Dinesh Kamath's cartoons on 'Alooramji' that were published in Newsband

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Reservation at the cost of reputation?' that was published in Newsband

Reservation at the cost of reputation?

The well-off communities are demanding reservation, be it Patidars in Gujarat or Jats in Haryana. The demands for reservations from these powerful communities is also a consequence of the success of 65 years of reservations for Dalits and Adivasis.

Now either the reservation system must be completely abolished or provide it to everyone. So long as quotas and reservations divide the society, so long as India is fragmented on the basis caste and community for vote politics, India is neither a free society nor progressive society. It will continue to remain as feudal society. These looting and vandalism are the hallmark of feudalism.

The message passed on to different communities in India by the act of the government through yielding to the demand for reservation is that violent methods will ensure success. This will open Pandora's Box and the government will soon face violence in different forms to obtain reservation initiated by even progressed communities.

This reservation nonsense is another example of vote bank politics in India. The UPA Govt in their last few days in power, announced or took steps for which the society is still paying a big value. The sudden hanging of Afzal Guru and this announcement of giving OBC status to people belonging to Jat community are some of them.

Jat community is demanding reservation. They are saying that they are backward as compared to other communities of the state, and are economically deprived also. Our government (both at Center and State) is also supporting them and has promised them the reservation. But, how can government think of giving them "the quota". Haryana is a state where most of the Chief Ministers were Jats, most of the land belongs to Jats, and most of the prestigious posts are held by jats. But still jats are demanding quota. This decision of government to grant them quota is really bad. In future all well off communities will start demanding the same and will indulge in same violent activities.

Why should so well-established communities demand reservations? Why are these land-owning communities afraid of competing in every field? Why are they yearning for the alms given to the weaker sections of the society? Are they not concerned about their reputation? Do they want reservation at the cost of their reputation?

Reservation itself has become the main cause of the backwardness. Moreover its benefits are enjoyed by a very small fraction of the society. It has become a major source of corruption. Therefore it should be reduced gradually. Who will like to be treated by a doctor who has been selected by virtue of reservation particularly when he is unconscious and has to be treated in emergency? Similarly we are already paying the price for employing reservation to R and D, Teaching, PSU, Government Jobs and many other important jobs and professions. This has also caused collateral damage in the form of Brain Drain, inefficiency, discontentment, lack of healthy competition and will to improve. However, Scholarships should be extended to all deserving cases including all economically weaker sections.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'The Prime Minister’s Office is on right track' that was published in Newsband

The Prime Minister’s Office is on right track

In its last 18 months, the government faced up to an economic reality. In June 2014, the Prime Minister’s Office (The PMO) wanted to know if production was going up and jobs were being created on the ground. Three months later, the government launched its Make in India programme to encourage the world to use the country as a global production hub. It promised reforms on norms for foreign direct investment — many of which it subsequently delivered — and a fix for problems that gave the country a poor reputation among foreigners, including unpredictable tax policies and a difficult regulatory environment.

To capitalise on the success of Make in India, the government must now show sustained improvement on the ease of doing business and create a transparent and stable tax environment to prove it is capable of delivering on its intent. Make in India project is one of the most attractive project so far, and India is getting good response from all over the world

The government should be ready to create right environment in the country and pay attention to good governance, tackling of bureaucratic hurdles, coming up with more paper documents, quick decision making, making available good infrastructure etc. If PM wants his dream regarding Make In India become a success than his government has to do work on above said area. Make in India will give returns and it is RETURNS that are important

The PM’s “Make in India” drive, culminating 18 months after intense world lobbying, personally, holds out much promise, particularly to the desperately poor (the last PM said 67% of the population need food subsidy to survive), although the Government could and should address the massive inequality in the country (4th world rank in no. of $ billionaires; world rank 130/188 in Human Development Index 2014, worse than Pakistan and Bangladesh; highly regressive tax system, etc).

The PMO should remain focused on what matters to the country most.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Aligarh, Love Shagun, Tere Bin Laden – Dead or Alive, Bollywood Diaries, Gods of Egypt, Rhythm, The Revenant, Carol and Jab Tum Kaho) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

Aligarh

Aligarh is a 2016 Hindi biographical drama film based on the life of Indian linguist and author Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, who was suspended from his job because of his sexual orientation. Siras was the professor of Marathi at the Aligarh Muslim University. After successfully appealing his suspension, he died in suspicious circumstances. Manoj Bajpai plays the role of Siras, and Rajkummar Rao plays a journalist.

Set in a city of Uttar Pradesh and based on true events, the plot revolves around Dr Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras who taught Marathi at Aligarh Muslim University. He was sacked from his position of Reader and Chair of Modern Indian Languages, on charges of homosexuality. A sting operation was conducted by a TV channel which showed him in an embrace with a rickshaw puller, at his house inside the campus.

Love Shagun

Love Shagun is a 2016 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy movie starring Anuj Sachdeva, Nidhi Subbaiah, Vikram Kochhar, Manit Joura, Taran Bajaj, Shamin Mannan and Simpy Singh.

