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Prof. Vinod Kumar Sharma- An Environmentalist from ASIA

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Profile

 http://www.profvksharma.in/index.html

 

 Dr. Vinod Kumar Sharma is a Professor at Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai, India. IGIDR is an Advanced Research Institute established and governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Governor of the RBI chairs its Board of Management. The University Grants Commission of India recognizes the Institute as a Deemed University. Prof. Sharma has been a Member of Board of Management and the Dean of IGIDR.

Prof. Sharma is a Civil and Environmental Engineer with a Ph.D. degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India. He started his professional career in 1982 and since then has worked on almost all positions of the academic ladder including Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Senior Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, Head of Department and Dean. As the Dean of IGIDR he had an overall responsibility of Institute’s Academic (Master's and Ph.D.) programs and Student Affairs. He has contributed to policy making at the state, national and international levels.

Prof. Sharma has a wide range of experience in India and abroad. He has worked at the World Bank, Washington DC, USA and at the National Institute of the Environment Ministry of Japan, Tsukuba. He has completed several research projects and consultancy assignments for the UN and other international organizations including the UNEP, UNDP, UNCTAD, UN-ESCAP, CREED, IIED, the World Bank, ICEF, SICI, JBIC, APO, AIST, JETRO, ERIA, IDE, and Japan Environment Agency. His work for Indian organizations includes that for Indian Ministries, Government Departments, Planning Commission, Corporate Sector and NGOs. He has organized, presented papers and participated in several academic events in India and abroad.

Prof. Sharma’s has more than 125 publications to his credit, which include research articles in peer reviewed International and Indian journals, articles in newspapers and magazines, books and policy reports. He is on the editorial board and a peer reviewer of international journals published from Germany, The Netherlands, USA and Japan.

His major initiatives on sustainable development issues are: International Journal for Sustainable Innovations (IJSI) - A peer reviewed inter-disciplinary journal; Savitarka - A mass awareness magazine on development issues; and, International Symposium on a Sustainable Future (ISSF) - A regular event. Prof. Sharma is the Editor and Managing Editor of IJSI, Chief Editor of Savitarka and Chairman of the ISSF event series. He is also the founding President of the Indian Society for Life Cycle Assessment (ISLCA) and Member of UNEP’s International Life Cycle Board and an International Expert Work Group Member of the ERIA.

Prof. Sharma's work includes technological, socio-economic, and policy aspects of Environment and Sustainable Development; Energy Sustainability and various Energy Forms including
Renewable Energy
and Biomass Energy; Pollution of Air, Water, Solid Waste, Land and Noise; Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change; Natural and Environmental Resource Accounting; Trade and Environment Linkages; Life Cycle Assessment; Civil and Environmental Engineering Infrastructures; Issues in Rural Areas and Urbanization.
Click here for Detailed CV

Contact Information

 For any further inquiries, please send me an e-mail and I'll get back to you.
Mailing Address
Dr. Vinod Kumar Sharma,
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR),
Gen. A.K.Vaidya Marg, Goregaon (E) Mumbai - 400 065 (INDIA)
E-mail
vks@igidr.ac.in

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With best regards,
 
 
 
 
(2014)
Dr. AMAR NATH GIRI
EHSQ , NFCL
amarnathgiri@nagarjunagroup.com
M.Sc.,Ph.D & DIPLOMA AS - P.G.D.E.P.L,CES, DCA,
EX IIM LUCKNOW FELLOW, EX RESEARCH SCIENTIST
IGIDR-MUMBAI 
EHSQ BLOG : http://dramarnathgiri.blogspot.in/?view=magazine

New Holistic Fertiliser Policy to be Unveiled

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New Holistic Fertiliser Policy to be Unveiled
The Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Ananth Kumar has said that the government proposes to come out with a new holistic fertilizer policy. The Minister speaking at the 4th National Conference on Agrochemicals 2014, in New Delhi today, said that such a decision was taken after directions from the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in this regard at a recent review meeting on the subject. Shri Anantha Kumar said that a Task Force of Experts in the field will be constituted to frame such a policy soon. This could provide for a national platform for farmers to use bio-fertilisers. Elaborating on the theme for the conference: “Agrochemicals for Ensuring Food and Nutritional Security of the Nation”, he said the Green Revolution of 60s and 70s was not a holistic, but a truncated revolution. Expressing serious concern at irrational usage of fertilizers he said, this could have an adverse affect for achieving a sustainable food and nutritional security for the nation.

Shri Anantha Kumar said that his Ministry proposes to recommend it to the Department of Agriculture for banning a pesticide which is being harmful to the bees and which was earlier banned in the USA and some other countries. He said we need to follow global best practices even in such areas to make a paradigm shift for sustainable food and nutrition security by removing disturbing anomalies.

The Minister said that the Government proposes to bring forward the pending Pesticides Management Bill, 2008 in the next Winter Session of the Parliament.

Even while calling for increased Research and Development in the field of bio-fertilisers, the Minister for Chemicals & Fertilisers said that his ministry is following it up with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for allocating more gas to increase fertilizer production in the country. His Ministry is also trying to revive the sick and closed fertilizer units in the public sector, Shri Kumar added.

The Minister called for further development in the pesticides production, which is already the 4th largest in the world, to achieve unrealized potential of the country and to further boost exports in the sector.

In his key-note address the global president DuPont Crop Production Pvt. Ltd Mr. Rik L. Miller has said that innovations, investments and critical collaborations for R&D is very important in the sector. Several experts in the field are participating in the two-day National Conference .

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(Release ID :109038)

Health Tips – Does coconut water help in diabetes?

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Health Tips – Does coconut water help in diabetes?

coconut-water-help-in-diabetes-blood-circulation-kidney-metabolismDiabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin or to use the insulin produced in the proper way. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death among Americans; over 15 million Americans suffer from one form or another of this disease.
The coconut “water”, inside the nut, is sterile, and safer to drink than the often microbially-infested surface waters. The mineral profile of the coconut water (not coconut “milk”, which is made with pulp) is almost exactly the mineral electrolyte profile your cells need for health — potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese, copper along with vital amino acids. Although “fatty”, coconuts contain no cholesterol.
Coconut water, that delightful clear liquid extracted from green coconuts extremely healthy. Fresh coconuts are an alkaline pH food, and so they can help combat the modern acid-producing life-style which eats away at your circulatory system and organs. Coconuts are also a high-fiber, low-glycemic food and they have a low carb profile along with their protein. Every ounce of shredded coconut contains about 5 grams of fiber. Your quota of fiber should aim to be around 30 – 35 grams, daily.
It has a lot of nutritional properties that can help in the treatment of various ailments. Among these nutritional benefits of coconut water, is the control of diabetes. Yes, coconut water is good for diabetics because it is rich in a lot of nutrients that are required by diabetics to keep their sugar levels in control. Let us discuss it here, how coconut water is good for diabetics.
Improves your blood circulation
Due to improper blood circulation in their body diabetic persons generally experience some discomforting symptoms like numbness in their feet, kidney failure and even loss of vision. Consumption of coconut water, has the ability to improve the blood circulation within the body. It helps to widen the blood vessels (which get constricted due to the formation of plaque within them), and thus helps the blood to flow smoothly through them. This, in turn, gives relief from some of the symptoms and helps to fight against atherosclerosis.
Helps Controlling your weight
Drinking coconut water has the ability to satiate your hunger, and prevent you from eating in excess. Not just that, it has tremendous nutritional values of minerals, salts, good fats and absolutely no cholesterol. One important thing that diabetics are always required to keep a watch on, apart from their sugar intake, is their weight. Plus, it’s extremely palatable. So you can relish the goodness of a glass of coconut water as a midday snack when your stomach grumbles in hunger.
Improves Metabolism
Coconut water can be included in diabetics diet plan as it has some properties that enable a faster metabolic rate in your body. When your metabolic rate increases, your body is digesting and burning the sugars fast. As a consequence, the insulin in the blood is also getting burned faster. This means you have more energy in your body. So, coconut water
is a favorable inclusion that diabetics can make in their diet, at least twice a week.
It is Low in Carbs and high in fibre
Coconut water is the perfect example of a food item that qualifies as a low carb and high fiber one, especially for diabetics. You can enjoy a glass full of coconut water and also indulge yourself in the super soft and delicious flesh of a young coconut.
Provides vital nutrients
Coconut water, in addition to the above-mentioned uses, also contains minerals, anti-oxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, etc. all of which are necessary for diabetics to control their sugar level and also their weight. When you drink coconut water, and your metabolism rate increases (as mentioned above), your blood also begins to carry oxygen more efficiently. When your blood has enough oxygen, you have more energy and you can carry out your daily activities with ease.
Naturally anti viral
Coconut is a potent anti-viral food and it is proving to be helpful in combating yeast-infections and the Epstein-Barr like virus which is associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, too. Lauric acid and caprylic acid are the most effective, active anti-virals.
Those were some of the major advantages that the consumption of coconut water by diabetics can lead to. It is a delicious cold beverage that you can enjoy at any time of the day. However, remember that anything taken in excess can cause problems later on. So, even if you know that coconut water is good for diabetics, drink it in moderation, and after the consultation of your doctor to reap its many benefits.

Continuation of production of urea from MFL – Manali, MCFL – Mangalore and SPIC – Tuticorin after June 2014

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Continuation of production of urea from MFL – Manali, MCFL – Mangalore and SPIC – Tuticorin after June 2014

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the continuation of production of urea from Madras Fertilizers Limited (MFL) – Manali, Manglore Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd (MCFL) – Mangalore and Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation (SPIC) – Tuticorin after June 2014 by using existing feedstock naphtha for three months beyond 30th June, 2014, that is from 1st July 2014 to 30th September, 2014.

This will enable these units to continue urea production for the next three months and help in meeting the requirement of urea for Indian farmers in the ongoing kharif season. This decision will ensure food security of the country. All stake holders namely farmers, urea manufacturers in the country and the Government will be benefitted by this.

