Dinesh Kamath’s score in Google Plus crosses 13 million views on 1 January 2016 at 9.30 am

Hi Friends!

My score in Google Plus on 1 January 2016 at 9.30 am was 13,003,339 views. I thank all the Readers of my Blog and Google Plus. I also thank the Viewers of my videos. Thanks a lot!!!! Bye!

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Will Modi succeed in signing peace treaty with Pak?' that was published in Newsband

Will Modi succeed in signing peace treaty with Pak?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi behaves as if he could move India towards better ties with Pakistan without help from anyone else. What the Congress-led government failed to do for ten years between 2004 and 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Party and its Prime Minister Modi seem able to do with ease.

The Congress is free to rue its missed opportunities, but what it should not do is undermine the efforts of Modi since he and his government are moving ahead in the right direction. The Congress, instead of being openly uncomfortable to the extent of criticizing the development of Modi seizing the initiative of doing something in the direction of thawing the bilateral relations, had at least been circumspect in its reactions, it would not have earned the distinction of being churlish and regressive. The Congress needs to be steered along constructive lines if it has to regain people's trust which is long way right now.

Modi has definitely stolen the show and has put the diplomatic ball in Shariff's court. Now he has to rise to the occasion and carry ahead the new rays of friendship by helping India catch the terrorists thriving in Pakistan. Both India & Pakistan are going to gain nothing out of hostility.

Modi needs the support of opposition leaders to improve India’s relation with Pakistan. However, opposition and Congress has been opposing his every move in the parliament and has paralyzed it for the past 6 months.

Whether Modi is the right man to claim credit for normalizing relations with Pakistan or nor, he has had the courage to do something that the Congress was unable to. Modi did the classy thing by stopping in Lahore. The Congress looked so unconvincing, when their leaders tore into Modi. It is time for national interests to rise above party's interests. Modi should sign a peace treaty with Pakistan next year and stun the world.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Monster Hunt and Point Break) that were published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Monster Hunt

Monster Hunt is a 2015 Chinese-Hong Kong 3D fantasy adventure film directed by Raman Hui and starring Bai Baihe and Jing Boran.

The main theme in Monster Hunt, according to Hui is acceptance (similar to the Shrek series which Hui was involved in). The message in the film is to understand and accept differences, to see the world through others' perspective and to foster more understanding between people and groups.

The movie is about a cute baby monster Wuba who is the child of a human man and a monster queen, threatened by both monster-hating humans and monsters attempting to captue the new-born in an ancient world based on medieval China. When a monster queen gives birth to a cute prince, the child faces an immediate threat from other fantastic creatures and the humans who hunt them.

In a mythic kingdom, mortals and monsters who once fought each other now stay put in their separate domains. Their uneasy truce is disrupted when a coup in the monster land forces its pregnant queen to go on the run with her two loyal but inept retainers, Zhugao and his rotund wife, Fat Ying. Foreseeing that pandemonium will spill over to the humans’ realm, monster-hunt bureau chief Ge (Wallace Chung) puts up a handsome bounty for the unborn heir.

Evading the pursuit of a ferocious rebel general (a cuddly variation of a T-rex) and long-out-of-work monster hunters, Zhugao and Fat Ying take refuge in Yongning Village, disguising themselves as humans (played by Eric Tsang and Sandra Ng, respectively). Unexpectedly, the famished Monster Queen develops a craving for village sentinel Tianyin (Jing Boran), even though he looks nothing like a gastronomic delight. Although his dotty grandma (Elaine Jin) keeps reminding him he’s descended from an illustrious line of monster hunters, Tianyin is a dork whose only ambition is to cook and sew, and he proves utterly defenseless.

To the monsters’ chagrin, snack time is interrupted by Xiaolan (Bai Baihe), a low-ranking monster hunter who’s after the bounty, but she is in turn trounced by veteran Luo Gang (Jiang Wu, brother of helmer-actor Jiang Wen). In the ensuing chase, Tianyin becomes an accidental carrier of the monster fetus, his “pregnancy” giving rise to off-the-wall gender-bending gags. The yarn picks up with the “virgin birth” of the monster prince, whose baby-babble spurs his surrogate dad to name him “Wuba.” Resembling a squishy radish crossed with a cuttlefish, Wuba will charm any tot infatuated with bouncy rubber balls, while a certain oral trick of his may even tickle adults.

Alas, money-grubbing Xiaolan is impervious to Wuba’s charms and sells him to a pawn-shop owner (Tang Wei, making almost no impression), who instantly turns him in at a five-star eatery called Heaven Restaurant. In a kitchen scene sizzling with Rabelaisian revelry, monsters dexterously dodge a siege of woks, steamers and sashimi knives; Yao Chen, playing a master chef, comedienne and “Weibo queen,” demonstrates the sophistication and barbarity of Chinese cuisine with a balletic act as high-spirited as it is spine-chilling. The climactic banquet builds to a cracking showdown that not only unleashes the protags’ inner reserves, but offers the comforting notion that neither monsters nor humans are as fiendish as they seem to be. The ending sprinkles in plenty of hints for a sequel — highly foreseeable, given the pic’s phenomenal success.

