Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Learning from mistake is better than indulging in blame game' that was published in Newsband

Learning from mistake is better than indulging in blame game

The attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s current leadership by its most senior veterans has become a major issue. Four BJP elders - L.K. Advani, M.M. Joshi, Shanta Kumar and Yashwant Sinha - targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s team — specifically, BJP president Amit Shah. They were blamed for the party’s defeat in Bihar. Now what will happen in the BJP’s organisational circles will continue to be of interest.

 The BJP-led coalition won just 58 of 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly, while the state’s current ruling coalition swept the state polls, winning 178 seats. The veterans say that the accountability and responsibility for such a crushing defeat must be fixed. It is obvious that target is Modi and Shah because the entire campaign centred around them. Ignoring local leaders and MP Shatrughan Sinha was a major mistake. BJP should learn from their mistakes and move on.

It is wrong to blame Modi for Bihar election as these old veterans are doing. This is like taking credit to oneself when good things happen and blaming others when something goes wrong. When BJP had won 2014 Lok Sabha election, Modi has said it is the result of team BJP’s hardwork. He never said it was because of him but now when harsh time comes, everyone inside and outside BJP is blaming him. One need not worry about the internal affairs of the BJP. BJP has seen many ups & downs and the Bihar debacle will also be tackled as it should be.

Pakistan & Jihadis celebrated BJP's electoral reverses in Bihar. Is it because NaMo Govt has been successful so far in preventing any terrorist attacks in the Indian soil.

It indeed was a shocking lesson that the BJP Top Brass learnt in Bihar. All that was desired was some humility and due amplification of reforms in a positive manner without indulging in rhetorics and innuendos.

Leadership sets direction, builds an inspiring vision, and creates something new. Leadership is about mapping out where you need to go to "win" as a team or an organization; and it is dynamic, exciting, and inspiring. If strong leadership is cause of the spectacular victory, the debacle of the BJP depends on the quality of leadership. India is the world's largest democratic country. Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of all the citizens of India and India is one of the fastest growing economies in the South Asia and hence to run a democratic government is one matter and to campaign vigorously for electoral victory for his government is the other.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Heart 2015 – Band competition to promote drug & sexual awareness' that was published in Newsband

Heart 2015 – Band competition to promote drug & sexual awareness

By Dinesh Kamath

Above Picture: Hearing impaired youth performing at the previous musical event BELLS

NAVI MUMBAI: For the first time in the history of Navi Mumbai, The Heart Foundation (Helping to Educate Associate Rehabilitate & Teach) is organizing a War of Bands – Band Competition called Heart 2015 – Beats For All in aid of Prevention of Abuse of Children & Teens (PACT). This time too the program would have different bands and eminent singers from various Cities of Navi Mumbai, Thane, Mumbai, Pune etc, who would through competition spread the message of LOVE, JOY & PEACE through the Universal language of Music on 4th & 5th December 2015, from 10 am onwards at Wonders Park, Nerul, Navi Mumbai and the final would be at 5:00 pm at the same venue.

"Preventing addiction among children and teens is the need of the hour. Music is the most effective way of reaching out to them and drawing their attention to these issues. Children these days are confronted with various addiction, peer pressure, broken homes and pressure to perform. Home surroundings also play a vital role in these areas. Thus we plan to continue such programs and touch the hearts of these tender ones" said Dr. Jayakar Ellis, President, Heart Foundation.

 “As the citizen of Navi Mumbai and now the Mayor, I am glad that such medium like Music is being used to bring about awareness in the children and youth of the city. My best wishes to Dr. Jayakar Ellis and the Heart Foundation as they continue to spread such good messages” said Shri Sudhakar Sonawane, Mayor, Navi Mumbai.

 "We have had reports of drug usage and Tobacco products in schools and colleges. We want to try and prevent it before it as far as possible so we have taken this initiative with Heart Foundation to reach out to the youngsters” said Mohan Dagaonkar, City Engineer, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation.

 Talking to ACP (Crime), Mr. Rajendra Bhamare, he said “Nowadays the youth are using social media to avail drugs and also sexual abuse too is rampant. We are glad that Heart Foundation is doing this musical program through which we can send forth a message “Beware and Be Secure” to the children and youth of the city.”

