ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA

ON THE   EVE OF THE REPUBLIC DAY OF INDIA

2015  New Delhi: Jan 25, 2015

My Fellow Citizens:
1. On the eve of the 66th Republic Day, I extend warm greetings to all of you in India and abroad. I convey my special greetings to members of our Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces and Internal Security Forces.
2. Twenty Sixth January holds an everlasting place in our national memory because it is the day when modern India was born. Under Mahatma Gandhi’s moral and political leadership, the National Congress passed the Purna Swaraj resolution demanding complete independence from British rule in December 1929. Gandhiji organized nationwide celebrations on 26 January 1930 as Independence Day. From then on, the Nation took a pledge on this day every year to carry on the freedom struggle till we attained it.
3. Exactly twenty years later, in 1950, we adopted our charter of modernity, the Constitution. Tragically, Gandhiji had been martyred two years before, but the framework of a Constitution that has made India a role model for today's world was constructed out of his philosophy. Its essence lay in four principles: democracy; freedom of faith; gender equality; and an economic upsurge for those trapped in the curse of dire poverty. These were made Constitutional obligations. Gandhiji’s talisman for the country's rulers was simple and powerful and I quote: "Whenever you are in doubt...recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen and ask yourself...will it lead to swaraj for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?" (unquote). Our resolve to eliminate poverty through inclusive development has to be a step in that direction.
Fellow Citizens:
4. The past year has been remarkable in many ways. Particularly because, after three decades the people have voted to power a single party with a majority for a stable government, and in the process freed the country’s governance from the compulsions of coalition politics. Outcome of these Elections has given the mandate to the elected government to fulfill its commitment to the people by using its majority for formulating policies and making laws to implement those policies. The voter has played her part; it is now up to those who have been elected to honour this trust. It was a vote for clean, efficient, effective, gender-sensitive, transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly governance. Fellow Citizens: 5. There can be no governance without a functioning legislature. The legislature reflects the will of the people. It is the platform where progressive legislation using civilized dialogue must create delivery mechanisms for realizing the aspirations of the people. It calls for reconciling the differences amongst stakeholders and building a consensus for the law to be enacted. Enacting laws without discussion impacts the law-making role of the Parliament. It breaches the trust reposed in it by the people. This is neither good for the democracy nor for the policies relating to those laws.
Fellow Citizens:
6. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Rabindranath Tagore, Subramanya Bharati and many more - the vocation and the approach might have been different but they all spoke the same language of patriotism. We owe our freedom to these great warriors of nationalism. We also salute the unsung heroes who have died securing the liberation of Mother India. But it pains me to see that Mother India is not respected by her own children when it comes to the safety of women. Atrocities of rape, murders, harassment on the roads, kidnapping and dowry deaths have made women fearful even in their own homes. Rabindranath Tagore saw women not only as the deities of the household fire, but also the flame of the soul itself. Where have we failed, as parents, teachers and leaders, that our children have forgotten all tenets of decent behaviour and respect for women? We have enacted many legislations but, as Benjamin Franklin had once said and I quote: “Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are” (unquote). Every Indian must take a pledge to protect the honour of women from violence of any kind. Only a nation that respects and empowers its women can become a global power.
Fellow Citizens:
7. The Indian Constitution is the holy book of democracy. It is a lodestar for the socio-economic transformation of an India whose civilization has celebrated pluralism, advocated tolerance and promoted goodwill between diverse communities. These values, however, need to be preserved with utmost care and vigilance. The freedom inherent in democracy sometimes generates an unhappy by-product when political discourse becomes a competition in hysteria that is abhorrent to our traditional ethos. The violence of the tongue cuts and wounds people's hearts. Religion, said Gandhiji, is a force for unity; we cannot make it a cause of conflict.

 

Fellow Citizens:
8. Much is said about India's soft power. But the most powerful example of India's soft power, in an international environment where so many countries are sinking into the morass of theocratic violence, lies in our definition of the relationship between faith and polity. We have always reposed our trust in faith-equality where every faith is equal before the law and every culture blends into another to create a positive dynamic. Wisdom of India teaches us: unity is strength, dominance is weakness.
Fellow Citizens:
 9. The multi-nation conflict has converted boundaries into bloodlines, and turned terrorism into an industry of evil. Terrorism and violence are seeping across our borders. While peace, non-violence and good neighbourly intentions should remain the fundamentals of our foreign policy, we cannot afford to be complacent about adversaries who will stop at nothing to disrupt our progress towards a prosperous and equitable India. We have the strength, confidence and determination to defeat architects of this war against our people. Repeated violations of the ceasefire along the Line of Control and terrorist attacks must get an integrated response through incisive diplomacy and impregnable security mechanisms. The world must join India in fighting the menace of terrorism.
Fellow Citizens:
10. Economic progress is also a test of democracy. Year 2015 is a year of hope. Key economic indicators provide for much optimism. Strengthening of the external sector, move towards fiscal consolidation, moderation in price levels, early signs of rebound in manufacturing and record agricultural production last year augur well for our economy. Achieving five percent plus growth rates each in the first two quarters of 2014-15 is a healthy sign for an early reversion to the high growth trajectory of 7-8 percent.

11. The success of a society is measured by both survival and strengthening of its values, institutions and instruments of governance. Our national narrative has been shaped by the principles of its past, triumphs of today and is now ready to own the future by powering its latent potential.
Fellow Citizens:
12. Our national ambition is to raise the quality of life of Indians by quantum leaps and raise generations enlightened by learning, patriotism, compassion, honesty and a sense of duty. Thomas Jefferson had said and I quote: “Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty” (unquote). We must strive for the highest quality in our educational institutions so that we can take our place, within a visible future, among the knowledge leaders of the 21st century. I would urge, in particular, that we lay special stress on the culture of books and reading, which takes knowledge beyond the classroom and frees imagination from stress of the immediate and the utilitarian. We must be a creative people, nourished by innumerable, interlinked rivers of ideas. Our youth must lead the way to mastery of technology and communication in a universe where the cloud has become a library without frontiers, and vast opportunity awaits within the computer in your palm. The 21st century is within India's grasp.
Fellow Citizens:
13. This future will remain both visible and elusive if we do not discover the ability to continually cleanse ourselves of retrograde habits and social ills. Over the past century, some have died, others have faded, but many still exist. We are celebrating, this year, the centenary of Gandhiji's return to India from South Africa. We can never cease to learn from a Mahatma. The first thing he did in 1915 was to keep his eyes open and his lips sealed. It is advisable to follow his example. While we are, rightly, focused on 1915, perhaps we should cast a glance on what Gandhiji did in 1901, the year when he returned home for his first break. The annual Congress session was held that year in Calcutta, then the capital of British India. Gandhiji was a delegate. He went to Ripon College for a meeting. He discovered that the whole place had been dirtied by fellow-delegates. A shocked Gandhiji did not wait for any allotted cleaner. He picked up a broom and cleaned the area. No one followed his example in 1901. 114 years later, let us follow his example, and become worthy children of a magnificent father.