The film has an interesting story. JD, a young man is at an important stage in his life of choosing a life partner. Looking like a plain situation which all youngsters go through, JD is accompanied by an unusual combination of problems, one of a persistent pressure of marriage from his mother and second of the astrological predictions surrounding them. Caught in a fix, JD fights the battle with his three friends, Sandy, Sumit and Deepak, who have their own definitions of love. All three friends try different solutions to get JD's life sorted and plan to find a girl for him whom he can divorce. JD in the middle follows all the tricks and plans and ends up meeting Tia, a modern and independent girl who follows her own mind. But much to their surprise, the story unfolds differently and JD finds himself in a larger soup than he had imagined. Between following his mother or his heart, JD is caught in a problem that does not seem to solve.

The film has Anuj Sachdeva as J.D., Nidhi Subbaiah as Tia, Shamin Mannan as Shama, Simpy Singh as Moon, Manit Joura as Sandy, Vikram Kochhar as Deepak and Taran Bajaj as Sumit.

Kunal Ganjawala, Arijit Singh, Tochi Raina, Sakina Khan, Aditi Singh Sharma have sung for the film. Music Composition is by Rishi-Siddharth, Ashish Pandit and Band of Bandagi.

The film has songs like "Hichkiyaan", "Saathiya", "Hairaani", "Coffee" and "Kalol Ho Gaya".

Tere Bin Laden – Dead or Alive

Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive is a Hindi comedy film written and directed by Abhishek Sharma. The sequel to the 2010 film Tere Bin Laden, the stories of the first film and the second are linked but not in continuity. The film stars Manish Paul, Pradyuman Singh, and Piyush Mishra.

This time, it's operation 'Osama Dead or Alive?' Set against Osama Bin Laden’s mysterious death followed by counter reports claiming he is alive, stirring the biggest controversy in the world. The US wants to prove to the world that they shot him dead while ‘Khalili ‘(Piyush Mishra) the terrorist arm dealer wants the world to believe he is alive. 'Tere Bin Laden - Dead or Alive' is a whacky comical satire that transpires in this desperate tug of war between US & the Terrorists. Stuck in this distressed crossfire is a budding Bollywood director ‘Sharma’ (Manish Paul) looking for a big break, gets hired by US agent David Chaddha (Sikander) on the pretext of making a Hollywood film on Osama using his doppelgänger ‘Paddi Singh’ (Pradhuman Singh). The hidden motive is to shoot a fake tape to prove his death.

The film has Manish Paul as Sharma, Pradhuman Singh as Paddi Singh, Sikander Kher as David Chaddha, Mia Uyeda as Junior, Piyush Mishra as Khalili and Sugandha Garg.

Bollywood Diaries

Bollywood Diaries is an Indian drama film, written and directed by K.D. Satyam and featuring Raima Sen, Salim Diwan and Ashish Vidyarthi in title roles along with Karuna Pandey and Vineet Kumar Singh in supporting roles. The movie is a tribute to aspiring actors. It is produced by Dr. Sattar Diwan under the banner of Rehab Pictures Private Limited, Eagle Eye Entertainment LLP as Associate Producer.

Bollywood Diaries is about three unrelated individuals – a guy working at a call-center in Delhi, a middle-aged government servant from Bhilai and a prostitute from Sonagachi, Kolkata. All three of them aspire to become Bollywood actors and the movie captures their journey and struggles. Thus the film depicts the passionate journey of three Bollywood fanatics who wish to make it big in the industry.

The film has Raima Sen as Imli, Salim Diwan as Rohit, Ashish Vidyarthi as Vishnu, Karuna Pandey as Lata, Vineet Kumar Singh as Daman, Robin Das as Sundar Das and Monica Murthy as Pankhudi.

Gods of Egypt

Gods of Egypt is an American fantasy film featuring ancient Egyptian deities. The film is directed by Alex Proyas and stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Brenton Thwaites, Chadwick Boseman, Elodie Yung, Courtney Eaton, Rufus Sewell, Gerard Butler, and Geoffrey Rush. Butler plays the god of darkness Set who takes over the Egyptian empire, and Thwaites plays the mortal hero Bek who partners with the god Horus, played by Coster-Waldau, to save the world and rescue his love.

The Egyptian god of darkness Set takes over the throne of the Egyptian empire. A mortal hero, Bek, allies with the Egyptian god Horus in a mission to save the world and to rescue his love.

The survival of mankind hangs in the balance as an unexpected mortal hero Bek (Brenton Thwaites) undertakes a thrilling journey to save the world and rescue his true love. In order to succeed, he must enlist the help of the powerful god Horus (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) in an unlikely alliance against Set (Gerard Butler), the merciless god of darkness, who has usurped Egypt's throne, plunging the once peaceful and prosperous empire into chaos and conflict. As their breath-taking battle against Set and his henchmen takes them into the afterlife and across the heavens, both god and mortal must pass tests of courage and sacrifice if they hope to prevail in the epic final confrontation.

Rhythm

Rhythm is an Indian romantic-musical film, produced and directed by Vivek Kumar.