 “I am so glad to be associated with this program and hope we can touch the youth like me through various musical events in the future” said Keyoor Karadkhedkar, who heads the music division of the foundation – BEATS (Bringing Entertainment and Team Spirit).

 The program is free (Entry to park fee applicable) and for details, please contact +91 8080007777

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'War against ISIS' that was published in Newsband

War against ISIS

French President Francois Hollande is all set to meet his Russian and American counterparts, Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama, respectively, in an effort to settle on a united campaign to defeat the so-called Islamic State. The fight against ISIS is the resolve of the major world powers to formulate a coordinated strategy that’s not driven by their own narrow geopolitical ambitions but by a common goal of defeating the jihadists.

Raqqa, the eastern Syrian city was bombed by the Americans, the Russians, and now the French. Still it’s the capital of the ‘Caliphate’. Similar action should have been taken when Mumbai was attacked.

Petrodollars used to spread the hate filled Wahhabi ideology worldwide over many years has radicalized a lot young people and this has caused the rise of AlQueda, Taliban and ISIS. The policy of regime change has only benefited these groups. State sponsorship of terrorism by Pakistan is responsible for terrorist activities in India. The above issues have to be addressed to stop or reduce terrorist activities.

Declining the empire of Bashar-al-Ahmad and bombing in Syria should not be the direct motive of France. At this point of time France must follow an indirect approach to invade and destroy ISIS militias.  An collective monochromatic approach must be adopted by many nations be it a amalagation of superpowers like USA, RUSSIA, UK and other European countries to counter and give a major thrust to terrorism.

This is not merely a France issue where the ISIS had displayed its inhuman atrocity in cold blood but it deserves an international interference on a war footing on humanitarian basis rather than giving a religious attire. It’s against humanity that is sacred above all in view of Islam and against world peace order that is sine qua non. How long can the peace loving people wait for a world sans vendetta, humans sans communalism, and society immersed in mutual respect and love?

Actually the underlying interests here are much more strategic/critical than sporadic, xenophobic hysteria : France's military aircraft have been pulverising Syria for more than a year, although Mr Hollande openly declared "war" on 13/11, when his weekend football entertainment was disrupted. France's strategic politics here is to outbid the U.S. & other NATO powers and carve out its own sphere of influence in W. Asia. Earlier, George Bush invaded Iraq invoking "God's will" -- so as to spur American state-employed combatants. The cruel irony here is that the right-wing parties, throughout the world, have successfully created an isolated, anomalous entity called "terrorists" who are apparently distinct from state-sponsored armed forces. The real "war" is about capturing cheap resources and markets for Western consumer goods -- including weapons.

India too should have gone in for bombing terrorist camps after Mumbai 26/11. If Pakistan were to threaten us with their nuclear toys they would have been signing their own death warrant. As of now, we are contemplating on bilateral cricket series but no action on the perpetrators of 26/11 or justice for victims.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Tamasha, Creed and The Hunger Game: Mockingjay) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Tamasha

Tamasha (English: Spectacle) is an Indian romantic drama film written and directed by Imtiaz Ali and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. It stars Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in lead roles. Tamasha tells the story of character "Ved" (played by Ranbir Kapoor) who loses his self by living according to the social conventions expected of him. Principal photography began in Corsica, France in July 2014. Post this schedule, filming continued briefly in Indian cities—Shimla, Delhi, Gurgaon and Kolkata followed by two-day schedule in Tokyo, Japan. The filming concluded in Mumbai by August 2015.

The film score and soundtrack album are composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics from Irshad Kamil.

The film has Ranbir Kapoor as Ved Vardhan Sahni, Deepika Padukone as Tara Maheshwari, Javed Sheikh as Ved's father, Nikhil Bhagat as Tara's father, Faraaz Servaia as Tara's brother and Punam Singh as Tea Executive.

The soundtrack album and film score is composed by A. R. Rahman with song lyrics by Irshad Kamil. The music in the film has been used as a narrative to enhance the inherent drama of the situation without dialogues whereas the lyrical work presents human emotions in different flavours.

