November 2013 issue

The roots of the cooperative movement in India can be traced to agriculture and its allied sectors. The year 1904 was a watershed year in the history of the cooperative movement in India as that year saw the enactment of the Cooperative Credit Society Act, 1904. The 1912 Cooperative Societies Act replaced the 1904 Cooperative Societies Act. The early forays in the cooperative sector were in the arena of agriculture credit, inputs and marketing, and over the years that has by and large remained the mainstay of the movement. Today in India we do have more than six lakh cooperative society organisations. They are one of the major pillars of the rural developing economy. The cooperatives have at the pan national level generated significant numbers of employment. The works that they engage in encompass a wide range of economic activities related to fisheries, handlooms, cold storage, dairy, marketing, consumer goods, credit and services, large sized multi-purpose cooperative societies, horticulture, etc.

Though umpteen cooperative societies were founded post independence and many of them did meet the vision that cooperative movement aimed at, many cooperatives saw a decline due to rampant corruption and political high handedness. Maharashtra’s cotton and sugar cooperatives are two such examples.

November 2013 issue of One India One People looks at the history, growth and problems of the cooperative movement and also presents some success stories in the cooperative sector.

In ‘Many challenges ahead for the cooperative sector’, Ajay Dandekar, Professor at TISS, based at Rural campus, Tuljapur, Maharashtra, says that as the cooperative sector enters the 21st century, it becomes inevitable for cooperatives to guard their autonomy which will give them the edge and moral high ground to arrive at a position that dovetails into democratic movements in the country.

Prakash Bal Joshi

In ‘Political power flows through cooperatives’, Prakash Bal Joshi, Mumbai based journalist and artist cautions that unless sugar cooperatives makes serious efforts to adjust to changed atmosphere and take action against corruption, which is eroding its strength, their chances of survival are slim.

The success stories:

Anuradha Dhareshwar

Anuradha Dhareshwar, Editor, One India One People, tells us the inspiring story of the Saraswat Cooperative Housing Society, Asia’s first cooperative housing society that came up at Gamdevi in Mumbai in 1915, and the pioneering work of Rao Bahadur Shripad Subbarao Talmaki, the doyen of India’s cooperative movement.

Dilip Chawre

Veteran journalist Dilip Chawre charts the success story of Pravaranagar Sugar Cooperative in Maharashtra. The Pravaranagar Sugar Cooperative factory is a model sugarcane cooperative, which has been able to create a better life for its stakeholders with innovative agricultural development, improving rural economy and transport, and creating health and educational infrastructure in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The writer has covered state and national politics for over 35 years and has successfully documented the careers of many chief secretaries of Maharashtra for archival purposes.

R. S. Sodhi

The AMUL (ANAND MILK UNION LIMITED) story is not just a landmark in the cooperative sector of India but also an inspiring one. In ‘An utterly, butterly inspiring story’, we look at the journey of the invaluable Amul. The dairy cooperative movement at Anand in Gujarat not only paved the way for White Revolution in the country, it also served as a model for the successful working of cooperatives in India. Even today, 65 years after its inception, Amul leads the way, says R. S. Sodhi, Managing Director, GCMMF.

Shamrao Vithal Cooperative Bank is a sterling example in cooperative banking. The Shamrao Vithal Cooperative Bank, one of the oldest surviving cooperative banks in India, has beaten competition to emerge as one of the most trusted and successful banks in the cooperative banking sector.

Mohanraj Y

In ‘Amendment falls short of expectations’,  Mohanraj Y, CEO of Pangal Computer Services Pvt Ltd provides an insight into the major changes that have been made in the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies (MCS) Act of 1960 with specific application to the housing sector. The amended Act fails to address some of the important issues that concern residents of cooperative societies, he says. Pangal Computers is one of the largest service providers of Computerised Billing and Accounts and Management Services to Housing Societies in and around Mumbai.

Balkumar Agarwal

In ‘Will consumers benefit is still doubtful’, Balkumar Agarwal, Former Additional Chief Secretary, Maharashtra Government, says that the success of the proposed Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Bill 2013 will however depend on its honest implementation and the time-bound procedures followed by the Housing Regulator. Otherwise, the Bill will result in more red tape and interference without any real benefit to the intended consumers, says Balkumar Agarwal.

