India Shining
Wednesday, 11. June 2008, 18:22:36
shero shayari
Sunday, 1. June 2008, 07:00:53
रहे जो उम्र भर अनपढ़ उसे विद्वान कहते हैं!
उड़ा दे माल जो घर का उसे मेहमान कहते हैं!
मिले जूतों की मालाएँ उसे सम्मान कहते हैं!
बना दे मर्द को जो औरत उसे विदवान कहते हैं!
बड़ी मेहनत से मेरी दुनिया लुटाई होगी!
मेरी मोह्हबत की हस्ती भी मिटाई होगी!
ला तेरे पैरों में लगा दूँ ज़रा मरहम,
दिल को ठोकर मारने में चोट आई होगी!
जानेमन तुने ये अपना क्या हाल बना रखा है,
सूखे सूखे होंठ बेरंग से नाखून,
लगता है मुझे, महंगाई का असर
लिपस्टिक- नैल्पोलिश पर भी पड़ा है!
बहारों के मंज़र बवंडर नज़र आते हैं!
गमों के नाले समंदर नज़र आते हैं!
बना कश्ती तुझे पार करता में ज़िन्दगी,
सपनों के महल अब खंडहर नज़र आते हैं!
उड़ा दे माल जो घर का उसे मेहमान कहते हैं!
मिले जूतों की मालाएँ उसे सम्मान कहते हैं!
बना दे मर्द को जो औरत उसे विदवान कहते हैं!
बड़ी मेहनत से मेरी दुनिया लुटाई होगी!
मेरी मोह्हबत की हस्ती भी मिटाई होगी!
ला तेरे पैरों में लगा दूँ ज़रा मरहम,
दिल को ठोकर मारने में चोट आई होगी!
जानेमन तुने ये अपना क्या हाल बना रखा है,
सूखे सूखे होंठ बेरंग से नाखून,
लगता है मुझे, महंगाई का असर
लिपस्टिक- नैल्पोलिश पर भी पड़ा है!
बहारों के मंज़र बवंडर नज़र आते हैं!
गमों के नाले समंदर नज़र आते हैं!
बना कश्ती तुझे पार करता में ज़िन्दगी,
सपनों के महल अब खंडहर नज़र आते हैं!
PSLV Successfully Launches Ten Satellites
Tuesday, 20. May 2008, 06:03:21
In its thirteenth flight conducted from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, on April 28, 2008, ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C9, successfully launched the 690 kg Indian remote sensing satellite CARTOSAT-2A, the 83 kg Indian Mini Satellite (IMS-1) and eight nanosatellites for international customers into a 637 km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO). PSLV-C9 in its ‘core alone’ configuration launched ten satellites with a total weight of about 820 kg.
After the final count down, PSLV-C9 lifted off from the second launch pad at SDSC SHAR, at 09:24 Hrs IST with the ignition of the core first stage. The important flight events included the separation of the first stage, ignition of the second stage, separation of the heatshield at about 125 km altitude after the vehicle had cleared the dense atmosphere, second stage separation, third stage ignition, third stage separation, fourth stage ignition and fourth stage cut-off.
The 690 kg main payload, CARTOSAT-2A, was the first satellite to be injected into orbit at 885 seconds after lift-off at an altitude of 637 km. About 45 seconds later, Indian Mini Satellite (IMS-1) was separated after which all the nano satellites were separated in sequence. The initial signals indicate normal health of the satellites.
CARTOSAT-2A
CARTOSAT-2A is a state-of-the art remote sensing satellite with a spatial resolution of about one metre and swath of 9.6 km. The satellite carries a panchromatic camera (PAN) capable of taking black-and-white pictures in the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum. The highly agile CARTOSAT-2A is steerable along as well as across the direction of its movement to facilitate imaging of any area more frequently.
Soon after separation from PSLV fourth stage, the two solar panels of CARTOSAT-2A were automatically deployed. The satellite’s health is continuously monitored from the Spacecraft Control Centre at Bangalore with the help of ISTRAC network of stations at Bangalore, Lucknow, Mauritius, Bearslake in Russia, Biak in Indonesia and Svalbard in Norway.
High-resolution data from CARTOSAT-2A will be invaluable in urban and rural development applications calling for large scale mapping.
Indian Mini Satellite (IMS -1)
Indian Mini Satellite (IMS-1), flown as an auxiliary payload on board PSLV-C9, is developed by ISRO for remote sensing applications. Weighing 83 Kg at lift-off, IMS-1 incorporates many new technologies and has miniaturised subsystems. IMS-1 carries two remote sensing payloads - A Multi-spectral camera (Mx Payload) and a Hyper-spectral camera (HySI Payload), operating in the visible and near infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The spatial resolution of Mx camera is 37 metre with a swath of 151 km while that of HySI is about 506 metre with a swath of about 130 km. The data from this mission will be made available to interested space agencies and student community from developing countries to provide necessary impetus to capacity building in using satellite data. The versatile IMS-1 has been specifically developed to carry different payloads in future without significant changes in it and has a design life time of two years.
Nano Satellites for International Customers
Eight Nanosatellites from abroad are carried as auxiliary payloads besides IMS-1 as well as CARTOSAT-2A. The total weight of these Nanosatellite payloads is about 50 Kg. Six of the eight Nanosatellites are clustered together with the collective name NLS-4. The other two nanosatellites are NLS-5 AND RUBIN-8. NLS-4, developed by University of Toronto, Canada consists of six nano-satellites developed by various universities. Two of them - CUTE 1.7 and SEEDS - are built in Japan, while the other four - CAN-X2, AAUSAT-II, COMPASS-1 and DELPHI-C3 are built in Canada, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands respectively. NLS-5 is also built by University of Toronto and RUBIN-8 is built by Cosmos International, Germany. The eight nanosatellite payloads of PSLV-C9 are built to develop nano technologies for use in satellites as well as for the development of technologies for satellite applications.
In its twelve consecutively successful flights so far, PSLV has repeatedly proved itself as a reliable and versatile workhorse launch vehicle. It has demonstrated multiple satellite launch capability having launched a total of sixteen satellites for international customers besides thirteen Indian payloads which are for remote sensing, amateur radio communications and Space capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-1). PSLV was used to launch ISRO’s exclusive meteorological satellite, KALPANA-1, into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) in September 2002 and thus proved its versatility. The same vehicle will be used to launch Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, India’s first mission to Moon during this year.
After the final count down, PSLV-C9 lifted off from the second launch pad at SDSC SHAR, at 09:24 Hrs IST with the ignition of the core first stage. The important flight events included the separation of the first stage, ignition of the second stage, separation of the heatshield at about 125 km altitude after the vehicle had cleared the dense atmosphere, second stage separation, third stage ignition, third stage separation, fourth stage ignition and fourth stage cut-off. The 690 kg main payload, CARTOSAT-2A, was the first satellite to be injected into orbit at 885 seconds after lift-off at an altitude of 637 km. About 45 seconds later, Indian Mini Satellite (IMS-1) was separated after which all the nano satellites were separated in sequence. The initial signals indicate normal health of the satellites.
