Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Women in the Indian Army' that was published in Newsband

Women in the Indian Army

During Republic Day parade in Delhi, India showcased “woman power” with all-women contingents of the three Services for the first time. A day earlier, Wing Commander Pooja Thakur became the first woman to lead a ceremonial tri-service guard of honour, which the visiting U.S. President Barrack Obama inspected.

In theory women in the army may sound good but in practical terms the arrangement has not worked well in the Indian Army. Indian army needs to recognise women’s capabilities — as many advanced armed forces across the world have done, even committing them to combat roles — and their right to a full-fledged career in the force, on a par with men.

According to those who support Indian Army’s stand to not induct too many women in their force, being the president/prime Minister of a country or a CEO of a corporate is altogether different from serving the army and though women have equal or more brain power than men, they cannot be stated to be in unison with men in all the posts in the army and hence the Army seems to have some justication for their stand in the issue. The further add that this need not be looked upon as demeaning women or revealing injustice to women.

But there are many who disagree with the above reasoning and according to them when we debate about total equality to women on par with men in the army we must keep in our mind our present social fabric of our nation and also practical challenges which may arise due to this. Women can do as well or even better in many instances as do men. God gifted men and women with particular physical characteristics but a brain with equal capacity for functional development.

We as a country are taking baby steps towards gender equality. This is not bound to happen overnight. India has the highest rate of female infanticide, dowry deaths, underage marriages. Unlike the West we have to fight for equality and it is not considered our birth right. Of course, the situation at the outset may not appear that grim. There are women doctors, engineers, researchers rubbing shoulders in every field. But the percentage is minimal. And coming to defence services, all one needs is skill, which can be imparted to any candidate irrespective of gender.

Our Constitution has to be uniformly applied whether Army, Sports or any other professional activity. We cannot discriminate on gender. It is high time the Army changes the "mental block" and comes out with equality of service rules and regulations for women too. There is no other way. The Government cannot allow discriminatory practices in the Army alone - an unconstitutional act.

Army should take the lead in emancipating the women. It will be a great moral push for them and inspire half of the population to know their potential.

Dinesh Kamath presents pictures of Madhuri Dixit Nene while in Panvel

Madhuri Dixit Nene at Panvel

(Above) Madhuri Dixit Nene @ PN Gadgil Jewellers' store launch at Panvel

(Above) Madhuri Dixit Nene and Saurabh Gadgil, MD PNG Jewellers @ PN Gadgil Jewellers' store launch at Panvel

(Above) Madhuri Dixit Nene, Saurabh Gadgil, MD PNG Jewellers and Parag Gadgil, ED, PNG Jewellers @ PN Gadgil Jewellers' store launch at Panvel

(Above) Ms Madhuri Dixit Nene and Saurabh Gadgil, MD PNG Jewellers inaugurating the PN Gadgil Jewellers' store at Panvel

Dinesh Kamath presents pictures of Karisma Kapoor while at Kharghar

Karisma Kapoor at Kharghar

(Above) Hrishikesh Datar, Dhananjay Datar, Karisma Kapoor, Vandana Datar and Rohit Datar at the media meet for the launch of Dhananjay Datar's Masala King Supermarket at Kharghar

(Above) Karisma Kapoor, Dhananjay Datar, Rohit Datar, Hrishikesh Datar, Vandana Datar at the launch of Dhananjay Datar's Masala King Supermarket at Kharghar 1

(Above) Vandana Datar, Karisma Kapoor, Hrishikesh Datar, Dhananjay Datar and Rohit Datar at the launch of Dhananjay Datar's Masala King Supermarket at Kharghar 1

(Above) Vandana Datar, Karisma Kapoor, Hrishikesh Datar, Dhananjay Datar and Rohit Datar at the launch of Dhananjay Datar's Masala King Supermarket at Kharghar 2

(Above) Vandana Datar, Karisma Kapoor, Hrishikesh Datar, Dhananjay Datar and Rohit Datar at the launch of Dhananjay Datar's Masala King Supermarket at Kharghar 3

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Awareness campaigns by city Oncologists during January which is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month' that was published in Newsband

Awareness campaigns by city Oncologists during January which is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: January is considered as the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month all over the world. In Navi Mumbai there were many Oncologists who conducted awareness campaigns on cervical cancer. One of the Oncologists of the city was of the opinion that there should be more such campaigns in the city to prevent or cure the cases of Cervical Cancer and thus keep this ailment under total control. He also said that both rural as well as urban women should not hesitate to undergo the tests since there is nothing to feel ashamed about it. He cautioned those women who were showing signs of suffering from this ailment and told them not to delay in getting themselves medically treated.

Young girls of today are fortunate enough since they can avail the benefit of getting themselves injected with preventive vaccine and thus not become the victim of this ailment. Such preventive measures were not available in the past. The oncologists of Navi Mumbai are determined to eradicate Cervical Cancer from the city by detecting it at the earliest stage and accordingly administering medical treatment to the victim.

Sexually-transmitted virus can be the cause of such a cancer and any kind of bleeding experienced by a woman should be reported to the nearest Oncologist in the city. This was the opinion of another oncologist whose advise to women, especially the younger ones, was to undergo pap smear test once a year just to confirm that they are safe from this ailment.