Rangan Datta

In ‘Know India Better’ section, Rangan Datta takes us on a visit to the little known Chinatowns in Kolkata, where the first Chinese settlement in India came up 250 years ago, thanks to Tong Achew, a tea trader, who made it his home. The Chinatowns come alive during the week-long Chinese New Year celebrations held in late January or early February, to the beating of Chinese drums and cymbals, the ritual lion and dragon dance and the lighting of fire crackers. Visitors can also get a glimpse of the Chinese rituals and traditions, which are religiously followed by the dwindling Chinese population living there.

Hasan Ekbal

In ‘Face to Face’, Hasan Ekbal speaks to Anuradha Kalhan and Ashwin Kumar on the problems faced by project co ordinators and the changes required for enhancing the performance of Gender Resource Centres (GRCs) under the Samajik Suvidha Sangam, more popularly known as Mission Convergence of Delhi Government, founded in 2009. The objective of the Mission is to reach out to vulnerable citizens for their inclusion in government welfare schemes. Ekbal is one among the lot of young, dedicated social workers who coordinate the 124 GRCs.

In Great Indians, we feature: Rao Bahadur Shripad Subbarao Talmaki, Doyen of India’s cooperative movement (1868-1948); 

H V R Iengar ICS, An able administrator and a competent leader (1902-1978) and 

Balraj Sahni, The versatile actor (1913-1973)

Also read our regular columns and other features in the issue. 

To book a copy, email to oiopfoundation@gmail.com / oiop@vsnl.net or call Nagesh Bangera, OIOP Subscription-in-charge at 022- 2353 44 00.

We look forward to your feedback.

October 2013 issue

Theatre is a magic world where stories and characters come alive on stage in front of you. You can see and feel the laughter, drama and tension unfold before you. Unlike in a movie, where you see larger than life characters far off on a screen, on a stage, you get to watch people who are just like you, enact various roles. Yet, this magical world of theatre somewhat did take a beating because of the onslaught of movies, TV and other entertainment avenues.

Today, with the foray of new theatre companies and innovations on stage, people are flocking back to theatre, which is good news. Of course there are many challenges but for the theatrewalahs, the curtain call moment gives them the high and keeps them going. It is this passion and dedication towards their craft that is encouraging people in theatre to continue and experiment. In return, they are getting what they deserve – respect and recognition.

The October 2013 issue ‘Curtain Call’ of One India One People, is an ode to theatre in India as we look at the new trends in theatre craft, theatre in major languages, regional theatre, street theatre, people and companies who are nurturing theatre and more.

Here is a curtain raiser of the October issue on Theatre:

Deepa Gahlot

In the article ‘English theatre is flourishing’, Deepa Gahlot, Mumbai-based film and theatre critic, says that English theatre is definitely having a good time now with an audience out there, hungry for fresh work and more and more producers, directors and actors interested in staging original English plays. Availability of sponsorships is also adding to the zing.  

Om Katare

In ‘The growth of Hindi theatre’, Om Katare, renowned theatre personality and founder of Yatri theatre, says that Hindi theatre fraternity is looking at expanding its horizons and reaching to one and all, but requires support from the state government, corporates and other institutions to flourish.

Ashlesha Athavale

In ‘Theatre thrives wherever Marathi manus exists’, freelance journalist and translator Ashlesha Athavale, looks at Marathi theatre which continues to draw crowds and has a great future. But those involved should look at it like a venture which needs hard work and new ideas to make it a success and sustainable enterprise, she says.

Manvita Baradi

In ‘The vibrant hues of Gujarati theatre’, Manvita Baradi, theatre practitioner, architect and an Urban Planner and a trustee and a member of the team of Theatre Media Centre also known as Garage Studio Theatre since 1976, analyses the history of Gujarati theatre and its scenario today.

While she appreciates the healthy upsurge of a young band of actors at present, she cautions that if contemporary theatre won’t reflect societal trends and concerns, it might turn into a puppet of powerful vested interests.