Message of H.E. Mr. Sunil Jain,

Ambassador of India to Kuwait, on the Republic Day of India 

Dear Friends, On the occasion of our 66th Republic Day, I convey my warm greetings to each and every member of our community as well as our many, many friends and well-wishers in Kuwait. 

On 26 January 1950, the Constitution of modern India came into force. Our Constitution laid the foundation of a democratic and secular State. During these years, the Constitution has witnessed many challenges, however it has remained flexible and vibrant to accommodate various changes which the people of India desired, while remaining steadfast in its fundamentals. Our country has always been committed to the universal peace, harmony, justice and equality, as our civilization is founded on the core value of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, that is, the world is one family.
The pluralism is an integral part of Indian identity, and it is reflected in every aspect; be it religion, language, ethnicity, political ideology, cuisine, or even geography (deserts, mountains, plains, forests, islands, and coastal areas). We have all the world’s major religions and many spoken languages. A vibrant democracy has been India’s most enduring identity ever since India adopted its constitution that made it a democratic Republic with universal adult suffrage. The 14th General Elections held in April - May 2014, were the biggest elections in the human history, in which 554 million out of 834 million registered voters exercised their franchise, and gave a huge mandate to the new Government under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In last eight months, the Government has taken various initiatives towards realizing the aspirations of its people by improving the business environment, growth and creation of jobs; and the intensity of India’s international engagement has increased manifold.Today, what excites the world most about India is the Indianeconomy of 1.25 billion people, which is now the 3rd largest in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) and is showing new dynamism. For its economic transformation, India has addressed both policy and regulatory issues, which have resonated well in the predictions of global rating agencies and major financial institutions. As per the World Bank and OECD, India’s GDP is set to grow by 6.4% in 2015-16. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s latest world economic outlook, India is said to be worth US$ 2.05 trillion economy in 2014 from US$ 1.88 trillion in 2013, while its GDP size would cross another milestone of US$ 3 trillion in 2019. To improve the ease of doing business in India, the Government is taking multiple steps to simplify procedures, rationalize rules and increased use of technology for efficient and effective governance. Inflation in India has dropped, the currency is stable and the stock market is booming.
The Government has liberalized the Foreign Direct Investment policy. Now, 100% FDI under automatic route has been permitted in construction, operation and maintenance in specified Rail Infrastructure projects; FDI in Defence liberalized from 26% to 49%. In cases of modernization of state-of-art proposals, FDI could be up to 100%; and the norms for FDI in the Construction Development sector are being eased. The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2014, brought by the Government in December 2014, aims to enhance the FDI cap in an Indian insurance company from 26% to 49%.
In recent years, India has made significant progress in linking different parts of the vast country through a more extensive and efficient transport infrastructure. Total length of roads in the country has increased from 0.4 million kilometers in 1951 to over 4.6 million kilometers in 2013. The Government of India is giving utmost importance to the creation of new infrastructure, development of dedicated freight corridors and investment in improving our ports and airports. It plans to build 100 smart cities which will be technology integrated, wellplanned and environ¬ment-friendly. The private sector would be playing a significant role in these developmental works.

A flexible PPP (public-private partnership) model is being work¬ed out; and many countries including the USA, Japan, China and Singapore, have promised to play a role under this scheme. To attract greater Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the manufacturing sector, Hon’ble Prime Minister launched a ‘Make in India’ initiative on 25 September 2014, and a series of measures have been taken to revitalize the industrial sector in general and manufacturing sector in particular.
With a large middle class, dynamic and innovative entrepreneurs, plentiful scientific and technical manpower, diversified industrial base and abundant raw materials, India is an attractive business and investment destination. To equip our working population with the requisite skills for the manufacturing sector, a separate Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has been set up. In past 8-months, the Government has launched several programmes, viz. Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana (the world’s largest programme of financial inclusion), Swachh Bharat Campaign (Clean India Mission, to modernize sanitation in the country within five years), and Digital India initiative aimed at delivering government services electronically by 2018, which have the potential to transform India.
We are globally among the top 20 exporters of goods and the top 10 services exporters. We are also a leading food producer in the world – the largest producer of milk and the second largest of fruits and vegetables. Owing to its excellent Information Technology and Information Technology-enabled services sectors, India is a software giant and an outsourcing hub, especially for business and knowledge process. Some cutting edge products and services are being developed in India both by multinational companies as well as Indian companies. The government’s policies aim at achieving rapid growth with social justice and equity. There are now over 900 million mobile subscribers in the country. To facilitate the visit of Indian Diaspora to India, the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) schemes have been merged, by which PIOs will get life-long Indian visa and exemption from appearing before the local police station on every visit.
India has made remarkable progress in Space Technology and Planetary Exploration. India gave the world the concept of ‘Zero’, has mastered the nuclear cycle, sent expeditions to Antarctica and even unmanned missions to the Moon and Mars.

Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) Mars Orbiter Mission  ‘Mangalyaan’ was recently named among the best inventions of 2014 by TIME magazine. India also became the first nation to reach Mars orbit in its very first attempt; and joined the elite club of the United States, Russia and Europe. On 18 December 2014, ISRO successfully tested its most powerful satellite launch vehicle - Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III. Once operational, GSLV Mark-III will be able to put satellites weighing about 4 tonnes into orbit, almost doubling India’s current capability.
After our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of declaring 21 June as the ‘Int  ernational Day of Yoga’ in September 2014, the United Nations General Assembly on 11 December 2014 adopted an India-led Resolution declaring 21 June as the ‘International Day of Yoga’, recognizing that “Yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being.” The Resolution received support from 177 countries, the highest number ever for any General Assembly Resolution, including Kuwait joining as a co-sponsor.
On the foreign policy front, India will continue to pursue its enlightened national interest, maintaining the strategic autonomy and independence in decision-making that has been its hallmark. Our overriding priority is to secure an atmosphere of peace and security in which India’s rapid economic transformation can proceed. India will work with other countries to tackle issues of common concern, such as international terrorism, the global economic crisis, climate change, energy security, food security, and the reform of multilateral institutions to reflect contemporary realities. India has consistently been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and has always unequivocally condemned all forms and manifestations of that evil. Our experience of tackling developmental challenges within a democratic framework, and our emphasis on building convergences and consensus have helped us play a key role in addressing international challenges as well as promoting peace, progress and prosperity globally.