Even an urban and rich women and not just poor or rural women can be found having Cervical Cancer. The oncologists of the city have suggested that every woman should control her habits and lifestyle and stay far away from vices like drinking, smoking, drugs, tobacco etc. His advise to women is that they should be careful of matter of sex even.

All the oncologists were of the common opinion that Cervical Cancer can be prevented and also cured. 

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Obama’s visit has tremendously boosted Indo-US relations' that was published in Newsband

Obama’s visit has tremendously boosted Indo-US relations

The India-U.S. relationship is the ‘defining partnership’ of this century. US President Barack Obama rightly pointed out all the similarities between the two nations: as diverse, multi-religious, tolerant democracies that respect human rights. It is great to witness Obama displaying keen interest in the future of India-U.S. ties. The main features of the talks between the two were the joint statement, declaration of friendship, and a strategic vision for the Asia-Pacific region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi undoubtedly made a good move by inviting the US President Obama for the Republic Day parade

President Obama's gesture in accepting to be the Chief Guest at the R-Day parade and that too at a short notice, and the general atmosphere of goodwill and friendship that prevailed during the visit between him and PM Modi certainly raises substantial hopes of a bright future for both the countires in particular and the Asian scenario in general. Once trust and goodwill are established between the heads of States - as is obviousoy the case between Obama and Modi - issues get sorted out speedily in an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual wellbeing.

Visit of Obama is a welcome step to strengthen the ties between India and US. It shows the importance of the relationship that India holds with US and at the same time provide opportunity to increase trade and defence agreements. The centerpiece of the discussion was on nuclear deals for which the hurdle was removed was a welcome step by both India and US.

President Obama’s criticism of Russia while in India, calling it “a bully”, did not surprise many. The vision statement on the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean region is likely to keep China under control, as it seeks to portray an India-U.S. front against diplomatic, economic and security challenges in the region. On the business side, there was a resolve to expand trade ties and a $4-billion commitment from the U.S. in investment and loans. Indo-Asian relationships are redefined as the India is becoming a key player in climate change initiatives and new renewable energy projects with US help are initiated.

There is a media news that China is going to invite Russian President Putin as the Chief Guest for China's military day celebration. Though one could compare the personal relationship between Modi and Obama with the friendship between Nehru and Kennedy in the sixties, the major shift in India's relationship towards Russia occurred by the assassination of Kennedy and the emergence of total negativity to the USA by the display of gunboat diplomacy by Nixon towards India were the factors of necessity of then India in 20th century.

The opening of a new chapter in the relationship between India and the USA is the realization of the everlasting values of two large democracies where the fight against terrorism, climate control, the mutual interest in exchange of knowledge in Science & Technology and above all the image and the impact created by Modi that the USA can't get any other true partner other than India in South East Asia for the USA's global supremacy – these are Modi’s achievements.

Dinesh Kamath’s movie column on ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Khamoshiyan, Hawaizaada, Chal Guru Ho Ja Shuru, Rahasya, Birdman, Seventh Son and Foxcatcher) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Khamoshiyan

Khamoshiyan is a Hindi film directed by Karan Darra and produced by Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt in association with Vishesh Films. The film is an erotic love triangle revolving around a writer adrift in the icy slopes of Kashmir where he discovers a woman with a strange, silent past. The film stars Gurmeet Choudhary, Ali Fazal and Sapna Pabbi in principal roles.

The film has an interesting plot. A young novelist Kabir (Ali Fazal) is a one-book wonder. He is hurt by the love of his life leaving him for another man because of his irresponsibility towards his aim in life and empty promises he makes about future commitments with her. He salvages whatever he can and goes on an inspirational journey to complete himself and to write his book. There he meets a young and beautiful lady Meera (Sapna Pabbi) who runs the isolated guesthouse he’s living in which he finds eerie. Meera is married to the owner of this guesthouse Jaidev (Gurmeet) who was once a rich paper mill owner, he had disguised himself as a charming man but is a controlling demon within. Jaidev is currently unwell, bed-ridden and forcefully makes Meera run this guesthouse.

Kabir begins to encounter unusual things and discover secrets about the house and Meera. Meera is evasive about these suspicious incidents that are taking place, which if he finds out, would threaten to destroy her. The more Kabir interacts with Meera about these strange incidents the more he gets drawn towards her. He begins to get confused whether these incidents that are taking place are for real or whether he’s imagining things. He tries to find an explanation to these encounters and to understand the mystery behind this woman that he’s getting uncontrollably drawn to.

The film has Gurmeet Choudhary as Jaidev, Ali Fazal as Kabir and Sapna Pabbi as Meera.

The soundtrack of Khamoshiyan has been composed by Ankit Tiwari, Jeet Ganguly, Navad Zafar & Bobby Imraan. The lyrics for the soundtrack are penned by Rashmi Singh and Sayeed Quadri. The film has songs like "Khamoshiyan", "Tu Har Lamha", "Baatein Ye Kabhi Na", "Baatein Ye Kabhi Na (Female)", "Kya Khoya", "Bheeg Loon (Female)", "Bheeg Loon (Male)", "Subhan Allah", "Khamoshiyan (Unplugged)", "Tu Har Lamha (Remix BY DJ Angel)" and "Bheeg Loon (Female-Remix By DJ Angel)".

