Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Australians prove their supremacy once again' that was published in Newsband

Australians prove their supremacy once again

Australia proved its supremacy in the world of cricket by winning the World Cup five times. Australia proved that it is a country that produces dynamic, match-winning cricketers who pass on bloody-mindedness from generation to generation.

Australia grew in strength through the tournament. The one-wicket defeat to New Zealand when the sides first met was a wake-up call. The side played stirring, attacking cricket — much like the team it beat in the final.

In all fairness, Australia is a great cricket team in all faculties of game and deserve winning World Cup 2015. Any country aspiring to win world level future competitions must frequently play Aussies, England, SA, India/Pakistan and West Indies on different turfs.

Anyone who follows cricket closely would agree that Australia always looked the best side in the tournament right from the beginning even though India and New Zealand had better record in the group stages. Australia had a good set of all rounders and in fielding also they excelled.

Well, it's no miracle but only hard work - lessons to be learnt by our flamboyant players. How much money and fame do our players need? The country has bestowed on them so much honor, they should try to live up to it. They should avoid match fixing scandals, endorsements and all and concentrate on the game

In the final the Australian team showed its mental toughness. They did not allow the memory of their one run defeat by New Zealand in an earlier round. New Zealand on the other hand were not so tough mentally. They were overawed by the MCG and were crushed by great Australian batting and fielding and by bowlers who stuck to a plan. Indian team has much to learn. Our players have developed an arrogance from high incomes and adulation by film starlets and also the general public who carry out havans for the team's success.

It’s amazing that all the World Cup won by Australia had one sided match in final showing their clear dominance in world cricket at times when it needed most. Their mind tactics before match and performance on ground make them clear winner.

Batting and Bowling comes through severely hard and difficult test on Australian pitches. Players go through very competitive tests before they are groomed in Australian national side. Hard work and competition in cricket has rewarded Australia with World Cup many times. Domestic competitive cricket makes Australian players very tough for competition against any team.

Australia, from the days of Richie Benaud, Lindwall, Allan Davidson, Norman Oneil, Neil Harvey, Bobby Simpson, Wolly Grout - originally pitted against the West Indian greats of Worrel, Walcott, Weeks, Garfield Sobers, Rohan Kanhai, Conrad Hunte, Wesley Hall... and Peter May's England Team consisting of greats like Raman Subbarow, Tom Graveny, Freddy Trueman, Brian Statham, Tony Lock - has once again shown that they (Australians) are almost always at the Top in world Cricket. India may have 1,275 million population against the lowly 23.2 million population of Australia; but in Cricket, Australians are definitely Kings

Dinesh Kamath's news 'BJP appears to be the favourites in forthcoming NMMC elections' that was published in Newsband

BJP appears to be the favourites in forthcoming NMMC elections

By Dinesh Kamath

Above Picture: MLA Manda Mhatre

NAVI MUMBAI: Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections are come very close and the politicians of Navi Mumbai are busy trying new tactics to woo the voters. This time the municipal election in the city shows promise of becoming a close fight and there might be quite many surprises. This time there is bound to be a tough fight among Nationalist Congress Party, Bhartiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena.  Shiv Sena and BJP in Navi Mumbai have gained considerably in strength owing to the exodus of many NCP members, many of them prominent ones, to their parties. The exodus of senior leaders of NCP into Sena and BJP has made the chances of these two parties during the forthcoming elections very bright.  In fact, Both Sena and BJP are expecting still more NCP members to jump into their parties.

The major setback for NCP and tremendous gain for BJP began when Manda Mhatre quit NCP and joined BJP after she openly displayed her differences with Ganesh Naik and his family. Naiks had taken Manda Mhatre’s exit from NCP very lightly and they never even dreamt that this would do a lot of damage to NCP. Manda Mhatre not only won the Legislative Assembely election from Belapur but she beat none other than Ganesh Naik himself. NCP has yet to recover from this severe shock which Manda Mhatre gave them.

BJP big shots were so much impressed by Manda Mhatre’s performance in the election that they without hesitation made Mhatre the election chief for the forthcoming municipal elections. Mhatre has tremendous support of the women folk in the city as these women consider Mhatre as their idol. She has become a cult figure among many Navi Mumbai residents, especially those with rural background. She has a knack of wooing the voters and making the right statements at the right time. She also knows the strengths and weaknesses of Naik family with whom she had worked very closely for a long time. All these assets of Manda Mhatre is proving to be an advantage for BJP of Navi Mumbai and hence Mhatre has been given all the freedom to play the role of election chief the way she likes since they know the when it comes to Navi Mumbai politics, Mhatre commits hardly any mistake.  

Shiv Sena will find the forthcoming NMMC elections a real struggle owing to their powerful leader Vijay Chougule having stepped down from the post of district chief. They will have to campaign in extremely big way if they wish to achieve some kind of break through in the forthcoming election. Sena’s plus point is that they have the guidance of MP Rajan Vichare and Eknath Shinde who is Thane guardian minister. Sena also has a powerful local leader in the form of Vithal More who is looked at with respect and devotion by a big number of city residents.

The Congress too will have to put in extremely hard work since this time they are without the services of Namdev Bhagat who quit his party to join Sena. But Dashrath Bhagat who is known for his fighting spirit will not leave any stone unturned to see to it the Congress earns at least some respectable position in NMMC after the elections.

