• Sanskrit Works Discussed at Jherusalem University
• Desi Teachers Teach US Kids Online
• India's 1st Integrated Theme Park Soon
• Three Kashmiri Women in Race For Nobel
• Oxford Doctorate For Manmohan
• India to Build Lord Ram's 'Suez' Canal
• Delhi Boy Breaks Pataudi Oxford Record
• Indian to Head US Biz School

• Guiness Record by Indian Doctor
• Indian Soldiers Help Locate Pakistani's Body
• Indians Simply Love Gold
• All Indian Villages to Have a Knowledge Center by 2007
• Jawans Can Jet it to Siachen
• Desi Universities to Get World Class Label
• From Blue-Eyed American to Indian 'Naga' Sadhu

Some forty scholars from all over the world recently took part in a summer programme on second millennium Sanskrit literature at Hebrew University here. Eminent Indologist, Prof David Shulman, who was instrumental in organising the programme, pointed out that so far the Sanskrit works in the first millennium (those of Kalidasa et al) have been explored to a great extent by the modern-day Sanskrit scholars, but the later period literature hasn't got much attention. "The second millennium A.D. Also witnessed intense creativity in Sanskrit throughout South Asia. Every major region produced its own distinctive corpus of Sanskrit literary works and that formed the basis of our discussions," said Shulman. "I have been learning and teaching Sanskrit for fifty years but I did not know of several works that were discussed here", said Prof. Nagaraja Rao of the Mysore University. Prof. Rao took up works of Sanskrit scholars of Mysore from the 18th and 19th century for his presentation at the programme. "They are such a wonderful works that have not come to light. A lot of people were surprised to see that Sanskrit survived like this for so long", he said.

Courtesy: the Times of India, July 29, 2005

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An Indian doctor from Dehradun has set a new Guinness World record for removing the "largest bone tumor" from the right thigh bone of a patient. The feat has been accomplished by Dr B K S Sanjay at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun. Guiness World Records Ltd has given the recognition through a letter issued on July 13. A certificate from the organisation commemorating the achievement said, "A malignant bone tumor weighing 16.5 kg was removed from the right femur of the 35-year-old Naresh Kumar (India) by Dr B K S Sanjay (India) on March, 10, 2002 at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences..." "The tumor had a maximum length of 45 cm and was 30 cm wide," it says. However, the certificate does not guarantee an entry in the annual book, it says though it will be considered for use in future publications. Sanjay, who is Director, Doon Paramedical Hospital, had earlier in 2002 achieved a distinction by performing a hip replacement surgery on a 98-year-old high risk patient

Courtesy: The Times of India, July 29, 2005

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Indian soldiers at a post near the Siachen Glacier helped recover the body of a Pakistani counterpart missing since February. Earlier this week, the two countries briefly exchanged words over small arms firing on an Indian post near Rajouri. Around the same time, Indian troops in sub-sector Hanif responded to a request from the Pakistani authorities to locate a missing soldier.

Courtesy: The Hindu, July 22, 2005

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Are you a sensex worshipper? If yes, then you're still at the altar of a lesser God. The value of gold held by Indian households is more than double the market value of the equity stock they own. At the beginning of this fiscal, that totalled an eye-popping $200bn, which is almost a third of India's GDP. Gold holdings among Indian households at current market value is about 2.5 times the current equity stock holding of $80bn. While the share of gold in household savings declined during '00-02 to 5%, it has been on the rise once again during the past two years, and stood at 8-10% during the quarter ended March '05. But this love for bling-bling comes at a pretty steep cost. If instead of investing its annual savings in gold, India were to invest this in productive business assets, its annual GDP growth would be higher by about 0.3-0.4%. "The cumulative GDP value lost for parking $200bn worth of savings over the years in this unproductive asset is huge," say industry experts. "Traditionally, gold has been a good safety net for Indian households. However, the sharp rise in gold imports over the past three years -when the rupee has started appreciating, inflation is relatively low, banking facilities are improving and economic confidence has picked up - is surprising," say market watchers. India's share of global gold demand is about one and a half times that of the US, though its GDP is only 1/20th that of the US. "With its high rate of gold consumption, India accounts for 18% of the annual global gold demand, while its share of global GDP on nominal dollar GDP is only 1.6%," market watchers add. As per World Gold Council (WGC) estimates, Indian households own about 15,000 tonnes of gold, accounting for about 10% of the world-wide stock. At current market values, gold accounts for 10-15% of the Indian household balance sheet. After rising by 63% in '04, India's gold consumption (excluding gold used for jewellery exports) rose by 57% in FY05. In fact, during the quarter ended March '05, gold consumption shot up 88%. Cumulatively, India now holds gold stock of about $200bn (29% of GDP), according to estimates. The cumulative GDP value lost by parking $200bn worth savings over the years in this not-so-productive asset is huge. With no domestic gold mining, the purchase of gold also means spending precious foreign exchange earnings. During the quarter ended March '05, gold consumption (excluding gold used for jewellery exports) was 1.8% (annualised) of GDP and about 21% of the total non-oil imports.