The Gulf region, as an important part of our extended neighbourhood, is a priority area of our foreign policy. India has vital stakes in the security and stability of the entire Gulf and the Middle East region. GCC is our largest trading bloc, provides about 70% of India’s crude oil requirements and hosts about 7 million Indians. In 2013, India-GCC trade was US$ 153 billion and accounted for over 26% of our global trade.
India’s relations with Kuwait are historically warm, close and friendly. We have been an integral part of each other’s life and consciousness for generations. Our relationship extends beyond historical and cultural linkages to encompass political, trade and economic interests. Kuwait is India’s 3rd largest crude oil supplier. India has consistently been among Kuwait’s top trading partners and the total bilateral trade during the Financial Year 2013-14 was US$ 18.21 billion. In 2014, Indian companies like Dodsal, Shapoorji Pallonji, Larsen & Toubro, Punj Lloyd and Simplex Project Ltd, were awarded EPC contracts in Kuwait worth US$ 4.15 billion in the hydrocarbon and construction sectors. The business communities of the two countries are working in cooperation with one another.
High-level visits and other exchanges between our two countries have helped to further strengthen bilateral relations and explore new avenues of cooperation. His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait visited India in November 2013. During the visit, various Agreements and MOUs were signed. To enhance security cooperation, H.E. Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, President of the National Security Bureau of Kuwait, visited India in February 2014. H.E. Dr. Abdulmohsen Medeij Al-Medeij, Minister of Commerce and Industry led the Kuwaiti delegation to the 4th India-Arab Partnership Conference held in New Delhi on 26-27 November 2014 and as well as Partnership Summit held at Jaipur, Rajasthan on 15-17 January 2015.
Bilateral Institutional mechanisms like Joint Working Groups on Hydrocarbon; Labour, Employment and Manpower; and the 2nd Foreign Office Consultations between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries were held in Kuwait 2014. Both sides have been working closely to further intensify engagements at all levels. The 3rd Joint Ministerial meeting is scheduled to be held in Kuwait this year. The dynamic Indian community in Kuwait, which is now estimated at over 8 lakh, continues to play its cementing role in strengthening of bilateral ties. It is present in practically all segments of Kuwaiti society and their contribution to the socioeconomic development and prosperity of Kuwait has been highly appreciated. I would like to assure our community of the Embassy’s best possible services for its welfare. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude for the benevolence bestowed on the Indian community by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, and for the goodwill of the friendly people of Kuwait. H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, President of India has extended his warm felicitations to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait on receiving the well-deserved honour of the “Humanitarian Leader” as well as the UN designating Kuwait as the “Global Humanitarian Centre.”

 

To boost travel of Kuwaiti nationals and expatriates in Kuwait to India, the Embassy has been providing multi-entry business visas (5-year and 1-year), tourism visas (6-month), medical visas (1-year) and visas for study purposes. There  has been a remarkable jump in grant of visas in 2014 by the Embassy.

 

The Embassy issued 12,738 visas in 2014 compared to 10,583 visas in 2013, a jump of over 20% in a year.The Embassy has been consistently trying to improve the quality of its services. The Embassy has taken several measures for the welfare of the Indian community in Kuwait. Our community can now reach us on 24x7, in cases of emergency. Upon the demand of our community, the Embassy opened its 3rd outsource center at (Jleeb Al Shuwaikh) Abbasiya, where a significant part of Indian community resides. We are trying to strengthen our Community Welfare Fund so that anyone who is in financial distress can be provided an air ticket to return home, limited medical treatment etc from this Fund. The Embassy has the “Consular Open House” facility where any Indian national can meet a senior consular official without appointment. The Embassy’s “Indian Workers Welfare Center” set up in September 2009 has been providing the much needed support system to our workers with its help desk, labour complaints desk, free accommodation and free legal advice. I would like to take this opportunity to assure that the Embassy will spare no efforts in looking after the issues of concern to our community with maximum sensitivity and care.
On this joyous occasion of our Republic Day, as we rededicate ourselves to serving our people, our motherland and the larger cause of humanity, I wish every Indian in Kuwait good health, happiness and prosperity. I also take this opportunity to convey best wishes from the Indian leaders for the continued good health and well-being of HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince, HH the Prime Minister, and the friendly people of the State of Kuwait.
Jai Hind!

 We celebrate the success of India across various fields in the Global arena

- Dr. R. Seetharaman
CEO, Doha Bank Group

On the occasion of the 66th anniversary of Indian Republic Day which falls on 26th January 2015 I extend my warm greetings to all India Citizens. India is one of the oldest civilizations and has a rich and varied heritage. The values that guided our freedom movement, led by Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi became the cornerstone of the Independent Indian Republic. The great dream of raising a new India from the ashes of colonialism reached a historic denouement in 1947; more important, independence became a turning point for an equally dramatic narrative, nationbuilding. The foundations were laid through our Constitution, adopted on 26 January 1950, which we celebrate each year as Republic Day. Its driving principle was a compact between state and citizen, a powerful public-private partnership nourished by justice, liberty and equality. India’s Constitution represented a liberation from the stranglehold of traditional inequity in gender, caste, community that had c hained us for too long. This inspired a Cultural Evolution which put Indian society on the track to modernity: society changed in a gradual evolution. In last six and half decades our economic growth rate has more than tripled and our literacy rate has increased by over four times. India has also secured a respected place in the comity of nations. India is the largest democracy and is committed to tolerance, harmony, equality, justice, and the rule of law. India today is poised for a giant leap from the ranks of developing countries to developed countries. India’s GDP grew at an average of 7.6 percent between 2004-05 and 2013-14, second only to China and far higher than the US and European countries. Our economic activity is projected to pick up gradually on account of various measures taken by the current government.
India is land of unity in diversity. It has different languages, customs, art and culture. Indian dance has themes drawn from mythology, legends and classical literature. Indian literature can date its origins to the oral tradition of the Vedas and the great epics of India, which are still an integral part of daily life.
Indians have a diverse selection of cuisine types. India’s Bollywood, Kollywood, tollywood and other regional language films have attracted global audiences.

Indians have spread across globally on account of their knowledge, skill and commitment. On account of this Indian culture has also transcended borders in the form of dance, literature, food, music, festival or cinema Indian festivals are celebrated gl obally. The Indian Culture has brought Global Indian Community closer.
GCC- India Bilateral trade is over $150bn for 2013-14 and there is significant potential on bilateral trade, finance and investment between the both blocs. GCC is home to a large Indian expatriate population, which constantly nurtures and renews the ties of friendship and understanding between the two blocks. The dynamic and lively Indian community in GCC continues to play its part in the rapid evolution and up gradation of ties.
As we live in an interconnected world Indian nationals have also come under the umbrella of global citizenship. Indians will play an active role on social responsibility, global awareness and civic management. We need social solidarity and hence Indians will become Global Citizens to accomplish this. The goals of liberty, equality and the pursuit of happiness can bring together people from all over the world, which is why it’s important to be a Global Citizen.
On this day we take pride as an Indian and celebrate the success of India across various fields in the Global arena and once again I extend my Republic day greetings to all Indian Citizens.
Jai Hind