NCP which is currently having the majority seats in NMMC will have a real tough time in maintaining their top position in the corporation particularly after the defeat suffered by their leader Ganesh Naik in the assembly election and Sanjeev Naik in the Lok Sabha election. The Sharad Pawar-led party performed very poorly in the Lok Sabha elections and this will prove to be another negative point for NCP, whereas BJP is enjoying the advantage owing to Modi-factor which can do the magic for the saffron party in the city. 

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Palm Sunday celebrated in different Churches' that was published in Newsband

Palm Sunday celebrated in different Churches

By Dinesh Kamath (As shared by Dr Jayakar Ellis)

Above Picture: Parishioners holding the Palm

NAVI MUMBAI: All Churches in Navi Mumbai and Christians from various Churches celebrated Palm Sunday yesterday.

The Infant Jesus Church Koperkhairne at Christ Academy School, sector 23, Koperkhairne too celebrated the Palm Sunday with a procession followed by Holy mass at 8.00 am. Vicar Fr. Jinto Edattukunnel was main celebrant. About 400 Parishioners and other members were present. .

"Palm Sunday is the final Sunday in the Lenten season, signifying the beginning of Holy Week. Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter and is held in remembrance of Jesus' time in Jerusalem before he died and, according to Christianity, was resurrected" said Antony Philip.

"Good Friday celebration and Live procession will start on 3rd April at 2.30 am from Sector 23 and will pass through Demart, teen tanki, jimmy tower etc" he added

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem. As he rode into the city on a donkey, his followers spread palm branches at his feet and called him "Hosanna" or "savior." Palm branches were considered symbols of victory and triumph at the time. Days later, the people of Jerusalem would turn on Jesus and demand the Romans to crucify him.

According to Christianity, Jesus would actually be the savior of his people - as He would save them from their sins, conquering death in doing so. 

Who will be Number One – Deepika Padukone or Priyanka Chopra?

Who will be Number One – Deepika Padukone or Priyanka Chopra?

By Dinesh Kamath

Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra have teamed up for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Bajirao Mastani. Though the trio were seen in SLB’s Goliyan Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela, this is the first time they are actually acting together in a film.

The actresses, who are often pitted against each other in the race to Numero Uno, are working together in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Bajirao Mastani’, revolving around the relationship between a Maratha general, played by Ranveer Singh and a Muslim princess. While Deepika plays the role of the Muslim princess and Bajirao’s second wife, Mastani, Priyanka portrays his first wife Kashibai.

Well, Bhansali’s film have always been high on music so Deepika-Ranveer-Priyanka starrer will be no exception. Its going be a musical treat but what’s even more exciting is the fact that Deepika and Priyanka will have a dance face-off in the film that too not once but twice.

There are going to be a total of 10 songs. There is going to be one solo number for Ranveer, Deepika and Priyanka each. There is also going to be two dance-offs between Priyanka and Deepika.

Since Deepika and Priyanka both are terrific dancers, their dance off will be nothing less than a visual delight.

This movie will decide as to who is the Number One heroine – Deepika or Priyanka?

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Revise the Reservation Policy' that was published in Newsband

Revise the Reservation Policy

Sometimes political mobilisation and not socio-educational backwardness decides the distribution of the benefits of reservation for specific communities in education and jobs. The Supreme Court voiced its opposition to the State’s tendency to go by the “perception of the self-proclaimed socially backward class” in deciding the beneficiaries of reservation quotas.

SC is absolutely right. The government should recognise emerging socially and educationally backward groups such as transgenders, who are among the most distressed, for the grant of reservation benefits. New practices, methods and yardsticks would have to be continuously evolved moving away from the caste-centric definition of backwardness,

Our politicians have an unending penchant for giving reservations for some people. This should be handled by Supreme Court only. It should be out of purview of legislature.

The benefit of reservation should be given to all section of the people irrespective of caste, religion (identifying their backwardness and economic status). Bringing in more people into reservation circle can negatively affect the real needy. Reservation is meant for helping the socially, economically and educationally backward groups break the thick shells of marginalization. Proper analysis should be done before putting any new groups into this already stretched reservation quota. Task groups should be constituted timely to review the conditions of reserved ones so that the uplifted ones can be brought outside reservation. Gradually this system itself can be abandoned provided we are successful in achieving the real motive behind reservation.

India is the only country in the world where people fight to be called as "Backward"!!! Thanks to our netas.

There is a general mood in the country about rationalization of Caste based reservation. Reservation should be on both social as well as Economical backwardness as these section people are not properly represented in Government. The best thing would be to get rid of reservation system altogether. Government should go all out to educate every child to at least high school, provide job opportunities to everyone.

Today many high caste people are not able to earn bare minimum livelihood and many low caste are economically self sufficient. The reservation must be provided from early age i.e educational institutions not in jobs so that every person gets an equal opportunity to compete and no one should be the victim of reservation. So the government need to revise the old age reservation policy and should ensure that reservation should be a boon not a curse for the inclusive upliftment of India as a whole.

The rationale behind giving reservation is to uplift the backwards and to remove Untouchability and Inequality. But time and again, Government used for their vote bank. Also some people think it's their right to get reservation because their ancestors had been poor.

The Government should become more pragmatic and give reservation to the needy irrespective of caste, tribe. It's not like all the people belonging to upper class, are prosperous. So why this cruelty with them? Government should think of new measures and system to identify the needy in the society and not because of particular caste and religion. Government should put the income constraint on reservation for SC/ST like that of OBC. This would help to reach the benefits of this system to the class for whom this had been created. Also there is need to update list time with time to make this system more effective.