Courtesy: The Economic Times: July 19, 2005

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Capitalising on the shortage of teachers in the US , especially in subjects like mathematics, Indian tutors are finding online education a good revenue spinner in this emerging segment in outsourcing. An offshoot of business process outsourcing (BPO), education process outsourcing (EPO) is India's new emerging service offering and is getting wide support from both students and clients in the US, experts said. Sitting in small cubicles, fitted with a headset and pen mouse, these tutors are teaching students subjects like mathematics from course curriculum specified in the US - that, too, in an accent familiar to Americans. According to one estimate, about 40 per cent of the students in America fail in their mathematics examination and the country needs close to one million teachers over the next 10 years. Currently, private tutoring is an $8 billion industry in the US and growing at 12 per cent a year. Of that, $3 billion is accounted for by tutoring through the Internet.

Courtesy: The Economic Times, July 19, 2005

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The rural economy is set to go hi-tech with promises made for internet and telecom connectivity. By the 60th aniversary of the country's Independence, on August 15, 2007, each of the 600,000 villages are promised with a village knowledge centre (VKC) based on broadband internet connectivity. There will be one million knowledge workers within this year. A national alliance of 150 partner organisations, which consists of both foreign and Indian NGOs and institutions, has launched Mission-2007 for the purpose. The alliance says that VKCs will disseminate relevant information relating to agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, health, education, rural enterprises and disaster management. As a first step, the alliance partners have planned to connect 25,000 villages with knowledge centres (KCs). At present there are about 10,000 KCs, out of which 5,000 are managed by ITC Ltd. There are, of course, a few other initiatives by government and non-governmental sectors like EID Parry's Agri-line project, Kissan Kerala, Akshya in Kerala, Bhoomi in Karnataka, Drishti in Haryana, SEWA in Gujarat, E-Sewa in Andhra Pradesh, N-Logue of the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, Gyandoot in Madhya Pradesh, Maha-Agri in Maharashtra and Tarahaat in Delhi.

Courtesy: www.financialexpress.com, July 18, 2005

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The world's highest battlefield, Siachen Glacier, on Friday saw the country's first private airliner Jet Airways landing at the Thoise, the nearest airbase connecting the glacier with the world. The chartered Boeing aircraft carried 90 military personnel on its inaugural flight. The flight was inaugurated by Lt General PK Singh (Director General Operational Logistics) in Delhi. The weekly chartered flight, covering the distance between Delhi and Thoise in an hour, would now carry troops deployed in the glacier. An official spokesman said the Expression of Interest for operating chartered flights to Thoise was invited by the Defence Ministry from all domestic airlines and subsequently Jet Airways was shortlisted since it met all terms and conditions. This facility, besides being a welfare measure, would also result in huge savings in time, effort and money, as troops would be available for longer time for operational duties, the spokesman said, adding, it would be a high motivational factor. It may be mentioned here that the Siachen glacier is connected to the rest of the country through this airbase and helicopters are the lifeline for the soldiers deployed there at the heights ranging from 15,000 to 22,000 feet. The troops deployed there earlier used to travel to Jammu by train and then reach Thoise after travelling by road from Jammu to Srinagar, Leh and Thoise.

Courtesy: The Pioneer, July 16, 2005

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Entertainment is big business and to prove it right, India's first integrated theme park, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crores is coming up across a spread of 150 acres in Noida. The amusement park alone is expected to cost Rs 400 crores, apart from a water park, a shopping mall, a six screen cineplex and a four star hotel, which are all part of the integrated theme park. Speaking to this newspaper, Rakesh Babbar, director, International Amusement Limited, said, "The overall cost of the integrated theme park called 'Noida entertainment city' will be Rs 1,000 crores. For the public, some of the amusement rides will open in April next year, even though the first ride will be installed in the park by August 15 this year."The amusement park will have all imported rides from leading suppliers of the world, who are supplying to amusement majors like Disney, Universal and Six Flags. Water management system for the water park will be supplied by Europool, a Glasgow-based world leader in water management systems. Leading Consultants of the world have been commissioned for the project. Apart from a plethora of amusement rides collated from the leading suppliers, the theme park will see one of the largest amalgamation of retailers under one roof and will re-define the meaning of entertainment in the Indian context, said one of the consultants associated with the project. There will be separate sections for children, teenagers family visitors, within the amusement park. It is estimated that number of visitors per year to this park will be 2.5 million and the number of direct jobs that will be created will be about 800-1,000. The park plans to launch its first ride called "Disco" in August this year, which is actually a speed and fun ride, which is shaped like a music disc.