Hawaizaada

Hawaaizaada is a Hindi film directed by Vibhu Puri. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Mithun Chakraborty and Pallavi Sharda in pivotal roles. The film is based on the life of scientist Shivkar Bapuji Talpade who is credited to have constructed India's first unmanned plane. The movie is set in Mumbai, 1895.

The film has Ayushmann Khurrana as Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, Pallavi Sharda as Sitara and Mithun Chakraborty as Pandit Subbaraya Shastry.

The film has Soundtrack by Ayushmann Khurrana, Mangesh Dhakde and Rochak Kohli. The film has songs like "Daak Ticket" sung by Mohit Chauhan, Javed Bashir, "Dil E Naadan" by Ayushmann Khurrana, Shweta Subram, "Dil E Naadan (Reprise)" by Ayushmann Khurrana, Shweta Subram, "Dil Todne Ki Masheen" by Rekha Bhardwaj, "Hawaaizaada Dil" by Rochak Kohli, "Maaza My Lord" by Mohit Chauhan, Neeti Mohan, "Teri Dua" by Wadali Brothers, Lakhwinder Wadali, Harshdeep Kaur, Ravindra Sathe, Ranadeep Bhasker, Sukhwinder Singh, "Turram Khan" by Ayushmann Khurrana, Monali Thakur, Papon, "Udd Jayega"  by Sukhwinder Singh, Ranadeep Bhasker and "Yaadien Gatthri Mein" by Harshdeep Kaur.

The film has an interesting story. The film is based on the life of scientist Shivkar Bapuji Talpade who is credited to have constructed India's first unmanned plane. The movie is set in Bombay, 1895. The film is supposedly a fictional biopic of Shivkar Talpade, as very little information is available about him in the public domain. The story is of pre-independence era and glorifies the efforts of an Indian man during British Raj.

The film narrates the story of the first ever flying machine made by man. It tells the story of the Indian scientist Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, who built a flying machine 8 years before the Wright brothers. Talpade had built an aircraft using The Vedas. This story reflects the never-say-die spirit of a forgotten Indian.”

Chal Guru Ho Ja Shuru

Chal Guru Ho Ja Shuru is a film directed by Manoj Sharma. The film has Hemant Pandey, Chandrachur Singh, Sanjay Mishra and Manoj Pahwa playing important roles.

It is a film based on spiritual guru Asaram Bapu, who was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl. Hemant Pandey plays the main lead in it. The film focuses on fraudulent spiritual gurus. It exposes all those who have turned religion into a business and the public who are become their victim.

Rahasya

Rahasya is a 2015 Hindi feature film that is directed by Manish Gupta. The film stars Kay Kay Menon, Tisca Chopra, Ashish Vidyarthi, Mita Vashisht and Ashwini Kalsekar. The film was inspired by the Aarushi murder case, which was met with some criticism by Rajesh and Nupur Talwar.

The film revolves around the story of an 18 year old girl, Ayesha Mahajan (Sakshi Sem), who is murdered in her own house. Her father Sachin Mahajan, played by Ashish Vidyarthi is deemed the prime suspect for the murder. Kay Kay Menon, in the role of CBI Chief Sunil Paraskar picks up the case and soon finds evidence that makes it more difficult to determine who exactly is responsible for Ayesha's death. As various suspects and their motives are being tested, what comes out is a riveting story of a double murder.

The film has Ashish Vidyarthi as Sachin Mahajan, Tisca Chopra as Aarti Mahajan, Kay Kay Menon as Sunil Paraskar, Mita Vasisht as Brinda Chhabria, Kunal Sharma as Riyaz Noorani, Ashwini Kalsekar as Remi Fernandes, Sakshi Sem as Ayesha Mahajan and Bikramjeet Kanwarpal.

Birdman

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a 2014 American dark comedy film co-written, produced, and directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. It stars Michael Keaton with Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, and Naomi Watts. Keaton plays a faded Hollywood actor famous for his superhero role struggling to mount a Broadway adaptation of a Raymond Carver story.

The film has an interestign story. The film is a black comedy that tells the story of an actor (Michael Keaton) - famous for portraying an iconic superhero - as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career, and himself.

Seventh Son

Seventh Son is a 2014 American fantasy film based on the novel The Spook's Apprentice (titled The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch in America). The story centers on Thomas Ward, a seventh son of a seventh son, and his adventures as the apprentice of the Spook. It is directed by Sergei Bodrov and stars Ben Barnes, Jeff Bridges, and Julianne Moore. It features music composed by Marco Beltrami, who replaced A. R. Rahman and Tuomas Kantelinen.

The film has an interesting story. Young Thomas is apprenticed to the local Spook to learn to fight evil spirits. His first great challenge comes when the powerful Mother Malkin escapes her confinement while the Spook is away.