Point Break

Point Break is a 2015 3D action thriller film directed by Ericson Core and written by Kurt Wimmer. An American-Chinese co-production, the film is a remake of the 1991 film of the same name, which starred Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves. The film stars Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, and Ray Winstone.

Extreme poly-athlete Johnny Utah and his friend Jeff attempts a stunt traversing a steep ridge peak line, ending it by leaping onto a lone stone column. Jeff over speeds his bike and falls. Seven years later Utah is a FBI Agent candidate. He attends a briefing about a skyscraper heist where the criminals parachute down their escape. Another heist happens where the criminals unload Dollar bills mid-air over Mexico then simply disappear. Utahs research concludes that they were done by the same men, who at the same time attempt to complete the Ozaki 8; a teaching of doing eight extreme ordeals to honor the forces of nature. They already cleared three, and Utah predicts theyll attempt the fourth on a rare sea wave phenomenon in France. After presenting his analysis, Utah gets sent undercover to France under a field agent Pappas. They reach the place and Utah gets help from others to surf the tall tube wave.

But as he goes in theres already another surfer in the wave, leaving Utah with unstable wave. Utah gets sucked into the wave and faints but the other surfer bails and rescues Utah. He wakes aboard a yacht with the other surfer Bodhi and his team Roach, Chowder, and Grommet. They leave him to enjoy the party and he gets acquainted with a girl Samsara. The next day Utah finds the men in an abandoned Paris train station after he overhears them about the location. Bodhi gives him an initiation fight and soon hes in the circle. They travel to the Alps for the next ordeal, wingsuit flying through the cliffs. The four succeed in their attempt then have some time together with Samsara. The next day they climb the snow peaks for the sixth ordeal, snowboarding through steep wall of snow. They reach their spot but Utah decides to extend his line so the others follow him. But Chowder slips and falls to his death. Utah gets depressed about it. After a party Samsara explains about her and Bodhi.

Next they travel to a gold mine where Bodhi detonates some explosives Grommet and Roach planted. After blowing his cover, Utah chases Bodhi, managing to trip his bike. But Bodhi escapes as Utah cant stand up after the crash. The FBI freezes Bodhis sponsors assets so Bodhi plans to rob a nearby Italian bank on a mountain top. Utah and the police intercept the group, resulting in a crossfire that kills Roach. As the group flees, Utah chases and shoots one of them but it turns out to be Samsara. Utah finds the next ordeal location, solo rock climbing with no safety besides a waterfall. he finds Bodhi and Grommet and chases them on the climb, but Grommet cramps and falters, falling to his death. Utah catches up to Bodhi but he leaps down the waterfall, completing the last ordeal. But Bodhi has to redo the fourth ordeal as he bailed out on the wave. 17 months later Utah finds him in the Pacific facing another giant wave. But ultimately Utah lets Bodhi go and attempt it. The wave engulfs Bodhi and Utah comes back home.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'A great project but can it be implemented?' that was published in Newsband

A great project but can it be implemented?

Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline came one step closer to reality The pipeline, that is set to cross over 1,700 km, through Herat and Balochistan before reaching the Indian Punjab border, and will draw from the world’s second largest natural gas field of Galkynysh, comes full of promise. It reconnects South Asia to Central Asia, in the way it was before the British Empire sealed it off. It will also bring India and its neighbours much needed energy at competitive pricing. TAPI’s success will ensure that India, Pakistan and Afghanistan find ways of cooperating on other issues as well.

However, the project faces the challenge of terrorism today. Unless the pipeline is secured from the Taliban that operates on both sides of the Durand Line, and from militant groups operating in Pakistan, the project cannot be implemented.

It is indeed a strategic accord signed between TAPI nations as it will bloom up India's energy requirement. Another advantage is TAPI gas pipeline project has brought a new face in the relation of all three countries and projects a better image of foreign policy at International level. It is evident from this that countries concerned in this project are mainly oriented to meet their energy requirement as per their needs. What is required from this is the transparency and accountability.

Despite the difficulties of Taliban and other extremists the plan needs to be operationalized within estimated time not only for meeting our countries' energy needs but also for sending message that these countries will not let their nations' interests hurt by their petty differences or by extremists.

One of the main reasons for the non take-off of the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) pipeline, which too was touted as ‘peace pipeline' in the late 90s, was the issue of terrorism. There were other issues of exorbitant transit fees by Pakistan and the American sanctions that kicked in much later. In order to circumvent both security and transit fee issues, it was suggested to have an under-sea pipeline though at some points the depth was 3 Kms. It was technically challenging yet feasible even then and the same can be used for TAPI. 

Dinesh Kamath's news 'India’s largest new year bash “Bignite 2015" at EsselWorld' that was published in Newsband

India’s largest new year bash “Bignite 2015" at EsselWorld

By Dinesh Kamath

Gear up this New Year Eve as EsselWorld & Water Kingdom organizes India’s Largest New Year’s bash with Master Spinner DJ Notorious. EsselWorld promises a high powered event with the biggest open air dance floor, state of the art audio lighting equipment, laser show in addition to the 64 acres with 70+ mind-blowing attractions for all age-groups.