While reservation on caste deprives other Indians who scored more yet lose out as they are not from notified caste. It hampers equality, discourages merit and capability and impedes progress of Indians and Nation.

Supreme court decision should act as a slap on the face of the people who were in favour of this reservation. Court should definitely revisit the Reservation list.

Rather the government should restrict the quota benefits to only one generation. Why a child of an IAS officer or any government employee of equal rank is entitled to reservations. Right from the childhood his father is capable of providing him with the best educational facilities. By any means he or she shouldn't be given the benefits of reservation. Hence restrict the reservation stuff right there. If we follow this procedure then we can expect to put an end to it.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'End cruelty to flamingoes, say activists' that was published in Newsband

End cruelty to flamingoes, say activists

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Desperate attempts are being made by activists and bird lovers to save flamingoes in Uran by conducting awareness camps.

These activists were shocked when they spotted some villagers capturing flamingoes for meat. The activists took up the matter with the range forest authorities to put an end to this kind of cruelty.

The overhead power cables pose a danger to the lives of flamingoes which while flying sustain injuries when they get hit by cables. This makes the task of capturing the flamingoes easier for the poachers who kill, cook and eat them.

The activists asked the authorities to have the place where flamingoes exists well guarded and to also have some veterinary doctor around to promptly attend to those flamingoes who sustain injuries.

These birds visit Uran only during the winter months and hence the activists were of the opinion that during this period they should be give total security from poachers and other dangers. “People of Uran should consider themselves as lucky since they get the glimpse of flamingoes every winter season. The residents of many other places are not so lucky since these birds do not visit the place where they are residing. Hence the Uran residents should take good care of these birds and treat them like guests,” said an activist.

The activists are trying to explain to the villagers that poaching, killing, cooking and consuming of these innocent, beautiful and harmless birds is not the right thing to do. These villagers do understand what the activists are trying to say when they are spoken to in simple language and many of them do get transformed and they stop the cruelty towards these birds. But there are some who are stubborn and continue with the evil practice.  

“I was shocked to see some parts of the flamingoes, like feathers and beaks, spread at a certain spot in Uran. This was the clear indication of the fact that these birds were being given cruel treatment by some locals,” said one of the activists.

Both the range forest officers, activists and bird lovers have now joined hands to put an end to cruelty to flamingoes. 

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Heavy motor vehicle drivers violate two laws' that was published in Newsband

Heavy motor vehicle drivers violate two laws

By Dinesh Kamath

Above Picture: Kamothe toll plaza

NAVI MUMBAI: Two laws are being violated by the heavy motor vehicles drivers. The first law they are breaking is by avoiding paying the toll at Kamothe Toll Plaza. They are violating the second law by using the ‘No-Entry’ lane to skip Kamothe toll. They are also causing another problem. By using the ‘No Entry’ lane which is the stretch of road from Kalamboli towards Roadpali in Taloja, they are causing traffic snarls. ‘No entry’ role is imposed on the stretch since road widening work is in progress there.

The traffic policemen are having a tough time controlling these drivers of heavy vehicles. There are lot of arguments taking place between policemen and drivers. The sufferers are other motorists who have to tolerate and pay the price for all these chaos. It has become very clear that the heavy vehicle drivers are deliberately using this stretch to avoid paying the toll at Kamothe toll plaza.

The traffic police authorities are trying to work out ways and means to prevent these truck drivers from avoiding paying the toll since it causes heavy loss from the angle of government revenue.  The authorities are also contemplating changing of positions of the toll booths. They are thinking of having booths both on Mumbai lane and Panvel lane. This move, according to them, will compel the heavy vehicle drivers to pay the toll, whichever route they might go along.

Those truck drivers who manage to avoid paying toll at Kamothe are not always lucky since the traffic police are also become alert and they have managed to penalize many erring drivers. The traffic police authorities are all set to apply the necessary corrective measures and thus see to it that no heavy vehicle driver escapes from paying the toll. 

Dinesh Kamath's news 'New fire station to come up at Vashi' that was published in Newsband

New fire station to come up at Vashi

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: The old and dilapidated fire station will be replaced by a state-of-the-art structure. This was the decision taken by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation. The fire men feel pleased about the fact that they will get a new fire station to work in.

The structure which will come up in sector 16 of Vashi might take three years to get completed. The inauguration of the commencement of work on the project has already been done.

The old fire station at Vashi was in a horrible condition and not safe for firemen to reside there. Firemen need to stay close to each other in order to tackle any kind of emergency promptly and so a safe and tough structure needed to be replaced by the present fire station which had become a dangerous place to reside or work at.

NMMC has promised the firemen that the new fire station which will be constructed will be a modern structure, very spacious and equipped with all the latest facilities. Two BHKs will be constructed for the senior firemen while one BHK will be for juniors. The parking area will be so spacious that it will be able to accommodate 200 four-wheelers. NMMC will be spending more than 50 crores on this project.

The engineering department of NMMC is working on the designs of the new fire station complex and the firemen will be provided with all the essential amenities and services. There are fire stations at Nerul, CBD-Belapur and Airoli too but they do not need to be renovated since they are very strong structures. NMMC is determined to build the new fire station at Vashi to match the name ‘satellite city’ which is conferred on Navi Mumbai.