In a time long past, an evil is about to be unleashed that will reignite the war between supernatural forces and humankind. Master Gregory (Jeff Bridges), the last of the Falcon Knights, had imprisoned the malevolently powerful witch, Mother Malkin (Julianne Moore), many years ago, but now she has escaped and is seeking vengeance. Summoning her followers of every incarnation, Mother Malkin is preparing to unleash her terrible wrath on an unsuspecting world. Only one thing stands in her way: Master Gregory. In a deadly reunion, Gregory comes face to face with the evil he always feared would someday return. He has only until the next full moon to do what usually takes years: train his new apprentice, Tom Ward (Ben Barnes) to fight a dark magic unlike any other. Man's only hope lies in the seventh son of a seventh son.

Foxcatcher

Foxcatcher is a 2014 American biographical true crime drama film produced and directed by Bennett Miller. Written by E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman, the film stars Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, and Vanessa Redgrave. It is loosely based on the true events and eventually tragic results surrounding multimillionaire du Pont family heir and wrestling enthusiast John E. du Pont's efforts in hiring the 1984 Olympic champion brothers Mark and Dave Schultz to help train US wrestling Olympians as told by Mark in his autobiography, "Foxcatcher: The True Story of My Brother's Murder, John du Pont's Madness, and the Quest for Olympic Gold".

To be clearer still, Foxcatcher tells the true story of Olympic Wrestling Champion brothers Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) and Dave Schultz (Mark Ruffalo) and their relationship with the eccentric John du Pont (Steve Carell) that led to murder. Foxcatcher takes us back to the years leading up to the 1988 Olympic games in Seoul – a time in which former gold medalist wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) was still living in the shadow of his more famous gold medalist brother, Dave (Mark Ruffalo). Things change when billionaire John du Pont (Steve Carell) approaches Mark with a proposition: he wants to propel American wrestling to Olympic greatness, and in doing so, inspire the country.

At first, John’s sponsorship (and mentorship) is everything that Mark could want, but after some time, the billionaire’s commanding manner and odd proclivities begin to wear the elite athlete down. When Dave finally concedes and joins Mark under John’s wing, it seems that the elder Schultz will bring balance to the partnership; however, as the Olympic games approach, it becomes gradually clearer that serious conflicts are brewing beneath the surface – conflicts that may consume all three men.

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

Dinesh Kamath's Animation Film 'Puno Aur Fena'

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Madhuri Dixit Nene to visit Panvel'

Madhuri Dixit Nene to visit Panvel

Picture of Madhuri Dixit Nene

The inauguration of  P.N. Gadgil Showroom Launch in Panvel will be done by Ms. Madhuri Dixit Nene at Panvel on 30 January, 2015

Venue: Shree Sahayya Galaxy, Opp. MTNL Office, MTNL Road, Panvel – 410206.

Time: 10.30 am onwards

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Karishma Kapoor to visit Kharghar'

Karishma Kapoor to visit Kharghar

Picture of Karishma Kapoor

Karishma Kapoor will inaugurate Dhananjay Datar's Masala King Supermarket, Sec.10, Near Little World Mall, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai on 29 Januarty at 5.30 pm.

After huge success in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia now there will be opening of 1st branch in India & 28th branch in Asia. Masala king is the largest trader in the Gulf Countries, dealing in 9000 items in Spices, Pulses, Flours, Nuts & Dry fruits etc. 

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Need of positive agrarian outlook' that was published in Newsband

Need of positive agrarian outlook

India is home to the world's largest number of farmers, as also the largest number of people who face food insecurity. Hence a positive agrarian outlook is required.

In the recent days, India has emerged as a leading exporter of agricultural products. This is owing to the rise in public investment in agriculture, massive increase in credit flows and upgradation of rural infrastructure. India must promote sustainable practices like organic farming, application of bio fertilizers and bio pesticides. At the same time farmers should get remunerative price for produce and consumers should not be made to pay more to the retailer and also there is need of amending Agricultural Produce Market Committee act and increasing of cold storage facility to reduce wastages.

Water management and ecosystem conservation is essential for both environmental sustainability and agricultural production. Rich farmers use inorganic methods to grow crops in India while marginal farmers use organic methods. So they do not get the price they are supposed to get. India is an exporter of food-grain commodities. Since India is a very vast country, campaign is needed for creating awareness among farmers as well as other citizens about the need of sustainable agriculture and enabling them to explore the new agricultural methods.

Ordinary farmer should have access to standard and cheap storage facilities so that he need not be at the mercy of the market agencies at the time of a lucky harvest. Now at the time of harvest, bulk buyers join hands to reduce prices of the products which they later hoard for undue benefits and profits.

On the eve of every election, political parties cunningly grant some aids to the farmers which look like peripherally an aid but end up in destroying our agricultural possibilities.

India has more natural resources and high manpower to achieve good agricultural growth. But yet one of the biggest problems faced by farmers from different parts of the country is sterility of good agriculture land due extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The government should look into this matter and encourage farmers to use bio-fertilizers and methods prescribed by agricultural universities like organic farming.

Irradiation as developed by BARC more than 60 years ago was successfully done on onions, potatoes and mangoes extensively. This method is not only safe but improves resistance to pests, delays ripening and other benefits. Why have we been sleeping on this very vital research already done and proved successful?