CARTOSAT-2A
CARTOSAT-2A is a state-of-the art remote sensing satellite with a spatial resolution of about one metre and swath of 9.6 km. The satellite carries a panchromatic camera (PAN) capable of taking black-and-white pictures in the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum. The highly agile CARTOSAT-2A is steerable along as well as across the direction of its movement to facilitate imaging of any area more frequently.
Soon after separation from PSLV fourth stage, the two solar panels of CARTOSAT-2A were automatically deployed. The satellite’s health is continuously monitored from the Spacecraft Control Centre at Bangalore with the help of ISTRAC network of stations at Bangalore, Lucknow, Mauritius, Bearslake in Russia, Biak in Indonesia and Svalbard in Norway. High-resolution data from CARTOSAT-2A will be invaluable in urban and rural development applications calling for large scale mapping.
Indian Mini Satellite (IMS -1)
Indian Mini Satellite (IMS-1), flown as an auxiliary payload on board PSLV-C9, is developed by ISRO for remote sensing applications. Weighing 83 Kg at lift-off, IMS-1 incorporates many new technologies and has miniaturised subsystems. IMS-1 carries two remote sensing payloads - A Multi-spectral camera (Mx Payload) and a Hyper-spectral camera (HySI Payload), operating in the visible and near infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The spatial resolution of Mx camera is 37 metre with a swath of 151 km while that of HySI is about 506 metre with a swath of about 130 km. The data from this mission will be made available to interested space agencies and student community from developing countries to provide necessary impetus to capacity building in using satellite data. The versatile IMS-1 has been specifically developed to carry different payloads in future without significant changes in it and has a design life time of two years.
Nano Satellites for International Customers
Eight Nanosatellites from abroad are carried as auxiliary payloads besides IMS-1 as well as CARTOSAT-2A. The total weight of these Nanosatellite payloads is about 50 Kg. Six of the eight Nanosatellites are clustered together with the collective name NLS-4. The other two nanosatellites are NLS-5 AND RUBIN-8. NLS-4, developed by University of Toronto, Canada consists of six nano-satellites developed by various universities. Two of them - CUTE 1.7 and SEEDS - are built in Japan, while the other four - CAN-X2, AAUSAT-II, COMPASS-1 and DELPHI-C3 are built in Canada, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands respectively. NLS-5 is also built by University of Toronto and RUBIN-8 is built by Cosmos International, Germany. The eight nanosatellite payloads of PSLV-C9 are built to develop nano technologies for use in satellites as well as for the development of technologies for satellite applications.
In its twelve consecutively successful flights so far, PSLV has repeatedly proved itself as a reliable and versatile workhorse launch vehicle. It has demonstrated multiple satellite launch capability having launched a total of sixteen satellites for international customers besides thirteen Indian payloads which are for remote sensing, amateur radio communications and Space capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-1). PSLV was used to launch ISRO’s exclusive meteorological satellite, KALPANA-1, into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) in September 2002 and thus proved its versatility. The same vehicle will be used to launch Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, India’s first mission to Moon during this year.
The Serpent has been caught
Monday, 12. May 2008, 19:19:06
Serial killer, thief. Born on April 6, 1944, in Saigon, Vietnam. Charles Sobhraj(a french serial killer of indian and vietnemese origin) was first called the “Bikini Killer” after the swimsuit one of his victims was wearing when she was discovered. He then earned the nickname “the Serpent” for his numerous escapes from jail. The son of an Indian father and a Vietnamese mother, Sobhraj spent part of his childhood on the rough streets of Saigon and was shuttled back and forth between his parents. His mother later had another child and married a soldier in the French Army who initially rejected Sobhraj.In 1962, Sobhraj served time for stealing a car in France. After his release, he married and had a daughter, but later abandoned his family. Sobhraj eventually linked up with Marie-Andrée Leclerc who became his mistress and accomplice. During the 1970s, he befriended mostly western tourists in Asia, drugging and killing them. According to The New York Times, it is believed that he killed between 12 to 24 people from 1972 to 1976.
Charles Sobhraj is a household name on the Indian subcontinent. Parents warn their kids that Sobhraj will eat them if they are unruly. His reputation is deservedly brutal.
Charles Sobhraj spent more than twenty years on the road across Asia befriending backpackers, drugs-smugglers, diplomats and businessmen, then allegedly drugging, robbing and finally strangling or burning his acquaintances. The sixty year old has been on the run from police in Hong Kong, Thailand, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece and France.
In South Asia, Sobhraj has long been known as the “Serpent’ for his mastery of disguise, his multiple identities and his ability to persuade people to assist him with his alleged killings. With the help of several female assistants, Sobhraj allegedly poisoned his victims and then pretended to help them recuperate, while administering more poison.
But by the late 1970s Interpol and numerous police forces across Asia were on the look out. French woman Stephanie Parry and American Teresa Knowlton had been found in shallow graves on beaches near Pattaya, Thailand’s notorious red-light beach resort. The police took months to connect the decomposed bodies to a mysterious gemstone dealer in Bangkok. By the time the local authorities were alerted by a number of suspicious embassies in Bangkok that Sobhraj was using false papers, Sobhraj had allegedly paid off the Thai police and fled the country. He admitted these and other murders to a journalist Richard Neville in 1977, which were published in the bestseller 'The Life and Crimes of Charles Sobhraj.'
The Thais charged Charles Sobhraj with five murders. Autopsies after exhumation revealed one of the girls in Pattaya had been drowned, the other strangled. Charles Sobhraj was also charged with the murder of a Turkish man, the boyfriend of one of the girls, who had been burned alive. With evidence provided by several embassies, the Thais also investigated Charles Sobhraj for the murder of two Dutch tourists – Sobhraj had used the Dutch man’s passport to escape to Nepal. The Dutch couple, who had been staying in Sobhraj’s apartment in Central Bangkok, had been kept prisoner, drugged, beaten, strangled and burned to death. They were found in a ditch near the capital. Charles Sobhraj was eventually convicted for two murders in Thailand in 1976, which earned him the name ‘Bikini Killer’, but he was caught for these crimes.
The world closed in on Charles Sobhraj i n 1976, when he poisoned a group of French students, as part of an elaborate gem scam at the Vikram Hotel in Delhi. For once, Sobhraj got it wrong and miscalculated the dose for the students who became immediately and violently sick. Some of his victims realised they were being drugged, wrestled Mr Sobhraj to the ground and held on to him until he was arrested by Indian police. This time there was no getting away. Charles Sobhraj went to court in Delhi.
By 1977, Thailand had issued a murder warrant for Charles Sobhraj. Nepalese authorities wanted to interview him about the two backpacker-killings (though he was not charged in Nepal until 1986). The French wanted nothing to do with him, as he had been exiled many years before.