The firemen deserve this type of posh complex to work and reside in considering the nature of job that they do. Many a times they are forced to put their lives in danger and they have to reach the spot where fire has broken out immediately to save both lives and properties. If these firemen are provided residences within the complex itself they will be in a position to do their duties promptly and without any delay. Currently these firemen have their homes far away from the place of work and hence this proves to be a disadvantage for them since they have to travel a long distance and by the time they arrive at the office they are fagged out. This can affect their performance while doing the office work and hence allowing them to reside within the complex itself will keep them fit and active. 

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Holy land issue; After initiating first win, Shelar bowls for Holy Land' that was published in Newsband

Holy land issue

After initiating first win, Shelar bowls for Holy Land

By Dinesh Kamath

Above Picture: Dr. Jayakar Ellis explaining to Mr. Asish Shelar about the issues.

NAVI MUMBAI: In a time where the voice of the minorities are hardly heard, the initiation of Mr. Asish Shelar, MLA, BJP at the behest of the Christian communities spearheaded by Dr. Jayakar Ellis, General Secretary-India, National Christian Council regarding the apprehending of the culprits of the Panvel Church attack and the subsequent arrest of 4 culprits within 24 hours has indeed brought in a sign of assurance.

Another point which was raised during the meet with the Chief Minister on 23 March 2015 was about the subsidy of the Holy Land and this was again taken up by Mr. Shelar who took up the matter with the government saying “Just like the Muslim community gets subsidy for Haj pilgrim, in the same way it should be allotted to the Christian community from the government. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have already allocated the amount for the same.”

“I am so glad that yet another issue has been taken up by Mr. Shelar on our behalf and we believe it will happen soon. Three years back, I had taken up the same with the previous government but there was no response” said Dr Jayakar Ellis. He added “The CM has also assured New Burial grounds in different districts in Maharashtra as we told him that the existing grounds are overflowing and need for new land is a must.”

 It may be recalled that the meeting with the CM consisted of NCC, Gordon D’souza, Bombay Catholic Sabha, Cyril Dara, United Churches of Mumbai and other Christian communities. Various points like funds for renovation, maintenance, construction of the Churches were discussed and assurances given by the CM.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Youngsters addicted to crystal meth and MD face tough time' that was published in Newsband

Youngsters addicted to crystal meth and MD face tough time

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: There are quite many youngsters of Navi Mumbai who are addicted to crystal meth and mephedrone (MD). Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Hospital at Vashi has gone out of the way to provide free de-addiction centre for these meth-addicts and MD-addicts. There is also a centre called Anvay Foundation which treats these addicts.

These two drugs, crystal meth and mephedrone, come under the purview of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Most of the addicts were found to be belonging to school and college.

Such addicts need medical assistance as well as counseling by the experts in these drugs. Some youngsters begin to consume these two drugs just for fun and for the kick they get. But later on when they get addicted to these drugs and begin suffering side effects, they rush to the hospital on their own. Others are brought for treatment by their relatives or guardians.

Recovery of the addict depends on his or her physical and mental stamina. Some get well fast while others take some time to recover. There are patients who don’t follow up or who are ignored by their family members owing to which their conditions become worse.

Youngsters who have serious family problems fall a prey to these drugs. Not all try these drugs out of curiosity. There are many who take resort to these drugs to drive away their tensions temporarily. But they do not realize that although these drugs can give them relief for sometimes, it can cause great harm in the long run.

The counselors feel that not only the addicts, but also their parents and other close ones need to be counseled. Without the family support it is difficult to provide total relief to these addicts, say the counselors.

Crystal meth is short for crystal methamphetamine. It is just one form of the drug methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine is a white crystalline drug that people take by snorting it (inhaling through the nose), smoking it or injecting it with a needle. Some even take it orally, but all develop a strong desire to continue using it because the drug creates a false sense of happiness and well-being—a rush (strong feeling) of confidence, hyperactiveness and energy. One also experiences decreased appetite. These drug effects generally last from six to eight hours, but can last up to twenty-four hours.

The first experience might involve some pleasure, but from the start, methamphetamine begins to destroy the user’s life.

Crystal meth is used by individuals of all ages, but is most commonly used as a “club drug,” taken while partying in night clubs or at rave parties. Its most common street names are ice or glass.

It is a dangerous and potent chemical and, as with all drugs, a poison that first acts as a stimulant but then begins to systematically destroy the body. Thus it is associated with serious health conditions, including memory loss, aggression, psychotic behavior and potential heart and brain damage.

Highly addictive, meth burns up the body’s resources, creating a devastating dependence that can only be relieved by taking more of the drug.

Crystal meth’s effect is highly concentrated, and many users report getting hooked (addicted) from the first time they use it. Consequently, it is one of the hardest drug addictions to treat.

Mephedrone is a relatively new drug. Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) is a stimulant drug, which means it speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and body.1  Other names of this drug are Meph, meow, meow-meow, m-cat, plant food, drone, bubbles, kitty cat. Mephedrone powder is usually sniffed/snorted or swallowed. Swallowing is the most common way of taking the drug. It is usually mixed with liquid to drink or wrapped in a cigarette paper (known as ‘bombing’). The following effects may be experienced and may last for two-to-four hours: Rush of intense pleasure, Feeling happy, energetic and wanting to talk more,   Intense connection with music, Anxiety, Paranoia, Restless sleep, Jaw clenching, teeth grinding, Light-headedness, dizziness, Distorted sense of time, Memory loss, Nose bleeds from sniffing/snorting the drug, Enlarged (dilated) pupils, blurred vision, Dry mouth, thirst, Sweating, Reduced appetite, Stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, Skin rashes, Fast heart beat, High blood pressure, Strong urge to re-dose, Chest pain and Tremors and convulsions.

