June 2012 issue – Power play

India is making rapid progress in economic development, thus necessitating growing consumption of energy. The country ranks as the world’s seventh largest energy producing country and fifth largest energy consuming country. However, there is a big cost attached to this consumption – an irreversible damage to our environment and ecology apart from exhausting our natural resources. The escalating difference between supply and demand necessitates the development of cost effective energy resources. It is also said that going by the present level of consumption, oil will last only for the next 50 years, natural gas for 200 years and coal reserves for 230 years. These alarming figures call for urgent energy conservation and energy efficient measures. OIOP June 2012 issue looks at ways and means to achieve maximum energy efficiency. 

The lead article talks about tackling energy crisis. Energy crisis can be mitigated by taking effective measures to conserve energy, increase efficiency, generating cheap and environment friendly power, reducing transmission and distribution losses and promoting renewable energy sources, says S. Ratnakumaran, Managing Director, Kerala State Cooperative Rubber Marketing Federation and Energy Consultant. He is also the recipient of Kerala State Government Award 1997 for initiating Energy Conservation Clubs in promoting energy conservation among students and public for the first time in the country.

In ‘The energy efficiency drive,’ Narasimhan Santhanam, Cofounder and Director, EAI (Energy Alternatives India), one of the leading Indian research firm focused on renewable energy and clean technology explores the types of energy efficiency opportunities that exist in various sectors and also tools that could spur energy efficiencies in these segments.

‘Green habitats,’ is on Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs) which offer excellent solution to energy conservation and efficiency as they are least dependent on natural resources throughout their life cycle. By adopting a few simple techniques, a building can save up to 40 percent energy. Pradeep Kumar, Anurag Bajpai, Vernica Prakash and Vishrut Kumar Singh, from Green Tree Buildings Energy (P) Ltd., highlight the many benefits of green buildings. 

Optimising resources is on how energy resources can be best managed by optimising energy efficiency. Thilotham Kolanu, who has extensive experience in Environmental Management and Renewable Energy Consultancy and is Director, Greenstratos Consulting Private Limited., urges all consumers – commercial, industrial, domestic and government to make ‘energy conservation and efficiency’, a part of their work culture.

Unless all stakeholders - producers, suppliers or consumers, realise the fall out of their indifference towards energy conservation, the future is bleak, writes Ravindra M Datar, Director, Senergy Consultants Pvt Ltd in the article ‘It’s the responsibility of every stakeholder’. He has been carrying out energy audit and conservation studies for industries as well as commercial premises.

In ‘emPOWERing a rising nation’, Akul Tripathi, a media professional and freelance writer, writes that a planned, sustained and development-oriented outlook towards using renewable sources of energy can go a long way in filling the humongous gap between electricity production and consumption, while improving technology can better harness and increase their potential. 

Energy ventures - The drive to increase energy efficiency has thrown up a number of business opportunities along the value chain. Paraman Radhakrishnan, Director at Devki Energy Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., Vadodara, Gujarat, hopes these new ventures are genuine and not just “bubbles”.

In Face to Face, we feature M.G. Devasahayam, an all-round activist who has voiced his concern over several important issues, be it India’s democratic process, corruption in politics or pursuing issues on environment and other public causes. He worked with the Indian Army for five years. Later, he was appointed to the IAS in 1968. He had the privilege of raising a new district Bhiwani in Haryana and evolving an integrated development model, which became the precursor to the IRDP (Integrated Rural Development Programme) in the seventies.

Devasahayam was closely associated with Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) during and after Emergency. Devasahayam is also a prolific writer and author of India’s Second Freedom - An Untold Saga and JP in Jail-An Uncensored Account. In an interview with Rajlakshmi Pillai, M. G. Devasahayam shares his views on tackling energy crisis and restoring the dignity of democracy.

The Know India Better feature is on Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, which explores the best of Oriya heritage. As you wander past the temples or walk in the shadows of the giant stupa through the intricately decorated gateways of the monasteries you are transported back in time and into the pages of history but with all the modern amenities. Exploring Bhubaneswar is an experience which no history book could ever provide, writes Rangan Datta, a travel writer.

In Patriotism Redefined, Ranjona Banerji, senior journalist and consulting editor with the media website MxMIndia.com, says, “The biggest test is how we can all tolerate each other without resorting to violence in the name of ‘love’ for one’s country.”