India’s brain power has been spreading across the world
- M. Shayinsha Khan Managing Director, (NQG)

Watching the Republic Day parade has been my favorite watch every year on January 26th. The hoisting of our Indian flag and the heart stirring National Anthem always brought tears and I could feel my nerves tingle and goose bumps run through my body. That is a wonderful feeling that makes me feel awesome and feel proud once again “I am a born Indian”. The three colors of our flag, saffron, white and green reminds me of the valuable lessons life has taught me as an Indian. Saffron always reminds me of the saffron colored dress worn by our ancient gurus who preached non-violence and peace. Our ancient land had seen scholarly souls who always adorned saffron dress and stood as icons for knowledge and visions for a better life forever.
The white color reminds me of the peace that everyone across the world. When I read through the Indian history when our ancient kings fought in the battlefield, they always remembered the significance of white color. The green color reminds me of the rich wealth and natural wonders that our country adorns. The green color rings in a positive note that reminds again and again that nature is our best friend and it is our duty to maintain a better world for the future generation to live here.
India has been growing successfully in the field of technology that makes our lives easy and sophisticated. Yet, we should not forget one thing. Apart from all the comfort that technology has provided, the most important thing we need to teach our youngsters is to have the feeling of compassion. Learn to respect others; learn to respect your elders; learn to give space for others and refrain from being very selfish. India’s brain power has been spread across the world. Yet, the people here in India who are not fortunate still struggle to have a decent livelihood. Cleanliness, following a healthy diet and the willingness to learn and relearn are the only factors that would make our lives a healthy and wealthy one and Happy Republic Day.

 

DHIRAJ OBEROI Managing Partner,KITCO “ An Oath on Republic Day…! On this Republic Day, each and every Indian should take an oath to bring our Nation as number one in the world. For that we have to show our co-operation, hard work, faithful and sincerity . Before salute our National flag, all citizens of India should keep freedom in mind, faith in words, pride in our heart and memories in our souls. We have to respect our constitution. Always we should remember our freedom fighters. We have to spread the spirit of united India. We shall root out corruption from our society. It is our duty to protect our national resources. If we take this oath and follow this strictly, no doubt, our India will become the top most developed country in the world. Happy Republic Day…!		SIRISH MD & Partner , Al Qabandi United company kuwait Republic day is a national festival celebrated all over India with great pomp and grandeur. The main Republic day celebration takes place in New Delhi, the capital of India. A special parade is held on this day. Early in the m ornin g people begin to assemble at Raj Path and other places form Rajapath to Red Fort to watch the parade. The President of India takes the salute. A special guest, normally a high foreign dignitary is invited well in advance to be the chief guest for the function.This year It is happy to say this Republic Day, we have President Obama to be the 1st U.S President to grace the occasion as Chief Guest.” Happy Republic day!

NITI AAYOG

R. Chinnaiyan, Deputy General Manager, Kuwait India International Exchange Co
“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them”. - Albert Einstein

Introduction: The year 2015 dawned in India with the announcement of the establishment of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog as a successor to and in replacement of the Planning Commission. NITI Aayog will be responsible for formulating a “Bharatiya approach to development”. The new Institution is seen as a think tank that will foster “cooperative federalism” rather than take a top-down approach. This is an important evolutionary change from the past replacing a “Centre – to – State, one – way flow of policy by a genuine and continuing partnership with the States”. It will serve as a think tank for the central as well as the state governments.
Planning Commission:
We shall briefly deal with the predecessor of NITI Aayog, the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission was set up by a resolution of the Government of India in March, 1950 in pursuance of declared objectives of the Government to promote a rapid rise in the standards of living of the people by efficient exploitation of the resources of the country, increasing production and offering opportunities to all for employment in the service of the community.
The Planning Commission was charged with the responsibility of making assessment of all resources of the country, augmenting deficient resources, formulating plans for the most effective and balanced utilization of resources and determining priorities.
Jawharlal Nehru was the first Chairman of the Planning Commission. The main thrust of the Planning Commission was formulation of Five Year Plans and to play a mediatory and facilitating role in the matter of allocation of resources, keeping in view the best interests of the centre – various ministries and the states.
It was aimed to help creating a culture of high productivity and efficiency in the Government. In all, in its existence of 65 years, the Planning Commission formulated 12 Five Year Plans – starting with the first Five Year Plan 1951-56 to the twelfth Five Year Plan 2012-2017 (Annual Plans formulated between 1966 and 1969, 1990-1991, 1991-1992). The Commission was overseeing and approving the annual budgetary plans of the State Governments. The emphasis was on a growing public sector with massive investments in basic and heavy industries up to the first eight plans and thereafter the emphasis on public sector became less pronounced.
The Planning Commission went through a number of operational changes over the years ranging from being a simple planning body to a powerful “control commission” to a fiscal decentralization instrument to an official think tank – voices had begun to grow louder for an overhaul.

The role and functioning of the Planning Commission and its top down approach was seen as out of sync in the changed circumstances where it is held that an inclusive and cooperative partnership would be best suited to engineer faster economic development. The states were not getting to play an adequate and meaningful role more particularly in the matter of resource allocation and priority of the projects. This becomes more pronounced when the states are ruled by parties different from the one in power at the centre. In fact, in one instance, one of the Chief Ministers felt slighted when the time given to the CM to speak at the National Development Council was sought to be curtailed by the Deputy Chairman of the Commission.The Centralised planning modeled on the planning structure of the then USSR had its pitfalls – this envisaged central planning that did not carry the spirit of “cooperative federalism”. With the discretion in the matter of allocation of resources, the States became more of passive recipients with a feeling of not getting a fair deal. Precious little was done to encourage economic growth and bring in an atmosphere of less bureaucratic discretion and control. The country got very poor ranking in “Index of Economic Freedom” and “Corruption Perception Index”. Economic freedom and corruption levels are inversely related. Empirical evidence points out to the low levels of Economic Freedom and the high levels of corruption in India.
  India’s ranking in 2014: Index of Economic Freedom : 120 (out of 186 countries) (Heritage Foundation, USA) Corruption Perception Index : 85 (out of 175 countries). (Transparency International, Germany) Mr. Shenoy appointed to the Panel of Economists who were to appraise Nehru’s ambitious Second Five-Year Plan gave a bold and courageous dissenting note: “I do not feel convinced of the economic importance of continuing the remnants of controls. Decontrols have proved a noteworthy success.