The future depends on the introduction of new methods for increasing productivity and quality as also better storage facilities. The other technology should also be impartially and scientifically assessed and should not be rejected although they are developed by foreign companies. If these BT products are safe and improves the quality and productivity of the product with better resistance to pests etc these products must be introduced to meet the increased demand. We need better technology and no politics in such innovations.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Accidents on tracks worry railway authorities' that was published in Newsband

Accidents on tracks worry railway authorities

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Crossing of tracks by railway commuters has proved to be a dangerous exercise considering the fact that 138 persons lost their lives while crossing the railway tracks in spite of railway authorities time-and-again warnings that such an act is against the law.

One cannot blame the motormen of the railway trains since the victims happen to cross the tracks all of a sudden and these motormen fail to stop the train in spite of their applying brakes the moment they spot the victim. At Vashi railway tracks itself there has been a large number of deaths of commuters who were crossing the tracks and even those who were hanging out of the train and fell outside all of a sudden. Only a few involved in such accidents managed to escape death but they did sustain serious injuries.

Most of the railway accidents occur on Vashi-Mankhurd, Juinagar-Nerul, Panvel-Khandeshwar, Belapur-Seawoods routes and hence the railways are trying to focus most of their attentions along these routes particularly while creating precautionary measures to prevent such accidents.

These accidents occur in spite of the efforts put in by railway officials to create awareness among the railway commuters the dangers of crossing tracks or hanging out of the railway trains. These officials have even gone to the extent of pasting posters and making regular announcements asking the commuters not to trespass or jump out of moving trains. The problem is railways are not staffed to the extent where they can supervise all the tracks. Hence certain violations of laws by the commuters escape their notice thus resulting in accidents. 

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Was FCAT’s decision a political one?' that was published in Newsband

Was FCAT’s decision a political one?

Leela Samson resigned as the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), along with several other members of the body. Samson spoke of corruption, and interference by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in the Board’s functioning. Their decision to deny a certificate to Messenger of God, featuring Dera Sacha Sauda sect leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, was overturned by the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal with some riders.

According to Samson, Messenger of God promotes blind faith and encourages superstition and Ram Rahim Singh is a controversial figure and faces some charges, and the film makes claims about his godly stature and miracle-making abilities. Thus Samson strongly feels that she and her colleagues had been “made a mockery of by the powers of the Ministry of I&B over the film”.

Film certification in the country is indeed subject to “interference, coercion and corruption”. The problem here is the fact that other members of the Board also resigned which points to a larger Government interference.

If indeed the Board changes with the Government, then it is a political position. To make it apolitical, one would have to keep the same Board through different Governments but that doesn't happen.

It is not only censor board but many a times it is seen that political parties do interfere in functioning of different organisations and they never admit that they have tried to influence the members in taking decisions .

Arun Jaitley called Leela Samson and her nine colleagues as “rebels without a cause”. The near hysterical reaction of Arun Jaitely, the Information and Broadcasting Minister, smacks of the arrogance shown usually by authoritarian Governments. It clearly shows the low tolerance levels of this Government to criticism.

Why Leela Samson is so aggrieved over the decision of Film Certification Appellate Tribunal? Why does she think FCAT lowers down her stature as the chairperson of CBFC? Perhaps she is aggrieved because she thinks she is absolutely right when it comes to censure of film. Had she taken it in other way, would it have reminded her of the need to overlook, analyse and reform the methodology adopted for censuring a film? Was resigning the right thing for her to do?

For the country to grow what we need is decentralisation of power. The interference of political parties in the day to day functioning of government departments is nothing but a malaise. Funds required for electioneering from corporate houses and individuals make people in power vulnerable to the demands of the former. In retrospect it becomes very difficult to be fair and square. Whether it is the judiciary or executive, decisions are always made under pressure, justice trampled upon.

There is always a divided opinion when it comes to 'Freedom of Expression'. What you may say your right to express may annoy someone else.

A long back, in a story in the Caravan, it was detailed how Sudarshan, the then RSS chief, during the Vajpeyee government, had called Deepa Mehta to censure her for her allegedly controversial film Water. He said that every script, before it reaches to I&B ministry, reaches him. This incident explains the menace of the politics of censorship.

It would be great if the censor board included veteran of the film industry who have rational outlook and are capable of taking decision with courage to convince the groups who support and oppose any film that speaks about religion, politics scam etc.

Dinesh Kamath’s movie column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Baby, Dolly Ki Doli, Hey Bro, The Boy Next Door, The Vatican Museum 3D and Mort Decoi) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Baby

Baby is an Indian espionage action thriller film directed by Neeraj Pandey. The film stars Akshay Kumar, Rana Daggubati, Anupam Kher, Danny Denzongpa, Taapsee Pannu, Mikaal Zulfiqar and Madhurima Tuli.

The movie has an interesting plot. The country is perpetually under threat from terrorist powers and the common man walks unaware of the threats and the attacks that our Government controls and prevents. While the common Indian fights for everyday issues, there are deeper and bigger threats to him and his family that he will never know exist because it is the men and women in uniform that safeguard them. The men and women who put country before self, the men and women who define our history because they give a damn!