In addition to this, a plethora of activities are in store from carnival of clowns and jugglers, fire-eaters, face painters, tattoo artist to hair braiders and much more. Binge on scrumptious cuisines from South Indian, Chinese to Punjabi and Italian and drink up your favorite spirits and celebrate the largest extravaganza of the year.

So save the date and bring in the New Year 2016 at the biggest and loudest rendition in the city – EsselWorld Bignite 2015.

Date: 31st December 2015

Timings: 8:00 pm onwards

Ticketing: INR 1360 per head

Venue: EsselWorld and Water Kingdom, Gorai Village, Borivali (W), Mumbai – 400091

Book Online: www.esselworld.in

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Hindu Janjagruti Samiti’s procession at Juninagar-Sanpada' that was published in Newsband

Hindu Janjagruti Samiti’s procession at Juninagar-Sanpada

Demanding prevention of malpractices on 31 Dec and celebrating New Year on Gudi Padwa Day

By Dinesh Kamath

  

NAVI MUMBAI: There was an Educational procession carried out by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti at Juinagar-Sanapada for preventing malpractices on 31^st December and celebrating the New Year on Gudipadwa instead of on 1^st January.

Dr Uday Dhuri, the spokesman for Hindu Janjagruti Samiti, said, “Due to lack of education on Dharma and blindly following the westerners, most of Hindus are celebrating the New Year as per Christian tradition in the midnight of 31^st December instead of on Gudipadwa. Because of this practice, immorality and addiction in young generation are on the rise. Their serious ill-effects are quite apparent. This also causes the problem of law and order thereby increasing pressure on the Police administration.”

 Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has made an appeal to prevent the malpractices on the occasion of 31^st December and celebrate the New Year on Gudipadwa instead of 1^st January to nourish the Bharatiya culture and to follow the conduct according to Dharma, through the medium of four educational procession taken at Juinagar & Sanpada. On this occasion, many citizens gave enthusiastic support to the programme and recorded their reactions that such steps are absolutely necessary. Many of them also participated in this procession. This procession started from Chincholi Talav at Juinagar. Through route of Sanapda Sector 10, 6 & 5 and ended at Ganpati Mandir, Sanpada.

Hundreds of activists of various organisations such as Shivpratisthan Hindusthan, Yuva Mitra Sena, Shivasena, Hindu Mahasabha, Sanatan Sanstha and Hindu Janjagruti Samiti participated in this procession. In this procession, slogans like 'Stop the malpractices on the occasion of 31^st December', 'Celebrate the New Year only on Gudipadwa as per Hindu culture' were shouted. Similarly, the activists created public awareness by carrying hoardings and distributing handbills.

Malpractices observed on 31st December

* Gathering for consuming alcohol and drugs, and behaving in an obscene manner at pilgrim centers, forts, public places, etc.

* Immodest behaviour with women and young girls, and shameful acts in the society

* Driving recklessly under the influence of alcohol and causing noise late in the night thus disturbing the sleep of people

*Bursting loud crackers during the entire night and causing noise pollution by playing harsh music on the loudspeakers

Many incidents of above nature occur cause uneasiness in the society and rise in crimes. Thousands of citizens responded positively by signing the memorandum to be submitted to the Government with a request to stop such malpractices. The memorandum carrying signatures of thousands of citizens will be submitted to the Government.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Will National Herald case weaken Gandhis?' that was published in Newsband

Will National Herald case weaken Gandhis?

The allegations of misuse of funds of the Indian National Congress to buy Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), a firm that published the National Herald, a now defunct publication linked to the party, has put the spotlight on the Gandhis. Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are the main shareholders of Young Indian Pvt Ltd (YIL). The National Herald case has today indisputably acquired a political dimension.

This case reminds one of the arrest of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in October 1977 on charges of abuse of power brought forward under the Janata Party government. She used it to mobilise her defeated party and revive sympathy for the Congress amongst the people, heralding a political comeback. The major difference has been that unlike the 70s when the central government set the national narrative through state-controlled media, news sources have become largely democratised. It has become infinitely difficult for vested interests to set the national agenda and thereby control people's minds.

In 1977 the Janata Party was the main reason for Congress returning to power. It was filled with geriatrics who were simply not team players. Their preoccupation was the humbling of Mrs. Gandhi and then become prime ministers themselves. Mrs. Gandhi was a seasoned politician who joined the political process when India was not even free. She knew the state leaders, she knew to campaign and she was not averse to mingling with anti-social elements. Neither Sonia nor Rahul are cut from the same cloth. Also, the National Herald case is tawdry and regardless of their noble motives. They will still have to prove that their actions were legal in the court and they will still have to show that their actions were in the party's interest to the general public.

The show of party solidarity with the Gandhis when they appeared at Delhi’s Patiala House court was evidently genuine, drawing from a feeling that the future of the Gandhis is inextricably linked to the future of the Congress. It is not understood as to why the whole Congress party sticks with the Gandhi mother and son duo despite their failings. There are better and more sincere stalwarts in the Congress who deserve a better deal.

When people in government in other countries face corruption charges, they face legal action against them and fight it in their individual capacity. But nowhere are common people in their hundreds and thousands joining together to express their solidarity with the accused leaders or mobilised to demonstrate the strength of the accused leaders as we find in our country. This culture is more prevalent in Tamil Nadu and Delhi. It is simply sycophantic if not intimidatory. It is also sheer waste of man hours for crowd to collect just to shout slogans which are not going to influence the course of events.