Background:

Under the Modified New Pricing Scheme-Ill for existing urea units, the three naphtha based units that is MFL - Manali, MCFL - Mangalore and SPIC - Tuticorin were allowed to produce urea from naphtha as feedstock till 30th June, 2014.


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MIS Based Tiger Tracking System to be launched soon: Shri Prakash Javadekar

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MIS Based Tiger Tracking System to be launched soon: Shri Prakash Javadekar

10th meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority held in New Delhi

Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar has said that the National Tiger Conservation Authority in collaboration with Wildlife Crime Control Bureau would be soon launching a MIS based tiger tracking system. The Minister stated this while addressing the 10th meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority here today.

Elaborating further, Shri Javadekar said that MIS based tracking would strengthen the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and help in controlling wildlife crimes in tiger reserves. Appreciating the need of technology in the field of tiger conservation, the Minister said that the use of NRSA “Alert System” would also be utilized in case of disasters pertaining to fire and floods.

The Minister further said that the Government believed in development in consonance with conservation. Emphasizing the need to conserve the tiger reserves in the country the Minister said that there is a need to make wildlife conservation the ‘People’s Movement’. It was critical for each stakeholder to participate in making tiger conservation a reality. He further stated that States also needed to be critical stakeholders in the effort to preserve the tiger population in the country.

National Tiger Conservation Authority has been the nodal agency in the field of tiger conservation for more than 40 years. Its projects spread over 47 reserves in 18 states. The Authority deliberated on varied agenda for promoting tiger conversation which also included requesting the State of Karnataka for initiating a proposal for the establishment of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve. The Authority also proposed to carry out Management of Effectiveness Evaluation annually in tiger reserves by States. The NTCA also deliberated on instituting a new award, National Tiger Conservation Authority Award for successful conservation of endangered species other than tigers in tiger reserves.

The Authority took note of the recent initiatives taken to strengthen wild life conservation in the country. These, inter-alia, include tiger deaths and steps taken to address poaching, deployment of local workforce for protection, use of information technology (e-Eye) in surveillance, smart patrolling through M-STrIPES protocol, reserve level monitoring etc. The initiatives also included central assistance provided to States under Project Tiger as well as grants provided to States from NTCA, tiger translocation within landscapes, capacity building, progress relating to assessment of tiger population, independent evaluation of tiger reserves and statutory compliances.

Sample Preservation

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Sample Preservation
The aim of correct environmental sampling is to maintain the integrity of the sample preservation, from it being taken in the field to being analysed by the laboratory. In order to achieve this it is necessary to preserve in the field for some analytes as they can degrade and change during the transport period. If samples are not presented in the correct containers, with preservatives if applicable, the result may not be accredited.
Chemical preservation of soil is not usually advised. Sampling into the correct containers and cooling is the best approach. Plastic tubs are recommended for sampling soils for inorganic analysis, metals, pH, cyanide, sulphide, sulphate. Amber jars are recommended for organics. The amber glass protects from the UV light which can chemically degrade some species.

The chemical preservation of waters is recommended for some analytes together with the use of correct containers and cooling.

The sampling bottle for cyanide contains a sodium hydroxide pellet to keep the water alkaline and the cyanide in solution. If the water is not preserved and is slightly acidic, the cyanide may convert to hydrogen cyanide gas and be lost from the sample.

Sulphide oxidises to sulphate as soon as it meets the oxygen of the atmosphere. It is preserved with a SAOB (sulphide anti oxidant buffer) which fixes the sample for transportation.

Sample into nitric acid after filtration to prevent hydrolysis to insoluble oxides. Our methodology also allows accreditation for samples filtered and acidified in the laboratory.

Sample into a bottle containing hydrochloric acid to prevent the ferrous iron oxidising to ferric iron. Total iron can also be taken from this bottle.

This requires filtering to remove insoluble MnIV compounds before adding to a bottle containing hydrochloric acid. The acid prevents oxidation of MnII to insoluble MnIV. BOD/COD/Dissolved oxygen (dissolved oxygen should ideally be measured in the field) Our methodology includes filling one litre to the brim to exclude any oxygen, as well as keeping the sample cool to prevent uptake of oxygen and reduce bacterial activity. We then return the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible.

Generally no preservation is required but it is necessary to sample into amber glass bottles and keep cool. Sample volatiles (VOCs, BTEX, GRO, C5-C10 of CWG) are placed into a 40ml vial with no headspace.

Apart from the analytes detailed above, these can be sampled into plastic bottles with no preservation. Our results, no matter how accurate and precise the testing, depends entirely on correct field sampling, packaging and returning to the laboratory as quickly as possible after the sampling event, which why we place such high importance on sample preservation.

PM hopes to write 'new chapter' during Japan visit

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PM hopes to write 'new chapter' during Japan visit

PTI | Aug 29, 2014, 08.10 PM IST

PM hopes to write 'new chapter' during Japan visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hopes to write a new chapter during his visit to Japan.
R
NEW DELHI: On the eve of his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Japan has "paramount importance" in his vision for India's progress and his trip will "write a new chapter" in bilateral ties while taking the Strategic and Global Partnership to the higher level.

Cooperation in the fields of defence, civil nuclear, infrastructure development and rare earth materials will top the agenda of Modi's five-day visit beginning on Sturday, his first bilateral trip outside the subcontinent.

"I am keenly looking forward to my visit to Japan at the invitation of my good friend, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, for the annual summit between India and Japan," Modi said in his pre-departure statement.

Noting that this will be his first bilateral visit outside the immediate neighbourhood as Prime Minister, he said it underlines "the high priority" that Japan receives in India's foreign and economic policies.

"It is also a reflection of Japan's paramount importance in my vision for development and prosperity in India and in peace, stability and prosperity in Asia at large," he said.

"I am confident that my visit will write a new chapter in the annals of the relations between Asia's two oldest democracies and take our strategic and global partnership to the next higher level," Modi said.

He noted that Japan is one of India's closest partners in political, economic, security and cultural realms besides being a key regional and global partner for India.

A highlight of the visit will be Modi's tour of Japan's 'smart city' Kyoto, which is an example of cultural tradition and modernity, dovetailing the Prime Minister's own vision of building 100 smart cities in the country.

"We will explore how Japan can associate itself productively with my vision of inclusive development in India, including the transformation of India's manufacturing, infrastructure sectors, energy and social sectors.

Modi said he would dicusss with Abe the roadmap for global and strategic partnership in the years ahead.

"We will discuss how to boost our defence and security cooperation, including in defence technology, equipment and industry, in line with the evolving domestic policies of the two countries," the Prime Minister said.

"I will try to accelerate progress on the unfinished agenda of projects and initiatives that our two countries have embarked upon," he added.

In a special gesture, Abe will fly to Kyoto to meet Modi when he lands there on Saturday.

The formal talks between Modi and Abe will take place in Tokyo on September 1 when the two leaders discuss how to take forward the strategic and global partnership.

Some agreements, including in defence and civil nuclear sectors, are expected to be signed. Among the agreements to be signed is one on joint production of rare earth materials.

"I am meeting Prime Minister Abe at a time of enormous global challenges, from persisting economic weaknesses to turmoil and transitions in different parts of the world. I hope to exchange views with Prime Minister Abe on important regional and global developments of shared interest," Modi said.

The Prime Minister said there is there is only goodwill and mutual admiration between the two countries.

Buddhism from India has inspired Japan for over a millennium and people in India similarly draw inspiration from Japan's vanguard role as the fountainhead of Asia's modernization, resurgence and rejuvenation, he said.

"The people in India are grateful for the seminal contribution made by Japan's generous ODA over the years to India's economic, social and infrastructure development," he said.

Expressing deep gratitude to Abe for joining him in Kyoto, Modi said it demonstrates a special commitment and support for the relationship.

"My visit to Kyoto reflects the ancient foundations of our contemporary relations and will also focus on some of our nation's priorities, including urban renewal and smart heritage cities as well as advanced scientific research," he said.

"During this visit, I propose to celebrate these links of history and the experiences of our peoples and impart new meaning to them," the Prime Minister added.

He said he also looks forward to an audience with Japan's Emperor who had paid "a most memorable visit to our country last year".

Modi will have an opportunity to interact with leaders across the entire political spectrum in Japan, regional leaders, captains of business and industry, friends of India in Japan "as well as Indian brothers and sisters living and working in Japan".

The focus of the visit would be on broadening the ties, seeking Japan's support in infrastructure development in India and looking for new vistas for cooperation in goods and services.

Japan figures prominently among the countries from where help could be taken to build next generation infrastructure in India.

In the field of defence, talks are underway for joint production of US-2 amphibious assault aircraft with the possibility of an agreement being signed during the visit.

The issue of Japan helping India in its endeavor to have bullet trains will also be discussed.

The two countries will also set new trade targets, considering that the current level does not match their close relationship. The two-way trade is around 19 billion dollars.

Kyoto, which is a heritage city with Buddhist culture, provides special symbolism to the visit as the Prime Minister has the vision of "rejuvenating" Indian cities.

Talks are already underway to see how the example of Kyoto can be replicated in Varanasi from where Modi was elected to the Lok Sabha.