The Indians charged him with murder, for killing Jean-Luc Solomon, a backpacker he had allegedly poisoned. In 1977 a court in Delhi found Charles Sobhraj guilty of administering drugs with intent to rob, causing hurt to commit robbery and the Indian equivalent to manslaughter -- culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Charles Sobhraj was sentenced to seven years for the manslaughter and an additional five years for poisoning. He was sent to the notorious Tihar Jail in Delhi, which he soon ran like a company, controlling business within the prison walls, paying off guards and enjoying freedoms no other prisoner could hope to attain. In 1986, just prior to his release, he escaped by drugging guards and prisoners alike at his birthday party. A few weeks later he was recaptured in Goa with a weapon. Charles Sobhraj was keen to avoid extradition to Thailand where he would have faced the death penalty.
In 1997, after numerous hunger-strikes, escapes and recaptures and twenty years behind bars in India, Sobhraj was released and returned to France where he embarked on an apparently profitable career as a killer celebrity, signing film deals on his life.
In late September 2003, the Himalayan Times, a Nepali daily, reported that Sobhraj was in Kathmandu. Shortly after, Deputy Superintendent Ganesh K.C. arrested Sobhraj at the Royal Casino. Old files were dusted off and the case of the backpacker murders was reopened.
Charles Sobhraj has served his time in India, is no longer wanted in Thailand, but has now been convicted for murder in Nepal. He received a life imprisonment on 12th August 2004. His appeal in 2005 failed. But the illustrious career of Charles Sobhraj may not have come to an end yet. While he is not currently wanted anywhere else, the Dutch embassy in Malaysia has mentioned his name in connection with the disappearance of a Dutch citizen in early 2003. Escape seems to be the serial killer’s only hope to taste freedom again.
Fact File: TURKEY(Indian Perspective)
Friday, 18. April 2008, 07:05:41
Addresses/ Contact details of the Indian Mission
Embassy of India, Ankara
Address - 77A, Cinnah Caddesi,
Cankaya, 06680,
Ankara,
Turkey
Phone – 0090-312- 4382195-98 (4 lines)
Fax - 0090-312-4403429, 4399323
E-mails –
chancery@indembassy.org.tr
counsellor@indembassy.org.tr(Commerce wing)
Website – www.indembassy.org.tr
BASIC FACTS ABOUT COUNTRY
Republic of Turkey
Capital - Ankara
Names of Provinces & Provincial Capitals: Turkey has 81 provinces with the same names as their headquarter cities. These are: Adana, Adiyaman, Afyon, Agri, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalaya, Ardahan, Artvin, Aydin, Balikesir, Bartin, Batman, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bingol, Bitlis, Bolu, Burdur, Bursa, Canakkale, Cankiri, Corum, Denizli, Diyarbakir, Duzce, Edrine, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir, Gaziantep, Giresun, Gumushane, Hakkari, Hatay, Igdir, Isparta, Istanbul, Izmir, Kahramanmaras, Karabuk, Karaman, Kars, Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kirikkale, Kirklareli, Kirsehir, Kilis, Kocaeli, Konya, Kutahya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Mersin, Mugla, Mus, Nevsehir, Nigde, Ordu, Osmaniye, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Siirt, Sinop, Sivas, Sanliurfa, Sirnak, Tekirdag, Tokat, Trabzon, Tunceli, Usak, Van, Yalova, Yozgat, Zonguldak.
Population: 67.9 million (2000 census)
Currency/Exchange rate: US$1 = Turkish Lira 1.2965 ( April 2008)
Languages spoken : Turkish
Latitude/Longitude : 26-45E, 36-42N
Time:
(-) 3.5 hrs IST from October-March
(-) 2.5 hrs IST from April-September
Official Website Links to HOG: www.basbakanlik.gov.tr
HOS: www.cankaya.gov.tr
Foreign Ministry: www.mfa.gov.tr
Ministry of Foreign Trade: www.foreigntrade.gov.tr
Name, address and contact details of country’s central bank: Central Bank of Turkey (TCMB), I stiklal Cad. 10 Ulus, 06100 Ankara, Türkiye, Tel : 0090 (312) 3103646
Basic foreign, international trade polices: Turkey seeks membership of the European Union which is central to its West-oriented foreign policy. Relationship with neighbouring countries and with the Middle-East, Balkans and the Central Asian/Caucasus countries is another priority area. Economic liberalization was initiated in 1981. Turkey follows liberalized economic policy.
Membership of major multilateral and regional organizations: NATO, OIC, D-8,
BSEC, EU Customs Union, OECD, ECO.
Major industries, global companies: Major industrial houses including Koc, Sabanci, Dogan etc. Numerous multinational companies functioning in Turkey
Significant economic activities : Textiles & garments, construction, tourism, leather, food processing, automobile, mining, agriculture etc.
Global Trade and Investment : Large adverse balance of trade despite high export growth (nearly 60% trade with OECD countries) b .
Total imports into Turkey, with major exporting countries : 51.5 bn (2002), $ 69.3 billion (2003); $97.1billion (2004); $ 116.77 bn (2005); $ 125.29 bn (Jan-Nov. 2006) Russian Federation, Germany, China, Italy, the USA, Iran, UK, Switzerland and Spain.
Total exports from Turkey, with major destinations of exports : $ 47.2 billion (2003); $62.7 billion (2004); $ 73.4 bn (2005); $ 76.56 bn (Jan-Nov. 2006). Germany, UK, Italy, France, USA, Spain, Netherlands, Iraq, Russia, Greece, Romania, etc.
Investments in Turkey:
Turkey is an attractive country for global investors. Turkey has a large dynamic market with a relatively high quality labour force and economic location advantages with easy access to regional markets. The foreign direct investment in Turkey in 2004 was $ 2.847 billion. Direct foreign capital inflow into Turkey in 2005 reached $9.8 billion. In the first eleven months of 2006, the FDI rose $ 18.135 billion. OECD has put Turkey’s potential as US$ 20 billion. The main beneficiaries of FDI have been hotel, tourism and leisure, textile and auto components sectors and the main sources of investment are USA, UK and Germany. Turkey, which held steady as the 35th country for foreign capital in 2004, jumped 11 spots to 22nd place.
Major Scientific Institutions/Universities:
Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Organisation (TUBITAK)
Ataturk Bul. 221, Kavaklidere, Ankara,
Tel: 0312 4261381
Fax: 0312-4672988,
URL: www.tubitak.gov.tr
Important Think Tanks on Foreign Policy related issues: Turkish Foreign Policy Institute, Bilkent University, Eastern Campus, Bilkent, Ankara. Tel: 0312-2662869/70, Fax 0312-2662871.
Web: www.foreignpolicy.org.tr
Centre for Eurasian Strategic Studies (ASAM), Konrad Adenauer Cad. 61, Yildiz, Ankara. Tel: 0312- 4916070, Fax: 0312-4916099, Web: www.avsam.org
Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV), Bankalar Cad. No 2, K3, 34420, Karakoy, Istanbul, Tel: 0212-2928903, Fax: 0212-2929046. Web: www.tesev.org.tr
Centre for Advanced Strategy, Kuleli Sok. No. 44/2, GOP Ankara. Tel: 0312-4375672, Fax: 4375673.