If you study the tactics adopted by Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to keep India under their control you will find that Nehru allowed division of India, Indira showed only muscle-power while Sonia-Rahul and extended family are ensuring that all assets belong to them. India has changed a lot from 1977 to 2015. Congress had tried hard to make political point out of national herald case, both in parliament and outside, but failed miserably. Today's Congress does not have charismatic leader like Indira Gandhi to cash in on such issues. So instead of making it political issue, Congress should fight legal battle and come clean on it.

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

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Alliance of India, Japan and US can contain China' that was published in Newsband

Alliance of India, Japan and US can contain China

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s three-day visit to India, during which both sides agreed to major deals, including the introduction of Japan’s bullet train technology in India and an agreement on nuclear partnership, clearly sets the stage for elevated bilateral ties in the future. The potential of Indo-Japanese economic partnership is huge. The proposed bullet train link between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will cement economic cooperation further. The enhanced economic and energy cooperation will benefit both countries. Japan has capital and skill whereas India has huge untapped potential. What they need is a clear road map,

Japan’s tensions with China are on the rise and the United States has been “pivoting” towards Asia. The American strategy appears to be to build an alliance in Asia to contain the rise of China. Japan is Washington’s strongest ally in Asia. Both the American and Japanese establishments want India to “swing” towards their alliance. Japan has opened its doors to the world as a measure to counteract its struggling demographics. India, with the highest proportion of youth in any population in the world will naturally be its most preferred choice for deepening ties.

At the outset of Japanese PM Abe's visit to India, we have the hard, untiring diplomatic confabulation led by Ms. Sushma Swaraj and her team with a well co-ordinated backup from the PMO. Mr. Jayshankar who has recently been elevated as foreign seceratary is the Man Friday for Ms. Sushma, doing an excellent and efficient job. Japan is one of the most trusted and all weather ally of India. Very few countries like France, Canada and Israel can be viewed as India's evergreen friends in the world order. Other countries are friendly but depth in friendship changes with respect to other factors like trade, leadership, political order of their allies, geography etc. But having only few countries as all time friends serves little in India's endeavor to become an economic and political super power. We need more such friends and fortunately many have been waiting with hands up for a warm hug from India. We need more friends in the field of Science & Technology

India should play its part to secure its national interests. A country of the size and potential of India, the only true rival to China, cannot remain passive when this century is touted as Asia's Century. While non-alignment will not secure any benefits (because all the sides will ignore a non-aligned country as it happened during the 1950s), India has to play realpolitik with finessed diplomacy to enhance ourselves and meet our aspirations.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'EsselWorld introduces BEST AC Bus Service' that was published in Newsband

EsselWorld introduces BEST AC Bus Service

By Dinesh Kamath

EsselWorld has introduced special BEST AC bus service for their patrons. This bus service starts from 25th December 2015. The First bus starts at 9:00 am from Borivali station (West) to Gorai Jetty until 1:00pm. In the evening, the bus will depart from Gorai Jetty for Borivali Station at 5:00 pm. It will be available until 9:00 pm. The bus is available after every 30 minutes in the designated time slot.

Shirish Deshpande, CEO - Pan India Paryatan Pvt. Ltd said, “Essel World’s association with BEST bus will be beneficial for our guests to conveniently travel to EsselWorld and Water Kingdom. We are happy to help them spend quality time with their family and friends without any worries about commuting.”

It’s time to indulge in some fun with some enthralling rides and attractions at EsselWorld and Water Kingdom.

Date: 25^th December 2015 onwards

Timings: From 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and from 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Route:  Borivali station (West) - Gorai Jetty and back

Tickets: INR 30/-one way

About Pan India Paryatan Pvt. Ltd.

Pan India Paryatan Pvt. Ltd. is the holding company of EsselWorld and Water Kingdom - the largest amusement parks in India and a subsidiary of USD 3.2 billion Essel Group. Over the past two decades these parks have been the pioneers in leisure and entertainment, thereby successfully entertaining more than 22 million visitors. These twin parks offer an area of over 64 acres with more than 80 attractions across rides and slides. The Group’s mission is to redefine the traditional means of entertainment and above all meet the fast changing consumer needs for active entertainment.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movie released in Navi Mumbai’ (Star Wars – The Force Awakens) that was published in Newsband

New movie released in Navi Mumbai

Star Wars – The Force Awakens

Star Wars: The Force Awakens [N 1] is a 2015 American epic space opera film directed, co-produced, and co-written by J. J. Abrams. The seventh installment in the main Star Wars film series, it stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Max von Sydow. Produced by Lucasfilm and Abrams' Bad Robot Productions and distributed worldwide by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, The Force Awakens is set approximately 30 years after Return of the Jedi (1983), and follows Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron's fight with the Resistance, led by veterans of the Rebel Alliance, against Kylo Ren and the First Order, descended from the Galactic Empire.