Avantika (Rinil Routh) and her group of friends are part of an inter-college music and dance festival. Meanwhile, a new boy, Rohan (played by Adeel Chaudhry) transfers to her college for advanced studies. He falls madly in love with Avantika, but due to a past failed relationship, Avantika has built a wall around herself and does not let people enter her life beyond a certain point. After a series of incidents, Avantika realises something which changes her life.

The film has Adeel Chaudhry as Rohan, Rinil Routh as Avantika, Gurleen Chopra, Kiran Srinivas, Kosha Jayaswal, Vibhu Raghav, Kuba Gras and Syed Abid Bhushan

Music for the film is composed by Suresh Peters, Adeel Chaudhary , Pranay Rijia, Naveed Zafar and Junoon singer Salman Ahmed. Salman will also make a guest appearance in the film as his Bollywood debut.

The Revenant

The Revenant is a 2015 American historical action adventure film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. The screenplay by Mark L. Smith and Iñárritu is based in part on Michael Punke's novel with the same title, which is inspired by the experiences of frontiersman and fur trapper Hugh Glass in 1823 in what is now Montana and South Dakota. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Glass, and co-stars Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, and Will Poulter.

In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption.

Carol

Carol is a 2015 British-American romantic drama film directed by Todd Haynes. The screenplay written by Phyllis Nagy is based on the ground-breaking romance novel The Price of Salt (also known as Carol) by Patricia Highsmith. The film stars Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler, and Jake Lacy. Set in 1952 in New York City, the film explores the relationship between a young aspiring photographer and an older woman going through a difficult divorce.

Set in 1950s New York, two women from very different backgrounds find themselves in the throes of love. A young woman in her 20s, Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), is a clerk working in a Manhattan department store and dreaming of a more fulfilling life when she meets Carol (Cate Blanchett), an alluring woman trapped in a loveless, convenient marriage. As an immediate connection sparks between them, the innocence of their first encounter dims and their connection deepens. While Carol breaks free from the confines of marriage, her husband (Kyle Chandler) threatens her competence as a mother when Carol’s involvement with Therese and close relationship with her best friend Abby (Sarah Paulson) comes to light. As Carol leaves the comfort of home to travel with Therese, an internal journey of self-discovery coincides with her new sense of space.

Jab Tum Kaho

"Jab Tum Kaho" is a Hindi Romantic comedy, conceptualised on Blind Dating. The film is produced by Rajiv Kumar and Vikram Shankar. It is a film by Vikram Shankar starring - Parvin Dabas, Ambalika Sarkar and Shirin Guha

In this era where one’s ego holds the optimum position and its all about I-Me- The film is about blind dating. It focuses on Khushi who is a simple girl hailing from Lucknow with high moral and ethical values. Although her name is spelled as Khushi, she is denied a life that brings her happiness and is still in search of one. She has personality that is a friendly and amiable, yet quiet and introvert on occasions. With a life that almost gives her everything she needs, she still feels the gaps of emptiness and believes surely there will be someone she will find who will fill her entire world. 

Dinesh Kamath's news 'HEART 2016 – a three day musical competition brings thousands of youth; Sixty Five thousand on an average attend 10th Fruit Expo' that was published in Newsband

HEART 2016 – a three day musical competition brings thousands of youth

Sixty Five thousand on an average attend 10th Fruit Expo

By Dinesh Kamath

Above Picture:- Thousands enjoying the music. Inset:- Dr. Jayakar Ellis presenting the prize to the Five of Castles, winners of HEART 2016

NAVI MUMBAI: It was a time of musical extravaganza for three evenings when over 20 bands competed for the first HEART 2016 Title organised by HEART Foundation under their musical project BEATS (Bringing Entertainment And Team Spirit) “Beats For All” in aid of Prevention of Abuse of Children & Teens (PACT) and ‘SEED’ (Save Earth from Eternal Damage) at the NMMC’s 10th Fruits, Plants, Vegetables & Flower Exhibition from 19th to 21st February 2016 at Wonders Park, Nerul, Navi Mumbai.

Over sixty five thousand visitors on an average every day came and took advantage of both, the exhibition and the musical event. “Workshops & lectures were given by Horticulture experts on propagation of plants, Kitchen Garden, Terrace Garden & Identification of plant which were attended by children from many schools. This being the tenth year in succession, we had organized HEART 2016  eminent bands from various cities of Navi Mumbai, Thane, Mumbai, Pune etc. performed to spread the message of LOVE, JOY & PEACE through the Universal language of Music in the form of competition. The first prize went to Five of Castles and the runners up were Karmic Progressions who had come to participate all the way from Kalyan” said Dr. Jayakar Ellis, President of Heart Foundation (HF) and the co-organizer of the event. “At SEED we were able to educate the children, youth and all the members of the community to take up Sowing a Seed very seriously” He added.

Talking to Mr. Chandrakant Tayade, Asst. Municipal Commissioner, NMMC, he said “This exhibition has been so far the best as we had over sixty five thousand walk ins on an average. We had 250 exhibitors and we gave away prizes in 24 groups. Two hundred prizes were awarded in different classes.  We are so happy to be associated with the work Dr Jayakar Ellis and the SEED initiative through his foundation especially in the field of environment.”