Web: www.yuksekstrateji.org
Major Tourist attractions: The country is full of Hittite, Hellenistic and Roman period architectural monuments. Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir and Bodrum are among many major tourist destinations.
Major art forms/ cultural traditions and venues/ museums:
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara
Ethnographical Museum, Ankara
Museum of Natural History, Ankara
St. Sophia Museum (Aya Sophia), Istanbul
Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul
Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Istanbul
INDIA-TURKEY RELATIONS
During the Turkish War of Independence, the people of India contributed funds for the Turkish cause – which was partly used to train and assist the Turkish Army and partly for establishing the first Turkish bank (Isbank). Diplomatic relations between India and Turkey were established in 1948.
Political Relations : Bilateral relations are characterized by warmth and cordiality. The two countries share common values including commitment to secularism and democratic principles. Indian economic progress and technological advancement have been instrumental in recent upsurge in interest towards India in Turkey.
Important Bilateral Treaties and Agreements: Bilateral Trade Agreement (1973), Agreement to set up the Joint Economic Commission at Ministerial Level (1983), Civil Aviation Agreement (1986), Doubel Taxation Avoidance Agreement & Agreement on Tourism Cooperation (1995), Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (1998), Agreement on Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (1998), MOU between CSIR and Turkish S&T Research Institute (TUBITAK) (1998), MOU between National Centre of Trade Promotion and Export Promotion Centre of Turkey on exchange of Trade Information (1998), MOU on the Establishment of a Political Consultation Mechanism between MEA and Turkish MFA (2000), MOU on Cooperation in Agriculture (2000), MOU on Cooperation in the Railway Sector (2000), Extradition Treaty (2001), Agreement on Tourism Cooperation (2002), MOU on Bilateral Air Services Agreement (2003), Agreement for Cooperation in S&T (2003), Protocol on Cooperation in IT and Computer Software (2003), Protocol for setting up a JWG on Combating Terrorism (2003), MOU for Cooperation in the Field of Oil & Natural Gas (2005).
Bilateral visits – Maulana Azad, as Minister of Education, was the first Indian dignitary to visit Turkey in 1951. The visit of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in 1960 was the first Prime Ministerial visit. Visits of Prime Minister Turgut Ozal to India in 1986 and Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to Turkey in 1988 ushered in intensive interaction. This was followed by the visits of Turkish President General Kenan Evren (1989), Indian President Shankar Dayal Sharma (1993), Turkish President Suleyman Demirel (1995), President K.R. Narayanan (1998), Vice-President Krishan Kant (1998) and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2003).
Commercial and Economic Relations: Institutional arrangement in terms of Joint Economic Commission and Joint Business Council exists.
India-Turkey Bilateral Trade (in US$ million)
2002 2003 2004 2005 Jan-Nov, 06
India’s Export 564.0 718.8 1043 1,274.4 1423.73
Turkey’s export 69.5 71.4 136 219.8 205.08
Total 633.5 790.2 1179 1494.2 1628.81
Target of US$ 1 billion by 2005 was achieved one year in advance.
Indian Investment: An Indian company Polyplex set up a polyplex film manufacturing factory in Çhorlu, Turkey in 2005 with a total capital investment of US $ 60 million. The production from the factory planned to be utilized mostly for exporting to West European countries and partly to Turkish market.
TATA Motors have an existing tie-up with Mesin Limited of Isotlar Group for marketing and after sale service for TATA vehicles in Turkey. For past few years, they have been selling TATA Pickup vehicles in Turkey. In February 2005, TATA Motors launched their Passenger Vehicles in Turkey. This included TATA Indica and TATA Indigo models.
TATA Motors has started an Assembly Unit in Adana for assembly of TATA Trucks primarily for export to Middle East.
Major Indian projects undertaken and other ongoing Indian projects:
IRCON undertook railway projects in nineties. Kalpataru, in association with Barmek, a Turkish company, undertook electricity transmission projects in Turkey in 2003. Punj Lloyd, in association with LIMAK, a Turkish construction company, constructed a segment of the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline. Two Turkish companies, LIMAK and STFA are building highway segments in India. S&T Relations, cooperation in other fields such as Railways, Space, IT, Biotechnology, Infrastructure, Mining : MOU between CSIR and TUBITAK, MOU between NCTP and IGEME, MOU for agricultural cooperation, Agreement on cooperation in S&T, Protocol on cooperation in IT, MOU on Cooperation in Oil & Natural Gas.
Chairs in Universities on Indian Studies: Ankara University and Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi; and Viswa Bharti University (Santiniketan) and Boazi ci University (Istanbul) have entered into MoU for cooperation in 2000. Under the auspices of ICCR, since 1995 an Indian professor in Hindi language has been attached on deputation with the Department of Indology in Ankara University. Two Turkish language professors have been sent to JNU and Jamia Milia Islamia University to teach Turkish.
ITEC Assistance and programmes: 50 ITEC scholarships annually were announced for Turkish professionals during the visit of Prime Minister Vajpayee in Septebember 2003. In the past 3 years, there has been 100% utilization.
Details of Indian credit Lines / Official Assistance: Nil
Cultural Troupes From India:
Rajasthan Folk Dance Group from 25th January to 31st January, 2000 – ICCR.
Visit of 10 member “Karagam Dummy Horse Folk Dance Group” led by Mr. Nadirao Raju Rao, from 22-24th October, 2000 – ICCR.
Visit of 13-member “Avishkar” (folk dance group from Gujarat) led by Kalpesh Babubhai Dalal from 22-27 January, 2001 – ICCR.
Visit of 11-member UP Folk Dance Group led by Ms. Ruchi Anurag Telang from 29th September to 5th October, 2001 – ICCR.
Visit of 5-member Bharatnatyam Dance troupe led by Ms. Meenakshi Chitharanjan from 3-5 February, 2003 – ICCR.
Visit of 8-member Sufiana Kathak Dance Group led by Ms. Vaishali Trivedi from 20-23 August, 2003.
Visit of four-member Bharatnatyam Dance Troupe led by Dr. Ragini
Chandrasekhar and three-member music troupe led by Santoor Player Shri O.P. Chaurasia in September, 2003 – ICCR.
Visit of 15-member Bhangra/Giddha Dance Troupe led by Mr. Ashwini Kumar from 18-23 April, 2004 –ICCR.
Visit of a Kuchipudi Folklore Dance Group in June 2005.
From Turkey: A group of whirling Dervishes participated in Jahan-e-Khusro festival in India in February 2003 and 2004.
Student Exchange Programmes: Under the Cultural Exchange Programme, 4
scholarships are granted each year to Turkish students from Masters degree and
research and two scholarships for learning Hindi in India.