Shoma Chatterjee

In ‘Bengali theatre and some immortal pillars’, freelance journalist, film scholar and author Shoma Chatterjee, writes how Bengali theatre groups are exploring new subjects, new ways of performing, interpreting old classics and mythological texts through modernist and postmodernist readings, and are transcending boundaries of culture, language and performance.

Manoj Barpujari

In ‘Theatre of Assam and Manipur: close proximity in contrast’, senior journalist and art critic based in Guwahati, Manoj Barpujari presents a candid view of Manipuri and Assamese theatre. While Manipuri theatre is faced with the challenge of articulating a present that is caught in the vortex of bitter social and political conditions in the state, theatre in Assam is bearing the brunt of divisive politics. In such situations, the theatre fraternity is finding it difficult to carry the humane message inherent in every creative pursuit to the expected height, he points out.

Salim Arif

In ‘National School of Drama: Time to reinvent’, Salim Arif writes that while the contribution of India’s premiere art institution, the National School of Drama (NSD) to the existing theatre scene is beyond doubt, the direction in which it has worked in the last several years needs serious introspection. Arif is one of the most popular directors in Hindi theatre in India and an illustrious alumnus of National School of Drama, New Delhi.  He is currently the Head of Department of Actors’ Studio in Whistling Woods International, Mumbai, Asia’s leading Film School.

Quasar Thakore
Padamsee

In ‘In the company of theatrewalahs’, Quasar Thakore Padamsee notes how theatre companies have been playing an important role in nurturing the health of Theatre in India. From creating a base for systemic training, startling innovations and experiments, to providing lucrative opportunities, it is an exciting time for theatrewalahs, he says. Quasar has been working with theatre company QTP since its inception in 1999, as its Artistic Director and is one of the founders of Thespo, the all India youth theatre movement.

Akarsh Khurana

In ‘Smaller towns hungry for drama’, Akarsh Khurana, proprietor of Akvarious Productions, writes about how smaller towns across India have over the last few years surprised him with their affinity and understanding of theatre. He is convinced after these visits that there are more places with a thriving theatre scene to be explored.

Arjun Ghosh

In ‘Saga of street theatre’, Arjun Ghosh, Assistant Professor at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, chronicles the history and growth of street theatre in India. Street theatre is an entertaining and powerful medium to highlight the social and political injustices happening in a society. As a political form, it challenges the hierarchies of society allowing its audiences an undifferentiated arena. However, street plays are not encouraged because they pose a challenge to the authorities.

Gustasp & Jeroo Irani

In ‘Know India Better’, we feature Chikmagalur and Coorg, home to vast coffee plantations and if you want to taste the authentic Indian coffee, then these places are where you should head to. India is the only country in the world that grows shade-grown coffee, said to be the finest mild coffee in the world. While Chikmagalur is considered to be the birthplace of Indian coffee, Coorg has a great deal to offer to the tourist – forays in the Dubare forest, waterfalls, village walks and plantation treks among other things. 

Text and photos:  Gustasp & Jeroo Irani

Gustasp and Jeroo Irani are travel companions for whom life is a never-ending journey. Over the last 25 years they have travelled extensively across India and the globe, taking the rough with the smooth; sampling different cultures and cuisines.

Arvind Gaur

In ‘Face to Face’, we feature Arvind Gaur, eminent theatre personality and founder of Asmita Theatre in Delhi. Arvind Gaur is a man with a mission. Though he studied to be an engineer and worked as a journalist initially, it was theatre that gave a purpose and meaning to his search for a medium that could help him explore and express the social issues that were happening around him.  It was to bring a change in society through the medium of plays, that he founded the theatre group Asmita in 1993. Since then, he has consistently built a committed and passionate team of young actors, who are conducting his street plays at every nook and corner of Delhi, be it educational institutions, residential colonies, offices, and even slums and markets.

Asmita has carved a niche for itself in the Indian theatre scene by staging plays of varied socio-political interest, while not losing out on mass appeal. Name a contemporary issue and Gaur’s team has staged a play on it. Besides creating awareness about social issues, he wants his plays to create a debate in society and inspire people to participate rather than remain mute spectators.