“I am so glad to see that our efforts have paid off in terms of the Go Green initiative of the NMMC as the response for this exhibition has been tremendous. I humbly appeal to the people of Navi Mumbai to join hands with us to plant more trees and make this place much better” said Sudhakar Sonawane, Mayor and Chief Guest at the prize distribution ceremony.

The judging of the various competitions at the exhibition was done under the able guidance of Mr. V A Rode, a gold medalist awarded by the MP government.

Dinesh Kamath's Favourite Heroes and Favourite Countries

Dinesh Kamath's Favourite Heroes

Above: Alexander The Great

Above:  Naopoleon Bonaparte

Above: Bajirao Peshwa

Dinesh Kamath's Favourite Countries

Above: India 

Above: United States of America

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Campus for education or politics?' that was published in Newsband

Campus for education or politics?

Is the Union government trying to create an atmosphere of fear among the students and teachers of Jawaharlal Nehru University? What else could be the rationale for the police action then? The police swooped down on the campus, arrested students, and slapped charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy on them. They were punished mainly for indulging in “anti-national activities”. Kanhaiya Kumar, president of the JNU Students’ Union, who belongs to the All-India Students’ Federation, an organisation known to be affiliated to the CPI, was also arrested. An impression is sought to be created that Mr. Kumar and many other like-minded student activists in JNU are ‘anti-national’.  Section 124-A of the Indian Penal Code makes sedition punishable with life imprisonment.

The JNU campus nurtures political opinion of all shades. The suicide of a scholar in the University of Hyderabad had created an upsurge against the ruling dispensation. And now Afzal Guru was commemorated by a handful of JNU students. This is undoubtedly an act of anti-nationalism.

The fundamental question is why the students unions of only a few universities like DU, JNU, UOH or BHU indulge in such controversies, while the remaining hundreds of other university students concentrate on their studies and research? The answer is simple. Every student union is backed by one or the other political party which provides the 'money and muscle' to create tensions now and then for their political gain. Let us remember that students unions are meant to demand the university administration their legitimate rights, and not to "step out" of their domain and indulge in national politics. It is high time that universities such as JNU which breeds radical be tamed.

Given the nature of developments at JNU, it is unfair to blame the Delhi police or the BJP Government for their actions. In the name of freedom of expression and fundamental rights our politicians have done enough damage to the country's peace and growth. There are many burning issues like poverty, illiteracy, corruption, rapes, health and farmer suicides plaguing the country which the student unions can take up with the Government rather than raking up sensitive issues like Kashmir, Religion and Caste. There are other more important issues instead of lighting candle and holding banners for a convicted terrorist (in UPA reign). If they are handful men who involved in this shameful act then let the police do its duty and stop crying for them.

There seems to be more sympathy for a terrorist than the victims of terrorist attacks. Has anyone in JNU protested against the killing of innocent persons by Afzal Guru and other terrorists?

Another thing is why isn't it alarming that the students are much interested in pursuing the political propaganda than in education? Has any word of caution been passed on to the students especially when they are clearly aligning themselves with anti-national elements and sympathising with them. They should not play with National security. Commemorating Afzal's hanging is antinational and punishable - whoever does it

Let us become a no nonsense Nation. There is no place for traitors here.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Many places cleaned in Navi Mumbai To observe birthday celebrations of Nirankari Baba Ji' that was published in Newsband

Many places cleaned in Navi Mumbai

To observe birthday celebrations of Nirankari Baba Ji

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Nirankaris are the ‘thinking out of the box’ types when it comes to using any opportunity to serve the society. Followers of the Sant Nirankari Mission observe Guru Pooja Diwas every year on 23 February, which is the Birthday of Nirankari Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj and take up a Nationwide Cleanliness drives along with Tree Plantation at several places.

Noteworthy, this year, Sant Nirankari Mandal is Partnering with the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India to carry out a massive cleanliness drives in hospitals across multiple cities in the country on 23 February, 2016 in which about 54 hospitals all over the nation are included in the campaign.

In Navi Mumbai, ahead of the auspicious day, on Sunday 21 February, hundreds of Nirankaris with the noble feeling of “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” and “Service to the Society” embedded in their hearts emerged out of their houses at the crack of the dawn, equipped with cleaning equipments to clean up many places spread across the city.

Some prominent places in Navi Mumbai, which were covered in this cleanliness drive are – Nerul Railway Station, Area from Turbhe Naka to Hanuman Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar and Indira Nagar, Foot Paths and grounds in Sector 17, 18, 19, 22 and 23 of Koparkhairane and New English School, Ghansoli. Tree Plantation was done at New English School, Ghansoli.

The local authorities extended their cooperation and support for the noble cause at every place where the activities were carried out. Shri Suresh Sankpal, Ghansoli Vibhag Pramukh of Shiv Sena visited during Tree Plantation at Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai. The campaign in Navi Mumbai was guided by Shri Manohar Sawant, Sector Samyojak, Vashi to Airoli and Shri Vasant Gund, Sector Samyojak, Nerul to Panvel areas.