The Force Awakens is the first film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy announced after Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in October 2012. The film is produced by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams, and his long-time collaborator Bryan Burk. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan, co-writer of the original trilogy films The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi, rewrote an initial script by Michael Arndt. John Williams, composer for the previous six films, returned to compose its score. Star Wars creator George Lucas served as creative consultant during the film's early production stages. Filming began in April 2014 in Abu Dhabi and Iceland, with principal photography also taking place in Ireland and Pinewood Studios in England.

Before that interstellar bucket of bolts puts in its first appearance, the picture concerns itself with introducing its new characters: hotshot X-Wing fighter pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac); morally conflicted stormtrooper FN-2187, shortly to be known as Finn (John Boyega); and most important of all, Rey (Daisy Ridley), preternaturally capable scavenger of high-tech bits of futuristic space junk.

Director/co-screenwriter J.J. Abrams starts things off with a rousing spaceship attack — laser fire to the left, laser fire to the right. Finally, there’s the Falcon, looking battered and abandoned. Suddenly, there’s Rey at the controls, firing up the engine, and Finn at the main gun, firing at Tie fighters. And we’re off. Zooming high and fast and into the future of the franchise.

At the same time it feels like we’re in the middle of a warm homecoming. It feels like a reunion, because pretty soon Han Solo and Chewbacca are aboard. Later, C-3PO, R2-D2 and Gen. Leia (no longer a princess) arrive. It feels like a return to the place where the “Star Wars” saga began.

The villain, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), is a cloaked, masked figure in black with a voice filter. He’s clearly related to Darth Vader, but in a way that’s surprising and fearsomely tragic. There’s a Yodalike figure, and a harking back to the Mos Eisely cantina scene.

Rey and Finn, though, feel fresh and new. Boyega brings an appealing sincerity to Finn, a stormtrooper with a conscience who can no longer stomach the planet-killing atrocities of what is now called First Order (formerly the Empire).

Ridley is the picture’s real find. Her Rey is fearless, forceful, resourceful, and with a hidden side to her personality that slowly manifests itself and will surely be more deeply explored in the sequels.

The Force Awakens is a sequel worth waiting 30 years for (and it is, make no mistake, the best Star Wars movie since at least 1983), with a stellar cast (Ridley and Driver shine, but every new and old face alike command the screen and so obviously want to be there, and that brings the whole thing to life); incredible direction and smart writing; and stunning aliens, visuals, and great characters- all of which are so fresh and unique with the perfect blend of old and new it injects life into this universe sometimes just by aesthetic, with Chewie, Han and C390 still bringing the laugh, while new additions like BB-8 cement themselves as worthy, the quirky droid destined to be a fan favourite and loved as only two droids ever have been. The movie is two and a half hours of sheer brilliance, with all of the magic, wit and fun which made the original trilogy what it was. 

Dinesh Kamath's news 'NGO and Cops join hands to usher in Christmas with the underprivileged' that was published in Newsband

NGO and Cops join hands to usher in Christmas with the underprivileged

By Dinesh Kamath

Above Pic: Sangeeta Alfonso, Senior Inspector of Nerul Police Station distributing gifts to children

Above Pic: President of Heart Foundation Dr. Jayakar Ellis addressing the gathering

NAVI MUMBAI: As Navi Mumbai lights up to the celebrations of Christmas and get ready to usher the New Year, the Nerul Police Station found a unique way to share their joy and happiness with the underprivileged children on 23rd December 2015 wherein they organized a Christmas get together for them along with Heart Foundation, an Ngo working amongst children and youth.

The program had a magic show, songs, cutting of cake, giving of gifts and snacks for over 200 children.

“I am delighted to see that such programs are being conducted at the Nerul Police Station for these children and also so much effort is being put to teach these children at the Station” said DCP Shahji Umap.

“It’s so nice to see that the Nerul Police Station has taken the efforts to bridge the gap between the Police and community by organizing such programs” said ACP Dhanraj Daima – Turbhe division.

“We generally have the tendency to celebrate it with our own kids and don’t bother about these children. As these children are from the slum areas and studying in our Police station under the Asha Kiran project, my staff and me felt what best than see the smiles on these children’s face. So we organized this Christmas and New Year get together” said Sangeeta Alphonso, Senior Inspector, Nerul Police Station.

“I am glad I could be a part of this wonderful cause and join hands to bring smiles to these children” said Kamal Malhotra, who organized the event.

“Every year we do a musical program for the underprivileged and when Sangeeta Madam told me her desire, I immediately agreed to be a part of this program. It was awesome to see the happiness on the face of each and every child present” said Dr. Jayakar Ellis, President, Heart Foundation. We also plan to raise funds and work out morning breakfast for the children in the coming year 2016."

Talking to Ms. Debanjali M and Maushmi Mahapatra, Coordinators of the Asha Kiran Project “:Sangeeta Madam has always been kind enough to extend full support for teaching of the kids and organizing such get togethers.”

“I am so happy to be loved and cared by so many here in Asha Kiran and their support in our education gives us the encouragement to learn more” said Gulnaz Ansari & Arun Tanojia, students under the project.

Dinesh Kamath totally impressed by the film ‘Lord of the Flies’ (1990)

Dinesh Kamath totally impressed by the film ‘Lord of the Flies’ (1990)

Lord of the Flies is a 1990 American survival film adapted from the classic novel Lord of the Flies written by William Golding. It is the second film adaptation of the book, after Lord of the Flies (1963). I had this book as a Rapid Reader when I was in my final year in school.

