Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Our government should focus on infrastructure' that was published in Newsband

Our government should focus on infrastructure

In India, public investment must be stepped up to provide the country enough infrastructure. The private sector would also have a role to play. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his first budget laid stress on rural infrastructure. The bad monsoon seasons which gave us crest and trough both, however, affected the economy negatively. The FMs concern for the development of rural infrastructure is the laudable one as due to this monsoon the worst affected are the rural masses. According to him India must have the intellectual honesty to analyse its shortcomings and improve them.

Paying private contractors to build highways has boosted cash flows and enabled a few to re-enter the fray for new projects. But infrastructure projects take time to show results. Yet, an honest introspection should reveal the need to utilise public infrastructure budgets more effectively without the cost- and time-overruns associated with the government’s ‘business as usual’ approach. India’s largest industrial infrastructure project, the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, is crawling, though all the States along the corridor except Delhi are run by the BJP.

The finance minister should do everything by way of policy initiative to encourage central and state governments to invest in infrastructure. Effective decentralized infrastructure development is a key point.

Infrastructure development is essential for economic growth in major sectors like education and agriculture. Focus must be according to basic needs of the people rather than the corporate sector. Tapping of financial aid from international sources must be used effectively and at the same time one should not bow down to the pressure of conditions stipulated by those agencies to their own advantage.

For any infrastructure project, the main hurdles are land acquisition and finance. If the union and state governments work in tandem, there should be no constraint to achieve accelerated progress without any time or cost over runs.

Efforts made by the union government alone is not sufficient. Rural infrastructure improvisation is a state subject and state governments also need to push up investments - either through more capital account expenditure or PPP mode. This is not happening and implementation of PPP projects barring a few has not been satisfactory and private sector appears to be cautious to invest. Quality of road construction activity, more so by State PWD is again an issue

The ModI government has done an excellent job of selling India as growth story to locals and overseas investors. But everybody is waiting to confirm before making large bets whether the present government breaks out of the typical Indian manner of talking and not doing. For the sake of all, including themselves, this government should succeed in realising the growth plans on ground, not just in paper.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Yakshagana at Lion’s Cultural Evening' that was published in Newsband

Yakshagana at Lion’s Cultural Evening

By Dinesh Kamath (As shared by Veena Adige)

NAVI MUMBAI: A grand program organised by Lion Savitha Nayak was held at Marathi Sahitya Mandal on Friday. Yakshagana, the folk dance of Karnataka, became a glamourous event during the cultural evening organized by the Lions Club International District 323 A2 on Friday evening. Sahana Bharadwaj and her four young pupils of Sahana Institute of Performing Arts presented the dance in perfect rhythm and coordination. Their dresses, jewellery and hairstyles were well researched and reproduced perfectly as per the traditional ones. The houseful audience was spellbound by the unique and superb rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ which was specially choreographed by Sahana herself who also danced as the main lead.

Earlier, the cultural event started with young children, lionesses from Ghatkopar, NRI and other chapters performing special dances relating to Sankranti, Lohri and Pongal. Punjabi dances rubbed shoulders with pahadi dances, and a svelte lioness performed ‘apsara aali’ a popular lavni with ease and practice. There was even a sixty plus grandmother who took the stage by storm by her performance. Senior Lions and others graced the occasion and rose to the occasion by giving crisp speeches and distributing prizes and mementoes to the performers. Senior lion Mrs Parwana made the audience tap their feet and bring their hands together to cheer her by her beautiful lohri song.

Lion Savitha H Joshi, MJF in charge of the Cultural and Community Services had organised drawing competitions in various schools and the children joyfully accepted the prizes and presented their entries on the stage. She organized and coordinated the whole programme ably supported by her behind-the-scenes team.

People from all walks of life came from Vashi, Airoli, Thane, Ghatkopar and other places specially for the programme. ‘I am overwhelmbed by the response,’ confessed Savitha Nayak.

‘Grand program’ said Savitha Joshy and her friends who had specially come for the program. Several prominent people had graced the occasion.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Glenmark Pharmaceuticals takes a Green Step' that was published in Newsband

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals takes a Green Step

Installs rooftop solar plant at its R&D Centre in Mahape, Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

MIDC: Underlying its commitment to environmental sustainability, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited announced the installation of a 100 kWp rooftop solar plant at its R&D Centre in Mahape, Navi Mumbai. This is a first-of its kind large-scale green initiative by a company in this industrial area. Spread over 10,000 sq. ft., the rooftop plant has the capacity to generate up to 400 units of power each day.