In its commitment of service to mankind, the Sant Nirankari Charitable Foundation, a dept of the Mandal, has been carrying out various social welfare activities globally like cleanliness drives, tree plantation drives, blood donation camps and currently a part of the SWACHH RAIL SWACHH BHARAT and lending a continuous support to it.

Navi Mumbai

Nerul-1/ Nerul-3/ Nerul-4

Nirankari Sewadal volunteers cleaned the bridge at Nerul Railway Station on 21 February 2016 as part of the Guru Puja Diwas celebrations.

Nerul-5

Nirankari Sewadal volunteers cleaned the platform at Nerul Railway Station on 21 February 2016 as part of the Guru Puja Diwas celebrations.

Nerul-2

Nirankari Sewadal volunteers along with their fellow devotees cleaned a drain at Nerul Railway Station on 21 February 2016 as part of the Guru Puja Diwas celebrations.

Koparkhairane

Koperkhairane-1

Young Nirankari Sewadal volunteers cleaned at Sector 17, Kopar Khairane, Navi Mumbai on 21 February 2016 as part of the Guru Puja Diwas celebrations.

Koperkhairane-2

Nirankari Sewadal volunteers cleaned at Sector 22, Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai on 21 February 2016 as part of the Guru Puja Diwas celebrations.

Ghansoli

Ghansoli-1

Young Nirankari devotees cleaned at ASP Public School, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai on 21st February 2016 as part of the Guru Puja Diwas celebrations.

Ghansoli-2

Nirankari devotees cleaned at ASP Public School, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai on 21 February 2016 as part of the Guru Puja Diwas celebrations.

Ghansoli-3

Shri Suresh Sankpal, Shiv Sena Vibhag Pramukh, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, planted a sapling at a Tree Plantation Drive organized by Sant Nirankari Mandal, at ASP Public School, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai on 21 February 2016 as part of the Guru Puja Diwas celebrations.

Dinesh Kamath’s score in Google Plus on 23 February 2016 at 11.48 am was 13400360 Views

Dinesh Kamath’s score in Google Plus on 23 February 2016 at 11.48 am was 13400360 or One Crore, Thirty Four Lakhs, Three Hundred and Sixty Views

Video: Dinesh Kamath sings 'Chehra Hai Ya Chand Khila Hai'

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'To vacate Siachen or not?' that was published in Newsband

To vacate Siachen or not?

The February 3 avalanche on the Siachen glacier buried 10 Indian Army soldiers. Last month, four soldiers of 3 Ladakh Scouts were killed when an avalanche hit a patrol party in the Ladakh region. Avalanches are a threat not just to Indian soldiers, but also to the Pakistani troops. In April 2012, in the Gayari sector, 129 soldiers of the 6th Northern Light Infantry of the Pakistani military and 11 civilian contractors were buried by a massive avalanche. According to reliable estimates, over 2,000 soldiers from both sides have died on the Siachen glacier since 1984.

Is there a need to demilitarise the glacier? Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal initiative to visit Lahore on Christmas day and to push forward peace with Pakistan should be appreciated. Also there are many people who feel that both India and Pakistan neither can sacrifice nor put in harm’s way, so many lives on the inhospitable glacier.

If, for the reason that Siachen has no strategic or tactical importance, we vacate, Pakistan can be expected to move in and it will then become an issue of retaking it which will be at a greater cost. Siachen is the proverbial hot ghee - we can neither swallow nor spit. This glacier is not pride but strategic. Can anyone say with confidence that Pakistan will not occupy if India vacates

No one can say with confidence what Pakistan will or will not do. Should then India stay in a state of persistent belligerence with Pakistan? Or should India, when the opportunity presents itself, take steps to mutually cooperate with Pakistan so that the loss of lives of our soldiers can be restricted if not entirely halted?

In matters of national security, neither expenditure nor casualties matter. We have to understand the strategic importance of post. There is no substitute for a physical post - not even electronic surveillance. History repeats itself. When we call back our troops we have to again conquer the same region and it costs a lot more than what we spend to protect the same

Two countries, China and Pakistan, who are always on the lookout for opportunities to grab our border lands and spread terror over there, will never give up their malicious intentions no matter how wisely one tries to change them and their attitudes. Unilateral, bilateral or multi global lateral efforts to put a dent over their militarization mania will never work. The only thing that we can do is not weaken our defending power but keep on strengthening it. 

Dinesh Kamath's cartoons on 'Alooramji' that were published in Newsband

Dinesh Kamath's news 'NRI Police conducts seminar on Drug Abuse' that was published in Newsband

NRI Police conducts seminar on Drug Abuse

By Dinesh Kamath

Above: Dr. Jayakar Ellis talking to the children about tobacco & drug abuse

NAVI MUMBAI: The NRI Police station in a bid to curb drug & Tobacco abuse, has initiated to take seminars on the same in different Civic and Private Schools, there are and the first one was at the NMMC School no. 112 at Karawe along with Heart Foundation, NGO working against drug and abuse under their ongoing project PACT (Prevention of Abuse of Children and Teens).