The story of the film is interesting. There is something special in you. Don't ignore it. Don't try to change yourself to fit into this world. Please... give yourself a chance. She reminds him of who he is. He is the small town boy who has grown up in the world of stories. He belongs to that world. He is not suited to the corporate rat-race. The journey he goes through to reach himself is the stage for Tamasha. It's a personal journey - passionate and quirky - that dismantles his life, so that he can become how she sees him... the exuberant story-teller. Exotic island, youthful abandon, far...far away, Ved and Tara - a story begins.

Ved has grown up amongst stories. As a kid in Shimla, he would collect money; even steal money so that the old storyteller would tell him stories. Ramayan, Helen Of Troy, Laila Majnu, Heer Ranjha, Aladin, Romeo Juliet... The storyteller would also say that all stories are the same. Ved wants his story with Tara to be different. So, they decide not to tell each other who they are and to only lie about themselves. And, after returning from the island, never to meet each other again.

But they do meet again. The question is whether they will be able to shape their story in the way they want. Will the muse be able to make an artist of a common man, will Ved be able to break the shackles of ordinary existence, escape the corporate rat-race and become the way Tara sees him - the exuberant story-teller?

Corsica, Shimla, Delhi, Kolkata, Japan - all the world is a stage - as the drama of Ved and Tara unfolds. Frolic, rage, quirk, laughter, defeat, victory. Tamasha.

Creed

Creed is a 2015 American sports drama film written and directed by Ryan Coogler, co-written by Aaron Covington and produced by Robert Chartoff, Irwin Winkler and Sylvester Stallone. The film stars Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Johnson Creed – Apollo's son – and Stallone reprising the role of Rocky Balboa. It also features Tessa Thompson, Tony Bellew and Graham McTavish. It is the seventh Rocky film, both a spin-off from the original series and the indirect successor to 2006's Rocky Balboa, and also reunites Jordan with Fruitvale Station writer/director Coogler and also Wood Harris, whom Jordan worked with on The Wire.

The movie has an interesting plot. In 1998, Adonis Johnson, the son of one of the many lovers of former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, is serving time in a Los Angeles youth facility when Creed's wife, Mary Anne, pays him a visit and offers to take him in.

Seventeen years later, Adonis walks away from his job at a securities firm to pursue his dream of becoming a professional boxer. Mary Anne vehemently opposes this, remembering how her husband was killed in the ring 30 years earlier (against Ivan Drago in Rocky IV). He tries to get a slot at Los Angeles' elite Delphi Boxing Academy, but is turned down. Undaunted, Adonis travels to Philadelphia in hopes of getting in touch with his father's old friend and rival, Rocky Balboa.

Adonis tracks down Rocky at Adrian's, the Italian restaurant that Rocky owns and operates named after his deceased wife. When he hears Adonis' request to train him, Rocky is reluctant to get back into boxing, but eventually agrees. Adonis also finds a love interest in Bianca, an up-and-coming singer and songwriter.

Adonis, now known as "Hollywood Donnie," defeats a local fighter, and word gets out that he is Creed's illegitimate son. Rocky gets a call from the handlers of world light heavyweight champion "Pretty" Ricky Conlan, who is due to be forced into retirement by an impending prison term. He offers to make Adonis his final challenger--provided that he change his name to Adonis Creed. Adonis balks at first, wanting to forge his own legacy. However, he eventually agrees.

While helping Adonis train, Rocky learns he has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He is unwilling to undergo chemotherapy, remembering that it wasn't enough to save Adrian when she had ovarian cancer. His diagnosis and the fact that his best friend and brother-in-law Paulie Pennino - Adrian's brother - has now passed away in addition to Adrian and Apollo further force him to confront his own mortality. Seeing Rocky shaken, Adonis urges him to seek treatment.

Adonis fights Conlan in Conlan's hometown of Liverpool. Many parallels are present between the fight that ensues and Apollo and Rocky's first fight forty years earlier (Rocky). Adonis not only wears American flag trunks similar to the ones Apollo and later Rocky wore, but he gives Conlan all he can handle and goes the distance. Furthermore, even though Conlan wins on a split decision (just as Apollo retained his title by split decision against Rocky), Adonis has won the respect of Conlan and the crowd; Conlan tells him that he is the future of the light heavyweight division.