Giving up mephedrone after using it for a long time can be challenging because the body has to get used to functioning normally without it. Right drugs and perfect counseling can provide a lot of relief to the addicts of crystal meth and MD. 

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Gender bias displayed in Parliament itself' that was published in Newsband

Gender bias displayed in Parliament itself

Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav made a comment in Parliament on dark-skinned South Indian women, saying that they are ‘as beautiful as their bodies’ and adding that they ‘know dance’. The question that arises is why during a debate on the Insurance Bill the member would find it necessary to drag in a comment about women at all? There was also a time when Sharad Yadav responded to Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani’s criticism with the highly offensive comment, “I know what you are.” Fresh are the memories of Mr. Mulayam Singh's comment "Handing death sentence for rape is not fair, boys make mistakes. When their friendship ends, the girl complains she has been raped."

Most of the politicians who make these kinds of comments are from most backward states of India. In those states, governments are just for decoration. It is their illiteracy that makes them pass these comments and over a period they forget respecting fellow people. It’s not just the work place or the parliament that has been used to denigrate women. The course begins right at the home. Women are treated as objects rather than a human being with an independent view. Independent women are still a taboo in Indian society. Tolerance and compromise are synonyms to women and the parochial society wants them to be like this forever so that their male chauvinist attitude is not hampered.

How is that when an 11th standard student posts opinions on a minister known to have ties with criminals is sent to jail without being given a chance to justify his stance while so called leaders of our country go about make racial and gender based insults are given sufficient time to rethink n change statements? This is hypocrisy at its height. This is equivalent to saying that it’s okay for ministers to say anything but God forbid if a citizen utters a word of truth, you shall be punished. It’s letting ministers get away with stuff like this that keeps our country socially backward. Do they not realize that their words are heard by a large audience?

Women continue to get a raw deal in parliament, police stations and court rooms, in workplaces and homes. Besides laws that address women’s safety, what is urgently needed is a code of conduct or set of rules that will apply to public officials and politicians, which can ensure that gender-biased comments and jokes are weeded out of the public discourse.

Quite a number of men, including those in responsible positions, do not realise that empowered women are assets to the family, the society and the nation The empowerment of women is not about their liberty and development alone it is about their ability to convert themselves into productive human resource, so that investment on their education and training and creation of job and business  opportunities to them would benefit their families and the nation. What is the use of keeping nearly half the population ignorant, illiterate, unemployed and unproductive. It is high time we supported them and encouraged them in their efforts to contribute to family welfare and national income.

To end gender bias we need to have stringent measures against wide spread gender selection tests and female infanticide. Then to empower girl child there needs to be free education for them till college level. People who take dowry should be penalised. Government needs to do away caste and religion based quotas. A quota for women in jobs and colleges will lift them from the abysmal conditions.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Run All Night, Dragon Blade, Yahaan Sabki Lagi Hai, Barkhaa, The Gunman and The Best of Me) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Run All Night

Run All Night is a 2015 American action thriller film written by Brad Ingelsby and directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. The film stars Liam Neeson, Joel Kinnaman, Common, and Ed Harris.

Brooklyn mobster and prolific hit man Jimmy Conlon (Liam Neeson), once known as “The Gravedigger,” has seen better days. Longtime best friend of mob boss Shawn Maguire (Ed Harris), Jimmy, now 55, is haunted by the sins of his past — as well as a dogged police detective (Vincent D'Onofrio) who’s been one step behind Jimmy for 30 years. Lately, it seems Jimmy’s only solace can be found at the bottom of a whiskey glass. But when Jimmy’s estranged son, Mike (Joel Kinnaman), becomes a target, Jimmy must make a choice between the crime family he chose and the real family he abandoned long ago. With Mike on the run, Jimmy’s only penance for his past mistakes may be to keep his son from the same fate Jimmy is certain he’ll face himself. Now, with nowhere safe to turn, Jimmy just has one night to figure out exactly where his loyalties lie and to see if he can finally make things right.

Dragon Blade

Dragon Blade is a 2015 historical action film written and directed by Daniel Lee and starring Jackie Chan. In the film, Chan plays Huo An, the commander of the Protection Squad of the Western Regions during the Han Dynasty. Dragon Blade was released in IMAX 3D on 19 February 2015, the first day Chinese New Year holiday period.

In a corny prologue set in 2015, two archaeologists (Vanness Wu, Karena Lam) discover the lost city of Regum, built by Romans during a fabled expedition to China. We are then transported back to 48 B.C., when China was under the reign of Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty, with 36 tribal nations vying for dominance at the country’s northwestern border. Huo An, a Hun orphaned during a skirmish, was adopted and raised by Han Chinese general Huo Qubing (William Feng Shaofeng), who taught him ideals of racial harmony; now (played by Chan), he tries with difficulty to maintain order as captain of the Silk Road Protection Squad.