For this project, Glenmark has partnered with Fourth Partner Energy, a full services Renewable Energy Services Company (“RESCO”) focused on captive solar power. The project is estimated to achieve close to 125 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents reduction every year. This is equivalent to the power generated using 6,900 mature trees; implying significant environmental protection. The carbon dioxide abatement compared to coal fired thermal power is estimated to be close to 77 tonnes per annum.

“We are delighted at the successful installation of the rooftop solar plant our Mahape R&D Center. The project is a big step forward in reducing our environmental footprint. Over the years, Glenmark facilities have taken a number of measures in conserving natural resources, preventing pollution and minimizing environmental impact”; said Cheryl Pinto – Director Corporate Affairs, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited. In addition to the solar power plant, Glenmark has undertaken several initiatives across the organization towards energy saving. Glenmark has enhanced existing systems and adopted newer technologies towards recycling and reusing resources. Through its efforts, Glenmark has been able to save about 6730 megawatt-hours of electricity across its plants and R&D Centers in the Financial Year 2014-15.

About Glenmark R&D Center in Mahape

Glenmark’s R&D Center at Mahape, Navi Mumbai, India is engaged in the discovery of new chemical entities aimed at meeting the unmet medical needs. Spread over 1,25,000 sq. ft. the R&D Centre has end-to-end capabilities for discovery and development of New Chemical Entities (NCEs) from target selection to clinical development. The research facility is equipped with modern infrastructure required to carry out research activities like medicinal chemistry, process & analytical chemistry, in vitro & in vivo studies and project management.

About Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (GPL) is a research‐driven, global, integrated pharmaceutical company headquartered at Mumbai, India. It is ranked among the top 80 Pharma & Biotech companies of the world in terms of revenues. (SCRIP 100 Rankings published in the year 2015). Glenmark is a leading player in the discovery of new molecules both NCEs (new chemical entity) and NBEs (new biological entity). Glenmark has several molecules in various stages of clinical development and is primarily focused in the areas of Inflammation [asthma/COPD, rheumatoid arthritis etc.] and Pain [neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain].

The company has a significant presence in branded generics markets across emerging economies including India. GPL along with its subsidiary has 16 manufacturing facilities in five countries and has six R&D centers. The Generics business of Glenmark services the requirements of the US and Western Europe markets. The API business sells its products in over 80 countries, including the US, various countries in the EU, South America and India.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'In India some are more equal than others' that was published in Newsband

In India some are more equal than others

The news has spread that Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt will be released by the end of February after serving a five-year prison term for being in possession of an AK-56 assault rifle over 20 years ago. The question asked is whether Sanjay is being treated preferentially. Many of his fans had appealed for pardon on his behalf. The Maharashtra Governor, however, did not succumb to the demand for preferential treatment to him solely on the basis of his popularity.

But he did not object to his getting released eight months ahead of the completion of his term. Good behaviour is reason.

There is a popular impression that he is being favoured. The actor may have spent as many as 146 days on parole or furlough since May 2013. Comparisons are also bound to be drawn between Sanjay’s case and that of Zaibunissa Kazi, a septuagenarian fellow-prisoner who is also serving a five-year term in the same case. Will the rules of remission apply in equal measure?

Our judges should tackle cases at lightning speed especially those involving politicians and VIPs. There is a feeling that they show much leniency for rich and famous. Such cases raise the theory that if not to the executive, the judges should be accountable to people.

Someone said: "Laws are spider webs through which the big flies pass and the little ones get caught." I think this is the very nature of Indian Judicial system. Sometimes it gives the impression that 'equality of law' can be found only in the Book. It shows that the law is different for the rich and poor and all are not equal before law.

The acquittal of famous personalities from heinous offences shows duplicity and double standards in judicial system. While such big fish are let off, the ordinary persons are mostly caught and tried for years on end and even the verdicts are not without doubt. Standard verdicts and rule of law is not followed for all citizens. The rules of remission should apply equally to all prisoners regardless of their social status. These few instances in society set benchmark for others.

The Government should remain very cautious while dealing with celebrity cases in a State where we are said to have 'Rule of Law'. Rules and regulations in our country is very lean. All these credits goes to our MLAs, MPs and other form of government. This is injustice to the victims since they don’t get proper Justice.