The Hunger Game: Mockingjay – Part 2

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 is a 2015 American epic science fiction war film directed by Francis Lawrence, with a screenplay by Peter Craig and Danny Strong. It is the fourth and final installment in The Hunger Games film series, and the second of two films based on the novel Mockingjay, the final book in The Hunger Games trilogy, written by Suzanne Collins. Produced by Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik, and distributed by Lionsgate, the film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Philip Seymour Hoffman (in his final film role), and Donald Sutherland. The first part of the Mockingjay adaptation, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, was released on November 21, 2014.

The story follows Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), as she prepares for her ultimate fight against President Snow (Donald Sutherland), the tyrannical Capitol and her choices that will define Panem forever, in the final, death defying "76th Hunger Games".

With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) confronts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games. 

Dinesh Kamath’s score in Google Plus crosses 12 ½ million or 1crore 25 lakhs views

Dinesh Kamath’s score in Google Plus crosses 12 ½ million or 1crore 25 lakhs views

My score in Google Plus on 26 November 2017 at 12.53 pm was 12,502,917. I am very much happy and satisfied with the number of views that I got but I am not happy with the number of followers whom I got. They are just 58 in number. I do realize that I will have to work really hard to get more followers and I am very much prepared to work still harder so that one day I will have reasonably huge number of followers. However, I thank all those Readers who went through my works and helped me achieve the score of more than twelve and a half million views. Thanks a lot!!!!

Dinesh Kamath's news 'NMMC and Smart City Challenge' that was published in Newsband

NMMC and Smart City Challenge

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Under the aegis of India’s smart city challenge, Navi Mumbai is all geared up to meet the benchmark guidelines for the said challenge.

A Smart City requires comprehensive development of physical, institutional, social and economic infrastructure. All are important in improving the quality of life and attracting people and investments to the city, setting in motion a virtuous cycle of growth and development. Navi Mumbai is competent and eligible in all respects to earn the title of a Smart City.

For the last two months, the NMMC has launched a citizen connect programme, seeking suggestions and ideas from residents as well as professional bodies to motivate the residents to get involved in the process of development of the city. The views and concerns of the stakeholders about the city will have major contribution in formulating the vision for the city.

The achievements of NMMC:

·        High per capita income and cosmopolitan population

·        Higher Education Institutes - Engineering, Management and Medical

·        Major industrial area across Thane Belapur Road

·        Biggest trading centre APMC

·        Part of Proposed Knowledge Corridor

·        Two big infotech parks and presence of major players

·        Planned urban development

·        Picturesque coastal area and very green Parsik hill

·        Local dialling with the commercial capital

·        Account-based easy/low taxation instead of transaction/cash based octroi in other urban areas

The focus is on sustainable and inclusive development and the idea is to look at compact areas, create a replicable model which will act like a light house for other aspiring cities. Area- based development will transform existing areas (retrofit and redevelop), including slums, into better planned ones, thereby improving liveability of the whole city. New areas (greenfield) will be developed in order to accommodate the expanding population in urban areas. Application of smart solutions will enable cities to use technology, information and data to improve infrastructure and services. Comprehensive development in this way will improve quality of life, create employment and enhance incomes for all, especially the poor and the disadvantaged, leading to inclusive cities.

Barrier-free walkable footpaths, transport service empowerment, unconventional use of energy to ensure electricity savings, parking facilities should be the top priority for improving Navi Mumbai for its residents. Development of marinas & sea transportation, setting up of yoga & entertainment centres, lake beautification, rural & slum development measures, improved drainage & sewage facilities to prevent pollution are necessary. Larger thrust should be given to disaster shelter centres & regular monitoring of the scheme empowerment. The civic body should also strengthen the fire brigade system, set up larger number of English medium municipal schools. Provisions of better public toilet conveniences should be drawn in the smart city blueprint. Lastly there should be smarter e-governance. 