Controls and physical allocations are not a necessary adjunct to planning. I am unable to agree with my colleagues that a case exists for continuing what controls now remain. Steps should be taken to remove controls as early as may be possible. Controls and allocations are an essential characteristic of communist planning. They do not very well fit in, under planning in a free enterprise market economy ---the only hope of eradication of corruption on the current scale is a complete U-turn in our policies”. However, what actually happened is too well known to be recounted here.
The Structure of NITI Aayog:
This body will be headed by the Prime Minister and would comprise a vice-chairperson, besides full time and part-time members. The Aayog will have up to four members of the council of ministers and a chief executive officer of secretary rank. Dr. Arvind Panagariya a noted Indian American economist was appointed as the first vice chairman of the NITI Aayog. The vice chairman will be assisted by two full time members – Mr. Bibek Debroy, economist and Mr. V. K. Saraswat, former Defence Research and Development Organisation Chief. There will be three special invitees. A Governing Council is proposed which would comprise all the Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories. Regional Councils would be formed based on need.
NITI Aayog will seek to provide critical directional and strategic input into the development process to create a greater stake for states in development. The Aayog will provide a national agenda for the primate minister and chief ministers while recognizing that “strong states make a strong nation”. It will also interact with other national and international think tanks, as also with educational and policy research institutions. Getting the chief ministers involved in formulating the country’s development vision was the right way to go. The intention to create the Aayog where states’ leaders will be part and parcel of collective thinking with the centre and other stakeholders in formulating a vision for the development of the country is the best of planning and implementation as compared with the previous structure, where a handful of people formulated the vision and presented it to the National Development Council (NDC).

DR. BHASKAR GUPTA AxMedical Director & Pediatrician,Yiaco Apollo Medical Center, Salmiya Kuwait   First of all, I would like to greet every Indian citizen on this joyous occasion of Republic Day of India. India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, spanning a period of more than 4000 years, and witnessing the fusion of several customs and traditions, which are reflective of the rich culture and heritage of the Country. The transition of India from a British colony to a sovereign, secular, and democratic nation was indeed historical. The history of the nation gives a glimpse into the magnanimity of its evolution - from a Country reeling under colonialism, to one of the leading economies in the global scenario within a span of fifty years. This transformation of the nation instills a sense of national pride in the heart of every Indian within the Country and abroad. Today, the country still fights the crime and violence which has a different design than that of earlier times. Prior to Independence, the crime and violence had the name of British. Now the crime and violence has the name of terrorist, rape, burglary, riots, strikes and the taking of lives of valued citizens. Even after becoming republic, we are not free of the terrorism which is pulling our country from the main stream of countries in the path of development and progress. Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment are the three major factors which is pulling us back and making people resort to corruption, violence and robbery. In spite of many hinderances, India has emerged as the fastest growing economic power in the world and making rapid progress in technological field. Still with all these problems, Unity in diversity has been the biggest symbol of our country. I feel that we make our progress in the good direction in the coming days and the feeling of oneness remains in the progressive days of tomorrow. Let us pray for the prosperity and unity of our country. On this Republic Day as we remember those who fought to give us the Freedom.

NITI Aayog will create a knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial support system through a collaborative community of national and international experts, practitioners and partners. It will offer a platform for resolution of inter-sectoral and interdepartmental issues in ordezr to accelerate the implementation of the development agenda. In addition, it will monitor and evaluate the implementation of programmes and focus on technology upgradation and capacity building. The objective of the new body is to evolve a shared vision of national development priorities, sectors and strategies with the active involvement of states.
In conclusion, we can say that with the creation of this new body, wherein the federal structure is well respected and represented, it is hoped that the development would receive the much needed fillip. The most important aspect in this initiative is to bring the states on board and instill a participatory feeling. Only when the states are strong can the entire country be strong. To achieve this goal, it is very much essential that the states fully involve in this and take ownership of the role they would be required to play. It is to be seen whether the new avatar would remove the weakness seen in the earlier body. Or is it the old wine in a new bottle? The Jury is still out.
It is apt to quote Thiruvalluvar a great sage-poet who wrote Thirukkural in Tamil on almost all subjects with everlasting values.
In the Kural, (couplet) quoted below he says that nothing is impossible when an initiative is taken at the proper time to suit the changing times by employing suitable tools/strategies.
(Aruvinai enba ulavo karuviyar - Kalamarindhu cheyin)

RAVI KOHLI MD, Al –Sabah & Kohli Group This is the festival of proud for our nation. Every countryman should participate in this occasion. This is an occasion of patriotism, unity, peace, love, proud, happiness and inspiration. We should make some principle on this occasion and try to be loyal to our duties and nation. • We shall root out all evils,corruption from our society and nation. • We shall respect our constitution. • We will always remember our freedom fighter and golden heritage of our country. • We shall feel proud to be the part of India. • We shall spread the spirit of united India. • We shall make our people literate. Happy Republic Day !

AZIZ F Tajmahal Marbles, Kuwait India is not just a geography: it is also a history of ideas, philosophy, intellect, industrial genius, craft, innovation, and experience. The promise of India has sometimes been mislaid by misfortune; at other times by our own complacence and weakness. Destiny has given us another opportunity to recover what we have lost; we will have no one to blame but ourselves if we falter. Happy Republic day!

 

Indian Achiever

Manju Shahul-Hameed- Mayor of London Borough Croydon in South London

When she left for Britain to join her husband Raffi in 1996, little did Manju Shahul- Hameed, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, dream of becoming anything more than a homemaker over there. Today, she is the Mayor of London Borough Croydon in South London.

She had left Kerala after completing her degree studies at the Sree Narayana College, Chempazhanthy. Having studied in local Malayalam medium schools, she could not even speak in English. “It was through my involvement in the community and voluntary organisations and my desire to make a difference in people’s lives that I entered politics. So I came into politics not as a political leader but as a community leader,” she said. Her mother did not want her to be a mere homemaker after marriage. So Ms. Shahul-Hameed enrolled for Masters in Scientific and Engineering Software Technology at the University of Greenwich and joined the Labour Party in 1998. In 2000, she started working as a software engineer but continued her involvement in community building and volunteering. Her appeal in the community led to her election as a councillor in 2006 and her recent election as a Mayor from among 70 councillors of the council.
As a Mayor, she seeks to “celebrate the diversity and culture of Croydon and make it a great place to raise a family.” She also supports two charities — Age UK and Macmillan Cancer Support as part of her Mayoral duties.
Talking about her plans to open a charity to encourage home makers to volunteer, she said the spirit of volunteering in business and community organisations, needed to pick up in Kerala which was a great way of gaining experience. On how she overcame the language barrier, she said all that one needed to make a positive change was to have faith in one self.”

N.S.SHETTY (Partner ,Oriental Inter. Gen.Trad.Cont.Co) The Republic Day is observed with much pomp and grandeur in India. It is quite fittingly observed in New Delhi and in the State capitals. On this day, we see the police parade and the march-past. People rally round the Indian National Flag. Flag-hoisting forms an important part of the ceremony. The National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana..” is sung everywhere. It is the sacred duty of every Indian young and old to observe the Republic day of India. It is the day on which we should sincerely promise to guard our Constitution which has made India the Sovereign Democratic Republic. Happy Republic day!