Any Sister City relations with India: None
Important streets, public places named after Indian leaders: Mahatma Gandhi Street, Rajiv Gandhi Street and Rabindranath Tagore Street, all in Ankara.
Types of visas issued (by Turkish Embassy in New Delhi), and visa details for officials, students, business people, tourists, etc. from India.
a) Single entry / double transit: Rs. 1730/-
b) Single transit: Rs. 1260/-
c) Double transit: Rs.2510/-
d) Multiple entry: Rs. 4200/- (1 year) & Rs.5620/- (2-5 year)
e) Work visa (one year): Rs. 4200/-
f) Work visa (2-5 years): Rs. 5620/-
g) The Interior Ministry charges YTL 200 for six months work cum residence permit and also YTL 60 for the booklet.
Air links with India / Convenient Travel Routes: Direct flights operated by Turkish Airlines between Istanbul and New Delhi thrice a week (Monday, Thursday and Saturday from Turkey) and between Istanbul and Mumbai thrice a week (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday). Other connections are through Dubai.
Indian Banks: State Bank of India opened its Representative Office in Istanbul in 2006.
Addresses of branch offices of other Indian Government and Public Sector
organizations, Chambers of Commerce, etc.: Nil.
Name, Address and contact details of Indian Culture Centres: None
Links to local organizations dealing with India: Websites of TOBB (Union of Chambers & Commodity Exchanges of Turkey) and Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) of TOBB given below:-
http://www.tobb.org.tr http://www.deik.tr
Estimated NRI/PIO population: Nearly 100 Indian Nationals, mostly in Istanbul
working in commercial organizations, banks and computer firms.
Important NRI/PIO Associations and their contact details: Friends of India
Association, Istanbul.
Major Indian ethnic papers / TV channels with contact details: None
NRI/PIOs holding significant public offices: None.
***
February, 2007
Source:www.meaindia.nic.in/foreignrelation/turkey.pdf
Embassy of India, AnkaraAddress - 77A, Cinnah Caddesi,
Cankaya, 06680,
Ankara,
Turkey
Phone – 0090-312- 4382195-98 (4 lines)
Fax - 0090-312-4403429, 4399323
E-mails –
chancery@indembassy.org.tr
counsellor@indembassy.org.tr(Commerce wing)
Website – www.indembassy.org.tr
BASIC FACTS ABOUT COUNTRY
Republic of Turkey
Capital - Ankara
Names of Provinces & Provincial Capitals: Turkey has 81 provinces with the same names as their headquarter cities. These are: Adana, Adiyaman, Afyon, Agri, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalaya, Ardahan, Artvin, Aydin, Balikesir, Bartin, Batman, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bingol, Bitlis, Bolu, Burdur, Bursa, Canakkale, Cankiri, Corum, Denizli, Diyarbakir, Duzce, Edrine, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir, Gaziantep, Giresun, Gumushane, Hakkari, Hatay, Igdir, Isparta, Istanbul, Izmir, Kahramanmaras, Karabuk, Karaman, Kars, Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kirikkale, Kirklareli, Kirsehir, Kilis, Kocaeli, Konya, Kutahya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Mersin, Mugla, Mus, Nevsehir, Nigde, Ordu, Osmaniye, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Siirt, Sinop, Sivas, Sanliurfa, Sirnak, Tekirdag, Tokat, Trabzon, Tunceli, Usak, Van, Yalova, Yozgat, Zonguldak.
Population: 67.9 million (2000 census)
Currency/Exchange rate: US$1 = Turkish Lira 1.2965 ( April 2008)
Languages spoken : Turkish
Latitude/Longitude : 26-45E, 36-42N
Time:
(-) 3.5 hrs IST from October-March
(-) 2.5 hrs IST from April-September
Official Website Links to HOG: www.basbakanlik.gov.tr
HOS: www.cankaya.gov.tr
Foreign Ministry: www.mfa.gov.tr
Ministry of Foreign Trade: www.foreigntrade.gov.tr
Name, address and contact details of country’s central bank: Central Bank of Turkey (TCMB), I stiklal Cad. 10 Ulus, 06100 Ankara, Türkiye, Tel : 0090 (312) 3103646
Basic foreign, international trade polices: Turkey seeks membership of the European Union which is central to its West-oriented foreign policy. Relationship with neighbouring countries and with the Middle-East, Balkans and the Central Asian/Caucasus countries is another priority area. Economic liberalization was initiated in 1981. Turkey follows liberalized economic policy.
Membership of major multilateral and regional organizations: NATO, OIC, D-8,
BSEC, EU Customs Union, OECD, ECO.
Major industries, global companies: Major industrial houses including Koc, Sabanci, Dogan etc. Numerous multinational companies functioning in Turkey
Significant economic activities : Textiles & garments, construction, tourism, leather, food processing, automobile, mining, agriculture etc.
Global Trade and Investment : Large adverse balance of trade despite high export growth (nearly 60% trade with OECD countries) b .
Total imports into Turkey, with major exporting countries : 51.5 bn (2002), $ 69.3 billion (2003); $97.1billion (2004); $ 116.77 bn (2005); $ 125.29 bn (Jan-Nov. 2006) Russian Federation, Germany, China, Italy, the USA, Iran, UK, Switzerland and Spain.
Total exports from Turkey, with major destinations of exports : $ 47.2 billion (2003); $62.7 billion (2004); $ 73.4 bn (2005); $ 76.56 bn (Jan-Nov. 2006). Germany, UK, Italy, France, USA, Spain, Netherlands, Iraq, Russia, Greece, Romania, etc.
Investments in Turkey:
Turkey is an attractive country for global investors. Turkey has a large dynamic market with a relatively high quality labour force and economic location advantages with easy access to regional markets. The foreign direct investment in Turkey in 2004 was $ 2.847 billion. Direct foreign capital inflow into Turkey in 2005 reached $9.8 billion. In the first eleven months of 2006, the FDI rose $ 18.135 billion. OECD has put Turkey’s potential as US$ 20 billion. The main beneficiaries of FDI have been hotel, tourism and leisure, textile and auto components sectors and the main sources of investment are USA, UK and Germany. Turkey, which held steady as the 35th country for foreign capital in 2004, jumped 11 spots to 22nd place.
Major Scientific Institutions/Universities:
Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Organisation (TUBITAK)
Ataturk Bul. 221, Kavaklidere, Ankara,
Tel: 0312 4261381
Fax: 0312-4672988,
URL: www.tubitak.gov.tr
Important Think Tanks on Foreign Policy related issues: Turkish Foreign Policy Institute, Bilkent University, Eastern Campus, Bilkent, Ankara. Tel: 0312-2662869/70, Fax 0312-2662871.
Web: www.foreignpolicy.org.tr
Centre for Eurasian Strategic Studies (ASAM), Konrad Adenauer Cad. 61, Yildiz, Ankara. Tel: 0312- 4916070, Fax: 0312-4916099, Web: www.avsam.org
Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV), Bankalar Cad. No 2, K3, 34420, Karakoy, Istanbul, Tel: 0212-2928903, Fax: 0212-2929046. Web: www.tesev.org.tr
Centre for Advanced Strategy, Kuleli Sok. No. 44/2, GOP Ankara. Tel: 0312-4375672, Fax: 4375673.