Ajay (played by Akshay Kumar) is one such officer who is part of an elite team chosen from amongst the best in the Forces to form a covert Counter Intelligence Unit. In the course of foiling one terrorist attack bid, Ajay discovers a major threat to our nation - a plan to cause damage and strike fear at the heart of our very existence. The plot is masterminded by a maniacal leader whose organization has its tentacles spread across the world. As days progress, the unit goes through escalating challenges with time ticking against them and risks escalating. At all points, the members of the unit give it all they've got and stand tall to guard us with all their strength so that we may sleep safe in our homes. Covert and courageous operations are performed across Kathmandu, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Delhi and Mumbai as our protectors will not rest till evil is defeated.

Will the maniacal Maulana Rehman and his band of evil succeed in striking terror in the heart of India? Will the Indian Government change gears from being reactive to proactive and strike? Will Ajay and his unit be able to prevent this terror tsunami?

The film has Akshay Kumar as Ajay Singh Rajput, India's Counter Intelligence Agent, Rana Daggubati as Jai Singh Rathore , the strongman of the unit, Taapsee Pannu as Priya Suryavanshi, a female agent of the unit, Anupam Kher as Om Prakash Shukla aka Shuklaji, techie of the unit, Kay Kay Menon as Bilal Khan, Danny Denzongpa as Feroze Ali Khan, master Strategist and Chief of Undercover Unit, Madhurima Tuli as Ajay's wife, Rasheed Naz as Maulana Mohammed Rahman, the main Antagonist, Mikaal Zulfiqar as Ashfaq, Deep Asset, Sushant Singh as Javed, Ajay's Partner and Karan Wahi.

The soundtrack for the film features songs composed by MM Kreem and Meet Bros Anjjan. Lyrics are written by Manoj Muntashir. The film has songs like Beparwah, Main Tujhse Pyaar Nahin Karta, Beparwah (MBA Swag) and Main Tujhse Pyaar Nahin Karti.

Dolly Ki Doli

Dolly Ki Doli is a Hindi romantic comedy film, directed by debutant Abhishek Dogra and produced by actor Arbaaz Khan under his production house Arbaaz Khan Productions. The film stars Sonam Kapoor in the title role and also features Pulkit Samrat, Rajkummar Rao and Varun Sharma.

The movie centres around different weddings where the bride, Dolly (Kapoor), is a young con who marries men from different religions and runs away with their wealth.

Dolly Ki Doli is the story of a girl dolly who fakes marriages in an original style and runs away stealing all the precious belongings of the groom and his family. The modus operandi is as follows. Dolly's fake brother, Raju identifies prospective grooms. Then Dolly makes these men fall in love with her. In return, these prospective grooms are ready to do anything for Dolly including going against their parents' wishes to marry Dolly. Once married, on the night of the 'suhagraat' Dolly makes them drink 'drugged' milk making them unconscious after which Dolly along with her gang wipes the house clean of all the valuables. On the other side of the law is Robin Singh, a police inspector given the task of catching dolly.

The film has Sonam Kapoor as Dolly, Pulkit Samrat as Robin Singh, Rajkummar Rao as Sonu Sarawat, Varun Sharma as Manoj Singh Chadda, Gulfam Khan as Sonu's Mother, Archana Puran Singh, Saif Ali Khan in a Special appearance and  Malaika Arora Khan in a Special appearance

Music of the film is composed by Sajid-Wajid. The movie has songs like Phatte tak nachana sung by Sunidhi Chauhan, Dolly Ki Doli by Divya Kumar, Fashion Khatam Mujhpe by Mamta Sharma, Wajid, Shabab Sabri, Mere Naina Kafir Hogaye by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Babaji Ka Thullu by Wajid and Danish Sabri.

The Boy Next Door

The Boy Next Door is an American erotic thriller film directed by Rob Cohen and written by Barbara Curry. The film stars Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Guzman, Kristen Chenoweth, and John Corbett. Lopez plays a high school teacher named Claire who, in the midst of a divorce, has a one night stand with a younger neighbor (Guzman), who develops a dangerous obsession with her.

The movie focuses on a 12-year-old boy who has a mother who is separated due to her husband's infidelity. The writer of this film was influenced by the real-life story of Mary Kay Letourneau, a teacher who became involved with her underage student, causing her to be convicted for rape charges.

The film has Jennifer Lopez as Claire Peterson and Ryan Guzman as Noah Sandborn.

The Vatican Museum 3D

The movie The Vatican Museum 3D focuses on the Catholic Church which is often seen as an institution perpetually at odds with modernity, clinging to Latin as its official language and maintaining its all-male hierarchy, topped by an absolute monarch in the form of the pope, centuries after such a style of governance went out of fashion elsewhere.

The movie depicts the 54 galleries or salas that lead to the grandest of finales, the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s “Last Judgement”, nestle alongside Saint Peter’s Basilica and take up a good chunk of the Vatican City State’s 44 hectares. They contain one of the world’s most extraordinary collections, built up over six centuries.

The film gets up close and personal with works by Giotto, Van Gogh, Caravaggio, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Chagall and Dali.