Arvind Gaur spoke to Rajlakshmi Pillai about the need for a cultural policy, his role as a trainer, his experiences with theatre stalwarts and the future of theatre in India.

In ‘Great Indians’, we feature -

Badal Sarkar, He weaved magic on stage (1925-2011) (Profile by Shoma A. Chatterji); 

Machindra Kambli, Konkani quirkiness (1952-2007) (by Ramu Ramanathan, Mumbai-based playwright and director) and 

Safdar Hashmi, The champion of street theatre (1954-1989) (by Moloyashree Hashmi, President, Jana Natya Manch)

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

You Can Kick The Habit

Many a times, a fun puff with friends, an occasional drink at parties or an ‘only once experiment’ with drug can get you hooked to the substance for life. Substance abuse in India is on the rise and is a matter of grave concern. Trends show that not just men but a large number of youth and women have taken to smoking, drinking, drugs and gambling. This unhealthy trend has been ruining lives of those affected and their families and also leading to increase in crimes in society. In modern science, addictive behaviours are best conceptualised as ‘bio-psycho-social’ diseases as it proves harmful to the affected person’s physical and mental health. Today counselling and advanced treatment are available that can cure addiction of all types. Though the initiative to quit the habit has to come from the affected person support from family and society can go a long way in rehabilitation of the person. OIOP September 2013 issue ‘Kick the Habit’ looks at various forms of addiction, and the possible treatment and solution. Hope the issue motivates those affected to quit and start life anew.

Rahul Luther

Addiction is a devastating and life-threatening disease that kills the addict and destroys families. The number of addicts in India is growing and the situation is alarming, though not hopeless. In our lead article ‘You can kick the habit’, Rahul Luther, the Founder and Executive Trustee of Hope Trust, based in Hyderabad, which has earned an international reputation for ethical and effective treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, says that addiction can be overcome with effective treatment though the path to recovery is slow and difficult. But it’s worth the effort. Visit (www.hopetrustindia.com) for more details.

Dr. Anju Dhawan

Dr. Raman Deep
 Pattanayak

In the article ‘A habit that clouds adolescent years’, Dr. Anju Dhawan and Dr. Raman Deep Pattanayak focus on the growing instances of substance abuse among adolescents. Substance use during adolescence is a public health issue with potentially serious consequences for the individual, families, society and the nation. Though specialised facilities for treating adolescent substance use disorders are available, there is a need to enhance the coverage of treatment services and community-based approaches.

Dr. Anju Dhawan is Professor & Dr. Raman Deep Pattanayak is Assistant Professor at National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi.

Prof. Pratima Murthy

Substance abuse in women is on the rise. In ‘Alcohol, drugs and women: High time to act’, Prof. Pratima Murthy says, women addicted to alcohol or drugs should be encouraged to seek help and treatment, rather than be criticised or shamed. Prof. Murthy works at the Centre for Addiction Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences. She has authored several reports on women and drug use supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and has been a consultant to the UN on gender and substance use.

Gambling has crushed many lives. In ‘The stakes are high’, Thirumagal. V., a Programme Consultant with TTK Hospital, a pioneer addiction treatment centre in Chennai in Tamil Nadu, writes that it’s possible to change and start life anew.

Dr. Prakash C. Gupta

Dr. Mira Aghi

Helping tobacco users quit requires a behavioural change. For this to happen, the person has to understand the rationale for the change and be convinced that the change is beneficial for him, write Dr. Prakash C. Gupta and Dr. Mira Aghi in the article ‘Up in smoke’. Dr. Prakash C. Gupta is Director, Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, Navi Mumbai and Dr. Mira Aghi is a Consultant Behavioural Scientist.

Dr. Atul Ambekar

Drug addiction is a disease for which effective treatment options are available today. With a judicious combination of personal motivation, medication, and professional counselling, it is possible for a large number of individuals to break the cycle of drug addiction, writes Dr. Atul Ambekar, M.D. in his article ‘Managing drug addiction’. The writer is Additional Professor, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

T. R. Meena

The battle against addiction can be won through sincere and empathetic efforts not only from family and society, but also the government. In ‘The government in the good fight, T. R. Meena talks about the government’s efforts in curbing alcohol and substance abuse in the country.