The movie has a very interesting plot. An aircraft carrying 24 young military school cadets returning home crash lands into the sea near a remote, uninhabited, jungle island in the Pacific Ocean. Among the survivors is the pilot, Captain Benson (Michael Greene), the only other survivor, who is seriously injured and delirious. During the night, Simon (James Badge Dale), the most independent cadet, finds a river and notifies the other boys, to which they all drink out of it and explore the island afterwards. Meanwhile, on the beach, an overweight cadet, whose real name is never revealed, nicknamed “Piggy” (Danuel Pipoly), finds a conch seashell and takes it to the grouped cadets, who adopt it to signal the right to speak and be heard by the group. The senior cadet, and one of the elder boys, Cadet Colonel Ralph (Balthazar Getty), organizes a meeting to discuss surviving their predicament. Ralph and Jack (Chris Furrh) emerge dominant, with Ralph's seniority in rank making him the one in charge. They start a fire using Piggy's glasses to try and alert any passing craft. Tensions begin to grow between Ralph and Jack.

One night, as they sleep, the delusional Capt. Benson escapes from them into the jungle, eventually making his way to a cave deep inland. Jack brings all of his hunters to hunt in the jungle, leaving no one watching the fire. The fire goes out, preventing a passing plane from noticing them. Ralph blames Jack and Jack, tired of listening to Ralph and Piggy, leaves and forms his own camp, taking many of the boys with him. One of the younger boys, Larry, finds Capt. Benson in the cave, mistakes him for a monster and stabs him, and then tells the other boys. Jack goes to the cave's entrance, and mistakes Capt. Benson's dying groans for the sounds of a monster. Meanwhile, expecting to be rescued, Ralph's civilized leadership establishes a permanent signal-fire to alert passing ships of their presence on the island. Not expecting to be rescued, Jack's savage leadership adapts to circumstance; he establishes his camp as spear-bearing hunters who provide meat to both camps. They kill a wild pig and leave its head as an offering to "the monster" that they believe is in the cave. Eventually, identical twins Sam and Eric (Andrew Taft and Edward Taft), two of Ralph's friends, leave him to join Jack's tribe, leaving Ralph with only Piggy and Simon left.

During the night, Jack and his savages steal a knife from Ralph so they can make more spears, but accidentally trample on Piggy's glasses in the process, breaking one lens.

One night, Simon finds the pig's head on the stick. He then uses his glow stick and explores the cave and discovers the corpse of Capt. Benson. Simon realizes Capt. Benson was what the boys thought was the monster, and runs to the beach in an attempt to alert the boys of his discovery. In the ensuing hysteria, Simon's waving of the light frightens the other boys, who mistake him for the monster and stab him to death with their spears. The following morning, Ralph blames himself and Piggy for not stopping the hunters from killing Simon. Meanwhile, Jack tells his gang that the "monster" can come in any different form.

After Piggy's glasses are stolen by Jack one night so they could make fire, Piggy and Ralph travel to Jack's camp, attempting to call a meeting using the conch. Piggy insists that everyone be sensible and work together, but Jack's savages refuse to listen. As they jeer him, Roger (Gary Rule), the cruel torturer in Jack's tribe, pushes a boulder off a cliff and smashes Piggy's head, killing him. A distraught Ralph swears that Jack will not get away with the murders, but Jack declares that Ralph is now on his own. Jack and his savages throw stones at Ralph to drive him away. Ralph returns in the night, and is warned by Sam and Eric that the hunters will chase after him.

The following morning, Jack and his hunters begin setting the jungle on fire to force Ralph out of hiding so they can kill him. Just barely dodging the spreading fire and Jack's hunters, Ralph makes a desperate run to the sea, where he encounters a U.S. Marine Corps officer (Bob Peck) who has just landed on the island with other Marines to rescue the boys, and as he looks on with shame of how feral and savage the boys have become as Ralph cries. He later arrives with more military recruits to rescue the 22 boys, much to Jack's horror.

The film has Balthazar Getty as Ralph, Chris Furrh as Jack, Danuel Pipoly as Piggy, James Badge Dale as Simon (credited as Badgett Dale), Gary Rule as Roger, Andrew Taft as Sam, Edward Taft as Eric, Michael Greene as Captain Benson and Bob Peck as U.S. Marine Corps Officer.

Do watch the film.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'New Year Celebration with Cancer Patients' that was published in Newsband

New Year Celebration with Cancer Patients

By Dinesh Kamath

Share the joy of living with Cancer affected persons on 3rd January 2016 (Sunday). Mangalam Foundation has organized get together event with all cancer patients at Samanya Hall, in Kalibari situated at Sector-12, Vashi, opposite ICICI Bank, Neelsidhi Tower. The event will be followed by musical songs, dance and games between 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM. Gift packet along with essential day to day needed items will be distributed after the event.