2011 EPA Toxicological review of urea

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2011 EPA Toxicological review of urea

6.1. HUMAN HAZARD POTENTIAL
Urea (CASRN 57-13-6), also known as carbamide, is an endogenous product of protein and amino acid catabolism. It can also be produced synthetically by combining ammonia, carbon monoxide, and sulfur in methanol. It is used in a variety of applications including fertilizers, animal feed, plastics, flame-proofing agents, diesel-SCR, flavoring agent in foods, and in the manufacture of consumer goods such as liquid soaps, detergents, and household cleaning products.
In the occupational setting, the most notable routes of exposure are inhalation and dermal, while the general population might be exposed to urea through consumption of food and drinking water and through dermal contact with urea-containing products.
There is limited ADME information on exogenous urea. There are limited studies that evaluate the possible association between oral exposure to urea and noncancer effects in humans. There is limited information to suggest that the liver, kidney, and pituitary could be targets of urea toxicity. Results from reproductive and developmental studies have been inconclusive. There have been few studies that have evaluated the effects of urea via inhalation. The available studies suggest that the impact of urea exposure on lung function is minimal. With regard to dermal effects, the available studies showed that there is a dependence on the vehicle used and effects are typically manifested in the form of skin irritations.
The human carcinogenic potential of urea and urea-containing mixtures has been evaluated in a limited number of studies. Some studies that evaluated urea-containing mixtures indicate that urea exposure may have contributed to the occurrence of tumor development, or increased sister chromatid exchange and chromosome aberration frequency, but its role in producing the observed effects was not clearly established. One occupational study showed that exposure to urea increased levels of potential carcinogenic biomarkers but these increases were within the normal physiologic range Chronic studies in rats and mice have shown no treatment-related increase in tumors following either oral or s.c. administration.
Under the Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 2005a), there is "inadequate information to assess the carcinogenic potential" of urea. Epidemiologic studies of humans chronically exposed to urea alone or urea-containing mixtures are limited. Urea has been tested for genotoxic potential and has shown no mutagenic effects in bacterial systems; however, chromosome aberrations have been noted in certain mammalian test systems, and hence, the role of genotoxicity in the process of urea-induced carcinogenicity cannot be eliminated.

6.2. DOSE RESPONSE
6.2.1. Noncancer-Oral and Inhalation
Oral exposure studies of urea were not adequate for the determination of an RfD. The available animal studies identify the liver and kidney as potential target organs for the toxicity of urea; however, the available information is insufficient to fully characterize toxicity outcomes or dose-response relationships. Inhalation data were inadequate for the determination of an RfC. The occupational data lacked quantitative exposure measurements. The cited therapeutic study on lung function was based on acute exposure and had limited information on which to derive an RfC. No studies of inhaled urea in experimental animals were identified.
6.2.2. Cancer-Oral and Inhalation
One oral cancer bioassay is available for consideration for the derivation of an oral slope factor for urea. However, the limitations of the study data preclude the derivation of an oral cancer slope factor. Inhalation studies for urea were not adequate for the determination of an inhalation unit risk value. Route extrapolation from oral bioassay data was not performed due to the lack of oral data and suitable kinetic data.

Beautiful collection of green nature

Prime Minister presents a map of Varanasi to Kyoto

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History of Varanasi

Ghats of Ganges, VaranasiThe land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.

Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously. With a number of temples, Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her 'Theosophical Society' and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute 'Benares Hindu University, the biggest University in Asia. Ayurveda is said to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days.

Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the internationally renowned Sitar maestro and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous Shehnai player) are all sons of the blessed city or have lived here for major part of their lives


Text of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s remarks at the Indian Community Reception in Tokyo

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Text of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s remarks at the Indian Community Reception in Tokyo जापान में बसे हुए सभी मेरे भारतीय भाइयों एवं बहनों,

ये जो बच्‍चे गीत गा रहे थे, मैं करीब 25-30 साल पहले हर दिन इस गीत को गुनगुनाता था। यह मेरा बड़ा प्रिय गीत था। तो आज मेरी सारी थकान उतर गई और उसी मिजाज से बच्‍चे गा रहे थे, जो ओरिजिनल है। जबसे मैंने सुना है, वैसे ही मैं भी गुनगुनाता था। आज भी मेरा मन कर गया तो आपके साथ जुड़ गया था। इन बच्‍चों को बहुत बहुत बधाई। ये समझ लेते हैं, जो मैं बोल रहा हूं?

जापान मैं पहले भी आया हूं। यहां के भारतीय समाज से भी मेरा मिलने का अवसर मुझे हमेशा मिला है। आप लोगों को सुनने का भी अवसर मिला है और कुछ कहने का भी अवसर मिला है। दुनिया के किसी भी देश में जाइए, तो अगर कोई भी भारतीय मिलता है तो, दो-तीन चीजें प्रमुख रूप से आती हैं। साफ एयरपोर्ट पर उतरे और ऐसा हुआ। टैक्‍सीवाला मिला, तो ऐसा हुआ। साफ शौचालय, वाश रूम। ये चार-पांच चीजें कॉमन सुनने को मिलती हैं। और बहुत स्‍वाभाविक है कि इतने सालों से यहां रहने बाद, यह सामान्य है और इसलिए मैंने देश में सबसे बड़ा एक काम जो उठाया है, वह है स्‍वच्‍छ भारत का।

कठिन काम है, लेकिन किसी को तो शुरू करना चाहिए। मैंने देशवासियों के सामने एक बात रखी है कि 2019 जो, महात्‍मा गांधी के 150वीं जयंती का वर्ष है और महात्‍मा जी को सबसे प्रिय अगर कोई चीज थी तो सफाई थी। आपने महात्‍मा गांधी के जीवन को पढ़ा होगा, कहीं बचपन में कुछ बातें सुनने को मिली होगी तो ये बात हमेशा आती होगी। वे सफाई के संबंध में कभी कंपरमाइज नहीं करते थे। बड़े अग्रणी रहते थे। आप वर्धा का आश्रम देखिए, साबरमति का आश्रम देखिए। बहुत ही सिंपल थे। व्‍यवस्‍थाओं की दृष्टि से कोई बहुत नहीं था, लेकिन सफाई के संबंध में कोई कंपरमाइज नहीं करते थे। इसलिए मैंने देशवासियों के सामने एक बात रखी कि महात्‍मा गांधी ने हमें आजादी दिलाई, इतनी बड़ी सौगात महात्‍मा गांधी जी हमें दे के गए, हमने महात्‍मा जी को क्‍या दिया ? कुछ तो हमें लौटाना चाहिए। और इसलिए मैं देशवासियों से कहता रहता हूं कि 2019 तक ऐसा साफ-सुथरा हिंदुस्‍तान बना दें और 2019 में एकदम साफ-सुथरा हिंदुस्‍तान महात्‍मा जी को अर्पित करें।

तो आप भी अपने रिश्‍तेदारों को चिट्ठी लिखते होंगे यहां से, लेकिन अब चिट्ठी तो नहीं लिखते होंगे, ईमेल करते होंगे, वाट्स अप पर बात करते होंगे। ट्वीटर पर दोस्‍ती बनाई होगी। माध्‍यम कोई भी हो लेकिन बात जरूर पहुंचाइए आप कि हमारे जापान में ऐसी सफाई होती है, आप भी यह काम कीजिए। अपने परिवार में कीजिए, अपने अड़ोस-पड़ोस में कीजिए। ये भी करने जैसा काम है, और मुझे विश्‍वास है कि आप भी इस काम को अवश्‍य करेंगे।

भारतीय समुदाय की एक विशेषता रही है और हम लोग इस बात का गर्व जितनी मात्रा में करना चाहिए, नहीं करते हैं। बड़ी दबी जबान में, हल्‍के-फुल्‍के, ऐसे करते हैं। विश्‍व में कहीं पर भी अगर भारतीय समाज गया, 100 साल पहले गया, 150 साल पहले गया, कहीं पर भी गया हो, किसी भी देश से, उस समाज से अब तक कोई शिकायत नहीं आई है कि हिंदुस्‍तानियों ने आकर ऐसा कर दिया, हमें लूट लिया। ये छोटे संस्‍कार नहीं हैं जी, ये संस्‍कार छोटे नहीं हैं।

विश्‍व का कोई भी समाज, कहीं पर भी व्‍यक्तिगत रूप से किसी से कोई गलती हुई होगी, अच्‍छा बुरा हो गया होगा। लेकिन समाज के रूप में दुनिया में कहीं से कोई शिकायत भारतीय समुदाय के लिए नहीं आई है। ऊपर से सुनने को क्‍या मिलता है भई, ये बड़े लॉ एबाइडिंग सिटीजंस हैं, बहुत ही सरल हैं, हमारी इकोनोमी में कंट्रीब्‍यूट करते हैं, लेकिन समस्‍या कभी पैदा नहीं करते हैं।

ये हमारी विरासत है। हमारी पूंजी है और पीढ़ी दर पीढ़ी संस्‍कारों से यह बनी है। और इसका श्रेय आप सबको जाता है। आपने ये करके दिखाया है। इसलिए मैं विशेष रूप से आपको बधाई देता हूं, आपका अभिनंदन करता हूं।

एम्‍बेसी में आ करके भारत क्‍या है, जल्‍दी कोई समझ नहीं पाएगा। लेकिन आपसे मिल कर के तुरंत समझ पाएगा कि भारत क्‍या है। आप भारत को कैसे जीते हैं, आप भारत को कैसे अभिव्‍यक्‍त करते हैं। भारत की बात को गौरव से कैसे प्रस्‍तुत करते हैं। उस पर निर्भर करता है।

जमाना ऐसा था मुझे याद है, बहुत साल पहले मैं ताईवान गया था, तब तो मैं इस सरकारी नौकरी में नहीं था। ऐसे ही, एक नागरिक के नाते गया था। और सात-आठ दिन, मेरे पास उन दिनों समय भी बहुत रहता था। कोई काम-धाम तो था नहीं। मेरे साथ वहां की सरकार ने एक इंटरप्रेटर लगाया था। इंटरप्रेटर पढ़ा लिखा था, कंप्‍यूटर इंजीनियर था। मेरे साथ इंटरप्रेटर के रूप में काम करता था। उसकी मदद के बिना हमारी गाड़ी चलती नहीं थी। दोस्‍ती हो गई हमारी, 5-6 दिन में। पहले तो बड़ा ही नियम से रहता था, प्रोटोकॉल में रहता था। शायद वह एमईए डिपार्टमेंट का ही होगा। जिसमें सबसे ज्‍यादा प्रोटोकॉल होता है। वह भी ऐसे ही रहता था। थोड़ा सा भी इधर-उधर खिसकता नहीं था। लेकिन 5-6 दिन में मेरा व्‍यवहार देखकर के उसकी लगा कि हां ये आदमी दोस्‍ती करने जैसा है। फिर दोस्‍ती हो गई। बातें करने लगा। आखिर एक-दो दिन बाकी थे तो उन्‍होंने एक सवाल पूछा। बोला, साहब, आपको बुरा न लगे तो मुझे कुछ पूछना है, मैंने कहा जरूर पूछिये। उन्‍होंने कहा- बुरा नहीं लगेगा, मैंने कहा पूछो भाई, कुछ भी बुरा नहीं लगेगा। बोले, सचमुच में आपको बुरा नहीं लगेगा, उसने बड़ा डरते-डरते ये पूछा, फिर मुझे कहता है मैं ताईवान की 20वीं सदी के उत्‍तरार्ध की घटना कह रहा हूं आपको। ब्रिटिश सेंचुरी के लास्‍ट इयर की। उन्‍होंने कहा है कि आज भी भारत में जादू-टोना वाले लोग रहते हैं? आज भी भारत में ब्‍लैक मैजिक चलता है ? आज भी भारत में सांप-छूछूंदर वाला सारा खेल चलता है और वो ये मानता था कि हिंदुस्‍तान में संपेरे लोग ही रहते हैं। यानी, आप कल्‍पना कीजिए, दुनिया इतनी बदल चुकी है, वह एक कंप्‍यूटर इंजीनियर था, लेकिन उस देश में हमारी छवि यह थी।