The preferential treatment being meted out to a VIP prisoner is very common in India. It is clear that here some are considered more equal than others.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Chalk N Duster, The Hateful Eight, Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Road Chip, The 33 and The Danish Girl) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Chalk N Duster

Chalk n Duster is a Bollywood movie. This film is all about teacher and student's communication. It highlights the problem of teachers and students where teaching way in the education system is changing day by day. Juhi Chawla, Shabana Azmi, Zarina Wahab, Girish Karnad and Divya Dutta play the lead roles. Movie is Directed by Jayant Gilatar, Written by Ranjeev Verma and Neetu Verma and Produced by Amin Surani.

The film is an emotional journey of two teachers Vidya (Shabana Azmi) and Jyoti (Juhi Chawla), serving at a Mumbai–based high school. Their passion and love for teaching, bonds them in a special relationship with their students. Their gratification is good grades, moral values they strive to impart to students. However, in an evil turn of events, a wicked lady, Kamini Gupta (Divya Dutta) gets appointed as the principal, thus changing the fate of the administration.

Thus this film is all about teacher and student’s communication. It highlights the problems of teachers and students at a time when the education system is undergoing such rapid changes. It takes a look at all aspects of the teacher-student relationship and also goes beyond it.

The film has Shabana Azmi, Juhi Chawla, Divya Dutta, Upasna Singh, Girish Karnad, Zarina Wahab, Sameer Soni, Aarya Babbar, Gavie Chahal, Naveen Sharma, Adi Irani, Rishi Kapoor (Special Appearance), Jackie Shroff (Special Appearance), Richa Chaddha (Special Appearance), Kabir Arora and Akshita Arora.

The Hateful Eight

The Hateful Eight is a 2015 American Western mystery film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It stars Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Demián Bichir, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, and Bruce Dern as eight strangers who seek refuge from a blizzard in a stagecoach stopover sometime after the American Civil War.

Six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in these parts as “The Hangman,” will bring Domergue to justice. Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town’s new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie's Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie’s, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Demian Bichir), who’s taking care of Minnie’s while she’s visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Michael Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Bruce Dern). As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all. Collapse

Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Road Chip

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip is a 2015 American road-adventure family caper comedy film directed by Walt Becker and written by Randi Mayem Singer and Adam Sztykiel. The fourth installment in the Alvin and the Chipmunks film series, it stars Jason Lee, Tony Hale, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and Josh Green with the voices of Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Kaley Cuoco, Anna Faris, and Christina Applegate.

Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin, Simon and Theodore come to believe that Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in New York City and dump them. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving themselves not only from losing Dave but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother.

The 33

The 33 (Spanish: Los 33) is a 2015 English-language Chilean survival drama film, directed by Patricia Riggen and written by Mikko Alanne, Craig Borten, and José Rivera. The film is based on the real events of the 2010 mining disaster, in which a group of thirty-three miners were trapped inside the San José Mine in Chile for more than two months. The film stars Antonio Banderas as Mario Sepúlveda, who sent videos to the rescuers to notify them about the miners' condition.

Dozens of people from Copiapó, Chile, work in the San José mine. The owner ignores the warnings of the failing stability of the mine, which collapses a short time later. The only path inside the mine is completely blocked, and the thirty-three miners manage to get to the rescue chamber. They discover that the radio is useless, the medical kit is empty, the ventilation shafts lack the required ladders, and there is very little stored food. Mario Sepúlveda becomes the leader of the miners, dividing the foods rations and stopping the outbursts of violence or despair. The mine company does not attempt any rescue, and the relatives of the miners gather around the gates.

The government of Chile decides on active intervention, and orders the use of drills to reach the chamber. The first exploratory boreholes move off-target, but a later one reaches the required destination. The miners attach a note to the drill bit to announce their survival. They receive new food and clothing, and television communication with the surface. A second, bigger, drill system is prepared to retrieve the miners one by one

The Danish Girl

The Danish Girl is a 2015 British pseudo-biographical drama film directed by Tom Hooper, based on the 2000 fictional novel of the same name by David Ebershoff and loosely inspired by the lives of Danish painters Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener. The film stars Eddie Redmayne as Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of sex reassignment surgery, Alicia Vikander as Gerda Wegener, Matthias Schoenaerts as Hans Axgil, and Ben Whishaw as Henrik.

Inspired by the true story of Danish artists Einar Wegener and his wife Gerda, this tender portrait of a marriage asks: What do you do when someone you love wants to change? It starts with a question, a simple favor asked of a husband by his wife on an afternoon chilled by the Baltic wind while both are painting in their studio. Her portrait model has canceled, and would he mind slipping into a pair of women's shoes and stockings for a few moments so she can finish the painting on time. "Of course," he answers. "Anything at all." With that, one of the most passionate and unusual love stories of the twentieth century begins. 