The writer is the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment dealing with the issues pertaining to Social Defence (Ageing, Drug Abuse Prevention, Beggary &Transgenders). He has a distinguished track record of working with the local self Government institutions and taken a series of initiatives for the community participation in the implementation of various socio-rural and economic development programmes and schemes of the Government. He was known as “People’s Collector” while working as Collector of Trichur Districts in Kerala.

Piroj Wadia

Movies showing matinee idols drinking, smoking or doing drugs have been criticised for corrupting young minds. While young, impressionable minds do emulate what happens on screen, isn’t art a reflection of society? asks Piroj Wadia in the article ‘Addiction, on and off screen’. The writer is a veteran film journalist.

In ‘Know India Better’, Katie Dubey visits Manipur, known as the ‘Jewel of India’, one of the seven sister states of the North-east and is enchanted by its natural beauty and rich heritage. Home to the only floating lake in the world, containing phumdis or unusual patch formations not found elsewhere in the world and offering a secure haven to the beleaguered Sangai, Manipur is indeed the ‘Jewel of India’. The writer is the author of three coffee-table books and writes for various newspapers and magazines on nature and environment.

Temple jewellery in India is not just a symbol of luxury or social status, but has a deep spiritual significance touching the innermost sublime feelings of a devotee, writes B.M.N. Murthy in a special feature on ‘The exquisite temple jewellery of India’.

The writer, a retired engineer from the Life Insurance Corporation of India, writes regularly on Indian heritage, tradition, vedic wisdom, etc.

Dr. Gulrukh Bala

In ‘Face to Face’, Ashna Contractor speaks to Dr. Gulrukh Bala, a counsellor and a spiritual healer, who practices a number of healing modalities, the most important of which is supramental yoga. Through the treatments she offers at Heartlight Ascension founded by her, Dr. Bala claims that she is gifted with the ability to guide her patients back to their Center and thereby heal their physical illnesses and improve their quality of life. Dr. Bala talks about her belief in natural healing methods, the nature of her treatment and some personal anecdotes.

Ashna Contractor

Ashna is a fourth year undergraduate student studying Political and Social Thought and Psychology at the University of Virginia.

Devesh Mundra

In our ‘Youth Column’, Devesh Mundra calls upon the youth to take responsibility to shape a New India. Devesh is a F.Y.B.Com student at Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics, Mumbai. He is a committee member of National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of the College and likes to work for the society. He is also fond of debates especially related to politics and governance.

September 21 is observed as the World Alzheimer’s Day. On the occasion, Col. V.K. Khanna throws light on the causes, symptoms and possible treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in the article ‘Losing memories’.

According to The Dementia India Report 2010 by ARDSI (Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India), there were 3.7 million Indians with dementia in 2010 and the numbers are expected to double by 2030. In such a scenario, it becomes inevitable to understand the reasons and causes of dementia and spread the word about it. Col. V.K. Khanna is Executive Director, ARDSI-Delhi Chapter.

Lisa Bernhardt

‘India is not explainable, it has to be experienced,’ says Lisa Bernhardt.  Coming from a small town in Germany, Lisa felt like Alice in Wonderland when she first came to Mumbai. But she was excited nonetheless. Lisa says that her trip to India has been a learning experience and it has changed her perceptions about poverty, family and culture.

Lisa Bernhardt is currently finishing her secondary studies near Frankfurt, Germany. She is interested in international relations, travel and experiencing new cultures and doing social work. She did a brief internship with One India One People, in August.

Dr. Sunita Khariwal

In ‘Unwiring Gen X’, Dr. Sunita Khariwal raises health concerns about the disturbing trend of children getting hooked to the Internet and mobile, which is alienating them from the real world and making them emotionally dependent on the virtual. She calls upon parents, teachers and all stakeholders to make a concerted effort to address this serious issue. The writer is Incharge Principal, K.C.Law College, Mumbai.