मैंने कहा भाई, अब तो हम सांप वाले नहीं रहे। हमारा बहुत डिवेल्‍यूएशन हो गया। पीढ़ी दर पीढ़ी हम और हल्‍के-फुल्‍के हो गए। बेचारा समझा नहीं। मैंने कहा, पहले हम सांप से खेलते थे, अब हम माउस से खेलते हैं। पहले हम और सांप का खेल चलता था और अब हमारा डिवेल्‍यूएशन, डिग्रेडेशन होते होते हम माउस से ऐसे जुड़ गए कि अब हम माउस को हिलाते हैं, तो दुनिया पूरी हिलती है।

हमारे देश 20- 22- 24 साल के नौजवानों ने दुनिया को अचंभित कर दिया, इंफोर्मेशन टेक्‍नोलॉजी के क्षेत्र में। पूरे विश्‍व को भारत की ओर देखने का नजरिया बदलना पड़ा। कोई सरकार, कोई पीआर एजेंसी, अरबों-खरबों का बजट जो काम नहीं कर सकता था, वह हिंदुस्‍तान के 20- 22 साल के नौजवानों ने कंप्‍यूटर पर उंगली घुमा-घुमा कर, दुनिया का रूप बदल दिया है।

ये ताकत है देश की। इसका गर्व करता है इंडिया। विश्‍व के सामने हमें अपने इंडिया पर गर्व होता है। आप दुनिया का कोई भी देश देख लीजिए, क्‍या दुनिया के देशों में कठिनाइयां नहीं होगीं, होगीं। तकलीफें नहीं होगीं, होगीं। अच्‍छे-बुरे इंसान नहीं होंगे? होंगे। लेकिन विश्‍व का वही समाज आगे बढ़ता है जो अपने अच्‍छाइयों को लेकर के जीता है। रोने बैठता नहीं है। छोड़ो यार। पता नहीं पिछले जन्‍म में क्‍या पाप किया है, हिंदुस्‍तान में जन्‍म लिया। अच्‍छा होता मैं किसी और देश में पैदा हुआ होता। ऐसा समाज दुनिया में कभी कुछ नहीं कर सकता हैं।

अपने पास जो भी है, उसके लिए जो गर्व करता है, स्‍वाभिमान से जीता है और इसलिए हम दुनिया में कहीं भी रहें, दुनिया भी सारी अच्‍छी चीजों पर गर्व करें, लेकिन अपने स्‍वाभिमान के प्रति कभी भी कंपरमाइज नहीं करना चाहिए। यह अपने आप में बहुत बड़ी ताकत है। देखिए, भगवान राम श्रीलंका गए थे। लंका गए, सोने की लंका गए। आखिर वो भी इंसान तो थे। कौन मोहित नहीं हो जाता। लेकिन सोने की नगरी में विजयी हो के खड़े रहने के बाद भी वह कहते क्‍या हैं, ‘स्‍वर्गादपि गरियसी’। अयोध्‍या के लिए यह भाव था उनके मन में। मेरा अयोध्‍या जैसा भी हो, गरीबी होगी, कठिनाइयां होंगी, भले तुम्‍हारी लंका सोने की हो, तुम्‍हें मुबारक। मेरे लिए तो ‘स्‍वर्गादपि गरियसी’। ये जो सबक है, संदेश है, वह हमारी सबसे बड़ी ताकत है।

मैं चाहूंगा, विश्‍वभर में फैला हुआ हिंदुस्‍तान का कोई भी नागरिक हो, उसके हृदय में यह भाव बना रहना चाहिए। जिन लोगों ने, कैरिबियन कंट्रीज में हमारे लोग गए, सवा सौ-डेढ़ सौ साल पहले गए, मजदूर के रूप में गए। अंग्रेज उनको मजदूर के रूप में उठा के ले जाते थे। जो जेल में कैदी थे, उनको उठा के ले जाते थे। वहां छोड़ देते थे। उन लोगों ने वहां जाकर देश बनाए। वहां जाकर देखिए। देखिए आज भी एक रामायण की चौपाइयों के भरोसे उन्‍होंने हिंदुस्‍तान के साथ अपना नाता बनाये रखा है। यानी अपना जो मूल है, नाभी से ही तो प्राण तत्‍व मिलता है, नाभी से कभी नाता टूटना नहीं चाहिए। नाभी से नाता कैसे बना रहे, इसके लिए निरंतर प्रयास होना चाहिए।

हम किसी भी देश में क्‍यों न हो। लेकिन ये तो तय कर सकते हैं कि कम से कम खाना खाते समय शाम को सब इकट्ठे बैठेंगे। तीन पीढ़ी होगी तो तीन पीढ़ी, दो पीढ़ी होगी तो दो पीढ़ी, चार पीढ़ी होगी तो चार पीढ़ी, कम से कम सब खाना खाने के टेबल पर हम अपनी मातृभाषा में बात करेंगे। यह कर सकते हैं क्‍या ?

बात छोटी है लेकिन ये इसकी बहुत बड़ी ताकत है। और कभी ना कभी एक कंपीटिशन करनी चाहिए विदेश में और मैं चाहूंगा कि आप करेंगे विदेश में। हमारी बच्चियां है, साड़ी पहनने की कंपीटिशन। अच्‍छी से अच्‍छी साड़ी कौन पहनता है। जल्‍दी से जल्‍दी साड़ी कौन पहनता है। ईनाम दीजिए। बच्‍चों के लिए साफा बांधने की प्रैक्टिस। अच्‍छे से अच्‍छा साफा कैसे बांधते हैं, पगड़ी कैसे बांधते हैं। देखिए इन चीजों से लगाव पैदा होता है। कंपीटिशन का कंपीटिशन होगा, खेल का खेल होगा, लेकिन आप की नई पीढ़ी को संस्‍कार मिल जाएगा। और इसलिए चीजें छोटी हो, लेकिन छोटी-छोटी चीजों का, कभी भारतीय व्‍यंजनों का कंपीटिशन। कंपलसरी नहीं पीढ़ी ही बनाकर लाये, पुराने लोग जो हिंदुस्‍तान से आए, वो नहीं। जो यहां पैदा हुए, बढ़े, उनको बनाओ। चलो रोटी बनाके ले आओ। सब्‍जी बना के ले आओ। दाल बना, कैसे बनाते हैं।

आपको आश्‍चर्य होगा कि मैं ऐसी छोटी-छोटी बातें कर रहा हूं। ये कोई प्रधानमंत्री है कोई ? लेकिन मुझे मालूम है कि ये छोटी-छोटी चीजों की जो ताकत होती है, वही दुनिया बदलती है। और हमारी नई पीढ़ी को इसके लिए तैयार करना चाहिए। अगर आप इसको करेंगे तो अच्छा होगा, बाकी तो मैं इस देश का मेहमान था, भारत की बात ले के आया था, भारत की बात सुनाने आया था।

जापान की बातें सुनने समझने की कोशिश की। बहुत अच्‍छे निर्णय हुए। जापान के साथ बहुत अच्‍छे निर्णय हुए। हिंदुस्‍तान में ट्रिलियन शब्‍द शायद पहली बार चर्चा में आएगा। कानों पर मिलियन-बिलियन तो थोड़ा बहुत आने लगा है। ट्रिलियन शब्‍द पहली बार वहां चर्चा में आया। 3.5 ट्रिलियन येन, करीब 35 बिलियन डालर, यानी कि 2 लाख 10 हजार करोड़ रुपये, आने वाले दिनों में जापान भारत में निवेश करेगा। भारत के विकास के अंदर जुड़ेगा। ये अपने आप में बहुत बड़ा निर्णय है।

कुछ एरिया बड़े सेंसेटिव होते है, जो जिसको दो देशों को जरा अशंका का माहौल रहता है। हमारे देश की छह कंपनियां ऐसी थी, जो प्रोडक्‍शन करती थी, वह जापान में प्रतिबंधित थी। जापान के साथ उस विषय से हमारा लंबे अरसे से झगड़ा चलता था। मुझे सबसे ज्‍यादा आनंद इस बात का है कि जापान ने हम पर भरोसा किया। भरोसा बहुत बड़ी ताकत होती है। दुनिया के संबंधों में भरोसा एक ऐसा केमिकल है जी, जो फेविकल से भी ज्‍यादा घनिष्‍ट दोस्‍ती बनाता है। गहरी दोस्‍ती बनाती ह। और उस भरोसे के कारण जापान ने उन छह हमारे जो कंपनियों के उत्‍पादन पर जो प्रतिबंध लगाया था, उसे हटा दिया।