The 25% reservation clause in the RTE (Right to Education) Act has drawn a mixed response. Many have hailed it as a positive step towards bridging the gap between the haves and the have nots, but its right implementation is also important. In ‘Reservation in RTE – the way forward’ Shantanu Gupta, who works with a policy think tank- Center for Civil Society, New Delhi, offers various solutions and models, which can be adopted by state governments to implement the above said constitutional provisions to perfection.

In ‘The good, bad and ugly’, Dr. P. M. Kamath recounts his meeting with the late Mr. P. R. Nayak, who was the Municipal Commissioner of Bombay in the late 50s. He also shares some of the excerpts from Nayak’s biography published by his son. Dr. Kamath is former Professor of Politics, University of Mumbai; currently Hon. Director, VPM’s Centre for International Studies (Regd.) and Adjunct Professor, Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, Manipal University, Manipal. While in Mumbai University, he guided a doctoral thesis on International Terrorism and also authored numerous research papers on terrorism.

In Great Indians we profile:

Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir, a seasoned politician and scholar (1899-1976)

Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir was a prominent figure who emerged on the socio-political scene of Punjab during India’s freedom movement. Besides being a leading freedom fighter, Musafir was a seasoned politician, an eminent Punjabi writer, scholar, poet and an orator.

B. P. Pal, the Homi Bhabha of Indian agriculture (1906-1989) - Benjamin Peary Pal was not only a gifted plant breeder and geneticist but was endowed with amazing human qualities. A multi faceted personality, he had varied interests from painting to music. A rose breeder of distinction, Pal created several new varieties. His varied interests certainly made him the Homi Bhabha of Indian agriculture.

Major Sudhir Kumar Walia AC, SM, BAR, an officer of calibre and courage (1971-1999)

He was well read, full of life and had a good sense of humour. A complete army man, he led his team to counter 20 militants and though wounded refused to shift till the fight was over. Though he succumbed to his injuries, Major Sudhir Kumar Walia lives on as an inspiration to others.

And also read our regular columns and other features. To book a copy, email to oiopfoundation@gmai.com / oiop@vsnl.net or call Nagesh Bangera, OIOP Subscription-in-charge at 022- 2353 44 00.

We look forward to your feedback.

May 2012 issue 

Civic Citadel

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also known as Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) is the civic body that governs the city of Mumbai and is India’s richest municipal organisation. Its annual budget is even more than that of some of the small states of India. Established under the Bombay Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, it is responsible for the civic infrastructure and administration of Mumbai and its extended suburbs. Many great personalities who played an important role in shaping the destiny of India during the freedom movement have held the august office of the mayor at some point of time. OIOP May issue, Civic Citadel, is a Collector’s Item on BMC and it traces the history and evolution of the Corporation.

The lead article ‘Such a long journey’ is on the evolution of the BMC. The epoch-making Bombay Act of 1888 led to the creation of three co-ordinating authorities—the Municipal Corporation, the Standing Committee and the Municipal Commissioner. Dilip Chaware, veteran journalist who has covered state and national politics for over 35 years, delves into history to tell us how the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) evolved.

In ‘The Hall of Fame’, we have profiled a few stalwarts whose vision and contribution has made Mumbai the city of dreams.

Arthur Crawford was Bombay’s first Municipal Commissioner who did much for the city, using his dynamism and single-mindedness for the purpose. In her article ‘Arthur Crawford – Hero and Villain,’ Lina Mathias, Senior Assistant Editor, Economic and Political Weekly, gives an insight into the colourful record of this controversial figure.

In ‘A steady decline’ – P. K. Ravindranath, senior journalist, rues the deterioration in civic standards in the last three decades. Unless we find an army of selfless, devoted, public spirited young men to govern us, he feels there is no hope of redemption.

In his article ‘Bombay’s Birthday, Mumbai’s Future,’ S Shankar Menon, an IAS (retd.) officer and former Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Maharashtra (1995-97), throws up a number of innovative ideas to have a corruption- free BMC in five years and elevate Mumbai to unprecedented stardom. Any takers?

In the article ‘Pipeline, lifeline,’ we look at the unique water supply system of Mumbai. Dense population and other issues have been a cause for water shortages in the city but with new schemes in the pipeline, this too might be a thing of the past, says Dilip Chaware.

The quality of health care provided by the municipal hospitals leaves much to be desired. In the article ‘A health check,’ Anuradha Dhareshwar, Associate Editor, One India One People, says that with a slew of new initiatives to bridge the gaps, the BMC hopes to upgrade its services.