Web: www.yuksekstrateji.org
Major Tourist attractions: The country is full of Hittite, Hellenistic and Roman period architectural monuments. Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir and Bodrum are among many major tourist destinations.
Major art forms/ cultural traditions and venues/ museums:
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara
Ethnographical Museum, Ankara
Museum of Natural History, Ankara
St. Sophia Museum (Aya Sophia), Istanbul
Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul
Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Istanbul
INDIA-TURKEY RELATIONS
During the Turkish War of Independence, the people of India contributed funds for the Turkish cause – which was partly used to train and assist the Turkish Army and partly for establishing the first Turkish bank (Isbank). Diplomatic relations between India and Turkey were established in 1948.
Political Relations : Bilateral relations are characterized by warmth and cordiality. The two countries share common values including commitment to secularism and democratic principles. Indian economic progress and technological advancement have been instrumental in recent upsurge in interest towards India in Turkey.
Important Bilateral Treaties and Agreements: Bilateral Trade Agreement (1973), Agreement to set up the Joint Economic Commission at Ministerial Level (1983), Civil Aviation Agreement (1986), Doubel Taxation Avoidance Agreement & Agreement on Tourism Cooperation (1995), Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (1998), Agreement on Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (1998), MOU between CSIR and Turkish S&T Research Institute (TUBITAK) (1998), MOU between National Centre of Trade Promotion and Export Promotion Centre of Turkey on exchange of Trade Information (1998), MOU on the Establishment of a Political Consultation Mechanism between MEA and Turkish MFA (2000), MOU on Cooperation in Agriculture (2000), MOU on Cooperation in the Railway Sector (2000), Extradition Treaty (2001), Agreement on Tourism Cooperation (2002), MOU on Bilateral Air Services Agreement (2003), Agreement for Cooperation in S&T (2003), Protocol on Cooperation in IT and Computer Software (2003), Protocol for setting up a JWG on Combating Terrorism (2003), MOU for Cooperation in the Field of Oil & Natural Gas (2005).
Bilateral visits – Maulana Azad, as Minister of Education, was the first Indian dignitary to visit Turkey in 1951. The visit of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in 1960 was the first Prime Ministerial visit. Visits of Prime Minister Turgut Ozal to India in 1986 and Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to Turkey in 1988 ushered in intensive interaction. This was followed by the visits of Turkish President General Kenan Evren (1989), Indian President Shankar Dayal Sharma (1993), Turkish President Suleyman Demirel (1995), President K.R. Narayanan (1998), Vice-President Krishan Kant (1998) and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2003).
Commercial and Economic Relations: Institutional arrangement in terms of Joint Economic Commission and Joint Business Council exists.
India-Turkey Bilateral Trade (in US$ million)
2002 2003 2004 2005 Jan-Nov, 06
India’s Export 564.0 718.8 1043 1,274.4 1423.73
Turkey’s export 69.5 71.4 136 219.8 205.08
Total 633.5 790.2 1179 1494.2 1628.81
Target of US$ 1 billion by 2005 was achieved one year in advance.
Indian Investment: An Indian company Polyplex set up a polyplex film manufacturing factory in Çhorlu, Turkey in 2005 with a total capital investment of US $ 60 million. The production from the factory planned to be utilized mostly for exporting to West European countries and partly to Turkish market.
TATA Motors have an existing tie-up with Mesin Limited of Isotlar Group for marketing and after sale service for TATA vehicles in Turkey. For past few years, they have been selling TATA Pickup vehicles in Turkey. In February 2005, TATA Motors launched their Passenger Vehicles in Turkey. This included TATA Indica and TATA Indigo models.
TATA Motors has started an Assembly Unit in Adana for assembly of TATA Trucks primarily for export to Middle East.
Major Indian projects undertaken and other ongoing Indian projects:
IRCON undertook railway projects in nineties. Kalpataru, in association with Barmek, a Turkish company, undertook electricity transmission projects in Turkey in 2003. Punj Lloyd, in association with LIMAK, a Turkish construction company, constructed a segment of the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline. Two Turkish companies, LIMAK and STFA are building highway segments in India. S&T Relations, cooperation in other fields such as Railways, Space, IT, Biotechnology, Infrastructure, Mining : MOU between CSIR and TUBITAK, MOU between NCTP and IGEME, MOU for agricultural cooperation, Agreement on cooperation in S&T, Protocol on cooperation in IT, MOU on Cooperation in Oil & Natural Gas.
Chairs in Universities on Indian Studies: Ankara University and Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi; and Viswa Bharti University (Santiniketan) and Boazi ci University (Istanbul) have entered into MoU for cooperation in 2000. Under the auspices of ICCR, since 1995 an Indian professor in Hindi language has been attached on deputation with the Department of Indology in Ankara University. Two Turkish language professors have been sent to JNU and Jamia Milia Islamia University to teach Turkish.
ITEC Assistance and programmes: 50 ITEC scholarships annually were announced for Turkish professionals during the visit of Prime Minister Vajpayee in Septebember 2003. In the past 3 years, there has been 100% utilization.
Details of Indian credit Lines / Official Assistance: Nil
Cultural Troupes From India:
Rajasthan Folk Dance Group from 25th January to 31st January, 2000 – ICCR.
Visit of 10 member “Karagam Dummy Horse Folk Dance Group” led by Mr. Nadirao Raju Rao, from 22-24th October, 2000 – ICCR.
Visit of 13-member “Avishkar” (folk dance group from Gujarat) led by Kalpesh Babubhai Dalal from 22-27 January, 2001 – ICCR.
Visit of 11-member UP Folk Dance Group led by Ms. Ruchi Anurag Telang from 29th September to 5th October, 2001 – ICCR.
Visit of 5-member Bharatnatyam Dance troupe led by Ms. Meenakshi Chitharanjan from 3-5 February, 2003 – ICCR.
Visit of 8-member Sufiana Kathak Dance Group led by Ms. Vaishali Trivedi from 20-23 August, 2003.
Visit of four-member Bharatnatyam Dance Troupe led by Dr. Ragini
Chandrasekhar and three-member music troupe led by Santoor Player Shri O.P. Chaurasia in September, 2003 – ICCR.
Visit of 15-member Bhangra/Giddha Dance Troupe led by Mr. Ashwini Kumar from 18-23 April, 2004 –ICCR.
Visit of a Kuchipudi Folklore Dance Group in June 2005.
From Turkey: A group of whirling Dervishes participated in Jahan-e-Khusro festival in India in February 2003 and 2004.
Student Exchange Programmes: Under the Cultural Exchange Programme, 4
scholarships are granted each year to Turkish students from Masters degree and
research and two scholarships for learning Hindi in India.