 

In ‘Great Indians’, we feature Vice Admiral M. K. Roy PVSM, AVSM, the dynamic visionary (1926-2013); Squadron Leader A J Devayya MVC, the spirited soldier (1932-1965) and Prof. Sharmila Rege, feminist scholar, author and popular teacher (1964-2013).

Also don’t miss our regular columns on current economy, rural issues and culture.

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.

August 13 

‘Indian Writing’ has become quite big. Indian writers are read and appreciated today, here as well as globally. And with it there is a boom in Indian publishing. From the Vedas, written thousands of years ago, considered to be the first ever literature of India, to the best sellers authored by the Chetan Bhagats and Amish Tripathis of today, the journey of Indian literature has been quite interesting and exciting. Indian authors are writing in all sorts of genres: fiction, crime thrillers, fantasy, romance, fiction based on mythology, science fiction, children’s books, young adult books, recipe books…just about anything and everything in English.

With globalisation and the impact of technology, the trends in literature and publishing too are changing like never before. While hardcore book lovers still swear by the printed version, online reading is getting popular with each passing day and posing a threat to the printed word. Many of the best sellers are from debutant writers. Self publishing is also in vogue where writers publish and market their product and are getting recognition. Children’s books too have come of age. While this publishing boom augurs well for writers, have the reading habits of Indians changed? These are some of the topics that the August issue of One India One People has covered in its theme: The World of Books. Happy reading!

In a constantly changing and relentlessly growing literary scenario, Indian writers in English have carved a niche for themselves and are now determining their own way forward, says Debina Chattopadhyay, a seasoned writing and editing professional with extensive experience in print and digital media. Her article ‘Indian English writers in great demand’ traces the popularity of Indian writers writing in English.

‘Will ebooks kill the printed word?’ is a question that is often debated today thanks to the popularity of online reading. Books in digital formats are putting a speedy end to delivery hiccups, storage issues, insurance and all the associated publishing bugbears. Rama Kumaraswamy Thoopal talks about the impact of technology on book publishing and by default literature. Rama is the Creative Head (Copy) at Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd where she handles digital marketing for brands. She also writes for children in her spare time.

In ‘Children’s literature comes of age,’ Vinitha Ramchandani says that the break for children’s fiction in India happened with the release of Harry Potter. Indian publishers are today looking for intelligent, original Indian writing, and many heartening things are happening in the space of children’s publishing. Vinitha is a children’s fiction writer with over 15 books for children to her credit, available in bookstores across the country. An editor with a book publishing firm in Mumbai, she loves listening to stories and conducts creative writing workshops for children in her free time. 

Print publishing is still considered the holy grail, but self publishing is catching on fast and providing an equal amount of satisfaction to writers across subjects and genres, writes Preeti Singh in ‘Writers turn publishers’. Preeti is passionate about books and everything to do with them! 

A writer’s struggle does not end with the completion of his book. In fact, that’s only the beginning as he scouts for a publisher. Joygopal Podder recounts the phase of rejections he faced as a writer and shares a few lessons he learnt along the way before being recognised as a published author in his article, ‘Waiting to be discovered’.

Joygopal has received mention, for two consecutive years, in the Limca Book of Records as the fastest crime fiction author of India. ‘Desperate Lives’, his fourteenth book, releases at the end of this year. He is Director, Fundraising of the INGO ActionAid India. Visit his website to know more about his works - http://marathonauthormasterofcrime.in/

Literature for the learning disabled in India is still at a nascent stage, and hence a genre with great potential. All it needs is the firm support of empathetic policies which can unlock the magical world of books for one and all, writes Mahua Guha in the article ‘The wind beneath a learner’s wings’. Mahua is a writer for a children’s magazine and a travel enthusiast, always seeking new destinations and challenges.

‘Should there be literature in cinema?’ asks Sanjit Narwekar and wonders if the function of cinema is merely to narrate a story on screen or to explore the essence of the story and take it to greater heights, using the grammar and potential of the medium. The writer is a national award-winning film historian, scriptwriter and documentary filmmaker.