Mangroves represent the spirit of Mumbai, says Bittu Sahgal, eminent environmentalist and Editor of Sanctuary Magazine in ‘Mangroves, Mumbai’s green armour’. They are without question plucky survivors that have managed to overcome toxic chemicals, heavy metals and human avarice. The unfortunate truth is that little do people understand just how important mangroves are to the quality of life of the citizens of Mumbai, he says.

Open spaces are the lungs of a city as it gives its residents a pollution-free place for rejuvenation and recreation. While these spaces in Mumbai are disappearing fast, it is heartening to note the work of civic activists and citizens to reclaim open spaces, writes Irene Lewis in ‘Let the city breathe’.

In the article, It’s in your hands - Dr. Akalpita Paranjpe, associated with various citizen forums like Mumbai 227, Freedom Team of India and Bharat Uday Mission, writes on how citizens’ forums can play a vital role in improving civic governance at the ward levels. 

While BEST’s bus service is one of the most affordable and reliable modes of commuting across the city, its round-the-clock electric supply at reasonable tariffs drives Mumbai’s swelling service sector. Dilip Chaware takes us through the history of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport Undertaking in BEST’s ride to fame.

The May issue has three features in its Know India Better section.

In Mumbai: From Dreamy Isles to the Isle of Dreams, Akul Tripathi explores some of the less frequented places in the city. Walking across Mumbai, Akul Tripathi, media professional and travel writer discovers there is so much that he never knew about the city he was born in. He rides through the many 'rabbit holes of wonder' and pieces together how the destiny of seven small pieces of soil became the destiny of a billion people. He comes out surprised, addicted and in awe - his current quest over, but a journey that has just begun.

Resplendent heritage is about the architectural grandeur of the Brihanmumbai headquarters. The BMC Headquarters near the historic Victoria Terminus is one of the first imposing heritage structures visitors to Mumbai encounter. Designed by Fredrick Williams Stevens, the architecture of this building is in the Victorian Neo-Gothic style, though the minaret forms and bulbous dome were adapted to relate to Indian forms, write Abha Narain Lambah and Kruti Garg, conservation architects.

In ‘An icon of the colonial past’, Akul Tripathi visits the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghrahalay) to discover how Mumbai’s cradle of time is faring.

In ‘Face to Face’ Dilip Chaware interviews Johny Joseph, senior IAS officer who retired as the Chief Secretary of the Government of Maharashtra on 30 November 2009. Mr. Joseph says, “Mumbai has unlimited potential, it only needs to be channelised.”

‘Great Indians’ profiles three icons whose contribution to Mumbai is incomparable

 

Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, The Lion of Bombay (1845-1915);

Nanasaheb V. Modak, Architect of modern Bombay (1889-1971)

and Sadashiv Kanoji Patil or S. K. Patil, The uncrowned king of Bombay (1898-1981).

To order this Collector’s Item on BMC, kindly contact….

And also read our regular columns and other features. To book a copy, email to oiop@vsnl.net or call Nagesh Bangera, OIOP Subscription-in-charge at 022- 2353 44 00.

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April 2011

According to 2011 census, there are 10 crore people above the age of 60 in India. A figure good enough for government and like-minded institutions to focus on the needs of senior citizens. Loneliness, safety, abuse, neglect, health are all major issues of concern, which families and government need to address with compassion. With nuclear families on a rise, many children do not have enough time to look after their ageing parents. As a result many of the aged land into old age homes, either out of force or by choice. While these old age homes provide shelter to the aged, they cannot make up for the family. Hence, a concerted effort should be made by children to willingly take up the responsibility of their ageing parents, and, an old age home should be considered only when someone does not have a family to fall back upon.

We all age. Therefore, a mental and physical preparation to ensure that our autumn years are healthy, happy and productive must begin early in life. And adults should work towards it. There are many ways to make the post retirement years joyful and fruitful. The April issue of One India One People “Silver Innings”, tries to address some of the concerning issues of senior citizens and also shows many ways of living happily ever after.

In our lead article, ‘Ageing gracefully’, Prof. N. K. Chadha, Professor and Head, Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, says that old age is not a phase of decline and loss, nor does successful ageing begin at 60. How a people age is determined by their lifelong behaviour and choices—many of which are adopted early in life. If approached properly, old age harbours many opportunities for positive change and productive functioning, he adds.

Dr. Mala Kapur Shankardass, a sociologist working as Associate Professor at Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, in the article ‘A safety net for the aged’, writes that abuse, neglect, violence and other crimes against senior citizens are on the rise. While a strong legislation is needed to address these issues, taking precautionary measures, better vigilance by the police and monitoring by welfare organizations can go a long way in providing security to senior citizens, she says.

