened yet to choose such a GOVT yet.
Nitishji or Laluji
Will they give tickets to educated people with clean image, vision and passion?
Do they have concrete plans and will to fulfill our dreams?
Do they have permanent solutions for our entire problem?
We need to think beyond Nitishji or Laluji and think about the GREAT BIHARI DREAM. We need to ask questions to our candidates and ask them what plans do they have to meet our expectations?
Eventually, we will have to get united, come up with ideas, raise voice and pressurize GOVT to ACT.
We need to Vote for a dreamer and visionary!
Being a dreamer (not politician), I have been working on a proposal for a canal on Bihar Nepal border and on Bihar soil. This can be done with or without cooperation from Nepal. I welcome you all to the Bihar Revival Forum.
Please read more @
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=117926088238557
http://www.facebook.com/l/ca4fc;revive-bihar.blogspot.com/
Forward these message to your friends and invite them to the forum!
Thank you
Amitabh Jha
BRF
Bihar becomes India’s fastest growing market for cement-1/6/10
Bihar becomes India’s fastest growing market for cement
Dhirendra Singh - June 1, 2010
PATLIPUTRA — Not long ago, columnist and commentator Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar, talked about how during Lalu-Rabri rule, anybody building a house promptly got a ransom note. Not any more. Remarkable improvement in law and order situation plus road and telecom expansion have incubated a boom in small business and domestic construction.
Cement sales in Bihar rode an extraordinary construction boom to grow at a record 36% in 2009-10, eclipsing the national average of 10% by a stretch. With the sectoral growth reaching more than three times the national average, Bihar has now become the fastest growing cement market in the country.
The recent data compiled by Cement Manufacturers of India, an umbrella body of nearly 50 companies, show that Bihar tops the cement consumption list for the country, with an annual growth rate of 36%. It also supports anecdotal evidence of a large number of bridges and other public works being constructed.
According to the State government’s figures, construction now contributes 13.4% of the state’s GDP compared with 4.2% in 2003-04.
Cement consumption is likely to increase further because of a large demand from the rural housing sector. This, in addition to the fact that Bihar is expected to make huge investments in infrastructure in the coming years. As per the estimates of the cement companies, the demand has grown to 6-6.5 million tonnes in 2009-10 from around 4.25 million tonnes in 2008-09.
The two states – Bihar and Uttar Pradesh – have helped cement companies to keep afloat in the market as there is sharp fall in demand in the southern and western regions of the country, which till now had been major revenue earners. South is one of the worst performing market in the country at present, with the demand in that market falling to 2% from 13% during the last year.
Cement companies are optimistic to substantially improve the consumption as they believe “Bihar’s per capita cement consumption is still very low at 53kg in 2009 compared to the national average of 155kg.”
Rahul Kumar, chief financial officer at Delhi-based Jaiprakash Associates Ltd, which claims a 12% market share in the state, the third biggest behind Lafarge and Swiss-based Holcim Ltd owned ACC Ltd said, “Industry estimates put Bihar growth at 36%, the fastest in the country, much ahead of Uttar Pradesh, which was the next fastest with 20% growth.”
K C Birla, senior executive president and CFO, UltraTech Cement, said, “The demand is very good from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. There is robust rural demand, demand from home builders and small businesses.”
The Bihar government’s economic survey for 2009-10 says that the construction sector registered 35.8 % growth rate. The sector grew by 23.3% in 2004-05, a huge 83.58% in 2005-06 and 30.2% in 2006-07. That ties in neatly with the rising cement off-take in the state.
In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Laveesh Bhandrai, CEO of Indicus Analytics, said: “The Bihar (growth) story is primarily that of the construction sector. It is not agriculture or manufacturing so much.”
The State’s development spending on construction related projects has zoomed from Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 16,000 crore per year. Most impressive has been the rise in road construction, from 384 kilometres in 2004-05 to 2,417 kilometres in 2008-09.
Though the figures have overwhelmed the aggressive players in the sector who are out to exploit the surge in demand of cement, the consumers in the State do not appear happy.