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Dr Mukesh Batra to showcase the scenic wonders of Switzerland & France' that was published in Newsband

Dr Mukesh Batra to showcase the scenic wonders of Switzerland & France

During his 11th annual charity photo exhibition in Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Dr Mukesh Batra, Padma Shri recipient, India’s most renowned homeopath, Founder and Chairman of Dr Batra’s Group of Companies and a photographer at heart will exhibit his notable collection of photographs titled “Magic Moments”, a collection of the scenic wonders of Switzerland and France. The photographs will be displayed at:

Venue: Piramal Art Gallery, NCPA, Nariman Point

Dates: 1st December 2015 to10th December 2015

Time: 12 noon to 8 pm

The exhibition would feature the scenic natural wonders and breathtaking views of Switzerland & France. The proceeds of the photo exhibition will be donated to The Victoria Memorial School For The Blind.

Dr Batra’s Health Care Group was founded by Dr Mukesh Batra in 1982 in Mumbai. The Group today is the leading Homoeopathic healthcare corporate, having 219 clinics across 120 cities with its presence in India, Dubai and London. In 2009, the company introduced Aesthetic Services through its flagship brand Dr Batra’s Aesthetic Solutions Pvt. Ltd. The aesthetic solutions arm of Dr Batra’s, offers a wide range of services like hair transplant, obesity solutions and skincare solutions.

The brand has also made significant progress and development in personal and healthcare products under its well established division Dr Batra’s Positive Health Products Pvt. Ltd.  This marks a phenomenal contribution by Dr Batra’s due to its individualized treatment and care to over 10 lakh patients across the globe, including 3 lakh hair patients and 1 lakh skin patients.

Dr Batra’s Cyber Clinic (www.drbatras.com) has been listed in the Limca Book of Records (Editions 2004 and 2005) for becoming the first-ever cyber clinic to offer online consultation to over 4.5 lakh patients every year. It has also launched the world’s first tele-homoeopathy clinic which enables real-time multi-location connectivity. The brand is the only Homeopathic Most Trusted No. 1 Ranked Brand by The Brand Trust Report – India Study 2013, and feted as a Power Brand for the year 2012 by Planman Media. Dr Batra’s is the world’s first homoeopathic healthcare corporate to receive the much-coveted ISO 9001-2008 Certification. Moreover the brand is well known for its philanthropic work of offering free treatment services to the underprivileged sections of the society.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Cidco ignores encroachment near Mansarovar rly. stn.' that was published in Newsband

Cidco ignores encroachment near Mansarovar rly. stn.

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Whenever there is heavy encroachments anywhere in the city, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and City and Industrial Development Corporation never fail to carry out a massive demolition drive. They do not prefer to take such action during the initial stage of encroachment. Only when the encroachment takes a gigantic form, the two organizations suddenly wake up and get into action.

Both NMMC and Cidco had carried out such a demolition drive near Mansarovar railway station. Everything was fine here for sometimes after the major drive. But now once again the place is getting illegally encroached with hawkers spreading themselves with their goods on the footpath. This has caused worry to the residents of this place and they are once again appealing to both NMMC and Cidco to take action before the problem assumes a gigantic form.

The footpaths are being dug up by the encroachers to construct their shops and the residents of this place are left with no space on footpath to walk. They have to walk on the road and face the risk of being hit by vehicles. Day by day the number of shops on the footpath is increasing and it is left to be seen as to when NMMC and Cidco will choose to carry out another demolition drive.

A Cidco official was heard as saying that their people are busy carrying out demolition drives at other places in the city and hence they are short of people and hence cannot take action near Mansarowar railway station right not.

Cidco has provided ways and means for residents of any place in Navi Mumbai to contact them the moment they observe any encroachment taking place anywhere. Cidco authorities had made big promises of taking immediate and tough actions the moment they received any complaints through these contact numbers. But a resident of Mansarovar says that in spite of contacting Cidco authorities time and again and explaining to them the situation over here, no action is being taken. So ultimately it is the residents who have to face the music when any kind of encroachment takes place nearby and no action is taken by the concerned authorities. 