While arbitrating a dispute, he inadvertently lifts the veil of warrior Cold Moon (Lin Peng), who now considers herself his betrothed by folk law. That Huo is already married to Xiuqing (Mika Wang), a gentle Uyghur teacher of Chinese, is less of an issue than his being framed for smuggling, which leads to him being exiled to Wild Goose Gate to help repair a fort city. Upon his arrival, he’s besieged by a renegade Roman legion under Gen. Lucius (Cusack), who has fled the capital with a blind boy, Publius (Joey Jozef). An unexpected sandstorm brings the road-weary soldiers under Huo’s wing. In return for his hospitality, they help reconstruct the city in 15 days. However, Publius’ brother, the Consul Tiberius (Brody), is marching toward them with an 100,000-strong army.

Yahaan Sabki Lagi Hai

Yahaan Sabki Lagi Hai is a multi-lingual film. It is an allegory on the journey of life, especially at times when one feels victimized or shortchanged, set in the milieu of Indian-English-speaking urban youth.

It is considered to be a multi-lingual film and an allegory on journey of life. This is especially during times, when a person tends to feel shortchanged or victimized. The movie is set in the background of the Indian-English speaking youth in the urban areas. The movie looks at a way that people are known to live casually in the class system that is built upon blatant economy and social disparities, the very way that people are eager to get fooled by the belief systems. The same way that one validates their tastes and is very protective of it. By exploring counter point for each point, this movie is said to subtly question not just the material value system, but the emotional value system also. The movie is rather comedy at heart, however, also has melancholic after taste that borders on philosophical, thereby providing thought in regards to the present conditions and times.

The film has Bharat as Varun Thakur, Kesang - Eden Shyodhi and Chandu - Heerok Das.

Barkhaa

Barkhaa is a Bollywood Romantic film, directed by Shadaab Mirza and produced by Shabana Hashmi. It stars Sara Loren in lead titular role. The film also stars Taaha Shah, Shweta Pandit, Priyanshu Chatterjee and Puneet Issar in prominent roles. The film was extensively shot in Himachal Pradesh, India. Marketing of the film was done by Hash Entertainment and is distributed under the banner of Zahara Productions.

The film has songs like Naughty No.1        sung by Neha Kakkar and Amjad Khan and

Tu Itni Khoobsurat Hai by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

The movie Barkhaa is a romantic drama that is based on a small town character Barkha that is played by Sara Loren. Barkha is supposed to be very beautiful and hot. Barkhaa is representing the two characters in this movie. One is small town’s simple women and other is hot and sizzling beauty of the Mumbai. This is the story about how a girl falls in love with someone and how suddenly some problems arise. The second part of the movie is the story of a bold girl that is looking very different from the simple image.

The movie is an intense unconditional sensitive love story between two radically opposite people. It is an intense love story between two completely different people. The plot of the film is based on a real life incident. The film introduces Sara and Taaha and how a series of events bring them closer. But destiny had some different plans for them and a sudden twist in their life drift them apart. Barkhaa is a tale of a simple girl who is lost in the glamour world in search of true love.  The movie is majorly shot in beautiful locations of Himachal Pradesh and Mumbai.

The Gunman

The Gunman is a 2015 American action thriller film directed by Pierre Morel and written by Don Macpherson, Pete Travis and Sean Penn, based on the novel The Prone Gunman, by Jean-Patrick Manchette. It stars Penn, with Idris Elba, Ray Winstone, Mark Rylance, and Javier Bardem appearing in supporting roles.

The film has an interesting plot. An ex-soldier who carried out an assassination in the Democratic Republic of Congo finds his past catching up with him eight years later.

The film has Sean Penn working in Congo for a mining company. He has a few overt, benign functions, but we get the feeling that more is going on, and this is soon confirmed when he is assigned to assassinate a politician. It makes the poor gunman feels really guilty about his crime. Killing that politician pretty much wrecked his life. It separated him from his fiancee and from his own sense of himself. He already wishes he could take it all back — even before people come out of the woodwork, eight years later, looking to murder him. Once Jim (Penn) arrives at the disconcerting realization that people want him dead, his mission is to find out who is behind it while fending off attacks from scores of hired assassins.

The Best of Me

The Best of Me is an American romantic drama film directed by Michael Hoffman and written by Will Fetters and J. Mills Goodloe, based on Nicholas Sparks' 2011 novel of the same name. The film stars James Marsden and Michelle Monaghan with Luke Bracey and Liana Liberato.

The film has an interesting story. Former high school sweethearts Dawson and Amanda find themselves reunited after 20 years apart, when they return to their small town for the funeral of a beloved friend. Their bittersweet reunion reignites the love they've never forgotten, but soon they discover the forces that drove them apart twenty years ago live on, posing even more serious threats today. Spanning decades, this epic love story captures the enduring power of our first true love, and the wrenching choices we face when confronted with elusive second chances. 

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Candidates use various methods to appease the voters, with NMMC elections round the corner' that was published in Newsband

Candidates use various methods to appease the voters

With NMMC elections round the corner

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Eight nodes - Digha, Airoli, Ghansoli, Koparkhairane, Vashi, Turbhe, Nerul and CBD - this time have 111 wards for the forthcoming municipal elections. This means there will be 22 seats more than the last Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation election. The number of voters also has increased this time. There will be around 8 lakhs voters this time which means an increase of around 2 lakhs voters as compared to last NMMC elections.  

Ghansoli is having the most number of additional voters owing to the fact that this time it has 14 constituencies as compared to six last time and also because of the rapid growth in the population here during the last few months. This growth in population is what compelled NMMC to convert six wards into 14.  Ghansoli beats even Vashi now when it comes to number of wards since Vashi has only 11 wards.