मैं पैदा तो गुजरात में हुआ हूं, गुजरात ने मुझे पाला-पोसा, बड़ा किया, लेकिन इन दिनों में काशी की सेवा में हूं। वाराणसी का मैं एमपी हूं। मेरा एक दायित्‍व भी बनता है। वाराणसी, वेद काल से भी पुरानी नगरी मानी जाती है। शायद दुनिया की सबसे पुरानी नगरी के रूप में उसका वर्णन आता है। क्‍योटो भी काफी पुरानी नगरी है। यहां भी हजारों मंदिर हैं। यहां पर भी उसकी आत्‍मा जो है, स्पिरिचुअल आत्‍मा जो है, उसको संभालते हुए उसका मोडर्नाइज किया। मेरे मन में रहता था कि वाराणसी में नहीं हो सकता है ऐसा ? इसलिए, इस यात्रा में मैंने कुछ समय क्‍योटो के लिए भी निकाला। मेरे लिए खुशी की बात है कि प्रधानमंत्री सारे प्रोटोकाल छोड़कर के क्‍योटो आए। मुझे सब जगह दिखाने के लिए ले गए। काफी समय मेरे साथ बिताया। हल्‍की-फुल्‍की, बहुत सी गप्‍पें, गोष्‍ठी, बातें हुई। हल्‍का-फुल्‍का माहौल रहा। लेकिन मेरा सपना था, मैं एक वाराणसी का जन प्रतिनिधि हूं, तो वहां के लिए भी कुछ में करूं।

क्‍योटो के साथ जी हमारा जो एमओयू हुआ है, और विशेषकर के उन परंपराओं को बनाये रखते हुए, हेरीटेज को पूरी तरह संभालते हुए और क्‍योटो एक ऐसी सिटी है, जिसके 17 स्‍ट्रक्‍चर्स ऐसे हैं, जो वर्ल्‍ड हेरीटेज में है। एक नगर के 17 स्‍ट्रक्‍चर्स वर्ल्‍ड हेरिटेज में हों, दुनिया में कहीं नहीं हो सकता है। ऐसी वो नगरी है। उससे हम बहुत कुछ सीख सकते हैं। क्‍योटो वाराणसी दोनों एज ए नगर ‘हेरीटेज सिटी’ में हैं। तो उसके दिशा में मैंने थोड़ा समय दिया था। मैं मानता हूं कि आने वाले दिनों में जापान के मार्गदर्शन से उस काम को हम भारत में कर पाएंगे।

मेरे हिसाब से यात्रा बहुत ही सफल रही है। बहुत ही सफल।मैं इस यात्रा को एक और रूप में भी विशेष देखता हूं। समान्‍य रूप के प्रमुख लोग मिलते हैं तो एक दूसरे को गिफ्ट देते हैं। आपको जानकर के खुशी होगी, मैं गिफ्ट देने के लिए गीता ले आया था, भगवद् गीता। मैं नहीं जानता हूं कि हिंदुस्‍तान में इस पर क्‍या होगा, शायद एक टीवी डिबेट चलेगी इस पर। हमारे सारे सेक्‍यूलर मित्र बड़ा तूफान खड़ा कर देंगे कि मोदी अपने आप को समझता क्‍या है। गीता लेकर गया है, मतलब उसने उसको भी कम्‍यूनल कर दिया है।

खैर उनकी भी तो रोजी रोटी चलनी चाहिए और अगर हम नहीं रहे तो उनकी कैसे चलेगी। लेकिन पता नहीं आज-कल ऐसे-ऐसे विषयों पर विवाद करते हैं। लेकिन, मेरा कमिटमेंट है, मेरा कनविक्‍शन है, मैंने निर्णय किया कि मैं दुनिया के किसी भी महापुरूष को मिलूंगा तो मैं ये दूंगा।

मैंने जापान में आज यहां के महाराजा मिलने गया तो मैंने उनको भी गीता भेंट की। क्‍योंकि मेरे पास इससे बढ़कर के देने को कुछ नहीं है। दुनिया के पास भी इससे बढ़ कर पाने को कुछ नहीं है। भारत और जापान की मैत्री, इसका एक विशेष रूप है। जापान के लोगों के दिलों में भारत के लिए एक विशेष स्‍थान है। आप लोग यहां रहते हैं, आपका तो होगा ही। लेकिन उसका कारण हमारे लोगों के कुछ विशेष व्‍यवहार रहे होंगे। मुझे यहां बताया गया कि जब हिरोशिमा की घटना हुई तो उसके बाद दुनिया के कई देशों के लोग मदद को यहां आए थे। सब खत्‍म हो चुका था। अकेले हिन्‍दुस्‍तान के जो वालेंटियर्स आए थे, वही अकेले ऐसे थे जो डेड बॉडी को अपने हाथों से उठाते थे। बाकी दुनिया से आए हुए मशीन से सारी चीजें हटाते थे। भारत के लोग हिरोशिमा के उस आपत्ति में उनके शरीर को अपने हाथों से उठाकर ले जाते थे। इस बात का उनके मन पर प्रभाव आज भी है, कि यह देश जीवित जापानी के ही नहीं, मृतक जापानी को भी उतना ही सम्‍मान देता है, ये शिक्षा दी थी। चीजें छोटी होती है, लेकिन और इसके कारण एक ऐसा इमोशनल बाइंडिंग है।

इस मैत्री को आगे बढ़ाने के पीछे एक वैश्विक परिदृश्‍य में बहुत अलग रूप देखता हूं। टर्मिनोलॉजिकली, मैं कोई डिप्‍लोमेट नहीं हूं। इसलिए मुझे इस टर्मिनोलोजी का कोई ज्ञान नहीं है कि वे लोग कैसे इसे सोचते होंगे। लेकिन मेरा जो रॉ विजन है, सामान्‍य समझ जो मेरी है, वो मुझे कहती है। सारी दुनिया कहती है कि 21वीं सदी एशिया की होगी। इसमें कोई कंफ्यूजन नहीं है। सब लोग बोलते है, दुनिया के टॉप मोस्‍ट सब लोग बोल चुके हैं कि 21वीं सदी एशिया की होगी। कोई आगे बढ़ के कहता है कि 21वीं सदी चाइना की होगी, कोई कहता है 21 वीं इंडिया की होगी। लेकिन इसमें कोई कंफ्यूजन नहीं है कि 21वीं एशिया की होगी। अब 21वीं सदी एशिया की होगी, यह तो कंफर्म है, लेकिन 21वीं सदी कैसी होगी, यह अभी कंफर्म नहीं है और वो कैसी होगी, यह उस बात पर डिपेंड करता है कि भारत और जापान की मैत्री कैसी होगी। भारत और जापान मिल कर के किन वैल्‍यूज को प्रोमोट करते हैं। विश्‍व को किस दिशा में ले जाने के लिए प्रयास करते हैं। उस पर 21 वीं सदी की दिशा, 21वीं सदी की दशा यह निर्भर रहने वाली है। उस अर्थ में, उस अर्थ में भारत और जापान की मैत्री का प्रभाव आने वाली पूरी शताब्‍दी पर रहने वाला है।

आप जब जापान में रहते है तो इसकी ताकत क्‍या है, इस ताकत को समझ करके एक नागरिक के नाते, एक भारत में प्रतिनिधि के नाते जापानियों के दिल में किस प्रकार से हमारा जुड़ाव बढ़ता चले, और इस सपने को साकार करें। मुझे विश्‍वास है कि भारत के गौरव को बढ़ाने में आप लोगों का बहुत-बहुत योगदान रहेगा।

दो छोटी चीजें मैं आपके सामने कहना चाहता हूं। हम इतने सालों से जापान में रहते हैं, एक संकल्‍प कर सकते हैं कि हमारे अपने प्रयत्‍न से कम से कम पांच जापानीज परिवार को हर वर्ष मैं हिंदुस्‍तान जाने के लिए, देखने के लिए प्रेरित करूंगा। कर सकते हैं क्या ? भारत सरकार जो टूरिज्‍म को प्रमोट नहीं कर सकती है, वह आप कर सकते हैं। आप मुझे बताइए, कितने 23000 बताए यहां, पूरे जापान में। अगर 23000 है, पूरे 5000 फैमिली हैं। 5000 फैमिली 5 परिवार को भेजे, मतलब 25000 फैमिली मतलब मोर देन 75000 टू वन लाख लोग, आपके प्रयत्‍न से हर वर्ष हिंदुस्‍तान आए, मुझे बताइए, वहां के गरीब को रोजी-रोटी मिलेगी कि नहीं मिलेगी, चाय बेचने वाले की चाय बिकेगी कि नहीं बिकेगी। आप भी चाहते हैं ना कि चाय बेचने वाले की चाय बिके।

हम एक काम कर सकते हैं, लेकिन हम करते नहीं है। उनको समझायें, उनको विश्‍वास दें। और आप चलिये, हम आपको अता पता देते हैं, इन चार जगह पर जाके आइये, अच्‍छा लगेगा। देखिए सिर्फ विश्‍व में फैले हुए भारतीय प्रतिवर्ष पांच अपने साथी मित्र परिवारों को हिंदुस्‍तान भेजना शुरू करें, हिंदुस्‍तान का टूरिज्‍म दुनिया में कतई पीछे नहीं रहेगा। बड़ी सरलता से करने वाला काम है।

दूसरी बात, अब तो दुनिया सारी सोशल मीडिया से जुड़ी हुई है, इंटरनेट से जुड़ी हुई है। मैंने प्रधानमंत्री कार्यालय में ‘माई गोव. एमआई.जीओवी’, एक इंटरैक्टिव वेबसाइट है। आप इसमें जाकर के डिटेल देखिए। आप एक ग्रुप के रूप में ज्‍वाइन करके भारत में क्‍या किया जा सकता है। बहुत कंस्‍ट्रक्टिव सुझाव डाइटेक्‍ट मुझे भेज सकते हैं। आपके मन में जो भी विचार आए लिख सकते हैं। यह एक ओपन फोरम है, बहुत ही नया कंसेप्‍ट है। ‘माई गोवमेंट’ यानी जनता कहती है, ‘मेरी सरकार’ है। उस मूड में उसको बनाया है। मैं चाहूंगा कि आप उसको स्‍टडी कीजिए। उसमें जिन विषयों को मैंने रेज किया है, आप उस पर अपना योगदान दीजिए। ये कंट्रीबूशन पूरे विश्‍व में फैले हुए अपने लोगों के द्वारा जितना कंट्रीब्‍यूशन मिलेगा, नए-नए आइडियाज भारत की प्रगति के लिए काम आएंगे। मैंने आपसे न येन मांगा है, न पाउंड मांगा है, न डॉलर मांगा है। उसके बावजूद भी आप देश की बहुत कुछ देश की सेवा कर सकते हैं।

इसी एक अपेक्षा के साथ आप सबको मेरी बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं।धन्‍यवाद।
PM's keynote address at event organized by Nikkei Inc. and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

PM to Japanese business community: Come. Make in India.