Any Sister City relations with India: None
Important streets, public places named after Indian leaders: Mahatma Gandhi Street, Rajiv Gandhi Street and Rabindranath Tagore Street, all in Ankara.
Types of visas issued (by Turkish Embassy in New Delhi), and visa details for officials, students, business people, tourists, etc. from India.
a) Single entry / double transit: Rs. 1730/-
b) Single transit: Rs. 1260/-
c) Double transit: Rs.2510/-
d) Multiple entry: Rs. 4200/- (1 year) & Rs.5620/- (2-5 year)
e) Work visa (one year): Rs. 4200/-
f) Work visa (2-5 years): Rs. 5620/-
g) The Interior Ministry charges YTL 200 for six months work cum residence permit and also YTL 60 for the booklet.
Air links with India / Convenient Travel Routes: Direct flights operated by Turkish Airlines between Istanbul and New Delhi thrice a week (Monday, Thursday and Saturday from Turkey) and between Istanbul and Mumbai thrice a week (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday). Other connections are through Dubai.
Indian Banks: State Bank of India opened its Representative Office in Istanbul in 2006.
Addresses of branch offices of other Indian Government and Public Sector
organizations, Chambers of Commerce, etc.: Nil.
Name, Address and contact details of Indian Culture Centres: None
Links to local organizations dealing with India: Websites of TOBB (Union of Chambers & Commodity Exchanges of Turkey) and Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) of TOBB given below:-
http://www.tobb.org.tr http://www.deik.tr
Estimated NRI/PIO population: Nearly 100 Indian Nationals, mostly in Istanbul
working in commercial organizations, banks and computer firms.
Important NRI/PIO Associations and their contact details: Friends of India
Association, Istanbul.
Major Indian ethnic papers / TV channels with contact details: None
NRI/PIOs holding significant public offices: None.
***
February, 2007
Source:www.meaindia.nic.in/foreignrelation/turkey.pdf
HAPPY HOLI TO ALL
Saturday, 22. March 2008, 07:53:08
Today is one of the biggest festival of Hindus.......HOLI........
The festival of Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every year.
Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi is now a symbolic commemmoration of a legend from Hindu Mythology. The story centres around an arrogant king who resents his son Prahlada worshipping Lord Vishnu. He attempts to kill his son but fails each time. Finally, the king's sister Holika who is said to be immune to burning, sits with the boy in a huge fire. However, the prince Prahlada emerges unscathed, while his aunt burns to death. Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation.
This exuberant festival is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha, and hence, Holi is spread over 16 days in Vrindavan as well as Mathura - the two cities with which Lord Krishna shared a deep affiliation. Apart from the usual fun with coloured powder and water, Holi is marked by vibrant processions which are accompanied by folk songs, dances and a general sense of abandoned vitality.
Today Holi is an excuse for Indians to shed inhibitions and caste differences for a day of spring fever and Big Fun. Teenagers spend the day flirting and misbehaving in the streets, adults extend the hand of peace, and everyone chases everyone else around, throwing brightly colored powder (gulal) and water over each other.
The festival's preamble begins on the night of the full moon. Bonfires are lit on street corners to cleanse the air of evil spirits and bad vibes, and to symbolize the destruction of the wicked Holika, for whom the festival was named. The following morning, the streets fill with people running, shouting, giggling and splashing. Marijuana-based bhang and thandai add to the uninhibited atmosphere.
Promptly at noon, the craziness comes to an end and everyone heads to either the river or the bathtub, then inside to relax the day away and partake of candies. In the afternoon an exhausted and contented silence falls over India. Although Holi is observed all over the north, it's celebrated with special joy and zest at Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, and Barsnar. These towns once housed the divine Krishna.
May This Holi Come With Full of Happiness Like Colors Of this Festival.
Wish U all Happy Holi
May this Holi brings a lot of joy and happiness in our life.
&
Wish that your life becomes colorful as the colors of Holi.
The festival of Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every year.
Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi is now a symbolic commemmoration of a legend from Hindu Mythology. The story centres around an arrogant king who resents his son Prahlada worshipping Lord Vishnu. He attempts to kill his son but fails each time. Finally, the king's sister Holika who is said to be immune to burning, sits with the boy in a huge fire. However, the prince Prahlada emerges unscathed, while his aunt burns to death. Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation.
This exuberant festival is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha, and hence, Holi is spread over 16 days in Vrindavan as well as Mathura - the two cities with which Lord Krishna shared a deep affiliation. Apart from the usual fun with coloured powder and water, Holi is marked by vibrant processions which are accompanied by folk songs, dances and a general sense of abandoned vitality.
Today Holi is an excuse for Indians to shed inhibitions and caste differences for a day of spring fever and Big Fun. Teenagers spend the day flirting and misbehaving in the streets, adults extend the hand of peace, and everyone chases everyone else around, throwing brightly colored powder (gulal) and water over each other.
The festival's preamble begins on the night of the full moon. Bonfires are lit on street corners to cleanse the air of evil spirits and bad vibes, and to symbolize the destruction of the wicked Holika, for whom the festival was named. The following morning, the streets fill with people running, shouting, giggling and splashing. Marijuana-based bhang and thandai add to the uninhibited atmosphere.
Promptly at noon, the craziness comes to an end and everyone heads to either the river or the bathtub, then inside to relax the day away and partake of candies. In the afternoon an exhausted and contented silence falls over India. Although Holi is observed all over the north, it's celebrated with special joy and zest at Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, and Barsnar. These towns once housed the divine Krishna.May This Holi Come With Full of Happiness Like Colors Of this Festival.
Wish U all Happy Holi
May this Holi brings a lot of joy and happiness in our life.
&
Wish that your life becomes colorful as the colors of Holi.
Mind your LANGUAGE!!!!
Wednesday, 23. January 2008, 17:20:15
Someone once joked – famously – that the last Englishman would be an Indian. Here's looking at why English is today the key that will unlock the gate to a Globalised India – whether we like it or not.
OUR RICH LINGUAL CULTURE
According to the national census of India, 114 languages and 216 dialects are spoken in the country. Eighteen Indian languages, plus English, have been given official status by the federal or state governments. Hindi is the main language of more than 40 percent of the population. No single language other than Hindi can claim speakers among even 10 percent of the total population. Hindi was therefore made India’s official language in 1965. English, which was associated with British rule, was retained as an option for official use because some non-Hindi speakers, particularly in Tamil Nādu, opposed the official use of Hindi. English is spoken by as many as 5 percent of Indians, and various Dravidian languages are spoken by about 25 percent
ENGLISH AUGUST
For India, the "emergence of English" has come as a movement towards global presence. "The Indian National Movement (during war of independence) consciously adopted English in the early 1900s as a common language to communicate with members who came from different parts of the country. After the British left, we retained English for the same reason. We didn't know that the next superpower would be America - another English-speaking country and, we didn't know that there would be something called the World Wide Web whose medium would be English.
And in 1967, the Official Languages (Amendment) Act was rectified with English being established as the associate official language.