Those contesting the forthcoming NMMC elections are coming up with new methods of wooing the voters. They are making use of the latest technological developments. They have made themselves very conversant with social networking platforms like Facebook and Whatsapp. In addition they are using new methods like using toll-free numbers, live videos and interactive mobile-based applications. They are still researching to find out if there are any more technology available to exploit for the polls. They are not ignoring the old methods like distributing of pamphlets or sharing of posts on social networking sites. The voters’ responses on these sites are spontaneous and hence the candidates can get instantly the idea about how popular he is with the voters. Setting up a toll-free numbers enables the voters to convey their response free of cost without using a phone.  The candidates use the mobile application to make voters aware about details of their development works.

These aspiring candidates are prepared to go to any extent to keep increasing their chances of winning the elections. Some even distributed utensils to the voters of his ward. Another got a road immediately constructed to appease the voters who had been demanding a road since a very long time. Still another candidate distributed diaries. There is still another candidate who is distributing free Wi-Fi to thousands of people in his ward. Many big promises are being made to the voters. They are promised anything they want – like free internet connection, installation of a tower etc. Some candidates have come up with new party offices and voters are allowed to meet them any time during day or night.

Thus the residents of the city are witnessing the positive changes in behaviours of the candidates as the date of NMMC elections draws closer and closer. These residents are only hoping that these candidates will maintain this kind of attitude even after winning the elections.  

Dinesh Kamath's news 'NMMC should seriously consider the suggestions of city traffic unit' that was published in Newsband

NMMC should seriously consider the suggestions of city traffic unit

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: The city traffic police provided the civic body with a list of suggestions relating to how to improve the city roads.

The traffic unit explained to the civic body the kind of hurdles they had to face particularly on busy roads and junctions. The problems here become worse especially when there are signboards and signals missing. Hence introduction of signboards and construction of signals at such places would do a lot of good to both the public and traffic policemen.

There are certain roads in Navi Mumbai where vehicle drivers tend to drive their vehicles at full speed thus creating a risk for both drivers and pedestrians. It is owing to such tendencies of the vehicle drivers that so many accidents take place on these roads. One road is Thane-Belapur Road, the others are Sector 9 area of Vashi and Kopri signal junction. The traffic unit has suggested that speed breakers be constructed on these roads to control the speed of the vehicles and thus prevent accidents. The demand for speed breakers on these roads was made several times by the traffic unit but Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation authorities just didn’t seem to be in a mood to meet this demand. It is high time for NMMC to come up with speed breakers on those roads in the city where they are urgently required.

The other things needed to be done for traffic unit to be able to control the traffic perfectly would be to install signboards at parking and no-parking areas and also on roads which are one-way or which allows no entry. The traffic unit also asked the civic body to repaint the zebra crossings on many roads in the city where the paints have faded.

All these suggestions put up by traffic unit before the civic body need urgent attention and also implementation to prevent loss of lives and properties and for traffic policemen to be able to control the traffic efficiently. 

Dinesh Kamath's news "Sunny Leone in a totally different avatar in ‘Ek Paheli Leela’"

Sunny Leone in a totally different avatar in ‘Ek Paheli Leela’

Above Picture: Sunny Leone bathes in milk in the film ‘Ek Paheli Leela’

Actress Sunny Leone will be seen in a totally different avatar in Bobby Khan's forthcoming film 'Ek Paheli Leela'. She considers it as 'role of a lifetime'. Bobby Khan right from the beginning had no doubt that Sunny Leone and only Sunny Leone was fit for that role.

Sunny plays the role of a mysterious princess in the film. She felt great working with Bobby (Khan) and the entire team. Her husband, she and Bobby have been friends for a very long time. Sunny was waiting to work with Bobby and then finally 'Ek Paheli Leela' happened.

'Ek Paheli Leela' also stars Jay Bhanushali, Rajneesh Duggal and Rahul Dev in prominent roles. Largely shot in Jodhpur, the film is slated to hit theatres on April 10.

Sunny Leone’s husband Daniel Weber has a cameo role to play in 'Ek Paheli Leela'. Sunny feels that although Daniel has a small role in the film but for her it's the cutest one.

The former adult film actress, who has been a part of films like 'Ragini MMS 2' and 'Jism 2', also said that if given a chance, she "would love to work with Daniel in a full-fledged Hindi film".

Thus actress Sunny Leone, who will be seen in a totally different avatar in Bobby Khan's forthcoming film 'Ek Paheli Leela', said it was very challenging for her to transform herself into the character of Leela.

She said: "It was a very challenging role. When I read the script I loved it. But the process of actually becoming Leela would take 2-3 hours. On the first day, I took 6 hours to finalise the look."

People will see all the hard work that Sunny put into becoming 'Leela'. She received a lot of support in the form of good people in her team. The dialogues for Leela were difficult as well. So learning all that was difficult.

The first trailer of Sunny Leone's much talked about movie 'Ek Paheli Leela' is out. The actress is seen in different garbs in the movie and looks absolutely breathtaking. There is a scene in 'Ek Paheli Leela' where Sunny Leone bathes in milk, time travels and she rides a horse over the sand dunes.

Thus this is bound to be a good news for Sunny Leone’s fans. Her new film 'Ek Paheli Leela' shows the adult film actress turned Bollywood star in different avatars.

There is also a scene in 'Ek Paheli Leela' where Sunny Leone is sitting on the throne, posing with murals. Sunny Leone looks gorgeous in her simple desi avatar in this film. All the best, Sunny!