"India is incomplete without Japan. Japan is incomplete without India."

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has urged the Japanese business community to resolve to "Make in India" and assured them that they will receive a conducive business environment in India. Delivering the keynote address at an event hosted by Nikkei Inc. and Japan External Trade Organization, the Prime Minister said that if we can replicate in India the work culture, governance, efficiency and discipline that exists in Japan, Japanese business will feel comfortable in doing business in India. will feel comfortable in India.

Stating that huge possibilities for cooperation existed between the two countries, the Prime Minister said India wants to give an environment to Japanese business to make in India, whatever they wished to supply to the world. He highlighted the possibilities of low-cost manufacturing, skilled manpower and ease of doing business that existed in India. He said that within the first 100 days itself, his Government had moved to cut red tape and ease restrictions for doing business. He said wherever in the world Japanese business wanted to sell, India was the best location to manufacture.

Talking about India`s leadership in software, and Japan`s leadership in hardware, the Prime Minister highlighted that both were incomplete without each other. "India is incomplete without Japan. Japan is incomplete without India," the Prime Minister said.

Giving some more examples of the huge potential for business in India, the Prime Minister said 50 cities were in the queue for metro trains, and a huge demand existed for electronic goods. Nowhere else in the world will you find the combination of democracy, demographics and demand, that exists in India, the Prime Minister said. He also spoke of emerging possibilities due to the Digital India mission and a thrust on solar energy.

In response to a question on whether there is a contradiction between nationalism and globalization, the Prime Minister gave the example of Lord Buddha to say that one`s identity can be retained while globalizing. He said that India believes in the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the whole world as one family, and therefore he saw no contradiction between globalization and nationalism.

Text of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s special lecture at the University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo

सभी नौजवान साथियो,

आपको आश्‍चर्य होता होगा कि किसी देश के प्रधानमंत्री ने आपके कॉलेज में आना क्‍यों पसंद किया, स्‍टूडेंट्स को मिलना क्‍यों पसंद किया। मेरी यह कोशिश है कि अगर दुनिया में भिन्‍न–भिन्‍न समाजों को समझना है, तो दो क्षेत्र बहुत महत्‍वपूर्ण होते हैं। एक, वहां की शिक्षा प्रणाली और दूसरी, वहां के आर्ट एंड कल्‍चर। यह दो महत्‍वपूर्ण पहलू होते हैं, जिससे इतिहास भी समझ में आ जाता है और उस देश की प्रकृति भी समझ में आ जाती है और एक मोटा-मोटा अंदाज लगा सकते हैं कि वो कौन सी बातें हैं जिसके साथ हम बड़ी निकटता से जुड़ सकते हैं। मैंने सुना है कि आपकी इस यूनिवर्सिटी का बड़ा नाम है। यहां के बड़े रहीस, यहां के विद्यार्थी रहे हैं और उसके कारण सहज रूप से जापान और जापान के बाहर आपकी इस यूनिवर्सिटी का काफी संपर्क रहा है। मैंने सुना है भारत के भी बहुत सारे विद्यार्थी कभी न कभी यहां स्‍टूडेंट के रूप में रहे हैं।

आपके मन में बहुत स्‍वा‍भाविक होगा कि भारत में महिलाओं की क्‍या स्थिति है, किस प्रकार का उनका जीवन है। शायद दुनिया में भारत ही एक ऐसा देश है, जहां के सामाजिक जीवन में जो भगवान की कल्‍पना की गई है। उस भगवान की कल्‍पना में विश्‍व में सभी जगह पे, सभी समाजों में ज्‍यादातर पुरूष भगवान की ही कल्‍पना की गई है। एकमात्र भारत ऐसा देश है, जहां ‘स्‍त्री भगवान’ की कल्‍पना की गई है। ‘गॉडेस’ का कंसेप्‍ट है वहां। आज जो मिनिस्‍ट्री का फोरमेशन जो होता है, उसके संदर्भ में हमारी जो पुरानी मिथोलॉजी को सोचूं तो हमारे यहां पूरा एजुकेशन माता सरस्‍वती, गॉडेस सरस्‍वती से जुड़ा हुआ है। अगर पैसों की बात करें, धन की बात करें तो गॉडेस लक्ष्‍मी की कल्‍पना है। अगर आप सोचे कि सिक्‍युरिटी का मामला है होम अफेयर्स की एक्टिविटी है तो महाकाली की कल्‍पना है। अगर फूड सिक्‍युरिटी की सोंचे तो हमारे यहां देवी अन्‍नपूर्णा की कल्‍पना है। यानी पूरी मिनिस्‍ट्री महिलाओं के हाथ में थी। मेजर पोर्टफोलियो महिलाओं के हाथ में थे। यानी इस कल्‍पना से भारत की विशेषता रही है और आपने देखा होगा कि दुनिया में कई देश ऐसे हैं कि जहां आज भी चीफ ऑफ द स्‍टेट के रूप में महिलाओं को प्रधान्‍य नहीं है, लेकिन एशियन कंट्रीज में यह परंपरा रही है। चाहे हिन्‍दुस्‍तान देखिये, बंगला देश देखिये, श्रीलंका देखिये, पाकिस्‍तान देखिये, इंडोनेशिया देखिये इवन थाइलैंड देखिये कोई न कोई हैड ऑफ द कंट्री महिला रही हैं और यह वहां की विशेषता रही है।

लेकिन भारत जब गुलाम हुआ और जब अंग्रेजों ने हिंदुस्‍तान छोड़ा तो यह बड़ा दुर्भाग्‍य था हमारे देश का, सिर्फ 9 परसेंट विमेन एजुकेशन था। उसके बाद कई इनिशिएटिव लिए गए और व्‍यक्तिगत रूप से मैंने गर्ल चाइल्‍ड एजुकेशन को बहुत ही प्राथमिकता दी है। मैं भारत का प्रधानमंत्री बना, उससे पहले मैं भारत के वेस्‍टर्न पार्ट में एक छोटा सा स्‍टेट है गुजरात, मैं उस गुजरात का मुख्‍यमंत्री था। गुजरात के मुख्‍यमंत्री के रूप में मैंने गर्ल चाइल्‍ड एजुकेशन पर एक बहुत बड़ा इनीशिएटिव लिया था। मैंने अपने आप को डेडिकेट किया था, गर्ल चाइल्‍ड एजुकेशन के लिए।

गर्ल चाइल्‍ड एजुकेशन के प्रति मेरा इतना लगाव है, मेरे मन में इतना भाव जगा है कि जैसे, हेड ऑफ द स्‍टेट कई सारे फंक्‍शन में जाते हैं तो बहुत सारे गिफ्ट मिलते हैं, नई-नई चीजें लोग देते हैं, हिन्‍दुस्‍तान में ऐसी परंपरा है। मैं सारी चीजें ट्रेजरी में जमा करता था। जमा करने के बाद उसकी ऑक्‍शन करता था। ऑक्‍शन से जो पैसा आता था, वह सारे पैसे मैं गर्ल चाइल्‍ड एजुकेशन के लिए डोनेट कर देता था।

मैं 14 साल मुख्‍यमंत्री रहा। 14 साल में जो चीजें मुझे मिली थी, जो छोटी-मोटी चीजें मिली थी, उसकी नीलामी की। जब मैंने गुजरात छोड़ा तो मैंने 78 करोड़ रुपये गुजरात सरकार की तिजोरी में जमा कराये थे, जो बच्चियों की शिक्षा के लिए खर्च किये जा रहे हैं।

भारत की एक और जानकारी भी शायद आपके लिए आश्‍यर्चजनक होगी, वहां के पोलिटिकल सिस्‍टम में एक लोकल सेल्‍फ गवर्नमेंट होती है, लोग अपना म्‍युनिसिपेलिटी का चुनाव करते हैं, पंचायत का चुनाव करते हैं, और उसका जो बॉडी बनता है वह पांच साल के लिए वहां का कारोबार चलाते हैं। आपको जानकर खुशी होगी कि वहां 33 प्रतिशत महिलाओं को आरक्षण है। कोई भी इलेक्‍टेड बॉडी होगा, लोकल लेवल पर, जहां 33 प्रतिशत महिलाओं का रिप्रजेंटेशन जरूरी है। इतना ही नहीं, हर सेकेंड इयर के बाद, चीफ आफ दि यूनिट, वह भी महिला ही होती है। कभी मेयर महिला बनती हैं, कभी डिस्ट्रिक प्रेसिडेंट महिला बनती हैं, कभी ब्‍लॉक प्रेसिडेंट महिला बनती हैं। इसलिए वहां डिसीजन मेकिंग प्रोसेस में महिलाओं को प्राथमिकता देने का एक संवैधानिक कानूनी प्रबंध किया गया है।

आपको जानकार यह भी खुशी होगी कि अभी-अभी जो मेरी सरकार बनी है, 100 दिन हुए हैं सरकार को। मेरा जो कैबिनेट है, कैबिनेट में 25 प्रतिशत महिला हैं। इतना ही नहीं, हमारी जो विदेश मंत्री हैं, वह भी महिला ही हैं। तो आप कल्‍पना कर सकते हैं कि भारत में बहुत प्रयत्‍न पूर्वक इस 50 प्रतिशत पोपुलेशन को विकास की प्रक्रिया में सक्रिय भागीदारी बनाने के लिए शैक्षणिक क्षेत्र से, राजनीतिक क्षेत्र से जीवन को आगे बढ़ाने का पूरा प्रयास किया है।

हमारे सामने एक बहुत बड़ी चुनौती यह है कि जितना हम शिक्षा प्राप्‍त करते हैं, साइंस, टेक्‍नोलोजी, कंप्‍यूटर वर्ल्‍ड, कभी-कभी डर रहता है कि आज भी इस व्‍यवस्‍था से हम रोबोट तो तैयार नहीं कर रहे हैं। मुझे खुशी है कि आपके इस विश्‍वविद्यालय में ह्यूमेनिटी पर जोर है। उसका प्राइमरी जो शिक्षा है, वह इन सब विषयों से जुड़ी हुई है। मैं मानता हूं कि ये ह्यूमेनिटी का जो कंसेप्‍ट है, तकनीक कितनी ही आगे क्‍यों ना बढ़े, कितने ही रोबोट क्‍यूं न तैयार करें, पर मानवीय संवेदना के बिना जीवन असंभव है। और इसलिए मैं कभी-कभी कहता हूं, साइंस ऑफ थिकिंग एंड आर्ट ऑफ लिविंग, ये दोनों का कॉम्बिनेशन चाहिए। मेरे लिए खुशी की बात है कि मुझे आज आप सबसे मिलने का मौका मिला।

आपमें से कितने लोग हैं जो कभी हिन्‍दुस्‍तान गए हैं ?