English is today not just a vehicle for India's global mobility but also a vehicle for social mobility, which is why even when politicians argue against English, they put their children in English-medium schools.
GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS
India has an edge over other countries (non English speaking) in global business (especially in IT sector) coz of its English advantage. Today India has the third largest English using population in the world after the USA and the UK. And this, say historians, corporate honchos, academicians and career counselors, is a big reason for the country's global success.
Now China, too, seems to have realised the importance of English. The country is another emerging global player, but unlike India, it lacks an international vocabulary. Having woken up to this fact, about 250 million Chinese - that's close to the population of the US - are now learning English through TV.
Hindi is undoubtedly our national language, but in the global context, English rules. Before Atal Bihari Vajpayee (former PM of India) gave a speech in shudh (pure) Hindi at the United Nations General Assembly they had not even felt the need for Hindi interpreters.
HINDI HEIN HUM(WE ARE HINDI)
The many local languages and dialects in India are politically and socially significant. A politician, for example, may use the local dialect when campaigning in a village, switch to the official state language when speaking in a town, and then use Hindi or English to address parliament. The language one speaks can also limit one’s opportunities. People who use a local dialect are often identified as rustics or lower class, and they suffer discrimination.
Due to the emergence of a global language (which has not yet penetrated our grassroots level) we can't sideline our regional languages. Rural India cannot be handicapped because it doesn't speak English. Our regional and linguistic identity is equally important.
WORLD HINDI DAY
Indian government has declared 10th January as World Hindi Day and it is celebrated across the country and outside also. Seminars and various competitions are organized. Prizes are distributed to certain persons for their achievements to the Hindi literature, in various organizations, schools and universities. But it all looks like formality, nobody seems to be really interested. On the very next day, everything will vanish. All official letters, circulars, announcements, reports will be in English only. A handful of persons can’t make much difference to the changing scenario. I don’t think that the golden era of Hindi is going to come back again.
Bollywood, ever heard of it? It is the name given to Indian film industry, and it’s a Hindi dominant industry. Movies made in Hindi(or Hinglish) only succeed in India, Hollywood is a failure here. Hindi, which let them (stars) earn their livelihood, even they neglect it outside the sets. It is very very rare to find any actor or actress giving interviews in Hindi. Even in movies also Hindi is fastly being replaced with Hinglish(Hindi+English). English rules everywhere.
My favourite quote fits well here-
New India, basking in its decision to adopt English, is all set to be a global hit this century.
LINGUA FRANCA
OUR RICH LINGUAL CULTURE
According to the national census of India, 114 languages and 216 dialects are spoken in the country. Eighteen Indian languages, plus English, have been given official status by the federal or state governments. Hindi is the main language of more than 40 percent of the population. No single language other than Hindi can claim speakers among even 10 percent of the total population. Hindi was therefore made India’s official language in 1965. English, which was associated with British rule, was retained as an option for official use because some non-Hindi speakers, particularly in Tamil Nādu, opposed the official use of Hindi. English is spoken by as many as 5 percent of Indians, and various Dravidian languages are spoken by about 25 percent
ENGLISH AUGUST
For India, the "emergence of English" has come as a movement towards global presence. "The Indian National Movement (during war of independence) consciously adopted English in the early 1900s as a common language to communicate with members who came from different parts of the country. After the British left, we retained English for the same reason. We didn't know that the next superpower would be America - another English-speaking country and, we didn't know that there would be something called the World Wide Web whose medium would be English.
And in 1967, the Official Languages (Amendment) Act was rectified with English being established as the associate official language.
English is today not just a vehicle for India's global mobility but also a vehicle for social mobility, which is why even when politicians argue against English, they put their children in English-medium schools.
GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS
India has an edge over other countries (non English speaking) in global business (especially in IT sector) coz of its English advantage. Today India has the third largest English using population in the world after the USA and the UK. And this, say historians, corporate honchos, academicians and career counselors, is a big reason for the country's global success.
Now China, too, seems to have realised the importance of English. The country is another emerging global player, but unlike India, it lacks an international vocabulary. Having woken up to this fact, about 250 million Chinese - that's close to the population of the US - are now learning English through TV.
Hindi is undoubtedly our national language, but in the global context, English rules. Before Atal Bihari Vajpayee (former PM of India) gave a speech in shudh (pure) Hindi at the United Nations General Assembly they had not even felt the need for Hindi interpreters.
HINDI HEIN HUM(WE ARE HINDI)
The many local languages and dialects in India are politically and socially significant. A politician, for example, may use the local dialect when campaigning in a village, switch to the official state language when speaking in a town, and then use Hindi or English to address parliament. The language one speaks can also limit one’s opportunities. People who use a local dialect are often identified as rustics or lower class, and they suffer discrimination.
Due to the emergence of a global language (which has not yet penetrated our grassroots level) we can't sideline our regional languages. Rural India cannot be handicapped because it doesn't speak English. Our regional and linguistic identity is equally important.
WORLD HINDI DAY
Indian government has declared 10th January as World Hindi Day and it is celebrated across the country and outside also. Seminars and various competitions are organized. Prizes are distributed to certain persons for their achievements to the Hindi literature, in various organizations, schools and universities. But it all looks like formality, nobody seems to be really interested. On the very next day, everything will vanish. All official letters, circulars, announcements, reports will be in English only. A handful of persons can’t make much difference to the changing scenario. I don’t think that the golden era of Hindi is going to come back again.
Bollywood, ever heard of it? It is the name given to Indian film industry, and it’s a Hindi dominant industry. Movies made in Hindi(or Hinglish) only succeed in India, Hollywood is a failure here. Hindi, which let them (stars) earn their livelihood, even they neglect it outside the sets. It is very very rare to find any actor or actress giving interviews in Hindi. Even in movies also Hindi is fastly being replaced with Hinglish(Hindi+English). English rules everywhere.
My favourite quote fits well here-
NOTHING IN THIS WORLD COMES FOR FREE,
IN ORDER TO GAIN SOMETHING, WE HAVE TO LOOSE SOMETHING.
New India, basking in its decision to adopt English, is all set to be a global hit this century.
LINGUA FRANCA
- More than 750 million people speak English across the world.
- Over 60 countries have English as the dominant or official language.
- 3,000 magazines are published in English in India alone.
- India has the third largest English-using population in the world.
- India’s English-teaching industry is estimated at a whopping Rs 10 billion.
Showing posts 1 - 7 of 26.
प्रदीप मुनोथ
man of desire
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Latest comments
Poll
Being human means a thinking mind. At what moment or place u think most?
- while attending boring lectures
(0%) - when i'm happy (0%)
- when i'm sad (17%)
- while sitting in a privy(W.C. or latrine) (11%)
- when i get down on bed b4 sleeping (44%)
- while i'm drunk (6%)
- while smoking (11%)
- while travelling(in a bus, train, car etc) alone (22%)
- while walking alone. (39%)
- its not in the list (6%)
Total: 18 votes
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- Government of India
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