Courtesy: The Asian Age, July 12, 2005

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They have made a difference to many lives in the militancy-torn Valley. Three Kashmiri women find a place among 1,000 other women from around the world nominated jointly for this year's Nobel Peace prize. Social activist Nighat Shafi Pandit, educator Dilfarose Qazi and rights activist Parveena Ahangar, by their selfless service, have shown the world that women can emerge stronger and powerful in societies where violence has become a way of life. A common quality unites these three women - their ability to rise above their personal trauma to rally against injustice - something that prompted the global body '1,000 Global Women for Peace' to nominate them for the international honour. Pandit and her organisation 'Help Foundation' focusses on educating orphans, rehabilitating widows and promoting peace and harmony in the strife-torn state. Her work among the Kashmir's rural community is all the more notable as it is done braving physical danger and many other risks. At present, 'Help Foundation' is running an orphanage where some 20 children receive free education, boarding and lodging. It also runs several small schools, where most of the students come from poor families, besides organising free medical camps. Parveesna Ahangar has been the voice of the 'disappeared' - a euphemism for those allegedly picked up for questioning by security forces but never return - for over a decade. The official website of these peace prize nominees says, "Fourty-eight-year-old Ahangar is an extraordinary woman who has risen above personal trauma to rally against injustice." The mother of a son who "disappeared", she formed the Association of Parents for Disappeared Persons (APDP) to fight this pernicious form of human rights abuse. ''Thanks to APDP's efforts, the government has finally acknowledged that more than 3,000 people have vanished in custody and promised to bring this practice to an end,'' it says. Qazi too battles lack of security and harsh weather conditions to help the women and children of Jammu and Kashmir lead normal lives. Starting small with classes in cutting and tailoring for girls and housewives, Dilafrose now runs an engineering college and several primary schools and vocational training centres. Till now, nearly 1,500 rural women have been trained in garment technology, tilla sozi, carpet weaving, shawl embroidery and computer software by her institute under the community development programme sponsored by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development. The college is also offering BE degree in civil, mechanical, electronics and communication. The Kashmiri trio is also joined by 89 other women from India, who have been nominated for the international honour by the organisation supported by the Swiss Government, UNIFEM and UNDP.

Courtesy: The Indian Express, July 11, 2005

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Dr Manmohan Singh was presented with an honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law by the Oxford University in recognition of his role as statement and as a leading economist on July 8 at a colourful function attended by senior Dons and some Indian students at Oxford. The Prime Minister who studied for a D.Phil at Nuffield College in Oxford was ceremonially led into the Convocation House. The Chancellor Lord Patten, and senior figures accompanied him. As per tradition the University's Public Orator Prof Richard Jenkyns, presented Dr Singh and explained in Latin why he should be accorded the honour. He described Dr Singh as a man who exhibits wisdom, learning and a sense of patriotic duty in the highest degree. "We for our part are proud that so distinguished a man acquired some of his expertise here and we hope that he regards us with affection." The Chancellor after presenting the degree said Dr Singh exemplified the magnificence of India's splendorous culture and reflected India's tradition of moderation in governance. "Dr Singh is responsible for lifting more men and women above poverty line than anybody in the world." In his address Dr Singh first expressed his deep sorrow and shock at the terrorist attack in London on Thursday and said such attacks strike all who believe in democracy. "All those who cherish and value free society must join hands to fight wherever terror strikes." The presentation of the degree was an emotional moment for the old alumni of Oxford. "To be so honoured by a university where one has burnt the proverbial midnight oil to earn a degree, is truly a most fulfilling experience." Other Indians who are recipients of an honorary degree from Oxford include Mrs Indira Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Satayjit Ray, Amartya Sen. Honorary degree of Civil law has been presented to Dr Radhakrishnan and Tej Bahadur Sapru.

Courtesy: Hindustan Times, July 09, 2005

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For India, it is an almost 150-year dream about to come true. Where the mythological Ramayana bridge once is said to have existed over which Ram's monkey hordes went to Ravana's Lanka is now going to become Bharat's "Suez". A new channel between the south coast and Sri Lanka is to be dredged out, dramatically shortening the sea route for freight and slashing costs. But for environmentalists and fishermen, it is a nightmare in the making, one that it will haunt South Asia for decades. The $560 million Sethusamudram Ship Channel has roused strong emotions among supporters and opponents alike. And the tussle is likely to worsen as digging begins on Saturday. One of India's showcase projects to upgrade its infrastructure to cope with rapid economic growth, the channel, 12 metres deep, 300 metres wide and almost 90 km long, will cut through a chain of small islands known as Adam's Bridge that links the tips of India and Sri Lanka. Once finished, freighters sailing from one side of India to the other will no longer have to detour south around the bottom of Sri Lanka, saving up to 400 nautical miles (730 km) and 36 hours. "This will be a boon for the shipping industry. It will boost our ports and increase economic activity along the channel," said a spokesman for the Shipping Ministry, which is overseeing the project.