Around 100 students of IX standard benefited from the above on 17^th February 2016.

"It has always been my desire to reach and teach these children the dangers of drug usage and Tobacco products in schools and colleges so we have taken this initiative with Heart Foundation to reach out to the youngsters." said Senior Police Inspector Shekhar Bagde.

"We hope to have such awareness programs for the Teachers, students and their parents as this program would be a year-long one" he added.

"We need to educate children against drug addiction and make them realize how important it is for them to also be a help to their friends who are into such habits" said Dr. Jayakar Ellis, Founder President, Heart Foundation. "Children these days are confronted with various addiction, peer pressure, broken homes and pressure to perform. Home surroundings also play a vital role in these areas. Thus we plan to continue such programs and touch the hearts of these tender ones under our project called PACT" he added.

"I am addicted to tobacco since three years and wanted to leave it. I am so happy that I can now work towards leaving this bad habit" said a student of the same class. Along with him were three more who wanted to leave the habit

"I am very happy that such program is happening in our school which is the need of the hour" said Mrs. Madhuri Narkhede, Principal.

The above program was done under the guidance of Shri Prabhat Ranjan, CP, Shri Umap DCP, zone 1 and support of API Ajit Zanjurne, Mr. Sable and Mr. Rathod.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'NMMC's Fruits, Plants & Vegetable Expo starts with a good note' that was published in Newsband

NMMC's Fruits, Plants & Vegetable Expo starts with a good note

By Dinesh Kamath

Above: Corporator Netra Shirke, Mayor Sudhakar Sonawane and MLA Sandeep Naik

NERUL: The 10th NMMC Fruits, Plants, Vegetables & Flower Exhibition was inaugurated at the hands of Mr. Sudhakar Sonawane, Mayor of Navi Mumbai on 19^th February 2016 at Wonders Park, Nerul, Navi Mumbai. The above Exihibition is being supported by Heart Foundation through their Social Initiative called Sow a “SEED” (Save Earth from Eternal Damage). The event will go on till 21^st February 2016.

"I appeal to all the residents to come and take advantage of such a wonderful event through which we can work together to make Navi Mumbai more green" said the Mayor.

"I am so happy that we have been able to organise this Green Initiative for a decade now and through this a lot of residents have benefited" said MLA Sandeep Naik.

Talking to Mr. Chandrakant Tayade, Asst. Municipal Commisioner, NMMC, he said "This is the third year we have had this Exihibition at Nerul and we hope more people would come from all over Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, Raigad, Pune, Thane and other places like last year. We are so happy to be associated with the work of Dr Jayakar Ellis and the SEED initiative through his foundation especially in the field of environment.”

"We are also having over 20 musical bands performing for the next three days from all over and this is the first of its kind in Navi Mumbai. The timings are from 4 pm to 10 pm with the grand finale happening on 21st. Through this initiative the youth have assured us of their support to spread the SEED message" said Dr. Jayakar Ellis, president, Heart Foundation.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'A bad move by Finance Ministry' that was published in Newsband

A bad move by Finance Ministry

Withdrawal of the customs duty exemptions for 76 life-saving drugs by Finance Ministry will at once make them more expensive and impact patients who are already paying a high price for such medical treatment. A majority of Indians meet health care costs through out-of-pocket expenditure, and any increase is bound to adversely affect them. It is not clear what “public interest” is served by removing certain essential medicines that are either not manufactured in India or whose demand currently exceeds local manufacturing capacity.

It is not known as to why a patient ends up buying imported drugs even when locally manufactured options are available at a lower price. It is for this reason that the withdrawal of 22 per cent customs duty exemption on imported drugs could have an impact on a patient’s budget; imported active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) will also increase the cost of generics made locally.

The only way for the Indian drug industry to grow is by investing in research and development and in producing novel drugs that enjoy patent protection.

Time and again there have been increase in the prices of medicines under the pretext of revisions in the taxation system. Now for the withdrawal of import duty may debar the affordability and would definitely lead to higher cost of treatment. Our politicians have access to treatment overseas but what about the common man?

It is the duty of the Government to make available the life-saving drugs to the Indian population from Indian Manufacturers and make them available at affordable cost if imported from other countries. The move to withdraw custom duty exemption on these drugs will shake the trust of common man from the present government that promised Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas.

There can be no disagreement that the health sector has always taken a backseat in Indian policy making despite the rising cost of medical treatment which is borne by most of the Indians from their own pocket. There is a constant demand for raising the budgetary provision for the health sector and facilitation of availability of medicines and drugs to growing number of patients. It is high time the government comes out with funding of research and development in the pharmaceutical industry so that country has its own patent for important drugs. Better late than never but all out support is needed for this important sector providing health care to growing masses.

While it is necessary to make life saving drugs available to the common people at affordable prices, it is also necessary to curb the production of items which are injurious to health and which promote cancer. Why should we not ban altogether production of cigarettes and tobacco based industries which are not contributing anything to the human safety and treatment of cancer affected persons? 