Dinesh Kamath's news 'The 49th Nirankari Sant Samagam of Maharashtra at Kharghar' that was published in Newsband

The 49^th Nirankari Sant Samagam of Maharashtra at Kharghar

4th phase of Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat completed on 9 Jan 

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: By coding theoft used www in the computer jargon - WORLD WITHOUT WALLS, Nirankaris as a fraternity have taken it upon themselves to establish it and have been making endeavours for it slowly, steadily and surely. It is reflected by the day and night selfless service by thousands of Nirankaris for the preparations of the 49^th Nirankari Sant Samagam of Maharashtra which is scheduled to be held at the CIDCO grounds, Sector 28 & 29, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Since the formal inauguration of Ground Sewa on 20th December 2015, they are devoting selfless service to host the State Level spiritual event dedicated to the theme of BRIDGING HUMANITY—PIECE by PEACE.

With barely 10 days left for the Mega Spiritual event to unfold, activities are upswing and on a fast track to complete the infrastructure for more than 2 lakh devotees who would be attending the 3-day Spiritual Congregation on 22, 23 and 24 January, 2016.

The Sewadal volunteers and devotees of the Mission have been trooping in large numbers to perform the planned out and designated activities, starting from clearing the ground of shrubs and wild grass growth, levelling the ground, mandatory for the infrastructure to be erected and the facilities provided

Since the devotees would be coming in from various places across the country, all facilities of boarding and lodging, bathing and sanitation are being prepared.  Cooking pits in the LANGAR Section are being erected. To provide smooth flow of the vehicles and avoid any traffic snarls a well-planned parking space is being provided and a vehicular movement pattern is in place.

Four canteens are also being set up across the complex to provide tea, coffee, cold drinks and snacks at highly subsidized rates.  Mineral water will also be available at these canteens.

Office complex comprising of various offices viz: Samagam Committee, Accounts, Reception, SantNirankari Charitable Foundation, Press and Media, Saints from Abroad, Poetic symposium, Mass Marriages, CCTV, Railway Reservations and other Departments as well are also being erected. Stalls for Publications are coming up at six locations to provide the Mission’s literature, photographs, CDs, DVDs and other materials. The Magazine Department will also put up its own office to register new subscribers. 

A large space is consecrated to the Nirankari Exhibition - an important feature of the Samagam. This exhibition depicts the history and ideology of the Mission along with various activities such as Samagams, spiritual tours by His Holiness in India and abroad, social welfare activities, etc.

For sharing a common platform and to seek blessings of HIS HOLINESS NIRANKARI BABA HARDEV SINGHJI MAHARAJ, a vast Satsang Pandal is being erected where thousands of devotees would sit at a time in front of the Holy Dias and adjoining stage for the speakers.

Magnificent gates are being erected to welcome the saints and HIS HOLINESS, highlighting the Theme of the Samagam.

Noteworthy is the entire Planning, Designing, Execution is being done by the Devotees themselves as a self-sufficient team of professional Designers, Engineers, Planners, and Contractors.

Thus, the Nirankari Sant Samagam, in addition to focusing on the theme of BRIDGING HUMANITY for peaceful co-existence amongst mankind, is an EPITOME OF SELFLESS SERVICE.

Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat Campaign Continues:

Earlier on Saturday 9 January, 2016 in the 4th phase of SWACHH RAIL SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN, once again, thousands of Volunteers of Sant Nirankari Charitable Foundation and the Nirankari Sewa Dal, all being Nirankari devotees,  assembled at the Dadar (1200 volunteers), Mumbai Central (1000 volunteers) and CST (1000 volunteers) Railway Stations to clean them up.

By seeking blessings of HH NIRANKARI BABA HARDEV SINGHJI MAHARAJ, they began their activity at 8.30 am and with teams spread all over the Platforms, FOB’s Ticket Counters, Waiting areas, Parking lots etc. both of the Local and Main sections, and completed the activity by 12.30 pm.