Dinesh Kamath's news 'HJS launch a judicial fight against Tuljapur Temple Committee' that was published in Newsband

HJS launch a judicial fight against Tuljapur Temple Committee

By Dinesh Kamath

Judicial fight has been launched by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti in the matter of misappropriating land, auctioning donation boxes and other corruption cases of Tuljapur Temple Committee. Therefore, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, through Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad filed a PIL in the High Court, Aurangabad bench of Bombay High Court. The petition was heard by the bench of Justice Borde and Justice Chima on 23 November. The High Court issued notices to the Secretaries of the Law, Home, Revenue and Judiciary Departments, and show cause notices to the Collector, Osmanabad and Tahasildar, Tuljapur. Adv. Suresh Kulkarni, Founder-member of Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad and its member Adv. Umesh Bhadagaonkar are representing Samiti in this case. This information was given by Adv. Virendra Ichalkaranjikar, National President of Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad in a press conference held in Mumbai press club. On this occasion, Mr. Narendra Surve of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and Mrs. Nayna Bhagat of Sanatan sanstha were also present.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Press and Freedom of Expression' that was published in Newsband

Press and Freedom of Expression

The problems are faced by the press in places described as conflict zones. The media persons are trapped between the state armed with the law to enforce varying degrees of censorship, and militant groups who use all methods of intimidation to have their versions published. There is a clause in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, under which the press can be made accountable in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

Such crucial technicalities question about both the freedom of expression and the independence of the press. What are — or, should be — the red lines in safeguarding free speech and fair reportage, critical to holding power to account?

Truth should be told. There is nothing called 'free speech' or 'freedom of expression' or 'independence of the press' when there is a threat to the State and the security of the people. The banned organizations are engaged in an armed insurrection against our country from safe havens abroad, getting support from inimical states such as Pakistan & China. The first duties of any government are to maintain complete sovereignty and security of its land. Others, including the Fourth Estate, are expected to help the Government achieve that even by subjecting themselves to inconveniences, foregoing some of their rights which they otherwise are entitled to in normal times etc. The media MUST recognize that there is no overarching 'freedom of the press' that subsumes everything else.

One cannot deny that freedom of expression or Press is very often being violated by the print media beyond tolerance which may lead to public disorder. Not only that, frank and free opinion of the genuine reader which may not be comfortable to the Newspaper is censored in the name of moderation. Print media should try to correct itself to allow freedom before they expect freedom from others.

Freedom of Press is not an absolute one nor a part of the basic principles of our Constitution. It is derived from the citizens' right to freedom of speech. Many press and channels are patronized by vested political lobby and by groups with questionable integrity. In the name of awakening the wisdom of general public, our media is engaged in (1) moulding the public ashamed of our national heritage (2) justifying the unruly acts of anti-national elements (3) confusing the common man about priority of problems facing the nation and (4) shielding their political (pay) master's corrupt deals by releasing false documents and news. Running a media is simply a business and they cannot escape under the noble word of ''press freedom''. Like any other business this is liable to be scrutinized by government of the day.

It's quite necessary to define as to what are the limits of press and media as many a times electronic and print both seems to favor a particular industry or party for their benefit, and many times government becomes selective in curbing rights of press in the name of nation’s interest. The media in India of late has been irresponsible and pushing the issue of freedom of expression far too beyond the limits. No freedom is absolute and no freedom permits unfair reporting. 

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

Video: Dinesh Kamath from birth till now (Revised Version)

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Transporters’ Federation takes up various issues on its Diamond Jubilee'

Transporters’ Federation takes up various issues on its Diamond Jubilee

Soon, Action plan to end the mess of Traffic Jam on roads leading to JNPT  

Vows to tackle Road Safety issue on war footing

 By Dinesh Kamath

Above picture: Gautam Chatterjee - Principal Secretary (Transport), Govt. of Maharashtra inaugurating Diamond Jubilee Event of FBMTO

NAVI MUMBAI: Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the apex body of transport fraternity in Mumbai - Federation of Bombay Motor Transport Operators (FBMTO) was a glittering event in Mumbai, which saw leading personalities  from across various strata of society participating in the event.

The event was based on the most important issues in vogue i.e. Road Safety and Environment and it was marked with various activities like deliberations, seminars, skits, audio-visual show to put across the message that the road transport fraternity is serious on these societal issues and is constructively engaging the sector and the government to contain adverse fallout from their unmitigated proliferation.

The key dignitaries like Shri Gautam Chatterjee- Principal Secretary (Transport), Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Satej (Bunty) D. Patil, Ex-Minister (Home), Shri Bhim Wadhwa, President – AIMTC and others graced the occasion with their benign presence and motivated the mammoth audience with their inspirational thought that assembled from across the country at CIDCO Exhibition Centre, Navi  Mumbai.