“The high demand has also resulted in increase in cement prices. Cement companies are minting money charging an ‘unfair’ price from the consumers in eastern states of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. A 50 kg bag costs Rs 285-330 in Bihar compared to Rs 180-275 in other parts of India,” says Harihar Pandey, a villager in Sheohar district.
The prices were hovering between Rs 250-Rs 260 last year, Pandey said, who added that the government needs to strive to keep a balance between the market forces of supply and demand as well as the need for speedy development of our State by keeping cement and steel prices controlled.
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Dhirendra Singh - June 1, 2010
PATLIPUTRA — Not long ago, columnist and commentator Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar, talked about how during Lalu-Rabri rule, anybody building a house promptly got a ransom note. Not any more. Remarkable improvement in law and order situation plus road and telecom expansion have incubated a boom in small business and domestic construction.
Cement sales in Bihar rode an extraordinary construction boom to grow at a record 36% in 2009-10, eclipsing the national average of 10% by a stretch. With the sectoral growth reaching more than three times the national average, Bihar has now become the fastest growing cement market in the country.
The recent data compiled by Cement Manufacturers of India, an umbrella body of nearly 50 companies, show that Bihar tops the cement consumption list for the country, with an annual growth rate of 36%. It also supports anecdotal evidence of a large number of bridges and other public works being constructed.
According to the State government’s figures, construction now contributes 13.4% of the state’s GDP compared with 4.2% in 2003-04.
Cement consumption is likely to increase further because of a large demand from the rural housing sector. This, in addition to the fact that Bihar is expected to make huge investments in infrastructure in the coming years. As per the estimates of the cement companies, the demand has grown to 6-6.5 million tonnes in 2009-10 from around 4.25 million tonnes in 2008-09.
The two states – Bihar and Uttar Pradesh – have helped cement companies to keep afloat in the market as there is sharp fall in demand in the southern and western regions of the country, which till now had been major revenue earners. South is one of the worst performing market in the country at present, with the demand in that market falling to 2% from 13% during the last year.
Cement companies are optimistic to substantially improve the consumption as they believe “Bihar’s per capita cement consumption is still very low at 53kg in 2009 compared to the national average of 155kg.”
Rahul Kumar, chief financial officer at Delhi-based Jaiprakash Associates Ltd, which claims a 12% market share in the state, the third biggest behind Lafarge and Swiss-based Holcim Ltd owned ACC Ltd said, “Industry estimates put Bihar growth at 36%, the fastest in the country, much ahead of Uttar Pradesh, which was the next fastest with 20% growth.”
K C Birla, senior executive president and CFO, UltraTech Cement, said, “The demand is very good from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. There is robust rural demand, demand from home builders and small businesses.”
The Bihar government’s economic survey for 2009-10 says that the construction sector registered 35.8 % growth rate. The sector grew by 23.3% in 2004-05, a huge 83.58% in 2005-06 and 30.2% in 2006-07. That ties in neatly with the rising cement off-take in the state.
In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Laveesh Bhandrai, CEO of Indicus Analytics, said: “The Bihar (growth) story is primarily that of the construction sector. It is not agriculture or manufacturing so much.”
The State’s development spending on construction related projects has zoomed from Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 16,000 crore per year. Most impressive has been the rise in road construction, from 384 kilometres in 2004-05 to 2,417 kilometres in 2008-09.
Though the figures have overwhelmed the aggressive players in the sector who are out to exploit the surge in demand of cement, the consumers in the State do not appear happy.
“The high demand has also resulted in increase in cement prices. Cement companies are minting money charging an ‘unfair’ price from the consumers in eastern states of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. A 50 kg bag costs Rs 285-330 in Bihar compared to Rs 180-275 in other parts of India,” says Harihar Pandey, a villager in Sheohar district.
The prices were hovering between Rs 250-Rs 260 last year, Pandey said, who added that the government needs to strive to keep a balance between the market forces of supply and demand as well as the need for speedy development of our State by keeping cement and steel prices controlled.
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