आपमें से कितने हैं, जिनकी हिन्‍दुस्‍तान जाने की इच्‍छा है ?

तो आप सब लोगों का हिन्‍दुस्‍तान में स्‍वागत है। जरूर आइए। भारत एक बहुत बड़ा, विशाल देश है, उसे देखिए। मैं इस विश्‍वविद्यालय के सभी महानुभावों का आभारी हूं कि आप सबके साथ बात करने का अवसर मिला। धन्‍यवाद।
PM's special lecture at the University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo
"Commitment to peace is ingrained in the DNA of Indian society. This commitment is far above international treaties or processes."

"Like a lamp in the dark, India and Japan should focus on shared values of democracy, development and peace."


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has said that commitment to peace and non-violence is ingrained in the DNA of the Indian society. He was responding to questions from students after delivering a special lecture at the University of the Sacred Heart in Tokyo. In reply to a question on how India could enhance the confidence of the international community as a non-NPT state, the Prime Minister said this commitment to peace that was intrinsic to Indian society, has significance far above any international treaties or processes. India is the land of Lord Buddha, who lived for peace, and spread the message of peace across the world, he said, adding that India had won its freedom through non-violent means. For thousands of years, India has believed in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the whole world is our family, Shri Narendra Modi said. When we consider the whole world as our family, how can we even think of doing anything that would harm or hurt anyone, he said.

In response to another question, the Prime Minister called for India and Japan to focus on shared values of democracy, development, and peace, saying this effort would be similar to lighting a lamp in the dark. Illustrating his point, the Prime Minister said an intelligent person would fight darkness in a room not with a broom, sword or blanket, but with a small diya (earthen lamp). “If we light a lamp, we need not be scared of darkness,” the Prime Minister said.

Replying to a question on environment, the Prime Minister said India had, for centuries, a tradition of dialogue (sanvaad) with nature. People in India think of the whole universe as their family, the Prime Minister said, saying that children call the moon their uncle, and rivers are addressed as “Mother.” He asked the assembled students if they felt “climate change” was a correct terminology. He said that human beings had actually changed their “habits” leading to strife with nature. This strife with nature had caused problems, the Prime Minister said. He referred to a book - “Convenient Action” - that he had written on the subject, and invited students to read it online, if they were interested.

The Prime Minister invited the students to ask him questions on social media, saying he would be happy to answer them, and adding that he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe were friends online as well.

Earlier, addressing the students at this all-women University, the Prime Minister said that if we have to understand different societies across the world, two things are important – their education system and their art and culture, which is why he had come to their University. Referring to the position held by women in Indian tradition and culture, he said that India had the concept of Goddesses, unlike most parts of the world, where God is usually referred to only as a Father. He also mentioned initiatives he had taken for education of the girl child while he was Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Apex court wants stage-wise plan for Ganga rejuvenation, criticises govt blueprint

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Apex court wants stage-wise plan for Ganga rejuvenation, criticises govt blueprint

Bhadra Sinha, Hindustan Times New Delhi, September 03, 2014
First Published: 17:34 IST(3/9/2014) | Last Updated: 22:59 IST(3/9/2014)
The Supreme Court asked the Centre on Wednesday  for a PowerPoint presentation within three weeks on a stage-wise strategy to clean up the Ganga, saying the government’s “bureaucratic plan” may take 200 years to accomplish the task.

“Please try that the next generation is able to see the river in its original form. We don’t know whether we will see it or not,” said a bench headed by Justice TS Thakur after studying the government’s latest affidavit.
"After seeing your action plan, it seems Ganga will not be cleaned even after 200 years. Evaluate the dream project You have to take steps to restore Ganga to its pristine glory."
 Ganga cleaning begins; toxin sensors installed

In its affidavit, the Narendra Modi government said it was committed to depolluting the river, which was an election promise and has recently been deemed national priority. It also said a group of professionals from the IITs have been asked to finalise the plan by the end of the year.
The bench said it was not concerned about the financial assistance coming from other countries but was worried how the common people will be explained about the proposal for proceeding with project of cleaning the river.

"We don't want to get into the nitty-gritty of committees etc. But common man expects to know how the cleaning Ganga process will emerge. They should at least know how the government is proceeding.
Over Rs. 20,000 crore has been spent since 1985 when the Clean Ganga mission was launched. The goal, however, remains unachieved.
Unholy mess: Cleaning up the Ganga

"You have given a very bureaucratic kind of explanation. We want to see it in a layman's language as to how you are proceeding with the project," the bench told solicitor general Ranjit Kumar after perusing an affidavit filed by Uma Bharti's ministry of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation.

The apex court, which has been monitoring the cleaning process, will next hear the 29-year-old public interest litigation filed by advocate MC Mehta on September 24.

The bench also asked the Centre to explain what steps it had taken to preserve the 135-km stretch of the river from Gangotri downstream, notified as an eco-sensitive zone by the Union government in December 2013.

Solicitor general Ranjit Kumar informed the court how the government had received World Bank funds and financial and technical aid from Japan to implement various projects. At this, the bench said it wasn’t keen to know the source of funds.

“If you want us to enforce some directions for removal of polluting industries or ask the local bodies not taking steps to prevent pollution, to act, we will certainly issue the legal process,” the court said.
 Cleaning one of the world’s dirtiest rivers is a tough task

The 2,500-km long Ganga, which originates in the Himalayas, is considered the holiest of rivers by Hindus.
The government has said it is committed to its pre-poll promise of making the river which passes through 29 major cities, 23 small cities and 48 towns, free from pollution.

In its affidavit, the Centre said, "it accords a status of national priority to the rejuvenation of river Ganga and the basic framework to achieve this national priority consists of evolving suitable strategies and action points in several thrust areas."
It said maintaining ecological flow in the river, abatement and mitigation of various types of pollution in it, restoring ecological sanctity, creating awareness about the conservation of river and ensuring people's participation in this process are some of the thrust areas.

"The achievements of these objectives entail multi-institutional, multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral approach," the affidavit said.

Govt Constitutes Committee To Review Environment Laws

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Govt Constitutes Committee To Review Environment Laws

 


The central government today set up a committee to review different environment laws so that they could be brought in line with the "current requirements." The committee, which consists of four members, will be headed by former cabinet secretary TSR Subramanian. It has been asked to review five crucial environment laws concerning conservation of environment, forest, wildlife, water and air among others.

The government has been looking to speed up the environmental clearances to propel economic growth. The Environment Ministry has asked the committee to submit its report in two months.

The ministry's order said, "Based on experience gained in the implementation of aforesaid Acts, it has been decided to constitute a high-level committee to review these Acts and suggest appropriate amendments to bring them in line with their objectives."

The laws to be reviewed include Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

"The panel has been asked to recommend specific amendments needed so as to bring them in line with current requirements. It has also been asked to draft proposed amendments in each of the aforesaid Acts to give effect to the proposed recommendations," the ministry order said.

Wishing A very teachers day Teacher’s Day In India

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 I RESPECT TO ALL MY TEACHERS FROM CORE OF MY HEART  AS PROF. S. P. TRIVEDI, PROF. Y.K. SHARMA, SHRI. V.K. SHARMA , SHRI P.P. SINGH SIR, SHRI KS. RAJU SIR, SHRI RAHUL RAJU ,SHRI R. SINGH , VP-SHRI R. RAGHAVAN SIR, GM , DGM TECH  AND HOD QC, FRIENDS - COLLEAGUE AND PARENTS.


Since times immemorial, Indians have respected and idolized their teachers. Earlier, we used to call our teachers 'Guru' and now it's the contemporary 'Sir' or 'Madam'. Nevertheless, the role of teachers has remained the same. They were, are and will continue to be our guiding light, creating conditions conducive to our overall development. We will always be thankful to them for their constructive support. It is as an expression of this gratitude only that we celebrate Teacher's Day in India.

Teacher's Day is a tribute to the hard work and devotion of the teachers all year long, to educate a child. In India, teacher’s day is celebrated on 5th of September every year. Indian Teacher’s Day is dedicated to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was a zealous advocate of education and one of the greatest scholars and teachers of all times, apart from being the first Vice President and the second President of India. As a mark of respect to this phenomenal teacher, his birthday came to be observed as Teacher’s Day in the country.