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Neerja, Direct Ishq, Ishq forever, Loveshhuda, Spotlight, Rhythm and Pride & Prejudice Zombies) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Neerja

Neerja is a 2016 Indian biographical film directed by Ram Madhvani starring Sonam Kapoor in titular role and Shabana Azmi and Shekhar Ravjiani in supporting roles. The film was produced by Atul Kasbekar under the banner of Fox Star Studios. The film revolves around the actual hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi, Pakistan specifically focusing on flight attendant Neerja Bhanot. This film shows how the young flight attendant fought for the lives of her passengers.

Thus the film is based on the life of Neerja Bhanot who was shot dead by terrorists who hijacked Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi on 5 September 1986. Neerja is a biopic on Neerja Bhanot - the daredevil flight attendant of Pan Am. Sonam Kapoor is playing the role of Bhanot and Shabani Azmi plays a very crucial role in the film. This is the story of a 23-year-old girl who found courage and self-sacrifice in an extraordinary moment in her life. She was the youngest person to receive Ashok Chakra posthumously. As per the sources, "Neerja is one of the unsung heroes of India whose story should be an inspiration for everyone. This is her story". The maker of the film has excellently depicted the fear that was instilled in the people who were travelling by the fateful Pan Am Flight 73.

The film has Sonam Kapoor as Neerja Bhanot, Shabana Azmi as Rama Bhanot, Shekhar Ravjiani as Jaideep and Yogendra Tiku as Harish Bhanot

Direct Ishq

Direct Ishq is an action packed romantic comedy, set in the holy city of Banaras. The plot features Vicky, a rough and aggressive local boy from Banaras and Kabeer a rich, Mumbai-based event organiser born in Banaras, both falling for a bubbly, mischievous, yet wise Banaras girl, Dolly. Who will win Dolly’s heart? The local boy who carries a revolver and is always ready for a fight? Or the smart, rich Mumbai lad who promises to help Dolly with her singing career?

The film has Rajneesh Duggal, Nidhi Subbaiah, Arjun Bijlani, Hemant Pandey, Sanoj Dube, Rajkumar Kannojia and Padam Singh.

Direct Ishq is an action packed romantic comedy with melodious songs, shot in the holy city of Banaras. The Holy City is also home to a girl called Dolly Pandey (Nidhi Subbaiah). On the outside she seems very bubbly, mischievous and doll-like, however on the inside she is wise, cautious and keeps boys at a distance at all times. Her dream is to become a singer and wants her dad and the whole city to be proud of her. But destiny can be quite unpredictable. She meets two boys named Vicky and Kabeer who end up changing her life.

Vicky Shukla (Rajneesh Duggal) is a local boy from Banaras. A president of the Kaashi Vidyapeeth, Vicky is a rough and tough, aggressive boy who believes in always having a revolver with him, because he is always up for a fight. But this boldness turns into complete shyness when interacting with girls. He soon meets Dolly Pandey and falls in love with her.

On the other hand Kabeer (Arjun Bijlani) is a smart, good looking boy born in a rich family of Banaras but educated in Mumbai and works there doing music shows and events. His grandmother wants to fix him up with her friend’s daughter, but instead Kabeer meets Dolly Pandey and also falls in love with her, while helping her make a career as a professional singer.

Which one of these boys will win Dolly’s heart, Kabeer or Vicky?

Ishq forever

Ishq Forever is a 2016 Bollywood romantic drama musical film directed by Sameer Sippy. It will feature newcomer Krishna Chaturvedi as the male lead and the female lead is Ruhi Singh.

Ishq Forever which is a romantic drama. The story rotates around Aryan and Rhea, who meet in extraordinary circumstances, and are bundled together by a bang of fortune and are bounded to travel together. Initially, they persist in facing each other but soon they realize they can’t come out of the trouble alone. They managed to be together unless they shake off from the danger. But their destiny compels them to move face to face and both, either by choice or by circumstances, come closer. The journey added a consistent dose of thrill and humor.

The film has Krishna Chaturvedi, Ruhi Singh, Lisa Ray, Javed Jaffrey, Chetan Pandit, Sonal Jha, Arif Zakaria, Mahesh Balraj, Zakir Hussain, Gulpreet Singh, Denzil Smith, Sachin Parikh and Guest Appearance: Raza Murad & Sharat Saxena

The Soundtrack of the album is composed by Nadeem Saifi (Of Nadeem–Shravan) & the lyrics are penned by Sameer. The film has songs like "Ishq Forever (Title Track)" sung by Jubin Nautiyal, Palak Muchhal, "Bilkul Socha Na Tha" by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Palak Muchhal, "Ishq Ki Baarish" by Javed Ali, Shreya Ghoshal, "Oh My God" by Siddharth Mahadevan, Sarosh Nanavaty, "Expectations" by Neeti Mohan, "Aankhon Se Nikla Aansoo" by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shreya Ghoshal and "Happy Birthday" by Nakash Aziz.  

Loveshhuda

Loveshhuda is a Bollywood romance film directed by Vaibhav Misra. The film features Girish Kumar, Navneet Kaur Dhillon and Naveen Kasturia in leading roles.