Dr. Olav Albuquerque

Lawyers Krrishan Singhania, Dr. Olav Albuquerque and Madhur Kabra  in More teeth to the law, highlight the drawbacks in the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. They offer suggestions to make the legislation more effective. 

Where there’s a WILL there’s a way, writes Nilam Pawar, a practising advocate at the Bombay High Court. She simplifies some of the legal jargons associated with the execution of a WILL and stresses the importance of executing a will. This is especially relevant to senior citizens. She also speaks about the pros and cons of the reverse mortgage scheme for senior citizens.

Old age homes have been around for decades, especially for the aged who have no one to fall back on. In ‘A home away from home’, Anshika Swaroop, a student of Journalism at Harkisan Mehta Foundation Institution of Journalism, Mumbai, visits an Old Age home to understand the emotions of the aged living in these homes.  She writes that, with the disintegration of the traditional Indian family, old age homes are becoming a familiar feature even for those coming from better economic backgrounds. While these homes are a necessity today, they lack heart, she feels.

When you find a purpose in life, there can be no dull moment, exhorts Dr. S. D. Gokhale, Hon. President, International Longevity Centre–India and an eminent international social scientist, administrator, researcher and writer. He says that people can make their post-retirement years constructive and happy in umpteen ways. He shares experiences of people who have made their late years golden.

Few elders too share their views on ageing gracefully in the article ‘Adding life to the years’. They tell us how senior citizens can make their autumn years joyous and productive.

Modern grandmas are doing things that were an anathema to them during their youth. In ‘Grandma comes of age’, Soma Mitra tells us how, by consciously adapting lifestyle changes to keep up with their grandchildren, these new age grannies are learning hobbies, sporting the ‘happening look’, and living their life to the fullest.

The ‘Know India Better’ section features ‘Amritsar: The fabled city of Golden Temple’. Amritsar, which literally means ‘pool of nectar’ is famous for its magnificent Golden Temple, a symbol of spiritual freedom. The city founded in the second half of the 16th century by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, is host to a unique religion and the venue of one of the most horrible massacres during India`s freedom struggle.

In ‘Face to Face’, veteran journalist P. K. Ravindranath confabulates with 83-year-old A. R. K. Pillai, Founder, Indian Development Foundation (IDF), dedicated to leprosy and tuberculosis eradication, who relentlessly works for a better tomorrow with a band of like-minded volunteers. Pillai tells how IDF has built up a huge cadre of committed social workers all working for a happy, contended society, freed of want and hunger to lead a life of self-respect and dignity, and without any communal, casteist or religious inhibitions.

Great Indians – we feature –

Kanjibhai Desai, The Socialist Zamindar (1886-1961) – He dedicated his entire life to the cause of the nation, first as a freedom fighter and post-independence, as an active participant in the developmental programmes.

Mario Miranda, The graceful illustrator (1926-2011) - His inimitable illustrations made Mario Miranda one of the most renowned and loved cartoonists of India. Anyone who saw his sketches for even one time could not help but become an admirer. That was the pull of his work.

Colonel N J Nair AC, KC, The best soldier in field craft (1951-1993)-Colonel N J Nair is the only Indian to have received country’s two highest awards, the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra. He was a great leader. He lived and died true to the slogan of his unit “Duty, Honour and Courage.”

In the ‘General’ section –G. Venkatesh, a freelance writer speaks about the relevance of the Bhagavad Gita even in the post-modern era. He tell us how the 18 chapters in the Gita help the deluded to understand the state of their minds, and the advisors and mentors amongst us to structure our approaches to healing, motivating and living a responsible life.

And also read our regular columns and other features. To book a copy, email to oiop@vsnl.net or call Nagesh Bangera, OIOP Subscription-in-charge at 022- 2353 44 00.

We look forward to your feedback.

Career Course

The last decade has seen a plethora of choices emerge on the career front. Traditional careers like engineering and medicine are getting phased out or redesigned to suit the new market demand. The information age has seen a rise in exciting and unconventional careers such as event management, TV anchoring, choreography, wildlife photography, wine tasting, pet grooming, podiatrist, fitness expert, forensic expert, etc. More the merrier might be the adage but the large numbers of options have also left students confused about their career course. Students now turn to career counsellors to know their aptitude. While aptitude tests have their own relevance, education experts advise students to choose wisely and not get carried away by the lure of money or popular trends; as trends can be cyclic. The bottom line for students is to know their own aptitude and choose a career, which will bring them happiness in the long run. The March 2012 issue of One India One People talks about the emerging career trends and tries to address some of the issues concerning careers.