On Teacher's day, students across India dress up as their teachers and take lectures in classes that are assigned to the teachers they represent. Sometimes, teachers sit in their classes as students, trying to relive the time when they, themselves, were students. Also, functions are organized in schools on the special day, where students present dance performances, dramas, and various other programs to entertain their teachers. This day provides for a healthy interaction between teachers and students as well.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was one of the most distinguished diplomats, scholars and teachers of India, apart from being the first Vice President and the second President of the country. As a tribute to this great teacher, his birthday is observed as Teacher's Day across India. As a matter of fact, when his students and friends asked him for the permission to celebrate his birthday, it was he who asked them to celebrate the day as Teacher's Day, honoring the efforts of teachers across the country.

Indian Teacher's Day History
India has been celebrating Teacher's Day on 5th September, since 1962. The day commemorates the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan, a philosopher and a teacher par excellence, and his contribution towards Indian education system. Dr Radhakhrishnan believed that "teachers should be the best minds in the country". On this day, we gratefully remember the great educationist, apart from honoring all the teachers that have made our life much more knowledgeable and fulfilled, as serving as our beacons of light.

I Didn't Even Run For Class Monitor: PM Modi's Top 10 Quotes

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I Didn't Even Run For Class Monitor: PM Modi's Top 10 Quotes


I Didn't Even Run For Class Monitor: PM Modi's Top 10 Quotes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the function on Friday.
New Delhi:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing children across the country on Teachers' Day. After a speech in which he stressed on the need for more quality teachers, PM Modi took questions from students.

Here are some of his quotable quotes:
  1. I never thought (that I would become PM or famous in the world). I didn't even run for class monitor back in school.
  2. I am a taskmaster and it is not that I myself do not work and take work from others.
  3. Work hard, play hard and sweat a lot at least four times a day. Don't be glued to books all day.
  4. India is a young nation. Can't we think of exporting good teachers? Why can't our children think, 'I want to be a good teacher'? What is the reason why a lot of people don't want to be teachers? We must think about this. The world needs good teachers.
  5. 'Google guru' is mostly used these days. It may give information, but it doesn't give knowledge.
  6. There is a need to highlight the importance of teacher in ordinary life and until and unless we accept that significance, there will be no pride for the teacher and a generation will not be able to attain success.
  7. There was a time when teacher used to command great respect. Slowly times have changed, we need to restore that.
  8. Can there be any child who isn't naughty? I was also naughty. We used to go to weddings and quietly staple people's clothes together. But promise me you wouldn't do such things.
  9. Serving the nation doesn't mean dying for it or doing politics. You don't need to do grand things. You can contribute by saving electricity and protecting the environment.
  10. I don't consider politics a profession. It is a form of service. And the need to serve rises from a sense of belonging.

Environment ministry launches campaign to save India's 700 remaining snow leopards

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Environment ministry launches campaign to save India's 700 remaining snow leopards

By Akash Vashishtha
A special conservation program is being drafted in a bid to take urgent steps to protect snow leopard and dugongs as they are battling for survival in their habitats.
Snow leopards, found in high altitude Himalayan region, were declared endangered as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Though the decline of the species over last few years has not been officially documented owing to physical restraints arising out of high altitude landscapes, dedicated wildlife groups have estimated their current count in India to be around 700.
Endangered: The growing intolerance of people towards the snow leopard is one of the main reasons for its declining numbers
Endangered: The growing intolerance of people towards the snow leopard is one of the main reasons for its declining numbers

The upper Spiti landscape in Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh is said to have a density of only one snow leopard in every 100 sq km of area.
According to wildlife conservationists, the government had announced a dedicated conservation program for the snow leopard in 2009, but the project was never implemented.
The failure of its implementation along with increasing stress on the Himalayan eco-system in the last five years has aggravated the survival of the species.
According to Koustubh Sharma, Indian Regional Ecologist for the Snow Leopard Trust, snow leopard is an indicator species of the
mountain
ecosystems reflecting its health, just as the tiger is an indicator of the terrestrial landscape.
It reflects the state of rivers (originating in mountains) and the quantity of rainfall determined by the mountains.
While illegal poaching for its skin and bones to be traded to China and South East Asia is a cause of its decline, the biggest reason, according to Koustubh, is the poorly planned developed projects like mining, hydro power dams and large-scale cutting in the Indian Himalayan region that fragments their corridors and destroys their habitats.
In some villages in the upper Indian Himalayas, the growing intolerance of inhabitants towards the snow leopard that competes with the livestock for food, resulting in the former preying upon the latter, has also been a cause for its decline.
"The recovery efforts cannot yield fruit until the projects are sensitively appraised for their effects on the mountain ecology. An integrated landscape-based conservation plan needs to be adopted to be effective," said Koustubh.
A senior wildlife official of the environment ministry said: "The project will be in shape soon. The conservation will be a landscape-based, trans-Himalayan approach with cooperation with other habitat countries like China, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, Russia and other Central Asian countries."

Amazing health benefits of eating green chillies

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Amazing health benefits of eating green chillies

green-chilliesGreen chilly which is the one among the best to bring spicy taste to the food.Capsaicin is the chemical compound that makes chili peppers taste hot; most of the people will eat chilies in raw, fried or roasted form along with salads and as a side dish in the main meals.It is very rich in couple of vitamins like A, C B6 and iron, copper, potassium with small amount of protein and carbohydrates.
This spicy vegetable includes Phyto-nutrients like Carotene-ß, Carotene-α, Cryptoxanthin-ß and Lutein-zeaxanthin etc. It not only makes your mouth wet with spicy nature it helps a lot in both health and skin. Let’s see the benefits of Green chilies to our health.

Health benefits of green chillies

  • Taking spicy dishes with a lot of chilies and fiery capsaicin in the summer months will result in cooling down your body by sweating process.
  • Biting a green chilly will result in the pain you feel and help to dissolve blood clots and aids in digestion.
  • Intake of it will helps a lot in your heart related problems.
  • It increases your metabolism by burning your calories.
  • It helps you to keep you in better mood.
  • It is a good medicine for arthritis.
  • High amounts of the antioxidant beta-carotene, in it supports the cardiovascular system a lot.
  • Helps a lot in the health of eyes and immune system.
  • Helps a lot in blocking the cholesterol content in body.
  • Vitamin A in it will helpful in the health and maintenance of bones, teeth, mucous membranes.
  • Vitamin C in it plays a key role in the maintenance of bones, teeth and cartilage.
  • It promotes a good health in Intestines.
  • It is a good treatment for nerve-related disorders like persistent pain, psoriasis and neuropathy.
  • It acts as a natural pain reliever that is potent enough to help treat conditions like osteoarthritis.
  • It helps a lot in facial twitching.
  • It helps you to keep away from wrinkles.
  • It acts as an anti inflammatory medicine for skin related issues.
  • It helps maintain the health of the skin.
  • Vitamin C in it helps in the cure of wounds.
  • As an antioxidant, it strengthens overall health and helps the body fight infections.
  • Vitamin C in it will helps in providing a glowing skin.

Flood situation grim in J-K, PM Modi holds talks with Omar

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, as the situation remained grim in the state where more than 100 people have died following heavy downpour over the past six days.

















A day after home minister Rajnath Singh's visit to J-K, Modi held a high-level meeting attended by chief minister Omar Abdullah and top officials to take stock of the ground realities.
The official death toll till Saturday evening in state's worst floods in 60 years was 116. Altogether 2,325 villages have been affected, and 350 of them have been submerged.

Kashmir Floods: 6 Lakh Stranded, Nearly 50,000 Rescued

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Kashmir Floods: 6 Lakh Stranded, Nearly 50,000 Rescued

Kashmir Floods: 6 Lakh Stranded, Nearly 50,000 Rescued
People make their way along a flooded street in Srinagar on September 9, 2014 (Agence France-Presse photo)
Srinagar/Jammu:  About six lakh people are still believed to be trapped in flood-ravaged Srinagar and south Kashmir. Over 49,000 people have so far been rescued in a massive multi-agency operation and the Centre has asked the Jammu and Kashmir government to list their names on its website.
Here are the latest developments:
  1. Almost 200 people have died in the state's worst floods in 60 years. With the weather clearing, 61 Air Force choppers and transport aircraft have made non-stop sorties through the night and on Tuesday to carry men, equipment like boats and cutters, and relief material, including medicines and bottled water.
  2. The floods have snapped the Valley's telecommunication links with the rest of the country and there has been panic as people have not been able to contact those stranded since Sunday night. Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth said 2,500 mobile phone towers are down and efforts are on "overtime" to get them working. The state-run BSNL is being helped by the Army and Air Force to restore mobile services through satellite network and services are expected to be partially restored today, officials said. 
  3. The Home Ministry has set up a control room in Srinagar to monitor flood relief operations and additional teams of the NDRF have been sent to the region.
  4. The Army said the J&K National Highway, which links the Valley to the rest of the country has reopened. The 300-km-long national highway had been closed to vehicular traffic for five days because of landslides and floods. The Srinagar-Leh highway was opened today.
  5. The Army said 10 to 15 people are being brought out in every round that a rescue boat makes into inundated areas where people are trapped in their homes and other buildings. Each boat is making 50 to 60 rounds a day. "We will move out only after rescuing everybody," Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag said.
  6. The Army has also set up medical camps and said their doctors are treating 200-300 people every day. "We have ambulances and surgeons. District hospitals and NGOs are also working with us," said an officer.
  7. Seven helicopters have been pressed to ferry relief material to Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Mahore, Doda and Kishtwar belts, officials said. Naval commandos have also been deployed for the first time.
  8. Two units of the Army and National Disaster Response Force teams have been airdropped in Pancheri, Udhampur, where 30 people are missing after a landslide hit the area. Seven bodies have been recovered so far, but the operation to locate those in Udhampur is very tough said officials.
  9. However, the situation in the Jammu region has stabilised and the focus is now on providing relief material on the ground, officials said. 68 relief camps have been set up in Jammu.
  10. The prime ministers of India and Pakistan have offered to help each other in efforts to alleviate the flood havoc in Kashmir. Nearly 200 people have been killed in floods and rain-related incidents in Pakistan.
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Jammu and Kashmir Floods: Check out how the disaster that has already claimed nearly 200 unfolded

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Jammu and Kashmir Floods: Check out how the disaster that has already claimed nearly 200 unfolded
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