With Great Enthusiasm and Joy SUBRAMANIAN RAJA Mananging Partner, Power House LLC, Oman On this occasion of 66th Republic Day of India 2015, I greet all our Indian brothers and sisters to celebrate with great enthusiasm and joy. Let us take decision to value our nation and shall not forget those sacrifices who gave us the joy of freedom and souvernity to our nation. Each and everyone of us shall put in our best efforts and contribute for our nation to make sure that our nation flag flies higher and higher in the coming years ahead. Being a businessman from Oman, I am glad to know about the endless services rendered by the “Indian Frontliners Kuwait”. After hearing about their services to the social cause of our society, I assure to Mr. Velu, President of Indian Frontliners, that my immense support is always there for them and will extend my hands for any type of support.

DELHI BATCHA Prop; Alsafi Restaurant It’s the perfect day, to pray for our country, by heart……. Orange, White and green three colors are there not for to look beautiful. These colors gives us message that we should love each other, live in peace and in unity……Happy Republic Day to all Indian citizens.

Every Indian must strive hard to tackle the challenges

Look at the hoisted flag that flies high with its vibrant three colors. For me it reminds the path we have walked through all through these years after the Indian constitution came into force. After getting the independence to be on our own, the acceptance for our own constitution marked the beginning of our walk towards growth and emerges as a powerful nation in the whole world.

 

Technically, scientifically and ethically, we Indians must strive hard to be on the mark of the world map. Though there is no dearth in the success of Indian brains all over the world, the common man in India still struggles to make the two ends meet and provide their children nutritious meals, quality education and a healthy place to live in. Technology has grown to a large extent in India. The penetration of mobile phones in the lives of the common man will definitely tell how we have accepted technology into our lives.
Though we are now used to live a life with comforts, still challenges remain unresolved. With the growing population, the expectations are also growing in umpteen numbers. Every Indian must strive hard to tackle the challenges at all levels and help the country to progress forward in a healthy way. Compared to the situation decades ago, the Indian population now has the awareness to fight for its rights and get their problems solved.
The world has been quite competitive and it has become our responsibility to meet the international standards that would allow us to be successful globally. Society at large has been changing for a while. The lives the youngsters lead today are much different from the lives of the people who lived during our pre-independence days. The space needed for growth must be always there. Let us be supportive and help our younger generation to move forward and be successful and happy Republic day to all.

JAI GANESH SMI, Kuwait We enjoy with our national celebration: To mark the importance of this occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, from the Raisena Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort. The different regiments of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, takes the salute. In the States, the Governors take the salute, and in Taluqas and administrative headquarters on same procedure is adopted. At Vijay Chowk in New Delhi, three days later (i.e. 29th January) the massed bands of the Armed Forces “Beat the Retreat” in a majestic manner. Happy Republic day!

DR. RUMANE ABDUL RAZZAK EX. Chairman, IEI Kuwait Chapter On the eve of 66th Republic Day of India, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens in Kuwait, back home and to all Indians staying in other part of world.

 

Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja
-Sunil Menon

Al Qabandi United Company, Kuwait

Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (also known as Cotiote Rajah or Pychy Rajah) (3 January 1753 – 30 November 1805) was one of the earliest freedom fighters in India. He was the prince regent of the princely state of Kottayam or Cotiote in Malabar, India between 1774 and 1805. His struggles with English East India Company is known as The Cotiote War. He is popularly known as Kerala Simham (Lion of Kerala) on account of his martial exploits.
Pazhassi Raja was a member of the western branch of the Kottayam royal clan. When Hyder Ali of the Kingdom of Mysore occupied Malabar in 1773 the Raja of Kottayam found political asylum in Travancore. Pazhassi Raja, the fourth prince in line for succession to the throne during this period, became one of the de facto heads of state surpassing several of his elder royals. He fought a war of resistance on Mysorean army from 1774 to 1793. On account of his refusal to flee and resolve to fight invaders, people of Kottayam stood firmly behind the Raja who had not abandoned them in their hour of misfortune.
In 1792, after the Third Anglo-Mysore War, English imposed their paramountcy in Kottayam in violation to their earlier agreement of 1790 which recognised independence of Kottayam.Vira Varma, to whom Raja was a nephew, was appointed by the East India Company authorities as the Raja of Kottayam.

To meet revenue target fixed by Company authorities, Vira Varma ordered exorbitant rate of tax to be collected from the peasantry and this move was met by a mass resistance led by Pazhassi Raja in 1793 who was opposed to surrender to English right from beginning. In 1796, the Company made an attempt to arrest Pazhassi Raja, but he evaded capture and instead fought back using guerrilla warfare.
After a string of serious setbacks, the Company sued for peace in 1797. The conflict was renewed in 1800 over a dispute on Wayanad and after an insurgent warfare lasted for five years, Pazhassi Raja was killed on 30 November 1805 in a gunfight at Mavila Todu near Kerala-Karnataka border.
Pazhassi Raja resisted British imperialism from 1793 onwards till his death in 1805. He fought two wars to resist British intervention in the domestic affairs of his kingdom. From 1793–1797 he fought over the question of the management of Kottayam and from 1800–1805 over the issue of who was to be master of Wynad. British called their wars with Pazhassi Rajah as Cotiote War.
On 1805, 30 November, Raja and retainers were camped near close to Karnataka on shore of a stream named Mavila or Mavila Tod [not far from Pulpally].
Raja and party were caught by surprise and an intense but short fight followed. Six rebels were killed. One of the earliest rebels to be killed was Pazhassi Raja The precise nature of Raja›s death is controversial. Folklore insists that he committed suicide by swallowing a diamond ring to avoid capture after he was wounded. 
T. H. Baber›s version was that it was a clerk named Canara Menon who killed Raja. W. J. Wilson, who wrote on the history of the Madras Regiment, credits Captain Clafam and his six sepoys for killing of Raja.This third version of Raja’s end is more likely as Baber was not on good terms with military authority throughout the Pazhassi War. He is alleged to have credited Menon so as to deny credit to Clafam and his superior Colonel Hill.
In his decades long war to oust invaders, Rajah developed an elaborate system of cantonments and forts in jungly and mountainous part of his country.
Four of them are most important – granite fort on Purali range [modern Muzhakunnu] which was built by his ancestor Harischandra Perumal over a thousand years ago. He had another granite fort at Manatana. In Wynad, he had a great fort in Mananthavady which was reported to have ability to house his whole army of 6000 men. He also had a stronghold in Todikulam near Kannavam which belonged to his supporter Kannavath Sankaran.
Of all his strongholds, none survive today. Only ruins of Purali fort survive today. It is today a heap of granite boulders. Only a tank still survives today. A nearby black-stone cave where Raja once lived can still be found.