Courtesy: www.financialexpress.com, July 02, 2005

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A Rhodes scholar from Delhi is breaking cricketing records for Oxford University. Braveen Oberoi received a phone call from the Nawab of Pataudi Jr on Thursday congratulating him on a record-breaking 247 scored by his son Salin. Oberoi Jr, in his first year of two at Merton College, beat the record individual score in the varsity match set by the Nawab of Pataudi Sr in 1931, when he made an unbeaten 238. Oberoi hopes to meet Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi after he flies back home on Sunday. "This is my highest first-class score," says Oberoi, who considers Rahul Dravid his role model. "That was a bigger achievement for me than beating the record because first-class cricket is really important when I go back home and try again for my own side (the Sonnet Club)." Having amassed 610 for five on the second day before declaring, Oxford were frustrated on Thursday by a combination of patient batting and bad weather. Beginning the day with a 556-run deficit, Cambridge's aim was clear: to occupy the crease. Duncan Heath and James Chervak faced the off-spin of Paul McMahon, who is on Nottinghamshire's books, and Mike Munday as if each side was waiting for the other to blink first. Three successive fours released the tension, but no sooner had the stalemate broken, than so did the weather. A five-hour break ensued, but Oxford seized the initiative in an hour of play before the close as six wickets fell for 16 runs. Cambridge are a batsman down, Adrian Shankar having broken a thumb in the field. If the weather holds on Friday, Oberoi's magnificent score may yet contribute to a win.

Courtesy: The Asian Age, July 02, 2005

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It may soon be possible that Indian universities like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Hyderabad University will be counted among the world's elite universities along with Stanford, Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge. The government is considering initiating a "separate programme" for "select" universities with the objective of upgrading them to the world standard. As will all matters relating to education, the issue will be placed before the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE). And the good news is that joining the elite club isn't going to come as a big burden on the tax-payer. The plan will be financed in part by the proposed hike in tuition fees. The Planning Commission has already identified JNU, Hyderabad University, University of Madras, Jadavpur University and University of Pune for granting the status of "universities with potential excellence". The list is expected to be increased in the 11th Plan. A senior official in the ministry of human resources development said that the list of universities that would be considered may change. "In selecting the universities, care must be taken to ensure that older universities are not left out.

Courtesy: The Economic Times, July 01, 2005

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Many people in United States dropped out and turned on in the 1960s as the country became involved in the Vietnam war and major cities became engulfed by race riots. Rampuri went a big step further - he disappeared into rural India and became a naked sadhu . For 21 years he wandered holy outposts and smoked pot from a clay pipe called a chillum, learned the rituals of sadhus - Hindu devotees covered in sacred ashes and sporting dreadlocks - from a guru and along the way abandoned his western name and cut most contact with his family in Beverly Hills. The wandering years are the subject of his book, Baba - Autobiography of a Blue-Eyed Yogi , that gives a modern globalized... .twist to what Thomas Wolfe wrote in the 1930s about a man who moves to New York and writes a best seller critical of his small town roots -- You Can't Go Home Again . Rampuri, 54, says he is a rare western witness to a demise of the ancient sadhu culture in India. The perch led him to realize that as a foreigner he could never fully understand the ways of the vast country, but equally he could never rejoin western culture back in the United States. The traditions of sadhus in story telling, ayurvedic medicine, yoga and in giving aashirvad (blessings) played an important role in India's ability to withstand 20th century commercial trends as many people found the holy men a potent reminder against middle-class desire, Rampuri says. "But the sadhus who were plugged into that -- that's coming to an end. This is what really impressed me. These were people who could basically wander the country with no clothes, no money -- nothing between you and the Earth. That is now in a tremendously rapid decline," he says, dressed in an embroidered kurta pajama in an interview at a luxury hotel in New Delhi.

Courtesy: The Times of India, July 01, 2005

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Chennai native M A Venkataramanan, 47, takes over July 1 as chair of the undergraduate program at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business in Bloomington, Indiana. The 3,000-student undergraduate programme placed 11th in the most recent US News & World Report rankings, which also recognized the school's leadership in 11 different categories including management, marketing, accounting, entrepreneurship and supply chain management. The university believes Prof Venkataramanan, known as "Venkat" to his students at the Kelley School, is the first native of India to chair an undergraduate program at a major US business school. "Venkat will be an exceptional leader of our undergraduate program," said Dan Smith, interim dean of the Kelley School. "He recently did a stellar job as chair of a task force that reviewed all aspects of the programme." Smith said the Indian American educator is also "well respected by the faculty, has excellent relationships with many of our corporate supporters and, above all, is committed to the best interests of our students."

Courtesy: The Economic Times, July 01, 2005

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