The movie provides intimate view of the artwork. You can examine the walls and ceiling of the Sistine Chapel at closer quarters. But the papal collection isn’t just any museum. Beyond the peerless artistic merits of the items included, and their historical significance, they have another, spiritual dimension, the connection between the sublime and the divine.

Mortdecai

Mortdecai is an American action comedy film directed by David Koepp and written by Eric Aronson. The film is adapted from the book anthology Mortdecai written by Kyril Bonfiglioli. It stars Johnny Depp in the title role and also features Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn, Jonny Pasvolsky, Paul Bettany, and Jeff Goldblum.

The film has an interesting plot. Juggling some angry Russians, the British MI5, his leggy wife and an international terrorist, debonair art dealer and part time lover Charlie Mortdecai must traverse the globe, armed only with his good looks and "special charm" in a race to recover a stolen painting containing the code to a lost bank account.

The film has Johnny Depp as Charlie Mortdecai and Gwyneth Paltrow as Johanna Mortdecai.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'One Day International Conference on 24 Jan at SITM premises, Nerul' that was published in Newsband

One Day International Conference on 24 Jan at SITM premises, Nerul

By Dinesh Kamath

NCRD’s Sterling Institute of Management Studies (SITM), Nerul, Navi Mumbai is organizing one day International conference on 24 January 2015, on the theme “Emergence of India as a Global Economy: Challenges and Opportunities”. The conference is organized in association with Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University (JJTU), Rajasthan. The conference will commence from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. at the SITM premises, Nerul, Navi Mumbai.

The conference aims to provide a platform for the academicians and the professionals alike to discuss the application of technology in business to make India an attractive destination for the world market said, Dr. Tandon Kamal, Director, NCRD’s Sterling Institute of Management Studies, while briefing about the conference.

The said conference will also release an international journal on the occasion that will carry more than 100 research papers and articles contributed by renowned academicians, business professionals and top notch industry administrators from across the globe.

In this conference the wizards from the corporate and academia will participate. Some of them includes Dr. M. A. Khan, Registrar, University of Mumbai, Dr. Rajpal S. Hande, Director, Board of College and University Development, University of Mumbai; Mr. Punit Saxena, Managing Director & CEO, UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Ltd.; Mr. Mohan Satyaranjan, Senior Director, Cloud and Virtualization Group, Cisco Systems, Bengaluru; Mr. Souvik Sarkar, Vice President, Reliance Capital). These eminent will share their thoughts and views on the conference theme to the audience that would be the gamut of research scholars, academicians, corporate and students from management and information technology streams.

Relevance of the Conference

In the last decade a revolution has taken place in the business panorama and India to emerge as an economic super power as predicted and thus this conference has a great relevance.

About Institute

The NCRD’s Sterling Institute of Management Studies is recognized as one of the best business schools in India and simultaneously ranked by AIMA, GHRDC-New Delhi, Business India, Go-getter and Career 360. 

More details can be availed from the Conference Conveners Dr. Arjita Jain (9967515754); Prof. Seema Laddha (9833587657) and Renu Ranjan (9867407492)

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Drastic improvement in our education system badly needed' that was published in Newsband

Drastic improvement in our education system badly needed

There are many people in India who face insecurity over a lifetime due to the deprivation of basic education. This fact calls for a hard look at the educational situation in our country.

The mathematics knowledge that people need in daily life is mostly arithmetic-based. But our education system is tailored to the requirement of engineering aspirants, thus imposing an undue burden on students inclined to pursue different academic streams. A healthy pupil-teacher ratio could also help overcome many of these shortcomings. Implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act will also do a lot of good to our country. We should do something about those poor families who are disinclined to send children to school. In today’s competitive environment, the ability of students to read, write, count and measure is a bare minimum.

In the past, our curriculum had billing, banking and taxation which were very much related to day to day life activities. But today's mathematics includes only theoretical study and practical knowledge is ignored.

Here are the reasons why our education system fails: 1. We have knowledge oriented teaching and testing instead of skill oriented training and assessment. 2. Teachers do not objectively evaluate the student in continuous evaluation and internal assessments. A lot of personal/subjective and undue compassion come into play during the assessment process. 3. Our focus is on quantity and not in quality. 4. Teaching is one of the least paid professions in the private sector which educates the most number of students. At the same time a teacher in this sector is forced to work for more than 7 hours at school and 3 hours at home. Hence talented people do not wish to come to the profession. Learn from Switzerland where teaching is highest paying job.

The education system as a whole in India benefits a certain section of people who can afford and manipulate the system. Look at the premium institutions of India, be it IIM, IIT, IIS, AIIMS, JIPMER, REC and government engineering colleges. They tell you a shameful story of being export houses and a waste to India's objective of delivering the expertise and needs of community. All these above said institutions are run on tax payers’ money and students who are enrolled are mostly from the elite and upper classes. It’s just a lip service to have very few candidates from the lower strata of society.

India needs quality education from primary to higher level. The point is that by making the system less of exam oriented and more extracurricular oriented, students get to choose and learn from multifarious topics - be it academic or non-academic. A commendable epitome of harnessing a child's innate skill has been set by China. From their childhood, children are offered variety of options to choose from (like sports, etc.). This helps them to focus on their ambitions from an early age.