REPUBLIC DAY - ARE WE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ?
- Kanchi Gupta,Student Std XII

With progressive thinkers like B.R Ambedkar, Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, B L Mitter, Md. Saadullah and Sir Narsing Rau we have been privileged to appreciate 26th January as our Republic day 20 years before it was adopted.
Every year we celebrate this day with a grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, from the Raisina Hill along the Rajpath, past India Gate which showcases Indians Defense Capability, Cultural and Social Heritage.

This is a day when we take pride in our achievements, but it must s

 

urely also be a day of honest self-analysis and selfquestioning about where we, as a people and a society, are headed.
Sixty five years into our life in the Republic we find that Justice - social, economic and political - remains an unrealized dream for millions of our fellow citizens. The benefits of our economic growth are yet to reach them. We have one of the world’s largest reservoirs of technical personnel, but also the world’s largest number of illiterates; the world’s largest middle class, but also the largest number of people below the poverty line, and the largest number of children suffering from malnutrition.

 

Our giant factories rise from out of squalor; our satellites shoot up from the midst of the hovels of the poor. Thanks to our early and visionary support to science and technology we have made advances in that field as would excite human imagination anywhere. We can be justly proud of the abundance of our entrepreneurial ability, the high levels of domestic private savings, and also of the high level of managerial and technical skills. All these have enabled our economic reforms to have a solid and a stable base for further and more rapid growth. A country with a population of more than 1.2billion and rising India has transformed more in the past 6 years than the past 6 decades leading to the rise of the query what do we mean by republic? A formal defination states that a republic is a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives and here is where the question of the hour rises. IS INDIA TRULY HELD BY THE NATIONALS OF THIS MAGNIFICIENT SUBCONTINENT OF CULTURES OR BY THE POWER HUNGRY MINORITY ?

We reside in a country stricken with poverty, terrorism, abuse towards women and children, corruption, sanitation, religious violence and many more issues which we easily regard unseen as they aren’t tangible directly towards us.

 

As Mr.Shashi Tharoor states “India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage and potential, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.”
But with leaders like Narendra Modi and exemplary personalities like A.P.J Abdul Kalam,Kailash Satyarthi, Arnab Goswami, Irom Sharmila etc. we can still pave our way from this state of disintegration by working together towards change! We can accept these charismatic individuals as our role models and walk on their footsteps of self scarification and team work towards a non selfish goal . As Muhammad Ali Jinnah quotes “India is not a nation, nor a country. It is a subcontinent of nation. The world watches us with a combination of admiration and concern: admiration at what we have achieved despite great odds, and concern over the fact that, even with great investments of money and energy we remain far from our goal. Indians do well, they say; India does not.
Only when these different cultures come together can we free our nation from its dirt and form a true meaning to the celebration of our republic day.
Jai Hind

NRI’s Role In Economic Development Of India

In the age of economy slowdown, India is passing through a bad phase and its monetary condition is severely affected. Inflation rate is high and people are unable to manage their daily life. In this context Indian go

vernment has great expectations from millions of Non-resident Indians to resolve the crisis through making investments in India.
NRIs generate earnings is estimated to be $250 billion and is one third of the GDP of India. This clearly indicates that they can contribute a lot to Indian economy and enhance its fiscal growth.

With the net worth of the NRI baby boomer generation increasing, marvellous opportunities are provided for them by the government. This actually had begun since the year 2000, when a high level Indian Diaspora committee headed by Dr. L.M. Singhvi, was established to tap the NRIs resources and to discover the possibilities of their investments in India. Since then India is reaching out more NRIs for their attention to support in the India’s developmental activities. There are numerous opportunities provided by the government to the NRIs to invest in India.
The Reserve Bank of India has directed the Indian banks to attract NRI deposits and there are numerous short and long term investment plan option for them. Besides, NRIs are encouraged to establish business and educational institution in India. As a result of all this there is greater involvement of NRIs in India. Even though NRI’s contribution is not visible but they are helping their country through varied activities in India. Many reports reveal that NRI’s are major source of Direct Foreign Investment, market development (outsourcing), technology transfer, charity, tourism, political contributions and more substantial flows of knowledge, in India.
The NRIs have came forward with several non-governmental organizations in India helping in array of developmental, educational and social projects.
 It has been observed that large number of NRIs is actively taking part in several welfare programs in India. They have registered many NGOs to encourage education, health care and developmental activities such as water management, rural development and self-help programs etc.
Indo-Caribbeans, Indo-Fijians and other communities have contributed a lot in social service in India. Many of them have come forward to support their schools and colleges where they studied in India. Some have also launched schools and colleges in their ancestral villages and towns. They are also assisting in social and environmental problems in India.
Good news is there are many NRI’s who are returning to India and most of them are highly qualified and experienced persons. If their professional knowledge and monetary resources are joined together, it will be beneficial for the country’s development. Professor Amartya Sen, Noble prize winner in economic is one such NRI, who is contributing his knowledge for the development of India. NRIs can play significant role in shaping India’s monetary, social and economic conditions.
Indian government should encourage them for making investments and involve them in other developmental activities in India. NRIs contributions in the development of India.NRIs can play significant role in shaping India’s monetary, social and economic conditions. Indian government should encourage them for making investments and involve them in other developmental activities in India. NRIs contributions in the development of India cannot be ignored.

The Majestic Lions
Kalai Selvi Arivalagan, Senior Content Writer
Lumina Datamatics,Chennai

The majestic lions, the chakra and the inverted lotus on the pedestal remind me once again of the life everyone deserves to live.
The scenario at the world keeps changing every day. Unexpected challenges shoot up every second for the future generation. As responsible adults what role should we play to make our planet a safer place for them? Every one has the responsibility to answer this million dollar question. Today, the younger minds are chasing materialistic wealth that can perish at any unexpected moment. Who is going to tell them that they need to look into their inner hearts and question if they have been a good human being at least for a while? Who is going to boost the morale of the youth and lead them in the correct path? India has been a place with abundance of wealth that made both our mortal and immortal lives enriched at all levels. Let us today take the oath to help them realize it and be a better human being.
I think it is apt to quote Rabindranath Tagore’s famous lines: Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high Where knowledge is free Where the world has not been broken up into fragments By narrow domestic walls Where words come out from the depth of truth Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit Where the mind is led forward by thee Into ever-widening thought and action Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
Opening of shelter for female expatirate workers The Public Authority for Manpower, Kuwait has opened a shelter for expatriate female workers in Jleeb Al-Shuwaikh (Abbasiya) from 23 December 2014. The Embassy has transferred its distressed 64 Indian female domestic workers to the Kuwaiti Government shelter with effect from 6 January 2015. The Kuwait Government shelter will provide free of cost board and lodging and limited medical attention.
The address of the Kuwaiti Government Shelter is as below:

Kuwait Shelter for expatriates Block No. 2, Police Station Street Near Nimran Pharmacy Jleeb Al-Shuwaikh (Abbasiya) (Contact person: Mr. Abu Turki-Supervisor) Any distressed Indian female domestic worker who is in need of accommodation in Kuwaiti Government shelter, can contact the Embassy of India in Kuwait on a working day before 12.00 hrs for her transfer to the above Shelter, after completion of formalities at the Embassy. As per the regulations of the Kuwait Government shelter, they will not accept any pregnant female domestic worker.
Contact numbers of Embassy officials are as follows:
i. Telugu speaking : Ms. Thriveni Reddy 97108538
ii. Tamil speaking : Mr. Hamza 66586006
iii. Malayalam speaking : Mr. Sudheendran 99183576
iv. Bangla speaking : Mr. S. Goldar 97229942
v. Hindi speaking : Mr. Ashok Kumar 97229946

As an NRI, We Can Help India Grow In
These 6 Ways

Listed below are some of the ways by which NRIs can contribute to the growth and prosperity of India.
6. Paying Proper Income Tax
It’s high time we know and understand that the NRI status is given by the Indian Government only to facilitate adjusting the tax-paying status of a person. In other words, it’s a status provided by the Income Tax Department, and you do have to pay taxes in India even if you’re not staying in Indian Territory. So, NRI or not, your liability towards the country doesn’t change but only remodels itself, to put it bluntly. Hence, by paying proper Income Tax, any NRI can help the country to prosper and grow substantially.
5. Make Donations to the Indian NGOs
One of the primary ways an NRI can help India is by donating amounts regularly to some established NGOs working for the benefits of the women or children or against the social ills that our country is steeped into. By doing this, you also get to know about the current situation of your country and hence, help it to prosper in the right direction, in the right manner. Nowadays, with the internet and e-banking facilities available, making online donations and supporting NGOs miles apart were never easier!
4. Spread Knowledge

The best way we think any NRI can contribute towards the growth of India is by spreading his knowledge about the different aspects of life and social changes that he or she has witnessed during the stay at some other country among his kith and kins. By writing articles across the print and electronic media comparing the goods and evils of those countries to that of India and by putting in the right amount of effort, one can bring about great changes in the societies, thereby making India a better place to live in.
3. Adopt an Indian Child or Sponsor Some
Adopting children may not be much prevalent in our country, but it’s surely much prevalent in the western countries. And, what better way can any NRI help India but by adopting Indian children and thereby, playing a definitive role in irradiating poverty and other abuses against children. Many NRIs have done it, and many more can surely do so, and hence, bring about a real social change in India.
2. Develop Business Start-ups or Invest in Indian Companies
If possible, after gaining much experience at some MNC abroad, an NRI can open up his own business enterprise in India. By doing so, he can not only start up something worthwhile on his own but also help India grow in a positive way by generating more employment opportunities! If this isn’t possible, then he or she can invest, instead of in any foreign companies, in MNCs based in India—thereby facilitating the growth of India along with guaranteeing his own prosperity.
1. Research and Development of Effective Measures to Curb Social Paralysis
Even if you’re staying abroad, you can help India to fight all its social evils by developing models and innovative ways to remodel and educating the society. To this extent, you can even pressurize the Government to adjust and make few amendments; after all, you too generate a substantial amount of income for the Indian Government and are a regular payer of taxes. You can work up on a number of areas, depending upon your interest—agriculture, education, sports, counterterrorism actions, activism against social ills, etc—and bring about a great change in India!

Indian Embassy – Kuwait Services

 

Outreach to Indian nationals:

To assist Indian national in Kuwait, the Embassy opened a Passport Centre in Jleeb Al Shuwaikh (Abbasiya) from August 2014. Further, the visa procedure was streamlined and simplified for the benefit of Kuwaiti and other foreigners travelling to India. Also, to render assistance with regard to passport, visa and attestation services, an ‘open house’ is being held every working day, once in the morning from 1000-1100 hrs and again in the afternoon from 1430-1530 hrs.

a) “Open House” by Ambassador on every Wednesday from 1500-1600 hrs. During this “Open House”, any member of the Indian community can interact with Ambassador without prior appointment.
b) Mobile numbers of all officers are given on the Embassy’s website. All Indian nationals may use this facility to call the concerned officer as per the need.
c) An emergency contact number 22530600 is available on 24/7 basis for all Indian community members residing in Kuwait.
Comments, suggestions etc. from Indian community in Kuwait are most welcome to further improve the Embassy services.
Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) For the welfare of Indian Community present in Kuwait, the Government of India has been providing financial assistance to distressed Indian nationals. The Embassy has been providing monetary help from the ICWF in following circumstances:
i) Boarding and lodging for distressed Indian Workers in domestic sectors (Article 20 visa);
ii) Extending emergency medical care to the Overseas Indians;
iii) Providing air passage to stranded and distressed Overseas Indians; and
iv) Expenditure on incidentals and for airlifting the mortal remains to India of the deceased Overseas Indians in cases where sponsors are unable or unwilling to do so as per the contracts and the families are also unable to meet the cost. The number of cases during the year 2014 in which Embassy provided air ticket, medical care and contingency travel expenses to the distressed Indian Workers are as under:- (During the Year 2014)

Destitute workers accommodated in Embassy shelters (male/female)	278
No. of Indian nationals provided for repatriation of hospitalization/escorts overseas Indian nationals to India.	727
Airlifting of patients +escorts	25
Airlifting of mortal remains to India	29
Miscellaneous services	02

Register and check the validity of your personal details

According to the Ministry of Interior, there are around 20,000 Indian passport holders who renewed their passports but without registering it at the Immigration Department, which led to the expiry of their iqamas. As a result, the fines started accumulating day by day.
In order to check your validity of passport, sponsorship details, residency details, car insurance, driving license, traffic violations, travel ban etc., Ministry of Kuwait introduced a new service over the internet. All the information is under one roof. Kindly register and check the validity of your personal details https://evisa.moi.gov.kw/esrv/Start.do?lang=eng#mobSec The said service is available under the Ministry of Information (www.moi.gov.kw) – English - E- Services – Personal Inquiry. Please forward to your friends and relatives too. Kindly make use of this service to avoid unnecessary problems.

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT ON THE OCCASION OF 66TH REPUBLIC DAY OF INDIA

(India’s highly successful maiden mission to Mars, is the cheapest inter-planetary mission till date costing less than $ 75 million and truly a remarkable example of `make in India’. Seen here is the lift off the Mangalyaan on November 5, 2013 using the indigenously made Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) sent into space from India’s spaceport at Sriharikota on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. Credit: ISRO)	(India’s satellite that orbits Mars, seen here when it was being integrated. Mangalyaan hit bull’s eye and created world history making India the first country to reach Mars in its debut attempt. Credit: ISRO)
(India is a full member of the world’s largest scientific experiment to make a fusion energy reactor coming up at Cadarache in France.)	(At the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) being made at France the world’s largest refrigerator is being made by India, a truly `make in India’ initiative. Credit: ITER)

 

 

 

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