In the lead article, ‘A plethora of choices’, Swati Salunkhe, Managing Director of Growth Centre (I) Pvt. Ltd; a Career Counselling firm in Mumbai, analyses the career trends and spells out the key factors that students should consider before making a choice. She says, ‘From wine taster to image consultant and graphic designer to yoga instructor, Indians have a host of avenues to choose from. New courses are being constantly evolved and traditional careers are either getting phased out or being redesigned to meet market demand.’

Choose wisely, is what Pratibha Jain, international education consultant and founder of Eduabroad Consulting, Mumbai, advises to students who are on a threshold of choosing a career, as it will determine several years of happiness, fulfillment and achievement.

How relevant are aptitude tests, – is what students and parents want to know. Sajma Aravind, Project Coordinator at The Promise Foundation (Counsellor and Career Guidance specialist), Bangalore, says, every person has a range of abilities and strengths that go beyond what can be captured by an aptitude test. So students must think and consider other factors too before opting for a particular career.

The sheen of an MBA degree seems to be waning. Is it because we are focusing more on the perks of an MBA degree such as the salary and social status rather than expertise and values an MBA should be able to provide to an organisation. In ‘Upscaling the MBA’, Priya Vasudevan, Deputy General Manager - Learning and Development with ACG Worldwide, offers some basic tenets that can help upscale the MBAs and bring back the shine to the degree.

Anshika Swaroop, a student of Journalism at Harkisan Mehta Foundation Institute of Journalism, Mumbai, tells us about some lesser known but interesting careers that the defence services offer to those who love to don the uniform and want to serve the country.

The fields of media and entertainment offer a host of avenues for those who are creative, have good communication skills, presence of mind and ready to work hard. Disha Khemchandani, also a student of Journalism at Harkisan Mehta Foundation Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication, Mumbai, explores the options for students who want to pursue a career in this field.

Sourcing the right candidate and nurturing them can create a valuable talent pool for any organisation. While the interviewee is expected to be prepared so that he is successful, the interviewer should also possess the requisite interview skills, writes Jolly J Mathews, who recently retired from Novartis India Limited where he headed the Training Function. He currently heads – The Pedagogue, a Human Strategies Organisation that offers services in Training Consultancy, Life Coaching and allied H R projects.

With new career vistas opening up in the last decade, students are spoilt for choice. However, aptitude and passion are the key drivers of a career choice. And high salaries and perks are just the cherry on top. OIOP has featured stories of a few professionals who chose unconventional careers and are enjoying every moment of their work. Mayank Vahia, Professor, Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai; Santosh Raut, Forensic Expert, Scientist and Investigator at IFS INDIA, Forensic Dept., Pune; Revendra Tir, independent Research Associate; Dr. Govind Singh Bisht, Podiatrist (Footcare Specialist)  practising in Delhi and Preeti and Sanjeev Kumar, Pet groomers  give insights into their professions.

Know India Better features Visakhapatnam, the second largest city of Andhra Pradesh, locally known as Vizag. Virgin beaches, blue-green sea, green-capped hills, breathtaking valleys, lush green parks, million-year-old caves, ancient Buddhist sites, a natural harbour, the only submarine museum in Asia and a lot more places to explore, makes Vizag a tourist paradise. 

The text and photos are by Rangan Datta, a mathematics teacher, who is also an avid travel writer.

Face to Face - Anshika Swaroop interviews Capt. Suresh Vanjari, an engineer who served in the Indian Army from 1963-1968 and runs an Academy in Chembur to train young boys and girls for the armed forces and other entrance exams. He talks about motivating students and preparing them for a flourishing career in defence.

Great Indians

Air Chief Marshal P C Lal DFC (1916-1982) – He was a manager and leader par excellence. To him goes the credit for the grand performance of IAF in 1974 War.

B. G. Deshmukh (1929-2011) – Bhalchandra Gopal Deshmukh was a model civil servant – polite, firm, fearless, clean and stern, who maintained the dignity of the administration. He was among those who zealously guarded certain values.

Indira Goswami (1942-2011) – Compassion was her second name. It showed not only in her love for her people and land but in her writing too. Indira Goswami’s life, her works and her courage to speak against oppression, had made her a feminist icon in Assam.

Also read our regular columns on culture, vedic mathematics, environment, patriotism and current issues. 

To order copies, call Nagesh Bangera at 022-2353 44 00 or email to oiopsub@fouressindia.com or oiop@vsnl.net