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'India should gain control over Indian Ocean Region' that was published in Newsband

India should gain control over Indian Ocean Region

What do the Indian Ocean and the region around it mean for Delhi? That is what Prime Minister Narendra Modi made clear during his visits to Seychelles and Mauritius — besides Sri Lanka. Modi said that he sought a future for Indian Ocean that lived up to the name of SAGAR — Security and Growth for All in the Region.

Modi made it clear that Indian Ocean region’s security interests are critical. After all, the perpetrators of one of the worst terror attacks in the country’s history, Mumbai 2008, came by sea. Modi has batted for the creation of a strong regional grouping around the Indian Ocean.

What the Indian government needs to do is match vision with reality. Another thing is India’s diplomatic and security establishments must work in tandem if Delhi is to make a lasting impact in the Indian Ocean region and beyond. Given that the Indian Ocean channels carry two-thirds of the world’s oil shipments, a third of the bulk cargo and half of all container traffic, the region’s strategic significance is unquestionable. There are other nations like China and the United States with a strong interest and stakes in the region.

Modi's oceanic strategic vision is not bad. What is needed is strengthening of our naval capabilities. Only a nation with a strong navy will command respect as a maritime power that can match its words with actions.

Sometimes it appears that Modi is more concerned about boosting his own personal image rather than handling the foreign affairs of the country with due vision and drive. If this is the case, it will in no way help his future prospects. He has to do a lot of proper home work personally before venturing out. He needs to project himself as an able team leader instead of indulging in solo adventures.

India woke up very late to developments in its own backyard. While India, during its nascent days of Independence, opposed Diego Garcia and the efforts by the Voice of America (VOA) in Sri Lanka, it failed to read the Chinese intentions, or assess the importance of the (IOR’s) Indian Ocean Region's SLOCs (Sea Lanes of Communication) and the ways and means to protect them, protect its sphere of influence from the Horn of Africa to the Straits of Malacca. We neglected our Navy for far too long and even now are not according it the priority it deserves. We have to show imagination and a sustained approach to our IOR policy backed by a robust Navy.

Modi's recent tour of Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka came at an appropriate time. It came at a time when China is too eager to spread its tentacles in the Indian Ocean Region. It is very necessary that India take the leadership in IOR if it wishes to be a thriving economy. India must position itself to be the de-facto leader in this region by removing piracy, particularly near the Somalian coast.

To control Indian Ocean, India need to understand the Indian Ocean to win a Naval Warfare. It is not enough just to buy billions of dollars worth of naval weapons. It is necessary to design and manufacture them too. It is also better to plan and learn how to deal under all possible conditions. Only such moves will enable India to dominate in the Indian Ocean Region.

Dinesh Kamath's photo-caption 'Christian community thank the police' that was published in Newsband

Christian community thank the police

Above Picture: Dr. Jayakar Ellis, General Secretary - India National Christian Council, thanking the Additional Commissioner of Police Patil and Deputy Commissioner of Police Yenpure this evening on behalf of NCC, BCS, UCM and all the Christian community on the arrest of 4 in the Panvel Church case! "We would also like to thank the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shri Asish Shelar for their initiative in the above matter. Praise God for His doing" said Dr Ellis (By Dinesh Kamath)

Dinesh Kamath's news 'CM assures 48 hours to catch culprits of Panvel attacks' that was published in Newsband

CM assures 48 hours to catch culprits of Panvel attacks

By Dinesh Kamath

Above Picture:- From left:- Mr. Cyril Dara, Mr. Asish Shelar, Mr. Raj Purohit watch as Dr. Ellis Jayakar submits the letter to the CM

NAVI MUMBAI: It was a day of reckoning when the Christian delegation spearheaded by the National Christian Council (NCC) along with the Bombay Catholic Sabha (BCS) and the United Christians of Mumbai (UCM) met the Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis today and shared their concerns on the attack of the Panvel Church.

Hearing their concerns, the CM assured them that the culprits would be caught within 48 hours and penalized for the crime. The delegation initiated by Mr. Ashish Shelar, MLA & Mumbai President, Bharatiya Janata Party included Dr. Jayakar Ellis, General Secretary – India, NCC, Mr. Gordon D’souza, BCS and Mr. Cyril Dara, UCM.

“We have suggested having Fact Finding Cells in every City, district & Taluka through which anyone allegedly luring the other religion person will be investigated and brought before the people concerned and the right decision would be taken. This will minimize vandalism and taking law in their hands and ensure safety of the Christians for which the CM assured to do the needful as soon as possible” said Dr Jayakar Ellis.

He added “We would like to have a corpus fund in Maharashtra for the Churches for repairs / renovations / construction. The same has been implemented in the state of Karnataka by the under the Minority Welfare Department, Govt. Of Karnataka Order no. MWD 70 MDS 2011 dtd 19.9.2011. The CM said that the matter would be looked in to and the above would be implemented soon.”

“It has come to our knowledge that old burial grounds are overflowing and need for new land is a must. New Burial grounds in different districts in Maharashtra under the municipal corporations would be given immediately assured the CM” said Mr. Cyral Dara.

“We suggested monthly support as maintenance for our burial grounds for which the CM said he would work on it and let us know soon” said Mr. Gordon D’souza.

“It is my privilege to serve the Christian community and when they brought these issues, I immediately took them to the CM and personally assured them of my help anytime” said Mr. Asish Selar.