This was the scene at the 46 stations, all over India, with a total participation of over 20,000 volunteers

Several Officers of Railway Authority visited the campaign at each of the Stations. Mr. Prakash Chandrapal, DCM-PM at Dadar, Mr. Vineet  Abhishek, ACM-PM at Mumbai Central, Mr.Dnyaneshwar Pathak, Station Manager, CST (Main), and Mr. Sudhir Kumar Gangal CHI Head, CST were amongst them. Mr. Sudhir Gandhi, President of Rail Parishad NGO also visited the campaign at CST. Mr. S. S. Tiwari, Mohan Gundu, Satyalal Yadav, Babubhai Panchal and Mukund Deve from Sant Nirankari Mandal reached to guide the campaign.  The 5th phase will be conducted on 13 February, 2016.

Dinesh Kamath's news "Industry 4.0 takes centre stage with Sage Software at ‘Innovation for Growth’ SME Forum" that was published in Newsband

Industry 4.0 takes centre stage with Sage Software at ‘Innovation for Growth’ SME Forum

SMEs to accelerate the next phase of Industrial Revolution

Sage X3 formally debuts in the Indian Market

By Dinesh Kamath

VASHI: With a vision to drive value for India’s ambitious Entrepreneurs, Sage Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd set stage for their engaging Forum “Innovation For Growth”  to help SMEs devise an actionable plan to steer business growth. The forum brought experts from Sage Asia, Infomerics Valuation & Rating & IIICORP for a comprehensive curtain raiser on contemporary business enablers. Navi Mumbai with its encouraging business environment & Industrial Infrastructure was chosen to be the primary host city for the forum. The event drew attendance from a diverse audience from banking, financial services, manufacturing, shipping and logistics at Hotel Tunga Regenza, Vashi.

Through the forum of ‘Innovation for Growth’, Sage Software took the opportunity to present the most innovative business models and growth trajectories for the promising Small & Medium Businesses operating across Key Asian Markets. The evening also witnessed the launch of Sage X3, Version 7 ERP Solution in India. Browser based Sage X3 allows better access to real time data which is integral to an organization’s growth strategy.

Speaking on the occasion, Kumar Siddhartha, MD Sage Software Solutions Pvt Ltd, India said “It’s a proud moment for us as we showcase our solutions competencies. With presence of Yaj Malik, our global champion on Industry 4.0 and GM for Sage Asia based out of Singapore & Sara Lua, our Sage X3 VP, Asia based out of Kuala Lumpur, visiting India to mark the launch of Sage X3 version 7, we aim to ignite the minds of the talented new aged business leaders of the country. Sage targets to leverage on its global best practices and develop various customer-centric initiatives and innovative solutions for SMBs in India.”

Talking on their participation for “Innovation For Growth” Pooja Kumar, Co-founder & CEO of smejoinup.com commented, “The current engagement platform was a natural fit for our mission to drive the future of businesses bridging Start-ups & SMEs basis their strengths and capabilities. We are delighted to have partnered with ‘Innovation For Growth’ in Navi Mumbai and look forward to more such forums in 2016.”

Sanjay K Kher - VP, Infomerics Valuation & Rating iterated the manifold benefits of getting the necessary seal of trust during his session. “Credit Rating certifies the credibility of the organization’s business viability & financial health. It not only helps them to raise funds but also opens up new business avenues, enables dealing with large-scale projects, MNCs & government contracts. It’s been a great experience to share the stage at such an innovative & holistic corporate meet.”

As a business intelligence provider, IIICorp covers infrastructure projects across fast-growing markets in India, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Latin America and in all these markets we come across innovative financing and structured products used by project developers. We should leverage international experience on SME financing models and ensure this business segment grows manifold and not perennially reel under challenges posed by traditional bank financing models,” said Vinu Lal, Country Head-IIICorp. 

Small and Medium Enterprises play a vital role for the growth of Indian economy by contributing 45% of the industrial output, 40% of exports, 42 million in employment, create one million jobs every year and produces more than 8000 quality products for the Indian and international markets. As a result, SME’s and MSMEs have greater opportunities for growth and penetration across sectors.

The Indian market is making a remarkable progress in various Industries like Manufacturing, Precision Engineering, Food Processing, Pharmaceuticals, Textile & Garments, Retail, IT, Agro and Service sectors. SMEs can successfully leverage growth with the right technology solutions.

About Sage Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Sage Software Solutions Pvt Ltd is a top ERP, CRM and HCM provider in India. Sage Software Solutions is a distributor of Sage Asia Pte Ltd in India and also distributor of Pocket HCM with offices across India. Headquartered in Mumbai, Sage Software Solutions boasts of a pan-India presence with offices in Chennai, Delhi and Bengaluru as well for serving businesses pan-India.