This story is about a man who drinks and wakes up in the morning with a girl whom he does not know. When he gradually starts to fall in love with her, he must choose between love and practicality.

Thus LoveShhuda movie revolves around two people who meet in three different places — London, Mauritius and Shimla — at three different times of their lives. They fall in love with each other despite the time and distance, but complications arise. Unlike all love story which usually ended in the bed, movie Loveshuda is a love story that start in bed. Two individuals who meet and share bed is from where the story begins. Both of them don’t know each other at that point but with time they start falling in love with each other.

The film has Girish Kumar as Gaurav, Tisca Chopra as Gaurav's eldest sister, Navneet Kaur Dhillon as Pooja, Naveen Kasturia as Kunal(Gaurav's Childhood Friend), Sachin Khedekar as Pooja's Father, Jack Loy as Professor Steve Wroe (Pooja's Husband), Farida Dadi as Pooja's Grandmom, Cedric Tylleman as Gaurav's Stag Friend, Meenakshi Sethi as Pooja's Mother, Devyani as Neha (Pooja's cousin), Benaf Dadachanji as Gaurav's elder sister, Kiran Thapar as Geeta(Pooja's Friend), Savant Singh Premi as Aashish(Gaurav's Childhood Friend), Zaq Qureshi as Rana Singh and Sameer Parekh as Gaurav's Brother In Law.

Soundtrack of Loveshhuda is by Mithoon, Parichay. The film has songs like "Mar Jaayen", "Peene Ki Tamanna", "Dono Ke Dono", "Chitta Kukkad", "Total Talli", "Mar Jaayen (Reprise)", "Mar Jaayen (EDM Remix)", "Peene Ki Tamanna (EDM Remix)", "Dono Ke Dono (Chill Trap Remix)", "Total Talli (Trap Remix)", "Chitta Kukkad (Male)"  and "Mar Jaayen (More Jabo)".

Spotlight

Spotlight is a 2015 American biographical drama film directed by Tom McCarthy and written by McCarthy and Josh Singer. The film follows The Boston Globe's "Spotlight" team, the oldest continuously operating newspaper investigative unit in the United States, and its investigation into cases of widespread and systemic child sex abuse in the Boston area by numerous Roman Catholic priests. It is based on a series of stories by the real Spotlight Team that earned The Globe the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. The film stars Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci, Brian d'Arcy James, Liev Schreiber, and Billy Crudup.

The movie has an interesting plot. Starring: John Slattery, Liev Schreiber, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Stanley Tucci

Summary: Spotlight tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions. When the newspaper’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delve into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston's religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world.

Rhythm

Rhythm is an Indian romantic-musical film, produced and directed by Vivek Kumar.

The film stars Adeel Chaudhry and Rinil Routh in the lead cast and is the Bollywood debut of Adeel Chaudhry. Rhythm was shot in Poland. The movie has an interesting plot. Avantika (played by Rinil Routh) and her group of friends are part of an inter-college music and dance festival. Meanwhile, a new boy, Rohan (played by Adeel Chaudhry) transfers to her college for advanced studies. He falls madly in love with Avantika, but due to a past failed relationship, Avantika has built a wall around herself and does not let people enter her life beyond a certain point. After a series of incidents, Avantika realises something which changes her life.

The film has Adeel Chaudhry as Rohan, Rinil Routh as Avantika, Gurleen Chopra, Kiran Srinivas, Kosha Jayaswal, Vibhu Raghav, Kuba Gras and Syed Abid Bhushan.

Music for the film is composed by Suresh Peters, Adeel Chaudhary, Pranay Rijia, Naveed Zafar and Junoon singer Salman Ahmed. Salman will also make a guest appearance in the film as his Bollywood debut.

Pride & Prejudice and Zombies

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (stylized as Pride + Prejudice + Zombies) is a 2016 British-American action comedy horror film based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Seth Grahame-Smith that parodies the 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. The film is directed by Burr Steers, who wrote the adapted screenplay, and stars Lily James, Sam Riley, Jack Huston, Bella Heathcote, Douglas Booth, Matt Smith, Charles Dance and Lena Headey.

Jane Austen's classic tale of the tangled relationships between lovers from different social classes in 19th century England is faced with a new challenge -- an army of undead zombies. Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James) isn’t just a Regency smartie, but also a ruthless slayer of the hordes of undead that have invaded England. No one really knows what caused the influx of brain-eating beasties, though many suspect “the French were to blame.” Still, this zombie-ridden world isn’t so different from Austen’s: Elizabeth and her four sisters, including the eldest, Jane (Bella Heathcote), need to ensure their financial security by finding husbands. Luckily, all five are well versed in the art of zombie destruction — but even though they’re better at kicking zombie ass than most men they know, they’re still dependent on men for the day-to-day basics.

Elizabeth meets her match, in both romance and zombie-thrashing acuity, in Sam Riley’s Darcy: In an early scene, he dispatches a pesky brain eater with a broken sherry glass, and later steps in to save Elizabeth from a seemingly benign dowager who’s really looking for a meal. But more often than not, it’s Elizabeth (or one of her sisters) who’s swooping in to save the gents.