As a marked change from the league, FBMTO Diamond Jubilee Celebrations were hi-tech and managed professionally. Kudos goes to Bal Malkit Singh, Chairman – Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Committee for conceptualizing and materializing the flawless flow of whole event. The illustrious journey of sixty years of FBMTO was elegantly showcased through the Documentary, which was the hall mark of the event.

On the basic theme of Road Safety and Environment Safety, Shri Daljit Singh Bal, President – FBMTO said that “the transport fraternity is very conscious of these two issues and more than anyone else, the trucking community is sensitized through various interventions and advocacy programs. Moreover the drivers are trained on pre-emptive maintenance and trucks undergo fitness test every year so that they conform to the emission norms. Tree plantation programs are also organized by the organization as their humble contribution to the society.”

Shri Bhim Wadhwa, President – All India Motor Transport Congress spoke about the imposition of impractical conditions on this sector on account of environmental issues. He said, “though there are number of pollution causing agents but truckers are being singled out. Rather than improving Quality of fuel, forestation on war-fooling, R&D for retro-fitment of engines or researching on emission absorbing equipments, the Government and others opt for surgical decisions targeting trucking sector only, which is highly deplorable.

The Transport fraternity demanded the Principle Secretary (Transport) to constitute a permanent coordination committee in the State, drawing officials from various departments like Home, Transport, Traffic, Finance, Urban Development, Ports etc. along with members from Transport Fraternity of Maharashtra and nominated by AIMTC so that the critical issues adversely affecting the trade could be resolved in a time bound fashion. The Principle Secretary agreed to constitute a committee in this regard and assured all his help to usher positive reforms in this sector.

Photographs of Dinesh Kamath, Editor of Newsband, clicked by Chandrashekhar Hendve, Reporter of Newsband, on 21 November 2015 at new office of Daily Newspaper Newsband at Real Tech Park at Vashi, Navi Mumbai

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'A new era in Indo-British relations' that was published in Newsband

A new era in Indo-British relations

Till now Narendra Modi has visited about 30 countries as Prime Minister. But in London’s Wembley event, an estimated 50,000 non-resident Indians (NRIs) and other Indians braved the cold to listen to him speak during his visit to the United Kingdom. This is the best part of his foreign visits.

Modi invoked the common threads between the two countries. The two sides made little visible progress on strategic and defence issues, but the biggest takeaway from the joint statements came from the enhanced language on fighting terror groups, naming the LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen for the first time, jointly pushing for the UN comprehensive convention on international terrorism (CCIT), and strengthening strategic cooperation and intelligence-sharing through annual consultations.

India has become stronger by the day for over a decade. Its capacity has increased to invest into Europe - largest in the United Kingdom. According to UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), a British government department, India is now the third-largest source of foreign direct investment into the UK. In 2014 alone, investment from India into the UK increased by 64% and is now almost level with France, the UK’s second-largest investor after the US. Throughout last year, India invested in 122 projects in the UK, compared with 124 in France and 564 in the US. This meant that Indian investment created 7,730 new UK jobs in 2014, and safeguarded a further 1,620. Those who invest in developing nations are at least likely to recover their money by investing in India! Yet, against the trend, Narendra Modi is keen for India to secure more overseas investment.

Manmohan government in 2010 had let loose an orgy of plunder and corruption that nearly made the nation sink. Modi is patiently reviving and raising the drowned nation, in spite of the constant obstructions by the Congress

Indian citizens irrespective of their religion have had and enjoyed all the benefits of the economic development of the country brought about by successive governments in the country which includes those led by the BJP. The Indian media's efforts to paint the Governments led by the BJP with a communal brush is not likely to be appreciated by the people of this country.

Thus this was a crucial step taken by Modi to take India-UK relation to a new level. Apart from signing deals and bilateral agreements there are many things above diplomatic relations which Modi had done in UK. He not only won the hearts of NRIs at Wembley Stadium but also UK citizens. This visit might start a new era between two countries relations.

Photographs of Dinesh Kamath from Birth till Now