Those willing to join the program may bring smart card of Tata Hospital and register their name on Mobile No - 9167157626 (Somya), 9869618948 (Mr. Saha), 9820878271 (Mr. Jubani)    

Dinesh Kamath's news 'The Deltin, Daman announces Escape 2015 – a Stellar New Year Bash' that was published in Newsband

The Deltin, Daman announces Escape 2015 – a Stellar New Year Bash

By Dinesh Kamath

Just three hours drive from Navi Mumbai, Mumbai and Surat, The Deltin, Daman, the newest luxury destination in town, has announced a stellar new-year bash for patrons. With luxurious 400 Square Feet rooms, a lavish spa with seven treatment rooms, the finest restaurants and the largest open pool with expansive party area, The Deltin, Daman has planned 3 different parties with 3 different themes, at 3 locations within its 10 acre complex. Priced from Rs.10,000 per couple onwards for all 3 parties, the uniquely themed parties include line-up that offers patrons a wide choice to ensure they can ring in 2016 in style, pomp and glamour, away from the crowded destinations of the metros.

Each of the party venues will have a completely different ambience, entertainment and cuisine to offer. Award  winning Bollywood playback singer, Bhumi Trivedi (of Ram Chahe Leela fame) will enthral  guests with Bollywood hits while the outdoor by the pool will see performances by Goa’s favourite band - Sylvia and The Beat Root Jam who will rock the party for the youth and young at heart. Celebrity DJ Mayur will play electronic dance music and the tone of the party will turn into a nostalgic retro by Musical Harmony, after the guests have ushered in the new-year.

In terms of food too, patrons have a choice of two lavish buffets to pick from and the bar is all stocked up with the most exotic spirits, cocktails and beers to keep the guests hydrated and energized all night.

And of course, after a hard party night, nothing more comforting then to enjoy the luxury stay over at The deltin, Daman and wake up to a late and lazy brunch.

The Deltin Daman is the best way to end 2015 and start a new one.

So get set to ring in the new-year with style and the best in music and live entertainment with attractive stay packages inclusive of room, breakfast, gala dinner and unlimited drinks, only at Deltin Daman! Book Today! Prices start from Rs. 10,000 per couple (Non-resident) & Rs. 19,000 per couple including stay at The Deltin. Show tickets available on www.bookmyshow.com

Venue: - The Deltin, Daman

Dates:  30th December- 1st Janaury

For more information, log on to www.thedeltin.com

Dinesh Kamath has worn Gandhi Cap. Photo clicked by Vishal Tonage

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Future of Indo-Pak relations appear bright' that was published in Newsband

Future of Indo-Pak relations appear bright

The agreement by India and Pakistan to resume structured talks, which was stopped following the Mumbai terrorist attacks, marks a dramatic improvement in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Paris on the sidelines of the Climate Conference at the National Security Adviser-level discussions held in Bangkok. Both sides have signalled that they are ready for a give-and-take approach. Pakistan has given assurances on an “early completion of the Mumbai attacks trial”, and “resolved to cooperate to eliminate” terrorism. India, on the other side, has agreed to include Kashmir on the dialogue agenda. The comprehensive dialogue will lead to economic ties, people-to-people contacts and high-level interaction. Things might improve considerably before Modi goes to Islamabad next September.

The Kashmir problem between India and Pakistan has been festering for too long a time, and is now linked to the sense of national prestige of both. Without the resolution of the Kashmir issue, there can be no real peace nor any cooperation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Therefore, both the countries must now commit themselves in real earnest to resolve it by engaging in whatever it takes in terms of give and take to achieve that goal. There just is no other solution. Both the countries must realize that the problem is taking its undue toll in terms of development opportunities for the people in the whole of south Asia. This is where the statesmanship of the two leaders on both sides of the border must come to full play.

This time the approach from both sides needs to be structured as Pakistan is dead serious. Tackle the easier challenges first and move on to more complex issues one step at a time. The negotiation points need to be well prepared. The results will have long term implications for both countries.

The political pundits feel that comprehensive talk and bilateral agreements are the superficial efforts which cannot resolve Kashmir issues and border disputes. We have been using this moderate's approach since independence and still both of the countries had not reached any consensus. In the past, we had fought three wars with Pak and every single day there was an incident of ceasefire violations at LOC which cost the life of soldiers every day. At this point of time leaders must change their outlook towards adversary and make an endeavor to take different approach. Our political leaders must learn from powers like Russia, Israel and USA - all of them set a good example against their adversary when it is required, so that enemy will have to think twice before any attack. We must separate politics from armed forces and provide them immunity and powers, so that they can operate freely at their own discretion. We must follow a cohesive approach which is comprising the amalgamation of security forces and patriotism against Pak.

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

Dinesh Kamath's news 'ITM Business School celebrates Green Christmas and New Year with a resolution to go green in 2016' that was published in Newsband

ITM Business School celebrates Green Christmas and New Year with a resolution to go green in 2016

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: The Eco club of ITM Business School organized Green Christmas and New Year celebration at Powai Galleria to reach out to people to spread the message of Green Earth. The event organized by ITM Group in association with Meluha, The Fern Ecotel witnessed different performances by students like flash mob, mime and dance to promote Green environment.