Parents and teachers often claim that ‘Getting children hooked on books’ is difficult. The lack of the reading habit is blithely blamed on the Internet, social media and television. But it is up to parents, teachers and other elders to ensure that children have access to books and good literature, says Lina Mathias, senior assistant editor, Economic and Political Weekly.

In ‘Know India Better’, Akul Tripathi takes us past the deserts and palaces of Rajasthan to ‘The Unheralded Rajasthan’, which is waiting to be explored by the tourist. He was delighted to find that there is a lot of Rajasthan, rich with lakes, rivers and forests that can bewilder those who only follow TV travel show packages. Akul is a media professional and freelance writer.

This issue, we are pleased to bring you ‘Face to Face’ with two distinguished people: Best selling author Preeti Shenoy and advertising professional Bodhisatwa Dasgupta.

Preeti Shenoy

Preeti Shenoy,  is the author of four best-sellers, artist  (portraits, mixed media, paper quilling), poet, yoga-buff, ex-basketball player, blogger, dog-owner, nature lover, TEDx speaker and a mother., who began her writing career with her first book called ‘34 Bubblegums and Candies’. The book was about 34 real-life incidents from her life and those of her friends. Later, her book ‘Life is what you make it’ was among the top selling books of 2011 and the novel ‘Tea for two and a piece of cake’ featured in the top five best-selling fictions of 2012. Her latest book ‘The Secret Wish List’, which released a few months ago is already making waves. In her books, Preeti weaves magic with her words and pictures. Her books are magnetic, engrossing and unputdownable. Preeti Shenoy talks about her inspiration and her journey with Veena Adige.

Veena is the Associate Editor of Bhavan’s Journal, the fortnightly magazine of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. She has authored four books including The Legacy of Baba Amte. She has written many short and long stories and freelances for several magazines and newspapers including Woman’s Era, DNA and others.

Bodhisatwa Dasgupta

In the second interview, Ashna Contractor talks to Bodhisatwa Dasgupta, whose one-year-old initiative, The Dolch Project, aims to invite people and bring them together for the purpose of writing short stories for children with learning disabilities. Dasgupta is a copywriter at Grey Worldwide by profession and a writer by nature. With this initiative, Dasgupta is addressing an issue that often goes unnoticed and neglected in our country. His objective is to provide good literature for children with learning disabilities so that they are not alienated. 

Ashna Contractor is a fourth year undergraduate student studying Political and Social Thought and Psychology at the University of Virginia. She loves to travel, go trekking and eat different foods. She has a keen interest in international relations and socio-political issues in India. She is currently doing an internship with One India One People.

In our General section, we look at the issue of food security with a different view. In her article ‘From food insecurity to food sovereignty’, Nandini Chavan says there is a need to go beyond schemes and policies and to focus more on the issue of food sovereignty.

The writer is Programme Coordinator- Research & Publication with Vikas Adhyayan Kendra (VAK), Mumbai. VAK has been working on the issue of food security since the last few years. VAK also operates as a part of ‘People Alliance for Bio Regional Food Sovereignty’. The recommendations of this alliance have been presented to the Parliamentary Forum in Dec 2012.

In ‘Health to the beat of drums-the Panchayat way’, Swapna Majumdar writes how Panchayats can play a key role in ensuring that the government health services reach the needy, as proven by some villages of Rajasthan.

In ‘Youth Voice’, Ashna Contractor asks, ‘Why are we so obsessed with fairness?’. She writes, “We live in a society that already has enough social divisions. We really don’t need an additional dimension of dark versus fair. The fairness benchmark that our society has created for itself hampers people’s self-confidence making them under appreciate themselves for who they are.”

In ‘Great Indians’, we look at the fabulous journey of Dr. Veena Mazumdar, The doyen of Women’s Studies Movement in India (1927-2013) (the profile is authored by Dr. Vibhuti Patel, Professor and Head, Dept. of Economics, SNDT Women's University, Churchgate); and 

Lalgudi Jayaraman, the musical maestro (1930-2013) (the profile is authored by Latha Venkatraman, an independent journalist and a student of music); and 

the supreme sacrifice of a daring soldier Major Sushil Aima KC. (the profile is by Brigadier Suresh Chandra Sharma (retd).