Successive governments have not taken seriously on need of revamping our education system to bring calibre in children. What we need is not just workers for industry to 'Make in India' but for 'Future of India' who are educated enough to up-hold the Indian Constitution in true spirit!

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Will BJP clinch maximum seats in forthcoming NMMC elections?' that was published in Newsband

Will BJP clinch maximum seats in forthcoming NMMC elections?

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Bharatya Janata Party’s victory over Congress and Nationalist Congress Party in the assembly seems to have taken the NCP corporators by total surprise. Over and above that, the defeat of their local leader Ganesh Naik at the hands of BJP candidate Manda Mhatre added to their shock. Earlier, the defeat faced by Sanjeev Naik in the Lok Sabha election was not taken seriously by them since they thought that it was just a fluke. But now they are no more under any kind of illusion and have accepted the fact that NCP no more enjoys the support of a majority of the public not only in Navi Mumbai but also all over the country. Only saving grace for the local NCP was the victory of Sandeep Naik in the assembly elections.

Manda Mhatre was the only person who made a wise move of defecting from NCP to BJP. She did it just on time. This move was a clear reflection of her powerful foresight. Many NCP corporators are now contemplating quitting the Sharad Pawar-led party and defecting to some other party, BJP being the most preferred party. Some of them are waiting to see as to what move their local leader Ganesh Naik will be making. At present there are only speculations about the move that Ganesh Naik would be making. It is clear that nobody has a concrete idea about what is going on in Naik’s mind.     

There are unconfirmed news about Naik family having already started negotiations with the BJP leaders but there is no evidence to prove that these information are true. The city still has some residents who have very high opinion about Ganesh Naik and his family. According to them, the kind of contribution that this family has done for the city cannot be matched with the contributions of any other individual or family. They say that the only mistake Naiks did was not to defect to BJP on time the way Manda Mhatre did. “It was the party and not the family that was the cause of Ganesh Naik’s defeat,” one of them said.

If Ganesh Naik sits down to negotiate with BJP leaders, BJP might consider seriously about letting Naik join them just to get a stronghold in both Navi Mumbai and Thane where they face a tough rival in the form of Shiv Sena whom BJP would definitely like to humble in the days to come. Naik is one man who shows sign of being capable of helping BJP dominate over Shiv Sena both in Thane and Navi Mumbai. So BJP leaders might give a serious thought to include Naiks in their party in case the family approaches them.  

The 89-member body in Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation might increase to 110 once the new wards come into existence. BJP is showing signs of conquering NMMC in the coming polls, their strong point being the presence of MLA Manda Mhatre on their side. Addition of Naiks in BJP can give still more boost to their chances of winning the NMMC elections in a very big way. But the question is ‘What is currently going on in the minds of Naiks?’

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Dead trees disturb environmentalists and activists' that was published in Newsband

Dead trees disturb environmentalists and activists

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Environmentalists as well as environment activists are not happy about the way the city authorities are dealing with the cases of trees dying prematurely or being pulled down by careless people.

This past rain in the city played havoc on many trees, snapping branches and knocking some over entirely. Some of the fallen trees are still lying at some places and the authorities show no inclination to clean up the mess. There are at some places old trees which are nearing the end of their lives.

An expert on environment had this to say: “Both standing and fallen dead trees are animal habitat and part of basic life cycles, including the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorous cycle. Whatever dies, decomposes, and becomes an essential nutrient for the next generation of plants and animals. I think we need to start looking at nature through a different lens. Dead trees are not an eyesore; they are animal habitat. For example, fallen trees can be great habitat for certain rare birds. Standing dead trees provide excellent homes for common birds. Maybe if we had a few more dead trees around we would not have these birds trying to live in our homes.”

But there was an opposing view that came from other expert on environment. He said, “Dead trees can be a hazard. I would certainly not advise keeping up dead trees or dangerous limbs where they could do damage to life or property. The authorities should prevent these hazards so people are less likely to be injured.  However, we do not cut down dead trees from within our conservation properties. There is simply no point. That tree will be a bird house for several years and then decompose and recycle its nutrients into the ground. The worst thing to do would be to remove that tree from its environment and remove its nutrients from the life cycle.”

He further added, “The dead trees should be removed because they are fire hazards. Removing trees or thinning areas for this reason may be appropriate depending on the area’s size and potential risk to other people. We should do everything we can to prevent a fire.”

The city activists had gone to the extent of handing a formal complaint about the fallen trees to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) but the authorities seem to be just not in a mood to do anything about it. The activists also issued formal notices to certain locals and developers about these dead trees but in vain.

Some activists fear that the trees are being poisoned to create an open space for commercial purposes. They cited cases in the past where trees were poisoned to death by some builders to obtain a free open space for the purpose of constructing buildings. The activists did bring this fact to the notice of the authorities and they also questioned the builders about it but no action was taken.

An activist complained that some trees die because of underground saline water and not necessarily by injecting of poisonous chemicals. He also came up with legal points to prove that it is an offense to kill trees in an unnatural manner.