The performances were eye openers to realise the greater impact of human activities on Environment. The human choice and action contribute to well being or detoriation of the planet. As the year ends student insisted that everyone take a resolution to contribute to green earth. The performances highlighted several issues that impact the environment and the high need for taking action. Each year over 63,000 sq miles of forest are destroyed. The mime highlighted the Universal truth “Man is from environment” and human beings should have the same commitment towards environment.

 “Through such events the Eco Club of ITM is able to create an impact on a large audience and successfully spread the relevant message of festival celebrations in a greener way  in order to benefit our entire eco system”, Prof. Prachi Gupta, Convenor of Eco Club , ITM Business School.

ITM Business School, Kharghar, launched Eco Club on its campus in September 2013, with the aim of imbibing greener practices among Management students who will be the future managers in the Corporate world, so that the dream of 'sustainable development' becomes a reality

 “While most people are aware that going green is good for the Earth, they may not fully understand the extent of its impact. Going green has several positive side effects for the environment that contribute to cleaner water and air, preserve natural resources and reduce the impact of global warming. Initiatives like this will help people to understand various environmental concerns facing in our country today,” said Bhavik Sachdev, President Eco club, ITM Business School.

The students performed on different songs like Jai Ho, Rang de Basanti and ended with Jingle bells. There were interesting games for kids and elders as a part of celebration. The Green Santas distributed gift and prizes to visitors and participants. The students also made sure that everyone gathered there takes a resolution to go green in 2016.

Dinesh Kamath's news '“UMANG” celebrates first anniversary on 19 December 2015' that was published in Newsband

“UMANG” celebrates first anniversary on 19 December 2015

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: “Umang” a group of senior citizens, residents of 128 flats in Shanti Sagar Apartments (SSAOA), Sector 10, Vashi, celebrated its first anniversary on 19 December, 2015.

On this occasion a lecture cum presentation on “Waste management for a Clean City” was conducted by Dr. Balasaheb Rajale, Dy. Commissioner, NMMC, Waste Managemnt, and Dr. Mrs. Varsha Bhagat, Director ETC, NMMC. This was the first ever such program conducted in Navi Mumbai in a housing society. A presentation on “e-Waste Management” was delivered by Mrs. Rashmi Joshi, Head ,Waste Management, Stree Mukti Sangathana. This program was organized by the Director “Anvay Foundation” - (A vyasan mukti organization), Dr. Ajit Magdum, and “Stree Mukti Sangathana” founder Director, Prof. Mrs Vrushali Magdum in association with “Umang”.

Shri Dnyaneshwar Bhoir, President, and Shri Ashokan, Secretary, SSAOA thanked the dignitaries for their guidance and assured them of full support of the society for the noble cause.

The “Umang” group and all residents of Shanti Sagar celebrated their first anniversary with music and drama and the Christmas festival by singing of melodious Christmas Carols by the young children and cutting a large cake. Santa Claus distributed sweets. The society and the large Christmas tree was nicely lit up with sparkling lights.

The residents pledged to continue to work for a happy and purposeful living.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Ground Sewa for the 49th Nirankari Sant Samagam formally inaugurated' that was published in Newsband

Ground Sewa for the 49^th Nirankari Sant Samagam formally inaugurated

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: A formal inauguration of Ground Sewa for the 49^th Annual Nirankari Sant Samagam of Maharashtra took place on Sunday 20 December 2015 at 11.00 a.m. by striking the plough at the hands of Rev. Narinder Singh Ji, Executive Committee Member of Sant Nirankari Mandal, Delhi.

The ceremony began with a prayer to seek blessings of His Holiness Nirankari Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj for success of the event. Chairman of the Samagam Committee, Shambhunath Tiwari along with the co-ordinator Virendra Bamne and other committee members were present on the occasion. Shri Prashant Thakur also visited the venue and extended his well wishes for the success of the Samagam. Most of the Zonal Incharges of the Mandal from all over Maharashtra were present on the occasion. Thousands of Nirankari Devotees, hailing from various parts of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane,Vasai-Virar and Kalyan-Dombivli, and from distant Pune, Kolhapur, Chiplun and Aurangabad witnessed the ceremony.

Kharghar, a town in Navi Mumbai, will  gear up to host a Mega Spiritual Event, one of its kind which is scheduled to be held on 22, 23 and 24 January 2016 in the benign presence of His Holiness Nirankari Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj. The main theme of the Samagam is ‘Bridging Humanity – Piece By Peace’ to build World Without Walls.

The vast, barren land of the CIDCO Grounds, Near Central Park, Sector 29, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai will be transformed into a temporary mini township to accommodate various activities during the Samagam, through selfless service (Sewa) by the Nirankari devotees.

As a sequel to the inauguration, thousands of devotees over the coming  weeks, will troop in daily and through their toil and labour, will set An Unique Example Of Selfless Service – Sewa to house a Satsang Pandal, Nirankari Exhibition, various offices, Publication stalls, canteens to provide refreshments, provide Boarding and Lodging facilities for the devotees coming from outside Mumbai, and arrangements for Langar (Community Kitchen) to provide free food to all those attending the Samagam, etc.

As in the past, lakhs of devotees of the Mission from all over Maharashtra, adjoining states and abroad are likely to attend the Samagam.  Taking this opportunity the Mission invites one and all to come and support the noble cause.